![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
Photo Post
Jun. 13th, 2014 08:02 pm( Photos back here )
Toddler Update - Convention Edition
Jun. 11th, 2014 08:56 pmBub seems to have leveled up again. It's hard to explain, but his sentences just got more complicated and clearer, there's a higher level of interaction happening, and he wants to do absolutely everything "by myself!".
( We've been busy )
( We've been busy )
Nullus Anxietas IV
Aug. 15th, 2012 05:54 pmNext March, around the long weekend, the next Australian Discworld convention will be held in Melbourne.
I'm peripherally involved in the committee, but haven't mentioned it much yet. Partly because I don't like putting the hard sell on people, and mostly because if I'm going to recommend something to my friends I want to be sure it will in fact be awesome.
I am now feeling confident that NA4 will exceed my minimum threshold of awesomeness. So;
If you like the Discworld and other works related to Terry Pratchett,
if you like a convention that promotes and encourages fannish activity,
if you think you'd enjoy a convention full of people who do like those things,
then I would like to strongly recommend you get in and buy at least a supporting membership before the end of August to secure the early-bird rate.
You can do so here: ausdwcon.org
I'm peripherally involved in the committee, but haven't mentioned it much yet. Partly because I don't like putting the hard sell on people, and mostly because if I'm going to recommend something to my friends I want to be sure it will in fact be awesome.
I am now feeling confident that NA4 will exceed my minimum threshold of awesomeness. So;
If you like the Discworld and other works related to Terry Pratchett,
if you like a convention that promotes and encourages fannish activity,
if you think you'd enjoy a convention full of people who do like those things,
then I would like to strongly recommend you get in and buy at least a supporting membership before the end of August to secure the early-bird rate.
You can do so here: ausdwcon.org
Currently trying to rest my right arm, particularly around the elbow, which is all very sore in an over-use kind of way. Have slathered it in Neurofen gel, will see how that goes. Would be easier if Ella-cat didn't favour that side for cuddles.
This weekend is the Continuum Convention, which we and Bub will be attending (bought our memberships this time last year). We've booked a hotel room for Saturday & Sunday nights, but not Friday because we're on a budget, and still aren't sure how we'll go away from our comfort zone at home for so long. (Bub will be fine, me, I don't know.)
So Saturday afternoon & Sunday the plan is for David & I to tag-team on Bub wrangling so that both of us can get to at least a few programme items. Bub will put in appearances as his mood permits.
Currently dithering about what to do on Friday. I was thinking I'd be able to toddle along much as normal with Bub in the carrier, sit in on panels when he slept and find somewhere out of the way to look after him when he was awake. David would join us after work and we could share him between us until at least after the opening ceremony.
But these last couple of weeks Bub's been getting more active, more easily distracted, and less likely to just go to sleep when tired if there's stuff happening around him. He's also started refusing the dummy. Odds on him going to sleep in the carrier or pram without any fuss now look fairly slim.
His actual uptime between naps is still only 1 - 1.5 hours, so if I try going in then he'll be due to go back to sleep pretty much by the time I get there, I'll probably just have to turn around and come back home.
It's a shame, I would have liked to go to one of the 2pm workshops, but I think I'll be heading in nearer the Opening Ceremony to meet up with David and then see how long Bub lets us stay. There will after all be other conventions, since I'm not doing badge-making I don't actually need to be there, and the people I'm likely to want to catch up with will probably all be busy anyway.
So that's probably a decision, I'll move on to dithering about pram vs carrier and how many nappies to pack.
This weekend is the Continuum Convention, which we and Bub will be attending (bought our memberships this time last year). We've booked a hotel room for Saturday & Sunday nights, but not Friday because we're on a budget, and still aren't sure how we'll go away from our comfort zone at home for so long. (Bub will be fine, me, I don't know.)
So Saturday afternoon & Sunday the plan is for David & I to tag-team on Bub wrangling so that both of us can get to at least a few programme items. Bub will put in appearances as his mood permits.
Currently dithering about what to do on Friday. I was thinking I'd be able to toddle along much as normal with Bub in the carrier, sit in on panels when he slept and find somewhere out of the way to look after him when he was awake. David would join us after work and we could share him between us until at least after the opening ceremony.
But these last couple of weeks Bub's been getting more active, more easily distracted, and less likely to just go to sleep when tired if there's stuff happening around him. He's also started refusing the dummy. Odds on him going to sleep in the carrier or pram without any fuss now look fairly slim.
