Hey everyone,

You may or may not have heard by now that I'm in Alberta Canada with my boyfriend Jake. I really didn't want to make a huge public display about it all, mostly because I hate saying "So long and thanks for all the fish." I'm still alive, still Pretty Kittying it up. I finally have a phone operational and hopefully will be able to stay in contact with those who still want to chat. It is kinda overwhelming to look through my contact info and try to poke everyone and say "Here is my new number." So if we do chat on occasion, Note me and I'll make sure I get it to ya. Hope everyone is doing well! Miss everyone!

I'm going!

I do my meme a little different. Instead of answering all the silly questions and filling my page up with a long page just to get to my comments, I simply ask you to ask me the question or two that you want to know the answer to!

-Shadow

UPDATE: So I have a ride, and a room spot from Friday through Sunday. BUT My ride leaves Monday, So I still need a place to crash for Sunday night. Worse case scenario I just get my own room for one night right? So I'll go ahead and get excited about going ^^

_____________________________

I never really post things like this but I figure I'll give it a shot.

I would really like to go to IFC, but alas I have no ride and no room. If someone has extra space for me and my suit bin and is coming down from the Chicago area I'll probably will be right alone the way and can chip in for gas. (Hammond Indiana, just off exit 3 from the highway). I can manipulate my schedule if needed to be ready to be picked up whenever you plan to pass by, even Thursday.

Room wise, I could do floor space and would be glad to chip in some money for the trouble. I will want to suit most of the time so I won't be much of a bother. It would be fun to room with someone I know already or have at least met. But I'll consider any options I have.

Have a great day and spread the word to anyone you think might be able to help ^^

-Shadow

I've got a silly question. I haven't been very vocal about it but I've been single for a little while now, and I'm not eager to talk about it. Fact is, I suck at being single. I'm fine alone, and am healthy being single, I don't depend on a mate for happiness. But I am ready for a serious relationship. I just tend to absolutely suck when it comes to picking up on signals and I end up just convincing myself that nobody is attracted to me.

So my question is this, Is anyone out there attracted/interested in me?

If so, feel free to note me. I can't promise I'll respond to everything, or even any of them for that matter. I can be awfully shy. I guess I just figure what the hell. I'm liable to delete this in like 5 minutes...

Long time no journal. But this one is worth breaking the silence I hope.

A new group called  FursuitPerformers is up and running and I am very excited about it. Whether you are new to fursuit performance or a veteran performer we want you to join us!

For more information just visit the group. It is just starting so you can be a key voice in the direction we take the group into!

In other news I need to post more Fursuit pictures. I was thinking something like "Here's Your Sign" week where I post pics of me with all the silly signs I've toted around at cons!

-Shadow

First let me thank everyone who wished me a happy birthday. I don't really put that sort of information out there but it is always nice to be thought of :3 I always get kinda sad on my birthday because I've spent yet another year of the prime of my life not really accomplishing much. But don't worry, I'll get over it and be back to cheery ol me in no time!

In about a week Razz and I will be headed up to the Chicago area. Razz moved down here for me and it hasn't worked out as good as we wanted it to so we are going to try things up where he has family. We don't have everything worked out yet but when I get up there I'll be starting all over, looking for a new job and hopefully meeting lots of new friends.

-Shadow

Short Story: Much Con, Such Furries. Wow!

Long Story:

We arrived Thursday and checked in nice and early. We picked up  Razzy6s New head, hands, and tail from  bycats4cats and there was no looking back!

I suited pretty much nonstop and tried my best to do ALL OF THE THINGS.

So many hugs, so many new people, much pictures and lots of attention. Just like Kitty likes it! If you took any pictures of me I would love to see them. Or if you see me in a video I would like to see that to! Feel free to link either of those here in this journal. ^^

I gave the dance comp one last try and fell just short of the finals again. I met some cool people and had fun, but I'm going to focus my time and efforts in other places. They had sideline 'advice' judges which was a great idea, but my 'mentor' had nothing good to say and had it circled and checked that I needed improvement in almost every area. If he were a judge I wouldn't have made it as far as I did. In fact, when he filled in to be a judge in the very last elimination it likely sealed my fate. I am very impressed with the changes they have made to the prelims and I'm sure they will continue to do their best to choose the right dancers to move on.

I had a great time during the Fursuit Parade and was sure to stick my face in as many cameras as I could. So I should be a bit past the middle of most parade videos. In the huge group pic I'm holding a cardboard sign in the very back ^^ After that was the BC4C Group Photo which I had been looking forward to ever since last year when we took one with just like 6 of us. This year... there were like 20 of us. And now, I can't wait till next years group photo! It feels so awesome seeing the BC4C family grow from such humble beginnings.

