Hi all,

The deadline for the Tin Ducks is looming.

I'd like to remind those of you who might have seen Christopher Phillips' 'Emerging Forms' exhibition last year that it is eligible for the Professional Art category.

There is a partial catalogue here:
http://christopherphillips.com.au/catalogue/

The artist's statement is below:

I've done a lot of research into the physics of light transport - the way light moves through a scene, softly lighting the darker corners by bouncing off objects that are more directly illuminated. Using software of my own devising, I explore this interplay, creating highly realistic images of sculptures that exist only in my mind.

There is a tension in my work between two opposing goals. On the one hand, one of my favourite quotes is Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's "Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away." On the other hand I do have a strong appreciation for the incredibly fine detail to be found in gothic architecture and sculpture, particularly as exemplified by the many cathedrals I visited whilst living in the United Kingdom.

For the moment, the tools that I use constrain me to working at the simpler end of the scale, so I have been concentrating on producing spare and striking images, inspired by the works of Barbara Hepworth, Keizo Ushio, and Henry Moore.
---

So if you remember being impressed by this, let me urge you to nominate your favourite piece to the Tin Ducks (note: I'll post this again for Ditmars later in the year).

Where am I? home Feeling... sick Compelled listening... Zoe Keating's marvellous cd Define... # amazing friends, art, artistic wonder, awards, tin ducks

Congratulations everyone :)

Where am I? home Feeling... pleased Compelled listening... "Watch Over Me" - Bernard Fanning Define... # australian spec fic, awards, community, congratulations

I went to the Listening Tour today - and it was awesome, but I don't have time to tell you all now, so that will be later.

I also didn't:

- email the awards presenters, though I've started the email
- finalise the FAQ and send it to fred_mouse but that's on my to do list too!
- make sure my NAFF con report is done and dusted and ready for printing... mostly i'm just trusting buoy_wonder because he's awesome.
- do much work work at all


I did have a discussion with Manager G on CUA agreements, and they make sense, I will be applying them like a mighty gatekeeper!! We're also going to tackle the organisation and record keeping of the invoices.

My boss Director R is very happy with me, is convinced I'm the right person for the job, despite me not quite having my head aorund it all yet, or being caught up on all the bits yet. He's really happy for me to bounce things off him, discuss stuff I'm thinking of in terms of improvements and stuff, also he's pleased that he and the department got warm fuzzies because I asked him for permission to go to the Listening Tour. More on that later.

Now, to meet alkland and the_informative!!!

OMG so busy right now!!!!!!!!!!

But just so excited and happy - Swancon is almost HERE!!! I can't wait!!!! I get to see you all, and hug you and be impressed by you, inspired by you and catch up on Stuff!! Play games, discuss stuff and and and and MORE!!! *bounce bounce bounce bounce bounce bounce bounce*

Also just to reiterate? I really don't care that the Tin Duck nomination list is long, it's a worthwhile list and people who nominated thought that we in WA should be reminded about those things that were awesome in the past year - if there is stuff missing and you didn't nominate, then do so next year, if there's stuff missing and you did nominate then hopefully it will be helpful for next time.

The Tin Ducks at their core are recognition, appreciation and valuing the talent and time and contribution and stuff that we in WA are doing - we are in my opinion so vibrant and lively and involved and dedicated because in part we're always noticing and recognising and supporting one another in doing so (for the most part). I think the Tin Ducks embody that in everything from their pro awards to my favourite, the Mumfan. We are so lucky to be supported in this way and ot have this - we should be proud of it and stop disbaraging the fact that I didn't make the list shorter because I didn't want to arbitrarily dismiss the works that you've all been doing. That isn't to say that next time I won't make some kind of statement leading up to running the thing that things will be shortlisted and on what basis - but jsut doing so with no explanation and warning? Not my style, it's meant to be inclusive and not exclusive.

Which is to say: stop bitching about it, because you don't have to count the votes and organise the thing, until you're doing that kind of thing, your complaints are not at all helpful or useful.

(why yes, I'm done on this issue. Just done.)

Where am I? DPC Feeling... cheerful Compelled listening... nil Define... # 2008, achievements, awards, bouncy, human rights, listening tour, making the world a better place, naff, swancon, tin ducks, to do list, women, work

The hype has hit in full swing and I'm so looking forward to Swancon!

