http://search.deviantart.com/?q=by:balgroggy&section=today deviantART RSS for by:balgroggy en-us Copyright 2009, deviantART.com Mon, 30 Nov 2009 07:19:31 PST deviantART.com http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss http://s.deviantart.com/minish/widgets/apple-touch-icon-precomposed.png http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/27162546/ http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/27162546/ Sat, 12 Sep 2009 02:57:45 PDT Now its only my divorce holding things up before we can apply for her visa to come over permanently. I have all the paperwork ready to submit though so that will be done as soon as possible. Can't wait for her to be with me all the time

After more than a year on the market through the worst times to selling houses in decades, I have sold my house! Well its still got to go through yet, but I have agreed!

Diana went back to the states last weekend, so missing her horribly, but, we both agree she didn't go home this time, she went to were she currently lives, not where her home is. Here is her home.

Still enjoying my new job four months in, had a reasonable week where I was mostly on top of things.

Scary thought is trying to find a place near work I can afford to live in for the time being and packing and moving....not done it for over 12 years! so much accumulated crap!

]]> ~balgroggy http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/24256171/ http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/24256171/ Wed, 15 Apr 2009 12:32:57 PDT
THen raced down to Newport to hand in last minute documents to get my damaged passport renewed, got there just in time So it should arrive a couple of days before I fly to see Diana a week Saturday.

Have to hand the car back in tomorrow morning, which is poo, sigh, but with any luck, I'll have a vehicle more permanently by the time I'm back in the country....its looking good...and if it is....then maybe, just maybe.....I can really sort out the crippling debt I'm under.

]]> ~balgroggy http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/24123789/ http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/24123789/ Wed, 08 Apr 2009 04:36:34 PDT

]]> ~balgroggy http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/24050436/ http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/24050436/ Sat, 04 Apr 2009 00:04:20 PDT
Wish me luck and with fingers crossed I will survive.

]]> ~balgroggy http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/23948081/ http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/23948081/ Sun, 29 Mar 2009 09:32:44 PDT
Its looking very much like I am going to have to file for bankruptcy to have any chance of a life at all in the foreseeable future.

If I didn't have Diana contactable and my kids nearby, I think I would severely succumb to this situation, as it is I'm being very very antisocial and not liking being around people much. If you remember me maybe more than two years ago, my eyes sparkled more, my smile came to my lips more. When Diana is here, I still do, but, without her here, and all this on my head...I just don't know.

If I still have a job Friday, its no relief...because I am taking home much less than half the wages I was a year ago because of bureaucracy and bloodymindedness of anyone situation, the CSA started asking for 200 per month out of my wages, I couldn't pay, so they then started to take it out of my wages directly at a rate of 300 per month....about a fifth of my wages, and I was already struggling with debt that had been run up then.

I was struggling to get something sorted, time and lack of it and also not knowing what I could or couldn't do was making things very slow and hopeless.

Then in early January, my car broke. Over a thousand pounds worth of repairs that couldn't be done, so I had no alternative but to go onto the company car scheme, which meant my car allowance was removed, another 450 off my already depleted take home pay. I ask anyone to take a drop of over 750 pounds per month off their wages and be able to cope.

So if people ask me for favours right now after next week, I can't promise anything, because I don't know if I can do anything at all. My house if it sold last year like I wanted it to, would have helped, now its hardly going to cover the mortgage outstanding..still need to though, there is no light, no alternative to it.

To all my friends out there I've not really spoken to, its not that I don't want to, just I can't talk about this too much or it will bring it all to the surface and over the last two year, a lot of my friends have had to cope with my emotions and I say no more, they have their own lifes and struggles, and have to cope with their own stresses. Therefore, from this time onwards, do not expect me to talk to to come over or to go anywhere. This situation is of my own making and I have really no one close I can pop over should the worst happen and I lose any transport.

This is just a way of telling you why I have been reclusive and why I will probably still be reclusive.

I don't feel like being around anyone right now, and really want just to let the inevitable consequences take over and consume me.

I apologize to everyone who I know, and those that care, I am no longer going to be available,, not that many have wanted to contact me, but thats understandable.

bye

]]> ~balgroggy http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/21091631/ http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/21091631/ Tue, 21 Oct 2008 08:21:30 PDT
Work is improving, just came out of an informal meeting praising my work, which makes me happy.

Diana is coming this weekend for a month and yeah, we are building a truly epic and awesome partnership that fulfils both of us intellecually and phyically. I love her with such a passion that I will move heaven and earth to be with her permanently. It simply IS going to happen. Where and how are details to be fixed, but it will happen.

looking forward to the this weekend most ardently and oh boy, what I have in store for my Diana...

