Fresh when it gets here from
Julie Barrett
Friday, May 9, 2025
For an old sorta retired lady, I've been busy!
I have a couple of convention appearances coming up, and we'll be taking K-9 to Fan Expo Dallas again this year. Stop by the British Emporium booth.
I'm working on a new electronics prop project that I hope to debut at SoonerCon. It's been a real challenge!
(Warning: Geek Speak ahead!) I'm working on a presentation on wireless control for props and costumes. The current project uses ESP-Now to "talk" between three ESP-32 boards that control or take input from various things. Non-geeky description: Push a button and watch things happen! I'll also have some lighting controls to show off. How about touching an item with a sensor, having it pick up the color, and send that color to your clothing - and everyone in your costume group! I'll also be showing a couple of ways to set lighting colors from your phone, including one that won't require soldering or programming experience!
But fist, I must get that prop finished!
The other thing that's taken up time this month has involved one of the "joys" of home ownership. We lost a tree in the front yard. It's one of those "could have been much worse" situations, but it's involved tree and roofing crews. So much fun! (Not really.)
I'm also working on my sleep and weight loss. Progress on both! The weight loss in particular is ... slow but steady. Throughout my adult life I've been prone to yo-yo dieting, except every time I put on weight I'd hit a new high. If rapid dieting didn't work, how about taking it slow? That's working! I've lost almost 35 pounds over a year and a half or so. The weight loss is also helping with the sleep. I've just had to make an attitude adjustment and realize this isn't going to happen overnight.
And gah. I just realized I seriously need to update my social media list. That shall be my next task for today. I've just noticed some outdated things and some items are showing up double. The latter should be a simple database query, she said, knowing it will take her down a rabbit hole. If you want to keep up with me, the best places are here, Facebook, and Bluesky.
That's all for now. I'll try not to let a month go between updates next time! (Famous last words.)