Last week was along week in the cold and rain while working in the field.
Our schedule is all kinds of shuffled, but I think we're doing well. I'm just starting week two and not looking forward to the predicted rain for tomorrow and Friday.
But let's talk this past weekend.
Friday, I got home and got cleaned up and Jennifer and I ran errands taking advantage of having a vehicle. Not too much, because, we still like walking and such, but kitty litter is bulky and heavy no matter what brand you buy.
Saturday was the monthly GURPS game, and we had lot of fun. Yes, we could see the railroad tracks, but didn't mean we didn't enjoy ourselves.
Sunday, Jennifer and I went to see "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" on the big screen at the Century Theatre in San Francisco. That is one of my favorite movies, and i was so cool to see it as it was meant to be views. This was all through Fathom Events, and in two weeks we get to see "Blazing Saddles" that same way. We've already decided that right before the film starts we're gong to get the audience's buy in that we're not going to be quiet, but everyone can speak lines along with the movie.
Showing posts with label GURPS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label GURPS. Show all posts
Monday, January 18, 2016
Monday, October 12, 2015
Long Weekend
So, I took a long weekend on Friday (in no way connected with not getting Columbus Day off on Monday) and had a special fun weekend. I'll take it backwards.
Sunday, Jennifer was look for something to watch on Amazon, and she happened to come across "Back to the Future". Now this movie is 30 years old, and I would have bet large sums of money that we had watched it together, but apparently not. So we watched it and she really enjoyed it. I asked if she wanted to watch Part II, and she said sure. We almost didn't watch Part III, but she was hooked. It was a great movie marathon.
Saturday was our monthly GURPS game. We had a good length session and had lots of fun and laughs. I was sore and a little distracted, but that was to be expected.
Friday, I started a new tattoo piece on my arm at a tattoo shop called Tigers Blood Social Club that Jennifer and I found on Alameda a few months ago. And Friday, it was my turn back under the gun.
I've been pondering the concept of this portion for a bit, and have been looking at this artwork for inspiration. The symbol in the artwork is a stylized S from the font that DC uses for the Kryptonian language in the comics and was also used on "Smallville". I asked Ryan, the artist, to combine the artwork with a design from this t-shirt.
Sunday, Jennifer was look for something to watch on Amazon, and she happened to come across "Back to the Future". Now this movie is 30 years old, and I would have bet large sums of money that we had watched it together, but apparently not. So we watched it and she really enjoyed it. I asked if she wanted to watch Part II, and she said sure. We almost didn't watch Part III, but she was hooked. It was a great movie marathon.
Saturday was our monthly GURPS game. We had a good length session and had lots of fun and laughs. I was sore and a little distracted, but that was to be expected.
Friday, I started a new tattoo piece on my arm at a tattoo shop called Tigers Blood Social Club that Jennifer and I found on Alameda a few months ago. And Friday, it was my turn back under the gun.
I've been pondering the concept of this portion for a bit, and have been looking at this artwork for inspiration. The symbol in the artwork is a stylized S from the font that DC uses for the Kryptonian language in the comics and was also used on "Smallville". I asked Ryan, the artist, to combine the artwork with a design from this t-shirt.
It was a long session, but we talked about movies and music and comics.
Ryan is traveling next month, so I'll be going back in December, and we'll see if we can finish this one. I will say that the arm (at least where I got mine done) was a lot easier than on the back. He was rarely tattooing and making my skeleton vibrate.
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
The Magic of Music
So, regular reader will know that I am part of a monthly pen and paper, role playing game. This past Saturday we had our session, and a certain topic came up.
Just follow this logic.
In the GURPS Magic system, the kinds of spells are broken into Colleges: separate colleges for the four elements, animal magic, sound, light and darkness, etc. Then there are ways of limiting the magic user like allowing one to only be able to cast spells in a single college, or only cast spells during the day, or (what my recently retired character began the campaign with) only being able to cast spells when singing. This last are usually called Song Mages
So the next step in speculation is: who sings all the time? Disney princesses.
Disney princesses have a tendency to be able to magically interact with animals. They can speak with them, and sometimes control them. And usually this is done through song.
(And yeah, this does kind of make Mulan into the Batman of Disney heroines, but still...)
But take this a little farther (and it even continues the Disney theme), what other famous character communicates and kind of controls animals?
