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Posted 11 years agoThe bank decided to take its "monthly fee" and because of that, I'm in the red with no overdraft protection. This is going to hurt my rent payment come the first!
If there's any of my followers who would be willing/want to help, I have a paypal that you could donate to. I really don't need to deal with with worrying about paying the rent.
It's srsobotka AT gmail .com (without the AT and space, naturally).
-- Stephen
If there's any of my followers who would be willing/want to help, I have a paypal that you could donate to. I really don't need to deal with with worrying about paying the rent.
It's srsobotka AT gmail .com (without the AT and space, naturally).
-- Stephen
My Thoughts on the whole "Male Entitlement/MRA" Thing...
Posted 11 years agoIn the short of it … it’s fucking garbage.
I mean, this is what comes from what society teaches boys and men these days? That if a woman refuses your advances to have sex/form a relationship/etc. that YOU as a MALE now have cart-Blanche to react violently and physically against ANY female? And we as a society have to take YOUR side of things, and not the women you threatened/abused/killed?
No. No! NO!
I came from a generation that was raised to be polite to everyone, and to treat everyone — including women — with due respect. I was raised to understand that everyone — ESPECIALLY WOMEN — have an inalienable right to refuse the advances of anyone they do not want to have any form of interaction with (be it friendship or sexual). When faced with such rejection, you learn to take heart and move along, because while one woman may say no, at some point there will be a woman who will find you appealing/attractive and will say “Yes”.
Once I was in a situation where I was attracted to a woman years ago (she was a non-com like me, both stationed at a Navy Base), and I tried many things to gain her attention and affection. Flowers, cards, notes at her work-station with invites for lunch and dinner. I was rebuffed at every turn, to the point she actually came to my work-station (at the Navy hospital) with the bouquet of flowers I had just paid for that morning to be delivered to her. She threw the flowers in my face (in front of every other petty-officer and our unit CO who was there) and told me in blunt terms that she wasn’t interested, didn’t like me and that she was dating someone else.
To my credit, I didn’t explode in anger right then — even though every male in the immediate vicinity busted up with laughter, calling me a “failure as a man”.
I never was on good terms with this particular girl from that day forward … BUT, I never threatened her with violence, and I did my best to stay clear of her from that day onwards.
I am 45 years old now, and to this point I have been in three relationships (none of which worked out for the best), and am still a virgin. Yet, I am not going to blame women for my supposed “shortcomings as a man”.
What I am saying is that I am sickened by other members of my gender who believe that “Being Nice = Entitlement”, and that if you are rejected by a woman that you are the victim in the equation.
To use an old quote … Bullshit!
Due to the terrible event with this shooting, the girl being stabbed for refusing to go with a guy to the prom and everything else, it’s high time the ENTIRE SOCIETY heeds this as a long-overdue wake up call! Male Entitlement and the so-called “Male-Rights” movement needs to be cut off at the quick. Women are not property or required to cater to the appetites and needs of men. Men and boys who feel slighted if their “masculinity” is put down need to learn and learn quick! Being a man isn’t about how many notches you have on your bedpost, or that you “Scored” in life by getting the prettiest girl.
Being a MAN is having enough self esteem and sense of being to know what IS right and wrong where interacting with women is concerned. Just as much as YOU yourself would want others to respect YOUR choices in whom YOU interact with/have relations with, then the same MUST be accorded to WOMEN as well. Being a MAN is also knowing that violence against women — even in the face of social and sexual rejection — IS NEVER THE ANSWER. We as a society and a culture have got to change this misogynistic, outdated and critically-dangerous viewpoint in our boys and young men to stop the cycle of violence from continuing.
To quote the father, who’s young boy was killed in the midst of the LA Shooting, "When will enough people say: ‘Stop this madness! We don’t have to live like this! Too many people have died! … We should say to ourselves: ‘Not! One! More!’"
Not, One, More.
Not one more victim. Not one more woman. Not. One. More.
I mean, this is what comes from what society teaches boys and men these days? That if a woman refuses your advances to have sex/form a relationship/etc. that YOU as a MALE now have cart-Blanche to react violently and physically against ANY female? And we as a society have to take YOUR side of things, and not the women you threatened/abused/killed?
No. No! NO!
I came from a generation that was raised to be polite to everyone, and to treat everyone — including women — with due respect. I was raised to understand that everyone — ESPECIALLY WOMEN — have an inalienable right to refuse the advances of anyone they do not want to have any form of interaction with (be it friendship or sexual). When faced with such rejection, you learn to take heart and move along, because while one woman may say no, at some point there will be a woman who will find you appealing/attractive and will say “Yes”.
Once I was in a situation where I was attracted to a woman years ago (she was a non-com like me, both stationed at a Navy Base), and I tried many things to gain her attention and affection. Flowers, cards, notes at her work-station with invites for lunch and dinner. I was rebuffed at every turn, to the point she actually came to my work-station (at the Navy hospital) with the bouquet of flowers I had just paid for that morning to be delivered to her. She threw the flowers in my face (in front of every other petty-officer and our unit CO who was there) and told me in blunt terms that she wasn’t interested, didn’t like me and that she was dating someone else.
To my credit, I didn’t explode in anger right then — even though every male in the immediate vicinity busted up with laughter, calling me a “failure as a man”.
I never was on good terms with this particular girl from that day forward … BUT, I never threatened her with violence, and I did my best to stay clear of her from that day onwards.
