A feeling you're forgetting something...

Starts out like any regular day... wake up, take a shower, put clothes on, and get ready for work/intern. I went to grab my usual iced coffee (got it right this time, I really need to start making this at home to save $$. lol). Then, I just realized...I'm not wearing any long sleeves shirt. O_o I remembered putting a shirt on, followed by wearing my long sleeve shirt w/ stripes, then my jacket. But I'm missing my long sleeves, just my shirt inside... Well I guess it's better than forgetting the shirt too and just have my jacket. haha. I guess i'll be wearing my jacket all day, and kinda bumped out because it's a sunny day. haha.

Let's see...

Stikfas Contest...

I've posted my Stikfas unbuilt kits collection and the contest. Apparently not a lot are interested. I'm thinking maybe nobody has heard of them? The vid probably didn't catch their attention...(Gundam updates..*click*....Stikfas Contest...*skips*....) haha. Maybe i'll mention it on my Gundam updates. On the other hand, I'm quite happy that the Youtube reviewer I asked to review Stikfas agreed. ^_^ I'll be sending the kit later on today after my intern. Probably add something special with the package. I really hope he likes it. hehe.

If i didn't get any participants on my Stikfas Contest, I'll probably extend it another week. I'm starting to think of a couple of things why there aren't many participants:

- It's too early? Maybe some watch youtube during the weekends?
- "I'm begging for subscribers with my contest" I actually got a comment along that lines. I thought about it. I usually don't ask my viewers to subscribe on most of my videos. I hardly do it. For the fact that you're entering for a chance to get a "Free kit and shipping", I think the least you can do for me is subscribe right? I usually check out the page of my new subscribers, and if I like I sub back. Also, this will help that person to get updates about the contest. Overall, I think it's a win-win situation. Or at least that's what I think.
- They don't live in US. There's actually a couple of my viewers that are in Philippines (my home country). I would like to extend my contest over there, but I'm afraid shipping will be too high or problems might occur for intl. shipping.
- "I don't do reviews" - probably another major hurdle on my contest. I really wanted for the winner to share his/her thoughts on the kit. I wouldn't mind if it contains a lot of cons. I do have a fair share of experience with Stikfas, and sometimes they are quite disappointing especially if you push their limitations.
- Another thing could be that viewers are afraid to disclose their location. I'm not going to send anything other than the stikfas kit as the prize (well maybe a bonus figure or something too. hehe.) I'm also giving you my address(return to sender address is mandatory). I don't have other means to send the prize to the winner without knowing their address. Would you want me to have the postman drop it off a corner. lol. Well there's that option too to get it pick up on the postal, but I think that's just too much trouble as suppose to have it delivered directly to his/her home.

I'm also thinking that maybe I shouldn't have put my kits on sale yet, well until I made more reviews of 'em? I'll probably ask my viewers if they want to see more Stikfas reviews.

Gundam Updates...

I added "decals" on my SD Zeta Gundam. Well not really decals, but my scribbles that looks like decals from a far. haha. I'll share that with my viewers on my next update.

I'll create my 100th video today on my SD Collection, since it's sunny. I'm still thinking on how it's going to be.

I finished cutting off from the runner, denubbing, sanding and assembling my SD Gunner Zaku Warrior. I added most of the stickers, I'll use that as a comparison with the other painted Zaku. Stay tune for the review.

Other Things...

I'm actually quite happy there's more SD Gundam reviews and WIP vids in youtube lately. I think SD's are being underestimated because of their size and proportion, but there's a lot of possibilites with them.

I'm trying to exercise lately to shed a few pounds. I did some squats 2 days ago...whoa I'm sure feeling it today and yesterday. lol. Might resume my exercise later today. I probably need to start sleeping early to help my body rejuvinate.

I think that's about it for now. ^_^

Ordered the wrong coffee...

I sometimes order coffee at a coffee shop near where I intern. My usual order, or for the most part, is large iced coffee w/ room (for milk). I'm quite sure i mentioned "iced" but got the regular hot coffee (still large). Maybe because I asked if they can add a hint of 'hazelnut', which cost a little more, that they think it's the hot version. I prefer my coffee cold, thinking of just letting my coffee now to chill. lol. Also, It's raining outside.

Okay, recap from last week...

Gundam/DBZ crossover... I tried adding the hair last night. For some reason, It's not turning the way i wanted it to be, might try something else. Still no progress at this time.

