Yikes.. some 3 years since I appeared! Or something. Is this still the place with the arts? o.o

I'm driving from southern California. If someone is in need of a carpool. If you're in the area and don't have a ride (or are driving by yourself too) then I don't mind an extra passenger!

Or I guess if you're in need of a room to share, give me a poke too.

I really didn't know until this week if I'd be going, but it turns out I am! But this means I have little time to get ready and don't have time to find one of those meme things to copy! So here's something quick.

Hi! I'm Ceryx. I'm a bat. Yes I fursuit, you can see pictures on my main page. I will be arriving late Thursday and staying at the Marriott until Monday. I'm rooming alone because of the short notice. Yes I like hugs but prefer to be in suit. Same with pictures! Yes I like drinks. Yes I like parties but I am often not sure where to find them. The best way to get in contact with me is Twitter DM or Telegram DM (not group chat - those don't send notifications). I don't know if I'll have a sketchbook but if I do it will be 100% brand new (I've never hard one) and you're welcome to draw in it. I am not an artist, will not be selling any art, etc. I will be suiting as much as possible.

Since I'm rooming alone and am not going into this knowing a lot of people going (so far) then please give me a poke on the earlier mentioned DM methods if you feel like having a bat hanging around! See what I did there? Okay, already spent too much time on this, see you there!

These are questions that I stole from other people! They have answers! Squeak!

**

Where are you staying?
Westin!

What day are you getting there?
Wednesday around dinnertime

How are you traveling?
Bats clearly would be doing it wrong if not flying.

Who will you be rooming with?
Peoples! Much of the room I'll be meeting for the first time.

How is the best way to find you?
Look for some flappy batty thing! If that fails, my phone usually pokes me if I'm messaged on Twitter, but it's unlikely I'll have access to that while suiting. Texting me is not a good way unless I've given you my new number. I'll have my old phone but probably won't have it on me regularly.

Are there any panels you might be attending?
I actually haven't even looked to see what's going on! But I'm sure there will be.

What do you look like?
http://www.furaffinity.net/full/15218470/
Oh. You mean for real? I have badges with a bat on them. That's probably the only fun thing to note.

Do you do free art?
Any art I do, you don't want.

What is your gender?
Male

How tall are you?
I think an even 6ft.

Relationship status?
I has no status. Or relationship. o_O

Will you be suiting?
As often as I can!

Do you do free art?
Absolutely! My art is horrible but if you want a stick figure drawing from someone who can barely open a door with his wings.. well.. I've never actually tried to hold a pencil with them.

Can I talk to you?
Yes! BUT! Please keep in mind two things.
* In suit I try to avoid talking. Not a solid rule, but I try. I'm bad at following this rule.
* Outside of suit I am very very shy. That doesn't mean not to talk to me! But if I respond awkwardly or don't seem to know what to say, don't take it the wrong way. It's just me being awkward, and I'll eventually relax and be somewhat normal. ^.^

Can I touch you?
I am always happy for hugs while in suit! Outside of suit.. I guess it depends on what sort of touching and how well I know you!

Can I visit your room?
If you know me well enough to know what room I'm staying in, then probably.

Can I buy you drinks?
I will insist on buying you one in return, but sure.

Can I hug or snuggle with you?
Hugs definitely! Snuggly depends.

Are you nice?
I hope so. I try to be at least!

Will you be going to parties?
Usually if I go to any parties it's because I'm following someone else because shy bats don't get invited to things. But if the opportunity is there, yes!

If I see you, how should I get your attention?
Say words at me! Or if you have tasty fruits, how do I get YOUR attention? :O

Can I come with you for food/fun/etc?
Food and fun both sound.. fun!

Can I look in your sketchbook?
I may bring one this year but it will be empty until someone scribbles in it.

Can I draw in your sketchbook?
I usually bring one but never actually have anyone draw in it. So yes! If I bring one.

Can I take your picture?
In suit, definitely! Out of suit I am camera shy.

