What's going on in your life?

[Sanai]

Found out a new gaming store has opened up in my area, they seem pretty cool, and they will be running tabletop gaming nights every saturday soon- this is great news for me, because since I got my 7am-2pm, monday to friday job I have been unable to attend the gaming club I normally go to that operates on monday nights.

My new desktop is up and running brilliantly, using a spare screen, keyboard and mouse for the moment, but soon am going to get a Razer Mamba (Mouse), Razer Blackwidow Ultimate Stealth (Mechanical Keyboard) and a HP 23' screen. Between them they should set me back about $500-$600 Australian (On top of the around $1k I spent on the computer itself)

Just got the next 3 Horus Heresy Books (Flight of the Eisenstein, Fulgrim, Descent of Angels). About time too, finished the first 3 about a week ago and have had nothing to read.

 

[spineyrequiem]

I'm on a choir tour in Holland. My GOD this country is nice, the people are all lovely and I was allowed to buy a round of drinks on Saturday despite being only 17. And my voice has finally recovered from last Wednesday, when I was taking second years for CCF and thus shouting a lot. Since I've had a cold for a while, this did not do my voice much good at all and I could barely sing till yesterday...

 

[hairyjeff]

DoN - top man! most people just freeze or walk away. And yes, other peoples blood in reality can be sickening.
Spineyrequiem - Holland is ace, but avoid Kriek ( cherry lager ). Throwing up bright pink foam can really freak you out! And for the sake of your sanity DO NOT DRINK GENEVER. It's fruit gin, tastes like juice, but hurts for days afterwards. I've watched full-patch outlaw bikers swear off drink for several days after that stuff, and I had to be left behind because I physically couldn't ride for two days. Cost me an expensive ferry and a job.

 

[Disciple of Nagash]

Cheer's guys. I did get a bollocking from the missus when I got in, she said I could have been stabbed or something. Hmm, interesting topic, think I'll open another thread on it......

Mal - Sounds good with the swords, I used to collect them until my naughty brother sold my old collection on eBay (long story ). So I was really pleased to get this. There was a broadsword as well, and like an idiot I thought I would walk around the rest of the car boot before coming back for it, by then it was gone!

Zephyr - Hope you're not pushing yourself too hard with the volunteering, thought it is great you are doing that. I know what you mean about cleaning, luckily my missus is a stay at home housewife, so I don't have to lift a finger in that area

Sanai - Sounds like a good PC, though I still prefer my i7 :tongue: I am also enjoying the Heresy books, just got the last current one (Deliverance), and I am gutted to think I know have to wait months for the next one The Horus Hersey novels are actually one of the best series I have read, warhammer and non-warhammer. I think it would make a great TV series or something.

 

[TMS]

DoN, just make sure you're careful with that new sword since you don't know where it's originally from. Depending on what you're intent on doing with it, a high price tag is often a good thing in this business.

On my end, I've been totally swamped in schoolwork with the graduation in June getting closer and closer. I'm working on a bachelor's thesis about DDoS cyber attacks alongside an in-house project at a computer security company, with prospects of possible employment there if we keep things together.

On the other hand, I recently put together a complete soft kit of clothes to use in my fencing practice (not for sparring, though - drills only). A funny thing to note is that our group isn't into doing any re-enactment of any kind, aside from bringing a dead system of historical fencing techniques to life - dressing the part is something I do just for fun. Anyway, this summer our group's going to be taking part in an event called "the fighting days" hosted at a part-museum, part-restored-iron-age-fortress where we'll put on some exhibition fencing, hold some educational classes and workshops for interested people, and generally just hang around the place looking cool. The theme of the event is supposed to be of the viking age, but I say screw that - I'll be portraying a 17th century fencer all I want and they won't be able to stop me.

Obligatory pictures!
http://i.imgur.com/JBzGp.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/bpotO.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/FByuY.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/DgYdS.jpg <- The mandatory wrestling trial. Any decent set of clothing should be able to withstand the tugging and grinding involved in grappling to be of much use, and I'm happy to say that the stuff has performed admirably so far; I just need to work on trying stronger knots.

And yes, I am wearing sneakers in the pictures. My awesome rock'n'rollin' leather boots aren't allowed in-doors since the floor is not our own to scratch and dent. :slapface:

Lastly, for those who're interested, these two illustrations from the work of the Italian fencing master Alfieri of the mid-1600's serve as the base from which I created my own look.
http://www.historicalfencing.org/Pix/Alfieri-cover.jpg
http://www.nova-assalto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Alfieri.jpg

En garde!

 

[Disciple of Nagash]

Hey MS. What do mean about being careful with it? I only plan to use it for ornamentation, but it is a very good sword, just the silly previous owner had no idea of the price lol

Cool looking outfit, showed the missus and she was impressed as well, though I have to admit I preferred your sword......no sexual connotations intended

Sounds great about the exhibition, make sure you take some pics! Maybe I should get the kitted like a Samurai and turn up to test that age old question, who would win in a grudge match between a Samurai and a 17th century fencer? Tune in tonight on Fox!

