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  • A game I've been playing.

    Persona 3 Portable on The Nintendo Switch.

    Promotional artwork for the video game “Persona 3 Portable” featuring stylized illustrations of the main characters against a blue and white background with the game’s logo prominently displayed.

    Shortly after transferring to Gekkoukan High School, the protagonist encounters the “Dark Hour.” Unfamiliar stillness swallows the city, people turn into eerie coffins, and otherworldly monsters called Shadows swarm. When they are attacked by one of these Shadows and all hope seems lost, the power of the heart, their Persona is awakened.

    Back in the day, around ‘07-‘08 I remember playing, well, more like trying to play, this game on the PlayStation 2. At the time it was just Persona 3, and part of the _Megami Tensei franchise. I remember I found it boring and blah! I did try, though. I really wanted to get into the Shin Megami Tensei games but they never clicked with me at the time.

    Fast forward to 2023, I am revisiting the same-ish game. This is Persona 3 Portable, however, that was released for the PlayStation Portable (PSP) back in 2009. And this one is the Nintendo Switch port of the PSP version. One notable feature of “Persona 3 Portable” is the option to choose the gender of the protagonist, providing a different perspective on the story.

    The game has a very engaging narrative, character development, and some social simulation elements (yes, Marley made fun of me for playing a game about “school”) along with dungeon-crawling gameplay. Like many of the games in this franchise, you’ll be navigating daily life in a calendar-based system, managing relationships, while also venturing into Tartarus, a mysterious tower.

    What makes this game so addictive to me is, imagine Pokémon but with demons. As you make your way through the tower, you collect these cards with Personas (the Pokémons). Though they do learn moves as they level up they don’t necessarily evolve but you can fuse personas to create other more powerful ones.

    I am currently about 20 hours into the game, and I haven’t gotten bored or sick of it. I am playing on the casual difficulty setting so I’m not about the challenge, as these games tend to be a little challenging.

    I’m having a blast!

    3D rendered image of an anime-style character with blue hair, wearing a school uniform, holding a gun to their own head in an indoor environment.

    A character in a school uniform balancing another character on their head, with both characters from a video game, set against a nighttime background with a greenish sky.

    A screenshot from a video game showing a menu interface with options such as SKILL, ITEM, PERSONA, EQUIP, STATUS, S.LINK, and SYSTEM. On the right, there’s an illustrated character in a school uniform with a sword

    Three animated characters from Persona 3, showing intense expressions with exclamation marks in the background, symbolizing surprise or shock.

    The funny thing is, Persona 3 Reload is coming out on February 2024 which is a modern remake. So, I can either stop now or replay it again in a few months.

    → 5:45 PM, Dec 22
  • Bookmarks, Read-it-later and stuff.

    A while ago, I posted about my read-it-later and bookmark struggles. Well, today, I am at it again, ish.

    Alt + S, is the new thing.

    For the past month or so I have been bouncing between Omnivore and Instapaper. For whatever reason Omnivore doesn’t click for me and Instapaper, although is my favorite, visually, it’s another subscription. And subscriptions are something I am trying to be more mindful of these days.

    Well, enter GoodLinks! I had forgotten I owned this app and that I somewhat liked it. So I am giving it another go. I installed Chrome’s extension of the app and saving things to it is super-easy, Alt + S and done! I was able to import all my bookmarks/articles from Instapaper at least and I cleaned pretty much all my Omnivore stuff.

    So far so good.

    Now, what about long-term preservation?

    I can save everything I want but eventually one of those links may or will break. This makes me think of services like Pinboard or even Micro.blogs bookmarks, that they save a permanent copy of the page or something like that. But then again, why have a permanent record of something I might never ever come back to?

    The only reason I am probably not all into MB’s Bookmark service is because there’s no easy way to add bookmarks to it, outside of MB itself, that I know of.

    → 8:26 AM, Dec 22
  • 🎶 Old pirates, yes, they rob I….

    A child with glasses playing a small guitar while sitting in a room decorated with colorful lights and filled with toys.

    → 6:22 PM, Dec 21
  • 🎵 In A Space Outta Sound - Nightmares on Wax

    In A Space Outta Sound - Nightmares on Wax poster

    I am enjoying the heck out of this album this morning. 🤙🏽

    → 10:38 AM, Dec 21
  • My SpringBoard

    Because there is always fun to be had at the BU (Blogging-Universe), following Otávio and Maique, here is my SpringBoard

    The image shows two iPhone screens side by side. The left iPhone displays a lock screen with the date “Thursday, December 21” and the time “8:45” with no notifications. The right iPhone shows a home screen with various app icons

    – What is the first app you open in the morning?

