April
March has been considerably more bumpy then the laid back January and February with changing plans and new circumstances. I'd nestled in a happy nook for the first two months, but this month I needed to be more on my toes. It wasn't easy stepping back out in the world without losing the mental equilibrium I had found, but it worked and I feel more confident for it. I was especially happy to find out that I am perfectly able to support my friends when they need it. I worried for a moment, but appearantly for nought.
On a personal level I ran into a few barriers that I have scaled but slower then I would have liked to. My mind is torn between the slow-and-steady approach and the I-want-it-now desires that spring from putting this off way too long. I know why I put it off and that I had good if subconscious reasons for it, but all the reasonableness in the world isn't going to win vs. emotions. The road goes ever onwards. Friends, plans and whiskey help ;-)
The winter weather finally caught up to my car when a damaged road meant that my windshield was cracked - I am happy that I am fully insured against that kind of thing and it was taken care of without problems. The same day I heard that the Frontier larp had been moved, tho, and that kicked off a whole storm of replanning not to mention more then a few upset people (justified or otherwise). Luckily most of our group can make it to the replanned date, with only two 'maybe'. A special for Omen also required a lot of planning, but was finalized on a day where I was able to make the time. Having a banquet in the castle where 'Floris' was filmed (starring The Emperor) was just too good of a chance to pass up, especially with the alternate plans al looking wonky. Never you mind that I will be one of the few non-nobles... fun fun!
On the workfront my temporary position is being replaced with a permanent one here in Bodegraven, and I will move on to new projects. Currently spending the last few weeks supporting my collegue and prepping him as best I can while tackling some of the more resilient issues and longer-term maintainance plans. It was the job I needed when I needed it most, and I will leave it behind proudly. I am ready for more challenging stuff, tho. My next potential project is being lined up right now - they want me, but I just have to have a chat to see if it lines up with my own plans. Time will tell.
The new larp experience this month was Obscurus. It is a modern day alternate reality larp in the Netherlands that had its third installment this year (it is a once-a-year thing) in Castle Duurstede (Dorestad is a little like Hotel California for me at this point). Was asked to portray a specific supporting part for a friend and sprang at the opportunity, so I played Colonel Arno Valk, temporary Adjutant to General Middleton. The SL's did a magnificent job with props, plot and personalized briefing for every participant - the approach is similar to Dead Fox Junction, though on a much larger scale and with a smaller team (2 people with support from participants). Major kudos to them for pulling off a very intrige-heavy, influence-heavy larp. It has its rough edges, but it is as close as I can get to actually playing a Lex-esque larp myself, and I was grateful for the opportunity. Part four is coming up next year and will be a full weekend, so after some (turned out needless) doubting about continuing a 'support character' I've signed up. Also, I do like my uniforms...
Finished the Heart of the Swarm Campaign (which was cool), and survived the 'friendly fire' Rogue Trader session mostly intact though slightly on fire. Oh well. Attented what I hope will be a new tradition: 'movie night' at Jo & Ork's, watching movies with certain themes and a group of friends. First evening was "it's just a game" and was great, tho the Wild Hunt's last half hour doesn't get any less 'wtf'. March itself ended with two busy weeks where I had to make choices about what to attend and what to drop in regards to weekly evening plans. I am glad to made the choices, but they were not easy. Still, a potential new project and new evening courses are a big priority for me, so here is to the wise choice.
April sees the return of a little more larp for me. Charm was originally already planned, and with the Omen special added it makes for a decent month before a more larp-heavy May and June. It looks to be a quieter month in regards to work and plans, though I have enough to keep my mind occupied. Still, plenty of time to enjoy the sunshine when and if spring decides to come out of hibernation, and to make spontaneous plans with friends if the option comes up. Let the good times roll.
On a personal level I ran into a few barriers that I have scaled but slower then I would have liked to. My mind is torn between the slow-and-steady approach and the I-want-it-now desires that spring from putting this off way too long. I know why I put it off and that I had good if subconscious reasons for it, but all the reasonableness in the world isn't going to win vs. emotions. The road goes ever onwards. Friends, plans and whiskey help ;-)
The winter weather finally caught up to my car when a damaged road meant that my windshield was cracked - I am happy that I am fully insured against that kind of thing and it was taken care of without problems. The same day I heard that the Frontier larp had been moved, tho, and that kicked off a whole storm of replanning not to mention more then a few upset people (justified or otherwise). Luckily most of our group can make it to the replanned date, with only two 'maybe'. A special for Omen also required a lot of planning, but was finalized on a day where I was able to make the time. Having a banquet in the castle where 'Floris' was filmed (starring The Emperor) was just too good of a chance to pass up, especially with the alternate plans al looking wonky. Never you mind that I will be one of the few non-nobles... fun fun!
On the workfront my temporary position is being replaced with a permanent one here in Bodegraven, and I will move on to new projects. Currently spending the last few weeks supporting my collegue and prepping him as best I can while tackling some of the more resilient issues and longer-term maintainance plans. It was the job I needed when I needed it most, and I will leave it behind proudly. I am ready for more challenging stuff, tho. My next potential project is being lined up right now - they want me, but I just have to have a chat to see if it lines up with my own plans. Time will tell.
The new larp experience this month was Obscurus. It is a modern day alternate reality larp in the Netherlands that had its third installment this year (it is a once-a-year thing) in Castle Duurstede (Dorestad is a little like Hotel California for me at this point). Was asked to portray a specific supporting part for a friend and sprang at the opportunity, so I played Colonel Arno Valk, temporary Adjutant to General Middleton. The SL's did a magnificent job with props, plot and personalized briefing for every participant - the approach is similar to Dead Fox Junction, though on a much larger scale and with a smaller team (2 people with support from participants). Major kudos to them for pulling off a very intrige-heavy, influence-heavy larp. It has its rough edges, but it is as close as I can get to actually playing a Lex-esque larp myself, and I was grateful for the opportunity. Part four is coming up next year and will be a full weekend, so after some (turned out needless) doubting about continuing a 'support character' I've signed up. Also, I do like my uniforms...
Finished the Heart of the Swarm Campaign (which was cool), and survived the 'friendly fire' Rogue Trader session mostly intact though slightly on fire. Oh well. Attented what I hope will be a new tradition: 'movie night' at Jo & Ork's, watching movies with certain themes and a group of friends. First evening was "it's just a game" and was great, tho the Wild Hunt's last half hour doesn't get any less 'wtf'. March itself ended with two busy weeks where I had to make choices about what to attend and what to drop in regards to weekly evening plans. I am glad to made the choices, but they were not easy. Still, a potential new project and new evening courses are a big priority for me, so here is to the wise choice.
April sees the return of a little more larp for me. Charm was originally already planned, and with the Omen special added it makes for a decent month before a more larp-heavy May and June. It looks to be a quieter month in regards to work and plans, though I have enough to keep my mind occupied. Still, plenty of time to enjoy the sunshine when and if spring decides to come out of hibernation, and to make spontaneous plans with friends if the option comes up. Let the good times roll.