Tag: Achaea

A Little About Me – Programming

On By mikeykjrIn Personal1 Comment

I got the programming bug before the Internet existed. Then the Internet was born with a platform I could understand. It’s stuck with me ever since. Eventually, I attended college to get my Associate’s Degree in Computer Science. A lot of money for nothing and still paying on it. Today, I continue to dabble in HTML, CSS, MySQL, and PHP. This works out great for the game I play, Achaea – Dreams of Divine Lands.

In the early 1980’s, a friend of mine, Andy, had an Apple I computer. He taught me how to program in BASIC. We didn’t do much, but we tinkered around with some silly stuff. For some reason, I got the bug for programming.

My father bought a computer with Windows 1, the first operating system from Microsoft. Not sure why he bought one, perhaps it was just a ‘thing’ to have at the time. I spent more time on that computer than my father. Then the Internet was born; the world as we know it changed. We signed up with America Online (AOL). It was the only trusted provider available at the time. Building you’re own website became the thing. It wasn’t hard to do at all and I had lots of fun at it while learning HTML.

Eventually, I had a chance to attend college. I immediately chose a path to study for an Associate’s in Computer Science. Tech was taking off in all directions, so I thought that would be my best road to my future. Unfortunately, the degree wasn’t worth the paper it was written on, nor the amount of money I paid in student loans. Despite this, I continued to learn various computer programs over the years on my own, not really becoming proficient in any.

Now the present…

I have been playing Achaea – Dream of Divine Lands since its inception in 1997. It is a free text-character-based game with no graphics and is completely free to play, even today. Over the years, I have had various characters (due to my alcoholic life) and always wanted to bring new players to the game. There was one obstacle. The producers forbid releasing information on a public level. While this still stands true to a sense, it doesn’t mean I can’t create my own website and content with certain restrictions.

Over the years, I gained a lot of knowledge dabbling in HTML, CSS, MySQL, and PHP (websites and databases). So, with all the time on my hands, due to current circumstances, I’m creating a website and database with all the information I have gathered from the game. It’s quite extensive. Since I’m not an expert in current languages like HTML, CSS, MySQL, and PHP, there are many things I have to learn. This takes time because many websites aren’t current with new versions of these languages.

After months of trial and error, I finally found something I understand and can work with. While there is still a learning curve on all fronts, it is possible. Therefore, I look forward to getting what I have dreamed of for ages up and running, even if it can’t be used publicly.

In short, just call me a computer programming nerd! Now you know me a little better….

Challenging Weekend Ahead

On By mikeykjrIn Achaea, Personal2 Comments

Starting a new life of recovery is always difficult with a whole host of challenges. While most of the World is sleeping, I’m awake purposely because I work the night shift (overnights). It’s Winter where I live and it’s unexpectedly brutal outside, so I have to find other things to do. Despite these challenges and others, I am committed to stay sober and will be grateful when all is said and done.

When one starts recovery, they go through withdrawal from the substance. This experience can range from mild to severe depending on the person and length of how long the person has been addicted to the substance. I just started a recovery journey after a two to three year alcoholic bender. At the end I was drinking anywhere from four to six beers a night on workdays to more than 48 beers (a thirty pack and 15 pack plus) on weekends. I was expecting the worst. Thankfully, I have not had a rough road at all during my “detox” period. However, there are cases where withdrawal can appear again in ones future without them noticing it. So I must be persistent and vigilant in my observations. For now, I’m actually doing quite well.

As mentioned in other posts on this blog, I work for a major retailer on the night shift (overnights). For the last couple of decades I have also worked this shift with other employers. I have a set schedule when I go to bed and when I wake up. Weekends are on Monday and Tuesdays. Despite the loneliness, I surround myself with a list of projects from playing games, genealogy and learning programming. It just depends on my mood what I dabble into. The point here is that when I drink, nothing gets accomplished because I just from one project to another and back again. Then I forget what I did and do it all over again and again and again.

Winter doesn’t help. For the next three to four months temperatures here will drop enough where it is not comfortable to go outside. What does one do when nothing is open? Either I just walk around the block or I take long trip playing Pokemon Go. I haven’t done that since my last sobriety, thus I need to find other things to do going back to my project list.