]]> ~balgroggy http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/20834848/ http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/20834848/ Sun, 05 Oct 2008 01:28:35 PDT
Questions pop into my head, self doubts about me. How big a failure I am in so many ways, how small my achievements seem to me at this moment.

Diana is very very far away, unable to be contacted, a lifeline in my life that is strung out so far that I wonder if my fingertips can keep hold on it.

Feel abandoned, feel, for right or wrong, cast aside. Not by Diana, never by Diana, she is there, in my thoughts, I know she has me in hers too.

Abandoned, lost, empty, hope fading, joy receeding.

I know this is very self indulgent, almost emo, which seems strange to me a 41 year old man should be at this space and time have so much in common with a 'young' scene. But, simply, there is enough shit in my life right now that any further shovel fulls will liable fill my mouth.

I get the feeling in my bones that I AM friendless, in a way. There are people who are my friends, but somehow, just I feel that they might spot my depression, my tone of voice, my look in my eyes and see the screams within and help. But people seem to be not the insightful and intuitive beings they appear.

The only person who REALLY understands me is out of reach and my mind is splintering, fracturing, seething. Its only been a single day that I have not been able to talk with her, but my god it seems far far more like a year...

Again, do not worry over me right now, I am not as bad as I was earlier this year....This is a moment of spending too long in my house, the chain around my neck tied to the weight of debt over the river...the chain may break, the river carry me to new lands and lush, verdant green. Just my knees are straining under the weight right now and support seems very very far away.

I will pass this moment, and be right again, even later today will bring me out of myself and allow the weight to be lifted if for only a moment.

To those who know me, some don't. some think of me as a rock to lean on....right now its a carboard cut out growing soggy and limp.

OOOOh at least I can get the nice poetic imagery out there...maybe I should keep this and post it as dark stuff somewhere?

]]> ~balgroggy http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/20828999/ http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/20828999/ Sat, 04 Oct 2008 17:02:06 PDT
Will go and see my kids tomorrow and that will be a cheer me up time, and then on to Vampire, to show off new stuff and maybe even smile a bit.

]]> ~balgroggy http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/20492249/ http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/20492249/ Sun, 14 Sep 2008 15:44:36 PDT
Seems thats the only time I post anything to these.

But its better than it might be...

Diana is back in my life, just took her to the airport this afternoon after her spending two months here.

They have been wonderful months, but its been a very very empty evening without her here.

I will see her again, that there is no doubt, but I already ache for her touch.

]]> ~balgroggy http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/18588947/ http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/18588947/ Sat, 31 May 2008 07:03:30 PDT
]]> ~balgroggy http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/17711021/ http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/17711021/ Sun, 06 Apr 2008 07:27:38 PDT
But it all good. Had my kids over this weekend and spent some time getting the last of their stuff sorted to bring over. was good to have them here and it snowed overnight too, so they had a good time this morning playing in it.

Also my boy..at nearly 10 has expressed that he loves a girl! Awwwwwwwww. So sweeeeet! Anyway. I have lots to do before I go vampiring out tonight. So see you later!

]]> ~balgroggy http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/17636982/ http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/17636982/ Tue, 01 Apr 2008 15:53:03 PDT
I arrived in New York and got my bags...wondering where Diana was...then a cute face bobbed to one side into view to my right and then automatically I did the same back, then Diana was there, in front of me. Not even a moment of awkwardness between us, our arms encircled each other and we were home...like we had known each other for years and years. It took us about 1/2 an hour to get to the hotel shuttle station about 200 yards from where we met! Not much talking was invloved

Well things went extremely well, improving with each hour together. The next few days in New York were amazing, sleeping late, we looked for someplace to eat away from the hotel (which was amazing and thoroughly recommended) spotted a couple with a west Highland terrier, we stoped and chatted with them for a moment before asking if they knew of anywhere good to eat. The guy turns out to be a chef at a diner and was just on his way to his work. We shared a cab, then he said after hearing our story that the fare was on him and he took us past the queue into the beautiful diner 'big daddy's' a 70-80s retro place. With awesome food. in fact all the way through the trip, we came across people saying how good a couple we looked.

We went to the Rockefeller center and I iceskated for the first time in my life. loved every minute of it. Got a wet bum a couple of times but managed to find my feet and skate around, Diana cheering me on. Then we went to the top of the rockerfeller center and spent the sunset in each other's arms watching it over the New York Skyline.

