iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

lilalexei @lilalexei.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

I'm not sure who I've become. The only tech I'm taking on this road trip are my phone, a power bank, my earbuds, & a book light. Them plus their cables & plugs pack smaller than any of the 3 books I'm taking. If I need, I've got Libby for audio & e-books. #Travel #DailyLife #ChaoticQueer #GeekCrafts

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lilalexei @lilalexei.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Distracted myself tonight by starting assembly of the Heavy Weapons Squad and #3DPrinting some book accessories all while listening to video game lore. #ChaoticQueer #GeekCrafts

Photo of a book held open by a thumb with a red book page holder and a black n white bookmark spelling out the word ReSiSTaNCe with blocks from the periodic table of the elements.

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lilalexei @lilalexei.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Got the final word on a good friend; someone I consider a mentor. Her memory will always be for a blessing. That is three good friends gone in the last 4 weeks. Stick a fork in me. I think I'm done. #Loss #DailyLife #ChaoticQueer #GeekCrafts

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lilalexei @lilalexei.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

I've found myself being in the habit of patting Radio Head the ServoSkull on the noggin every night before I go to bed and wishing them a "Goodnight Buddy." Totally random, unplanned behavior. We really do anthropomorphize anything. LOL! #Warhammer40K #ChaoticQueer #GeekCrafts

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lilalexei @lilalexei.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

I'm getting caught up on my #CombatPatrol sprues. Got a couple Imperial Guard Field Ordnance Batteries built. Next up are the heavy weapon squads. #MiniaturePainting #Warhammer40K #ChaoticQueer #GeekCrafts

Photo of two Imperial Guard gun carriages, one with a rocket launcher and the other a cannon.

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lilalexei @lilalexei.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

My Costco membership is paying for itself. There was a big enough price gap between them and my neighborhood gas stations that it saved me $10 to drive the few extra blocks to fuel up there. They have got to be taking a loss on fuel at this rate. #DailyLife #GasPrices #ChaoticQueer #GeekCrafts

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lilalexei @lilalexei.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Lookee what arrived today out of crowdfunding/pre-order darkness! It's a nerdy take on the artist color cube. I look forward to playing around. Thank you past me for the gift! #DeckOfManyColors #MiniaturePainting #ChaoticQueer #GeekCrafts

Photo of two deck boxes (one silver and black, the other gold and black) and one deck of art cards splayed out for view.

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lilalexei @lilalexei.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

In between the other projects, travel prep, and dealing with the loss of several good friends (fuck cancer, btw); I did manage to print more base toppers and assemble one Guardsman gun battery. #3DPrinting #Warhammer40K #MiniaturePainting #ChaoticQueer #GeekCrafts

Photo of two 100mm bases and three 50mm bases with industrial base toppers on them. One of the 100mm bases has an assembled gun battery on it.

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lilalexei @lilalexei.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Since I will be on the road and living out of hotels for a couple weeks, these plus books of Sudokus will help me limit screen time. I will be moving cities too much to make taking mini painting with me a non-starter. #SoloGames #DailyLife #ChaoticQueer #GeekCrafts

Photo of the Back Stories game, a logic puzzles book, and a deck of Star Wars themed playing cards.

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lilalexei @lilalexei.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

I printed the line art in black filament and used white card stock to back it for contrast. Seemed a good way to use up old craft supplies. #Dune #3DPrinting #ChaoticQueer #GeekCrafts

Photo of Dune inspired line art printed in black filament with white backing set up as a triptych against a grey wall.

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lilalexei @lilalexei.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Getting more stuff off my desk. Printed a little key ring holder and shelf. #3DPrinting #DailyLife #ChaoticQueer #GeekCrafts

Photo of a grey and red shelf with a wallet and phone wrist strap on it. It has a black frame that includes 3 hooks with rings of keys on them.

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lilalexei @lilalexei.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

I would like to introduce you all to RadioHead. He sounds louder & deeper in person. I didn't use the smart speaker that the original plans called for. The UE Wonderboom 4 speaker (already owned) fits great. Thanks for tolerating my project spam. #3DPrinting #Warhammer40K #ChaoticQueer #GeekCrafts

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lilalexei @lilalexei.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

My next door neighbors keep their house hermetically sealed, running their AC/heat 24/7/365. The sound of the compressor is at the right tone to trigger my tinnitus. Thus, I have to keep my office window closed even when it's nice out & I want fresh air. #Grumpy #DailyLife #ChaoticQueer #GeekCrafts

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lilalexei @lilalexei.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

This is the first time I've ever wired my own LEDs. I'm pretty proud of how my Data Skull is turning out. He has now taken the crown for the most complicated thing I've ever made; between #3DPrinting, wiring electronics, painting, and assembly. #Warhammer40K #ChaoticQueer #GeekCrafts

Collaged photos of a test activation of newly wired LEDs, the partially assembled/painted skull with wires sticking out of it, fully assembled/painted skull unpowered, and fully assembled/painted skull powered up.

