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Info/policy change!
General | Posted 14 years agoJust a quick note.
I was starting to have a conflict with sorting far too many emails.
If you are looking for a quote, or have a question you can now reach me at
TCFquotes[at]gmail.com
All other quote info that arrive from other addresses, or FA notes will be politely referred to the new address.
ALSO>>>
We will now be Closed on Weekends
All emails received after 5PM EST on Friday will not be answered until the following Monday after 12AM EST
That goes for calls as well. Unless otherwise notified.
In less it's an emergency, of course.
Whew......
BACK TO WORK I GO!
I was starting to have a conflict with sorting far too many emails.
If you are looking for a quote, or have a question you can now reach me at
TCFquotes[at]gmail.com
All other quote info that arrive from other addresses, or FA notes will be politely referred to the new address.
ALSO>>>
We will now be Closed on Weekends
All emails received after 5PM EST on Friday will not be answered until the following Monday after 12AM EST
That goes for calls as well. Unless otherwise notified.
In less it's an emergency, of course.
Whew......
BACK TO WORK I GO!
I'm complex, back-off.
General | Posted 15 years agoOkay, nobody has told me that I am erratic, or inconsistent in my behavior.
I simply thought it was a little funny that I seem to switch my habits on FA from time to time. I am fairly sure plenty of you empathize with me on that.
I have been trying to respond to everyone after a long campaign of not replying back to random comments.
It really has more to do with my activities of the day than anything.
If I am working all day and night, and am not on the computer much I get fairly picky choosy of what I say. If I have time to hang, or am doing some chill office like stuff I will most likely have more to say.
Just one of those odd observations I make about myself from time to time..
This journal did not need to be typed.
-Jeff
I simply thought it was a little funny that I seem to switch my habits on FA from time to time. I am fairly sure plenty of you empathize with me on that.
I have been trying to respond to everyone after a long campaign of not replying back to random comments.
It really has more to do with my activities of the day than anything.
If I am working all day and night, and am not on the computer much I get fairly picky choosy of what I say. If I have time to hang, or am doing some chill office like stuff I will most likely have more to say.
Just one of those odd observations I make about myself from time to time..
This journal did not need to be typed.
-Jeff
out of contact for a few days notice.
General | Posted 15 years agoMy sister is having her twins right now.
I was not expecting her to pop anytime soon. She is full term, so no worries. I just lost track of time.
So, I will not be around for a few days because of that.
If yo need me, I should get back to you in a somewhat normal timeframe, I just didn't want to make any promises.
-Jeff
I was not expecting her to pop anytime soon. She is full term, so no worries. I just lost track of time.
So, I will not be around for a few days because of that.
If yo need me, I should get back to you in a somewhat normal timeframe, I just didn't want to make any promises.
-Jeff
It's okay. You can call me Jeff.
General | Posted 15 years agoFYI, I have a commission slot open.. Tell a friend
In other news.
Fairly recently I have been realizing more and more how much I dislike being called "Media".
Don't worry, this is not some irrational proclamation about what you have to call me from now on. I am simply saying "you can call me Jeff."
So, why exactly do I dislike being called "Media"?
I think it has to do with the fact that I feel like I am being addressed in a different context than normal when I am called "Media". Plus, it's a character that has not seen the light of day in over 2 years.
There is that too, I don't like being considered an animal in regular conversation. I am not a fan of being called a lemur, unless I am in a lemur costume. FA is fine too, you can call me a lemur all you want here. However, in costume you can call me the racial slur that is my name in public. Don't worry, it's an archaic racial slur, thus socially acceptable in an ironic context, or most parts of the southeastern states.....
When you are talking to me, you are talking to Jeff. And I am not about to cuss you out if you forget. If you did remember I prefer my birth-name to "Spook" Or "Lemur".
Actually, "Lemur" has a nice ring to it. However, not Media. Not a fan. Not anymore.
Oh, Iv'e wasted your time.....
Anyway..
Here is your halfassed playlist of the day. I would like to go on recored by saying I put no effort into todays list AT ALL>
http://listen.grooveshark.com/#/pla.....43225863?src=5
In other news.
Fairly recently I have been realizing more and more how much I dislike being called "Media".
Don't worry, this is not some irrational proclamation about what you have to call me from now on. I am simply saying "you can call me Jeff."
So, why exactly do I dislike being called "Media"?
I think it has to do with the fact that I feel like I am being addressed in a different context than normal when I am called "Media". Plus, it's a character that has not seen the light of day in over 2 years.
There is that too, I don't like being considered an animal in regular conversation. I am not a fan of being called a lemur, unless I am in a lemur costume. FA is fine too, you can call me a lemur all you want here. However, in costume you can call me the racial slur that is my name in public. Don't worry, it's an archaic racial slur, thus socially acceptable in an ironic context, or most parts of the southeastern states.....
When you are talking to me, you are talking to Jeff. And I am not about to cuss you out if you forget. If you did remember I prefer my birth-name to "Spook" Or "Lemur".
Actually, "Lemur" has a nice ring to it. However, not Media. Not a fan. Not anymore.
Oh, Iv'e wasted your time.....
Anyway..
Here is your halfassed playlist of the day. I would like to go on recored by saying I put no effort into todays list AT ALL>
http://listen.grooveshark.com/#/pla.....43225863?src=5
Playlist of the day. s
General | Posted 15 years agoPlaylist of the day.
