When Last We Left Our Intrepid Heroine...

The order of the layers actually *does* make a difference.

No Love,
Me

We headed off to somewhere in the middle of Central Texas for Emerald Tourney yesterday.  We gamed fairly late on Friday, and got up at 0500 to get the Saturn packed. 

The day didn't really start all that well.  I wasn't aware of the distance we'd have to travel, thinking the event was in Temple, not Waco.  Er.  No.  It was in Waco, and a far bit outside of Waco to boot.  We met up with the rest of Hell's Gate at the Wal-Mart parking lot at 0700, where we attempted to switch stuff from the Saturn to the Blazer.

I saw we, but it was John and Robert who did most of the switching, while I went inside with the rest of our group to do some last-minute shopping.  Evidently, I didn't actually communicate where I was going when I left, and since I'm the log weenie in the marriage, John wasn't quite sure when everything had been transferred. (This is important later.)

So, we get the bits we need, and head off, because we're meeting willow_jayat a McD's in Belton and she's following us to the event.  Oh, and she's got two munchkins with her.  :-)  We get there and pick up some coffee and breakfast and head out.  Really, it was much further out than I thought it would be, but that's partly my fault for not making sure we had really good directions on hand.  John had printed them out, but we were so frazzled by the time we got up and packed that we forgot them, so we were relying on the directions from the website (which weren't bad, but could have used mileage estimates).

On the way, I ask John if he remembers where my camera got put and got met with a very blank look.  This is the prelude to a rather tense few minutes during which we realize the camera is still in the Saturn.  In the Wal-Mart parking lot.  In Killeen.  Luckily, I remember that it is on the floorboard, and so, we soldier on, praying that it's still there when we get back.  I almost came home and John wanted to pack it in, simply because the day had started so poorly.  We were both cranky (I think we each had one leg of the crankypants on) and probably over-caffeinated, although the cap to the thermos got left off, so that made a hell of a mess.

We get there, and for some reason, it's just not a good morning.  I end up talking John out of leaving, he talks *me* out of leaving, we both talk each other into staying, not leaving, eating, whatever.  I also find out my armor has made it to the event, but nothing else has.  No boots, no pants, no bra, no shirt...nada.  Frustrating, but also my fault.  I didn't double-check and we didn't have a checklist.

So, John dons his armor to get inspected and I head to the truck for a good bawl session.

Afterwards, I help with the munchkins (three in all, as one of the newer couples in our group has a little one).

We hang out, John fights, we have a good time.  I hang out, compete in the Women's Domestic Tourney (chucking a cast-iron skillet at a dummy) and watch court.  I got to meet rixendefinally and oohed and aahed over her Turkish coat, which willow_jay has decreed she likes a *lot* and thinks she wants.  :-)  Saw some folx get awards.  Oh, one thing that I really, *really* liked was when Her Majesty Vanessa asked those who were attending an SCA event for the first time to approach.  She talked to them and gave them small favors, and I think that's a stellar (pun intended!) idea.  How wonderful to introduce folx to the Society!  willow_jaygot a favor, but I haven't seen it yet.

(The only sour note was listening to someone complain that they hadn't gotten anything like that at *their* first event.)

Then, some of the Hell's Gate folx helped break down the hall, returning it to its mundane configuration, we broke down our pavilion and space and headed for home.

On the way back we worked out some of the problems that had occurred and ways to get around them.

The camera was still there when we got back, thank God.

So, the AAR (after-action report) is as follows:

• No gaming late the night before.

• There must be a checklist and a loadplan.  (At the very least, the checklist must be used when loading the vehicle, point by point.)

• Double-check armor and armor accessories. 

• Directions will be clearly printed out, including mileage and the GPS will be in the vehicle.

• Food will be consumed before leaving the house to ensure all parties are not cracked from low-blood-sugar.

• When splitting up, all parties will be informed as to where the hell you're going.  Double-check to make sure they heard you!

All in all, even with the bobbles, it was a good event.  I look forward to it next year.