Grits, I'm sorry you and the Mister have too much stuff in your wagon right now. Best wishes to you as you prepare to weather the storms.

Silken clouds and sunshine through rainbows to you both.

haute ecole rider:

First day of school was today, and I think it went well. Lots of handouts that need to be signed and a lot of sitting around, but I can't really complain when it only lasted two hours Next week is an introductory week, then we'll all get to know each other some more, and we'll get to know where we can go to eat. There'll also be some tests in english, maths and swedish so the teachers get to see what we're good at, and I don't really see how those could be hard. My guess is that the pace will quicken rapidly after the introduction, but I think it'll work out. Our two mentors seemed nice as well.

On another hand I'm competing for the first time this term on Sunday, and then dad's going to go and pick up the computer I'm buying. I only need speakers before I can start using it, because I've already bought all the other things. But that pretty much means that by the time Skyrim is released, I ought to have a computer able to handle it and won't have to borrow dads all the time. ^^

Sorry to hear about all the problems.

Storm preparation:

1. Secure garden furniture and sports equipment
2. Stock up on beer, batteries, and sandwich fixins
3. Go out to lunch!!

We’re ready. Thank you for the good wishes!

2. Stock up on beer, batteries, and sandwich fixins
Glad you got the priorities

Grits: good call on the beer - but remember to put some ice packs in the freezer in case the power goes out , you wouldn't want warm beer now...

Saquin: glad to hear school was ok. Handouts needing signed and sitting around *shudder* reminds me why I left as soon as I could.

Long weekend for me, nothing planned but I like the idea of a monday not at work. Everything will probably be closed but there's always a book and a coffee in the garden.

My folk back east are preparing for the coming Hurricane themselves, as well. The forecast path puts it dead center over Long Island, and although Long Island is not undergoing evacuation, Downtown Manhattan is.

I don't even want to think about what would happen if the Subway systems are flooded. MTA is the largest mass transit authority in the country, and such a scenario would mean disaster for Manhattan commuters.

Landfall for New York is tomorrow afternoon. Currently Irene is averaging Category 3 in terms of windspeed, but I expect it will go down to about Category 2 by the time it hits New York, so I do not believe anyone is in serious danger there. Worst that can happen is some trees get blown over.

I hope the hurricane isn't too bad

I hope everyone in hurricane danger is going to be okay. *person-from-Europe*

Actual forecast for today: Windy with periods of rain. No kidding! Our power has been off and on a few times, but the worst is now north and east of us. It’s been a dry summer, so I’m hopeful that our trees will stay up. It’s scary when the ground is already saturated and the big pines start tipping over.

Some neighbors came over last night for a pre-emptive “Come On Irene” party on the back porch, so our cold drinks storage worries are already resolved. Here’s a piece of failed planning: forgot to leave a path in the garage between the door and the recycle bins through all of the outdoor stuff. The kitchen is not looking its best. All activities have been cancelled, so it’s a day for endless cups of tea and a stack of books. We’ll get the news from the coast in the morning. I also hope that it won’t be too bad.

saqin, sounds like a good start. Great news about your computer!

Olen, I hope your long weekend is a good one. A book and a coffee in the garden sounds perfect.

I'm always amazed how most americans are so calm about hurricanes. I suppose it's because there so common over there! Happy hurricaning!

Started law school on Thursday. Interesting and challenging stuff so far (the bit about English common law for my Civil Procedure class may be the most baffling thirty pages of any textbook I've ever read). I suspect I may go mildly insane at some point - probably when exams start.

Saturday evening will be my sanity time during the year ('cos it's when Doctor Who is on). Now if you'll excuse me, I think I'll do a couple hours of reading for my Contracts class. Musn't fall behind.

I suspect you're there already.

Congrats upon law school...British person? We're all gonna die!!

I'm not British, just nerdy (which explains the Doctor Who).

English common law is the historical basis for much of American law, so it's a necessary read.

If I recall my civics class in eighth grade correctly, American law is based on three things: Biblical morals, Greek democracy, and English law. Kind of a strange mix, if you ask me, but there you go. I'm not surprised that you have to learn English law. Good luck!

Congrats on law school! I have to admit I find your subject terrifying, but then again everyone always says that to me (I do maths) so I figure it's a matter of different tastes.

On another note, a question, because I'm really confused right now:

Which forum would be the right one to post a discussion about a piece of TES Lore in?

I've been reading up on the post-game developments in Morrowind and want to see if anyone can make any sense out of them, but I can't work out what forum that would go into. (Older games, although it's not in-game? Oblivion, because that's where you hear about that lore? RPG discussion? Here?)

I think it would be in older games>morrowind since thats what the lore is about.

