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Posted 7 years agoIt's been a while since I've actively used the site. Posting this just to get the post from five years ago off my profile page.
Social Binge 2012 (Party, MFF, Thanksgiving, Hangouts, etc.)
Posted 12 years agoI wish I could keep the party going on, but it's almost time to come back down to reality again.
About a month ago, I decided I ready for hosting my first big gathering in my new home, almost six months after moving in. It was like a pre-game to MFF, happening on the weekend immediately preceding it. At first I was a little nervous because I realized late in the game that I had invited nearly three dozen people over, but in the end, about 15-16 people were able to make it, and it was quite a Thing. I had friends down from as far as Maine and upstate NY, though most were local. Both nights, the party carried on into the wee hours. The feedback was universally positive and emphatically so. I'm looking forward to impromptu hangouts and more such planned weekends in the weeks and months to come. I want to be a part of the scene now and not just some passive participant, as I've been for far too long.
A few days later I found myself on the rails to MFF. I got there Wednesday afternoon, as usual. It seemed like days before the Con actually got into full swing, although I was only there a day and a half early. I spent some of the time catching up with old friends in Chicago, where I haven't been able to get back to see them outside of MFF. I worked the Artist Alley again, and things went swimmingly indeed, with no dramatics. Parties were held, and I enjoyed everyone's company. By and large, I got to see everyone I'd seen last year, and I even got to make a new friend (hey
DaxterDot!) in the course of the weekend. :)
By Monday I was kind of bummed out, as I suspect many were, and I really didn't want to leave the hotel, but all my friends were packing up and heading out the door, not to be seen for another year, so sadly I did the same. I did the touristy thing downtown Chicago for the afternoon and then caught the evening train back to Boston, pulling up to my front door home Tuesday night.
I crashed a bit Wednesday evening after work, and that dragged into Thursday. I wanted to see folks again. Going from a 3,200 person convention to nothing at all is rather jarring, indeed, and I felt quite alone. I had dinner with my family, which was nice enough, but not enough to really deal with that PCD. Through some miracle, I found myself suddenly invited to a friend's Thanksgiving party, and I was on my way down to Connecticut that evening, somehow drawing that out to Saturday morning. And when I got home Saturday afternoon, I was invited to another hang-out, with folks I hadn't seen in weeks and weeks. We made and ate pizza while watching episodes of the new Doctor Who. That all helped to soften the blow a bit, and I'm feeling a little better this morning.
Tomorrow, I get back to work in earnest, a full five day week, the first since early November, and on top of that my boss is traveling, so I've got the entire facility to myself, from a network team responsibility. If anything, it's going to forcefully snap me back into reality, so I'm glad I'm putting this all down now before it gets buried over with work.
As for now, it's time to go out and buy holiday lights and search for a Christmas tree. Ta.
About a month ago, I decided I ready for hosting my first big gathering in my new home, almost six months after moving in. It was like a pre-game to MFF, happening on the weekend immediately preceding it. At first I was a little nervous because I realized late in the game that I had invited nearly three dozen people over, but in the end, about 15-16 people were able to make it, and it was quite a Thing. I had friends down from as far as Maine and upstate NY, though most were local. Both nights, the party carried on into the wee hours. The feedback was universally positive and emphatically so. I'm looking forward to impromptu hangouts and more such planned weekends in the weeks and months to come. I want to be a part of the scene now and not just some passive participant, as I've been for far too long.
A few days later I found myself on the rails to MFF. I got there Wednesday afternoon, as usual. It seemed like days before the Con actually got into full swing, although I was only there a day and a half early. I spent some of the time catching up with old friends in Chicago, where I haven't been able to get back to see them outside of MFF. I worked the Artist Alley again, and things went swimmingly indeed, with no dramatics. Parties were held, and I enjoyed everyone's company. By and large, I got to see everyone I'd seen last year, and I even got to make a new friend (hey
DaxterDot!) in the course of the weekend. :)By Monday I was kind of bummed out, as I suspect many were, and I really didn't want to leave the hotel, but all my friends were packing up and heading out the door, not to be seen for another year, so sadly I did the same. I did the touristy thing downtown Chicago for the afternoon and then caught the evening train back to Boston, pulling up to my front door home Tuesday night.
