Dune Days Done Darkly

Tuesday



Shell Dunes party, DRK16 to 18. Fury PLed using the "aggro all lizards in zone at one time" method. While there was some discussion about skipping pages (Fury doesn't bother when he's in lizard camps) XP came fast and easy.

Wednesday



Picked up where I left off in Dunes, getting a quick shell invite from Goldenkid. I had thought it was another shell party but 4 of 6 were from other shells. In any case, I was already in the zone, and but for lack of food, I was ready.

Coldheartkiller PLed but we had many coordination problems starting up. Took a long time to find our rhythm, and even then we struggled. I died on the first two pulls, GK died on the second and again soon after... Our puller would get ahead of himself and sometimes Cold was AFK or resetting his connection. Apparently, he was playing from a Denny's this evening and their wifi has a 30-minute lease timer. Also, he declined to get me a "Moon Over My Hammy" as he's vegetarian.

GK and then Agles DCed and we almot gave up for lack of initiative in Val's part. Cold, Val and some others were in Skype call and very distracted. I nearly bailed but Val finally got back on. I had been trying to wrangle reps but as Val was lead I couldn't do muh but make suggestions.

I thankfully made DRK20 with a small buffer. For now, Dark Knight is done. Although, I'm actually enjoying my time on it. Much more than I'd expect given Dark is usually viewed as pure DD. To be fair to my stated opinions on jobs tho', I spent most of both nights tanking given that my damage output was regularly higher than the others.

At end of party Soho stopped by. We went to the Tree for an NM and spent about 20 minutes while he and Insertname bashed on lower level crabs (few shield points). However, his group took too long to assemble and I had to leave.

Speaking of Soho, he's male. Said a friend must have tweaked his Skype profile.

Running Around

I logged in after the doctor's appointment debacle, tasty Bob Evans dinner (for which I ordered breakfast) and shopping runs. Elder wanted to get SimCity 4 for his lappy but both stores we went to were sold out. Younger bought yet another shelf for his expanding Lego empire.

Once more, I tried the Bunny Hat run, and failed repeatedly. I still keep getting screwed by the mobile checkpoints. I'm looking into gear I can use just for this and then resell. Assuming I can't rope any Bardic friends into following me around -looks at Deej-

I soon gave up and moved to Promy-Holla to farm. Over the course of the evening, and allowing for a Monopoly Express break, I netted three sets of recollections, a Somber memory, half a stack of Radiant and about 2k XP. I'll be hitting DNC42 shortly!

At the end of the farming run, I hoofed it to Selbina and left for the evening. I need to hurry up and sell my loot and arrange my recollections and meds, as Argyle currently has a Holla run scheduled for Saturday at 3.

There was the usual shell chatter and revelry, and a good jungle party for some. Also, grabbed some new members. And I finally asked Ben nicely to skip the dude and bro addressing. I meant no disrespect and hope it doesn't mess up things between us.

Soho left me an IM but when I got back to it he'd already left.

Indiana Jones'ing

Isabiel? Isabiel of RDB and TV?



Every now and again, I check the Google Analytics report for my little blog. It's fun seeing an odd hit or two from foreign countries or from states I've not seen before.

One thing that's been constant is my highest hit counts have come from one state in particular, over the course of a year-plus.

Indiana has topped the charts for ages, and the only person I know from Indiana is Isabiel, my friend from RedDragonBrigade and one-time clock-minder.

Since I haven't heard anything from her in some time, and since I heard the good news that she took time off and had a baby, I was wondering why Indy still tops the charts.

Isabiel, if you're still reading away, I'd love to hear from you and how you and the new one are doing! If it *isn't* you, would whomever in Indiana keeps pinging my page please stand up?

Also, Dark, if you happen to be reading this, firstly, *slobber* And secondly, feel free to chime in, as you had the last Isa update.

:3

Why does it have to be this way?!

(I swear, if it ever happens close to me...)

As I said, I'm now halfway into "Daughter of the Forest". I'm starting to really like this one. I've not read any fiction of the Fair Folk - faerys - and there's actually a personal connection to Ireland. Learning of this world is quite fascinating for me.