His actual uptime between naps is still only 1 - 1.5 hours, so if I try going in then he'll be due to go back to sleep pretty much by the time I get there, I'll probably just have to turn around and come back home.
It's a shame, I would have liked to go to one of the 2pm workshops, but I think I'll be heading in nearer the Opening Ceremony to meet up with David and then see how long Bub lets us stay. There will after all be other conventions, since I'm not doing badge-making I don't actually need to be there, and the people I'm likely to want to catch up with will probably all be busy anyway.
So that's probably a decision, I'll move on to dithering about pram vs carrier and how many nappies to pack.
Random Bits
Jun. 27th, 2011 10:34 pmI have new glasses.
( life trivia at length )
Finally, had a random surprise encounter with my brother on the tram coming home tonight. We're not what you'd call a close family, I think it's been nearly 2 years since I last saw him, and we don't keep in touch. Apparently he's currently working just around the corner from me, although neither of us are planning to be in the area much longer.
( life trivia at length )
Finally, had a random surprise encounter with my brother on the tram coming home tonight. We're not what you'd call a close family, I think it's been nearly 2 years since I last saw him, and we don't keep in touch. Apparently he's currently working just around the corner from me, although neither of us are planning to be in the area much longer.
I have a cold, and it seems to be hitting me rather hard so I feel quite blah. I hope I will get through it quickly and be well again by the time I start my leave on Thursday.
My long weekend will be spent at Continuum 7 (Friday evening is free if you're in Melbourne and curious, but not curious enough to spend money).
I'll be presiding over the badge-making on Friday, on Saturday I'm bringing some overt philosophy to a panel, and on Sunday I'm running the fencing workshop and helping David with the juggling one. Monday I get to relax and spectate.
Cat run is all done except the all-important pet door. Need to order an extra tunnel bit to go through the wall. We shut the kittens in it for a while yesterday and Abby showed us all the escape points so we could plug them. Ella seems to quite like pottering around in there, Abby likes it but considers the netting a personal insult. I imagine she'll be happier once she can come and go on her own terms.
...
I think there is other stuff, but my brain isn't working so it will have to wait for next time.
My long weekend will be spent at Continuum 7 (Friday evening is free if you're in Melbourne and curious, but not curious enough to spend money).
I'll be presiding over the badge-making on Friday, on Saturday I'm bringing some overt philosophy to a panel, and on Sunday I'm running the fencing workshop and helping David with the juggling one. Monday I get to relax and spectate.
Cat run is all done except the all-important pet door. Need to order an extra tunnel bit to go through the wall. We shut the kittens in it for a while yesterday and Abby showed us all the escape points so we could plug them. Ella seems to quite like pottering around in there, Abby likes it but considers the netting a personal insult. I imagine she'll be happier once she can come and go on her own terms.
...
I think there is other stuff, but my brain isn't working so it will have to wait for next time.
Nullas Anxietas 3
Apr. 20th, 2011 09:00 pm( Con report below. I took almost no photos all weekend I'm afraid. )
So, that was our trip. Returned feeling very relaxed and happy.
Next Oz Discworld con is planned for 2013 in Melbourne. Some of you might be pleased to hear that there are plans afoot for some sort of mini-event to be held in the off years, Adelaide and Brisbane/GoldCoast are arguing about who gets 2012. Which is to say that they both want 2012. Personally if it was me I'd be letting the other team take 2012 and aiming for 2014, but that would be because I'm a cantankerous and slightly pessimistic old convention hack.
So, that was our trip. Returned feeling very relaxed and happy.
Next Oz Discworld con is planned for 2013 in Melbourne. Some of you might be pleased to hear that there are plans afoot for some sort of mini-event to be held in the off years, Adelaide and Brisbane/GoldCoast are arguing about who gets 2012. Which is to say that they both want 2012. Personally if it was me I'd be letting the other team take 2012 and aiming for 2014, but that would be because I'm a cantankerous and slightly pessimistic old convention hack.
We're heading off to the Discworld convention tomorrow. At the moment I have no idea what I've packed or what I still need, but hopefully we'll arrive with everything we require.
Probably no updates while we're away, but I'll try to take enough notes for a con report when I get back. Since I haven't managed anything for the last couple of cons I should probably do so - otherwise I don't remember it at all.
I hope my brain kicks into gear soon...
Probably no updates while we're away, but I'll try to take enough notes for a con report when I get back. Since I haven't managed anything for the last couple of cons I should probably do so - otherwise I don't remember it at all.