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lilalexei @lilalexei.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

Ordered a KTAG & IPASS. They cover the toll systems of 23 states & will save me toll $$. I picked them as neither state charges for the tag & will ship to Utah. My upper windshield may end up covered in toll passes. States need to set up one system, damnit. LOL! #RoadTrip #ChaoticQueer #GeekCrafts

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lilalexei @lilalexei.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

All of the Data Skull parts from #3DPrinting. I've started filling and sanding where needed. More rounds of that followed by painting. I still need to get the electronic parts for me to build the lighting. Dumb speaker only, no abominable intelligences here. #Warhammer40K #ChaoticQueer #GeekCrafts

Photo of a hobby desk covered in 3D printed parts; skull, teeth, internal structure, speaker grills, camera eyes, etc.

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lilalexei @lilalexei.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

1. Great little video about why the #TTRPG community resists Hasbro's attempts to capitalize on #DnD, yet successfully does it themselves. Hint... it's about one of the above words... community. #ChaoticQueer #GeekCrafts youtu.be/6tE3cqhUAjg?...

youtu.be

how D&D accidentally broke capitalism

YouTube video by Answer in Progress

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lilalexei @lilalexei.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

The difference a few printer setting changes can make... damn. Being newish to a hobby means there is so much to learn. #3DPrinting #ChaoticQueer #GeekCrafts

Photo of two identical 3D printed parts side by side, one of which is visibly better and smoother looking.

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lilalexei @lilalexei.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Even more parts printed with rough fitting. Once everything is printed, I will have the 'fun' of sanding, priming, and painting. This will be a multi-week project. #3DPrinting #Warhammer40K #ChaoticQueer #GeekCrafts

Collaged photos of black and bone colored interior and speaker parts, as well as the data skull with the assembled speaker attached.

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lilalexei @lilalexei.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Some more parts printed and how they fit together to hold your phone inside the skull. #3DPrinting #Warhammer40K #ChaoticQueer #GeekCrafts

Collaged photos of a receiver and sled for your phone outside and inserted inside the Data Skull. The sled says 'Insert cogitation wafer here' on it.

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lilalexei @lilalexei.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

First parts printed, only several dozen more to go. He was my longest single print to date at 17 hours. #3DPrinting #Warhammer40K #ChaoticQueer #GeekCrafts

Photo of the skull and teeth of a ServoSkull printed in bone colored filament on a desk.

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lilalexei @lilalexei.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

I've been #3DPinting a lot of utility & organization stuff or for other people since I got the printer. I decided to print something other than a bookshelf tentacle just for funzies. He's a long ass print. It'll be a bit for the finished/painted product. #Warhammer40K #ChaoticQueer #GeekCrafts

Photo of Little Plastic People's and Midwinter Mini's fully painted data skull phone or smart speaker dock.

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lilalexei @lilalexei.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

I got together at a friend's game store with a couple guys from my high school gaming group and played #Battletech today. It was a fun blast from the past. I was the second to last man standing in a four way. The guys also sent me home with more mechs. #MiniaturePainting #ChaoticQueer #GeekCrafts

Photo of a game table full of mechs and terrain.

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lilalexei @lilalexei.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

1. Looks like I have a nice holiday weekend planned. Tomorrow I'm meeting up with one of my oldest friends to play #Battletech. Since we're brown bagging, I'm trying a new vegan Chinese place for take out. On Sunday, I'm taking myself out to the movies. #Akira #DailyLife #ChaoticQueer #GeekCrafts

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lilalexei @lilalexei.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Random thoughts: TCGs & blind boxes act on the same pleasure seeking part of the brain that gambling does. Neurospicy folks are especially susceptible. It's predatory & abusive. This whole corporate part of fandom pisses me off. Thanks for coming to my TED talk. #EatTheRich #ChaoticQueer #GeekCrafts

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lilalexei @lilalexei.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Today was past me getting Kickstarter gifts for present me. This was backed almost 3 yrs ago. I still haven't gotten the book from a 4 yr old one. I'm sure it's a loss, as the creator has fucked off to the UK. Only two losses out of the dozens I've backed are ok odds. #Dune #ChaoticQueer #GeekCrafts

Photo of a Dune graphic novel and a bunch of Dune schwag.

