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Another con bites the dust (AC report)
Posted 8 years agoWhoo.. Wow.. What a trip!
Firstly: Yeah, I know, no journal updates for a year. I'm still terrible at that. XD
Secondly: Road trip complete, though a week behind schedule. -3-
Everything started out smooth, and we left the morning of June 24th, as planned. First half of the trip went perfectly, and AnthroCon was amazing! Best year we've had con-wise, even if the room was a bit cramped. My health has improved so much that despite having lousy footwear ( Discovered my shoes were falling apart after we arrived in Philly ) I was not only able to keep up with the group, but was frequently ahead of everyone! XD
I got to meet up with my mate for the first time, though only for a day, and had a blast with
kittera, 
raikeira, & 
kentausui over the course of the con. Found new places to eat, and a new favorite beer: Gulden Draak. The troubles didn't start until we headed back to Philly after the con.
Apparently, the tolls through Indiana, Illinois, and Ohio were a lot more expensive than we had anticipated, and we ran out of gas and hotel money for a few days, so we re-arranged stops and stayed with friends until more funds could come in. This meant I got an unexpected chance to meet up with my kit
lolindirfox for a couple days, and meet some of his new family.
Finally, after one last visit in Louisville, we headed to my grandpa's to pick up some wood-shop equipment and a trailer, and made the last 3 days of driving home. All in all, it was a nice trip, and we ended up putting another 7,600 miles onto my old Tahoe. Shi's tougher than shi looks. <3
Yes. My truck is a herm. And hir name is Bowser. Shi likes to play dirty and can be quite the tomboy, favoring a fresh coat of mud to being clean and shiny. Lots of attitude, plenty of balls, and can be a right bitch when shi's not taken care of properly. X3
Firstly: Yeah, I know, no journal updates for a year. I'm still terrible at that. XD
Secondly: Road trip complete, though a week behind schedule. -3-
Everything started out smooth, and we left the morning of June 24th, as planned. First half of the trip went perfectly, and AnthroCon was amazing! Best year we've had con-wise, even if the room was a bit cramped. My health has improved so much that despite having lousy footwear ( Discovered my shoes were falling apart after we arrived in Philly ) I was not only able to keep up with the group, but was frequently ahead of everyone! XD
I got to meet up with my mate for the first time, though only for a day, and had a blast with
kittera, 
raikeira, & 
kentausui over the course of the con. Found new places to eat, and a new favorite beer: Gulden Draak. The troubles didn't start until we headed back to Philly after the con.Apparently, the tolls through Indiana, Illinois, and Ohio were a lot more expensive than we had anticipated, and we ran out of gas and hotel money for a few days, so we re-arranged stops and stayed with friends until more funds could come in. This meant I got an unexpected chance to meet up with my kit
lolindirfox for a couple days, and meet some of his new family.Finally, after one last visit in Louisville, we headed to my grandpa's to pick up some wood-shop equipment and a trailer, and made the last 3 days of driving home. All in all, it was a nice trip, and we ended up putting another 7,600 miles onto my old Tahoe. Shi's tougher than shi looks. <3
Yes. My truck is a herm. And hir name is Bowser. Shi likes to play dirty and can be quite the tomboy, favoring a fresh coat of mud to being clean and shiny. Lots of attitude, plenty of balls, and can be a right bitch when shi's not taken care of properly. X3
Aftermath
Posted 9 years agoIt's been almost a year since my last journal, I tend not to keep up on these things any more. Most people, I talk to and keep updated over Skype or Telegram on a nearly daily basis, so journals kinda fall by the wayside in my mind. I'm not trying to exclude you all, but I'm not the kind of person to broadcast my brain farts on such a broad format.
That said, I feel that -something- needs to be said, to clear out the last journal I posted about attending Rainfurest.
Back in February, plans were set in motion that I would fly out to visit Raikeira & KentaUsui and attend AnthroCon as I had last year. The main differences being that I would indeed be flying instead of driving, since neither the Tahoe nor my self were in the best of health for such a long road trip.
Things between Kittera and my self have come to an end, and she's gone her own way, but there's no bitterness from it. We're still friends at least and I'd like to think we both came out of it a little wiser for whatever we end up doing in the future.
Things took a turn southward in May, as a lengthy hospital visit lead to my mother being diagnosed with stage 2 pancreatic cancer. She came home after just short of a week there, and had 3 more weeks at home with me and Dad, before things rapidly progressed and she had to return to the hospital. She passed on the 17th of June after 6 days in the hospital.
Dad encouraged that I keep to the plan of attending AC on the grounds that it's what Mom would have wanted, and my Mistress encouraged me as well, knowing that it would help to get out of the house and to be surrounded by friends, family, and social interaction. They were both right, and I can easily say it was twice as good as last year's con for many reasons.
Now I'm home again, and the silence still gets to me. I think it will for a long time, but I'm managing well enough. I still have Dad to look after, and a bit more free time to look after my own health as well. We'll see where the road goes from here.
That said, I feel that -something- needs to be said, to clear out the last journal I posted about attending Rainfurest.