General | Posted 15 years agohere is a fresh new one for you.
http://listen.grooveshark.com/#/pla.....43136501?src=5
This is a little less generic than the last one, and has a little more obscurity. it's mostly soul music. I have a very real love for soul music.
Enjoy!
http://listen.grooveshark.com/#/pla.....43136501?src=5
This is a little less generic than the last one, and has a little more obscurity. it's mostly soul music. I have a very real love for soul music.
Enjoy!
Surprise playlist of the day (grooveshark)
General | Posted 15 years agoI have really been into making daily playlists on the Grooveshark.
If you have a grooveshark account, and would like an insight to my ecliptic and strange appreciation for music, check out my playlist of the day.
http://listen.grooveshark.com/#/pla.....43093582?src=5
Here is the first of many..
You can see how much of a dork I really am.
:P
They will change day to day, and have an insanely wide range of music. So, if you don't like this first one, check out tomorrows. It will be very different.
If you have a grooveshark account, and would like an insight to my ecliptic and strange appreciation for music, check out my playlist of the day.
http://listen.grooveshark.com/#/pla.....43093582?src=5
Here is the first of many..
You can see how much of a dork I really am.
:P
They will change day to day, and have an insanely wide range of music. So, if you don't like this first one, check out tomorrows. It will be very different.
Fursuit building stupidity moment.
General | Posted 15 years agoI think if you do any job long enough you could have an impressive blooper real.
I thought today's idiot moment was comical enough.
I use dentist pick tools for random things here and there. I bought a stupid amount of them from the army surplus awhile ago. I sue them for just about anything that requires me to get into real tight spaces. And they get dirty.
So, if I am using them, and they get paint, or something else on them, I just throw them into a jar with whatever solvent works best. For airbrush paint I use nail polish remover.
So, these tools have aired out for months on months. And sometimes I com across a drawer with a few spares I had put to the side. So, I used on of those for some work today.
I do snack occasionally when working. So, I had a few cashews, and had to spit them out. Something was just awful. I have been working with lots of new techniques and chemicals, so I feared cross contamination. Even though I had not touched anything remotely volatile in over 24 hours. I washed my hands several times over, then went back to work, now not dealing directly with any chemicals, or anything other than foam, and my tools.
Once again, I had to spit out my food it was so bad.
....
So, after a whole day of thinking I was going to be dosed with horrid chemicals that I never even knew I was using I figured it out.
Inbitterent..
The nail polish remover, long gone, and completely evaporated months ago has an added inbitterent so you don't drink it. Turns out, that inbitterent tends to stick on to tools..
So, that's my idiot moment of the day. I thought I poisoned myself.
I thought today's idiot moment was comical enough.
I use dentist pick tools for random things here and there. I bought a stupid amount of them from the army surplus awhile ago. I sue them for just about anything that requires me to get into real tight spaces. And they get dirty.
So, if I am using them, and they get paint, or something else on them, I just throw them into a jar with whatever solvent works best. For airbrush paint I use nail polish remover.
So, these tools have aired out for months on months. And sometimes I com across a drawer with a few spares I had put to the side. So, I used on of those for some work today.
I do snack occasionally when working. So, I had a few cashews, and had to spit them out. Something was just awful. I have been working with lots of new techniques and chemicals, so I feared cross contamination. Even though I had not touched anything remotely volatile in over 24 hours. I washed my hands several times over, then went back to work, now not dealing directly with any chemicals, or anything other than foam, and my tools.
Once again, I had to spit out my food it was so bad.
....
So, after a whole day of thinking I was going to be dosed with horrid chemicals that I never even knew I was using I figured it out.
Inbitterent..
The nail polish remover, long gone, and completely evaporated months ago has an added inbitterent so you don't drink it. Turns out, that inbitterent tends to stick on to tools..
So, that's my idiot moment of the day. I thought I poisoned myself.
Animatronics, and I am getting fat!
General | Posted 15 years agoMan, fursuit work makes you soft.
I reached my threshold weight today. That is my failsafe "not fat yet" weight I planned ahead for. Meaning if I don't go run around the block a few times I am going to start muffin topping any day now.
Sure enough, I practiced some new dance moves, and thought twice about second helpings.
But fursuit making really takes all your time. I feel bad cooking 3 meals a day, as prep, and clean up time take so long. So I go for quick food to stay on task. I am lucky I am a vegetarian, and don't eat fast food, or I would have been typing this like 3 or 4 months ago. I am not saying vegetarians don't get fat.. Pringles are meat free... I just know it's easer to pass up Wendy's when you can only order 3 items on the entire menu.
But I still eat quick, and pre made foods, and that never helps. Pasta, bread, rice. They are so easy to make a quick meal of.. and they are so tasty too.
I guess it's back to carrot sticks, and raw kale for me.
It was a good run, and I got to eat rice pudding for breakfast, but that time has ended.
When I used to have my other job I was riding my bike up to 50 miles a day.. just because. Now I am lucky if I see the sun for a few minutes from my to the mailbox, and back....
So, need to get a Gym membership.. and not eat food with flavor... damn it.
On a lighter note.
I had mentioned a few months back that I would be working on some animatronics. I had a guy that was going to help me out, and get the ball rolling. But after doing the math, and just running out of time to play around, it took a back seat.
But I am determined to make it work. I recently have been going with
chorca to the lab. He is probably my favorite person outside of my direct family. I have been a handful of times now, and met the members of the group. I think I came on a little strong. lol.. I tend to joke too much when I meet new people. It's a coping mechanism for nervousness. Oh well, they didn't seem to mind.
