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Last 3 weeks of crazy ShadowKeeper
Posted a year agoI try to avoid writing too much about this stuff, but I figure at this point it's widely enough known now and I owe a lot of people explanations about my behaviour the past month.
I have been trying to quit alcoholism for a long time, with mixed success. Things are definitely improving but not perfect. There's an addictions clinic close by and I can just drop in whenever, and I saw the doctor there. They said by far my best chance for long term recovery right now is to go through a formal detox center dedicated to helping people get sober. Sounded great! The catch is (and this is mostly for safety if you understand alcohol) I had to stay drunk, and preferably insanely drunk while on the waitlist. Which is typically a week. The doctor said, "You're obviously good at being drunk so just do that until we call you." Ok, for a week I can handle this.
I managed for 2 weeks, and during this time I did a lot of stupid things online which I owe you all an apology for. Every day was like torture, I had to force myself to drink, I felt sick all the time, a lot of it all I could do was lie in bed. After 2 weeks my body started rejecting the alcohol and severe withdrawal kicked in.
It was clear I couldn't keep this up any longer so I wound up back in the ER. At first they said, "Ok we dealt with the withdrawal now you can go home and drink for a couple of days until detox." But it turns out they still wouldn't have a spot available for at least another week. Seriously how can you expect someone to stay drunk for a whole month. Once the wait time became obvious the doctors changed their mind and said the combination of ER detox and at home detox was actually the best option.
TLDR: I went through two weeks of hell for nothing, and put some of you through that hell as well. But now I'm sober and working like hell to stay that way.
I have been trying to quit alcoholism for a long time, with mixed success. Things are definitely improving but not perfect. There's an addictions clinic close by and I can just drop in whenever, and I saw the doctor there. They said by far my best chance for long term recovery right now is to go through a formal detox center dedicated to helping people get sober. Sounded great! The catch is (and this is mostly for safety if you understand alcohol) I had to stay drunk, and preferably insanely drunk while on the waitlist. Which is typically a week. The doctor said, "You're obviously good at being drunk so just do that until we call you." Ok, for a week I can handle this.
I managed for 2 weeks, and during this time I did a lot of stupid things online which I owe you all an apology for. Every day was like torture, I had to force myself to drink, I felt sick all the time, a lot of it all I could do was lie in bed. After 2 weeks my body started rejecting the alcohol and severe withdrawal kicked in.
It was clear I couldn't keep this up any longer so I wound up back in the ER. At first they said, "Ok we dealt with the withdrawal now you can go home and drink for a couple of days until detox." But it turns out they still wouldn't have a spot available for at least another week. Seriously how can you expect someone to stay drunk for a whole month. Once the wait time became obvious the doctors changed their mind and said the combination of ER detox and at home detox was actually the best option.
TLDR: I went through two weeks of hell for nothing, and put some of you through that hell as well. But now I'm sober and working like hell to stay that way.
I love the rain
Posted a year agoHearing it fall. I remember when it brought wrought and washed away so much but the rest of my life it brought comfort. A memory. The sound, the memory, the feel of a warm blanket wrapped around me. The rain. Comforting me. Outside as I lie in this blanket of comfort, protected. A familiar feeling.
I love the rain
Posted a year agoHearing it fall. I remember when it brought wrought and washed away so much but the rest of my life it brought comfort. A memory. The sound, the memory, the feel of a warm blanket wrapped around me. The rain. Comforting me. Outside as I lie in this blanket of comfort, protected. A familiar feeling.
BLFC 2016
Posted 9 years agoI guess I should put up a journal since everyone else is!
I will be going to BLFC, obviously hence journal. Will be there Thurs-Mon, rooming with
chioxin, 
grizdog, and Fluffy. I'll be driving down by myself again (well with Fluffy) unless something last minute comes up. Probably going to take my time driving and stop to see things along the way so not sure how late I will arrive.
Plans for the con are just to see people, hang out and have fun! I think I will use my Canadian number down there so people don't have to worry about me having a convention-only phone number. I will have data (and wi-fi), so SMS, Skype and Telegram are all good ways to get ahold of me. Maybe Twitter or FA but those are checked less frequently.
If anyone wants to meet up or you need contact info drop a message!
Looking forward to seeing everyone!
I will be going to BLFC, obviously hence journal. Will be there Thurs-Mon, rooming with
chioxin, 
grizdog, and Fluffy. I'll be driving down by myself again (well with Fluffy) unless something last minute comes up. Probably going to take my time driving and stop to see things along the way so not sure how late I will arrive.Plans for the con are just to see people, hang out and have fun! I think I will use my Canadian number down there so people don't have to worry about me having a convention-only phone number. I will have data (and wi-fi), so SMS, Skype and Telegram are all good ways to get ahold of me. Maybe Twitter or FA but those are checked less frequently.
If anyone wants to meet up or you need contact info drop a message!