 

[Disciple of Nagash]

Silly me, I forgot the other reason I wanted to post - I got my promotion! I am now the Service Operations Manager for Europe, Middle East and Africa. Finally I will be able to afford a decent house down here, though sadly I must remain in the south of England

 

[Trevy the Great]

That sounds pretty auspicious, DoN! Nice job!

 

[Disciple of Nagash]

Cheers! One step closer to perverted world domination!

 

[TMS]

DoN, yeah, for ornamentation pretty much anything goes, but a lot of people (with swords) like to either use them in practice (blunted, of course) and/or cutting of various test materials. A sword of unknown origin and unknown specifications might be potentially dangerous if the steel or construction is unsuitable for receiving the stress that a sword must be able to endure. Stainless steel is a poor, poor choice, for instance. Great for knives, poor for swords due to being brittle. Defects can occur in otherwise reputable replicas as well, so there's really no reason not to give your sword a quick checkup before doing anything with it, for everyone's sake.

Oh, and congratulations to you, of course. You're the champ!

 

[Disciple of Nagash]

Cheers MS. Actually it's good you are practising fencing, as no doubt in the near future I will have to call on my perverted captain

Yeah I wouldn't use this for anything, I prefer carbon steel. Use to have a very light tai chi sword, rapier like that was specifically built for that. Sadly that got sold as well silly brother.

 

[TMS]

What your brother did sounds like an absolute nightmare, DoN. I don't know what I'd do if it happened to me, too. :lol: Speaking of rapiers, I got a good deal on a decent practice sword from a guy in a neighbouring group, and I'll be picking it up this weekend. I've always been interested in rapiers. They're often mentioned as a kind of ultimate weapon in an unarmoured duelling context.

And yeah, I'm working on carving out something of a niche for myself in case of a zombie apocalypse - I'll don my gear and wander the broken world like some strange and mysterious hermit-man, briefly joining others for food and shelter in return for selling them a sword or two and teaching them how to dispose of zombies with them. Rock solid!

 

[Fodderboy]

My life is a bit of a whirlwind at the moment.

A week ago I moved to New Plymouth. I've been hitting the bricks looking for a job, but haven't gotten anything firm yet.

Oh, and to make life interesting, my son (aged one) decided it'd be a swell time to come down with Chicken Pox.

My better half and I only decided to give NP a go over the Christmas break, so in that time, we've bought our new house, sold the old one, quit my job, and moved.

To quote an email I'd sent to my folks " I'll let you know when I hear the sound of my own whiplash."

But on to important things: anyone know where I can get a game in the 'Naki?

 

[Raizi]

I have picked up on drawing again after a long pause. It's been nearly a year since I did anything else than paint minis when I've needed an outlet to create something.

I did a portrait for my ex-boss of her son, and now I'm about to do similar portraits of my own kids. I've also cleaned the dust off from some older painting projects and perhaps I'll find the kick and time to continue on them soon. Yesterday I even managed to visit an event in a local pub where we had two live models and a discount on beer for those participating. (nude girls and cheaper beer, nothing wrong with that setup...)

 

[Zephyr]

Cool pics MS! I wish I could still do stuff like that. I learned basic swordfighting because...well I am a nerd so that's why.

@ Raizi; time of the season or something? I am also painting again and currently finishing work I had left uncompleted for months.

 

[hairyjeff]

Oh dear, MS, 17th century viking? If we were organised, I could have lent you my armour, but the postage would be horrific. And I'm not quite as, shall we say, un-fat as you! But with 2 or 3 sheepskins it might fit.

 

[spineyrequiem]

So we did our last concert... it went pretty well, got a complete standing ovation within 5 seconds. However, it turns out I'm a bit of a lightweight when it comes to drinking...

 

[Count michael]

After weeks of searching for a job I have finally got results, I have got work at Mitre 10 Mega (a hardware retail supplier) working with heaters and stuff. I am also doing the ETCO apptitude test which is a test that you have to take if you are wanting to be an electrian apprentice if I do well in that then a few electricians are interested in taking me on for work experiance which can lead to becoming a apprentice electrician. Sadly I do not have much time to focus on Warhammer or go this site but then again it is a small price to pay having finally having work.

 

[Sanai]

Now that the worst part of summer is over, work is not as mentally and physically draining as usual, but it is still pretty fatiguing. The only highlights of my day are driving the forklift and exchanging friendly barbs with Linda, the front end manager (We both have a similar sense of humour). I find that that joking around is the only time I smile or laugh these days (except the fake smiles I put on when talking to customers/being smiled at)

On a positive note, had another visit to the chiropractor yesterday. The pain in my feet and back is no longer a constant thing- now its just the occasional ache interspersed throughout the day. I find it strange that I have a much higher tolerance to exterior pain (Such as cuts, burns, etc) than to internal pain (aches, chest pain, etc). A cut or minor burn on my skin can sometimes even be a pleasant experience, but joint/back pain annoys me every time and the sharp chest pains I still have occasionally I still struggle to endure.


