Time to begin this year's con journal. Gotta go back a little further in the Way-Back machine than usual, but it's all for the story's sake.

My tale begins on Monday, June 4th. The new store I was transferring into began setup at 8 that morning. I was there for 3 days, 12 hours each day. The boss already knew that I would be leaving on the 7th to go to the convention, so it was all cool. Each day after work, I continued to try and finish my costume, Lord Death from Soul Eater. Technically, I left on the 6th, after work to get to my best friend's place so we could leave from there on Thursday morning. When I got to his place, I stuck my cheesecake in the freezer and went with him to get our 'road food'. I also got myself equipped with a basic sewing kit so that I could help him put the finishing touches on his costume as Spirit. Once home, I went to sleep on the couch.

Thursday morning, I let one of our other friends take the first shift driving. I wasn't in any state to be behind the wheel until nearly noon. The drive was mostly uneventful. Did get to kick back and have everyone enjoy "The Protomen Present: A Night of Queen" for the first leg of the trip. After that we listened to a random selection. There was no getting lost on the way to the convention this year.

Once at the hotel, I found that they had changed their policy regarding debit/bank check cards. They required a $50.00 per night deposit since I wasn't paying via credit card. I was most definitely NOT happy about that. Before that point, I had not been told about the policy while booking or even when confirming the reservation. It was fortunate that I had enough funds in my account to cover the additional deposit, but the $200 hit really hurt.

Originally, my group was going to meet  Nyaasu that night to go out for dinner, but some family obligations got in the way. We went to SubWay instead and got a much needed evening of rest. I sat and finished my buddy's tie before sleeping. Now I remember why I don't hand sew much.

Friday, the first day of the con was pretty crazy. It took myself and a joint effort of my best friend and his wife to get my costume on. The wire frame under the hood was less than stable, but it worked well enough with the fabric on. The soul eater fans went NUTS when they saw my costume and I even got interviewed about it by a bunch from Otaku-Haven. I had to let him down a little in revealing that it was only the beta version of my costume, far from how I was wanting it to be when complete, but he still liked it, especially the crafting on the mask. I even met a really awesome Midna cosplayer. A real cutie too. Really wishing that I'd brought a pencil and some paper to trade email addresses or something.

*pictures will appear in my gallery later this evening*

Speaking of the Soul Eater fans who went nuts, they also frequently ran up and hugged me. It was kinda nice since they were all young ladies... even the ones dressed as Death The Kid.

During the first day, my velcro pieces lost adhesion to the hood, so I had to trot back to the hotel and make use of my sewing kit. This time they were sewn on and then heat pressed with the iron into place. Those never gave me another problem.

The artist alley and dealer's den were the usual swarm of sales and insanity. Unfortunately, the Secret Shop wasn't there this year. I was looking forward to seeing the guy in the black duster peddling porn. During my rounds there, I picked up a few new series for my collection, including Lucky Star and Cat Planet Cuties. I told you it would be mine. I also found quite possibly the coolest gadget ever made. Necomimi. No, I didn't misspell it. Just click the link.

During my wanderings, I also ran into a lovely young woman in green body paint. I'm pretty sure she was attempting she hulk. At the time I was carrying my thought controlled cat ears and she asked me where I got them. The dealer's den entrance was practically hidden this year, so I led her to them. We exchanged cell phone numbers. ... I just wish I could have run into her more at the con. Soooooo busy @_@.

We were finally joined by Nyaasu and her brother that evening and she led the group to East Hana for sushi. Damn was it good. It was my best friend's first time having it, so we got to break him in on that too. I was wearing my ears all through dinner, the waitress commenting that they were cute, but somehow I missed that moment and was almost smacked by one of my friends at the table. Those things were twitching like crazy while I ate.

If I'd bothered to check out the schedule for that night, I would have hit some of the 18+ panels, but like a doofus, I didn't. Instead, I got some much needed sleep.

Saturday was insane. Between the hugs, being asked to pose for photos and trying to keep my head frame together, I was constantly moving. I did manage to make it to Kyle Herbert's video voice acting panel, and even got to do a couple of death screams for him. I was toward the end, so they had to be a bit rushed. I almost wanted to beat the guy who was putting the emphasis on the wrong syllable in the word Hadouken. Even with Mr. Herbert directing him, he kept screwing up in the same spot. Oh well, it was still fun to sound like I got hit by a heavy bag, get electrocuted and toss in a sudden death scream without prompting.