Back in February, plans were set in motion that I would fly out to visit
Raikeira & KentaUsui and attend AnthroCon as I had last year. The main differences being that I would indeed be flying instead of driving, since neither the Tahoe nor my self were in the best of health for such a long road trip.Things between
Kittera and my self have come to an end, and she's gone her own way, but there's no bitterness from it. We're still friends at least and I'd like to think we both came out of it a little wiser for whatever we end up doing in the future.Things took a turn southward in May, as a lengthy hospital visit lead to my mother being diagnosed with stage 2 pancreatic cancer. She came home after just short of a week there, and had 3 more weeks at home with me and Dad, before things rapidly progressed and she had to return to the hospital. She passed on the 17th of June after 6 days in the hospital.
Dad encouraged that I keep to the plan of attending AC on the grounds that it's what Mom would have wanted, and my Mistress encouraged me as well, knowing that it would help to get out of the house and to be surrounded by friends, family, and social interaction. They were both right, and I can easily say it was twice as good as last year's con for many reasons.
Now I'm home again, and the silence still gets to me. I think it will for a long time, but I'm managing well enough. I still have Dad to look after, and a bit more free time to look after my own health as well. We'll see where the road goes from here.
Rainfurest
Posted 10 years agoIt sneaked up on me. x.x
Yes, I'll be attending.
No, I don't have a room - I'll be commuting from home.
I'll likely be roving around with friends and family, and on Saturday and Sunday I will be with kittera for sure.
More often than not, you'll find me close to any available seating.
Yes, I'll be attending.
No, I don't have a room - I'll be commuting from home.
I'll likely be roving around with friends and family, and on Saturday and Sunday I will be with
kittera for sure.More often than not, you'll find me close to any available seating.
Home at last / End of a Journey
Posted 10 years agoHome.
A pleasant place. A safe place. Where you can rest, relax. Recover if needed. Somewhere you're always welcome, wanted, and loved.
In that respect, you could say that I've found new homes across the country. Many of which are already greatly missed.
But as with any journey, things must come to an end.. Mine? Came to an end with rattles of mechanical failure, wheezing noses and coughing, and finally a 5 hour wait at a repair shop in the middle of nowhere.
Our AC stopped working anywhere above an Idle after our stay in Florida, and at the same time I came down with a nasty cold that's turned into an ear infection. And then halfway home from Montgomery, we ran into the first major issue with my beloved Tahoe: Due to some gross negligence on the part of the auto shop that did my initial alignment, the nut holding the camber adjustment bolt in place eventually spun or rattled off, and finally the bolt slipped clean out as we came to a hard stop off I-80 near Laramie, Wyoming.
Nobody was hurt, and nothing broke on the Tahoe. Just a few rattled nerved and a lot of wasted time.
Now, though, I'm safe home, and so is Kitt. I dropped her off at home after dinner tonight.
I've posted pics to Facebook, and I may put up a few here too, just cause. Keep your eyes open~
A pleasant place. A safe place. Where you can rest, relax. Recover if needed. Somewhere you're always welcome, wanted, and loved.
In that respect, you could say that I've found new homes across the country. Many of which are already greatly missed.
But as with any journey, things must come to an end.. Mine? Came to an end with rattles of mechanical failure, wheezing noses and coughing, and finally a 5 hour wait at a repair shop in the middle of nowhere.
Our AC stopped working anywhere above an Idle after our stay in Florida, and at the same time I came down with a nasty cold that's turned into an ear infection. And then halfway home from Montgomery, we ran into the first major issue with my beloved Tahoe: Due to some gross negligence on the part of the auto shop that did my initial alignment, the nut holding the camber adjustment bolt in place eventually spun or rattled off, and finally the bolt slipped clean out as we came to a hard stop off I-80 near Laramie, Wyoming.
Nobody was hurt, and nothing broke on the Tahoe. Just a few rattled nerved and a lot of wasted time.
Now, though, I'm safe home, and so is Kitt. I dropped her off at home after dinner tonight.
I've posted pics to Facebook, and I may put up a few here too, just cause. Keep your eyes open~
ROAD TRIP & AC
Posted 10 years agoFinal arrangements are being made, and the stop list is filled out. Travel expenses have been set aside, and personal funds for the con itself are safely tucked away. Only one week to departure!
I will be heading down to Olympia tomorrow afternoon to retrieve Kittera, and sharing a lunch with her Mom before bringing her back home with me to help finish getting things ready for our departure on the 4th (Saturday) fairly early in the morning.
As for AC, once we get there on the 9th, I'll be meeting up with Mistress Raikeira, Kenta, & Synado. And I'll be rooming with Kittera, Odie, & Snowbunny. I haven't made any solid plans for what to do at the con yet, outside of being invited to the super-sponsor luncheon by a very close friend, & I have a feeling I'll be pretty tired for the most part, between my leg and the drive to get there. I will try and be sociable though, and I know I'm gonna swing by the artist's tables at least once. Also, my birthday is on the 11th. I'm not sure what my friends, family, and roomies might have planned for that. :P
After the con, the travel and visit plans haven't changed much. Going to be heading South to the tip of Florida: Miami. After a day or two there, heading North again, then west out to Southern Cali with a couple of stops along the way. And finally, heading north with a slight detour to do some sight-seeing around Lake Tahoe. My parents vacationed there when I was very young, and I've always wanted to see it for my self.
