Opportunities have really been coming my way lately. Now that the weather is getting nicer, I have been inundated with requests and activities for Snark. Here are a few:

FurryConnectionNorth: My own state of Michigan has a furry convention! Snark, of course, has to appear. I'm going Friday and staying through Sunday, and my son Brandon (and his character Donjic) and a few of his friends will also be staying over the weekend. Supershinysponsor! Would you expect anything less?

Susan G Komen Race for the Cure: Snark will be walking the marathon (I run like a bag full of hams rolling down a flight of stairs... truly a sight to behold) and raising money for a good cause.

MichiganMile: This is a kid only race, and who better to cheer on the kiddo's than Snark? Again, I'll be doing my best to run while in suit, egging on the little ankle biters.

Walk with the CEO: Ok, I'll be the first to admit, I am REALLY looking forward to this walk. While not a race, but more like a way to get fit, our CEO, the venerable Dennis Swan, CEO of Sparrow Health Systems, will be leading the way. Snark will be at his side.

Elle's Race: This is a race for kids in mourning. Elle's Place is a facility to deal with grieving children who have lost a family member. They do a lot of great things for the community, and this race is a fundraiser.

I really want to do a collaboration with  tychoaussie Thus far, we haven't been able to connect. But, I know we can do it!

I'm also considering getting a hair color change.  marshmallowe does some amazing work.

Very cool!!

A fellow fursuiter here in Michigan mentioned me in an article for the month of March on the Furry News Network!

Although Burk is yet to attend a furry convention, he has been making contacts with local fursuiters. One such acquaintance, “Caedman,” who has a panther/lion character named Snark, works as a paramedic and registered nurse and has shown interest in teaming up with Burk to visit the local Children’s Hospital.

"We’d like to find costumers who’d be interested in putting together some public events and being a service to their community,” Burk explained. “As the community finds out about it, we want them to be able to draw upon it and use it for worthwhile causes.”


Here's a link to the article. I am doing a charity event in April for the Susan G. Komen Race "to kick Cancer's Ass" (although truly, the name of the race is more appropriate).

http://www.furrynewsnetwork.com/201.....rsuiter-month/

Tycho has done some wonderful charity events, led a parade, visited retirement communities and a whole lot more! He is out there improving the furry community by perpetrating random acts of kindness.

Look for an upcoming collafuration coming soon between Tycho and Snark!

Thank you Tycho!

So I have been so busy at work that I just realized I haven't updated my blog in some time. Not a whole lot has been happening this winter so far. Haven't had the opportunity to wear my fursuit much, although FCN is coming in April, along with a couple of events Snark will be attending. (Susan G Komen race to kick cancer's ass, Elle's Place marathon). I'd love to be able to go to AC this year, but I will have to wait and see how things are going.

The suit is still nice and soft after washing it, and I feel bad that I haven't used him in anything recently, but his time is coming. He's a patient Pantheon.

Well the computer rollout went very well. Very few hiccups, and people seem to be getting the hang of it. We still have about 12 days to go, but I think it can be considered a success. I am going to get a HUGE bag of popcorn today for staff to nom while they work. We've also ordered a bunch of food for people, provided support, drinks (of the non-alcoholic variety) and other snacks. Change is hard for people, especially if you're a nurse. Some of the docs aren't adapting well, although a few that I would have the hardest time are actually already on board. It seems they were a little too busy to attend some of the required training, and are no paying the price. Well, the system is easy enough to use. It's only a matter of time. Before they "get it."


I also finally got my hair cut! It was out of control. In my experience madness evolves from dissolution of the details.

Madness. Don't go there.

I have a great hair stylist who does an awesome job.

Not a whole lot of furry activities planned, unfortunately, over the next month or so. Things will pick back up in the spring.

My Snark-pack and birdie should be done today!!

Finally finished with my clinical rotation for my BSN from UofM! Yay! I am taking the winter off and will start back up in the spring. I'm tired!

We have a big rollout of our EMR computer program this Friday and oh boy, is that going to be fun. Supposedly, it will be a simple flick of the switch and we'll be using the system, rainbows will grow over everyone's computer, and the world will live in peace and harmony. I am a bit of an optimist... Pessimist... Can you both? Hmm... That will require some introspection. Anyhow, staff is ready, IT is ready, and I'm ready! What could possibly go wrong?