It would have been even cooler if my friends had made it like they planned, but they screwed up and got into the wrong line. The panel they went into... Hetalia. Yes, I laughed at them.

The rest of the normal con day was spent wandering around with a now broken beyond repair wireframe, finding people to get photos of. I had attempted to make it to the big Soul Eater shoot, but I couldn't find it. I was sad. Eventually several from the event found me and got shots with me anyway. Yet more hugs. I like hugs.

Went to IHOP for dinner. The cinnimon pancakes were delicious, almost as good as the sushi. Adding to the night's epic, was my first real chance to check out Toonami since it's revival a few weeks ago. Damn I missed hearing Steve Blum as Tom.

Sunday, the final day of the con. I went without my costume that day because I didn't have the pliers needed to repair it. Got to enjoy getting photos of lots of different costumes... when I could get them to stand still. At the last minute, people go kinda crazy.

Nothing particularly epic happened that day, but that evening, my friends and I got to spend a while hanging out at Nyaasu's place. We played Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Pop'n music, and Donkey Konga before watching The Wizard and eating pizza. We couldn't help but turn it into a MST3K session while we were at it. Before leaving, we sat outside and told a few ghost stories while watching the fireflies.

The drive home on Monday was only a little more eventful than the drive there. The biggest reason why was the stop at Burger King.

Now I'm home and have a crap ton of laundry to do, as well as planning for next year. Hopefully I'll be able to afford to go.

Also, commissions officially open tomorrow. Watch for the journal.

AnimeNext was a blast this year. I'm home now and going through my messages. I'll write up a more complete version of the tale later, but for now, let's just say that I had lots of fun.

On my way for the first leg of my trip. Be back Tuesday.

And yes, I do have cheesecake.

All right, I've gotten feedback about the pricing. Not as much as I'd like, but I'll take it. It seems my prices are more or less the standard for artists on FA. All I have to say about it is that there are lots of really talented artists out there who aren't charging nearly enough for what they bring to the table.

I'm still accepting input on that BTW. The current list is here. http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3500816/

This time, I'm searching out payment methods. I have Paypal right now, which I know covers lots of potential customers, but there are plenty more who don't use it, don't trust them or have been banned.

What payment methods DO you use then? I am woefully lacking in options at the moment, but I am more than willing to expand into what will be convenient.

A few that I do not plan accept though (for my commissioner's safety) are direct bank transfers, personal check or cash. They all carry too much risk. I 'may' work with some people on the check or cash, but it will be VERY rare. Certified checks and money orders on the other hand, I can work with.

As always, if you're not comfortable commenting, drop a note and let me know what you think.

Ok, I'm going to post the freshly revised list and leave it up for a few days. I'd like to know your thoughts on the pricing and what's offered. If I should include something that's not here or if I should rip something out.

If you have any questions about what I will and will not do, feel free to ask or send a note. I promise that I will not bite. Just remember that I will insist that all characters be over the age of 18 for adult commissions.

Price list

All prices USD
Ratings G - XXX

Still icons - $5

Sketch:
1 Char bust - $7
1 Char full - $10
+$5 for each additional character

Inks:
1 Char Bust - $9
1 Char full - $15
+$7 for each additional character

Flat colors:
1 Char bust - $12
1 Char full - $20
+$10 for each additional character

Full shade:
1 char bust - $15
1 char full - $25
+15 for each additional character

Character sheets:
2 views + 3 detail shots - $45
+$10 for each additional view
+$5 for each additional detail shot

-Background options:
+Simple color BG - FREE!
+Simple sketch BG - $5
+Moderate detail BG - $8
+Heavy detail BG - $12

-Naughty options (semen and such):
+Nudity - FREE!
+Sexual fluids (in normal - a bit above normal amounts) - FREE!
+Buckets o jizz - +$5
+Internal shots - +$5 per view

And so is the new store opening. I've already made sure everything will be cool with my boss for that week that I'll be gone. He's told me that he won't be counting it against me since I was already locked into the trip before the store opening date had been changed to what it is now.

