The past 3 weeks flew by. I spent all my free time packing, coordinating a car transport, and wrapping things up in California. It’s been less than 48 hours since I’ve been back in Maryland, and almost everything has come together. I was able to ship back most of my stuff either in my car or in my check in luggages.

As always, there’s a little anxiety getting on a plane, but I was able to get through it. I had a layover in Denver, which always helps break up the long flight. I can tell you that wearing a mask for over 12 hours wasn’t comfortable, but I didn’t feel as much tension around me… which was interesting.
I can’t put my finger on it, but the energy in the Bay Area is strange… and it seems to affect everyone. Maybe it’s because everyone’s cooped up with cabin fever. I was only there for a short time, and I felt it myself.

This is the picture of my room in Daly City. I think a lot of other people are feeling the same way—trapped inside. People here already work a lot, and it just feels like a huge weight of expensive living cost and high taxes, without the perks of being in California.
As much as I don’t want to admit it, the Bay Area definitely feels more gross and uncultured as ever, and all that remains is work, the hustle, the rat race.
And that’s the part that’s probably the black mirror—I’m probably just disgusted in myself—it’s just an amplified reflection of what I was contributing to.

I am very thankful for the work and opportunities, but I think when there’s nothing else to do except grind, it becomes too much.
So all of that is in the past now. Moving is expensive… and I’m probably not going to relocate again for a very long time. As we wrap up January, I feel in better spirits (emotionally, physically, and financially). I can focus my energy back on my life, and I look forward to this year.

This is my work setup from California, moved back to my basement. I’m hoping to play games with friends on there, as well as jump in to VR again. I’ll be setting that up later this week.

I was able to get my car back unscathed as well. For whatever reason, our garage is tiny. We can barely fit two cars in there. We cleaned up some things, but I think it’s going to require us to completely clear out everything to maximize room for the cars. I guess that’s the next project.
Anyway, so now that I’m back, it’s time to get back to work… and start some new personal projects. Lots of good stuff coming.