Been thinking about it now that my birthday's passed a little over a week ago, but I'm probably really lucky to be here right now in the first place. Considering I was born approximately three months early, I should probably make the most of life especially since I was given a head start into the world. :p

Well this year's been pretty eventful for me. As the last journal says, there was a lot of good, and there was some bad in there, too.
Funny thing is most of the good was in the first half of the year, and the bad in the second half. Pretty much all of it I hadn't expected whatsoever, but it happened nonetheless.

I think the first noteworthy event was having my first bf. I definitely never in my life expected anyone would like me like that at all, but now I can't say it never happened! I went in with no experience so it was a lot of not knowing what I should do/shouldn't do, etc, but now I've got that knowledge on me and I'll be better prepared for the next time, if I'm lucky enough to have that in the cards again. I consider myself pretty fortunate that it happened at all, to be honest. It was definitely the high point of my year, that's for sure.

Second noteworthy thing is I got my first non-food job. I know that's not a mega life accomplishment there, but when I consider that I've only worked at McDonald's for the past five years (up until now), I consider that something noteworthy. Got into Ikea, but it was just a temporary thing. At least I got a little insight to how another type of business does it's thing.

Went to my first con ever. Youmacon with and was a pretty great opportunity for photos. I'm pretty sure now that I know where it is that I'll be interested in that again for 2014. Didn't really nab any souvenirs from that one, but there'll be other opportunities for that.

Went to my first furry con (MFF) with and Picked up a few mementos from this one, and nabbed a clusterfuck of photos. Took more photos there than I had at any other time, that's for sure. Got at least 400 or just a little over, if I remember correctly. Not that all of them came out!

Had my second major family medical drama, and that sucked up probably the last half of the year or so. Back in 2010 my aunt got diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer, and that was pretty damn rough on all of us. She made it through and she's still kicking, but that was definitely a scare for sure. This year it was my grandma that got it, and at the same stage as my aunt, so we were all pretty concerned. I won't really go into too many details in some FA journal about it, but it was rough on all of us. When things went downhill I got pretty hard on myself even though a lot of factors were out of my control, but now I know better than to beat myself up over these things.

Moved for the first time in my life due to the outcome of the situation with my grandma. She passed on the first of November and Tesxa and Lonelywisp were with me when I first found out. I'm pretty glad they were since I couldn't think of two folks I'd rather have by me for that. Kept an eye on how my mom and aunt were getting by along with the friend of my aunt's we've been living with, and well, to be honest the family dynamic just isn't there any more, so I figured it was time to get on out of there. I really didn't want to quit McD's, but it was just one of those things that I felt had to happen if I were going to be able to move out. Didn't really want to move either, but that's why I held out a little bit to see how the family would respond to gran not being around anymore. Headed to Ypsi with my oldest friend (in terms of how long we've known each other) and his wife out in Ypsi, if anyone's going to be looking for me at all.

In regards to that cancer stuff, I had tell me earlier this year that life's a fragile thing, and we ought to cherish it, and keep our eyes on the good times we've had with people rather than dwelling on the things that went bad. You never know what the fuck's going to happen, but make the best of it no matter whether the outcome is positive or negative, that's for sure. On that note, I'm hoping for a lot of awesome stuff in 2014, not just for myself, but everyone I know, whether I've known them for years, or just met em this year. Have some kick ass N.Y.E. parties out there tonight, and may 2014 kick major ass for you all.

There's a hell of a lot of good and bad that's happened in my life this year, and honestly out of any I've lived, I've learned the most from 2013 (not to mention had more major life events happen in this year than any other hitherto).

Honestly I'd write down a list of the shit ton of first time life events that went down, and the lessons I gathered from them all (some being learned pretty quick, while I goofed up with others that had to sink in), but I'll just keep this short and say holy fuck, what a year. Folks that know me will know what all went down- the good and bad of it.

Anywho, to those of you I know in person, I hope to see more of you in 2014. To those of ya I don't, I hope I'll see ya sometime! Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!

I didn't get the job I'd expected to get in the previous journal, but I managed to get something else far closer to where I plan on moving. Even if it doesn't pay as much, I can walk to work, and that more than makes up for it. Getting a job was what would make or break my decision to move out, so I'm going to go ahead and do that after the holidays.

I only need to go to school one day a week, so the lack of gas use will make up for the lesser wages at the job.

Not totally looking forward to the moving process, or changing my address with every place that'll need to know, but eh, once I finish that it'll all be behind me, I suppose.