That reminds me, I need to pay them to be in the club.. I should do that sooner than later.
Hopefully I will be doing that in my spare time, and can work towards results.
I AM OFFERING STEEPLY DISCOUNTED COMMISSIONS ON THESE NEW IDEAS.
Basically, ask me to make something, pay for the parts, and
I will tinker in my spare time for you.
That dose come at a compromise, though. All of the animatronics projects, and other new fabrication methods are highly experimental, and may have unforeseen issues down the line.
It will be a very limited amount of commissions, if you want to even call it that. As I will be working for free, and only ask you pay for parts, and the like.
If you are interested in something like that, email me. It's not first come first serve, and is not a regular commission by any means. So, I may be fairly picky about what I decide to take up.
-Jeff
I reached my threshold weight today. That is my failsafe "not fat yet" weight I planned ahead for. Meaning if I don't go run around the block a few times I am going to start muffin topping any day now.
Sure enough, I practiced some new dance moves, and thought twice about second helpings.
But fursuit making really takes all your time. I feel bad cooking 3 meals a day, as prep, and clean up time take so long. So I go for quick food to stay on task. I am lucky I am a vegetarian, and don't eat fast food, or I would have been typing this like 3 or 4 months ago. I am not saying vegetarians don't get fat.. Pringles are meat free... I just know it's easer to pass up Wendy's when you can only order 3 items on the entire menu.
But I still eat quick, and pre made foods, and that never helps. Pasta, bread, rice. They are so easy to make a quick meal of.. and they are so tasty too.
I guess it's back to carrot sticks, and raw kale for me.
It was a good run, and I got to eat rice pudding for breakfast, but that time has ended.
When I used to have my other job I was riding my bike up to 50 miles a day.. just because. Now I am lucky if I see the sun for a few minutes from my to the mailbox, and back....
So, need to get a Gym membership.. and not eat food with flavor... damn it.
On a lighter note.
I had mentioned a few months back that I would be working on some animatronics. I had a guy that was going to help me out, and get the ball rolling. But after doing the math, and just running out of time to play around, it took a back seat.
But I am determined to make it work. I recently have been going with
chorca to the lab. He is probably my favorite person outside of my direct family. I have been a handful of times now, and met the members of the group. I think I came on a little strong. lol.. I tend to joke too much when I meet new people. It's a coping mechanism for nervousness. Oh well, they didn't seem to mind. That reminds me, I need to pay them to be in the club.. I should do that sooner than later.
Hopefully I will be doing that in my spare time, and can work towards results.
I AM OFFERING STEEPLY DISCOUNTED COMMISSIONS ON THESE NEW IDEAS.
Basically, ask me to make something, pay for the parts, and
I will tinker in my spare time for you.
That dose come at a compromise, though. All of the animatronics projects, and other new fabrication methods are highly experimental, and may have unforeseen issues down the line.
It will be a very limited amount of commissions, if you want to even call it that. As I will be working for free, and only ask you pay for parts, and the like.
If you are interested in something like that, email me. It's not first come first serve, and is not a regular commission by any means. So, I may be fairly picky about what I decide to take up.
-Jeff
Okay, nobody else watch me until I listen to Prince..
General | Posted 15 years agoI am going to party like it's on sale for 19.99
1999 watchers right this second. I need at least 6 minutes to get this song out of the way. I didn't have much to drink, so I mixed the top of every liquor bottle in the house. Gin mixes with Whiskey and out of date orange juice, right?
Alright I had my moment, go back to your everyday lives.
''''
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSqYAbBFhzc
1999 watchers right this second. I need at least 6 minutes to get this song out of the way. I didn't have much to drink, so I mixed the top of every liquor bottle in the house. Gin mixes with Whiskey and out of date orange juice, right?
Alright I had my moment, go back to your everyday lives.
''''
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSqYAbBFhzc
Commissions open!!!
General | Posted 15 years agoLooking for a fursuit?
Well, I make them.
Current slots are for late summer, early fall.
Email me for information, quotes, or whatever. I am happy to help.
thecritterfactory[at]gmail.com
Thanks!
-Jeff
Well, I make them.
Current slots are for late summer, early fall.
Email me for information, quotes, or whatever. I am happy to help.
thecritterfactory[at]gmail.com
Thanks!
-Jeff
Commissions will be open in a few days.
General | Posted 15 years agoI needed to clear out a few projects before I could readily take on more work. I am catching up quickly to my personal goal, and it looks like I am getting some speed back in my projects. Basically, I am back to normal.
This is good new for not only my current commissioners, but also my future ones as well.
I am learning my own work habits, and limitations. I am a perfectionists by nature, and I get pulled into small details. I have realized small details can take their toll on productivity. This can be a good thing, or a bad thing.
In light of this, I am going to offer commissions with a little bit wider range of a completion time. As I have been fairly on time, but I would prefer to not work myself to death just to be on time, or slightly behind.
So, I will be opening for commissions, set for an early to mid fall completion time. My goal is to never have a wait time of a year+. Though, ultimately 6 months is my ideal turnaround.
All production notes aside, I am giving quotes right now for a slot or two for the Fall of this year.
Feel free to email me with your art for a quote.
I am only offering fullsuit commissions at this time (aside from a few exceptions for specific types of animals).
If you have any questions, or would like a quote email me at
thecritterfactory[at]gmail.com
Thanks!
-Jeff
P.S.
Photo shoot for a few things coming up.
Next up is a realistic Sabertooth, husky tail, and a wolf.