Tarzan.
Now, nowhere in the rules does it say that a song mage has to have any musical skill or talent. So with only a gorilla's sense of music, Tarzan casts his spells to do what he does with the animals of the jungle.
This was about where we left it on Saturday, but I started applying this to other things.
What about super-heroes? What do a lot of super-heroes have in common with Disney princesses? They're orphans. Is this another link to the hidden power of magic/super-powers? Sure this doesn't work with Batman, but it does explain why Mulan can only talk with the spirit-powered dragon, but has no control over him or the cricket.
Ariel's powers are limited because her father still lives; she can speak with some of the fish (and the seagull), but can't control the shark or the eels. Aurora probably gained hers from the good fairies because both of her parents are still alive as well. Pocahontas is gifted by her grandmother. Snow White - major animal song mage. The trope is even mocked silently with Giselle.
For a full circle head spin, what super-hero (other than Black Canary) is most known for singing?
Mighty Mouse.
::mike drop::
Just follow this logic.
In the GURPS Magic system, the kinds of spells are broken into Colleges: separate colleges for the four elements, animal magic, sound, light and darkness, etc. Then there are ways of limiting the magic user like allowing one to only be able to cast spells in a single college, or only cast spells during the day, or (what my recently retired character began the campaign with) only being able to cast spells when singing. This last are usually called Song Mages
So the next step in speculation is: who sings all the time? Disney princesses.
Disney princesses have a tendency to be able to magically interact with animals. They can speak with them, and sometimes control them. And usually this is done through song.
(And yeah, this does kind of make Mulan into the Batman of Disney heroines, but still...)
But take this a little farther (and it even continues the Disney theme), what other famous character communicates and kind of controls animals?
Tarzan.
Now, nowhere in the rules does it say that a song mage has to have any musical skill or talent. So with only a gorilla's sense of music, Tarzan casts his spells to do what he does with the animals of the jungle.
This was about where we left it on Saturday, but I started applying this to other things.
What about super-heroes? What do a lot of super-heroes have in common with Disney princesses? They're orphans. Is this another link to the hidden power of magic/super-powers? Sure this doesn't work with Batman, but it does explain why Mulan can only talk with the spirit-powered dragon, but has no control over him or the cricket.
Ariel's powers are limited because her father still lives; she can speak with some of the fish (and the seagull), but can't control the shark or the eels. Aurora probably gained hers from the good fairies because both of her parents are still alive as well. Pocahontas is gifted by her grandmother. Snow White - major animal song mage. The trope is even mocked silently with Giselle.
For a full circle head spin, what super-hero (other than Black Canary) is most known for singing?
Mighty Mouse.
::mike drop::
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
We Are Complete
It has been said on Facebook by one of us, and on the Master's blog, but on Saturday our GURPS group completed a 13 year long epic campaign.
It wasn't long after I returned to California from school that I was brought in on the creation of a new gaming world. We met a couple times in Napa at a friend's house, and I was shown the huge sketch of the Eurasian-like continent they had drawn out. Lines of national demarcation had been drawn, and some names had been created, but not yet all, and so we divided the world among ourselves.
NSM started with four countries as well as the history of the world, our photographer also got four as well a forest, our programmer claimed one, and the old school mate got two. I was given two countries, as well as a group of islands off the north east coast of the continent.
The general feel of the countries had been discussed: the remnant of an empire, the rival neighbors, the desert nation, the northern pillagers, the home of movie-like monsters, and some less trope-based nations. And the islands became an Elven nation. Further negotiation gave me a range of mountains and the largest expanse of forest, and soon I was in charge of all the Elves in our world.
NSM had been destroying the old fantasy world provided by Steve Jackson Games, and so we decided when we would begin our new world. Using the magic of the Internet, and free groups, we had our first adventure in early 2001, and NSM posted a summary of the game.
After a few months of hit and miss scheduling, we made a commitment to the group that the first Saturday (soon to become the second Saturday) of every month would be game day. And aside from major events, we maintained this routine.
The party evolved from a semi-amnesiac Elf, a woodsman, a music teacher, a low knight, a thug, a voodoo woman, a monk, and a fencing rogue into a tightly knit party of near demi-gods. The tropes remained, but they became integral to the characters and the plot.
The game evolved with the internet, and we tended to continue the game via email between our face-to-face sessions.