The book took a long time to hook me, but unlike the last, this one's heroine has a strong and distinct personality of her own. Which she needs in this telling of the "Swans" legend.

However, near the halfway point (in my reading), tragedy strikes. Sorcha, our protagonist, is raped. I got angry. Again. Is this going to be a theme here? Strong female ^h lead characters have to be raped to show their mettle? (edited 01/25 to recognize Van's cruel violation)

I'm still reading, and I expect I'll be satisfied with the ending of the tale. Retribution for her attackers happened not long after the assault but there is more payback coming, for the one who set the whole tangled challenge upon Sorcha in the first place.

I don't mean to be a downer, but it really bothers me to think of this. As before, I pray it never happens to any of you, and should it, that you find the peace you utterly deserve.

On that note, usage of "raped" in shell has been bothering me more lately. Some of our members are a bit fond of scatological chat, which already peeves me some (see earlier post with Autumn), but flinging "rape" around as a battle description is starting to upset me too...

I may or may not speak up soon. Haven't decided if I want to go down that road with the Rogues.

Return To Work Eve

(I dun wanna go back to work...)

Sunday was supposed to be more me time as Ape was going back to St. Augustine to do the dinner and winter event thing. But she wasn't feeling well and didn't want to drive. I offered to take her on condition I could read when I got there. Which I did - I'm now halfway through "Daughter of the Forest" (see next post). But I did sit with the crew at dinner and walked the decorated gardens with Ape for a bit. Quite pretty, and with the cold, it felt nice and wintery!

Once home it was a late dinner for me then more Vana time. All I managed was several failed runs at the hat and a rescue mission. Onie called out a NM sighting right near where I was running, so I was going to grab it if possible. However, a hapless Mithra had gotten aggroed and I cured her until she won. There was some shell discussion about what to do and I was a bit surprised to hear some of my friends call for letting her die so someone else could claim.

Not on /my/ watch, buddy!

Earlier, I had asked Deej if he could help me with this blighted race with Mazurka. I said I might need to borrow him. Someone joked that it sounded dirty and Deej said that wasn't me, that I was where he went for "clean love" and someone else was his source for "dirty love". And that I was too paternal for that. (Paternal? It was maternal last time :3) Aside from shell giggles at that, I told him he was sweet for saying so, then whispered a wink about the other thing ^^

Day After Christmas

(A full day and night of fun!)

Saturday was a little more FF time. I worked on the new Smilebringer Bootcamp events. The Jeunoan tree I got was MUCH nicer than the Windy one. I failed to get the Bunny Hat +1...

Then, we began a major all-hands-on-deck garage cleanout. We came close to taking everything out front. I threw out so much old crap I was holding on to for no particular reason. I distilled several boxes into a couple. I also found some great stuff I hadn't seen for ages.

From there we went to Chili's to use my boss's gift to me, a gift card. I had the Honey Chipotle fingers (with the corn, lol) and I even ate a few slices of Mandarin oranges. Actually, quite good! I was so full I only ate half, saving the rest for later.

Back home, we tried out Scrabble Express and Monopoly Express (card-based versions). I beat all comers on Scrabble, and lost all rounds of Monopoly. However, everyone was glad to find a version of Monopoly I'd actually play.

From there it was on to Vana'diel and more runs at the hat. Then I caught wind of a NM fight in the Tree and opted to go. Turns out a group of 12 of us were going. While waiting for a few stragglers, we skilled up. I got levels in Club, Divine and Enhancing. The actual fight was cake with so many of us present. Had a laugh and some frustration when I cured a nearby skiller called Malewithtale (took me a few readings to catch that...) and so did Cotellesso, our PLD. So we wound up getting unwanted crabby attention until Male finally put it down.

Then someone wanted to go after the Ancient Goobbue, who might drop one or two rare great katanas. One did, a 59 piece. I wasn't going to lot but someone insisted. I didn't win the blade, but I did get lots of moss and tree cuttings which sell well.

There was a delay getting from the first NM to the second as Cote was killed near us. I wnt to get him and took a wring turn with him. The delay cost us about 15 minutes, and nearly cost me some cuddle time with Ape. Nearly! /wink

Christmas Day!

