Well it looks like my last day in CA will be on Friday Aug 8th. On Sat the 9th I will be picking up everything and leaving everything I know behind me. Tho upon closer examination it seems like there really isn't much for me to leave behind. In the past few weeks upon announcing my departure from CA it became painfully clear how many people really cared, or shall I say didn't care. I suppose every one has their own things to worry about but It was just hard to know that the people who I thought were "friends" and a part of my life were merely strangers on the road of life. I suppose that only makes moving for me easier. On top of all that I lost my family, I no longer have a family to come back to as they don't seem to really care that I'm leaving nor do any of them seem to care I exist. Nevertheless, I guess I don't have to worry about seeing them any more either. In these past weeks I've been though more pain and loss than I ever care to experience again, but what hurt me the most was when I needed a shoulder to cry on, I suddenly realized there was no one for me to turn to, that was the loneliest feeling in the world. I guess I've earned that some how.

So what's in the future? I don't know really and from how things look I really have no reason to return to CA so I may just stay out there, who knows.

Anyhow, before I go I should clarify for the record, I know I've never had much luck with making friends nor do I ever seem to be very good at keeping them. I'm Sorry if I wasn't good at being social or ever seem to express my friendship as clearly as you did yours, it's just that my family really screwed me up as a kid and it has always been hard for me to express myself. Hence why I just tended to withdraw. Social interactions are extremely difficult for me, even the simple act of conversation is hard for me. I know a lot of you probably peg me for being emo or antisocial but that's really not the case. My problem is I just don't know how to engage in expressing myself and by doing that I've given people the wrong impression on how much their friendship truly meant to me. For that I don't blame anyone but myself and I don't blame you if you chose not to be friends with me. However, I wished that before I left I could have had the opportunity to express my thanks and appreciation for having gotten to know some of you. Although, in your hearts I may not have meant much to some of you as a friend, but many of you meant more to me than you will ever know. I'm sorry I did not get the opportunity to tell you this in person.

So now I leave behind everything I ever knew and everyone that I ever cared for. I leave CA with many regrets for things I wish I could have changed and leave behind friends who will never know how much they meant to me. I only hope that where ever I end up I can start a new life where my past will no longer haunt me.

Well I never thought I'd have to say this but as of August 22nd 2008 I will be saying goodbye to my home of 32+ years of San Diego CA and relocate to Irving Texas.

Why am I moving to Texas? Well as some of you know for my day Job I work for Chase Home Finance (JP Morgan Chase Manhatten Bank) I have been with that Job for over 6 years now. I had been working in the Quality Control area. I recently applied for a Management position and I got it. I am going to be the new Office Trainer (SME = Subject Matter Expert) So now I am in the process of up rooting my life and putting everything I own in boxes. (except Charlie hehe)

I honestly don't know how long I am going to be in Texas but it seems like this may be a long term thing. I hope to some day return to CA but I don't honestly know what the future will hold for me.

My only regret is that I wish I would have had time to get to know all of you better, I'm just not very good at being social (thanks to my family) having said that I'm sure I probably wouldn't be missed too much but I will miss you all non the less. Hopefully I will be able to find a furry community in the Dallas / Irving area and be able to restart my life over again, hopefully correct some of the mistakes I've made in life. I still plan to still attend FC and also now span out to MFF and AC. Unfortunally Califur will not be a con we would be attending any more because its just not a con that we can attend to justify the expense of going to. I can still be reached via FA and my email.

If for some reason this move turns on to "good bye" rather than "see you later" I hope your path will take you where you want to go and I wish you all the best. For me I leave behind everything and every one I've ever known to start my life over again. Hopefully I have learned from my mistakes. Good bye So-Cal furries and San Diego furries (or is that the same I can't tell anymore *sigh*) For those of you who truly cared to be a friend thank you. I love you all none the less. I know I wasn't the easiest person to get close to and for that I am truly sorry.

With a heavy heart, respectfully yours

- Balto :(

" .. not a dog not a wolf, all that he knows is what he is not, if only he could see what he is."
- Boris

Ok, I know I have not posted in a while but I had to share my new computer. It's a Tablet and its also a Mac.
I wanted to get a new laptop like a Mac Book but those are about $1800 and I also wanted to get a video tablet which was about $1075 for a 12inch wacom tablet and the tablet wasn't very portable. well I found the solution to both. The Axiotron Modbook which is not only a video Tablet but a Mac Book as well. It did have a hefty price tag $2600 bucks but if I was to get both the laptop and Video tablet seperate it would cost me about $2800 and it woudn't be very portable. Also the Modbook seems to have better specs than the regular Mac Book also the screen is bigger than the Wacom video tablet that I almost got. Check it out here:

http://www.axiotron.com/index.php?id=modbook


The only draw back is that its back ordered so I have to wait for late July to get it. ::hops:: I can't wait.

