Just thought I’d make a quick post to the new folks who have added me since meeting at Goth Cruise. For starters, there are two filters that I have here that I give people the option of joining. The first is my Asshole filter, which I use whenever I’m posting about things that are likely to piss someone off. It’s kind of my “you’ve been given fair warning – this isn’t going to be nice” filter. I don’t use it all that often, as I generally try to avoid being a dick, but sometimes it happens and if you want to take part in that you have the option. I also have a sex filter. Pretty self explanatory, that. It can get graphic and kinky, and sometimes peeking into my perversions can be a bit creepy. Again, fair warning.

I’m 33, divorced father of a diabetic 10 year old boy who I have joint custody of. We live with netgoth and her 15 year old son. I don’t really consider myself a Goth, but I occasionally step into the role. maladr1n once described me as a “Giddy, Geeky, Teddy-Bear of Darkness” and I think that fits. On the whole, I’m bouncy and optimistic and I love interacting with people. I also like “dark” entertainment. I’m a diagnosed Manic Depressive but with therapy I’ve weaned myself off of the meds I was taking and have it largely under control. I’m a big geek, and I’m proud of it. I’m a professional Cold Fusion developer, and the company I work for lets me get away with working from home 3 days a week. I’m an actor, primarily working with the Jobsite Theater (resident company of the The Shimberg Playhouse at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center). At one time I aspired to act for a living, but I’m quite content with what I do now. I play far too much World of Warcraft, and am the Guild Leader of a small, “family” guild on Lothar called The Children of Midian.

In November of 2000 I looked like this. I had two strokes that year, and weighed in at around 419.2 pounds. I went on Weight Watchers in January of 2001. In April of 2003 I weighed in at 233 pounds, 186.2 pounds less than when I started and 8 pounds away from my personal goal of 225 pounds. At that point I started to back slide, and in the almost 3 years since I’ve put back on 46 pounds. Most of it was pretty quick, and I’ve actually hovered in the 270-280 range for a good portion of that time. I acknowledge that I have still made a major accomplishment, but the fact that I’ve put that much back on still bothers me a great deal.

I have been told on several occasions that people like my writing, but the truth is I don’t do so much of it here anymore. I used to write long essays about my view of the world, but I guess I burned out or got burned one too many times after doing so. Occasionally I’ll try to find the inspiration to write something with some depth to it, but I generally fall flat. As a result much of what you’ll find here currently will consist of brief snippets of my daily life and links. I will always cut tag meme’s and photos, and generally try not to spam your friends page.

I shot a man in Reno. Just to watch him die.

Ok, I didn’t really do that. Just thought this was sounding incredibly boring and thought I’d spice it up a bit.

Oh – And one other thing. I have dealt with a lot of death in recent years. One of the downsides of having as big a circle of friends and family as I do, I suppose. As a result, I’ve asked all my friends to do something for me in 2006. Don’t die. Pretty simple request, that. Hopefully not too much to ask.

Welcome to my own little egotistical slice of the world. Hope you enjoy your stay.