Really cool review of your last mod, Master Chef TK !!! You didn't tell us about it, I just lucked out and came across it! Here is the link for anyone else who wants to see it, Awesome, TK - Congrats !!



http://tesablog.tesalliance.org/?p=559


*

I actually have it DLed. Haven't put it in the game yet but was going to whenever I got back to the Anvil area. Hopefully soon TK!

Actually, mALX, TK did tell us about it - down in the Mod discussions forum. Maybe he should have announced it up here in Coffee Shop? It does get more traffic than the mod forums.

Well, I'm happy to announce a few things.

One, I'm moving, new place, tomorrow, closer to work and all by my lonesome for the first time in my life. To celebrate, I got myself a new bed. We'll now see if Serta really can compete with those over-charging Tempur-pedic @$$holes.

Secondly, I am employed, now firmly doing appraisal work and on the path to getting the professional licenses I'll need.

What does this all mean?

Couple of things. First, I now get to spend less time running around getting stuff set up, and more time doing more enjoyable things. Example: an extra hour or two a week for Chorrol.com, to get caught up where I need to get caught up. At least, once my internet connection at the new place is working.

Second, my initial training is over, so now I've got a basic schedule to order as I see fit.

Finally, I'll eventually be in a position of writing narrative reports for clients, which means I need to improve some of my writing habits. That takes practice. Fortunately, the company uses pre-built report skeletons to organize information, so to practice, I'll be writing in a framework where certain events are scripted but where I have to describe, qualify, and quantify specific variables. Like, say, a story based on a video-game with pre-set quest-lines that can be handled in a myriad of ways.

Now if only I had such a work that I could work on for the next six-to-eight months, without setting a hard finish date, that would allow me to fix some bad habits while not having to worry that my boss would eventually see it...

WOO HOO !!! Congrats, Captain Hammer !!!

Great news, congratulations Captain Hammer! I’m so pleased for you. And for a Shornhelm Spellsword who is probably ready for a campfire by now, if not a tavern.

As well as seven wenches. One brown-haired Bosmer with a rapier wit; one golden haired Altmer that once posed for a statue; one smoky-eyed Dunmer from Tel Mora, that just wants to clear her head without further worry; one violet eyed, curly haired Yokudan, to remind him of the strength he found in Hammerfell; a Shornhelm Lass that's been Kissed by Fire (red-head) to remind him of home; one blond, buxom Nordic woman that, despite her face, keeps up with any man on the march; one olive-skinned Nibenean with a devotion to Dibella's more...physical teachings.

And a week to forget about the fatigue of travel. But if wishes were drakes, one Shornhelm Highland Spellsword would be richer than Orgnum.

This is it. Once posted, my compy's powering down, and going into his box. See you all on the other side.

A serving of fun often comes with a side of disturbing in Grits World. This is a holiday weekend in the US, so many folks will have Monday off from school or work. The Grits family was discussing our plans over dinner last night. It came to light that The Boy would have some time alone in the house one evening. The Girl asked about his plans in our absence.

I was expecting something about unrestricted access to the M-rated video games, cracking the parental control code on the cable box, or polishing off the remaining eight pounds of ham, leaving only the bone on a plate in the fridge.

“I’m going to sit naked in every chair that we own,” he announced. Big grin.

I’m hoping that someone who has a boy, is a boy, or once was a boy will tell me that he is kidding. Lie if you have to. I don't want to start next week with a bonfire and shopping.

Unfortunately, Grits, as a former boy I can tell you that not only is he not kidding, he wil sniff the seats of each chair after he - er er er - sits (snigger giggle-snort guffaw choke) on them...just in case it isn't ripe enough...

...and that he will also do what I did, which is to wrap a piece of plastic over a certain part of his anatomy for a week beforehand when he goes into the shower...just in case it should lose its 'ripeness' ....

Ah well. I always had a horrible habit of telling the Ugly Truth.

Sure, Grits. He's just marking his turf. Sort of like a boy dog who has to visit all the bushes to check his pee-mail.

As long as the naked sitting doesn't involve adult magazines, video or otherwise you should be fine. A little steam cleaning, a little Febreze and you're all set! Just don't let him see this post!

Of course, you can always borrow a UV light from the local CSI just to make sure . . .

Well my friends, I'll be gone for a few weeks. Family Vacation. I hope everyone has a good time in my absence (sp?).

Have a safe trip, Z and enjoy! Take some screenshots for us and let us know when you get back.

Enjoy the holiday Zalph.

Grits, the Boy might have been winding up the Girl. For example sitting in shorts on leather seats is bad enough so it's likely some chairs are safe. And there's nothing either fabreeze or an Indian throw can't solve. Anyway I'm not sure adult magazines are commonly available anymore.

Life goes on in this part of the world, only another week in Englandshire and then I finish my job and go back up north. I've been recommended for a sponsorship too, means another pile of interviews but it would come in handy.

(o_O)

In case you were wondering, no, I do not want kids. Grits, you are the superior human being...

