I got my contract renewed though, and my current project finishes this week, so the 80 hour work weeks will slowly start to die down to give me a bit more spare time to do things that need catching up on. Highest priority would be 3D art, and getting enough stuff together for a Further Confusion panel.
I'm still rather sea sick tonight after sea rafting with Lope this afternoon. I've never really been sea sick before... and I've been rafting with him before without any difficulties. I feel like I'm having a hangover right now. We went golfing after which was extremely fun, but probably not the best with my dizziness. I had a horrible hook the entire first 9... though unbelievably I beat my old record by 2 under. Heh.... whatdoyaknow.
Here's a small questionaire if you feel like filling it out. Sorry I haven't been too active on here lately.
Stolen from NekomontheTiger
1) Are you currently in a serious relationship?
2) What was your dream growing up?
3) What talent do you wish you had?
4) If I bought you a drink what would it be?
5) Favorite vegetable?
6) What was the last book you read?
7) What zodiac sign are you?
8) Any Tattoos and/or Piercings? Explain where.
9) Worst Habit?
10) If you saw me walking down the street would you offer me a ride?
11) What is your favorite sport?
12) Do you have a Negative or Optimistic attitude?
13) What would you do if you were stuck in an elevator with me?
14) Worst thing to ever happen to you?
15) Tell me one weird fact about you
16) Do you have any pets?
17) What if I showed up at your house unexpectedly?
18) What was your first impression of me? (hmmm...careful!)
19) Do you think clowns are cute or scary?
20) If you could change one thing about how you look, what would it be?
21) Would you be my crime partner or my conscience?
22) What color eyes do you have?
23) Ever been arrested?
24) Bottle or can soda?
25) If you won $10,000 today, what would you do with it?
27) What's your favorite place to hang at?
28) Do you believe in ghosts?
29) Favorite thing to do in your spare time?
30) Do you swear a lot?
31) Biggest pet peeve?
32) In one word, how would you describe yourself?
33) Do you believe/appreciate romance?
34) If you could live anywhere in the world where would you chose?
35) Do you believe in God?
36) Will you repost this so I can fill it out and do the same for you?
- Mood:
weird - Music:"The Best of Me" - Bryan Adams
Besides the fact this is pretty interesting technology...
I'm kinda scared... hold me.
- Mood:indescribable
Last night I had a strange dream that I was in a coma.
It was in mid-summer (about this time now), when I had an accident, and I didn’t regain consciousness until next year around the end of winter, I’ll say February. I remember this so well because I remember opening up my Xmas and birthday gifts in the hospital and my family telling me my birthday (in February) had passed recently. Many things happened in the week to come after awakening. I had to look for a new job, most of my friends had forgotten about me, and those who did stay (including my family) saw me in a new light which gave off awkward vibes. My roommate moved on and my apartment was rented by new people since I wasn’t there to pay rent. My new car I got the other month had to be sold as my payments towards that could no longer happen. I remember my grandmother, who I care so deeply for, passing away during this time, my dog Kohl as well.
There was a heart wrenching feeling of emptiness throughout the dream. The same feeling you would get from something in real life.
Is this sort of what older people feel like when they’ve got nothing more to hang onto but remembering experiences that happened in their past?
It’s amazing how much you can miss when 7-8 months of your life are completely erased and you don’t exist almost. It might not seem like such a large amount of time for some, but taking this into account in real life brings a few strong statements.
I think many people I know can learn from this. Make everyday count and try to push yourself as much as you can everyday, whether it is a goal you’re striving for in the future, or to help better yourself or someone close to you. Don’t sit around all day doing nothing, you’ll only waste whatever potential you have in you to achieve more in your life. If you’re not happy, change it. If you don’t like your job, change it. If you’re mad at a friend, fix it. Lost time, or that which is filled with emptiness and sad feelings is wasted time to me.
That’s my insightful post for now. Oh yes, and I haven’t updated in what, two months? Tsk tsk.
