skyhigh_requiem

IT'S ALIVE! ALIIIIIIIIIIIIIVE!!! AH HAHAHAHHAHAHAHAA!!!

Sun, 02 Jul 2006 05:10:56 GMT

Eh, I just like saying that.

As I promised (no-one in particular) here is the links for my semi-completed comic. I'd appreciate it if you guys would check it out, comments would be loved as well since this is able the first comic I've ever done. And entirely on the computer as well. Talk about tiring.

http://agent-tetora.deviantart.com/gallery/

That's the gallery, the pages are in there and I'd recommend everyone reading the Hunter 101 page I did. That'll help if you're not familiar with WoD or HtR.

Well that's it. Now time to get me some rest!!! ^^

Something of a change

Tue, 13 Jun 2006 10:52:55 GMT

I haven't written in here in ages. A lot of stuff has been going on, not just work, but I just don't have the time or drive to account it in here. I'll still post occasionally and you'll see a picture every now and again. The main reason for this is because I'm going to be focusing on my Deviant Art account. I'd really appreciate it if you guys checked it out and comments and criticisms would be fucking awesome. I don't think many people read this nowadays, but if you do and wonder what I'm up to then wander on over to DA. I'll be there, uploading the random crap I create.

Of course I'll still end up posting links up for the comic battle Smitty and I are having. So look forward to that. His offering is going to be so much cooler than mine. But either way you're going to be looking at some quality entertainment.

So here's the link to my DA. Hit it up some time. I'll try to keep the updates coming because with luck work should be a bit more calm and I'll have some time.

http://agent-tetora.deviantart.com/

Well, I was bored...

Thu, 01 Jun 2006 14:00:59 GMT

I'm pretty sure that by "motherf*cker" I meant work. Well kinda sure anyway.

Boom, Headshot. Sums up my life quite nicely these days *lol*.

And yes, my PJs are that sexy.

Um, yeah

Sun, 28 May 2006 13:11:36 GMT

I can't be bothered blogging anything right now. But I just finished this, when I really ought to be sleeping, so I thought I'd post it up?

Why?

Eh, I dunno. Seemed like the thing to do. Comments and Criticisms are very welcome. Especially on the coloring since I'm a n00b when it comes to that.

Cheers.

Ugh...

Wed, 10 May 2006 00:34:55 GMT

I'm so fucking tired... and hungry. I'm writing this for myself, so I can look back on it and wonder what the fuck am I doing. This job I have now, it's starting to look like it's really not worth it. Last night I worked a 20 hour shift. The normal day shift, coming in an hour early to do paperwork, then I had to stay back to 'supervise' some contractors fixing our security system and replace our front door to the shop. It was ridiculous. Thankfully Matt came in and we hung out for a while, which was awesome of him, but I made him go home when it hit 10. He's working the morning shift today.

I, on the other hand, am working today still anyway. Despite getting out of that fucking pit at 4 in the morning. I totally fell asleep driving home but only for like 5-10 seconds, I think. Regardless, something is looking out for me, there are so many times I should have died by now *lol*.

Anyway... work is fucking lame. Yesterday was a shit day anyway. My full-timer got sick, leaving me and my very pregnant casual to work by ourselves. No lunch break again for me. I swear, I've evolved. I don't need to eat, sleep or have a life any more. It's seriously starting to piss me off.

Though, I did get my training paperwork done. And by that I said 'Matt, can you just sign this and say we did it?' and he did. We're quite awesome.

I also finished a draft for a 'prequel' comic (forgive the bad terminology, I'm goddamn tired) for the comic battle. It's a bit cheesy but I think it'll look alright after I pretty it up.

The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya is a rather amusing. I need to watch more of that series. The closing theme/animation makes me happy. Crazy, in-sync J-pop style dancing is wonderful.

Ugh, I need a shower, I smell like sawdust...

All I can say is...

Sat, 06 May 2006 03:27:09 GMT

Running-thoughts

Tue, 25 Apr 2006 12:42:30 GMT

Another belated post. Not that I have much to write about or many people to inform, but I feel compelled to keep using this journal.

Things just keep getting busier and busier. I'm slowly learning to cope with the renewed insomnia and high levels of stress. I'll emphasise that this is a slow and gradual process. I'm either adapting to the stress or the fact it's fucking me up. At least the money is alright.

So, what's been going on? I went to a wedding on the weekend, which means I missed Supernova. I heard it wasn't that great anyway. Alex picked me up something there too, so I'm more excited about that than anything. I'm surprised he offered to get me some stuff, so that was a cool little moment for me. I spent more time with Monique and that's always cool. We saw Amy and Daniel's new house which is all carpeted and looking rather sexy. In a new-building kind of way. I swear we must have looked like little kids though. Daniel was showing everyone around and Amy, Monique and I all crashed in their living room. And by crashed I mean fell asleep. It just paints an amusing mental image, two 19 year olds and a 21 year old curled up in an otherwise empty room, sleeping in the middle of the day. Would have made a neat photo.

I've been slowly catching up on my anime that's been laying around. Watched more FMA, which I love, and finally saw the rest of Beck. I totally love that series. I almost hope it never gets a western release because I'm sure the dub would be terrible. There's so much Engrish in that anime; which is probably why I love it so much. Engrish rocks.