(Great day except for my slip-up)

The boys woke us up at about 8:30 and the unwrapping began! Aside from the small things, Elder got his laptop and Younger got more Lego sets and a bike. Both got new games (I had fun showing them the Scribblenauts PA strip). Ape got her new camera, a nice heart/cross necklace, PJs, and some smaller things. I got a CD, a few movies and some shirts, plus a nice hoodie. I didn't really ask for anything as I'm still in penance mode. Also, I'm directing gift efforts towards my cosplay gear.

We made it to my parents' at 10:30 and had the big breakfast. As always it was great but I finally realized something - I need to request sausage next year! From them it was the usual, but appreciated, cash plus small thoughtful gifts. Ape's fave was a musical ornament that plays "All I Ask Of You" from Phantom. That was our first dance at our wedding :3

From there, it was back home for rest and meal prep. Ape made her usual delicious mashed potatoes and then gave a Paula Deen baked mac & cheese recipe a shot. Yes, there was butter - a *lot* of it... We made it to her sis' place at 4:30 and were there until 9-ish. Presents, food, games, and chit-chat. The cousins got, among other things, a netbook and Band Hero. I wound up setting both these items up and got into BH enough to see Evanescence.

In Vana'diel I logged in just as Fury was starting Naax and Demire on ACP. I joined in with plans to stay on as long as they pressed on. Turns out the first round of key drops was it for Demire. They wanted to try more ACP at 8pm Saturday and I said I'd have to see. I ran to the Tenshodo with my key (already having finished the cutscene) and... I got Utsusemi: Ni! Really! Doesn't quite make up for the wedding fiasco, but I do need it, so, yay me!

In horrific faux pas news, I totally forgot Fury had said his wife and daughter were killed by a drunk driver last Christmastime. He mentioned wanting the holidays to end soon and then that her birthday was coming up. A bit confused, I said Happy Birthday to her and almost immediately realized who I was talking to. I felt so~o~o bad! I expressed my condolences to him as Demire reminded me.

/kneels respectfully.

Christmas Eve

Today was a busy day. Thankfully all our shopping was already finished, and everything wrapped. But there was plenty in store for me nonetheless. Ape took off for a bit and I ran to get breakfast for myself. Bear in mind, this was two in the afternoon as I'd stayed up late with the demos last night.

On returning home, I wolfed down my food and got ready in a flash because Ape neglected to tell me that we had to pick her mom up on the way to Mass and that we were supposed to pose for pics in her decorated living room. It was OK though - we made it just 4 minutes late as things were still warming up.

Mass was good but I had to sit a row up as there were too many of us for the middle-of-the-church pew we landed in. Father Luke is still awesome. He even had Santa come in at the end, which was very touching. Only later did Ape inform me we were at Children's mass, lol.

After that it was a quick stop for a last-minute gift card, then the drive to St. Augustine for dinner and light-gazing. Dinner was a major fail - the place we wanted was closed and the restaurant we ended up in was a mess. Food was decent but the service was slooow and the tickets were all messed up. After that we went to the central park area where most of the lights were. Driving over the Bridge of Lions to reach it provided a wonderful sight of the trees, buildings and walls lit up!

At one point in the walk, we went inside the Cathedral-Basilica of St. Augustine. My breath was taken away again. I've been here 37 years and somehow missed this. Well, to be fair, most of St. Augustine isn't my style. But this was something else altogether! We only had about 10 minutes as they were locking up. I walked around and took in as much as I could and then had to leave.

From there we stopped at Krystals for my dinner (I don't eat seafood) and we split an egg-nog shake. The food and the shake were very tasty!

Once home, I sent my Christmas well-wishes to my friends (the ones I found on, anyhow ^^). Deej, Kush, Kep and Autumn - Merry Christmas!

Now I'm reading and half-watching "A Christmas Story" and getting ready for bed.

Merry Christmas all, and to all a good night! <3

So-So

One might think with a full 8+ hours to spend in Vana'diel that much progress would be made. Nope. I logged in at about 1pm, checked in with Rogues (no parties or events underway) then flagged on both SAM (with a seacom for my other 16-18 melees) and BLM38. Nothing.

