Letter Q

, ,

A to Z 2017: QUESTIONS

, ,
A to Z 2017: QUESTIONS

This year for the A to Z Challenge 2017 I'm trying something completely different... vlogging! That's right, I'll be putting myself out there on YouTube, talking about who knows what for who knows how long! Come join in the conversation as I talk about a variety of topics throughout April.

Let the rambling begin!

, ,

A to Z 2016 : QUANTUM BREAK

, ,
A to Z 2016 : QUANTUM BREAK

Welcome to the 2016 A to Z Challenge on I, Jak! This year's theme is 2016 Highlights, where I will be blogging about things I have been looking forward to this year, whether people, places, or things. Some have already occurred, some are currently happening, and others are yet on the way.

Some topics may be a bit generic (occurring annually), while others will be specific to 2016, so come take a look!

, , , ,

A to Z 2015 : QUESTILLO

, , , ,
A to Z 2015 : QUESTILLO

This next entry is a game that the Ladyfolk had at her parent's house, hidden in the basement, just waiting to be discovered in time to rescue me from my lack of a "Q" game! Actually, she knew it was there, or at least hoped it was still there. It's a game I hadn't even heard of before then, which I thought was perfect.

In a cross between Trivia and Scrabble, we take a peek at...

(An A to Z 2014 Challenge Entry)

Tonight the Ladyfolk and I just wrapped up Easter with my family. My mother is still having a traditional dinner tomorrow, as well, but this year was challenging for the entire family to make it. In fact, I believe only one of my siblings will be going tomorrow, while some of us others attended a more impromptu gathering today.

No ham was on the menu (that’s for tomorrow), only spaghetti. And mashed potatoes. Those were my idea! And an abundance of snacks and treats that could easily put a diabetic into a sugar-induced coma. Except for me, because I’m pretty awesome at eating all the sugary things and surviving somehow.

Before eating dinner, the Ladyfolk, my brother, and I played Boss Monster. Finally! This was the first time I had played it since buying it weeks ago. We technically didn’t even get to finish our game before dinner was ready, because we were playing extra slow, taking our time for the first play through.

This game is completely designed around 8-bit video games! I love it!
From what little we played, I thought it was fun, and it will go a lot faster now that we have an idea of how it works. Looking forward to trying it again.

After eating dinner, and before we tackled some sweets, we all decided to play another game I brought along called Dixit Journey. Except for my brother who was too tired and went to pass out on the couch. Loser.

I love the art of the cards in this game!
I had played Dixit Journey before, but this was the first time playing my copy, which I bought months ago. It was definitely a success! Everyone playing had a blast. So much so we even played two rounds, and honestly I could have played another.

Once we were done gorging on dessert, I announced I had one last family friendly game to play (Cards Against Humanity) if anyone was interested. They were, but as time passed and our food began to settle, we decided to pass for the evening. Next time…

It was a great day and evening with my family and some good ‘ol quality time I’m looking forward to repeating come the next big family/holiday event.

Tomorrow it’s off to the Ladyfolk’s side of the family for their Easter, and the bonus celebration of one of her nephew’s first birthday. It should be another great night!

When was the last time you had some good quality time with family and loved ones? This weekend is likely to be one for most. What Easter plans, if any, do you have planned? Have you ever played Boss Monster, Dixit, or Cards Against Humanity? If so, what are your thoughts/opinions? I may attempt to highlight the games individually at some point, to give a better idea of how they are played.

HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!
A random movie I decided to watch on a whim, thinking it looked funny. It was pretty funny... and vulgar!

(An A to Z 2013 Challenge Entry)

“In quoting others, we cite ourselves”
- Julio Cortázar

I thought I would take a relaxing moment and share some quotes. I’ve been up all night listening to developments in Boston, and it is depressing, exhausting but yet addicting. I need to tune out for a bit (I say as I have multiple live feeds and threads open on the incident). Some friends following along are in the same boat, but at least — unlike them — I got some sleep. It’s worth noting, though, I spent 4+ hours shoveling snow throughout the night.

I am a huge movie buff, so it is very common to find me quoting some of my favorite movie lines. I do the same from books and songs, but not as frequent. I’d like to think I am decent at creating my own phrases/words that eventually get used by those exposed to them; integrated into their daily dialog, sneaking in unexpectedly.

No real format here, just a few quotes I like. Short and sweet...

