The Clockwork Mansion

I realized that it would likely be good to have a thread open for peeps to talk about things since I had the other locked.

Comments, bids, plottings of world domination, etc...have at ye!

Well, here's something I think you need...

:hug

You can do it, Amber. I know you can.

OH GOD WHAT HAVE I STARTED. D:

This auction is going to be brutal since I have to deal with emails. *flails around*

I just know when I wake up I can expect a whole buncha emails...

speaking of which, I just bid and... someone's already outbid me by a factor of 4 :<

"no major roll" that's cool, I'd settle for a "hey." "hey." exchange with a main character. :3

I actually did consider if things dont go well, I would do two more cameo auctions of the "fly on the wall" variety where they likely just show up for one panel.

But we shall see how it rolls.  Right now I am just tyring to keep up with this. :U

I briefly held top spot.  Knew it wouldn't last though X3

Quote from: Reese Tora on December 18, 2008, 01:17:00 AM
speaking of which, I just bid and... someone's already outbid me by a factor of 4 :<

"no major roll" that's cool, I'd settle for a "hey." "hey." exchange with a main character. :3

I would not settle for anything less then gnawing on Azlan's tail.  Hell, Mab, I'm willing to put my old bid up on the table if I can have one panel of gnawing on Azlan's tail, like in the old days on the nice ;p

I'm just here to observe the chaos as it unfolds, and Amber gets buried under emails. I'd have no chance bidding, soooo...  :U

ooops, I forgot to add my handle to my bid...

briefly, I hold the top spot myself, lets see how long it lasts :P

Oh mah godz, there's like...FIFTY FREAKIN' GUESTS looking at the info thread :eek

aaaaaand... top spot is no longer mine, that was fast. :P

Quote from: Amber Williams on December 18, 2008, 01:13:13 AM
OH GOD WHAT HAVE I STARTED. D:

This auction is going to be brutal since I have to deal with emails. *flails around*

I just know when I wake up I can expect a whole buncha emails...

I'll save you some of the headache and just donate what I would have bid (now if only I could remember my pay pal password).  I don't really think any of my character ideas would have fit if on the very off chance I won...they usually end up being too dark and anti-heroish.

But, yeah, just hang in there and all will pass in time.  I know all too well the feelings that coincide with money flowing the wrong way.

Yup I thought this was a good opportunity to both bid and give my Christmas gift to Amber for giving me the pleaseure of her artwork and stories.  :hug

I'm going to go with Dekari. Looking at the current top bid, it looks like I don't even have enough money to bid. Already. It'd be easier for me to just donate what I can.  :hug I know there's a big "OHMAHGODS" that comes with suddenly losing your big money buffer. All of a sudden it comes to down to if that one thing goes wrong, will you be able to pay for it? Keep hanging on there.

Finally got around to registering the forum. Although I sadly don't have the funds to help out, I do wish you all the luck and good vibes you may need that you can get everything done <3.

Quote from: Drakokatze on December 18, 2008, 02:02:05 AM
Finally got around to registering the forum. Although I sadly don't have the funds to help out, I do wish you all the luck and good vibes you may need that you can get everything done <3.

I finally got around to registering, too.  However, I do have some spare change laying about, so ... bid's away!

In a contest like this, it all comes down to this important question : "How deep into your bank account to do want to go...?" :)

Steve

Heee... if nothing else we pick up new members.  More folk to chew on...

i had a sinister plan to foil world continuity by demanding a human, should i have won.

but yeesh, ka'superoutbid!

but hey, major more power to the high bidders. amber needs the fundage far more than the desire to have a character cameo needs fulfilling!

Quote from: Amber Williams on December 18, 2008, 01:13:13 AM
I just know when I wake up I can expect a whole buncha emails...

Do we get a confirmation email?  My emails don't always get through to people (including Ren)   :rolleyes

Quote from: Yugo on December 18, 2008, 01:43:09 AM
I'm going to go with Dekari. Looking at the current top bid, it looks like I don't even have enough money to bid. Already. It'd be easier for me to just donate what I can.  :hug

Honestly, I would hope that everyone takes this approach.  And to those who don't win in the auction to donate what they would have paid anyway.. or at least part of it.


Edit: Amber, are you using a spreadsheet/database to keep track of the bids?  It might make your life a little bit easier.

Quote from: Janus Whitefurr on December 18, 2008, 01:25:08 AM
I'm just here to observe the chaos as it unfolds, and Amber gets buried under emails. I'd have no chance bidding, soooo...  :U

Don't worry, you'll find a way to get a cameo in DMFA someday...

I have been doing my best to send out at least one confirmation email when I get them. If you sent something in and havent gotten an email in regards to the auction now, that likely means the mail got snarfed.

I need to get me some lunch and get to work.I got stories of Abels to do tonight. That and I need to update the Amber vs Beavers later this evening. 

Alas, I am but a poor college student! I have nary a penny to my name!

No but seriously. :U I'd definitely help out my favorite webcomic artist in a heartbeat if I could. Though, from the looks of the present highest auction bid....I'm not sure anything I'd donate would mean much anyways. :rolleyes

I would bid....  But the second-highest could eat my entire bank account and buy a PS3. plus a hardy helping of change.

Then there's the fact I'm still in college and need to get mah books for the next section....  So yeah, much support from me for you Amber, but sadly no monies.

*hates being sidelined by money.*

Sorry for being a voice of reason, but... Canada is a land generally known to be welcoming of newcomers , immigrants and so on. Are there no organizations, possibly even non-profits, whose job it is to help people like Amber deal with all the the red tape?

 :erk  Ok, I am officially WAYYYY outbid.  To beat that I'd have to forego Anthrocon!

Charline will now do such horrible things to me!   :cry

Quote from: Alondro on December 18, 2008, 04:44:43 PM
:erk  Ok, I am officially WAYYYY outbid.  To beat that I'd have to forego Anthrocon!

Charline will now do such horrible things to me!   :cry

*cracks knuckles*
Charline.
*rests an arm on Charline's shoulder*
Now, you are going to be nice to Alondro, and you are not going to hurt him or do horrible thing like that... or I will make you sorry you had. Understand? *pats Charline on the head* Good.

If it makes you feel any better, I was outbid way back at $350. I knew I wasn't gonna win. I mean, I could outbid Morris (I wanted to write Maurice for some reason), but then I'd have to forgo food for a month or two.

Quote from: Talashar on December 18, 2008, 04:38:43 PM
Sorry for being a voice of reason, but... Canada is a land generally known to be welcoming of newcomers , immigrants and so on. Are there no organizations, possibly even non-profits, whose job it is to help people like Amber deal with all the the red tape?

Yes there are but their function is to aid people who have difficulty or are totally lacking in the ability to speak english or french.

Did some volunteer work a few years back and there are never enough peeps helping so those with the greatest need get the help.

Quote from: Talashar on December 18, 2008, 04:38:43 PM
Sorry for being a voice of reason, but... Canada is a land generally known to be welcoming of newcomers , immigrants and so on. Are there no organizations, possibly even non-profits, whose job it is to help people like Amber deal with all the the red tape?

Part of the problem is that even if I was to get free consultation, there are several expenses that must be done regardless.  Like the medical exam with an xray. While I dont doubt an organization likely could point me to a clinic that quickly and easily does such things, I would still have to pay the doctor.  

And the processing fee where I request to be allowed residency and Mason requests to be allowed sponsership...those are pretty much 500 and they are admittedly not even for a guarantee yes...just a "Hey read our papers".  If we were to be rejected, its very likely we would have to resubmit the fees next time around.

Though truthfully, the largest sum is not so much the fees so much life itself.  A place to stay costs $800 a month, our groceries cost generally about 70-100 a week. (And thats us cutting back and making a list of 12 things in advance and refusing to break from it)  Bills and utilities, and all sorts of other things.  When frugal, Mason and I can save away 400 a month from his job.  Normally...this means Mason and I can subsist when things dont go wackity...but this fall it seems several things went wackity.


As the immigration officer said at the border, Canada is a land that tries to be friendly to immigrants...but don't mistake that for them being pushovers.  They still have fees and processes and all the various beurocracies that any other country has.


