Tuesday, December 19, 2006

Another Year older, Another Year Wiser?

As some of you may know, I celebrated my birthday yesterday. Yes, the Grifter is another year older, but wiser? Well, I suppose, to some of you, that may be true. As for others, I'm sure the jury is still deliberating. On Sunday, the day before my actual birthday, I enjoyed a nice evening with family and friends. We had a wonderful tri-tip dinner. I requested a deep dish cherry pie with crumb topping for dessert; it was ridiculously delicious. I received some new games for my PS2 including the famed "Final Fantasy XII" along with the strat guide. With that, all I can say is, holy crap, what have I gotten myself into. While thumbing through the strat guide, I was amazed, perplexed and mildly worried at the sheer expansiveness of this game. But, never being one to back away from a challenge, I shall start playing FF XII after the new year. That should give me enough time to finish the other games I'm in the middle of. I hate starting new games before I finish current ones. As for the actual day of my birth, I spent the day the best way possible. I spent it with my dearest Zealot. (DW to you, Yensid) She and I did some Christmas shopping, had a wonderful lunch at the Cheesecake Factory. I picked up a pair o' shoes from the In-laws and stood by and offered my honest opinions, as a model husband should do, while Zealot tried on some new jeans. 2 out of the 3 looked great on her, btw. After that we headed home, rested a bit and then made dinner together. I tell you, I love days like that. All in all, it was a great day. I hope each and everyone of you experience a day like that. We should all be so lucky. Adieu, Grifter

Comments (18) | Permalink

Tuesday, December 12, 2006

Grifter: Down, But Not Out!

Aside from all of the ridiculous neediness from faculty, staff and students, my computer crashed. I got the infamous "Blue Screen of Death" five times in one week. Therefore, I had to reformat my hard drive. For those of you who don't know what that is; I completely erased my hard drive and started over with a fresh install of Windows XP. I lost a lot of my fun programs but, fortunately, I backed up all of my important files, pictures and music on another hard drive. Having said all of that, I'm back in and on-line here at The Otaku. It's been forever since I've posted and even longer since I've commented. I should be back to normal from now on. With the exception of my week off at Christmas. Did I mention it's paid? WooHa! I've got to finish my Christmas cards for all of you and I look forward to playing catch up on your sites. Take care and enjoy the prelude to Christmas! Grif

Comments (8) | Permalink

Friday, December 1, 2006

One of These Days...

I just know I'm gonna be back on my feet here at The O. I just hope it's soon. I hope you all got a chance to read the latest installment of my story. I know it's a long read but please, take your time and enjoy it. It's hard to believe its already December. I figured I'd get my Holiday BG up before they were over. Much like my stories and art work, my self-imposed deadlines are delayed and pushed back. It's a good thing I don't work for a magazine or newspaper. I'd probably lose my job. Alright, back to the grindstone. I swear that thing's gonna wreck me. At least I'll have some more well deserved rest coming up. I get a week off paid for Christmas and New Years. It is so choice! I'm also trying to procure some DSL for me casa. That way I can be more steady and available here on The O. *crosses fingers* Anyway, I'll catch you guys later. Grifter