What's your goal(s) for the con this year?
Be with friends, be a happy flappy batty thing as often as possible, and try to forget about stress for the weekend. ^.^

I had so much fun at BLFC last year and was really looking forward to going. But new job means vacation time wiped out. And that Sunday I need to fly out for some work related thing. And my belongings won't arrive in my new location in time, so I would be fursuit-less. :/

So even though I MOVED WITHIN DRIVING DISTANCE, I will sadly be absent. ;_;

Well... sort of driving distance.

After a long journey (an airline helped - wings can only take you so far!) I am now in Orange County! Irvine to be specific. Crazy enough, it seems like Califur is also in this area. SO THERE MUST BE FURRIES HERE. Maybe even where I work, I don't know.

Well.. if anyone at all is around the area.. Hello still! I figured I'd send a message out to the 0% of people who watch me that are actually in the area. I am a shy bat.

Currently stuck on a tough decision. I live in New England, have a stable job where I work with friends, get paid very fairly, etc, etc. But when I come home I'm always sad, going nowhere, coming home to the same dull, quiet home, never anything fun. Essentially my life is: Sleep, wake up, go to work, go home, drink alcohol until I'm too tired, crash on couch. It's not pleasant or healthy. I need to pull myself out of this.

Then I get an opportunity to get relocated to the other side of the country for a new company, a "dream job" so-to-speak. Working on online games (or rather the infrastructure behind them), for a company that I've been a fan of for years. I'll pretty much be surrounded by gamers and people who I can likely relate to a whole lot more.

But.. it's a risk. And a potential financial nightmare - cost of living is a lot higher. And I leave behind family, friends, and co-workers who have believed in me and supported me every step of the way.

The answer should be obvious. Why am I having such a hard time making it. :/

If I don't have an answer by Thursday the offer is off the table. >.<

I don't know who I copied this from, since I've seen a bunch pop up, and I mixed questions from two together anyways. But! FC stuff:

Hotel
Hilton was the only place still open

Arrival/Departure
Arriving Wednesday afternoon, staying until early Tuesday. Long trip!

Means of transportation
Flying of course. This is appropriate for bats.

Who do you hang out with?
Generally anyone who wants to hang out! I know a few people that're going, so when they get tired of me I guess nobody ;_;

Gender
Male

Preference
Bisexual. Wait why do you need to know this. >.>

Relationship Status
Nope

How old are you?
Old enough to drink. Not old enough to feel old?

How tall are you?
6ft

Are you an Artist?
Not in the slightest!

Do you have an artist table?
You would not want to buy anything if I did

Do you do trades?
We can trade stick figure drawings if you want! But even then, mine aren't very good.

Are you a Fursuiter?
Yes!

What's your fursuit?
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/15245640/

Attending parties?
I don't have any planned, but will possibly end up somewhere if invited! Oh wait. FC is the one with the party floor. Then yes.

Do you drink?
Bat needs the alcohols now please.

Can I buy you a drink?
I'm OK with buying my own, drinks are pricey! But I'm happy to have a drink with someone.

Do you smoke?
Pretty rarely. If I'm in a group of others that are, I may.

Are you attending any panels?
Likely be at the adult dragon panel, as well as maybe some fursuit panels. I only briefly skimmed the schedule so far, but it looked like there were a lot of neat ones.

Stage or public performance?
Maybe if in suit, but I'm not planning on anything. The closest I've been was a demo-bat in a panel. I'm less shy in suit, not THAT less shy. Actually if the parade counts, then yes.

How do I identify my self to you?
Say hi! And if I know you from online but not RL, let me know who you are, especially if I'm in suit! I've heard from a few people that I know online that they were happy to meet me while in suit, and I had no idea that it was them until weeks later. I can't easily ID badges!

Rules of engagement (physical contact)?
If I'm in suit I'm happy to give hugs! Though if it goes below the waist it isn't really a hug anymore. Gropes from people I don't know and can't even see are generally not welcome.

How can I find you?
I am actuallyceryx on Twitter, messages and mentions bring up a notification on my phone. I can't use my phone in suit, but someone nearby may be holding onto it. I'm OK with giving my number out to those that I know.

Can I talk to you?
Yes! I'm leaning towards talking less while out in suit, but exceptions are made sometimes. And outside of suit, I am very shy so may come off as awkward and not talkative, but am very much happy for everyone I get to talk to, and I eventually relax and get more chatty. ^.^

Can I give you lots of money?
I don't see why you would want to do that!