I crashed a bit Wednesday evening after work, and that dragged into Thursday. I wanted to see folks again. Going from a 3,200 person convention to nothing at all is rather jarring, indeed, and I felt quite alone. I had dinner with my family, which was nice enough, but not enough to really deal with that PCD. Through some miracle, I found myself suddenly invited to a friend's Thanksgiving party, and I was on my way down to Connecticut that evening, somehow drawing that out to Saturday morning. And when I got home Saturday afternoon, I was invited to another hang-out, with folks I hadn't seen in weeks and weeks. We made and ate pizza while watching episodes of the new Doctor Who. That all helped to soften the blow a bit, and I'm feeling a little better this morning.
Tomorrow, I get back to work in earnest, a full five day week, the first since early November, and on top of that my boss is traveling, so I've got the entire facility to myself, from a network team responsibility. If anything, it's going to forcefully snap me back into reality, so I'm glad I'm putting this all down now before it gets buried over with work.
As for now, it's time to go out and buy holiday lights and search for a Christmas tree. Ta.
House Update
Posted 12 years agoI haven't updated this much. I'm more a lurker/watcher than a contributor.
The house is going fairly well. I've only been in here 3 months now - wow, it's hard to fathom that now - and I'm doing no worse for the wear. I've finally started getting the recalcitrant lawn under control, and I haven't killed the young cherry tree.
Inside, I definitely will be looking to waterproof the basement next year, maybe with this huge tax refund everyone says I'll get for paying all the mortgage interest. Other than that, I'd love do over the walls and ceilings in the bedrooms, but it's not a priority. And I still haven't hung any artwork! :O
I am looking to do FurFright and MFF to close out the year. That hasn't changed. I'll still be a mere attendee (but a sponsor!) at FurFright and a staff member at MFF.
The house is going fairly well. I've only been in here 3 months now - wow, it's hard to fathom that now - and I'm doing no worse for the wear. I've finally started getting the recalcitrant lawn under control, and I haven't killed the young cherry tree.
Inside, I definitely will be looking to waterproof the basement next year, maybe with this huge tax refund everyone says I'll get for paying all the mortgage interest. Other than that, I'd love do over the walls and ceilings in the bedrooms, but it's not a priority. And I still haven't hung any artwork! :O
I am looking to do FurFright and MFF to close out the year. That hasn't changed. I'll still be a mere attendee (but a sponsor!) at FurFright and a staff member at MFF.
HOUSE
Posted 13 years agoI don't post much here, but it's been hard for me to keep this all to myself.
I JUST BOUGHT A HOUSE. :D
I will be quiet for the next week or so as I start moving in, taking delivery of furniture and turning up services. I won't have steady Internet access until Verizon shows up at the new place on Tuesday to hook me up to the FiOSeseses.
For those who follow me elsewhere, I will probably have photos posted in the usual places in due time. :)
I JUST BOUGHT A HOUSE. :D
I will be quiet for the next week or so as I start moving in, taking delivery of furniture and turning up services. I won't have steady Internet access until Verizon shows up at the new place on Tuesday to hook me up to the FiOSeseses.
For those who follow me elsewhere, I will probably have photos posted in the usual places in due time. :)
MFF 2011 OVER :(
Posted 13 years agoWell, MFF has come and gone for another year, and it was by every measure amazing.
Here are the objective numbers:
. 2,600 attendees, including 188 sponsors and 50 super sponsors
. 574 fursuits in the parade.
. $18,500 donated to Animal Education and Rescue ($6,000 by the attendees and $12,500 by the con)
Subjectively, I had an absolutely fantastic time. I've gotten to meet up with and say hello this weekend to so many wonderful people that I've missed for so many months, and even made a new friend from the land down under. I had drinks with friends, 96 stories up from the streets of Chicago with a spectacular view. I shared tasty beverages and fun stories with fellow staff members, and I was beyond humbled to witness the civil union of two very dear friends.
This week I have managed to completely avoid caring about work. I left the work phone at home and have yet to check any work e-mail.
I woke up a little saddened this morning, knowing that this would be the final day at the convention. Tomorrow, I pick up my crap and head on out for home. So many good friends and good times will be remembered. I'll take them with me, but a part of my mind remains behind here.
I haven't known post-con depression for a long time. I may end up with it as I return home this time.