Looking forward to seeing everyone!
I caved and got Telegram
Posted 10 years agoGuess I need to get SK stickers now!
Not sure if it will become my primary IM but no harm in running it. It seems to have auto-added most people from my phone but if you have telegram and want mine then let me know!
Not sure if it will become my primary IM but no harm in running it. It seems to have auto-added most people from my phone but if you have telegram and want mine then let me know!
What an unexpectedly memorable birthday
Posted 10 years agoAs per my last journal, Saturday was my birthday and it was quite an interesting day indeed! Of course it started out by unloading the moving truck and getting things basically set up. Mom was in town coincidentally so she helped unload and then we went to Tims for breakfast, which is when the storm hit.
I can't remember the last time I've seen such a storm, maybe not ever, the wind was insane. Power was knocked out to most of the city, trees were falling. We were driving down one street when huge branches started falling onto the road and all we could do was hit the gas to get out of there as quickly as possible! It's a good thing I didn't try to move up on Saturday as parts of the I-5 were closed, as well as other roads, and not to mention driving a truck in such a wind would be very hard. Plus most traffic lights were out and people don't know what to do, grr. Although by day 2 of no power people had figured out the 4-way stop procedure.
Storm aside, Mom kidnapped me for the day and so I spent it with family instead of unpacking. Fluff had to come with since there was nowhere for her to stay at the house yet. At least she got used to car rides and strange houses. Coincidentally there was a big family BBQ going on that evening, which fortunately doesn't require power, so I got to see everyone, get some food, and got surprised with a cake by my mom and sister. Most of the family at the BBQ had no idea it was my birthday XP But yay cake!
I always loved storms as a kid so spending the day with a storm and no power was maybe a gift. No branches fell in my yard, despite all my big trees, and I didn't have any cleanup to do so hooray for that at least. And spending it with family was unexpectedly a very nice stress relief after the past week.
Now I'm mostly settled in, and I'm looking forward to getting reconnected with all the people and things I used to do around here. There is a neighborhood BBQ in a couple of weeks, and I'm looking forward to reconnecting with SIGGRAPH, SAR and other things again. I have to admit after being back here that Vancouver feels much more like home than Seattle. I really did not leave all that much behind like when I left here.
Hope you all are well,
-SK
I can't remember the last time I've seen such a storm, maybe not ever, the wind was insane. Power was knocked out to most of the city, trees were falling. We were driving down one street when huge branches started falling onto the road and all we could do was hit the gas to get out of there as quickly as possible! It's a good thing I didn't try to move up on Saturday as parts of the I-5 were closed, as well as other roads, and not to mention driving a truck in such a wind would be very hard. Plus most traffic lights were out and people don't know what to do, grr. Although by day 2 of no power people had figured out the 4-way stop procedure.
Storm aside, Mom kidnapped me for the day and so I spent it with family instead of unpacking. Fluff had to come with since there was nowhere for her to stay at the house yet. At least she got used to car rides and strange houses. Coincidentally there was a big family BBQ going on that evening, which fortunately doesn't require power, so I got to see everyone, get some food, and got surprised with a cake by my mom and sister. Most of the family at the BBQ had no idea it was my birthday XP But yay cake!
I always loved storms as a kid so spending the day with a storm and no power was maybe a gift. No branches fell in my yard, despite all my big trees, and I didn't have any cleanup to do so hooray for that at least. And spending it with family was unexpectedly a very nice stress relief after the past week.
Now I'm mostly settled in, and I'm looking forward to getting reconnected with all the people and things I used to do around here. There is a neighborhood BBQ in a couple of weeks, and I'm looking forward to reconnecting with SIGGRAPH, SAR and other things again. I have to admit after being back here that Vancouver feels much more like home than Seattle. I really did not leave all that much behind like when I left here.
Hope you all are well,
-SK
Life Updates, Moving Back to Vancouver, Etc
Posted 10 years agoBeen a while since I wrote a journal! Fortunately I still remembered where the button was. Most of you who know me already know all this stuff.
Unfortunately I lost my job down in WA, and after doing some research (which I procrastinated), I found out I'm supposed to get out of the US ASAP, as my visa was only valid for one employer and instantly becomes invalid on my last day of work. I can come back with a new visa right away, but in the meantime I have to leave (and not just drive across and back.) Turns out having other job interviews while I'm here is a big no-no, oops. So now I've been frantically arranging things, trying to make sure Varanis will be ok, arranging moves, banking, trying to figure out how things work with the auto loan etc etc.
Second unfortunate thing is I can't get any kind of unemployment or social security from either country, and my savings are very minimal so life is going to be interesting.
Good thing is I'll be living in my gutted house again, and I should have lots of time to try to get it put back together. Right now I'm just looking forward to settling back in there, and life will be a lot calmer and simpler for a while. I'll have time to study and look for work, put the house together, maybe even hang out with people again!