I am finding it hard to get back into painting due to working 35 hours a week, and due to the fact I am often tired and sleep through much of the weekends when not at work anyway. I miss the frenzied marathons of painting I used to fill many of my days with. I really want to get a better job with less hours, reasonable pay and more interesting work.

Also, if you read nothing in this post, at least read this.

If one thing annoys me, infuriates me more than anything, it is that 5 days a week I have to pick up peoples goddamn trash. 90% of this trash is cigarettes. They may be small, but I have to bend down and pick up every last one of them in the car park/area out the front of my workplace. If you are a smoker, please, please think of other people. Take a few steps, and put your spent cigarette in the bin. Do not drop it on the ground or chuck it in a drain/garden bed. Some poor sucker like me will have to pick it up at some point.

I am very worried about my younger brother. His normal reclusive behavior (he rarely leaves his room, has no hobbies outside of his computer, no friends other than those online, and often refuses to speak to or see anyone) has started to threaten his health. He is dangerously underweight and malnourished, to the point where he is close to being scheduled and kept in a hospital for an extended period of time. I have been kept in hospital for a long period of time before, and it really sucked, so I am really worried about my little brother.

On a positive note, he has been more social with me and the rest of the family lately. My little brother and I have started playing Diablo II together again like we used to years and years ago (We always return to playing that game at some point every year). We are up to the 5th act now, (we generally complete 1 act each afternoon). It looks like for the first time we might actually complete the game in its various difficulties, which we have never done before as a team due to my short attention span.

I have also been continuing my reading- it feels so good to be reading a quality, lengthy serious of novels again. I finished Fulgrim, the 5th Horus Heresy Novel, today, and am now reading Descent of Angels. I have been buying the books in sets of 3, so I need to buy the next 3 now- Legion, Battle for the Abyss and Mechanicum.

 

[Raizi]

@ Sanai: Can you ask your employer to get you a reacher/trash picker that has a longer reach so you don't have to bend to get the trash? something similiar to this:

I think that if you would get your hands on one of these, it would ease the strain on your back, at least some.

 

[Sanai]

He has been meaning to get me one, but being a very busy store manager/owner means he often forgets these things

 

[hairyjeff]

Well , today was a shit. I was supposed to be reducing to a four day, forty hour week starting mid april, but today it got cancelled, because two part timers bloody retired. So instead of replacing them, they're only replacing one, and I can , quote," take up the slack". So it seems that I can do in 48 hours what I was originally doing in those same hours plus someone elses' 20 hours. So I asked if I would be getting their 20 hours money for doing the 20 hours worth of work, and was told "don't take the piss". He didn't think it appropriate that I said it must be a managers privelige, and harsh words were exchanged. So I've still got my job ( no-one else is qualified to run the machinery ) but I am definitely the works pariah. Bollocks. First opportunity comes along, I'm off and stuff 'em. Anyone want a boat built?

 

[Wolf Fang]

That has to be hell working for a boss like that. :|

I have to say my news is a lot better than last time I posted here. Just as a reminder, I got screwed by my teammates during the exams and had a severe lack of sleep.
Anyway, we're a couple months on now and I'm glad to say that I'm the only one from my team who's passed that exam and have been working on the project a bit more. About two months after the exam I received news from school that the Dutch police, who requested the proof of concept, had bought the rights to the idea from my school. Aside from the obvious advantages to having something like this on my portfolio, I received part of the money as a sort of bonus for all the work I put into it. It's not a massive amount of money (considering that outsourcing a project like this to an established company would cost you about 250000€), but it did pay for the new monster laptop I had to buy at the beginning of the school year and I had some left over to add to my Iron Warriors armour.

I've also been playing rugby at school and at a regular rugby club, which has been tons of fun. It'd been so long since I'd played sports on a decent level that I didn't even realise how much I missed it. I've lost about 10 pounds since I started 2 months ago and I have a lot more energy during the day due to not sitting behind my desk 24/7. I don't even mind the everchanging collection of bumps and bruises.

Anyway, that's about it for me at this moment.

Cheers, Wolfie

 

[Daoshi]

Hi all,

I am currently studying a bachelor of languages and applied linguistics here in Australia. I have lived in Japan, Korea, mainland China, Thailand and most recently Taiwan.

Just found out that my Chinese business interpreting score was great !! So I am pretty stoked about that. I have just started the Easter holiday break here and am looking forward to having some hobby time for a change

I will have to spend some time studying on the break however because I have an exam the week that I return to uni.

Waiting on my Vampire Counts to be delivered and will work on my 40k Ork army until then.

 

[spineyrequiem]

One of my guinea pigs died yesterday. She had an operation to remove an abscess, which apparently went OK but then she just suddenly stopped breathing after they'd sewed her up and were waiting to see how she recovered. We buried her in the back garden.