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lilalexei @lilalexei.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

I forgot to post this from last week. #MiniaturePainting generates a lot of teeny bits of desk trash and I'm super prone to dropping things. After getting sick of fishing my minis and parts of minis out of the large wastebasket; here's a teeny desk trash can. #3DPrinting #ChaoticQueer #GeekCrafts

Photo of a tiny, grey, 3D printed trash can modeled after the old, round steel ones.

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lilalexei @lilalexei.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

Ever since mechanical #keyboards hit, I've loved them. This is my first custom one w/ a metal case & my own pick of switches/keycaps. It feels & sounds so much nicer. The numpad for work will be here tomorrow. I've got matching keycaps for it. No more fashion brands for me. #ChaoticQueer #GeekCrafts

Collaged photos of a keyboard going through the upgrade process. One photo has just a couple keys and nothing else. One photo has a couple keys and all slots full of yellow switches. One photo is of the keyboard fully assembled with the cream, purple, and red keys. One photo is just of matching keys for a numpad.

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lilalexei @lilalexei.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

Any out of the house plans I had have been canceled by rolling thunderstorms. I guess I'll be building #Warhammer40K minis & my first custom #keyboard (when the parts get here), while listening to documentaries. Might also #3DPrint wall hooks to hang the old keyboard from. #ChaoticQueer #GeekCrafts

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lilalexei @lilalexei.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

1. I've been thinking about replacing my old Razer keyboard for months. Irritation with it sent me down the mechanical keyboard rabbit hole for the past couple weeks. The parts are on the way for me to build a custom keyboard. Due to catching good sales, (cont.) #DailyLife #ChaoticQueer #GeekCrafts

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lilalexei @lilalexei.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

1. Got a couple keys on my Razer keyboard that are sticking. Cleaning hasn't done anything. I think the switches are starting to go bad. It's old enough to require soldering to replace just one key instead of being hot swapped like the new ones. #DailyLife #ChaoticQueer #GeekCrafts

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lilalexei @lilalexei.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

Yo Grim Reaper, fix yer damned GPS. You got the age correct, but the address wrong. #RIPDollyParton #RIPTimCurry

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lilalexei @lilalexei.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

After I finished the Gridfinity in my craft cart and craft drawers, I decided to get all the memory cards, loose paints, spray cans, and #Perler supplies off my shelves, desks, copier/printer, and floor. #3DPrinting is helping me organize. #MiniaturePainting #ChaoticQueer #GeekCrafts

Collaged photos of a hobby desk with the wall above it covered in paints, a shelf full of baskets full of perler and craft tools, and 2 under monitor storage units full of personal care items and memory cards/sticks.

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lilalexei @lilalexei.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Ooohhh... this month's #CombatPatrol includes cannons, weapons emplacements, and bug infested bikers. These will be fun to build. #Warhammer40K #MiniaturePainting #ChaoticQueer #GeekCrafts

Photo of a hobby desk covered in Combat Patrol magazines and sprues.

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lilalexei @lilalexei.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

I had a great weekend. Played #CastlesAndCrusades Friday, went out for dinner with a friend Saturday, & went up to Brighton ski resort today with a couple friends for a flea market & the Silver Lake Boardwalk hike. Got some chores & #3DPrinting done in between. #DailyLife #ChaoticQueer #GeekCrafts

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lilalexei @lilalexei.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

The old Aeron chair that has been with me since my hotel tech support days has finally decided that it must always sink to the bottom. Luckily, they sent a second one home with me. Sinky chair shall now live out it's life as spare parts for non-sinky chair. #DailyLife #ChaoticQueer #GeekCrafts

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lilalexei @lilalexei.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

Had a great time at #CastlesAndCrusades despite forgetting my inhaler. Their cats tried their best to end me. I'm a little gringy feeling, but okay since I did take all of my allergy meds. I did come home to this. A new magnet for the new car. #SevereCatAllergies #TTRPG #ChaoticQueer #GeekCrafts

Photo of a simple white magnet with the black letters all in lower case that say "tell your dog i said hi"

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lilalexei @lilalexei.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

I turned one of my early test prints into a little something for the newest machine spirit in the family. Luckily, I already had the other bits needed to make this. #3DPrinting #Warhammer40K #ChaoticQueer #GeekCrafts

Photo of a set of Subaru keys with an Adeptus Mechanicus purity seal attached.