This is good new for not only my current commissioners, but also my future ones as well.
I am learning my own work habits, and limitations. I am a perfectionists by nature, and I get pulled into small details. I have realized small details can take their toll on productivity. This can be a good thing, or a bad thing.
In light of this, I am going to offer commissions with a little bit wider range of a completion time. As I have been fairly on time, but I would prefer to not work myself to death just to be on time, or slightly behind.
So, I will be opening for commissions, set for an early to mid fall completion time. My goal is to never have a wait time of a year+. Though, ultimately 6 months is my ideal turnaround.
All production notes aside, I am giving quotes right now for a slot or two for the Fall of this year.
Feel free to email me with your art for a quote.
I am only offering fullsuit commissions at this time (aside from a few exceptions for specific types of animals).
If you have any questions, or would like a quote email me at
thecritterfactory[at]gmail.com
Thanks!
-Jeff
P.S.
Photo shoot for a few things coming up.
Next up is a realistic Sabertooth, husky tail, and a wolf.
How did you come across my FA?
General | Posted 15 years agoI often wonder how people find out about my little corner of FA. So, if you have time, I would love to hear about how you came to watch me.
I am going to be completely honest about this next subject, as it seems to have had a negative connotation in the past.
Is striving to be more popular a bad thing?
I know intentions weigh in heavily on this subject. I myself am guilty of wanting to be more popular for the wrong reasons. I can admit that, as it is not something that is a day to day thing, but rather small lapses in judgment. Currently I honestly would love to get a tad more exposure to get more of a range of commissions. Even be able to pick commissions I am more passionate about. Though, I feel like begging for attention is where I have to draw the line. I have to ask myself "are you earing your attention, or are you screaming for it?"
Do you ever find yourself being annoyed at an artist when they seem to be over-posting for attention?
It comes down to popularity I feel that frequency of posted work is a big contributing factor. For me this is not a possibility. I am faster at my craft than many, but ultimately in the big picture I am one of the slower builders.
I am curious what you have to say on these matters.
-Jeff
I am going to be completely honest about this next subject, as it seems to have had a negative connotation in the past.
Is striving to be more popular a bad thing?
I know intentions weigh in heavily on this subject. I myself am guilty of wanting to be more popular for the wrong reasons. I can admit that, as it is not something that is a day to day thing, but rather small lapses in judgment. Currently I honestly would love to get a tad more exposure to get more of a range of commissions. Even be able to pick commissions I am more passionate about. Though, I feel like begging for attention is where I have to draw the line. I have to ask myself "are you earing your attention, or are you screaming for it?"
Do you ever find yourself being annoyed at an artist when they seem to be over-posting for attention?
It comes down to popularity I feel that frequency of posted work is a big contributing factor. For me this is not a possibility. I am faster at my craft than many, but ultimately in the big picture I am one of the slower builders.
I am curious what you have to say on these matters.
-Jeff
I need a new Icon, whos open for commissions?
General | Posted 15 years agoSo, I need an icon. A new icon.
I kinda looked around, but I am way out of the icon commission loop here. so, please bear with me.
So, are you open for icon commissions?
I have to warn you I am a tad picky when it comes to icons. Please don't take it personally if I don't want your icon. I simply want to know my choices for said icon.
thank you.
-Jeff
I kinda looked around, but I am way out of the icon commission loop here. so, please bear with me.
So, are you open for icon commissions?
I have to warn you I am a tad picky when it comes to icons. Please don't take it personally if I don't want your icon. I simply want to know my choices for said icon.
thank you.
-Jeff
Back!
General | Posted 15 years agoJust kidding. I am not retuning to anything close to an active status anytime soon.
I am sure some of you noticed a response to a question, thank for fav+, or comment back like a month late.
I have been work work working like a crazy person. To be honest I have no idea when I will be back to any semblance of normalcy, or the outside world.
I have been watching too much "Fringe" as well. I seem to be in one of my obsessive emulation phases. That, compounded with my already recluse, and frantic nature have earned the moniker of a "Mad scientist". A title I reluctantly, yet understandably accept.
To make matters more interesting I also have found myself in an unwarranted state of agoraphobia. I attribute this also to my work habits. In a rare move I went downtown to watch my friends band preform. I think I became aware of my worsening neurosis when I found myself sizing up a presumably 60 year old homeless woman in route to the show. I mean, I did figure I could take her, unless she had sharpened something into a crude shiv like devise. I was willing to bet she lacked the basic motor skills to do so.
Anyway.....
I am sure I will wander back onto this site at a greater frequency sooner than later..
ttys
-Jeff
I am sure some of you noticed a response to a question, thank for fav+, or comment back like a month late.
I have been work work working like a crazy person. To be honest I have no idea when I will be back to any semblance of normalcy, or the outside world.
I have been watching too much "Fringe" as well. I seem to be in one of my obsessive emulation phases. That, compounded with my already recluse, and frantic nature have earned the moniker of a "Mad scientist". A title I reluctantly, yet understandably accept.
To make matters more interesting I also have found myself in an unwarranted state of agoraphobia. I attribute this also to my work habits. In a rare move I went downtown to watch my friends band preform. I think I became aware of my worsening neurosis when I found myself sizing up a presumably 60 year old homeless woman in route to the show. I mean, I did figure I could take her, unless she had sharpened something into a crude shiv like devise. I was willing to bet she lacked the basic motor skills to do so.
Anyway.....
