Yup, I'm at it again.

Redo: Cosplay Survey

Re-doing this since some of the answers have changed since the last time I did it.

1 . Your first cosplay?
Vengeance, who was an original Homunculus character based in the Fullmetal Alchemist anime. I will never be reviving that one, since I kept getting compared to Ozzy Osbourne, and since I really didn't look that good...

2. How many costumes have you done?
Eight, and a ninth in progress.

3. Your most recent cosplay?
Heatwave from Transformers Rescue Bots (Just about finished with him, in fact. :D)

4. Your favorite cosplay?
Tied between Alfons Heidrich and Transformers Animated Arcee

5. The character you have cosplayed that is most similar to you (if none that you have cosplayed, then one that you will cosplay)?
TFA Arcee.

6. Your cosplay plans for the rest of the year (if you have no more for this year, then do next year!)
Genderswapped Wash, Deckerd from Brave Police J-Decker, Transformers Animated Megatron, Drill Boy from Brave Police J-Decker, Drill Silver from Brave of Gold Goldran, Blades from Transformers Rescue Bots, and quite possibly Vexen from Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories, if I get my coat fixed.

7. The dream cosplay that might just happen?
Midnight Express from Transformers: Robots in Disguise

8. The dream cosplay that will never happen?
Well, if I had done this survey before going to BotCon in 2011, my answer would have been Midnight Express from Transformers: Robots in Disguise.... but I've learned a lot, and I feel confident that I will be able to build him.

9. Something cosplay-related that you will never do (eg. crossplay, cosplay from a certain series).
I will never do a cosplay to cater to a fanboy's fantasies. If I cosplay, it's for me.

10. Your cosplay idol?
My fellow TransCostumers. They're all awesome cosplayers, and incredibly nice and wonderful people.

11. Your cosplay specialty (ie. something that seems to apply to a large amount of your cosplays, it could be a specific series, or a common feature in their appearance, such as glasses).
Giant robots. :3

12. Your cosplay-making habits (eg. singing while working on cosplay):
I reference the hell out of anything I'm doing. As many angles as I can find, and a whole mess of screencaps, as well as official art. Then I start drafting out patterns, or eying stuff in thrift stores.... I also have to have music going while I work.

13. Your least favourite thing about cosplay?
That there are people who think it's okay to mock someone's attempt at cosplaying, and that for awhile, I was part of that group. I need an occasional kick in the ass to remind me that that behavior is unacceptable in the cosplay world.

14. Do you belong to any cosplay groups? Yes. I am a member of the TransCostumers. I am also an unofficial member of the Mandalorian Mercs, and unofficial member of the GIJOE cosplay group dedicated to the A Real American Hero series. My old cosplay group, The Order of the Red Glove, has been kinda dead for about two years now, but I'll still have a red glove on me as a tribute to them.

15. What events have you cosplayed to? Future event plans? Anime Weekend Atlanta 2005, 2006, 2007. Anime Central 2006. SogenCon 2007. Anime Nebraskon 2010, 2011. BotCon 2011.
Future plans include Anime Nebraskon 2012. Acen and SavCon didn't happen due to fundage problems

16. What is your best cosplay memory?
.....Does it have to be in costume, or can it be at a cosplay panel? 'cause if I can do the cosplay panel thing, the one I went to at BotCon. 'Cause it made me realize that my ideas are not unobtainable, and that it is possible for me to build one of my dream cosplays.

17. What is your worst cosplay memory?
Bending over to get something out of the trunk of my car, and having my skirt split at the back seam. Thank Deities that I was wearing an overskirt.

18. Have you won any cosplay awards?
Not yet, but I'm hoping I'll get one sometime soon.

19. Your best cosplay derp photo?
... I don't have one of those.

20. Have you worn cosplay in a regular situation? Only bits and pieces of my steampunk outfit, 'cause it looks nice.

21. Your most expensive cosplay?
Heatwave from Transformers Rescue Bots. Already at $100 + for materials.

22. Your most comfortable cosplay and most uncomfortable cosplay?
Most comfortable: Tie between Vector Prime Steampunk and Alfons Heidrich.
Most uncomfortable: Organization XIII coat, 'cause the damn thing's so heavy.

