Storyteller

Storytellerhttp://ThorackNT.blog.co.uk/en-EUhourly82000-01-01T12:00+00:00Storytellerhttp://ThorackNT.blog.co.uk/http://data5.blog.de/design/preview/8e/3002ed167519265dc42bebc7ab89b1_160x200.jpgStill nothing changed...http://ThorackNT.blog.co.uk/2009/07/19/still-nothing-changed-6548112/2009-07-19T18:50:13+02:00 <p>Well I did meet that girl, and it didn't work out. Didn't really expect it anyways. Had talked to her a few weeks earlier on the phone, and we didn't really find into a conversation. Anyway, still single, and I guess, that's the way it's going to stay for the rest of my forseeable live.<br> What else, well I've watched "Dreamboats and Petticoats" at the Sunderland Empire on Friday. Was really really good. I've also got concert tickets for Emilliana Torrini ("Jungle Drums", great song!) in Gateshead ini September. So at least I'm getting out and about a little bit. If the weather gets better again, I might go to Edinburgh Zoo one of the coming weekends.<br> What else... think I might start with Aikido again, maybe once or twice a week, after the summer break. Won't be training at my old dojo though (if it still exists), and I will not be instructing again. Had enough of that.<br> My friends keeping me worried a little bit. She is due in 3 or 4 weeks, but they might have to get the baby early, as the pregnancy is starting to affect the liver. Also I don't really like the behaviour of her step father... well unfortunately there is not much I can do at the moment. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ThorackNT.blog.co.uk/2009/07/19/still-nothing-changed-6548112/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Well I did meet that girl, and it didn't work out. Didn't really expect it anyways. Had talked to her a few weeks earlier on the phone, and we didn't really find into a conversation. Anyway, still single, and I guess, that's the way it's going to stay for the rest of my forseeable live.
What else, well I've watched "Dreamboats and Petticoats" at the Sunderland Empire on Friday. Was really really good. I've also got concert tickets for Emilliana Torrini ("Jungle Drums", great song!) in Gateshead ini September. So at least I'm getting out and about a little bit. If the weather gets better again, I might go to Edinburgh Zoo one of the coming weekends.
What else... think I might start with Aikido again, maybe once or twice a week, after the summer break. Won't be training at my old dojo though (if it still exists), and I will not be instructing again. Had enough of that.
My friends keeping me worried a little bit. She is due in 3 or 4 weeks, but they might have to get the baby early, as the pregnancy is starting to affect the liver. Also I don't really like the behaviour of her step father... well unfortunately there is not much I can do at the moment.

]]>No Newshttp://ThorackNT.blog.co.uk/2009/07/02/no-news-6438442/2009-07-02T19:15:29+02:00 <p>Well it's been a while since the last time I've posted. Not really much happened anyways. Been busy at work, mostly. Met a girl on the net, that I'm going to date next week Saturday. Would have done that earlier, but I'm away on hols. It's been my dads 60th birthday... big party. Sunday I'll be on my way back. Going to stop at a friends on the way back for lunch. She's just moved back to Germany, as she's pregnant, and wants her mum close, until the kids through the worst... She's planning to come back to England in a couple of years... basically as soon as the kids big enough to allow for her to go back to work... well that's basically it... </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ThorackNT.blog.co.uk/2009/07/02/no-news-6438442/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Well it's been a while since the last time I've posted. Not really much happened anyways. Been busy at work, mostly. Met a girl on the net, that I'm going to date next week Saturday. Would have done that earlier, but I'm away on hols. It's been my dads 60th birthday... big party. Sunday I'll be on my way back. Going to stop at a friends on the way back for lunch. She's just moved back to Germany, as she's pregnant, and wants her mum close, until the kids through the worst... She's planning to come back to England in a couple of years... basically as soon as the kids big enough to allow for her to go back to work... well that's basically it...

]]>Giving up Aikidohttp://ThorackNT.blog.co.uk/2009/04/29/giving-up-aikido-6030273/2009-04-29T16:35:31+02:00 <p>A lot of things seem to be happening lately at an awfully fast pace. A few things have made click in the last couple of days. One actually clicked today. I will stop to do Aikido for the time being, and I'm not sure, whether I'll be going back to it again. It's not as it used to be and it has been quite a drag for a long time. I was just thinking, whom would I miss, if I never saw anyone of them again, and the list is extremely short.<br> Same happened, when I made the list for work. Yes, there are people, I'd be sad not to see anymore, but that's about it. In other words, there's nothing really keeping me here, so I'm free to look for a job somewhere else. It's not always nice to be the outsider, the loner, but once in a while it does have its advantages.<br> Anyway, those have been things that needed deciding, though I cannot help the feeling a far bigger decision is going to come up sooner or later. I don't know, what it will be about, but I can physically feel it building up, and usually it means a major change in life is to come. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ThorackNT.blog.co.uk/2009/04/29/giving-up-aikido-6030273/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>A lot of things seem to be happening lately at an awfully fast pace. A few things have made click in the last couple of days. One actually clicked today. I will stop to do Aikido for the time being, and I'm not sure, whether I'll be going back to it again. It's not as it used to be and it has been quite a drag for a long time. I was just thinking, whom would I miss, if I never saw anyone of them again, and the list is extremely short.
Same happened, when I made the list for work. Yes, there are people, I'd be sad not to see anymore, but that's about it. In other words, there's nothing really keeping me here, so I'm free to look for a job somewhere else. It's not always nice to be the outsider, the loner, but once in a while it does have its advantages.
Anyway, those have been things that needed deciding, though I cannot help the feeling a far bigger decision is going to come up sooner or later. I don't know, what it will be about, but I can physically feel it building up, and usually it means a major change in life is to come.

]]>A long long time...http://ThorackNT.blog.co.uk/2009/04/27/a-long-long-time-6017275/2009-04-27T15:34:16+02:00 <p>... since the last entry. Not that there happened too much in my life. I've done shitloads of overtime... but then...what had happened... Well the last time I posted was review time, not that the review was worth anything, as there's no pay rise this year anyway. To be honest, I think, if the company doesn't get bought in the next year or so, there isn't going to be pay rises anymore anyway... it's more likely the company is going to go bust. Maybe I should start putting my CV out again, just in case.<br> What else... my best friend is moving back to Germany. She's pregrant, and worried... it is hard to be a single mum in the best of times... anyway, she's going to move back to her mum, until the baby's going to be big enough for her to start working again. By then she wants to move back to England.<br> As I said, I did a lot of overtime lately, so I'm taking that time off work to have a holiday in Lanzarote. My first non-Aikido related holiday in years.<br> What else, my dad is going to give me some money to pay off my student loan at the end of the year. I personally would prefer to use the money to put it down for a mortage (the loan is interest free), but that's not going to happen. At least I will be debt free by the end of the year (well I'll still be paying off the car, but that's actually going to be covered by my savings). With a bit of luck (and if my company doesn't get bust in the mean time), I'll have the deposit for the house next year this time... in any case, looks like another year in this shithole in Horden...<br> That's mostly it... apart from, I hate this time of the year... makes me feel really lonely, but what is one to do? The girls my age are all either taken, or there is a good reason why they aren't... and all the nice girls left are more than 10 years younger than me.... well life's a bitch... having said that, so long.... </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ThorackNT.blog.co.uk/2009/04/27/a-long-long-time-6017275/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>... since the last entry. Not that there happened too much in my life. I've done shitloads of overtime... but then...what had happened... Well the last time I posted was review time, not that the review was worth anything, as there's no pay rise this year anyway. To be honest, I think, if the company doesn't get bought in the next year or so, there isn't going to be pay rises anymore anyway... it's more likely the company is going to go bust. Maybe I should start putting my CV out again, just in case.
What else... my best friend is moving back to Germany. She's pregrant, and worried... it is hard to be a single mum in the best of times... anyway, she's going to move back to her mum, until the baby's going to be big enough for her to start working again. By then she wants to move back to England.
As I said, I did a lot of overtime lately, so I'm taking that time off work to have a holiday in Lanzarote. My first non-Aikido related holiday in years.
What else, my dad is going to give me some money to pay off my student loan at the end of the year. I personally would prefer to use the money to put it down for a mortage (the loan is interest free), but that's not going to happen. At least I will be debt free by the end of the year (well I'll still be paying off the car, but that's actually going to be covered by my savings). With a bit of luck (and if my company doesn't get bust in the mean time), I'll have the deposit for the house next year this time... in any case, looks like another year in this shithole in Horden...
That's mostly it... apart from, I hate this time of the year... makes me feel really lonely, but what is one to do? The girls my age are all either taken, or there is a good reason why they aren't... and all the nice girls left are more than 10 years younger than me.... well life's a bitch... having said that, so long....