On the furry front, I ordered a fantastic backpack from  marshmallowe and it looks like a little mini-snark! A big issue I had was not having any place to put my wallet, keys, phone, camera, a sandwich... You name it! Now, I'm prepared! I also ordered a little muppet friend named ... Well, I haven't decided on a name yet, but I was thinking of something like Snipe. He's a cockatoo with attitude! He'll be attending FCN with me.

Speaking of FCN, I wrote to the programming head about possibly doing a panel on beer and mead making.. It was approved! Look for Snark and Shouta in a panel at FCN. I'm trying to work out the free sample thing, but I don't know if that's going to happen.. Either way people will be able to learn how to make some of the oldest beverages known to man.

I've stopped visiting FaF for a variety of reasons, the main one being, the place is full of negative ninny's. There is always someone more than willing to shoot down someone's question or opinion just because they believe themselves to be smart, witty or funny. Usually they fail on all three counts. I am just going to avoid the negative side of the fandom as much as I can.

There are so many sites out there that accentuate the positive side of being furry, why waste time with the stuff that brings you down?

I'm excited about embarking on another fursuit building adventure. More to come...

3,216. That's the total of furs that were at this years MFF! The second largest in the world!

Next year, more furries... Pirates of the Great Lakes!!

I'm feeling sorry for all the poor workers who are required to deal with the shopping hordes that even now are out there, trampling and tromping through big box retailers feeding their consumerism. On the other hand, people are out there having a great time. I am sure that the local news will have stories about greed, avarice, violence and despair, but I think it's time these "news" agencies start focusing on the positives in life. What about the great time people are having out there? What about the groups of friends that get together, their yearly ritual, and have a great time?

I write this as I see the large number of online deals a ail able, all within the safety of my home. Even though these deals seem like a great bargain, keep in mind shipping and handling, wait times, damages to your purchase from the shipping process, the list ones on.

Whatever you do, have fun, share the good times with everyone and have an excellent holiday. Remember, it's not the gift, it's the ... never mind, it is the gift. 8-P

Yahoo! Registered for FCN today! Super Shiny Sponsor!! I may be overdoing it a bit, but I have such a love in my heart now for the furry fandom that I might as well go whole hog!

Haven't registered for the hotel. I only live about an hour away... Do I really want to drive every day for three days, 1 hour each way, to suit up when I get there, then unsuit to drive back? I probably will end up just booking. Room. It's only $99 a night.

I was surprised to learn that FCN is 5 days long! What the what? I'll be interested to see how they fill up those 2 extra days. I do plan to suit all 3 days that I am there.

At this point, I believe that J&J are going, but I am not sure I want to do the carpool thing again. The car was so stuffed full of.. stuff, that I wasn't aBle to see out the back window. I think with just an hour commute, they can probably drive themselves.

Very exciting!

Well, as fur cons go, I'd have to call MFF a huge success. I had an awesome time and am putting together a small film containing vids and pics of the event. The staff of the hotel was awesome and seemed to enjoy the different suits. I was able to pose for a photo with Uncle Kage and also one with Skrat. The only one I wasn't able to get was the one with Mangusu the MonsterRoo. He was probably too busy dancing. I didn't see him off the dance floor at all.

The suit got a lot of attention. People loved the blue mane and LED eyes. I received numerous hugs, probably because Snark is such a friendly lion. Lots of clowning and dancing around. Only a few things happened that put a damper on the activities.

1). My tattoo on the suit tore. I don't know if it happened when I was putting it on, or when, but i noticed a big gaping hole that needed repair. Luckily my son, ever the boyscout, had brought a needle and thread to work on his costume. He mentioned that the thread used to hold it together was pretty weak, basic thread, and if the rest of suit was held together with the same stuff to expect a number of more popped seams.

2). I'm not sure why, but a pinkish dye on the back of my white fur on the gloves is bleeding through. I don't know if this dye came from the manufacturer this way, or if it was placed there as a guide for a pattern, but it is becoming quite noticeable. May need an entirely new set soon.

I also washed my suit when I got home. Boy did it need it. The water was far from clear on the spin cycle, I'll tell you that. I hung it on a hanger, turned a fan on it and left it alone for a few hours. I brushed it out, and OMG is it ever soft! And it smells so nice too! If you are a Fursuiter and you've never washed your suit, DO IT. you won't regret it.