Hope you're all doing well!
-SK
Edit: And hatchday is on Saturday =p
Unfortunately I lost my job down in WA, and after doing some research (which I procrastinated), I found out I'm supposed to get out of the US ASAP, as my visa was only valid for one employer and instantly becomes invalid on my last day of work. I can come back with a new visa right away, but in the meantime I have to leave (and not just drive across and back.) Turns out having other job interviews while I'm here is a big no-no, oops. So now I've been frantically arranging things, trying to make sure Varanis will be ok, arranging moves, banking, trying to figure out how things work with the auto loan etc etc.
Second unfortunate thing is I can't get any kind of unemployment or social security from either country, and my savings are very minimal so life is going to be interesting.
Good thing is I'll be living in my gutted house again, and I should have lots of time to try to get it put back together. Right now I'm just looking forward to settling back in there, and life will be a lot calmer and simpler for a while. I'll have time to study and look for work, put the house together, maybe even hang out with people again!
Hope you're all doing well!
-SK
Edit: And hatchday is on Saturday =p
BLFC! Anyone need a ride?
Posted 10 years agoI am all signed up for BLFC in a couple months, and I must say I'm really looking forward to it! Rooming with chioxin. Maybe bringing Fluffy. Maybe fursuitting. Will be there wed-sun and won't have to rush off like I usually do at cons, so yay!
I'll probably be driving down, because I think a road trip will be fun and it is definitely cheaper. However my roommate can no longer come with me and driving down by myself doesn't sound terribly exciting. Is anyone from WA or OR going who'd want to travel together and split costs?
Edit: After talking with Chioxin, it looks like I'll be there Thurs-Mon instead!
chioxin. Maybe bringing Fluffy. Maybe fursuitting. Will be there wed-sun and won't have to rush off like I usually do at cons, so yay!I'll probably be driving down, because I think a road trip will be fun and it is definitely cheaper. However my roommate can no longer come with me and driving down by myself doesn't sound terribly exciting. Is anyone from WA or OR going who'd want to travel together and split costs?
Edit: After talking with Chioxin, it looks like I'll be there Thurs-Mon instead!
FC Booked!
Posted 11 years agoHotel and flights have been booked, so unless something goes really wonky last minute I'll be there! I only need 2 days off work so I don't see that being an issue this time. I will be arriving Thurs night and heading home Monday night.
Rooming with
ledgema, 
incrediblecrocodile, and I think someone else but I'm not sure who they are. Should be fun! We'll be in the Hilton, which is where I always seem to wind up.
I won't be suitting for this con. I'm actually not really sure what I'll be doing; I haven't been chatting and keeping up with the people I'd normally hang out with since everyone is busier these days. So we'll see what happens. If you'll be there, give me a shout!
Cheers all,
-SK
Rooming with
ledgema, 
incrediblecrocodile, and I think someone else but I'm not sure who they are. Should be fun! We'll be in the Hilton, which is where I always seem to wind up.I won't be suitting for this con. I'm actually not really sure what I'll be doing; I haven't been chatting and keeping up with the people I'd normally hang out with since everyone is busier these days. So we'll see what happens. If you'll be there, give me a shout!
Cheers all,
-SK
MFF Cancelled, Can't Get Time Off
Posted 11 years agoI just realized I twittered this a while ago but never updated by journals here.
Going to really miss seeing all of you but it can't be helped. Will have to make up for it at FC!
Going to really miss seeing all of you but it can't be helped. Will have to make up for it at FC!
Con plans! RF,MFF,FC
Posted 11 years agoAlright, RF,MFF, and FC are a go! Can't wait to see all of you! I haven't been to a con for a year! Still working out details but here's what I know:
RF:
Will be there Fri night to Sunday, rooming in the Clarion with Pyxaron and CyanCoyote. No fursuitting for this con, sorry! Should be fursuitting at MFF and FC.
MFF:
May arrive Wed night, still trying to see if I can find a room, otherwise I will be there Thurs-Mon, staying in some hotel across the street, Executive Suites maybe? Rooming with Pyxaron+1 again, Micksam, and ArcNova! Really looking forward to this since I'll get to see so many people I haven't seen for a long time, or ever!
FC:
Rooming with Cornwall and Chioxin, possibly Ronnie. Not sure about travel plans yet but I will probably drive down. I am looking for other people who want to drive with!
So yay!
RF:
Will be there Fri night to Sunday, rooming in the Clarion with Pyxaron and CyanCoyote. No fursuitting for this con, sorry! Should be fursuitting at MFF and FC.
MFF:
May arrive Wed night, still trying to see if I can find a room, otherwise I will be there Thurs-Mon, staying in some hotel across the street, Executive Suites maybe? Rooming with Pyxaron+1 again, Micksam, and ArcNova! Really looking forward to this since I'll get to see so many people I haven't seen for a long time, or ever!
