Well, I freaked out yesterday. Just lost it. Basically I found out that the combination of a tuition bill I didn't expect and talking to a career counselor at school is too much for me in one day. She was happily going over ways I could cram in an internship at night or on the weekends, and I just broke. The idea of giving up what little free time I had to do more law stuff at night, besides the hours of studying and such I already do, just made me miserable. Add to that all the sewing and stuff I'm doing to attempt to pay for stuff, and it leaves little time for me to actually enjoy myself.
Sure, it would be nice to have more law crap on my resume. But last I checked, thanks to my fantastically crappy semester in the Spring, I'm on probation. Granted, I am perfectly capable of getting myself off of probation, and my average is still quite good (top 1/3 of my class). But I'm thinking that I need to block out 2 nights a week, 3-4 hours a night just for homework, and have some time on the weekends to relax. My current job allows me a decent amount of real estate experience around lawyers who keep throwing as much as there is to throw at me. I'm going to look at the volunteer law clinics and see if there's one I can devote 3 hours a week to and still be able to claim it on my resume. But that's about all I'm willing to give up. She said that I'd still get a job without adding anything else, and there's always next summer to volunteer as well, even if I'm taking a class or two.
Oh, and I'd just like to say that I hate my fellow students who have it easy. Whose parents believe in helping you out with your Mercedes and tuition and spending money. Who buy your books and set you up with internships through your friends. I hate you. Personally. Yes, you, you spoiled little brat who probably has no concept of having to build your own connections, buying a car with your own hard earned cash from the job you had to scrabble to get. Yes, you'll probably get a better job than me, earn more money than me, and generally be annoyingly successful. But I still hate you. Deal. Most folks I'm fine with, and there are less of these at my school than if I had gone to USD. But you're still there. Feel my ire.
So, if I'm a little busy lately, it's because I'm attempting to make sure I have around 50 items on eBay at any given time for the next 6 weeks or so. I know I can come up with a good sized pile of cash, it just takes work. Now I wish I hadn't planned to go to Pennsic, but it's too late now. I've spent the money, I'm going.
And thank you to the folks ordering garb from me. You are very greatly appreciated, and I hope you adore what I make for you. If you don't, bring it back and we'll find a way to make it better.
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Monday, July 24, 2006
Monday afternoon pondering...
I've had a few friends discontinue blogs because of the "blog-stalker syndrome". Basically what happens is that you write some stuff in your blog and suddenly everyone knows you. Or at least, they act like they do. They read every word you write, yet, barely if ever have interacted with you in person. And I'm sure the effect is compounded depending on how big your social interactions are. I've had random people do an "ah-ha! I've read your blog" when I've met them, but it really doesn't bug me that much. In reality, most of what's in my blogs isn't that unique to me. But some friends are really bugged by it.
Now, I suppose it is a bit creepy when someone starts talking to you about something you blogged recently. It gets even more amusing when they assume they know what they're talking about, yet don't seem to bother verifying if their assumptions are correct first. I've listened as someone has explained all the reasons why I'm right and wrong about something, only to stop them after that and simply state who or what the blog was actually about. Ahhh, communication.. Pesky thing requires both talking AND listening. And really effective communication involves knowing you might be assuming and then allowing room to compensate for it.
Granted, blogs in general are very new. Really they've only become popular in the last few years, and I suppose a whole new world of etiquitte has to grow around it. Is it polite to ask about a topic when you don't know anything about it? How about when you do know about it? How about when you're offended/upset/shocked about the situation? Are you sure the blog refers to what you think it does? And when is it ok to refer to your online stalking to the author of the missives?
Personally, I'm pretty open about this stuff. If I publish it on a website, I probably couldn't care less if it were broadcast on the evening news. I'd prefer it weren't, and usually these are rather boring, but I know what I prefer to be private about and what I don't. I'm ok with random people approaching me about things.
Just don't assume you know what you're talking about...
Now, I suppose it is a bit creepy when someone starts talking to you about something you blogged recently. It gets even more amusing when they assume they know what they're talking about, yet don't seem to bother verifying if their assumptions are correct first. I've listened as someone has explained all the reasons why I'm right and wrong about something, only to stop them after that and simply state who or what the blog was actually about. Ahhh, communication.. Pesky thing requires both talking AND listening. And really effective communication involves knowing you might be assuming and then allowing room to compensate for it.
Granted, blogs in general are very new. Really they've only become popular in the last few years, and I suppose a whole new world of etiquitte has to grow around it. Is it polite to ask about a topic when you don't know anything about it? How about when you do know about it? How about when you're offended/upset/shocked about the situation? Are you sure the blog refers to what you think it does? And when is it ok to refer to your online stalking to the author of the missives?
Personally, I'm pretty open about this stuff. If I publish it on a website, I probably couldn't care less if it were broadcast on the evening news. I'd prefer it weren't, and usually these are rather boring, but I know what I prefer to be private about and what I don't. I'm ok with random people approaching me about things.
Just don't assume you know what you're talking about...