Next up is Furry Con North. I'll be bringing Snark and possibly a friend... If all goes well. I am also in the planning stages of my next fursuit. Yes, I said next fursuit. One thing I've learned is, you need two.

I'll be posting the link o the furtage soon.

Wow! What a lot of fursuiting today! I probably wore that suit for about 5 hours total. I learned today that perhaps underarmor may not be the best thing for fursuiting. A panel I sat in on gave a ton of information of how I can up my game in fursuiting. Plus, I got to "roleplay" a bit and really ham it up, all thanks to Snark. I'll be uploading the video eventually. B and I both walked in the parade, that seemed to take forever, but really only took about an hour. The hardest part was getting everyone organized at the end for the photo. The furries just kept coming out the door! With shouts from the organizers or "PLEASE MOVE BACK AS FAR AS YOU CAN TO MAKE ROOM FOR EVERYONE!!" getting a bunch of hot, sweaty furs to move into position was a difficult job. But, we did it! I can't wait for the picture.

I also got to take a pic with Uncle Kage (who was drinking a lovely white wine) so that was a highlight of the trip as well.

There's a dance competition tonight, and I am trying to decide if I want to go. Wearing a fursuit is pretty tiring, and here it is, only 6:30 and I am ready for bed. However, I think I am done wearing Snark for the weekend. I already have the Snark bits packed up and ready for transport home. Tomorrow morning, B and I will get the car packed up, and then hang out at the con for a few hours. J&J both want to leave around 12, so I am hoping to be home by 4.

Final entry tomorrow.

Having an excellent time so far. Room is very nice, people are awesome, many hugs and smiles given and received. And the fursuits?! Amazing! The creativity and imagination of artists, and even just regular joe's never ceases to amaze me. Last night, my son and I watched the preliminaries for the dance contest. My personal favorites were Mangusu the Monster Roo and Skrat. For reasons that escape me, Skrat wasn't chosen as one of the top 10 finalists. What?! I don't get it. Style, grace, exciting moves, rhythm! Yet No Skrat. That was a robbery, if you want my opinion.

I sat in on a few panels, one for grey muzzles, because hey, I'm no spring chicken (I'm not old.. I'm 43) anymore. My son said, ""Dad, you don't belong there." Of course, being a parent, I supposedly know more than my kid. Anyhow, when I arrived, I truly didn't belong there. Very little of the discussion actually consisted of what originally brought us "grey muzzles" to the fandom. Instead, they discussed their medical problems, medical problems and more medical problems. I was hoping to hear more about suiting, about the start of the fandom, about... well, anything but kidney stones and arthritis! The speaker was a fifty-ish man who said, during the course of the conversation many times, that he was in MENSA, in fact referred to himself as a MENSEN numerous times. i admire intelligence. i despise braggarts. Ages ranged from 40's all the way up to what appeared to be mid 70's. Gods bless 'em, keep on truck in' hipsters. I'm afraid i'll be missing the grey muzzle breakfast this morning.

Today I'll be suiting... A LOT. Good thing I packed extra clothes! The parade is going to last up to 2 hours. They estimate approximately 3000 people at this con. While not every one of them is fursuiting, there are many, MANY costumes. Tonight is the dance competition, and I am going to that as well. Lots of pictures to be taken yet, and I will be uploading them here Monday.

Another update tomorrow morning.

By this time next Friday, I plan to be relaxin' at the con in Chicago. I'm grateful that the con is close enough to drive to, and will be taking lots of pictures while I'm there.

This will also be the indicator if I will be attending any further cons. If I don't have a good time, what's the point of going to any more, right? But I'm sure it will be fine, and lots of fun will be had. I am going with a couple of friends, so hanging out will be a nice break from the stress that is my job.

Looking forward to it...

Just got back from the annual Halloween party and I must say the suit is holding up quite well. Not one drunk person spilled a drink on me, gave out a few hugs, was able to drink diet coke through a long straw, and snarled a hot dog down when no one was watching. (Had to take the head off...). There was a drunk young lady that came up to me and said, "What the f*ck are you supposed to be?!" I have a squeaker in one paw, so I squeaked at her, and she replied, "I'm gonna punch you in the nose." I shook my head no, but she took a swing any way and landed a glancing blow. Not sure what hat was all about, because then she hugged me and said, "My boyfriend told me his name was John, but it was really Jim. he's an ass." Then she hugged me and wandered away.