After a wonderful time in New York, with much getting of souvenirs and canoodling. we flew to Las Vegas, a long flight, cramped and noisy. Not the best of flights I've ever had, but with Diana next to me, it was still awesome. We touched down in the evening and got our hire car and drove to a little place just outside Vegas called Henderson. To a complex called Montelago...it was peaceful and quiet and we got to snuggle up on the sofa and watch movies together, cook together and just have a really great time....just us almost.

A few days there crumpling up the beds then off to the wilds of Arizona mountains...driving past lake mead we stopped for a mo at a hotel perched near the top of a tall mountain, then on a whim got a helicopter ride over the lake and hoover dam (pics on disposable camera still to be developed) finally got to Williams after a number of hours driving in happiness, this if anything would have been the time friction could have occurred between us. Me navigating and her driving....its been the argument maker in relationships before. But nothing of the sort. all smooth and wonderful still. Got a fright when a shop we went in to get gas at, the shop keeper went and got me with a joke of a bag of rattlesnake eggs.

Got to Williams with wonderful views and snow filled pine forests and crashed into bed....great old place...people friendly and the care and attention given to the place by the owner was amazing...

Bed was something out of a dream....so soft but firm, we just had a great time in the morning trying to get enthusiasm to get out of it.... most everyone else had gone out by the time we got downstairs and were piled high with baked goods from the bakery.

Headed down to Sedona and managed to get on the pink jeep tours....awesome and wonderful offroading over mesas! Had a double act in the jeep with us in the form of George and Dan..ex new york postal workers who good naturedly bickered with each other through the entire morning Scenery was amazing as was the bumpy ride Went to ancient indian settlement in the afternoon and saw various pictograms on cave walls Got cowboy hat and kerchiefs too. Headed back happy an... ]]> ~balgroggy http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/17174521/ http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/17174521/ Tue, 04 Mar 2008 03:22:23 PST
Ummmm, well I know I have been very silent this year so far, not even really talking to anyone in Devart. I can only apologise.

I will not be available to talk at all from Friday morning until the 24th of March...I am flying out to the US to see Diana.

3 days time...I will be holding her in my arms!



I have felt very much a person who doesn't feel a devart person anymore, I haven't posted ANY work in months and months, and although I do comment and keep up with the watching...its just guilt that I haven't put anything up that makes me feel like those people on here who put effort and time to make great works of art, I feel such a person lacking in any real permission to BE a devart.

]]> ~balgroggy http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/16913153/ http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/16913153/ Sat, 16 Feb 2008 11:27:21 PST
First I am broke, as broke as a broke person can be.

Secondly, I helped my ex wife to be to move her and the kids out to a new place only 5 minutes away.

But its hard, very hard indeed, not having them here, not ever having lived alone, I am hit hard by the emptiness, the reminders of them here. I can see them whenever I want but its painful to say goodbye to them again.

I thought I was coping better, the begining of the week was hell more than I have EVER felt. But it was going ok later. But even though this moring I was feeling good, as the day wore on just got lonlier and lonlier. Those friends that were online I feel I can't talk to, either they have their own issues to deal with or I don't want to burden them further. Feel I don't have the right to once again bore people with my issues. Its selfish and just brings people down.

What do you do in a catch 22 situation like that?

You want to talk but feel guilty about wanting to.

Maybe I should just close down all the blog sites I have, go offline completely. Its better than sitting at my Pc and wisihng someone would talk to me and no one ever doing so.

I was ok this morning, spoke to Diana, and was quite boyant, but I saw myself slowly going lower and lower today, in only a few hours from being quite upbeat to being so low I'm crying right now.

I don't want to bring people down, I just want this loneliness to go...to end this bloody pain that creeps up on me on my own, stalking me and overwhelming me.

]]> ~balgroggy http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/16078640/ http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/16078640/ Mon, 24 Dec 2007 14:09:46 PST
Memories of the past...

The time I was in the local church choir and did a soprano solo of the harmonies of 'Once in Royal David's city' and making my mum cry with pride and joy.

The Christmas's where I worte Santa's letters for my children (which I might still do tonight) where I went out got some mud and put a reindeer hoofprints on the bottom. (I know they don't have hooves, it was the cameltoe sort of hoofprint if you get my drift)

Thoughts of the present...

The eyes light up on their faces as I remember my own good Christmas's when I felt that and felt it again in their joy.

Missing those I will not see again for the longest time I hope...my mum, my uncles, aunts and my gran.

