Santa is a jerk. Regardless of my current poor health, I still want to wish everyone a merry Christmas.
Mom & Rick: Thanks for the pants and the rad hat and... well... the whole pile of gifts (a large amount of which I'm wearing now). The cocoa mentioned in the video above was actually provided by you, so... cheers! Love ya, mom!
Dad & Denise: Think you for the (much-needed) wallet. Although I got mine back in one piece (minus all of the cash and gift certificates), I've refused to use it. Stigma, I guess... Thanks for the clothes as well. It's all very nice... I love the Fender Guitars thermal. I'll purchase that coat as soon as the after-Christmas sales commence. Love you, dad. Denise, I haven't really had a chance to thank you for the cards you've sent me. I really do appreciate them. It's nice knowing that the first piece of mail I received in my new home was the "congrats" card from you. Thank you very, very much.
More thanks coming soon
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Oct. 15 - Nov. 11: Week 5 (and then some)
Okay. Hold it. This whole "weekly blog" thing? It's total bull. I'm not going to waste my time or yours. So, today, I'm going to quickly get you all up to date.
After the week from hell, things went a bit smoother. The pressure was still on, but it was far less nerve-wracking because we had sent out our first major update to headquarters. I worked normal hours (about 8 - 10 hours each day) and on Thursday, I moved from Brooklyn to Jersey City. That was an experience I won't forget.
I was a bit more prepared than my roomate, but I can understand why. When you live in a place for about two months, you seem to forget how much you've actually settled. He had far more crap to move than I did.
We didn't want to call a moving company to help up because a) it would have been pretty pricey, b) it was short notice, and c) it was Halloween. We ended up calling a "car service" and having them pick us up in a van. Dan and I chucked all of our belongings into the back, and rode to New Jersey. We were charged $200 for the commute, and I happily paid that amount. I know we got ripped-off, but I was just happy to be out of the house.
I've since settled into my home, although I still need to purchase some food and furniture and sundries. (Yes, "sundries".) My neighborhood is a bit on the rough side and I make it a point to take a taxi home from the train station when it's dark out because, as Whodini said, "the freaks come out at night". The train station is a mile away and I usually hoof it--- but I'm not going to risk getting shanked, you know?
When I got back to work the following Monday, the game designer who sat to my right was fired. I should probably also state that he was the game designer for the game that I had been working on, so I was more than a bit shook up. I was to begin work on a new project--- so my job is still secure. (Hooray!)
A little under a week ago, I left my wallet in a taxi and that kind of messed me up. I'm still waiting for my debit cards to come in the mail. It's weird having a decent amount of money sitting in an account that you can't touch, you know? I happened to have a spare wallet with an expired CA driver's license, so at least I have a form of ID for the time being.
I haven't done anything overly exciting yet; I'm going to a couple of symphonies with a girl from work (and a couple other co-workers). That should kick-start me into really experiencing New York life. I want to see a couple Broadway musicals in the next few months (specifically Les Miserables, Sweeney Todd, and my roomate really wants to see Wicked), so that should be fun.
I've eaten at several pretty great restaurants / diners / eateries, and my next post will be dedicated foodstuffs. It'll even have pictures! Stay tuned.
After the week from hell, things went a bit smoother. The pressure was still on, but it was far less nerve-wracking because we had sent out our first major update to headquarters. I worked normal hours (about 8 - 10 hours each day) and on Thursday, I moved from Brooklyn to Jersey City. That was an experience I won't forget.
I was a bit more prepared than my roomate, but I can understand why. When you live in a place for about two months, you seem to forget how much you've actually settled. He had far more crap to move than I did.
We didn't want to call a moving company to help up because a) it would have been pretty pricey, b) it was short notice, and c) it was Halloween. We ended up calling a "car service" and having them pick us up in a van. Dan and I chucked all of our belongings into the back, and rode to New Jersey. We were charged $200 for the commute, and I happily paid that amount. I know we got ripped-off, but I was just happy to be out of the house.
I've since settled into my home, although I still need to purchase some food and furniture and sundries. (Yes, "sundries".) My neighborhood is a bit on the rough side and I make it a point to take a taxi home from the train station when it's dark out because, as Whodini said, "the freaks come out at night". The train station is a mile away and I usually hoof it--- but I'm not going to risk getting shanked, you know?