23. The cosplay you put the most effort into?
Current WIPs.

24. Any unfinished costumes? Will you ever finish them?
...yes. Yes I will finish them, too.

25. How many wigs do you own? Which is your favorite?
Three. Favorite one is my short, frosted blond wig. When I wear that one, it looks natural, so it's funny to take it off and watch people react with "...I thought that was your real hair!"

26. Where do you work on your cosplays and where do you store them when they’re done?
I mainly work on my cosplays in my apartment, and store them in one of the bigger closets I have.

27. What is your favorite cosplay item?
...I don't really think I have one...

28. Cosplay peeves/things you are particular about?
I'm very detail-oriented. I want the costume to be as accurate as possible, since that means that there's less for the judgmental jerks out there to nitpick on.

29. Something you want to improve on for future cosplays?
I would love to expand my sewing skills, so I can make costumes the way I want them. Puff sleeves are EVIL.

30. Cosplay-related work you are most naturally talented at (ie: sewing, prop-making, wigstyling, etc)?
Putting together a costume armor piece just from eyeballing reference pictures. Without a pattern. I do it in non-cosplay life too.

A few simple rules...

I don't think I've ever done a post like this. Might not ever do another one, but hey, you never know...

Anyway, I like to think of myself as accepting of pretty much everyone who comes into my life in some way, shape, or form. That being said, I do have a point where I will no longer tolerate someone's behavior. So, to make getting along with me easier, both online, and IRL, I've come up with this rule list. It should be a short read, 'cause like I said, it takes a lot to tick me off.


A Few Simple Rules For Being My Friend:


1. Let me have my moments where I rant, rave, get upset, and bitch about things. This is how I cope with getting angry or upset. I will own up to what I say, especially if I'm allowed to get it out in the open and off of my chest.

2. Treat me like I'm your intellectual equal. Most of the people I associate with are older than me, and have more experience than me. I get that, and respect that. But if I wanted to be treated like a kid who doesn't know any better, I'd have my parents do that.

3. Don't mock the things I enjoy. I get that people don't always like the same things, and that what one person likes might bother someone else. I don't like some things in some of the fandoms I'm in. Doesn't give me the right to bash the people who do like those things.

4. Accept that I am a work in progress, and will always be human. None of us is perfect, and we all change throughout our lives. As of this writing, I've gone from unemployed from January to May, to full-time employee, to supervisor. I've started moving out of my parents' house into an apartment, and I'm working on saving up for a better car than the one I drive now (19 miles to the gallon sucks, btw). In the nine months since the start of the year, I've grown and changed a lot.

I had a case of Life happen...

It's been a very busy past few months since my last post back in May... Since then, I've gotten a job, gotten promoted at said job, and am now in the process of relocating closer to said job. I've started working on my panel for Anime Nebraskon, and I've signed up for the walk-on cosplay competition, which means I have to scramble to get one of my costumes done in time. So, yeah. Life happened.

Numbers everyone should have close at hand

Depression Hotline: 1-630-482-9696
Suicide Hotline: 1-800-784-8433
LifeLine: 1-800-273-8255
Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386
Sexuality Support: 1-800-246-7743
Eating Disorders Hotline: 1-847-831-3438
Rape and Sexual Assault: 1-800-656-4673
Grief Support: 1-650-321-5272
Runaway: 1-800-843-5200, 1-800-843-5678, 1-800-621-4000
Exhale: After Abortion Hotline/Pro-Voice: 1-866-4394253

*sigh*

So due to stuff at home being more than I can tolerate in terms of asshattery, I'm in the midst of getting things packed up and migrated up to Omaha. I'm looking for work in the Omaha area, and looking for a place to live so I'm not mooching off of my bff and her mom for too long.... Once I'm out, I'm not going to be in contact with the 'rents for at least a year. I need to be away from them, and out of contact with them so they can't try and talk me into coming back to an extremely toxic situation. Yes, I'm a bit behind schedule in terms of getting the hell out of Dodge, but damnit, I'm working on it.

Convention Plans

Yes, I know it seems a bit early for me to be worrying about Anime Nebraskon, but I have a very good reason for doing so. This year, a very dear friend of mine will be flying in, and we'll be sharing a hotel room. I'll be booking the room in a few weeks, after I get more money put onto my re-loadable Visa, and have payed a couple bills...

