Fun and Frustration

Fri - Date night!



We went to Santiori's again with C & R, and this time we were joined by SIL and hubby. As usual, the food was excellent. From there we split up, as nobody else wanted to go to the movies. We were trying to pick between Valentine's Day, From Paris With Love, and When in Rome. We used the, "Which is showing in the biggest theater?" technique and wound up at Valentine's Day.

Despite reviews to the contrary, we loved it. It was very funny. Very very funny. And many of the stories were very sweet. McSteamy-as-quarterback coming out was an interesting twist. McDreamy as a philanderer was so-so until he got owned by the mistress.

At home, we chilled out for awhile and watched a variety of shows. Then it was Vana time. As I was still in West Saruta, and there were no cilices on the AH, I resumed the search. I was puzzled at where level 35 dhalmels would be in a stater zone, when I looked at wiki again. And, once more, Aerin fails reading skills. West Saruta *S*. Once I hopped through the Maw, it wasn't very long before I found the dhalmel camp.

I began the long process of dhalmel decimation while chatting away. It took a couple dozen beasts before I had just two tufts of hair. I had planned to get 4 to increase the chances of a successful synth. But I was bored.

I Mawed back to the present and ran to the guild. Almost 3k later I had a wool thread. I picked up advanced synth support and gave this recipe a shot. Or, I would have, but instead I got a message that my skill was too low. AAARGH! So, I waste two hours and 3k and I can't even try? A warp to Jeuno later and I put the mats up for sale.

-=-=-=-

Sat - Marathon!



The shell had planned tonight for the Holla assault, and I'd planned to farm recollects as I'd promised. But Med and Layton had other plans. Med threw out the idea of running Holla early so that at 8-ish we could move on to the next set of missions. We began to assemble but it didn't work out. There was talk of starting a COR unlock run. But I took my leave and ran to the library to drop off the DVDs and to Target for kitty litter (not mine).

When I got back, Med and Layton were about halfway into the run and I joined them. It was a lot of tedious running around, and one particularly tough fight against a Soulflayer which used up all my tricks save Benediction. Med almost ended the run at the second cutscene and I reminded him there was one more around the corner.

After that, we started the Caedarva map quest. This would have been a slam-dunk except for two things. Layton continued going AFK, and Med added Shadowhawko to the run and there was a delay while he came in from Wajaom and Med went AFK himself. /sigh

But we did get it done, and this particular cutscene series was very well done. I wonder if there's a YouTube of it. With all these delays, it was time to start the run and there was no time for me to farm recollects.

Between the COR run and the map quest, I got my meds from storage, and was able to get a crafter to make my cilice. I had been shouting for craft help in both Jeuno and Whitegate for a couple days and today someone answered! Hollaback replied, asking if I had the mats. I did, and he happened to be close by me, at the sanction NPC. I traded the stuff plus 5k and he succeeded on the synth. When he traded me the cilice I added a 2k tip. So I basically spent 10k and 2 hours to get a 3k piece of cloth... But now I could up my gobbiebag to 70 and free up the space I'd been using for the other three quest items.

And now, for the Holla run, which began at about 10, after assembling everyone and reviewing the battle plan. Recall that I went in 0 for 6. If I said I came out 0 for 8, would you pity me?

The climb was relatively uneventful, but slow. Once in the spire, we took a little time while Med explained a few things to Layton (on SMN) and Shadow (on WAR). Like macros. And job abilities. Oh. Boy. The plan was for Med and Layton to team up near the end of the fight to unleash Shivas, Astral Flow, and repeated Diamond Dust attacks. It didn't happen.

We nearly wiped right off the bat when Shadow went down. I think Shadows shadows fell quicker than planned and he took damage rapidly. We opted to stop fighting, wipe, and regroup. The second fight went to about 40%, and the summoners did start their assault. But it wasn't nearly enough. We wiped painfully once more. And this time, we were supposed to HP to save the XP loss but I wasn't paying attention and reraised unnecessarily. Oh well.

In other news, while waiting around the Ru'lude AH, I grabbed a Gala Corsage and the Opaline Boots. Man, those things are *white*! They make my Blessed Pants look really dingy. At some point, Stoik came on and said he'd read of my shell troubles on my blog. He's going to set me up in his.

Later that night, while chatting with Kep, he offered to give me his Emperor's Hairpin to go towards my Opaline gear. I was honored and a little speechless. He's quitting on the 28th so he's willing to part with stuff. I feel a little bad taking such a fine gift, especially after I put my foot in my mouth...

Meanwhile, for most of the afternoon and evening, Ape and the boys were off with SIL's family. They were all in Gainesville visiting the University of Florida. Younger is a huge Gators fan and they were spending the day there. They got some great pics in the stadium and around campus.

-=-=-=-

Sunday



Today was a pretty full "get stuff done" day. We did house chores, and then headed out for a little shopping. I grabbed a preorder for FFXIII, hoping it ships with beta keys for 14.