I am 45 years old now, and to this point I have been in three relationships (none of which worked out for the best), and am still a virgin. Yet, I am not going to blame women for my supposed “shortcomings as a man”.
What I am saying is that I am sickened by other members of my gender who believe that “Being Nice = Entitlement”, and that if you are rejected by a woman that you are the victim in the equation.
To use an old quote … Bullshit!
Due to the terrible event with this shooting, the girl being stabbed for refusing to go with a guy to the prom and everything else, it’s high time the ENTIRE SOCIETY heeds this as a long-overdue wake up call! Male Entitlement and the so-called “Male-Rights” movement needs to be cut off at the quick. Women are not property or required to cater to the appetites and needs of men. Men and boys who feel slighted if their “masculinity” is put down need to learn and learn quick! Being a man isn’t about how many notches you have on your bedpost, or that you “Scored” in life by getting the prettiest girl.
Being a MAN is having enough self esteem and sense of being to know what IS right and wrong where interacting with women is concerned. Just as much as YOU yourself would want others to respect YOUR choices in whom YOU interact with/have relations with, then the same MUST be accorded to WOMEN as well. Being a MAN is also knowing that violence against women — even in the face of social and sexual rejection — IS NEVER THE ANSWER. We as a society and a culture have got to change this misogynistic, outdated and critically-dangerous viewpoint in our boys and young men to stop the cycle of violence from continuing.
To quote the father, who’s young boy was killed in the midst of the LA Shooting, "When will enough people say: ‘Stop this madness! We don’t have to live like this! Too many people have died! … We should say to ourselves: ‘Not! One! More!’"
Not, One, More.
Not one more victim. Not one more woman. Not. One. More.
I hate feeling like this.
Posted 11 years agoJust walked home — there’s a significance there! — from a cookout that was supposed to be for me and my sister’s birthday celebration. The majority of the guests were from my sister’s husband’s family (Ellington and Kirk) and everything was okay … until her husband’s father gave birthday money to my sister and her daughter (Susan’s was on the 4th), then looked at me like, “Sorry, I’m tapped out!”.
He then turned and said, “Hey, let’s all sing Happy Birthday to Susan!”… and everyone just turned away like I wasn’t even there.
I just quietly left and walked the six to seven city-block distance back to my apartment. I’ve never felt so disgusted, insulted and rejected in my whole life. It was like “Well, it may be your birthday too, but you don’t get a gift or even acknowledged.” … .
I am so DONE with the In-laws. I will never go anywhere where there’s an Ellington or any of their extended family is, from this day forward. To hell with them, to hell with their affronts and be damned with what anyone thinks.
He then turned and said, “Hey, let’s all sing Happy Birthday to Susan!”… and everyone just turned away like I wasn’t even there.
I just quietly left and walked the six to seven city-block distance back to my apartment. I’ve never felt so disgusted, insulted and rejected in my whole life. It was like “Well, it may be your birthday too, but you don’t get a gift or even acknowledged.” … .
I am so DONE with the In-laws. I will never go anywhere where there’s an Ellington or any of their extended family is, from this day forward. To hell with them, to hell with their affronts and be damned with what anyone thinks.
It's my Birthday...
Posted 11 years agoWell, it will be this Thursday. ^_^
Anyway, I'm posting because I was wondering if any of my watchers/friends out there would be interested in doing something to help me out? Funds as usual are bit tight -- though after the 14th, it shouldn't be -- but I'd like to get at least one piece of birthday artwork drawn for me.
The difference is this year, I'd like it to be artwork of a new character I'm hoping to run with some friends when (not if, WHEN) we get together to play Pathfinder RPG. Not looking for anyone to pay any large sum. Sketch, or at least good inks would suffice.
Here's her vital info, and a little backstory to help you get a better picture.
UKEMOCHI
Name : Raikou Ukemochi
Nickname : Mochi, Uke-chan
Clan/Family : Clan of Raikou Mu-Dageki (Six-Strokes Lightning)
Alignment : Lawful Good
Deity : Ama-no-Uzume; Goddess of the Dawn, Mirth and Revelry.
Race : Kitsune
Age : 18 years
Height : 5’ 6”
Weight : 150 lbs.
Eyes : Deep Jade Green
Fur / Skin : Butterscotch / Light Cream-Tan
Hair : Caramel-Brown
General Appearance : Deceptively small, but tougher than she looks. Fit and lithe. Her “human” face is a feminine mix of vulpine and Asian features; upturned nose, angled eyes and thin lips. Her kitsune form has a fox’s face with a small muzzle, wide triangle-shaped ears with a white diamond-shaped patch on her forehead. Usually wears scale mail armor, worked with leather and reinforced bamboo, with a stiff over mantle and a light silk kimono underneath.
History/Backstory
Ukemochi Raikou is the eldest daughter of a major clan lord of the Raikou Mu Dageki Clan; an ancient clan of kitsune who have lived and ruled over a province of the Far East for “twenty generations in an unbroken line”. The name of the Raikou Mu Dageki comes from when their most revered ancestor observed a sextuple-lightning strike during a major storm in his youth -- thus translated as a “Six-Strokes Lightning” -- and used it when he founded his clan. Members of the Raikou Mu Dageki Clan are known for their battle prowess, unwavering sense of duty and cunning.
Ukemochi originally was named “First Daughter” (Chojo), but when her family discovers she had a fine nose for food and the appetite to match, she was given her full name of Raikou Ukemochi; the name taken from that of a goddess of fertility and food.