Can I give you stuff?
Um.. Maaaybe? I have received gifts before and am flattered. ^.^ But I often feel awkward if I don't have something to give in return. ;_;

Can I hug or snuggle with you?
A friendly hug is always welcome! Anything more than that, and it depends on how well I know you. Or perhaps other things. (see: "Do you drink?")

Can I come to dinner with you?
As long as it's okay with others I might be going with, sure!

Can I hang out with you?
Absolutely. Bats like the hanging thing!

Can I take your picture?
If I'm in suit, definitely! I would prefer no pictures outside of suit unless I know you well.

How do I know if you're not looking to socialize (angry, busy or upset)?
If I'm angry or upset and DON'T want to socialize, I'd be in my room. But a lot of the time socializing makes me less angry or upset. If I need to go because I'm busy or some other issue (too hot, etc) I'll either tell you, or standard fursuit gestures.

Personality Type?
I've said it before, but I'm shy and not always very talkative. I do like being around people though, and I do relax in time.

What's your goal for the con this year?
Just have fun. Meet new people and possibly meet up with others I haven't seen for a while. And spend a lot of time being a happy flappy thing.

So I wasn't entirely sure what I was going to do with MFF, wasn't sure if I was going to go until the last minute. But now I'm pretty much committed as my plane leaves in less than 8 hours! So perhaps I will see some people there.

@ actuallyceryx on Twitter if someone wants to give a poke.

That's... how you're supposed to do it, right?

Meh, really I just feel like changing the journal that shows on my front page. >.>

I have never liked dating sims, figuring they're all silly and essentially "pick a girl to have sex with" simulators. I've played a few and never once been proven wrong. Sure, they have their place. But meh.

Hatoful Boyfriend looks like a joke. It probably is a joke. But it's an amazing joke with one of the deepest stories I've seen in a while.

The sequel... is excellent, but one character I identified with so much that it opened up horrible memories. The moment the story even hinted at what was unfolding, I walked away and cried. And when I finally got the courage to finish the thing, I still feel scarred from going through it.

Did not expect some goofy birdy game to bring out any feels, but.. muchly recommended.

HA. Nobody cares about much of what I have to say, TMI or not. But I'm happy to be truthful to anyone that asks.

I didn't have anyone around to follow me and take a few pictures, so if you happened to take a picture, I'd love to see it!

Yay Anthrocon! This time around was pretty different than most. Some of it was the same as usual. I didn't really meet too many people. The only person I did know going into it was my roommate and he's better at parties than I am, so a lot of evenings were spent quiet. Though it did allow me to see more of the evening dances I suppose, so that was fun. So in that regard, mostly the same as always (and just another reminder that I need to stop being so shy and go try and meet more people).

BUT! This was also the first con where I've had a fursuit. I was a little nervous about it at first. It was the first time I was ever in public in suit, and I didn't have a handler to help out. I didn't really know how I was going to "bring the character to life" or any of that. I don't know how to perform or anything. But all of that nervousness completely disappeared the moment I stepped out of the elevator. The energy was incredible, everyone was really awesome, and overall it was just really fun wandering around the con and interacting and posing for pictures with people. And hugs! Wings apparently make for good hugs.

Didn't know if I was going to do the parade either. So many people. @.@ BUT IT WAS FUN. <3

So all in all, the time I spent on my own wandering about was a bit meh. But the fun I had in suit more than made up for all of that. ^.^ My next furcon after AC is usually FC, but I wish there was something in the middle now. :/

I don't have it yet, but there are pictures and a video. I think it turned out REALLY well. Shipping should work out so that I actually have this for AC this year, which will be awesome. Now I just need to know how to perform well in a suit. .x

http://www.furaffinity.net/view/13591013/

So.. FC. I seriously didn't even know if I was going to make it until some 12 hours before my plane departed. Both because of work and cons haven't been the greatest for me in the past so there was still the option to bail. >.>

Very glad I did end up going. Much thanks to Firedrake for carting people to and from the airport (and in my case, my room once or twice). And really for letting me tag along... pretty much everywhere. I am shy, quiet and easily overwhelmed, which immediately makes me feel like a burden. Instead, I was able to meet a number of new people, and some that I knew of but would never actually get to go up and talk to.