Comments (12) | Permalink

Wednesday, November 22, 2006

"Far and Away to Thee - part 2" The Grifter

This is part two of my story. I had written so much that it was way to long to put into one post. Please enjoy and have a wonderful Thanksgiving. The Grifter Far and Away to Thee- Part 2 Duty Calls My orders the Commander gave me were clear. I was to intercept a convoy of weapon supplies headed to the border crossing. I was given one light mobile suit with an additional medium mobile suit for support, should we encounter resistance. I was to leave immediately. I hated the idea of leaving Ayva without telling her. Commander Howard assured me that he would post a guard and a mid-wife here to see to any need she might have until I returned. I accepted his gracious offer warily, and got into a car the commander had arranged for me. As we sped off into the evening, I had a sense of uneasiness. What if the baby came while I was gone? What if there were complications? There were so many scenarios to think about and no time to work them through. I had to focus on my mission and see it to its completion. I owed it to my wife and unborn child to make it back in one piece. The car continued down the road as a small plume of smoke went unnoticed in the distance behind. No Time to Waste With only his wife to help him, the town doctor worked quickly to stop the bleeding. She was fading in and out of consciousness as the sounds of orders and diligence filled the air. The doctor worked through the evening to mend Ayva's wounds. His apron stained crimson, he stepped back. His wife wiped his brow as he said, “All we can do is wait”. “I’ll tend to the little one”, the doctor’s wife whispered softly. “That would be best, thank you dear” he said to her as she walked from the room. “You poor thing”, he whispered to himself. “How could this happen to you”. He paused for a moment before leaving her side, “I thought you should know; she has your eyes”. The doctor gently patted Ayva’s hand and left the room. A smile came across her lips as she slipped back into a deep restful sleep. The Mission at Hand As I finished putting on my normal suit in preparation for my sortie, I couldn’t shake the feeling I had before on the drive over here. Something just wasn’t right. I closed the flap over the zipper and placed my helmet under my arm. I began to walk to the debriefing room, all the while feeling tense and anxious. All I wanted to do was to get this mission over with and get back to my wife. Nothing else really mattered. I know I should be focused, but there was nothing I could do but to think about my Ayva and our child. I hope that whatever we have, they have their mother’s eyes. After the mission debriefing, I made my way to the hangar where the mobile suits were being prepped and loaded into the transport plane. Petty officer Elkins was in charge of the preparations He approached me saying, “Sir, Commander Howard wanted me to give you the specs on the suit you’ll be piloting for this mission, sir”. “Very good, Elkins”, I replied. “What does the Commander have in mind?” I asked. “Sir, you’ll be piloting the EZ-8 for this mission, while your support, Lieutenant Benitez, will be piloting the GM Sniper II, sir” he announced. “Have all the preparations been completed?” “Yes sir, they have”. “They’re loading the two suits onto the drop ship as we speak”, he continued. “Where is the Lieutenant now?” I asked. “Sir, he’s already aboard securing his gear”. “We leave in ten minutes, sir, I suggest you board the aircraft, ASAP, sir” he said. “Thank you, Elkins, I’ll do that”. “Very good, sir”, he shouted as the cargo door closed at the rear of the massive plane. I boarded the plane and met up with Lieutenant Benitez. He was sitting in the middle section of the aircraft go over his mission notes and specs. We exchanged pleasantries and I began to do the same. Lieutenant Aramis Benitez was around the same age as me. He was married and had three boys with his beautiful wife, Emma. We had been on missions together and had been to their home for dinner on several occasions. Ayva and I delighted in their boys as they mimicked their father’s mannerisms and cringed at their doting mother. They were very happy and very much a family. We couldn’t wait to start our own family. I sat back and reminisced as I went over my notes. The giant plane rumbled down the runway and we were soon off to our destination. I wonder what my love is doing right now. Up and On the Mend Ayva sat up in bed as Mrs. Helmsworth, Dr. Helmsworth’s wife, brought in a light breakfast on a tray. She set it on the bedside table next to her patient. “How are you feeling today, dear”? she asked. “Much better, thanks”. She lightly touched the bandages on her shoulder and arm. “Any idea when these will come off”? “I can’t say for sure, but soon enough”, the old woman replied. “And my…”Ayva hesitated. “She’s fine, dear”. “She’s sleeping in the next room”. Her eyes lit up with joy as Mrs. Helmsworth invited her to see the new baby. She could hardly believe she was going to see her baby for the first time. As she walked into the room she could make out the faint shape of a little person under a thick warm blanket. She hesitated at first then moved towards the bassinette. She looked over to see little pinkish nose poking from behind the blankets edge. Ayva just stared in awe and wonder at what she and Adin had been waiting for so long. “May I hold her?” Ayva asked the old woman. “Of course dear, after all, she is yours”, she smiled back. Then with great care, she lifted the infant out of her bed and looked at her sleeping face. She was mesmerized by her beauty when the infant opened her eyes to see her mother for the first time. All Ayva could do was look and wonder what an amazing thing this was. If only her daddy could be here. Oh my goodness, she thought. Adin, where was he and how will he know about where she and his daughter were? “What is the matter, child?” Mrs. Helmsworth asked. “You look as though you’ve seen a ghost”. “My husband doesn’t know what has happened to me and doesn’t know where I am”, she said in a worried voice. “He’ll be worried to death about me”. “Be calm my dear, you don’t want to upset the baby”, the woman started. “You must tend to her needs now as well as your own”, she continued. “You need to let your wounds heal all the while taking care of this little one”. “Now I’ve packed a nice picnic for the three of us to enjoy out in the meadow this afternoon”. “I can’t go, I need to contact my husband”, Ayva protested. “He needs to know I’m alright”. “I’ll tell Jonas to notify your husband as soon as he gets back from town”, she assured. “But he’s in the military, what if he has to leave?” My Jonas is a good friend of the commanders; he’ll make sure your husband knows where and how you are”. “Are you sure it’ll be alright, Mrs. Helmsworth?” Ayva asked. “Everything’s going to be fine, dear, nothing can happen on a day like today”. “I’ll just leave Jonas a note, letting him know where we are”. With that the old woman left Ayva with her new baby and went off to gather her things for their day out. As they left for their short walk to the meadows, Ayva couldn’t shake the feeling that something wasn’t quite right. Then she looked down at her baby and tried to put the thought out of her head. She started to feel better as the sun warmed her skin. The flowers were in full bloom that day. Hell had yet to find a home in this place. However, Hell is impatient and stubborn. I begin to feel sick to my stomach as I prep for launch over the drop zone. The convoy should be passing through an area just a few miles outside of town near an open meadow nestled inside a beautiful valley. It is here where I would bury my wife and see my child for the first time. God, I feel sick. Think I’ll lie down until it passes.