???

Although I didn't win the costume contest this year (best overall was a fairie in huge fluttery wings) many people said I should have. Of course, many of those people made frequent trips to the open bar too... But I digress. The costume is great and has stood up very well to the things I have put it through.

I met a guy dressed up in a gorilla costume, holding a Fay wray doll pulling around a 5 foot statue of the Empire State Building. That was probably the greatest costume there tonight. Unfortunately, he was also drunk as hell, sweating like a ... Well, guy in a fur suit. He kept asking me, "Are you hot in that thing? Cuz I'm hot as hell!!"

Yes, wearing the fur suit, even though it was a chilly night, led to a damp underarmor experience.

Next up, Halloween! Visiting work and the hospice house here in Lansing, MI. Handing out candy to the kiddies, and of course, eating it too.

Had a great time with the fursuiters at the Boo at the Zoo event! Lots of photos thanks to my handler/photog Brandon. The event was nice because it wasn't hot, although I sweated pretty heavily. Thank goodness for that under armor! Lots of kids, lots of smiles and laughs shared. Even got a few kamikaze hugs (you know, kid comes out of nowhere, grabs you around the legs and you never see them coming). Luckily, no harm done.

I really like fursuiting, and my partner is warming up to the idea. Although he doesn't really like the darker side of the fandom, he sees the response of the kids and believes its a good thing.

Next Saturday I am wearing the suit to a Halloween party, then again to a Hospice facility, then once more up to work bringing candy for all my employees.

Then, I'm going to wash the suit. Cause MFF is coming...

Everyone should have two fursuits, don't you agree?

His name is going to be Pop (as in pop goes the weasel) or Derp. I like Derp, and pop sounds like a father figure... But I digress.

I'll be wearing Snark out to several fursuit outings over the next few months. Derp is coming. Oh yes, he is.

Well, my 18 year old son moved in yesterday and spent most of the day unpacking. We got to talk a bit about things, including life, jobs, furries and family. He's a good kid who has big plans, but no direction. Hopefully we can point him down the right road.

It's all about choices. He had no clean clothes when he got here ( he also did about 6 loads of laundry) thanks to his mom. Long story. Anyway, he is going to get a job, save some money and start school this spring.

I showed him the up close version of Snark, and he really liked it. B has always been very creative, and told me he is going to make his own fursuit. I encourage him. I can't wait to see what he comes up with.

It will be a real transition for me. I haven't had any kids living with me for several years, although it will be cool having him around. He is going to help me finish our Halloween fence so our yard will be complete.

Here's to the future...

My son has always been interested in all things Furry. He recently graduated from high school, and we decided to have him move in with us for a while to get him on his feet. LCC (a community college) is only a few blocks of way so this is going to make it extremely convenient for him. I have also hired him as a camera man for me when I go out fursuiting! He wears ears and a tail already, so this is perfect. I was getting a little worried that my antics would be lost to the world! But, he has graciously offered to film for me, and make a little cash as well. Win win!

I recently heard from a friend of mine that Snark will be included in a montage for our Nursing Magnet pathway. Basically, that's a collection of videos and pictures that are presented to the Magnet committee to prove we are still on the right path in providing excellent nursing care. I'll keep the journal updated as things progress.

There is an event coming up on October 20 called Boo at the Zoo where a bunch of fluffians from the WestMichigan Furmeet group are getting together to fursuit. I'll be there!

Then, October 26, there is a HuGE Halloween party put on every year that my partner and I are attending. I'll be in the Snark suit, once again. My partner is going as a lion tamer. Ha! I'll never be tamed!!

All of this, of course, is leading up to the big event in November. Midwest Furfest! With any luck, my son will be able to go to that as well, and can do some filming.

Lots of things coming up!!