FC:
Rooming with Cornwall and Chioxin, possibly Ronnie. Not sure about travel plans yet but I will probably drive down. I am looking for other people who want to drive with!
So yay!
Tough week, apologies, and in Salem this weekend for a break
Posted 11 years agoHi all,
It's been a bit since my last update! Overall life is going alright. Many of you know that I keep very busy between working in Seattle and frantically doing renovations on my house in Vancouver, so that leaves me very little time for other things. But I think that needs to start changing more.
A few of you know that I have been struggling with alcohol for years. This past week was bad. I missed some days at work and completely unjustly yelled at a friend online, hurting him and it was no fault of his own. Usually when I drink I just become more friendly (and overly RPish!) but this is just dumb and has to stop. Many of you have been affected by this, since I am not myself online quite often and so I apologize for that. My biggest barrier to sobriety is that I don't really have a life these days, and it has been a fun escape, but it is killing me literally and there are too many sacrifices.
Work has been extremely good and supportive, even about me missing some days. They run a free medical clinic, including life counsellors etc, and I need to start taking advantage. In Canada it is impossible to find a GP, but now that I'm in the US I need to find one of those and get some checkups as well; make sure I deal with any damage I've caused myself and give myself more motivation to stick to my goals.
New job has been going well otherwise. I have had to work longer hours to make up for me not being 100% all the time, but they go out of their way to do everything for people and I need to return the favor.
Moneywise, things are very stressful, which is what is putting pressure on me to get the house done. I don't lose sleep over it, but it makes me feel guilty when I try to take time for myself. My bills are higher than my income, however I am avoiding going further into debt so far, at least. Renovating is actually enjoyable, but solitary and it doesn't give me much chance to socialize.
A lot of the activities I like to do to socialize I haven't been able to because of either booze or time. For example, I gained too much weight to be able to fursuit, which is saddening. And activities that require cardio like hiking leave me with chest pains. Not drinking will solve this, but not doing these things also leads to drinking; I have to force myself out of this cycle, I'm the only one who can do it. Most likely I'll try to find light group activities for now.
In summary, I need to reprioritize, find people to do things with and most importantly, find things to look forward to. This weekend I decided to suddenly drop in on Thrakos and Sparkle; fortunately they are accomodating, and it gives me time away to realize what's important and what to strive for. I'm not depressed, I am optimistic. But it is challenging to make big changes!
Hope everyone else is doing alright.
It's been a bit since my last update! Overall life is going alright. Many of you know that I keep very busy between working in Seattle and frantically doing renovations on my house in Vancouver, so that leaves me very little time for other things. But I think that needs to start changing more.
A few of you know that I have been struggling with alcohol for years. This past week was bad. I missed some days at work and completely unjustly yelled at a friend online, hurting him and it was no fault of his own. Usually when I drink I just become more friendly (and overly RPish!) but this is just dumb and has to stop. Many of you have been affected by this, since I am not myself online quite often and so I apologize for that. My biggest barrier to sobriety is that I don't really have a life these days, and it has been a fun escape, but it is killing me literally and there are too many sacrifices.
Work has been extremely good and supportive, even about me missing some days. They run a free medical clinic, including life counsellors etc, and I need to start taking advantage. In Canada it is impossible to find a GP, but now that I'm in the US I need to find one of those and get some checkups as well; make sure I deal with any damage I've caused myself and give myself more motivation to stick to my goals.
New job has been going well otherwise. I have had to work longer hours to make up for me not being 100% all the time, but they go out of their way to do everything for people and I need to return the favor.
Moneywise, things are very stressful, which is what is putting pressure on me to get the house done. I don't lose sleep over it, but it makes me feel guilty when I try to take time for myself. My bills are higher than my income, however I am avoiding going further into debt so far, at least. Renovating is actually enjoyable, but solitary and it doesn't give me much chance to socialize.
A lot of the activities I like to do to socialize I haven't been able to because of either booze or time. For example, I gained too much weight to be able to fursuit, which is saddening. And activities that require cardio like hiking leave me with chest pains. Not drinking will solve this, but not doing these things also leads to drinking; I have to force myself out of this cycle, I'm the only one who can do it. Most likely I'll try to find light group activities for now.
In summary, I need to reprioritize, find people to do things with and most importantly, find things to look forward to. This weekend I decided to suddenly drop in on Thrakos and Sparkle; fortunately they are accomodating, and it gives me time away to realize what's important and what to strive for. I'm not depressed, I am optimistic. But it is challenging to make big changes!
Hope everyone else is doing alright.
Officially Living in the US as of Yesterday
Posted 12 years agoHey All,
Well, I'm here! Muahaha, crazy Americans let me in =p. Picked up the keys to my temporary apartment last night and officially got my US address, at least for the time being.