Funny story, right before the start time of the Furry Variety Show I open a fortune cookie that said "Enjoy The Spotlight." Crazy. Out of all the things it could have said. It really gave me a huge boost of confidence going into my performance. If you weren't there I'm sure it will be posted on YouTube soon, I'm already stressing about creating new, even better material for next year. If that is even possible :P

The Fursuit games were awesome. I really like the way they were run this year. The way they split up musical chairs was genius and also safe! I won best performer again this year and I'm super proud of myself. But I will say I'm a little discouraged by the 'prizes.' I don't expect anything great or expensive. I just want something exclusive. last year I got a silly plastic trophy that I treasure and display proudly in my room. This year, a glow in the dark duck that was also handed out to everyone on the 'winning' team. They even gave extra ones out to anyone that waited long enough. For individual awards, there should be something special. I'm not saying expensive, but keep in mind that people like me put our $2000 fursuits on the line in an extremely harmful environment. It is VERY EASY to just tell yourself "I'm going to skip that event for the good of my health and the safety of my suit." But still lots of great fursuiters go out there and take that risk. To me there is no better challenge than going up against a huge crowd of fursuiters and still managing to stand out as one of the best. This year I did have the unfortunate feeling of damaging my suit, and also my knee. It really makes you look at that duck and go "Is it really worth this?" I still try to convince myself that it is because I love doing it. But I was lucky this time that what I broke was fixable, and I sent it home with my builder for him to work on it. (Thanks Snap you are the best).

I don't have the memory or the time to thank all the people I came into contact with over the con. From everyone from my roommates to people I met for the first time I say a big THANK YOU for making this con so great. MFF is so awesome and I try with every fiber of my being to give back as best as I can to the best con ever. I wish I had enough silly present badges for everyone but unfortunately my funds are rather limited. and I am proud to say that the laminated set I donated to the charity auction brought in $60 for the charity, far more than I imagined. I also have to give a special thank you to all of my BC4C brothers and sisters. It was a pleasure getting to spend time with you guys at the BC4C room party and photo shoot. I'll never forget all of us gathered around that TV watching the videos of me from last year, although I think that might turn into a tradition of sorts, lol. I still have trouble looking at videos of me in suit and realizing HEY THAT IS REALLY ME IN THERE. I'm still in awe of how awesome my suit is, an entire year later.

I'm sure I've left so much stuff out but I really am not sure how much more I can type and still make sense ^^ So please for the love of dog ask me any questions you want, remind me of anything I missed, or share experiences that we had together!
-Empty Shadow AKA Pretty Kitty

So I do my con meme thing a little differently. Instead of me answering all of the weird questions like "Can I touch you?" I just let you ask relevant questions and I'll answer them personally.

So fire away ^^

Finally did that right before the deadline to get the $10 discount! *wipes sweat off brow* Figured I would let everyone know that I'm officially signed up to go to MFF this year since A few people have asked. I'm so excited and really looking forward to my FAVORITE CON EVER. Can't wait to meet a bunch of the BC4C family for the first time and the epic group pic that will happen. It is hard to imagine it has already been nearly a year since I got my suit at MFF!

So who else is going? Excitement yet anyone?

Sure, why not?

But be careful, I heard curiosity kills cats! :(

So it has been a while since I've put any new fursuit pics in my gallery. I was thinking it would be a good idea to post like one a day for a while. But I've been pretty lazy. So yea, tell me how mean I am for not posting cute fursuit pics to my gallery, thanks.

-Shadow

I stole the cookies from the cookie jar.

Saw this list of high quality questions and thought I'd give it a shot and see if anyone was interested ^^ Stolen from  MakiFoxCat

Epic Pic: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/10283689/

1. What name do you go by when suiting?
Shadow, Pretty Kitty

2. What is the name of your suit?
Empty Shadow

3. Do you have a full or a partial suit?
I have a fullsuit, but I could also wear it as a partial but I haven't and don't plan to.

