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8 years ago
Happy new year guys
Last year was the year from hell for us. We endured four moves, dealt with five deaths, had most of our possessions stolen and have desperately been scraping by for most of it.
Due to time lost from backlog, burnout having to support us so long on art alone, illness and family responsibilities we have built up a backlog from last year.
I've had a long discussion with my PA and he's finally agreed to pull his finger out of his ass, so you should receive an email from him soon.
If you have not received an email so he can get you up on that schedule, please contact him with Electropaw_Artworks on Skype or telegram him tobywuff so we can get everything sorted.
I've already told the fluffs in-stream yesterday, I've been put in a difficult position where I either need to shut EPAW down and work off the backlog or we need to do something drastic to keep it running. After considering it for a few weeks I have decided to give the art a last try, and if we cannot be stabilized by end of the financial year (February) I will need to find another job.
So here is our plan to sort out EPAW and our lives, in order of priorities.
This, at the moment, is surviving and not living.
Rent
Due to demands of my time for backlog and stuff that got behind earlier last year, we are behind on our rent and at risk of losing our residence. This has to be priority number one.
I cannot work on backlog at the risk of losing our home, once that is covered I can dedicate more time to it.
In other words, I can't make art out on the street without internet and computer access.
Essentials
Food, power, toilet paper, essentials. Including the rent from next month I need to earn at least $45 per day, 30 days a month, to sustain us and enable me to actually work. That's bread and ramen folks, bare essentials.
Transport
I will be doing an adoptable run to get my motorcycle repaired. We're looking at around $600 without the cosmetic work needed.
There will be 60 x $10 adoptables up for grabs to go toward this.
While it is my primary choice of transport, a drive out along the coast does wonders for stress and is a relatively cheap day out.
This also helps preserve my sanity after spending most of the week between the studio and the bedroom.
Debt
With all the forced moving we owe money to our family who helped us do so, they need to be paid back ASAP.
At least 1 day a week off
Face it guys, art is mentally exhausting when you do it all day. I require at least 1 day, preferably two, a week off to continue operating without the risk of burnout when i am on double shifts.
This day usually falls on a Sunday, but I may come in for some light work if feeling up to it. If only able to do once a week off the Saturday of that week will only be a half shift.
Reference Sheets
These are the most important since they require appointments. Contact Toby with the above information and let's get those outstanding sheets done ASAP.
Other Backlog
I can guarantee at least one backlog item per working day, but not dedicate full days toward it at the very moment since my partner is still job hunting.
As soon as he has secured a job for himself and can help out with the rent and stuff, I can dedicate much more time to getting your stuff sorted out.
As it stands now, our bare essentials ($45) with debt, behind on rent and vehicle repairs needed, orders that need to get shipped out etc, I will need to get around $100 - $120 in daily during January to stabilize us.
Please send strength and luck to Toby so he gets a job as I simply cannot sustain us like this by myself.
If you want to send a donation, some orders, anything will help at this stage, and we're going to do our best to keep EPAW standing and keep the art coming.
The stream will be up tomorrow, please check out the adoptables that will be steadily posted and kindly show EPAW some support or we're going to lose her.
EC Out
$10 Bike resurrection adoptables: 9 Available
Adoptables 1: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/22229422/
Adoptables 2: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/22230291/
Adoptables 3: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/22231239/
Sorting out life log:
9 Jan:
Got hole-free tshirt and socks for each of us
Got tools and toolbox to DIY what can be done on the bike: pliers, screwdriver and plug spanner .
Replaced bike battery and spark plugs (She starts now!)
Fixed the locks on the car door and the lever to open bonnet
10 Jan
Showing heavy flu symptoms, taking it easy before it gets worse.
Took bike around the block so it can crank and filled up tank.
Repaired speedo and odometer. (will still require replacement due to cosmetic damage eventually)
Got fine sandpaper to begin removing rust from bike. Quoted around $80 to get off by hand what we can.
Tidied the inside of the car.
Afternoon spent driving mom to doctor's appointment
Confined to bed by warden Toby for the rest of the evening, up now and again for a stretch.
Got Toby's CV sorted for job hunting
11 Jan
Still running a fever and very hot at the moment so did light work today. The plastic on our fan actually melted, it was hilarious.
Completed Refsheet draftup and 2 backlog toons
Got a good deal of rust off the bike's exhaust
Ran around the Borderlands a bit because shooting things rocks
Scheduling for February begun
12 Jan
Feeling much better today, some lingering headcold but doing good for the most part. Back on solid food and caffeinating like a muffinfluffer!
Quotes for work needed:
- $147: Plus/minus for bike sprocket and chain. This will get the bike in running condition.
- $130: Secondhand laptop for EPAW's emails, IM's and uploads, so Toby can have his PC back. It's a drain on morale to get bugged for work in the middle of Mass Effect at 2AM you know.
- Awaiting quote: PC Upgrade for higher res art and enable the use of vectoring software.
- Awaiting quote: Oil leak on the car. That car guzzles 3 pints a week and it adds up.
Purchased:
-$42: Ordered 1 of 4 gel printer cartridges for badges.
-$66: Basic groceries to last around 2 weeks.
Also
Completed backlog doodlepage, icon and other work.
Got some rust off the bike's handlebars.
13 Jan: Friday the 13th dear god...
Dad refused to lend us the pickup, so drove to the other end of the city on the rickety bike to get it to the mechanic. Nearly got killed a few times, but we got her there driving around 10mph eventually.
Chain slipped a few times, but we got her there eventually, I don't know how that bike didn't throw me today.
Car had to sleep outside since the bike's battery was exposed to the elements and took the place in the garage, so we woke up with a smashed driver-side window. Going to replace tomorrow.
Replaced car radio because we have to blast our shit when driving around town and I'm sick of my CD's getting scratched.
