You know, working on 91.8 The Fan has really made my free-time pretty sparse. I think that’s clearly abundant based on the ample amount of posts here in-between opening the site to this day. Despite that, there’s little things that come about now and again that make me cherish my passions and career more so than before. This is one of those things.

For those who don’t keep up with the site itself, January was our first year birthday and it was quite a celebration. After having a pretty hefty break from late September to the end of the year it was almost like an explosion of adrenaline in our opening week. The interviews I’ve come to love have started happening again, the show I adore conducting has once again aired, and the community has exploded in activity like it did last January. It’s unfair to call it work during these times because I do enjoy it so much. Despite the drama, regardless of any bumps in the road, or ignoring any hissy fits from disgruntled employees the joy of actually knowing what you’re doing is making someone else happy is still worth it even after a year.

The reason I mention this aspect is because I got a nice package today from an older member of our community. It’s always nice when people stick around—much less feel the need to send the site things—and so I somewhat didn’t expect a gift to impact me so much. It’s sort of odd, but I suppose the personal touch of the contents helped in this endeavor. Inside was a handwritten letter and I was in the car with my mom, who is still sort of doubtful concerning anything involving what I’m doing, so I got to read it out loud to her. Not only do these things mean a lot to me, but I also believe it shows my mom a little that what I do isn’t just sitting on the computer. She’s very computer illiterate so when she sees me sit on one day after day it sort of translates to me not doing anything (obviously she can’t tell what I’m doing since it’s all Greek to her).

I knew this package was coming since the sender had offered to get their hands on a CD for the station. Though I think that this letter will be placed in the same place as my letter from Sawa ¹. I’d like to keep all these mementos whether 91.8 The Fan lasts forever or not. I feel very lucky and indebted to anyone who likes the work I’ve, and my staff have put their heart into. So to those who have sent handwritten letters to me, thank you for the kind words and lovely thoughts.

As a side bonus, I also received a Japanese snack. As of yet I haven’t opened it to figure out what it is… After figuring I should probably try one of these by now I have to say I like them whatever they are. They’re shaped like little fishes, but I assume they could be shaped as anything. It’s like sweet bread around chocolate filling assuming I’m right. It’s a nice light taste which I wouldn’t necessarily pass up again. I’m a picky eater so I was surprised I even liked it, haha!

The real meat of this package though was the CD, which came in a DVD like case. The CD itself is entitled Crimson Princess by Iruma Rioka. I was especially fond of the cover art used, and as I listen to the tracks while I type I can say confidently I’m sort of addicted to the unique sound. The booklet inside was wonderfully signed by those involved, which I felt was an extra surprise. For someone who only has one signed CD this is a nice addition to my collection. I know Iruma from her previous self-titled CD since I was introduced by this member who sent the package. I wish I could find more artists sporting the Lolita² style more often (honestly the only two I know are Iruma and Kanon Wakeshima). Obviously, you can expect this new music on the station soon for those of you wondering.

All in all, looking back on the past year and what the future has to bring, I’m happy that things like this can be a part of my memories.

Ironically, I have about three posts in my drafts, and yet there they sit until I’m able to give them the attention and time they deserve. I can easily shift the blame onto three individuals for making my life a living hell, was going to do a whole big rant about it as well full of anger and hate, but instead decided to find out my legal standings. If anything needs to be done it’ll be in a court of law, I suppose. Until then, it has at least gotten the whole 91.8 The Fan team to work like maniacs on crack.

Our biggest announcement is that the radio station will be launching on January 3rd. We’ve also acquired advertising with ScrewAttack and Sankaku Complex. Now, we’re just really grabbing people from the industry for interviews when the station is up. The whole thing will be a massive win, so make sure to stay tuned for that.

Things have been stressful between my job, 91.8 The Fan, taking care of my mom, and now Christmas shopping (I’m lucky I’m a lonely loser that only has to shop for two people). There was a lot in preparation to the site launch, this included a multitude of things that I’m pretty confident no one is aware about.

• The layout itself took six weeks to do, four to design the whole thing, and two to test it by breaking everything in sight or pushing it under server strain.
• Attempting to re-code, make new summaries, etc for our Anime Database. Initially I was going to go with a Wikia-like design, but found the system too much to learn in such a short time. Then an old friend came from the heavens who is now working on it, and he has the skills to utterly beat any other directory into the dust. When it is ready, both Kibs and I will be at the graphic helm, which essentially just means it will rock. I can’t wait to reveal this thing for the utter shock (or perhaps dismay?) of a few people.
• The forums were made and skinned in pretty much a week, mostly thanks to Kibs while I sat back and watched. Even now we’re under some minor edits that you should see within the next few days.
• iStalk, our news show, got an entirely new format. Whooo!
• Our server, which stores all of our music, had to be tested extensively (mostly done by Sandy). There’s a lot of intricate things I can’t really talk about here. Despite that, the system is really top of the line when it comes to protecting the company and giving a kickass radio show.
• Our own DJs are going through test broadcasting as we speak, which is humorous at best, but for now it’s all about work.

