New Years

	2016 is drawing to a close and in my neck of the woods, the year will only last for another 2 hours before we're greeted by 2017. It seems to be universally accepted that 2016 has been a shit year, and so I would imagine a lot of the pastebins being posted today are focused on all the negativity that the year about to pass has brought us. I am going to tackle it a bit different.

	My approach is going to be a bit more positively charged. While 2016 hasnt been the best year for me by any definition, a lot of positive things has happened to me, and during the hard times, I've had amazing support from people close to me. I will finish this pastebin off with a list of people that means a lot to me, that have all helped me get to where I am and make me feel better in a time of desperation or sadness.

	2016 didn't realistically bring me much in terms of speedrunning accomplishments. I havent managed to improve in Sly 2 or 3 despite attempting Sly 2 multiple times this year. However this was the year where I sat myself comfortably on the Sly 1 throne. Where I first claimed the world record last year, this year seems to be the year where I cementized my position as top dawg in Sly 1. Very early on in this year, I got shafted by Sharo in Sly 1 with his cheatbox. In the month of February I set myself my first time on the BC PS3 and I haven't really looked back since. I also got to represent an entirely different community at ESA 2016. I had Crash Bandicoot 1 into the schedule and while I am not top tier in that game, I would say I presented a good showcase of how a run can be, and the time wasn't horrible at all. I got a sub 50 minutes time, which was the best case scenario for me, and for that I am proud and grateful; even if the run wasn't the best.

	I also got into another community for real this year, a community that greeted me surprisingly welcomming. I attempted Grand Theft Auto: Vice City.  While I never reached the level I had hoped to get to, now, looking back at it, I still feel as though it was an experience I had been without for too long, and I am happy I did it. For the longest time, I have been stuck in a ditch with Sly games, and having a huge mental block in the way of learning other games. This block is still there, but I've proved to myself that I can do it, and so I will continue to try and improve, and there are new games I have in my sights that I really hope to learn in the new year.

	As for my second oldest speed-game, Harry Potter 2 for the PC, the community has seen a huge growth and loads of new strats have been implemented into the run, and some old boy like myself can't even really keep up with all the new things. I don't have a genuine wish to really improve much in that game, but I wouldn't put it past myself to come back and see what I can do in the game.

	You should never walk alone when you're feeling down. When you feel like the entire world is against you, it's quite easy to fall into the trap where you convince yourself that you have no one and that the world gives you a very cold shoulder. But it is important to know, that though you may battle with internal and perhaps external struggles, you're not alone. Express your concerns to the people around you and let them help you through it. I have had the good fortune of having people around me in the community that has helped me out a lot, and for that they all deserve major credit and my deepest graditude. I am going to list off a few names and give the individuals a small text. This text is meant for them and them alone. You can read it, naturally; this is a public space. But know that the text is directed at them and no one else. Also note that these people aren't the only ones having helped me out this year. These are just the ones that stand out for different reasons.

	Tom: What happened between us is a grave shame. Sometimes, looking back at it, it's actually a wonder that we're still in contact and we speak almost daily. I know this whole charade hasn't been easy on you, but you've still stuck with me and helped me when I needed it, despite me being a selfish prick for most of the time. You may not agree with me, but you are genuinely one of the best people I've ever had the pleasure of meeting, spending time with and talk to. Your internal struggles really aren't your fault, and I truly hope you will find 2017 to be better for you. I will do what I can to continue to support you. You'll get there.

	Bunny: 2016 was the year where I finally got to see you in person for the first time, and even though you totally bailed out of movie night at ESA,  I'm glad to have you in my life. We don't talk together on a daily basis. Sometimes weeks goes by with no word. But when we do talk, we always get the best out of it. I've had some mental problems and a lot of self doubt and confusion, but you've always been one to help me out despite your own problems definitely being present. You're an incredible friend and you deserve only the best. I'm really looking forward to hanging out with you and Spat in little over a week.

	April: This one is a bit tricky to write, because the two of us really didn't talk much at all this year. You approached me about an unfortunate event that happened to me back in October, which basically destroyed me for weeks. You reached out and comforted me however you could. Perhaps I put you on here because it was relatively recent and so it stands out clearer in my memory, but nevertheless you definitely helped me calm down and get back on track. You didn't know me too well when you went ahead and talked to me, and for me personally, that is not something I am good at. So for that you have my graditude and it'll be really nice to see you at AGDQ. Sorry he can't go.

	coooper: The one and only true old boy in Sly 2. You've never let me down on any topic despite you being busy, you were one of the first people to know of my sexuality that I had kept bottled in and out of sight. You accepted it without any hesitations and you were simply just happy on my behalf. You're dealing with a lot of struggles yourself, and I haven't always taken that into account when we've spoken, but I think you know that I am there for you whenever you need it. You definitely do not give yourself enough credit for what you do, and I feel like you may underestimate your own abilities. You're very gifted and I believe you can get to where you want to be. Just have to get over your mental block. I know of your situation, but you I feel like it is keeping you back some. You can break out of it.

	Shasta: It's really funny. I barely knew of you the first half of this year. Only knew you by name, but I had no idea about what sort of person you were or even about what kind of games you played, yet alone what company you kept. I guess the stars somehow alligned and we were introduced through mutual friends, and it felt as though there was some sort of chemistry right off the bat. You made me feel things I had convinced myself to not get into again. You made me break my rule about long distance relationships. I might give you a hard time sometimes, but the truth is that you're doing what you think is right and you're doing what you can. The world hasn't been kind on either of us, but this year still brought us together. I get to see your face in 8 days, and I get to wake up next to you every day for 2 weeks. 2017 will definitely come off to a great start. I love you, fluff.



I want to make it clear, that the 5 people listed aren't the only ones I care for, or the only ones that have done great things for me this year. But these 5 stand out in my memory the most. If you're upset you're not listed, just talk to me.

Happy New Years. See you in 2017. ♥