When I got back to work the following Monday, the game designer who sat to my right was fired. I should probably also state that he was the game designer for the game that I had been working on, so I was more than a bit shook up. I was to begin work on a new project--- so my job is still secure. (Hooray!)
A little under a week ago, I left my wallet in a taxi and that kind of messed me up. I'm still waiting for my debit cards to come in the mail. It's weird having a decent amount of money sitting in an account that you can't touch, you know? I happened to have a spare wallet with an expired CA driver's license, so at least I have a form of ID for the time being.
I haven't done anything overly exciting yet; I'm going to a couple of symphonies with a girl from work (and a couple other co-workers). That should kick-start me into really experiencing New York life. I want to see a couple Broadway musicals in the next few months (specifically Les Miserables, Sweeney Todd, and my roomate really wants to see Wicked), so that should be fun.
I've eaten at several pretty great restaurants / diners / eateries, and my next post will be dedicated foodstuffs. It'll even have pictures! Stay tuned.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Oct. 8 - 14: Week 2.
When I got back to work on Monday, I was told that by leaving work on time, I'd actually left "early". My team had been told on Friday that we'd need to have a major update for our game within a week. What followed was the most difficult week of work I'd ever had.
I was still feeling very new to the company. Monday was still only my 5th day working at this company, and I was already faced with a major deadline. I worked, I shit you not, a full week of 13 hour days, many of which did not include a lunch break. By the end of Friday, I had completed all of my artwork, and I could rest easy.
I ended my work-week with some cornbread muffins and fried chicken (courtesy of Live Bait). However, for the first time in a VERY long time, I couldn't finish my meal, and I grew tipsy after a single beer. I guess a week of starvation with little sleep will do that to a person. I stumbled onto the subway and headed home to fill my weekend with sleep and relaxation.
I was still feeling very new to the company. Monday was still only my 5th day working at this company, and I was already faced with a major deadline. I worked, I shit you not, a full week of 13 hour days, many of which did not include a lunch break. By the end of Friday, I had completed all of my artwork, and I could rest easy.
I ended my work-week with some cornbread muffins and fried chicken (courtesy of Live Bait). However, for the first time in a VERY long time, I couldn't finish my meal, and I grew tipsy after a single beer. I guess a week of starvation with little sleep will do that to a person. I stumbled onto the subway and headed home to fill my weekend with sleep and relaxation.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Oct. 2 - 7: My first week of work.
Sorry, no pictures. On top of that, this will be a small (but important) post.
I started work on the 2nd of October. When I arrived at Gameloft, I was given the typical "new employee" run-around. I was given a tour (again) and met all of the employees (again). I was given the run-down concerning my benefits and what-not. About 4-hours into my day, I met my project manager. He wanted three screenshot mock-ups by the end of the day.
Rediculous. Three in one day? Good luck. On a good day, I could only produce one at the most. I worked as hard as I could using software that I'd never used for pixel art in an area wasn't too familiar with yet. I was told upon being hired that one of the requirements was to play at least 70% of the finished Gameloft titles before beginning to work on a project. Lies. LIES! Well, maybe not, but I certainly skipped that step.
I worked as hard as I could and only got about halfway through the first mock-up. I apologized to my project manager, headed outside, and called my mom in order to bitch and moan to someone. (My dad's phone wasn't working too well at this time.) Needless to say, I wasn't impressed with my new job at this point.
The rest of the week went about the same way. I worked hard every day and tried to produce as much art as possible. I should also point out that I was replacing an artist that was recently "let go", so I was having to create art for a project that was far from new and adhere to a style that wasn't mine. I was trying my best, and it wasn't working out too well. Towards the end of the week, I was working 9 hours a day (or, really, 10 hours a day if I include my lunch). When Friday finally came along, I made it a point to think of a potential exit strategy. I was frustrated, angry, and wanted to be anywhere else.
I wasn't homesick, really. I was just upset with my decision-making skills in that I thought that my decision to move to New York would be difficult, but at least the job would be easy and, perhaps, fun.
This post is a bit depressing, so I'll give you another post soon that describes my 2nd week on the job. It's not much better, but at least we can get the really bad times out of the way.