I am sure I will wander back onto this site at a greater frequency sooner than later..
ttys
-Jeff
I hate dead ends...
General | Posted 15 years ago11 hours later...
Most likely by the time I am done typing this the first day of the year would have officially ended, or will be seconds away from ending.
so, first day...
I was working on a new idea for heads, and it just now at the end panned out. I was hoping it would be a side project that would only take... hour, two hours tops. Nope, 11 hours....
Good news is, I got it to work. though I wanted to be like... done by now. tomorrow is another day. And I hope the rest of this year dose not end up like the first one.
Other than that, good times, 2011, happy new year... etc, etc.
-Jeff
Most likely by the time I am done typing this the first day of the year would have officially ended, or will be seconds away from ending.
so, first day...
I was working on a new idea for heads, and it just now at the end panned out. I was hoping it would be a side project that would only take... hour, two hours tops. Nope, 11 hours....
Good news is, I got it to work. though I wanted to be like... done by now. tomorrow is another day. And I hope the rest of this year dose not end up like the first one.
Other than that, good times, 2011, happy new year... etc, etc.
-Jeff
I have officially gone a little crazy
General | Posted 15 years agoI needed to vent a little about my frustrations with the holiday season. It has been three months of hell. I am so so so happy Christmas has ended. I may have a chance to take my life back. It has been the busiest year to date for me. I started off with two jobs, and it feels like I have not had so much as a weeks worth of time to myself for the entire year. I am already in the process of fixing my problems, so this is more of a catharsis. I don't like to whine. I feel that almost every individual has the ability to change their situation. This is simply my venting for the sake of venting.
What the hell time is it?
This December it finally happened. I lost all concept of time.
It is not my crazy work schedule alone that made this happened. It was a combination of odd circumstance, bad timing, horrible quality of sleep, caffeine addiction, and forced social interaction based around "normal" schedules.
First thing, coffee.
I have what most creative people have, an unhealthy addiction to stimulants. But given the addiction cycle off caffeine I am a slave to the clock. Meaning I can't go to sleep if I have not had my coffee at the right time. If I choose to ignore this, I am forced awake only a few hours later with a splitting headache. Causing a catch 22.. drink more coffee to cure the addiction, but be too wired to sleep. Or lose sleep to an addiction headache, and lose a day of productivity. I didn't have the luxury to take 3 detox days out in the middle of December to fix the issue.
I also have been doing lots of selling on Craigslist. I wanted to get rid of clutter, and buy some fancy new equipment.The drawback is that most people on Craigslist operate on normal time. So I would be getting called in the middle of my sleep cycle just for some moron forgetting what item he called me for. Asking me to remind him what I am selling. Then, dealing with less than punctual individuals that you need to stay awake for, and hope they buy your items. They come to your house up to 3 hours late, then try to talk you down in price after they already agreed on one before they even left their own house. They never have enough cash on them, and after they insult your intelligence with haggling they want to hang out and chat. If I wanted to talk I would have posted in the personals.
Of course you have my crazy work schedule. This is one of the things I justify the most. I work crazy hours on purpose. I have an easy time getting distracted by the things and people around me. weather it be a house project that needs attention, or just talking to old friends on facebook. I choose to work odd hours to minimize the times I could be distracted. I refuse to shop at Wal Mart, so I have no reason to leave the house at 4 AM. Meaning pure work time. Nobody is up, nothing is open, and I can't be loud in the house. This comes at a cost. I have not had a day off in a very long time. I don't get to sleep in as much as you think. As many of my normal obligations come into play during normal business hours I have to make sure I am up and out the door while I have a chance to do even the most basic of things. Mail, food, shopping, errands, banking, talking to customers. Even though I am up at 7 or 8 AM some things do not open to until 11AM. Meaning I would not get a chance to be home until as late as 1 or 2 PM. That will put me at 30 to 32 hours without sleep if the conditions are right.
Then sleep itself. I have never been a sound sleeper. I toss, and turn all night. Worse, lately I have been suffering from sleep paralyses almost nightly. I can't even go a two day stretch without having that almost alien abduction list of symptoms anytime I so much as lay down to rest. If you have never had sleep paralysis, let me explain what it feels like. Imagine you are in your bed. You can look around your room, and you know you are in your room. Now, at this point you are partially asleep. You don't know it, but you are. You see the world around you, and in that state you know you are awake.. but the reality, you are in limbo. A state between two separate states of comprehension. Awake in a dream, and convinced you are awake. You cannot move, you cannot scream, and you cannot look away. Most of the time you feel like you are in danger. Like there is something in your room with you. An unshakable feeling of ominous presents. The only instinct you have is to break free of that hold.. so you thrash about as hard as you can, and eventually you wake up in cold sweat. Terrified, and confused you turn the lights on to discover you have only been asleep for 30 to 40 minutes, but you have to start all over again. It's pretty lame. I have an entire drawer full of 5htp, Valerian root, melatonin, l-tryptiphan.. it sometimes can make it worse.
Don't forget parties, friends, and time with your family. The times I am more than happy to be awake for. As hard as I see myself trying, on the outside It looks as if I am a total recluse. If time with friends is less than perfect I feel like I am letting people down. I know real friends understand, but I hate to abuse that understanding. It's how you eventually loose real friends. My sister is about to have twins. I do worry about being there for my family. I have always had a bad reputation for being around the least. I really want to make sure I do not keep that. I think one of the worst problems I face in this is loneliness. As much as I try to be around I find myself constantly alone. I am around people, but connecting with someone on deeper levels has been hard. Not to say that I haven't connected with people, not at all. It's more that some of the the relationships I have are now complicated with my business, and others are not given my attention back. This month it was really bad, with so many people close to me away. I made a real effort to be there for my sisters sonograms, the Christmas parties, and as many opportunities to get out as I could. All the while working to make up for lost time. It wears down on you to try your best, but look just as bad anyway.