    – It is usually either Carrot or Weather.app, depending on which one I am using that week, or whichever podcast-radio-show app I may be using at the time just to see what my options are for the morning commute.

    – What is an app you can’t live without?

    – Drafts, Camera.app, Darkroom , and Mimi Uploader

    – Is there a game app you play during breaks or in your free time?

    – I always have at least 4 games installed, and ever rarely play any of them. That said, I recently downloaded a game called subpar pool That I do play every once in a while.

    – What’s an underrated app that you think deserves more recognition?

    – Sequel, I have used almost every movie, video game, and book tracking apps out there, and neither clicked with me nor made me use it as much as Sequel.

    – What is the most recent app you’ve downloaded, and why?

    – Strongify, because yesterday the lifetime subscription option was free, and I think will be using it heavily in the coming year.

    – What is the most unique or unconventional app you use?

    – I would say the Nintendo Switch Parental Control app, I mean is for parental control settings on any of your household Nintendo Switch consoles, which we have four. However I only have mine registered in the app and I use it solely for my gaming reports at the end of the month, that’s it.

    – What is the most fun or entertaining app you’ve discovered recently?

    – This one is going to sound perhaps horrible but, Threads… No comments!

    – Which app helps you stay connected with friends and family the most?

    – Sadly, Instagram

    – Which app do you use to relax or unwind after a busy day?

    – For this one, it would be either Audible, whichever podcast app, or even the Music app.

    – What’s the phone you currently have?

    – An iPhone 14 Pro.

    – Do you prefer light mode or dark mode?

    – I am probably more on the light mode side, most of the time, but there are times when dark mode is mandatory.

    – What can you tell us about the wallpaper you’re using? – I change my wallpapers like I change undies, especially the lock screen one. The Home Screen one, however, has remained unchanged for a few weeks which is baffling to me.

    What’s SpringBoard?

    → 8:50 AM, Dec 21
  • 🔗 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder Will Be ‘100 Times Scarier Than Superfly’

    95a3de4765ed5bd5.jpg

    During an interview with Empire, director Jeff Rowe revealed he has big plans for the Turtles’ most iconic nemesis.
    “The one thing I can say without spoiling anything is, [Shredder] needs to be 100 times scarier than Superfly – who is a credible villain, he’s dangerous, he’s strong, he seems like he could mess the Turtles up,” he said. “Shredder needs to be that, just significantly more.”

    As it should be! I have always seen The Shredder as a menacing villain. He should give the turtles hell.

    → 11:49 AM, Dec 20
  • Gaby in review!

    Today, like around this time of year every year, I had my end-of-year performance review. And although I knew in my heart that I had done well, I still self-evaluated myself in the worst way. Everything in my head.

    This year was challenging, in November of last year, the QC technical expert had retired so I had to step up, big time! I had to go from a support role into “doing the thing”. Once my manager was hired it was not like it became any easier, for either of us.

    Long review short, I got an “I am proud of you and the work you’ve done and the challenges you have taken on this year”.

    And two coaching advice, one, is to know when to ask for help. Well yeah, when I commit, I go and forget I may need help sometimes and get overwhelmed in the process. Two, time management, in the sense that sometimes I’m working on something and get distracted when people ask for something via email, mainly because I think it’ll be a quick thing. Famous last words.

    Anyway, I’m happy with my review and looking forward to getting better at what I do and then some!

    → 11:50 AM, Dec 19
  • boss: we need to do your end of year eval today

    I am already self-evaluating myself in the worst ways possible… 😩😩

    → 9:17 AM, Dec 19
  • It is extremely foggy out this morning and the roads are pretty slick. it was a scary drive this morning.

    → 7:54 AM, Dec 19
  • 🍿 Gran Turismo (2023) - ★★★★★

    Gran Turismo poster

    this movie is fkn awesome!

    → 9:16 PM, Dec 18
  • Feeling pretty off today. I am not sure if it’s because I’ve been sick these last two days, my change in my medication, or a combination of both. Plus today’s pretty gloomy outside as well.

    → 3:54 PM, Dec 18
  • 🍿 Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)

    Home Alone 2: Lost in New York poster

    → 5:46 PM, Dec 17
  • I’ve been sick since yesterday, making last night’s sleep very shitty. At least I know it’s not Covid but last time I was this sick, Covid was it. 🫠🫠

    → 11:32 AM, Dec 17
  • Naples, fall 2023.