]]>review timehttp://ThorackNT.blog.co.uk/2009/02/19/review-time-5609572/2009-02-19T17:30:56+01:00 <p>Well, it's time for the yearly reviews... not going to discuss the details here. But I did get the review from my project leader today (and thank god he's not the only one sending reviews to my manager), and it did make me think. I really do not want to work with him anymore. He is a nice guy, I'm sure he knows his science, but if I have to work with him for another year, I'll end up with a breakdown. Point is, if I do not get on another project straight after this manufacture, I'll be putting my CV out and try to find work somewhere else. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ThorackNT.blog.co.uk/2009/02/19/review-time-5609572/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Well, it's time for the yearly reviews... not going to discuss the details here. But I did get the review from my project leader today (and thank god he's not the only one sending reviews to my manager), and it did make me think. I really do not want to work with him anymore. He is a nice guy, I'm sure he knows his science, but if I have to work with him for another year, I'll end up with a breakdown. Point is, if I do not get on another project straight after this manufacture, I'll be putting my CV out and try to find work somewhere else.

]]>It's been a long timehttp://ThorackNT.blog.co.uk/2009/02/08/it-s-been-a-long-time-5527958/2009-02-08T00:27:21+01:00 <p>Well it's been an awful long time, since I last posted. I've been kind of busy, and been not really feeling up to writing anything. There's been preparation for the next manufacture (which also means I'll be on shifts from Monday on), training and I did get World of Warcraft for Xmas (my present for me, the only one I got), so I spent a lot of time playing that as well. ANd oh, I've been more often in the cinema this year alone, then probably the last 4 or 5 years together.<br> Apart from that, I spent a lot of time talking with a friend in Northampton. She's pregnant, and so far everything's going well. I keep my fingers crossed (she lost a baby before...).<br> Well work is mostly annoying. It's just not my thing being "second in command", especially if your senior manager is a bit nervous and doesn't cope well with the stress of responsibility. But alas, I've got to get through that.<br> Performance reviews are also coming up, though I haven't got a clue how to organise mine. I haven't seen my line manager this year (I have heard rumours, that he's on unpaid leave, to set up a pizza shop, and then will be on part time, once he is back). I did put it to the senior manangement, that I'm not happy about this (especially since I haven't been told anything about my line managers change in working hours). Being on shifts means, I will only be in 2 days during daytime hours within a 8 day period (we are doing 12h shifts, 2 days/ 2 nights then 4 days off), and those fall on weekends quite a few times. I've been working my arse off last year, and I really want that recognised, before the pay rises for this year are decided. Not that I am expecting much, given that crawling up other peoples back sides isn't a strong side of mine...<br> So basically all's the same as before, though I have to say I do feel happier since I decided to give up on relationships a couple of months back. Don't feel less lonely, but it hurts a lot less. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ThorackNT.blog.co.uk/2009/02/08/it-s-been-a-long-time-5527958/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Well it's been an awful long time, since I last posted. I've been kind of busy, and been not really feeling up to writing anything. There's been preparation for the next manufacture (which also means I'll be on shifts from Monday on), training and I did get World of Warcraft for Xmas (my present for me, the only one I got), so I spent a lot of time playing that as well. ANd oh, I've been more often in the cinema this year alone, then probably the last 4 or 5 years together.
Apart from that, I spent a lot of time talking with a friend in Northampton. She's pregnant, and so far everything's going well. I keep my fingers crossed (she lost a baby before...).
Well work is mostly annoying. It's just not my thing being "second in command", especially if your senior manager is a bit nervous and doesn't cope well with the stress of responsibility. But alas, I've got to get through that.
Performance reviews are also coming up, though I haven't got a clue how to organise mine. I haven't seen my line manager this year (I have heard rumours, that he's on unpaid leave, to set up a pizza shop, and then will be on part time, once he is back). I did put it to the senior manangement, that I'm not happy about this (especially since I haven't been told anything about my line managers change in working hours). Being on shifts means, I will only be in 2 days during daytime hours within a 8 day period (we are doing 12h shifts, 2 days/ 2 nights then 4 days off), and those fall on weekends quite a few times. I've been working my arse off last year, and I really want that recognised, before the pay rises for this year are decided. Not that I am expecting much, given that crawling up other peoples back sides isn't a strong side of mine...
So basically all's the same as before, though I have to say I do feel happier since I decided to give up on relationships a couple of months back. Don't feel less lonely, but it hurts a lot less.

]]>Updatehttp://ThorackNT.blog.co.uk/2008/12/14/update-5219229/2008-12-14T16:43:30+01:00 <p>Well, it's been quite a while, since the last time I posted anything here. To be honest, I just couldn't bothered. It's all been a bit stressy. There's still no decision, whether I have to take over one of the Aikido clubs. Will not be until the next year. But to be honest, I don't really want to. It's okay to train with the people there, but to instruct them... I had my dose of that, and I have to say, I was reminded why I didn't become a teacher.<br> Work seems a bit chaotic at the moment, but that's mostly because in term of responsibilities, I am a bit in a in between position. I really hope, that I will get a more independent lead the next time. My current project leader is a nice guy, and he does know his stuff, but my working pace is just higher... but then I tend to work faster (or more efficient?) than most people.<br> We'll see, what next year brings. There might be some redundencies... but I think I'm probably reasonably safe, if only because I get easily overlooked. But that's what it might be... For now I've got 3 weeks off. Might drive down to Northampton for a few days visiting a friend. She got herself pregnant (and no it's not me...), hope she's coping well. She did loose a child early (I think it's been about 2 months into the pregnancy) earlier this year. Hope everything goes well this time.<br> Well that's it for the moment... </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ThorackNT.blog.co.uk/2008/12/14/update-5219229/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Well, it's been quite a while, since the last time I posted anything here. To be honest, I just couldn't bothered. It's all been a bit stressy. There's still no decision, whether I have to take over one of the Aikido clubs. Will not be until the next year. But to be honest, I don't really want to. It's okay to train with the people there, but to instruct them... I had my dose of that, and I have to say, I was reminded why I didn't become a teacher.
Work seems a bit chaotic at the moment, but that's mostly because in term of responsibilities, I am a bit in a in between position. I really hope, that I will get a more independent lead the next time. My current project leader is a nice guy, and he does know his stuff, but my working pace is just higher... but then I tend to work faster (or more efficient?) than most people.
We'll see, what next year brings. There might be some redundencies... but I think I'm probably reasonably safe, if only because I get easily overlooked. But that's what it might be... For now I've got 3 weeks off. Might drive down to Northampton for a few days visiting a friend. She got herself pregnant (and no it's not me...), hope she's coping well. She did loose a child early (I think it's been about 2 months into the pregnancy) earlier this year. Hope everything goes well this time.
Well that's it for the moment...