Also while out, we stopped at Ape's salon so Elder and I could get much needed hair surgery. The stylist and I talked a bit about '80s hair and then Ape and I settled on "neaten it up, shorten and thin the front, but leave the back long, as it's gonna get longer. She said I had "very pretty" hair, and once she was done, I had a hard time puting down the mirror. She moussed it - I've not had product in my hair like ever - and it looked fabulous. I hated to sleep on it...

From there, we had a great dinner at Chili's with my mom and dad. After, it was the Amazing Race. My cowboys did very well. I was running around during the show installing the new doorknobs Ape bought.

President's Day Week

Mon - Helped Eilanna (long time no see!) with Dark Spark (had a guest WAR) and then Med and I did most of the Attowha Chasm map quest. Soho joined after the dark mandy fight (so no map for him). Had a few deaths in the Chasm at the hands of an NM scorpion called Sargas. Eventually zoned and got our key items.

-=-=-=-

Tues - Don't think I did anything besides work on Clothcraft, Gobbiebag 8 and some teles. As part of my plan to end my time in Vana'diel, I'm expanding my gobbiebag to hold the Opaline dress set and the matching corsage. Three of the 4 items were available and cost "just" 40k. The last item, Cilice, is cheap but only supplied by one crafter called Tarbon.

I looked into the next most likely items for leveling Cloth and settled on Velvet cloth squares. While being 11 levels over mine, and not the cheapest mats-wise, they're easy and the ingredients are readily available. And the resulting cloth stacks sell quickly.

I didn't keep good notes on breaks and such, but I got two levels and made nearly 2 stacks tonight, and figured I'm running at maybe 60% efficiency (meaning crafting only recoups 60% of my costs). I can deal with that.

-=-=-=-

Wed - late night session of page compositing. Got most of the pics arranged and the words lined up. Now it's up to Ape to finalize a few details.

Took Cloth from 42 to 44. Seems like this route isn't going to cost me overmuch. Did a little tele work. Sbrightblade chatted me up regarding Rogues and the definition of a Mithra.

MsPeek is setting up a Holla run Saturday. I wasn't able to farm as requested because I was crafting and working on the yearbook ad, but I committed to bring 4 sets of recollects. So I guess I'll be farming in there sooner than planned :3

Chatted with Soho, briefly. Seems something's on his mind...

-=-=-=-

Thurs - quick check for cilice (fail), followed by a meager attempt to farm dhalmel hair in West Saruta. Never did find the dhalmels...

Welcome back, Rahne!

Finished the yearbook page from us as well as the half-page for the extended fam. *whew*

Finally got back on AIM after a nearly week-long absence.

Winter Wonderland! Or, Snow Tired!

Today is the start of our latest family oddysey (Thank you Abe and Lorne Lanning - now I can't spell it right anymore!). The four of us, plus Ape's sis' crew but minus mom-in-law were booked and packed for this trip. How we got out of town with just the two families I don't know ^^

We left home just before 3, and about 4 hours later the car was being pelted by sleety precipitation. We stopped to get gas and I ate some as it fell. Not long after, it got more snowy and was building up beautifully along the interstate. Lots of white hillsides and treetops.

Ever drive on ice? I have, a couple times. This is what the black box would have logged:

* ABS activation event
* Traction control / wheelspin event
* Course deflection / steering angle change event

Thankfully we were heading in a straight line... For the most part I avoided the far left lane because there's a no-semi rule and they were doing a good job de-icing and de-slushing the other lanes. But sometimes I needed to pass much slower traffic... Oops!

In any case, we stopped to eat just outside Macon and by the time we got back on the road things had calmed down. Also, as we got closer to Atlanta traffic built up some which helped clear the roads further. Between Valdosta and Macon the road was eerily empty. Kinda made us wonder if we'd somehow missed a road-closing barricade!

We got in close to 10 and settled in. Ape and her sis ran up the street to get some basics and they encountered quite a bit of ice and slidy road conditions. Thankfully they made it back safely. It was only later that I learned my SIL, who seems to disapprove of my precision driving practicing, was practicing ice driving in the Wal-Mart parking lot!

The hotel has been nice and the complimentary breakfast the following morning was yummy! Then it was off to Stone Mountain for the snow tubing we'd invested 6 hours to reach. The line was long-ish but ultimately we got 5 runs in during our timeslot. More than enough, actually. The climb and the hucking of the tubes up the ramps wore us all down.

From there was a far-too-long hunt for a new place to eat. We actually got immediate seating at one place but the fare wasn't really to our liking and the prices didn't improve our outlook. From there it was an additional two hours until we wound up at Longhorn. So much for finding a neat local place... But, the food was great, as always. And our waiter was top-shelf.

Sunday was the drive home. We tried unsuccessfully to get one more night but the place was sold out and the rate they quoted for a cancellation was nearly double what we paid... So we left. On the way home, we ate at "The Smoking Pig", South Georgia's award-winning BBQ joint. At least, that's what the placemats proclaimed.

It really was quite good - and I'm not a huge BBQ fan. We got home to a cold house and unpacked. I love being away, and I'm not terribly fond of my house, but if I have to leave my vacation spot, I want to be back home. I hate the in-between.