Now, as we wind down the last adventure preparing for the final epilogue, we can look back on what we co-created and I think we can be very proud of it. And even with those who are no longer taking part, we share a bond that goes back that far.
And now, we have new characters to grow.
It wasn't long after I returned to California from school that I was brought in on the creation of a new gaming world. We met a couple times in Napa at a friend's house, and I was shown the huge sketch of the Eurasian-like continent they had drawn out. Lines of national demarcation had been drawn, and some names had been created, but not yet all, and so we divided the world among ourselves.
NSM started with four countries as well as the history of the world, our photographer also got four as well a forest, our programmer claimed one, and the old school mate got two. I was given two countries, as well as a group of islands off the north east coast of the continent.
The general feel of the countries had been discussed: the remnant of an empire, the rival neighbors, the desert nation, the northern pillagers, the home of movie-like monsters, and some less trope-based nations. And the islands became an Elven nation. Further negotiation gave me a range of mountains and the largest expanse of forest, and soon I was in charge of all the Elves in our world.
NSM had been destroying the old fantasy world provided by Steve Jackson Games, and so we decided when we would begin our new world. Using the magic of the Internet, and free groups, we had our first adventure in early 2001, and NSM posted a summary of the game.
After a few months of hit and miss scheduling, we made a commitment to the group that the first Saturday (soon to become the second Saturday) of every month would be game day. And aside from major events, we maintained this routine.
The party evolved from a semi-amnesiac Elf, a woodsman, a music teacher, a low knight, a thug, a voodoo woman, a monk, and a fencing rogue into a tightly knit party of near demi-gods. The tropes remained, but they became integral to the characters and the plot.
The game evolved with the internet, and we tended to continue the game via email between our face-to-face sessions.
Now, as we wind down the last adventure preparing for the final epilogue, we can look back on what we co-created and I think we can be very proud of it. And even with those who are no longer taking part, we share a bond that goes back that far.
And now, we have new characters to grow.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
A Good Day, and a Good weekend
Today Jennifer and I ran errands. Nothing really important, but we had a fun day together. I actually slept in a little for once. I woke up at the staggering hour of 8:30. I haven't slept that late in months. I had just been telling John how my internal alarm had been stuck at 7:00 for too long.
The job hunt progresses. It's a pretty good day when even on a Sunday you can get 4 resume submittals out. And two of those are to Apple and Google.
Yesterday being the second weekend of the month we had our roleplaying session. And for the first time we played at Steve's place in the City. And Steve GMed. It was a nice break for me (even if it has been several months since I've game-mastered anything), and a great break for John since he's been running things for a long long time.
The adventure was tons of fun, and towards the end at a pretty breakneck pace as Steve worked hard to get done in time for John and me to get to BART before thy stopped running. The urgency of the deadline required some pretty impressive speed of thought on all players and the GM as well. It was like reading a book towards the end and you feel your almost flipping the pages you're reading so fast to get to the end to find out what happens.
And it didn't detract at all.
We we all ready with required actions and reactions. We even handed off rule look-ups so that it didn't slow anything down.
And now the workweek returns, and I return to looking for work.
The job hunt progresses. It's a pretty good day when even on a Sunday you can get 4 resume submittals out. And two of those are to Apple and Google.
Yesterday being the second weekend of the month we had our roleplaying session. And for the first time we played at Steve's place in the City. And Steve GMed. It was a nice break for me (even if it has been several months since I've game-mastered anything), and a great break for John since he's been running things for a long long time.
The adventure was tons of fun, and towards the end at a pretty breakneck pace as Steve worked hard to get done in time for John and me to get to BART before thy stopped running. The urgency of the deadline required some pretty impressive speed of thought on all players and the GM as well. It was like reading a book towards the end and you feel your almost flipping the pages you're reading so fast to get to the end to find out what happens.
And it didn't detract at all.
We we all ready with required actions and reactions. We even handed off rule look-ups so that it didn't slow anything down.
And now the workweek returns, and I return to looking for work.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
The New Gods
Once there was a world with three gods.
Each god was given dominion over different pieces of land on the world and different races of beings. And so together they created and populated this world. They even gave one small piece of land each to two lesser gods.
Over time their world flourished, but two of the gods became possessive of their world. They looked on other lands and desired to reshape them. When the third god went away one day, they divided his lands between them, and molded them to their will. One god even took over the lands of the two lesser gods.