I will have at least two costumes (possibly three, if time and money work out right) at Nebraskon, one of which is indeed Deckerd. I'm actually really close to having that one entirely done, aside from a few key pieces which need to be rebuilt before I can cover 'em in fabric. One of the other costumes I'm bringing will be worked on starting in August, when the fabric stores start putting out their Halloween fabrics, since I need a very specific one for the costume in question (no, I will not be posting progress pics of that one, since it's a surprise, though one other person does know who I'll be), and it's only available right before and after Halloween.... Though the actual building will happen prolly as soon as I finish Deckerd.

Anyway, keep checking here for updates from the Den! :D

A time of sadness

As a lot of you might know, I'm very much a lover of animals. I have had the honor and pleasure of having several in my life, and for the longest time, the one who has been one of my favorites was my dog, Cody. Sadly, all things must end... and this morning, between 5:20 AM and 5:45 AM, Cody took his last breaths and crossed the rainbow bridge. He was a part of our family for almost 15 years.... We got him in June of 1997, when he was 7 months old, and it's due to him that my fear of larger dogs was nullified. He was a good companion, and a good friend. He will be missed. May his journey across the rainbow bridge be a safe one.

Cody Pratt
1996-2012

Mrrr...

Thinking about starting a podcast..... Not sure what I'd do it on though...

On Exes

I know it's not healthy to hold onto hurt feelings for a long time.... but sometimes... even the mighty can fall. Three times, I fell in what I thought was love. Three times, I was lied to, used, manipulated. The last two, both participants were only using me to get to someone else. The last was almost four years ago. I know it's stupid to still get upset and enraged about being used like that, not once, but twice. But goddamnit, sometimes, all it takes is the mention of one of the worst bastards I dated to send me down the path of hurt and anger all over again after years of pushing the thought of the dickhead out of my head.

Um, wtf, brain?

Okay. For the last two days, I've had freaky-ass dreams that I find a bit disturbing.

First one involved being at a dance at a casino.... and being a witness to a shooting. All I remember is chaos, the aftermath of said chaos, and later getting home, changing out of my dress, and trying to relax.... before eying the dress and throwing it in the trash because I knew I would never be able to wear it again due to the negative memories tied to it.

Today's dream involved the cast of The Big Bang Theory, and me packing up everything I own to move out.... Though not everything got packed up right away.... And I was talking to a lady who was like an amalgamation of both Leonard and Sheldon's mothers.... At one point, I looked into my bedroom, which was all but empty aside from a few boxes and some furniture that I was probably leaving behind.... and I said to the lady "It just seems so weird, seeing that room so empty...."


Now I don't know if these two dreams are related or not, or even what they're hinting at. If anyone wants to chime in, feel free to do so.

I just know that I don't have freaky-ass dreams like these when I've fallen asleep after playing WoW.

O.o

So I did a bit of research.... Stumbled upon this site: http://www.carliniinstitute.com/how_recent_solar_flares_are_affecting_us and had a bit of a lightbulb moment.

It really does make sense. And it explains so much why I've been so damn drained.

Mrrph

mkay.... Here's the deal.... as of late, in other words: the last month or so, I've just been so damn wiped, and it seems like I just can't get enough sleep. But, and this is the really sucky thing, I have no insurance, so I can't go to the doctor's and find out what's wrong. It might just be that my internal clock's fucked up, or it could be something more serious. Right now, all I can do is try to eat better, and try and get back onto a more reasonable sleep schedule......

... *sigh*

So I'm kind of catching flack over on another site. All because I got a bit upset with a family member for saying that I don't deserve an education, and wrote an update about that. APPARENTLY, writing stuff out so I can flipping get it out and dealt with is the wrong thing to do. And apparently, the fact that I rant, rave, and complain about things and start a whole shit-ton of projects makes me unreliable.

I'm going to declare bullshit. I may rant, rave, bitch, moan, and complain about things, and I might take for-freaking-ever to get something done, but at least I am doing something, be it attempting to get everything I need to do to get to the point that I am living away from my parents, or even just a costume. As I've said regarding my education, I might take the scenic route, but I will get there eventually. It won't be quiet and calm, but that's just how I do things.