At twelve years of age, Ukemochi saw a visitor to her family’s home -- a kami clad in bright armor, shining with divine light and bearing a greatsword -- and was awestruck by the sheer divine power they possessed. The kami was on a quest to aid a neighboring lord, and her actions so inspired the young Ukemochi, she went to her father and begged him for the chance to train as a holy warrior of the divine. Lord Raikou was hesitant at first, but knowing the persistence of his child, he inquired and later hired another holy warrior to train Ukemochi in the spiritual and martial ways of a devout warrior. By the time she was sixteen, Ukemochi had mastered the sword and taken the Oath of Loyalty and the Oath of Charity. By her seventeenth birthday, she had learned all that her teacher could teach her, so she gathered up what arms and armor she had collected during her training and set out into the world to begin a new phase in her life.
Ukemochi prefers to use a small shield and a sword -- a weapon crafted for her by her clan’s patriarch forge master -- which she names Kusanagi (after the legendary Grasscutter sword of myth).
Personality
Ukemochi is a rather bipolar personality, in that she seems to float between two extremes -- that of serious dedication to her calling as a paladin and of a jovial and mirthful soul. When not directly tending to her tenets and upholding her oaths, she often revels and seeks pleasure in all of life’s great gifts (food, drink, the arts, entertainment and fellowship). However, when duty calls for her to protect the good and vanquish evil, she is like the fox-spirits of old; cunning, quick and powerful. She will do her honor-bound best to defend her companions, and put to right any wrongs she faces. She abhors evil in any form or fashion, though she has insight enough to determine that not all evil is as black as pitch. Yet she will never break her tenets overtly in support of any evil being.
Ukemochi has a love of music, art and good food and drink. Her passions for these make her a grand gourmet and an excellent cook.
Anyway, I'm posting because I was wondering if any of my watchers/friends out there would be interested in doing something to help me out? Funds as usual are bit tight -- though after the 14th, it shouldn't be -- but I'd like to get at least one piece of birthday artwork drawn for me.
The difference is this year, I'd like it to be artwork of a new character I'm hoping to run with some friends when (not if, WHEN) we get together to play Pathfinder RPG. Not looking for anyone to pay any large sum. Sketch, or at least good inks would suffice.
Here's her vital info, and a little backstory to help you get a better picture.
UKEMOCHI
Name : Raikou Ukemochi
Nickname : Mochi, Uke-chan
Clan/Family : Clan of Raikou Mu-Dageki (Six-Strokes Lightning)
Alignment : Lawful Good
Deity : Ama-no-Uzume; Goddess of the Dawn, Mirth and Revelry.
Race : Kitsune
Age : 18 years
Height : 5’ 6”
Weight : 150 lbs.
Eyes : Deep Jade Green
Fur / Skin : Butterscotch / Light Cream-Tan
Hair : Caramel-Brown
General Appearance : Deceptively small, but tougher than she looks. Fit and lithe. Her “human” face is a feminine mix of vulpine and Asian features; upturned nose, angled eyes and thin lips. Her kitsune form has a fox’s face with a small muzzle, wide triangle-shaped ears with a white diamond-shaped patch on her forehead. Usually wears scale mail armor, worked with leather and reinforced bamboo, with a stiff over mantle and a light silk kimono underneath.
History/Backstory
Ukemochi Raikou is the eldest daughter of a major clan lord of the Raikou Mu Dageki Clan; an ancient clan of kitsune who have lived and ruled over a province of the Far East for “twenty generations in an unbroken line”. The name of the Raikou Mu Dageki comes from when their most revered ancestor observed a sextuple-lightning strike during a major storm in his youth -- thus translated as a “Six-Strokes Lightning” -- and used it when he founded his clan. Members of the Raikou Mu Dageki Clan are known for their battle prowess, unwavering sense of duty and cunning.
Ukemochi originally was named “First Daughter” (Chojo), but when her family discovers she had a fine nose for food and the appetite to match, she was given her full name of Raikou Ukemochi; the name taken from that of a goddess of fertility and food.
At twelve years of age, Ukemochi saw a visitor to her family’s home -- a kami clad in bright armor, shining with divine light and bearing a greatsword -- and was awestruck by the sheer divine power they possessed. The kami was on a quest to aid a neighboring lord, and her actions so inspired the young Ukemochi, she went to her father and begged him for the chance to train as a holy warrior of the divine. Lord Raikou was hesitant at first, but knowing the persistence of his child, he inquired and later hired another holy warrior to train Ukemochi in the spiritual and martial ways of a devout warrior. By the time she was sixteen, Ukemochi had mastered the sword and taken the Oath of Loyalty and the Oath of Charity. By her seventeenth birthday, she had learned all that her teacher could teach her, so she gathered up what arms and armor she had collected during her training and set out into the world to begin a new phase in her life.
Ukemochi prefers to use a small shield and a sword -- a weapon crafted for her by her clan’s patriarch forge master -- which she names Kusanagi (after the legendary Grasscutter sword of myth).
Personality
Ukemochi is a rather bipolar personality, in that she seems to float between two extremes -- that of serious dedication to her calling as a paladin and of a jovial and mirthful soul. When not directly tending to her tenets and upholding her oaths, she often revels and seeks pleasure in all of life’s great gifts (food, drink, the arts, entertainment and fellowship). However, when duty calls for her to protect the good and vanquish evil, she is like the fox-spirits of old; cunning, quick and powerful. She will do her honor-bound best to defend her companions, and put to right any wrongs she faces. She abhors evil in any form or fashion, though she has insight enough to determine that not all evil is as black as pitch. Yet she will never break her tenets overtly in support of any evil being.
