Heya!

So hey, internet-world!
I don't even know if anyone reads this thing anymore, but that's totally cool...I'mma still update it!

The biggest news as of late is my up-coming trip, no, Winter Hiatus, next month. I decided last year that I did not want to stick around for Winter in MD/PA this year, so I'm heading out to the Gold Coast to live/work until whenever I feel like coming back. I bought a one-way ticket to give myself a bit of positive uncertainty to look forward to, as well as give myself an opportunity to roll with the punches in the event that my trip needs to be cut short (or extended).

I chose San Francisco based on its moderate climate, and because I really enjoyed myself when I was out there almost 2 years ago (ughh, I can't believe it's been that long).
I think a few people think that I won't come back to the East coast...I hope they are wrong!

Work's been good, sometimes a slow week or two, sometimes a busy week or two. That's how it is. I've been pretty minimalist with advertising as well as staying put, which I look forward to changing once I get back form the West coast. Even with the lax attitude with promoting myself, I still get new clients and big projects to work on, so I guess I'm not that bad! The majority of the travel bug has been washed out of my system, so I'm finally ready to settle back down in a studio again and take on a heavier schedule.

BTG is most likely where I'll be...The guys have been trying to coerce me into working there since before they've opened, but I knew that committing to work there full-time with such a serious travel bug in my body was going to be counter-productive. We all get along super well, so I'm anticipating the actual nestling down and sticking my nose back into the grind-stone.
There is also another shop that will be opening very close to the epicenter of my travels, and they have expressed interest in having me work there. So, if I decide to commit there as well, I'd probably break my schedule into 2-3 weeks with BTG, then 1 week out of the month with the new shop.
I'm still going to be doing guest spots, but the majority of my time will most likely be spent up at BTG.

Health-wise, things have been good. I had a few issues a few months ago, which included a barrage of tests and what-not, as well as a trip to the ER. Since then, I've been taking further action to maintain my health, and it appears that any future issues will not be a terrifying ordeal.
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Moped season was super rad this past year. I finally met up with a crew in the area, and we've been hanging out, going to rallies, and just being stupid/silly. We really hit it off after I arranged a weekend rally in Gettysburg, and since, we've proven that we can spend almost a week without wanting to kill each other! It's everything I'd thought it would be!
I don't know what I have planned for this rally season, especially since my focus has [finally] shifted back into making my tattooing schedule more consistent. I know it's silly to say this, but I do plan on heading back out to SF in September, since that is the Creature's rally. The last one was two years ago, and it was by far, one of the best experiences of my life.

I have a few projects that need to be finished, but I feel like I haven't had much dedication to really get them finished. The Sebring is getting completely made over, so that was a huge undertaking. The Snark has been awesome...haven't blown it up yet. I still have a few more engines to rebuild, as well as a franken-ped project, so I have my hands pretty full.
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I'll be at the Baltimore Convention this year, but I won't be tattooing. I'll probably be running around, being a gopher for my fellow friends and artists who need someone to do things for them. Should be fun either way, I always enjoy the energy of a convention and seeing all my tat-bros and brahs.
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I think that's a pretty hearty, healthy update. I suppose once I head out to SF, I'll be sooper-giddy and bloggy. For now, any pertinent information can be found on my website...www.chikkenscratch.com!
Catch ya's on teh flip-side!