Then did the two gods enjoy their power, and for a time all was good.
Then in their arrogance, each of the two gods gave temporary dominion over one of their lands to two demons. Both demons did then pervert those lands for a time, and the gods grew angry. They wrested power of their lands back, and strove to hide all evidence that the demons had ever had dominion.
Now again the world flourishes, even growing larger as the gods spread their influence over it.
At again, all is good.
Each god was given dominion over different pieces of land on the world and different races of beings. And so together they created and populated this world. They even gave one small piece of land each to two lesser gods.
Over time their world flourished, but two of the gods became possessive of their world. They looked on other lands and desired to reshape them. When the third god went away one day, they divided his lands between them, and molded them to their will. One god even took over the lands of the two lesser gods.
Then did the two gods enjoy their power, and for a time all was good.
Then in their arrogance, each of the two gods gave temporary dominion over one of their lands to two demons. Both demons did then pervert those lands for a time, and the gods grew angry. They wrested power of their lands back, and strove to hide all evidence that the demons had ever had dominion.
Now again the world flourishes, even growing larger as the gods spread their influence over it.
At again, all is good.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Worn Out
Tonight is the end of a long and yet insanely fast weekend.
Friday the last Phase I report was uploaded. We're all very happy that it is done, but we're hoping good things come from the next Phase.
Saturday was game day, and we had nearly ten hours of straight combat. We were hosed from the beginning, but it was good to have a challenge.
Sunday, Jennifer, the Sorrellians, and I went to the Mayhem Festival at the Shoreline Amphitheatre. it was my first time at that venue, and we had a great time. Jennifer got Rob Zombie's signature on her shirt, while Steve got it on his leg above a tattoo of Rob. He got it permanently inked in today. We thoroughly enjoyed In This Moment, and Five Finger Death Punch. The big fun was seeing Rob Zombie perform. He was the next to last performance, while the final performer were the band KoRn.
We left after their first song. Now all of use will tell you that Rob's lyrics don't make much sense. And apparently they don't always make sense to Rob either. But at least he seemed to be there for the fun; KoRn was just there to be seen. they were boring and had no spark. We said that Rob played with us while KoRn played at us.
Still a great time was had, but we didn't get home until midnight, and I had a health and safety meeting to attend at 7:30 this morning. I made it and stayed awake through the entire day, but I got home and took a nap. And now I'm off to bed to complete my fatigue recovery.
***
Oh, and I almost forgot. We bought a CD off of a band that was wandering the parking lot. they're performing later in the tour, and just drumming up support. Jennifer and listened to them today, and really enjoyed them. So hopefully in the future you'll be able to hear XFactor1 on the radio.
Friday the last Phase I report was uploaded. We're all very happy that it is done, but we're hoping good things come from the next Phase.
Saturday was game day, and we had nearly ten hours of straight combat. We were hosed from the beginning, but it was good to have a challenge.
Sunday, Jennifer, the Sorrellians, and I went to the Mayhem Festival at the Shoreline Amphitheatre. it was my first time at that venue, and we had a great time. Jennifer got Rob Zombie's signature on her shirt, while Steve got it on his leg above a tattoo of Rob. He got it permanently inked in today. We thoroughly enjoyed In This Moment, and Five Finger Death Punch. The big fun was seeing Rob Zombie perform. He was the next to last performance, while the final performer were the band KoRn.
We left after their first song. Now all of use will tell you that Rob's lyrics don't make much sense. And apparently they don't always make sense to Rob either. But at least he seemed to be there for the fun; KoRn was just there to be seen. they were boring and had no spark. We said that Rob played with us while KoRn played at us.
Still a great time was had, but we didn't get home until midnight, and I had a health and safety meeting to attend at 7:30 this morning. I made it and stayed awake through the entire day, but I got home and took a nap. And now I'm off to bed to complete my fatigue recovery.
***
Oh, and I almost forgot. We bought a CD off of a band that was wandering the parking lot. they're performing later in the tour, and just drumming up support. Jennifer and listened to them today, and really enjoyed them. So hopefully in the future you'll be able to hear XFactor1 on the radio.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Psi... what a day...
Yesterday, we gamed from Noon to 11:30 with only an hour break in the middle for dinner.