Confessed emotionals to a love interest, got turned down but not a "Go to Hell Cat" fortunately. Stuttered like an idiot, but at least I didn't get slapped. Healing can now begin!
Got drunk due to the abovementioned to numb the emotionals, this shit sucks.
Typed a drunken status update in journal.
Still pretty rattled due to all the events today, but getting business taken care of and stuff's happening.
14 Jan
Got car window replaced, not the best glass but it'll get the job done for now.
Took the car to the wash to get the last bits of broken glass and shit out there.
Replaced 6 of our drinking glasses because shit gets broken when you move 4 times while the car was being cleaned.
Got some wood, nails and some of dad's tools and repaired the speakerboard in the car.
Apparently not all nails go into all woods, so dad showed me some stuff which was cool.
Made a nice music selection usb for the car. No more jumping music, scratched disks and infuration!
(When speedhumps turn your country selections into dubstep >< enough to make you roll a car)
Improvised a door handle in the garage so we can open the damned thing.
Havn't heard an update on the bike yet, mechanics will probably only open Monday again.
Gave dad roughly $50 to start denting that debt.
Suprisingly calm about emotionals and incidents from yesterday, but overall feeling pretty meh.
15 - 20 Jan
Mostly uneventful besides government offices buggering us around.
Change of adress, issue of our identity documents that were stolen
Lots of trips to police station and back for affidavits with ID documents
Change of address for the bank for official proof of residence
Still stuff to do in the coming week at the traffic department
21 - 22 Jan
Got the bike back from the shop Saturday and took her for a good ride as instructed
She needs a lot more work done but is suitable for short trips for the time being.
Going back to the shop on Monday.
Spent some time with her on the Sunday, went on a breakfast run and it was wonderful.
It feels amazing to have my wheels back! I'm doing a lot better mentally and regained a lot of my independence
23 Jan
Printer ink is coming today
Was supposed to be back at the traffic department but have to be at work today
Need to renew my motorcycle driver's license and book for my car driver's exam since there hasn't been time for that the last few years
Backlog: Started on a refsheet
24 Jan
Helped Toby hand out his CV's - He has a job interview tomorrow so wish him luck!
We're gonna game a couple of hours tonight and then sleep so we can be up early for work.
25 Jan
Worked out sketch commissions and spent the day refining the style
Toby got the job!
26 Jan
Toby got a job omfg finally holy crapping kittens
Messed around with music the morning and sorting out stuff for sketch commissions the afternoon!
The house is super quiet without Toby around all day, this will take some getting used to.
We get to miss each other again though, so it's doing us some good.
Backlog: Did a character draftup in-stream
27 Jan
Did some sketchedoodles!
They're working Toby really hard, he leaves before 8 and comes back just after 6. The house is still really quiet but I'm adjusting.
Going to talk to him tonight about getting the bike down to the shop since he has to take me in the car and he's at work all day now.
We also still have to go get our driver's permits renewed and I need to apply for my car learner's.
The bike's starting to backfire so she's not gonna get started again unless she's going straight to the shop.
The sketch commissions are working out great, so I can get a bit of backlog done today! Keep em coming fluffs
Backlog: Finished 1 refsheet, 8 stickers and 1 toon
Had a hell of a day but had enough time for a quick pop down to the bar to hear about the week's goings on.
28 Jan
I'm up I'm up! Toby let me sleep in after that hectic double shift yesterday!
I got up a bit mopey for work, but all the great feedback on the sketches has got me all wiggly to draw now, thanks guys!
Learned how to sergal! They're actually really cool and fun to work with once you get the construction down!
Really, really really need to do something about this bottomless pit of terror / art folder.
Think I'm going to take the afternoon to do that so I can actually find some of those half-finished backlogs
Found some of the abovementioned half-finished backlogs and made a to-do folder for them
Found a BUNCH of my own art that wasn't posted and put some on FA
Did a refsheet draftup
Also, apparently I did like 600 stickers last year if you count the crop chops from refsheets and toons XD It's crazy!
Meeting with someone tonight, will be in tomorrow for a double shift!
30 Jan
Think I ate something bad last night, I started being very sick around 4 this morning
(just past noon) Still not feeling great, stomach's empty and throwing up bile, can't keep liquids down either.
Since "I'm sick" isn't good enough as a post for some people, I can take some photos of the throwup. Let me know if you wanna see!
31 Jan
Feeling much better! Toby made me stay in bed. Was out for another good 10 hours till morning but woke up feeling okay.
Apparently I had a fever and woke up all sweaty and gross, but feeling okay now.
Mom's gonna take me to the traffic department to renew bike license today, so I'll be at work after that.
Finally home from traffic department, friggin almost 5PM now ><
But, I got a bike license again, and booked for my car learner's permit so yay!
I havn't eaten in two days so gonna try some solid food now and wait for toby to come home. I'm not feeling sick anymore but quite weak from not eating.
Went to view a motorcycle for sale for $260. It's a little scrambler, in running condition and it will be great to get a part time job as a delivery driver if I need to.
It will also give me transportation while we get Cindy's papers sorted out, that's going to take a while and a whole lot more money to deal with.
Toby also wants a motorcycle, so once Cindy is fixed we can save a lot of fuel and he can zip to work and back on the scrambler. The bike will pay for itself within a month.
Finishing up a refsheet tonight since it's already 8:30 PM here, and then sleep. Tomorrow I'll be in for a double to catch up.
1 Feb
Happy Februrary!
It's crunch time!
Got an assistant to help with pin-button production and distribution for EPAW
Did some pamphlet work for the local neighborhood watch group
Catching up with all the telegram buzzes and then work
Did two vinyl sticker designs (Speed Demon and Caramel Cat)
OMG, and all that before lunchtime!