It does mean that I will be REALLY busy for the three days I will be there.

My plan is to try and finish my Lord Death costume this week, get cheesecake ingredients and road food (especially star crunch) over the weekend, bake after work on Tues. After work on Wed, come home, brew tea and hit the road to my friend's place so we can leave early the next morning.

I plan to try and finish up another of the calendar project pics either tonight or tomorrow. If I weren't feeling so bushed right now, I'd be working on it instead of typing up a journal.



I had meant to take pictures of my mask in WIP, but I spaced and finished it before I realized it.

Are you watching my sis,  SnowMoonstone?

If you are, then you've probably seen a really cool pic she did. You know, this one

If not... Why are you still here reading this? Go check her out.

Seriously. She's awesome and a half. Even if you don't watch, have a look through her gallery.

I snagged this from  SnowMoonstone and I could use a laugh.

You guys know the drill, comment below with your answers. It doesn't have to be serious.

1) Would you have sex with me if you could?

2) Have you Thought about it before?

3) Where would we do it?

4) Top or Bottom?

5) How many times?

6) Position(s)?

7) rough or soft?

8) Lots of foreplay? or get right to it?

9) More than one person? Or have me all to yourself?

10) what do you think it would be like if you could?

I got back from my day long trip with my friends, picking up costume components and hanging out.

This year, I shall be attending as Lord Death from Soul Eater. Next year, I will definitely be trying to go as Konata's dad from Lucky Star.

Construction of the mask and hands begins tomorrow. I have a couple of friends who are gonna get reaper chopped... lots.

In other news, after getting the costume materials, my friends and I stumbled upon a nice place that does artistic prints. Found that if I were to ever attempt selling in the Artist Alley, they'd be able to do the volume printing of poster sized stuff at an agreeable price. I'm thinking about maybe trying it next year... Maybe a friend or two would like to make it a joint venture.

The best part, I know where the place is. They were also more than happy to do the vinyl print I need for the case art  Fossil did for me. It saved half a day trying to find the FedEx/Kinkos that could do it. Since it would take more than a day and I couldn't make a return trip, they offered to send the finished print to me. Only a couple of dollars extra. Considering the cost of gas to go get it... Well worth it. Pics of the applied art will be up either this weekend or early next week.

http://www.animecornerstore.com/catplcu.html

As I'm sure just about everyone knows, I have an (unhealthy?) obsession with ladies of the feline persuasion. I saw the above listing in my weekly newsletter and began purring.

It will be mine. ... ... eventually. Might get lucky and find it at AnimeNext. I'm still going. Locked in months ago and it's too late to turn away now.

If I don't find it there, I'll follow my usual plan. I'll scrimp, save and be very patient till I can afford it.

And I'd like for it to be cured.

Not in the draconic, rip it out and kill it fashion, but actually fixed.

Let's start with an econ 101 lesson and get things in perspective first. There is a reason why GameStop doesn't buy used games for the price that they sell them. They've gotta somehow make some money to keep the lights on, pay the employees, and add some money to their own supply. That's kinda how business works. The prices they buy and sell at change over time based on overall sales, which is why most games drop off in price a couple of years later and some never seem to go down.

There are several flaws in their system. I've personally suggested improvements, the managers agreeing with me, but whether the corporate end actually listened or not is another issue.

Now here's why I'm posting this journal. Avoiding and boycotting won't fix the problem. You'll just be ignored and the people who are willing to fall in line will be squeezed all the same.

Instead, here's what you can do. Go to a GameStop and buy some small, inconsequential item. Batteries, earbuds, a new game that isn't ruled by their policies, doesn't matter.

FILL OUT THE FUCKING SURVEY! There's a link and a ref code on the bottom of EVERY customer recipt. Use them.

While they won't listen to boycotters or even employees, the corporate crew who makes the policies DO listen to customers. Tell them what you think is wrong and don't be light on the details.

Don't want to do it that way? Not too big of a problem. I'm working on securing some email addresses too. Check back later.