Con! Bruises! Hot hot hot!
So, I survived ComiCon yet again. Very entertaining as usual, despite overwhelming heat and the usual overload of visual stimulation. I think I want to hide under a rock for the rest of this week, my head about exploded. I actually turned off the TV and enjoyed the blessed silence last night once I emerged from my nap.
I fought in the demo Saturday and Sunday, and had a blast! We're definitely more entertaining while fighting at demos - we hammed it up big time. Lots of shield hits for big crashy noises, cheering, goofing around, etc. We had a good group of folks fighting both days, and pretty good crowds considering the crazy heat.
Fighting-wise, I have to say I'm happy with my performance. I still suck big time, but my arms weren't as tired as usual, I didn't get bruises all over the place, and I held my own better than last year. Considering this is the first time I fought with my sword and board since last year, not too shabby :-) But my whole right hip is tattooed purple and red and black. I have 3 huge welts as reminders of where I need to guard more. Damn heater shield! But not too terrible - it also means that I got in there and fought more. I was working more on paying attention and just throwing shot after shot. I sometimes have a tendancy to hold back a bit, mainly because a broken arm would make school extremely difficult. But I think I did better than I have, and I noticed what a huge difference the weight training is making. Time to start hitting practice faithfully, and getting outside to the pell every night.
I also have to fix my right leg and arm armor. Neither was working properly all day, and may have also contributed to my pain and suffering. I cranked my wrist mighty good Sunday because the padding was too tight in my arm armor. Safer with more padding, but not if I can't move my wrist. Blah. More fixing.
And hey - I got to wear my pretty new dress on Saturday! Apparently I clean up ok :-)
I fought in the demo Saturday and Sunday, and had a blast! We're definitely more entertaining while fighting at demos - we hammed it up big time. Lots of shield hits for big crashy noises, cheering, goofing around, etc. We had a good group of folks fighting both days, and pretty good crowds considering the crazy heat.
Fighting-wise, I have to say I'm happy with my performance. I still suck big time, but my arms weren't as tired as usual, I didn't get bruises all over the place, and I held my own better than last year. Considering this is the first time I fought with my sword and board since last year, not too shabby :-) But my whole right hip is tattooed purple and red and black. I have 3 huge welts as reminders of where I need to guard more. Damn heater shield! But not too terrible - it also means that I got in there and fought more. I was working more on paying attention and just throwing shot after shot. I sometimes have a tendancy to hold back a bit, mainly because a broken arm would make school extremely difficult. But I think I did better than I have, and I noticed what a huge difference the weight training is making. Time to start hitting practice faithfully, and getting outside to the pell every night.
I also have to fix my right leg and arm armor. Neither was working properly all day, and may have also contributed to my pain and suffering. I cranked my wrist mighty good Sunday because the padding was too tight in my arm armor. Safer with more padding, but not if I can't move my wrist. Blah. More fixing.
And hey - I got to wear my pretty new dress on Saturday! Apparently I clean up ok :-)
Friday, July 21, 2006
Life, the universe, and meaning...
Ok, so I wax philosophical on a Friday afternoon. Must have been the ice cream cake. Or at least the cake that was supposed to be cream filled until it got left in the freezer too long, and now it's technically frozen. Still tasty, and somehow more satisfying for being frozen...
Life - oh hell. Life. Life to me is just a biological accident that ended up with us being able to tinker with the universe around us. I still think our awareness and potential is just some big cosmic joke on some entity who's still wandering around wondering what the hell happened. Just a little clay, some lightening, and a little something-something and WHAMMO! Lots of life. And we've happily turned it into consumer bliss, a Shivan dream of creating and consuming and destroying, over and over and over. When you think of stuff on those terms, what to have for dinner doesn't seem so terribly important, eh?
The universe. Wow. It's big. Nuff said...
Meaning.. Yeah, the big "what's my purpose here". Well, that's the fun of it. We've proven around here that given the freedom from scrabbling a living, we can extend ourselves to the extremes of what you can make a life. You can spend your days waiting for chances to save other people from harm and make a living from it. You can mooch off of those who let you, absorbing their money, time, and resources in return for whatever benefit they see in your company. You can crank out babies and raise them in the results of having that number of children in whatever your circumstances. You can devote yourself to saving the spinebacked, stilty owls of whatever place you find them in, chain yourself to construction equipment and use your death or injury as a statement of protest. Or you can quietly stay in your little routine of work, dinner, television, sleep. Wash, rinse, repeat.
So yeah, I guess the point of "searching for meaning" is kinda silly. You're more searching for something that tickles your fancy, makes you feel alive, important, loved, happy, exhilerated, etc. And my best thought on how to do that is to go out and experience everything you possibly can, while paying attention and not worrying so much on how comfortable you are in getting there. Sure, it's nice to have cool stuff and get there in style. But then do you still feel the wind in your hair, meet the cool people on the way, discover how creative you can be in your travels, and just see what happens....
But then that implies you're paying attention and getting over your self. Turn down the internal noise and just breathe.