Looking forward to Christmas's that are to come....

Being with the one I love for our first Christmas together, maybe with the kids, but if not on the day, soon after.

Knowing my friends are at least a little better off knowing me at all.

Wheeeeeee Xerablack got me Paranoia rulebook! SQUEEEEEEEEEEE! ]]> ~balgroggy http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/13396397/ http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/13396397/ Mon, 18 Jun 2007 16:20:38 PDT
I had to go out on the Sunday but that night was simply agony, I couldn't sleep at all due to the pain. Woke up but had to go after downing another pain killer. It was to an adventure down in Cardiff, was dropping off plot props, was planning on just being talky talky monster. Well after walking about in the woods a bit, seemed to ease off. Even managed a few combats! But this morning it was stiff again. Was worried that I wouldn't be able to work. And had as first job to work on a ceiling. Well, again it eased off and had hardly a twinge the rest of the day, without painkillers! Woot, finished jobs early and managed to catch some quality time hanging out with :iconbase_kitty: and really chilled. Good day all round as also got to talk to Diana again, for such a long time..... Great day in fact.

]]> ~balgroggy http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/13185194/ http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/13185194/ Sat, 02 Jun 2007 05:01:22 PDT
Went to Mayfest....short story was cold got worse, ended up a chest infection. Had to bring my kids and Dot back a day early, she wasn't feeling so hot either (different issue) feeling like death warmed up..soooo I couldn't even manage to get Dot back to Coventry so she had to get the train sigh...and spent the next three days basically tucked up in bed being looked after by Bethan 11 and Sam 9....they did surprisingly well. I am still a little claggy, but at least I'm feeling better. Just the entire week has been a bust for relaxation and enjoying the time taking my kids out for fun.

Sigh....

rant over....always happens when holiday is booked.....well hopefully some fun will be had majorly next weekend when I go Maelfrothing...Maelstrom is a three day event held four times a year. I attended my first one just gone...had a blast and hopefully will again.

]]> ~balgroggy http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/13057258/ http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/13057258/ Tue, 22 May 2007 22:33:42 PDT
I need to be there for one of my best friends and I can't, its hurting like I don't know what that I really can't just go up to her and give her just the biggest cuddle right now. For one I know she would hate that right now, and secondly that it not a good idea to cough up over someone your trying to help.

She is coping with such a profound loss in her life, but at least there is Tom to help her. Even though I wish I could be there for her now, I owe Tom a massive drink just for helping her, though not whiskey

Also this trip comes at a bad time, means I have to get finished on Thursday, race back up, hopefully seeing on the way back. Drop off a load of work crap at home and shoot off to get :iconbastekitty: for going to a may bank holiday event called Mayfest. To be honest not really feeling it at the moment. Not going to be good if my throat is still bleugh, which is likely.

So basically feeling meh.

]]> ~balgroggy http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/12859601/ http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/12859601/ Sun, 06 May 2007 03:20:51 PDT
Just to let you know that I've started putting a few of my pieces into a print account after someone suggested they were good enough. If you would like to see any particular piece as a print, just let me know ok?

We are trying to resurrect DAUK chat again with She has so much energy and enthusiasm its contagious. So those who haven't checked it out in a while, go do so. It fun and we are planning to organise some things.......*is mysterious*

In other news, some good some bad. The good is that by this time next month, my ex wife will be moved out with any luck and I will have a bedroom again. The bad, she will be taking my two little ones Bethan and Sam up to Sunderland. Going to miss them terribly. But making sure they have a working webcam so they can see me in between times when I will fly up or them fly down, will help some, but of course the relationship I have with them is going to change, which I am dreading.

At least there is no bad blood between my ex and me, and for that I am grateful. She is a wonderful woman still.

]]> ~balgroggy http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/12618948/ http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/12618948/ Mon, 16 Apr 2007 13:05:52 PDT we both survived and had tremendous fun. Most of my pics I took are not really devart worthy, or that I can't get hold of the people involved to post them up, but at least I can show in one how giddy I got.

In other news, still very much in love and I am very very happy

]]> ~balgroggy http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/12144404/ http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/12144404/ Sun, 11 Mar 2007 13:40:19 PDT
My love for my Diana grows each day, she understands me more than anyone else has ever done. Encouraging me, picking me up when I am down. I revel in the time I can talk with her, speaking about nothing and everything, making me remember about things I haven't thought about in years.

I love her, she loves me. Simple as that.