/Sigh

Monday to Wednesday all I did was farm in Promy-Holla. If the 6 converted animas sell I'll clear 30k. Seems like they won't...

I think unless I find a shell that sticks together, does events on a compatible schedule, and is filled with friendly people, my plan is to save up for the Opaline Dress set (couldn't ever afford Ceremonial) and enjoy looking prettyful for a time. Then I'll quit.

I'm fed up. I'm tired. And I have more fun chatting with my friends rather than grinding fruitlessly.

If *anyone* does happen to know a shell as I have described, I'd love to join. I really do love Vana'diel, and I love helping. I have things I still want to accomplish. But these days I just don't see it happening...

/sigh...

In other gaming news, on Tuesday, I found all the pieces needed for Typing of the Dead! And miraculously, my save data from years ago is intact!

Super Sunday

Friday night, I fell asleep after the post-movie cuddling.

Saturday:

I didn't have a lot of time for anything besides helping Clone the Elder. His National History Day project is due this week. I rigged up the two part presentation board and helped with the culling of excess wording from the slides.

We watched the cousins for a couple hours and there was more Metallica and Smash Hits action.

I got in some FFXI with a Bastok 8-1 assist and a mutual Mog House tour with Soho. Someone needs to hook me up with whatever it is he's doing. His mog was very nicely appointed, and a number of the furnishings were event rewards. Of particular fascination to me was his glowy crystal that cycled through the elemental colors.

Also had a couple of interesting chats, as usual.

In /random news, I pulled out my Dreamcast and keyboard gear. Now all I need is my Typing of the Dead disc. I've decided between work and home I'm long overdue for a typing skillup.

Also, last night I heard some of our wildlife messing with our garbage cans. Expecting the deer again I looked out and saw two raccoons! I grabbed a flashlight and laser pointer hoping to drive them off. Instead, they actually approached the back door where I was watching from. Clearly these fellows haven't watched enough sniper movies to have developed a fear of glowing red dots on the forehead...

Sunday:

Thought I was going to relax but then I remembered what today is! Super Bowl Sunday XLIV 44 Game Day! Otherwise known as a year's worth of good commercials in like 5 hours.

I did get to play Metallica for about 90 minutes, working on Career to unlock stuff. I also created my rocker, modeled after Joscelin but named Sqwisgaar. May need to rethink that one. As we were wrapping up (Ape had returned with her mom and was finishing prep) I got to listen to MIL's opinion of heavy metal. The Younger tried to put on a show but picked Beginner and quit. I tried "Dyer's Eve" on Hard and soon regretted it.

Not sure why since the lyrics have never applied to me personally, but I've always felt "connected" to Dyer's lyrics...

At my parents', we feasted and sat down to watch the game. The first half was interesting enough, wth each team dominating one quarter.

Overheard at various points before and during the halftime show (The Who played, for those keeping score):

"Who's playing at halftime?" "The Who." "Right, who's playing?"

"I think they're playing medley-style in the hopes /somebody/ recognizes one song..."

"Across the country, parties filled with thirty-somethings are scratching their heads at hearing the name of the musical guest."

"Does anyone watching even /know/ what a pinball machine is?"

(From the kitchen) "Oooh, CSI is starting?"

Some commercial reactions:

Doritos dog collar - classic physical comedy, but with animals! -grins-

Doritos Date Pickup - One of the best. The little boy's deadpan delivery is perfect!

Tim Tebow's pro-life spot: A) I happen to be pro-life. Surprised? I am a healer after all. I'm not a zealot about it and realize everything can be situational. B) Why on earth was there such an outcry again? Mom Tebow didn't say anything remotely controversial.

Manly Dodge Charger - Umm, why is shopping with your wife for clothes or housewares so unmanly, requiring a testosterone infusion? Is the woman who completes you not worth a litle time? A *lot* of time? Plus the car's a four-door. How is that manly, again?

Simpsons Coke - Hated it. Seemed very out of character. Plus most of the "Happiness" ads haven't registered with me.

Intel - I miss the "rock star" spots...

Africa Coke - Nice. I get to contradict myself a little. It was goofy but the scenery was lovely and the overall premise worked.

e-Trade - Dun like the new baby, but "milkaholic" sold me. Also, enthusiastic wolf howl made me think of Kio. I promise I'll gt it right event

Second Denny's Freebie - "In space no one can hear you cluck." Two thumbs up!

Doritos Locker Steal - hilarious chip samurai... (:

Audi Green Police - Awesome-sauce, plus I like Audi!

Second half? On-side kick, recovered, leading to a TD? {Yes, please!}

-shakes soggy head- In attempting to open a bottle of wine for Ape, without a corkscrew, I managed to shove the cork in. And got a faceful of white zinfandel for my trouble...

Manning intercepted, returned for another TD? /hurray

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In unrelated-ish news, Ape was grading during the game. She showed some examples of "regular" work and the work of one of her challenged students. She has a couple, and has tried to convince the parents and her admins that these kids are beyond normal teaching. Looking at their work is quite heartbreaking, as it's clear they are trying but just aren't progressing... As a parent of an ADHD kid, I get it. But if the parents of these kids won't agree to get medical or professional help...