While in Jeuno spending my wedding money on Gobbiebag 7, I saw a shout from Splitzy for LB2 help. I was confident I could do *most* of the job solo, so I was hoping whatever he was bringing would balance it out. Turns out he brought PLD55, and a PLD friend called Nichol. But Splitzy didn't have the Vahzl crystal or OP warp. So Nichol made his way directly whilst Splitzy and I took the Long Walk. Splitzy joked that he shouldn't walk behind me because of my tail :3

About 45 minutes later we met back up with Nichol and got Splitzy's crystal. This would be very nice as I tele'd us after each Boreal mob to save walking time.

The first fight was with the Hound, and it was ugly. Not only did it aggro from quite far away before I could buff, hate was everywhere. Both of my companions were trained Paladins, of course. We managed to beat the dog, barely, but nobody two-houred and nobody died.

For the tiger, which also pre-buff aggroed, I asked for no vokes. I was able to hold hate most of the fight and I swear it was much easier that way. The Couerl was even easier, despite aggroing after buffs but before rest. I held hate the entire time and had little to worry about on cure panics or MP.

Also, both Martyr and Devotion were awesome here. And with Nichol subbing Dancer, we had a pretty good healing potential. Maybe could have set primary and secondary heal targets as I know we wound up curing over each other a lot...

Both were exceedingly appreciative of the success, and I think both were pleasantly surprised there was no death in such an underpowered party. No two-hours ^^

At the end of that, Bloomonkey asked for three-mage-gate help, which I offered once I was sure the two Paladins were set. Bloo finished off the Windy quest and went back home whilst I farmed. Two complete runs and not one Gravity! /sigh...

After that I took off. I played DDR for about 30 minutes and then took the boys to dinner. Ape was off with her mom by now, so on returning, I *still* had things to myself. And I spent the time watching Star Trek with the boys. Ape returned home about halfway in with snacks, so we all watched together and nommed. Both boys seemed to really enjoy it, which was good.

After that I watched Tron (scene-skipping and reliving proper arcades with the Clones) and then it was present-wrapping time. Both of us finished our gifts at about 1am and we watched some TV, then I came back out.

By now, the PS3 demos I'd queued up were done and I tried them out. Dante's Inferno earns judgment as a GoW clone, but one with a story I find fascinating. I never read the original poem but now I may have to. Star Trek D-A-C was dull. And GT5 reminds me why I'm done with the series that started my real-life race and technical driving - they've continued with the dumbing-down...

Tomorrow will be almost all family and of course, the next day is Christmas! Dunno when I'll be back on, but soon, friends, soon.

Work at the Office, Work at the Mall

Last day of work before my Christmas break!

Figured out the library system's barcodes - they're almost certainly Code 39, printed upside down of all things. I generated my classic number and taped it to one of the kid's cards. I'll have to check it out (see what I did there?) ASAP.

After work, we watched a great Survivor Finale. Russell did NOT win! Yaay! Brett's showdown against Russell for the final immunity challenge was epic but unfortunately Brett went down first... He was ridiculously gracious in his exit from the game: "Thanks for the adventure!"

Later, at the jury session, much was made of Russell's jerky play, Mick's moderate style, and Natalie's admitted coattail riding. In fact, it may have been the final word from Eric who credited Natalie with a deliberate strategy of staying close to Russell, as opposed to passively getting by, that may have handed her the win! Russ looked really pissed during the announcement of the final vote - GOOD!

I then went to bed, at like 9. I was beat, but let Ape and Bran watch Penelope. I roused a few times but missed almost all of it. I read some more then went to bed for the night.

Tuesday was shopping day, plus Avatar. Started the day at about 2pm and didn't get home until 11. I found enough items on Ape's list to do it right. When we got home, she wrapped her purchases. I have to wrap mine later.

Avatar - as I told Kep: "I felt the plot was somewhat predictable (a common ailment), the storytelling was very nice and had some unexpected elements, the action was top-notch and the FX were seamless."