4. What animal is your fursuit?
Panther/Tiger Hybrid.

5. What color is most of your suit?
Black

6. Does it have any special designs?
Grey Stripes :3

7. If yes, is it airbrushed or sewn specially?
All those stripes were lovingly sewn on. Can't airbrush black fur!

8. Does your suit have any accessories? (piercings, weapons, etc.)
Not particularly, though on occasion I'll wear a custom Panthers football jersey that says SHADOW on the back #00

9. How long have you been fursuiting?
I was the Mascot in High School, a panther ^^

10. How long have you had your current suit?
Since November 2012, got it at MFF.

11. Is the suit you have now your first fursuit?
Indeed it is.

12.If no, is the suit you have now an updated version of your old fursuit?
Not Applicable

13 Who made your fursuit?
The epic cat expert  bycats4cats (He does more than just cats!)

14. Synthetic fur, or real fur?
Synthetic.

15. Do you have a moving jaw?
Nope, I opted for what I call a "Follow me grin."

16. How many teeth do you have?
Oddly enough... 7.

17.Furthermore, does your mouth have a tongue?
Yep :3

18. Follow-me eyes, yes or no?
I've said it before and I'll say it again, BC4C does the best follow me eyes. In pictures and IRL they just have so much life in them. If you want epic eyes for your fur suit BC4C is the only quote you'll need to get.

19. Where did your suit make its debut?
I turned MFF 2012 into Pretty Kittycon!

20. What was the first convention (include year of con) you went to in suit?
^^^See Above^^^

21. Digigrade legs, furry pants, other?
Eh, normal ones?

22. What do you do (if anything) to keep your suit clean and nice smelling/looking?
When you first get a suit it is pretty scary to wash it for the first time and I'm still very paranoid. So I generally wash it only after a con or particularly hot day. I keep the head wiped out, the foam isn't exposed so it is really easy to keep clean.

23. Is there anything special about your suit that sets it apart from others?
It is a high quality suit. From the sewn in strips to the gleeful expression, the suit as a whole just makes you smile. There have been other black tigers with grey stripes and there will be more in the future, but I feel my suit will always have its own uniqueness. Have I mentioned the eyes?

Oh, and this is me just being silly but I have a confession. I feel like my nose is special. Shortly after my suit was built my builder started using an updated feline nose. I personally think the new one looks kind of odd. So my 'old nose' is kind of a personal "They don't make em like they use to." kinda thing.

24. What do you normally wear under your suit?
The best kept secret in fursuiting is the warm water dive skin. It will make the Under Armour you wore before feel like insulation.

25. How much would you say your suit has cost you financially?
The best 2 Grand I've ever spent. It sounds like a lot but it is a long term investment. I figured I could get a suit for half that, but I am such a passionate suiter that I was going to "Go big or stay home."

26. What's the most damage your suit (any of them) has ever suffered?
The feet are awesomely large and it is easy for me to bump them into stuff or get caught on chair/table legs and such. I've lost a claw before but it was just a matter of gluing it back on.

27. What is the core of your tail?
It is stuffed.

28.How does your suit's various parts stay attached to your body?
Body Suit- Front zip.
Feet- Tuck under the suit legs
Hands- Gloves that tuck into the arm.
Head- Wears kinda like a football helmet.
Tail- Belt attachment.

29. Does your fursuit head have eyelids?
Nope, I am very fond of the expression I already have.

30. What does your suit smell like?
I'll keep the scent a secret, but I'm told I smell like candy ^^

31. If you've got'em, how long are your suit's ears (inches please)?
Exactly 4 inches.

32. What do you store your suit in?
I keep my head in the top of my closet. I store the rest of it in my red travel bin. When I first got it I would hang it but I was told that hanging it will stretch it due to gravity over time. So I don't do that anymore.

33. What's the story behind your suit (try to be brief):
http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/4291578/

34. Do you like giving hugs when in suit?
They are a requirement!

35. Ever... uh... "yiff" while in suit?
Haven't and never will. I have too much respect for my suit and the person who made it for me to do that with it. I would however consider buying a murr suit one day for use with my mate. and if I did get one you'll never see it connected to this account.

36. Do you avoid people carrying coffee, soda, things that stain a suit?
Well duh? Since i talk in suit it is pretty easy for me to warn people who approach with questionable items.

37. Do you eat/drink in suit, or do you at least remove the head first?
I won't eat in suit but I do have some extra long black straws that I'll use to drink on occasion. At bowling last time I ordered a whole pitcher of Root Beer and carried it around like a big ol cup ^^

38. Do you ever put your suit on, look in the mirror and do sexy poses?
For the mirror and the camera! Did someone say camera?!? I liek dem >:3

39. How much do you sweat in suit?
Not much really. My head will sweat the most but only when I neglect to keep my hair cut.

40. Do you like suiting around kids (under 16yrs)?
In the right environment and if the children are properly supervised it is one of the best feelings in the world.

