Another Social Media Break

About two weeks ago, I decided to indefinitely pause social media. So no apps on my phone and no web bookmarks for Mastodon, Bluesky, and Reddit. To visit them, I would need to manually type the name in the browser search field. My reasons are typical; despite some minor benefits, social media isn't exactly healthy or useful. I figured minimizing this area of my life would free some head-space for better things (like blogging).

Return Of The Chromebook

Over the past couple of weeks, I've been using my almost six-years-old Chromebook for blogging and web-surfing at times. Despite having half the memory of my phone, it's performing well for what it is, I'm glad to say. Who knew that after so many years and other computers, I’d be enjoying my old Chromebook again?

All My Xenoblades

Here are my Xenoblade games, now including the new release of XCX:DE on Switch.

Xenoblade X Ranks Up

Last night, I fired up my new physical copy of Xenoblade Chronicles X:DE and played for over three hours. I may post my renewed impressions later. For now I gotta say that XCX:DE is definitely in my Top 5 RPGs and maybe even in my Top 3. It's one of the best, one of my faves for sure, just so good. And though the final ranking should settle once I finish the game, I think these high vibes will carry through - haven't even got my first Skell yet.

Chronicles Of Xenoblade

It’s Xenoblade Chronicles X : Definitive Edition release day! The Switch now has all the Xenoblades — awesome. I picked up the new XCX:DE from my Best Buy pre-order today along with the exclusive mini metal poster. To commemorate today’s release, I’m sharing my past posts that chronicle some of my experience with the series here and there.

Escaping Apple's Last Tentacles

Since switching over to an Android phone last Fall, I've continued to carry and sometimes use my iPhone 12 Pro for a few Apple exclusives. That lock-in is hard to fully escape; I was resigned to it. But months later, I've realized some things. Now it's time to make my journey to the non-Apple side complete.

Sour Apple

 A few days ago, I read John Gruber’s long post about something rotten at Apple. It kind of floored me. I think it’s the most critical thing he’s ever written about the Cupertino company. It took me a while to process it; I also read many follow-up comments around the web. Most folks, including me, generally agree with Gruber on this one.

Xenoblade X Next Week

With Xenoblade Chronicles X:DE releasing next Thursday — yes! — I thought it’d be a good time to talk about why the game is special to me. It goes beyond the fact that it’s a cool sci-fi RPG. I think it relates to my gaming experience as a kid. Let me explain.

Finally Finished Framing

Lately, I’ve blogged less. Why? I’ve been immersed in reading a loooong book, and I’ve been busy building a new room addition onto my house. Well, now I can say I finally finished framing it. The milestone feels good. Yet there remains much more work to do.

Two iPhone 13 Pro Refurbs In One Week

Buying refurbished devices can often save you much money and extend the life of “good enough” tech. My oldest son and my wife both did so this past week. This also caps off the recent rare bad refurbs on a high note.

Blogging One Year With Pika

Happy March, y’all! Spring is just around the corner… Last year on March 1st, I started blogging at Pika. So how's it going after a whole year? The relatively new blog host remains rock solid and has steadily added new features and tweaks. I enjoy blogging now more than ever. Also, I don't miss managing a website.