Crossing the border was pretty smooth. Wait times were short to get through the booth, but then I had to go inside to get my Visa which took a bit longer. I confirmed with the guard that I had to go through this and get a new I-94 each time I crossed and he said, "Nope, this is a multiple-entry Visa, and I'm giving you the full 3 years requested in your petition." So yay! I think, after some research it looks like I can just keep this I-94 until it expires and don't have to pull over each time, which would be nice.
Crossed, drove straight down to Bellevue other than stopping for gas. Picked up the keys, and drove to the new place. It's an odd apartment building, but it's new and nice enough. Everything was set up like a show suite with all the dishes perfectly arranged in the cupboards (EXTREMELY OCD person), the table was set and such. Made a quick phone calls and then went to find dinner (about 9:50pm).
Everything was closed. =O No wonder the streets seemed quiet, this is a sleepy area! I'm right in the center of Bellevue to. I'm used to even suburban centers to be active until later at night. Maybe after some exploration I'll find I only needed to go two more blocks or such, heh. Ah well, pizza delivery it was!
Today is for unpacking, finding a grocery store, updating addresses and preparing for work tomorrow. I think most of the nerve-wracking stressful stuff is over now so life should get a bit less frantic. Time will tell!
Cheers!
-SK
Well, I'm here! Muahaha, crazy Americans let me in =p. Picked up the keys to my temporary apartment last night and officially got my US address, at least for the time being.
Crossing the border was pretty smooth. Wait times were short to get through the booth, but then I had to go inside to get my Visa which took a bit longer. I confirmed with the guard that I had to go through this and get a new I-94 each time I crossed and he said, "Nope, this is a multiple-entry Visa, and I'm giving you the full 3 years requested in your petition." So yay! I think, after some research it looks like I can just keep this I-94 until it expires and don't have to pull over each time, which would be nice.
Crossed, drove straight down to Bellevue other than stopping for gas. Picked up the keys, and drove to the new place. It's an odd apartment building, but it's new and nice enough. Everything was set up like a show suite with all the dishes perfectly arranged in the cupboards (EXTREMELY OCD person), the table was set and such. Made a quick phone calls and then went to find dinner (about 9:50pm).
Everything was closed. =O No wonder the streets seemed quiet, this is a sleepy area! I'm right in the center of Bellevue to. I'm used to even suburban centers to be active until later at night. Maybe after some exploration I'll find I only needed to go two more blocks or such, heh. Ah well, pizza delivery it was!
Today is for unpacking, finding a grocery store, updating addresses and preparing for work tomorrow. I think most of the nerve-wracking stressful stuff is over now so life should get a bit less frantic. Time will tell!
Cheers!
-SK
Moving to the US (Seattle)!
Posted 12 years agoHi Peoples,
Today I got my official approval for a TN (temporary worker) Visa to work in the US! This has been in the works for about 6 weeks now, and today the final paperwork arrived!
While I was at RF I spent a morning in interviews and they made a very generous job offer the same day, and now things are all ready to go!
So ya, it will be a big change even though it's only a 2.5 hour drive from here. I have a place to stay for 2 months while I figure out more permanent housing and wait for all my crap to get delivered, etc, and then I'll be settled more permanently. I am not sure when I am actually going to be moving down, but 2 weeks sounds like a rough reasonable estimate. All I know is I have to start work on a Wednesday but dunno WHICH Wednesday XD I have a lot to get done here first but I also really need an income again, I haven't been working since June!
The US Visa is a little odd that it doesn't have an expiry date, which was a surprise! Apparently the expiry will be up to the border guard when I cross which was kind of interesting. Work listed that the job is for 3 years so maybe they'll give me 3 years. Also it sounds like every time I cross they can change the length I can stay in the country, which is weird, but it also says on the paperwork I don't even need a Visa, but I dunno what it's talking about, lawyers write things weird. Anyhow, work's legal department immediately started the process of getting me setup down there permanently, so I dunno if that will be an E visa or a greencard or if they are the same thing or whatever. But this shouldn't be a temporary job by any means
So if you're in the area, send me a shout! And I will likely be visiting Vancouver regularly, depending on how much of a hassle it is at the border since I will have to pull over every time I cross (I think?). And the CRA (Canadian IRS) is anal about me visiting regularly to.
Also, does Seattle have any furry meet-up boards like BCF http://www.bcfurries.com/forum/ if any locals know?
Cheers,
-SK
Today I got my official approval for a TN (temporary worker) Visa to work in the US! This has been in the works for about 6 weeks now, and today the final paperwork arrived!
While I was at RF I spent a morning in interviews and they made a very generous job offer the same day, and now things are all ready to go!