If I didn't bitch and moan about some of the shit I deal with, I would let it sit and fester until I snapped and did something incredibly hurtful to myself. I came close to that almost five years ago. If not for the fact that my best friend actually drove out over 200 miles just to come and get me when my car ran out of gas and I was in a bad mental state, I don't know where I'd be. Just the fact that someone cared enough about me to drive over four hours to help me... That's what saved me.

So to all those who think I'm just being a whiney, stupid, unreliable bitch-brat, I say this: In a week or so, I make a decision whether or not I want to continue talking to you. If not, I will at least have the decency to be polite to you at events that we may happen to be at.


ETA: I was wondering why some of this felt so familiar.... turns out, I wrote an entry on my old blogdrive journal about something similar: http://adhdden.blogspot.com/2011/08/presenting-myself-to-others.html

Almost two years later, and it seems this hasn't changed. I still get told to suck it up, and quit whining. Just the people telling me it have changed.

Nom Review: Kippers

As part of my resolution to continue to strive for improvement, I've decided that I will start trying new foods. I decided to dive in feet first by taste-testing something that's kind of been one of my "fear" foods: Kippered Herring snacks.

What is "kippered", you ask? Well, according to Dictionary.com... a fish, especially a herring, that has been cured by splitting, salting, drying, and smoking.

Anyway.... On to the review.

I purchased "Brunswick" brand "Seafood Snacks". $1.25 at Family Dollar and probably about that at most other stores in my area....

Not very impressive packaging, is it? Just some colored plastic film with the brand name and the pertinent data... One serving size is one can.

Size comparison. The can's about as long as my hand.

What the kippers look like. The smell is very fishy at first. And there's a bit of liquid inside the can.... which kinda grossed me out when it got on my hand... I'm such a girl sometimes.

Getting it out of the can....

Om. In truth, this was the second bite I had taken, 'cause I messed up trying to get a pic of the first bite.

Overall, it's not too bad. I'd buy it again to snack on. It's totally the wrong texture for what I'm really craving at the moment (Rollmops, just in case anyone's curious), sadly, but still quite nom. Like a lot of things I've been intimidated by in the past, this really wasn't as bad as I'd imagined it would be. And now, I have something new to add to my list of "Like" foods. :3

Seriously messed up stuff.

There is a petition to get this poster removed, as it implies things which just are not true about the Lolita community:

I know for a fact, thanks to my BFF who is a Lolita herself, and from doing research on the fashion for my own interests (I like learning about different styles. Might not wear most of 'em myself, but that's not the point). Lolitas do not wear frills, ruffles, and yards upon yards of lace to attract men or pedophiles. To insinuate anything of that nature is just plain WRONG.

If you are interested in signing the petition, it is here: http://www.change.org/petitions/jw-productions-and-director-jan-willem-breure-remove-the-promotional-poster-for-the-film-and-write-a-public-apology#

Do your part, spread the word, and help Lolitas continue to fight the misconceptions that they've been fighting for years.

Cosplay survey!

Since this has been floating around FB, and since I am also a cosplayer as well as a geek....


1 . Your first cosplay?
Vengeance, who was an original Homunculus character based in the Fullmetal Alchemist anime. I will never be reviving that one, since I kept getting compared to Ozzy Osbourne, and since I really didn't look that good....

2. How many costumes have you done?
Eight


3. Your most recent cosplay?
original character, based on Organization XIII from Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories and Kingdom Hearts 2.

4. Your favorite cosplay?
Tied between Alfons Heidrich and Transformers Animated Arcee

5. The character you have cosplayed that is most similar to you (if none that you have cosplayed, then one that you will cosplay)?
TFA Arcee.

6. Your cosplay plans for the rest of the year (if you have no more for this year, then do next year!)
Genderswapped Wash, Deckerd from Brave Police J-Decker, Transformers Animated Megatron, Drill Boy from Brave Police J-Decker, Drill Silver from Brave of Gold Goldran, and quite possibly Vexen from Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories, if I get my coat fixed in time....

7. The dream cosplay that might just happen?
Midnight Express from Transformers: Robots in Disguise

8. The dream cosplay that will never happen?
Well, if I had done this survey two years ago, my answer would have been Midnight Express from Transformers: Robots in Disguise.... but I've learned a lot, and I feel confident that I will be able to build him.