41. Where have you gotten the most attention while in suit?
I get a lot of attention, but if I have to choose where I have gotten the MOST attention... I'd have to say on stage! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LcAfiWjRlhM

42. Ever been stopped by security/the law for being in suit?
Not yet, I'm a cat... Always innocent ^^

43. Ever play sports while in suit?
Nothing worse than Fursuit Games.

44. Have you ever let somebody else wear your suit?
I'm VERY VERY protective of my suit. So, no. But maybe with time?

45. Have you ever cried while in suit?
There's no crying in baseball! Erm, I mean no.

46. Does your suit protect you against the force of drama?
It protects me from pretty much everything. I'm pretty oblivious as a kitty. Priorities being attention, hugs and CAMERAS!

47. Favorite thing to do in suit?
Attention. Is that a thing? lol

49. Favorite romping grounds in suit?
Locally, Pullen Park.

50. Do you bowl while in suit?
Every chance I get! Though I'm not very good at it, even not in suit.

51. Ever make a video of yourself in suit?
Other people have made better videos of me, but I did self film a silly little video if you want to see it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cw7nRIA0Nwc

52. When in suit, do you talk?
Yep, I have a specific voice I use and everything. I'm pretty witty and I've been highly complimented by others who are very impressed at how well I do it, even with a static jaw.I like to joke that I talk SOOO much that I just simply don't ever shut my mouth.

53. Do you believe in the magic?
Absolutely. Fursuiting is nothing without it.

54. Have you ever held up a sign that reads "THE GAME" or "Free hugs"?
Nope, but I have been known to come up with more creative things...
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/10175407/
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/10180025/

55. Have you been on/in the news lately?
I was in one of the pictures from Atlanta Magazine's web article about FWA.

56. Is anybody ever too old or young to be a fursuiter?
Well suiting is a privilege and a responsibility. Suits are not cheap and you have to take good care of it. If your mature enough then sure, welcome to the club!

57. When you go romping, who do you take with you?
For a while i was pretty much a lone wanderer. At a con I never really felt the need for a handler, but if I'm around children one is preferred. These days I don't suit anywhere without my mate!

I originally read this question as "WHAT do you take with you?" So I'll answer that as well. I Insist on taking my ID, $20 in cash, and my car/room key. I really don't like wandering around with my ID ever. If something, anything, were to happen it is really important to have that, and money.

58. What's the most wet your suit has ever gotten with you in it?
It was in the 90's at the last meet I went to. Dive skin, wet. Suit, not wet. and keep in mind I'm a black cat.

59. Ever lift a leg, just for laughs?
Never even considered it to be honest. Guess I'm just simply too classy ^^

60. What's your policy regarding camp fires and fursuits?
Really? I need a policy for this?

61. Largest thing you ever got stuck to your suit?
People! Some people just don't know how long is too long when hugging! :p

62. How do people normally react when they see your suit for the first time?
A lot of "ERMUHGAWD SO FRIGGIN CUTE!!!" Glomp hugs and lots of compliments. I'm always quick to give all credit to my builder as long as there aren't kids around.

63. Favorite suiting story?
I can't choose just one. I'd say ALL of MFF 2012. Including my experience with the variety show and winning 'Best Character Performance' in the Fursuit Games.

Interaction wise I'd have to say the time we snuck into an event for people displaced by Super Storm Sandy. Was so awesome seeing those people smile and have a good time despite their situation. It is days like that where you really feel like you are making a difference.

64. Who are your favorite suiters that you look up to?
Now I don't look up to or admire someone easily. I tend to think that I can suit and interact just as good as anyone else out there if not better. I'm me and I really don't care what other people are doing or how they are doing it. I'm going to do things my way. I'm stubborn like that.

That being said I have huge respect for  snapcat He has been a fursuiter for a long long time and is a veteran suiter that I can only hope one day to be worthy of wearing the suit he made for me. He wasn't afraid to talk with media and has even represented fursuiting on a couple TV programs. That is pretty brave in my book, to publicly and nationally 'come out' like that. I've only had the guts to tell very few non-furs about my 'hobby.' He also quit a well paying job at Pay Pal to become a full time fursuit builder. I only hope that one day I'll feel THAT passionate about something. Not to mention his long term involvement and volunteering in cons across the nation.

65. Would you get married in suit (or at least with a tail)?
I would consider it for sure *blushes*

If you have any further questions or comments just ask! I'll be happy to cover anything that these questions missed

-Shadow

I'm going, but instead of filling out the typical meme survey thing I figure ill just let who ever is interested ask questions and ill just answer in comments.