I hope my brain kicks into gear soon...
Weekend Burbling
Jan. 17th, 2011 12:12 pm( Fencing, cooking, kittens, Brickvention )
And now... I'm still not sure where my weekend went. Need more.
And now... I'm still not sure where my weekend went. Need more.
LJ Badges Revisited
Sep. 10th, 2010 11:06 amDavid had a lot of people admiring his LJ badge during the worldcon, and I vaguely recall agreeing to do another batch.
( If you want a badge, click here for details )
Since there's no rush, I can probably come up with Dreamwidth or even Twitter templates if people want them. Combining multiple social networks is only going to work if you use the same name for them.
( If you want a badge, click here for details )
Since there's no rush, I can probably come up with Dreamwidth or even Twitter templates if people want them. Combining multiple social networks is only going to work if you use the same name for them.
I'm Alive. I'm almost certain of this.
Sep. 9th, 2010 11:32 am*cough*sniffle*sneeze*
I caught the con lurgy relatively early, it combined with caffeine abuse and lack of sleep to leave me pretty out of it on Monday. I'm getting better now, but getting to work this morning was hard. Have returned to a Coke Zero on my desk, an entirely useless product. Also vegemite, I'll use that one.
At the moment the con is all a bit blurry, so I'll save detailed response until I have my notes.
( A few random things for now: )
To make myself feel better about keeping (some of) my opinions to myself, I'll just note that the area behind my back gate was, as of Tuesday, still litter-free. It isn't always so, but regular clean-ups seem to be occurring.
I caught the con lurgy relatively early, it combined with caffeine abuse and lack of sleep to leave me pretty out of it on Monday. I'm getting better now, but getting to work this morning was hard. Have returned to a Coke Zero on my desk, an entirely useless product. Also vegemite, I'll use that one.
At the moment the con is all a bit blurry, so I'll save detailed response until I have my notes.
( A few random things for now: )
To make myself feel better about keeping (some of) my opinions to myself, I'll just note that the area behind my back gate was, as of Tuesday, still litter-free. It isn't always so, but regular clean-ups seem to be occurring.
Reflecting on Public Fencing Activities
Jul. 21st, 2010 04:21 pmI've had the chance over recent years to see many public fencing activities, and to run a fair few of my own.
( Long post is looong )
Anyway, this is the post for those of you wanting to offer your learned opinions and experience to comment on. You may address or ignore the post at whim.
( Long post is looong )
Anyway, this is the post for those of you wanting to offer your learned opinions and experience to comment on. You may address or ignore the post at whim.
Consumer Research
Jul. 20th, 2010 01:28 pmApparently David & I have been asked to do a fencing thing at Worldcon.
So, a question for the non-fencing fen: what do you think would make a good fencing/swordplay item at a Worldcon? What would entice you along? What would you expect to get to make it a good experience?
Assume that practicalities are my problem, this is a wish list.
(Fencers, you'll get your chance to pontificate in the next post where I take reality into consideration.)
(Con organisers, don't worry.)
So, a question for the non-fencing fen: what do you think would make a good fencing/swordplay item at a Worldcon? What would entice you along? What would you expect to get to make it a good experience?
Assume that practicalities are my problem, this is a wish list.
(Fencers, you'll get your chance to pontificate in the next post where I take reality into consideration.)
(Con organisers, don't worry.)
Oh, and while I think of it...
Apr. 19th, 2010 12:21 pmThe Aussiecon membership price increases at the end of this month.
If you're toying with the idea of attending the World Science Fiction Convention in Melbourne later this year, save yourself $35 or thereabouts by signing up sooner rather than later.
If you're toying with the idea of attending the World Science Fiction Convention in Melbourne later this year, save yourself $35 or thereabouts by signing up sooner rather than later.
Now where was I...
Feb. 26th, 2010 08:38 pm( More house reno stuff )
So yeah, going to be bleeding money here for a while, but this is what we saved it for.
In the afternoon I drove into town to Continuum 6. Had about 10 people for the foam sabre games, which was as many as one would want in a room that size. They were a lot more rowdy than last time, but I think I've figured out why. Last time it was first thing the morning after the disco, this time I was first on the programme and everyone was excited and wanting to leap into things.
Everyone seemed to have fun, and I got a few compliments on my costume which was very reassuring given that it was the result of desperate rummaging in the wardrobe an hour before departure.
Was surprised to find I can still drive home from the central CBD in 40 mins even at the tail end of peak hour.