*edit* Couldn't get an email (yet), but I did get a comment form. It probably won't carry as much weight as the surveys, but if you don't want to buy there, it's your next best option to tell them what you want.

http://as00.estara.com/OneCC/200106...../mailform.html

In the top box, select 'General Questions / Comments'
Second Box, put in 'I have a question about Trade Values'
Fill out the rest of the form, especially the issue. Just like with the survey, let no detail be spared.

You don't have to put in your actual name if you don't want to, but you're more likely to be listened to if you do.

Good luck.

I've seen this one done by a few others, but I'm gonna credit  JeevestheRoo for this snag.

Comment below with a kink/act and I'll reply letting you know if it turns me on or off.

**************

I've really slowed down in my works, both personal and the project for Contessa. I haven't stopped and I'm busting my ass to get back on track, but it's been hard since the move. It was pretty stressful for me and it's killed most of my creative drive... again. I have the fifth month pic partially shaded at least. I'm going to try to have that done by the weekend so I can get sixth at least finished sketching. by the end of the month to get my buffer back.

I have been playing with DAZ Studio 4 Pro (got it legit and Free!) and though my abilities are crude, I've been working on making stand in figures for my cast. It will be a long time before I can fully recreate them, whether by buying and then mixing together add on packs, or by custom creating the parts I need. I'd rather do the latter, but it's beyond my skills to do quickly. So far, the most useful thing for me is actually seeing their altered heights when standing next to each other and being able to really see their differences in size.

It'll also come in useful for later projects to pose them together and adjust the camera till I find an angle I like before drawing. Just like having models in a studio, only a fraction of the price.

Taken from  firefly8083

We've all seen what you can do, now lets see what makes you tick :) Answer the following questions (honestly!) and share with the world who you really are. Ready? Go!

1. We all know what we call you, what about the folks at home? Whats your name?
It's the same as my Dad's. Things can get confusing at home.

2. How tall are you?
6' 1"

3. Natural hair color? (if you can remember it)
Brown

4. What about eye color?
Brown

5. What orientation are you?
Straight

6. Are you single, taken, or undecided?
Single and looking for someone.

7. What do you do in your spare time?
Draw, write, record voice acting clips, bake, it goes on.

8. What's your job?
I work at GameStop, selling video games and video game accessories.

9. What's one thing you like about yourself?
My very easygoing personality

10. Alright, now what about something you dislike about yourself?
My current life situation. Working on fixing that right now.

11. What's some things your friends noticed about you when they first met you?
My constant tendency to be a know-it-all.

Good! Hold on, yer coming up on some deeper questions now... ready?

12. Of what faith/religion are you(if any at all?)
I'm not of any in particular. Too many questions with no answers for me to follow any single belief system.

13. Do you drink?
Alcohol? No.

14. Do you smoke?
The occasional bit of jerky, but not cigarettes/cigars.

15. What are your fears?
Spiders, going through the rest of my life alone.

16. What are your dreams/goals?
To do something I enjoy for a living, get married, have kids, finish the damn book that's been winking me in the face...

17.Ever had any crushes/ex's in the past/present?
Some.

Almost done!!! Time for some lighter topics now :D

18. Who's your best bud?
Waylon

19. Alright, you got the cravin' for munchies, what'cha reachin' for?
Doritos

20. Favorite drink?
Tea. I really love Dr Pepper, but I've been trying to give up soda.

21. Favorite color?
Dark blues and violets.

22. If you had any super power, what would it be?
Hmmm... How about control over time?

23. Favorite movie?
The Fifth Element.

24. Least favorite food?
Baked beans.

25. Quick! You have only one meal left before you die!!! What is it?
Sesame chicken with white rice.

26. What do you drive/wish you drove?
More often? Seriously though... I'd like to have any nice little car that can get me back and forth to work. I'd even take a Model T.

Last 5 questions. You're in the homestretch, come on, you can make it! Lets see what gets under your skin.

27. Most disliked bug?
Not an insect, but often confused with them, the spider. I'm pretty well cool with everything else.

28. Most hated pet peeves?
When people have the right tool near but they don't use it.

29. Dislike in life?
That a very intelligent and educated person has to practically beg to get a job while a drug abusing fool can get hired in minutes.