Next year, we will return here Nov 16-18 for MFF 2012. I for one may be booking my hotel room as soon as the block comes available. I hope you ALL will do the same, because this is an experience not to be missed.
Here are the objective numbers:
. 2,600 attendees, including 188 sponsors and 50 super sponsors
. 574 fursuits in the parade.
. $18,500 donated to Animal Education and Rescue ($6,000 by the attendees and $12,500 by the con)
Subjectively, I had an absolutely fantastic time. I've gotten to meet up with and say hello this weekend to so many wonderful people that I've missed for so many months, and even made a new friend from the land down under. I had drinks with friends, 96 stories up from the streets of Chicago with a spectacular view. I shared tasty beverages and fun stories with fellow staff members, and I was beyond humbled to witness the civil union of two very dear friends.
This week I have managed to completely avoid caring about work. I left the work phone at home and have yet to check any work e-mail.
I woke up a little saddened this morning, knowing that this would be the final day at the convention. Tomorrow, I pick up my crap and head on out for home. So many good friends and good times will be remembered. I'll take them with me, but a part of my mind remains behind here.
I haven't known post-con depression for a long time. I may end up with it as I return home this time.
Next year, we will return here Nov 16-18 for MFF 2012. I for one may be booking my hotel room as soon as the block comes available. I hope you ALL will do the same, because this is an experience not to be missed.
MFF
Posted 13 years agoI've arrived at MFF. I'll be working the con starting Thursday night/Friday morning, through Sunday night, but we'll be keeping hours with the Dealer's Den, so I'll have plenty of time to wander and socialize and, yes, party. :D
Random: Something I just don't get...
Posted 13 years ago...nipple marks on male furs. There's usually thick chest fur in the way. Yet there's some marker indicating there are nipples under there.
I think it needs to be noted.
Posted 14 years agoThis is the first day in a great while where I've seen a lot of updates from artists I watch, and not one of you posted any porn today. Woot! :)
Stanley Cup 2011
Posted 14 years agoWoot, Bruins? :)
Cons 2011 and Watchlist Philosophy
Posted 14 years agoMy convention schedule for 2011 is set ...
April - FCN
October - FurFright
November - MFF
Nope, I'm not going to AnthroCon again this year. Really, I think it's grown too big for me. Also, I have worked AC every year I attended, and I'm burned out on that. That said, if I go to AC and don't work, I get bored to tears since everyone I want to see is always looking for more friends of theirs, etc. Repeat ad nauseam. I wish AC luck, but I think I'm done with it.
I'm liking having a week or week and a half to myself to do less furry things, as well.
On a separate note, I'm finding the people I watch fall into three categories...
- People I watch because I like to see their art develop, and I feel like an active participant by providing feedback.
- People I watch because I love their art and just want to consume it.
- People I watch just 'cause everyone else is.
I want to tip the balance of that more heavily in favor of the first.
I don't mind if people go ahead and watch me, as long as they understand they're only going to see the occasional journal post from me 'cause I don't draw. :)
April - FCN
October - FurFright
November - MFF
Nope, I'm not going to AnthroCon again this year. Really, I think it's grown too big for me. Also, I have worked AC every year I attended, and I'm burned out on that. That said, if I go to AC and don't work, I get bored to tears since everyone I want to see is always looking for more friends of theirs, etc. Repeat ad nauseam. I wish AC luck, but I think I'm done with it.
I'm liking having a week or week and a half to myself to do less furry things, as well.
On a separate note, I'm finding the people I watch fall into three categories...
- People I watch because I like to see their art develop, and I feel like an active participant by providing feedback.
- People I watch because I love their art and just want to consume it.
- People I watch just 'cause everyone else is.
I want to tip the balance of that more heavily in favor of the first.
I don't mind if people go ahead and watch me, as long as they understand they're only going to see the occasional journal post from me 'cause I don't draw. :)
Midwest FurFest 2010
Posted 14 years agoWhy, yes, I will be at Midwest FurFest this year. In fact, I will be working on staff, as I have since the second year I started going to MFF, back in 2006. We look forward to seeing you all again this year, and wish you a successful convention!
If you haven't already, I highly recommend you peruse the new MFF schedule web site and set up your convention schedule ahead of time. You can link your schedule to Twitter, FaceBook and/or LinkedIn. Also, you can share your schedule with other MFF attendees.