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lilalexei @lilalexei.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

As part of my hobby desk clean up, I assembled and mounted this addition to my wall paint racks. It gets lots of stuff off my desk. #MiniaturePainting #3DPrinting #SneakyTentacle #ChaoticQueer #GeekCrafts

Photo of a minimalist, black Skadis board with black and grey miniature paint shelves full of Citadel paints, paint handles, and pot stands. There might be a sneaky green tentacle poking out from it.

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lilalexei @lilalexei.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

In the process of cleaning up my desk, I realized that my flags were hidden behind my primers & airbrush chemicals. They make me smile & help me center in this disjointed world. So I hung them visibly on my desk lamps. #DailyLife #ChaoticQueer #GeekCrafts

Photo of a lamp arm with an LGBTQ flag and a Romany flag hanging off of it.

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lilalexei @lilalexei.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

Once my plates for the new car get here, I'll put this on with them. #DailyLife #ChaoticQueer #GeekCrafts

Photo of a black license plate frame with a couple tiny Deadpool logos and the words "My common sense is tingling" in red.

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lilalexei @lilalexei.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

Got the command squad of Cadians from my Combat Patrol subscription built. I really like how the base toppers work for them. #MiniaturePainting #Warhammer40K #ChaoticQueer #GeekCrafts

Photo of five unpainted Cadian Imperial Guard minis standing atop industrial style bases.

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lilalexei @lilalexei.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

I've been a little sidetracked from #MiniaturePainting lately by #3DPrinting with my new printer. Back at it. I printed some base toppers for my Cadians and will get these folks assembled this week. #Warhammer40K #ChaoticQueer #GeekCrafts

Collaged photos of some Combat Patrol magazines, a sprue holder full of sprues, and some 25mm and 28mm bases with grey industrial base toppers.

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lilalexei @lilalexei.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

With the kind gift of this M2A1 ammo can from a friend, I had the bones of an idea. #3DPrinting helped me flesh it out. I now have my #Battletech travel box. It just needs decoration. #ChaoticQueer #GeekCrafts

Four collaged photos; the inside of a M2A1 ammo can with an interior bottom leveler printed from tan filament and wall padding on three sides, three stackable mech storage units printed from tan filament full of mechs with a dice storage and tray box printed from red filament, the inside of the can full of all the stuff, the can closed.

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lilalexei @lilalexei.bsky.social · 16/08/2026

1. After 2 shops quoted an engine replacement on a 16 year old car worth almost nothing, I decided to do a cursory check for a newish car. Someone had traded 1 in that met all my needs & most of my wants the day before. The asking price was below my limit. #DailyLife #ChaoticQueer #GeekCrafts

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lilalexei @lilalexei.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

We had a few folks in the #StarTrekAdventures group who didn't have mini dice towers. I've fixed that for them by combining three different #3DPrinting models and a little industrial glue. Bonus, it uses up some of my least used filaments. #TTRPG #ChaoticQueer #GeekCrafts

Photo of three green mini dice towers with a tan Star Trek delta from the monster maroons era on the side; along with the individual names Erica, Sarah, and Aaron on the tops in the same tan.

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lilalexei @lilalexei.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

Replaced a giant rainbow #Perler pen holder with this cute lil fella, next to my work laptop. The giant one is nice, but I just didn't use most of the stuff in it and it took up a lot of desk space. #3DPrinting #Tentacles #ChaoticQueer #GeekCrafts

Photo of a green tentacle holding a grey cup full of pens and pencils sitting atop a largely black, grey and green desk.

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lilalexei @lilalexei.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

Printed a wall mount for the garage door opener for my mom. The front is magnetic and removable to allow for battery change. Silly shit like this makes me happy. #3DPrinting #DailyLife #ChaoticQueer #GeekCrafts

Photo of a myQ garage door opener in a white mount against a very light cream wall.

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lilalexei @lilalexei.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

With all the adulting stress in a Capitalist hellscape, #MiniaturePainting & #3DPrinting have been a refuge. I own enough supplies that I shouldn't have to spend much for a while. Just restocks on rolls of filament, paint, & brushes. No big purchases needed tho. #DailyLife #ChaoticQueer #GeekCrafts

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