Started making arrangements for garden service and domestic cleaner because you don't want to see the state of the house.
We're both working full time and shit is getting impossible to maintain
Finished a reference sheet
Finished some crop and chops (stickers and icons)
Finished a sticker pack
Finished 4 sketch commissions
2 Feb
Hey there guys!
Today I'm going to help the local neighborhood watch draw up some pages they can stick up on their fridge with emergency numbers and stuff.
It's rather important since we need these for the 200+ people in the group, so I'm going to spend the afternoon on that so they can go to the printers.
I will see you in-stream later today!
Did a lot of typing and got the page looking all beautiful, the nhw admins are going to look it over tonight and see if anything needs an edit.
In the meantime, I'm going to put a dent in the backlog
Done a set of telegram stickers
Tanabi needs to move EPAW onto some other server so I gotta figure out how this stuff works
And I think we need to fetch the scrambler tonight
I'll be back a little later
3 Feb
Wow, today did not go according to plan, but got a lot of rl shit taken care of
Came to sit at the PC around 9, neighborhood watch group was going nuts on whatsapp
Got into a 2 hour meeting call with the committee regarding the pamphlets and numbers we're doing and arranged for a proper meeting next week
I needed a driver's license and ID document copy to collect the scrambler today, so fuck, Mom had to come pick me up to do those
Went to bank since they're right next to the print shop for a new card since the atm nommed my card a while ago
Toby picked me up there and we went to collect the scrambler
Did the paperwork and completed the transaction
Drove the bike to the mechanic to be checked out and okayed
She needs a new back tire soon and a replacement speedo, but for around $80 investment I'll have basically a brand new bike. Only has 3000km
Drove the bike out to dad so he could tighten the chain and stuff, mechanic couldn't do much but check out the bike since I didn't make an appointment and they were busy
Drove the bike home, Toby got home and gave him a brief riding lesson since he'll be using it for work when i get my cruiser back
And here I am, it's 8:20PM
Got no artwork done today, and you know how much driving a new vehicle can take out of you mentally.
I'm going to have an early night tonight and be in bright and early for work tomorrow to catch up
Important day though, I can officially get around on my own again with a driver's license and a roadworthy vehicle
4 Feb
I got a part time job as an errand runner now that the bike's here
It's 1 - 3 runs a day and should take about an hour each. It will do me good to get away from the computer for a little while, be social and get my driving skills back up to par
Monday morning just need to go to the post office to change the ownership on the scrambler
And now work time, time to draw some jaguar cats
Drew lots of jaguars and painted a lovely background for it. Next week I need to do the same thing, there's 20+ jaguarcats to add!
5 Feb
We took a chill day, walked around the mall a bit and took a breather. OMG we're both wrecked from the week.
6 Feb
Goooood morning fluffythings!
I need to take the bike to have the back tire replaced so it's safe to drive, and I may poof for an hour or so during the day with my part time job now.
I'm required to do 1-3 errand runs that will take an hour each and will get all our crap done during that time too, so no more random poofs and having to organise a lift to get where I need to be.
Dad is fetching the tire for me so I just need to take it to the mechanic, so I should be back in 2-3 hours or so depending on how fast they can help me.
There's a refsheet to complete tonight for backlog which I'll do when I'm back, and then I'll get through some telegram stickers.
My paws and wrists are a little bit tender since I havn't driven a motorbike in a long time and I can come to work, just don't want to overdo it.
7 - 8 Feb
Relatively uneventful!
I've been in-stream working!
Finished two backlogged refsheets and a whole bunch of stickers, and getting to all those new sketch and sticker orders too.
Busy busy busy!
9 Feb
EC Muffinbakin' Tiger 🇿🇦, [10.02.17 08:08]
Had a little family emergency yesterday. Mom calls me in the afternoon saying dad fainted, shes taking him to the doctor. I dont think much of it, okay they'll fix him up.
Last night they take him to hospital, needs a double bypass
EC Muffinbakin' Tiger 🇿🇦, [10.02.17 08:09]
So they're going to operate today if they can fit him in, else he has to stay there in icu until monday
It sounds like he will be fine if he changes his diet after the surgery. You know, no more chugging 4 liters of soda and eating a slab of chocolate every night.
I'll be sleeping over with mom at the farm while dad's in hospital, it's dangerous for a woman alone out there.
Work will carry on as normal, will keep you updated on dad's status.
Fortunately we have the scrambler now so I can drive out to the countryside and back in the morning.
-Finished 30 stickers
10 Feb
Uploaded yesterday's stickers
Lawnmowers came finally so went to my neighbor while they were here
Took a walk to the shop with her, came back when they were finished
Refsheet Draftup
And then stickers till the day goes poof :D
Will hear if we need to fetch Dad from the hospital today or if they're going to operate on him Monday, so I may not get as much done as I'd like to
Family first guys, you understand
11 Feb
Patching up the website and implementing easier orders system
3PM - Neighborhood watch / Civilian police forum meeting, after that I'm all yours
12 - 13 Feb
Doing a lot of stickers and sketches, and got some backlog done too
Dad is still in hospital, they want to keep him for the week and operate on Friday. It's going to be a triple bypass and not a double so we're worrying.
14 Feb
Happy valentine's day! Uploaded the valentine's gift sketches and doing a couple of my own
Stickers to be done today along with some backlog toons
I'm going to take a half shift after that and spend some time with my mate and stuff, will put in a double tomorrow.
15 Feb
Cheeses Crust, every day a different story from these doctors. Now Dad's been discharged from hospital and he has to go back tomorrow, still surgery Friday.
I apologize for only coming in to work now, Toby went and took the gate remote to work with him so I couldn't get out. Wrestled with the gate to get it off the rollers for half an hour (my carpel tunnel is not happy) and then went to fetch it.
Stream is going up now.