I'm with Black Hand there. I have no kids and intend to keep it that way.

Yes, they're adorable when they're little (witness my two nephews - both now grown, and my cute little step-niece - my sister-in-law's daughter from an earlier marriage), but they don't STAY little. That's precisely the problem.

I have news of my own. I just completed my second session of classes in my MBA program. The first session went well - I got an A and an A- in both those classes, but they weren't that hard. One was financial accounting, the other was business economics. Both were subjects I already had some degree of familiarity with, due to previous college courses (econ) and business experience (accounting). This past session was more interesting (if possible) and more challenging. I had managerial accounting, which was actually quite interesting and fun; I also had business statistics which was the most difficult class I have had since orgasmic chemistry over twenty years ago. I'm not mathematically gifted, so it was tough to begin with. But I got through it by finding ways to apply the material to my work experience, and did better than I had hoped. I got A's in both courses, and let me tell you, I am so proud of the one in Statistics! That was the hardest A I have ever earned!

My third session started this week - Managerial Finance (stocks, bonds, taxes and loans) and IT for managers. Talk about indulging my inner geek! We'll see how things progress this session. At the end of the last session, I was actually considering cutting back to one class per session, but I figured I was feeling the stress of the Statistics class. If I feel the same way again toward the end of this session though . . .

So what went on in that chemistry class?

1. Empty nester here, and glad of it!

2. Congrats, Rider! Way to go!

Congratulations on that statistics A! I actually did four stats courses in undergrad, and every single time I'd spend the entire term sweating blood and the revision period feeling as if I was banging my head against a wall... only to then have the great lightbulb moment of revelation happen just before the exam, leaving me with a good mark and thinking "well, that wasn't so bad and really this is kind of interesting, I should take another course next term!" (which I'd then promptly regret.) So do I ever hear you on the terror that is statistics classes...

I must admit that Grits' story has left me momentarily glad that I have no kids and that's not too likely to change.

Zalphon, I hope you have a great vacation!

Good luck with your move and interviews, Olen.

Congratulations on your second session, haute! My only college Statistics class met at 8:00 a.m. Mon, Wed, and Fri. It was not an easy class, but showing up was the hardest part.



Naked Boy update: I suspect it was a wind-up, at least partly. The Girl is at a friend’s lake house for the weekend, and The Boy offered a few more choice remarks Friday afternoon as she bounced out the door. I took the opportunity to mention the hazards of bare skin on polished wood and leather, dropping the phrases “rip the skin right off” and “pop like a grape.” In her absence, he’s decided that The Roost (the attic) is now his man-cave. Last night at dinner he fixed himself a plate that held only meat. So I can’t completely dismiss the threat that he will pee in every corner, as promised. I’m turning the air conditioning down to arctic, maybe at least he’ll keep his pants on.

Hey ho forum-goers.

This post announces my official retirement from Fan Fiction. It came after a realization that I simply don't have the drive like I used too. Once they called me post machine, and than over the last four years it obviously took a dive.

There are other reasons as well. Mainly one being the Sethyas-Saga is too wrapped up in other stories too allow me to actually be able to write it and update it at my own pace. Its a double edged sword, and I knew what I was getting into.

So after much soul searching, there will be no third installment of "Memoirs of Morag Tong Assassin". For those of you who know the story of Solstheim, (Read Treys Blood on the Moon if you don't, fantastical writing job on his part.) just assume Seth did that stuff and retires to the Factors Estate.

Happy Labor Day for you fellow Americans, and happy run-of-the-mill Monday to the rest of you!

I'll still pop by now and again, as there is some fantastic stories here on the forums that I simply couldn't live without! Just because I don't always comment, does not mean I don't read, mostly its just there is an overwhelming amount of text and stories for me to read all at once!

I pray you all keep it up, and I pray that all you're dreams come true, you guys really do deserve it!

Peace.

So sorry to see you stop writing fan fic! Please be at ease though. I know it can be a challenge. I also know that collaborative efforts with other writers are both a blessing and a challenge when it comes to coordinating efforts and posting schedules/timing etc. Warmest wishes to you and know that you can always change your mind and pop back with a continuation or different effort.

Black Hand, I am very sorry to hear it, but completely respectful of your decision. Seth is a character who has captured imaginations and inspired other people. Thank you for the time and energy you have spent over the years bringing him to life here. I’m glad you’re going to stay in touch.

I understand how you feel Black Hand.

When I first joined the forums I wrote TONS of fan fiction but never finished one of my lengthy stories even though I had loved writing them before. Slowly but surely I lost the inspiration to continue, wrote myself into a corner somewhere, or spent so long between updates that my entire style had changed and the story seemed like it was written by an entirely different person between updates.