I started work on the 2nd of October. When I arrived at Gameloft, I was given the typical "new employee" run-around. I was given a tour (again) and met all of the employees (again). I was given the run-down concerning my benefits and what-not. About 4-hours into my day, I met my project manager. He wanted three screenshot mock-ups by the end of the day.
Rediculous. Three in one day? Good luck. On a good day, I could only produce one at the most. I worked as hard as I could using software that I'd never used for pixel art in an area wasn't too familiar with yet. I was told upon being hired that one of the requirements was to play at least 70% of the finished Gameloft titles before beginning to work on a project. Lies. LIES! Well, maybe not, but I certainly skipped that step.
I worked as hard as I could and only got about halfway through the first mock-up. I apologized to my project manager, headed outside, and called my mom in order to bitch and moan to someone. (My dad's phone wasn't working too well at this time.) Needless to say, I wasn't impressed with my new job at this point.
The rest of the week went about the same way. I worked hard every day and tried to produce as much art as possible. I should also point out that I was replacing an artist that was recently "let go", so I was having to create art for a project that was far from new and adhere to a style that wasn't mine. I was trying my best, and it wasn't working out too well. Towards the end of the week, I was working 9 hours a day (or, really, 10 hours a day if I include my lunch). When Friday finally came along, I made it a point to think of a potential exit strategy. I was frustrated, angry, and wanted to be anywhere else.
I wasn't homesick, really. I was just upset with my decision-making skills in that I thought that my decision to move to New York would be difficult, but at least the job would be easy and, perhaps, fun.
This post is a bit depressing, so I'll give you another post soon that describes my 2nd week on the job. It's not much better, but at least we can get the really bad times out of the way.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Day 6: Introduction's end.
Day 6 Photos - Click me to view more
Day 6 was a pretty important day. I woke up that morning and slipped into my black t-shirt. It was around this point that I wish I'd purchased shirts that weren't so dark. It'd been hot all week and this day was no different. In fact, when I walked outside, my mom called me (on my new cell phone) and I did everything I could to stay in the shade.
You know, I figured that it would be cooler underground, so I was pretty excited when my dad and I ventured into the subway. Boy, I was so wrong. The subway was hot, humid, and smelled... weird. Really, it kind of smells like a hot jar of petroleum jelly. Along with the odd smell, you can always spot rats scurrying down by the tracks. Apparently, some poor city worker is paid to lay rat traps and poison ("rodenticide"). It obviously doesn't work as you can always see at least one rat when you peer down at the tracks.
We headed to Dan's place in Brooklyn. (This is where I'm currently staying, mind you. I had actually met him here on Day 5, though I forgot to mention it.) The place is pretty odd in terms of the furnishings. Still, it's location is amazing and the landlord is a fairly eccentric Irish guy. Really, really nice bloke. I almost wish that I wasn't moving to New Jersey. The unfortunate thing is that this place costs $2,500 per month. Ouch!
For evening entertainment, my dad and I headed to Bleecker St. (This is actually the same area we had ventured a few days ago when we first checked out Manhattan.) We ended up at a park filled with performers, tourists, and locals. Dan had told me before leaving the house that the squirrels in the parks aren't the least bit skittish. I felt the need to test this. He was right, and I have photographic proof!
That's actually where this day ends, but I feel the need to mention one final thing.
Live Bait. I may have mentioned it before, but I love this place. It's a creole/cajun/southern-themed restaurant and bar. It's located close to Gameloft, so I tend to show up there a couple days a week. The food is great, the customers are lively, and the beer selection doesn't suck. Good times.
Man... two days worth of 3-week old updates in a row? I'm awesome! From here on out, I'll be updating the blog every week (or sooner) as now that I'm working, I have less time to take pictures and have fun. Tomorrow, I'll post another blog with an update that spans from Day 7 - 14. Really, it's just going to cover my first week of work as I didn't do much else--- I'll tell you more tomorrow.
Day 6 was a pretty important day. I woke up that morning and slipped into my black t-shirt. It was around this point that I wish I'd purchased shirts that weren't so dark. It'd been hot all week and this day was no different. In fact, when I walked outside, my mom called me (on my new cell phone) and I did everything I could to stay in the shade.