9. Something cosplay-related that you will never do (eg. crossplay, cosplay from a certain series).
I will never do a cosplay to cater to a fanboy's fantasies. If I cosplay, it's for me.

10. Your cosplay idol?
My friends in the East Coast Cosplayers. They're all awesome cosplayers, and incredibly nice and wonderful people.

11. Your cosplay specialty (ie. something that seems to apply to a large amount of your cosplays, it could be a specific series, or a common feature in their appearance, such as glasses).
Giant robots. :3


12. Your cosplay-making habits (eg. singing while working on cosplay):
I reference the hell out of anything I'm doing. As many angles as I can find, and a whole mess of screencaps, as well as official art. Then I start drafting out patterns, or eying stuff in thrift stores....

13. Your least favourite thing about cosplay?
That there are people who think it's okay to mock someone's attempt at cosplaying, and that for awhile, I was part of that group. I need an occasional kick in the ass to remind me that that behavior is unacceptable in the cosplay world.

14. Do you belong to any cosplay groups?
Yes. I belong to the East Coast Cosplayers, Midwest Middles division, unofficial member of the Mandalorian Mercs, and unofficial member of the GIJOE cosplay group dedicated to the A Real American Hero series. My old cosplay group, The Order of the Red Glove, has been kinda dead for about two years now, but I'll still have a red glove on me as a tribute to them.

15. What events have you cosplayed to? Future event plans?
Anime Weekend Atlanta 2005, 2006, 2007. Anime Central 2006. SogenCon 2007. Anime Nebraskon 2010, 2011. BotCon 2011.

Future plans include Acen 2012, SavCon 1, and Anime Nebraskon 2012.


16. What is your best cosplay memory?
.....Does it have to be in costume, or can it be at a cosplay panel? 'cause if I can do the cosplay panel thing, the one I went to at BotCon. 'Cause it made me realize that my ideas are not unobtainable, and that it is possible for me to build one of my dream cosplays.

17. What is your worst cosplay memory?
Bending over to get something out of the trunk of my car, and having my skirt split at the back seam. Thank Deities that I was wearing an overskirt.

18. Have you won any cosplay awards?
Not yet, but I really don't compete.

19. Your best cosplay derp photo?
....I don't have one of those.

20. Have you worn cosplay in a regular situation?
Only bits and pieces of my steampunk outfit, 'cause it looks nice.

21. Your most expensive cosplay?
Organization XIII coat. $50 for the material, plus odds and ends.

22. Your most comfortable cosplay and most uncomfortable cosplay?
Most comfortable: Tie between Vector Prime Steampunk and Alfons Heidrich. Most uncomfortable: Organization XIII coat, 'cause the damn thing's so heavy.

23. The cosplay you put the most effort into?
Current WIPs.

24. Any unfinished costumes? Will you ever finish them?
...yes. Yes I will finish them, too.

25. How many wigs do you own? Which is your favorite?
Three. Favorite one is my short, frosted blond wig. When I wear that one, it looks natural, so it's funny to take it off and watch people react with "...I thought that was your real hair!"

26. Where do you work on your cosplays and where do you store them when they’re done?
I mainly work on my cosplays in the basement, since that's where my 'workshop' is. I store them wherever I can, but most end up in my bedroom....

27. What is your favorite cosplay item?
...I don't really think I have one....

28. Cosplay peeves/things you are particular about?
I'm very detail-oriented. I want the costume to be as accurate as possible, since that means that there's less for the judgmental jerks out there to nitpick on.

29. Something you want to improve on for future cosplays?
I would love to expand my sewing skills, so I can make costumes the way I want them. Puff sleeves are EVIL.

30. Cosplay-related work you are most naturally talented at (ie: sewing, prop-making, wigstyling, etc)?

Putting together a costume armor piece just from eyeballing reference pictures. Without a pattern.