So ya, it will be a big change even though it's only a 2.5 hour drive from here. I have a place to stay for 2 months while I figure out more permanent housing and wait for all my crap to get delivered, etc, and then I'll be settled more permanently. I am not sure when I am actually going to be moving down, but 2 weeks sounds like a rough reasonable estimate. All I know is I have to start work on a Wednesday but dunno WHICH Wednesday XD I have a lot to get done here first but I also really need an income again, I haven't been working since June!
The US Visa is a little odd that it doesn't have an expiry date, which was a surprise! Apparently the expiry will be up to the border guard when I cross which was kind of interesting. Work listed that the job is for 3 years so maybe they'll give me 3 years. Also it sounds like every time I cross they can change the length I can stay in the country, which is weird, but it also says on the paperwork I don't even need a Visa, but I dunno what it's talking about, lawyers write things weird. Anyhow, work's legal department immediately started the process of getting me setup down there permanently, so I dunno if that will be an E visa or a greencard or if they are the same thing or whatever. But this shouldn't be a temporary job by any means
So if you're in the area, send me a shout! And I will likely be visiting Vancouver regularly, depending on how much of a hassle it is at the border since I will have to pull over every time I cross (I think?). And the CRA (Canadian IRS) is anal about me visiting regularly to.
Also, does Seattle have any furry meet-up boards like BCF http://www.bcfurries.com/forum/ if any locals know?
Cheers,
-SK
Back from Rainfurrest 2013!
Posted 12 years agoRF is always too short!
Arrived at Friday around 2pm, coming there straight from job interviews in Bellevue. My room wasn't available until later in the evening, and most people I wanted to hang out with had gone into Seattle, but I found somewhere to drop off my bags. Didn't bother changing though, walked around in a fancy shirt and tie. It was a bit interesting how all the other furs made a wide path for me thinking I was some "normal" person XD. Once I took the tie off and had badges on people figured it out though.
Like most cons, the highlight was really just getting to hang out with so many awesome friends, and meeting new ones! I didn't suit for the first time since I got the thing, but I didn't really regret it. Gave me a chance to meet more people and socialize more.
Most of the time I hung out with
FironDraak, 
bgyoshi, 
Jaiko, 
robbob4, 
hiromitz, 
HammyToy, 
LexGoyle, 
Zantal, 
Arashiin, 
Dranslin, 
Sabredragon, and 
GodOfPredators.
Also got to meet up briefly with:
DiceWolf, 
grael-dragon, 
flameinferno, 
QB89Dragon, 
scottytheminotaur, 
sulferdragon, 
tojo-the-thief, 
sabur, 
cyancoyote, 
tokeki, and 
argentfang, some of which I had known before, some not!
I'm sure I am forgetting some people, I will add you as I recall!
Most unlikely of all though, I ran into
Reweth there! I thought maybe someone slipped something into my coffee, but he really did go, which was cool!
Since I'm jobless I didn't buy anything, and most things I can order online later when I am working. Got some cards for some cool things I want to get when I can. Hmm, didn't go to any panels or events other than the fursuit parade, mostly just hung out =) Oh, and so many new awesome fursuits! <3
The only other highlight was that it rained hard. A LOT. So I got soaked without a rain jacket or umbrella quite a bit but I didn't seem to get more sick thankfully. At least it wasn't too cold out.
Drove home Sunday night through more stormy weather and that was that! Thanks everyone for making it such a great con!
-SK
Arrived at Friday around 2pm, coming there straight from job interviews in Bellevue. My room wasn't available until later in the evening, and most people I wanted to hang out with had gone into Seattle, but I found somewhere to drop off my bags. Didn't bother changing though, walked around in a fancy shirt and tie. It was a bit interesting how all the other furs made a wide path for me thinking I was some "normal" person XD. Once I took the tie off and had badges on people figured it out though.
Like most cons, the highlight was really just getting to hang out with so many awesome friends, and meeting new ones! I didn't suit for the first time since I got the thing, but I didn't really regret it. Gave me a chance to meet more people and socialize more.
Most of the time I hung out with
FironDraak, 
bgyoshi, 
Jaiko, 
robbob4, 
hiromitz, 
HammyToy, 
LexGoyle, 
Zantal, 
Arashiin, 
Dranslin, 
Sabredragon, and 
GodOfPredators.Also got to meet up briefly with:
DiceWolf, 
grael-dragon, 
flameinferno, 
QB89Dragon, 
scottytheminotaur, 
sulferdragon, 
tojo-the-thief, 
sabur, 
cyancoyote, 
tokeki, and 
argentfang, some of which I had known before, some not!I'm sure I am forgetting some people, I will add you as I recall!
Most unlikely of all though, I ran into
Reweth there! I thought maybe someone slipped something into my coffee, but he really did go, which was cool!Since I'm jobless I didn't buy anything, and most things I can order online later when I am working. Got some cards for some cool things I want to get when I can. Hmm, didn't go to any panels or events other than the fursuit parade, mostly just hung out =) Oh, and so many new awesome fursuits! <3
The only other highlight was that it rained hard. A LOT. So I got soaked without a rain jacket or umbrella quite a bit but I didn't seem to get more sick thankfully. At least it wasn't too cold out.
