[after the storm, the rainbow shines.] - AtlasOmega 2025 Retrospective

 2025...Another year where I hit one of my lowest points, but came out of it much happier. Let's take a walk, shall we?

 

Coming into 2025, I was still battling with grief of my Mom passing in late 2024. With this, also came some changes at my job. Got a new manager, things were very tough, and I was constantly reminded of the failings I had as a person working that position. I won't get into what happened and what was my tipping point, but lets just say that something I am very serious about was called into question and it was enough for me to start job searching. After about two and a half months of searching, I was able to land a new, salaried job, which paid me way more than my previous one and was more in line with what I'm good at. 

 Around that time, I also made plans to propose to my now fiance. I spent the start of October leaving my old job, starting my new job, and getting engaged. A roller coaster of  things and events happening, but all coming in the last quarter of the year really helped turn my year around. 

Speaking of events...Let's talk about the events I went to this year and how I did.
Started the year off strong at Frosty Faustings, but had a hard time carrying that momentum to the rest of the year. Did okay at Slashback, kinda bombed out of Combo Breaker, same with Just Block, and couldn't keep it together at Climax. I did have a major break from UNI when all these events took place, and when I consider what I was going through at each time, it makes sense that I didn't really do well. But it is what it is.
In 2026, I'll be taking a major step back from events. At this time, the only events I'm slated to go to are Slashback, BBB Beach Episode (lord willing), and whatever is replacing CoN, along with any Texas regionals I can make.

As for how things are now, I'm happy. I have my fiance by my side, my friends who I love dearly, and my community who always make me smile when I need it most. For everyone who haven't seen me as much this year, I'm sorry. I very much isolated myself this year because I didn't want anyone else to be on the receiving end of my moods. I am much better now and want to make a better effort to be around again. I miss talking with my friends.

 

On to some shoutouts for this year. I'm gonna take some points from my unfinished CoN write-up, so apologies. 

Tama: From meeting very briefly at CoN4 in 2021, to being one of my best friends, I'm so happy you made Top 8 man. Getting to see you always makes me happy. I'm bummed I fumbled my set against Zoi, because I really wanted to play you in bracket. Maybe another opportunity will come in the future, but I'm glad I can call you my friend. I love and appreciate you.

Trock: Always love getting to see you and play you my guy. Thank you so much for your encouragement and support. 

TexasHammer: Hammy! This was the first time the two of us had met and really spoke, but I feel like we clicked really well in such a short amount of time. You're on hell of a guy, with so much genuine care and support. Thank you for the encouragement while I was in pools and when I got knocked out. It really helped me bounce back. I also appreciate how level headed you are when we've spoken and getting a different perspective on things. Like I said earlier, you're one hell of a guy.

Defi: My boy! Proud of you for taking yet another CoN and another major grand finals on the AWT. You know I'll always be rooting for you brother. Continue doing your thing. I appreciate you checking in every now and again. I'll see you in VC brother.

(CoN) FOX: It's still really funny how some playful shit talking at Combo Breaker led to a crew battle, but thank you for working with me through all that and helping me get it setup. My side wants to run it back, so maybe in the future. 

Texas AFGC/QDB Fam: Love and appreciate yall so much. As I continue to repeat, QDB is my therapy and I'm glad it's turned into a "3rd Place" for so many of you. Thank you for sticking with me this year. I know there were times I did not look like the most approachable person, so I thank all of you for seeing past my personal life issues and still coming to QDB. I'm gonna make 2026 a year to remember for QDB. As best I can.

 Funkyard: One of my best friends and my best man at my wedding. Thank you for looking out for me. Checking in on me, helping me through my storms, and being encouraging through all my garbage. Thank you man. I love you brother.

 AuraDude: Love and appreciate you man. Seriously. I just love you bro. Thankful you're in my life and I get to experience stuff with you. 

 All my other friends (I'm sorry there's too many of yall and the first 9 months of this year are kinda fuzzy): Thank you for dealing with me this year. I've been a mess for the majority of the year, and I'm thankful I have you all. Special specific shoutouts to StoryTime, Twang, Silent, Noctis, Lid, Jen, Ruric, Ash, Tabby, Albie, Jaytsu, Omni, and any others in TamaHome, QDB, and BoomerNation. Thank you thank you thank you thank you. 

 

And...That's all I got. I felt like I had more to say, but when I try and think back on the start of the year, it's just a blur. I'm kinda happy it is though. Don't need to look back on the negative. If you've made it this far, thank you for reading. I usually post these to get my thoughts out and send to the void. 

Let's make 2026 a year to remember for us all. 

[love, atlasomega.]

[theme of the year:  earl sweatshirt - gamma (need the ♥)] 

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