possible authorization

I'm considering trying to authorize this weekend.

For non-SCA fencers, rapier authorization isn't a competition, it's a test to make sure your gear and fencing style is safe, and that you're aware of society/local kingdom safety rules. Practicing without is ok, but to fence at events it's required.

As of now, I'm still wavering.

Pro:

• It would give me something to do at SCA events (many of which seem to be fight-oriented), which would give me a reason to talk to people instead of standing around being socially awkward.
  
  
• I'd be able to do pick-up bouts and the like with the growing historic fencing community in the SCA.
  
  
• I am attending KWAR this year and I suspect it would lend me some street cred coming in.
  
  
• If I want to do this soon this event is likely my last chance before it gets hellishly hot/I enter pre-Summer Nationals training crunch.
  

Con:

• Most SCA fencing takes place outdoors - which means fighting in summer heat/humidity in several layers of clothing. Outdoors is fine in fall but I don't have the time/money right now to get lighter-weight gear.
  
  
• Related: Lyme disease is endemic here and I don't like the idea of lying down in the grass, even for the short amount of time I'd be "playing dead" - I just get this mental image of pinhead sized infected ticks crawling into my clothes (ew ew ew!!)
  
  
• Allergies. Oh, [$deity], my allergies have been acting up!
  
  
• I'm feeling pressured to do this - assuming I do authorize this weekend I don't want to be pushed into using time/energy I don't have to compete in tourneys I don't feel ready for.
  

How important is it to do this NOW and how justified are my fears about heatstroke/bugborne disease? Can any SCAdians weigh in?

Via shemhazai

Gender-reversed Star Trek. All about the new castings of Spock and Nero. Never liked Kirk, so don't care. Still love Simon Pegg as Scotty.

Thoughts, frets, exclamations?

For Kirk/Shatner Fans

Mr. Tambourine Man [YouTube]

First heard this on college radio back in high school, late at night. It was scary even then. Delivered in Shatner's...distinctive...style....

tweet(s) of the day

• 10:01 Swine flu: when you should worry/see the doc: tinyurl.com/ldyslo
• 10:43 Arrived: top hat, spats, gloves. Former is a bit big for me but at a rakish tilt is still rather dashing, if I do say so myself!
• 15:12 Working on 3rd cup coffee. Would be harder on myself if my eyelids weren't droopy, & today's work less repetitive.
• 16:11 I don't think I've ever seen "Purple Rain". Does that make me pop culturally deprived?

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