Tarot Project: Card #1: The Magician

Someone else's interpretation: At #1, the Magician is the male power of creation, creation by willpower and desire. In that ancient sense, it is the ability to make things just-so by speaking them aloud ("And God said 'Let there be Light!' and there was Light"). Reflecting this is the fact that the Magician is represented by Mercury. He represents the gift of tongues, a smooth talker, a salesman. Also clever with the sleight of hand (Mercury *was* the god of thieves!) and a medicine man - either a real doctor or someone trying to sell you snake oil. The 4 suits laid out before him remind us of the 4 aces, which in the Tarot symbolize the raw, undeveloped, undirected power of each suit. When the Magician appears, he reveals these to you. The reader might well interpret this card as telling the querent that they will be given a vision, an idea, a magical, mental image of whatever it is they most want: the solution to a problem, an ambitious career, a love life, a job

My interpretation: The Magician is the card of giving an idea a form through words. It is the card of taking the new beginning shown by the Fool, and giving it a form and the beginnings of a purpose.

Tarot Project. Card 0: The Fool

An interpretation found elsewhere: At #0, the Fool is the card of infinite possibilities. The bag on the staff indicates that he has all he needs to do or be anything he wants, he has only to stop and unpack. He is on his way to a brand new beginning. But the card carries a little bark of warning as well. Stop daydreaming and fantasizing and watch your step, lest you fall and end up looking the fool.


My interpretation: This is a card of new beginnings. The seeker has unlimited potential and the power to shape their destiny, but also needs to be aware of their surroundings, both physical and situational.

An Open Letter

Dear people on a certain friends list...
Yeah, I might have more luxuries than y'all did when you were my age, but y'all don't have nearly the amount of stupid problems I have. Y'all don't have a stupid fear of speaking your minds at the perceived risk of losing dear friends for doing so. You don't get made to feel like you're just being a stupid, whiney brat on a regular basis. What makes this all the harder for me is that I can't bring myself to talk to you over private message, because I am terrified that you will decide that I'm being a royal bitch and not worth your time.

I know I shouldn't feel that way, but years of having to walk on eggshells around people all the fucking time have taken a toll on me. I only have... maybe two or three people who I don't feel like I have to put on airs around. I wish it was more than that, and that y'all could be on that list. I really do. I enjoy talking to all of you, but I hate that I'm so scared of pissing all of you off. You deserve so much more than that from me. I do respect you. I'm just scared to death of speaking my mind about how I feel, because of past comments. I can't bring myself to tell some of you that I don't like it when you tell me how 'good' I have it.

Wondering why I even bother some days,
-Den

My Galaxiki system

Internet stuff.

█████ ██ █ ████ everything ███ █████ is█████ ████ ████ fine ████ ███ █ ██████ love █████ ███████ ███ your █████ ████ government.


http://mashable.com/2012/01/17/sopa-dangerous-opinion/

50 Posts and A Review

Wow, 50 posts.... I know I prolly should have reached this back in 2011, but oh well.... 2012 started with me getting a kiss from a very lovely lady, aka Angel Shinigami, at midnight. Totally worth being crowded in like sardines at a nightclub we went to for the NYE event.

This year, I have resolved to continue working on improving myself, blogging more, trying new things (I make that resolution every year, and so far, it's one of the few I've always kept.), and to work on replacing bad habits with healthier ones.

Anyhoo.... The first review of the year is.... Teavana's "My Morning Mate" tea! In keeping with my "Try new things!" resolution.... I got two ounces of this tea at the Teavana store in Westroads Mall, in Omaha, Nebraska.

This tea is a fragrant, almost chocolaty-smelling concoction. There are flowers in it and what almost looks like dried berries.... I think it smells really nice. It's a basic mate, which is why I chose it as a starting point.

I heated water in a bigger mug and brewed the tea in said mug, before pouring it into a teacup. In the cup, it's a golden brown liquid, and smells just as good as it does in the tin, though I would advise adding sugar or honey, as it doesn't taste as pretty as it smells without some sweetness. And look, you can see the inner rim of my favorite teacup!

The tea itself is almost chocolaty tasting, with an almost vanilla note, and some kind of spice. I'm not quite sure what all goes into making a mate blend, but whatever it is, it's quite good.

And now, a shot of the outside of my favorite teacup. Granted, it's my ONLY teacup at this point, and it was given to me in a gift exchange on a Steampunk forum that I frequent... It originally held a candle. I don't brew my tea in it, since I don't own a proper kettle, instead heating water in a coffee mug in the microwave. Because my mug has silver paint, I can't put it in the microwave, but that's alright.

Overall, "My Morning Mate" is flavorful, smells pleasant, and would be a wonderful way to start each morning. It gets:

Thumbs up! The Den Seal of Approval!