Ugh... I just remembered that I have heaps of paperwork to do for the training session I did a little while ago. What a pain. It'd be okay if it wasn't stuff I already knew. I hate redundancy. Yep, train me to sell things... I've only been doing it for a few years. I mean, I'm an assistant manager, I obviously don't know what I'm doing. Actually, that's kinda true some times *lol*. Makes things interesting at least!

I bought a bass guitar. Got an amp, case and all the rest of it for $399. I haven't had the time to even tune it though. There's just no time nowadays. It's beyond me how people can work and have relationships and raise families. It really is. I can only hope that the more I get used to work the more time it'll feel like I have. But the guitar itself is very cool. I've even named it *lol*. My cousin,Ben, who's been playing guitar for 17 years said he'll give me lessons. I thought that was really cool. He's an awesome guy. I'm looking forward to learning how to play.

Having time to draw would be nice too...

And cause the guys at work all play World of Warcraft I ended up picking up a copy myself to try out. I'm liking it so far and it's hard to stop playing when I'm on there. But I'm like that with any game. I can't see myself getting addicted like some (most?) people, but then again, I never really have had an addiction. Save for anime and manga I suppose. But the game itself is pretty cool. The missions aren't really involved enough to get me hooked. You can only collect items from killing things for so long before it make you want to kill yourself. I'm sure there's more to it than that though. I'm almost hoping I don't discover exactly what because that'll be more reasons to keep playing. The game really does scare me, from what I've heard about it. Hell, I wanna learn how to play my bass anyway.

May as well write about my cute, lil subordinates; since I seem to do that now. The girls are awesome. They actually look after me, which can be a little embarrassing. The guys can be annoying. Well, Dave's always late and Scott likes to talk back. He's just an irritating person. Okay sometimes, but then he can just get on my nerves. It's weird. And back to Dave, he's leaving at the end of the week when he goes off to get married. He'll be back in a month (maybe?) and we should be getting someone new in. Makes it hard to work when we don't know who we can have on or what we're meant to be doing. Hmmm, Amy should be going on leave sometime soon too. I might offer my services as a babysitter when she eventually has the kid. She's really cool. Jen and Naomi are cool too, but I feel bad for Naomi. I had to make her go to training and she really didn't want to. She'll get paid more going there for the day than working the crappy little shift we can give her, so hopefully that's okay. Hopefully.

Anyway, enough ranting from me. I better get me some sleep. It's another day at my lovely, half-torn-down store tomorrow. Oh, we did get to tear down some walls and smash some old stuff. That was pretty sweet.

A quick update before the sleep...

Thu, 06 Apr 2006 13:54:38 GMT

First of all, I'm tired. Really tired. I don't think I've been so busy in my life. I'm also sure I've driven more in the past week than I usually do in a month. My poor car...

So, where to start? I spent last weekend largely in the company of Monique. We had leisurely night-time strolls, loitered at restaurants and watched anime. She's really cool. I met some new people on the weekend, namely Josh and Joanne... which is funny because they're a couple that both start with J. Anyway (can't you tell I'em tired?)... When did I meet them? After church. Yep, I went to church, twice, on the weekend. Am I a born-again christian? Hell no, that term sounds so goddamn hokey anyway. I was just interested as a lot of people I know are rather devout and I'm always interested in religion and such. It was a pretty good experience and it was all rather upbeat. People didn't seem to mind how I questioned just about everything, or when I ate their cookies. They were pretty good cookies.

Got to hang out with Alex again and that's always a good time. We just geek out rather strongly and I'm always cool with that. He needs to stop giving me anime to watch though. I'm not even done with Beck yet and I have like 3 more series to catch up on, not to mention the 8 DVDs I've bought and haven't watched. Blah, work is eating my time. I have started watching Ergo Proxy (it's made by the guys who did Samurai Champloo) and that's rad, I also watched some Kyo Kara Maoh and I found that to be really amusing.

Speaking of work, that's where things went a bit crazy. I started at the new job on monday. I wanted to cry when I saw the place, there's so much work to do. I've been getting there early and staying back late in an attempt to get things done and it's just taking so long. The staff don't give a damn and the manager is pretty lazy. Needless to say I've been working harder than I've worked in a long time and I'm a bit lost, to tell you the truth. I can do it, but I feel I'm about to break. I'm getting used to things though and I'm getting rather adept at sorting problems I normally don't get to deal with. The staff are now relying on me and that makes me happy. They trust me and rely on my authority and I'm glad that's happening so early. The staff are pretty cool too. Naomi is a great worker, though Amy is trying to take her from me. Jen is a bit slow but an awesome salesperson. I honestly don't know how she does it. Scott was... ehhh, I don't really know. Matt is a little lazier than I imagined him to be and Dave... well, I had issues with Dave but I think we're working out just fine now. I've been hard on him but he's shaping up and I think he's not too bothered now. Matt seems to be impressed with how much I get done, unfortunately it seems to make him feel like he can slack off more. It's hard but I'll make that store work. At least I have the weekend off again.

And we're going camping. I wish I wasn't, to be honest. I adore camping. I really do. But I don't have anything to do at a campsite. I'm going to be bored and frustrated and honestly, I'd rather stay home and chill out and maybe go out and see some people. I'd like to be able to see Monique and Alex again, since I didn't get to on Tuesday (we were meant to but Amy was sick). Oh well, maybe another time I suppose.

Well, that's my not exciting post. I can't see anyone getting anything interesting about this. It's largely me bitching about stuff *shrugs*.