Well another Christmas has come and gone (Thank God).

Its interesting to hear people rattle off their Christmas gift list earnings. (not aimed at anyone particular just an observation is all) I personally spent my Christmas at home just me and my dog charlie and the 2 cats. Since everyone has been sharing their gift list I suppose I too will share. Cuz true it is nice to get presents for christmas.

First and foremost the main highlight of my christmas was what my best friend Matt sent me. totally unexpected and a surprise.

Matt sent me an original one of a kind 1/1 hand painted animation cel from Balto with the original hand painted background from the movie. It also came with the original matching drawing (Ill be posting the image soon . email me if you want to see it. I collect original animation art) and if that wasn't enough he also got me Uncharted "Drakes Fortune" for the PS3 and the new Pixar animated short films.. and also a much needed charging cable for my phone. *hugs the santa otter* Thanks Matt for that. Its nice to know someone cares. I know he didn't want me to feel left out *hugs again*

The other thing I got was nice too
I also got the simpsons movie and a bag of rice. (yep) anyhow it was a nice gesture

my Friend Eric (Xyk) also gave me a very cool Sly Cooper figurine.

other than that. that was the extent of my Christmas. To me Christmas has never been about the gifts. Its about expressing how much you care about those around you. (hence that tends to translate into gifts) Sure I had my dissapointments this year (whats new). One thing is clear to me this year. I know who at least cares I exist. you all who have friends and family to spend with on Christmas try not to forget the real meaning of Christmas. its not about giving and receiving its about showing others how much you love them and haven't forgotten about them... after all wasn't that the message of that first Christmas some 2000 years ago?. Just something to think about. Happy New Year all.

Wow they do exist.

I just picked up an 80 gig PS3 and.... Ratchet and Clank Future "Tools of Distruction" This game is really really awsome. I've spent the past few days playing this and I really think this the best game of all the Ratchet and Clank games. Also the look of this game is really neat. Any one else seen or played this game?

Well that time has come again. It's our monthly get together at our pad "Casa Bueno Nacho" Those of you who have attended in the past (are alreadly invited) and if you will be attending this weekend please RSVP. e-mail: balt0@aol.com (Balto is spelled with a zero balt"0")

If you have not yet attended and wish to attend please send me an e-mail (we are limited in space so RSVPS do help us out) We are looking forward to seeing those of you who have already RSVP'd. Our home is open officially at 3pm.

See ya all on Saturday. The weeks theme is Otters.

Well I guess I should say a little bit about my trip to San Jose in the beginning of October.

On the 4th I flew up to meet my friend Matt in San Jose. We got to hang out for a few days, something we havent been able to do since FC last year. We also got t check out the Winchester Mystery House. Its really a cool place. It was owned by the wife of the guy who owned the Winchester Rifle Company. Apparently she was convinced by "the ghosts of those that died by the Winchester rifle" that if she kept building onto her home the ghosts would leave her alone. She keep building until she died and the result is really weird. The number 13 seems to be a theme in the house a lot. (not to mention we got on Tour #13 hehe) There are also stairs that go no where and doors that open no where. If you ever get a chance to check this out I highly recommend it.

We also got to watch alot of Robot Chicken and Family Guy, not to mention the Discovery Channel. We seem to have alot in common I think thats why he and I are good friends. Also another thing we got to do was go see his god parents in San Francisco. We had a nice dinner and afterwards got to check out the picture Matt and his family took on their trip to Scotland. That was a really fun time.

I flew out Monday night, it was sad leaving because I really enjoyed spending time with Matt. Anyhow over all it was a great trip.

These are the results for my test:

Balto - a dash of intelligence - a pound of beauty - a heaping teaspoon of kindness Combine all stirring until smooth.

'What is your personality recipe?' at QuizGalaxy.com

Just wanted to let you know that this Saturday is our monthly art jam / get together. Please reply or drop me an email if you are planning to make it. See ya Saturday!