Ukemochi has a love of music, art and good food and drink. Her passions for these make her a grand gourmet and an excellent cook.
About me... Snagged from a Friend.
Posted 12 years ago► Name ➔ Stephen
► Will you answer all questions truthfully ➔ Will do my best.
► Are you single? Yes.
► Are you happy ➔ Mostly so.
FACTS
► Birth Place ➔ America, State of Missouri
► Hair Color ➔ Reddish-Brown
► Eye Color ➔ Blue
► Birthday ➔ April 10th
► How tall are you ➔ 6' 4"
► Biggest phobias ➔ snakes, bugs, darkness, being alone.
► Mood ➔ Tranquil
► Gender ➔ Male
► Lefty or Righty ➔Righty
► Summer or winter ➔ Summer
► Morning or afternoon ➔ Afternoon
► Last book you read? Shogun by James Clavell
► Any tattoos that you want? ➔ Well, one that was drawn for me.
► Any piercings that you want? ➔ None, nope!
THINGS ABOUT YOUR LOVE LIFE
► Are you in love ? I was once.
► Do you believe in love at first sight ➔ Yes
► Who ended your last relationship ➔ She did.
► Have you ever broken someone’s heart ➔ Sad to say, yes.
► Are you afraid of commitments ➔ No.
► Have you hugged someone within the last week? ➔ Yes, I did.
► Have you ever had a secret admirer ➔ If I have/had one, they kept it a secret. :/
► Have you ever broken your own heart? ➔ Yes.
CHOICES
► Love or lust ➔ Equal measures.
► Lemonade or iced tea ➔ Lemonade
► Cats or Dogs ➔ Both
► A few best friends or many regular friends ➔ A few.
► Television or internet ➔ Equal measures.
► Pepsi or Coke ➔ Coke.
► Wild night out or romantic night in ➔ Romantic Night in.
► Day or night ➔ Both, in balance.
► IM or Phone ➔ Equal measures.
HAVE YOU EVER
► Been caught sneaking out ➔ No.
► Fallen down/up the stairs ➔ Up, but down at least once.
► White water rafted ➔ Nope.
► Finished an entire jawbreaker ➔ Yes.
► Wanted something/someone so badly it hurt? ➔ Oh, yes.
► Prank called a store ➔ Heck no!
► Skipped school ➔ Nope.
► Wanted to disappear ➔ Only if It means I could come back.
PREFERENCES
► Smile or eyes ➔ Both.
► Light or dark hair ➔ Either/Or.
► Fat or skinny ➔ Healthy
► Shorter or Taller ➔ Either/Or.
► Intelligence or Attraction ➔ Both.
► Hook-up or Relationship ➔ Relationship, please.
► Funny and poor OR rich and serious ➔ While money would be nice, I'd rather love someone who's funny and we can both make each other wealthy in laughter. ^_^
ABOUT ME
► Last Phone Call ➔ A week or so ago.
► Last phone call you received ➔ My Sister.
► Last person you hung out with ➔ A guy from my WoW guild, he drove across the state to watch a movie.
► Last thing you ate ➔ Stir Fry
► Last thing you drank ➔ Coke Zero.
► Last site you went to ➔ My SWTOR guild's website.
► Last place you were ➔ My apartment.
RELATIONSHIPS
► Are you in a committed relationship ➔ No, and I want to be.
► When was your last relationship ➔ Around 2001.
► Do you still love them? Not really, no.
FAMILY
► Do you and your family get along ➔ As much as any people can these days.
► Would you say you have a “messed up life” ➔ A crazy life, but not really messed up.
► Have you ever run away from home ➔ As a kid once, but I didn't get far.
► Have you ever gotten kicked out ➔ No.
► If so, how long ➔ N/A
FRIENDS
► Do you secretly hate one of your friends ➔ Nope.
► Do you consider all of your friends good friends ➔ Yes.
► Who are/is your best friend(s): Jason (the BEST) and Dawn, my best female friend.
► Will you answer all questions truthfully ➔ Will do my best.
► Are you single? Yes.
► Are you happy ➔ Mostly so.
FACTS
► Birth Place ➔ America, State of Missouri
► Hair Color ➔ Reddish-Brown
► Eye Color ➔ Blue
► Birthday ➔ April 10th
► How tall are you ➔ 6' 4"
► Biggest phobias ➔ snakes, bugs, darkness, being alone.
► Mood ➔ Tranquil
► Gender ➔ Male
► Lefty or Righty ➔Righty
► Summer or winter ➔ Summer
► Morning or afternoon ➔ Afternoon
► Last book you read? Shogun by James Clavell
► Any tattoos that you want? ➔ Well, one that was drawn for me.
► Any piercings that you want? ➔ None, nope!
THINGS ABOUT YOUR LOVE LIFE
► Are you in love ? I was once.
► Do you believe in love at first sight ➔ Yes
► Who ended your last relationship ➔ She did.
► Have you ever broken someone’s heart ➔ Sad to say, yes.
► Are you afraid of commitments ➔ No.
► Have you hugged someone within the last week? ➔ Yes, I did.
► Have you ever had a secret admirer ➔ If I have/had one, they kept it a secret. :/
► Have you ever broken your own heart? ➔ Yes.
CHOICES
► Love or lust ➔ Equal measures.