And at no time were all of the player characters in one location acting together. And at several times during the game the situation looked like we were boned.
But we came out sufficiently successful that we were all very happy when we left.
But oh so worn out from the roller coaster ride of the adventure.
And at no time were all of the player characters in one location acting together. And at several times during the game the situation looked like we were boned.
But we came out sufficiently successful that we were all very happy when we left.
But oh so worn out from the roller coaster ride of the adventure.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Like the Corners of my Mind...
Well, today just kind of fell apart.
One player ended up sick, and she wasn't able to come, so due to the small group, I cancelled the game, but we kept the up the plans for a burger cookout. No one other than the other two players came, so the four of us had a nice meal with burgers, beer and chips, with a little salad and fruit for the ladies.
And tomorrow it's back to our regularly scheduled work week.
One player ended up sick, and she wasn't able to come, so due to the small group, I cancelled the game, but we kept the up the plans for a burger cookout. No one other than the other two players came, so the four of us had a nice meal with burgers, beer and chips, with a little salad and fruit for the ladies.
And tomorrow it's back to our regularly scheduled work week.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Prep and Play
Today I bought a lot of stuff for my combo GURPS beginner's game and Memorial Day cookout.
I got burgers and fixings, beer (Guinness 250), and chips. The others are bringing salads or sides, and beer (or other drinks).
So we'll play, then cook and eat, and then maybe go for a swim.
I also went up to Fairfield for a little dinner with the Sorrells, and we watched Reservoir Dogs.
Strange movie.
I got burgers and fixings, beer (Guinness 250), and chips. The others are bringing salads or sides, and beer (or other drinks).
So we'll play, then cook and eat, and then maybe go for a swim.
I also went up to Fairfield for a little dinner with the Sorrells, and we watched Reservoir Dogs.
Strange movie.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
It's a Day
Gamed today, and had a fun time. I'm amazed how long the adventure is lasting. It's fun, but there's so much happening you'd think it'd be over now. We figure we'll finish up next time, but next time is unknown until we hear about people's schedules.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
What I should have said...
So yesterday evening, Jennifer and I figured out the colors for her miniature for the GURPS beginners game. It was a nice creative process involving chocolate and alcohol. I look forward to getting started on it. Probably not until I get back from Seattle though.
Tonight, I got to about 95% of the centaur. Click on the picture on the left and check it out. It still needs the black wash for contrast, and (through the pictures I've taken) I can see some thing I need to fix. But otherwise, I am very happy with how this turned out.This picture was taken with my new camera. Costco is having a sale, and I got a new Olympus FE-370. It has a nice large display on the back, 8 mega-pixels and a 5x zoom. And the best part (especially when taking pictures of miniatures at full zoom with shaking hands) is that it has steady-cam. This thing is great.
I also got my hair cut today in preparation for my trip. And tomorrow night, I'm packing.
This is also the countdown for Guinness' 250-Year anniversary beer which comes out Friday.
Monday, April 20, 2009
An RPG Update
Life in roleplaying has been interesting of late.
With regards to miniature painting, I have discovered a new "tool". I am painting a centaur for Holly in my beginning GURPS group, and I wanted to make sure I had the right colors for her character. So I printed up full page pictures (pixelly, granted, but I'm not publishing these), and had her tell me, in general, what colors to put where. Then I took the sheet home this weekend and filled them in with colored pencils. The rough painting went amazingly fast. I tried taking pictures to share with her, but the figure is too small for easy focusing. I'm going to have to work on it. Anyway, I'm about half done with the centaur, and very happy with the results so far.
Moving next to the high level fantasy campaign, I'm still on a cliffhanger ending. My character, an Elf, was up against a dark knight, and I attempted to remove him by casting Entombment, a spell that send the subject ten feet underground in a state of suspended animation. He reflected the spell back on me, and I failed the resistance. So I sent myself ten feet underground into a state of suspended animation. On top of this I have a spell regularly cast that makes it difficult to find me using magical methods. I succeeded by a strong margin the last time I cast it and will be under the influence of that spell for 5 or 6 more hours.
And finally, there's the psionics campaign. Yes, we did dumb things, but my teleporter got away slightly panicking from the effects of claustrophobia. In an attempt to gather some more equipment, I got into a confrontation with some men with powerful guns. One managed to hit me with a shot, and though it didn't kill me, I had to immediately teleport to a hospital emergency room for care. And so that adventure ended with me in surgery.
