*Sigh* Can't believe I haven't written a journal entry for over a year. I know I'm pathetic and slack, but a pretty major state-wide tragedy has touched even me, and I feel the need to write about it.

Last Saturday Victoria was ravaged by the worst bushfires it had ever seen; nearly 200 are dead and thousands of homes have been lost. Luckily I'm not so personally affected, although one of the major fires is still burning not far south from here. But what really got to me is that entire townships have been destroyed, including a lovely mountain town called Marysville where my father used to live. It depresses me because I've been there a few times, and have bitter-sweet memories attached to the place, and now there's just... nothing. I can't even begin to imagine what the surviving residents must be going through. And of course I don't even want to think about all the lost pets across the state. If I was amidst a natural disaster-type emergency, the first thing I would do is grab my cats and make sure they're safe; but I guess that wouldn't be a priority for everyone.

On Saturday night I have to admit even I was scared, even though I knew we weren't in direct danger, the wind change had covered the area with smoke and dust, and it was raining ash. Going outside was like walking into a volcano, and it was dark during the daytime... I was probably more worried about the pets even though they were all inside, I just worry about them so much...

But my kudos to all the tireless firefighters and emergency workers; without their dedication the situation would have been far, far worse. And my thoughts are with those that have lost everything...

To end on a positive note, I actually won my first Pokemon card tournament on the 11th of Jan... a City's (Premier rated) event it was, too.

And I know I haven't drawn/written anything in ages... believe me I hate myself about that. Somehow, someday... something will be uploaded. >_>