► Lemonade or iced tea ➔ Lemonade
► Cats or Dogs ➔ Both
► A few best friends or many regular friends ➔ A few.
► Television or internet ➔ Equal measures.
► Pepsi or Coke ➔ Coke.
► Wild night out or romantic night in ➔ Romantic Night in.
► Day or night ➔ Both, in balance.
► IM or Phone ➔ Equal measures.
HAVE YOU EVER
► Been caught sneaking out ➔ No.
► Fallen down/up the stairs ➔ Up, but down at least once.
► White water rafted ➔ Nope.
► Finished an entire jawbreaker ➔ Yes.
► Wanted something/someone so badly it hurt? ➔ Oh, yes.
► Prank called a store ➔ Heck no!
► Skipped school ➔ Nope.
► Wanted to disappear ➔ Only if It means I could come back.
PREFERENCES
► Smile or eyes ➔ Both.
► Light or dark hair ➔ Either/Or.
► Fat or skinny ➔ Healthy
► Shorter or Taller ➔ Either/Or.
► Intelligence or Attraction ➔ Both.
► Hook-up or Relationship ➔ Relationship, please.
► Funny and poor OR rich and serious ➔ While money would be nice, I'd rather love someone who's funny and we can both make each other wealthy in laughter. ^_^
ABOUT ME
► Last Phone Call ➔ A week or so ago.
► Last phone call you received ➔ My Sister.
► Last person you hung out with ➔ A guy from my WoW guild, he drove across the state to watch a movie.
► Last thing you ate ➔ Stir Fry
► Last thing you drank ➔ Coke Zero.
► Last site you went to ➔ My SWTOR guild's website.
► Last place you were ➔ My apartment.
RELATIONSHIPS
► Are you in a committed relationship ➔ No, and I want to be.
► When was your last relationship ➔ Around 2001.
► Do you still love them? Not really, no.
FAMILY
► Do you and your family get along ➔ As much as any people can these days.
► Would you say you have a “messed up life” ➔ A crazy life, but not really messed up.
► Have you ever run away from home ➔ As a kid once, but I didn't get far.
► Have you ever gotten kicked out ➔ No.
► If so, how long ➔ N/A
FRIENDS
► Do you secretly hate one of your friends ➔ Nope.
► Do you consider all of your friends good friends ➔ Yes.
► Who are/is your best friend(s): Jason (the BEST) and Dawn, my best female friend.
Finally Got This Down...
Posted 12 years agoI got this finished, not a huge piece of work but something I've been tinkering with for my "New-Kiev" universe.
http://artwerksinc.tumblr.com/post/.....760888/kitaurs
And understand, I did a bit of research to get the info down, so be gentle with any criticism.
-- Stephen
http://artwerksinc.tumblr.com/post/.....760888/kitaurs
And understand, I did a bit of research to get the info down, so be gentle with any criticism.
-- Stephen
In two Days...
Posted 12 years agoI'll celebrate one more year of life... the magical number 44 to be exact.
And I have to wait until payday before I can go hunting for birthday pressies. (yeah, I said it!).
-- Stephen
And I have to wait until payday before I can go hunting for birthday pressies. (yeah, I said it!).
-- Stephen
Well, I was hoping for Good News...
Posted 12 years agoWas hoping, anyway.
I hate that a lot of my journals have been about the bad times and situations I've been having, and I was all set to post some good news last night. In that the IRS accepted my Tax Return, and that I was going to be getting a good refund to get some things done.
However, I'd been somewhat pessimistic, as in recent years the IRS has sent my refunds off to pay owed debts. Last year I didn't have that situation and I was looking forwards to a repeat... only to be let down this morning, as I check on the status of my refund. Yep. Once again, it was sent off and I'm left with bupkis.
So, no new bike and no big birthday gift to myself this year.
Still, one point of a silver lining to report. My boss and I finally came to a meeting of the minds, in that after another cut in hours, I told her that I simply could not afford my rent unless I got more hours. She said if I wanted more hours, I needed to be available to work earlier and work saturdays... to which I said, "When did my availabilty get cut back too!?!" Seems someone (I don't know who!) told her that I wasn't available as I was for work hours. To wit, I stated that my availability has ALWAYS been from Opening (5am) to Close of Mid-shift (4pm).
She was shocked, but quickly amended that if I could come in earlier and work saturday that she'd work to put more hours in for me. I said at least 30 to 35 a week, and I could be crawling out of the hole I'm in.
So, we'll see what happens.
-- Stephen
I hate that a lot of my journals have been about the bad times and situations I've been having, and I was all set to post some good news last night. In that the IRS accepted my Tax Return, and that I was going to be getting a good refund to get some things done.
However, I'd been somewhat pessimistic, as in recent years the IRS has sent my refunds off to pay owed debts. Last year I didn't have that situation and I was looking forwards to a repeat... only to be let down this morning, as I check on the status of my refund. Yep. Once again, it was sent off and I'm left with bupkis.
So, no new bike and no big birthday gift to myself this year.
Still, one point of a silver lining to report. My boss and I finally came to a meeting of the minds, in that after another cut in hours, I told her that I simply could not afford my rent unless I got more hours. She said if I wanted more hours, I needed to be available to work earlier and work saturdays... to which I said, "When did my availabilty get cut back too!?!" Seems someone (I don't know who!) told her that I wasn't available as I was for work hours. To wit, I stated that my availability has ALWAYS been from Opening (5am) to Close of Mid-shift (4pm).