Zollidia....done.

SD Gakushin Gundam... I did my sketch video, which turned out okay. hehe. I actually thought of newer design to add to the little guy. I'm thining of having the talons either retractable or have a hinge to pop out. As for wings, might use some origami on that and may use some transparancy instead of paper (or something else). Still thinking of a good design for the bird head.

Unboxing Kit... I've opened/assembled SD Master Gundam which added to my WIP. I might put this one on hold as I've thought of 2-4 more new projects. lol. I'll probably open the red Zaku this week. There goes my 4 WIP limit.


This Week...

Continue working on Crossover and Gakushin.

As mentioned above, unboxing/review of LunaMaria Hawke Gunner Zaku Warrior.

There's quite a hype on Iron Man figures... as well as Kamen Rider. I'm quite tempted to get a couple, but thinking of acquiring 'em w/o buying one. ^_~ (lol. Naw, i'm not doing the 5 finger discount).

I'm also thinking of doing a video of my unbuilt stikfas collection, did I mention that before? lol. I'm thinking of sending one or two to a couple of toy reviewers (I have yet to ask 'em) and sell a majority of them.

SD Gundam Collection video for my 100th youtube vid post. I'm going to sandwich that in somehow with my reviews and WIP.

Other things:
- I got a sandpaper sponge (320 Grit, for paint sanding) that I use to sand down parts right off the runners. I used it with the SD Master Gundam. I'm quite liking the corners of the sponge and how well it works with 'wet sanding.' Also, I really like how the matte finish looks like after sanding.

- I got putty (in a tube)...still need to find a use for it, maybe for the crossover project or my future projects (which yet to be revealed. hehe)

- Tempted again to go back to Sun Entertainment to get more SD kits. One of Gundam-Eclipse member, Kibo, showed this SD Deep Striker Resin kit. I found a kit (with similar design to the deep striker) at Sun's. But this will be a test to how long I can hold myself down. lol. Got to focus on my backlog. >_< (Update...d'oh went there today and got it T_T )

If you just started reading my blog and would like to comment, please use my youtube channel. I'm not sure if i get notified here... o_O.

Until then...thanks for reading ^_^

I need a new game plan for my hobby...

Still have WIP that I haven't finished yet. >_< Also, I don't have the camera for a day or two. I probably need to get my own, maybe one with an AC adapter so I don't have to worry about charging batteries while recording.

But here's my gameplan:

#1 Gundam/DBZ Crossover (Possible 2old4toys contest entry)
- I was hoping to take a picture before adding more stuff. Actually record my WIP while I add the hair.
- I'll probably just add the hair soon and show a demo of how I make it later on.
- Paint will probably come next week.

#2 Zollidia
- I want to paint this kit to make it look better...might do that today hopefully.
- I'll probably stick with the box art's color scheme for the most part.

#3 BB 353 SD Gakushin Gundam
- Hmm...I'm thinking of doing a video of me drawing out my plans for this kit with a whiteboard. But again, don't have the camera with me at the moment. I guess that'll have to wait probably Thursday?
- I'll be experimenting a lot with this kit. I don't have pla plates but found something similar and will give those a try.

As for the next unboxing... Still thinking... I do have quite a selection from my unbuilt kits. lol. I'll probably start on the Lunamaria Hawke's SD Blaze Zaku Warrior. I still want to get the purple one. haha.

I also have other video ideas:
- Speed build (2x) Origami Plane
- SD kit collection Video
- Vid Rant: (California's sales tax impeding in-state purchase)
- Simple stop-motion (I'm wondering if it's faster to just video tape myself moving the figure, and take snapshots w/o my hands in screen on WMM later on. Or that could be more work. haha)
- My Gallery Slideshow (my previous crafts on ceramics, origami, foam...and others)

Can't do everything...

Hmm... I come upon this dilemma that I can't really do all of things I wanted to do with my gundam hobby. I used to just make forum reviews, with pictures and text in (PG). Then I got fascinated by video reviews which I do now in youtube. I also wanted to do some stop-animation. On top of that, I have a couple of kits I need to paint and customize. lol.