    Another Naples Florida work trip. This is for the fall 2023 season. Which started Sunday the 10th, at 4:00 am (🫠).

    First flight, BOI to MSP

    There (at MSP) I was introduced to what an espresso martini is, never have I ever had one.

    Two beverages on a counter, one in a martini glass, garnished with coffee beans, the other in a ceramic mug with a straw, both with a frothy top.

    After an almost 5 hour overlay – and a beer or two – our next destination was Fort Myers, FL, MSP to RSW.

    This one is probably the longest flight of the two, I little over 3 hours. It kind of sucks. We also took off late as they needed to deice the plane before taking off.

    View from an airplane window showing a wing covered with frost over an airport tarmac, with another airplane and gate visible in the background under an overcast sky.

    View from an airplane window on a rainy day, showing a wing of the aircraft and raindrops on the glass.

    Thus, we arrived much later than planned and famished. Very uneventful evening after that, quick dinner, hotel check-in, and sleep!

    Monday

    Field day, cucurbits evaluation (squash, and watermelon)

    The day started great, we may or may not have gotten stuck in the sand with our truck, though (🫠).

    A white pickup truck stuck in deep ruts on a sandy dirt road with fields on either side and a clear blue sky overhead.

    Otherwise, a perfect fall Florida day in the field.

    Rows of green crops growing in an agricultural field with plastic mulch, under a cloudy blue sky.

    A person walking between rows of lush, green crops with blooming yellow flowers on a farm, under a cloudy blue sky.

    Rural landscape with a dirt road leading through cultivated fields under a dramatic sky with scattered clouds.

    A ripe watermelon growing in a garden, surrounded by its leaves and vines.

    Two types of zucchinis, one striped and one solid dark green, growing on a plant with large leaves.

    Spot the off-type there (😉)

    Truly, the weather was perfect!

    After a long first day, it was time to wind down but also meet up with other colleagues for supper. Not before doing some computer work as well. We found this little cute bar in Downtown Naples,Old Naples Pub, Naples

    A display featuring a guitar, a hat, festive decorations, and a collage of historical photographs and newspaper clippings on a wooden wall.

    It was small and cozy but very inviting. And of course, they had gator bites for appetizers so, I mean, when in Florida… 🐊

    Then we head out for dinner, at this place called,The Dock, Naples

    It was a really nice spot and by the dock or marina. We were the only people sitting outside with the view of the marina and Christmas decorations in the distance.

    A wooden sign with the words “The Dock” painted in gold cursive letters against a blue background, mounted on a wall with horizontal siding.

    A nighttime view of a marina with several moored boats and waterfront buildings illuminated by ambient lights in the background. A sign with “No Trespassing” is visible in the foreground.

    An outdoor dining area at night with empty tables and chairs, Christmas decorations, tropical plants, and ceiling fans.

    A decorated Christmas tree with red ornaments and white lights stands outdoors at night, flanked by tropical plants. A large red bow adorns a nearby post and wrapped presents rest at the tree’s base on a white fluffy mat.

    An outdoor dining area at night with tropical plants and hanging basket planters, illuminated by warm lighting. Ceiling fans and heaters are installed above. Tables are set with white chairs arranged around them, and some decorative red bows are visible.

    An outdoor patio area at night with wooden walls, decorated with hanging plant baskets and three Christmas wreaths with lights. Wooden surfboards are mounted on the wall, and there’s a wooden bench with striped cushions. The scene is lit by ambient lighting,

    The food was great, obviously mostly seafood (no pictures, however). I remember having some kind of pasta with lobster and probably the best cornbread I’ve ever had in my life. It was more cakey than bready.

    Tuesday, day two.

    Sweetcorn evaluation. Nothing too exciting, we only had less than 1K plants to evaluate, finding two off-types. It took us a little over 10 minutes. Once the data was collected, we decided to go out to do some computer work over brunch.

    We found this little place called, The Rooster, Naples

    The Rooster

    A cozy cafe interior with rustic wood tables, red chairs, bench seating with cushions, menus, condiment bottles, wall decor including planters and artwork, and a counter in the background.

    It is a very southern cuisine style. I was tempted by the chicken and waffles but that I can find almost anywhere. So I went for some Jumbo Lump Crab Cake Benne with Poached Eggs & Citrus Hollandaise. And a Hummingbird Cake to finish it off.

    A plate of eggs Benedict with a side of roasted potatoes, garnished with fresh herbs, on a wooden table.