23 Feb
After a week of worrying, panic, up and down and a lot of changes:
-I have a part time job as an IT technician
-Part time driver
-Dad's out of ICU, thank god. Today they're moving him to a regular ward so that's great news
-Had two CPF/NHW meetings
-A new PA will be available from this evening to assist you with your queries, scheduling and anything else.
I'm going to work at the computer shop from 9AM - 1PM, and then I have the rest of the day for art.
Will get me out of the house a bit, I get to drive the bike if they need stuff taken between branches and I get to play with computer guts :D
Last year was the year from hell for us. We endured four moves, dealt with five deaths, had most of our possessions stolen and have desperately been scraping by for most of it.
Due to time lost from backlog, burnout having to support us so long on art alone, illness and family responsibilities we have built up a backlog from last year.
I've had a long discussion with my PA and he's finally agreed to pull his finger out of his ass, so you should receive an email from him soon.
If you have not received an email so he can get you up on that schedule, please contact him with Electropaw_Artworks on Skype or telegram him tobywuff so we can get everything sorted.
I've already told the fluffs in-stream yesterday, I've been put in a difficult position where I either need to shut EPAW down and work off the backlog or we need to do something drastic to keep it running. After considering it for a few weeks I have decided to give the art a last try, and if we cannot be stabilized by end of the financial year (February) I will need to find another job.
So here is our plan to sort out EPAW and our lives, in order of priorities.
This, at the moment, is surviving and not living.
Rent
Due to demands of my time for backlog and stuff that got behind earlier last year, we are behind on our rent and at risk of losing our residence. This has to be priority number one.
I cannot work on backlog at the risk of losing our home, once that is covered I can dedicate more time to it.
In other words, I can't make art out on the street without internet and computer access.
Essentials
Food, power, toilet paper, essentials. Including the rent from next month I need to earn at least $45 per day, 30 days a month, to sustain us and enable me to actually work. That's bread and ramen folks, bare essentials.
Transport
I will be doing an adoptable run to get my motorcycle repaired. We're looking at around $600 without the cosmetic work needed.
There will be 60 x $10 adoptables up for grabs to go toward this.
While it is my primary choice of transport, a drive out along the coast does wonders for stress and is a relatively cheap day out.
This also helps preserve my sanity after spending most of the week between the studio and the bedroom.
Debt
With all the forced moving we owe money to our family who helped us do so, they need to be paid back ASAP.
At least 1 day a week off
Face it guys, art is mentally exhausting when you do it all day. I require at least 1 day, preferably two, a week off to continue operating without the risk of burnout when i am on double shifts.
This day usually falls on a Sunday, but I may come in for some light work if feeling up to it. If only able to do once a week off the Saturday of that week will only be a half shift.
Reference Sheets
These are the most important since they require appointments. Contact Toby with the above information and let's get those outstanding sheets done ASAP.
Other Backlog
I can guarantee at least one backlog item per working day, but not dedicate full days toward it at the very moment since my partner is still job hunting.
As soon as he has secured a job for himself and can help out with the rent and stuff, I can dedicate much more time to getting your stuff sorted out.
As it stands now, our bare essentials ($45) with debt, behind on rent and vehicle repairs needed, orders that need to get shipped out etc, I will need to get around $100 - $120 in daily during January to stabilize us.
Please send strength and luck to Toby so he gets a job as I simply cannot sustain us like this by myself.
If you want to send a donation, some orders, anything will help at this stage, and we're going to do our best to keep EPAW standing and keep the art coming.
The stream will be up tomorrow, please check out the adoptables that will be steadily posted and kindly show EPAW some support or we're going to lose her.
EC Out
$10 Bike resurrection adoptables: 9 Available
Adoptables 1: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/22229422/
Adoptables 2: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/22230291/
Adoptables 3: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/22231239/
Sorting out life log:
9 Jan:
Got hole-free tshirt and socks for each of us
Got tools and toolbox to DIY what can be done on the bike: pliers, screwdriver and plug spanner .
Replaced bike battery and spark plugs (She starts now!)
Fixed the locks on the car door and the lever to open bonnet
10 Jan
Showing heavy flu symptoms, taking it easy before it gets worse.
Took bike around the block so it can crank and filled up tank.
Repaired speedo and odometer. (will still require replacement due to cosmetic damage eventually)
Got fine sandpaper to begin removing rust from bike. Quoted around $80 to get off by hand what we can.
Tidied the inside of the car.
Afternoon spent driving mom to doctor's appointment
Confined to bed by warden Toby for the rest of the evening, up now and again for a stretch.
Got Toby's CV sorted for job hunting
11 Jan
Still running a fever and very hot at the moment so did light work today. The plastic on our fan actually melted, it was hilarious.
Completed Refsheet draftup and 2 backlog toons
Got a good deal of rust off the bike's exhaust
Ran around the Borderlands a bit because shooting things rocks
Scheduling for February begun
12 Jan
Feeling much better today, some lingering headcold but doing good for the most part. Back on solid food and caffeinating like a muffinfluffer!
Quotes for work needed:
- $147: Plus/minus for bike sprocket and chain. This will get the bike in running condition.
- $130: Secondhand laptop for EPAW's emails, IM's and uploads, so Toby can have his PC back. It's a drain on morale to get bugged for work in the middle of Mass Effect at 2AM you know.
- Awaiting quote: PC Upgrade for higher res art and enable the use of vectoring software.
- Awaiting quote: Oil leak on the car. That car guzzles 3 pints a week and it adds up.
Purchased:
-$42: Ordered 1 of 4 gel printer cartridges for badges.
-$66: Basic groceries to last around 2 weeks.
Also
Completed backlog doodlepage, icon and other work.
Got some rust off the bike's handlebars.
