Drueta's Rants and Ravings

The Shambles

2008-09-15T14:32:44Z

This past weekend saw the debut of the Shambles at the EKU in Iron Bog. For those of you who don't know what this is, it's a booth we are setting up at events to sell donated items to try to augment our small baronial coffers. I was wonderfully surprised how smooth it went being the first time at an event.
We managed to raise a fair sum of money while also being a place, behind the Shambles, for Boggies to come and sit and keep us company. We did have the advantage of being 1 of only 2 merchants set up at the event.
It will be interesting to see how well it does at an event with more merchants.

For anyone doing a bit of fall cleaning and not quite sure what to do with that SCAdian themed stuff you don't use anymore, I know a group that would love to take it off your hands. Let me know.

It's Official

2008-09-12T14:30:10Z

At last night's business meeting it was officially announced that Nigel and I will be succeed their Excellencies, Baron Lawrence and Baroness Katherine, in the baronial seat of Iron Bog.
My feelings are so conflicted! I'm happy and pleased that we won the largest amount of support out of all the wonderful candidate that were running. It is a wonderful feeling to know that people have confidence in you. We are going to endeavour to make sure that those that did, and still do, support us will not be disappointed. But I also feel bad that we won because it means that those other candidates, my friends, didn't win.
I know that the polling was merely to advise the Crown whom the people would support, but it still feels like we won and the others lost.
Both of us are very excited and a little nervous at the same time.
To us, this is a huge responsibility. We have some mighty big shoes to try to fill. I'm thinking that instead of doing that poorly, perhaps we will do better to bring our own style to the position. It's always better to be yourself than to try to be someone else.
We both feel that we need to an excellent job at this so that everyone around us can enjoy themselves.
But the excitement is what is winning out at this moment!

We are looking at the end of February for the Investiture. There is so much to do and learn in so little time!

new addition

2008-09-05T17:25:49Z

One of my dragon eggs hatched!

But the other guys still needs help.

I've got a case of the ick! I have so much to do this weekend and I just want to crawl into bed and pull the covers up over my head. But I'll suck it up and deal with it.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

hey it's Thursday

2008-09-04T14:24:06Z

help me hatch, click me

I need more help, ignore him and click me!

Been awhile since I did this. Doesn't mean I haven't been thankful, just means finding the time to steal was a bit more difficult.
Today finds me again reminded of how blessed I truly am.
The nurse in one of my offices lost her sister this past weekend. She was only 40 years old, same age as me. The mind boggles when you start to think of your place in grand scheme of things and how its determined who stays and who doesn't.
I'm not in the best physical shape, round is a shape right? :-) But I'm able to do the things I want to do without too much trouble.
I have a husband that loves me and would walk on water for me if I asked him to.
I have a home (with a soon to be fixed roof).
I have many wonderful friends who love and support me. Ok, who like me a little *chuckles*
I have family that is not too far away to visit for a weekend.
I have a job that is looking better than it did 6 months ago. It also pays enough to pay the bills.
I have to two best, spoiled dogs in the world and a cat that let's the dog think they are the rulers of the roost.
And a hobby that brings many of my far away friends closer at times. :-)
There are many other things, too many to mention. Does not mean that I am not thankful for them, just don't need to bore you with them.
Take a moment today to forget the idiot that cut you off on the way to work or drank the last cup of coffee without making a new pot and remember the sweeter side of life; the sun kissing your face, the smell of honeysuckle as you drive past it, the crisp feeling of clean sheets on the bed, or a smell that triggers a warm happy thought from your childhood.
The good is out there, and it usually does out weigh the bad. We just don't dwell on the good. Take time today to do just that.

Dragon egg

2008-09-04T11:16:09Z

Ok, I got sucked into the whole dragon egg thing.....

SCA Meme

2008-07-10T01:33:33Z

Your result for The hardcore SCA Test ...

The Queen's Champion
You scored 65% hardcore SCA!