I'm not even sure where to start. This question is something I've had to explain lately to friends and family since I got my fursuit. With where I live people aren't very open minded about odd things and based their judgements off of pop culture references from TV shows or documentaries. So most people just kinda have the impression that we are some sort of sex crazed secret society filled with social disorders and are unable to keep a job. Sex is everywhere, kinks and such are more common than anyone cares to admit. What I do or don't do behind closed doors has no merit to determine my value as an individual. I hold a full time job and function in society, if I didn't I wouldn't be able to afford my suit. No film maker is going to make a documentary on a normal person because no one would watch it. All the media is designed for entertainment purposes. They don't want to put any emphases on the thousands of dollars that the community has raised for charity. Or how as a community we accept ALL types of people and help them find a place to fit in and make friends. I've been able to talk some sense into people once they think about things, they have always known me as a normal person and what I do in my free time shouldn't change their perception of me. My family accepts my decision, but they aren't all exactly 'supportive.' But I live on my own now and I'm going to do whatever I want regardless.

So I guess the short answer is: Because I want to. I fursuit because I want to.

But why in the world would someone spend $2000 on something that they will rarely get to use? Something that comes with all sorts of inconveniences while wearing it. Something that will open me up to judgement from others. Because when I'm in it, I feel like a million bucks. It is an escape from the every day stresses of life, a vacation from the expectations society has on me. When I'm in suit I can goof off and have a good time and it not only makes me happy but those around me. Everything from compliments and pictures to helping a child face their fear/shyness and see that big ol smile on their face.

I was chatting with a friend of mine at work about how his son found out that Santa wasn't real. He asked his child how that information made him feel and his son told him that it was then that he knew that there was no magic in the world. Wow, just wow. That MEANS something to me, I want to protect the 'magic' in the world. The 'real world' is a stark reality that you have to accept at some point, but as a society we are raising our children without imagination. With fancy graphics and new devices, we are paying companies to do our imagining for us. I believe that by suiting maybe I can make a difference in the world. That if I can just spark the imagination of one child at a time then who knows what they will grow up to be or invent. Not to mention that they will be more open minded when they grow up. As much hate as there is out there for us, the amount of joy it can bring to those who chose to interact with me makes it all worth it.

Suiting makes me happy. Though I have to be careful to point out. I know I'm not ACTUALLY a cat. I'll deny that in suit because it is part of the performance. I know where the line is. Suiting is not my only source of happiness. But it is undeniably a part of who I am.

I still fondly remember my first experience suiting. In high school I was selected to be the school mascot. I didn't even know what furry was, and wouldn't know that people did this just for fun till several years later. I was just naturally good at it, no training or experience. It was like it just fit my skill sets and instincts. I look back on it as easily one of the best experiences of my life. This also contributed to how long it took me to get a fursuit. I blatantly refused to just get a tail, or a partial. I waited and saved and did my research till I found exactly which builder I wanted to make my full suit exactly the way I wanted it. I didn't want some builder who was well known and popular. I wanted someone who would put as much heart and soul into my suit as I was going to put into wearing it. And I'll always be thankful to  bycats4cats for making my dreams a reality.

If your still reading I thank you. I hardly think I'm worth much time or attention and am glad you've taken your time to read through my journal. So i ask, why do you fursuit? and if anyone has any questions for me I'll be happy to answer them.

-Shadow

I've paid for registration, asked for the days off work, contacted a friend about a possible room spot and plan to drive down there.

I'm really excited about another chance to suit at a con and I look forward to meeting lots of cool people. If it is anything like MFF I'm going to have a full schedule of events but am going to be wandering around quite a bit in between stuff. I'm not sure how much actual 'hanging out' I'll get to do but I'd like to try to work a little bit more of that in this time.

Hope to see some of you guys around :3

-Shadow

So i just realized I've reached the 750 mark in watches. I've never really thought anyone cared much about what I have to say or post and I'm thankful to anyone who has decided to watch me.

I intend to be posting mostly fur suit pics from now on and have drastically minimized how much commissioning I've been doing. But I am very interested in knowing what you guys want to see more of.

I really can't say enough how surprised I am that so many people would like to know what silly ol me is up to. I have also been trying to motivate myself to tweet more theemptyshadow so feel free to follow me there.

I'm really looking to make more friends this year. And I need more peer pressure from you guys to get my butt in gear and make some plans for fwa.

Thanks again!