There will be many, many pictures to share, and I will be on the road, literally, for the entire month. I will be on Skype for limited times in the evenings and maybe some mornings, but other than that I will be behind the wheel and unable to converse. I'm really, really excited. I wonder how much the countryside has changed since I last went across it, back in 2000...
TL;DR
Grabbing pet, leaving in a week, gone for a month. AC & pictures.
I will be heading down to Olympia tomorrow afternoon to retrieve Kittera, and sharing a lunch with her Mom before bringing her back home with me to help finish getting things ready for our departure on the 4th (Saturday) fairly early in the morning.
As for AC, once we get there on the 9th, I'll be meeting up with Mistress Raikeira, Kenta, & Synado. And I'll be rooming with Kittera, Odie, & Snowbunny. I haven't made any solid plans for what to do at the con yet, outside of being invited to the super-sponsor luncheon by a very close friend, & I have a feeling I'll be pretty tired for the most part, between my leg and the drive to get there. I will try and be sociable though, and I know I'm gonna swing by the artist's tables at least once. Also, my birthday is on the 11th. I'm not sure what my friends, family, and roomies might have planned for that. :P
After the con, the travel and visit plans haven't changed much. Going to be heading South to the tip of Florida: Miami. After a day or two there, heading North again, then west out to Southern Cali with a couple of stops along the way. And finally, heading north with a slight detour to do some sight-seeing around Lake Tahoe. My parents vacationed there when I was very young, and I've always wanted to see it for my self.
There will be many, many pictures to share, and I will be on the road, literally, for the entire month. I will be on Skype for limited times in the evenings and maybe some mornings, but other than that I will be behind the wheel and unable to converse. I'm really, really excited. I wonder how much the countryside has changed since I last went across it, back in 2000...
TL;DR
Grabbing pet, leaving in a week, gone for a month. AC & pictures.
Round-the-Country Road Trip!!!!!
Posted 10 years agoSo I've mapped out this much so far. There's still some flexibility, especially after AC. Take a look at the map and stop list:
https://gyazo.com/61e469b063ec169fd2692249a64b3ad1
July 3rd (Early Morning) - Depart Bremerton, WA
July 3rd - Rest stop in MT (Probably around Bozeman)
July 4th - Fargo, ND
July 5th - Council Bluffs, IA
July 6th - Watson, IL
July 7th - Columbus, OH
July 9th to 12th - Pittsburgh, PA
July 13th (Early Morning) - Depart Pittsburgh, PA
July 13th - Troutman, NC
July 15th - Orlando, FL
July 17th - Montgomery, AL
July 19th - Fayetteville, AR
July 21st - Rest stop in NM (Probably around Albuquerque)
July 22nd - Oxnard, CA
July 24th - Lake Tahoe/Carson City, NV
July 26th - Rest stop in OR (Probably around Grants Pass)
July 27th - Arrive home in Bremerton, WA
https://gyazo.com/61e469b063ec169fd2692249a64b3ad1
July 3rd (Early Morning) - Depart Bremerton, WA
July 3rd - Rest stop in MT (Probably around Bozeman)
July 4th - Fargo, ND
July 5th - Council Bluffs, IA
July 6th - Watson, IL
July 7th - Columbus, OH
July 9th to 12th - Pittsburgh, PA
July 13th (Early Morning) - Depart Pittsburgh, PA
July 13th - Troutman, NC
July 15th - Orlando, FL
July 17th - Montgomery, AL
July 19th - Fayetteville, AR
July 21st - Rest stop in NM (Probably around Albuquerque)
July 22nd - Oxnard, CA
July 24th - Lake Tahoe/Carson City, NV
July 26th - Rest stop in OR (Probably around Grants Pass)
July 27th - Arrive home in Bremerton, WA
Updates and new icons~
Posted 10 years agoFirstly, go ahead and hit F5 to give my page a refresh. I've got a new icon up, thanks to 
gothickitty
Speaking of.. Plans are still a go for Anthrocon, though the driving route and room arrangements have changed a bit. Still driving out from Bremerton to Pittsburgh, but likely going to try and make the route a little shorter to save time and gas. The plan is still to meet up with Mistress Raikeira, Kenta, & Synado, but with the addition of Lulu, who will by taking our extra bed as Syn rooms with Rai and Kenta. Re-arranging is fun. X3
A lot of work still needs to be done on the Tahoe, unfortunately, but it's still within the budget. Tires, headlights, and mechanical maintenance are top priority, followed VERY closely by the climate controls and AC work. Not driving across the country in the middle of summer without a working AC. >.>
As for after the con? Planning on heading south as far as Orlando to visit family and friends, then west across to San Francisco before heading back north to Bremerton. Yes. That's around the ENTIRE country! So if you're somewhere in the states, and want to meet up, leave a shout here or send a note. :3
gothickittySpeaking of.. Plans are still a go for Anthrocon, though the driving route and room arrangements have changed a bit. Still driving out from Bremerton to Pittsburgh, but likely going to try and make the route a little shorter to save time and gas. The plan is still to meet up with Mistress Raikeira, Kenta, & Synado, but with the addition of Lulu, who will by taking our extra bed as Syn rooms with Rai and Kenta. Re-arranging is fun. X3
A lot of work still needs to be done on the Tahoe, unfortunately, but it's still within the budget. Tires, headlights, and mechanical maintenance are top priority, followed VERY closely by the climate controls and AC work. Not driving across the country in the middle of summer without a working AC. >.>
As for after the con? Planning on heading south as far as Orlando to visit family and friends, then west across to San Francisco before heading back north to Bremerton. Yes. That's around the ENTIRE country! So if you're somewhere in the states, and want to meet up, leave a shout here or send a note. :3
Guess who's registered for AC!
