Gone. Finished. Done. Good riddance. BUH-BYE, loser.

Oh, happy day. :) Congrats to all my married friends and those who have been waiting for this day. This entire fight proves that endurance, patience and love eventually triumph. #lovewins

Interesting. According to the Pennsic Land Office's records, 2015 will be our 22nd year on E12. That also means it'll be the 24th encampment.

I... wow. Seriously. Just wow. I never in a million years thought that would happen. I think the first year we started out with like 6 people camped up against the East royal's ass (behind the portajohns at the top of Horde Hill). Then we were forced to move over by the barn for a year. And then we ended up on E12 (in the sun, no road access, no fire pit, no kitchen tent, no sign).

Corey​ and Kevin​ remember. Charles​ was there, too. So were Alexandros and Carson. And Celeb​'s been around almost that long, too.

(And damn, that means this will be my 25th Pennsic! Double wow!)

I think I'm actually finished packing for Pennsic with 8 days to spare.

 

I guess that means it's time to start a new project! :-D

My boss informed me that for finding (and spending) that $28K, I can go home early today. My miserly ways have finally paid off! w00t!

Thanks, SCOTUS, for being reasonable (well, 5 of you, at least). :)

It's interesting to watch today's decision come down for a few reasons.

First, this is happening exactly as I've always predicted. The next step is for someone to get married in a state that recognizes same-sex marriage, then move to another state that doesn't, sue, and watch the 14th amendment kick in and basically decide that every state just legalized marriage equality (it may happen state by state before then, but I doubt it).

Second, since I came out in 1987, I was witness to the shift in activism from the previous LGBT generation. Because of the horrible AIDS crisis that was just coming to fruition politically, my generation was ACT-UP and "we're here, we're queer" and NGLTF and, essentially, a great deal of "mainstreaming" in order to achieve our political goals (which were incredibly prevalent and timely at the time, given people were dying all around us). Contrast that to a lot of the previous 20 years' worth of community activism, which was more about establishing our own unique identity as a community, including doing away with such classically heterosexual institutions like marriage. I mean, get married? Who'd want to do that? Let's create our own families and relationships and to hell with those "normal" people. It was definitely a time of free love, even if it was tinged with a glacially slow change in societal attitudes (the 70's were better than the 50's, just not by much). So the idea of my progenitors celebrating - or even contemplating - marriage equality was, I'm sure, a completely foreign concept (as if it could ever happen in their lifetime anyway, right?). And now watching the last 20-30 years change even more as the next generation is coming out and establishing its own set of priorities, it's pretty interesting to watch indeed. :)

And, lastly, Scalia needs to take a long walk off a short pier. That man is a scumbag.

Fuck you, homophobes - rubbing alcohol to the rescue! :) (Worked on both the car *and* the magnet!)

Mimosas are a good way to start the work day!

Got my tax return/Valentine's Day gift to myself today - "The Five Doctors" on DVD and a BlueTooth keyboard for my phone. Alas, the keyboard has to be replaced, but still, w00t. :)

Oh, look - I have a couch under all this crap...

So yesterday the Board of Directors of the SCA, after a months-long debate period, ruled thusly (and unanimously):

"Each competitor in a Royal List must be fighting for a prospective consort of the opposite sex unless the Crown has elected to permit a competitor to fight for a prospective consort of the same sex."

What that means is that two men or two women can now fight to be King and King or Queen and Queen of their kingdom, with the caveat that the currently reigning King and/or Queen has the option to deny them entry to the competition.

This is what we're calling "inspirational equality," as the idea behind it is to have the ability to fight for the one who truly inspires you, regardless of who it might be. It's also not just an LGBT issue - who says a daughter can't fight for their mother, or a brother fight for his brother, if that's who truly inspires them to greatness?

Given this dialogue only seriously started just a couple of years ago (something we queers in Clan Blue Feather had been kidding around about for 20 years), this is a huge first step. Alas, the BoD didn't take a more decisive forward step by leaving that caveat in, but based on what I know of their deliberations, they felt like they hadn't gotten a clear mandate like they'd hoped (they recently did a Society-wide census and although a majority favored equality, there were clearly areas of the map that did not). Given that, they came up with this imperfect (ha!) step. I'm hopeful that it will prove to the nay-sayers that not only is it not a bad thing, but it's actually a very good thing for the SCA, and the Society won't crash and burn because of it. (Similarly, the SCA got better when they made other changes, such as letting women fight, making positive changes for the disabled to access events, etc.; we're supposed to be re-creating the best of the Medieval period, after all.)

So, being all excited, a lot of people started celebrating this victory, even while acknowledging there is still more work to be done (it will definitely be interesting when the first royal couple decides to deny a same-sex couple the right to fight, which will likely end up back in the BoD's lap and we'll have to re-evaluate yet again, but I'm confident equality will win out in the end). And certainly there were those who were opposed to the idea altogether that have rumbled and threatened to boycott any same-sex reign and whatnot. What I found most disappointing, though, were the ones who supported IE but who were also grumbling about it, that it didn't go far enough, that it wasn't really a victory at all, etc. Certainly they had a point, but I felt their timing was kind of shitty.