]]> ~balgroggy http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/11583463/ http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/11583463/ Sat, 27 Jan 2007 03:29:41 PST
Completely

My love is with a wonderful girl, Diana. The only fly in the ointment is we are so far apart I can't get to see her often. Hopefully when things are sorted with me moving out to my own place though, that will change. We do love each other very much though, and whatever difficulties in circumstances are there, we will overcome them. The love we share is too precious to squander.

I am truly happy in my heart for the first time in ages. All because of my Diana.

]]> ~balgroggy http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/11362681/ http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/11362681/ Mon, 08 Jan 2007 13:22:11 PST
By [link]

The challenge: Share 6 facts about myself and tag 6 other people to do likewise.

1. I am itinerante procrastonator, I take my time over things far too much.

2. I have a heriditary skin condition known as Psoriosis. It can be controlled to some point but I will never be cured.

3. I will in the next few years, no matter what, will build my own house. Made of straw.

4. I was brought up in the late sixties, early seventies in what could be classed as a commune, a college of Middle Eastern Philosophy.

5. I once stayed in a brothel in Romania by accident.

6. I get dressed up in various costumes most every month, chainmail, furs, leathers and run around with rubber impliments in my hand chasing people.

The tagged:








I'm sorry! made me do it!

]]> ~balgroggy http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/11147851/ http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/11147851/ Fri, 22 Dec 2006 08:25:44 PST
I'm off today to go and sit in a cave and act all moody all night. Yes its Live Roleplaying night, going to be bloody cold though! See you all if I haven't died of frostbite!

]]> ~balgroggy http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/11072471/ http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/11072471/ Fri, 15 Dec 2006 12:03:40 PST [link]

Thank you to all who have visited to date. I am always interested to speak to other photographers and share knowledge.

The first 10 people who post in this journal will be featured - post anything you want. I will go though your gallery and choose three of what I consider to be your best (or my favorite) deviations, and feature them along with your name in my journal. It will remain there for a month.

There's a catch, but it's simple. All you have to do is the same thing! Put this in your journal after you post here, and feature 10 people yourself. Remember, if you don't post in your own journal, you will not be featured.

]]> ~balgroggy http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/10799276/ http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/10799276/ Tue, 21 Nov 2006 11:39:30 PST
My wife and I are talking about leaving each other.

No arguments, no shouting, just misery. I would almsot better if there were, it feels like this marriage has gone like a three week old balloon thats just shriveled up.

I don't want this marriage to die, but I just don't know if I can ever fix it. I'm so miserable but I can't cry...the tears won't flow.

I wish there were something I could do, but, I really don't think I can.

]]> ~balgroggy http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/10317266/ http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/10317266/ Sat, 07 Oct 2006 17:58:50 PDT
]]> ~balgroggy http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/9965908/ http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/9965908/ Mon, 04 Sep 2006 14:26:44 PDT
One thing I've seen with these interactive whiteboards is in one magazine, they installed it like a drawing table with a projectors mounted at an angle over the shoulder of the artist. Imagine a graphics tablet that is 60 inches across the diagonal! Mind you the cost for an individual would be a little more expensive though! If you have a couple of grand spare and want one, give me a call I might be able to do a deal! ]]> ~balgroggy http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/9178439/ http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/9178439/ Sun, 25 Jun 2006 12:17:10 PDT
The new job has been going for almost 2 months now, enjoying it and its very varied and hectic at the moment, but should calm down a bit sometime next month when schools break up for the summer. Just my luck to jump in at the deep end at the busiest time of year!

In other news, the company that laid me off in April is now in administration. Basically its under control of lawyers who will try to sell it off to pay investors and creditors. It was written on the wall when they let 50% of us off.

I'm snowed under with commisions at the moment, for latest details on what I'm making, have a look at the latest pics in my gallery. I'll be making a pair of elven swords soon too, got all the pieces cut for it, just got to sort out the stiffening rod and weighting for them before glueing them up. Also still working on the 6ft Cleaver, got head that is for the bottom on it, just got to do some more bits and pieces and that can then be coated. With any luck I might have some freetime soon to go and do some drawing by Autumn! ]]> ~balgroggy http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/8397411/ http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/8397411/ Fri, 07 Apr 2006 12:15:53 PDT
Last weekend was a blast. Very muddy, but fun. Some piccies of the event have been put up [link] here with a few of the funnier ones being [link] and [link]

Still haven't cleaned everything off like the tent yet, but its been a busy week. Had the worst interview on Monday, felt like a completely clueless scrapings off a shoe time. Even if I was offered that one I'd not take it.