Posted 10 years agoI've got a room all lined up, and my pre-reg is filled out~ Urk! So excited still! Managed to snag a double-bed room at the Westin, and will be sharing it with kittera, & 
synado, who will by flying in on his own. I will also be meeting raikeira & kentausui, who will have their own room.
As for my own transportation?
~ROAD TRIP!!!~
I'll be traveling with kittera from Bremerton, WA to Pittsburgh, PA with a few stops in-between, including:
We will need to make a stop before Fargo, possibly around Belgrade, MT.
Fargo, ND
Madison, WI
Columbus, OH
There may be stops farther south on the way home, but I'm not certain yet. Leave a shout if you're going to AC, or want to meet up on the way there or back!
kittera, & 
synado, who will by flying in on his own. I will also be meeting raikeira & kentausui, who will have their own room.As for my own transportation?
~ROAD TRIP!!!~
I'll be traveling with
kittera from Bremerton, WA to Pittsburgh, PA with a few stops in-between, including:We will need to make a stop before Fargo, possibly around Belgrade, MT.
Fargo, ND
Madison, WI
Columbus, OH
There may be stops farther south on the way home, but I'm not certain yet. Leave a shout if you're going to AC, or want to meet up on the way there or back!
New car!
Posted 11 years agoRather than uploading a metric fuckton of photos of it here to FA, I've made a handy little document here:
Ferrin's New Ride
A lot of you guys know that my aging Explorer has been dying pretty hardcore the past few years, but we've never had the time or money to get it repaired, or even looked at. With my dad's new job, we were able to do something better in the long run, and get a complete replacement. It turned out to be a considerable upgrade as well~
Ferrin's New Ride
A lot of you guys know that my aging Explorer has been dying pretty hardcore the past few years, but we've never had the time or money to get it repaired, or even looked at. With my dad's new job, we were able to do something better in the long run, and get a complete replacement. It turned out to be a considerable upgrade as well~
Signal boost!
Posted 11 years agoKittera's in a bit of a tight spot, and could use some help, even if all you can do is help to spread the word.
A lot of you recently helped get the word out about me and my own family's situation, and just spreading the word was a saving grace. It wasn't luck or persistence that found my dad his new job.. It was receiving news about our situation. Never underestimate the power of word-of-mouth.
Journal
GoFundMeA lot of you recently helped get the word out about me and my own family's situation, and just spreading the word was a saving grace. It wasn't luck or persistence that found my dad his new job.. It was receiving news about our situation. Never underestimate the power of word-of-mouth.
Thank you (Positive update)
Posted 11 years agoFirst of all, I want to say thank you to all those that have lent me and my family their support and encouragement. It's because of all of you and your good will that we've managed to get together enough to push back the immediate threat of eviction, and pay off the utilities to keep us safe and alive.
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/.....eep-their-home
While we still haven't reached our original goal, my father finally has a job lined up that will pay well enough to keep us housed for the short-term, on top of new contracts and the potential for the job to become full-time.
Again, to all those that have donated, or even just spread the word about our situation...
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/.....eep-their-home
While we still haven't reached our original goal, my father finally has a job lined up that will pay well enough to keep us housed for the short-term, on top of new contracts and the potential for the job to become full-time.
Again, to all those that have donated, or even just spread the word about our situation...
THANK YOULife update: Bad news.
Posted 11 years agoSome of you already know what's going on. This journal is just to update the rest and fill in any blanks that may have been forgotten.
The landlords stopped by yesterday and basically delivered my parents an ultimatum: In 3 days we will receive what is basically a warning letter. We will then have 30 days to pay $1000 or face forceful eviction. The letter is what will serve as the written notice. And no, this isn't sudden, my parents have a long history of being late with rent payment and I think that this is just the last straw - It's unfortunate, but this is how life works sometimes.
Part of the above is the fact that my dad has been unemployed since around the time of my brother's suicide at the beginning of the year. He just received his last paycheck a few weeks ago, so we've been juggling our bank accounts just to keep up the utilities and stock the pantry. This isn't new or unexpected: I've seen this coming for a long time. I just haven't slathered it all over the internet, I'm not looking for a pity-party.