-Shadow

So I've had this idea in my head for ages. Now that I have my suit I figured I would give it a shot. So it is a little slow at first but it is better by the end :3

You Tube hates me so you might want to watch it before they nuke it for no reason or tear out the audio.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cw7nRIA0Nwc

If there is support I'll have to put together more!

-Shadow

So Sparky Blue Fox put together a video of his footage of me going around MFF in suit ^^

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVdodIb93OQ

The question seems to be, am I insane or talented? LOL

He also posted a video of me talking about my fursuit builder  bycats4cats :3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLx8uqAvFSk

and if you haven't seen it yet this is a video of me at the variety show:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfKGaEyToGc

and I even made it into this funny hug montage

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7Ib7atuI9I

-Shadow

Where do I even begin?

I'm gonna try to keep this to just major highlights of different events. First just let me thank everyone I met even if all we shared were me yelling "I'M A PRETTY KITTY," followed by a glomp hug. You all really made this con great for me with your overwhelming support, kind words and lots of smiles. and don't forget the hugs and pictures! Sooooooo many hugs and pictures. If you find any of me or have some let me know. I'll fav the heck out of any pics of me in suit on FA! I really want to see what I looked like as a mummy in the fursuit games! If I find any links to some of the things I mention I'll add them in later.

So it all started Friday morning when I received my brand new fursuit that he finished for me days before the con. The craftsmanship on this thing is amazing. All those stripes are hand sewn in, a fursuit builder told me in the green room one day that her hands hurt just looking at all my stripes. So a big THANK YOU to Snap! It was great to meet ya and I hope I did the BC4C family proud.

One thing I was really excited for was the Charity Texas Hold'em event. They even let me play in full suit for about thirty minutes! Instead of getting mad about having to take off my head and ruin magic, I reminded myself to be thankful for what time I did get and my big chip stack that I already accumulated. I had a great time with everyone at the table and even ran into a few around the con. The crushing blow to my chip stack happened when someone hit quad eights on the flop. *sigh* but it was still a blast and was for charity!

I finished at the poker with just enough time to rush across the con to the fur suit dance prelims. I made it really far in the preliminary heats and got lots of support from the people who were watching. I think I most impressed them when at the end of a song I did what I call the 'dead mans drop' and trust fell right onto my back. I didn't make the finals but several people I didn't know told me I showed the talent to be there. It was disappointing and despite several people encouraging me to stay with the dancing group, I decided not to go to the group dance I was invited to.

My decision there was based on me realizing that I could use my ability to get a crowd going in areas that get less attention. Which leads me to the Fur Suit Variety Show. Despite the fact that I didn't show up till the second practice, the people in charge gifted me with two minutes on stage. and I will be forever thankful for that.

Between FSVS practice and rehearsals I got to go with a group of fur suiters into the car show next door. What started as a "5-10" people thing snowballed it to 70-80 fur suits getting to parade through the car show and stopping for two different group pictures. The car show was so enthusiastic in their support for our costumes and we received a warm welcome from everyone there. We might even end up in an article in Hot Rod Magazine. If anyone ever runs into that you've got to let me know!

I think the FSVS was the most moving experience for me. I was able to help one guy with his public speaking and stage nerves so he could perform a poem he had written for all the people of MFF. I was very proud of him for performing and facing his fears. Another act who wanted to sing a Coldplay song that to him defined how the fandom helped him through hard times, was in danger of losing his act because it wasn't furry themed. I was able to help him keep his spot by dancing on stage and giving him a biiiiiiiiiiiiiig hug at the end. As many compliments as I got for my two minutes of jokes, I am most proud of my role in helping these guys express themselves. This is what the con is all about. Not making the dance finals was one of the best things I could have asked for.

This is a video of my performance: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfKGaEyToGc

By this point my in suit personality was really starting to come out. One person even described me as "Such a ham."

Ham- Someone funny but in a cheesy way. Or romantically gushy person. The class clown. When someone does or says something phony but funny, they would be a ham. Really bad puns are hammy. This is not a derogatory term.