As an aside, its sad when I couldnt afford to cameo myself after 2 bids. :U

Quote from: Amber Williams on December 18, 2008, 04:58:47 PM
As an aside, its sad when I couldnt afford to cameo myself after 2 bids. :U

Awww... wait, wasn't that second bid me? I'm sorry. :hug.

Well, look on the bright side, Amber: you don't have to pay yourself to cameo in your own comic! And if I ever make it big and make a career out of writing, you get a free cameo from me.

As for the rest of the info, that's actually kind of interesting to hear. But it sounds like you at least know what you're doing, which is really good. Keep going!

yea, i've got 0 desposable income before the end of the year, but if you still need a little help in jan, i'd gladly help out since i just got a new job and the pay will be pretty much entirely disposable income...
on a (not) completly unrelated note, if your in the area of Lansing MI you can get pictures or other free stuff from "captain morgan", as the company is doing promotions at local bars, and clubs thur, fri and sat nights starting like jan 10th...

Quote from: Sofox on December 18, 2008, 10:41:41 AM

Quote from: Janus Whitefurr on December 18, 2008, 01:25:08 AM
I'm just here to observe the chaos as it unfolds, and Amber gets buried under emails. I'd have no chance bidding, soooo...  :U

Don't worry, you'll find a way to get a cameo in DMFA someday...

Silly man, there'd be no way that could happen~

New member here, I actually was unaware there was a forum for DMFA. But now that I know, watch out!

I'm so sorry to hear about the problems with immigration. I've been a loyal reader for years and I wish that I could help you out financially. Unfortunately I'm a public school teacher with a mortgage and a car payment...ug. The current bid is pretty much my entire paycheck. It's not like I had a character that I could use for a cameo anyway, so meh...

Maybe after I get another raise (yea, right) I'll be able to afford to donate to you. You are, after all, my favorite web comic. 
:goamber

- Schala  :januscat

Quote from: schala on December 18, 2008, 07:03:35 PM
New member here, I actually was unaware there was a forum for DMFA. But now that I know, watch out!

Welcome aboard (also the other new guys!).  Don't forget to read (and follow!) the rules.  Don't deliberately annoy the moderators or anything daft like that.  Usual common-sense stuff.  Anyway, have fun.

Quote from: schala on December 18, 2008, 07:03:35 PM
New member here, I actually was unaware there was a forum for DMFA. But now that I know, watch out!

I'm so sorry to hear about the problems with immigration. I've been a loyal reader for years and I wish that I could help you out financially. Unfortunately I'm a public school teacher with a mortgage and a car payment...ug. The current bid is pretty much my entire paycheck. It's not like I had a character that I could use for a cameo anyway, so meh...

Maybe after I get another raise (yea, right) I'll be able to afford to donate to you. You are, after all, my favorite web comic. 
:goamber

- Schala  :januscat

Don't worry about it. Tell you what, if you would just stand up to your mom and not summon NARFING LAVOS, I will consider that a fair trade.   I mean seriously woman. :U

Er...I mean welcome. :B

Yeah seriously.. you left your little brother Magus... er Janus to clean up the mess.

Quote from: Amber Williams on December 18, 2008, 07:12:54 PM
Tell you what, if you would just stand up to your mom and not summon NARFING LAVOS, I will consider that a fair trade.   I mean seriously woman. :U

Wha? No!  Then we wouldn't have Chrono Trigger.  I was gonna get that for Christmas :<

Quote from: ShadesFox on December 18, 2008, 10:56:20 PM

Quote from: Amber Williams on December 18, 2008, 07:12:54 PM
Tell you what, if you would just stand up to your mom and not summon NARFING LAVOS, I will consider that a fair trade.   I mean seriously woman. :U

Wha? No!  Then we wouldn't have Chrono Trigger.  I was gonna get that for Christmas :<

If you paid for it, you got ripped off.  *has it on emulator*

Quote from: ShadesFox on December 18, 2008, 10:56:20 PM

Quote from: Amber Williams on December 18, 2008, 07:12:54 PM
Tell you what, if you would just stand up to your mom and not summon NARFING LAVOS, I will consider that a fair trade.   I mean seriously woman. :U

Wha? No!  Then we wouldn't have Chrono Trigger.  I was gonna get that for Christmas :<

It's pretty fun. I got it when I went visiting though I havent had much time to tool about in it yet. Though I am looking forward to the new dungeons and boss/ending. :U

Quote from: Valynth on December 18, 2008, 11:02:07 PM
If you paid for it, you got ripped off.  *has it on emulator*

You are a sad sad man with no friends ;p

Quote from: Amber Williams on December 18, 2008, 11:09:11 PM

Quote from: ShadesFox on December 18, 2008, 10:56:20 PM

Quote from: Amber Williams on December 18, 2008, 07:12:54 PM
Tell you what, if you would just stand up to your mom and not summon NARFING LAVOS, I will consider that a fair trade.   I mean seriously woman. :U

Wha? No!  Then we wouldn't have Chrono Trigger.  I was gonna get that for Christmas :<

It's pretty fun. I got it when I went visiting though I havent had much time to tool about in it yet. Though I am looking forward to the new dungeons and boss/ending. :U

Me too.  I have no idea WHEN I would play it.  But my initial fears of the game were alleviated when I was told that the monster training bit seems strictly optional, which might actually make it amusing.

Yeah. I briefly saw that when I did get a chance to play. Its basically ye old option portal in the end of time that one can ignore completely. The only thing it seems to be good for is that higher level pit battles can rustle you up some nice prizes like magic capsules.

But really, what I did play was really nice. The translations are a bit different, but flow a lot smoother. There is less delays in certain loading, and from what I hear they added an extra few maps. One you can do during the time you normally do all those side-quests (after you get Chrono back) and another set you can only unlock if you beat the game once.

I think my family has a cruel sense of humour. I got the game as an early christmas present before I got back...and since then I have maybe had 3 hours to play when I am not busy fussing about paperwork or stress. :<

Quote from: Amber Williams on December 18, 2008, 11:35:53 PM
I think my family has a cruel sense of humour. I got the game as an early christmas present before I got back...and since then I have maybe had 3 hours to play when I am not busy fussing about paperwork or stress. :<

I feel the same way.  What ever I get for Christmas is going to be promptly neglected as I write a thesis...

Though sometimes I wonder how you get through it all.  I'm afraid that if I ever did such a think the folk going over immigration papers would call me in and say, "I know this is kind of unorthodox for an immigration office, but we put it to a vote and have sentenced you to death.  I'm sorry, but the vote was unanimous."

Guilty admission: Chrono Trigger was the inspiration for my online personage's name.

I still feel that free-naming games should have some sort of bonus for specific non-default character names, like naming

SPOILARZ!!!

Marle "Nadia", Frog "Glenn", or Magus "Janus".

NAWT SPOILARZ!!!


Either way, when I get CTDS, This is gonna be my character scheme


MOAR SPOILARZ!!!

Crono "Serge", Marle "Kid", Lucca "Sis", Robo "FATE" (lol), Frog "Glenn", Ayla "Leah", Magus "Lynx"
Hehehehe... allusions...

END POST!!!

Quote from: Amber Williams on December 18, 2008, 12:50:23 AM
I realized that it would likely be good to have a thread open for peeps to talk about things since I had the other locked.

Thank you. When I saw this post in the other thread:

Quote from: Amber Williams on December 18, 2008, 07:09:19 PM
U guyz are totally ruining the seriousness of my situation.  :<

I just had to reply with this image that I've had on my hard drive for a while:

(http://i43.tinypic.com/28lrtsg.jpg)

Quote from: Jairus on December 18, 2008, 04:50:17 PM

Quote from: Alondro on December 18, 2008, 04:44:43 PM
:erk  Ok, I am officially WAYYYY outbid.  To beat that I'd have to forego Anthrocon!

Charline will now do such horrible things to me!   :cry

*cracks knuckles*
Charline.
*rests an arm on Charline's shoulder*
Now, you are going to be nice to Alondro, and you are not going to hurt him or do horrible thing like that... or I will make you sorry you had. Understand? *pats Charline on the head* Good.

*Charline hmms*  Well, I WAS going to be merciful to Charles, because it's not his fault his family is a bunch of freeloaders who take advantage of his generosity and financial responsibility...