Visit http://sched2010.furfest.org/ for more info.
So ... Who will I see there? :)
If you haven't already, I highly recommend you peruse the new MFF schedule web site and set up your convention schedule ahead of time. You can link your schedule to Twitter, FaceBook and/or LinkedIn. Also, you can share your schedule with other MFF attendees.
Visit http://sched2010.furfest.org/ for more info.
So ... Who will I see there? :)
Rocky Horror...
Posted 14 years agoPoolside. At FurFright. :D
@ FurFright
Posted 14 years agoWandering around FurFright this weekend!
If you are interested in Amateur (Ham) Radio, we will be conducting a ham radio panel on the upper deck of the parking garage starting at 12 noon. We've since learned that there is a big radio fest on the airwaves this weekend, and the wave propagation conditions are fantastic, so there ought to be plenty of chances to speak to people around the world from our little station here in Cromwell. :)
See ya there!
If you are interested in Amateur (Ham) Radio, we will be conducting a ham radio panel on the upper deck of the parking garage starting at 12 noon. We've since learned that there is a big radio fest on the airwaves this weekend, and the wave propagation conditions are fantastic, so there ought to be plenty of chances to speak to people around the world from our little station here in Cromwell. :)
See ya there!
Missing banner?
Posted 14 years agoDoes anyone else *not* see a site banner in the upper left corner of the screen?
Conventions 2010
Posted 15 years agoI'm only doing two Furry conventions this year because of awesome not-furry things going in my life this year. I've already told you about the cruise I took last month, but now in September I'll be going to Canada with a handful of friends for a week.
The two Furry conventions I'm doing this year are FurFright and MFF, which are in October and November, respectively.
Have fun at Anthrocon, Megaplex and any other Furry conventions you may be attending this year, and I hope to see you at FurFright or MFF!
The two Furry conventions I'm doing this year are FurFright and MFF, which are in October and November, respectively.
Have fun at Anthrocon, Megaplex and any other Furry conventions you may be attending this year, and I hope to see you at FurFright or MFF!
No Subject
Posted 15 years agoJeez, I go away to Bermuda for a week, and you guys post 50+ submissions!
No Megaplex, Also RHPS
Posted 15 years agoI suppose I should update this by saying that I sadly won't be at Megaplex this year. I actually learned this shortly after posting the journal, but I get lazy about updating here because I'm just an art watcher, not an art creator.
Instead of Megaplex this year, I'll be going on a cruise! I've never been on a cruise ship before, and I've never been out of the country before, so it's all very exciting for me! In three weeks I will be over Internantional waters, hopefully having a grand time. :)
I'm sad that I can't make it to Megaplex this year for my friends who do the Rocky Horror Picture Show there. It was a rip-roaring fun experience last year.
Speaking of Rocky Horror! Got to do it with some of those friends last night at the local AMC theatre in Cambridge. I was expecting my dark red and black clothes, I was expecting the make-up, but I was not expecting to don a wig! I enviously commented on another's hair, and the lack of mine, and the lady of the house came out with an orange costume wig. XD Next time, I'll need an outfit to match the makeup and wig.
Instead of Megaplex this year, I'll be going on a cruise! I've never been on a cruise ship before, and I've never been out of the country before, so it's all very exciting for me! In three weeks I will be over Internantional waters, hopefully having a grand time. :)
I'm sad that I can't make it to Megaplex this year for my friends who do the Rocky Horror Picture Show there. It was a rip-roaring fun experience last year.
Speaking of Rocky Horror! Got to do it with some of those friends last night at the local AMC theatre in Cambridge. I was expecting my dark red and black clothes, I was expecting the make-up, but I was not expecting to don a wig! I enviously commented on another's hair, and the lack of mine, and the lady of the house came out with an orange costume wig. XD Next time, I'll need an outfit to match the makeup and wig.
Convention Plans for 2010
Posted 15 years agoI am planning on attending the following Furry conventions in 2010:
- Megaplex: July
- FurFright: October
- MFF: November
Notably absent so far is Anthrocon: June! I have other not-Furry travel plans eating away at my time off next year, and I may need to sacrifice one. I rarely get to enjoy Anthrocon, because I spend most of it behind a staff table, and I hardly get to see anyone I don't get to see at the other three.
