It has been 2.5 months and I am sorry to everybody and everything that I have missed. Things have been tough at work and I've had more than a few nights that I slept at the store. I also almost died about 3 weeks ago. Massive food poisoning, exhaustion, allergies and violent sleeping habits, led to the worst week ever. I've also lost a lot of good friends and neighbors lately. I've posted a new picture in memorial. I'd do more but I wouldn't know what to do for half of them. My neighbor Ralph, music instructor Stephen, dear friends Maddy and Karren, Rocky and Pebbles (2 of my dogs), my "little sisters" grandmother, a few customers, and Reverend Tom Beatey. I wont dwell on it but I'd ask you to give them and their survivors your prayers.

On a lighter note, in the few spare moments of my time I have found some ways to relieve stress, and keep my blood pressure in check. On May 30th I saw, The Slants, and, Veritas, In concert at Dante's in Portland. (My first bar show *yay*) I have video uploading to veoh as we speak. I'll put up a link later. And on June 28th my friend Parker (The murderface) tricked me into running to his house and then dragged me to a female AC/DC tribute band named Hells Belles at the 7 Ceders Casino. They were awesome, although I don't think I'll be going into any bars for a while, thanks to the smoke and the fact I don't drink. I also joined (Or finally followed through) a band. The Off Beet Crusaders. We're an Asian American fusion band. Mostly English covers of J-Rock songs. We'll see how far it goes. None of us are serious about breaking into music but I needed a new hobby. We have our first recording session in August. God help you all.

The only other thing piece of news I have is about the Nobuo Uematsu Concert at Benaroyal Hall. I caught the last show, with Parker and Darren, and, I kid you not, I have never been more moved or terrified in my life. It was a mix of 11 amazing soundtracks mixed with the technical excellence of the Seattle Symphony and the amazing video arrangements of Square Enix. Also head maestro Roth's version of Swing De Chocobo was simply divine. I also attended the meet and greet with both Uematsu and Roth. They were kind enough to sign my program and CD as take some great pictures. I cried, laughed, cheered, and nearly messed myself all in the coarse of 3 hours. Awesome!

upcoming plans. Kumoricon Prep is about 50% done. Accommodations and transit are done. Vongola Primo is done, but Walter, and the mystery costume are not even started yet. I think we can do it. Aki-Con plans are moving well. No details for right now but we have a panel set up for the con and I know everybody reading this will want to see it.

I wish I could say something profound but I just don't have much to give the community right now. I'll see what I can do but I don't know when I'll have time to get back to the art again. I haven't even taken my camera out in months. I'll work harder to get back into the game and respond to the pile of messages that have stacked up.

Goodnight everybody. And I"m sorry for my ranting,

Robert Grey