She was shocked, but quickly amended that if I could come in earlier and work saturday that she'd work to put more hours in for me. I said at least 30 to 35 a week, and I could be crawling out of the hole I'm in.
So, we'll see what happens.
-- Stephen
Desperation...
Posted 12 years agoAnd I hate it.
The bank drew out a "fee" that I wasn't prepared for, and now I'm in dutch again with my upcoming rent. I swore I wasn't going to beg, but I'm back against the wall again, and I need help if I'm going to keep my roof over my head.
I'm not going to ask for much. as about 50 or 60 dollars would solve the immediate problem. I don't want people giving me anything they cannot spare. A dollar from one person would be more than appreciated.
If anyone is willing to give, my PayPal address is srsobotka_AT_gmail_DOT_com. Please do, I really don't want to have to come back and report that I'm losing my home.
-- Stephen
The bank drew out a "fee" that I wasn't prepared for, and now I'm in dutch again with my upcoming rent. I swore I wasn't going to beg, but I'm back against the wall again, and I need help if I'm going to keep my roof over my head.
I'm not going to ask for much. as about 50 or 60 dollars would solve the immediate problem. I don't want people giving me anything they cannot spare. A dollar from one person would be more than appreciated.
If anyone is willing to give, my PayPal address is srsobotka_AT_gmail_DOT_com. Please do, I really don't want to have to come back and report that I'm losing my home.
-- Stephen
Damn it.
Posted 12 years agoI just had another argument with Mom, because I didn't know if I was going to be able to give her money this payday, due to business being slow all of last week at work. I basically told her I hadn't had any good sleep since this new boss took over the store where my job is -- mostly because I've gone from working 8 hours a day/5 days a week to 3 to 4 hours a day, and there doesn't appear to be any sign of any hours given back.
I'm tired of living like this. Worried every night whether I'll get even my minimum scheduled hours, or if I go to the landlady and I won't have the rent. I won't make excuses or lay the blame game on someone else. I'm in this mess. I just can't see an easy way out, as most of the services that should be there to help a disabled person like me are not accessible or even nearby if the actually are.
And let me say this firmly: this is NOT a plea for money or pity or anything. I am thankful that people were able to help me out last year when it was clear I wasn't able to pay rent that one time. Yet I do not want to come off as a mooch or a beggar. If there's some way I can fix this, I'll do it. I'll find a way and get by.
I'm tired of living like this. Worried every night whether I'll get even my minimum scheduled hours, or if I go to the landlady and I won't have the rent. I won't make excuses or lay the blame game on someone else. I'm in this mess. I just can't see an easy way out, as most of the services that should be there to help a disabled person like me are not accessible or even nearby if the actually are.
And let me say this firmly: this is NOT a plea for money or pity or anything. I am thankful that people were able to help me out last year when it was clear I wasn't able to pay rent that one time. Yet I do not want to come off as a mooch or a beggar. If there's some way I can fix this, I'll do it. I'll find a way and get by.
Really hate this...
Posted 13 years agoRent has to be paid, but that will leave me with bupkis for food again.
I hate sounding like a beggar, but I need help. I have an unused World of Warcraft time card I got for Christmas. If anyone would like to buy it (30 dollars), let me know so we can make an exchange. I use paypal.
Thanks in advance.
-- Stephen
I hate sounding like a beggar, but I need help. I have an unused World of Warcraft time card I got for Christmas. If anyone would like to buy it (30 dollars), let me know so we can make an exchange. I use paypal.
Thanks in advance.
-- Stephen
Just that Sort of Mood...
Posted 13 years agoDon't want a lot for Christmas, There's just one thing I need.
Don't care about the presents underneath the Christmas tree.
I just want You for my own, more than you could ever know.
Make my wish come true.
You know that all I want for Christmas is You.
Won't ask for much this Christmas. I won't even wish for snow.
No, I'm just gonna keep on waiting underneath the mistletoe.
There's no sense in hanging stockings, there upon the fireplace 'cause,
Santa he won't make me happy with a toy on Christmas Day.
I just want you hear tonight, holding onto me me so tight.
Girl, what can I do?
You know that all I want for Christmas is You.
And all the lights are shining so brightly everywhere,
And the sound of children's laughter fills the air.
'Round me everyone is singing. I can hear those sleigh-bells ringing.
Santa, won't you bring me someone to really love?
Won't you please bring somebody to me?
I don't want a lot for Christmas. This is all I'm asking for.
No, I just want to see my Baby standing right outside my door.
I just want you for my own, more than you could ever know!
Make my wish come true.
You know all I want for Christmas is you... Is You.
-- Michael Buble, by way of Carla Thomas.
Don't care about the presents underneath the Christmas tree.
I just want You for my own, more than you could ever know.
Make my wish come true.
You know that all I want for Christmas is You.
Won't ask for much this Christmas. I won't even wish for snow.
No, I'm just gonna keep on waiting underneath the mistletoe.
There's no sense in hanging stockings, there upon the fireplace 'cause,
Santa he won't make me happy with a toy on Christmas Day.
I just want you hear tonight, holding onto me me so tight.
Girl, what can I do?
You know that all I want for Christmas is You.
And all the lights are shining so brightly everywhere,
And the sound of children's laughter fills the air.
'Round me everyone is singing. I can hear those sleigh-bells ringing.
Santa, won't you bring me someone to really love?
Won't you please bring somebody to me?
I don't want a lot for Christmas. This is all I'm asking for.
No, I just want to see my Baby standing right outside my door.
I just want you for my own, more than you could ever know!