This has left me in a state devoid of way point. I sacrifice sleep to keep up with the world, but in the end there is just not enough time in the day. I miss the days of boredom. I feel like I am in a constant state of running behind, and I think the last 3 months has everything to do with it. I am hopeful that everyone had a wonderful holiday season. I also hope that nobody holds it against me when I say I am glad to see it go.
My new years resolution?
Regain my sanity.
Hope you had an awesome Christmas!
-Jeff
What the hell time is it?
This December it finally happened. I lost all concept of time.
It is not my crazy work schedule alone that made this happened. It was a combination of odd circumstance, bad timing, horrible quality of sleep, caffeine addiction, and forced social interaction based around "normal" schedules.
First thing, coffee.
I have what most creative people have, an unhealthy addiction to stimulants. But given the addiction cycle off caffeine I am a slave to the clock. Meaning I can't go to sleep if I have not had my coffee at the right time. If I choose to ignore this, I am forced awake only a few hours later with a splitting headache. Causing a catch 22.. drink more coffee to cure the addiction, but be too wired to sleep. Or lose sleep to an addiction headache, and lose a day of productivity. I didn't have the luxury to take 3 detox days out in the middle of December to fix the issue.
I also have been doing lots of selling on Craigslist. I wanted to get rid of clutter, and buy some fancy new equipment.The drawback is that most people on Craigslist operate on normal time. So I would be getting called in the middle of my sleep cycle just for some moron forgetting what item he called me for. Asking me to remind him what I am selling. Then, dealing with less than punctual individuals that you need to stay awake for, and hope they buy your items. They come to your house up to 3 hours late, then try to talk you down in price after they already agreed on one before they even left their own house. They never have enough cash on them, and after they insult your intelligence with haggling they want to hang out and chat. If I wanted to talk I would have posted in the personals.
Of course you have my crazy work schedule. This is one of the things I justify the most. I work crazy hours on purpose. I have an easy time getting distracted by the things and people around me. weather it be a house project that needs attention, or just talking to old friends on facebook. I choose to work odd hours to minimize the times I could be distracted. I refuse to shop at Wal Mart, so I have no reason to leave the house at 4 AM. Meaning pure work time. Nobody is up, nothing is open, and I can't be loud in the house. This comes at a cost. I have not had a day off in a very long time. I don't get to sleep in as much as you think. As many of my normal obligations come into play during normal business hours I have to make sure I am up and out the door while I have a chance to do even the most basic of things. Mail, food, shopping, errands, banking, talking to customers. Even though I am up at 7 or 8 AM some things do not open to until 11AM. Meaning I would not get a chance to be home until as late as 1 or 2 PM. That will put me at 30 to 32 hours without sleep if the conditions are right.
Then sleep itself. I have never been a sound sleeper. I toss, and turn all night. Worse, lately I have been suffering from sleep paralyses almost nightly. I can't even go a two day stretch without having that almost alien abduction list of symptoms anytime I so much as lay down to rest. If you have never had sleep paralysis, let me explain what it feels like. Imagine you are in your bed. You can look around your room, and you know you are in your room. Now, at this point you are partially asleep. You don't know it, but you are. You see the world around you, and in that state you know you are awake.. but the reality, you are in limbo. A state between two separate states of comprehension. Awake in a dream, and convinced you are awake. You cannot move, you cannot scream, and you cannot look away. Most of the time you feel like you are in danger. Like there is something in your room with you. An unshakable feeling of ominous presents. The only instinct you have is to break free of that hold.. so you thrash about as hard as you can, and eventually you wake up in cold sweat. Terrified, and confused you turn the lights on to discover you have only been asleep for 30 to 40 minutes, but you have to start all over again. It's pretty lame. I have an entire drawer full of 5htp, Valerian root, melatonin, l-tryptiphan.. it sometimes can make it worse.
Don't forget parties, friends, and time with your family. The times I am more than happy to be awake for. As hard as I see myself trying, on the outside It looks as if I am a total recluse. If time with friends is less than perfect I feel like I am letting people down. I know real friends understand, but I hate to abuse that understanding. It's how you eventually loose real friends. My sister is about to have twins. I do worry about being there for my family. I have always had a bad reputation for being around the least. I really want to make sure I do not keep that. I think one of the worst problems I face in this is loneliness. As much as I try to be around I find myself constantly alone. I am around people, but connecting with someone on deeper levels has been hard. Not to say that I haven't connected with people, not at all. It's more that some of the the relationships I have are now complicated with my business, and others are not given my attention back. This month it was really bad, with so many people close to me away. I made a real effort to be there for my sisters sonograms, the Christmas parties, and as many opportunities to get out as I could. All the while working to make up for lost time. It wears down on you to try your best, but look just as bad anyway.
This has left me in a state devoid of way point. I sacrifice sleep to keep up with the world, but in the end there is just not enough time in the day. I miss the days of boredom. I feel like I am in a constant state of running behind, and I think the last 3 months has everything to do with it. I am hopeful that everyone had a wonderful holiday season. I also hope that nobody holds it against me when I say I am glad to see it go.
My new years resolution?
Regain my sanity.