You are really involved in the SCA. You probably have some really cool garb. You put a lot of work into playing the game and making sure its fun for others too. For a lot of folks an event wouldn't be the same without you. You probably have a tendancy to over do it sometimes. You may need help knowing when to say "No" or when to stop sewing and go to bed.

Hey! It's Thursday

2008-05-08T13:19:27Z

It's been a while since I have posted for Thankful Thursday but that doesn't mean I haven't had things to be thankful for.

Let's start off with our house being paid off!!!! Hurray. We have started looking for a new one. *chuckles*

Dorathia has moved in. I am thankful that we were able to help her with a place to stay. I am thankful that the move is done. But I am most thankful that I get to see her more often now. ;)

I am thankful that I have job.

Nigel has gotten all of his paperwork taken care of for his retirement from the Military and for that I am very thankful.

I am thankful that a friend of mine won Crown Tournament and is now the Prince of our kingdom.

I'm thankful that there are many people within our Barony that are capable and reliable. We have a wonderful group of people, many of whom I count as friends. :)

I am thankful that when called upon to help, I am able.

I am thankful for my family and friends, my two dogs that greet me with a tail wag and unconditional love that always brings a smile to my face, and for my place in life. When compared with many I am not too bad off.

I hope you find yourself in a similar place!

meme

2008-05-06T13:16:35Z

stolen from magpiemss

You are The High Priestess

Science, Wisdom, Knowledge, Education.

The High Priestess is the card of knowledge, instinctual, supernatural, secret knowledge. She holds scrolls of arcane information that she might, or might not reveal to you. The moon crown on her head as well as the crescent by her foot indicates her willingness to illuminate what you otherwise might not see, reveal the secrets you need to know. The High Priestess is also associated with the moon however and can also indicate change or fluxuation, particularily when it comes to your moods.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

Baronial Seat

2008-04-18T14:14:45Z

Nigel and I have decided to throw our felt hats into the ring for the upcoming Baronial Seat election. I was quite surprised by the number of candidates, 11 in total - 5 couples and 1 single.
Following on the heels of

baron_larry and katherine_barr is going to be difficult. They are well loved and mega connected within the SCA, not to mention their extensive knowledge of all things SCA. We will not be able to take their place, but I hope that if we are chosen we can bring our own flavor to the position.
We have talked long and thought hard upon the decision to run before sending in our letter of intent. We have weighted all our strengths and weaknesses and believe that if we are to consider taking this position now is the best time for us to do that. I have spoken with several landed barons and baroness to get their perspective on the job. I have discussed the possibility of becoming Baron and Baroness with my mentor, Mistress Safia, and she has given me the thumbs up telling me she has faith in my abilities.
Even though we have a wonderful group in Iron Bog I do not for a moment think the job will be a cake walk. I believe the Baronial Seat in Iron Bog to hold a lot of responsibility to the people of Iron Bog. To be their representative in all matters within the Kingdom. To be an example of the wonderful people they represent and to lead by that example. I know the people of the barony look to the Baronial Seat for guidance and mentoring, I have. Being a newer barony, there are traditions to set in place, but also traditions to uphold as we are a long standing group with a grand history.
We are not entering into this election lightly and I do believe we could do a good job. I would be honored if the people of Iron Bog put their faith in me, but when all is done and said what I want most is what is best for barony.

Good Luck to all the Candidates and may the best candidate/candidates prevail.

Happy Birthday

2008-04-04T20:53:12Z

Happy Birthday to crazy_willo

May it be as wonderful as you!!!