I'm looking forward to the resolution of both of these dilemmas in the future.
With regards to miniature painting, I have discovered a new "tool". I am painting a centaur for Holly in my beginning GURPS group, and I wanted to make sure I had the right colors for her character. So I printed up full page pictures (pixelly, granted, but I'm not publishing these), and had her tell me, in general, what colors to put where. Then I took the sheet home this weekend and filled them in with colored pencils. The rough painting went amazingly fast. I tried taking pictures to share with her, but the figure is too small for easy focusing. I'm going to have to work on it. Anyway, I'm about half done with the centaur, and very happy with the results so far.
Moving next to the high level fantasy campaign, I'm still on a cliffhanger ending. My character, an Elf, was up against a dark knight, and I attempted to remove him by casting Entombment, a spell that send the subject ten feet underground in a state of suspended animation. He reflected the spell back on me, and I failed the resistance. So I sent myself ten feet underground into a state of suspended animation. On top of this I have a spell regularly cast that makes it difficult to find me using magical methods. I succeeded by a strong margin the last time I cast it and will be under the influence of that spell for 5 or 6 more hours.
And finally, there's the psionics campaign. Yes, we did dumb things, but my teleporter got away slightly panicking from the effects of claustrophobia. In an attempt to gather some more equipment, I got into a confrontation with some men with powerful guns. One managed to hit me with a shot, and though it didn't kill me, I had to immediately teleport to a hospital emergency room for care. And so that adventure ended with me in surgery.
I'm looking forward to the resolution of both of these dilemmas in the future.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Fun Day Saturday
Good GURPS game today. I had a a lot of fun.
Very tired for some reason. I'm going to go read myself to sleep now.
Very tired for some reason. I'm going to go read myself to sleep now.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Catching Up
Okay, so it's been a busy time of energy draining activities.
Friday, although I was in the office, was a catch-up day getting things out by deadlines, and being ready for the coming Monday.
Saturday I ran part two of the beginner's GURPS game. They learned the importance of stealth (just because you succeed, does not mean you were undetected), and teamwork against a large force. No one died, but some were wounded, and they have some decisions to make by the next game.
Sunday, Jennifer and I tried to do some hiking, but the dogs off of leashes wrought some havoc with her. No bad incidents, just a strong fear based on bad experiences in the past. We left the Martinez/Lafayette hills, and went to the Martinez marshes. We saw a couple of new birds that we have yet to look up and identify. The nice part was the no dogs rule for most of the area since it's a bird preserve.
Then we went home, stopping for sushi on the way, and watched the last three episodes of this season's "Terminator - The Connor Chronicles", loving every minute, and then two episodes of "Reaper". This was interspersed with trips to the mall (all closed except for Sears) and Smart and Final for ice cream.
Yesterday was finally the last day of drilling in Santa Clara. For this project we broke ground on March 30, and with a few one day breaks, we finished two weeks later. Now I can relax in the office for a while before we return to Stockton for more wells. The weather yesterday was perfect for fieldwork: sunny, but diffuse with high clouds, and a slight breeze all day. Perfect short sleeve weather.
And then when I got home I found my package from Reaper Miniatures. Lots of lead figures, with a completion of wood elementals, and a centaur for Holly's beginner character and a new figure for Jennifer.
Now I'm just left with the little bits of work to finish my taxes.
Friday, although I was in the office, was a catch-up day getting things out by deadlines, and being ready for the coming Monday.
Saturday I ran part two of the beginner's GURPS game. They learned the importance of stealth (just because you succeed, does not mean you were undetected), and teamwork against a large force. No one died, but some were wounded, and they have some decisions to make by the next game.
Sunday, Jennifer and I tried to do some hiking, but the dogs off of leashes wrought some havoc with her. No bad incidents, just a strong fear based on bad experiences in the past. We left the Martinez/Lafayette hills, and went to the Martinez marshes. We saw a couple of new birds that we have yet to look up and identify. The nice part was the no dogs rule for most of the area since it's a bird preserve.
Then we went home, stopping for sushi on the way, and watched the last three episodes of this season's "Terminator - The Connor Chronicles", loving every minute, and then two episodes of "Reaper". This was interspersed with trips to the mall (all closed except for Sears) and Smart and Final for ice cream.
