The Road Goes Ever On...

.....I found the Saturday Board of Directors' meeting interesting in a number of ways. As TBT mentions, the Board worked hard to be interactive and engaging to the audience. The information presented was interesting from a number of standpoints; and when it wasn't, they tried to move through it quickly.

.....The last time I attended a Board meeting in Seattle, the 'feeling' I received was of a lot more distance between the audience and the Board. That may not have been the intent at all, but that was my takeaway. I found that I wasn't alone in that assessment either. It was about that time period, coupled with all the Foo I read about the Board having to respond, made me think that I would never want to be a Board Member. But after this last weekend, I may have to reassess that opinion.

.....Of course, we're also not seeing the really ugly parts of the process that are done behind closed doors. But if you go into it knowing about it in advance, you can set up some personal protections against it eating up a little of your soul.

.....I was also very reluctant because the personal examples of those I knew who'd been on the Board were those of much work and at least some alienation and separation from the rest of the world. But again, in looking at least at Ljotr, I'm seeing that it doesn't necessarily have to be that way. Again, I'm sure it has to do with the personal protections you put into place.

.....Just a musing at the moment really. There are so many other things I want to do as well that even attempting the Board may be something that happens in the far future, if ever. They may take one look at my resume and laugh hysterically. TBT is curiously interested as well, and so may want to make a run at it. She is uber-smart, with the right attitude. I think she'd be a shoe-in as a candidate.

.....The day went by fast. I am glad though I took the laptop and took notes during the meeting. It kept my mind from wandering at all, and gave my hands something to do. Which probably helped make the day go by that much faster.

.....I had a great time at dinner. It was an unexpectedly good hole-in-the-wall Italian eatery in Tukwila. The food was incredibly tasty and plentiful. I even had a sip or two of wine. :-)

.....The conversation was unexpectedly brilliant as well. We delved into the nature of chivalry and the differences in attitude between the West Coast and the East Coast. I hadn't realized the depth of difference between the two. And how unique a place An Tir is. I've always kind of taken a sense of pride in my provincial attitude towards the way we play our game. And I am proud of the way we do things in Dragon's Laire, and in An Tir. But in not seeing how the game is played in other places, there is always the risk in falling into bad habits. Or in believing that your way is the only right way.

.....Or, the opposite, when you see how the game is played elsewhere, and the consequences of how it is played there, you can take sheer and utter delight in how you play the game here. Which is what I started picking up in the conversations of Saturday night.

.....I've always also been a proponent of the Arthurian Romance side of the SCA game. It is what drew me to the game in the first place. That and the Tolkien style of chivalry, courtesy and honour that was added to the mix early in the SCA's history. I've wondered on occasion if that made me something of a nut-case, one of those 'special' people who are avoided. But I don't think so. When I hear the words of others who think along a similar path, and even still others who resonate with that style, it makes me want to go and embrace it even more.

.....I don't think it was coincidence that this conversation happened this weekend. I finished a long and tough road at work. I was coming off of nine months plus of doubts in the SCA due to trying my best and barely making it as a Baron. But I felt my sense of the game renewed a little. Into the cauldron goes a little less hell from work, a little hope for the future of the SCA as a Corporate Structure (tm), and a little renewal of what makes the dream electric and food for the soul. I feel a little refreshed today, and I like it. And it is a Monday to boot. :-)

.....Just need to remember that feeling during those times coming up when others want to mess with my dream. :-)

.....It was hard to get motivated to do anything on Sunday. I was able to get a few things done around the house, but not nearly the agenda I had wanted. But we did manage to get a plan and timetable put together on our Ceremonials, including scrolls and charters. Implementation of said plan is starting and will be in full swing by the end of the month.

.....This week is busy! Tonight we have a meeting with our Serjeantry Secretary. Tuesday is the Baronial Social. Wednesday is the new Fight Practice. Thursday is the Dragon's Pearl Meeting. Friday is TBT's Birthday. The weekend is starting to fill up as well. But at least Friday onward is all fun stuff. :-)

.....Aaron / Arontius.