I play a game I’ve been involved in since 2006, Achaea – Dreams of Divine Lands. It is not, at all, a kind of game people play today with all graphics and popular games kids play today. Back then it was a time of no graphics, dial in modems and Telenet which was played around the World. It’s all old school..text character based, role playing, guilds, cities, questing, combat, etc set in a medieval type time period. The game evolves based on how we (the adventurers) interact with other. The Gods (admin) throw in some other things to get other things going too. This game has brought my experience of programming to a whole new level (however, it is NOT needed to play the game..it just enhances the experience).

This is not an actual screenshot of my screen but
a random image off the internet of what I use to play the game.

Anywho, I could talk for HOURS about this game. Moving on..

Where was I? Oh, a passion of mine – programming. I have an Associates degree in Computer Science. Unfortunately, I have never been able to use it in the real world. But I still enjoy programming when I get the chance. I have learned HTML, PHP, MYSQL on my own, thus attempted to incorporate it when playing the game (to keep track of things for myself). Again, over the years, I start it, scrap it, start it over and never ending cycle continues. Today, I hope, to stop that cycle. “Rome wasn’t build in day” and neither will this for what I have planned.

Alright, I think I have a plan for this weekend and need to get to it. Honestly, at the present moment, I have no desire to drink. Have I thought about it? Yes, there are moments it has occurred but either I have said the Serenity Prayer or searched for something to read about sobriety to help abate the feeling. Honestly, saying it out loud makes me nervous for some reason (taking deep breaths).

The gauntlet has been cast down. Challenge accepted. We shall prevail!

It’s Time for A Change. Something New . . .

On By mikeykjrIn AchaeaLeave a comment

First, I want to thank everyone who follows this blog; I really do appreciate all the support. In turn I hope I hope others achieve their sobriety goals. Whatever, they may be. Meanwhile, my life has gotten mundane. Therefore, I’m going to add a new section to his blog which details the accounts another part of – the gamer.

Years past I was never able to afford to play, not did I have the right computer system to play games like World of Warcraft or any others. While I do play WoW, on occasions, I have played mostly played text-character based games called MUDs which are free (to a point).

In 2005 or 2006 when we still had modems to ‘dial up’ to the Internet, I found a text-character based game called Achaea – Dreams for Divine Lands. I believed I used a Telnet client at first but found a better client called Mudlet. In summary, it’s a text-character based game (no video), with several races, classes, cities and organizations to join to help develop your character. People from around the world play this game. There is no ‘end game’. The game revolves around the characters interacting with each other. Of course, like the world we live in to, conflicts evolve either resolved through ‘diplomatic’ means or war. There are also Deities, Gods and Goddesses, that are involved in story lines but rarely ‘get involved in mortal affairs’. However, that doesn’t mean that the They don’t have conflicts among Themselves – it’s happened! Over the years, Iron Realms Entertainment (IRE), the parent company has really help bring some really interesting content to Achaea.

Right now, I’m currently playing a Dwarf, who is of the Runewarden Class and a citizen of a city-state called Cyrene. Here is my current description:

He is a stout dwarf. Standing about chest height you see long dark brown hair pulled in a ponytail
falling down his back. He also has a thick brown beard running down this puggy face again tied in
another ponytail. Both ponytails feature intricate knotwork. Thick eyebrows complement his piercing
green emerald eyes with rosy cheeks. You are surprised at his toned, muscular arms and legs despite
his lack of height and broad waist. His stature exudes perhaps a cautious manner until befriended
with loyalty to follow for many years later. A rune shaped like a mighty oak has been sketched onto
him (jera: +1 con and str). A rune resembling an elk has been sketched onto him (algiz: 10% dmg
reduction). A rune like a lion has been sketched onto him (berkana: lvl1 health regen).

Mazal, an Outrider Runewarden, a citizen of Cyrene

This time around, I have kept track of a lot of information. I’ll be honest, I’m to lazy to sit down, deal with Apache, PHP and MySQL (even though that is my preference as a programmer). But at the same time, the Garden (administration) heavily frowns on publishing information publicly. This doesn’t mean, I can’t keep the information private. This also doesn’t mean I can’t start a ‘dairy’ of my character explaining what he does on a daily basis (as long as I don’t divulge certain game information).