Yesterday was finally the last day of drilling in Santa Clara. For this project we broke ground on March 30, and with a few one day breaks, we finished two weeks later. Now I can relax in the office for a while before we return to Stockton for more wells. The weather yesterday was perfect for fieldwork: sunny, but diffuse with high clouds, and a slight breeze all day. Perfect short sleeve weather.
And then when I got home I found my package from Reaper Miniatures. Lots of lead figures, with a completion of wood elementals, and a centaur for Holly's beginner character and a new figure for Jennifer.
Now I'm just left with the little bits of work to finish my taxes.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Late Again
I need to remember to blog earlier in the day. That way I'll be awake and able to blog more coherently.
The beginner's game went well again. Some frustration over low skill levels, but we all go through that phase.
More later.
The beginner's game went well again. Some frustration over low skill levels, but we all go through that phase.
More later.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Sleep and Games
Pretty sleepy today. Or at least I am now. I'll probably go play solitaire on the iPod until I fall asleep. Not in a reading mood.
Got a GURPS game tomorrow. We're continuing the beginners' game. Hopefully it goes smoothly.
We'll see.
Got a GURPS game tomorrow. We're continuing the beginners' game. Hopefully it goes smoothly.
We'll see.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
The Caravan Begins
Tonight, I took a small group into the the world of GURPS.
I used a personal variation on Caravan to Ein Arriss, and slowly taught them the basics of playing. And they taught me what they know and what they like.
We had an interesting group of four, missing one due to flu, and another who has not been able to come and be taught the Way.
One is an Elf. He styles himself as a ranger, but has many annoying disadvantages and knows not magic.
One is a Centaur. She has overcome her impulsiveness and likes company and archery.
One is a holy woman. She has some magic and pictures herself as a great seer of truth.
One is an astrologer. She is perky and pacifistic.
It has been over a decade since I have played with XXs. And never more than one at a time.
It's a bit disturbing.
I used a personal variation on Caravan to Ein Arriss, and slowly taught them the basics of playing. And they taught me what they know and what they like.
We had an interesting group of four, missing one due to flu, and another who has not been able to come and be taught the Way.
One is an Elf. He styles himself as a ranger, but has many annoying disadvantages and knows not magic.
One is a Centaur. She has overcome her impulsiveness and likes company and archery.
One is a holy woman. She has some magic and pictures herself as a great seer of truth.
One is an astrologer. She is perky and pacifistic.
It has been over a decade since I have played with XXs. And never more than one at a time.
It's a bit disturbing.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Wipeout
We've now had two people laid off at our company, and not one of us saw it coming.
I feel safe, and I hope I am, but you're never 100% sure.
It was nice to get back in the gym after two weeks (three weeks?), but I'm only moderately sore, and next week, will not be too terribly shook-up.
I'm getting pretty focused on the upcoming beginners' GURPS game on Saturday. It's going to be as big a group of players as the psionics game John will be running in two weeks. I'll be looking forward to that one after all of this.
I feel safe, and I hope I am, but you're never 100% sure.
It was nice to get back in the gym after two weeks (three weeks?), but I'm only moderately sore, and next week, will not be too terribly shook-up.
I'm getting pretty focused on the upcoming beginners' GURPS game on Saturday. It's going to be as big a group of players as the psionics game John will be running in two weeks. I'll be looking forward to that one after all of this.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Lulls
I got a lot of work done today.
I have completed a closure request, so now all it needs is he risk assessment section.
I'm preparing for my month and a half in the field.
And now I'm getting into character for our upcoming return to Psionics with GURPS. I really enjoy my character, but it's been a bit difficult with the e-mail session.
He's just so different from my Elf in our Fantasy campaign. I have to remember that modern humans actually use contractions. John and I got a big kick opt of that as well as both of us tending to refer to Randal as Auremar.
I have completed a closure request, so now all it needs is he risk assessment section.
I'm preparing for my month and a half in the field.
And now I'm getting into character for our upcoming return to Psionics with GURPS. I really enjoy my character, but it's been a bit difficult with the e-mail session.
He's just so different from my Elf in our Fantasy campaign. I have to remember that modern humans actually use contractions. John and I got a big kick opt of that as well as both of us tending to refer to Randal as Auremar.
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