Random RP and whatnot.

Thu, 30 Mar 2006 14:30:02 GMT

One day left til my sexy weekend off. One day working at Yamanto... it will be interesting.

Anyway, I was just thinking about RP stuff thanks to one of Esh's posts and started musing on Promethean, the new WOD game that White-Wolf are bringing out. All I've seen is a one-page teaser and sadly I've fallen prey to its intended purpose- to pique curiosity. Is there any way I can find out more about it? I might scour for information when I have the time. I think it's due out in a couple of months anyway (EDIT: August 2006).

But what I'd really like to see is a Hunter: Second Edition. That game deserves more cred.

I also have some tutes for PS; I'm going to start playing around with that on this weekend hopefully. I'm also thinking a haircut is in order.

Eh, now it's time to sleep. I'm hoping this post will remind me of some of the many things I have to do.

Work work work...

Wed, 29 Mar 2006 14:01:44 GMT

This is what happens after... I don't know how many days I've had to work straight now. I think I'm onto day 9? Two more days and I get the weekend off. You better believe I'm looking forward to it.

Anyway, onto my crappy, though hopefully amusing, picture!

And in other art-related news I started looking up Photoshop tutorials today. It's all quite lost on me but I'll start working on it eventually.

Just a quick post before work

Sat, 25 Mar 2006 22:12:51 GMT

Man I'm tired. Things have just been so busy and stressed out lately. I'd kill for some time to myself. And I wouldn't mind knowing what's going on with everything too. I don't even know if I'm working tomorrow.

Complaining aside, things are still happening. It's not all bad. Had to go into the city for training yesterday and ended up having to work after that. Also been watching more Beck episodes and that series is just really cool. The animation and art is all quite loose but it looks great. There's lots of Engrish too so that's an automatic-win for me. There should be episodes out there if people want to check it out, I recommend that you do.

I've been a little sad that I'm going to a new shopping center (for work). I never realised how many people I know and talk to in that place. But, as Amy reassured me, there are still going to be people to talk to wherever I go. I just realised I have these little relationships with people and now that's over. Eh, not like it matters but it is a little sad saying goodbye to something/someone.

I got to drawing last night as well, though I was super-tired. This was also done in MS Paint again, since I haven't had the time to load Photoshop let alone learn how to use it. I might just do that on my next day off. Anyway, this is Jacob and Noah for those who don't know who they are. I haven't drawn anything Hunter-related in a while and missed it. So, here they are:

Okay, no one's going to know The Distillers... but anyway...

The image is mine, steal it and I'll just laugh at you. C'mon people, it's done in Paint!

Just a quick update when I really should be asleep

Thu, 23 Mar 2006 14:13:06 GMT

Lots of things have been going on lately. I've put my new computer together, I'm still promoted but I'm getting a transfer to another store. Though it's further away I'm thinking it will be better. I'll learn a lot more and I'll get to meet some new people. Talking to my bosses today was a lot of fun. They were really good about telling me all the news and goings on in the company. They told me to work hard and I'll show up the manager, and take over the store, in no time *lol*. I like when people have faith in me.

Well there's lots going on really. I don't know what's happening when, but I'm happy anyway. Things seem to be going really well. Even if I just realised I'm on a monthly salary now. So after this week, I won't be getting paid for a month. It's going to be crazy! I'll still try to go out clubbing if I can afford it (I've got a couple of grand to last me so I can't see it being a problem anyway). I can't wait to go out places again. I might even have the time to get myself a girlfriend or two. That'd be nice.

Just watched an episode of Beck before. Alex burnt them for me. It's looking promising and I'm digging the animation. I'm loving my band anime/manga. I've been reading a lot of Nana lately too. Good stuff all in all. Makes me almost miss being a punk *lol*.

Anyway, time for me to get some sleep. I was tempted to trim my hair but I might leave it til after work tomorrow. My eye-sight is going and I'm tired, I don't trust myself right now *lol*. I'm sure I could have come out with an original look, but it's not worth the possibility of losing an ear or something ^_^.

Ah, so random... it's time for bed.

This thing is a goddamn SUN!!!

Wed, 15 Mar 2006 12:42:56 GMT

I'm referring to my brand new 19" LCD monitor. It's so goddamn, freakishly huge and bright and so fucking awesome. I road-tested the fucker with Advent Children and just "wow". That's all I can say.

Oh, and not just a new monitor. I have a new computer sitting across from me too. I haven't the time to set it up right now since I was out for my step-brother's birthday. Anyway, it's a P4 processor, 3.0GHz, and it's just going to be insane. INSANE I tell you. I can't wait to start making art with this thing. That is if reading manga won't make my head explode.

If I'm slow talking to you on AOL or MSN, it's because you're looking so much prettier than I'm used to. Goodbye crappy 15" monitor, hello portable sun thingy!

Now all I need to do is name it... ah, and in other news I finally picked up Project Zero 3 today! Only $50! I also found a copy of Marvel VS Capcom 2!!! I'm super excited about playing that game again. I had my last copy stolen from me. I wonder if I still have my save file? Oh! And I have My Neighbour Totoro!!! I love that movie so freaking much!

Yep, I'm very happy with my purchases of late. Better yet, I'm not broke.