So my weekend, Monday and Tuesday (probably Wednesday and Thursday too, as I’m getting my second COVID vaccination with an allowance from my employer of paid leave if I have systems bad symptoms), you’ll probably see some posts begin to appear. I will make it a point for people who get email based notifications to have ‘Achaea: (something)’ in the title so you can just delete them if you aren’t interested in the content. They will not be numerous, either daily or none for a couple of days depending on my game play, as I plan to ‘journal’ my activities after each gaming session. Why? To be honest, I’m getting old, there is so much going on with the character, I can’t remember one day to the next, the who, what, where and when and sometimes its important to remember these things. Hence, the journal.

I’ll eventually get pages up on others topics like: What is a MUD? How Do I Play a MUD? I joined, what do I do now?

If you already play, please MSG Mazal! Enemy or not, I’d still like to hear from you. Perhaps we can join a secret Order? *laughing hysterically*

Anywho…

I’ve thought about this a long time. Now it’s time to do it.

Balance in Recovery

On By mikeykjrIn Codependency, Discussion, Personal1 Comment

Based on my own experience in the past, I know immersing myself into recovery can be beneficial but it can also be dangerous. To much recovery one can become overwhelmed. So the point is to achieve a balance in recovery and our mundane lives. It’s called “me time”.

During my last recovery period, I dove into recovery with such a passion, I hardly made time for myself. Though the circumstances were different, as it was my first time in recovery, everything about my life became about recovery. In a sense, I lost a part of me.

As one comes back from a relapse one must ask themselves, “What is going to be different this time around?” With my codependent issues, I need to take time for self care. From time to time, we need to step back to ask ourselves, “Are we doing to much?” The real question is just how much is to much?

For instance, here is an example of a typical Monday:

  • 8:00 am – Wake up, get coffee, meditation music, pray, write in my journal
  • 9:00 am – Take care of myself (shower, shave, brush teeth, etc.)
  • 10:00 am – Meet with my case manager for a weekly one on one
  • 12:00 pm – Noon AA meeting
  • 3:00 pm – Outpatient treatment group
  • 8:00 pm – Evening AA meeting
  • 12:00 am – 2 am – Put the head to the pillow

In summary, five hours of my day is involved in recovery. But I’m also living in a supportive living program, so I’m always bumping to guys and talking recovery at other times, let’s say another two or three hours. In the end, my life in recovery is a full time job. I’m grateful to have the opportunity to concentrate on my sobriety in such a fashion.

But there are days, like yesterday, I have to step back and say, “Michael, enough is enough. Take a time out for yourself.” After treatment group, I walked with a guy from our program to the gym. The Dollar Store was next door, which is where I headed to pick up some things for my CoDA meeting tonight. It’s a little over a mile, approximately a 20-25 minute walk. I needed such a walk to decompress.

I didn’t go to a physical meeting at all. Unfortunately I missed the noon meeting because my case manager was on vacation, so another individual did my one on one but I had to wait for a bit (which I understand). In the evening after the long walk, I was simply done going anywhere. It’s rare I go to the Monday evening meeting if I’ve gone to the noon meeting. Last night, I put personalities before principles (my bad, I know).

Instead, I found a online CoDA meeting at 9pm. It was an interesting experience. The person who ran the group did a really good job of driving the meeting, keeping people on topic and avoiding cross talk. Since we only have one meeting a week here, I might put one or two in my schedule.

I had a few things to do such as getting paperwork ready for the CoDA meeting. I volunteered to print up the “readings” since we don’t have formal ones and we’re still reading out from a brochure. I also bought sheet protectors and a binder. All courtesy of the Dollar Tree, something I can work with on my budget. I also pumped out two short letters to previous employers about my address change for my W-2’s.

A friend of mine, I’m sure I’ve spoken about him here, who I have codependent issues in the past, is at the tail end of a prison sentence. He is scheduled to be release in March 2019. Throughout the years, he’s been to quite a few facilities. I double checked to find where he was only to see he was at a prison that is 30 minutes from me. Honestly, I got excited. But, recognizing my feelings, I had to step back and ask, “Mike, do you really want to open this door?” It’s been suggested by many I shouldn’t. But I wrote a letter anyway. It was just a short note of what happened, where I am and to see where he’s at. I will only write to him depending on how he responds, if he responds.