The other half of my personal problems will remain just that: Personal. There are a select few who know what I'm going through outside of the housing issue, and it's going to stay that way. What I will say here is that I've been hurt, badly, and it's going to be a while before I'm back to 100% my self.
As far as Rainfurest: At this point I'm not longer certain if I'll be able to attend at all, due to the above money and housing issue. I don't have a room and I can't afford the registration fee (Thank you to those that have offered, but your rooms are already full with friends who -can- help pay) let alone the cost of transportation just to get to the convention. So to all those that had hoped to see me there, I am very sorry. :(
The landlords stopped by yesterday and basically delivered my parents an ultimatum: In 3 days we will receive what is basically a warning letter. We will then have 30 days to pay $1000 or face forceful eviction. The letter is what will serve as the written notice. And no, this isn't sudden, my parents have a long history of being late with rent payment and I think that this is just the last straw - It's unfortunate, but this is how life works sometimes.
Part of the above is the fact that my dad has been unemployed since around the time of my brother's suicide at the beginning of the year. He just received his last paycheck a few weeks ago, so we've been juggling our bank accounts just to keep up the utilities and stock the pantry. This isn't new or unexpected: I've seen this coming for a long time. I just haven't slathered it all over the internet, I'm not looking for a pity-party.
The other half of my personal problems will remain just that: Personal. There are a select few who know what I'm going through outside of the housing issue, and it's going to stay that way. What I will say here is that I've been hurt, badly, and it's going to be a while before I'm back to 100% my self.
As far as Rainfurest: At this point I'm not longer certain if I'll be able to attend at all, due to the above money and housing issue. I don't have a room and I can't afford the registration fee (Thank you to those that have offered, but your rooms are already full with friends who -can- help pay) let alone the cost of transportation just to get to the convention. So to all those that had hoped to see me there, I am very sorry. :(
Livestreaming soon! (Ended)
Posted 11 years agoFriday night livestream! We'll be starting soon, so head on over~
On the agenda tonight:
Gameplay: Borderlands 2
Partners: Foxy & Cron
(With guest appearance by Nathan )
Voice: Yes! :D
Video: No. :(
http://www.livestream.com/ferrinsrandomness
On the agenda tonight:
Gameplay: Borderlands 2
Partners: Foxy & Cron
(With guest appearance by Nathan )
Voice: Yes! :D
Video: No. :(
http://www.livestream.com/ferrinsrandomness
Livestreaming now! (ended)
Posted 11 years agoOn the agenda tonight:
Gameplay: Borderlands
Partners: Kittera & Foxy
Voice: Yes! :D
Video: No. :(
www.livestream.com/ferrinsrandomness
Gameplay: Borderlands
Partners: Kittera & Foxy
Voice: Yes! :D
Video: No. :(
www.livestream.com/ferrinsrandomness
Livestream in 2 hours!
Posted 11 years agoLeave of Absence
Posted 11 years agoI need some space. My head and heart are really screwed up right now, and I'm having trouble understanding what should be simple concepts. I wish you all well.
Trying something new: Livestreaming (ended)
Posted 11 years agoSo, I've been sorta streaming among a few friends lately, but I'm curious if I can get an audience beyond the two or three watchers I already have.
Mostly it would be me, playing games like Skyrim and Borderlands. I might do requests if people submit enough of them. (Though it would be limited to my library, or games gifted for me to play)
Also, do you think it would it be better to pull people onto a TS server, host a Skype group call, or just respond in voice to messages posted in the stream chat? I know there's often a delay in the stream though so voice might be a little slow, or awkward.
I'm not an artist, but I can be a goof at times, and I like to share my fun. I'll be streaming tonight, possibly for a few hours, just to get an idea of how many people might be interested.
http://www.livestream.com/ferrinsrandomness
Stop on by, and say hello. :3
Mostly it would be me, playing games like Skyrim and Borderlands. I might do requests if people submit enough of them. (Though it would be limited to my library, or games gifted for me to play)
Also, do you think it would it be better to pull people onto a TS server, host a Skype group call, or just respond in voice to messages posted in the stream chat? I know there's often a delay in the stream though so voice might be a little slow, or awkward.
I'm not an artist, but I can be a goof at times, and I like to share my fun. I'll be streaming tonight, possibly for a few hours, just to get an idea of how many people might be interested.
http://www.livestream.com/ferrinsrandomness
Stop on by, and say hello. :3
Visiting / Death in the family / Overdue update
Posted 11 years agoLet me start out by saying that I'm fine. I don't need extra love, care, or attention. It's my father, and remaining half-bother that should be in your thoughts.As some of you already know, I'm up in Bremerton this week, visiting my parents and taking care of some issues with the bank I use and setting up a way for my parents to easily send me money for emergencies and the like. One of the primary purposes of which was to help fund the purchase of new PC parts. A belated Christmas gift from the past couple of years of me saying I needed them.