]]>The Storyteller, what happened sofarhttp://ThorackNT.blog.co.uk/2008/12/14/the-storyteller-what-happened-sofar-5219174/2008-12-14T16:33:15+01:00 <p>Oh well, I'm the storyteller, so I guess I should start telling a story. Well, let's start with the setting of this adventure. It was night, it always is, nobody expects an adventure to start by day, that just wouldn't be right. Ok, it was night, actually it was a pretty dark night. The reason for that was the big thunderstorm outside (it therefore wasn't dark all the time, but we will have to put up with this, as it adds nicely to the overall atmosphere). The clouds were blocking out the stars and the moon was at its darkest. The the stormwind was pressing the rain against the window. The window was no more than a black hole in the wall, covered with well greased leather, that was bulging into the room. The room itself was dark, the fire had been banked a long time ago and the cheap grease lamps had been snuffed out a long time ago.<br> This room made up most of the little hovel Derrick was living in. There was only one other small room, Mavs bedroom and study, off limits to Derrick. Mav had taken him in about 2 years ago, when his mother had died. She had been working in Lord Ulgars castle as a kitchen maid, before she fell in. Mav had been some kind of guard or other there, until he retired around the time his mother died. They moved here to this awful spot at the edge of a swamp (you gotta have a swamp in an adventure) then. Why Mav would burden himself with a lad 6 years old (well he's 8 now of course...) noone could guess, but he did. Maybe he had mercy with the young orphan, that didn't even know who his father was. Maybe he should be glad to have been away from the castle, where the children teased him with the rumours of his beget. Some said, his mother had had an affair with one of the nobles, others said, she'd been raped... those were the nicer ones. There were also those who said his mother'd been whoring around, and in fact, that was what she was still doing. He hated that with a vengeance.<br> Derrick got up and grabbed his cloak, it wasn't a fancy one, but good quality (not that you could make that out now, it's still dark, and the bit of lightning, dimmed by the leather skin... really it isn't enough). Anyway he put on the coat and carefully opened the door. He was on his way outside to close the shutter of the window, before the wind blew the leather in. The storm was getting worse, thunder was well thundering, and at the precise moment, when he opened the door, a tree some 100 yards away was struck by lightning and burst into flame. It wasn't the only tree burning it looked more, like the lightning had done some target practising, but of course that couldn't be. After all, lightning is just a natural phenomenom, that strikes statistically, or is it? Well we might come bak to this later on. For now, all that's been on Derricks mind was to get the wooden shutters closed, though he was impressed by the burning trees. He braved the storm and went outside barefooted and closed the shutters, then he went back in, shook out the coat and placed it over a chair to dry. Then he went to his bed, well straw pallet on the floor and blanket, in the hopes to get some sleep<br> Derrick was just about to get warm again, when Mav came in through the door. He went straight to his little room and started to rummage in there. That was so out of character for him, it made Derrick nervous. After what must have been about a quarter of an hour, Derrick came out with two sets of saddlebags. He had his sword and dagger on his belt and he was wearing his chain mail armour. He started the fire in the fireplace again, and went back to his study. That was, when he realised Derrick was awake.<br> "Good, your up. Get dressed and start packing some food and water. Distribute them between the packs, in case we get separated, we'll be leaving soon."<br> With that Mav went back to his study, and Derrick heard the rustle of paper and parchment, while he did as he was told, wondering what the hell was going on.<br> Just as Derrick had finished packing, Mav was coming back into the main room. He had a big stack of scrolls with him, most of which he threw to the fire with a heavy wordless sigh. The rest he stuffed into the saddlebags he claimed for himself. He went back to his study one more time, and came back with his hunting bow and arrows, his old battle shield and a short sword and buckler he gave to Derrick.<br> "This will do for now, we'll have to teach how to use them while we're underway. Let's get moving, we haven't much time left."<br> They went outside. There were two horses. Derrick recognised them, they were the horses they'd used to get here two years ago. He'd though Mav had sold them. Obviously he hadn't. And he still hadn't told him what was going on. At least the rain had stopped, but it was still cloudy and very very dark (yes it really should get worse now by tradition, but let's give the heroes a little respite, before they get into the thick of it).<br> Mav set out towards the swamp. Derrick had asked, what was going on, but Mav only told him later. They'd visit an old friend of his, some guy called Master Tahira. Derrick never had heard of him and he wondered if was some kind of craftsmen or a scholar. Anyway, Mav was making haste, and as soon as they were maybe half a mile clear of their home, the storm resumed and a lightning struck the little cottage, setting the place alight that had been his home for the last two years.<br> Mav sighed, "That was close, I should have known Tahira couldn't keep it at bay much longer. But we are clear for now, that's what counts". Derrick wasn't a very good rider, but his horse was obviously used to following Mavs. He couldn't even remember, what their names were. He'd have to ask Mav, later. The storm died abruptly after it had struck the cottage.<br> "Damn he knows he has hit true. Won't be long until he shows up, we need to get away fast." Mav kicked his horse into a galopp and Derricks followed its lead. He was clinging on desperately just to keep on top.<br> Where were we, it has been quite I while, since I last told you of Derrick. Oh I remember, they were fleeing their home. They were riding hard for two days, only stopping, when the horses needed rest. I don't think, anyone would have been stupid enough to follow them, let alone in such a haste. Swamps are treacherous places, an this one was no difference, if anything, it was worse. One wrong step, and it might swallow you for good. Mav though didn't seem to be bothered. Either he knew his way very well, had some other means helping him, or he must have been plain stupid (But then as with many stupid people he would have been incredibly lucky).<br> On the morning of the third day they approached a small cottage. Well approach might be the wrong way to describe it. One moment, there was only swamp, and the next moment they entered a sunny meadow with a cottage not too far away. Derrick was too shocked by the sudden change to ask any questions, Mav didn't seem to be bothered at all. It was like he expected this to happen all along.<br> As they reached the cottage, the door opened and an old lady greeted them. She had white hair, and the wrinkles in her face told of a long and happy life. Still, something about her told Derrick, she was not to be messed about with, and it was better not to have to call her an enemy. Maybe it was just the place, but then, what does a place like this do in the middle of a swamp? The answer was magic. Derrick didn't know anything about magic, but he was soon about to find out.<br> "Come on in", the woman called and disappeared inside the house. Mav took the reins of Derricks horse and sent him ahead.<br> "Go on in lad, she doesn't bite. Tell her I'm taking care of the horses and join later."<br> Derrick went through the open door. He heard her rustling around in to the left, which must be the kitchen. The house seemed somehow a lot larger in the inside.<br> "Don't be shy and come on in, I've got tea ready", she called.<br> Derrick peaked around the door and carefully went into the kitchen.<br> "Mav's taking care of the horse, he'll be here soon," he managed to say quietly.<br> "I guessed as much", she answered, "so you must be Derrick. You've grown quite a bit, since I've last seen you. Oh come on and sit down." With that she pointed to a chair in front of a steaming cup of tea.<br> "You're not much of a talker, are you?"<br> "Well Birgitta, maybe you should introduce yourself first. I don't think he remembers you, he's been a babe, the last time the two of you met." This was Mav coming in.<br> "Aye, I guess you're right. I'm Birgitta, nice to meet you Derrick. I was a friend of your mother."<br> With that she took Derricks hand to greet him.<br> A shy "Hello, I'm Derrick" escaped from his mouth.<br> Then she turned around to Mav, "And how are you, old friend, I've heard you left quite a mess behind. Tahira will be here soon".<br> "It is about time our young friend here gets properly taught". With that she gently patted Derricks head. </p> <p>To be continued soon... </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ThorackNT.blog.co.uk/2008/12/14/the-storyteller-what-happened-sofar-5219174/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Oh well, I'm the storyteller, so I guess I should start telling a story. Well, let's start with the setting of this adventure. It was night, it always is, nobody expects an adventure to start by day, that just wouldn't be right. Ok, it was night, actually it was a pretty dark night. The reason for that was the big thunderstorm outside (it therefore wasn't dark all the time, but we will have to put up with this, as it adds nicely to the overall atmosphere). The clouds were blocking out the stars and the moon was at its darkest. The the stormwind was pressing the rain against the window. The window was no more than a black hole in the wall, covered with well greased leather, that was bulging into the room. The room itself was dark, the fire had been banked a long time ago and the cheap grease lamps had been snuffed out a long time ago.
This room made up most of the little hovel Derrick was living in. There was only one other small room, Mavs bedroom and study, off limits to Derrick. Mav had taken him in about 2 years ago, when his mother had died. She had been working in Lord Ulgars castle as a kitchen maid, before she fell in. Mav had been some kind of guard or other there, until he retired around the time his mother died. They moved here to this awful spot at the edge of a swamp (you gotta have a swamp in an adventure) then. Why Mav would burden himself with a lad 6 years old (well he's 8 now of course...) noone could guess, but he did. Maybe he had mercy with the young orphan, that didn't even know who his father was. Maybe he should be glad to have been away from the castle, where the children teased him with the rumours of his beget. Some said, his mother had had an affair with one of the nobles, others said, she'd been raped... those were the nicer ones. There were also those who said his mother'd been whoring around, and in fact, that was what she was still doing. He hated that with a vengeance.
Derrick got up and grabbed his cloak, it wasn't a fancy one, but good quality (not that you could make that out now, it's still dark, and the bit of lightning, dimmed by the leather skin... really it isn't enough). Anyway he put on the coat and carefully opened the door. He was on his way outside to close the shutter of the window, before the wind blew the leather in. The storm was getting worse, thunder was well thundering, and at the precise moment, when he opened the door, a tree some 100 yards away was struck by lightning and burst into flame. It wasn't the only tree burning it looked more, like the lightning had done some target practising, but of course that couldn't be. After all, lightning is just a natural phenomenom, that strikes statistically, or is it? Well we might come bak to this later on. For now, all that's been on Derricks mind was to get the wooden shutters closed, though he was impressed by the burning trees. He braved the storm and went outside barefooted and closed the shutters, then he went back in, shook out the coat and placed it over a chair to dry. Then he went to his bed, well straw pallet on the floor and blanket, in the hopes to get some sleep
Derrick was just about to get warm again, when Mav came in through the door. He went straight to his little room and started to rummage in there. That was so out of character for him, it made Derrick nervous. After what must have been about a quarter of an hour, Derrick came out with two sets of saddlebags. He had his sword and dagger on his belt and he was wearing his chain mail armour. He started the fire in the fireplace again, and went back to his study. That was, when he realised Derrick was awake.
"Good, your up. Get dressed and start packing some food and water. Distribute them between the packs, in case we get separated, we'll be leaving soon."
With that Mav went back to his study, and Derrick heard the rustle of paper and parchment, while he did as he was told, wondering what the hell was going on.
Just as Derrick had finished packing, Mav was coming back into the main room. He had a big stack of scrolls with him, most of which he threw to the fire with a heavy wordless sigh. The rest he stuffed into the saddlebags he claimed for himself. He went back to his study one more time, and came back with his hunting bow and arrows, his old battle shield and a short sword and buckler he gave to Derrick.
"This will do for now, we'll have to teach how to use them while we're underway. Let's get moving, we haven't much time left."
They went outside. There were two horses. Derrick recognised them, they were the horses they'd used to get here two years ago. He'd though Mav had sold them. Obviously he hadn't. And he still hadn't told him what was going on. At least the rain had stopped, but it was still cloudy and very very dark (yes it really should get worse now by tradition, but let's give the heroes a little respite, before they get into the thick of it).
Mav set out towards the swamp. Derrick had asked, what was going on, but Mav only told him later. They'd visit an old friend of his, some guy called Master Tahira. Derrick never had heard of him and he wondered if was some kind of craftsmen or a scholar. Anyway, Mav was making haste, and as soon as they were maybe half a mile clear of their home, the storm resumed and a lightning struck the little cottage, setting the place alight that had been his home for the last two years.
Mav sighed, "That was close, I should have known Tahira couldn't keep it at bay much longer. But we are clear for now, that's what counts". Derrick wasn't a very good rider, but his horse was obviously used to following Mavs. He couldn't even remember, what their names were. He'd have to ask Mav, later. The storm died abruptly after it had struck the cottage.
"Damn he knows he has hit true. Won't be long until he shows up, we need to get away fast." Mav kicked his horse into a galopp and Derricks followed its lead. He was clinging on desperately just to keep on top.
Where were we, it has been quite I while, since I last told you of Derrick. Oh I remember, they were fleeing their home. They were riding hard for two days, only stopping, when the horses needed rest. I don't think, anyone would have been stupid enough to follow them, let alone in such a haste. Swamps are treacherous places, an this one was no difference, if anything, it was worse. One wrong step, and it might swallow you for good. Mav though didn't seem to be bothered. Either he knew his way very well, had some other means helping him, or he must have been plain stupid (But then as with many stupid people he would have been incredibly lucky).
On the morning of the third day they approached a small cottage. Well approach might be the wrong way to describe it. One moment, there was only swamp, and the next moment they entered a sunny meadow with a cottage not too far away. Derrick was too shocked by the sudden change to ask any questions, Mav didn't seem to be bothered at all. It was like he expected this to happen all along.
As they reached the cottage, the door opened and an old lady greeted them. She had white hair, and the wrinkles in her face told of a long and happy life. Still, something about her told Derrick, she was not to be messed about with, and it was better not to have to call her an enemy. Maybe it was just the place, but then, what does a place like this do in the middle of a swamp? The answer was magic. Derrick didn't know anything about magic, but he was soon about to find out.
"Come on in", the woman called and disappeared inside the house. Mav took the reins of Derricks horse and sent him ahead.
"Go on in lad, she doesn't bite. Tell her I'm taking care of the horses and join later."
Derrick went through the open door. He heard her rustling around in to the left, which must be the kitchen. The house seemed somehow a lot larger in the inside.
"Don't be shy and come on in, I've got tea ready", she called.
Derrick peaked around the door and carefully went into the kitchen.
"Mav's taking care of the horse, he'll be here soon," he managed to say quietly.
"I guessed as much", she answered, "so you must be Derrick. You've grown quite a bit, since I've last seen you. Oh come on and sit down." With that she pointed to a chair in front of a steaming cup of tea.
"You're not much of a talker, are you?"
"Well Birgitta, maybe you should introduce yourself first. I don't think he remembers you, he's been a babe, the last time the two of you met." This was Mav coming in.
"Aye, I guess you're right. I'm Birgitta, nice to meet you Derrick. I was a friend of your mother."
With that she took Derricks hand to greet him.
A shy "Hello, I'm Derrick" escaped from his mouth.
Then she turned around to Mav, "And how are you, old friend, I've heard you left quite a mess behind. Tahira will be here soon".
"It is about time our young friend here gets properly taught". With that she gently patted Derricks head.