- Mood:
mmm.. texture mapping... - Music:"Burning For You" - Blue Oyster Cult
So my radiator was giving me issues earlier this week. After driving to my parents last weekend to have the engine overheat during the way out there, water wasn't doing the trick. Naturally, water doesn't usually provide the best treatment for your radiator, but something wasn't quite right... Even the water was draining and evaporating faster then it should've been. Yes, after two days from my trip it was already bone dry. Upon my further inspection I noticed some steam escaping from a long crack on the top panel. Ick... quite a long crack too. Time to get a new radiator. Thankfully the place I usually go to has great service, and I've been a repeat customer for the last 5 years, so I was able to get a new radiator and everything for just under $300. Good deal.
Urg.. still slightly tipsy on the lagers here. It looks like I'm heading into EA Saturday morning for some extra overtime. Hanging out with Meiki and Scribble afterwards and to give Meiki a hand moving some stuff. Sunday Richelle and Rye will be heading over to Rye's place to hang out for a bit. I have to scan some pictures as my scanner is currently on the fritz.. needs a new power cord which is hard to get. I suspect lunch and beers, a trip downtown or to the movies as well. I just need to get outta the apartment and get some air, this week's been busy with work and stuff.. it's gone by a bit slow.
- Mood:
giggly - Music:"Private Eyes" - Hall & Oats
Picked up my new bicycle on Saturday. Paid $45 for it, used. Not in bad shape considering all the other bikes I saw the previous week (one had the kickstand held up by scotch tape... ew!). The rims and chain were new. The seat is rather narrow and was digging on my crotch most of the trip today (it hurts... oh god it hurts...), and the handlebars are difficult to adjust without messing up the brake suspension, but either then that it stood up to the task of 30+ kms today that Lope and I trekked on. Innertube might have a slow leak on the back tire.. but those are cheap to replace.
I must apologize for the lack of art as of late. While I've been quite busy with my job lately and other priorities, I've been practicing a bit more with watercolours and acrylics. I need a new power cord for my scanner to scan these in, but I'll need a rather specific one as its a slightly older model. Might take some time to find one.
Plans are starting to ramp up for me attending Rainfurrest as well as the BC FurBQ. Thankfully both events are placed mainly on the weekends, even if they are one weekend apart from another. Hopefully I'll be able to book off two Fridays for those weeks, though I don't think I see a problem. I can probably find (and think I've got some offers already but forgot who) roomies for Rainfurrest up here, but if nothing comes up or others cancel later down the road I'll have to give a heads up for everyone.
- Mood:
tired - Music:"Turn It On Again" - Genesis
I've never seen anything like it... it's amazing what some people do to their cars. This is so cool! *laughs* I AM EH... hahaha
Weird Car
Weird Car - Close up
- Mood:
amused - Music:"Home By The Sea" - Genesis
- Mood:
accomplished - Music:"White Hot" - Red Rider
OMG Duran Duran is coming to Vancouver!!!
http://www.ticketmaster.ca/event/110040
EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!
- Mood:
bouncy
Well my returning flight arrived safe and sound back in Vancouver around 11:45PM, quite late. If it weren't for Tibarus picking me up I probably wouldn't have been able to make it home before transit shut down for good. Thanks Tibs!
-----
Touched down in Calgary around noon on Thursday the 27th where I was greeted by Tannyk, Mal, and company. After getting my luggage settled at their place we went out on the town for sushi and bowling, and took the *cough* revolutionary train back before getting my ass handed to me in Smash Bros. What the hell guys, no one beats me and Ice Climbers.
Next afternoon, and after several drinks and anime shows, Copper came to pick me up and drive the 2 hour trip to Lethbridge where the small party would be happening the following day. The party which took place was a smaller sized crowd, which worked well in my favor. It was easily manageable and entertainment could be provided much more effectively. Met with Purr, Rune, Pharin, Keller, and Taido for dinner and drinks for the party before heading back to Copper's where movies and video games were provided.
All in all, the entire weekend went by really smooth. The pace and time spent on my trip could not have been better. I got my job at Electronic Arts back this Monday (yesterday), and my contract has been renewed for another chunk of the year. This put a nice cherry to top the weekend off as I had been going through issues trying to get it re signed the last couple months.
