JUST CHECKING IN | THE HALFWAY MARK OF 2025

Hey there.

This is Syd.

Welcome to my site.

I’ve been updating the blog a lot lately. I’ve been toying with the idea of starting a YouTube channel, but honestly, I still can’t stand the sound of my own voice. Plus, I’m not too keen on talking for long stretches or spending hours editing videos.

Being a copywriter is already draining.

I don’t want to use my downtime adding more stress.

That said, blogging hits different. Sure, I don’t get a ton of views—maybe around 100 a day—but if I can bump that up to 500, then I won’t feel tempted to sell my soul to the YouTube algorithm.

Lately, I’ve been using ChatGPT to help polish my articles. Unlike some writers who look down on AI tools like this, I actually find it useful for cleaning up grammar and helping me say things better. I used to rely on Grammarly, but my issue with it is that it tends to rewrite my tone. ChatGPT, on the other hand, feels more like a smarter version of Microsoft Word—if you use it right, it’ll improve your writing without hijacking your voice.

Still, even with AI, proofreading is a must.

I’ve also been really into NBA cards lately. COMC is slowly becoming my go-to distraction. Right now, I’m building up a binder of '90s players. Most of my prized cards—MJ, Kobe, Penny, and KG—are in toploaders, but the empty slots keep tempting me to hunt for more.

I’m still collecting Funko Pops too, though I’ve been trying to slow down. My room’s starting to look like a collectible store that happens to have a bed in it.

And of course, I’m still hoarding PBA stats. Lately, I’ve been trying to track down the elusive Metropolitan Basketball Association numbers—basically a nerdy side quest at this point.

Anyway, that’s it for now. Feel free to explore the blog for more content.