Make my wish come true.
You know all I want for Christmas is you... Is You.
-- Michael Buble, by way of Carla Thomas.
To Mr. Kringle...
Posted 13 years agoSanta, Cupid, Venus, whichever deity you care to name....
Why is it so hard that I cannot meet someone that can become part of my life, as a partner or wife or what-have-you?
I have just one wish for Christmas. Is it that hard to fulfill?
-- Stephen
Why is it so hard that I cannot meet someone that can become part of my life, as a partner or wife or what-have-you?
I have just one wish for Christmas. Is it that hard to fulfill?
-- Stephen
I haz Weazyl!
Posted 13 years agoFinally got my invite! I'll be looking to shift some of my artwork over there. If this site proves to be better than DA, I'll be closing my gallery down over there... probably. ^_^
Wait for further developments.
Wait for further developments.
Okay, With All That Over With...
Posted 13 years agoWill only say this once (and no apologies to anyone -- friend or family -- if this offends or insults you); America voted. Our President won his second term. Mitt Romney lost.
Get over any sort of high-handed, holier-than-thou butt-hurt you might have over this fact. Now is not the time to whine, bitch or moan about Romney's loss. Having sour grapes over the fact your chosen man didn't win the election isn't going to help this country or our people.
Now is the time for EVERYONE -- and I mean every man and woman, rich or poor, blue or white collar, Democrat and Republican, what have you -- to get off the high-horse and get on the same page. This country needs EVERYONE working together to find the means to solve the short and long-term problems this country faces. And I mean REALLY work together, not make a token showing and just go back to the former status-quot.
The last time I checked this was NOT the United States of the Republicans, nor the United States of the the Democrats.
This is the United States of AMERICA. We are all AMERICANS. We solve our problems by MOVING and WORKING TOGETHER. Not for the interests of a few, but for the sake of ALL AMERICANS.
So, I say this now: Everyone get behind our President, Work with him and his ideas and let's make this happen.
-- Stephen
Get over any sort of high-handed, holier-than-thou butt-hurt you might have over this fact. Now is not the time to whine, bitch or moan about Romney's loss. Having sour grapes over the fact your chosen man didn't win the election isn't going to help this country or our people.
Now is the time for EVERYONE -- and I mean every man and woman, rich or poor, blue or white collar, Democrat and Republican, what have you -- to get off the high-horse and get on the same page. This country needs EVERYONE working together to find the means to solve the short and long-term problems this country faces. And I mean REALLY work together, not make a token showing and just go back to the former status-quot.
The last time I checked this was NOT the United States of the Republicans, nor the United States of the the Democrats.
This is the United States of AMERICA. We are all AMERICANS. We solve our problems by MOVING and WORKING TOGETHER. Not for the interests of a few, but for the sake of ALL AMERICANS.
So, I say this now: Everyone get behind our President, Work with him and his ideas and let's make this happen.
-- Stephen
Three Songs for Halloween...
Posted 13 years agoSort of a tradition with me, but I always deem it nessesary to listen to these songs at least ONCE on Halloween night:
"Thriller" by Michael Jackson, w/ "Rap" by Vincent Price,
"Monster Mash" by Bobby "Boris" Pickett & The Crypt Kicker Five,
And "A Monster's Holiday" by Buck Owens.
What traditions do you all have on Hallow's Eve?
-- Stephen
"Thriller" by Michael Jackson, w/ "Rap" by Vincent Price,
"Monster Mash" by Bobby "Boris" Pickett & The Crypt Kicker Five,
And "A Monster's Holiday" by Buck Owens.
What traditions do you all have on Hallow's Eve?
-- Stephen
Nailbiting...
Posted 13 years agoRent is due, but I have to wait until Monday to see what my paycheck is... I'm still not getting back any hours (still hovering between 14-15 hours a week), and I'm forced to worry if I'm going to make rent again.
Worse still, even if I am able to pay the rent, that means again I will not have money for food, and it will be another two weeks before I get paid again.
I cannot live like this. Mom is worried we'll be served with eviction, and my boss is still touting "Improve your performance!" while she's cutting every corner possible to prove to her bosses that the restaurant can turn a profit.
I don't want live constantly hand to mouth. but I cannot get any help to get down to any Services to apply for food stamps or any help.
-- Stephen
Worse still, even if I am able to pay the rent, that means again I will not have money for food, and it will be another two weeks before I get paid again.
I cannot live like this. Mom is worried we'll be served with eviction, and my boss is still touting "Improve your performance!" while she's cutting every corner possible to prove to her bosses that the restaurant can turn a profit.
I don't want live constantly hand to mouth. but I cannot get any help to get down to any Services to apply for food stamps or any help.
-- Stephen
Coming soon -- The Portal!
Posted 13 years agoYes, this is slowly becoming a realized reality.
http://attheportal.tumblr.com/
Soon as I can set up a good podcast source, will make the announcement of the Launch Date.
-- Stephen
http://attheportal.tumblr.com/
Soon as I can set up a good podcast source, will make the announcement of the Launch Date.
-- Stephen
Can You Help (or at least spread the word)?
Posted 13 years agoUPDATE -- Some help is coming, but Paypal is being a prick about sending the funds to my bank. Thanks to those that did send the money though.
My employer sat down with me, yesterday, and basically said "I'm sorry, but until you prove your worth by stepping up your performance, your hours won't change."... When I asked if there was anything they could do to help me with my immediate need of food, they basically said, "I've been in your position before, but You'll have to deal with it on your own.".