Buuuut since you've threatened me, I shall now enact FULL PUNISHMENT UPON CHARLES!!!  BWAH HA HA HA!!!   :mwaha

*Charles noez!*  :O

Quote from: Alondro on December 19, 2008, 10:08:49 AM

Quote from: Jairus on December 18, 2008, 04:50:17 PM

Quote from: Alondro on December 18, 2008, 04:44:43 PM
:erk  Ok, I am officially WAYYYY outbid.  To beat that I'd have to forego Anthrocon!

Charline will now do such horrible things to me!   :cry

*cracks knuckles*
Charline.
*rests an arm on Charline's shoulder*
Now, you are going to be nice to Alondro, and you are not going to hurt him or do horrible thing like that... or I will make you sorry you had. Understand? *pats Charline on the head* Good.

*Charline hmms*  Well, I WAS going to be merciful to Charles, because it's not his fault his family is a bunch of freeloaders who take advantage of his generosity and financial responsibility...

Buuuut since you've threatened me, I shall now enact FULL PUNISHMENT UPON CHARLES!!!  BWAH HA HA HA!!!   :mwaha

*Charles noez!*  :O

Oh no, Charline, I wasn't threatening you. I was simply going to have a nice talking to you. On the other hand... *grabs popcorn to watch the torment* This could be good.

Hooooooooolleeeeeee crap. I drag my ass away from WoW long enough to remember once again I'm registered here, think to myself "Oh hey that auction thing is up, let's go see if my money coming in will get me a sweet spot in the comic" WRONG. I was expecting to dig deep if I tried but this has already blown my income out of the water. Shame too, I'd have loved to see how Amber handled my cybernetic rodent in her little world.

Either way congratulations Amber, here's hoping the request cameo isn't some tentacle monster :erk And also best of luck with the immigration situation. I dunno if this will help ease your stress but you do have it alot easier then most. I have a friend that's been trying to move here but lacking the marriage tag you have it's ridiculously harder. I actually took the same test he did and found that I wouldn't be allowed into my own country with my skill set and finances :cry

Anyways here's hoping you're a card carrying member of our snow smothered, beaver loving, maple syrup hoarding nation in the new year.

Cheers to that.  Shall we make her an honorary newfie too?  I've got the dark rum, you get the cod.

Quote from: Mao Laoren on December 19, 2008, 12:19:25 PM
Cheers to that.  Shall we make her an honorary newfie too?  I've got the dark rum, you get the cod.

Don't be forgettin the molasses and bruise with that mix. Ye can't have a complete newfie dinner witout em.  :3

Actually that be a good idea..methinks i'll make some for dinner tonight..

Quote from: Netrogo on December 19, 2008, 11:43:39 AM

Either way congratulations Amber, here's hoping the request cameo isn't some tentacle monster :erk

*Alondro takes over for the time being, as Charline is busy destroying Charles... and Charles cannot speak at the moment as he's missing his larynx*  Well, the Librarian already qualifies as a tentacle monster.  And Cubi have wing tentacles, the uses for which have already been aluded to multiple times.  Such a monster would fit right in!   :3

Quote from: Amber Williams on December 18, 2008, 11:09:11 PM

Quote from: ShadesFox on December 18, 2008, 10:56:20 PM

Quote from: Amber Williams on December 18, 2008, 07:12:54 PM
Tell you what, if you would just stand up to your mom and not summon NARFING LAVOS, I will consider that a fair trade.   I mean seriously woman. :U

Wha? No!  Then we wouldn't have Chrono Trigger.  I was gonna get that for Christmas :<

It's pretty fun. I got it when I went visiting though I havent had much time to tool about in it yet. Though I am looking forward to the new dungeons and boss/ending. :U

I'm actually glad to FINALLY find a community that actually knows where my username comes from. I've been using it since I was in Junior High (when the game came out on SNES). Schala is my favorite NPC ever. So, I won't summon Lavos (hate that part of the game).

I want the game on DS, but I have the same problem. With work and grading, when would I play it? And it isn't like I don't already have it on PS...

Thanks for the kind invites! And I am so glad to hear that the immigration stuff is going semi-smoothly right now!

- Schala  :januscat

Quote from: schala on December 19, 2008, 03:13:13 PM
I'm actually glad to FINALLY find a community that actually knows where my username comes from. I've been using it since I was in Junior High (when the game came out on SNES). Schala is my favorite NPC ever. So, I won't summon Lavos (hate that part of the game).

I want the game on DS, but I have the same problem. With work and grading, when would I play it? And it isn't like I don't already have it on PS...

Thanks for the kind invites! And I am so glad to hear that the immigration stuff is going semi-smoothly right now!

- Schala  :januscat

What?  Another teacher on the forum?

And I must admit, your bit about people not recognizing it reminds me of a friend of mine, he had displayed the pendent from Lunar 2 for years and no one recognized it.

Well... now I wish I had known about this forum... I am behind on the times. But eh not surprising.  :rolleyes Anyways... I just wanted to wish you and your hubby the best of luck, and shall be donating whatever I might've bid. Since the high bid is currently like say... 5 times my pay check :erk. Ah well, yays for Amber!

Now to start the madness my-self  :dotdotdot

..And someone wants that Cameo worse than I do. :)

I can't counter bid, I'm up against the limit my bank has on transfers...  I concede: Morris, who ever you may be, it's yours.

Say... How about a group of us pool our funds to out bid 'em for a group shot...? :rolleyes  (Just kidding...)

Kryslin

Heee, ya hear that Mab, your auction's limit is the WIRE TRANSFER LIMIT!

Yeah, who is this Morris guy?

Would this be a bad time to mention that two people messaged asking if I would accept multiple payments over the course of a few months? :U

Edit note: In case anyone is wondering, the response I gave was that I was uncertain and that considering there were still a couple peeps still bidding that it was possible even with multiple payments their amount could get exceeded. So that they would likely fare better to wait till Sunday Morning and see what the situation is.

I admit, I didn't actually consider multiple payments as an option until it was mentioned. Originally I had the expectation that the auction might hit 500, 600 at the most so I didn't forsee any reason for it.  But since the initial stress that caused the whole donation request and auction has been filled (aka: The rent is secure for next month), the need for a large sum at once has been lessened.

That, combined with the whole fact it may be a few months before the storyline works its way to the cameo...it doesnt see that farfetched.  Really, the only thing that is really holding me back is because it feels very greedy of me.

... wait, there's a layaway plan for the cameo auction?

not that i could actually afford to do that, but if you need some donations come mid-January i'll have some disposable income by then. But until then, i'm hemorrhaging dollar bills like a certain large and very hairy dog sheds his hair (seriously, how the hell is duke not bald)

I'd donate, but I can't figure out how the frig to transfer donation funds to the account, otherwise, it'd be no problem. On a lighter note, I sincerely hope that everything works out.

Quote from: Amber Williams on December 19, 2008, 10:17:48 PM
Would this be a bad time to mention that two people messaged asking if I would accept multiple payments over the course of a few months? :U

I'm tempted.  Really, really tempted.  Over the course of three months, I could easily manage $3K.

One thing I have learned from multiple con art auctions was that you set yourself a limit, and stick to it, HARD.

I have conceded; I do realize, though, I'm the next in line if Morris stiffs Amber...

Kryslin

There is a lot to be said for setting limits.  At the current price you could get a pretty mean new computer!

Quote from: Kryslin on December 19, 2008, 11:19:38 PM
I have conceded; I do realize, though, I'm the next in line if Morris stiffs Amber...

If they do stiff her, I'll hunt them down with great vengeance...

I believe that's Tapewolf, although I could be wrong.

And yes, he's good for it. At least, he was last time, when he coughed up for some of the art...


BTW, Amber, that sore muscle feeling? You'd be well put to do a little (very little) light exercise of the same sort that got the muscles sore, while they're still sore.
The reason they're sore is you've stretched them, and the muscle fibers have a bunch of tiny tears in them (it's ok, this is how they're supposed to work); if you go and do the same exercise again, before they totally heal up, it'll extend the tears somewhat, and increase how much extra muscle your body grows to fill the holes.

In short: you exercise, your muscles hurt, they get better, you get better at the exercise. If you exercise twice, you get twice as much better - give or take a little.