Some regrets? Sure. I always feel like I could've tried harder to be more talkative. And a few I'll keep to myself.

Lessons learned? I guess I maintain what I said about AC for rooming situations. This was an exception (I had no other option) but rooming alone is bad financially, and just boring. Especially if it's one that's a good walk from the convention site. Would still not room with all random new people though. I had the opportunity to room with someone I did know, but work interfered and I couldn't commit for sure. And speaking of that. Plan ahead, don't let work screw you into being forced to do something early in the morning on one day, resulting in having to turn down the offer of a cozy bed and instead shuffle off in the cold towards a hotel I have a hard time finding even when *not* sleepy (or otherwise impaired). But at least my alarm didn't wake up everyone else around me up at 7:30AM so I can go stare at my laptop.

Anyways.. I watched a few people on here that I met (and could figure out what their FA name was). And some artists whose work I recently found and liked. And some people I've known for a while, and didn't know they were here until finding them mentioned elsewhere.

Short version: Had fun. Will go again next time. First con I ever felt sad to leave.

Hooray. I finally remembered to mail in my volunteer sheet for AC, which I guess means free registration next year. IF I EVEN GO. :|

For some reason I keep wanting to go to these cons even though I end up experiencing most of it solo. I want to go to FC, I actually know one or two people going to that. But it seems too late late to reserve anything at the actual hotel even when I checked a month or so ago. I know nobody that is seeking a room though.

Oh right and it's a lengthy plane trip. That can be good or bad. I did Blizzcon last year, it was interesting seeing at least part of California for the first time. (Though I knew a good 4-5 people going to that one...)

So AC came and went. I'm not entirely sure what to think about it. It was a better time than the previous time I went, but that made it a lot more expensive too. In the end, same result though. I talked to a few people, but never for more than a couple of minutes. Most of my time was spent either at panels or shows, or wandering around aimlessly. I just.. don't know what to do, I guess. It seems so awkward to approach a random group of people and just start talking with them. It's depressing watching all sorts of people around you having a great time, longing for that, but never knowing how to get there. And it's really only starting the conversation that's the problem. Once I get comfortable and start talking, I'm totally fine. I just rarely get to that point.

All in all, I guess I've decided that I won't go to any con unless I'm rooming with at least one person I know, and there's at least one person there that I can reasonably expect would want to spend time with me. I keep going in the hopes that I'll meet new people, but it doesn't happen.

Unfortunately, even after being in the fandom some 15-16 years or so, I don't really have many people I can call friends. Too shy.. Too forgettable.. I don't know what it is. So I guess that just means I won't end up at another con any time soon.

Both times I've been to AC there's been one person that I /do/ know ahead of time. And both times they really didn't have any interest in being around me, too busy having fun elsewhere.

But, like I said.. it was at least a little better this time around. I obviously had no issues with roommates, but rooming alone is NOT something I'll do again. Too expensive. I enjoyed the shows. Spent more time in the dealer area. Brought a sketchbook and actually paid someone for a drawing of both of my characters (only he never contacted me about finishing it, didn't return my sketchbook, and still has my money. x.x) I got to talk to 2 briefly. I went to at least check the dance out all three nights and, since I'm a fan of Renard's music, actually ended up in the crowd with everyone else for that show (it took a bit too much anti-anxiety medicine to get that to happen). Oh, and I volunteered some.

Volunteering was stressful. I understand that AC is big and large events are hard to manage. But I was constantly being sent to places that didn't need help, being told that there's no work needed, etc. I got sent to help out with water and such in the area where fursuiters were getting ready for the parade thing, and security wouldn't let me in and told me to wait. After an hour of confusion I just left.

In the end, I still volunteered enough to get free admission next year. Too bad that means nothing, since I'm not going to go just to be alone. x.x

Part of me wonders if fursuiting would end up being fun. Anonymity can be a good thing. But that's expensive. And I'd need to find someone who could do bat wings well. I've seen a few pictures, and most of the time the wings make me cringe.