13 Jan: Friday the 13th dear god...
Dad refused to lend us the pickup, so drove to the other end of the city on the rickety bike to get it to the mechanic. Nearly got killed a few times, but we got her there driving around 10mph eventually.
Chain slipped a few times, but we got her there eventually, I don't know how that bike didn't throw me today.
Car had to sleep outside since the bike's battery was exposed to the elements and took the place in the garage, so we woke up with a smashed driver-side window. Going to replace tomorrow.
Replaced car radio because we have to blast our shit when driving around town and I'm sick of my CD's getting scratched.
Confessed emotionals to a love interest, got turned down but not a "Go to Hell Cat" fortunately. Stuttered like an idiot, but at least I didn't get slapped. Healing can now begin!
Got drunk due to the abovementioned to numb the emotionals, this shit sucks.
Typed a drunken status update in journal.
Still pretty rattled due to all the events today, but getting business taken care of and stuff's happening.
14 Jan
Got car window replaced, not the best glass but it'll get the job done for now.
Took the car to the wash to get the last bits of broken glass and shit out there.
Replaced 6 of our drinking glasses because shit gets broken when you move 4 times while the car was being cleaned.
Got some wood, nails and some of dad's tools and repaired the speakerboard in the car.
Apparently not all nails go into all woods, so dad showed me some stuff which was cool.
Made a nice music selection usb for the car. No more jumping music, scratched disks and infuration!
(When speedhumps turn your country selections into dubstep >< enough to make you roll a car)
Improvised a door handle in the garage so we can open the damned thing.
Havn't heard an update on the bike yet, mechanics will probably only open Monday again.
Gave dad roughly $50 to start denting that debt.
Suprisingly calm about emotionals and incidents from yesterday, but overall feeling pretty meh.
15 - 20 Jan
Mostly uneventful besides government offices buggering us around.
Change of adress, issue of our identity documents that were stolen
Lots of trips to police station and back for affidavits with ID documents
Change of address for the bank for official proof of residence
Still stuff to do in the coming week at the traffic department
21 - 22 Jan
Got the bike back from the shop Saturday and took her for a good ride as instructed
She needs a lot more work done but is suitable for short trips for the time being.
Going back to the shop on Monday.
Spent some time with her on the Sunday, went on a breakfast run and it was wonderful.
It feels amazing to have my wheels back! I'm doing a lot better mentally and regained a lot of my independence
23 Jan
Printer ink is coming today
Was supposed to be back at the traffic department but have to be at work today
Need to renew my motorcycle driver's license and book for my car driver's exam since there hasn't been time for that the last few years
Backlog: Started on a refsheet
24 Jan
Helped Toby hand out his CV's - He has a job interview tomorrow so wish him luck!
We're gonna game a couple of hours tonight and then sleep so we can be up early for work.
25 Jan
Worked out sketch commissions and spent the day refining the style
Toby got the job!
26 Jan
Toby got a job omfg finally holy crapping kittens
Messed around with music the morning and sorting out stuff for sketch commissions the afternoon!
The house is super quiet without Toby around all day, this will take some getting used to.
We get to miss each other again though, so it's doing us some good.
Backlog: Did a character draftup in-stream
27 Jan
Did some sketchedoodles!
They're working Toby really hard, he leaves before 8 and comes back just after 6. The house is still really quiet but I'm adjusting.
Going to talk to him tonight about getting the bike down to the shop since he has to take me in the car and he's at work all day now.
We also still have to go get our driver's permits renewed and I need to apply for my car learner's.
The bike's starting to backfire so she's not gonna get started again unless she's going straight to the shop.
The sketch commissions are working out great, so I can get a bit of backlog done today! Keep em coming fluffs
Backlog: Finished 1 refsheet, 8 stickers and 1 toon
Had a hell of a day but had enough time for a quick pop down to the bar to hear about the week's goings on.
28 Jan
I'm up I'm up! Toby let me sleep in after that hectic double shift yesterday!
I got up a bit mopey for work, but all the great feedback on the sketches has got me all wiggly to draw now, thanks guys!
Learned how to sergal! They're actually really cool and fun to work with once you get the construction down!
Really, really really need to do something about this bottomless pit of terror / art folder.
Think I'm going to take the afternoon to do that so I can actually find some of those half-finished backlogs
Found some of the abovementioned half-finished backlogs and made a to-do folder for them
Found a BUNCH of my own art that wasn't posted and put some on FA
Did a refsheet draftup
Also, apparently I did like 600 stickers last year if you count the crop chops from refsheets and toons XD It's crazy!
Meeting with someone tonight, will be in tomorrow for a double shift!
30 Jan
Think I ate something bad last night, I started being very sick around 4 this morning
(just past noon) Still not feeling great, stomach's empty and throwing up bile, can't keep liquids down either.
Since "I'm sick" isn't good enough as a post for some people, I can take some photos of the throwup. Let me know if you wanna see!
31 Jan
Feeling much better! Toby made me stay in bed. Was out for another good 10 hours till morning but woke up feeling okay.
Apparently I had a fever and woke up all sweaty and gross, but feeling okay now.
Mom's gonna take me to the traffic department to renew bike license today, so I'll be at work after that.
Finally home from traffic department, friggin almost 5PM now ><
But, I got a bike license again, and booked for my car learner's permit so yay!
I havn't eaten in two days so gonna try some solid food now and wait for toby to come home. I'm not feeling sick anymore but quite weak from not eating.
Went to view a motorcycle for sale for $260. It's a little scrambler, in running condition and it will be great to get a part time job as a delivery driver if I need to.
It will also give me transportation while we get Cindy's papers sorted out, that's going to take a while and a whole lot more money to deal with.
Toby also wants a motorcycle, so once Cindy is fixed we can save a lot of fuel and he can zip to work and back on the scrambler. The bike will pay for itself within a month.