Life - oh hell. Life. Life to me is just a biological accident that ended up with us being able to tinker with the universe around us. I still think our awareness and potential is just some big cosmic joke on some entity who's still wandering around wondering what the hell happened. Just a little clay, some lightening, and a little something-something and WHAMMO! Lots of life. And we've happily turned it into consumer bliss, a Shivan dream of creating and consuming and destroying, over and over and over. When you think of stuff on those terms, what to have for dinner doesn't seem so terribly important, eh?
The universe. Wow. It's big. Nuff said...
Meaning.. Yeah, the big "what's my purpose here". Well, that's the fun of it. We've proven around here that given the freedom from scrabbling a living, we can extend ourselves to the extremes of what you can make a life. You can spend your days waiting for chances to save other people from harm and make a living from it. You can mooch off of those who let you, absorbing their money, time, and resources in return for whatever benefit they see in your company. You can crank out babies and raise them in the results of having that number of children in whatever your circumstances. You can devote yourself to saving the spinebacked, stilty owls of whatever place you find them in, chain yourself to construction equipment and use your death or injury as a statement of protest. Or you can quietly stay in your little routine of work, dinner, television, sleep. Wash, rinse, repeat.
So yeah, I guess the point of "searching for meaning" is kinda silly. You're more searching for something that tickles your fancy, makes you feel alive, important, loved, happy, exhilerated, etc. And my best thought on how to do that is to go out and experience everything you possibly can, while paying attention and not worrying so much on how comfortable you are in getting there. Sure, it's nice to have cool stuff and get there in style. But then do you still feel the wind in your hair, meet the cool people on the way, discover how creative you can be in your travels, and just see what happens....
But then that implies you're paying attention and getting over your self. Turn down the internal noise and just breathe.
Pre-Comicon.... A fighter/geek chick's view
I am excited for Comicon this weekend. Sure, I missed the first two days due to actually maintaining my day job, but I'm good with just two days of fun. The first year I went was overload for going more than 2 days, and last year's 12 hour long day, including Masquerade, was also a bit much. What's the problem? Two things: Pacing and overload.
First, my purpose in being there is to promote the SCA. Granted, I find that sort of thing fun. I need to get a bit more practice on promoting myself and that sort of skillset before I hit interview season next year. And, believe me, most of us suck at talking to folks unless you have some sort of schpiel prepared. It amuses the heck out of me to listen to other folks talk about the SCA at Comicon until I realize I'm not much better. We're all just geeks, but the key is to find the geeks who want a chance to live the medieval stuff. We're usually not going to convert the hard-core console gamer into a heavy fighter unless he's got physical activity on his mind to begin with. And having a range of folks there increases the chance of finding someone they can connect with. That connection is key in any sort of recruiting. You can't convince someone who doesn't like you to give up their happy routine to hang out with your annoying butt. It's an uphill battle, but then they may come out just for the chance to kick your ass...
And then there's the fun of the actual fighting part of the demo. On concrete. In the summertime heat. Yeah. It's a special kind of baked which makes you feel old by the end of the day. Last year, I went home and fell down. Luckily I fell next to a bottle of water, and was able to hydrate myself by tipping the bottle towards my mouth while laying there. About 6000 mg of ibuprophen later, I crawled into bed. Fun, but hard on the body. Add in the fun of walking the floor between demos, and wow! All day on your feet, fighting melees, and smiling for the unarmored masses. It's fun, and rather goofy. And there's nowhere else we can march around in all that armor and not look ridiculous. Well, we still look ridiculous, but comparatively we're pretty tame at Comicon.
And the walking around the floor is especially entertaining. Notwithstanding the huge game, movie, and comic displays, there's a boatload of crap to look at! For the geeky crowd smelling like cheetos and ass (thanks Shroud), it's gotta be Mecca. A wonderful place to visit and pay homage to the creativity in the geekdom universe. And then they toss in scrawny little girls running around in bikinis to promote whatever, costumed characters and sets, and there's photo ops galore. I have a ton of fun as the chick in armor. Much different sorts of looks I get depending on whether I'm in armor or the belly dance stuff. Cheesecake or kick ass babe.. You decide :-) Mikie and Justin and I had fun stalking the Corvus guys last year, since they were constantly stopped for pictures. And then we ran off to get a photo with the Toxic Avenger. Much entertainment. Nothing like it, hence why I'm back yet again....
So yeah, in my 3rd year, I'm finally learning from years past and just doing what makes me happy, heading to legal seminars on Intellictual property in my armor, and bringing a sandwich so I don't have to pay $37 for a slice of pizza. Learning is good!
