...don't blame me.

Blame the history teachers.

And this is why we should never leave Photoshop in the hands of heralds.

My apologies to Doghouse Diaries.

Okay, so I don't have a good Star Wars-related icon. You'll just have to take Cthulhu instead.

Quotes from our Star Wars game.

( cut to save your flist. )

Had waaaaaay too much fun over the weekend with kampfrau and rhodri2112 and Countess Branwen.

Left KC with everyone Friday evening after seeing Valkyrie withkampfrau and rhodri2112. Yes, Tom Cruise is a terrible actor. No, the movie isn't horrible, but it does leave some things to be desired. Dropped things off in the 'Ville, found that my blue card had arrived (thanks to Martinus, I am an official SCA member now. :D I think it was a great Christmas present.) and I didn't require my print-out. Yay. We stayed at Alex and Roise's in Omaha, and I snorted a lot. Their Graces Eringlin and Alethea also stayed with Alex and Roise, as well as Luke (?). Lots of fun, tried not to die with a ceiling fan sharing the space with the top bunk I slept in.

Day of the event, woke up, got dressed in some pretty awesome Byzantine if I do say so myself. My new Pashmina included. Did some waterbearing, did some hanging out, lots of chatting, carded wool, helped make butter (and showed a few people how to make it), ran around placing bids in the silent auction for an awesome gown (three words: ice blue linen), and I'm pretty sure a lot of other things, but I can't think what else I did quite yet. Traded a pair of earrings for a hyooge bottle of Sabi's first batch of mead, which I think is really good. Went to court, and apparently I'm a bad kid, according to ruaidhriprime and liadan_m, so it was up to sit with the other bad kids in the balcony, but with that meant that we could see things like HRM Maerwynn signing for two gentles who are hearing impaired, but earned their AoAs. I thought it was very nifty. Sat feast thanks to kampfrau, and had fun. Poor Rhodri, though, sitting inbetween trimguy and me. (And Rhodri, I'm Roman. May have spoken Greek, but dammit, I'm Roman. If we really wanted to get nitpicky, Armenian or so, but dammit, I'm Roman.) Feast, while good, was something I had to choose what I ate. Not a big pea fan, so I avoided the soup course. Dessert, though, was awesome. I really liked the Apple Snow. :D I'm realising that I was downgraded from retinue table last year (which was fun with odiernelion and Ermenrich and Kasha), but still quite fun. :)

Anyway. Postrevel. Had fun singing and snuggling. As well as snorting. A lot. And by a lot, I mean a twenty-five snort laughing jag. Adelaide and Mairi Rose were also there (yes, in the same room, snorting at different times. And yes, the drinking game was in effect), so needless to say, while it was a smaller postrevel, it still had a lot of drinking going on. I suppose I'm to be at some sort of blame here.

I did sing my planned QP piece, but because I won't be there due to work obligations, I'm writing it off as practice for a later competition. I think it sounded good, at least, I'm pretty sure it sounded good.

Somehow, my bottle of mead not only survived the day, but survived postrevel as well. summersdream, want some drinky-beverages when you come back? Also, are you thinking about coming to Bellewode again this year? I'm trying to see who might be interested. There's also an event a couple weeks after that I'm supposed to try to teach a dance class at that I think you might like to go to. It's in Leavenworth, so not that far away.

While that's on my mind, huscarl105, do I need to contact anyone about teaching at Ceilidh? And what would you like me to teach? Or, to phrase better, what do you think would be best for me to teach?

Anyway, back to the weekend. Went back to Alex and Roise's, and had a huge pancake breakfast, shared stories from the day (including the wearing of my oh-so-awesome WiFi detector shirt on the way out!), and got everything ready to go...but I've now realised I'm missing my Byzantine garb. rhodri2112, was it found in your vehicle, or do I get to email Dolan?

Got back to town, went back to work today (but I'm off until Saturday), and opened presents from the boy's family, including more Bath and Body Works stuff and a few Longaberger things from his mom. He got me this little clear bouncy ball with blue glitter in it that is my new plaything near the computer for the time being. Might make it into some new photos.

Anyway, I'm going to bring this to a close, as I'm feeling that I'm starting to ramble a bit.