I find that I can only pick a few. If I choose to do video reviews, I see that there's not really a point on doing picture reviews unless I went to go in detail, i.e. macro shot photos. Actually it takes longer to do picture reviews as there's a lot of hyperlinking photos and typing my opinons on the kit. On the other hand for video reviews, I can relay all those in video, convert then upload. Then there's stop-animation that requires a lot of patience and time, but well worth it at the end and quite popular. I kinda want to make battle skirmishes and probably transformations animation. Lastly, painting and customizing is another segment that requires patience and time as well. I need time to brainstorm, wait for the paint to dry, and correct/adjust mistakes that I make. It seems that I can only pick two out of those things I wanted to do. Currently, I'm doing video reviews along with painting/customizing.

We'll see maybe I'll be able to touch on all of those later on.

I actually unbox and assembled the 1/144 Zollidia last night. I'll review the kit later today and upload the unboxing/articulation videos. Got lazy to customize the crossover, for some reason i'm not inspired to complete it anytime soon. I do plan to start painting...hopefully the laziness doesn't start to kick in. lol.

My youtube channel and reviews

Overview: My youtube channel, 50+ subs, on-going contest(I'm participating).

I should still continue updating this journal as I find that I read them later on and reminisce my ideas and thoughts.

I did get get quite caught up with youtube and reviewing SD gundam kits. lol. I'm starting to think i'm pampering my subscribers as i post three or more vids a week. But I enjoy what I'm doing and I really want to share my great finds with others. Also, I like to promote my hobby as I find only a few enjoy super deformed gundams.

Last time I check, I finally got 50+ subscribers, Yay!! Awhile back I commented before to someone's vid (forgot who) that sub's number isn't important to me. But now, it sorta does. The number signifies a sense of accomplishment and awareness that viewers actually like your material--they even take the time to comment on my vids. Actually before I reach 50, my sub number went down by one. I was wondering who was that and would like to ask them why. But unfortunately, youtube doesn't notify you. And I can't really tell who it is cause i can't remember all of my subscriber's names (note: I even sometimes mistook one youtuber to another >_<, but certain names stand out and I remember them quite well.) Then I finally got three more subscribers which brought my sub # 50+. But the odd thing is I got another sub which I can't seem to figure out who--I want to thank that person. I guess that's the one that editted their subscription maybe? hehe.

Hmm...what else to talk about. Ohh right, I'm thinking of doing something special for getting 50+ subs. Seems like youtube reviewers does some sort of contests, which I have a couple in mind. But seeing there's already a couple on-going ones I'll hold on to mine. I also think that I need more subs to actually get a handful of participants.

On going Contest that I've participated and will participate:
KPHM42's Gundam 00 Theme Contest -entered
Joshuagundamu's Awesome Gundam Contest -entered
2old4toys Painting Contest (yellow theme) - brainstorming
Yummypixel's DBZ contest (still yet to be announced)
(note: I'll probably add hyperlinks later)

So far my WIP are...
- SD Gundam/DBZ crossover (sculpting/customizing)
- Mobile Sumo (paint-drybrushing)
- SD Zeta Gundam (paint-minor detailing)

I'm thinking of doing another unboxing review later on, before i switch to painting. It might be a kit that I will be entering for 2old4toy's contest.

,,V,^_^,V,,
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Carelessness acts of good welfare

Let's see...

I'm finding myself doing good things out of impulse. I'll hold the door when I know someone, even that person is 20ft. away, is going to leave as well. I'll offer my helping hand if you need help fixing your computer or other random chores. I even would leave that 5 cent change off the $1.95 ice cold coffee. lol.

But sometimes I realize that even I'm doing the right thing, it somewhat screws me up. I guess a narrative story will enlighten that.

I started enjoying walks, which last around 40min. to 1.5 hrs. I was walking downtown and found this hardware store. I'm in need of some materials, such as pin files and sand paper in varying grits. The store personnel, probably the owner, kindly offered his assistance and helped me choose the right type of materials I previously mentioned. When we hit the cashier, the phone rang. While on the phone he rang up my purchase and handed me the change. I made roughly $9 worth of supplies and I handed a $20 bill. He handed me $5 bills and coins for change. I was checking and putting it away, I notice an extra $5 underneath. I'm pretty sure I only have the $20 in my wallet. Now here comes my "act of good welfare", without hesitation I notified him of the mistake in change and handed him the extra $5. He smiled, while still on the phone. I said my thanks and left the shop. Deep down I felt good I did the right thing. On the other hand, I could use that extra $5 to buy other things especially if everybody needs money these days. Am I being too nice? maybe too naive? >_>

Let's hear another one....today specifically.

