I'm Sven, the long-lost admin. Some of you may remember me as a friend.

I thought that, since I finally have been getting some semi-consistent access to a computer, that I would come and explain to you all why I have not been around nearly as much as I want to. myApertureInnovations (and it's predecessor) have been major parts of my life before in the past, and I feel guilty for abandoning it over the last few months.

So... Where to start...

About 8 months ago I graduated from my highschool, and went into a community college. The work was very time consuming but I was still at least able to come online every now again and talk about Portal, games in general, my C++ course (especially to you, Grox). Around this time I got into a relationship and began my quest to find a job (a quest I'm still on btw); for a few months I worked in different factories near where I live, but after awhile they fired me for reasons I don't know. Unfortunately, during this time I lost many of my "friends" that I had in highschool; college taking them away and, seemingly, making me part of their past.

Eventually I was done with my semester at the community college, got my Associate's Degree (I had taken many college classes during highschool and went to the community college to finish up), and lost a lot of money paying bills (and dating), trying to help my mother keep our house away from the then-possible foreclosure situation. Over time, less and less money was coming in, my boyfriend had to move in with me as a result of him being kicked out of his college, and I started to become more and more bitter and depressed with my life. My brother, who I'm not fond of, even moved back in, adding more water into this already sinking ship.

During my last attempt to help my mother and my family, I helped her try to get our mortgage modified; we had a 12.6% interest rate on the house, which is highly unusual and way above the standard. However, due to the fact that she has back problems (she works in a nursing home), she was unable to work for several months before in the past, resulting in such a massive debt ($8,000+) that the bank chose instead to begin foreclosing on the house that I grew up in.

We've found a "new" home, a dilapidated 2-story house from the 50's that needs serious TLC, and are currently waiting to be served by the sheriff's office so we know when to start moving our stuff out. On Monday I'll be going to the unemployment office to see if they can help me find some sort of work.

My life during the last half year has been very stressful on me and my family, both emotionally and physically. I never intended to leave mAI for so long, and I feel very guilty for it. I haven't "saved science", edited wikis, dabbled in mapping, or done anything truly "fun" for any real length of time in ages.

For those of you who still come here, know that I am sorry for being absent. I think of the forum and it's users often, and I wish that things were different; frankly, this is not how I ever imagined living my life.

We've all been sort of drifting, with no portal news on the horizon its difficult to stay tethered to each other outside of the occasional saturday chat.

Don't feel bad for not being here - save your anxiety for your own situation, because it sounds like you're going through rough times. And by the way, I really think you're talented enough to pick up a job as a coder, or could be with a little more practice. I hear freelance work pays rather well, so if you pick up a little java (for android) or objective C you could probably help yourself out by making apps. Not trying to micromanage, just trying to help out in the only way I can here.

Anyway, once again, best of luck with life, hope things start looking up for you soon.

Glad that you have a stable connection again. I hope you hear from you on Steam soon.

p0rtalplayer wrote:
Ahh, Sven. Sounds like your life really sucks right now. I really hope things start looking up for you!

We've all been sort of drifting, with no portal news on the horizon its difficult to stay tethered to each other outside of the occasional saturday chat.

Don't feel bad for not being here - save your anxiety for your own situation, because it sounds like you're going through rough times. And by the way, I really think you're talented enough to pick up a job as a coder, or could be with a little more practice. I hear freelance work pays rather well, so if you pick up a little java (for android) or objective C you could probably help yourself out by making apps. Not trying to micromanage, just trying to help out in the only way I can here.

Anyway, once again, best of luck with life, hope things start looking up for you soon.

groxkiller585 wrote:
I feel like punching something right now. That's how pissed I am that such terrible misfortune can happen to one of the nicest people i've ever met. Your apology is more than enough. You are going through serious issues that are more than excusable. Like Portal said, your really smart. If you go for a programming job, I am more than sure you could get one with a bit of practice and hard work.

Glad that you have a stable connection again. I hope you hear from you on Steam soon.

You two really are my best friends (on the internet).

I wish you the best for the next weeks, get this shit sorted, show those fuckers who's boss!

But cheer up(!) I've had my share of things happening that should've never happened, but by pure luck I was able to make it out alive.

LambdaCore 21 wrote:
Oh Sven, this sounds really fucked up

I wish you the best for the next weeks, get this shit sorted, show those fuckers who's boss!

Kopeke wrote:
That's sounds terrible to live with, Sven. Hope you'll be able to get out of that mess and move along.

HugoBDesigner wrote:
I'm sorry for you, Sven. This sounds like a pretty bad situation. But I hope you the best, and good luck with this all new situation...

vanSulli wrote:
That's pretty terrible. I've got more mustaches and Mexican hats waiting if you ever need cheering up.

But cheer up(!) I've had my share of things happening that should've never happened, but by pure luck I was able to make it out alive.

I really appreciate you guys being so understanding.

I really do miss you all.

And jobseekers too. Issue is, there are next to no jobs for people our age. Our entire generation has been thrown under the bus in this economic disaster. It's horrible.

Hope you get back on your feet soon Sven! Don't worry about us. We'll be ok

Coppermantis wrote:
That sounds really horrible. I wish you the best.

Thanks mate.

Had a bit of an update; we've found another house, a bit cheaper with no loss of room for everyone, and are now trying to get it. Had to go to court recently over furniture of all things. Hope everyone is doing well.

Colossal wrote:
I hope everything works out for you. Kind of late but I don't really check this subforum that much.

It's totally fine.

I recently got a job and am planning on moving in with a friend for the next few months. I really hope that mAI will pick up in popularity again while I'm busy dealing with the wonders of being an adult. It'd be a great surprise.