Entirely over to you. The other thing you get is that the pain goes away faster, once you get loosened up, which might be more important. ;-]

I learned that lesson the hardway myself Llearch. When I was in high school and learned they had a weight room I went and used it every day after school for three days. Then on the fourth day wound up staying home because I actually couldn't move enough to lift an arm, much less get out of bed :<

heh.

Yeah. Heavy exercise the first day, _light_ the second. And then again the third. Then go back to heavy for the fourth, and then two more light sessions.

After that, it depends on how your body is coping, but a day off seems in order to me. ;-]

Quote from: Kryslin on December 19, 2008, 11:19:38 PM

Quote from: Amber Williams on December 19, 2008, 10:17:48 PM
Would this be a bad time to mention that two people messaged asking if I would accept multiple payments over the course of a few months? :U

I'm tempted.  Really, really tempted.  Over the course of three months, I could easily manage $3K.

Kryslin

*Charles  :erk *  Well, someone had a DAMN good job!  Unlike me.  *works as much as four typical lab techs for his measly salary*  I should have become an NJ Turnpike toll collector.   :P

Quote from: Alondro on December 20, 2008, 09:51:11 PM*Charles  :erk *  Well, someone had a DAMN good job!  Unlike me.  *works as much as four typical lab techs for his measly salary*  I should have become an NJ Turnpike toll collector.   :P

rule #1: live in your parents' house, and don't pay rent or utilities.  It's amazing how much housing, electricity, and internet costs (and water, too, if you're not an eXtreme fanboy. :P )

Oh, I had a thought.

Amber, How long does it take for paypal money to go into your bank account? if you have an account that can do it quickly (in a few days) you should wait until you can move those donations before you get your bank statement so that money shows up on it. :)

Quote from: llearch n'n'daCorna on December 20, 2008, 10:37:18 AM
BTW, Amber, that sore muscle feeling? You'd be well put to do a little (very little) light exercise of the same sort that got the muscles sore, while they're still sore.
The reason they're sore is you've stretched them, and the muscle fibers have a bunch of tiny tears in them (it's ok, this is how they're supposed to work); if you go and do the same exercise again, before they totally heal up, it'll extend the tears somewhat, and increase how much extra muscle your body grows to fill the holes.

In short: you exercise, your muscles hurt, they get better, you get better at the exercise. If you exercise twice, you get twice as much better - give or take a little.

Entirely over to you. The other thing you get is that the pain goes away faster, once you get loosened up, which might be more important. ;-]

That's somewhat misleading advice.

Resistance training works by damaging your muscles in a controlled fashion so that your body can rebuild itself bigger and better during the periods of rest between workouts. Going back and doing more damage before you're healed doesn't make you twice as much better--it makes you need twice as much recovery time. It's a recipe for overtraining, which is not only suboptimal for muscle development but also makes you feel crappy and stressed out.

That said, there's something to be said for active recovery (which may be what you were talking about). The goal of that isn't to go back and do more of the same thing that got you sore in the first place, but rather to limber up--get the blood flowing to the sore muscles with light aerobic exercise, maybe followed with some stretching and flexibility work (which will hurt a bit at the time, but make you feel better afterwards).

Proper heavy-light routines are for more advanced athletes. I generally wouldn't recommend that a beginner train two days in a row, especially not coming in from a layoff.

Quote from: Reese Tora on December 20, 2008, 10:03:22 PM

Quote from: Alondro on December 20, 2008, 09:51:11 PM*Charles  :erk *  Well, someone had a DAMN good job!  Unlike me.  *works as much as four typical lab techs for his measly salary*  I should have become an NJ Turnpike toll collector.   :P

rule #1: live in your parents' house, and don't pay rent or utilities.  It's amazing how much housing, electricity, and internet costs (and water, too, if you're not an eXtreme fanboy. :P )

I do live in my parents' house... but I'm paying half the bills because my dad's numerous jobs over the years have been rather less than profitable.  He's on job #16 now.  I'm actually making more than he is.   :<

Quote from: Alondro on December 20, 2008, 10:45:57 PM

Quote from: Reese Tora on December 20, 2008, 10:03:22 PM

Quote from: Alondro on December 20, 2008, 09:51:11 PM*Charles  :erk *  Well, someone had a DAMN good job!  Unlike me.  *works as much as four typical lab techs for his measly salary*  I should have become an NJ Turnpike toll collector.   :P

rule #1: live in your parents' house, and don't pay rent or utilities.  It's amazing how much housing, electricity, and internet costs (and water, too, if you're not an eXtreme fanboy. :P )

I do live in my parents' house... but I'm paying half the bills because my dad's numerous jobs over the years have been rather less than profitable.  He's on job #16 now.  I'm actually making more than he is.   :<

I live at home with retired parents, so a good portion (about a third) goes to keep our happy home paid, heated, lit, and connected to the internet.  Granted, I'm coming up on buying a new car this summer, so about a third of what's left will go for that.  I am indeed fortunate to have a very nice job (Aerospace QC for a defense contractor), so I like to help out every once in a while...

Kryslin

Quote from: Reese Tora on December 20, 2008, 10:03:22 PM
Oh, I had a thought.

Amber, How long does it take for paypal money to go into your bank account? if you have an account that can do it quickly (in a few days) you should wait until you can move those donations before you get your bank statement so that money shows up on it. :)

Withdrawing PayPal funds to a bank account usually takes about a week, though I've seen shorter.

At any rate, that probably won't help much. The minimum balance they're usually looking for is over $10k. Beyond that, they want to see evidence of income over several months, so Mason's employment income would be much more important a deciding factor than any extra cash from the donation drive. The webcomic income may even cause problems; assuming Amber doesn't already have an appropriate visa, she's not technically allowed to "work" in Canada. It's admittedly a bit of a grey area, though. (Are support donations "gifts" or "business income"?) Basically, the purpose of the bank check is to demonstrate sufficient savings/income to support Amber living in Canada.

Tezkat is correct on a few points. Right now the main focus is Mason's employment. They seem far more interested in the employement record Mason has had for the past 2-3 years than my own. Really at this point I think they just want to make sure I actually have a bank account of my own and I wasn't just spirited away from some defunct third world country.

As for the webcomic income, it is at the time a greyish area and one I have been keeping my guard on. It really is one of those things that could in theory go either way depending on the outlook of the one reading.  I suppose though that is going to be a crossroad I take when I reach it, and will be something I will be having to discuss with the person working on our situation.  I cannot deny that this is one of those issues that still causes me to have "worst case scenario" oogy tummy-aches.  But hopefully things will resolve smoothly and it wont be an issue.

As I said, right now they seem much more interested in Mason's employment and job record. Probably because it is Mason who will be becoming a sponser.

Quote from: Tezkat on December 20, 2008, 10:18:27 PM
That's somewhat misleading advice.

Resistance training works by damaging your muscles in a controlled fashion so that your body can rebuild itself bigger and better during the periods of rest between workouts. Going back and doing more damage before you're healed doesn't make you twice as much better--it makes you need twice as much recovery time. It's a recipe for overtraining, which is not only suboptimal for muscle development but also makes you feel crappy and stressed out.

That said, there's something to be said for active recovery (which may be what you were talking about). The goal of that isn't to go back and do more of the same thing that got you sore in the first place, but rather to limber up--get the blood flowing to the sore muscles with light aerobic exercise, maybe followed with some stretching and flexibility work (which will hurt a bit at the time, but make you feel better afterwards).

I was meaning the latter, rather than the former. "light aerobic exercise" is the operative term...

Quote from: Tezkat on December 20, 2008, 10:18:27 PM
Proper heavy-light routines are for more advanced athletes. I generally wouldn't recommend that a beginner train two days in a row, especially not coming in from a layoff.

Yeah, well, I never claimed to be sane about it, and my body behaves somewhat different to many others, so YMMV etc etc.

I appreciate the corrections, though. Always willing to learn...

Well I am too sore either way to do anymore excercise if I wanted so today is "soak in the bathtub" day of my training program. :U

Urf. It really is times like this I wish I had some sort of normal burger-flipping job.  Cause it is kind of hard to go "Oh yeah. I have a hobby which I would do for free but sometimes I get money but its not really a job yet at the same time..."   because I realize that it is definately one of those situations that two people can look at and come to different conclusions based on their outlook.  And that, is probably not the best thing to have and I realize that.  But there isn't really any turning back at this point so all I can do is really hope for the best but prepare for the worst.