I just came back from seeing Bruce Springsteen in concert with my little brother, which turned out fantastic. With the exception of most of my favorite songs held back till the end (actually most were in the encore) we had a blast. My throat is sore from singing/screaming and I'm too energetic to sleep. But yeah... I gotta get back in schedule now that I'm working 9-5 again. This works in my favor though as I can schedule everything else in my spare time better.
-------
It's amazing what this small trip has done for me. I got my job back, I visited my ex again since the last time I seen him in August, met a few new people as well as old friends I've always wanted to see, and gained some valuable travel experience. Everything's just seemed to fall in place this time.
In a nutshell.. I'll give this week a pretty high score. While it seems a bit surreal to be starting work again the same day I've arrived back from my trip I certainly won't be forgetting about anytime soon. Expect me to visit again sometime for sure!
PS: From what me and my lil bro could see, we were two of the youngest audience members not there against their will or with parents.
- Mood:
content - Music:"Hungry Heart" - Bruce Springsteen
Copper Wolf is having a small get together out in Lethbridge, and I figured I'd make a small trip out of it considering EA will start hiring within the next while. Heck this will probably be my last chance at taking any small trip once I start working again. May as well make the most of it during the time I have now. Due to some ride complications, I'll be in Calgary for all of Thursday until I get up to Lethbridge for Friday. I would like to extend my thanks to Tannyk and Mal for giving some crash space during that time, will be nice to see ya! =D
On a side note, it was my younger brother's birthday last weekend, which fell the same dates as Easter weekend. Yes... he turned 19. Yes.. there was lots of booze. We discovered a great shooter drink while having our Jaggerbombs. It's called a 'Skittle', and it tastes just like the Skittle candy, I swear to god. Here's the recipe:
SKITTLE
-------
Ingrediants needed:
-Sprite soda
-Lime juice
-Butterscotch ripple schnapps
Fill quarter of a highball glass with Sprite.
Put in a few squirts of lime juice (if using bottled). If you're using a real lime, about half a lime should do. Cut in half and squeeze.
Fill a shooter glass with the Butterscotch ripple schapps.
Drop butterscotch ripple schapps into highball glass and chug.
----------
I bought my brother Singstar 80's for the PS2. It's a kereoke game and works just like using the mic in Rockband. Yeah yeah a bit cheezy I guess but him and I have taken a liking to the games as he works with a few people who invite me to parties at times where they have the games there. Later he bought the Singstar Amped edition which had some more songs (unfortunately there's only about 35 songs for each game... a bit small if you compare it to something like Guitar Hero, but meh).
Once I get back from my trip, the 31st will be the Bruce Springsteen concert I'll be taking my brother to. We're both very excited for this, though he'll probably be a bigger Bruce fan then I'll ever be.
I'll miss you all while I'm gone!
- Mood:
chipper - Music:"Subdivisions" - Rush
So this week promises much action. Whether it's marching down to EA and working my contract out again, or taking my snake to the vet, this week will bring much promises for the future. Hopefully I'll be able to finish everything this week so I can look into booking my flight out to Calgary for next week.
It's still 50-50 right now. My taxes and vacation pay have already arrived a few days back, so I have the cash. This vacation will be placed right in between my brother's 19th birthday, and our concert to see Bruce Springsteen on the 31st here in Vancouver. I MUST be back for that or I'll never forgive myself... hell it's my gift to my brother and I dont' want to see one ticket go to waste.
I'll post another journal at the end of this week once I have a better grip on how much time I have.
- Mood:
anxious - Music:"Back Where You Belong" - .38 Special
Had a big falling out with a close friend the other night. A part of me wants to forget about ever meeting him, but another part still holds onto some false hope that things will work out in the end. I don't think I've ever been so violent and upset for years then I was last night.
I very rarely reach argument status with most friends in real life, and I'm finding this quite difficult to understand that I'll have to avoid or ignore someone who usually attends the same meets and parties I go to from time to time. Perhaps it's always been foreign to me as I get along usually with everyone, I just haven't had much reason to make enemies till now.