You know, I figured that it would be cooler underground, so I was pretty excited when my dad and I ventured into the subway. Boy, I was so wrong. The subway was hot, humid, and smelled... weird. Really, it kind of smells like a hot jar of petroleum jelly. Along with the odd smell, you can always spot rats scurrying down by the tracks. Apparently, some poor city worker is paid to lay rat traps and poison ("rodenticide"). It obviously doesn't work as you can always see at least one rat when you peer down at the tracks.
We headed to Dan's place in Brooklyn. (This is where I'm currently staying, mind you. I had actually met him here on Day 5, though I forgot to mention it.) The place is pretty odd in terms of the furnishings. Still, it's location is amazing and the landlord is a fairly eccentric Irish guy. Really, really nice bloke. I almost wish that I wasn't moving to New Jersey. The unfortunate thing is that this place costs $2,500 per month. Ouch!
For evening entertainment, my dad and I headed to Bleecker St. (This is actually the same area we had ventured a few days ago when we first checked out Manhattan.) We ended up at a park filled with performers, tourists, and locals. Dan had told me before leaving the house that the squirrels in the parks aren't the least bit skittish. I felt the need to test this. He was right, and I have photographic proof!
That's actually where this day ends, but I feel the need to mention one final thing.Live Bait. I may have mentioned it before, but I love this place. It's a creole/cajun/southern-themed restaurant and bar. It's located close to Gameloft, so I tend to show up there a couple days a week. The food is great, the customers are lively, and the beer selection doesn't suck. Good times.
Man... two days worth of 3-week old updates in a row? I'm awesome! From here on out, I'll be updating the blog every week (or sooner) as now that I'm working, I have less time to take pictures and have fun. Tomorrow, I'll post another blog with an update that spans from Day 7 - 14. Really, it's just going to cover my first week of work as I didn't do much else--- I'll tell you more tomorrow.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Day 5: I should be living in Hoboken.
Day 5 Photos - Click me to view more
Apologies in advance for taking so long to update my blog. I didn't mean for this to happen. I hit a few snags--- I'll mention these in the next post. Please keep in mind that I'm writing this blog about events that happened some... what... 3 weeks ago? I'll try to be as accurate as possible, but expect me to miss important details. Day 6 will be posted tomorrow.
My dad and I drove out to Hoboken. Just in case you don't know, this is a fairly famous area. (Apparently, some famous singer was from around here. I think his name was Frank Sinatra.) This town was very fun. It reminded me of what Cotati would be like if it was larger, had less new-age hippies / potheads, and more tourists. On second thought, the place was nothing like Cotati. Regardless, it was a cool place filled with small shops and some real gems.
We ran around town until, famished, we strolled into an ancient diner. I loved it for it's authenticity; My dad didn't like it as much as I did though. He felt moderately creeped-out. Hey, to each his own. The food was cheap and great. Oh... and the regulars were AMAZING. Luckily, my dad was able to record a bit of our experience. Enjoy!
So cool...
After that fine, awkward meal, I we strolled over to an AT&T store and I finally picked up a cell phone. For all of you family member types that are in need of my phone number and don't already have it, let me know.
From here, we headed to Jersey City to meet up with my soon-to-be roomate, Dan, and my friend from back home, Gordon, in order to check out the new place. I'm fairly certain (although probably mistaken) I mentioned I'd be living in Brooklyn for a couple weeks before moving into the New Jersey house on November 1st. If not, now you know.
It took a while, but we finally met up and were able to check out the place. It was a pretty large house. In fact, larger than I had imagined. My only concerns were the locals and the general locale of the home. I'm still not too sure how much I like it, and it might just be a temporary stay...
Anyway, that's my home as of November. I'm sure you're all dying to see where I live currently; I'll provide that information in the next post.
Apologies in advance for taking so long to update my blog. I didn't mean for this to happen. I hit a few snags--- I'll mention these in the next post. Please keep in mind that I'm writing this blog about events that happened some... what... 3 weeks ago? I'll try to be as accurate as possible, but expect me to miss important details. Day 6 will be posted tomorrow.
My dad and I drove out to Hoboken. Just in case you don't know, this is a fairly famous area. (Apparently, some famous singer was from around here. I think his name was Frank Sinatra.) This town was very fun. It reminded me of what Cotati would be like if it was larger, had less new-age hippies / potheads, and more tourists. On second thought, the place was nothing like Cotati. Regardless, it was a cool place filled with small shops and some real gems.