Tuesday I had to take the company car in for a service before returning it on Wednesday. I dropped the car off after getting the new car I bought (peugeot 406 estate) delivered. I had no change to get a bus back home to wait for the garage to ring, went to get some cash with a new debit card and it didn't accept my old pin number! Had to call Mrs Balgroggy and she got some cash and brough her and the little ones over so we all traipsed across town. Got home about 2 hours and had to schlep it back over to pick it back up.

Spent Wednesday saying goodbye to everyone at Elonex (including the car) then headed back home to try and cram for an hour before having to speed over to the first of 2 second interviews this week. Did a written test after getting unnerved by the Human Resources lady then met the two other guys in the IT department who I might have been working with. Overall, not a bad effort on that one.

Thursday I went over to the second 2nd interview. That went extremely well

Today was spent with my stomach in knots waiting for the phone to ring...when it did, it was my bank asking about the problems I'd had with the new debit card....a new one with pin number is on its way. Didn't ease my anxiety though!

I did the washing up, watched TV, cut my toe nails (boy did they need doing!) all to keep my mind off the phone not ringing. At around 3:30 it rang.....and again at 3:45. I had been offered both of the jobs I'd had second interviews that week! :joy:

Had another call about 4:30....the job offer that I'd taken the test in was being withdrawn! The company was in the process of being bought by a US company and had just told them to freeze all recruitment...including the job I'd been offered! Ah well. Not too bad, saved me the bother of telling them I'd gone for the other one anyway. But the big news is:

I HAVE A JOB AGAIN! Full details to be worked out on Monday. ]]> ~balgroggy http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/8312684/ http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/8312684/ Thu, 30 Mar 2006 09:22:41 PST
I'm off from tomorrow down to Devon with the nippers to do some camping with benefits. Yup hitting people with rubbers swords time again! I hope it doesn't rain too much. Ah well, we'll have to see.

On the job front, things are ticking over. Had a good interview yesterday and will be back for a second interview for that one as well as another second interview for another job next week. Also have another first interview to attend on Monday evening as well with a local company. So things are looking good.

Hard choices to make.

I'm getting a new car (second hand). Got the insurance and finance sorted for it, should be able to pick it up on Monday, which will be good as the company car goes back on Wednesday. Speaking of that company, I totted up all the overtime I've done over the last 11 months for them and it came to about 98 hours! Not been paid a bean of it yet, but the boss said last week to forward the info and I should get the overtime...(he didn't know how much it was though then!)...so should be interesting to see how that pans out.

Got to go now, a lot of costume to finish and stuff to sort out for tomorrow. Hope I have enough room for everyone as I've got to give lifts to two other guys as well! ]]> ~balgroggy http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/8227320/ http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/8227320/ Tue, 21 Mar 2006 13:31:27 PST

Also I've had a few agencies already putting me forward for jobs....and I have already got an interview booked for next week, if it goes well it will mean I'll just about double my current salary!

Also the possiblity of another interview this week too.

I hope the company allows me to keep using the company car until the final days as it will allow me to get to the interviews. If I get offered one I'll have to buy a car..anyone got a cheap reliable old banger going cheap with full MOT? ]]> ~balgroggy http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/8216839/ http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/8216839/ Mon, 20 Mar 2006 12:49:01 PST
Wish me luck. ]]> ~balgroggy http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/8208807/ http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/8208807/ Sun, 19 Mar 2006 15:55:57 PST [link]

I'll let you know tomorrow night if I'm still in a job or not. ]]> ~balgroggy http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/7953471/ http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/7953471/ Mon, 20 Feb 2006 14:00:16 PST
It may be a while before I can put any more stuff, but it will probably be the six ft cleaver I've been working on, when thats done there will be lots of pics. For now I'm putting up a 'work in progress' on it in my scraps for now.

My daughter turned 10 a couple of weeks ago and as a pressie I took her live roleplaying with me. She had a blast and even though she was being the monster party, she got to play a perfect role...as little girl lost. As the adventure was an evil special (players are all evil nasty types) we thought she was going to be sacrificed for her life essence! Nope, she melted their hearts and they sent her to the nearest town for them to meet up with her later so they can make her a necromancers apprentice!

Have fun! ]]> ~balgroggy http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/7591162/ http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/7591162/ Fri, 13 Jan 2006 09:52:26 PST

this is odd....but i'm doing it b/c i'm someone's friend...so.........


XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

This was sinvixen's idea so to make sure this will be a sort of chainletter journal, I'll be updating over the next few days but we'll see who does this shall we? ]]> ~balgroggy http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/7450190/ http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/7450190/ Thu, 29 Dec 2005 16:27:03 PST
The song that sums it up so far is D'ream and 'Things can only get better' as Christmas wasn't as bad as it could have been and if we can struggle through the next few months, it will get better.

Would you believe my daughter decided to give up her little collection of my little ponies picked up at car boots and in checking out them, found was was quite rare! Its on ebay now. She is such a little treasure to try to help.

When things are at their bleakest, family is the mortar that binds our house of soul agaist the storm. ]]> ~balgroggy http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/7393920/ http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/7393920/ Fri, 23 Dec 2005 16:02:15 PST
February will be the key month for this.

I'll let you know how things are shaping up soon.

Maybe a commision or two will hopefully shore me up a little. Any offers? ]]> ~balgroggy http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/6286844/ http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/6286844/ Sun, 21 Aug 2005 10:06:41 PDT
_____________________________________


An Evening with ILM - Raul Essig talks War of the Worlds and Star Wars Revenge of the Sith
London, United Kingdom (Seminar)

ID# EM_06Q1_Evening_with_ILM_London
On September 13, 14, 15 & 16th Alias invites you to attend a very special talk from one of our close friends - Industrial Light & Magic (ILM). Raul Essig is the Technical Director at ILM and he will be showing us the making of "War of the Worlds" and "Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith".
Raul has been with ILM since 1994 and his area of expertise is in particle systems, where he creates simulations to represent natural dynamics such as fire, smoke, tornadoes and sandstorms. His list of ILM credits include Van Helsing, The Chronicles of Riddick, The Hulk, Harry Potter, Pearl Harbour, Mission to Mars and many many more.

With the help of our renowned partners we will also be showing your our latest entertainment product offerings - namely Maya 7 and MotionBuilder 7.

This is an event not to be missed. To secure your place, register now!

Date: 14-Sep-2005
Time: 5pm start
Address:
KOKO, Camden

_____________________________


To register go to this link: [link] ]]> ~balgroggy http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/6177984/ http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/6177984/ Tue, 09 Aug 2005 11:25:21 PDT ~balgroggy http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/6078555/ http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/6078555/ Sat, 30 Jul 2005 14:26:20 PDT


[link] (full journal)

"On August 7th, DA turns five years old. Five years for a website like this should be a grand affair, one big event.

So don't submit anything on August 7th.

I'm talking a print, a deviation, a scrap...nothing.

Instead, just leave a comment. Visit a user's page and just say hi.

If someone wants to buy a subscription that day, I'm all in favor or it. It'll keep the servers going, and anything that keeps the hamster running is a good thing.

BUT...I think folks shouldn't buy any prints. No print subscriptions. That goes against the COMMUNITY theme for the day.

We want to put the COMMUNITY back into DA." ]]> ~balgroggy http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/5813381/ http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/5813381/ Fri, 01 Jul 2005 15:51:29 PDT
Now some of you might know another pastime I do, which is live roleplaying.

This means quite often that now one Sunday I'll be singing the praises of God and the next Sunday, I might be playing a Demon from the lower depths of hell, or a pagan.....nice contrast don't you think?

]]> ~balgroggy http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/5638651/ http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/5638651/ Mon, 13 Jun 2005 16:37:28 PDT
So I'll be making and repairing some weapons soon. Next task is to design and develop a 6ft tall Cleaver with a demon head at the base of the handle. I know what your thinking...6ft Cleaver, that would be a HUUUGE blade, well its not quite like the butchers cleaver, more ressembling a pike or polearm. ]]> ~balgroggy http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/5154544/ http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/5154544/ Fri, 22 Apr 2005 02:32:48 PDT
Yup, I finally have an offer of a job! Although things will be tight, at least I will now have a job and money coming in. I think to suvive I'm going to have to sell off an old ISA (it only has about a grand in it and I'll get much less by selling it) but I'll get a company car so I can get rid of the rust heap I currently drive.

This also means the weapon commisions I have I can finally have time to do rather than job hunting!

I'm not out of the woods, but there's a light.......(burning in the Frankenfurter house!)