What??? I've no food, no money to get food, I'm a diabetic and you're telling me you or anyone at my job couldn't at least put together a couple of dollars so I can at least get SOMETHING to keep me from crashing because of low blood glucose, much less going hungry?
Add to that I'm getting zero help from my family... why is this happening to me? I need help!
---
I'm seriously in dire straights, here... my paycheck today was so low, I have nothing left for food or other necessities. I understand that the restaurant has to cut hours to save costs... but damnit, when I have no food and it's all I can do to pay rent, it doesn't make sense.
So, I'm asking if anyone can help me get through this, I'm not asking for a huge amount, I'm just needing something to get me through this next month. Anything you can spare would be DEEPLY and HUMBLY appreciated.
Payments if any can send to my Paypal at SRSobotka AT gmail DOT com.
Even if you can't help, please spread the word to others who might be able to help.
Much thanks to all...
-- Stephen
My employer sat down with me, yesterday, and basically said "I'm sorry, but until you prove your worth by stepping up your performance, your hours won't change."... When I asked if there was anything they could do to help me with my immediate need of food, they basically said, "I've been in your position before, but You'll have to deal with it on your own.".
What??? I've no food, no money to get food, I'm a diabetic and you're telling me you or anyone at my job couldn't at least put together a couple of dollars so I can at least get SOMETHING to keep me from crashing because of low blood glucose, much less going hungry?
Add to that I'm getting zero help from my family... why is this happening to me? I need help!
---
I'm seriously in dire straights, here... my paycheck today was so low, I have nothing left for food or other necessities. I understand that the restaurant has to cut hours to save costs... but damnit, when I have no food and it's all I can do to pay rent, it doesn't make sense.
So, I'm asking if anyone can help me get through this, I'm not asking for a huge amount, I'm just needing something to get me through this next month. Anything you can spare would be DEEPLY and HUMBLY appreciated.
Payments if any can send to my Paypal at SRSobotka AT gmail DOT com.
Even if you can't help, please spread the word to others who might be able to help.
Much thanks to all...
-- Stephen
Once More...
Posted 13 years agoInto the breech.
Went back and updated my profile on FurryMate. Going to give this one last, ol' college try.
I'm mean, seriously the whole "Just stop looking/trying so hard, and love will find you" angle hasn't worked in the whole of 10 years since my last failed relationship. I'm tired of just sitting at home doing nothing more than play PC games and be lonely.
-- Stephen
Went back and updated my profile on FurryMate. Going to give this one last, ol' college try.
I'm mean, seriously the whole "Just stop looking/trying so hard, and love will find you" angle hasn't worked in the whole of 10 years since my last failed relationship. I'm tired of just sitting at home doing nothing more than play PC games and be lonely.
-- Stephen
Updates June 2012
Posted 13 years agoI'm on my own for a week or so... Sis and her family are at a in-laws' timeshare in Orlando, and Mom just left to visit her sister again.
As such, yesterday I mailed the "new" computer back to Cyberpower to see if it can be fixed. it should reach them by Monday, so I should hear back from them sometime thereafter.
Despite this, I have been progressing my mage in WoW... she's now geared to the level she can participate in LFR. I got really lucky with drops in the second half of Dragon Soul.
-- Stephen
As such, yesterday I mailed the "new" computer back to Cyberpower to see if it can be fixed. it should reach them by Monday, so I should hear back from them sometime thereafter.
Despite this, I have been progressing my mage in WoW... she's now geared to the level she can participate in LFR. I got really lucky with drops in the second half of Dragon Soul.
-- Stephen
Trillian went BLOOIE.
Posted 13 years agoSo, I had to sign up for new Y!, AIM and MSN accounts... if you have me on any IM lists, my new user name is SRSobotka.
My ICQ however remains the same.
-- Stephen
My ICQ however remains the same.
-- Stephen
Another Year Older....
Posted 13 years agoYep, just around the corner again. April is always a fun first of the month, because my niece Susan has her birthday on the 4th, and my sister and I have our birthday on the 10th.
And, while I don't like to mooch, but I figure because it's my birthday, why not ask? That never hurts to ask, right? Is there anyone up for drawing me some celebratory artwork?
I'm not that picky. You could draw any of my characters featured in my gallery that are mine -- Clover my bunny-gal, Roxanne Hershey my gargoyle OC, Donna Guthrie or Madame Yanagi from my novel "Demon Ice"... hell, you can even draw a belly dancer or my personal anthro creation, the Sun Leopards.
Again, just asking, so no sad-me if I don't get anything.
Well, maybe a little sad... just a tear. ^_~
-- Stephen
It is Confirmed!
Posted 13 years agoI will be going to AnthroCon 2012! The Agency that works with my franchises' ownership, which deals with their Service Awards (the ones that give you a paid vacation stay) just called me today to confirm they have a room reserved for me at the Residence Inn Pittsburgh North Shore!
Even better, it's a SUITE! *fling!*
The first time I get to go to an Anthro-convention and I get the royal treatment! ^_^
-- Stephen
Even better, it's a SUITE! *fling!*
The first time I get to go to an Anthro-convention and I get the royal treatment! ^_^
-- Stephen
If anyone is Interested?
Posted 13 years agoGoing to try streaming a coloring session.
http://www.livestream.com/clinkinaroundwithstephen
Come on over at watch!
-- Stephen
http://www.livestream.com/clinkinaroundwithstephen
Come on over at watch!
-- Stephen