Lastly, I’ve gotten back involved in a game called Achaea . It’s a role playing, text-character based MUD (Multi-player User Dungeon). Here’s a screen shot:

I’ve been playing a variety of characters since late 1997 when it was new to the then “gaming industry”. The company, Iron Realm Entertainment, has done a good job of keeping the material fresh. Over the years, there have been a lot of changes. Some good, some bad. The producers (as they like to call themselves), do listen to their players. We, the players, have some input on how the game is run! This is my life away from the mundane world and at times it can be stressful, so all in moderation too!

Oh goodie (squeal)! A friend just let me know she won’t need my help for something today. This means, besides two AA meetings, I have a completely open day all to myself. But I have a few must-do’s, so I’m going to take care of them right now. I’ve been up since 6:30 am too, so a nice nap after the noon meeting may be in order too! ** rubs hands greedily**

Let’s get this day rolling . . .


Time Off for Myself

On By mikeykjrIn Daily Recovery ReadingsLeave a comment

Finally, I have some time off for myself.  I have already written how I have worked my arse off (going in early two days, doing two double shifts and working  12 days straight). By the Gods, I have been given the next three days off. Now the question is, what do I do not only to enjoy myself but to be productive at the same time.

I was supposed to have Thursday (7/13) and Monday (7/17) off. But with the current staffing issues at work, I was called into work Thursday. I could have declined but didn’t There was no guarantee I would get either Friday or Saturday off for my day off this week. Instead, I just bit the bullet and reported to work.  A couple hours after reporting to work, I was notified my Saturday shift would be covered. A couple hours after that, my boss asked if I would accept a schedule change. She would give me Sunday off if I worked a double on Friday of next week.  In the end, I got a three day weekend (Saturday through Monday).

One, I need rest. Yet, part of me doesn’t want to just sit in this house for three days. I could spend hours sitting in front of my computers for hours. But I want to do something different.

Here’s a list of things I need to do:

  • Get a haircut
  • Do laundry
  • Clean the kitchen
  • Put things where they belong
  • Create a budget
  •  Re-connect spiritually
  • Buy groceries

Things I want to do:

  • Go to Tioga Downs
  • Play Achaea or Lusternia
  • Reformat my three other computers to start over
  • Explore around my new house
  • Go out for a hike

Tioga Downs is a local casino. I’ve never really liked it since it opened in June 2006. But I go there every once and a while. The last couple of times, I’ve won quite a large sum of money. But the reason I go is NOT for the money but just to have a good time. I have also accumulated points for free meals at the buffet, so a free meal is tempting too. Should I tempt fate today?

Achaea and Lusternia are text-character based games called Multi-User Dungeon/Dimension/Domain. I’ve been playing them since 2003 off and on. Over the years both games have changed dramatically, as MUDs are no longer popular games to play, almost forgotten except for the few that continue to play them.

What I really want to do is to reformat one of my computers. But again, this is not an easy task. Typically I get bored through the process or I get side tracked because I create a to-do-list a mile long.  To be honest, I’m not sure if today is a good day since I’m so tired. I doubt I would be able to focus.

The weather has not been cooperative lately. For the last week, we’ve had powerful thunderstorms come through periodically. It’s been hot and humid. Right now it’s 68°F with cloudy skies, a slight cool breeze coming from the North. With no rain in the forecast today, perhaps I should just take a walk around the house or drive one of the various New York State forests for a hike? I just feel physically exhausted.

Lastly, I really need a haircut. My last buzz was in the middle of winter. Typically I get my haircut in the Summer and Winter. I’m way overdue. My head is beginning to literally look like a mop!! The problem – I have to drive 30 miles or more for a barber. The local barber has been closed every day when I pass by. I’ve called but there is no recorder, just a message, “Sorry we are closed, please call back later.”

It’s time to get off this arse. At the very least, take a shower and DO something. I’ve already lost track of time! I’ve missed my home group meeting at 12 p.m. There’s another thought – perhaps go to a meeting tonight, somewhere new?

Enough for now . . .