To be continued soon...

]]>Silence in my headhttp://ThorackNT.blog.co.uk/2008/11/19/silence-in-my-head-5065395/2008-11-19T23:13:26+01:00 <p>It's wednesday again, which means advanced class. It's been kata tonight, and I was pretty rubbish. Funny thing though, I went there with a headache. Some 20 minutes into the class, all of a sudden I felt a deep quiet... similar to when you switch off some machine and suddenly realise how noisy it was, by the sudden lack of noise. All that background brain activity, the background noise of thought all of a sudden subsided, together with the headache.<br> I think, I've had a lot of stress lately, and now it's given way. I actually feel calmer and rather positive. Well Aikido has sometimes this effect on me, well any kind of physical workout really. Life is good again. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ThorackNT.blog.co.uk/2008/11/19/silence-in-my-head-5065395/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>It's wednesday again, which means advanced class. It's been kata tonight, and I was pretty rubbish. Funny thing though, I went there with a headache. Some 20 minutes into the class, all of a sudden I felt a deep quiet... similar to when you switch off some machine and suddenly realise how noisy it was, by the sudden lack of noise. All that background brain activity, the background noise of thought all of a sudden subsided, together with the headache.
I think, I've had a lot of stress lately, and now it's given way. I actually feel calmer and rather positive. Well Aikido has sometimes this effect on me, well any kind of physical workout really. Life is good again.

]]>Late dayhttp://ThorackNT.blog.co.uk/2008/11/19/late-day-5060755/2008-11-19T01:29:24+01:00 <p>I'm just about back from work. It's not that I didn't expect to work late, I did start late after all, because we knew, the experiment was going to take longer. But when I came in at lunchtime, things that should have been done hours earlier were just about to happen...<br> Did put my name down for the company xmas party. Not sure though, if I'll be going. Food sounds nice, I mean one option would be to just stay for the meal... most likely thing to happen, as I'll have to drive down myself. Also, I don't know yet, who else is going to be at my table. Might have some major influence on my final decision. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ThorackNT.blog.co.uk/2008/11/19/late-day-5060755/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>I'm just about back from work. It's not that I didn't expect to work late, I did start late after all, because we knew, the experiment was going to take longer. But when I came in at lunchtime, things that should have been done hours earlier were just about to happen...
Did put my name down for the company xmas party. Not sure though, if I'll be going. Food sounds nice, I mean one option would be to just stay for the meal... most likely thing to happen, as I'll have to drive down myself. Also, I don't know yet, who else is going to be at my table. Might have some major influence on my final decision.

]]>Max Paynehttp://ThorackNT.blog.co.uk/2008/11/15/max-payne-5042492/2008-11-15T23:40:24+01:00 <p>I have been watching Max Payne tonight. My verdict? The most boring film since Resident Evil (fell asleep in that one). There's so much more, that could have been made out of this story. Virtually no interaction between the main characters... </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ThorackNT.blog.co.uk/2008/11/15/max-payne-5042492/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>I have been watching Max Payne tonight. My verdict? The most boring film since Resident Evil (fell asleep in that one). There's so much more, that could have been made out of this story. Virtually no interaction between the main characters...

]]>Rollercoasterhttp://ThorackNT.blog.co.uk/2008/11/13/rollercoster-5031177/2008-11-13T20:12:03+01:00 <p>Well, it's been a while, since the last post. Had a bit of ups and downs. Monday morning my smoke alarm went off for no reason, and I had to finally take the battery out before I left for work. Well it's working normally again now. But somehow, the whole day has been chaos, had to turn around, because I left mey keycard for work at home... and was basically stressed out all day. Wednesday on the otherside was quite fun, started with some comments of mine being read out on the radio. They had a story on TFM radio on tuesday about a guy with no arms stealing a telly. He's mates had it strapped to his body. Sent in some reason, why they strapped it to the guy with no arms and didn carry it out themselves... the read it out the next day. And once you start a day positive, things just go smoother.<br> Enjoyed the training yesterday. More tanto waza (defense against knife).<br> All in all, I guess I'm not to bad, but I'm counting the days to my holidays... 29 days to go. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ThorackNT.blog.co.uk/2008/11/13/rollercoster-5031177/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Well, it's been a while, since the last post. Had a bit of ups and downs. Monday morning my smoke alarm went off for no reason, and I had to finally take the battery out before I left for work. Well it's working normally again now. But somehow, the whole day has been chaos, had to turn around, because I left mey keycard for work at home... and was basically stressed out all day. Wednesday on the otherside was quite fun, started with some comments of mine being read out on the radio. They had a story on TFM radio on tuesday about a guy with no arms stealing a telly. He's mates had it strapped to his body. Sent in some reason, why they strapped it to the guy with no arms and didn carry it out themselves... the read it out the next day. And once you start a day positive, things just go smoother.
Enjoyed the training yesterday. More tanto waza (defense against knife).
All in all, I guess I'm not to bad, but I'm counting the days to my holidays... 29 days to go.