First, my purpose in being there is to promote the SCA. Granted, I find that sort of thing fun. I need to get a bit more practice on promoting myself and that sort of skillset before I hit interview season next year. And, believe me, most of us suck at talking to folks unless you have some sort of schpiel prepared. It amuses the heck out of me to listen to other folks talk about the SCA at Comicon until I realize I'm not much better. We're all just geeks, but the key is to find the geeks who want a chance to live the medieval stuff. We're usually not going to convert the hard-core console gamer into a heavy fighter unless he's got physical activity on his mind to begin with. And having a range of folks there increases the chance of finding someone they can connect with. That connection is key in any sort of recruiting. You can't convince someone who doesn't like you to give up their happy routine to hang out with your annoying butt. It's an uphill battle, but then they may come out just for the chance to kick your ass...
And then there's the fun of the actual fighting part of the demo. On concrete. In the summertime heat. Yeah. It's a special kind of baked which makes you feel old by the end of the day. Last year, I went home and fell down. Luckily I fell next to a bottle of water, and was able to hydrate myself by tipping the bottle towards my mouth while laying there. About 6000 mg of ibuprophen later, I crawled into bed. Fun, but hard on the body. Add in the fun of walking the floor between demos, and wow! All day on your feet, fighting melees, and smiling for the unarmored masses. It's fun, and rather goofy. And there's nowhere else we can march around in all that armor and not look ridiculous. Well, we still look ridiculous, but comparatively we're pretty tame at Comicon.
And the walking around the floor is especially entertaining. Notwithstanding the huge game, movie, and comic displays, there's a boatload of crap to look at! For the geeky crowd smelling like cheetos and ass (thanks Shroud), it's gotta be Mecca. A wonderful place to visit and pay homage to the creativity in the geekdom universe. And then they toss in scrawny little girls running around in bikinis to promote whatever, costumed characters and sets, and there's photo ops galore. I have a ton of fun as the chick in armor. Much different sorts of looks I get depending on whether I'm in armor or the belly dance stuff. Cheesecake or kick ass babe.. You decide :-) Mikie and Justin and I had fun stalking the Corvus guys last year, since they were constantly stopped for pictures. And then we ran off to get a photo with the Toxic Avenger. Much entertainment. Nothing like it, hence why I'm back yet again....
So yeah, in my 3rd year, I'm finally learning from years past and just doing what makes me happy, heading to legal seminars on Intellictual property in my armor, and bringing a sandwich so I don't have to pay $37 for a slice of pizza. Learning is good!
Thursday, July 20, 2006
eh...
Not inspired to write lately. Maybe I should get more sleep. This working out thing is tiring...
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Teehee!
Apparently I'm the coolest girlfriend. I got my honey a pass to ComiCon this weekend :-)
It's good to have fantastic friends who are willing to give me nice things. I just pass on the goodness when I can....
It's good to have fantastic friends who are willing to give me nice things. I just pass on the goodness when I can....
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
And again...
Twice to the gym again today. I just keep thinking of getting back up during the Gauntlet :-)
Motivation comes easily. Time to polish up the armor for Comicon and clean up things so I can drop them off tomorrow night. Hopefully it'll be one of the last times I'll wear the Bucket of Doom on my head. New helmet on the way, much more spiffy!
Motivation comes easily. Time to polish up the armor for Comicon and clean up things so I can drop them off tomorrow night. Hopefully it'll be one of the last times I'll wear the Bucket of Doom on my head. New helmet on the way, much more spiffy!
Monday, July 17, 2006
More fun, more friends. Life is still good!
So, Magic Mountain. Yes, we went to Magic Mountain this weekend. Damn, it was hot. Fun, but hot! Probably 115 in the shade. Hooray for Valencia in the summer, this summer has just been hot hot hot! The lines were pretty long, considering it was drop dead, cook eggs on the sidewalks hot. I was rather surprised that there were that many people as crazy as us! It was so hot, you were sweating and gross all day, and yet, if you could sweat anymore, you would have to get additional relief. The misting thingies were all over the place, and we kept taking "shopping breaks" to dive into air conditioned stores. Fast rides were a relief, but brief...
We did get on some rides, although I am sad to say that I have officially become a wuss. I got off of the first bigger roller coaster and was shaking like a leaf. The look on my companion's face was priceless as I said, "No, really. I'm ok. I just need a minute so I don't pass out." Yeah, good times. So much for being bad ass, eh? But I was a good sport and waited with him for the new roller coaster, even though I didn't ride the silly thing. I would have lost my marbles with how high that one was, based on my reaction to a medium sized coaster earlier. Oy! So I dove off as he got close to the front of the line, and went and got my picture taken with Foghorn Leghorn. There are two chickens in this picture... And dammit! I never found WonderWoman to get a fun picture. Arrgh!
Also saw my nephew, got reacquainted, and discussed garbage, trucks, and geckos together. It was lovely! And my sister and brother in law have spawned again - they're expecting in the beginning of next year, hooray! More babies for me to be auntie to!
Saw my wonderful household folks up in LA, and got to invite the guys to watch me get the shit kicked out of me at the Gauntlet in October. They're probably going to come fight with us, then witness me surviving the bouts with the guys. Granted, I am thrilled to have them there. They're family. And it's also a ploy for me to get my ass in gear and train up some more. I have 2.5 months, and I haven't been in armor much. I have a lot more muscle, but I need more coordination. So, there's the pressure dial, time to turn up the heat. Don't want to let the family or the Orks down. Therefore, I must train and look cool :-) Off to the gym for the second time today....
