Gentle Readers,

At the moment I'm having some blood sugar issues. It's really not surprising but one of the most frustrating aspects of it is that I have no idea if my emotional response to things is appropriate or not. Really, this kind of "GAH!" turmoil is a very appropriate end to this unexpectly draining weekend.

Things started to go all pear shaped on Thursday when I started this lovely tension headach, likely caused by too much hunching in frustration over code problems I was having. It crawled up between my shoulder blades, continued up the back of my skull, snaked around my ears on either side and stabbed in at the temples. It faded a bit over night, but by Friday night it was back in full force, just in time for our drive to Pickering.

It faded over night again, but after lunch it reappeared as that kind of migraine that doesn't hurt but your eyes and your brain just don't work right. Thankfully it was before that that I engaged (and beat) her Excellency Adrielle in bouncyball jousting. Even post Advil, the day just didn't seem to pick up. It should have been so energising with a lovely couple having been selected as Baron and Baroness, a number of worthy gentle being recognised including a deserving lady being put on vigil for laurel. Even outside of the pomp, I got to have some excellent conversations with lovely people but for some reason I just couldn't get my feet under me.

We left exhausted.

We got back to our hosts to discover a lice infestation, so while our post-rev involved nudity, essential oils, hot showers and shared grooming, it wasn't as much fun as that description might lead one to believe. We didn't even drink.

Sleep didn't seem to do much to help and I think I woke up more tired than when I went to sleep. My blood sugar started going wonky somewhere around Port Hope and even after it didn't stabilise, leaving me no choice but to cancel my plans and hide at home. Unfortunately, I discovered a couple of things that triggered my anger response and, thanks to the ol' blood sugar I have no idea if I am reacting appropriately or not.

I hate that so much.

And with that frustration, the tension headache seems to be worming its way back.

Hopefully sleep will have a more permanent effect tonight.

Gentle Readers,

A while ago I did my second submission to a creative publication and got my second rejection. I know that the editors are busy types but I think I would prefer the reason (not what we are looking for, it's terrible, it made my dog cry, etc.) to "We have decided not to accept your submission". Am I expecting too much?

Anyway, other than that minor thing, it's been a fantastic few days. Thursday night we saw the Peanut's dramatic debut. She was great and looked like she was having a fantastic time. The rest of the production did not live up to the high standard that she was setting. Part of that was a result of the casting, but I think that the story didn't help. It was somewhat disjointed. Of course, it was the first Panto I've ever seen so it maybe that I lack appreciation for the subtleties of the genre.

Friday was a frustrating work day due to my creative direction hitting a roadblock, but it got much better when Cortejo and Lydia arrived to take me away to Albrect and Asa's house. The ride was pretty smooth and as I had cleverly brought along my laptop, I got a few reviews written (which I need to submit). We got in late, but not too late. Over the past few months, I have developed a pretty good sense of the amount of time it takes from here to places around the GTA. Our hosts were delighted to see us and I hope I was a little gracious before I disappeared for bed.

On Saturday we made it to the event in time to help a little bit with the set up. Then on to Don Giovanni`s longsword class. It was like drinking from a fire hose, just as he described. He is a lovely gentleman and was thrilled to get reaquainted with him.

Once the class was done we had about 30 min to get fed and watered and then the prize started. Myself and the other Prizors fought for about 3 hours straight. For the Prize fights, I won 20 of the 40 (more than the third required, and exactly my personal goal). Only one of those was against Garreth (the other Prizor to succeed) and that`s something I`m going to have to work on. I know exactly what he is doing against me, but I don`t have a good idea how to counter it yet. The prize fights were followed by 15 minute endurance round which I blew through as best I could. I think, in order to force more effort, some of that time should be dedicated to multiple opponents where as soon as one dies they are replaced. Kind of like Randori.

Three of us played our prize and although only 2 of us succeeded with our prize fights, the third fought his endournce round with the rest of us. His spirit and mood were an inspiration and I think we could all learn from his example. I look forward to his next challenge.

Once we finished, their Majesties, who watched the endurance round, congratulated us and gave us our scarves. Then, after the well wishers had cleared away, they took me aside and presented me with a white garter with the word Franchise. They explained that they were handing out garters to those who they felt best exemplified the knightly virtue that was written on the garter. I was completely honoured then and now that I've done a bit more reading on the subject, I'm even more flattered.

The rest of the day was some pick up fencing, chatting with a few people I never really talk to, watching some well earned and well deserved awards and wrapping it up with a Rickards White.

Then Sunday. We managed to make it out at a decent time and after a scary burger at Wimpy's, we had some photos done by Tarian. By some, I mean lots. She's awesome and Lydia is a giant ham.

There was a brief stop on the way home where Lydia and I had KFC and then we got home and just sat still for a while and watched Wall-E.

Sleep claimed us soon after.