]]>Storyteller 5http://ThorackNT.blog.co.uk/2008/11/13/storyteller-5031065/2008-11-13T19:51:57+01:00 <p>"Come on in", the woman called and disappeared inside the house. Mav took the reins of Derricks horse and sent him ahead.<br> "Go on in lad, she doesn't bite. Tell her I'm taking care of the horses and join later."<br> Derrick went through the open door. He heard her rustling around in to the left, which must be the kitchen. The house seemed somehow a lot larger in the inside.<br> "Don't be shy and come on in, I've got tea ready", she called.<br> Derrick peaked around the door and carefully went into the kitchen.<br> "Mav's taking care of the horse, he'll be here soon," he managed to say quietly.<br> "I guessed as much", she answered, "so you must be Derrick. You've grown quite a bit, since I've last seen you. Oh come on and sit down." With that she pointed to a chair in front of a steaming cup of tea.<br> "You're not much of a talker, are you?"<br> "Well Birgitta, maybe you should introduce yourself first. I don't think he remembers you, he's been a babe, the last time the two of you met." This was Mav coming in.<br> "Aye, I guess you're right. I'm Birgitta, nice to meet you Derrick. I was a friend of your mother."<br> With that she took Derricks hand to greet him.<br> A shy "Hello, I'm Derrick" escaped from his mouth.<br> Then she turned around to Mav, "And how are you, old friend, I've heard you left quite a mess behind. Tahira will be here soon".<br> "It is about time our young friend here gets properly taught". With that she gently patted Derricks head. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ThorackNT.blog.co.uk/2008/11/13/storyteller-5031065/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>"Come on in", the woman called and disappeared inside the house. Mav took the reins of Derricks horse and sent him ahead.
"Go on in lad, she doesn't bite. Tell her I'm taking care of the horses and join later."
Derrick went through the open door. He heard her rustling around in to the left, which must be the kitchen. The house seemed somehow a lot larger in the inside.
"Don't be shy and come on in, I've got tea ready", she called.
Derrick peaked around the door and carefully went into the kitchen.
"Mav's taking care of the horse, he'll be here soon," he managed to say quietly.
"I guessed as much", she answered, "so you must be Derrick. You've grown quite a bit, since I've last seen you. Oh come on and sit down." With that she pointed to a chair in front of a steaming cup of tea.
"You're not much of a talker, are you?"
"Well Birgitta, maybe you should introduce yourself first. I don't think he remembers you, he's been a babe, the last time the two of you met." This was Mav coming in.
"Aye, I guess you're right. I'm Birgitta, nice to meet you Derrick. I was a friend of your mother."
With that she took Derricks hand to greet him.
A shy "Hello, I'm Derrick" escaped from his mouth.
Then she turned around to Mav, "And how are you, old friend, I've heard you left quite a mess behind. Tahira will be here soon".
"It is about time our young friend here gets properly taught". With that she gently patted Derricks head.

]]>Updatehttp://ThorackNT.blog.co.uk/2008/11/05/update-4991361/2008-11-05T23:01:01+01:00 <p>It's been a few days since the last post. Still haven't updated the storyteller, but hope to write a bit more tomorrow or Friday. I've been a bit demotivated lately, but is seems to get better. Well I'll actually have some work in the lab tomorrow. It's a long time since I've actually been doing proper expereiments. Have been either in manufacture, or in meetings and in front of my computer this year. Training on Monday was ok, though I do not think I actually improved much. Well a little bit maybe, but that has more to do with my own agenda than with instruction.<br> Today, well in the morning I didn't feel to well, so I thought, I wouldn't go to the training tonight, but I did feel better, when I came in from work. Well, moving up the stairs, I thought whether I really wanted to do this to moe. But it was the right decision to go. It's been a good night, mostly variations on gokyo, a little bit of tanto waza (knife techniques). Got some praise from Sensei, doesn't happen to often, so that's good as well.<br> All in all things don't seem to be to bad at the moment. But I am looking forward to my holidays... a bit more than a month to go to my last work day this year. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ThorackNT.blog.co.uk/2008/11/05/update-4991361/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>It's been a few days since the last post. Still haven't updated the storyteller, but hope to write a bit more tomorrow or Friday. I've been a bit demotivated lately, but is seems to get better. Well I'll actually have some work in the lab tomorrow. It's a long time since I've actually been doing proper expereiments. Have been either in manufacture, or in meetings and in front of my computer this year. Training on Monday was ok, though I do not think I actually improved much. Well a little bit maybe, but that has more to do with my own agenda than with instruction.
Today, well in the morning I didn't feel to well, so I thought, I wouldn't go to the training tonight, but I did feel better, when I came in from work. Well, moving up the stairs, I thought whether I really wanted to do this to moe. But it was the right decision to go. It's been a good night, mostly variations on gokyo, a little bit of tanto waza (knife techniques). Got some praise from Sensei, doesn't happen to often, so that's good as well.
All in all things don't seem to be to bad at the moment. But I am looking forward to my holidays... a bit more than a month to go to my last work day this year.

]]>Sundayhttp://ThorackNT.blog.co.uk/2008/11/02/sunday-4971240/2008-11-02T18:00:04+01:00 <p>Managed to nearly get through another day. Been to the cinema last night. Did I get something wrong in High School Musical 2, or is High School Musical 3 set before number 2... Anyway, it did get me out of the house, and I needed that. Pity, there's no where to go for a drink up here.<br> Anyway, I still feel pissed of by all and everything, but I've got some hope left, things will be getter at some point.<br> Probably should go away for holidays somewhere, but can't see at the moment where the money should come from... well life's a bitch </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ThorackNT.blog.co.uk/2008/11/02/sunday-4971240/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Managed to nearly get through another day. Been to the cinema last night. Did I get something wrong in High School Musical 2, or is High School Musical 3 set before number 2... Anyway, it did get me out of the house, and I needed that. Pity, there's no where to go for a drink up here.
Anyway, I still feel pissed of by all and everything, but I've got some hope left, things will be getter at some point.
Probably should go away for holidays somewhere, but can't see at the moment where the money should come from... well life's a bitch

]]>Careful this is a ranthttp://ThorackNT.blog.co.uk/2008/11/01/careful-this-is-a-rant-4968025/2008-11-01T23:11:48+01:00 <p>Ok, at the moment everything pisses me of... maybe it's the weather or the phase of the moon or whatever. My sis is taking over my parents house (or at least that's the plan), and to be honest I couldn't care less about it. I do hope to get a couple of grand for not insisting on my legal share (not much given the size of the house, but she'll need enough money to do it up... don't want to interfere with that). Got another sister, who seems a bit anxious about it... don't really know what's going on there (it is b<strong>* f</strong>* hard to tell at 1000 miles distance), but communication isn't as it should be. But bring it up, and you get told off, to say the least.<br> Apart from that, everone seems to be bugging me with xmas... it's still nearly 8 weeks to go, and already I can say, I have never ever been so annoyed with it like this year. As far as I am concerned, the whole xmas thing can be cancelled. I don't want xmas.<br> I don't know, there's more pissing me off, but I can't really put a finger on it right now... but there might be other rants to come. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ThorackNT.blog.co.uk/2008/11/01/careful-this-is-a-rant-4968025/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Ok, at the moment everything pisses me of... maybe it's the weather or the phase of the moon or whatever. My sis is taking over my parents house (or at least that's the plan), and to be honest I couldn't care less about it. I do hope to get a couple of grand for not insisting on my legal share (not much given the size of the house, but she'll need enough money to do it up... don't want to interfere with that). Got another sister, who seems a bit anxious about it... don't really know what's going on there (it is b* f* hard to tell at 1000 miles distance), but communication isn't as it should be. But bring it up, and you get told off, to say the least.
Apart from that, everone seems to be bugging me with xmas... it's still nearly 8 weeks to go, and already I can say, I have never ever been so annoyed with it like this year. As far as I am concerned, the whole xmas thing can be cancelled. I don't want xmas.
I don't know, there's more pissing me off, but I can't really put a finger on it right now... but there might be other rants to come.

]]>What a dayhttp://ThorackNT.blog.co.uk/2008/10/30/what-a-day-4957914/2008-10-30T20:20:58+01:00 <p>This day's been dragging on. A lot more traffic on the road for the last couple of days. It seems like all the car sharers converted back to lone drivers since the petrol's back to below £1. And some stupid people are on the road as well... nothing against saving petrol, but driving at 30mph, were you could do 60mph is as much a nuissance as tractors on the A19!<br> Oh and work was really inspiring as well, spent my day programming Unicorn methods, writing protocols and hunting for columns... well it's part of the job and hopefully there are better times to come.<br> What else, decided to go to the Christkindle course, given I can get the time off (will find out on Monday) and I definitely will not go to the company xmas party this year. To far away for a taxi, hotel's to expensive and I'm to old for sleeping bags on someone elses floor. This combined with the fact that the party can only be endured when drunk to oblivion just makes it a no go. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ThorackNT.blog.co.uk/2008/10/30/what-a-day-4957914/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>This day's been dragging on. A lot more traffic on the road for the last couple of days. It seems like all the car sharers converted back to lone drivers since the petrol's back to below £1. And some stupid people are on the road as well... nothing against saving petrol, but driving at 30mph, were you could do 60mph is as much a nuissance as tractors on the A19!
Oh and work was really inspiring as well, spent my day programming Unicorn methods, writing protocols and hunting for columns... well it's part of the job and hopefully there are better times to come.
What else, decided to go to the Christkindle course, given I can get the time off (will find out on Monday) and I definitely will not go to the company xmas party this year. To far away for a taxi, hotel's to expensive and I'm to old for sleeping bags on someone elses floor. This combined with the fact that the party can only be endured when drunk to oblivion just makes it a no go.

]]>Aikido tonighthttp://ThorackNT.blog.co.uk/2008/10/29/aikidotonight-4953197/2008-10-29T22:36:46+01:00 <p>The session wasn't to hard, as hoped. We did sword techniques all night. Still feels like an alien object in my hands, though it is nice to train with weapons once in a while (it does show the weakness of once body movement, though that's annoying, it does help to improve).<br> Sensei mentioned that though sword techniques aren't on the syllabus until 3rd Dan, even at shodan level one should develop maybe a dozen techniques to some decent standard. I wonder whether I can introduce some sword or jo waza at the end of the normal training session between black belts. Not sure if that is covered by my instructors insurance... </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ThorackNT.blog.co.uk/2008/10/29/aikidotonight-4953197/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>The session wasn't to hard, as hoped. We did sword techniques all night. Still feels like an alien object in my hands, though it is nice to train with weapons once in a while (it does show the weakness of once body movement, though that's annoying, it does help to improve).
Sensei mentioned that though sword techniques aren't on the syllabus until 3rd Dan, even at shodan level one should develop maybe a dozen techniques to some decent standard. I wonder whether I can introduce some sword or jo waza at the end of the normal training session between black belts. Not sure if that is covered by my instructors insurance...