Yes. The parts have been ordered, and I'll finally have my desktop up to running specs. You can check out the parts here: ComputerParts List
Prior to the visit, my parents hadn't spoken tome much since Christmas, but we don't maintain regular communication, so I didn't think much of it. I was told later that on New-Year's, Dad had gone into the ER with heart fibrillation. Many of you may remember that it was just a year ago that he had major heart surgery, so this has me concerned more than a little.
Now, add to this a 4:21 AM phone call from my Dad's father on Saturday.. I was woken by the phone ringing, but didn't think much of it.. I was later told who it was, and what the call was about. I don't talk about it much, but I wasn't an only child growing up - I had two older half-brothers, on my father's side: Jason, the eldest, and Brian, the middle child.
I never really knew either of them very well, and they both left the house before I was 10 so I don't have any adult memories of them, but my father kept contact as best he could. The last he had heard from either of them before this weekend, was more than 10 years ago.
Brian, from everything I'd heard, had always been troubled. One of the few things I remember about him leaving, was how hurt my father had been by the way it happened, the things that had been said. He basically cut all ties to the family, and moved away to live with his biological mother. Last we had heard, he ended up living with his girlfriend, and was content.
The phone call, early this Saturday morning, was to inform us that Brian had killed himself, earlier that morning or late last night...
At some point, he had been diagnosed with schizophrenia, though how severe it was, we don't know. My father thinks that might have played a role in his choice to take his own life. There was a note, but we haven't been told what it says. Police are still investigating..
Dad seems to be handling it well, on the outside.. As I said, Brian had estranged himself from the family.. But I'm still worried - Losing a child, is still losing a child.. But in a way, I suppose Brian was 'lost' in my father's eyes when he turned his back on him in such a hurtful way, all those years ago.. Only he knows how he truly feels, and all I can do is be here for him. In a sense, I'm glad that I ended up being here when it happened.
As I said in the start of this journal, I'm fine.. Send your love, prayers, thoughts, to my father, and to the friends and family my brother left behind..
Moved!
Posted 12 years agoI've finished the move to Long Beach, and slept the first night in my new home.
I've still a lot of unpacking to do, there are boxes everywhere, but I'm settling in very nicely. It's comfortable here, and I don't feel the stress I did while living with my mother. The funny part about it, and the best thing, is it doesn't feel like leaving something behind.. It feels more like coming home after a lifetime of being away. Raz and Dream have been so kind, and accommodating through the move, and helping me get set up, making sure I'm alright.
The first night here, Dream handed me a new graphics card, and within an hour I managed to get things running - I don't know what happened before that was locking up windows from booting, I'm a little confused as to how just a new graphics card seemed to have fixed what I thought was a boot error, but it has, and I'm not gonna screw with it any more. XD Dream said that a failing graphics card would do that, but I'd never had one fail quite that badly before. First time for everything.
I've still a lot of unpacking to do, there are boxes everywhere, but I'm settling in very nicely. It's comfortable here, and I don't feel the stress I did while living with my mother. The funny part about it, and the best thing, is it doesn't feel like leaving something behind.. It feels more like coming home after a lifetime of being away. Raz and Dream have been so kind, and accommodating through the move, and helping me get set up, making sure I'm alright.
The first night here, Dream handed me a new graphics card, and within an hour I managed to get things running - I don't know what happened before that was locking up windows from booting, I'm a little confused as to how just a new graphics card seemed to have fixed what I thought was a boot error, but it has, and I'm not gonna screw with it any more. XD Dream said that a failing graphics card would do that, but I'd never had one fail quite that badly before. First time for everything.
Post-con report and prepping to move
Posted 12 years agoRF was a blast!
Seriously though, I had a LOT of fun! I mostly stuck around the Furnication and Firebourn family group, consisting of the two rooms listed in my previous journal.
We went to Denny's the first evening (Thursday), and had a late lunch/early dinner, then swimming.
Friday, we all boarded the light rail, and went to Uwajimaya for dinner, but the noodle place was closed. We still had fun, and I walked WAY more than I should have. Then went swimming again.
Saturday, I made my very first commission at the dealer's den, which I had been prowling the day before, then spent most of the day resting while the rest went to try Uwajimaya again for the REAL noodle bowls. Miss Lecora, Lia, and I went to the ice-cream social, and that was quite pleasant.
Sunday was spent packing, and we all hung out for a bit before the group split. Dream, Rogue, our third roomate Jacob, and two of their friends went to Denny's again for one last dinner, then met back up with the rest of the group for the last of the 'Dead Dog' party, and to say goodbye before heading home.
For my first con, it was quiet, and uneventful. I enjoyed it, and I loved that there was NO stress whatsoever.
PS: Links and more detail will be given when I'm actually able to hold my eyes open.
Back at the house now, we're all winding down and catching our breath, before we spend Monday and part of Tuesday finishing up my packing, loading the cars, and getting ready for the long-awaited move. I don't know how much I'll be online, but if I am I'm likely mobile or AFK, unless I say otherwise.