OK, Obviously I can't post my new # here but I figured most of you who have my # are also on my Live Journal list. so... if you ever text me or call me and want my new contact info please text my old phone and I will reply with my new contact info. My old phone # is still going to be valid until 3/16/08 I'm just not going to be carrying my old phone anymore tho I will have that phone number forward to my new # I just cant forward Text messages. (or can i?)

I found a nice phone plan that is actually a mistake Sprint made (by accidently releasing an employee email to the public with the offer) and info got out that shouldn't have this is an employee referral plan, not one they advertise and has to be done only online. .. I got a new phone plan that includes the following

Sprint Fair & Flexible Plan

- Adjustable Anytime Minutes
- America - Roaming
- Nationwide Long Distance
- Unlimited Night & Weekend Mins.
- Nights: M-th 7pm-7am Wknd: F 7pm-m 7am
- Unlimited Vision Access
- Unlimited Text Messages
- Unlimited Mobile To Mobile
- Caller Id, Call Waiting
- Three-way Calling
- Voicemail

... and how much did all this cost me?

Plan Price $ 30.00... yes only $30 bucks a month.

I had a similar plan with sprint but I was paying $73 a month for..(but I only had 200 mins. and had to pay extra for free calls after 7 pm) so now you can see why I switched. If any of you want to know how I got this drop me an email. This is a mistake Sprint made and Im sure they are going to catch this mistake soon and change the promotional email. I got a new Treo 755 (for $199) and my account set up and my new bill (with phone insurance) will only be $37 per month. WOO HOO!!! Im finally sticking it to the man. This will make up for all the crap I've had to endure with sprint since 1997.

Well I think I'm going to take an extra long weekend I think I'm taking Friday off and I was wondering if any one was doing anything interesting this weekend. I'm assuming most people have monday off, no?
I love working for a Bank we even get Columbus day off. I'm just waiting for them to give us Ground Hog day off hehe.

Anyhow, It's been so long since I've visited anyone up there so I've contemplated possibly heading up north to visit, tho I'm not sure if everyone is going to be busy this weekend. Sadly my realiy it seems that most of the people I know are through other people, hence it tends to makes making plans difficult for me sometimes, with that being said If anyone doing anything interesting this weekend let me know.

As some of you are aware We have started a monthly Art Jam here at our house every 3rd Saturday of the month. Those of you who attended last Art Jam are welcome as well.

This invitation is going out to:

Sluf
Cameroo
Steve Fox
Grau
Brown Wolf
Fire Wolf
Xyk
Rubbertex
Katze
Fenec Bob
Crypto

If I missed you and if you would like to attend please send me an email (balt0@aol.com). There are others that are also invited that are not on this list but probably on Drakes list. As you know we are limited to space so we are trying to keep this by invitation only.

Has anyone been to the PS lately? I dont think Ive been up there in almost a year if not more. I really am not a fan of crowds and "stupid" which the PS tends to attact both. However I may be up in that area this saturday so Im not sure if I wasn to stop by or not. Does any one know how its been going up there? or does anyone know anything better going on up there that night?

Anyone doing anything interesting this weekend? It's only Tuesday (almost Wednesday) and I'm already looking forward to Friday LOL. I wish I knew more furs in San Diego. Oh well. Whatcha all got planed?? Anyone want to share? :oP

Well this years comic con has come and gone and I suppose it was ok. I think the highlight was meeting Kevin Bacon (He's the guy that did the voice of Balto - Yeah I know I need help LOL) anyhow he turned out to be a really nice guy. He was there promoting a movie he is in called "Death Sentance" I got a signed poster and I was also got him to sign a Balto original Story Board I had. I also got to meet the guy that plays Jordy in Star Trek the next generation.

Anyhow I think this years comic con was nice and Im now 1 degree to Kevin Bacon and all of you are now 2 degrees hehe. Did anyone else do anything intersting or meet anyone cool during Comic Con? Inquiring minds want to know.

I can't believe its already mid July. Comic Con is next week. Tho I only plan on going on Wednesday to preview night and Saturday. Comic Con just seems to have lost all the "magic" it once had. I hope to maybe find some animation cels. Beyond that there really isn't much at comic con that I collect.

I do look forward to spending some time with my friend Matt who I have not seen since FC. I think thats the real treat for me next week. Does any one know when the furry meet will be that week? I know the group from the PS usually plan something that week if any one knows please let me know. Any how I hope to see some of you next week at comic con. Until then take care!