We did get on some rides, although I am sad to say that I have officially become a wuss. I got off of the first bigger roller coaster and was shaking like a leaf. The look on my companion's face was priceless as I said, "No, really. I'm ok. I just need a minute so I don't pass out." Yeah, good times. So much for being bad ass, eh? But I was a good sport and waited with him for the new roller coaster, even though I didn't ride the silly thing. I would have lost my marbles with how high that one was, based on my reaction to a medium sized coaster earlier. Oy! So I dove off as he got close to the front of the line, and went and got my picture taken with Foghorn Leghorn. There are two chickens in this picture... And dammit! I never found WonderWoman to get a fun picture. Arrgh!
Also saw my nephew, got reacquainted, and discussed garbage, trucks, and geckos together. It was lovely! And my sister and brother in law have spawned again - they're expecting in the beginning of next year, hooray! More babies for me to be auntie to!
Saw my wonderful household folks up in LA, and got to invite the guys to watch me get the shit kicked out of me at the Gauntlet in October. They're probably going to come fight with us, then witness me surviving the bouts with the guys. Granted, I am thrilled to have them there. They're family. And it's also a ploy for me to get my ass in gear and train up some more. I have 2.5 months, and I haven't been in armor much. I have a lot more muscle, but I need more coordination. So, there's the pressure dial, time to turn up the heat. Don't want to let the family or the Orks down. Therefore, I must train and look cool :-) Off to the gym for the second time today....
Thursday, July 13, 2006
How to clean up your universe in 2 years
Sooo, I sat down with the big numbers today. The scary ones. Now I know how much debt I'll be in after school. It's a bit terrifying, but handlable. Is handlable a word? I know I can handle it, that is. Ths good news is that I don't have much beyond my school debts. I've been hammering away at unnecessary stuff, like my credit card and car loan. All the little debts should be gone relatively soon. We'll see how many credits I can afford next summer - that's the real killer. I need to come up with basically $3000 out of pocket. And I have about 10 months to do it in. Gulp... And the problem with not coming up with that much money, is that then I can't graduate until the following spring. Not impossible, but really damn annoying. And I can't afford to go full time - that's another $8000 or so? For one semester. Blah. And I don't have the option of private loans or credit cards. Not that I want it - ewwww!
But I think I can get a chunk of it taken care of. There's lots of eBay coming, I can feel it. If I can come up with another $300 per month I can do it. That's only about $75 per week, give or take a few weeks where I can't put stuff up. Heck, that's a nice tunic per week if they sell. And I'll have a chance to shovel through the fabric stash. But ugh, it gets interesting when I'm down to the strange fabrics and trims. I'll have to go shopping once in a while and pick up more, there's always that material costs. But it's doable, and I still have buttons and other random stuff to put up as well. So I'm off to put pictures up of the stuff I have on hand. Wheee!
And hey - not counting my school debt, it's the lowest my debt's ever been. Take out the car loan, and it's almost nothing. Go me! How nice would it be to start paying my school loans while in school? Not sure it's going to happen, but I'm going to try!
But I think I can get a chunk of it taken care of. There's lots of eBay coming, I can feel it. If I can come up with another $300 per month I can do it. That's only about $75 per week, give or take a few weeks where I can't put stuff up. Heck, that's a nice tunic per week if they sell. And I'll have a chance to shovel through the fabric stash. But ugh, it gets interesting when I'm down to the strange fabrics and trims. I'll have to go shopping once in a while and pick up more, there's always that material costs. But it's doable, and I still have buttons and other random stuff to put up as well. So I'm off to put pictures up of the stuff I have on hand. Wheee!
And hey - not counting my school debt, it's the lowest my debt's ever been. Take out the car loan, and it's almost nothing. Go me! How nice would it be to start paying my school loans while in school? Not sure it's going to happen, but I'm going to try!
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Hahahahah...
I died in the Dungeon of Kottr
I was killed in a muddy fissure by Yesayelien the mind flayer, whilst carrying...
the Sceptre of Heavy Weapons, the Amulet of Grian Ruadh, the Crown of Divinite, the Wand of Vikings, the Amulet of Wheel Of Time, the Dagger of Dragonhearth and 45 gold pieces.
Score: 97
Explore the Dungeon of Kottr and try to beat this score,or enter your username to generate and explore your own dungeon...
