Documenting My Misadventures: A Journey Through Tech, Tinkering, and Trauma

In today's fast-paced world, technology can be both a lifeline and a comfort. For me, the digital realms of video games, cryptocurrency, and artificial intelligence have often become refuges during difficult times. They allow me to escape reality and explore my passions. A few years ago, I discovered the world of Dungeons and Dragons, which was a new, un-plugged way for me to find a reprieve from the challenges that come along with life. D&D forced me out of my comfort zone in many ways, and I have many new (and likely life-long) friends because of it. This website serves as my platform, a digital scrapbook where I share my trials, Nat 20's, insights, and discoveries. It will be a jumbled mix of D&D, technology, and great ideas that turn into half-finished projects, but mostly just my own musings and muddled thoughts.

From Video Games to Cryptocurrency

As a child, video games were one of my escapes. They transported me to worlds where I could be a hero or a strategist, away from everyday routines. However, real life has a way of pulling you back in from the temporary illusion. A few years ago, I lost my father to a short but intense battle with Mesothelioma. In the aftermath of that loss, I turned to cryptocurrency mining—not really for profit, but to embrace the challenge it offered. While the mental challenge was a welcome one, it is possible that this draw towards technology was a way for me to rekindle some of the memories I had of working on computers together with my dad.

Building computers to mine cryptocurrencies felt like solving a complex puzzle, which is appropriate because that is literally what you are doing when you mine cryptocurrency. I dedicated countless hours to setting up mining rigs and troubleshooting issues. I started with a GTX 960 GPU with 4 Gigabytes of VRAM that I had used for gaming. Finally getting my components and mining programs to work together, I saw that first successful readout from the command prompt. 6MH/s. Victory! Once I saw those first few specs of Ether dust hit my wallet, it was a constant flurry of learning about new algorithms, GPU hashrates, and power supply efficiency. Those late nights spent tinkering were not mere distractions; they helped me channel my grief into something constructive. Each successful mining session was a small, uplifting victory.

An intricate setup of a cryptocurrency mining rig with multiple GPUs. So far, all of the images on my posts are AI generated. This image looks amazing, unlike any mining rig I ever built. However, the image really falls apart the longer you investigate it. I think this shows us where AI is at right now, but it also shows the possibilities that a person with the right vision could create something truly magical with it.

Navigating Chronic PTSD with Technology

My journey through life took an unexpected turn when I recently received a diagnosis of chronic PTSD. Daily challenges felt more intense, and social interactions became daunting. In retrospect, I've probably been struggling with this for a long time. Getting the diagnosis didn't change a whole lot, but it was validating and helped to have a name for what I'm going through. However, amid these struggles, I discovered that artificial intelligence might provide a new outlet for me, and provide some much needed respite from the often daily trauma that led to my PTSD.

Artificial intelligence offers incredible opportunities to improve our daily interactions. One of my favorite ways to use AI is in our Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) sessions, which have become one of my few meaningful social engagements. I began exploring options to use AI for documenting our games, creating summaries for friends who might miss a session, and creating art for memorable in-game events.

Imagine an AI tool that could automatically condense our elaborate notes into digestible summaries, or maybe even a tool that would free us up from taking notes at all! This would reduce the burden on the Dungeon Master and Player Character scribes, and help players catch up quickly after a missed session.

A cozy Dungeons & Dragons game setup showcasing character sheets and colorful dice. A cool photo at first, but the longer you look the more the illusion starts to fall apart.

Learning to Train AI Models

As I dive deeper into AI, I've realized that training models isn't exclusive to those with advanced computer science degrees. With many online resources, anyone dedicated (or stubborn) enough can learn how to do it. My goal is to train an existing model to understand our D&D campaign's lore and generate relevant summaries from audio recordings of our sessions. This hands-on experimentation will help me develop a tool that accurately represents the unique spirit of our games, hopefully enriching our overall experience.

Additionally, I envision enhancing our recaps with animated and audio features. Imagine visual summaries that narrate our heroes' epic quests, complete with soundscapes that bring our stories to life. This blend of storytelling and technology opens new doors for creativity while helping to nurture the friendships forged around the gaming table.

The Power of Community and Connection

While my journey highlights personal interests, it's crucial to recognize the strength of community. Dungeons & Dragons isn't merely a game; it's a space for laughter, shared memories, and for many who play, a much needed "long rest" from the inescapable BBEG that is the real world. Despite our struggles, both in real life and in the fantasy realms, friends provide a much needed pillar of support, encouraging fellow adventurers to keep moving forward.

Using AI technology might provide a novel way to help us maintain these connections, especially in busy times. By simplifying our game documentation, we ensure that everyone stays engaged and on the same page. Ultimately, this journey goes beyond technology or games; it's about building and nurturing human connections. The memories we create around the gaming table impact our lives just as much as any in-game adventure.

An engaging Dungeons & Dragons session filled with players immersed in the game. I can only imagine the anxiety for both the DM and the players if this were an actual D&D battle.

Embracing the Journey Ahead

As I navigate this unpredictable path, my website stands as a record of my adventures—the Nat 1's and the Nat 20's. My experiences have taught me that we all have the power to forge unique paths, no matter the obstacles we encounter. Technology—be it in video games, cryptocurrency, or AI—serves as a significant tool for exploration and connection.

Every game played, model trained, and blog post written represents a step toward healing and self-discovery. This platform is not just about my journey; it's an open invitation for others to explore the endless possibilities that both technology and community bring. Here’s to more adventures, meaningful connections, and the joy of learning ahead!