Well that time of the year is nearing. The San Diego Comic Con is upon us again, July 26th - July 29th. Ive been attending the San Diego Comic con for over 8 years. Ive been an exhibitor just about every year since. This year however is going to be the first year I will not be an exhibitor. Mostly for the main reason that the lady who runs Artist Alley is a tyrant. Its fairly clear that she is no fan of furry. (Even the clean artists) Needless to say I, along with every other furry has been black balled from being an exhibitor in Artist alley. That part for me has always been the fun part of attending this convention. Since I now have 2 major furry cons (soon to be 3) that I can attend I really dont need the hassle of attending Comic Con.

Tho I tho miss the old days of hanging out with my friend Matt. Now its just gotten so busy and it hasnt been as fun as it used to be. Even the founder (Shel Dorf) no longer attendes because he hates what it has become. Also it appears none of the people I enjoy hanging out with will be attending this year either so Im not sure if I want to attend either. Most of the fun of this con is hanging with my friends. ::sigh:: I guess everyone else has other things to do, I guess I dont blame them. Comic Con is just too crowded and has lost all the "magic" it uses to have. If you plan on going let me know. That is if anyone is reading this. Anyhow thats my 2 cents on how I feel about the San Diego Comic Con.

Try this one..

Well, the day has finally come and we (Mitch and I) are almost packed and ready for Califur 3. You really should see this painting Mitch did of this Kung-Fu red panda.. I told him he should call this piece "Waaaahhhhhhhh" Actually SLuF came up with the name hehe. Anyhow if you have not had a chance to see my Artshow peices please do. They are all completely matted and framed and I must say they look nice. I have posted the Images on Fur affinity. Im going to try to also post the framed versions so you can see how they look framed. I hope you like them. The scans of the pieces really dont do the final peice justice since I use alot of earth tones they dont ever scan just right. Please check them out at the artshow. The scans are located in my Fur Affinity website.

Here is my Fur Affinity web site: http://www.furaffinity.net/user/balto/

I hope to see you all at Califur, I will be there Thursday night. I'll be smack middle of the dealers room with Mitch.

Oh also on a side note, I came across this artist that makes very AWSOME clay art and sculptures you really should check her stuff out. It's really the best clay and sculpture work Ive seen in a long time. It's very detailed. Shes truly a very talented artist. Here is her web site.

Her name is "Wicked Sairah" and here is her web site: http://www.wickedcreatures.net

You know I think I've been asked this question enough time to merit an LJ post. I suppose a lot of you have noticed that I have a very specific Fur name and Character. You may have also noticed that I also have an equal fur affinity to Raccoons as well as Canids. (surprised? hehe have you not noticed the raccoon tail keychain?) So why Balto?

Well for starters I do like dogs and wolves and he sorta fits both. But why not just create a unique character? well there is a reason for that too. For those of you who are famiar with the film know the story behind this cartoon character. In a nutshell Here is his story and in a moment I will show you how this ties in with me.

Balto of course lived between 2 worlds never really belonging in on or the other. Not being a dog or a wolf. Dogs considered him Wild and wolves considred him diffrent. To make things worse he had those that chose to make it there job to remind him on a daily basis how odd or diffrent he was. needless to say this destroys and chip away at his confidence and self esteem to the point where he isn't sure about anything except the one fact that he is an outcast and doesnt belong anywhere.

Throught all this there is one bright light in his world, and that is the fact that he has one good friend that accepts him just the way he is dispite being dragged along with him in being labled an outcast and sharing in his fate, perhaps he can relate to his situation. It takes him having to step out of his comfort zone and challange himself to prove to himself that it is the very thing he thought was his weakness that end up being his strength and he discovers things about himself that he kept locked away because of insecurity and fear that ultimatly make him stronger in the end and finally once he learns to accept himself as he is, he finds acceptance amoung his peers and his self confidence is restored.

Sounds like alot but I think alot of us can relate to that. For me that character represent the spirit of perseveriance and endurance. Ever since I was a kid I was picked on beat up and bullied every day of my life from K to Highschool. I think thats what I could relate to Ozzy, I understood the pain of feeling like you're alone in the world. Through my school years I had one good friend that stood my me throught it all. He was some one I could always talk to or go to when I was feeling down and he never judged me. In time I learned what Balto learned. Thats its ok to be diffrent and it doesnt matter what others say. You decide who you are no others.