...for the world to hear my song, so they can tell me I was wrong

Tue, 14 Mar 2006 00:02:03 GMT

Let's get things started. Here's something you all need to know:

I'm hoping we're all suitably amused, now for the explanation. I could be a bit creative and artistic and write everything with a flourish or touch of drama... but that's so much effort. I doubt anyone will remember this, mainly because I don't think I wrote it on LJ, but the assistant manager position I was getting trained for wasn't available anymore. Not to me anyway. We had to re-apply for our jobs, because of the change in ownership of the company I'm working for, and I didn't even know if I was even going to have a job. That kinda sucked. I was pretty pissed about it. But last week I heard we're keeping our current positions but with the exclusion of Peter who was going to be assistant manager. Damn him and his promotiony stuff!

So the higher-ups were discussing future management of my store and Peter came into conversation and how he might not be best for the job. Remember that boss I was talking about (the one that checked me out at the christmas party)? Guess who's name she dropped? They got to talking, they got a backed-up opinion from my current boss and guess who's going to be assistant manager in two weeks? Guess who's going to be earning $500 less a year than his sister (who is a manager)? If you guessed Macguyver you'd be horribly wrong! As cool as he is, we're talking about me here! Oh yeah, Dylan, the assistant manager. I could have my own store in a couple of months if I work hard enough.

After all that BS everything worked out! I'm going to be starting on $35,500 a year, which is likely to get higher as I prove myself. Oh and that's without bonuses and holiday pay. And I'll be getting every second weekend off (I haven't had a weekend off since christmas, and god knows when before that!)! I can party again! Expect to hear of some crazy antics. So, the next two weeks are going to be tough with me learning EVERYTHING there is to know, then re-learning it when we get a new manager. I'm looking forward to it. Now if only I could get over being sick! *lol*

Remember me saying how I wanted to hang out with Monique more? Well I got to see her again yesterday and that was cool. She wasn't feeling to great though so I looked after her as best I could. Sometimes I wish I wasn't so motherly. It's just not sexy *lol*. Seriously though, I enjoy her company. She's nearly as odd as I and it's fun to just say things to one another and trip out at how strange we are... I guess you had to be there. Good thing you weren't or you'd be cramping my style, fool! Gettin' up in my grill like a muthafucka. I be cappin' yo ass. Fo shizz and word. Uh, anyway, she's neat. I don't think Daniel is comfortable with me talking to her (yeah, she's his sister and my (possible) future sister-in-law) but that's his deal. I haven't molested her yet and I srsly doubt that's going to happen. If not only because I'm scared he'll eat me... *insert nervous laughter here*

I've been cooking a lot too since Amy and Daniel have moved back in. I've also started cooking on the BBQ, which is so Australian it hurts but it's about time I learnt how to, and I'm really good at it. I proclaimed quite loudly, after some rum and cooking, that Daniel and I are the new undisputed kings of BBQ (even though I did all the cooking). I'd say it's pretty bloody close. I reckon I'd give Dad a run for his money. I've also gotten awesome at cooking anything with a wok and I'm getting better at baking. Yeah, even though I'm sick, I'm still doing most of the cooking. But that's cool. I like it.

I can't really think of anything else to write. I need to shower, do some housework and maybe go out to buy a PS2 game (if Project Zero 3 is here yet T.T) or two (I wouldn't mind Metal Slug 4/5). Yep, might draw too if I feel up to it.

Subconscious says "what"

Thu, 09 Mar 2006 21:31:09 GMT

Had an awesome dream last night. A welcome change from the constant nightmares I've been having. I dreamed that I was having a normal conversation with Nihei Tsutomu (mentioned in last post. He's the author/artist of Blame!, Biomega, Net Sphere Engineer and all round kickass artist. It was really really neat in a random kind of way. The weird thing is that we were talking in English, and hell, I don't even know what the guy actually looks like. It was still cool though. He was trying to give me tips and I was just excited to be talking to a rad manga artist *lol*.

Also talked to Monique last night. That was fun as well. I don't get to chat to her too often and I enjoy her company. Maybe we'll get to talk more often in the future?

Finished reading Uncivilized Planet last night. That was different. Jiro Matsumoto's work is so amazing. I love how every main character he creates (usually) is insane. I love it.

Apart from that I'm losing my voice. It makes work lame and about 31873986 times harder than normal. The best bit is that two of the higher ups are coming in today and god knows how I'm going to impress them when I can't even talk. I'm pretty sure that today I could do with a little bit of luck... and sleep *lol*. So here's to hoping this works out.

Time to get ready for work...

When I joke about being insane...

Tue, 07 Mar 2006 12:11:39 GMT

Why is it that no one laughs?

So the other day I finally got my tablet. That was a mission bloody months in the making. I'm super glad I have it now though I have been a bit apprehensive about starting on photoshop. Just knowing the kinds of things people can make with that program, to be honest it's really daunting for me. I don't like being bad at something. Everyone says it's easy but I don't know if people understand what I'm feeling. I want to just be good at it. I like being a natural at things. I just know this won't be the case this time and that's really weird. I can't think of an equivalent but I just don't want to be going backwards with my art. I think that's what I'm worried about the most.

But I am happy that I have it. Amy has also found a good computer for me to get and the best thing about that is that it won't set me back nearly as much as I intended to spend! I might talk to her more about that and then I just need a new set-up for my room and we're all good to go. Well, we're probably "good to go" now too *lol*. I just feel like a change. I think I could do with one.