I am back from Kris Kinder. Good time, that's for sure. rhodri2112 and kampfrau picked me up Friday night, and it was a fun two hours down to KC. I gave her the present I made for her (which she totally rocked all day Saturday) and, they made me snort. Funny, yes, but my nose still hurts...but I suppose those are leftovers from postrevel. Anyway. Got to KC about nine, hung out with kampfrau, talked garb and other things, and went to bed early, given that the next day would be long. I maintain I have a pretty kick-ass SCA family: kampfrau gave me a tunica, and we're settling on garb for other things. Silk is nummy, I maintain. Burgundy silk, even nummier. :D Purple and gold garb! (No, I don't bleed purple and gold. Nope.) Remind me to bead stuff for you, kampfrau, and with a bit of direction. I think I can make it manage well.

The next day, we headed out. I did a lot of window shopping, as I have most of my gifts either already made or for my actual family, figured out. However, I bought Anti some of HE Anneliese's soap (it'll have to cure for a little bit longer, but he seems pretty happy I remembered him, and I think it's helped ease the stuff that happened...uh...a few nights ago). I also bought lemon curd, and an awesome poison ring with five little garnets in it from the cooks' guild (and I do apologise for being perhaps overly excited about showing it to everyone. I am rather partial to shinies.) Then I socialised. A lot. As usual. I also sang with Christian's group, and even recorded a piece for CalonSound Project. I sang soprano. For those who know my singing voice, I don't normally sing soprano. I normally sing low alto or tenor. I can sing soprano, but it's not my favourite thing to sing in the first place. But I did sing soprano for this particular piece we did. I still have Gaudete stuck in my head (I maintain that I need to get a quartet to sing it at church for Christmassy things).

After the event, I went to Genghis Khan with huscarl105 and Ferd's household, asked my questions, got answers, was satisfied by said philosophy espoused, and after that headed to postrevel. Sang stuff, wore my Cthulhu slippers (which just about everyone loved. Hee hee hee), snuggled with people...all that good stuff. Got accused of alcohol abuse (I bumped into liadan_m, spilling a little bit of her Mike's pomegranate lemonade all over her). Snorted. A lot. My nose hurts. Talked more with huscarl105. (BTW, measurements are as follows. Waist: 31 3/4" Hips: 40 1/2" Inseam: 32 1/2" Yes, I'm mostly leg.)

Went back to kampfrau's. Dropped. Out like a light.

Woke up this morning, and ended up back in Maryville at noon or so.

Yes, I had fun. Yes, I'm tired. But yes, this was so worth it.

Such a fun weekend!

From time spent with great friends and my SCA family, I had a total BLAST. I left Maryville with Martinus about two after knocking about town with the Monster. We got into Three Rivers around seven (early!) and checked into the Cheshire Lodge. Hung out, and got ready for the next day.

Next day was beautiful! Sunny skies, colourful trees, and with an event, perfection. Martinus offered me his spare heralds' baldric, which I thought about taking, decided not to. Got to site around ten, and by that point had met up with purplellamaboi, scooterheather, huscarl105, rhodri2112, Tadamitsu (hereunto this point denoted as Tim), Cathus and Rowan, Duncan Eardstapa, Duncan Logan, Ruaidhri, Avraham, and a bunch more. It happens at big events like this. Got kissed, hugged, squished, poked, and flirted with (again, it happens, especially at big events). I like the attention. Won't lie.

I watched a few of the fights, but on the whole talked with people I hadn't seen in forever (or in my case, Coronation. That counts as forever, right? It does). That's when things changed.

Herman and Tim were pointing around the room, calling people's names. Curious, I went over to see what was going on (I must learn to not do that at events. Really). Ingeborg said "No, I was on retinue last reign. Thanks but no thanks." Doing my best Li'l Nipper impression, Tim looked at me and asked, "so, do you want to help out?"
Me: With what?
Tim: With Court tonight?
Me: Uh....?
Herman: We'll take that as a yes. Court's at five. I'll see you in the Privy Chambers at 4:30.
Me (scratching my head, wondering what the hell just happened.): Um. Okay?
Tim: It's okay. I'll tell you everything you need to know. You'll just be helping Herman in Court. We call them Stunt Heralds.
Me (Mind coming into full realisation): WHAT?!
Tim: Oh, it's not that bad. You'll give Her Majesty medallions, hold up scrolls, hold Herman's tankard, and if Herman's voice goes out, you'll finish the rest of the court.
Me (panicked): Um. Okay. (big gulp) I better get treated nice. And I might have to kill Herman.

