QUESTIONS ANSWERED

[baronessekat]

1. What label did you most identify with in high school?

I didn’t really identify with any of the labels in high school. I was an honor’s student but never really identified as such or as geek or nerd, etc. I was a member of the drama club and tech crews, but I never saw myself as a drama geek. I had friends in just about all the different social circles/labels. I had friends who were geeks, nerds, jocks, stoners, art-fags, boces brats, bandies. Also almost all my friends in high school were a year a head of me. So I guess the closest was “wanna-be” but only in the sense that I wanted to be a member of the class ahead of me.

2. What piece of literature has most influenced you and why?

“Welcome to Pooh Corner”. I fell in love with Eeyore at a very young age. His pessimistically optimistic attitude on life was rather inspiring. While he was depressed, he never let it get in the way. He just kept plugging along and finding the silver lining of things. “Well, my house just got washed away in a flood. Guess I need a new house”. I loved that and even now do try to be like that.

3. If you could walk in anyone's shoes for a day, living or passed on, who would it be?

Oh, tough one. There are so many. Dian Fossey to have the experience she did of living and studying the lowland gorillas. Ansel Adams for the chance to see the world through his eyes. Mata Hari for the excitement of what she did. There are more but that should be enough

4. Who, in the SCA, do you think most embodies the principles of chivalry, honor, virtue, an' all that?

I can’t spell his name for the life of me. It’s pronounced Sir Gredwyn (but it’s long and gaelic). Aka – that Norman guy. He is to me a great example of a Knight and someone whole upholds the Knighly virtues to a T.

5. What is the most inspiring moment you have had/seen in the SCA?

I would have to say this past Crown tourney. Just after His Highness Khalek placed the coronet on Her Highness’ head and she stood and they embraced. It was the moment, most recently, that made me go “yes – that’s it. That’s the reason. The emotion behind that embrace was everything”





1. Could we do anything to help you get out on the fencing field, again?

Get life to stop conspiring against me? I need to first get to practices to see what’s changed in the last 10 years since I last picked up a foil. But everytime I go “I’m going to do it” something happens – I get sick, I gain weight, a family member dies.

2. How did you find/become part of your household?

It’s all Ostgardaine’s fault. My first Pennsic had me camping with High Rafters (my old household). And literally right next to my very recent ex. It was also Pennsic 24 and HOT. I was in a land pimple and working security at night. So by 8:30am I was baked out of my tent and couldn’t sleep. Aine took me over to the Caer’s camp as a safe place to hide. I spent my days sleeping in the shade of Morguhn’s tent and hanging out with them. By the end of war I was asked to join the household. I told them I wouldn’t give an answer until after they stepped down (they were just about to step up as Prince and Princess of the Principality of AEthelmearc for the first time) as I wanted to see what it would mean. At their de-investiture I adopted them all into my family and graciously renamed my family Caer Cinniunit (so as to keep with the Cossack ways so as not to “abandon my family” for another without the bonds of marriage) Been a part of the Caer ever since.

3. Would you like to change anything about AEthelmearc?

The petty whining. I have no clue how to stop it though.

4. Are you where you thought you would be in life (like back when you were a child or teenager)? How do you feel about that?

Nope. I certainly never expected to be living in the house I grew up in. I never would have said I was going to grow up to be a secretary. I had dreams of teaching or law when I was a kid/teenager. I expected to have a college degree, not an “almost degree”. I figured by now I would be married with a child. And if you had told me then I would own 3 cats and be getting a Chihuahua back then I would have laughed at you as then cats made me stop breathing and I thought chihuahua’s were silly little rat dogs.

Other than the degree thing, I’m ok with that. And maybe some day I will go back and finish my degree. But I’m content with my job. I can’t fathom having to share my home and life right now on a constant basis with anyone (spouse or child) as I like my independence too much. and in a way I am a teacher. I teach scribal stuff in the SCA, I will sit and talk about faith and spirituality with people if they ask.

So while my “dreams” didn’t come true, I’m content and that’s really all I can ask for.

5. What is your idea of a great weekend with friends?

Friends coming Friday night for no reason planned except for getting together (no event, no house cleaning, no workshops). Enjoying each other’s company until we all go to bed. Saturday would be a casual breakfast with no “OMG we have to be out the door in X minutes to be at Y in time”. Maybe all go to the zoo or the Falls and just have fun family touristy time without the pressure of having to go or do anything we didn’t want to. Dinner would either be out at a restaurant we all liked or at the house. I love cooking and wouldn’t mind making a big meal for my friends. Evening would be like Friday night of hanging out at the house or maybe a mass adventure to a late movie or even better – fun and laughter going to Rocky Horror and being the “old people” there. Sunday a big homemade breakfast and causal hanging out until everyone had to go home.

If couldn’t do that – Disney world with my friends and we all relaxing and doing the lazy river at Typhoon Lagoon all day.