Hope your holidays are all awesome out there dudes.

Got the acceptance letter from Eastern Michigan University today for the fall 2014 semester. On top of that, my grades at Schoolcraft are really good, so Eastern's given me a transfer scholarship as recognition for that which is good for about two years.

I'm contemplating moving soonish since I've been getting set up for a job at U of M hospital (cafeteria work), and I'd like to live closer to it. It's the difference of a 40 minute drive vs a 15-20 minute one, and it pays more than McDonald's.
I'm going to be in Ypsi with an old friend of mine and his wife since it's closer to the job, and I'm still going to head out from there to Schoolcraft one day a week for classes from now until the summer.

I'm really nervous about moving since it's just something I've never done before. I don't mean to make comparisons here, but a lot of other folks I know have already done this by the time they're my age.

Where are you staying?
Chicago O'Hare

What day are you getting there?
Thursday evening

Where will you be most of the time during the day/s?
Wherever my group's at since I'll be lost otherwise.

Who will you be rooming with?
and

Do you do free art?
I don't do any art, really, but I can occasionally do perler bead randomness. Won't be doing that at the con, though.

Do you do trades?
If I did art, then yes, I would! But I don't, so I can't!

Do you do commissions?
nope

Do you have prints/ CDs?
no

Do you do badges?
no. Don't even have myself a badge!

What is your gender?
Male

How old are you?
23

Are you taken?
Nope. I'm a really boring person. I'm not looking.

Do you have a fursuit?
No suit here. Don't really plan on it, either. I can't justify a car downpayment to something like that when I could get something more practical.

Can I touch you?
Er, that's an awkward question, but if it's G rated, go ahead.

Can I talk to you?
Go right ahead! I'm a little shy when I'm talking to folks I don't know yet- Doubly so when it's a crowd I don't know, but give me a bit of time and I can become relaxed.

Can we hang out?
Go for it!

Can I look in your sketchbook?
I don't have one!

Can I draw in your sketchbook?
Don't have one to draw in!

Can I buy you a drink?
I'd rather buy my own!

Can I take your picture?
Only if I can take yourssssss!

Heading out Thursday with , rooming at one of the overflows and staying till Monday morning, I believe. Gonna be rooming with a couple of his buddies, and I'm pretty excited since this'll be the first con I've been to!

I was contemplating calling Ikea about half an hour ago, and just before I was going to look up the number, they called me. Orientation is on the 24th, and I'll get the uniform and all the info I'll need that'll make it official. Huzzah for early morning stock.

Still gonna stick with McDs and see how things go. For now I wanna do both jobs if I can, considering this one is temporary. If they offer a permanent position, that'll be super convenient because of my distance to it.

It's been like 90F the past couple days. >.< No me gusta.

After the drug test a couple days ago, Ikea asked me to fill out background and reference information they were going to need from me in an email that'd be shot out within a couple hours of me taking that drug test.

Just today between two and three, both the people I listed as references texted me saying Ikea called them. I think this is a really good sign that I've gotten in at this point. I'm hoping this will become permanent, since working that close to home is really damn convenient.

I had a call yesterday from the people I saw at Ikea the other day. I was told that I had to come in for a second interview. Second interview turned out to be a five minute drug test. XD

Needless to say, I'm sure I passed, because I don't fuck with that garbage. I was just a little confused when I met the manager I was asked to see, and her first words were "Come right this way and we'll get started with your drug test." :P

Now I need to figure out how I'm going to juggle my schedules, assuming at this point that I've actually gotten in.

It's been really stormy today, so I was worried about the rain dumping on me during the test itself. The sky finally dumped massive amounts of rain on us just as they finished giving the review to me :S Still need practice, and I know that, but I'm sure it'll come in time.

Driving's kinda been a touchy subject with me just because I've had a lot less help from the family to get that ball rolling compared to just about everyone else I know. It's sort of difficult to explain, but it just seemed like most other folks I know had parents eager to get their kids behind the wheel, and on top of that, they'd help em out. I didn't really have that going on with my folks in comparison. Finding people outside of my parents to help was a li'l difficult to do, too. Shout out to my best friend Zach and for jumping on in when I needed that.

Got an interview at Ikea. If I get a follow up this time, I'm taking it. No doubt. Wish me luck. P.S. you should probably apply, too.