[Unknown LJ tag]

Opps I did it again

2008-02-25T14:23:34Z

Have you ever had one of those days when everything just seems to come together and all is right with your world. They are extremely rare and very welcome when preceded by the week I had last.
Well, Fate decided that Sunday could start that way for me, but was not going to end that way.
I got up and had breakfast with Nigel before meeting Jon Quest at the computer show. Yes it was a geeky thing to do, but I can be geeky. Found some great deals, a program I wanted, a new monitor for Nigel, etc. Jon had to work and we had to get to Fight practice so we said our good byes and headed out our separate ways. Beautiful sunny day, not to cold. It was wonderful. Nigel and I were talking about different things on the way back to the truck and that's when "Fate" showed up and pushed me down, literately.
I was trying to stay to the edge of the sidewalk as it was very busy with people coming and going. I got to close to the edge, the ground was slightly lower than the sidewalk and I rolled my right ankle. If this wasn't enough, I landed on my left knee, the one that hasn't been right since my little scooter mishap. Yep, faceplant in front of the computer show with about 20 fellow geeks to witness it. And because "Fate" likes to kick you when you're down, I landed in goose poop!
Toll from this little misstep? Sprained right ankle, twisted left knee, and a killing blow to what I had left of an ego.
I'm gonna be hobbling around for at least a few days, time will tell if it's minor or major. With my luck lately it will end up being major, but I'm pulling for minor, I have too much stuff to do.
Watch out for those clean, dry sidewalks, they're a killer.

Oh, by the way, my knickname when I was a kid...... Klutz. Somethings you never outgrow.

Birthday wishes

2008-02-18T04:47:17Z

Happy birthday to doodlecrumb hope it was as wonderful as you!

Friend's list meme

2008-02-04T16:53:57Z

Snagged from Baron Larry:

If you're on my friends list, I want to know 36 things about you. I don't care if we never talk, or if we already know everything about each other. Short and sweet is fine ... You're on my list, so I want to know you better! But if you choose not to, it’s okay – we’re still friends.

1) Are you currently in a serious relationship?
A.

2) What was your dream growing up?
A.

3) What talent do you wish you had?
A.

4) If I bought you a drink what would it be?
A.

5) Favorite vegetable?
A.

6) What was the last book you read?
A.

7) What zodiac sign are you?
A.

8) Any Tattoos and/or Piercings? Explain where.
A.

9) Worst Habit?
A.

10) If you saw me walking down the street would you offer me a ride?
A.

11) What is your favorite sport?
A.

12) Do you have a Negative or Optimistic attitude?
A.

13) What would you do if you were stuck in an elevator with me?
A.

14) Worst thing to ever happen to you?
A.

15) Tell me one weird fact about you.
A.

16) Do you have any pets?
A.

17) What if I showed up at your house unexpectedly?
A.

18) What was your first impression of me? (hmmm...careful!)
A.

19) Do you think clowns are cute or scary?
A.

20) If you could change one thing about how you look, what would it be?
A.

21) Would you be my crime partner or my conscience?
A.

22) What color eyes do you have?
A.

23) Ever been arrested?
A.

24) Bottle or can soda?
A.

25) If you won $10,000 today, what would you do with it?
A.

27) What's your favorite place to hang at?
A.

28) Do you believe in ghosts?
A.

29) Favorite thing to do in your spare time?
A.

30) Do you swear a lot?
A.

31) Biggest pet peeve?
A.

32) In one word, how would you describe yourself?
A.

33) Do you believe/appreciate romance?
A.

35) Do you believe in God?
A.

36) Will you repost this so I can fill it out and do the same for you?
A.

Birthday wishes

2008-01-23T15:00:40Z

Happy birthday day bds_duncan.
May this year bring you all that you deserve!

Missed it

2008-01-18T17:14:36Z

So I missed Thankful Thursday due to being out of the office most of yesterday, but after hearing of several friends with serious health issues and losing another friend of my family, I find myself very thankful for the state of my health. It's not perfect, I carry way more weight that I should and have allergies, but it's pretty dang good compared to some.
It's amazing how quickly a health issue can take you out of commission and even away from loved ones.

What I'm asking of any that read this.....
Reach out to that someone you haven't talked with in a while, tell someone you admire or appreciate how you feel, let those you love know how much they mean. Don't wait, you might not get that chance in the future. The worse thing any of us can do in life is take another for granted.