And golly I can come up with a lot of worsts. :B

Quote from: Amber Williams on December 21, 2008, 12:27:03 PM
And golly I can come up with a lot of worsts. :B

I know that feeling...
As for the comic, I think "glorified busking" is closest to the mark.  And yes, I know that feeling too, each time I've gone to AC with a stack of self-recorded albums and Customs says "How much are they worth?"  And I go "Um... I'm... not sure."

donations and art are always such a grey area. i mean it's all subjective. donations on one hand? are basicly from friends. i mean you're not going door to door, all these people would willingly vouch that they're here to support you and consider you a good person. that's slightly different than, say, claiming to be an organization that needs donations to keep afloat.

and art/music prices are also grey. i mean, there's what it cost you to make it...which depending on your medium choices could be obscenely expensive or obscenely cheap. then there's what people are willing to pay...which almost always ranges from 'obscenely cheap' to 'moderately good'

it's like trying to declare the worth of your suitcase when flying around the world. it's like well i really like that shirt, and there's what it cost to get it, and there's what it may cost now cause it's not in production...etc etc etc.

generally i think they more want to be able to look at your income and know that you didn't get it from shipping cocaine over the border or something, really.

if your goal was to be a relative unknown, then you've been very, very bad at being mediocre. ;)

Indeed.  You've kinda missed the mark on that one Mrs. Williams. 

On another note it could be that you're not as popular as it seems, but instead just have a fan base that really cares about you.  Now  I obviously have no idea how many different individuals have donated to you and in what amounts but I believe that if you are in a bind everyone will do their best to keep you afloat and ahead of the game.  If not even beyond that.  So maybe it's just a devoted few (and by few I mean in the hundreds).

I have yet to make my donation though.  We have a surprise visiting us on christmas day so I had to hold off. :(  One of the exchange students we've hosted in years past is in a bit of a bind and asked if she could come here for christmas.  So we've been in a tizzy of buying extra food/gifts to make sure she's good and welcome and comfortable.

Feh, if I was rich, I'd a shown that Morris guy what for!

I'd have started the bidding at $5000!   >:3

I hate being poor.   I need to become a corrupt politician.  That's where the real money is.   :<

Quote from: Alondro on December 22, 2008, 11:04:23 AM
Feh, if I was rich, I'd a shown that Morris guy what for!

I'd have started the bidding at $5000!   >:3

I hate being poor.   I need to become a corrupt politician.  That's where the real money is.   :<

... or start a religion.

But, I totally agree. If I had the cash for it, I'd still be in the running. Oh well.

Urf. I feel tired now. It isn't like I did a whole lot today. Photocopies and walking a few blocks to drop off a bunch of information. But I feel just wierd and tired.  Its very much the feeling I have gotten when I know that I am at the point of no return but I still want to get off the ride. :U

Right now I am a little worried about the bank stuff, but not as much as I was a couple days ago.  I am thinking in this particular case, the reason they wanted my bank statement was cause they just wanted to know I have a bank account and wasn't spirited away into the country with no ability to access funds of my own.  Whats fun is the statement happened JUST AFTER I spent all that money on getting the car repaired so it was like "oh hey. I have 900-oh wait...now I have 200 bucks. :B"

But eh. I will deal with that when I deal with that.  Right now its more just waiting to see what steps are next and what to get ready for next.

Quote from: Amber Williams on December 18, 2008, 04:58:47 PM
...there are several expenses that must be done regardless.  Like the medical exam with an xray.

You have to prove you have a skeleton? What do they have against boneless blobs? :bunny

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From what everyone is saying, its more than likely to check for tuberculosis.  Originally I thought it was because they were wanting to check me more hidden shivs. :U

I don't expect to be carrying TB...but I wouldnt be suprised if this exam reveals I have bronchitus or something minor that has been the culprit of my cough. But its nasty weather season so that is far from the list of "oh noes. Kick her outs!" so if anything, I will have to throw down some money for some medication. Not a real problem at this time thankfully. The donations/auction have more than covered all but the worst of the worst in terms of a safety net.

XRay, yes it will check for TB, used 'back in the day'
But the easier way is a little shot and then you come back in a week. No reaction = no TB. Reaction = more tests. Although, now that I think of it, the goverment may be stuck, back in the day.

As for comic. Perhaps described as hobby, downplay donations as a way to cover server costs. Though the goverment is getting more interested in online businesses and their income (i.e. mostly those running ebay businesses).

Just wanted to mention one reason why governments are often concerned about one or two month gaps in employment.  Sometimes, the reason for the gap is that the person was in prison.  When I filled out documentation for the government some time ago, they stated that gaps were permissable but that I should supply the name of somebody who could verify where I was during that gap.

I suspect an x-ray is required so they have something they can look at themselves with internal experts.

My school was fine with a chemical test. :<

(It's not a shot, mind; they put a bit of chemical on the surface of your skin.  The applicator does look rather like a syringe, though.)

Yeah. I reason that a good chunk of the stuff I am doing isnt really a "lets find ways to kick her out of the country" check but more a "We want records to put her into the system" and so want to make sure I am not secretly some drug runner or something who has served time.

I realize I am not in the most tip-top of shape when it comes to being an impressive candidate for immigration in comparison to my sister who works in dentistry. But at the same time I have no bad marks on my record. And the FBI check will probably handle that angle and as long as I am honest in where I have been and what I have or havent done...I am pretty sure it will work out.

It's kind of a...bwah.
I am far from the healthiest of peeps...but I dont smoke or do drugs.
I am far from the best with finances and paperwork...but I've never even gotten a speeding ticket much less done any crime.
I am far from amazing or someone who would likely rock Canada's foundation with awesome...but at the same time I am confident I will be far from a drain on society.
I am the queen of mediocrity! :U

Quote from: Reese Tora on December 23, 2008, 12:00:20 AMMy school was fine with a chemical test. :<

(It's not a shot, mind; they put a bit of chemical on the surface of your skin.  The applicator does look rather like a syringe, though.)

It depends.  I'm going to ask anyone with trypanophobia to leave now.

Often for check-ups, they'll use the Tine test (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tine_test), which gives you a small amount of tuberculin which will react if you have TB.  If the small bumps grow, it's a positive result.

Unfortunately, it's not too accurate, which is why, for serious tests, they use the Mantoux test (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mantoux_test), which involves sticking a needle into your skin and injecting tuberculin into one giant bump.  You can see what I'm talking about on the wiki page.  It's the same basic premise, only it hurts a lot more.  Which is, all things considered, not a lot.

if you got bronchitis, i imagine they'll just say to you what the japanese doctors said to me.

"you really should get medicine for that."

to which you can reply as i did. "hahahaa. sure."
bronchitis isn't fatal or even dangerous really, i treated it with lemon/honey tea, and a warm/moist enviroment to breathe in whenever i could. like, don't breathe the cold dry bedroom air. sleep with your head under the covers. it helps, etc.

chances are that medicore is what they're looking for too. applying for a visa into australia included a lot of nervous checking on their part. basicly what they're looking for is to find out if you're going to uphold the ideals/laws of canada. SO BY BEING BORING YOU'RE A SHOE IN. AMIRITE AMIRITE HAHA no seriously, because your record is essentially spotless they'll probably be all for it. and your medical woes aren't like, chronic pain or constant broken limbs, so it's not like you're looking like you're going to take advantage of the health care system.

while people are all saying here that "well shots can check for TB" etc...this is true BUT.

for some reason, offices handling immigration? seem to prefer the x-ray. both japan and australia wanted x-ray proof of TB-less lungs, and i imagine canada probably does too. maybe this is because if you develop it later they have something they can hold up and go "well, we didn't notice it, see?" i have no idea, honestly. i just know from personal experience that while doctors in the US will wtf the need for an x-ray TB check for immigration, it's been requested of me more than once.

Quote from: icarus on December 23, 2008, 02:15:41 AMbronchitis isn't fatal or even dangerous really, i treated it with lemon/honey tea, and a warm/moist enviroment to breathe in whenever i could. like, don't breathe the cold dry bedroom air. sleep with your head under the covers. it helps, etc.