The thing that confuses me the most is his argument was I'm too negative and therefore not fun to be around. I've never considered myself a negative person at all. If anything I'm optimistic, borderlining on polyanna. Sure I'll bitch and complain about things every once in awhile but I think everyone does that.. it's called venting. Sorry that not everything is a bed of roses. I'm quite confused and upset over this comment, but I really don't want to spend any time mulling about it, but I'm finding it hard to forget. Yes, I was tight for cash for about a month back in January until I started getting an income in again. I will admit I was much more irritable then I usually was. I was laid off from my job, I had a falling out with a relationship I had been trying to get working for almost a year, I was losing money and felt ashamed to be asking family for help for January, and not many friends seemed to care during this time in my life which would be considered one of the lowest points I've had so far. When all these things bottleneck at the same time it can turn even the most optimistic people into stressed individuals.
But is it really right to judge me during a month where things weren't going well? This was a friend I had known for about 8 months who knows what I'm like during my happy/high points. Any decent friend would accept I was going through some tough times and will wait patiently/give support until things get better.
I wish I wasn't being given mixed signals. He said to my face back in December that he moved to Vancouver for me, and was offering to help pay some of my bills as he knew I could pay him back when this was all over. I don't hear from him for a few weeks and now he doesn't want anything to do with me. I wish I could find some sort of logic behind this. The only logic I can think of at this point is he's a friend not worth having if he continues to hurt me like this. I simply don't have time for people like this in my life and I want to continue being as happy as I can be without having things like this deter me.
However, if I do seem to come across as negative, I must certainly apologize to those who think so. I'm known to be a bit blunt and inquisitive, but that's my nature. I prefer open, trusting friendships with strong communicative ties. I'm quite content with who I am and what I do for the most part of every aspect in my life at this stage, and I don't have any real reason to mull and mope around.
I think I'll go for a long drive... I need to listen to music with the wind rushing on me.
Oh yes, and new art. This is for the art war I'm hosting on Fur4U. The story seems to be leaning more towards zombie invasions. Hey, don't ask me, I don't have control over these things =P

- Mood:
frustrated - Music:"Michael Caine" - Madness
Cheers to those who managed to go through all that. Quite a bit to catch up on as the weather becomes better. I might be heading to Seattle this upcoming weekend, so if that pans out I'll give a report on that too.
- Mood:
artistic - Music:"Too Shy" - Kajagoogoo
Another large part of my life I've been able to set in stone lately has been my artwork. While I haven't been the most artistically active the last week or two, I've been able to come up with a good plan for my own self growth for the next year. With a bit of luck and 2 GB of ram I think I can pull of some bigger feats. I've also had the chance to play around with watercolors the last two weeks. Considering I haven't touched that medium for a good couple years I'm a bit surprised at how well they turned out. As begins the slow, steady step from digital to traditional once more. I've been able to utilize programs such as Art Rage 2 a bit more to aid in this process as well, as Art Rage works like Open Canvas but works more like an easier to use version of Painter.
Electronic Arts appears to be hiring in the near future, so possibilities of getting my job back seem to be ramping up now. I'll continue to take necessary steps to ensure this is garunteed. While I was hoping to find something at another company during my downtime, I wouldn't mind taking EA again if I get a higher position. If it's another contract position I'll know how much time I have to complete my art goals for this year before the contract expires.
All in all, I feel like an entity of ideas, trying to find exciting ways to display them with the resources I have. As much as I'd like to say it will be easy from here on in, I laugh at the thought. Once I get my job back I'll have to find the time to not fall into the monotony of everyday life once I get home and try to fill my evenings and weekends with projects and anything else to keep me busy. I want to complete a bunch of stuff this year, not only for Rainfurrest and FC 09, but for my portfolio and demo reel (though not exactly in that order).
I've been much more active lately as well. While I haven't been able to get into the swing of a weekly workout (yet), I've been going on a series of very long runs and walks. Last night was probably one of the longest ones I've been for awhile. After taking Lope out to White Spot for his birthday dinner, something I've grown accustomed to year by year, we walked down along the Crescent Beach area before hiking along the train tracks along the point for a good 5+ miles. Altogether I think it was 7 miles (you can vouch for me on this Lope, I completely forgot). The weather was cloudy, which worked to our advantage to trap the warmer air in, as the air would have been freezing this time of year if not for the cloud cover.