I can't deny this! Particularly if you saw me at the Fursuit Parade. I must have put my nose in like every camera I could find and posed for sooooo many pictures. It is tough to herd a cat and I did more than my fare share of wandering out of line and yelling "I'm a pretty kitty." and there was that epic moment where i threw a hand full of ones into the air and walked through it like a balla. It was a good laugh and was great to hear all the "Did you see that!" going on behind me. From the YT video's I have seen I'm generally 9-10 minutes into the parade. I really had fun with it ^^

Skip to 10:10 to see me making it rain: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjPR2oj87SM

Last but not least was the fur suit games where I cemented my ham status, most notably during musical chairs I very vocally gave my chair to 'charity.' I will never forget chasing the eventual "most creative cheater" award winner through the Con Suite losing my badge and bulldozing poor innocent people, lol. It was very satisfying to tackle him as he tried to come to a stop as everyone else blocked the door! I am thankful to announce that with the help of a very enthusiastic crowd I was given the award for "best character performance" and promptly ran circles around the huge room until receiving my shiny trophy. I am and always will be very proud of this achievement. There were lots of great characters there and to be considered the best unanimously was a big honor. It felt like all the heart and soul I put into my performance in suit was finally being recognized by something I could hold in my hands.

Besides these there were lots of special moments and I got to meet lots of amazing people. I already don't expect many people to read as much as I have already written but I just want each person I spent time with to know that I appreciate their time and support and that every smile help fuel me to stay in suit for the vast majority of the con. So from the bottom, or maybe top, of my heart... THANK YOU for making this such a great experience for the pretty kitty ^^

*Gives everyone a big hug*

-Shadow

So I'm not really fond of the whole con meme thing. It tends to ask odd questions that no one seems to enjoy answering. So if you want to know anything that I don't cover, just ask!

I will be arriving via airplane Friday morning.

I'll register shortly there after and pick up my brand new fursuit by  bycats4cats (see my gallery for pics).

I'll be staying at the over flow hotel and rooming with and her friend who has no FA.

In addition to my roomies I expect to bump into and or hang out with these people: AND YOU?

I am a single white male and I am looking for that special someone.

I intend to actually talk in suit as long as I feel like I can be heard clearly and can hear. Since I haven't been in it yet idk. But I have a hard time keeping my mouth shut!

I'm not great at planning and I intend to suit A LOT so I'm not going to have my phone with me thus contacting me might be hard.

Again, if I missed anything you want to know, just ask ^^

-Shadow

So those who have talked with me know that all I ever talk about these days is my new fur suit being commissioned from  bycats4cats

If you don't know, now you know! I've commissioned a suit of furry version Shadow complete with hand sewn stripes and it will be completed just in time for MFF. Until then you can expect me to post pretty much every WIP I get.

I can't even begin to describe how excited I am. This is something I've wanted for years but have always put off because I had to spend money elsewhere and knew I wouldn't have anywhere to actually wear it until I could get to cons.

So join in my excitement as I flood my gallery with my WIP pictures as I get them! I look forward to hearing what everyone thinks :3

-Shadow

A friend of mine posted something like this and I thought it sounded like a good idea. I'm a very content person so my list isn't very long and I've ended up explaining myself a little after each one. For those who read I apologize in advance and thank you for your interest in my silly life!

-My Fursuit ^^

I haven't really told many people yet but I'm making payments toward a suit of furry Shadow and if I make all my payments as planned I'll have him before the end of the year. This is something I've wanted for a looooong time even though I've never been very vocal about it. Lots of people go around talking about how they are going to get a suit and it seems despite it being all they talk about it never happens. I don't want to be that guy, ya know? I've wanted my own suit since before I even knew what furry was. I was the Mascot at my High School and it is probably the coolest thing I've ever done. It is really one of the few things in this world that I actually think I'm good at. I could go on and on about this so I'll just stop there.

-To find true love

Doesn't everyone? It just seems a little more than that to me though. I was so focused on things other than myself that I was in my early 20s before I even realized I had never been in a relationship. I'm not desperate by any means, but I am eager. I feel like with each passing year it is just going to get harder and harder to find someone. Most people my age are spoken for and I'm around the age where younger people will start thinking I'm too old to date. I've always been told I'm such a nice caring and kind person. That a guy like me is special and I should have no problem finding someone so I shouldn't be down about it. And I tell you this, it isn't for a lack of trying.


-To always do the right thing

I think this is something everyone should want. For me it is more about finding balance between doing things for others and also for myself. So much of my life I've always been super selfless and sacrificed doing things for myself so that I could help others be happy. In the last few years I've been doing a pretty good job at finding time/money to do things for myself. I still feel a little guilty when there is an opportunity to help and I don't, but I know I can't help everyone.


-To be less boring

I don't really have any passionate hobbies unless you count being furry. Sure I keep up with sports to have something to chat with the fellow guys at work, and I like to play a video game now and then. But when someone says "How are you?" or "What have you been up to?" It seems all I ever have to respond with is "The Usual." or "Work." My life is pretty simple and I'm content with that. I'd much rather be chill and drama free.

