Car show was yesterday and it was amazingly successful. Lots of raffle tickets sold and attendance continues to increase. FedEx was a new sponsor this year (they have a branch that does things like move cars) and they're excited to increase their involvement for next year. That's crucial because it's a new show and getting spectacular cars from around the country is easier when transport of some multi-million dollar car is no cost to the owner. I wasn't certain I'd make the show when I woke up with a headache bad enough to provoke vomiting but I managed to make it and I'm so glad. Joe works really hard on the show and it shows. The car owners love him and the show -- and I know he's passionate about cars.

I'm glad he has that show because he's not sanguine on the chances of getting Black Tie and Boots again this next go-round. I'm sorry for that because it's a huge, high profile event and pays well but there are some good reasons to forgo it. And I'll be happy if he doesn't disappear for - literally - the entire month of January 2009. We'll see.

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I worry that I'm becoming a paranoid hypochondriac but I have this sinking feeling that Sunday's difficulties might be due to Saturday night's party, where I met and shook hands with dozens of people who'd been gnoshing on shrimp cocktail. That level/type of blinding headache is something I associate with my response to seafood so I'm wondering if that's the cause. I wish I knew for certain because it may be that I need to look into some sort of medically supervised desensitization just for my own safety. Or peace of mind. Something to add to my research list.

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LIMS competitions are fabulous for icon makers looking for real feedback. I made it through Round 3 of the lantis_lims (whew!) but the feedback is invaluable. Not everyone is as lucky as I am to have had paddies take the time to dissect and discuss one's work so if you're looking for a place to discuss icons and get honest feedback, I recommend checking out a LIMS community. I really wish there were one for SG-1.

After the winners and losers are announced each time, there's a post where people can show their alternates. This is my favorite part because people who are interested in getting/giving feedback hang out there. I've gotten some invaluable advice and been given new things to think about.

I didn't set out wanting to "win" this competition - my goal was the more modest one of not being eliminated in the first round - but now I find I want to stay in for as long as possible because the feedback is addictive. Knowing what someone likes -- but more importantly what they *don't* like -- is instructive and helps me develop an eye.

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I've missed a metric ton of stuff on LJ. I'll be delving back into my flist as soon as possible.