“The purpose of life is the expansion of happiness.”  - Deepak Chopra

“Love is the only reality and it is not a mere sentiment. It is the ultimate truth that lies at the heart of creation.” - Rabindranath Tagore

“All human beings are also dream beings. Dreaming ties all mankind together.” - Jack Kerouac
“There are books full of great writing that don’t have very good stories. Read sometimes for the story… don’t be like the book-snobs who won’t do that. Read sometimes for the words—the language. Don’t be like the play-it-safers who won’t do that. But when you find a book that has both a good story and good words, treasure that book.” - Stephen King

“Writing isn't about making money, getting famous, getting dates, getting laid, or making friends. In the end, it's about enriching the lives of those who will read your work, and enriching your own life, as well. It's about getting up, getting well, and getting over. Getting happy, okay? Getting happy.”  - Stephen King

“I wonder if I’ll be held responsible for this.” - Lucas (Empire Records)

“What’s with today, today?” - Lucas (Empire Records)

“This place is dead anyways.” - Charles (Swingers)

And one I thought was pertinent (always) to recent events:

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” - Martin Luther King, Jr.

There are hundreds more, but that would take ages to both put down and read. The movie quotes may seem “off” but they are some I’ve used countless times over the years.

Do you have a favorite quote and/or movie line? If so, what?

recent CHRONICLES

Featured In I, Jak
Hello, Friend
2 Comments
Hello, Friend
2 Comments

It’s been a long while. I briefly discuss some of this year’s shortcomings, and in doing so, find it’s just more of the same.

Then I attempt to give a more positive spin…

Read More →
2 Comments
Extra Life Game Day 2021
Comment
Extra Life Game Day 2021
Comment

Extra Life Game Day 2021 has arrived! It’s Year 8 for myself and I am looking forward to once again raise money for Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare. Team Cryton Crusaders is ready (kind of) for the annual fundraising event involving a 24-Hour Gaming Marathon! I kept last year’s fun, but likely impossible Milestone to reach!

Learn more about the challenge where my team and I play games and heal kids!

Read More →
Comment

recent ENTERTAINMENT

Featured
102 | TRAILER TUESDAY | 102
Comment
102 | TRAILER TUESDAY | 102
Comment

Welcome to Trailer Tuesday, a weekly Generation Jak blog series where a multitude of movie, video game, and sometimes even book trailers are highlighted for your viewing pleasure!

This week's Featured Trailers:
Jessica Jones Season 2 - Teaser Trailer | Ready Player One | Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom | Alita: Battle Angel | Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse - Teaser Trailer

Read More →
Comment
101 | TRAILER TUESDAY | 101
Comment
101 | TRAILER TUESDAY | 101
Comment

Welcome to Trailer Tuesday, a weekly Generation Jak blog series where a multitude of movie, video game, and sometimes even book trailers are highlighted for your viewing pleasure!

This week's Featured Trailers:
The Shape of Water | Wormwood | All the Money in the World | Avengers: Infinity War | Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom - Trailer Teaser | Batman Ninja

Read More →
Comment

recent DREAMSCAPES

Featured
A to Z 2017 [FLASH FICTION]: REFLECTIONS
Comment
A to Z 2017 [FLASH FICTION]: REFLECTIONS
Comment

This year's A to Z Challenge is over, but how did I fare with another attempt at producing Flash Fiction and Poetry throughout it all? Did I run into the same complications as last year?

Join me as I reflect on the challenge and the thoughts about my continued participation on Dreams in the Shade of Ink.

Read More →
Comment
A to Z 2017: ZACHARIAH
1 Comment
A to Z 2017: ZACHARIAH
1 Comment

Dreams in the Shade of Ink is back with more Flash Fiction for the A to Z Challenge 2017! Last year my segments throughout April painted a puzzled tapestry of prose and I hope to provide some new, entertaining stories that you'll enjoy!

Come share in my inky dreams full of fiction, sprinkled with poetry!

Read More →
1 Comment

recent META

Featured
A to Z 2017 [MAGIC MIXER]: REFLECTIONS
Comment
A to Z 2017 [MAGIC MIXER]: REFLECTIONS
Comment

The A to Z Challenge 2017 is over and it's time to reflect on how the event went! There were booster pack openings, there were storylines and mechanics to observe within the world of Magic: The Gathering!

Join me as I discuss the ups and downs of this year's Magic Mixer theme.

Read More →
Comment
A to Z 2017: ZENDIKAR
Comment
A to Z 2017: ZENDIKAR
Comment

This year for the A to Z Challenge 2017 Meta MTG presents the Magic Mixer! What's that mean? Your guess is as good as mine... What I do know, however, is that this year's theme is obviously still all about Magic: The Gathering!

Join me as I attempt to highlight a different Magic set each day of the challenge in different ways, from pack openings to discussions about a set's storyline and/or mechanics!

Read More →
Comment