Ape said something interesting - she asked me if I liked the Na'vi. I told her, in all seriousness, that they looked like Mithra - Elvaan hybrids of some sort. For the film they were perfect. But I wouldn't RP one.

Much later, she said something unexpected and very sweet: She wanted to get me a t-shirt made that said Aerin of the front and had a pic of Aerin on the back. She said the RSE was out but that anything else was OK, lol. I was genuinely touched!

Slowly getting into the new book... Setting is very interesting and the Celtic lore / Fair Folk angle is new for me. Plus, it's not *too* far from Ape's Scottish heritage.

Soho tracked me down on Skype. We chatted briefly but he left suddenly, as is his wont. Deej and Kepi and I chatted a bit more but I checked out at about 3am, to read while Ape watched Steel Magnolias. Again.

'Nights all!

Silly Season

I don't think I logged in "substantially" once from Tuesday to Sunday morning. I did check in from time to time but didn't do much. Between the book, Christmas shopping and other prep, and family activities (not to mention more overtime at work) it just hasn't been possible.

Friday was Ape's work party. First was about 3 hours at the rectory with almost all hands on deck. Then the party moved to the rented home of one of her co-workers. There, things got...interesting. We were supposed to see Avatar after the party but it was far too late by then.

Later that night had a fun chat with Kushi. We played "Name That Tune" for about two hours. She's got a ton of music, including DDR. Which she plays. Did not know that... ^^

But she decided to end the chat by /shaming/ me. Those of you who know me well, here, in Vana'diel or in real life, know that I don't often feel shame. I live with very little regret and am almost always sure of myself and my choices.

It came up as I mentioned the Georgia trip in the morning. I pooh-poohed the park (because I'm honestly not fond of the place) and she took me to task. She nailed me for taking things for granted. Please see closing thoughts below.

Saturday was Wild Adventures Theme Park! OK, excitement abated. It's not a bad place, and we got "gold" season passes on sale. But there's just not a lot there for me. There's only a few "real" rides and the animals seem to be on hiatus in the winter. However, there are a lot of live concerts throughout the year included in the pass price and some are of interest of each of us.

Ape and I did get to make out on the Ferris Wheel, ri~i~ight before she nearly lost an arm trying to wave to her sis, who had just arrived. Waving while the wheel was turning... It was scary - a spoke bent her arm down but thankfully didn't pinch it between the car and itself!

I may decide to go into details about "the sweater", but not tonight. It /was/ great fun tweaking BIL's mom over it tho'! :3

Sunday I was able to log in at noon and Shinmike (who was tickled I knew what that meant) was setting up Promy runs. I tried to get in and he offered me a slot in the second group. Well, nearly two hours later and Group One was still at it.

Feeling quite annoyed by this point, I bolted. I ran to the mall and blitzed the place, waking its full length and stopping in every Ape-gift-relevant store. I found one item on my list... But I did manage to survey 90+ stores and visit 10-odd in under two hours. I *know* how to shop!

Sunday evening was the Luminaria. To be honest, it's getting worse. The candy-throwing I mean. The lights and luminaries are beautiful as ever (where displayed of course) but it seems more people just want to huck cheap candy at the other lane...

When we came back we watched *Thursday's* Survivor, even though the finale was under way. That would have to wait until tomorrow.

Finished the book. It wasn't bad (and was quite steamy in parts! -whew!-) but it seemed like much more of a conventional romance. Helen's just not strong enough of a partner for Drake, IMO. Nothing like Phèdre and Joscelin at this point, although there's still some hope for her yet in the sequel. I want to get ahold of Soho soon and see what he thinks of my take.

------------------

What Lady Kushiel may not realize is that I wasn't taking it for granted. I *know* my life has been an almost non-stop embarrassment of riches, from a familial, experiential and emotional standpoint. I have led an amazingly charmed life, from unbelievable parents, a great sister, a perfect wife, and even good in-laws. I have been to several foreign countries. I have worked for large corporations and small non-profits. I have weathered many personal and family crises with these people at my side. I have seen what it is to be sated or hungry, from a financial, emotional or sustenance perspective.

I cannot name a single time I have ever wanted for something I needed. I have what I have because my parents made it a priority to give my sis and I what we needed and what we wanted, whenever possible.

