Aka I wanted that last journal off my main dA splashpage!

It feels weird to think that I may actually be growing up. Well, as much as anyone who prances around dressed as comicbook and video game characters CAN grow up, I suppose!

The thought of moving out is simultaneously one of the most exciting and most terrifying concepts I've experienced. Unlike a lot of people I know my age, I never moved out of my family home. In the interests of not getting huge amounts of debt, I chose to attend my local university so I could continue to live at home. This will be the first time I've really lived independently.

It's a weird thought. On the one hand, I can't wait! The idea of living with Jenn is overwhelmingly exciting, and I can't wait to go house hunting with her, figure out furniture, and call dibs on which room will be lovingly dubbed "Kelly's Room 'o Crap". We'll be able to have friends over whenever we want, offer couches to friends travelling to the UK from overseas, film at any and all hours without fear of waking someone up.... All in all, it'll be awesome.

One of my concerns is money, as I'm sure is the case with many people. For 8 years, my personal bank account has never hit double-digits, and I'm very pleased with that (I've been working since I was sixteen, often in two jobs at the same time). I know that having my own place is going to be more of a financial strain, and I'm worried about whether I can keep living the lifestyle I've come to enjoy, as well as afford independent living. Of course, I've already accepted that some changes will have to be made (not going to Nandos or KFC at every opportunity being one of them D8), but until I'm IN that situation, I have no clue just how easy or tough things are going to be.

My biggest concern, however, is my relationship with my family. I'm so used to seeing my mum, dad and sister almost every day of the week, and I fear that moving out will mean my time seeing them will start to dwindle. My family and I are very close, and I don't want to end up being one of those kids who only sees their parents a handful of times in a year.

Luckily, I'm likely going to remain quite close to home. Because I'm already in a steady job, Jenn is going to be searching in the same area as I work, which is only 30 minutes or so from the family home, so I won't be far. Still, it's a little daunting.

I want this to go perfectly.


Since I announced about Jenn and I moving in together on my last journal, I've had a fair few notes from some lovely people, asking about if they can help towards the move at all. First, thanks to those who have asked, or considered, about helping us in some way with our move. We're both thrilled that there are some of you out there who want to be involved with our move!

Jenn and I are always awkward about accepting money donations. We did it once for Metrocon, and felt quite weird about it, so aren't keen on doing it again. I'm looking into setting up a gift registry of bits and pieces we'll want and need for our new home. If we go for that idea, we'll publish the link for it both on dA and YouTube, for anyone who wants to buy something towards our house. As well as that, we'll be selling a bunch of stuff on eBay too, when we have time to organize that.

At the moment, Jenn's main concentration is on finishing her dissertation. Once that is out of the way, we have a few things to take care of before the serious househunting begins. *nervous*.


Anyone who has moved home into a place of their own got any tips for us? They'd be most appreciated



-------OH YEAH AND ALCON-------

Totally forgot to add this XD

So, Alcon is NEXT WEEK! It's still not too late to come, whether for a day or the whole weekend. Visit the website for more info: [link]

We've got our panel times now, as follows:

Thursday at 9pm - Late Night Panel with Parlé and FDP
So me, Jenn (perhaps some of the other Parlé crew, if they consent?) as well as TwinFools and VandorWolf will be kicking off the con with the first Late Night panel. These panels are designed for the... slightly less PG questions you get at other panels, so should be a right laugh XD

Saturday at 11am - Body Painting Panel
This is my panel, going into kinds of body paint, methods of application, using an airbrush, and a zillion other things as well. I've made a pretty slide show 8D

Saturday at 4pm - Prop Making For Beginners
My other panel, going into the simpler ways of creating props for cosplay using cheap, basic materials for those on a budget. For those looking for more advanced info, Tab Kimpton is also running a panel at Alcon for Advanced Props. My panel, once again, features the technological awesome of a slide show!

Saturday at 7pm - Filming for Youtube
Being hosted by Jenn, her panel is going to go over the basics of planning and creating broadcasts for YouTube, scripting, and how to edit.

Sunday at 11am - The Marauders Panel
Aka come see Parlé dressed as the Marauders and acting like tits.
On the plus side, it's worth coming to, as we're premiering the next episode of The Marauders at this panel (and will upload it to youtube the week we get back from the con).

Sunday at 1pm - Parlé Q&A
A general panel where you can ask us whatever you want about us, our cosplays, how we do stuff... whatever, really



And, of course, on Friday is the filming for our Left 4 Dead Music Video! Those attending as zombies, please be at the Bede Quad at Noon. We can bloody you up and whatnot if you can't get hold of stuff for it. Be aware, you WILL be blooded and dirtied, so don't wear your best shirt XD


That is all 8D

Thanks to ~Ariyaunna for the avatars!

Before you ask a Q, check the FAQ! [link]

Click here for the Parlé Productions Facebook page!

Events I'm Attending
• 2nd - 5th Feb = SFX Weekender, UK
• 13th - 15th Apr = Kitacon, UK
• 26th - 27th May = MCM Expo, UK
• 15th - 17th Jun = Metrocon, FL, USA

Member of Parlé Productions

Thought For The Journal

"If you enter this world knowing you are loved
and you leave this world knowing the same,
then everything that happens in between can be dealt with."
- Michael Jackson -