I also used to read ALL of the fan fiction on these boards every day but now I can't find the time and even if I had more time there are just too many writers to keep up with these days. When I do write a story I usually stick to short ones so that I can't fall out and leave people wondering how it might have ended had I continued and actually found the will to finish it.

Anyways, best of luck in whatever you decide.

Well, it's the tenth anniversary of the tragedy we Americans have come to call 9/11.

We had a remembrance in church this morning, with forgiveness as our theme.

Today is as fine a day as it was ten years ago when the planes left the sky (I live almost directly beneath one of the major flight paths into O'Hare Airport, so the absence of planes after it happened was very obvious that afternoon). Sunny, mostly clear, with temps in the '80's. Uncanny, when you think about it.

Here's my prayer for today: May every one of us reflect on what this day means for those who lost loved ones in New York, Pennsylvania and Washington D.C., and pray for forgiveness. Only when each of us can forgive can peace become possible. It doesn't matter what God any of us ascribe to (or not), what matters is that we can move past religious and ideological differences and see each other for the human beings we all are.

An aside to Black Hand: I've never read Seth's story, but it's been on my to-do list for some time. I'm sure I will regret that it will not be finished. Nevertheless, I respect your decision. If you lack the motivation, why push yourself? Seth is your creation, and his story is yours. No one else can write it for you, and no one else should. Take care of yourself, and do let us know how you're doing from time to time.

Haute I agree with EVERYTHING you shared. I remember vividly watching on television watching in real time as the second plane flew into Tower II. I was holding my then almost 3 month old son and I slide with him into the floor and drew my almost 2 year old daughter into my lap and held them seemingly closer than I ever had. And I prayed for all who were there on the planes, in the buildings and on the teams that would enter that hell to save who they could. That moment is never far from my mind.

Black Hand your stories are incredible and my hope is that when RL gives you the time and your motivation is so inclined that you will return with the same fervor and words of fire that you have shared thus far. Just know that Sethis always in Thyna's thoughts, you will never be far from her heart, or Serene's. They both love Seth so very much.

Two things...

On the topic of kids: I want them. I acknowledge there are pitfalls along the way, but... I don't want them anytime soon

And on the topic of being back: I've been back for about a week now, and been meaning to pop on and say, hi. However, I've been buried in a sea of homework.

Fair warning to anyone still in school: If you're going to take a vacation (and are taking college-level courses), don't do it. Been doing homework from the day I got back (once I get home, I do it until dinner, then after until I go to bed) for five days

But... I'm glad to be back and to see you all

Welcome back, Z! Sorry your hols were so bookish.

Welcome back Zalph, I hope you enjoyed your holiday even if you are suffering a bit for it now.

I too am back, sort of. RL is currently eating me. Since I last posted I've moved house and restarted uni, masters year now so they try to make me work hard (a concept I strenuously resist). Also being back in Scotland causes a lack of free time, Edinburgh is a lot more fun than grotty industrial towns in England.

Anyway I thought I'd pop by and read some of the posts I've missed... I will catch up, eventually.

Thought of you last week, Olen, when we were watching PBS Saturday evening and they had Rick Steves's travel show on. The episode was about Edinburgh, and I have to agree, it looks like a blast to visit. Live there? I'm not as sure about that. But the history of the place is so fascinating!

At one of the clinics I worked, there was a little old lady named Betty who came in to clean kennels every morning. She didn't have to, but she insisted anyway. She would bring her little Westie with her, and treat us to Scottish coffee and Scottish tea biscuits. She never lost her thick Scottish burr, and most of the time I could understand her better than most of the hearing staff could. Probably because she lip-read the same as Americans, and that burr didn't mess me up as much because I couldn't hear it as well! Lovely woman, she was. She could drive us daft, but when she would take a few days off (usually because she was sick, or the weather was too bad), we missed her terribly. And her sense of humor was the best!

Argh! Avast, ye mateys!

Today's the International Talk Like A Pirate Day! Well, for some of you, it's already past . . .

Anyway, couldn't let this go by without honoring the holiday, so here goes:



And a better version of the one Julian told:


Happy Talk Like a Pirate Day!

I hope everyone is doing all right! School is up and going, it feels strange that I've only got two lessons a day, but most of them last for 2 and a half hour and we've still got loads of work to do. My longest day is Friday, that's really the only negative thing I can say about the schedule.

My computer is really god, I'm using headphones at the moment. The games I've tried so far work really well, I've modded Oblivion so it looks better and it only stutters a bit, but it usually does that when you've got a lot of mods. I just got my braces removed today and have only got to wear a plastic thing shaped for my teeth during nights for about a year until they are sitting firmly where they're supposed to be, so no more excruciating pain! I think I'm going to try and eat an apple tomorrow, see if I can do it without cutting it to pieces yet. ^^

Saquin, glad to hear that school and new puter are doing well. Congrats on the braces! That is great news indeed.