After getting into a couple of online discussions about it, I wrote this to a friend on LJ:

"... I'm more concerned that [so many people] were so quick to jump on the news as bad rather than good. Not only did it feel like my feelings were being shit on, but [also on] all those who were taking a moment to celebrate the progress before buckling down for the next wave of work to be done (not saying you or anyone did it intentionally, that's just what came through my filters). It also kind of struck me that the first person I saw post about it was Master Guiseppe (joeguppy), who has not only worked hard for this change (as in personally in touch with members of the BoD discussing the matter passionately), but is also the husband and co-Baron of the first same-sex baronial pair in SCA history (along with Master Giles). When a whole bunch of people come down quite vocally and basically say, 'Stop celebrating, this isn't a win at all!', it read to me like a backhanded slap to [them]. ([They] didn't take any of it that way, but I did.)"

I'm more than willing to admit that some of this also stems from other things going on of late (as in several people, friends and strangers alike, both disrespecting me and feeling free to shit all over my feelings), but the whole idea of one group of people telling another group of people that they were wrong for feeling so happy about what they saw as positive change just struck a nerve. Then again, maybe I'm just a cranky old man... MAYBE. :P

Regardless, I, personally, am quite pleased with this step, and I realize there are more steps to take to make the SCA a better place for all those involved. Onward! :)

I CAN HAZ KILT! w00t.

May I just say I'm totally geeking out about grocery shopping for the fondue party I'm having on Saturday. Such a geek. :)

The Bad News: I made a serious accounting error.

The Good News: It corrects substantially in my favor.

(The Meh News: It's work money, not mine. Alas.)

I had a dream last night that I went to a casino with my mother and won $5,000. Looks like we've got plans for next weekend, Mom! :D

Maryland legislature passed marriage equality today. :)

Thank the lord and little green apples my desktop is up and running again, with more memory and a wireless card to boot. I less than three my geeky IT-type friends! :D

I think $36 for a hotel room the night before a 9:15 a.m. flight is worth it, don't you? (Consider it's an almost two-hour drive to get to the airport, plus check-in...) That's the difference between a hotel and paying for parking.

Plans are coming together. So far it's EPCOT on Friday to meet up with jsciv and hopefully ashoemaker and cplpunishment, specifically to see IllumiNations. Saturday and Sunday will be Animal Kingdom and Disney Hollywood Studios (not sure which will be which yet), with possibly dinner Saturday night at California Grill, and Monday will be the Magic Kingdom so I can become a pirate, thanks to my friend Ken. I'm sure there will be video...

Also, GIP. :)

Just found out I'll be getting a bonus that'll hit while I'm at Pennsic. w00t!

I just did an in-depth phone survey with a company LJ is using to improve the site. They wanted my opinion! I'm important, don't you know. :P

Er, Miss Manners answered the question I submitted:

"DEAR MISS MANNERS -- At this time of year, I try to be respectful of the diversity of the people I may meet by wishing them "happy holidays." I like to think this neither assumes what they may celebrate nor imposes upon them what I may celebrate, but still manages to convey my good wishes toward them.

However, I have recently begun to think this may not be entirely appropriate. After all, some people may not celebrate anything at all this time of year, and I would not want to inadvertently offend them. I also think it might be even more respectful to show some interest in offering more than just a generic farewell.

Do you think it would be appropriate to first ask, "Do you celebrate a particular holiday this time of year?" I could then tailor my farewell to their response, from "Merry Christmas," to "Happy Hannukah," to simply, "Have a lovely day." I want to find a balance between being festive and friendly without appearing unduly personal or rude.

GENTLE READER -- Please do not go around interrogating random people about their religious affiliations and practices. It is disrespectful of their privacy. Besides, the number you might offend would be considerably larger than the number offended by being wished a generalized or wrong holiday greeting.

Miss Manners is well aware that there are some who do take offense at any such wishes, specific or not, including "Have a lovely day." If you really want to protect yourself, you would be better off asking, "Are you the sort of person who makes an issue out of a simple expression of good will?"

But as that, too, would be an invasion of privacy, Miss Manners is afraid you will have to take your chances or wish everyone a happy winter."

I actually submitted that two years ago. Neat! :)

65 days to Pennsic! :D

The thermometer in my office says it is 87.1 degrees. The A/C isn't turned on until April 15 (or maybe it's May 1). It's supposed to be even hotter tomorrow, but then thankfully cool back off to the 60s/70s by Friday. UGH. At least in the library it's not humid, but still.

But, hey, 2 weeks to California! w00t. :D

No snow, just rain. Bah.