Wish me luck. ^//^
Seriously though, I had a LOT of fun! I mostly stuck around the Furnication and Firebourn family group, consisting of the two rooms listed in my previous journal.
We went to Denny's the first evening (Thursday), and had a late lunch/early dinner, then swimming.
Friday, we all boarded the light rail, and went to Uwajimaya for dinner, but the noodle place was closed. We still had fun, and I walked WAY more than I should have. Then went swimming again.
Saturday, I made my very first commission at the dealer's den, which I had been prowling the day before, then spent most of the day resting while the rest went to try Uwajimaya again for the REAL noodle bowls. Miss Lecora, Lia, and I went to the ice-cream social, and that was quite pleasant.
Sunday was spent packing, and we all hung out for a bit before the group split. Dream, Rogue, our third roomate Jacob, and two of their friends went to Denny's again for one last dinner, then met back up with the rest of the group for the last of the 'Dead Dog' party, and to say goodbye before heading home.
For my first con, it was quiet, and uneventful. I enjoyed it, and I loved that there was NO stress whatsoever.
PS: Links and more detail will be given when I'm actually able to hold my eyes open.
Back at the house now, we're all winding down and catching our breath, before we spend Monday and part of Tuesday finishing up my packing, loading the cars, and getting ready for the long-awaited move. I don't know how much I'll be online, but if I am I'm likely mobile or AFK, unless I say otherwise.
Wish me luck. ^//^
Brief life update
Posted 12 years agoThis is just a catch-up, and a summary, so some of this you may have already read or heard about, either from my self or those close to me. I'll be categorizing them so you can skip the subjects you're already up to speed with.
Yes, still going. I have my choice of two rooms (room 1) (room 2) or the option of going home each night since I live fairly close. Also, a surprise announcement will be made, that I wouldn't miss for anything, so you can bet I'll be there. This is the last of my previously planned events this year, from my Life Update Journal that I posted.
My last two journals detailed the decaying state of my PC. (1) (2) On the 2nd, my father tripped the breaker that my PC runs on, and seeing as there is no ground to any outlet in the house, even a surge protector or any of our UPS units haven't functioned. Needless to say, after the numerous failures, I was unable to recover it.
After Rainfurrest, I'll be moving out of my parent's house, and in with my niece and nephew around Long Beach, WA. It's a move I'm very excited about, because it will mean a fresh start with loving family, and a chance to improve my life as well as my living situation. Getting away from my mother, especially.
I'm always around on Skype if you want to chat directly.
RainfurrestYes, still going. I have my choice of two rooms (room 1) (room 2) or the option of going home each night since I live fairly close. Also, a surprise announcement will be made, that I wouldn't miss for anything, so you can bet I'll be there. This is the last of my previously planned events this year, from my Life Update Journal that I posted.
PC UpdateMy last two journals detailed the decaying state of my PC. (1) (2) On the 2nd, my father tripped the breaker that my PC runs on, and seeing as there is no ground to any outlet in the house, even a surge protector or any of our UPS units haven't functioned. Needless to say, after the numerous failures, I was unable to recover it.
MovingAfter Rainfurrest, I'll be moving out of my parent's house, and in with my niece and nephew around Long Beach, WA. It's a move I'm very excited about, because it will mean a fresh start with loving family, and a chance to improve my life as well as my living situation. Getting away from my mother, especially.
I'm always around on Skype if you want to chat directly.
Catastrophic system failure (Update)
Posted 12 years agoI've managed to get things running again, but only just. I'm not sure how much more life I can milk out of my aging core, but at least it's operational for the moment.
I stuck in more and better fans, and cleaned the old ones that I couldn't replace, so for now I'll just have to hope and pray that improved airflow will keep things optimal until I can get the new parts.
I DESPERATELY need help to do this, as any money I do make usually ends up back in my parent's pocket. Donations, tips, commissions, anything helps at this point. I'll be selling my self and my skills to the highest bidder on SecondLife on the 20th, so if you've got some spare funds to wage a bidding war, Have at it. x.x
I offer RP, companionship, DJing, Hosting, and lessons in either DJ or host. You can get the full details at the sale.
If you want to skip the 'throw money at it' solution, for whatever reason, there are three parts that I've shopped around for, that I know won't fall apart on me 6 months or a year into it. >.<
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-990FXA-UD3
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ.....82E16813128514
CPU: AMD FX-4100 Zambezi 3.6GHz
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ.....82E16819103996
RAM: 8 GB (4 sticks) DDR3
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ.....82E16820231325
Please CONTACT ME before buying the parts, if you choose to help in that way, in case someone else has already offered or purchased.
Send a note if you wish to make a donation or commission my skills as a builder on SL.
I stuck in more and better fans, and cleaned the old ones that I couldn't replace, so for now I'll just have to hope and pray that improved airflow will keep things optimal until I can get the new parts.
I DESPERATELY need help to do this, as any money I do make usually ends up back in my parent's pocket. Donations, tips, commissions, anything helps at this point. I'll be selling my self and my skills to the highest bidder on SecondLife on the 20th, so if you've got some spare funds to wage a bidding war, Have at it. x.x
I offer RP, companionship, DJing, Hosting, and lessons in either DJ or host. You can get the full details at the sale.