Comments (7) | Permalink

Monday, November 20, 2006

Preping for Finals

Man, it's been a while since I've updated. I've been helping students and faculty prepare for finals coming next week. It's a very busy and stressful time for all. So I may be out of the loop for this week. My story is almost finished. I was really writing my little heart out this weekend. I should have it posted on either Wednesday or Friday. Whenever I write, I usually listen to classical music. It always helps me to find the right words and focus on my content. I feel it also helps me to develop the emotions I want to convey as well as the feelings of the characters I write about. What do you listen to when you write, draw, or whatever you do to gain inspiration? That's all for now. Late. Grif

Comments (11) | Permalink

Thursday, November 9, 2006

Time Flies!

I can't believe it's been a week already. My apologies for being MIA all week long. Work is as work does, you know. Well tomorrow I'm off to visit the Magic Kingdom, Disneyland. I haven't been there in a few years. Zealot and I used to go at least once a year but, now with new careers and demanding schedules, we rarely get to get away on a whim. I'm really looking forward to it, especially getting to spend the day with my wife. What better way to do it than going to a such a whimsical place such as that. My story has stalled on the launch pad due to lack of time. I have quite a bit written but haven't finished tweaking it yet. In due time, I shall bring closure to this story and to your wonderful waiting minds. I'm just so sorry it's taking so long. Come to think of it, I haven't written a poem in months...or so it seems. I will have some new drawings to post soon along with the unveiling of the identity of The Grifter! I've debated with this for a long time and I think I'm ready to let you all know what I look like. Which leads me to this: Should I reveal my true identity, as far as what I look like or should I just remain the poetry writing, advice giving, deadline ignoring enigma you all know so well? With that, I'm going to tie up some loose ends and call it a day. Maybe I'll post some Disneyland pics when I get back. This is mostly for Yensid. Take care, Grif