Megaplex was a blast in 2009, and I'm looking forward to getting back. It was something new, and I'm glad I went!
Time will tell what I do about Anthrocon.
- Megaplex: July
- FurFright: October
- MFF: November
Notably absent so far is Anthrocon: June! I have other not-Furry travel plans eating away at my time off next year, and I may need to sacrifice one. I rarely get to enjoy Anthrocon, because I spend most of it behind a staff table, and I hardly get to see anyone I don't get to see at the other three.
Megaplex was a blast in 2009, and I'm looking forward to getting back. It was something new, and I'm glad I went!
Time will tell what I do about Anthrocon.
MFF 2009
Posted 15 years agoI'll be at MFF this year, arriving on Wednesday the 18th and departing on Monday the 23rd.
I'm a Believer
Posted 16 years agoI just invested in 
hali's next album. You can, too! http://www.sellaband.com/matthewebel
hali's next album. You can, too! http://www.sellaband.com/matthewebelThinking Forward to 2009
Posted 16 years agoOK, MFF 2008 is this coming week, but I'm already planning for next year.
It doesn't look like there will be a Technicon next year, so I may take that time around my birthday to go see my good friend (and awesome musician) Hali of Firpine perform as Guest of Honor at Furry Weekend Atlanta. Oh, and there's Megaplex, as well, that I'm eager to try out.
So with that in mind, here's what I'm thinking about. I haven't committed myself to this yet. I need to determine if I have enough time for all this and still have some left for non-furry pursuits. I'll update here when I'm confirmed for some or all of them.
- March: Furry Weekend Atlanta
- July: Anthrocon, Megaplex
- October: FurFright
- November: Midwest FurFest
It doesn't look like there will be a Technicon next year, so I may take that time around my birthday to go see my good friend (and awesome musician) Hali of Firpine perform as Guest of Honor at Furry Weekend Atlanta. Oh, and there's Megaplex, as well, that I'm eager to try out.
So with that in mind, here's what I'm thinking about. I haven't committed myself to this yet. I need to determine if I have enough time for all this and still have some left for non-furry pursuits. I'll update here when I'm confirmed for some or all of them.
- March: Furry Weekend Atlanta
- July: Anthrocon, Megaplex
- October: FurFright
- November: Midwest FurFest
Convention Plans for 2008
Posted 17 years agoI'll be hanging out at these conventions this year:
Mar 28-30 Technicon - Virginia Tech
Jun 26-29 Anthrocon - Pittsburgh, PA
Oct 17-19 FurFright - Waterbury, CT
Nov 21-28 Midwest FurFest - Wheeling, IL
I'm working staff at Anthrocon and Midwest Furfest.
Mar 28-30 Technicon - Virginia Tech
Jun 26-29 Anthrocon - Pittsburgh, PA
Oct 17-19 FurFright - Waterbury, CT
Nov 21-28 Midwest FurFest - Wheeling, IL
I'm working staff at Anthrocon and Midwest Furfest.
MFF
Posted 17 years agoI'm still enroute home from MFF. Good news so far is the train is running according to schedule! I should be to Albany in plenty of time for my connecting train home to the Boston area. Arrive in Albany at 15:40, depart for Boston at 16:10.
I did pick up a little bit of the con-crud when I was out there, but juice, water, Aleve, Cold-Eeze and NyQuil are my friends. I'm a little bit achy and slightly warm. But I think I'll manage.
I had a great time working for Artist's Alley this year, and I hope all of the artists enjoyed the new lottery/standby system this year. In fact, we got many compliments on it.
I'll post a complete MFF recap either here (public) or in my LiveJournal (friends-only) or both!
In the meantime, breakfast is being served in the dining car, and I better get my tail in gear! ;D
I did pick up a little bit of the con-crud when I was out there, but juice, water, Aleve, Cold-Eeze and NyQuil are my friends. I'm a little bit achy and slightly warm. But I think I'll manage.
I had a great time working for Artist's Alley this year, and I hope all of the artists enjoyed the new lottery/standby system this year. In fact, we got many compliments on it.
I'll post a complete MFF recap either here (public) or in my LiveJournal (friends-only) or both!
In the meantime, breakfast is being served in the dining car, and I better get my tail in gear! ;D