Call me the Slacker Queen :-)
Reviews of other multiplayer, turn based games:
http://www.nexuswar.com/
Nexus War - kind of a general good v. evil game, with the chance to become demons, paladins, angels, sorcerers, etc. You get one turn per 15 minutes and can have up to 3 characters at a time for free. I like it better than Urban Dead because of the more colorful maps, wider range of stuff to do. You die a lot, but it makes things amusing. Especially when you're trying to find your faction's stronghold and you keep dying and getting randomly placed on the map. *sigh* But I find it entertaining. I give it 4 out of 5 ZZZs
http://www.realmsofmayhem.com/main.aspx
Realms of Mayehm - more of a strategy based, build up your stronghold kinda game. You manage resources, build buildings. In theory, you can attack your neighbors with your armies, but I'm still pitiful and have militia thus far (ie. farmers with stabbity pitchforks). But you get a buttload of turns to start out building up, and it's a much more complex game than the run of the mill "wander about and get killed a lot" sort of games. I'm completley lost, but having fun figuring crap out. 3 out of 5 ZZZs
More to come. I'm such the slacker...
http://www.nexuswar.com/
Nexus War - kind of a general good v. evil game, with the chance to become demons, paladins, angels, sorcerers, etc. You get one turn per 15 minutes and can have up to 3 characters at a time for free. I like it better than Urban Dead because of the more colorful maps, wider range of stuff to do. You die a lot, but it makes things amusing. Especially when you're trying to find your faction's stronghold and you keep dying and getting randomly placed on the map. *sigh* But I find it entertaining. I give it 4 out of 5 ZZZs
http://www.realmsofmayhem.com/main.aspx
Realms of Mayehm - more of a strategy based, build up your stronghold kinda game. You manage resources, build buildings. In theory, you can attack your neighbors with your armies, but I'm still pitiful and have militia thus far (ie. farmers with stabbity pitchforks). But you get a buttload of turns to start out building up, and it's a much more complex game than the run of the mill "wander about and get killed a lot" sort of games. I'm completley lost, but having fun figuring crap out. 3 out of 5 ZZZs
More to come. I'm such the slacker...
Monday, July 10, 2006
Happiness calling....pay attention.
Hi, Universe? Why is it that random people decide that I have the answer to everything, and latch onto me asking stupid questions? Now, I know my Voice of Authority is rather convincing and all, but I just human like everyone else. Sure, I cut most of the bullshit out of my life, but that was a long, expensive process with a therapist. I hand out her number regularly. Last I checked, she’s booked solid for a reason. But I digress.
Sure, I’ll talk to people, but I’m not fond of being called a bitch or other negative crap. I did the work. I stuffed all the stupid patterns and pain inflicting nastiness out of my operating program. Now, can I please just enjoy the results of that for a while? I’m really not into project people, and having been there myself, I know that you really just have to do the work. Period. No one else can really help you there. I can throw a few books at you, but you won’t get most of it until the 47th reading. You just won’t. If you’re open to the possibility, you might get a few points, hopefully realize them, and immediately try changing things to try them out. That’s all it is. Personal experimentation. There’s no big answer to the universe. There’s no answer to “How can I be happy?” You just are. Or you’re not because you’re too busy running around trying to be happy. Pay attention.
I can be happy in a paper bag. I was happy crashing with friends while I was homeless. I was hugely happy bankrupt but free from debt. Yes, all these things have had profound consequences. But I’m not sure I needed to go through all of it to get it. The process would have taken longer, but I got it. And really I just woke up one morning after fighting it all for months and decided to be happy. Eventually I would just be happy. I got help figuring out the patterns that were getting in the way, and voila! Happy.
So now I have a career brewing, I finally like Sandy Eggo. I adore where I live, and my friends are cool. I’m relatively healthy and I get along with my parents. I’m dating a fabulous, amazing, creative, fun guy and it’s a healthy thing. I’ve started playing with hobbies I used to love and didn’t have time for. And I’m enjoying a summer off before I go back for the rest of my degree. And I’m happy. Because I say I am.
Sure, I’ll talk to people, but I’m not fond of being called a bitch or other negative crap. I did the work. I stuffed all the stupid patterns and pain inflicting nastiness out of my operating program. Now, can I please just enjoy the results of that for a while? I’m really not into project people, and having been there myself, I know that you really just have to do the work. Period. No one else can really help you there. I can throw a few books at you, but you won’t get most of it until the 47th reading. You just won’t. If you’re open to the possibility, you might get a few points, hopefully realize them, and immediately try changing things to try them out. That’s all it is. Personal experimentation. There’s no big answer to the universe. There’s no answer to “How can I be happy?” You just are. Or you’re not because you’re too busy running around trying to be happy. Pay attention.
I can be happy in a paper bag. I was happy crashing with friends while I was homeless. I was hugely happy bankrupt but free from debt. Yes, all these things have had profound consequences. But I’m not sure I needed to go through all of it to get it. The process would have taken longer, but I got it. And really I just woke up one morning after fighting it all for months and decided to be happy. Eventually I would just be happy. I got help figuring out the patterns that were getting in the way, and voila! Happy.
So now I have a career brewing, I finally like Sandy Eggo. I adore where I live, and my friends are cool. I’m relatively healthy and I get along with my parents. I’m dating a fabulous, amazing, creative, fun guy and it’s a healthy thing. I’ve started playing with hobbies I used to love and didn’t have time for. And I’m enjoying a summer off before I go back for the rest of my degree. And I’m happy. Because I say I am.