I'm not positive where the shame came from, but I know that I have tried /not/ to "rub it in" because I *know* full well I have it better than most. Thanksgiving was hard because, while I was sitting there in the mountains surrounded by loved ones, I knew my friends (plural) were going through some major stuff. Fast forward to now - again, I have my amazing family (nuclear and extended) around me and I know that's more unusual than usual.

Library Card - Activate!

After 15 years, my library card is active again! I dropped Clone the Younger off at Tae Kwon Do then went to the library with the found books. The clerk was able to clear my card after some fussing, then I paid the $20 fine. She tried to give me a new card (with a new number) but I wouldn't have it. I have a 5-digit card number and the current ones are like 5 mil. I got that card 25 years ago and I'm keeping it! Now, to find out how to generate a barcode since the original card is long lost...

Picked up Burning Alive (Shannon K. Butcher) and Daughter of the Forest (Juliet Marillier). Burning Alive is the paranormal romance recommended to me weeks ago by Soho. The other was on my reading list.

Soloed briefly with Deej as the planned Assaults never started. Later, went to help him with PLD unlock but he opted to put it off and I went to bed.

Oh, postscripty... Is Ape still taking potshots at me? Watching Leno's 9 @ 9 bit with Tim McGraw, it was revealed that Mr. Faith Hill likes Neil Diamond and Olympic figure skating (men's and women's). I made a crack about "investigating further" to which Ape replied that he and I had something in common. Wha~? Which part? /sigh...

Time Travel

(Now, if only I could find my early-80's B-Wing...)

Sunday was garage cleaning day. I'd had enough of the mess the holiday boxes were making, and I saw a lot of car stuff from my old Lumina I could toss, as I'd never need it now. So I spent about three hours digging back in the wee recesses. Most of the stuff in this zone was mine. Either car junk or old toys and mementos. Most of the non-car stuff was pre-1995, when we moved into this house.

So, with Clone the Younger in tow, we looked through boxes of my old stuff. A lot of it was "construction toy" bits. Think Lego. Now think every Lego knockoff and "similarly-themed" building set you can. Also, plastic racetrack and train pieces. Mixed in were random things I thought were cool as a pre-teen.

He was getting a kick seeing the old stuff and hearing the stories behind some of it. He REALLY got happy when I found a box of Star Wars cards (Remember the old ones that came wrapped in wax paper with a piece of rock-hard gum?). I think most of them were ESB and ROTJ. I gave them to him and soon he had them all organized in an empty Yu-Gi-Oh album.

I'll be honest... There was something specific I was looking for. I thought I had found the cache of childhood joy the night I found the missing library books, but I was wrong. And since I'd cleared out almost all the old stuff I was getting aggravated. Then, in the last box I pulled, I found them!

If you'd like to discuss this find with me, please do so politely. I really don't feel like getting griefed over this. I get enough of that from my BIL, and he has no idea these exist.

Without further ado, I present...

My My Little Ponies. Yes, I had a bunch of these growing up. I don't know if there were more than this, but here's 15 ponies (regular, pegasi and unicorns) and the Stable, Carryall, and Grooming thingy. These are original 80's vintage G1's if you're keeping score.



The 6 in the carryall are in fine shape, but the 9 that were in the stable didn't fare so well... The bag they were wrapped in ripped and bugs got in. Made a mess of the place. I spent an hour trying to clean them up and I still need to get bug gunk out of most of their manes and tails... Also, some have discolored a bit and/or their paint is coming off... ):



I may go back and shoot them at an angle so their markings are visible. I wasn't thinking when I took these snaps and only afterwards did I realize they're pretty anonymous without their colorfully-marked flanks showing, lol.

And yes, I had some Breyers (I think I have one remaining) too, and a large wooden dressage ring (found it Sunday).

Enjoy!

Real Life Gets in the Way

I've been exceedingly busy at work lately, staying well past my usual "clock-out" time on these major projects we have cooking. Also, with Christmas approaching, our family's "silly season" kicks into high gear about this time.