It all depends on the person and the type of bronchitis, I'm sure.

But I can speak from personal experience and say that a lot of vitamin C helps.  Buy a gallon of OJ and make a pledge to drink half the gallon every day, and you'll probably approximate what I tend to do when I feel a cold coming on.  Works wonders, and no kidney stones yet!

Quote from: icarus on December 23, 2008, 02:15:41 AM
i just know from personal experience that while doctors in the US will wtf the need for an x-ray TB check for immigration, it's been requested of me more than once.

You've immigrated more than once (TB check for immigration)? :mowhappy

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Now playing on Winamp: Morten Lauridsen - O magnum mysterium (Classical Minnesota Public Radio) (http://www.foxytunes.com/artist/morten+lauridsen/track/o+magnum+mysterium)
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applying for a visa is basicly a slightly less hectic 'temporary immigration' for some countries, so yes, i have. four times :P

once for japan as a student, twice as a teacher (you need to renew visas) and now once for australia for grad school.

and superluser, bronchitis doesn't have 'strains' it has 'how bad are you coughing?'
it's not fatal. unless you get pneumonia and don't treat that, but then, that's a completely different illness. so again. bronchitis = not fatal.

maybe if you had AIDS. but for amber? certainly not fatal.

Quote from: icarus on December 23, 2008, 12:54:19 PMand superluser, bronchitis doesn't have 'strains' it has 'how bad are you coughing?'
it's not fatal. unless you get pneumonia and don't treat that, but then, that's a completely different illness. so again. bronchitis = not fatal.

Bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchi.  The ulterior cause is not always the same.  The Merck Manual lists no fewer than 10 causes of bronchitis (http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec05/ch051/ch051a.html), including coronavirus (presumably the one that causes SARS) and several species of pneumonia (I should note that Chlamydia pneumoniae is not the STD).  So yes, pneumonia can cause bronchitis, and it's the same illness.

If it's caused by rhinovirus, you're probably OK.  If it's caused by Bordetella pertussis, you've got whooping cough, and the prognosis is much less optimistic.

Of course, Amber's been vaccinated for that, I'm sure, so it's not that.

Interestingly, the Merck Manual says that ``Nearly all patients require only symptomatic treatment, such as acetaminophen and hydration,'' so you're right, there.  Most reasonably healthy people shouldn't have any trouble with bronchitis, assuming that it's a mundane sort (which I don't think I disagreed with, anyway).

i'm confused. are you TRYING to make amber get nervous about what's likely an extremely minor symptom of a lingering cold?

Quote from: icarus on December 24, 2008, 02:32:40 AMi'm confused. are you TRYING to make amber get nervous about what's likely an extremely minor symptom of a lingering cold?

Sorry, no.  Just trying to give a realistic assessment.  It does no one any good to claim that a disorder that is usually minor but can potentially be serious is never serious.

My brother's a doctor, and I'll be seeing him tomorrow (well, today, now), so I can ask him for a(n informal) professional opinion.

EDIT: Judging from what Merck is saying, it doesn't even sound like bronchitis.  It's just a persistent cough, right?  The symptoms of bronchitis include other things like shortness of breath or tightness in the chest, as well as symptoms of upper respiratory infection.  If you're not experiencing any of that, it's probably just a cough.

i'm starting to see why you have that massive negative karma number. how on earth is telling someone who says "i hope my cough isn't bronchitis! i hope i'm healthy enough for citizenship!" that "ITS A FATAL ILLNESS, YOU MUST TREAT IT OR YOU WILL DIE. YOU WILL DIE, COUGHING PERSON" in any way appropriate?

seriously just
what
seriously

Geez... Amber... your day just totally sucked. (http://clockworkmansion.com/forum/index.php/topic,5449.msg252826.html#msg252826) :hug

Please, take the week. Take a break. You deserve it. Hell, you need it. We'll still be here.


The sketch was cute, BTW.

Quote from: icarus on December 24, 2008, 03:21:07 AMi'm starting to see why you have that massive negative karma number. how on earth is telling someone who says "i hope my cough isn't bronchitis! i hope i'm healthy enough for citizenship!" that "ITS A FATAL ILLNESS, YOU MUST TREAT IT OR YOU WILL DIE. YOU WILL DIE, COUGHING PERSON" in any way appropriate?

Which I've never said, just to be clear.

I do apologise if I've been in any way offensive, but I don't feel it's appropriate to tell someone that a medical condition which is usually harmless but occasionally not that it is always harmless.  What happens, then, when more serious symptoms develop, and she dismisses them because you've told her it's always harmless?

I suppose I'm a little biased in this regard.  I once had someone tell me that a medical event was nothing.  Turns out that that medical event was a seizure and I had epilepsy, which I'm told is pretty serious.

At any rate, I've said my peace.  The symptoms sound benign, and Amber's a pretty smart person, and I'm sure she knows that if symptoms start to get worse, it's time to think about going to a doctor.

Let's see if we can't get this thread back on track.

would you two (icarus & superluser) give it a rest already? bronchitis sucks royally, it's a lung infection, really. i speak from experience. Sounds to me that she's just exhausted, as long as phlegm doesn't start bouncing around her lungs like shrapnel, she's fine. From what i can tell,  she got a chill from all that cold air, she's stressed out, and she's tired from all that walking, and she needs a good night's sleep, and perhaps some hot soup & hot chocolate.

edit: seems you've already have... >.>

Quote from: Jairus on December 24, 2008, 05:43:37 AM
Geez... Amber... your day just totally sucked. (http://clockworkmansion.com/forum/index.php/topic,5449.msg252826.html#msg252826) :hug

Please, take the week. Take a break. You deserve it. Hell, you need it. We'll still be here.


The sketch was cute, BTW.

It definately wasn't my best of days.  And truth be told, I had actual better sketches done and planned for this update.  But that whole issue with the sketchbook getting doused and partially ruined....go on...guess which part in particular got ruined?  Aw yeah. :U

The two sketches I did were done right after I got back because I was just too drained and tired to redraw anything else.  It was one of those evenings that originally was going to be just about 3-4 hours from 6-9 but ended up having me outside in the snow from about 11PM to 2AM.

As for the cough I have...it isn't really a cough in the sense I am coughing anything up. Its more a "every so often I make a *coof* noise" as my chest feels a bit off. Maybe it's a symptom of something more serious, maybe its just a lingering cough that I havent been able to shake due to stress. I will probably find out at the doctors regardless and right now I am just too tired to care.  I have hit more or less an emotional "blah" state where even though I am still worried about things...it's affecting me more in a "I want to take a nap...for 5 hours." way.

At this point, I think the best gift I can get for Christmas is just to be allowed to sleep through it. :/

On the off chance that one, you read this while it's still relevant, and two, I have anything worth adding...

Quote from: Amber Williams on December 24, 2008, 10:56:03 AM
At this point, I think the best gift I can get for Christmas is just to be allowed to sleep through it. :/

The Christmas spirit doesn't have to be confined to a calendar day.  If it's reached the point where that's the best thing that could happen to you, then nobody in their right mind - especially not anyone with any respect for the spirit of the season - has any right to take that away.

Festivities can come later.  I'm sure you don't need to be told this, but if you need to sleep, sleep.

Amber, I don't think you ahve anything to worry about/

If This guy (http://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2008/12/24/Canada_declares_Santa_Claus_a_citizen/UPI-38291230121178/) can get citizenship, I think you'll have no problem.  I mean, he's got no visible source of income, gives away millions every year despite that, and is known for watching people while they sleep.

Quote from: Reese Tora on December 24, 2008, 11:31:22 PM
Amber, I don't think you ahve anything to worry about/

If This guy (http://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2008/12/24/Canada_declares_Santa_Claus_a_citizen/UPI-38291230121178/) can get citizenship, I think you'll have no problem.  I mean, he's got no visible source of income, gives away millions every year despite that, and is known for watching people while they sleep.

you forgot the numerous breaking and entering allegations.  >:3

Merry Christmas Amber. 

I feel your pain in regards to this holiday this year...and the jinx with sketchbooks.  My only saving grace is that my glass pen wasn't present.  I must remember in future to lightboard my sketches before inking, as India Ink makes a wretched mess with original line art.