This weekend I might be heading back out to Chilliwack to hang with a couple friends. There's talk of a small party so I'll see how that plans out. I have a feeling I might be needed out here this weekend to take care of our dog Kohl as there won't be anyone at grannies to look after him for the weekend while parents are away.... we'll see...
As stated before, not much on the art side of things, but I did do an alright version of myself.

- Mood:
thoughtful - Music:Toto - "Hold the Line"
Right at the start of the concert, Tom Cochrane came on stage and started playing "Human Race", one of the better Red Rider songs I was immediately able to identify with. I was hoping they would play more of their older stuff, which they did.
Opening for Red Rider:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=EWlCD68oeu0
Other songs played were:
"White Hot" - http://youtube.com/watch?v=WottOcZBLY8
"Life Is a Highway" - http://youtube.com/watch?v=nCPbL4yA7ik
And for their encore, one of my favorites, "Boy Inside the Man" - http://youtube.com/watch?v=WXY9wANQIsY
As for John Mellencamp, it was a good mix of his new and old stuff. Even though I don't really care too much for his newer stuff, the second last song perked my interests. I'm still trying to get the name of the song.
Some songs played by Mellencamp:
"Paper in Fire" - http://youtube.com/watch?v=m-YfiGQmXKs
"Rock in the USA" - http://youtube.com/watch?v=MzYkjvq-iLE
"Born in a Small Town" - http://youtube.com/watch?v=3eDkAG3R0h8
Encore "Authority Song" - http://youtube.com/watch?v=Po47SNloMBg
- Mood:
bouncy - Music:"Beds are Burning" - Midnight Oil
Visited the parents this weekend around. Family took everyone out for indian cuisine, which was a nice change, for a slightly belated birthday get together for my mom and brother, and early one for me. It seems like my Mom is taking photography courses under my nose the last few months, and with her trip to Belize coming up soon she needed some help with her homework assignments. I helped her finish two assignments which were Photoshop extensive. Easy for me, an interesting learning experience for her. She started to get silly with photomorphing closer to the end of the evening, depicting giant alligators crawling around Alcatraz.
So ya, I think she likes Photoshop now. I'm starting to understand a bit more as to where I'm getting bits of my artistic side from. No one else in my last couple generations of family did art of any sort.
Been able to escape the apartment this last week more then any other weeks this past month. I wish the weather could be a bit warmer though. Got the chance to finally try the hyped 'Rockband'. To some, I make a very good singer. To others... well.. if you were there with me singing "Roxanne" by the Police I'm sure even I could vouch I don't mimic Andy Somers voice well *giggles*. Not a bad game overall. Good for a 'pick up and play', which fits my time frame much better. I don't have the patience or time to play WoW or SL, never will.
It's hard to believe I'll be 22 already on the 18th. Some might not see it as a big year but something seems different this time around. But when I turned 21 it kinda just seemed to pass and another year rolled by with another silly simple number to the age counter. I am getting older and maturing into adulthood, but I still sometimes fail to see that. A part of me still acts with the optomism and carefree nature of a teenager, though my mind continues to sharpen and hone in on my priorities and goals for life. I feel like I've the mind of an adult in a kid's body.
John Mellencamp and Tom Cochrane (Red Rider) is playing tomorrow. Me and my lil bro are gonna be at it later in the evening. With my interview and logo I have to finish, it appears to be a busy monday to start the week.
Sorry to those I wasn't able to see at the Art Jam this last weekend. If I was able to teleport from Chilliwack and back I'd have definately tried to be there!
- Music:"We're Not Gonna Take It" - Twisted Sister
Today was filled to the brim with cool stuff! Thanks Tib for taking me along to the boat show and showing me how to operate a simulated sailboat *laughs*. The boat show was in town this weekend so the wolf and I hauled our tails to BC Place where there was everything from boat displays to 'enter and wins', kayaks, motors, etc. I bumped into an old friend of mine, Vanessa, I used to know way back in Chilliwack. I don't think I've seen her for about 3 years. Her mom and dad are boat nuts, so it probably wasn't really much of a surprise, but she doesn't look any different then when I last saw her. Kyle and Barb, a couple of our old childhood friends, are to be wed this upcoming May, so Vanessa and I briefly went over some plans, exchanged new contact info, and hurried on our ways as Tib and I had to leave for the Granville Island area to catch the next shuttle bus.