Now, I'm poor as hell, and when I bought my car, it had (and still does have) a number of cosmetic problems. Rust on the body, dents where a front plate would be, and so on. I accept this because I'm pretty sure nothing majorly bad will come from it over time, plus I'm damn dirt poor, so I'm lucky to have a car as is.

I know other folks that have the same kind of problems with their cars, but unlike me, they have the income and funds to do something about it. If it's just cosmetic, and no one keyed "penis" into the side of your car, I say don't blow up about it. :S

Granted, what do I know about anything? I know folks that complain about their cars just because they're performance junkies, even though their car is nearly new and has no problems to speak of. I'm just thankful to have one that runs, and I just see it as a means of transportation. Not a status symbol (hah, as if I'll ever afford a sports car), or any of that other bullshit. Just what it was meant to be: a mode of transportation.

I think I'm about to take that up as a hobby. Wanted to nab some a couple months back, and after seeing friends and acquaintances make a clusterfuck of sprite renditions from em, I wanna give it a shot. X3 Anyone reading this got any tips on what to buy (tubs vs presorted), or where to buy (Meijer vs Amazon)?

Finished that a little while ago, and holy crap, if you haven't played the series before, get to it, because it's totally worth the time! Gotta thank for introducing me to the series, for sure. :)

Stolen from  rudderg33k

A - Age: 23
B - Bed size: Twin
C - Chore you hate: Mowing the lawn.
D - Dog's name: I don't have a dog. Got a couple cats, though. California and Hibiscus. o.O We didn't name em.
E - Essential start your day item: Coffee.
F - Favorite color: Blue.
G - Gold or Silver: Gold (Not so much for the color, but the Gold version of pokemon. I get nostalgia from that. :))
H - Height: about 6' I wanna say. Haven't measured in a while.
I - Ireland or Italy: Ireland.
J - Job title: McDonald's Crew Trainer. Yes, I'm horribly exciting.
K - Kid(s): Nope. Got a godson, though.
L - Living arrangements: Living with my folks at a friend of my aunt's.
M - Mom's name: Stephanie
N - Nicknames: Adders, Otter, Otts, Cherry Poptart (inside joke)
O - Overnight hospital stay other than birth: Never had that.
P - Pet Peeve(s): Doing anything when you're driving...other than driving. Other folks can see you sometimes, don't you know?
Q - Quote from a movie: "Alright, moment of truth; someone's life's about to change."
R - Righty or Lefty: I'm a lefty with everything except using scissors and golfing
S - Siblings: nope.
T - Time you wake up: 4:30am
U - Underwear: Boxerbriefs, jock, commando. >_>
V - Vegetables you dislike: Zucchini.
W - Water or land: Water
X - X-rated or PG: PG :p
Y - Yesterday's best moment: Realizing the assignment schedule for a class got bumped back and I didn't have two assignments due at once.
Z - Zoo favorite: Zebras or giraffes. :p

But I've never been to a con! :p

I'm not worried about it. xD Just a thought.

I really feel like I can't just sum up and say "The year was awesome" or "the year sucked." overall. It's been just like any other year when I take everything together and just average out the good and bad happenings.

Financial: Stuff's as stable as it's always been. Made more money in the summer since I end up with more free time to work during the summer.

Job: I've been afraid of transferring to the local McDs just through rumors I've heard of their GM being my current location's old GM. Now, the drive to/from work isn't bad, clocking in at 15 minutes to get from home to there, but it'd be nice to be able to say to myself "Hey, all the folks are gone and I have no ride to work! Oh well, I'm within walking distance, so that's fine!"

Job hunting has been pretty damn null. It gets me pretty down with the lack of calls or notifications for an interview. I only had one this past year, and that was just over the phone. On top of that, I really feel like my only usefulness lies in fast food. I guess the only way to make that change is to man up and apply at something outside that. I don't even know if I've gone through enough school to attempt that, even. >.< Kinda feel stuck at that. Fast food's only working out for me since I live under a rock and don't have any debts to pay.

Friends: I went into 2012 not knowing where a single person in town lives. That's just kinda been the way of things since we moved over here in 2009. I know the addresses of folks in towns to the east and west of mine (best friend's in Ypsi about 25 minutes away, for example), but I needed a car to get to em, and well, I'm just not the luckiest person around when it's come to getting a car and learning how to drive. Folks have heard me complain enough about that, and that's another subject entirely- Anyway, actually knowing folks in town has been a big game changer. I'm still shy as all hell and only really text folks here and there, but it's just nice to know they're around town and I can walk to em when stuff's going on.