I hope the doctors up there treat you better than the ones here in NWIN have been treating yours truly. 

Chin up, the year is almost up, and you have a TON of people cheering for you.

I hope the saccharine sweetness of the festivities don't drown you too much.

I hope you feel better soon.

Emerauld, who's dreading the multiple drives to holiday festivities today.

Amber,

If your apartment is at all damp, it's possible that mould allergies are also giving you grief. I know I didn't realise just how much I was sleeping with when living at my parent's house until well after I left to live in another city entirely...

In hindsight, it's pretty damn obvious, but something you might want to consider is if there are any damp corners, or places where there's a lot of water - mopping the windows every morning is a big hint, for example.

In which case, a dehumidifier is likely to help somewhat, as well as the vacuum.


Just my 2 bits...

True enough Llearch.
My father complains of more coughs inside our house then outside when he's working hard in the yard. Doesn't make much sense unless there is something wrong with the air in the house.
Our place isn't damp but it might just be really dry, the AC or the heater is on 24/7 down here.
Not much dust either considering the place is only a few years old and vacuumed regularly.

It may sound weird, but I've heard some people say that it helps if you open one window a little.  The argument was that if the home is too well insulated, the lack of air exchange with the outside can cause some contaminants to build to a high level.

Don't worry too much about the deadline approaching.  My experience with government agencies is that they will generally be lenient on deadlines as long as they feel that you are making a best effort towards getting the paperwork done.

Of course, I realize that not worrying is like trying not to think of an elephant.  (Normally, one doesn't think much about elephants.  But if you are told not to think about elephants, it becomes difficult to think of anything except elephants.)

Yeah, don't worry, think about cute fuzzy drunk pink elephants.

How were the tacos?

Amber might not feel like having the tacos until she hears more word from the immigration party.  When she gets good news, she can really chow down. 

Quote from: AmberTrying to figure out where my ex-step brother from my moms previous marraige is is like me trying to find religion in a bag of Fritos.

Hey, some people think they find religion in all kinds of weird places. They'll see a shape in a stain, vegetable shape, chip shape or something and imagine it looks like something divinely relevant (Jesus, Mary, Elvis, Buddha, whatever) and make a big deal out of it.
Me? I'd say "hmm, that's interesting", show whoever's nearby, maybe take a picture of it, then paint over the stain, eat the chip, throw the weirdly shaped chunk of wood in the fireplace, whatever...

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via FoxyTunes

I would at least hold on to it, if only (though not necessarily only) as a curiosity.  But that's just me.

I did once see the likeness of the Grim Reaper in a set of watercolors.  Somebody else went out of their way to wipe it out before I could do anything to preserve it.

Incidentally, 1,500 posts.  Land o' Goshen, what happened to my life?

Quote from: Caswin on January 07, 2009, 12:20:45 AM
Incidentally, 1,500 posts.  Land o' Goshen, what happened to my life?

What happened to mine?

What is this "life" you speak of?

http://sourceforge.net/projects/life/  ?

Quote from: llearch n'n'daCorna on January 07, 2009, 04:10:06 AM

Quote from: Caswin on January 07, 2009, 12:20:45 AMIncidentally, 1,500 posts.  Land o' Goshen, what happened to my life?

What happened to mine?

A lot of people are going nuts over a forum which has 1090 topics, 2264 posts, 1 user (http://tarisspeed.conforums.com/), but I'll bet a few of us can rival that.  Well, I know that many of us top the postcount, but the topic count remains pretty impressive.

Quote from: LionHeart on January 07, 2009, 05:07:21 AMWhat is this "life" you speak of?

Philosophers, for example, argue that they are very much concerned with the problems posed by real life. Like, for instance, "what do we mean by real?", and "how can we reach an empirical definition of life?", and so on.

One definition of life, albeit not a particularly useful one, might run something like this: "Life is that property which a being will lose as a result of falling out of a cold and mysterious cave thirteen miles above ground level."

This is not a useful definition, 'A' - because it could equally well refer to the subject's glasses if he happens to be wearing them, and 'B' - because it fails to take into account the possibility that the subject might happen to fall onto, say, the back of an extremely large passing bird. The first of these flaws is due to sloppy thinking, but the second is understandable, because the mere idea is quite clearly, utterly ludicrous.

Dear Amber
I hope all is well with the snow, well, and everything else (good luck to you)... we've gotten around a foot here since class started back up yesterday... i'm taking it as a sign that i should move to another state (or country) for med school...  As for driving in the snow it could be worse, we Michiganders are infamous drivers, having a tendency to ignore horrible weather conditions, rather than taking appropriate precautions and slowing down... a perfect example would be quoting my friend in the animal science department (she had to drive like 10 miles through the mess while it was being plowed today) "dude, someone was driving 85 miles an hour through this blizzard, you couldn't see the road 100 feet in front of you, but ya know what, weather be damned, he was gonna make it to work on time"
Hopefully all works out for you... anyways good luck on everything, and i hope all is well

(as a side note, are you aware that you can get a degree in riding horses, and furthermore, it's an employable skill.... The hell?!  :erk)

Y'know.  It always amuses me to hear folks complaining about winter here in Canada.  Especially since compared to some of the ones we had when I was a kid.. this one hasn't been that bad.  I think my favorite one had the snowbanks up on to the roof of my parents house.  We had to check the front door every hour to dig it out that weekend and at least twice a day had to go up on the roof and shovel the snow off so that the roof wouldn't be damaged from the weight of the stuff.  Good times.

Makes ya' wonder if Amber and Mason wouldn't have been better off back in the US. XD

Does US immigration make it any easier for Canadians moving south than Canadian immigration does for Americans moving north?

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Quote from: Mao Laoren on January 13, 2009, 12:56:38 PM
Y'know.  It always amuses me to hear folks complaining about winter here in Canada.  Especially since compared to some of the ones we had when I was a kid.. this one hasn't been that bad.  I think my favorite one had the snowbanks up on to the roof of my parents house.  We had to check the front door every hour to dig it out that weekend and at least twice a day had to go up on the roof and shovel the snow off so that the roof wouldn't be damaged from the weight of the stuff.  Good times.

Makes ya' wonder if Amber and Mason wouldn't have been better off back in the US. XD

Don't worry, global warming will turn canada into a tropical paradise any day now...

*tosses "An Inconvient Truth" onto a fire and warms his hands to it*

Quote from: AmigaDragon on January 13, 2009, 10:28:02 PM
Does US immigration make it any easier for Canadians moving south than Canadian immigration does for Americans moving north?

No idea.  I rather doubt it though.  I was more looking towards the issue of the weather.

Quote from: Valynth on January 14, 2009, 04:00:12 AM
Don't worry, global warming will turn Canada into a tropical paradise any day now...

*tosses "An Inconvient Truth" onto a fire and warms his hands to it*

I know way too many people who hope for that.  Heck, the thought has crossed my mind as I walk to work in -30C weather in the morning.

ahh, an inconvenient truth, every time i think about that i remember Gore with his CGI video of the polar ice caps melting... he says "Do you know what will happen if the earths average temperature rises just a few degrees" as a video in the background shows the north basically turning into a giant blue area(this was in a political science class i had to take last year) at that point i couldn't help myself... so i blurt out "more sailing" apparently to the delight of the class, because everyone started laughing...

after seeing that movie, i felt two urges... number 1, sucker punch gore if i ever see him... abel style, and tell him to shut the hell up... and 2, point out to the world that when that movie was made, earth took a particularly awkward orbit which in turn caused us to be closer to the sun than usual... which in turn meant more heat because of our proximity to that giant ball of fusing atoms was closer than usual... oh and a single volcanic eruption puts more pollutants into the atmosphere, specifically CO2 than the entire human race has in the past decade... MT St Hellen for example, is estimated to have put more CO2 in the atmosphere than the entire human race has for it's entire fossil fuel burning existence...

so yea... while i agree that the human race should be more environmentally friendly, i'd prefer it be in a way where people aren't lead via fear mongering

Ugh.

1) Cold weather doesn't mean that global warming is a myth.

2) Just because global warming has issues as a idea set doesn't mean that greenhouse gasses are something to scoff at. PM 2.5 and ground level ozone are a real health risk to quite a few sensitive groups, and with limits becoming more strict also present a much more difficult economic climate for companies in urban areas.  This is a FACT.