If you want to skip the 'throw money at it' solution, for whatever reason, there are three parts that I've shopped around for, that I know won't fall apart on me 6 months or a year into it. >.<
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-990FXA-UD3
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ.....82E16813128514
CPU: AMD FX-4100 Zambezi 3.6GHz
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ.....82E16819103996
RAM: 8 GB (4 sticks) DDR3
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ.....82E16820231325
Please CONTACT ME before buying the parts, if you choose to help in that way, in case someone else has already offered or purchased.
Send a note if you wish to make a donation or commission my skills as a builder on SL.
Catastrophic system failure
Posted 12 years agoYou read that right. My desktop is officially KATO. Dead. A brick. An expensive whirring, blinking, occasionally beeping paperweight.
I'm typing this up on my Laptop, so you have at least something to let you all know I'm out of commission for a while. Until I can figure out what the fuck I'm going to do. >.<
I managed to save all my data last night, through hours of work staying up and doing USB hard drive transfers.. I've backed up my music library to my laptop, which has eaten almost all of my hard drive space, so I can't install games or decompress my personal files.. I'm working on getting Skype running, but because of constraints I won't be able to DJ, and I'll be lucky if I can run SL at all. -.-
As for the problem.. I don't rightly know. I tried various solutions, but the best I can manage is to get it limping along halfway into a windows install, before it bluescreens.. This is nothing new, I've known my motherboard and RAM have been LONG in need of replacing, but because of putting the money I had to something I felt was more important at the time, I've never been able to afford replacing them.
The good news is that while I'm limited, I'm not completely gone.. Unless my laptop dies, too. -.-
I'm typing this up on my Laptop, so you have at least something to let you all know I'm out of commission for a while. Until I can figure out what the fuck I'm going to do. >.<
I managed to save all my data last night, through hours of work staying up and doing USB hard drive transfers.. I've backed up my music library to my laptop, which has eaten almost all of my hard drive space, so I can't install games or decompress my personal files.. I'm working on getting Skype running, but because of constraints I won't be able to DJ, and I'll be lucky if I can run SL at all. -.-
As for the problem.. I don't rightly know. I tried various solutions, but the best I can manage is to get it limping along halfway into a windows install, before it bluescreens.. This is nothing new, I've known my motherboard and RAM have been LONG in need of replacing, but because of putting the money I had to something I felt was more important at the time, I've never been able to afford replacing them.
The good news is that while I'm limited, I'm not completely gone.. Unless my laptop dies, too. -.-
That went better than expected. (Post-birthday report)
Posted 12 years agoWell, I managed to survive the flood of IM's wishing me a happy birthday.
And I didn't die without a cake.
And I didn't shrivel away from a lack of gifts.
I did actually get a couple small things, the kind of gift you can't buy or put in a box... And also a 2TB HDD from a distant friend
Thinking about going to make a bowl of ice-cream.
... That actually sounds really good.
Mmh, Bryer's Samoas...
And I didn't die without a cake.
And I didn't shrivel away from a lack of gifts.
I did actually get a couple small things, the kind of gift you can't buy or put in a box... And also a 2TB HDD from a distant friend
Thinking about going to make a bowl of ice-cream.
... That actually sounds really good.
Mmh, Bryer's Samoas...
It's that time again
Posted 12 years agoYep..
28 today..
*Waves a little Welsh flag, and leans hir chin on hir paw, elbow firmly planted on hir desk, and a look of absolute apathy plastered on hir face*
I hope today is at least pleasant, but we're expecting the landlord, and an appraiser to stop by at some point "early in the day"...
Things are in motion, and while my parents are pretty sure that declaring bankruptcy has fixed everything.. I have a sinking suspicious that this 'appraiser' is here for more than simply to re-evaluate the house for the landlord's mortgage..
There's more going on in my life, more going wrong, but I don't feel like typing it out here.. One of the reasons I haven't been writing journals, is I've got nothing happy to say, and I'm tired of only posting bad news or whining about my situation..
*Lowers hir chin to hir desk, and just stares at hir charging phone, watching the seconds slowly tick by, hir paws over hir ears*
28 today..
*Waves a little Welsh flag, and leans hir chin on hir paw, elbow firmly planted on hir desk, and a look of absolute apathy plastered on hir face*
I hope today is at least pleasant, but we're expecting the landlord, and an appraiser to stop by at some point "early in the day"...
Things are in motion, and while my parents are pretty sure that declaring bankruptcy has fixed everything.. I have a sinking suspicious that this 'appraiser' is here for more than simply to re-evaluate the house for the landlord's mortgage..
There's more going on in my life, more going wrong, but I don't feel like typing it out here.. One of the reasons I haven't been writing journals, is I've got nothing happy to say, and I'm tired of only posting bad news or whining about my situation..
*Lowers hir chin to hir desk, and just stares at hir charging phone, watching the seconds slowly tick by, hir paws over hir ears*