I also finished Fatal Frame 1 today. It took me a while! I was getting seriously scared near the end, I thought I might not be able to get through the game. You really do need to use about every item you come across in that game. I even resorted to a stone mirror or three. Okay, no one knows what I'm talking about, but it's a big deal to me. I didn't even use one in FFr2! And speaking of the Fatal Frame/Project Zero games the third installment is meant to be out here already but nowhere has it. Probably a good thing since I only just finished the first. I should start playing DDR again now that I'm finished with it. I miss playing that game.

I finally purchased a copy of Shaun of the Dead too! I'm so happy about that! I've been wanting that movie for ages and ended up finding a copy. I intend to educate Amy and Daniel before they leave. I adore that movie.

I've been reading and looking at a lot of Tsutomu Tohei artwork lately. Namely Biomega, Net Sphere Engineer and the Blame! And So On artbook. His work is so amazing. I've been consciously making an effort to really look at the artwork in manga. I will look over art but never really pay too much attention to it. I read manga for the stories *lol*. I still love the art and it does play a big part in my interests, look at my own creations if you don't believe me, but I tend to speed-read through manga. Paying attention to details really has helped me a lot lately. My characters have that much more expression and instead of copying styles I'm interpreting works in my own way, evolving my own style as I'm learning from the masters *lol*. I've also been inspired by the oddness of Jiro Matsumoto's work. To the point of giving me yet more ideas for manga. I have two now that I really want to work on. Best yet though is that this latest idea integrates romance and horror. Oh with more than a dash of "fucked up" in there too, for flavor ^_~.

I seriously recommend that people go over to the wonderful people at http://omanga.net and leech some of that stuff. Keep in mind the things there are a bit... okay, very dark, twisted and often disgusting, but goddamn it's well done. When you adapt to it it's really addictive. I highly recommend MPD Psycho, Freesia and the Skyhigh (Tsutomu Takahashi rawks) series *lol*.

Lately I've been having a lot of nightmares. Some have been so wonderfully strange though! One was where I was dreaming and nothing made sense, then I woke up as someone else, and it was their dream. I was all, "Good work subconscious, nice fix for the plot hole." Seriously, everything was really bizarre. Another was where I bought a PSP and that really upset me. The whole time I was telling myself that I didn't want it and that it was a waste. I was opening it after taking it home and thinking that I couldn't bring it back and that I should have gotten a DS *lol*. I never knew that I felt so strongly about that.

What really fucked with me was a dream where I was in an accident and I lost my right arm. Okay, make all your jokes, it's alright. Get it out of your system. I always used to think that I would be upset if I lost my ability to draw. Let me say that that's a vast, vast, understatement. I've never been so devastated in all my life. Just knowing that my one talent was taken from me. Knowing that I had no chance of making anything of myself. I was really pissed cause I just bought the tablet too. But seriously, it hurt. If something like that happened, I'd lose more than a hand or arm. I was borderline suicidal and I'm only hoping that the dream is only an exaggeration of how I would feel in that situation. Not only that, every instance where I would do something reminded me that things couldn't be the same. You really don't realize how much you appreciate something til it's gone.

Here's to hoping I'll never have to deal with that. I just can't help but think that I will.

EDIT: Did a drawing just now. Nothing special, and another 5 minute job. Thought I'd put it up anyway.

Slowly getting photoshop...

Sat, 04 Mar 2006 12:17:40 GMT

But paint will have to do for now. I was struck by inspiration in the later hours of the day and I think I have a fairly original and solid concept for my horror manga. So I thought I'd do some drawings.

This is rough and just something off the top of my head. I'll work on concept sketches and plot-lines soon enough but everything should be pretty easy to work with. I'll leave the plot aside for now and just show ya'll what I came up with.

Awww... it's some guy. That's not scary!!! >.<

And for surprise purposes I'm just putting the link for the next image. Tell me what you think, y'all!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/zombie_boy/redeemerhunting.png

Random art post!

Fri, 03 Mar 2006 11:31:48 GMT

Another art post, even though my last wasn't as well received as usual T,T.

Anyway, this is me getting used to my tablet and playing with it and doing drawings that Mina told me to do. I'll do them in the order of completion. The more I did the crappier they got, but they only took like a minute each. I need to find some decent software because MsPaint doesn't really cut it.

I'll do a proper post laterz.

Mina wanted a pic of her first:

She's vain, y'know *j/k j/k*.

The she wanted a pic of her and Tegan:

Then one of Locke, which I won't bother with. Then I did this one:

Then I did this, because I'm a pretty fast drawer:

And finally, because Megan and I were talking about zombies on the phone:

Okay... I was talking about zombies, she was just laughing at me. But that's cool. I'm pretty bloody weird and it was 4am over there. Yes, going to Canada is on my to-do list.

And we will eat cake.

Art post

Mon, 27 Feb 2006 13:15:43 GMT

Been a while since one of these has shown up huh? I did a couple of pictures today for the hell of it. None of them took me more than 15 minutes a hit, so don't expect much in the way of quality *lol*.

The first two pictures are of ghosts. Practice for the horror manga, if you will. The third is a random pic of a guy in a mech suit. I was inspired by Void Battles and created Mantis on the spot.

Oh and I know the anatomy is way off on the ghosts. It's meant to be. Criticism is welcome though!