Finishing up a refsheet tonight since it's already 8:30 PM here, and then sleep. Tomorrow I'll be in for a double to catch up.
1 Feb
Happy Februrary!
It's crunch time!
Got an assistant to help with pin-button production and distribution for EPAW
Did some pamphlet work for the local neighborhood watch group
Catching up with all the telegram buzzes and then work
Did two vinyl sticker designs (Speed Demon and Caramel Cat)
OMG, and all that before lunchtime!
Started making arrangements for garden service and domestic cleaner because you don't want to see the state of the house.
We're both working full time and shit is getting impossible to maintain
Finished a reference sheet
Finished some crop and chops (stickers and icons)
Finished a sticker pack
Finished 4 sketch commissions
2 Feb
Hey there guys!
Today I'm going to help the local neighborhood watch draw up some pages they can stick up on their fridge with emergency numbers and stuff.
It's rather important since we need these for the 200+ people in the group, so I'm going to spend the afternoon on that so they can go to the printers.
I will see you in-stream later today!
Did a lot of typing and got the page looking all beautiful, the nhw admins are going to look it over tonight and see if anything needs an edit.
In the meantime, I'm going to put a dent in the backlog
Done a set of telegram stickers
Tanabi needs to move EPAW onto some other server so I gotta figure out how this stuff works
And I think we need to fetch the scrambler tonight
I'll be back a little later
3 Feb
Wow, today did not go according to plan, but got a lot of rl shit taken care of
Came to sit at the PC around 9, neighborhood watch group was going nuts on whatsapp
Got into a 2 hour meeting call with the committee regarding the pamphlets and numbers we're doing and arranged for a proper meeting next week
I needed a driver's license and ID document copy to collect the scrambler today, so fuck, Mom had to come pick me up to do those
Went to bank since they're right next to the print shop for a new card since the atm nommed my card a while ago
Toby picked me up there and we went to collect the scrambler
Did the paperwork and completed the transaction
Drove the bike to the mechanic to be checked out and okayed
She needs a new back tire soon and a replacement speedo, but for around $80 investment I'll have basically a brand new bike. Only has 3000km
Drove the bike out to dad so he could tighten the chain and stuff, mechanic couldn't do much but check out the bike since I didn't make an appointment and they were busy
Drove the bike home, Toby got home and gave him a brief riding lesson since he'll be using it for work when i get my cruiser back
And here I am, it's 8:20PM
Got no artwork done today, and you know how much driving a new vehicle can take out of you mentally.
I'm going to have an early night tonight and be in bright and early for work tomorrow to catch up
Important day though, I can officially get around on my own again with a driver's license and a roadworthy vehicle
4 Feb
I got a part time job as an errand runner now that the bike's here
It's 1 - 3 runs a day and should take about an hour each. It will do me good to get away from the computer for a little while, be social and get my driving skills back up to par
Monday morning just need to go to the post office to change the ownership on the scrambler
And now work time, time to draw some jaguar cats
Drew lots of jaguars and painted a lovely background for it. Next week I need to do the same thing, there's 20+ jaguarcats to add!
5 Feb
We took a chill day, walked around the mall a bit and took a breather. OMG we're both wrecked from the week.
6 Feb
Goooood morning fluffythings!
I need to take the bike to have the back tire replaced so it's safe to drive, and I may poof for an hour or so during the day with my part time job now.
I'm required to do 1-3 errand runs that will take an hour each and will get all our crap done during that time too, so no more random poofs and having to organise a lift to get where I need to be.
Dad is fetching the tire for me so I just need to take it to the mechanic, so I should be back in 2-3 hours or so depending on how fast they can help me.
There's a refsheet to complete tonight for backlog which I'll do when I'm back, and then I'll get through some telegram stickers.
My paws and wrists are a little bit tender since I havn't driven a motorbike in a long time and I can come to work, just don't want to overdo it.
7 - 8 Feb
Relatively uneventful!
I've been in-stream working!
Finished two backlogged refsheets and a whole bunch of stickers, and getting to all those new sketch and sticker orders too.
Busy busy busy!
9 Feb
EC Muffinbakin' Tiger 🇿🇦, [10.02.17 08:08]
Had a little family emergency yesterday. Mom calls me in the afternoon saying dad fainted, shes taking him to the doctor. I dont think much of it, okay they'll fix him up.
Last night they take him to hospital, needs a double bypass
EC Muffinbakin' Tiger 🇿🇦, [10.02.17 08:09]
So they're going to operate today if they can fit him in, else he has to stay there in icu until monday
It sounds like he will be fine if he changes his diet after the surgery. You know, no more chugging 4 liters of soda and eating a slab of chocolate every night.
I'll be sleeping over with mom at the farm while dad's in hospital, it's dangerous for a woman alone out there.
Work will carry on as normal, will keep you updated on dad's status.
Fortunately we have the scrambler now so I can drive out to the countryside and back in the morning.
-Finished 30 stickers
10 Feb
Uploaded yesterday's stickers
Lawnmowers came finally so went to my neighbor while they were here
Took a walk to the shop with her, came back when they were finished
Refsheet Draftup
And then stickers till the day goes poof :D
Will hear if we need to fetch Dad from the hospital today or if they're going to operate on him Monday, so I may not get as much done as I'd like to
Family first guys, you understand
11 Feb
Patching up the website and implementing easier orders system
3PM - Neighborhood watch / Civilian police forum meeting, after that I'm all yours
12 - 13 Feb
Doing a lot of stickers and sketches, and got some backlog done too
Dad is still in hospital, they want to keep him for the week and operate on Friday. It's going to be a triple bypass and not a double so we're worrying.
14 Feb
Happy valentine's day! Uploaded the valentine's gift sketches and doing a couple of my own
Stickers to be done today along with some backlog toons
I'm going to take a half shift after that and spend some time with my mate and stuff, will put in a double tomorrow.