Car: Got a car around the middle of August, but I still don't have a license. I'm pretty sure I'm going to have to just suck it up and pay someone at a driver's training place to teach me since there isn't anyone nearby willing to sit shotgun and teach me for free. At least half that equation's taken care of.

Cons: Hah, yeah right. :p I'll worry about that once school's taken care of.

School: School's been great. This past semester I ended up with an 88.5% in trig. That rounded up to an 89, which for that class is a 3.9. I never thought I'd get that high a grade in a math class in my life. That's been a huge confidence booster. The fact that I was able to get this high in a math class was the semester highlight to me. I feel like I'm really making up for how bad I screwed up High School now. Next semester's going to be pretty solid with the work load.

2013's already gotten off to a better start than the low note of 2012, so I'm hoping that keeps going throughout the rest of the year.

I really hear a shitload about teen angst all the time in media and what have ya. I really feel like I never had that problem. What I mean to say is, that skipped ages 13-18, and became late-teen/20s angst.

I was totally cool with how things were when I was younger. Totally fuckin cool. Then I realized how far behind I was both financially and as far as skills go, when compared to most of the rest of the graduating class. Folks were already preparing for college. I got to prepare for an eviction just before graduation. Somehow it got delayed to the next year. The problem there is I'd forgotten it was going to happen. Kinda hit like picking a scab that bleeds all over the place.

Due to the high stress and unpredictability of the household post eviction, I didn't really get the opportunity to properly head off to college until I was 20. I could go on about the minute details as to why, but that'd bore people shitless. I was mad since I wanted to go, mad that I couldn't, and because I knew my skills would drop each month I wasn't back in school. Angsty shit, no?

Really just posting this to get thoughts off my mind and get my ass back to the books. Don't know how organized my thoughts are in this journal, but bleh.

Na, I'm still single. I will be foreverrrrrrrrr! This is more about the logic I see behind other folks.

I've got a coworker that up until September was dating another coworker for two years. Now, most couples fight once in awhile, yeah, I get that, but these two would do it every day while working, bring it home (or if they had a day where they didn't fight at work, it started at home), the female'd post herself some facebook statuses about their fighting so the whole world could see, so on and so on. Blah blah blah.

This went on from about June/July 2010 until about September this year. They've broken up before and gotten back together inbetween this...more fucking times than I can count, but this September the dude finally said enough's enough.... Now cut to the chick posting facebook statuses about how "when two people are meant to be together, they'll always find a way back to each other."

I guess they've broken up/gotten back together so many times by now that she thinks it's a matter of time until they get back together. It's been two months now, and that's the longest stretch they've been split up. I think it's legit. The logic behind this whole "meant to be" shit just makes me mad. If you've already broken up with the dude so many fucking times that I can't even count it anymore, fucking...date someone else! Stop going to the same fucking guy! Or I think this is better for this particular case: Don't date anyone at all for a while! Simplifies a lot of shit, I'd say. Fuck.

Spent about an hour just browsing software engineering jobs in my town and those surrounding me. I figured the worst case scenario would be "You're way underqualified" and that's pretty much what happened. :p

On one hand, I have a better idea of what classes I should take, and what employers are looking for. On the other, I'm realizing how little I actually know, and that's a little discouraging. :S I suppose baby steps are how I ought to see it. Some day I'll have everything (or nearly everything) I need to get one of those jobs, but right now I don't have that knowledge.

Salvaged the old 250gb harddrive from my old laptop and jammed it into the second harddrive slot in the new one. New laptop weighs about 5 more pounds than it did before, but that's about 50% more memory than it had before!

It isn't much in the way of tinkering, but hey, you have to start somewhere, don't you? :P At least I know how to do something that I didn't before!

I just got to thinking while I was at work this week: Holy crap, I really like Skyrim. Got to wondering "'-why- do I like it so much?"

Came to the conclusion that new stuff's always fun as hell, until you've got something to compare it to, like in this case, a lot of my coworkers and my best friend compare Skyrim to Oblivion since they've played Oblivion and Morrowind before, whereas for me, Skyrim was the first game I've played in the Elder Scrolls series. Still haven't beaten it, but that's another story entirely. I like what I've played so far!

Kinda think it's ridiculous to have to pay to change your name, but eh, I felt like going by a name Xbox suggested for me wasn't too cool, particularly since a few more people know me by my fursona name now compared to back when I first got this xbox.

Anywho! New gamertag is AddersOtter.