Out of all the things I’m proud of the site, despite the fact I’m sick of the functionality at this point. Deciding on all the music was also a lot of fun, specifically since I made sure we had all genres, anime, and video games under the sun. There’s still so much to add! On top of that, coding the web integration and request system. Arrrg!

Oh well, I’m not so much drained as I am stressed. I’m remotely driven by those Chinese knock-offs you see, if you don’t know what I mean, then don’t think too deeply about it. Between the beginning of November to now, I’ve gone through so many emotions concerning the site. There was a lot of anger, frustration, and absolute depression (relating to a shit storm of constantly being blamed and realizing people I thought were my friends were actually just dicks in disguise). On the plus side, I’ve also felt accomplished and determined in many ways. There’s a sense of fulfillment when you see a project your apart of listed on two major sites, or the fact everyone is working so hard. 2010 is going to be huge for us, epically so considering what we have still hidden under our belts.

I can at least give one hint that our Volunteer/Internship page will be launching Saturday or so. It’ll be great if you want some extra college credits. Also, if you want a sneak peek of any of the music to appear in the database then watch my Last.FM status. I promise I covered your favorites, or you’ll see them popping up soon.

Obviously, if you haven’t been to 91.8 The Fan then check it out. If you have, well look at it again because it looks frickin’ sweet. Make sure your friends know about it and all that jazz.

Anyway, expect more posts in January or maybe before. I’ve got at least one I want up before the end of the year, but we’ll see.

Ugh, the last two weeks have been remarkably hellish for me. Between my boss and I, we are the only two people actually manning a game store. This isn’t so bad besides the fact I haven’t had a day off in two straight weeks. We’re waiting for our assistant manager to get back since he’s getting married (congratulations!). Earlier this week however, I got whatever it is that goes around this season. That’s pretty much why updates have been pretty sparse, and I also have a story about how idiotic Nevada doctors can be.

I originally went to Quick Care day one. All I was requesting was a shot, I didn’t care if they poked it in my ass (the nurse usually does that anyway). I just knew I had to get better because there’s no one else to work. The doctor I got was a total dip shit who refused to give me a shot—fair enough—though they then didn’t listen when I asked for liquid medicine. I don’t know what it is, but I throw up all pills. I’ve had a history of getting lethally sick, so I’ve had practice attempting to take them. Even if I pop them in the back of my throat, swallow, and don’t taste a thing. I still expect to see that same pill in a different form in about two seconds. Yay… gag reflex.

So anyway, I try to down some of these pills to get better, call my boss and tell him I’m sick as a dog. I sadly had to miss a day, though thankfully he wasn’t a jerk about it. I wake up on day two and I’m bleeding. Not normal, oh lookie, I cut my finger. No, more like blood is coming out of my ears, nose, and mouth for no reason. I’m freaking out understandably so I jump in the shower hoping it’ll just go away. It calms after my shower which is all fine and dandy, but I end up reading my medicine prescription. I had already read the side effects, which was vomiting and other pretty standard stuff. What I didn’t notice the first time is that bastard doctor gave me medicine for swine flu.

I did not have swine flu, I had a normal regular flu. Generally if you have a case of swine flu you’re taken into quarantine. I was pretty pissed at this point, but I just laid down while I waited for my mom to come home to take me to the hospital. I was pretty positive I could hold out till then as it was. So a trip to the hospital where I finally had suffered enough to get my stupid shot plus an IV and some tests.

Now I’m feeling better at least and I start work back up tomorrow. I’m not sure when I’m going to get a day off next, I’m just going to flat out assume it’s next Friday (oh joy). So updates have been rare due to this hectic schedule.

I also don’t know how I’m going to pull off all the work I have for 91.8 The Fan as well. Non-awesomely enough we have very big plans including donation content, forums, and I’ve got some ideas about directory upgrades… and pretty much a team of just one or two people assigned to the workload, I’m not looking forward to all of that work…

• New Site Design: This needs to be tested, tweaked, and have spare graphics made for it.
• Donation Area: We’re adding a specialty donation area that needs to be tested thoroughly before launch.
• Music Database: Make a whole database on my own that includes Korean, Japanese, Taiwanese, Chinese music. We’re looking at anywhere between two hundred to five hundred GBs.
• Forum Design & Management: Kibs is helping me here and he will be in charge of the overall forums, but it also needs a lot of testing before launch.
• Database: I want to add pics and descriptions of all of the anime, which is going to be a lot of work.

Originally I was expected to do all of this in two weeks. This is obviously unrealistic… though hopefully I can buckle down and work on it when I get off of work. That’s all I can hope for—as well as not getting sick at important times (RAWR D<).

Anyway, I’ll probably finish the Playstation 2 Game List portion soon enough. I took a stand still as I occupied with other things. I’ll see you guys later, and thanks for being patient.