So, most folks know that I’m into console gaming. Unlike most people that I know, though, I have very little interest in playing games online with a lot of people that I don’t know. That really has never had a ton of appeal for me. I’ve played various MMORPGs and I usually get bored within a month. Personally, I’d rather play a game with a bunch of friends wither it be a video game or a board game.

Even though I’m not much into the multi-player experience, I do enjoy my games. I own several consoles from that were made over the past 25 years and I enjoy playing retro games as well as new releases. While I do find like a lot of what’s going on with this generations consoles, I feel that there is a bit too much emphasis on ‘flash’ and technology.

I have been enjoying a number of games lately, though. I recently finished Super Metroid via Virtual Console which was a lot of fun. I do enjoy a good platformer and this has to be one of the best ever made. The pacing was just right and I never felt like I got to a point in the game where I was too frustrated.

At the moment, though, I’m playing Okami on the Wii which is turning out to be a great game. There are also a number of games that I’m in the midst of as well. I’ve been playing Disgaea off and on and I also picked up a couple new Wii-ware games. In a couple weeks I plan on picking up ‘The World Ends With You’ since I’ll need something portable to keep me busy during the down time of a trip I’ll be taking up north.

So, I guess I’m satisfied with what console gaming has to offer whether it’s an older system like the SNES or one of current generations consoles. I still need to pick up a PSP, XBOX 360 and a PS3 but that will be somewhere down the road with the PS3 most likely being the last one I get. I just don’t think there are enough exclusive games on the system to keep me interested. While Blu-ray would be nice, I really don’t feel that it’s a necessity.

Considering the fact that I spend much of my day at home, I tend to not get a ton of exercise. I’m usually either taking care of the house, working in the studio or sleeping (which seems to be a lot lately). As far as the working out part goes, I think I’m starting to form good habits.

Over the past month, though, I’ve been keeping up with the Wii Fit routine. I think I’ve only missed one day since I started and that was Christmas day. I’m not loosing a lot of weight but my legs do feel quite a bit stronger than the once were. That is an accomplishment for me considering the problems I’ve had with certain things since I had my surgery last year. The Wii Fit has done more for me than physical therapy did.

The other positive aspect of this whole working out thing is that I found an interest in doing things that I used to have no patience for. I’m now working towards bettering my drawing skills as well as start an animation project. If I can find a way to keep my self exercising every day, I can find a way to better different aspects of my art whether it’s 3D, 2D or music.

Needless to say, I’ve never been much of an artist when it comes to sketching things by hand. I truly lack the patience to learn certain things and I always get frustrated very easily. Over the past year I acquired Manga Studio and Wacom tablet.

These are some of my first attempts at teaching myself to draw in the digital realm. Right now I’m working through a very basic ‘How to Draw Manga’ book to get myself familiar with Manga Studio as well as do a bit of drawing. In the end, I’m hoping that this will help me with a series of animated shorts I’m starting to work on.

So, I’ll keep practicing and we’ll see where this takes me. I know that the way I’m learning how to draw is quite unorthodox to most people. I know that it’s not the best way to learn such things but it seems to be working for me so far. I work better when it’s at my own pace. It may be slow but it’s the only way I seem to get results.