After my duties were explained, and I was told to go sit down and fill up my tankard so that I might be able to get through Court, I hung out more with Martinus and Tim (I poked them both. Darnit.) and did various other sort of things. Martino and Ariel becoming the new Heirs didn't really surprise me much, to be honest, but I think they're a pretty cool sort. Got my hair braided all pretty for Court (really pretty hairstyle with two modified French braids coming together at the nape of my neck and that ended in a low ponytail. I felt pretty. :D Believe me, it rarely happens. (But that's for a later entry.) Being on my best behaviour in Court was HARD. Then again, I'm used to being a brat about things. During Court, a Teletubby costume had made its rounds throughout the Populace, so being on my best behaviour was difficult, especially since all I wanted to do was laugh. And hard. And loud.

The Court itself wasn't too bad. I juggled medallions, a hood, and a scroll for the Laurelling that evening, in addition Herman's pen, tankard, and occasionally the Big Damn Book. However, I had fun. I may do it again. We'll see.

After Court, Martinus and I, and a bunch of Leatherwolf went to Grbic, a Croatian restaurant, most of us in garb. Reactions were PRICELESS! Some had the courage to ask if we were all in a play, if it was like a Renaissance festival thing, and some just stared. (Honestly, by this point, it's become a hobby. Freaking people out is FUN!) Good food, and I got to hang out with some really great people.

After that, it was off to change (I had enough of wearing garb for one day. It was time for mundane clothes), and after that, it was off to post-revel at Duncan and Simonetta's. Much enjoyable. I hung out with huscarl105 and Ruaidrhi for a little bit, and then it was off to Bardic Land. And there, I watched Ferd get his hair done by Simonetta. It had braids and ribbons and feathers in it. I took pictures. By that point, Ferd needed to make a big crash, ran out of the room, and went to acquire noisy things.

He returned with Duncan and Simonetta's silverware. And a few pans. And at the appropriate time in Old Dun Cow, the din was ungodly as all of the silverware was thrown down the stairs with much gusto. Apparently, it's a new record. For what, I don't know, as I couldn't hear it, having been rendered deaf.

About that time, I started my goodbyes. I was tired. And all I wanted to do was sleep. So, back to the hotel.

Woke up this morning around nine, and we headed back about ten. I got home around four, and right now, all I want to do is SLEEP.

Next weekend is Crystal Ball. And I'm excited to help teach.

Oh. And as I was unpacking, I found that magical heraldry elves had snuck in a certain green baldric into my luggage. Yep. I's screwed.

First off, I do apologise about not doing a follow-up on the Presiding Bishop and Diocesan Convention. I am going stir-crazy with activity. (I'm seriously living out of a suitcase for the next two weekends. Yay, events!) In fact, I'm trying to pack for Crown Tournament tomorrow. Martinus is supposed to pick me up at two tomorrow afternoon, and I still have to do laundry, shower, clean my feastgear of dust, and pack. BRWAR! Going insane! You're welcome to join me! I promise I don't bite...hard.

Anyway.

Friday dawned beautifully sunny, but yeeks, it was cold. Ended up going for abour thirty minutes without a nametag, but yet, everyone knows who the hell I am. Seriously, I realise this is Diocesan Convention, but how is it everyone knows who I am? Oh. Right. Young Adult Ministry and getting called up to speak in front of EVERYBODY at the last Convention. Yep. That'd do it. It was mostly education sessions and worship (I went to two: Little Prayerbook on the Prairie, about the history of the Diocese of West Missouri and one on reconciliation from Paul's point of view. Also interesting, but I definitely got a lot out of the history one. Understandably, being the history geek I am.) By the time the evening rolled around, people started milling about, buzzing about one of two things: the presidential election and when the PB would arrive, which she did, later that evening. I met her at the social hour prior to dinner, which was pretty nifty. Where was a camera when I needed it?

For some reason, I always get suckered into going to the banquet, which usually ends up pretty darn good. This year was no different...except I then realised it was catered by dun dun DUUUUUUUN! Aramark. Yep. I can't escape. Ever. Food was still pretty good, but I felt so bad about wasting so much of it because there was a TON of it left over from my plate alone. Conversation was great. I sat with St. Augustine's this year (which is ALWAYS a treat. Love them so much).

The Bishop's Shield awards were given out, and then the PB was called to speak. Short message about how helping the poor is our mission. I won't contest that point, but I'd like to amend that helping everyone is our call to mission. And it goes past that point to actively ministering to them. Meh. I know, I've already spoke of my theological differences with Bishop Katherine. I'll stop. Anyway. Bishop Barry gave Bishop Katherine a desk plaque with "The Buck Stops Here" engraved on it. If you know anything, absolutely anything about Missouri history, you'll know that our thirty-third President is from the surrounding area. Oh, Barry. I had to mention to our table that we had a silly Bishop. I still maintain that we do.