Comments (9) | Permalink

Wednesday, November 1, 2006

More Milestones

Greetings and salutations, peace to the nations of Manga and Anime. I trust everyone had a lovely evening. I do hope that you did anyway. I laid low and passed out candy at my in-laws place. Nothing exciting, unfortunately. I want to say thanks to all of you who have visited me over the last year. I also want to send my warmest regards and thanks to those of you who've become my very good friends. I am saying this with regards to my 800 hits and over 2,000 downloads. This may seem small peanuts to some, but it means a great deal to me. I appreciate your feedback and your continued support of this site and others like it. I never had the desire to share my writings or art work with anyone, but I'm so glad I have. You guys are a constant encouragement to me, thank you. Therefore, a toast to you all and to the continued success of your sites and to The Otaku for making this all possible. Cheers! Grifter

Comments (12) | Permalink

Monday, October 30, 2006

Better Late Than Never.

Here's the new pic for my BG. I realize that the anniversary pic is over a month late but, I couldn't find or draw anything fast enough. Not to mention anything I was 100% happy with. I guess I'm a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to alot o' things I post here. Unfortunately, I fussed so much that I ran way over my own deadline to release it. I just modified an exhisting pic that I had made a while back. So sad. The story is coming along and should be finished any day now. I really think you guys are gonna like the direction I go in. I promise that this will be the last part o' the story. No part four and five, just three. Tomorrow's Halloween and I though about coming to work in costume. I wanted to go as Grifter, but too many bad memories entered my mind from my adolescents. Meaning, the last time I dressed as the Grifter, everyone thought I was a bank robber from the old west. By the end o' the night I just got tired of explaining who I was supposed to be and went along with it. So much for creative freedoms and imagination. At least I scored some major swag that night. Which brings me to this: What was your favorite costume in all of your Halloweens? Mine was the Grifter, of course. Until next time. Late.

Comments (8) | Permalink

Friday, October 27, 2006

Out of the Cellar! Where have you been, Grifter?!

It's easy to say that I'm sorry, but I've been down that road twice already. You all know how my weeks go, especially you, Lytjuh. So I'll spare you the retoric. Suffice to say I've been diligently working on the final part of my story. Not to mention my anniversary pic. I hope to have the pic posted by the end o' the weekend in time for my little milestone. It couldn't have happened without you guys, Thanks! I've tried to sequester myself from the usual rigors of my days to finish these labors of love but to no avail. I find myself inundated with time consuming honey do's from the powers that be. I suppose it's job security, but really, who keeps score accurately? So this weekend, I'm going into my metaphoric basement and suck on some D cells and recharge. Amongst this, I shall continue to try and crank out the rest o' my story. So no drinkin' and carousing for Grifter-san this weekend. *hides whiskey bottle under desk* I did say this weekend. Here's to all of you, cheers and scoal!

Comments (10) | Permalink

Wednesday, October 18, 2006

Missing In Action

I must extend my apologies to all of my dear friends here at The O, yet again. I've had an extremely crazy week here at work, thus, I have not been able to even get to my site to update. Which of course keeps me from getting in to visit your sites. So to clarify, I'm not leaving or flaking, just busy as hell. I hope you all got a chance to read my story. If not, I encourage you to do so. The second and final part should be ready in a week or so. There are a few of you who were agonizing over such a long post. I don't normally write long posts because I feel your pain. However, this is a story and I had to break it up into two parts or none of you would have read it. I'm sorry for those of you who don't have the time to read it. Again, I can sympithize with you. Anyway, read at your leisure. To those who did read it, thanks for your comments they mean alot to me. Well, I'm off to another IT adventure. I'll be by later today to visit your sites. *bows* Grifter, out.

Comments (14) | Permalink