3) That's not, in any way, what this thread is about.  We are not going to discuss environmental topics in this thread.

The short answer to the question about US immigrations is no.  My husband and I married in the US while he was here on a student visa.  This is, of course, was frowned on.  It took us about a year to get the paperwork, medical tests, and various interviews done.  We'll still have to go through another round of paperwork down the road to prove that we stayed married.  We were lucky to work with a kind and compassionate law office team (how often do those words go together?  :erk )

On the up side, they really only care about four things, and I've been promised it's much the same for Canada.  They want to know you won't end up on welfare.  They want to make sure you're not bringing in terribad diseases.  They need you to prove that you're not a criminal.  And they need to ascertain the validity of your stated motives.  That last one is the weird one.  "Do you swear on the religious or philosophical document of your choice that you really, really love Insert Name Here?  Do you mean it?  Huh, do you?"

If it makes you feel any better, I didn't qualify as an economic sponsor for various reasons (being self employed and not having paystubs and stuff).  My mom got to fill out a whole stack of papers and promise her immortal soul for the next ten years (Thanks, Mom!), but they were fine with that. So there's other options if one part of your application gets rejected. As my lawyer said "If you don't have a huge age gap and you're not from a country we're at war with, you'll get approved.  It's just a matter of time and paper." 

Sorry for the wall-o-text as a first post. 

Edit:  I totally failed to mention my husband is Canadian.  What do you mean you can't see my thoughts through the internets??? I took off my tin foil hat just so you could . . .

Quote from: Tea_Tempest_pot on January 19, 2009, 04:42:50 AM
Edit:  I totally failed to mention my husband is Canadian.  What do you mean you can't see my thoughts through the internets??? I took off my tin foil hat just so you could . . .

Yeah, but my tinfoil hat gets in the way. Otherwise I end up listening to the voices in my head, and they keep telling me to do things that would get me in trouble...

llearch, that's not true.  Trust me, everything I tell you to do is for the best.  I wouldn't get you in trouble, it's just not like me.

Uh huh. That's what you told me before, and what happened? I ended up being a moderator!

I mean, come on. That's like, deliberately pushing an old lady under a bus or something...

She deserved it. She was going to separate us. We wouldn't want that, now would we?

chhh... old lady under a bus, thats not terrible in any way shape or form.... now pushing someone's loved one onto the freeway for the sheer pleasure of watching them try to save that person... that's downright cruel... and hilarious when they fail miserably

Fingers crossed...

It should be outlawed to make people wait so long for such paperwork to be revised. :< ;)

Again - Good Luck, Amber! :3

Good luck Amber.  I can't see anything really going wrong with your paper work but for your sake I'm wishing you luck anyway.

When your paperwork passes with flying colors, we should have a party to celebrate. Maybe I'll make my quesadillas, or perhaps my fried rice, someone else can make or buy the tacos, piza, chips, drinks, etc.

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Sorry to hear about the increased stress blocking your creativity. Take all the time you need, we understand and can wait til you get back on your feet artistically.

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Hear hear!

Well, given that you draw to de-stress and you can't even do that, I'd just find myself a nice warm blanket, a soft couch, some comforting music and a nice cup of tea (flavor is obviously your preference) and just clear your head.  Focus on the music, the warmth and the tea.  If Mason is home, get him to join ya as you probably could not only both use the break but also the comfort from one another.

Just my two cents.

I think a simple long nap when you get back home will do Amber good. It doesn't sound like she's getting much sleep because and I can only Mason being in the same shape.

But it is understanible when you get too stressed on doing something you tend to stop doing other things as the stress builds. But normally some people will take a brake from that stressful situation for a time to rest from this.

However in a situation when your in a rush on a deadline you can't take a rest. So it only natural that you would allocate more of your time to you paper work and watching the clock.

I'm sure you will pass on the paperwork though.

Man I hate stress.

This just seems to be the month for stress for everyone that I know. I am sure that your paperwork will turn out just fine, but I wish you luck regardless.

I understand about your creativity being blocked by stress. I can only write when I am in a very good mood, even though writing is relaxing to me. That being said, I haven't written very much this month...

Take your time, try to relax a little (there is nothing else that you can do at this point anyway, it is like worrying about a test you've already taken) and know that there are lots of us out here that are rooting for you!

- Schala  :januscat

Amber!  Good luck, rock on, and don't worry.  We <3 you. ;)

Good luck Amber, I wish you the best!

I just read the note on the main page, and that's really awful to hear.  :(

It would be bad enough going through all that red tape garbage period, worse to have all that prevent you from keeping up with your comic schedule like you want, and perhaps make you feel like you were letting down legions of fans (but most of those care more about Amber the person than Amber the comic artist, I think--and I'm one of them)....

...but the worst one of all, to me, is not to be able to draw the comic as a way to relieve stress--especially just when you most need to relieve stress.  :(

Hang in there, Amber, do the best you can, and hopefully things will work out for you soon....

Dear amber,
if nothing else, i offer my moral support in your time of need... if you feel like your letting us down, your not... The comic is a gift to us, and if it happens to come a few days later than we expect it... oh well, it's still a gift, and it's the thought that counts, not the timing...

I hope all works out for the best... and if nothing else, just remember that in like 5 and a half years, you may want to avoid going to the hospitals in the US... for i will be getting certified around...  :P (terrifying i know)

For some reason, I thought that this post wouldn't be complete without an appropriate emoticon.  This while being aware of that by their very nature, "emoticons" usually don't quite carry the appropriate weight for this situation.

Until this post, I didn't know that this one existed:
:goamber

Except, as you have pointed out, there isn't anything left to do, or anything else that you could have reasonably done, except wait.

Rooting and praying for you.

Quote from: Mao Laoren on January 29, 2009, 09:54:09 AM
I'd just find myself a nice warm blanket, a soft couch, some comforting music and a nice cup of tea (flavor is obviously your preference) and just clear your head.

Tea may be nice, but this calls for stronger measures... C H O C O L A T E ! !  Rich, smooth, dark, chocolate. :mowcookie
This may sound strange, but I've heard that peas have the same feel-good chemical that's in chocolate. Maybe that's why split pea soup is one of my favorites. :mowhappy

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Chocolate is indeed good, but I try to avoid sugary stuff when already stressed/upset.  Seems like too easy of a way to set oneself up for panic/anxiety attacks and those can be come quite nasty, particularly if you realize what's happening and then start worrying about that too.

Hooray!!!!! (http://clockworkmansion.com/forum/index.php/topic,5449.msg259997.html#msg259997) :boogie

I mean, yes, there was a minor paperwork problem - and the thing with the bill - but it's finally over! For now! *collapses* Why am I stressed out? Oh well, at least you can sleep well tonight, Amber. Here, this is for you. :hug Now get some rest.

... actually, what the heck. Hugs for everyone! :hug

Sounds promising.  Good luck...

Oh, ouch. (http://clockworkmansion.com/forum/index.php/topic,5449.msg260215.html#msg260215)

Bummer, Amber. I hope everything goes okay and it's nothing serious.

Wish him a "Get Well Soon!" from us!

And no, not because that would increase chances for the comic. :3

Oh no.  I do hope things work out for you both.

If anyone wants an awesome mental image... while checking the forums during a commercial brake at this superbowl party me and the roommate are hosting, pally said something horribly blunt... yet hilarious to me for some odd reason.... i was drinking beer, and began laughing uncontrollably... suffice to say... beer out the nose is an awkward feeling, slightly painful, and yet tickles a lot at the same time...
sadly duke(my shepherd) had to take a bath at halftime as he was on the receiving end of the sneeze/spray (my 103 pound teddy bear doesn't like his baths)... so yea, it went from a superbowl party, to 3 semi-drunken college students trying to give a dog a bath with another 5 trying to give advice/moral support...  if someone had a video camera, they could have made millions...

just in case that story doesn't make someone laugh... i'll also offer a get well soon to mason as well... and another good luck to amber...

Amber, so glad to hear the promising news about immigration. It is a bummer about the unexpected expense, but things tend to do that.

I hope that Mason gets better soon!

- Schala  :januscat