My first ghost picture-

This time I decided to go with less gore, trying to make the stark whiteness of the ghost become a focal point. Note the crappy little buddha statue at the base of the tree.

This one is Mantis, my robot with humaniod CPU thing. Yeah, my first ever successful mecha design. I actually quite like it. I did an action shot of him as well but couldn't be bothered scanning that as well.

EDIT:Another picture I did a while ago, but was no less rushed, but never posted. It does need a little explanation to get what's going on though. I was working on an RP for my sister and her boyfriend, which I have abandoned. But this is a depiction of the death of my character. Long story short- he slowly gains the ability to turn into a dragon (by collecting the body parts of his dead lover and assimilating himself with them, as it's her ability originally) and then in an epic and climactic battle needs to do so. The transformation happens over the course of a few seconds. 2 to 3, at max. The arms popping off and malformed limbs are because his body is rejecting the transformation and he just shouldn't be able to do it. So it ends up half assed, he gets some decent power then dies in a pool of malformed sludge. Nice.

Oh LJ, I know /you/ missed me

Sun, 26 Feb 2006 12:25:52 GMT

"I seriously need to lay off the drugs." I don't know how many times I've found myself saying that over the past few days. Things have been pretty crazy of late.

I'll blame that on the 6 day working weeks I've been pulling. One day off a week sucks, but at least the money is alright. I have a day off tomorrow in fact and I'm greatly looking forward to it. I'm not sure what I'm doing with it yet. I may venture into the city for a tablet and a copy of Project Zero 3, which was not at the local EB. In other gaming news I found out that Guitar Heroes is in fact coming to Australia. The date is "TBA" but I can live with that.

I'm slowly plodding through PZ1 (or FFr1, depending on which side of the world you're on) and that's been excellent. It's been giving me plenty of ideas for my horror manga and it's just a fun time in itself. I can understand the gripe about the camera control but I find it scarier when it's that much harder. I'm actually getting hit and having to use stone mirrors because the controls make me suck *lol*. I got through PZ2 untouched for the most part so it's a nice change.

We've had a new girl start at work this week too. It's great to have a girl working with us again. She makes me laugh a lot, I'm just hoping I'm not giving her a complex. It's just so cute that she runs into things and drops stuff so often. And she's so chipper. It's really refreshing to have someone around who's having fun like that. Our spirits are all rather downtrodden in that store. She also comes to me instead of the manager when she has questions, which is fun. I get to be the cool senior working guy.

I got to see Candice on Saturday too. That was cool. She dropped by the store in the afternoon and we got to chat for a while. We're semi-planning our next get together right now actually. It'll be great to hang out again.

Amy and Daniel have moved back in too. They've been here one day and they've already borrowed over $65... it's not a good sign. They've drank all my soda too. Apart from that it's good. It's cool to have people around and it's fun having people to talk to all the time. We went out for dinner with Daniel's parents last night and that was neat. I got to see Monique again and that's cool. She's quite awesome. Daniel's parents are pretty fun too. They accepted my oddities with a grain of salt and we laughed a lot and unintentionally harassed our waiters. It was a good night. I'm sure we'll have plenty more over the next couple of months.

It would seem that I officially have fangirls. It's such a nuisance really. I blame the long-ish hair. The other night I was minding my own business, writing an e-mail to Erin and I got a call from someone I didn't know. I don't really want to go into it but the gist is that some random girl called, introduced herself and said how much she likes me. It was weird. I think she may have had the wrong number. God knows how my number is getting around though... but yes, fangirls. It's terrifying.

As always I'm sure I had plenty to talk about, but I just don't remember anything right now. I'm actually really fucking tired so I think I'll just have a shower and go to bed. I could go on about the cute kids at work or pole-dancing asians (don't ask) but I just don't have the motivation right now. Maybe tomorrow. Tomorrow is another day.

A few steps in the wrong direction perhaps?

Wed, 15 Feb 2006 12:43:35 GMT

Before I get into some introspection I have to say that it was a pleasant surprise to talk to Smitty just now. First of all, because Smitty is cool. He and Esh were one of the few people to acknowledge me on Valentines day (and god I hate that day... but I'm not getting into how I think it's stupid), and he's just awesome. In a sexy kind of way *lol*. Sexiness aside, he told me that Brad proposed to Sara yesterday. I assume that she said 'yes' but all in all that's some great news. They did make me promise to come back when they get married so I suppose I should start saving for that on the off chance I'm invited. Still, it's wonderful news.

I also got to talk to my old shinyuu, Taku. From what I gathered he's in Japan, teaching and being awesome, as always. There's something so refreshing and inspiring about him and talking to him. I wish I could hold onto that feeling for longer. I don't often feel supported but he just has this way of conveying such strong faith in my abilities. I really feel like an idiot. I've thrown away so many good friends over the years. And what for? I was always so confident I could make more, and now that my confidence is something of a distant memory, it seems impossible. I used to be so good with people. I'm trying to get stronger, but sometimes it's just so hard to motivate yourself. Especially when it's those closest to you that hurt you. Makes you a little adverse towards letting people near you.

I got to see Mina today too. And Tegan and Brad. Mina's awesome. But in the city I chanced upon a copy of Fatal Frame 1 (Project Zero here) for PS2. I was pretty damn stoked, they don't make the game anymore and with Fatal Frame 3 coming out here in a couple of weeks I can now scare myself for a fair while.