My parents decided to get Cable, Highspeed Internet, and Digital Voice--if you know the company good for you. hehe. There's actually a reason for us for getting it, but not going to get on the details about that. But one thing is for sure, we need to get the TV cable running. The installation is scheduled 2-4 pm. But it's almost 4, still nothing. Then the phone rang and the operator notified me that the technician is running late due to his workload. Being the nice guy I am, it's all good to me.

He came close to 5pm. He did his inspection and turns out, he need to replace the cable connecting from our house to the post outside. Now this post is on a steep hill in our backyard, actually our neighbors. He told me that he might have to call someone to do that. He decided to do it, but he'll be needing someone to hold the ladder. Due to the steep hill and loose soil from the moisture and rain, he wanted someone there just to be in a safe side. I volunteer. I helped carry the ladders and set it up. Turns out that he needs to connect it to the post first. Then have it connected again to where the ladder I'm suppose to support to. He did stay there at the post for some time, probably 10-20min. I did patiently wait at my spot. It started to rain, I even see a rainbow he pointed out. hehe. Anyways, once he finished the connection to the post, he then commence connecting it off the wire below where i'm at. I mean I could've just waited inside till he finishes with the post and come back to support the ladder. But I'm a type of person that can wait, whether it's a bus stop or cashier registers.

So after all that installation, we went back inside to see if the existing cable works. That took about another hour. I have to monitor him as he's going about his task in my parents bedroom. He then sets up everything in that room, being that the telephone jack is there where the modem needs to be close by. Plus it's the only room fitted with the wire that connects to the TV Cable. But actually, my family wanted the cable in our living room where our big TV is at but currently fitted with satellite. But I guess I assumed he want to check if the box works, considering that the wires might have corroded. That took him about another hour of troubleshooting. Then, he finally the dial tone but the modem wont activate for some reason. I think he spent another 2 hours on that? Turns out the problem was at the other end where a phone call to the HQ fixed it in just 2min. Great... Well he's exhausted considering he's working for 15hrs. straight. He did his best to get the internet and cable going. He actually about to call it quits, but he's really persistent. But yeah he finished it, and I signed off confirming his installation.

But that's where I screwed myself up. It's true that he got the internet, cable and phone working. Unfortunately, the cable and internet is setup on my parent's room. The phone actually has bad ringing noise at the background. All of which was furiously pointed at me by my angry dad once he got home a few minutes later. On my perspective, the guy tried his best to get those thing up and running. How I can deny him signing that thing off. He probably is on a commission basis. If i didn't, those 4 hrs. of work are for naught? There are still things need to be fixed, especially the wiring to the living room and the phone but it's already late at night. Am I being too nice? He even mentioned to me that the company actually screw the schedule up. He didn't get his equipment till 1pm. He had to go back to finish the job early in the morning which he still has to go, company policy?, despite not having the proper equipment. The technician had a long day and did his best, at the least he deserve my signature? But not to my dad's eyes. Everything he sees are all wrong, mistakes and "stupid" judgement on my behalf.

My mother was calmed with the situation. Actually, if I were to discuss it with my mom we probably contact the company and asked for a follow-up installation as the job wasn't completed. Yewp, blame the company's messy schedule not the technician. But no. I got yelled at, humiliated and probably called indecent things. My dad didn't see it in my perspective. Heck, he probably couldn't care less for the well being of the technician. After all, it's his job we paid for in terms of installation fees.

Sigh...I apologize for the lengthy post. But you need to know the details to see it in my perspective. But what do you think? Am I too naive to be nice? Is it a careless act of good welfare? Probably a kick at the balls huh? I'm probably not in good terms with my dad this week. Such a downer, bleh.

After writing this wall of text, I feel a bit better. But yea, this will pass and we'll get the whole thing sorted out. I just wish my dad has constructive criticism and not a destructive judgment over the whole thing.

I still believe in good karma. Certain good things did happen to me. Well at least i don't feel guilty since I did the right thing. Or did I? lol.

Until then....

,,V,^_^,V,,

I'm still here...

Updates:

Just a heads up to whomever checks my blog. I'm currently opting out of Stikfas. I still have 'em, still might customize 'em but not sure when.

I actually moved my hobby to building and customizing SD Gundams. ^_^

please check my youtube channel:

http://www.youtube.com/user/meadeslemicah

Thanks,

,,V,^_^,V,,