]]> ~balgroggy http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/5135710/ http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/5135710/ Wed, 20 Apr 2005 03:43:52 PDT ~balgroggy http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/3459218/ http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/3459218/ Mon, 27 Sep 2004 15:47:54 PDT
I'll be going monstering for the weekend (thats dress up as the NPCs in a LARP for players) Might even get to be filmed doing it too! Wish me luck that they get my best side! *poses* ]]> ~balgroggy http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/3286688/ http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/3286688/ Sat, 04 Sep 2004 16:27:18 PDT
Still waiting to go on the live roleplaying, (the one I was wanting to go on got cancelled, but another is being planned I hear) ahould be fun with me bristling with knives all over! hehe ]]> ~balgroggy http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/3066073/ http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/3066073/ Sat, 07 Aug 2004 12:15:30 PDT
Work is good, travelling a lot and maybe I'll get some time to do some additional stuff soon. ]]> ~balgroggy http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/1624952/ http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/1624952/ Sat, 03 Jan 2004 17:34:08 PST
You never know, I might actually do something that is OK and doesn't invoke vomitting! ]]> ~balgroggy http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/1381399/ http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/1381399/ Mon, 10 Nov 2003 11:00:22 PST
Just getting over a bout of sinusitus that laid me flat on my back for three days. I even tried to get a pad of paper and draw a little while convalescing, but my nose when leaning over caused too bad a pain so had to flop back to the bed.

Ah well, all over now, so gotta go, see you soon. ]]> ~balgroggy http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/1266439/ http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/1266439/ Sun, 12 Oct 2003 08:55:01 PDT
Anyway, new job is hard to learn, lots of travelling and no chance to browse Deviant art during the day gonna miss loads of new artowrk that deserves real recognition, the graphics tablet came too late for me to be able to spend much time on it.

Anyway, slowly getting to grips with it but not brilliant at the mo, I keep wanting to head back to pencil and paper but realise I must persevere or I'll never get anywhere with it!

Hope you like the colour drawings from the original pencil sketches I've put up but I'll understand if ya don't! ]]> ~balgroggy http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/1045526/ http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/1045526/ Thu, 07 Aug 2003 09:32:53 PDT
A new job is confirmed to start on the first of September and I have an interview which could possibly mean ditching that job and going for a dream job, can't mention too much about it but if all goes well.....!! )

Just ordered finally a decent tablet, 6'x8' only, all I can afford, but should be better than the current crappy one that is the size of a postage stamp and about as useful as using an orange for a mouse!

So with the spare time, after I've sorted out a few real life things, I should be able to get to grips with the new tablet and start producing more and update some of the sketches finally!

Anyway, thats all for now....hope your life is in a getting better state too. ]]> ~balgroggy http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/899568/ http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/899568/ Wed, 02 Jul 2003 04:31:42 PDT
Took solace in the act of going in the attic and bringing down my old portfolio and scanning a few items in and posting them here, have a look at the old old stuff.

I just hope I can find a new job before this one is up. ]]> ~balgroggy http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/667664/ http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/667664/ Mon, 28 Apr 2003 08:49:13 PDT
I must spend a little time simply sitting and centering myself. Let my fingers relax and allow them to flow.

Maybe soon I'll get a chance to post some better art up on here, some that maybe some will like and post a comment on. I browse and see such a range of art here, I get daunted.

I'll haveto pluck myself out of this self pitying mood and get something done! ]]> ~balgroggy http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/536827/ http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/536827/ Tue, 11 Mar 2003 04:07:41 PST
Feeling listless and lifeless and want a break from the work day grind.

Any suggestions? ]]> ~balgroggy http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/488342/ http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/488342/ Tue, 11 Feb 2003 06:11:22 PST
Sick, throat so I can hardly talk, but still at work.....so thats not so good.

Daughter had her 7th birthday yesterday and she is sick also. Some good, some bad.

Finally got around to doing some art work, simple facial sketches of characters for a friend, I'll scan them in and post them here when I get home. Very good.

So all in all, not the best day but not the worst. ]]> ~balgroggy http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/461145/ http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/461145/ Sun, 26 Jan 2003 08:18:14 PST
I need to paint, to write to do something other than be busy with stuff that has embrioled me in its clutches to suck the time I have away like a vampire feeding.

The little nekked dwarf in my gallery is being chased by terrors unimaginable from his bed, that why he is nekked.

A light piece that has dark undertones. ]]> ~balgroggy http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/461144/ http://balgroggy.deviantart.com/journal/461144/ Sun, 26 Jan 2003 08:17:30 PST
I need to paint, to write to do something other than be busy with stuff that has embrioled me in its clutches to suck the time I have away like a vampire feeding.

The little nekked dwarf in my gallery is being chased by terrors unimaginable from his bed, that why he is nekked.

A light piece that has dark undertones. ]]> ~balgroggy