In case you’re new to Scenario Regular, welcome to this text’s (largely) annual custom of celebrating wins. We celebrated our wins in 2020 — a yr constructed for shedding, if ever there was one. We did it the next yr, too. I feel we skipped 2022, or perhaps I simply blocked out that yr. I’m sure we did it in 2023 and 2024, and I’m optimistic we’re doing it once more this yr.
However first …
After 5 years on Substack, six months on TinyLetter, and much too lengthy on Fb, I’m urgent pause on Scenario Normal. This wasn’t a straightforward choice. I really like writing slice of life humor and sharing it with you. I additionally love writing crime comedies with off-the-wall characters that make you chortle and (gasp) see the world in a special gentle. Maintaining with my day job whereas pursuing two artistic passions simply isn’t possible. I thought of avoiding this alternative altogether, however I’ve listened to Freewill by Rush sufficient instances to know that in case you select to not resolve, you continue to have made a alternative.
Some questions you will have:
-
Will you continue to hear from me? Sure! You’ll obtain my posts from Slacker Noir. I’ll be writing about crime and thriller tales (books, films, TV), sharing my quick tales, and doing a little unique reporting on the offbeat and crime-related information that informs my fiction. Mainly, I’m making an attempt to do for Los Angeles what Carl Hiaasen and Tim Dorsey did for Florida. Slacker Noir is my workshop, and I hope you’ll be part of me.
-
However there received’t be any new problems with Scenario Regular? Appropriate. I’m not planning to replace Scenario Regular. That mentioned, you by no means know what the longer term holds. I’ll drop a random piece of slice of life humor once in a while. In case you stay subscribed, you’ll see it.
-
What concerning the cash, Lebowski? First, I actually respect these of you who supported this mission with paid subscriptions and PayPal contributions. You’re the finest, and your assist means extra to me than you possibly can presumably know. Thanks! As of December 15, I’ve paused funds indefinitely. In case you not too long ago paid for Scenario Regular and would really like a refund, simply let me know and I’ll make it occur.
This yr, my yoga apply turned three. Which means I not throw mood tantrums on my mat, however I’m nonetheless a number of years away from being trusted with the big-boy glue and sharp objects. It additionally means I’m trying poses I by no means thought potential. Working example: 2025 was the yr of the crow pose. Can I maintain crow pose longer than two seconds? No fucking approach. Is {that a} dramatic enchancment over earlier years? Shit sure, it’s. Calling this a win.
Reworking is a ridiculously silly factor we’ll do once more. However after our first reworking expertise, I consider we have to amend the U.S. Structure as follows: If a contractor fucks up your home, you’ve got the appropriate to fuck up their home. Our transform took longer than anticipated and value greater than we budgeted. However we survived and the visitor toilet appears nice. Double-win!
In July, I wrote a couple of consumer who stiffed me. This hasn’t occurred loads in my profession, so I figured that if I wasn’t getting paid, at the least you’d get a narrative. Seems, my erstwhile consumer learn that story, bought on the horn with accounts payable, and reduce me a test toot candy. Energy of the press, child. Additionally, WIN!
We welcomed a pet into our house. By we, I imply Christina and me. Mortimer, our 15-year-old canine, isn’t loopy concerning the pet. That is our fault. We named Mortimer after one of many villains from Buying and selling Locations, so he comes by his grumpy outdated man schtick actually. In the meantime, Bodhi is known as after Patrick Swayze’s character from Level Break, which explains why he’s 100% pure adrenaline. (In case you’re detecting a theme, particularly that we identify our canines after film villains, you might be right).
I found acupuncture this yr. I’m utilizing uncover within the Christopher Columbus sense of the phrase. That’s, I discovered one thing new to me (acupuncture), and now I’m performing as if it didn’t exist earlier than I arrived on the scene. All kidding apart, acupuncture is superb. I assumed my again was fucked, however two acupuncture periods unfucked it.
In March, I began counting my macros — protein, carbs, and fats. I’ve struggled with my weight most of my life. I’ve tried numerous diets. None have been sustainable, most left me feeling hungry on a regular basis. Counting macros has been a revelation. I’ve misplaced 20 kilos, however it doesn’t really feel like I’m on a weight loss plan. If something, I now wrestle to eat sufficient protein and fats — carbs are nonetheless simple. The difficult half is the maths, however there’s an app for that, and actually, the reply is normally yogurt. So … macros for the win!
Ostensibly, the crowd-funded story I wrote about consuming on the hamburger stand Charles Manson frequented was about investigating a little bit of San Fernando Valley lore, figuring out if there have been any residual Manson vibes on the Munch Field, and making juvenile jokes about an eatery known as the Munch Field. In apply, nonetheless, it was a superb reminder that I really like journalism, partially, as a result of it’s a passport that lets me discover the truths which might be stranger than fiction. Rekindling my reporter’s fireplace and pairing it with a way of the absurd was an enormous win.
I launched a publication known as Slacker Noir. As I mentioned earlier than, it’s my workshop — a spot for me to speak concerning the stuff that conjures up my fiction and check out new issues. I’m digging it, and thus far, readers dig it too. Win!
They are saying writing is rewriting. On this case, they refers to Robert Louis Stevenson, Ernest Hemingway, Truman Capote, and in all chance, your highschool English instructor. It’s a well-liked sentiment. Anyway, I’ve been writing rewriting a sequel to Not Protected for Work. I’m proud of the way in which the manuscript is progressing. It nonetheless has a methods to go, however I can see the sunshine on the finish of the tunnel, I feel. Win!
I ask, you reply.
-
What have been your wins in 2025?
-
Significantly, share your wins!
-
It’ll make you’re feeling good.
-
I promise.
-
What are you ready for? Begin typing …