]]>bits and bobshttp://ThorackNT.blog.co.uk/2008/10/29/bits-and-bobs-4951789/2008-10-29T19:05:00+01:00 <p>What a day... back to work and f***ing cold... that more or less sums it up. Not too much going on at work, apart from me sorting out the stuff we need to run through the process in the next weeks.<br> Flight prices have gone up from Edinburgh to Munich, but I still might go... need to talk to my project leader first, to see if I can take the time of... somewhere my 2 1/2 weeks of leftover holidays need to fit in this year...<br> Well tonights black belts only night in Perth Green... at least something to look forward to. Hope it not to hard a session after the course on the weekend though. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ThorackNT.blog.co.uk/2008/10/29/bits-and-bobs-4951789/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>What a day... back to work and f***ing cold... that more or less sums it up. Not too much going on at work, apart from me sorting out the stuff we need to run through the process in the next weeks.
Flight prices have gone up from Edinburgh to Munich, but I still might go... need to talk to my project leader first, to see if I can take the time of... somewhere my 2 1/2 weeks of leftover holidays need to fit in this year...
Well tonights black belts only night in Perth Green... at least something to look forward to. Hope it not to hard a session after the course on the weekend though.

]]>Last weekendhttp://ThorackNT.blog.co.uk/2008/10/28/last-weekend-4944483/2008-10-28T12:10:43+01:00 <p>The course with Master Kimura finished yesterday. On Sunday we had three brown belts taking their Shodan. All passed and got their belts yesterday. As I've written before, I certainely learned a lot over the last couple of days, but it will take time to sink in. It has been a bit of information overload. The Elizabethan Dinner at Lumley Castle on Sunday was fun. Would have expected a little bit more food for the money they charged (and spuds and tomatoes are definitely not within the time period of the setting), but the entertainement that came with it was good (you have to be able to sing as a serving maid...). One of the othere guests need medical attention towards the end, that's been a little bit disruptive, but then, if paramedics are needed, they are needed.<br> All in all, it has been a good weekend. Tomorrow I'm back to work, at least it's a short week. I'm considering going to the Christkindle course in Steppach (near Augsburg, Germany), beginning of December, but that depends, whether I find enough people to share a car to Edinburgh Airport. Otherwise the flights to Munich would be too expensive (there's no direct flights from Newcastle, unfortunately). </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ThorackNT.blog.co.uk/2008/10/28/last-weekend-4944483/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>The course with Master Kimura finished yesterday. On Sunday we had three brown belts taking their Shodan. All passed and got their belts yesterday. As I've written before, I certainely learned a lot over the last couple of days, but it will take time to sink in. It has been a bit of information overload. The Elizabethan Dinner at Lumley Castle on Sunday was fun. Would have expected a little bit more food for the money they charged (and spuds and tomatoes are definitely not within the time period of the setting), but the entertainement that came with it was good (you have to be able to sing as a serving maid...). One of the othere guests need medical attention towards the end, that's been a little bit disruptive, but then, if paramedics are needed, they are needed.
All in all, it has been a good weekend. Tomorrow I'm back to work, at least it's a short week. I'm considering going to the Christkindle course in Steppach (near Augsburg, Germany), beginning of December, but that depends, whether I find enough people to share a car to Edinburgh Airport. Otherwise the flights to Munich would be too expensive (there's no direct flights from Newcastle, unfortunately).

]]>The Storyteller 4http://ThorackNT.blog.co.uk/2008/10/28/thestoryteller4-4944442/2008-10-28T12:01:51+01:00 <p>Where were we, it has been quite I while, since I last told you of Derrick. Oh I remember, they were fleeing their home. They were riding hard for two days, only stopping, when the horses needed rest. I don't think, anyone would have been stupid enough to follow them, let alone in such a haste. Swamps are treacherous places, an this one was no difference, if anything, it was worse. One wrong step, and it might swallow you for good. Mav though didn't seem to be bothered. Either he knew his way very well, had some other means helping him, or he must have been plain stupid (But then as with many stupid people he would have been incredibly lucky).<br> On the morning of the third day they approached a small cottage. Well approach might be the wrong way to describe it. One moment, there was only swamp, and the next moment they entered a sunny meadow with a cottage not too far away. Derrick was too shocked by the sudden change to ask any questions, Mav didn't seem to be bothered at all. It was like he expected this to happen all along.<br> As they reached the cottage, the door opened and an old lady greeted them. She had white hair, and the wrinkles in her face told of a long and happy life. Still, something about her told Derrick, she was not to be messed about with, and it was better not to have to call her an enemy. Maybe it was just the place, but then, what does a place like this do in the middle of a swamp? The answer was magic. Derrick didn't know anything about magic, but he was soon about to find out. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ThorackNT.blog.co.uk/2008/10/28/thestoryteller4-4944442/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Where were we, it has been quite I while, since I last told you of Derrick. Oh I remember, they were fleeing their home. They were riding hard for two days, only stopping, when the horses needed rest. I don't think, anyone would have been stupid enough to follow them, let alone in such a haste. Swamps are treacherous places, an this one was no difference, if anything, it was worse. One wrong step, and it might swallow you for good. Mav though didn't seem to be bothered. Either he knew his way very well, had some other means helping him, or he must have been plain stupid (But then as with many stupid people he would have been incredibly lucky).
On the morning of the third day they approached a small cottage. Well approach might be the wrong way to describe it. One moment, there was only swamp, and the next moment they entered a sunny meadow with a cottage not too far away. Derrick was too shocked by the sudden change to ask any questions, Mav didn't seem to be bothered at all. It was like he expected this to happen all along.
As they reached the cottage, the door opened and an old lady greeted them. She had white hair, and the wrinkles in her face told of a long and happy life. Still, something about her told Derrick, she was not to be messed about with, and it was better not to have to call her an enemy. Maybe it was just the place, but then, what does a place like this do in the middle of a swamp? The answer was magic. Derrick didn't know anything about magic, but he was soon about to find out.

]]>Master Kimura continuedhttp://ThorackNT.blog.co.uk/2008/10/25/master-kimura-continued-4931402/2008-10-25T21:15:14+02:00 <p>Today were two more sessions with Master Kimura (7th Dan Aikido). I'm more confused then ever..., don't know how I ever got my black belt. But still it's been a long time since I enjoyed training this much. Time is simply flying by, and before I know, another session is over. I would write a bit about what we had been doing, but I've got such a memory overload, it is hard to sort it all through. We did actually a bit more on the theme of tenkan movements, though we had some irimi techniques as well. Technique wise, it's been more focussed on the pins (Ikkyo, Nikkyo and Sankyo). Well one thing a do remember, the way he was taking on the energy of the uke on an ai hanmi grasp.<br> The last half hour it was black belts in four groups, while Sensei Emmerson was teaching the kyu grades. I actually got to do some techniques with the Japanese, but not enough to really comment on it. We had a few presentation (roughly one per session so far), and that looked quite good.<br> At night we had a buffet on and a DVD with footage of Osensei, Master Nocquet and Sensei Emmerson, basically showing the heritage of our organisation back to Osensei. I'll probably by a copy of the DVD, though I have to say, the stills on it are actually better than the video footage. But that might be just me.<br> Well all in all, it has been a pretty good night. Hope I'll get to write some more of the Storyteller, though I don't think I'll get to that before Monday or Tuesday. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ThorackNT.blog.co.uk/2008/10/25/master-kimura-continued-4931402/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Today were two more sessions with Master Kimura (7th Dan Aikido). I'm more confused then ever..., don't know how I ever got my black belt. But still it's been a long time since I enjoyed training this much. Time is simply flying by, and before I know, another session is over. I would write a bit about what we had been doing, but I've got such a memory overload, it is hard to sort it all through. We did actually a bit more on the theme of tenkan movements, though we had some irimi techniques as well. Technique wise, it's been more focussed on the pins (Ikkyo, Nikkyo and Sankyo). Well one thing a do remember, the way he was taking on the energy of the uke on an ai hanmi grasp.
The last half hour it was black belts in four groups, while Sensei Emmerson was teaching the kyu grades. I actually got to do some techniques with the Japanese, but not enough to really comment on it. We had a few presentation (roughly one per session so far), and that looked quite good.
At night we had a buffet on and a DVD with footage of Osensei, Master Nocquet and Sensei Emmerson, basically showing the heritage of our organisation back to Osensei. I'll probably by a copy of the DVD, though I have to say, the stills on it are actually better than the video footage. But that might be just me.
Well all in all, it has been a pretty good night. Hope I'll get to write some more of the Storyteller, though I don't think I'll get to that before Monday or Tuesday.