We ran around town until, famished, we strolled into an ancient diner. I loved it for it's authenticity; My dad didn't like it as much as I did though. He felt moderately creeped-out. Hey, to each his own. The food was cheap and great. Oh... and the regulars were AMAZING. Luckily, my dad was able to record a bit of our experience. Enjoy!So cool...
After that fine, awkward meal, I we strolled over to an AT&T store and I finally picked up a cell phone. For all of you family member types that are in need of my phone number and don't already have it, let me know.
From here, we headed to Jersey City to meet up with my soon-to-be roomate, Dan, and my friend from back home, Gordon, in order to check out the new place. I'm fairly certain (although probably mistaken) I mentioned I'd be living in Brooklyn for a couple weeks before moving into the New Jersey house on November 1st. If not, now you know.
It took a while, but we finally met up and were able to check out the place. It was a pretty large house. In fact, larger than I had imagined. My only concerns were the locals and the general locale of the home. I'm still not too sure how much I like it, and it might just be a temporary stay...
Anyway, that's my home as of November. I'm sure you're all dying to see where I live currently; I'll provide that information in the next post.
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Day 4: A Jackass In Times Square.
Day 4 Photos - Click me to view more
On this particular day, I was to visit the Gameloft office so I could meet my fellow coworkers. We drove to (and parked on) 42nd Street in Manhattan only to find out that the office was located on 25th Street. Whoops! We had a bit of walking to do, but we managed to do it. On the way there, we saw Times Square off in the distance. It was something that we decided to check out later in the evening.
When I entered, I was met by Dan and Priscilla. We briefly discussed housing financing (as Gameloft pays for my first month of rent) and afterwards, I was inroduced to several fellow pixel artists. I knew some of them already, although I only knew them by their online aliases. It was a fairly surreal moment. I was shown the office in greater detail; I was shown the break room which is filled with some great games. (I can't wait to kick someone's ass in Marvel vs Capcom 2.) Apparently, I'm supposed to play a certain percentage of Gameloft's games before I even start making an art. I'm okay with that. It's a great opportunity to study the art styles and palettes wanted by the company. It seems like a great place to work and I'm sure I'll enjoy it.
When we exited Gameloft, my dad and I headed for the Empire State Building. Yeah, it's a tourist-trap, but hey... we had to do it. The unfortunate thing is that the wait was pretty horrendous. The thing is that when you first walk in, it doesn't seem too bad. The problem arises when you turn the corner after purchasing your ticket. It's at that point that you get a better idea as to what you're in for.
When we arrived at our hotel, my dad asked the hotel manager if there was anything to eat nearby. He told us that there was a place within walking distance of hotel. We both laughed.
On this particular day, I was to visit the Gameloft office so I could meet my fellow coworkers. We drove to (and parked on) 42nd Street in Manhattan only to find out that the office was located on 25th Street. Whoops! We had a bit of walking to do, but we managed to do it. On the way there, we saw Times Square off in the distance. It was something that we decided to check out later in the evening.
When I entered, I was met by Dan and Priscilla. We briefly discussed housing financing (as Gameloft pays for my first month of rent) and afterwards, I was inroduced to several fellow pixel artists. I knew some of them already, although I only knew them by their online aliases. It was a fairly surreal moment. I was shown the office in greater detail; I was shown the break room which is filled with some great games. (I can't wait to kick someone's ass in Marvel vs Capcom 2.) Apparently, I'm supposed to play a certain percentage of Gameloft's games before I even start making an art. I'm okay with that. It's a great opportunity to study the art styles and palettes wanted by the company. It seems like a great place to work and I'm sure I'll enjoy it.
When we exited Gameloft, my dad and I headed for the Empire State Building. Yeah, it's a tourist-trap, but hey... we had to do it. The unfortunate thing is that the wait was pretty horrendous. The thing is that when you first walk in, it doesn't seem too bad. The problem arises when you turn the corner after purchasing your ticket. It's at that point that you get a better idea as to what you're in for.
When we arrived at our hotel, my dad asked the hotel manager if there was anything to eat nearby. He told us that there was a place within walking distance of hotel. We both laughed.
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