30. Most annoying?
HughesNet.

31. Most disliked TV show?
Most reality based shows. Jerry Springer and Maury being at the top.

Sooner than I thought. In a few days, I'll be moving out. I'll have internet access in a few days, but it will likely be limited. Skype probably won't be much of an option for a while either.

I'll still be working on my projects, including the stuff for Contessa, I just won't be able to go to any streams or voice chat for a while.

See you guys around.

By now, most of my watchers have probably noticed the series of pictures I've been working on for . There's a reason behind it. I'm giving serious thought to opening commissions, but I'm not sure if I can work in a timely enough manner. Those pictures are practice for taking commissions and getting them done. So far there's only been one that wasn't entirely prompt, but it was still within the time frame I'd allotted myself. I still have to see how things go for the rest of the set, but it's looking good for me to finish them within the year.

Just to note, even if I do manage to meet my goal, it doesn't mean that I will open the floodgates and start taking commissions like a madman. It will likely only be one or two at a time. I may also not open up at all. It will all depend on how I feel about it at the end of the project.

I'll drop more info once I'm sure one way or the other.

In other news, the new store is set and I'll be moving in less than a month. Don't know how reliable the internet connection will be, but I'll still try to be around.

I shut down the stream after finishing the Kitti painting.  Fossil showed up, but as far as I could tell, no one else did.

I'm not trying to sound egotistical or anything about it, but I would like to find some way to attract more viewers. One or two people is fine occasionally, especially if they're on Skype at the same time. More people in the chats though tends to make the whole experience more fun and helps me keep motivated to work.

Ideas and suggestions are more than welcome.

Spotted this one in  Dragon-chan's journal and decided that I've got nothing to hide at all.

What color are your underwear/panties?
Navy Blue

Do they have a design?
No, but they're boxer briefs, or as I like to call 'em, Starwinds.

Girls, what color is your bra?
N/a

Is there a design?
N/a

what color are your socks?
Black

Is there a design on them?
Standard business black, so no.

Are you a virgin?
Unfortunately yes. I am currently looking for someone to assist in alleviating this condition.

Happy that way?
Not really.

What is your favorite sex position?
I find lots of appeal in several, but I can't choose one at this time due to the problem above. I am looking for someone to help in testing too.

What is your sexuality/sexual orientation/What the fuck do you consider yourself?
I have no interest in other guys sexually, so I'm straight.

Do you look at hentai?
That is a very overly used term. By it's strictest definition, very rarely. By the open one used on the net, all the fucking time.

Real porn?
Not very often. Usually if I need inspiration for a pose or something or need to see how the female form actually moves during certain actions.

Do you read smutty/porn stories?
Every so often.

Do you read/watch/look at gay porn/hentai/stories?
M/M, no. F/F, sure. I know it's a bit of a double standard, but I do much prefer the sight of two lovely female forms to two men.

Who was your first kiss with?
They say that a boy never forgets (same with a girl), but sadly... I believe I have. Thanks to my mother's teasing, I know who and when, but I cannot remember actually doing it. She was a girl I tutored back in grade school. We were in the same grade, but she was failing math. I was particularly apt and lived right next door, so I went to help her every afternoon. About two weeks before school let out for the summer, we were caught in the middle of our first kiss.

Are they of the opposite sex?
Most definitely.

Have you ever kissed or had sex with someone of the same sex?
Nope.

Is there any one of your friends that you would ever consider having sex with?
A few, but most wouldn't know it and they're also strictly off limits in my head since they already have relationships.

What would you do if you walked in on your partner having sex?
I honestly don't know. I'm pretty sure that at least part of me would feel betrayed. In stressful situations, I tend to automatically shut off emotion and work on strict logic, so after a few seconds, I'd be assessing who the other person is and why they'd be in my bed with my partner. The outcome will vary greatly depending on who it is and the type of relationship shared.

Do you have any piercings other than your ears?
No. I don't even have my ears pierced.

If so, where?
N/a

Do you have any tattoos?
No, but I've considered getting  Fossil to ink me.

If so, where?
N/a

Have you ever been pregnant/got a girl pregnant?
No. Lack of participation in sexual congress tends to lower the chance of pregnancy greatly. That said... I'd like to someday.

Ever done any illegal drugs?
No.

If so, which ones?
N/a

Have you ever cheated on someone?
Not had anyone to cheat on.