I loved the False Creek boat showing much better as you were able to see a wider selection of showboats and view a good 90% of them, and there was a lot of floating beauties to explore. There must've been about 60+ of them there. Tib should be putting photos up sometime soon, but some boats were literally floating houses. Quite expensive, some as large, and classified as yachts.
After a quick bite to eat we ventured to Metrotown to see Cloverfield, as I had heard several good things about it from various friends. I was amazed by how the camera's point of view was, as it seemed to convey a much more realistic scenario, and I could fully immerse myself in the action with the characters. I won't go into logistics over the plot as to save spoilers, but I'd highly recommend it. Tib and I were pretty scared at the end of the movie. I don't think I had left a movie that scared it a really long time, five years for sure.
-----------
Either then that, the furmeet seemed to be a big success. I enjoyed myself this time around much more then others as there was some new faces I had to acquaint myself with, as well as the mid-meet Moxies trip where I had a much needed Bellini and Thai Soup, both awesome. It was also nice to get away for a good hour from the noise with a smaller group and just chat and catch up as it's been since October last I've been to Moxies.
On the art side, I've been having a good streak the last week or two. Many thanks to those (who don't leave OC in fits of rage GRR) who've OCed with me the last couple weeks to help me get back into the swing of things. Most importantly in these being Lope and Rhari. Managed to visit Rhari last weekend during a trip to visit my parents before they left for Belize. Lope I saw on Friday before the furmeet where we had a bit of a little art jam. His place is quite nicely set up, and I was glad he had two big desks with two comfy chairs so we both had our own separate workplaces. Lope is a traditional artist who likes to use media of the same type, so he was able to work on his normal drawing table, while I took control of the tablet on his computer and utilized Open Canvas and my new burned CDs while I played some weird DJ with awkward music tastes. Fun times!
- Mood:
sleepy - Music:"Carry On My Wayward Son" - Kansas
Saturday I was looking forwards to hanging out, having a beer and drawing with a good friend, but my parents needed me out in Chilliwack for most of Saturday which completely shot that down.
Today was gonna be the same deal, different friend as previous one was busy. Simple, they drive out here and call me once they've arrived at destination. I drive over, conversation is made, lots of art is created. Right? Wrong! No call.
So now I realize my entire weekend has been shot due to a series of events for both these days. Lovely. There is one good thing I can say though now.
Thank god for Open Canvas!

- Mood:
annoyed - Music:ELO - "Turn to Stone"
-------------------------------------
1) Are you currently in a serious relationship?
2) What was your dream growing up?
3) What talent do you wish you had?
4) If I bought you a drink what would it be?
5) Favourite vegetable?
6) What was the last book you read?
7) What zodiac sign are you?
8) Any Tattoos and/or Piercings? Explain where.
9) Worst Habit?
10) If you saw me walking down the street would you offer me a ride?
11) What is your favourite sport?
12) Do you have a Negative or Optimistic attitude?
13) What would you do if you were stuck in an elevator with me?
14) Worst thing to ever happen to you?
15) Tell me one weird fact about you.
16) Do you have any pets?
17) What if I showed up at your house unexpectedly?
18) What was your first impression of me? (hmmm...careful!)
19) Do you think clowns are cute or scary?
20) If you could change one thing about how you look, what would it be?
21) Would you be my crime partner or my conscience?
22) What colour eyes do you have?
23) Ever been arrested?
24) Bottle or can soda?
25) If you won $10,000 today, what would you do with it?
27) What's your favourite place to hang at?
28) Do you believe in ghosts?
29) Favourite thing to do in your spare time?
30) Do you swear a lot?
31) Biggest pet peeve?
32) In one word, how would you describe yourself?
33) Do you believe/appreciate romance?
34) If you could live anywhere in the world where would you chose?
35) Do you believe in God?
36) Will you repost this so I can fill it out and do the same for you?
- Mood:
sick - Music:'We're Not Gonna Take It' - Twisted Sister
I couldn't stop laughing when I saw this... Very good animation re-enactment of Final Fantasy 6.
- Mood:
nervous - Music:Yes - "Owner of a Lonely Heart"