I arrived feeling a little nervous about 45 minutes early to the annual MSU 4H Children's Garden Teddy Bear Picnic. I was wearing my under armor, I had everything ready to go. It was about 43 degrees with a chilly wind, freezing for me in a light jacket. I walked into the proceedings as things were still being set up. I was directed to an empty booth; this was a problem because I had nowhere to change. After waiting for about 20 minutes, I figured I might as well get into my Snark Fursuit. I pulled on my furry fursona, and waited. And waited. It was about 10 minutes before things were supposed to start, so I called my handler for the day. She said, "We're here... where are you?" The volunteers had put me in the wrong tent! I told her where I was and would she mind coming over to get me. My vision at this point, as any of you that fursuit know, was pretty limited. She agreed and a couple of minutes later, came walking up with her rainbow hat. Quickly tossing my personal effects into a box, we rushed over to the real booth.

The kids were fascinated. I had many who just stared at me with this glazed look in their eye, as if they couldn't quite figure out how such a large teddy could be moving around. Several of the kids came up and just hugged me right off the bat, and I hugged them in return. Some kids were scared, so I avoided going near them, pretending to be scared myself, covering my eyes and hiding behind my handler. Many of them really got a kick out of that. There was lots of laughing and dancing, clapping and high fives. I have a squeaker hidden in one paw, and they laughed out loud when I squeaked and pantomimed a variety of different things. I squeaked when I waved, which cracked many of them up, and I squeaked when I gave them a hug. Very cool. This is the main reason I decided to start fursuiting. Yes, I am also looking forward to cons, but this, bringing joy to a child, what's better than that?

There were a few parents who pushed their scared kids towards me, the kids screaming in fright, telling them it was going to be ok, and stop crying so they could take a picture. One wanted me to hold their kiddo for a picture; I won't do that. My paws are not quite nimble enough for such handling.

I got to take my picture with many different people, MSU's women's basketball team, the cheerleading/pompom squad, firemen, moms and dads, police, doctors, nurses and volunteers. Most of those pics are on my handler's camera, and she is going to get me copies, and I will post them here.

For my first fursuit adventure, which lasted 4 hours in suit with 2 10 minute breaks, things went very well. I drank an enormous amount of water on my first break and never had to pee. Sweated like a pig. I'm glad the kids I hugged didn't notice or didn't care. It also rained briefly... the worst part about this was the ratty look the fur took after a light rain landed on it. But, it brushed right out. I turned my suit inside out when I got home, and it dried in a matter of hours.

The head worked quite well except for that darned vision. When I took the head off during my first break, my eyes had trouble looking straight ahead because of how long I had to peer through the narrow eye sockets. But, for the most part, it did what it was supposed to do. The fans were great! If your fursuiter has the knowhow, have them install three. One in the snout, and one in each ear as exhaust ports. It really made a difference in keeping my head cooler.

I opted to not do the digitigrade pads. I need to work on that bit.

Received my fursuit back from  marshmallowe I love it! I've posted several pics of him, and many more to come. The hard part now, will be getting my handler to walk me around. As with many fursuits, or so I've read, mine suffers from that age old problem: vision restriction. I have a bit of a blind spot directly in front of me, and my peripheral vision is for blecch.

It took a while to put the whole suit on, there is definitely an order to this madness! The feet are awesome, but are a bit difficult to walk in... but then again, familiarity breeds comfort. I know that eventually, I'll be dancing like a fool. Until I get the coordination down, I may be apt to step on your feet.

I've read over and over in my research that fursuiting is a great weight loss program due to the amount of sweating you do... No joke! I only wore it for about 20 minutes today, and boy, did I get damp!

Once I've worn it on an actual fursuit outing, I will post a more in-depth review. In the meantime, if you need a fursuit, be sure to check out marshmallowe. You won't be disappointed.

Well, received the suit on Tuesday and found several problems that needed to be rectfied before I can wear it anywhere. The DTD I sent apparently didn't take into account arms at extension or when sitting down. Too much bare skin wrist and ankle exposure.

There were some other minor issues, the suit is on it's way back to the maker for adjustment. If all goes well, I should have it back within a week.

I'll be posting final pics when I get it back. The head, however, is perfect! except for that vision thing... :)

Keeping my fingers crossed.

...is waiting for it to arrive. I keep listening for the UPS driver to show up outside my door, after having checked the "Out for Delivery" message multiple times, as if it would change. Unfortunately, I have to go to work in a few hours, and since someone has to be here to sign for it, I sincerely hope they show up before I have to leave.

Photos and vids to come...