Ever been cheated on?
Nope.

Have you ever been called a whore/slut?
No.

Do you own any sex toys?
Yes, and if you ask nicely, I might tell you what it is.

Have you ever had a sexual fantasy involving a relative?
No. My ability to lucid dream made it to where I couldn't have fantasies that spin THAT wildly out of control.

Have you ever masturbated?
I've already admitted to owning a sex toy. This one is small potatoes. I have.

Have you ever taken a naked picture of yourself?
No. Thought about it.

Have you ever taken a naked picture of someone else?
No, but I'd actually like to work with a nude model. Maybe if someone comes to claim my virginity, we could integrate a photoshoot into the foreplay.

Are you on any form of birth control(the pill, the patch, etc)?
No, currently the only kind meant for a guy is still in testing. I do have condoms at the ready though.

Have you ever written/drawn smut/porn?
*snicker**snicker**bursts out laughing* Have a look at my gallery. All of the above.

Do you swear in front of your parents?
Rarely

Do they care?
Usually not. Often they are worse than I am.

Are you uncomfortable yet?
Not as much as I thought I'd be.

Are you taking this quiz of your own free will?
Yes.

I'm typing this from my 3DS, so I have to keep this short.

I've been out of town visiting family for a few days. The time has been spent mostly relaxing. Tales of the Abyss and Star Trek Voyager have taken up quite a bit of my time.

A few hours ago, I got some very good news from my brother. It seems he'll be getting married soon. I'm proud of the big lug and wish him and his fiancée all the best.

Knowing that my younger bro will be beating me to the altar has me thinking about my own state. I am lonely and I would like to find someone. There will be no rushing for me though. I want to do things right the first time.

In other news, my Intuos is sitting and waiting for use once I get home. I'm looking forward to using a professional model. gonna have to fight with SAI at first, but it shouldn't be too bad.

I'm still not happy that I had to call off my first fur con, but as many people of varying degrees of wisdom say, shit happens.

That said, I will however be going to my usual anime con, AnimeNext in NJ. I'm already paid, booked and have my posse gathered. Just waiting for the 7th of June to hit the road. I'm looking forward to the road trip with my friends. Hoping to meet a few others while there as well.

Edit: Forgot, here's a link to the con for those interested. http://www.animenext.org/

I'm still deciding on my costume for this year. It depends on if my friends decide to do a group cosplay this year. If we do, I'll let everyone know what I'll be wearing. If not, then I'll be going as Konata's dad from Lucky Star.

If anyone else is going, feel free to shoot me a note and maybe we can arrange a meetup.



*paces the room, waiting for his tablet to hurry and arrive*

I've been meaning to upgrade my tablet since I built my computer, but it took longer than I liked to get the cash to sit still long enough to order one.

The new tablet is a Wacom Intuos4. I was going to get it on Amazon about $30 cheaper, but it sold out on me... apparently during the blackout that hit the other day. After searching for an alternate supplier, I finally decided to just order directly from Wacom. Some of the alternates were cheaper, but had separate shipping that then took it right back over the price for one from the manufacturer.

My older Graphire4 has served me well for a long time. I've already found a new home for it and I hope it will be treated with the same care and respect that I've tried to show it. I'll be continuing its use until the new one arrives. Not sure how long it will take Wacom to get it out of their doors and into UPS shipping, but I hope it will be soon.

Why the upgrade if the one I have works? The biggest is the constant adjustment to the widescreen monitor when the tablet was designed for an older 4:3 aspect ratio. I also feel that I've progressed enough in my skill that an equipment upgrade is a more worthwhile investment than it was several years ago. Lastly, I think the Bamboo line (which replaced the Graphire) is ugly as sin. That's my own personal aesthetics playing in there.

I probably won't be upgrading again for a VERY long time. The next time I do though, it will be to a Cintiq or whatever similar tablet exists when I do.

I was browsing my favorites and gallery for a bit, reflecting over the last couple of years (taking a break from some digital coloring). I stumbled upon this. http://www.furaffinity.net/view/4666181/

It's difficult for me to even look at that one now. Not because of the quality. I'm still VERY proud of the work I put into it. It brings back some painful memories of what happened less than 24 hours after I posted it. For those who don't know, my grandmother died on the 22nd of October when her house caught fire. We were close.