Hope you had an awesome Christmas!
-Jeff
Happy Holidays!! (48 hour offline notice)
General | Posted 15 years agoMerry Christmas!
Happy Hanukkah!
Solstice!
Kwanzaa!
And most importantly.
I will be getting drunk with relatives for about 48 hours starting nowish. I don't get much attention here on FA. I have become jaded with the internet, and have been aloof, and not very engaging recently because of it.
In the off chance you where looking for me, I am not going to be easily reachable.
That goes for calls, text, and email too.
I will get back to you, just not as soon as usual.
Take care all, be safe, and whatever you do, have a great 48 hours.
-Jeff
Happy Hanukkah!
Solstice!
Kwanzaa!
And most importantly.
I will be getting drunk with relatives for about 48 hours starting nowish. I don't get much attention here on FA. I have become jaded with the internet, and have been aloof, and not very engaging recently because of it.
In the off chance you where looking for me, I am not going to be easily reachable.
That goes for calls, text, and email too.
I will get back to you, just not as soon as usual.
Take care all, be safe, and whatever you do, have a great 48 hours.
-Jeff
Happy Holidays!! (48 hour offline notice)
General | Posted 15 years agoMerry Christmas!
Happy Hanukkah!
Solstice!
Kwanzaa!
And most importantly.
I will be getting drunk with relatives for about 48 hours starting nowish. I don't get much attention here on FA. I have become jaded with the internet, and have been aloof, and not very engaging recently because of it.
In the off chance you where looking for me, I am not going to be easily reachable.
That goes for calls, text, and email too.
I will get back to you, just not as soon as usual.
Take care all, be safe, and whatever you do, have a great 48 hours.
-Jeff
Happy Hanukkah!
Solstice!
Kwanzaa!
And most importantly.
I will be getting drunk with relatives for about 48 hours starting nowish. I don't get much attention here on FA. I have become jaded with the internet, and have been aloof, and not very engaging recently because of it.
In the off chance you where looking for me, I am not going to be easily reachable.
That goes for calls, text, and email too.
I will get back to you, just not as soon as usual.
Take care all, be safe, and whatever you do, have a great 48 hours.
-Jeff
The Sewing Thunder Tour 2011 dates!
General | Posted 15 years agoI stole this
1. YOUR PORN STAR NAME: (first pet & street you grew up on)
Thomas Sunshine
2.YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (fave ice cream flavor, favorite cookie)
Vanilla Vanilla Wafers
3. YOUR "FLY Guy/Girl" NAME: (first initial of first name, first three letters of your last name)
J-LAF
4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal)
Black Lemur
5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born)
Vincent Winterpark
6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first)
Lafje
7. SUPERHERO NAME: ("The" + 2nd favorite color, favorite drink)
The BLUE GREEN TEA!
8. NASCAR NAME: (the first names of your grandfathers)
Edward Edward (no joke)
9. STRIPPER NAME: (the name of your favorite perfume/cologne/scent, favorite candy)
Nagchampa Snickers
10.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (father's & mother's middle names )
Edward Alison
11. TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME: (Your 5th grade teacher's last name, a major city that starts with the same letter)
Peoria Pelter
12. SPY NAME: (your favorite season/holiday, flower)
Winter Lotus
13. CARTOON NAME: (favorite fruit, article of clothing you're wearing right now + "ie" or "y")
Starfruit nakedy
14. HIPPY NAME: (What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree)
Tofudog Oak
15. YOUR ROCKSTAR TOUR NAME: ("The" + Your fave hobby/craft, fave weather element + "Tour")
The Sewing Thunder Tour
1. YOUR PORN STAR NAME: (first pet & street you grew up on)
Thomas Sunshine
2.YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (fave ice cream flavor, favorite cookie)
Vanilla Vanilla Wafers
3. YOUR "FLY Guy/Girl" NAME: (first initial of first name, first three letters of your last name)
J-LAF
4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal)
Black Lemur
5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born)
Vincent Winterpark
6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first)
Lafje
7. SUPERHERO NAME: ("The" + 2nd favorite color, favorite drink)
The BLUE GREEN TEA!
8. NASCAR NAME: (the first names of your grandfathers)
Edward Edward (no joke)
9. STRIPPER NAME: (the name of your favorite perfume/cologne/scent, favorite candy)
Nagchampa Snickers
10.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (father's & mother's middle names )
Edward Alison
11. TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME: (Your 5th grade teacher's last name, a major city that starts with the same letter)
Peoria Pelter
12. SPY NAME: (your favorite season/holiday, flower)
Winter Lotus
13. CARTOON NAME: (favorite fruit, article of clothing you're wearing right now + "ie" or "y")
Starfruit nakedy
14. HIPPY NAME: (What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree)
Tofudog Oak
15. YOUR ROCKSTAR TOUR NAME: ("The" + Your fave hobby/craft, fave weather element + "Tour")
The Sewing Thunder Tour
An open letter
General | Posted 15 years agoAn open letter to the canker sore that appeared after I bit my tongue.
We started this whole thing off in what seemed like an instant. Just like that, you found your way into my life. I feel like the words to describe the moment are on the tip of my tongue. Even though I was optimistic about it, and gave it time, I am afraid i have to ask you to leave.