In other news, Maryland is now recognizing same-sex marriages performed outside the state. Came straight from the AG without much hoopla, although now it's going to hit the fan. Hooray for us! :)

Just watched the new Venture Bros.

HOLY FRELL THAT WAS AMAZING! :)

For the record, I do *not* approve of Hank's new haircut. I do approve of all things 21 & 24, though. :)

A cake, two cards, a lovely dinner, Torchwood: Children of Earth on DVD and two tickets for a Saturday showing of Toy Story and Toy Story 2 in 3-D later, and I'd say this was a good birthday. :)

I FINALLY got rid of those damned tires! Thank you Craigslist, and nuts to you, Derek! :P

First day at the new job is going REALLY well. Already getting panicked phone calls from my old office now that I'm back. :)

Productive day at work today. I compiled an instructional binder for half my job and gave it to my boss, and she was quite pleased and relieved to have it. I'm glad she pushed me to finish it today rather than wait until Thursday, because tomorrow I can finish the binder for the other half of my job and still have time to clean up my office, finish up a handful of tasks, and meet with the last few people I need to meet with to train and review stuff. Didn't even need to stay late.

Alas, I got off to a poor start when I got home (nodded off in front of the TV again), but I did get a few things done - finished the pants, mended my kaftan, and sewed the clasp onto my cloak. Tomorrow we're probably going shopping for new cell phones right after work, but hopefully I'll get a couple more things done garb-wise, even if they're just repairing existing stuff. Then it's my last day, a haircut, and my vacation begins! w00t!

The week with Q's brother and his fiance visiting has been going quite well.

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Gosh, today was Friday? I thought it was Saturday, BITCHES. Guess I still have 2 more days off then. :)

Did I mention, no work today? 4-day weekend? Slept in? Did some yardwork?

Yes. Quite. :P

6 hours until a 4-day weekend. w00tness.

Alas, won't be going to Balticon for the day Saturday like we'd hoped as somebody seems to have spent all of our money on dolls.

A curry/garlic meatloaf (of my own design, thankyouverymuch) with a green salad and bread drizzled with sauteed garlic and butter, and a donut for dessert (it's all we had handy in the house). It's nice to know I can cook when called upon, and I thank my talented friends who have obviously taught me things over the years through osmosis. :)

Star Trek

OMG LOVE.

I like the fact that everyone talks almost exclusively about the characters instead of the plot or the villain or whatnot, and I can see why. Not only did they cast the PERFECT actors in every role (except Uhura - I found Nichols' portrayal to be far more classy and elegant), but this was as much character-driven as any TOS/TNG/DS9/VOY/ENT episode, PLUS it had the special effects and action we've always craved (remember when they finally showed the battle of Wolf 359 in First Contact?).

One thing is bugging me, though...

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We need to have a spring party. BADLY.

Also, here? DO NOT WANT.

We don't usually watch The Daily Show, but we happened upon the first few minutes tonight, and good god that man is both a comedic and a cultural master.

In response to some talking head complaining that his kid's school calling St. Patrick's Day "Potato Day" is proof of Obama's impending socialism (WTF on so many levels), Stewart replies:

"So government's taking over our schools, our corporations, our healthcare, our personal liberties - scary! And while President Bush was the one who started the bailouts, nationalized an insurance company, added a seventeen trillion dollar prescription drug entitlement program, had a government mandated public school initiative literally titled "No Child Left Behind", wiretapped citizens without warrants, created secret internment camps in international waters beyond the reach of our justice system, and allowed his vice president to live in a nether world between the executive and legislative branch where his house did not exist on Google Earth, only now with the advent of "Potato Day" has tyranny come to our shores."

Fucking brilliant. To wrap up, he put it bluntly:

"I think you might be confusing 'tyranny' with 'losing'... when the guy that you disagree with gets elected he's probably going to do things you disagree with... that's not tyranny - that's democracy. See, now you're in the minority. It's supposed to taste like a shit taco. And by the way, if I remember correctly, when disagreement was expressed about that president's actions when y'all were in power, I believe the response was, 'Why do you hate America?'

You can watch the episode here on Hulu. It's worth it.

O. M. G.

A new Star Trek clip on Yahoo of Kirk meeting McCoy for the first time. Karl Urban is AWESOME!

"Space is disease and danger wrapped in darkness and silence!"

And you thought he was anxious about the transporter! LOL!

They started a board gaming club on campus last semester, and today the guy running it stopped by my office after I had asked him about it by e-mail. He said they get anywhere from four to twelve folks every Thursday night and invited me to join them. He said they played Monopoly and Risk and Clue, so I asked him if anybody played any German-style boardgames.

"What are those?" he asked.

Excuse me while I rub my hands together gleefully...

Not a lot of you have been in on this, but I think we're far enough along that it's ok to go ahead and make the announcement now.

Q and I are moving to Missouri. :)

I'll post the details later, but we're way excited. A whole new chapter in our lives has begun!