Thankful Thursday

2008-01-10T16:39:54Z

It's that time of the week again.

Today finds me thankful for something may people take for granted.... the stability in my life. There are many people who never find this but I am fortunate enough to have it.

Some may think stability means boring but I don't find it so. The stability allows me to venture outside of my comfort zone knowing that if it gets too much I can retreat back to safety.

My wish for you this week, may you find stability in your life and recognize it for the blessing it is.

Home again, Home again, Jiggidy jig

2008-01-09T19:50:00Z

Got home from NY, they still had snow - BOOOOO, just in time to unload the truck and pick up the dogs from the kennel. Why does spending several hours in the truck tire me out so?!? Unpacked a few things, examined the damage to the truck,ohhh forgot to mention an iceberg fell off my parent's roof onto the truck - the truck is now minus a side mirror and has a bit of character to the hood, and caught up on email - 426 to be exact. Decided the fun needed to come to an end for the day so I went to bed. What the heck was that?!?! And is it really 4am? Blaze picked up kennel cough while I was in NY. That poor little dog sounds terrible!
Thank goodness it's Wednesday already. It's been a long week already.
Tonight I will catch up on phone calls, hopefully.

Holiday stress and Thankful Thursday

2008-01-03T16:52:58Z

What is it about the holiday that can push people to the breaking point? Is it the stress of trying to fulfill other's wants and dreams? This can be impossible for some on a tight budget if said wants and dreams are material items. Is it the empty feeling of spending the holiday alone for those without family or friends close? Or is it the thought of a new year coming that could just mimic the one you left?

The new year has brought a funeral to me. A friend of the family decided that he couldn't take another year like the last and ended his life New Year's day.
This has thrown me into reflection on why people reach that breaking point. I have seen some lows in my life, and have fleetingly thought it would be better to just bring it to an end, but the highs in my life far out shine them.

And on that note, the highs on my mind right now:
My family - whom I will be visiting this weekend while attending the funeral
My friends - thank you for adding to my sanity and insanity, you know who you are *wink*
My job - as much as I bitch about it, I have one and able to perform it well.
My home - in as much disarray as it can be at times, it's my castle where my heart lodges.
My distractions - without the favored of them I probably would have less sanity than the limited amount I do have.
There are many more wonderful things in my life, I won't bore you with any more, but I know that I am blessed.
I hope you are also and are able to recognize it.

Cute

2008-01-03T13:08:32Z

The Recipe For Drueta

3 parts Fun
2 parts Courage
1 part Delight

Splash of Genius

Finish off with a squeeze of lime juice

What's the Recipe for Your Personality?

The Proverbial Straw

2007-12-22T19:03:04Z

So I was out trying to do a few last minute things today when my check card was declined. Declined?!?! I looked at the cashier like she was speaking some alien tongue and asked her if she was sure. We ran it again and it came back declined again.
Hhhmmmmmm. Something is wrong! I was just paid on Friday.
My bank being closed I go home to check their website.
Upon logging in I had a very large surprise. I wasn't paid on Friday.
The hospital took over our payroll 3 months ago and this is the third month in a row they have screwed up my pay in one way or another.
And of course it's Saturday. No one in payroll or my supervisor works on Saturday. And hey it gets even better...... They aren't working Monday either.
So I am spending the rest of the weekend working on my carefully worded resignation. Anyone needs a slightly miffed, well used, able to wade through bullshit in high heels, office manager? Resumes on the way.