It is just too painful to have you around anymore. It's only been a week, and I feel your presence is near oppressive. I feel like I can't do the simplest things with out you interfering. Where ever I go, you are there with me, waiting for me breath the wrong way. You don't like the same foods I do, and that is not a problem. It's the fact that you won't even let me enjoy my lemon-aid, or pineapple without you making a big deal of it. It seems like you always want me to keep my mouth shut. With you around anytime I even try to talk about anything it becomes painful. That is the one word I would use to describe our relationship, painful.
I tried to make this work, I even made special arrangements for you. I even went so far as to switch my tooth paste, all for you. It was just not enough. You just couldn't see how hard I was working to make this comfortable for the both of us.
So, canker sore, I am asking you to leave. Please just leave, and let me begin the healing process.
We started this whole thing off in what seemed like an instant. Just like that, you found your way into my life. I feel like the words to describe the moment are on the tip of my tongue. Even though I was optimistic about it, and gave it time, I am afraid i have to ask you to leave.
It is just too painful to have you around anymore. It's only been a week, and I feel your presence is near oppressive. I feel like I can't do the simplest things with out you interfering. Where ever I go, you are there with me, waiting for me breath the wrong way. You don't like the same foods I do, and that is not a problem. It's the fact that you won't even let me enjoy my lemon-aid, or pineapple without you making a big deal of it. It seems like you always want me to keep my mouth shut. With you around anytime I even try to talk about anything it becomes painful. That is the one word I would use to describe our relationship, painful.
I tried to make this work, I even made special arrangements for you. I even went so far as to switch my tooth paste, all for you. It was just not enough. You just couldn't see how hard I was working to make this comfortable for the both of us.
So, canker sore, I am asking you to leave. Please just leave, and let me begin the healing process.
Sick day.
General | Posted 15 years agoI had a rough night.. I did not get better. I will leave it at that.
Man, when I was in school I would do anything to get out of class.
Why is it now that when I have a reason to not work, all I want to do is get to work?
Oh well.
I still am a little shaken from yesterday, but I feel like it was not pathogen related, but a combination of eating the wrong things, lack of proper sleep, and drinking too much coffee.
I hope later tonight after one final nap will get me back into gear. I am not pushing it, don;t worry.
Man, when I was in school I would do anything to get out of class.
Why is it now that when I have a reason to not work, all I want to do is get to work?
Oh well.
I still am a little shaken from yesterday, but I feel like it was not pathogen related, but a combination of eating the wrong things, lack of proper sleep, and drinking too much coffee.
I hope later tonight after one final nap will get me back into gear. I am not pushing it, don;t worry.
Please, just give me a month.
General | Posted 15 years agoI have been insanely busy this passed month. I have not been out of my house other than trips to get food or supplies for the vast majority of that time. However, I have been getting tons of things done. I am slowly but surely catching up to a slight delay, and am only a project or two away from doing so. My hard work seems to at least let me see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Today......
I woke up with a headache. I never get those.. maybe once every few months. I also felt.. just.. dazed, and out of it. Just tired, and groggy. I got to work, and now I am starting to feel both more than before. To top it of I am sweating...
I hate to say it, but I might be getting sick.
Please, please, please just let this be an off day. Just let this be one too many cups of coffee, or a bad nights sleep. I just need one month, one lousy month, and then I can afford to get sick. If I could just have that...
Eh....
Wish me luck.
Today......
I woke up with a headache. I never get those.. maybe once every few months. I also felt.. just.. dazed, and out of it. Just tired, and groggy. I got to work, and now I am starting to feel both more than before. To top it of I am sweating...
I hate to say it, but I might be getting sick.
Please, please, please just let this be an off day. Just let this be one too many cups of coffee, or a bad nights sleep. I just need one month, one lousy month, and then I can afford to get sick. If I could just have that...
Eh....
Wish me luck.
Perfect gift idea for Kwanzaa
General | Posted 15 years ago
2x2lBye sickness, hello productivity.
General | Posted 15 years agoI am not one to complain, but I was in quite a funk the last few weeks.
Something was up. I think It was my wisdom teeth... the ones I refuse to remove. I had a bit of the "blahs" for sure. I hate to say it, but I was rather unproductive. A stark contrast for me.
I took an unannounced mini 3 day vacation this weekend, I really needed to just get out of my cave.
Well, I did manage to clean out the garage,get the fabrication shop done, and have been working on my little electronics projects that tie in to the big picture.
I have some exciting new things I have been ironing out. I am hoping it will help out ease our fabrication woes. it's not a big secret or anything. Just several little things. Drills, saws, routers, Vac u Form Table, embroidery machine, maybe a surger in a few days. I sold off a ton of spare stuff, and I have been just buying tools.
That's all I got.
P.S.
If you where wondering what I wanted for Christmas...
You can't go wrong with power tools, or Lilo and Stitch Memorabilia. :P
\
Something was up. I think It was my wisdom teeth... the ones I refuse to remove. I had a bit of the "blahs" for sure. I hate to say it, but I was rather unproductive. A stark contrast for me.
I took an unannounced mini 3 day vacation this weekend, I really needed to just get out of my cave.
Well, I did manage to clean out the garage,get the fabrication shop done, and have been working on my little electronics projects that tie in to the big picture.
I have some exciting new things I have been ironing out. I am hoping it will help out ease our fabrication woes. it's not a big secret or anything. Just several little things. Drills, saws, routers, Vac u Form Table, embroidery machine, maybe a surger in a few days. I sold off a ton of spare stuff, and I have been just buying tools.
That's all I got.
P.S.
If you where wondering what I wanted for Christmas...
You can't go wrong with power tools, or Lilo and Stitch Memorabilia. :P
\