    A slice of carrot cake topped with powdered sugar and fresh strawberries on a red and white patterned plate with a fork, placed on a wooden surface.

    So good!

    Then we needed a space to do some more real computer work. So we found a spot at the, Ridgway Bar & Grill, Naples.

    Here was pretty much at the heart of downtown Naples. The people here were weird, well, pretentious Floridians or perhaps not even Floridians and more like snowbirds. Every conversation we overheard was about expensive cars, boats, and typical entitled people like complaints. It was an interesting perspective to witness.

    Outdoor restaurant setting with a row of black wicker chairs, menus on the tables, and a large ceiling fan above; festive decorations, including a Christmas tree, are visible in the background.

    Tuesday evening. A colleague from Woodland, happened to also be in town on a different project, so we agreed to meet up for dinner at the Divieto Ristorante, Aventura. An Italian restaurant. I had a hard time making up some of the stuff on the menu unless I read the description. And omg, they had a tomahawk steak.

    Part of a restaurant menu featuring two steak options: a 40 oz. tomahawk steak priced at $136.95.

    A purchase that my boss advised against it (😅). We suggested ordering it, eating it between all of us, and splitting the check (😁).

    The worst part about this restaurant is, they have no beer! And their wine list was so massive, I had no idea what to go for. Eventually, I went with the server’s recommendation which was a DiNotte Mezzacorona Red blend. It was pretty good and I thought it’d be a very expensive wine. I looked it up, turns out, that it is about a 10.00 USD bottle of wine u less I found the wrong thing.

    Anyway, we had some CARPACCIO DI MANZO as an appetizer,

    Thin slices of beef topped with fresh mushrooms, arugula, and shaved parmesan cheese, drizzled with white truffle oil. Served with focaccia bread.

    The entree, a DIVIETO SPECIAL STEAK

    Enjoy this house specialty. Grilled to perfection skirt steak in our signature mushroom-Madeira wine sauce. Served with mashed potatoes.

    All pretty tasty and spendy. After some rock paper scissors to who would pay for dinner, in the end, there was no real winner (I mean I won, however) since we ended up spilling the bill anyway. Turns out, Italian restaurants can be pretty expensive.

    And that was pretty much the trip. It was full of good food, good times with colleagues, and good weather.

    Then, all over again on the way back. RSW TO MSP, MSP to BOI.

    Some of the movies were watched during this trip.

    🍿 A Compassionate Spy (2022)

    A Compassionate Spy poster

    🍿 Fast X (2023)

    Fast X poster

    🍿 Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023)

    Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves poster

    🍿 Gran Turismo (2023)

    Gran Turismo poster

    🍿 Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One (2023)

    Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One poster

    → 6:34 PM, Dec 16
  • 🍿 Leave the World Behind (2023) - ★★★☆☆

    Leave the World Behind poster

    This was interesting…

    → 1:09 PM, Dec 16
  • I have been collecting random thoughts, pictures, locations, and all, on an ongoing Drafts' note from my trip to Naples, FL. I would love to publish it, but I’m dragging my feet and being lazy about it.

    → 12:17 PM, Dec 16
  • Seems like I actually have worked 12 days straight. :)

    → 1:47 PM, Dec 15
  • Apple TV+ lands “Murderbot"

    Apple TV+ today announced that it will expand its slate of acclaimed, expansive sci-fi series with “Murderbot,” a new 10-episode series hailing from Academy Award-nominated creators and directors Chris and Paul Weitz (“About a Boy,” “Mozart in the Jungle”) that will star Emmy Award winner Alexander Skarsgård (“Succession,” “Big Little Lies,” “The Northman”) in the lead role.

    this is exciting! Especially since I never finished the series, because I am lazy like that.

    → 2:44 PM, Dec 14
  • Note - Mu-An Chiou

    the world is freaking crumbling though. to be grateful for the smallest things seem futile in the face of overwhelming grieve and suffering.

    I can very much relate to this, that said, today, I am grateful for pop-tarts

    → 9:37 AM, Dec 14
  • And, we’re home.

    → 9:42 PM, Dec 13
  • 🍊🛫🛬🥔 Southwest Florida International Airport, Fort Myers

    → 10:14 AM, Dec 13
  • Never have I ever had an espresso martini 🍸, until today.

    → 10:31 AM, Dec 10
  • Traveling Home Screen 🫡

    → 5:06 AM, Dec 10
  • 🥔 🛫🛬🍊 Boise Airport, Boise

    → 4:28 AM, Dec 10
  • 🍿 Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023)

    Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny poster

    → 8:58 PM, Dec 9
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