I'm just filling this up to waste time before sleeping before the plane. I don't have enough followers for this to be interesting to anyone. XD


ABOUT ME:

What is your gender?
Bi male.

What do you look like?
I usually wander around in dark clothes. Should have badges this time around.

How old are you?
27

How tall are you?
Right about 6ft on the dot

How would you describe yourself?
I'm super shy but open up a lot if given the chance. But I don't often give myself the chance.

Are you taken?
Nope :/

Are you nice?
I try to be! Don't interpret my shyness or silence as not being nice. Chances are if you're talking to me, I'm thrilled to talk back. :D

Are you cliquey?
Nope.

You like shinies?
Shiny is pretty~

INTERACTION:

Can I talk about/do drugs in front of you?
I don't mind, I haven't got much against them.

Can I invite you out for food/fun/etc?
Sure! Though the number of people who will actually look at this probably won't even be at AC.

Can I come with you for food/fun/etc?
Um.. If you'd like?

Can I talk to you?
Absolutely! But don't feel put off by my quietness. I do get better.

Can I give you stuff?
I feel embarrassed accepting things from others when I have nothing to give in return.

Can I hug you?
Sure.

Can I hug your friends?
I don't really know many people going to AC, so if you can find them, sure.

Can I cuddle with you?
While I wouldn't outright say no, I'm shy and don't get much human contact. Expect me to be a little nervous.

Can I flirt with you?
Sure. I'm bad at this whole social stuff, I probably wouldn't notice though. ^.^

Can I stalk you?
Uh.. If I need time to be alone, I'd prefer not.

Are there any words I shouldn't use around you?
Not really.

Can I buy you drinks?
Drinks = more relaxed, so I'm not against them. But I'd insist on buying one in return or something.

Can I ask you to dance?
I cannot dance at all. Except on DDR, which isn't dancing at all. Though I *am* at least going to see Renard at the dance party. But like I said, I don't dance. So hopefully there's people I can blend in with while standing and watching.

Attending parties?
Not at the moment.

Can I buy you food sometime?
I would feel awkward not paying my part or making it up in some way.

Can I make plans with you?
Sure. o.o If you're one of few people that actually know me then I would be more than happy to hang out.

Can I visit you in your room?
All the way over in the Omni. z.z There is not likely going to be anything interesting happening there, so it's probably not a fun place to visit.

Can I take a picture of you?
If you'd like, but I'm really camera shy.

If I see you, how should I get your attention?
Say hello? I dunno.

How can I find you?
I keep an eye on tweets to tikkybat

ART:

Do you do free art/free anything?
I am not any good at artsy things. :/

Will you have art in the Art Show?
Nope

Will you be in the Alley?
I will be there for browsing!

<snipping more art questions>

Can I draw in your sketchbook?
I have a sketchbook! But not many pictures drawn. Though I have some text descriptions and a few image references that I could hand out if I find someone to do a commission.

Are there limits to what you will draw?
Nothing above "stick figure"

CON-RELATED/MISC:

Where are you staying?
Omni, since I wasn't quick on getting a reservation. I'll be arriving Wednesday afternoon and staying until Monday morning.

Who will you be rooming with?
:ceryx: - Yes, just me in a room with two beds. A friend was planning on maybe coming, but ended up not. Last time I went with roommates I didn't know, and we didn't mix well. Privacy can be nice I guess.

Who will you be hanging out with?
Anyone that would want to! Which means I'll probably be going most places solo.

Major plans at the con?
There's some shows I want to see (2, Uncle Kage, Renard) and some panels too. That is about it besides wandering around the art areas.

Fursuit(s)?
I don't have one, though I'm interested. Unfortunately I don't think any of the fursuit design panels target a beginner audience.

So it appears as if I'm going to AC this year. o_O I did not have a great experience last time I went (2008 or so) for a number of reasons. Mainly because I'm just too shy and avoided a lot. -.- I am hoping this time around will be different, who knows. I don't have any roommates this time around (which costs a fortune) so that could be a good or bad thing.

I guess I was mostly posting this to see if anyone else I possibly know is going and also if anyone had any thought on how to make some attempt at having a better time. BUT... now that I think about it, most of the people watching me probably don't even log in anymore. So I suppose this is random rambling! XD