Friday I partied on RDM, getting to within 2.5k needed for 41 (Refresh). It was not my finest moment as, assuming this was /that/ party, I died on arrival with a mob of angry ladybugs out for my blood. Got raised by Soho, who PLed for a bit.

The next day I soloed in Altepa. It was a pain but I managed to get it. In hindsight why I chose to go /WHM instead of the obvious /NIN is beyond me. But now I have Refresh and Convert and maybe can get some midlevel action on Red Mage. Plus, RDM's AF is totally sexy. 'Specially on a Mithra!

Sunday it was BLM's turn, in a Rogues group. The party worked OK but once again we could have used Sleep coordination on links. We wiped once and had some solo deaths too. But I got a little more than a full level off it.

Later that night I logged in only to find Deej under siege by Cyncere, Doylus and others. They were sharing moronic opinions of Deej's Valkurm gear. Valkurm! I've partied there in my wash day rags for lack of better armor at the low levels!

As soon as he told me I ported out, planning to give them a piece of my mind. But in the 5 minutes it took for me to zone in, they left. I /just/ missed them. Deej seemed pissed but calmed after a little bit. I did my best to comfort, but oddly, I'd wind up really pissed myself the next day at work.

It bothered me all day Monday in fact. My friends have enough to deal with without idiotic attacks from small-minded people...

Also, somewhere in this time interval, I read Holes (Louis Sachar). It was good but told a little simplistically. The plot and some of the twists were good and all, and there were some unexpected depths to some of the characters, but overall, it felt like a literary snack. A tasty one, to be sure, but not a full meal.

Moldy Maging

Got on close to 10 and found another Jungle party underway. But I'd gotten in with Ghost and Wenz on Ghost's LB1 farming and the party was full. Until about halfway into our time in the Nest's basement, that is ^^ Would love to have gone but couldn't bail on Ghost. (Deej took that spot) At 50 and 55 I think they'd have had a hard time pulling safely without aggro.

Bad moment of the night: Was on a long all-the-way-'round pull when I found an Exoray. Flashed it and headed back to camp. Noticed I seemed to be taking lots of hits and looked behind me. 3 molds! I arrived at camp, Benedictioned, and got to work. I finished one while they duoed another.

Just before the second fell, one of them used Dark Spore, major AoE. Ghost took 628 damage and was dead. I don't recall what his total HP is, but as a Taru, it was prolly close to that. He deleveled, but R3 got him back with a 6 XP buffer. We stuck around for a few more skillup kills do Wenz (I think) could get Penta Thrust.

Got another offer for the party but declined - it was just too late. Wound up meeting Kit in Jeuno who took the slot. Tele'd all of us to Altep, dropped off Ghost & Wenz so they could duo/SU, and then took Kit to Yhoator. Logged out where I logged in :3

Joked earlier on the way to Jeuno about the sudden inrush of new Rogues. Wondered whose pearlsack had a leak :3

Passing greets to Soho who left earlyish. Bouncing messages back and forth with Dark - Ninja Slobber attacks!

Summoning Friends

My late login was made later by the Synergy/Evolith update. Autumn was having a Jungle party but as I arrived, they planned to disband. Got maybe 10 minutes of actual XP.

Went back in time to work on "Tigress Strikes" Wings quest. All I need now is the Fort NPC CS, then the NM fight. Deej was asking about Tele-Vahzl so I opted to go see him. He was joined by Vavant, headed to the LB2 fights. I tagged along and the fights were cake. Vavant was very impressive on SMN, if a little proud.

They then planned to go get Leviathan and I had to leave >< He's the last avatar I need before going for the full whisper set! Prolly should have stayed on because I couldn't sleep with the news of a rash of car breakins.

Shortly before leaving, a number of presumably younger Rogues began chatting a little scatologically. I /sighed to both Deej (who was actively ignoring them) and Autumn (who asked them to knock it off). I didn't mean for Autumn to do that but with the sheer number of people on (and many were female) the subject matter was bound to offend or at least annoy.

Dark sent a bunch of POL messages. Isa had her baby (!) and he changed servers (!)

