Hey everyone. I know, I know - three weeks behind in Smash coverage. But while I laid on my couch in a post-Thanksgiving coma, I did some thinking and came to an executive decision. It may disappoint the phantom readers out there that for whatever reason came to me first for Smash updates, but for the most part, I think that the rest of my tiny handful of readers will agree that it’s time I started making this blog, I don’t know - useful?
Don’t get me wrong, I love Smash as much as the next dork with a blog, but up until now, aside from the occasional movie review or life update, Miketendo didn’t really offer anything exclusive. You could get the same information (and in most cases, more quickly) by just checking the Smash Dojo yourself. So - with that, I will no longer be regurgitating information into your heads and opting to make the blog more appealing to people that just want to know what’s up with me.
Now before you go removing me from your bookmarks, keep in mind that if there are any HUGE updates, “Megaton” Nintendo announcements, or a reader that decides to use that handy comment button to ask a question concerning Smash or any other game, I won’t be opposed to momentarily returning to my dorky ways. But for the most part, Smash will no longer be taking control of this blog simply because it seems to update more often than my life. 
In fact, I think I’ll mark the rebirth of Miketendo with a Life Update:
■ School: With only a quarter and a couple weeks left in my college education, I find myself occasionally zoning out at the thought of how quickly the past 3 years have passed. It really hit home as I searched through the archive of previous work on my hard drive while making my print portfolio and demo reel (both of which, I hope to have online soon). My goal since the beginning was to make the selected pieces really reflect my personality, and I’m happy to report that for the most part, they do. That said - there’s always more work to be done, and I’m looking forward to more collaborative projects - which leads to next bullet point.
■ Work: It feels strange even including this section, as I’ve been technically unemployed since September. But the latest passion for Mig, John, Matt, and myself is Liqueoum - the small idea set in motion by Mig, John, and Andrew has really gained steam and they were awesome enough to invite me aboard as the team’s Illustrator/Animator. The primary focus in our recently ended search for a new home was to find one we could run a business out of - and we really lucked out. Our studio kicks your studio’s ass. If you haven’t already, add Liqueoum on Facebook and check out the latest studio pics - and leave a message for us on our newly mounted TV by IMing ‘Liqueoum‘. We’re looking forward to taking on client work of increasing size and importance as more and more of the team finishes their education.
■ QuadForce: As already mentioned, we’re in a new home - and happier than ever. The size is much more manageable - although, there was admittedly some aching for the sprawling expanses of the Manor as we were faced with a severe lack of Halloween party options this year. Our party days may, for the most part, be over - and our new living situation may be a bit more modest, but despite it all, Thanksgiving went off bigger and better than ever, with only a couple people left without proper seating. As always, Thanksgiving was followed directly by our equally large drawing for Chrimstas victims (No, that isn’t a typo), and everyone seems pumped - so there are only more awesome things to look forward to - included the looming QuadForce Winter Invasion. In slightly more somber news, the smaller living situation came with some changes to the live-in roster, with Joe making a bold and honorable move back home to save money to fund his future and Kyle switching to temporary status - meaning that eventually, we’ll be down to four again, but we wish both of our departed/departing dudes the best of luck and assure them that we’ll always have their backs. To end on a more light-hearted note, we have more holiday spirit than ever this year, having already put up and decorated our first real Christmas tree and more importantly, Amber’s charity drive to give a kid in need an awesome Christmas this year has exceeded all expectations, allowing us to sponsor almost three kids now! Is it possible to feel any wamer/fuzzier? I don’t think so.
■ Dorky Stuff: Mig got Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles, John got Rock Band and both John and I got Super Mario Galaxy. The best season in video gaming is truly upon us - they all rule. Oh, and there’s a new PC game called Crayon Physics that continues to keep all of us in awe until the demo ends - you can bet we’ll be picking it up.
■ Home: Mom and Dad continue to be bigger party animals with age (Awesome) - which unfortunately, is more than I can say for Sparky, who couldn’t see the squirrel in front of the window he was looking out the other day. Thanksgiving was tastier than ever this year and as you already know, the resulting coma allowed me to do some solid thinking. John Travolta in Hairspray made it a little more difficult. Eesh.
■ Personal Stuff: I’ve had a lot of crazy thoughts and dreams lately. I’ll let you know when I get it all figured out.