Returned for a quick swap of bags then off to give a fencing lesson. Now I think I should probably eat something that isn't full of sugar, then pack my stuff for tomorrow when I return to the con.
So yeah, going to be bleeding money here for a while, but this is what we saved it for.
In the afternoon I drove into town to Continuum 6. Had about 10 people for the foam sabre games, which was as many as one would want in a room that size. They were a lot more rowdy than last time, but I think I've figured out why. Last time it was first thing the morning after the disco, this time I was first on the programme and everyone was excited and wanting to leap into things.
Everyone seemed to have fun, and I got a few compliments on my costume which was very reassuring given that it was the result of desperate rummaging in the wardrobe an hour before departure.
Was surprised to find I can still drive home from the central CBD in 40 mins even at the tail end of peak hour.
Returned for a quick swap of bags then off to give a fencing lesson. Now I think I should probably eat something that isn't full of sugar, then pack my stuff for tomorrow when I return to the con.
Continuum, Dumplings, Planning Ahead
Feb. 18th, 2010 04:52 pmSo, the Continuum 6 Programme is up.
After several months languishing in the wilds of Tooronga, I rather fancy a visit to my favourite dumpling bar on Market Lane*. I realise planning in advance isn't normally the done thing, however it's not just me who likes them so booking is essential**.
Any Continuum attendees or other Melbournians want to join me for a meal of exceptionally good dumplings at a reasonable price sometime during the convention? I'll make a rough booking in advance and we can refine the numbers once the con starts.
[Poll #1526977]
[*] I'm talking about the Hutong Dumpling Bar. With my hungry workmates it usually worked out to about $10-$15 per person depending on how much we stuffed ourselves.
[**] Although I will settle for other dumpling bars if the pre-planning thing fails to fly.
After several months languishing in the wilds of Tooronga, I rather fancy a visit to my favourite dumpling bar on Market Lane*. I realise planning in advance isn't normally the done thing, however it's not just me who likes them so booking is essential**.
Any Continuum attendees or other Melbournians want to join me for a meal of exceptionally good dumplings at a reasonable price sometime during the convention? I'll make a rough booking in advance and we can refine the numbers once the con starts.
[Poll #1526977]
[*] I'm talking about the Hutong Dumpling Bar. With my hungry workmates it usually worked out to about $10-$15 per person depending on how much we stuffed ourselves.
[**] Although I will settle for other dumpling bars if the pre-planning thing fails to fly.
Convention Plug
Jan. 13th, 2010 11:36 amFor those readers who have expressed an interest, or would have if they knew to ask:
Continuum 6 will be a very nice, friendly science fiction convention held in Melbourne February 26-28. (Friday evening to Sunday afternoon)
Full adult membership is $180, but if this is your first convention you can get membership for just $130 !
If you enjoy it, you can then sign up for the Worldcon, also being held in Melbourne, later this year ;-)
Continuum 6 will be a very nice, friendly science fiction convention held in Melbourne February 26-28. (Friday evening to Sunday afternoon)
Full adult membership is $180, but if this is your first convention you can get membership for just $130 !
If you enjoy it, you can then sign up for the Worldcon, also being held in Melbourne, later this year ;-)
Continuum 5
Aug. 17th, 2009 12:23 pmFriday I stayed back at work late enough to make up for my slow morning, which lead to the rather unusual circumstance of our boss wandering along telling those of us still there to go home. Normally he's out the door at 5, and avoids interacting with us anyway. I have my suspicions but really don't care.
I had hoped to take the whole week off before the con so I could be properly rested and shake off the lurking depression that seems to be perpetually hovering and threatening to strike at the moment. (I blame stress). The time off didn't happen, so I didn't go in to the con with the best mindset which made for a slightly up-and-down weekend for me, and probably for a fairly uninspiring con report now. If it seems down-beat then that's my brain chemistry, not the con's fault.
( What I did This Weekend )
The next Continuum is only 6 months away. I will definitely make sure I get some time off work for that one.
I had hoped to take the whole week off before the con so I could be properly rested and shake off the lurking depression that seems to be perpetually hovering and threatening to strike at the moment. (I blame stress). The time off didn't happen, so I didn't go in to the con with the best mindset which made for a slightly up-and-down weekend for me, and probably for a fairly uninspiring con report now. If it seems down-beat then that's my brain chemistry, not the con's fault.
( What I did This Weekend )
The next Continuum is only 6 months away. I will definitely make sure I get some time off work for that one.