Drove home Sunday night through more stormy weather and that was that! Thanks everyone for making it such a great con!
-SK
Registered for RF!
Posted 12 years agoI did. Should be able to get a ride down and a room so yay!
Most likely I won't be bringing any suits. Just plan to hang out with people and whatnot. Can't really say what my plans are cause I don't know what they are yet. I'm not in charge this time, which is kind of nice for a change!
Looking forward to it though, can't wait to see everyone! =)
Most likely I won't be bringing any suits. Just plan to hang out with people and whatnot. Can't really say what my plans are cause I don't know what they are yet. I'm not in charge this time, which is kind of nice for a change!
Looking forward to it though, can't wait to see everyone! =)
And now 32
Posted 12 years agoYup, another year gone. Oh well, I hear these these happen sometimes. Time could slow down a bit though!
To those who wrote letters...
Posted 12 years agoHi All,
Sorry to those who don't know what I'm talking about, you can skip this journal. It's not really public knowledge and I don't intend to make it so... I know FA isn't really the place for this but I am excited and want to show my appreciation en masse.
Well it's been almost a year since some of you provided character reference letters for me, stood behind me and spoke up. This morning was the final decision on the issue. And despite all the things I've done and all the formal pieces of paper I have to show that I'm doing good, the Crown above all cited that the number of people willing to speak on my behalf and provide these references was reason to believe that I am acting in the public good. This was the best possible outcome!
A big thank you to you all! I still have 5 more months of time to spend, and more than a couple thousand to pay for all this, but then I am in the clear, and it is all thanks to you guys. I'd shout out to you all but there were so many I know I'd miss someone and feel bad.
Thank you!
-SK
Sorry to those who don't know what I'm talking about, you can skip this journal. It's not really public knowledge and I don't intend to make it so... I know FA isn't really the place for this but I am excited and want to show my appreciation en masse.
Well it's been almost a year since some of you provided character reference letters for me, stood behind me and spoke up. This morning was the final decision on the issue. And despite all the things I've done and all the formal pieces of paper I have to show that I'm doing good, the Crown above all cited that the number of people willing to speak on my behalf and provide these references was reason to believe that I am acting in the public good. This was the best possible outcome!
A big thank you to you all! I still have 5 more months of time to spend, and more than a couple thousand to pay for all this, but then I am in the clear, and it is all thanks to you guys. I'd shout out to you all but there were so many I know I'd miss someone and feel bad.
Thank you!
-SK
Moving on to new opportunities
Posted 12 years agoOf course on Tuesday I quit my job. I was pretty stressed and emotional and I wasn't really nice about it, but HR was still understanding and now I am just glad that is all over with. It feels like I've had such a huge weight lifted off of my shoulders, and now I can focus on my next adventure as well as getting my health in check and making progress on renovations. I've been around long enough now that I'm not too worried about finding new work; I have a pretty extensive network of professional friends keeping an eye out. Hopefully I can find work soon but then delay starting for a month or two while I continue renovations and take some much needed time to myself.
1000 Watchers!?!?
Posted 12 years agoWow, thanks everyone! I never thought I'd make this milestone honestly... I remember when 1000 pageviews seemed like an impossible thing to achieve. Glad you guys like what I've been posting.
Cheers!
Cheers!
Oregon success!
Posted 12 years agoAnd thankfully so, today a bridge we crossed to make our trip collapsed. Luckily we made it safely across, and prayers to those who plummeted into the Skagit river. I will have to think twice about my safety if I drive to the US again.
But the trip went very well! Got to hang out with
thrakos and his mate 
sparklecat. Just chilled mostly, went to a cheese factory... and... OK seriously disappointed. My heritage is mostly German and I was looking forward to all sorts of amazing cheeses but they ONLY make cheddar! The 2nd most boring cheese. Gah! Americans.
Otherwise saw the new Star Trek, played board games and just had fun. Met up with tokeki for lunch and wished we could've hung out more. Also met 
nerian for lunch on the way home which was cool; he's a good guy to hang out with!
Think I need to make more roadtrips! Just not over collapsing bridges.
But the trip went very well! Got to hang out with
thrakos and his mate 
sparklecat. Just chilled mostly, went to a cheese factory... and... OK seriously disappointed. My heritage is mostly German and I was looking forward to all sorts of amazing cheeses but they ONLY make cheddar! The 2nd most boring cheese. Gah! Americans.Otherwise saw the new Star Trek, played board games and just had fun. Met up with
tokeki for lunch and wished we could've hung out more. Also met 
nerian for lunch on the way home which was cool; he's a good guy to hang out with!Think I need to make more roadtrips! Just not over collapsing bridges.