In time I learned to overcome a lot of my own issues and esteem issues .. (still working on some) but when i first saw that movie Balto I just wanted to cry because I could relate to alot of what was happening to the character not to meantion it felt like I was reliving my past watching it. So when it came time to decideing on a Fur name. I decided on Balto. not only because I could relate to the character but to serve as a reminder to me to never forget that where i came from and How I overcame my past.

So now you know why I chose this furname. ... and now you know the rest of the story.

Well Califur is around the corner. Im still about 2 peices short of where I want to be for the Art show. I think Im going to offer one of my original Orville Comic Book panels and an original comic strip in the show, so any of you who ever wanted some of my oringal comic art nows your chance.

lately everything has just been Blah, I just can't seem to find the energy to do anything lately. I need to also get Orville Book 4 off the ground. I had plans to co auther that book with Ozzy but well you know how that turned out. I suppose Im glad that it happned before I started then inbetween, I guess thats his loss.

As some of you may know I will be sharing my table with Mitch de la Guardia. I hope you will stop by and say hi.

Ah yes .. Im Kermit the Frog. Go figure. hehe

You Are Kermit

Hi, ho! Lovable and friendly, you get along well with everyone you know. You're a big thinker, and sometimes you over think life's problems. Don't worry - everyone know's it's not easy being green. Just remember, time's fun when you're having flies!

Well, I've been working on some peices for the Art show. So far 3 are complete. I will be posting them on FA soon. I had to use my camera because it was too big to fit on my scanner. For those of you who have been looking to get some large original commission work from me, will have your chance at Califur. I plan to also have an original comic strip (colored) and also an origial comic book panel at Califur. I'm going to try to have 6 original peices for the art show.

Here is another survey I found:

Your furry side of you.
If could be any anthro-animal, what would you be?	Wolf / Dog
Male or Female?	Male (wow this is a question?)
Height?	5'9''
Weight?	Just right hehe
How long would you want your tail?	Proportional
Would you be an ass-hole, a nice furry, an emo furry, goth, or make your own.	A nice Furry of course.
Paws or human hands? (Furry of course)	paw hands
Claws or no?	Yes
Gay, Bi, or Straight?	err... Stright thank you.
Would you be, weird, normal, disturbed or make your own.	Normal
How tall would you want your ears?	Proportional
What would you look like? (as far as colours and stuff)	Dark brown and light brown fur.
Musician, pro gamer, computer geek, music freak, lazy dude at home, or make you own.	Artist
What colour eyes would you have?	yellow
What would you want in a guy/chick?	um.. a chick
Would you want hair, and if so what colour would it be?	nah just fur
And how long would your hair be?	N/A
How old you be?	My age
Would you go around humping other peoples legs?	Hell no
Would you be happy if you woke to find yourself as the animal you wanted to be?	yeah
And to celebrate it, what would you do?	I'd go back go sleep
Would you wear clothes? XP	probably
What style, if you did? :P	Normal
How big would you want your butt to be?	huh?
Would you want human feet, or like animal feet?	Probably animal feet since I wouldn't want shoes
For the foxes out there, would you have a nice tail, or a bushy one? and would you it all moosed up or not?	er.. lets keep the foxes guessing hehe.
CREATE YOUR OWN! - or - GET PAID TO TAKE SURVEYS!

For those of you attending Califur I just wanted to let you all know I will be in the Dealers Den and here are some off the thigns I will have available:

* BOOKS *
$3 - Comic Book #1 Orville "Dreams of FLight"
$3 - Comic Book #2 Orville "Laugh Clown, Laugh"
$3 - Comic Book #3 Orville "Raiders of the Lost Trunk"
$3 - Comic Strip Book "The Hodges Pond Chromicles
$14 - Web special all 3 comic books and the comic strip book - Plus a FREE Pencil Sketch

* COMMISSIONS *
$25 - Prisma Color Marker

$10 - Pencil Sketches
$15 - Inked Drawings

$15 - Con Badges

NEW for 2007 * Artist Sketch Book *

$10 - The Art of Orville & Critter County
$15 - The Art of Orville & Critter County (Limited eddition) Includes a free sketch


I appreciate all the support all of you have given me in the past and I look forward to helping make your con more enjoyable. Hope to see you all there. Till then take care.

Here are my results to the life test..

YOUR REPORT CARD:
Category	Grade
Love	D
Friends and Family	D
Body	B
Mind	C
Finance / Career	A+
Your Life's Average Grade:   C
'What is your Life Grade?' at QuizGalaxy.com