Thursday, July 06, 2006
bored
I hate days like this. I am so bored I can’t see straight. No major projects on my desk that aren’t already cranking along. No serious things to fix. I have to do filing. I want to eat pizza. I need a nap. I’m just not excited about anything other than going home. Heck, I’m not even jazzed for class tonight since I need to be there for the random people who show up that aren’t into the ME guild and don’t read MySpace for reminders. Heck, I can’t even tell when there’s supposed to be a ME guild meeting. It’s placed on random days of the month, and frankly, it’s too much work to worry about what week it is to figure out whether I should be somewhere else or not. Eh, meetings. Bleh. I’d rather sit home and watch TV.
But I’ll do class for whoever shows up tonight. But it’ll probably be a short class since we won’t have drummers and such. I may just do an hour with whoever is there and see what happens. And remind people to check MySpace for announcements about class. And find out whether I need to make announcements elsewhere so that when I do have a life, they don’t keep showing up.
Bleck, not excited and I’d really love a nap right now. Carpooled today, so no nap for me. I think I’ll go tanning or sit on a bike at the gym for a while. Oh the excitement…
But I’ll do class for whoever shows up tonight. But it’ll probably be a short class since we won’t have drummers and such. I may just do an hour with whoever is there and see what happens. And remind people to check MySpace for announcements about class. And find out whether I need to make announcements elsewhere so that when I do have a life, they don’t keep showing up.
Bleck, not excited and I’d really love a nap right now. Carpooled today, so no nap for me. I think I’ll go tanning or sit on a bike at the gym for a while. Oh the excitement…
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Rights rights rights
In honor of Independence Day, I thought we’d play “what the hell are my rights?” So, in abridged format, here’s the first 10 Amendments to the Constitution with my commentary in all its glory. I'm not the best at this, other than First Amendment rights, but I figure some discussion is better than none!
Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
Ok, so everyone seems to love this one. “I’ve got the right to say whatever I want dammit!” Well, no, not entirely. It’s still a bad thing to shout fire in a crowded public place, defame someone else in such a way that it affects their job or social status in a drastic way, and being a dick is still frowned upon. But the Founders wanted a healthy political discourse, a healthy range of opinions in the press, and a chance for a vast number of opinions to be heard without the fear of retribution from a government entity. You can’t have a peaceful change of government if you’re not allowed to talk about it without getting arrested. Hooray for freedom of speech!
Amendment II
A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.
Someone hand me my rifle. This country was started by a rabble of farmers and workmen getting cranky about being overtaxed. As many Texans from areas near the southern borders know, an armed society can be a peaceful society. There’s a certain level of respect that’s levied if everyone is armed. The concept supports the freedom of speech in that a government will be less inclined to ignore and abuse an armed populace. While I’m not big on a lot of people carrying guns on a daily basis (especially in our larger cities – eek!), I do believe that everyone should have to take one good rifle course in their lifetime. It’s not hard, and makes for a better educated populace on how guns work. Guns are tools, tools that are supposed to be well respected by our government based on this Amendment. Our right to those tools is protected, albeit in a limited manner, by this Amendment. Shouldn’t you know what you’re allowed?
Amendment III
No soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.
Damn skippy I don’t want to be forced to quarter soldiers. Heck, with the areas in which they get housing, I want to be quartered with them at times! Again, another Amendment written by folks during a wartime situation. It’s a bad thing when someone says you have to provide food and shelter for a bunch of soldiers, and this one protects the need for a lawful process to make it possible. We like lawful, lawful is good.
Amendment IV
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
Ahhh, search and seizure. A lawyer’s Amendment. This one is so chopped into little pieces, I spent half of my Criminal Procedure class on it. In theory it prevents fishing expeditions by the Police in finding incriminating evidence without a probable cause before they can get a warrant. It’s got a ton of exceptions, but it’s still holding up somewhat. This is going to get more and more entertaining as technology makes it harder and harder to have any privacy. But are you sure you have a problem with the Police and not the market research company tracking your every move? This one doesn’t apply to the market research company, how do you feel about that?
Amendment V
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
Due process and right to be represented – again, very important. This makes sure you don’t get stood up in front of a kangaroo court and just convicted outright for the most general reasons. Very popular tactic with dictators – makes it look like you went through the hoops without actually bothering. Now the challenge is in getting decently represented without putting your house in hock. And the government still can’t take your property without going through a procedure and adequately compensating you for your loss. Yes, you still have to pay taxes though, can’t get out of that.
Amendment VI
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the state and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense.
Hey, another kangaroo court avoidance! Needs to be public, conducted by the state’s officials, done quickly, and preferably in the same area where the crime was convicted. And you get to see who accuses you and supposedly witnessed it. All lovely things if you actually want to have a clue as to why you’re stuck going through this
Amendment VII
In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise reexamined in any court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.
Hooray – you can get a jury trial! Hooray for jury summons, now go do your civic duty.