So, this brings me to my original point. Is there something wrong in liking things that are depressing, upsetting or scary? I'm only thinking this because I watched the end of Gundam Seed and found that quite upsetting. Regardless I loved it and can't wait for Gundam Seed Destiny (the sequel) to come out. I was reading manga earlier. Nana, a shoujo manga, which was a little upsetting as well. No character deaths this time (did I mention characters started dieing in Mai Otome as well?) but just general sadness. Still, I like it. I want to read more of that stuff. And then there's Fatal Frame. I started playing that, started freaking out and enjoyed it. I mean, I get genuinely scared playing those games. It's so much fun.

Now I've realised I like and consequently surround myself with things that are sad or scary. Why? Beats me. Maybe I like things I can get involved with and care about? Maybe I just like things that make me feel something? That's easy enough to say for music. That naturally brings about that kind of response. You listen to stuff because you like the way it makes you feel, the way it sounds. So I guess it's true for all this as well.

But I'm not sure what that says about me. I like sad things. That just doesn't seem right to me.

Another thing I've found interesting is that I've started sleeping on the floor. I just find it easier sometimes when I can't sleep. It's just something I've done since I was a kid. I curl up in a corner somewhere and sleep. So lately I've found myself doing the same thing, because that places me right under my fan and it's too damn hot to be anywhere else. The strange thing is, if you discount the fact that I have a perfectly fine bed yet I sleep on the floor, I fall asleep on the floor and most times I wake up in my bed. Under the covers. I don't think I've ever sleep-walked before so it's really tripping me out. Amusing me, definitely, but it sure is weird.

I totally had a cool dream about riding a train through Soviet Russia with Colin. I climbed on top of the train and we fought zombies. I could jump really far thanks to my awesome cons.

The moral of the story? Russian zombies are pretty fucking cool.

Sou, ai ga subete tasukeru to wa

Sat, 11 Feb 2006 11:54:07 GMT

I just got to talk to Nathan! He got to England safely and things are going really well for him. I'm so relieved! I'm glad he's having so much fun too. It really is great. Now I just have to wait for the next zombie infestation so he can tell me what it's like to be in the middle of one of those. It almost makes me want to pack up everything and head over there!

It is also safe to say I'm obsessed with GUNDAM Seed. I never thought I'd become that kind of otaku, I was fine with my dark, CLAMP, shonen and shoujo manga. But now 'mecha' is in there as well. I mean, I could see it happening but it only seemed obvious (scary) when I saw a site for a Half-Life 2 mod... where the character models are GUNDAMs and was irrationally happy about it. But, enough of that. It really does scare me. I should have seen it happening when I had (~~wanted~~... needed) to buy Athrun and Asuka plushies. It looks as though there's no saving me now! Don't cry for me, I'm already gone *lol*. Oh, the drama XD.

I also hung out in the city with Cheryl for a little while yesterday. Her mom randomly turned up, but apparently she does that all the time, and that surprised me. Basically I dragged Cheryl around while I talked to comic book store guys and shopped, I always feel a bit guilty when I'm the one doing all the shopping, but I was happy to have company. Most of the time we just sat around and talked and that was cool. Plans ended up falling through for a party I was meant to make an appearance at, with her, but that's probably for the best. I was just so tired. I accidentally fell asleep on the girl next to me on the way home. Thankfully it was only for a minute (I think) and she didn't seem to mind. But who knows? Another minute and she could have been going for a ballpoint pen to gouge my eyes out. I think I came out pretty lucky.

Last Tuesday was neat too. I've been meaning to write about this for a while but I've either been too busy or tired to do so, but I got to see a movie and hang out with Candice. I've really missed her. For someone I met at a bus stop I couldn't ask for a better friend. I just feel so comfortable around her, and she's been doing really well too. In general and in her photography. She's even getting paid to do it now! I'm really happy for her to be doing so well. She's so talented. I ~~have to~~ will make time to see her. It would be so much easier if I could get weekends off but I can't see that happening for a few months at least.

We saw a preview for Hostel, and frankly it looks a bit full-on for a wimp like me. But she wants to go and I said I would, on the condition I could hold onto her and cry through the scary bits. Just like old times *lol*. I mean, I don't mind Japanese horror. It's subtle, it's toned down, it's sometimes over the top, but I can handle it. American movies, in most genres (but keep in mind I'm being very, very general here), are like being banged over the head with a shovel. I'm not good with the sudden loud noises, cheap scares and need to be graphic (keep in mind that this is perfectly fine in anime/manga). It detracts from the actual horror, but alas it achieves its end. Which oddly enough is freakishly similar to shortening my lifespan.

Hollywood is trying to kill me? Yeah, I think I forgot my medication as well.

I started on the background/plot for my Exalted story. It's all of 5 pages (ooh, aah... I know it's not much!) but it's a start. I just need to find somewhere cool and comfortable where I can work. Regretfully my home lacks such a place. But like all my writing this seems to have taken on a life of its own. My ideas shift at the last second and have been layering pretty well. I love that this character is going to be so different from every other character I've played. Not so much as to be an anti-thesis of, but close enough.

My home also lacks a decent computer. I really need to get onto that as well. Amy has my quote for the custom system I want, so I'll have to get that back from her. She's just so busy lately. I hardly see her or talk to her anymore. It'll be great when Daniel's stocktake is over so he can stop hogging all her time. Plus, the girl needs some rest. Poor thing. Work is killing her.