Oregon trip!
Posted 12 years agoNext weekend, hammytoy and I will be heading down to Oregon to visit thrakos. Never been, so it should be a lot of fun! It's not that far a drive and I should have done this a long time ago but meh. Still should be cool! No idea what we're doing yet but I'm sure it'll be fun to hang out with all the people down there. Looking forward to it! Frantically trying to plan things.
If you're in the area (Portland-Salem), let me know!
hammytoy and I will be heading down to Oregon to visit thrakos. Never been, so it should be a lot of fun! It's not that far a drive and I should have done this a long time ago but meh. Still should be cool! No idea what we're doing yet but I'm sure it'll be fun to hang out with all the people down there. Looking forward to it! Frantically trying to plan things.If you're in the area (Portland-Salem), let me know!
Vancoufur Report
Posted 12 years agoOops, totally forgot about doing this! Well, a week and a half ago was of course Vancoufur and I must say it was an absolute blast! I really didn't expect to have quite that much fun honestly, but it was a great little con. The hotel was pretty sweet despite the fact we only got one queen bed instead of two double beds.
Friday night and Saturday morning was mostly spent driving to and from the airport to pick up Zantal and then his suit which the airline forgot in SFO. So I missed being in the parade, however got to watch it which was fine for a change! After the parade I miraculously managed to get into fursuit and suitted for 6 hours straight, mostly with
reveal, 
weremagnus, 
fazar, zantal, 
ziddy and saw cyancoyote around a bit. In the afternoon the sun came out and chatting by the pool in fursuit was very comfortable, watching poor inflatable dragons get mounted by people while orcas watched from the balconies overhead.
Finally met
Zee. properly which was good, he seems like a fun guy, as well as 
ryusuke573. And met and hung out with Magnus who was very cool, friendly, and a lot of fun to be around. Caught up with hammytoy for a while, got to chat with 
univadedfox more over dinner one night and while suitting. And of course there were many other local people I was glad to get to see and talk to again. Otherwise we played board games, danced, watched bad movies, ate foods, typical con things.
Staff were good, con was a little disorganized here and there but the effort everyone put into it was very evident and nothing happened at the con that lessened the experience.
And I'm very much looking forward to next year!
Friday night and Saturday morning was mostly spent driving to and from the airport to pick up Zantal and then his suit which the airline forgot in SFO. So I missed being in the parade, however got to watch it which was fine for a change! After the parade I miraculously managed to get into fursuit and suitted for 6 hours straight, mostly with
reveal, 
weremagnus, 
fazar, zantal, 
ziddy and saw cyancoyote around a bit. In the afternoon the sun came out and chatting by the pool in fursuit was very comfortable, watching poor inflatable dragons get mounted by people while orcas watched from the balconies overhead.Finally met
Zee. properly which was good, he seems like a fun guy, as well as 
ryusuke573. And met and hung out with Magnus who was very cool, friendly, and a lot of fun to be around. Caught up with hammytoy for a while, got to chat with 
univadedfox more over dinner one night and while suitting. And of course there were many other local people I was glad to get to see and talk to again. Otherwise we played board games, danced, watched bad movies, ate foods, typical con things.Staff were good, con was a little disorganized here and there but the effort everyone put into it was very evident and nothing happened at the con that lessened the experience.
And I'm very much looking forward to next year!
Fine fine I made a Weasyl
Posted 12 years agohttps://www.weasyl.com/profile/shadowkeeper
Just trying it out for now.
I probably already raped your friends list, but if not feel free to watch/friend me as applicable (which I dunno which is applicable yet but I did waste 20 minutes trying to make a banner which is fail =p)
-SK
Just trying it out for now.
I probably already raped your friends list, but if not feel free to watch/friend me as applicable (which I dunno which is applicable yet but I did waste 20 minutes trying to make a banner which is fail =p)
-SK
Vancoufur Incoming!
Posted 13 years agoIn only 3 short weeks it will already be here! Don't blame me for the horrible name!!!
Last year was the first year and I didn't make it, but this year I've got a hotel room with zantal, reveal, and fazar. So it should be good! No idea what we're doing, certainly will be suitting lots. Obviously I know lots of local peoples that will be fun to hang out with and hopefully I can meet some more since I'm not out and about at much of the local events these days.
If you're going to be there, gimme a shout!
Also trying to get back into swing/salsa dancing =) Not useful at cons but fun none-the-less!
Last year was the first year and I didn't make it, but this year I've got a hotel room with
zantal, reveal, and fazar. So it should be good! No idea what we're doing, certainly will be suitting lots. Obviously I know lots of local peoples that will be fun to hang out with and hopefully I can meet some more since I'm not out and about at much of the local events these days.If you're going to be there, gimme a shout!
Also trying to get back into swing/salsa dancing =) Not useful at cons but fun none-the-less!