Amendment VIII
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Well, the bail should fit the crime and the punishment should fit the situation as well. We’re supposed to not be cruel or unusual either. Boy, is that hard to define at times! Especially when we don’t know whether something hurts or not once administered.
Amendment IX
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
Hmm, kinda convoluted, but basically means that the people’s rights somewhat supercede other rights in the Constitution. The people get the benefit of the doubt in a lot of circumstances in determining what rights are theirs. And generally, when in doubt on whose rights they are, they go to the people. At least in theory. And you can’t diminish specific rights by using another section of the Constitution to do it. Kind of a hierarchy thing.
Amendment X
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.
Hey, this sounds familiar. There is a difference between 9 and 10, I suppose mainly in that it clearly states that anything not expressly reserved for the Feds or the States goes to the people. And those prohibited to the Feds go to the States or the people as well.
So Yeah, there you go. Your rights. There are a lot of better explanations out there, as well as more Amendments to the Constitution that I didn't discuss. But here's your basics, go out and practice :-)
Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
Ok, so everyone seems to love this one. “I’ve got the right to say whatever I want dammit!” Well, no, not entirely. It’s still a bad thing to shout fire in a crowded public place, defame someone else in such a way that it affects their job or social status in a drastic way, and being a dick is still frowned upon. But the Founders wanted a healthy political discourse, a healthy range of opinions in the press, and a chance for a vast number of opinions to be heard without the fear of retribution from a government entity. You can’t have a peaceful change of government if you’re not allowed to talk about it without getting arrested. Hooray for freedom of speech!
Amendment II
A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.
Someone hand me my rifle. This country was started by a rabble of farmers and workmen getting cranky about being overtaxed. As many Texans from areas near the southern borders know, an armed society can be a peaceful society. There’s a certain level of respect that’s levied if everyone is armed. The concept supports the freedom of speech in that a government will be less inclined to ignore and abuse an armed populace. While I’m not big on a lot of people carrying guns on a daily basis (especially in our larger cities – eek!), I do believe that everyone should have to take one good rifle course in their lifetime. It’s not hard, and makes for a better educated populace on how guns work. Guns are tools, tools that are supposed to be well respected by our government based on this Amendment. Our right to those tools is protected, albeit in a limited manner, by this Amendment. Shouldn’t you know what you’re allowed?
Amendment III
No soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.
Damn skippy I don’t want to be forced to quarter soldiers. Heck, with the areas in which they get housing, I want to be quartered with them at times! Again, another Amendment written by folks during a wartime situation. It’s a bad thing when someone says you have to provide food and shelter for a bunch of soldiers, and this one protects the need for a lawful process to make it possible. We like lawful, lawful is good.
Amendment IV
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
Ahhh, search and seizure. A lawyer’s Amendment. This one is so chopped into little pieces, I spent half of my Criminal Procedure class on it. In theory it prevents fishing expeditions by the Police in finding incriminating evidence without a probable cause before they can get a warrant. It’s got a ton of exceptions, but it’s still holding up somewhat. This is going to get more and more entertaining as technology makes it harder and harder to have any privacy. But are you sure you have a problem with the Police and not the market research company tracking your every move? This one doesn’t apply to the market research company, how do you feel about that?
Amendment V
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
Due process and right to be represented – again, very important. This makes sure you don’t get stood up in front of a kangaroo court and just convicted outright for the most general reasons. Very popular tactic with dictators – makes it look like you went through the hoops without actually bothering. Now the challenge is in getting decently represented without putting your house in hock. And the government still can’t take your property without going through a procedure and adequately compensating you for your loss. Yes, you still have to pay taxes though, can’t get out of that.
Amendment VI
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the state and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense.
Hey, another kangaroo court avoidance! Needs to be public, conducted by the state’s officials, done quickly, and preferably in the same area where the crime was convicted. And you get to see who accuses you and supposedly witnessed it. All lovely things if you actually want to have a clue as to why you’re stuck going through this
Amendment VII
In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise reexamined in any court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.
Hooray – you can get a jury trial! Hooray for jury summons, now go do your civic duty.
Amendment VIII
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Well, the bail should fit the crime and the punishment should fit the situation as well. We’re supposed to not be cruel or unusual either. Boy, is that hard to define at times! Especially when we don’t know whether something hurts or not once administered.
Amendment IX
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
Hmm, kinda convoluted, but basically means that the people’s rights somewhat supercede other rights in the Constitution. The people get the benefit of the doubt in a lot of circumstances in determining what rights are theirs. And generally, when in doubt on whose rights they are, they go to the people. At least in theory. And you can’t diminish specific rights by using another section of the Constitution to do it. Kind of a hierarchy thing.
Amendment X
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.
Hey, this sounds familiar. There is a difference between 9 and 10, I suppose mainly in that it clearly states that anything not expressly reserved for the Feds or the States goes to the people. And those prohibited to the Feds go to the States or the people as well.
So Yeah, there you go. Your rights. There are a lot of better explanations out there, as well as more Amendments to the Constitution that I didn't discuss. But here's your basics, go out and practice :-)
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