-To feel like I have purpose in life/make a difference

This pretty much goes with my life being boring, but just a bit beyond that on an emotional level. From the time I was a kid people would always ask "What do you want to be when you grow up?" Some kids would say they want to be things like a fire man, an astronaut, or a doctor. Not me, I was the kid who knew he didn't know. I also knew that other kids had unrealistic expectations. Being a fireman means low pay for a high stress and dangerous job. You have better odds at being a professional athlete than you do at becoming an astronaut. And that other kid has no idea how much time and money it is going to take just to get the degree. I still don't know what I want to be "when I grow up" and I don't know if I ever will.

-A less dramatic sister

I love her to death but that chick just needs to chill out sometimes. Everything is not a big deal, and everyone is not out to get you. The thing that worries me about this is that I know this behavior runs in the family. I often over think things and think that the world is somehow plotting against me. When she flips out it reminds me of how I'm capable of looking if I didn't have better self control. But it also makes me worry that I could just be bottling it all up. I take pride in being strong emotionally and very rarely ask for help, but I do know it just isn't healthy not to have someone you trust to complain to and even simply let you know when your stressing over something silly.

-More friends to hang out with

I go to meets and stuff but a lot of the times I get the feeling people already have the friends that they are going to have. It has been like this at pretty much every stage of my life. I still remember moving to a new High School and seeing all the different social groups and BFFs that have known each other since elementary school. Despite good social skills, friendliness and a little bit of confidence I still can't seem to feel like I fit in.

-To be appreciated at work

I complained about this in journals before. But more specifically relates to the feeling like I have no purpose and am not going anywhere. I'm good at what I do, so much so that it is actually pretty boring. I have no issue with being paid for being bored, but I'm not going anywhere within the company. In recent history I've actually been kind of 'demoted' despite doing pretty much the exact same thing. Instead of technically being a QA I'm now a QI, the only difference being I can't sign specific paperwork and that I already make max for a QI so they can only give me an annual 2% cost of living raise. Bull shit.

-To relax more often

I think too much. It is just the way my brain is wired. I look around, process things. It makes me very attentive, a quick learner and a relatively 'deep' person. It also means even when I'm laying in a hot bath trying to get some well earned R and R my brain just won't stop and enjoy the moment. It really makes it hard for me to just de-stress and gives me issues when I try to go to bed. I've been like this forever and I know how to deal with it, I just simply would like to be able to just simply chill out more often.

As some of you may know Anthrocon was my first furry con! Some people told me that it was a bad decision, that it would be too overwhelming and I wouldn't have a good time. It worried me a bit but I did have a good time. I'm have a good set of social tools and am well spoken so I wasn't too worried.

I didn't get there till around 4 AM Friday morning and then didn't get started at the con till later because I had to get some sleep in.

I did get to go to several cool panels, and learned lots of cool things. The dances were big, though I think my favorite was the under appreciated 70s-80s one. Wish I would have gotten a chance to talk with more of those guys ^^

My favorite panel was called "Can you read it?" In it they took volunteers to read from this awful awful story called 'Orgs Odyssey.' The goal being to read it out loud without laughing. I can't believe someone seriously wrote this. It is like watching a train wreck, so awful but you can't look away. I tried my hand at and TOTALLY KICKED BUTT. I did so well and got so far that they had to stop me after 3 pages and I really set the bar high. I was the only one who wasn't in a fit of laughter as I read this ridiculous chain of words like an audio book. When I got up I received a standing ovation and my proudest moment of the convention. I went back at the end and read again, this time using several different accents and voices. Met a lot of really cool people and got sooo many compliments and lots of people asking what con I was going to next. Everyone asking why I didn't show up at the voice acting panel earlier in the con. I'm seriously considered recording myself reading some of it in a fan favorite accent just so you guys can get an idea of how awesome this was. The guys running it are going to try to get it into a live pod cast next year ^^

There is plenty more to chat about but I have to work soon. So if you remember me (in my black body suit or not) please feel free to give me a shout! I'm still waiting for people I met to say hi!

-Shadow

So I kinda found a room with some cool people last minute and begged for my vacation days at work, so count me in!

Rooming with  Dyne  Donamer  Chocolatemuscle and another name I didn't find a FA for, but I'll find out soon ^^

I'm usually the type of guy who prefers to plan things out ahead of time but for some reason it just never works out that way, lol.

I'm pretty excited for my first furry con. I'm not entirely sure what to expect but I do intend to have lots of fun ^^

Hope to see you there!

-Shadow