15 Feb
Cheeses Crust, every day a different story from these doctors. Now Dad's been discharged from hospital and he has to go back tomorrow, still surgery Friday.
I apologize for only coming in to work now, Toby went and took the gate remote to work with him so I couldn't get out. Wrestled with the gate to get it off the rollers for half an hour (my carpel tunnel is not happy) and then went to fetch it.
Stream is going up now.
23 Feb
After a week of worrying, panic, up and down and a lot of changes:
-I have a part time job as an IT technician
-Part time driver
-Dad's out of ICU, thank god. Today they're moving him to a regular ward so that's great news
-Had two CPF/NHW meetings
-A new PA will be available from this evening to assist you with your queries, scheduling and anything else.
I'm going to work at the computer shop from 9AM - 1PM, and then I have the rest of the day for art.
Will get me out of the house a bit, I get to drive the bike if they need stuff taken between branches and I get to play with computer guts :D
You claim you are deeply in debt and need 2000+ on top of what you need for your bare essentials in January. I don't see how you are going to be able to raise that kind of money at all. If I look at your activity it's highly doubtful. Furthermore you want to raise 600 for the motorcycle to get it fixed with 60 adoptables which are 10 a piece. You posted 10 and sold one. However your log states that you are almost done fixing it even before you tried to get your rent in check which has a higher priority. You're pissing away your money for something which shouldn't be your priority even according to you.
What makes this matter worse is that you hardly logged working at all. You say you are doing double shifts but none of them are logged. All you did was suddenly being sick, playing around on a broken motorcycle, getting drunk and even playing games. With that kind of organization it is doubtful that the majority of paying customers will ever get their work done. EPAW will most certainly die and all unfinished work with it. You will not have the time to finish whatever you have in your huge backlog when you are forced to settle for a job.
You even stopped doing the log. It was a little glimpse of hope for me. I saw at least some activity. If you're openly confessing your problems and even go through the trouble of informing people every day there's no excuse in simply stopping without posting an explanation. Five to ten minutes of your time apparently are to much to sacrifice for the people that paid your lifestyle up until now.
Aside that, 1300 is quite a fortune down in South Africa. I did a quick lookup of local prices and I wonder what it is that you are doing so you need 1300 for the bare minimum.
To me it sounds like your organization is completely off and instead of shuffling more money around you should seriously reconsider your methods. It even sounds like you're pushing the guilt for the backlog on your PA when it's you who has to do the work.
I understand that it's very hard to loose 5 loved people in a year that's like half of your family died. But this does not excuse your behavior.
We are in trouble, but what we got together is enough for everyone to calm their tits for the time being.
Bike:
It's running, but has to go back to the shop since it has no air filter among other things. I got it for a few days since the mech wanted the engine to crank a bit.
While its running and safe to carry a driver it's far from fixed and regular riding is going to wreck her again.
As for it's impact on me, family and friends agree I need my wheels and independence back instead of relying on someone to drive me around, hence the above arrangements.
Especially with Toby working now there is no car to get around with, I don't have a license for it in the first place, and I never have nor will trust public transport.
That bike is my baby and she was taken away from me by someone who pulled her through his ass, and I want my wheels back. I am a biker and it is part of my identity.
No, the adopts arn't doing well hence the rest of the repairs are on hold.
The bike's standing in the garage until I can arrange a ride from the shop to get back home and not starting again until then.
Even if the bike was totally in running condition, she's has to go through roadworthy first and get re-registered since all of that stuff is gone too.
I took her out late night on a quiet highway and on a breakfast run less than 10 miles. Think I went to the shop down the road and back three times since.
Shifts: I have been on double shifts a long time, and started melting down mid December or so. I've been trying to get back on the horse but you can't just sit and art when everything's falling apart around you, at least I can't. I've taken most of January to get our lives sorted out before resuming that again. The printer is needed for badges that need to be shipped. The laptop is needed so Toby doesnt have a shitfit at customers when he gets buzzed at 1 in the morning when he has his personal time.
Illness: I was sick for two days, right after Toby was sick for two days. Shit happens, he sent me to bed to rest.
Last Week: We had stuff to do, it was stressful and infuriating but it had to be done. A few days away from the computer actually did me some good.
Log: It's labelled 'sorting out life' log because there are things we just don't get time for that are important, look at what we've been doing, getting quotes, finding out what we need to get our stuff sorted. Doing it.
As for me, I don't need to post a sorting out life log but I do. I suffer from bipolar disorder and have been desperately clawing to get out of a low.
I've had to sustain my previous partner and now Toby for a collective of just over three years. I am fucking exhausted. I don't want to draw most days resulting in crappy or low quality art, so I do what looks like fun currently. My life consists of getting out of bed, sitting at the pc, maybe going out to the bar on the weekend for a couple of drinks.
Now that he's found himself a job, from end of February when Toby gets paid it will be better. In the meantime the burden is still mine to carry along with radical domestic changes. I can no longer sit and work undisturbed, gotta answer the door and make my own lunch, take a walk if we run out of something, it's an adjustment. Toby did all those things so I could take extra work.
I agree losing loved ones isn't an excuse for anything, but it has made me rather cynical and contributed to this deep nasty depression.
You know, our puppy died in my arms start of December and I felt nothing, just went to work like it's not a big deal.
I don't know what else to tell you, I need some of what made life worthwhile back to get out of this rut I think.
Long story short, I worked too much too hard with too little to show for it for too long. I burnt out. I have a crippling depression from bipolar. I'm actually going through a midlife crises too through all this, turns out I can fall head over heels for a woman. You can imagine how well the mate took that. When it rains it pours, man.