]]>Master Kimurahttp://ThorackNT.blog.co.uk/2008/10/24/master-kimura-4926811/2008-10-24T22:29:44+02:00 <p>So, tonight's been the first session of the Kimura course everybody has been waiting for since summer. It's been very good 1 1/2 hours. His Aikido is quite similar to ours, though of course if you look at the details you can see how different it is. But then I have to say, I learned an awful lot tonight. There are course, or sometimes even training sessions, that lead to a jump in your insight of things. Coming to Aikido, this course has already the potential to be that for me.<br> I definitely enjoyed the night. The session was focussed on techniques starting from a tenkan movement (mostly from katate tori, though we also did ude kimi nage from ai hanmi). The techniques were irimi nage, sokomen irimi nage, kote gaeshi, shiho nage, ude kimi nage and sumi otoshi. It was nice, practicing them, using a slightly different angle of approach (it's hard to put into words, though I'd really like to be able to do that, so I could refer to it at a later time).<br> Haven't trained yet with his 4 ukes, he brought along from Japan, but there will be plenty of opportunity tomorrow. Also there's going to be a buffet. Good chances to get there names again, unfortunately the aircon was to loud when they introduced themselves to us.<br> All in all I very good course with a lot more to come </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ThorackNT.blog.co.uk/2008/10/24/master-kimura-4926811/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>So, tonight's been the first session of the Kimura course everybody has been waiting for since summer. It's been very good 1 1/2 hours. His Aikido is quite similar to ours, though of course if you look at the details you can see how different it is. But then I have to say, I learned an awful lot tonight. There are course, or sometimes even training sessions, that lead to a jump in your insight of things. Coming to Aikido, this course has already the potential to be that for me.
I definitely enjoyed the night. The session was focussed on techniques starting from a tenkan movement (mostly from katate tori, though we also did ude kimi nage from ai hanmi). The techniques were irimi nage, sokomen irimi nage, kote gaeshi, shiho nage, ude kimi nage and sumi otoshi. It was nice, practicing them, using a slightly different angle of approach (it's hard to put into words, though I'd really like to be able to do that, so I could refer to it at a later time).
Haven't trained yet with his 4 ukes, he brought along from Japan, but there will be plenty of opportunity tomorrow. Also there's going to be a buffet. Good chances to get there names again, unfortunately the aircon was to loud when they introduced themselves to us.
All in all I very good course with a lot more to come

]]>Newshttp://ThorackNT.blog.co.uk/2008/10/23/news-4919570/2008-10-23T19:30:43+02:00 <p>Haven't anyone staying at mine on the weekend after all. He's booked himself into a hotel. Probably thought we haven't got enough space for everyone anyway. Well fine with me, saves me a bit on the shopping. Though I have to pay the taxi on Sunday all myself (or keep of the booze, if I'm driving myself. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ThorackNT.blog.co.uk/2008/10/23/news-4919570/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Haven't anyone staying at mine on the weekend after all. He's booked himself into a hotel. Probably thought we haven't got enough space for everyone anyway. Well fine with me, saves me a bit on the shopping. Though I have to pay the taxi on Sunday all myself (or keep of the booze, if I'm driving myself.

]]>The Storyteller continuedhttp://ThorackNT.blog.co.uk/2008/10/23/thestorytellercontinued-4919502/2008-10-23T19:21:42+02:00 <p>Mav set out towards the swamp. Derrick had asked, what was going on, but Mav only told him later. They'd visit an old friend of his, some guy called Master Tahira. Derrick never had heard of him and he wondered if was some kind of craftsmen or a scholar. Anyway, Mav was making haste, and as soon as they were maybe half a mile clear of their home, the storm resumed and a lightning struck the little cottage, setting the place alight that had been his home for the last two years.<br> Mav sighed, "That was close, I should have known Tahira couldn't keep it at bay much longer. But we are clear for now, that's what counts". Derrick wasn't a very good rider, but his horse was obviously used to following Mavs. He couldn't even remember, what their names were. He'd have to ask Mav, later. The storm died abruptly after it had struck the cottage.<br> "Damn he knows he has hit true. Won't be long until he shows up, we need to get away fast." Mav kicked his horse into a galopp and Derricks followed its lead. He was clinging on desperately just to keep on top. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ThorackNT.blog.co.uk/2008/10/23/thestorytellercontinued-4919502/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Mav set out towards the swamp. Derrick had asked, what was going on, but Mav only told him later. They'd visit an old friend of his, some guy called Master Tahira. Derrick never had heard of him and he wondered if was some kind of craftsmen or a scholar. Anyway, Mav was making haste, and as soon as they were maybe half a mile clear of their home, the storm resumed and a lightning struck the little cottage, setting the place alight that had been his home for the last two years.
Mav sighed, "That was close, I should have known Tahira couldn't keep it at bay much longer. But we are clear for now, that's what counts". Derrick wasn't a very good rider, but his horse was obviously used to following Mavs. He couldn't even remember, what their names were. He'd have to ask Mav, later. The storm died abruptly after it had struck the cottage.
"Damn he knows he has hit true. Won't be long until he shows up, we need to get away fast." Mav kicked his horse into a galopp and Derricks followed its lead. He was clinging on desperately just to keep on top.

]]>New dayhttp://ThorackNT.blog.co.uk/2008/10/23/new-day-4916228/2008-10-23T06:37:45+02:00 <p>Ok, this is it, my last work day this week, then I'll be off until Tuesday. So what is there to do today? Another Storyteller post coming up, probably some time tonight. Maybe we'll find out, why Mav and Derrick are fleeing. Not sure yet. Mav's not much of a talker. Also need to go shopping for the weekend. Maybe stuff for breakfast. Won't be in much for the other meals, as I'll be up in Newcastle for the course most of the time. Also there's the buffet on Saturday night, with some DVD footage of Osensei and Master Nocquet. Sunday night, there'll be an Elizabethan Dinner at Lumley castle. Now that's something to look forward to.<br> Well guess that's it for the day... apart from going to work and get some planning for the time up to Xmas done. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ThorackNT.blog.co.uk/2008/10/23/new-day-4916228/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Ok, this is it, my last work day this week, then I'll be off until Tuesday. So what is there to do today? Another Storyteller post coming up, probably some time tonight. Maybe we'll find out, why Mav and Derrick are fleeing. Not sure yet. Mav's not much of a talker. Also need to go shopping for the weekend. Maybe stuff for breakfast. Won't be in much for the other meals, as I'll be up in Newcastle for the course most of the time. Also there's the buffet on Saturday night, with some DVD footage of Osensei and Master Nocquet. Sunday night, there'll be an Elizabethan Dinner at Lumley castle. Now that's something to look forward to.
Well guess that's it for the day... apart from going to work and get some planning for the time up to Xmas done.

]]>Bits and Bobs againhttp://ThorackNT.blog.co.uk/2008/10/22/bits-and-bobs-again-4913714/2008-10-22T22:09:51+02:00 <p>What a day. Daytime TV is so horrible, I'm glad to be back to work tomorrow. No good not having enough to do. Well I managed to finish another chapter in HOMM5 Tribes of the East... only 2 more to go. And I managed to get a hair cut... if that isn't an achievement. Anyway, another hour and a half, and I'll be of to the Aikido advanced class. First time in 3 weeks... work got in the way the last couple of times. Hope it won't be to hard, given the big course coming up on the weekend. </p> <p>Well, I'm back from training now. It's actually been pretty good. Not too high paced. We've been focussing on Sankyos and Yonkyos (from various attacks, but mostly it's been about precision). Quite a few Germans were here already for the course on the weekend. Of course the one staying at mine hasn't arrived yet, and I still haven't a clue, when he's planning to fly in. But I'll find out soon enough. The first session of the course isn't until Friday night. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ThorackNT.blog.co.uk/2008/10/22/bits-and-bobs-again-4913714/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>What a day. Daytime TV is so horrible, I'm glad to be back to work tomorrow. No good not having enough to do. Well I managed to finish another chapter in HOMM5 Tribes of the East... only 2 more to go. And I managed to get a hair cut... if that isn't an achievement. Anyway, another hour and a half, and I'll be of to the Aikido advanced class. First time in 3 weeks... work got in the way the last couple of times. Hope it won't be to hard, given the big course coming up on the weekend.

Well, I'm back from training now. It's actually been pretty good. Not too high paced. We've been focussing on Sankyos and Yonkyos (from various attacks, but mostly it's been about precision). Quite a few Germans were here already for the course on the weekend. Of course the one staying at mine hasn't arrived yet, and I still haven't a clue, when he's planning to fly in. But I'll find out soon enough. The first session of the course isn't until Friday night.