My fursuit is complete and on its way! Many, many thanks to marshmallowe for being an awesome fursuit creator, an incredibly talented artist, and a true friend. Sometimes we would just chat about what was going on in our lives at the moment, and never even mentioned the fursuit once. Weird, I know, but those are indelible moments I won't ever forget. She kept me updated on the suit progression daily, sending me photos and even a video. As my first encounter with a fursuiter, I can honestly say I have no need to ever look elsewhere for my fursuiting needs. In fact, we have already talked about the next project!

Pricing was better than reasonable. I told her repeatedly that she is charging far less than she should, but she is working on building her reputation through the quality of her work, and that is an admirable quality. In my research in finding a fursuiter, it was obvious that the "professionals" are charging an incredible amount of money for their work, kind of placing themselves outside the reach of the average person. While the quality is reflected in their work, asking $3600 for a fursuit is prohibitively expensive for most people. I won't say how much my fursuit cost, but it is worth so much more than what I paid.

Marshmallowe provided me with much more than a fursuit. She helped me develop my fursona, giving me helpful tips and techniques to improve the whole experience. Daily, she surprised me with additions to the suit (including the inclusion of not one, not two, but three fans!) for cooling. I didn't think it possible, but she showed me that it WAS possible, and further bolstered her own reputation as a professional in every respect.


I'll be posting pics here once the suit is in my hands, including a box opening video. I honestly cannot say enough about how much I enjoyed this experience.

If you're looking for an extremely well made fursuit, look no further than  marshmallowe

So today, I volunteered for a Teddy Bear picnic, assuming the suit will be done by then. Basically, the picnic is a charity for kids. It will be my first, hopefully of many, representations of Snark, my alter furgo. I'll get to meet kids, dance with them, and basically act silly.

My fur finally arrived to my fursuiters home, and she's been busy doing a variety of different things. Had to redo the resin eyes due to something not coming out just right, but the new ones are tres cool. She does an excellent job keeping me updated on the progress of my suit, and in a way, I'll be sad that that part of our online interaction will have come to an end. However! I plan to keep in touch with her, send photos and links to events and cons I'll be attending, to keep her in the loop of our collaboration.

Very excited with the progress!!

The girl is awesome! My paw feet are furred! Marshmallowe used some black fur she had on hand, and made them look all fuzzinated. They look great! I'll be posting photos in my gallery.

They say that the Midwest Furfest is the second largest furry conference in the world. This, I hope, won't be too overwhelming for an uninitiated panther/lion hybrid! I've been watching yewtewb vids to see what I can expect. Apparently, there are a few things to keep in mind.

1) Plenty of water is a requirement. However, water based beverages (i.e. alcohol) should be handled with care. If you're dehydrated from sweating all day in a fursuit, the last thing you want to do is getting blasted out of your mind. The ratio of fluid to alcohol greatly increases, thus inebriation ensues that much quicker.

2) I don't have a handler. I considered asking one of my friends, or one of my kids, but not many here are into the furry thing, and I'm not sure if they would be willing to give up a weekend to lead around a giant panther/lion hybrid. It is my sincere hope that my vision won't be too restricted in the suit, though I do expect some limitations in peripheral vision. Also, anything directly in my path, but below my snout will be a hazard.

3) I saw a great idea someone had about "mood cards". Basically, these tell others if you need something, whether it's, "I'm hungry, thirsty, or need to pee." however, not having a handler kind of makes these cards moot.

4) I'm glad there is a fursuiters lounge. While I haven't even received the costume yet, early reports from others complain that heat, humidity and general uncomfortableness is expected. My suit will have 3 fans built in, but some heat is to be kept in mind. How others can wear their suits during midsummer, when temps are over 100 degrees is a testament to the passion for

5). There is a Halloween costume contest every year, a HUGE party where people from all over the state come and show off their creations. I am eagerly looking forward to this, as my costume will be on hand and ready for display. I won last years overall best costume. I'm hoping to repeat that this year.

6). I've been thinking about different places in Lansing where I can wear my suit and not be shot, stabbed or otherwise molested. I have never seen anyone fursuiting in this area, and even though I live in a nice neighborhood, I've got to pick my areas with care. I've considered contacting local schools, or small businesses, or even local events (just showing up!) to cheer and try to make others lives more fun. How often have you seen a 6 foot bipedal pantheon ambulating about getting into mischief? Not very often, I'll wager. This is a work in progress.

More to come...