Reality Check

2007-12-20T19:36:09Z

Today is thankful Thursday and I have many things to be thankful for, I have posted them here before.
Yesterday found me very thankful for my warm home and the fact that my neighbors were not in theirs that afternoon.
I arrived home after a quick bout of grocery shopping to find 4 fire trucks in front of my house. My heart in my throat I jumped out of the truck to see what was going on.
The house directly across the street from me was on fire! The fireman running around like ants from a hill that had just been destroyed. No one had gone into the building yet and I was yelling trying to get anyone attention. Finally I grabbed one of the firemen by his sleeve and shouted that the couple who owned the house had a little girl. He couldn't hear me but he could read the fear in my eyes. I made the short or small child gesture and then pointed to the house. He took off like a shot and was quickly followed by two others. After several tense minutes another firefighter approached me and told me that no one was in the house. Thank God or any Deity that had a hand in that small miracle. I watched in horror as more firefighters and hoses were dragged into the house that my neighbor has been working on since I moved down here. Smoked poured out of all parts of the house and was getting thicker and thicker as the windows my neighbor installed 2 summers ago where broken or opened. I watched a man with an axe chop through the roof that my neighbor had just finished last spring. I watched water pour down the front steps that he had fixed last summer.
The trucks finally pulled away 3 and a half hours later, taking all holiday cheer and festiveness with them.
And then it happened. I watched as neighbors came together and started helping the home owner go through the house, bringing blankets and bedding, and offering everything from monetary support to their own homes.
The holiday spirit isn't dead, it's alive and well, and living in South Jersey

Thankful Thursday

2007-12-13T17:54:29Z

Today is once again Thursday and I finds me reflecting on the many things I am thankful for.
I have previously posted said list on a couple of occasions.

One addition to this list is - I am thankful for the person I have become. It has been a long road traveled with many people and events involved. I am by no means done traveling said road, and I believe I still have lots of room for improvement but I think I am an ok work in progress.

Thank you to any and all of you that have been sign posts on the road of my life. Without all of you I would not be who I am today.

EEEEEWWWWWWWW

2007-12-05T18:15:00Z

Every morning when I let the dogs outside they spend the first few moments chasing all the dirty vermin (squirrels) out and the rest of the time protecting the yard from any further invasion, be it squirrels or children on the way to school. I'm sure my neighbors love this ritual.
This morning the dogs finally answered my question, "what would you do with the squirrel if you caught it?". Blaze caught a squirrel, promptly shook it until he snapped it's neck and them started to disembowel it. I called the dogs in and Blaze must have figured he better bury the thing for safe keeping. He covered the poor thing with leaves that had fallen from the unteen trees in the yard. Well, that wasn't good enough. When Lemmy started for the spot the squirrel was "buried" in Blaze ran down and retrieved it. He ran up to the porch and tried to get through the door with it. I quickly slammed the door shut as I didn't want this dead squirrel in the house "buried" in the couch. Blaze was determined to bring the thing in the house. I put on my gardening gloves and, eewwwww, was able to finally wrestle the squirrel away from the dog. I gave the squirrel a proper (plastic bag tied and put into the trash can) burial.
I'm hoping that the rest of the squirrel in the neighborhood are faster on their feet.

Say what?!?!?

2007-12-05T16:28:02Z

As much as I would like to believe this, someone got this one way wrong! *chuckles*

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Thankful Thursday

2007-11-29T21:28:00Z

Today is once again Thankful Thursday. This time of the year often finds me in reflection and reverie. I lost my grandmother many years ago in the fall. I still miss her greatly, but I have many wonderful memories of her that I am thankful for. I can't smell molasses cookies cooking without thinking of her, or pumpkin pies!
I am very thankful for Gary, my family, and all my friends and that they are all reasonably healthy.
I'm thankful for the SCA, without which I would still have a piece of me missing and many less friends
I'm thankful that I have a job and am able to pay all my bills.
I am thankful that I have a roof over my head.
I am thankful that I live in a country were I am free to be me.
I am thankful that I don't know what to get some people for the holidays because this means that I can share my fortune with them and that I have people that I care enough about that I want to share things with. Did you follow that? I think I did. :)
I am thankful that I can get up each morning without assistance.
Again, this is not a complete list, but what comes to mind at the moment.

Remember, don't sweat the small stuff and it's all small stuff.