]]>Storyteller continuedhttp://ThorackNT.blog.co.uk/2008/10/22/storytellercontinued-4911585/2008-10-22T10:15:03+02:00 <p>Derrick was just about to get warm again, when Mav came in through the door. He went straight to his little room and started to rummage in there. That was so out of character for him, it made Derrick nervous. After what must have been about a quarter of an hour, Derrick came out with two sets of saddlebags. He had his sword and dagger on his belt and he was wearing his chain mail armour. He started the fire in the fireplace again, and went back to his study. That was, when he realised Derrick was awake.<br> "Good, your up. Get dressed and start packing some food and water. Distribute them between the packs, in case we get separated, we'll be leaving soon."<br> With that Mav went back to his study, and Derrick heard the rustle of paper and parchment, while he did as he was told, wondering what the hell was going on.<br> Just as Derrick had finished packing, Mav was coming back into the main room. He had a big stack of scrolls with him, most of which he threw to the fire with a heavy wordless sigh. The rest he stuffed into the saddlebags he claimed for himself. He went back to his study one more time, and came back with his hunting bow and arrows, his old battle shield and a short sword and buckler he gave to Derrick.<br> "This will do for now, we'll have to teach how to use them while we're underway. Let's get moving, we haven't much time left."<br> They went outside. There were two horses. Derrick recognised them, they were the horses they'd used to get here two years ago. He'd though Mav had sold them. Obviously he hadn't. And he still hadn't told him what was going on. At least the rain had stopped, but it was still cloudy and very very dark (yes it really should get worse now by tradition, but let's give the heroes a little respite, before they get into the thick of it). </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ThorackNT.blog.co.uk/2008/10/22/storytellercontinued-4911585/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Derrick was just about to get warm again, when Mav came in through the door. He went straight to his little room and started to rummage in there. That was so out of character for him, it made Derrick nervous. After what must have been about a quarter of an hour, Derrick came out with two sets of saddlebags. He had his sword and dagger on his belt and he was wearing his chain mail armour. He started the fire in the fireplace again, and went back to his study. That was, when he realised Derrick was awake.
"Good, your up. Get dressed and start packing some food and water. Distribute them between the packs, in case we get separated, we'll be leaving soon."
With that Mav went back to his study, and Derrick heard the rustle of paper and parchment, while he did as he was told, wondering what the hell was going on.
Just as Derrick had finished packing, Mav was coming back into the main room. He had a big stack of scrolls with him, most of which he threw to the fire with a heavy wordless sigh. The rest he stuffed into the saddlebags he claimed for himself. He went back to his study one more time, and came back with his hunting bow and arrows, his old battle shield and a short sword and buckler he gave to Derrick.
"This will do for now, we'll have to teach how to use them while we're underway. Let's get moving, we haven't much time left."
They went outside. There were two horses. Derrick recognised them, they were the horses they'd used to get here two years ago. He'd though Mav had sold them. Obviously he hadn't. And he still hadn't told him what was going on. At least the rain had stopped, but it was still cloudy and very very dark (yes it really should get worse now by tradition, but let's give the heroes a little respite, before they get into the thick of it).

]]>bits and bobshttp://ThorackNT.blog.co.uk/2008/10/21/bits-and-bobs-4909519/2008-10-21T21:39:12+02:00 <p>Still haven't figured out fully, how this works, but it seems like I'm getting the hang of it. Maybe this is keeping me occupied on boring days like this. Or maybe I should just get a life outside of work and Aikido... can't cope with to much spare time. Well, still have a book to finish... book 3 of the Liveship traders. If you ask me, the Assassins Aprentice and the Tawny Man trilogies of Robin Hobb are better.<br> Well, once I've finished this one, I'll probably go for Empress by Karen Miller.<br> Looking forward now to Friday, when the Course with Master Kimura starts. First time, I'm on a course by a 7th Dan. Hope this is going to be good. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ThorackNT.blog.co.uk/2008/10/21/bits-and-bobs-4909519/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Still haven't figured out fully, how this works, but it seems like I'm getting the hang of it. Maybe this is keeping me occupied on boring days like this. Or maybe I should just get a life outside of work and Aikido... can't cope with to much spare time. Well, still have a book to finish... book 3 of the Liveship traders. If you ask me, the Assassins Aprentice and the Tawny Man trilogies of Robin Hobb are better.
Well, once I've finished this one, I'll probably go for Empress by Karen Miller.
Looking forward now to Friday, when the Course with Master Kimura starts. First time, I'm on a course by a 7th Dan. Hope this is going to be good.

]]>The Starthttp://ThorackNT.blog.co.uk/2008/10/21/storyteller-4909173/2008-10-21T20:35:03+02:00 <p>Oh well, I'm the storyteller, so I guess I should start telling a story. Well, let's start with the setting of this adventure. It was night, it always is, nobody expects an adventure to start by day, that just wouldn't be right. Ok, it was night, actually it was a pretty dark night. The reason for that was the big thunderstorm outside (it therefore wasn't dark all the time, but we will have to put up with this, as it adds nicely to the overall atmosphere). The clouds were blocking out the stars and the moon was at its darkest. The the stormwind was pressing the rain against the window. The window was no more than a black hole in the wall, covered with well greased leather, that was bulging into the room. The room itself was dark, the fire had been banked a long time ago and the cheap grease lamps had been snuffed out a long time ago.<br> This room made up most of the little hovel Derrick was living in. There was only one other small room, Mavs bedroom and study, off limits to Derrick. Mav had taken him in about 2 years ago, when his mother had died. She had been working in Lord Ulgars castle as a kitchen maid, before she fell in. Mav had been some kind of guard or other there, until he retired around the time his mother died. They moved here to this awful spot at the edge of a swamp (you gotta have a swamp in an adventure) then. Why Mav would burden himself with a lad 6 years old (well he's 8 now of course...) noone could guess, but he did. Maybe he had mercy with the young orphan, that didn't even know who his father was. Maybe he should be glad to have been away from the castle, where the children teased him with the rumours of his beget. Some said, his mother had had an affair with one of the nobles, others said, she'd been raped... those were the nicer ones. There were also those who said his mother'd been whoring around, and in fact, that was what she was still doing. He hated that with a vengeance.<br> Derrick got up and grabbed his cloak, it wasn't a fancy one, but good quality (not that you could make that out now, it's still dark, and the bit of lightning, dimmed by the leather skin... really it isn't enough). Anyway he put on the coat and carefully opened the door. He was on his way outside to close the shutter of the window, before the wind blew the leather in. The storm was getting worse, thunder was well thundering, and at the precise moment, when he opened the door, a tree some 100 yards away was struck by lightning and burst into flame. It wasn't the only tree burning it looked more, like the lightning had done some target practising, but of course that couldn't be. After all, lightning is just a natural phenomenom, that strikes statistically, or is it? Well we might come bak to this later on. For now, all that's been on Derricks mind was to get the wooden shutters closed, though he was impressed by the burning trees. He braved the storm and went outside barefooted and closed the shutters, then he went back in, shook out the coat and placed it over a chair to dry. Then he went to his bed, well straw pallet on the floor and blanket, in the hopes to get some sleep </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ThorackNT.blog.co.uk/2008/10/21/storyteller-4909173/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Oh well, I'm the storyteller, so I guess I should start telling a story. Well, let's start with the setting of this adventure. It was night, it always is, nobody expects an adventure to start by day, that just wouldn't be right. Ok, it was night, actually it was a pretty dark night. The reason for that was the big thunderstorm outside (it therefore wasn't dark all the time, but we will have to put up with this, as it adds nicely to the overall atmosphere). The clouds were blocking out the stars and the moon was at its darkest. The the stormwind was pressing the rain against the window. The window was no more than a black hole in the wall, covered with well greased leather, that was bulging into the room. The room itself was dark, the fire had been banked a long time ago and the cheap grease lamps had been snuffed out a long time ago.
This room made up most of the little hovel Derrick was living in. There was only one other small room, Mavs bedroom and study, off limits to Derrick. Mav had taken him in about 2 years ago, when his mother had died. She had been working in Lord Ulgars castle as a kitchen maid, before she fell in. Mav had been some kind of guard or other there, until he retired around the time his mother died. They moved here to this awful spot at the edge of a swamp (you gotta have a swamp in an adventure) then. Why Mav would burden himself with a lad 6 years old (well he's 8 now of course...) noone could guess, but he did. Maybe he had mercy with the young orphan, that didn't even know who his father was. Maybe he should be glad to have been away from the castle, where the children teased him with the rumours of his beget. Some said, his mother had had an affair with one of the nobles, others said, she'd been raped... those were the nicer ones. There were also those who said his mother'd been whoring around, and in fact, that was what she was still doing. He hated that with a vengeance.
Derrick got up and grabbed his cloak, it wasn't a fancy one, but good quality (not that you could make that out now, it's still dark, and the bit of lightning, dimmed by the leather skin... really it isn't enough). Anyway he put on the coat and carefully opened the door. He was on his way outside to close the shutter of the window, before the wind blew the leather in. The storm was getting worse, thunder was well thundering, and at the precise moment, when he opened the door, a tree some 100 yards away was struck by lightning and burst into flame. It wasn't the only tree burning it looked more, like the lightning had done some target practising, but of course that couldn't be. After all, lightning is just a natural phenomenom, that strikes statistically, or is it? Well we might come bak to this later on. For now, all that's been on Derricks mind was to get the wooden shutters closed, though he was impressed by the burning trees. He braved the storm and went outside barefooted and closed the shutters, then he went back in, shook out the coat and placed it over a chair to dry. Then he went to his bed, well straw pallet on the floor and blanket, in the hopes to get some sleep

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