Dum · spiro, · spero.

I still don't have internet...but my withdrawal was so bad it was worth packing everything up and heading to mom's to use her connection.



Highlands...was awesome. Equestrian wasn't canceled after all. They let me authorize (advanced...in case anyone doubted me :-P J/K) which means I can go to Southern Crusades and do everything, including take the special authorizations for "Mounted Combat" and "Full Contact Jousting." Must get helm, gorget, and breastplate by then. Rapier first though, Rapier first. It was also my first time riding a stallion. It was not nearly as hair-raising as ppl make it out to be. Granted he was 28, and an Arab (meaning my feet could reach the ground if I really wanted them to) but still, he was a stud. Cool horse. Not trained the way I woulda, but cool nonetheless. And in really damn good shape for a 28 yr old. Got back into town Sunday night, had a very relaxing day yesterday, and spent most of today unpacking and researching a time period for my persona more closely. I'm starting to get an idea. It'll take me a while to firm things up and make sure I like them, but I'm getting an idea. At least enough of an idea to start putting the bridle into working stages.


Things I learned at Highlands (In no particular order)

1. Even if there is Equestrian, I need to split my time between that and fencing.

2. There actually *IS* a good bit of alcohol out there that honestly tastes good. It still tastes like alcohol, but it's good.

3. Backrubs make some people jealous

4. Next time I've even heard of the person standing vigil, I should go in and say "Hi, I'm glad you're getting this honour."

5. Bardic circles kick ass...must find more....like singing

6. Hafla's (sp?) kick ass...I could sit and listen to drums and watch belly dancing for a loooooooooong time

7. There is such a thing as too fat, but there is also such a thing as too thin, and neither of those lines is anywhere near where I used to think it was.

8. Studs are not scary.

9. Between backpacking style camping and SCA style camping, I'll pick SCA every time. EVERY time...big tents, raised beds, fuzzy blankets, lots of pillows, card tables, GOOOD food... mmm....and lots of friends and parties.

10. Booze is not scary. It is not necessary, but it is not scary anymore...except for messing w/ my vision a bit, it doesn't make me feel any different than when I get silly stupid giddy all by me onesy...it just makes it easier...people don't have to be quite as silly stupid with me. And, just in case Rocky didn't make this blatantly clear to anyone, apparently I don't have too many inhibitions for alcohol to wipe out. ;) It's not worth worrying about trying to get drunk or where to stop. It's only worth drinking as long as it tastes good. Also...alcohol is less an upper or downer, and more a mood enhancer. I'll almost always be a happy drunk, but I never want to drink if I'm in a bad mood to start with.

11. It is possible to get happy/tipsy/buzzed/whatever and still be mostly in control, and remember what you did last night. (Yes...in case anyone's wondering, I didn't know alcohol existed 'til well into high school...I'm very sheltered and don't (didn't?) understand it at all.)

12. Whatever else I may think of Ed, I have to admit his courts are much more interesting and entertaining than most - but bring a chair.

13. I *REALLY* don't want to consider having to leave this group again in a year. All I want to do is live each day here like it's my last, and make it my best. Seattle may have to happen, but I have a year before that's true.

14. If I'm careful about my drugs, and ABSOFUCKINGLUTELY anal about staying out of the sun, I can even go camping and keep my shit under control. Kinda gives me hope about not going on the really nasty drugs, or being able to stay here for grad school if that's what I wanna do.




In other news, Matt packed up all the furniture in his bedroom yesterday (except the Clavinova,) shoved it all in a UHaul (with my help) and left at 6 this morning for his first apartment in Iowa. Why is it he's two years younger than me getting his, and he gets to learn to drive a truck and trailer before I do. That last bit especially is just not right, considering what I've spent my life doing. The house is quiet, mom started her new job yesterday. I think she'll like it a lot better than the last one. Her best friend works there, and she'll get to be creative and use what she's learning in school. It's gonna be hard for her living alone though. I know that feeling all too well. I have a feeling I'll be spending a whole lot more time with both of my parents than I ever foresaw when I was in hich school. Funny how parents learn so much in the few years btwn when their kids graduate high school and college. ;) :-P

Still want a kitten. (well...about a 4 yr old) Need to wait at least a month after school starts to see if I have the time. Also need to determine if my place is too small. It might be.