I'll leave it at that, if it's not satisfactory or if you really want the fine details of the budget I worked out, or to discuss this further ping me on telegram. It's ectiger
I don't think you're in any kind of debt.
You still don't need another laptop. You can just turn off the app so he doesn't have "a shitfit at customers when he gets buzzed." By the way that's a disgusting kind of attitude towards people who paid you for a damn service.
I don't see much activity on your behalf.. You have a PA for nearly everything. From posting artwork on Furaffinity, DeviantArt, replying to Emails (except for the fact that nobody replies) to hiring someone who does gardening and domestic cleaning. And even they get paid! I've never seen an artist do this. It's unbelievable how lazy you really are offline as well. I'm not surprised your life is such a money sink.
I see I'm not the only one who's upset with you. Your Artist_Beware speaks a lot too. You kicked out your own customers from your streams because they asked for progress on their art they PAID for.
Horrible horrible customer service.
I wash my hands off you. Good luck with your "business".
Just to add my experience to it, she simply goes and block customers who dare to ask, what is the status of their commission (via telegram, in this case), because it's annoying/causes stress. Happened often, and for sure, still happens. Or the items, what was/is available to order, tho, they does not even exists in physical form...
Not to mention, that while I was working for EPAW (more than a year long), not a single time have received a Thank You for everything and all the work. Okay, it was not that hard or complicated but.. yeah. Way to go.
Artists who claim that asking for progress is "stressful" should probably reconsider their jobs because this is obviously not suitable for them.
Instead of having "shitfits" and "blocking people because of stress" it is wiser to be honest about it and admit they didn't start working on the art at all... set up a date when it could be worked on. If none of that works then a refund should be issued. It saves the stress and we appreciate them being sincere instead of treating us like dirt. However for a refund they need the money to be available which usually in these cases it's spent before the art is being worked on..
I get the feeling she's been living off crocodile tears, life of luxury (servants in every aspect online and offline) by taking money from people who did feel sympathetic and genuinely wanted to help. And this hurts to even think about it.
Spending the money before the commissioned art/goods being worked on? Okay, in a very few cases it's understandable, but thats very rare, and in those cases the artist does inform you about it. Technically forcing the staff to make incoming orders (while many customers are already on a never ending backlog for a long long time, together with the staff members) is an other thing.
But still, somehow you could still get over it.
BUT, when they do LIE to you (and there's saved evindence to proove it, going on for months long), several times, simply skip your streaming date, and no info or notification about it, doing this for more than 5 times, and with more than one customer, when asking, no answer or getting blocked for it, and somehow, as you still consider them as friend, after begging for more orders, you still say, okay, dangit, here, for example: 10USD for XYZ reason during a donation stream, "by taking money from people who did feel sympathetic and genuinely wanted to help" and then never hear anything anymore, but constanlty being asked to make new orders, while you wait for stuff what is due since more than a year, and no refund only promises what is never true, more excuses and bull***t over and over again, because after a few months you already heard all the excuses. and have to accept, that your commissioned artowrk never going to be done, neither you will ever see your money back. Just getting ignored/blocked. And afterall, on the end, They are upset about the situation.
Yes art can take time. I understand that too. But when you see the log of this journal along with the excuses, being over pretentious. And seeing the way she treats her customers you can't help but feel frustrated and it makes your blood boil. Considering she owes art to so many people too. Her attitude in general towards this blows my mind. What artist does that? And it surprises me to no end that nobody brought this up until now. It's been going on for so long and people have been silenced for too long.
So for every 10 pieces she finishes she takes on another 30 and the rest is left in the never ending backlog that goes in a vicious cycle. Submit a few drawings to look as if she's been working and keeps taking on more work than she can chew. Give people false hopes. Rinse and repeat.
And then there are furs, who seek for "privileges" and does not complain about it, in the hope that they get some kind of "compensation", like free art or reduced prices.
Or, they simply doesn't bother to complain after being shoo'd away or blocked, and move on. Understandable, but sadly that only makes a proof that they do can scam peoples, because nothing will happen. In the moment, that more and more disappointed customers starts to complain openly, then it might change something.
The sad part is, that it is necessary to do it.
Me, myself feeling bad, for offering to my friends, my mate, and my brother to order stuff to support them (believing, they needed the income with new orders), and they as well, left without anything. For sure, as staff back then, I sorta had to, even, i've been receiving nothign from own orders aswell. (Only a few telegram stickers took several months to be finally done for my mate, while all sort of other art with fresh orders was done, from furs who have been new to EPAW, important point.)
If only I could get my refund and forget all of this, would be the best. Never ever had any problems like these with any commissioned pieces, and having quite a few over the time from various artists.
And anybody, who reads all of this and above, definitely don't get me wrong, all of this is not "butthurt" or anything like that, it is simply the truth.
I don't expect Amazon to tell me to %$*# off just because I asked them "where's my package?" or what happened to it.
That is a disgusting behavior. And in a sense slightly abusive. Because people feel legitimately scared of her that she might yell at them.
Instead of drawing compensation art and free art she should invest that time to work on artwork that was paid for. She wasted all that effort on a freebie instead of drawing art for someone who gave her money to do so.
On a slightly better side of this.. at least you managed to get some art. Even if it isn't all of the artwork you paid for.
You don't sound butthurt at all. You're in the right position to complain. And don't take the guilt just because Electrocat is a spoiled brat and has no etiquette when it comes to commissions and priorities. She even treats her own friends like crap. Nothing surprises me about her anymore.
And I truly do not wish/want anything "bad" to them, but this is no way to threat customers/friends any longer. (It was not, and shouldn't be,ever, at the first place)
Really hope they have begun to rethink a few things, because this is a no go to run a business, and handle customers.
It would be great if they do realize this in time, thought, its a very little bit late, even to make legit and believable excuses anymore.