Speaking of rest, I should get some myself. It took far too much willpower to get out of bed this morning and I'm not sure if I want a repeat of that incident. If only I could sleep and get all the things I need to get done, done. The dumb thing is, when I'm awake I don't do them either. I guess I'm just kidding myself *lol*.

You'll be back, right?

Wed, 08 Feb 2006 10:46:53 GMT

Tonight reinforced something for me- I'm terrible with 'goodbyes.'

EDIT: Drawing helps me focus, so I did a little something.

Can't tell which one's me and which one's Nathan? Don't worry, most can't. But to help you out- I'm the geeky looking one.

Wow... I'm so confused

Mon, 06 Feb 2006 09:12:02 GMT

This is what happened about 5 minutes ago. I'm so glad I ran for this phone call.

Me: Hello, Dylan speaking.
Guy: This is

[Error: Irreparable invalid markup ('<some [...] i've>') in entry. Owner must fix manually. Raw contents below.]

This is what happened about 5 minutes ago. I'm so glad I ran for this phone call.

Me: Hello, Dylan speaking.
Guy: This is <some name I've forgotten> from <some service I have no idea about>.
Me: Um, that's nice.
Guy: Yeah, your fridge isn't working.
Me (While looking at fridge): I dunno. It looks like it is.
*opens fridge* No, it's working.
Guy: Your whirlpool fridge, it's right here. We're going to have to fix it.
Me: We have another fridge?
Guy: Well, yeah. The whirlpool <something-or-other> fridge.
Me: Mom's been hiding a fridge from me?
Guy: It would seem so...
Me: I don't think we have another fridge.
Guy: This is <repeats my phone number>, right? You're <some name that isn't Dylan>, right?
Me: No. Does this mean we don't have another fridge?
Guy: Sorry, mate. They must have given me the wrong number.
Me: But it's the right number... oh, yeah, for your guy.
Guy: Yeah.
Me: Well, at least my fridge isn't broken.
Guy: Sorry about that.
Me: It's alright. Have a good night. Good luck tracking down your guy!
*hangs up the phone*
*checks fridge*
Yeah, didn't think it was broken.

The sad thing is I honestly believed the guy. I need to work on being so gullible *lol*. At least he was for real.

EDIT: I'm aware of the error message and I'm totally keeping it. It's l337.

Not-so-mandatory update

Sun, 05 Feb 2006 21:46:43 GMT

Despite being a bit over-tired from work, Amy and I visited my Aunty Chris' for the twin's birthday. That was a lot of fun even if we did come after the party, which I'm quite glad I missed. The girls still had too much energy *lol*. They made me play with barbies and we ran around and I lifted them a lot, we did all that kid stuff. Oh, and we did some kick ass colouring-in. We talked about school, since they started grade one not too long ago. It's weird seeing them as little people, great, but weird. That would be because I had a falling out of sorts with that side of my family. Didn't talk to them for about... 3 years maybe? Just because each side was being proud. It's so stupid but I can't take it back. I just have to make the effort now... though I keep ending up being the baby-sitter *lol*. At least the twins know me again now. I really doubt they'll remember the times they would 'read' me stories. By read I mean turning the page and spouting random nonsense. It was pretty cool actually. Once you got around the plot holes.

My aunt, uncle and Shannon and Danielle were all doing well and it was good to see them again. I have to remember to bring all my old 'punk' stuff for Danielle. It won't do me much good anymore. It was cool to see she was still wearing the bracelet I gave her last time I saw her. That was a fair while ago now.

Saturday night was our little work get together. We went out for dinner as a farewell thing for Nathan. He's leaving pretty soon; only a few days away now. It was a good night, there was good food and I actually have photos. I'm trying to get used to bringing my camera most places and it is pretty nifty. Most people don't mind the whole photo thing, which is something I have to stop worrying about. I don't like photos so I tend to avoid taking them since I just feel it would make others uncomfortable. But, they don't mind, so that's all good. Just me being retarded *lol*.

In anime-related news, I've come across fansubs of My-Otome. Some people may remember my obsession with its 'prequel' (if you can call an unrelated story, though with a lot of the same characters, a prequel), My-HiME. It's proving to be just as good at HiME. There's something just so wonderful about seeing characters you like come back. I think that's what made Advent Children so damn cool. I also, finally, have the whole of GUNDAM Seed in my possession and I'm slowly getting through those. I actually fell asleep while watching an episode last night. It's very rare that I do that. Last time would be when I was watching Fullmetal Alchemist with Erin *lol*. So yeah, months and months ago.

I've started, somewhat, on the Exalted campaign. It's been really hot lately and I find it hard to focus, read or write when it's like this. So naturally I've been putting it off *lol*. I did do a drawing the other night. I might post it later. It's a bit weird but I like it, for something I drew in pen, in 10 minutes, with no draft. I would post it now, but I wouldn't mind writing up a little background for it. Otherwise it's just a random picture. Not too much meaning that way.

Also started character designs for my manga. The ideas keep coming for that as well. Though I'm wondering where I can learn Italian... I may have to scour the internets.

So that's about it for now. I decided to update my LJ instead of have breakfast, since we don't have any food in the house again *lol*. I bought ramen yesterday but I'm not having that for breakfast. But I was tempted. Anyway, once again, it's time to get ready for work.