Saturday was filled with voting, as usual, and for once, I didn't have to count ballots, I didn't have to vote, and the deliberation process this year was oddly subdued. Not that I mind. I don't. The measures that were voted on weren't even that controversial. For once! The PB came back in from visiting with the youth, right as the courtesy resolutions were being spoken, and she sat right next to me. Blew my mind. After that, we finished with a hymn, and I went home to my parents. (There is much talk of me going to General Convention again this year, in Anaheim. We'll see.)

Sunday was the day of the end of the Emmaus Era in the diocese, marking several growths and changes for (hopefully) the better. Celebrating that with the Eucharist, the PB being the Celebrant, it was interesting. I was told I should try and process in, but as there wasn't a place for Young Adult Ministers to do so, I was made a Junior Junior Warden on the spot and told to go process with the Junior and Senior Wardens. Yay, vestry! Bishop Katherine avoided all of the weird stuff she's said in the past, and continued with what she noted in her previous address about helping the poor, even in times of uncertain financial problems looming on the horizon. (My only question is, what about the poor within our own churches? What do we do with them?) Asperges were done (rather forcefully. It felt like a good steady rain for a while), as well as a rather traditional Celebration Eucharist. Not quite Rite I, but definitely not Rite III. Like Rite II, but more sombre.

And then I went home to Maryville.

It's all I can write right now. My duffel is looking at me, empty. And I need to pack, now. (I just wish my napkins would dry faster!)

Up next? Crown Tourney! YAY! I'll be back Sunday sometime. And don't forget to change your clocks back.

ALSO.

If you ordered a geek girls calendar on the first printing, they are being shipped now. If you would like me to autograph my page for you, now is the time to let me know.

Thunderstorm rages, though not severe.

Secondly, the Calendar Geeks blog now has an RSS feed: calendar_geeks. Also, there are about ten calendars left in this printing run. If you want yours before our second run in November, get them now. :D

I am still sick, and think I have yet another relapse of EBV. It SUCKS. I hate my blood getting drawn, I hate going to the doc's office (I waited for two hours for a twenty minute consult. Tell me that isn't messed up.), and I hate not being at work. Of course, it's no secret that I hate my job, but I like getting paid. I'd rather do my job and get paid for that, than sitting at home sick.

I haven't gotten started on my Queen's Prize project, at least painting wise, but I also haven't accumulated all my paints yet. I think I may just bite the bullet and get paints from Walmart instead.

Bah. I really should get to bed, but as this storm is on the noisy side, I'm afraid sleep may not come soon.

After doing nothing on Labor Day, I went to work today after a day sick on Tuesday. I know, I know. Stop getting sick. I'm working on it.

Anyway. Today wasn't half bad. I was kept crazy-busy, which may have accounted for my lack of tiredness now. Or my sleeping for twelve hours yesterday. I haven't decided yet.

Meanwhile, Jib IMmed me to tell me that my seat at Coronation feast is reserved. YAY! Best Brother ever. I'm so excited. The downside...I miss my family on Family Day. It's all right, but I really wish I could see them more often than I do at times. Oh, well. I'll see them plenty in October, November, and December. I'm getting excited for Coronation...but I seriously need to sit down and bead. Badly. The boys picked up some beads for me in St. Joe, and some charms, including a little knight charm. I have no idea what I'm going to do with that quite yet. So, I have no excuses. I just need to sit down and bead away. Or else. I also need to make time to work on my QP project, too. Argh.

My to-do list is pretty big, too. And I have to pack my plastic tub so that it survives Martinus' pickup and the five hours up from Bethany. summersdream: I'll know by Friday the approximate time I'll be met there. It could be six or it could be eight (at night, of course.) At any rate, I'm excited.

See y'all there?

If you have not bought your calendar, dooo eeet. Nao. :P (and my spellcheckers are so hating me right now. Nice bunch of red dotted lines saying "OMG. FIX IT! And NOW!")

I saw the previews today, and OMG. AMAZING. (and for an extra bonus, I will even sign your copy. Promise.) We are a sexy buncha chicks, if I do say so myself. And, I have half a notion to sponsor a copy sent to Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert, as they're both mentioned. (Stephen's birthday is even listed on my month of May! Nifty!)

Anyway. It is a kick-ass calendar, and I am totally amazed by the women who also participated. You are all amazing, no lie.

Squee.