Back to the topic at hand, does anyone else feel this way when they look at a piece of art they created near the time of a tragic event, or am I just f*cking weird?

I'm recovering nicely from my cough. I may be able to resume streaming in a few days.

Still somewhat sick. Working on a pic I'm pretty proud of so far, but my coughing simply won't relent.

I'm gonna keep working on it anyway, but no show since I'm pretty sure no one wants to listen to me coughing on the mic.

I've decided not to open up for commissions just yet. I've always preferred to have fun with my artwork and I do it because I WANT to, not because it's my job. Sure, the extra income would be nice, but that's only if people were to feel that my work is worth paying for. I also don't know if I'm at that level just yet. I've seen lots of people who aren't as skilled as me who do charge. I don't begrudge them for it. I just don't feel that I'm up to par either.

I'm thinking that I might open up commissions for just friends, and only if they really think that I'm worth paying. By friends, I mean actual friends, not just people who watch me or say 'hi' a whole lot. It's a short list, but they're also people that I know and trust.

In other news, until things fix themselves with Job 1, I've gotten a temporary job at another place. Not saying where mostly because I'm a tad embarrassed about it.

Lastly, I'm looking to upgrade my computer's processor. It still runs great, but it's simply not enough for a great deal of the applications I've been running, especially with trying to stream. I'm looking at a quad core i7 to replace my i5. It's a tad expensive, but I'm also patient and will save till I can afford it.

I've stayed quiet about it for a while, but I think I'd better say something...

Things at work aren't going exactly... great. It's not the people or the job itself. It's the hours. The store manager is doing everything he can to keep me on, but due to a large sequence of unfortunate events, it's becoming more difficult every time I check in for an update. My manager has always been a man of his word and I believe that he is trying to help me out. It's just frustrating that my job is kind of in limbo right now, especially since the new store opening has been delayed until they can sort out a leasing agreement. *eyeroll* Currently, everyone in the location where I work is frustrated about it.

With any luck, it will get taken care of expeditiously. I can hope? Right?

The situation is making me pause and wonder about a long held policy of mine... I currently don't take commissions. I wonder if I should open up, at most until I can get the job situation sorted out and return to my usual 'art as I want' way of doing things.

I haven't decided to yet, but I won't completely shut out the idea either. I have enough to float for a little while and make up my mind.

Hopefully the job situation will be sorted out before I'm forced to search for other employment... a-fucking-gain.

Nicked from  Doffa

AM I...
[] Cute?
[] Funny?
[] Amazing?
[] Sexy?
[] Weird?
[] Annoying?
[] Addicting?
[] Inspiring?
[] Scary?
[] A bitch?
[] A sweetheart?
[] A disturbance?
[] A good friend?
[] Your best friend?
[] The reason you get out of bed every morning?

HAVE YOU...
[] Cried from missing me so much?
[] Laughed at me?
[] Wanted to hold me?
[] Wanted to kiss me?
[] Tried to avoid me?
[] Thought about me?
[] Had a dream about me?
[] Gotten mad at me over something silly?
[] Talked about me behind my back?
[] Thought there might be an us?

DO I...
[] Make you smile?
[] Make you laugh?
[] Make you sick?
[] Turn you on?
[] Make you blush?
[] Make you lol at how retarded I am?

WOULD YOU...
[] Carry me?
[] Kiss me?
[] Hug me?
[] Make out with me?
[] Make me watch something with you?
[] Take advantage of me?
[] Snuggle with me?
[] Cry on my shoulder?
[] Slap me?
[] Shake hands with me?
[] Sleep in the same bed with me?
[] Instant message me/text me?
[] Talk to me on the phone?
[] Dance with me?
[] Slap me on the ass?

You and I are...
[] Enemies
[] Complete strangers
[] Acquaintances
[] Friends
[] Best friends
[] In love
[] In a relationship
[] Engaged
[] Married

ARE YOU...
[] Glad you know me?
[] Gonna ask me to be yours one day?
[] Afraid of me?
[] Gonna ignore this?
[] Gonna pass this on so I can fill this out for you?