Wound up surfing the web: Found Autumn's homework novella (The Giver, Lois Lowry). Read some tech news and also visited the FF14 site. Saw that FF11 for PS2 is in fact getting very pricey. Can't remember who wanted it for PS3 play...

Earlier, went looking in the garage for classic toys and found many of the missing library books instead! Now I can finally clear my card after 13 years! Seriously!

Weekend Update Number Something

Saturday - This was a planned "catch up" session in Rogues. Autumn and other Rogues were prepping for Promy spire runs. We were at it from 3:30 to 7:30... 2 hours assembly, 2 hours on Dem. About 40 total AFK minutes including Kiora's dinner and my drop-off of kids. Easy win - I called animas! Still need my Holla, and Demire was very consoling about it :3

Got gear mostly sorted off Jesup ):

Gators were humiliated by the Crimson Tide. Sorry Tebow!

Keeping in a football mindset, we saw The Blind Side. Really good, if a little dramatic. Then Ape and I went to Taco Bell for a snack and all four of us ate Mexican fast food at 1:30am...

Sunday - Church, Shopping, Amazing Race. Meghan and Cheyne won. It seemed close but ultimately, the casino chip count to a million is what did the others in - only M&S got it right the first time.

Brutal Dunes party on SAM - couldn't get a full boat together but 4 of us soloed when the 5th left. Actually did respectably as SAM, SAM, THF, THF. only healing was from /DNC and rests and book buffs. Started having trouble and wiped. Ero got peeved and left and Archer came to rescue Dove and Tab. Soho came by to /poke me. Really need to get that guy a hobby ^^

At 11-ish I saw that the Adult Swim Christmas shows were coming up so I stayed up 'til 1am watching, laughing and AIMing. Deej was on and we had a great chat. My Little Ponies were discussed. Kush was on but mostly silent.

Oh, oh! Finally saw Mighty Boosh. Had seen previews, and even heard an NPR interview. But tonight was the first time I sat down and watched. Much much funnier than I'd expected - perfect Brit humour ^^

Wrap-Ups

My time back after Thanksgiving has been nuts. I've been working a lot of OT and Ape's been hogging the laptop. Also, the other laptop is dying...

(Addendum) Sunday 11/29 - Mimi was the only person to notice my nails - she gave me a nice compliment on the drive home.

Tuesday 12/01 - Took the day off.

Wednesday 12/02 - Had a long wait for Besieged, and got to duo with Bwynn. Afterwards, went Crimson Key drop farming with Kit. This mini-quest gets you a once-a-day shot at the Tenshodo Treasure Coffer. Got Erase, not Ususemi: Ni... Kepi was upset over lack of COR unlock help from the Rogues - mentioned to Deej I tried Monday but no time... Tried then to explain just how long it takes and how dangerous it can be. Need to direct her to my post about the run I went on prior.

Something about a stranger comforting Autumn over her BF changing servers?

Thursday 12/03 - Took off. Got my DDR PS3 adapter (my anniversary) for my CobaltFlux pad and tried it out - works great! I haven't been able to dance IRL for ages because my US PS2 is shot and my dance pad doesn't work on USB. Other PS2 to USB adapters failed me.

On Survivor, it was auction day (good stuff), Russell already found the idol John bought a clue to, lol. Private Practice was OK, interesting stuff with Addy's parents and Dell's wife blowing up the kitchen.

Friday 12/04 - It's date night! - We skipped the movie, opting to shop late-night Christmas sales and found only a few things. Much later, I got into another shell party (+Namkrow) in Qufim, on RDM. Went from 37-39, and just need 13k more for Convert and Refresh! Yay!

Random thoughts back from vacation. I've decided I have the following elemental affinities: Thunder, ice, water, and wind. Assuming half are pluses, the others are enfeeblers? In any case, I have always loved storms and snow. So, on the way up the mountain to go zip-lining, I stared into the approaching dark clouds and thought about stuff. It never did rain, or snow...

Hi Wenz! Hi Fahw! Hi Bloo!

(Fanservice Go!!!)

Um, hey!

There's your shout-out, Wenz!

Also, is Bloomonkey's name somehow related to Blooregard Q. Kazoo, of Foster's Home?

And thank Bloo for the PL help too!