Given everything I'm glad this yearly anticipation has not deserted me!!

My committee meeting today was great, and once again, I love them lotses!

No love to the who responded to my reminder email thinking that since the Ditmar closing date was Friday, that having postal votes needing to have tomorrow's postmark at the latest is unreasonable. It's not. Thursday I'm out at the con from then onwards, no snail mail for me, and the Friday in question, public holiday. That's really only allowing two days if it was post marked 17th for it to make it's way to my letter box.

I've politely responded explaining the situation, thanking them for their feedback and suggesting the official forum to provide feedback and if they were interetsed in volunteering to run this thing next year.

I will be very glad to finish with the Ditmars - I've learned so much, but overall, I think that my love will always be for the Tin Ducks, it's not that they're easier - though they are... but they seem to bring out less 'wank' in people, and have more heart content. That to me is the most important thing.

To end on a good note, let me gush to you about the awards ceremony! I have people lined up to present the awards - I'm waiting on some final emails, but I'll be emailing out the 'how to' and logistics to most people tomorrow. The room will hopefully look something like an old Doctor Who set, thanks to wolflullaby and madradish who have both put supreme effort into helping this thing come together. Also there will be robots. I've planned things so that the ceremony will, if everything happens as I want it to, run under an hour and a half - more time to congratulate the winners and mingle. WASFF are also doing stuff for their 15th anniversary, but I won't spoil that surprise :)

Right now, I'm going to go and finish my book (finishing Cybermancy - probably tonight). Then there will be sleep.

Tomorrow after work there will be alkland and the_informative which will be awesome!

Minor annoyances aside, life is good right now.

Especial love to strangedave and angriest because in their own ways they make me proud to know them and be friends to them. (If you like just call it another one of the many moments I'm expressing sentimentality).

Where am I? home Feeling... tired Compelled listening... nil Define... # 2008, amazing conversations, amazing friends, awards, ditmars, sc2009, sentimental, stupidity, swancon, tin ducks

Hi all,

I'm still looking for a few people interested in presenting an award...


Also, if anyone is free to help me set things up, organise stuff and people that would be fantastic as well. It may be that I don't need much help, or it may have gone pear shaped by that point, whichever it is I'd love to have organised it just in case :)

Where am I? DPC Feeling... productive Compelled listening... nil Define... # 2008, awards, swancon

I'm so tired!!

But I am getting there... I should list my big things to do list and what I've accomplished so that I feel like I'm getting somewhere!! It's always something new...

I helped wolflullaby with the awards art stuff tonight, which was fun, but I was reminded that steel wool scourers, are still well, sharp metal. I had a moment of stupid. Now I have the bandaid to prove it.

I am now tired, and too much so to appreciate the stories that were unlocked in light of Tin Duck promotions - which is AWESOME! And yet... so tired, can't take it in right now.

I did useful stuff today. Including my hair. Upside is, it doesn't look neglected and woeful any longer. Downside is that it looks a little more natural than I prefer it, and yet is really quite good looking - just yes, a little too natural for my taste :) No fault to hair people, they had their work cut out for them to get it to a state of looking decent again, given everything (sun bleach! How HATE thee!) And now that they're aware of how my hair works, they'll know how to oomph things up a bit which is good, I like them a lot and I feel that I more than got my money's worth today :) Looking forward to what seems to be a developing relationship with hair people. I'm possibly a little too excited about this. But yes, Hair Fanatic are awesome.

And now, bed and Book 1 of the Tide Lords for half an hour or so (or till my pillow looks too inviting...)

Where am I? home Feeling... exhausted Compelled listening... Some strange Depeche Mode remix... Define... # art, awards, general, my hair, organising, recs, swancon, tin ducks

Not everything written in WA last year was nominated, but all nominations made went on to the ballot.

I didn't announce or declare an intention to shortlist at any stage, so even with nineteen stories on the short work category, I didn't feel that it was something I could just do arbitrarily.

So yes, it's a big list - but then people who vote in the tin ducks will decide who they thought was their favourite. Not to mention - why shouldn't we be proud of what people thought was worthwhile to nominate? I certainly am, and I think there are some great examples of people's talent in this list - especially the fan works list, as I'm much more familiar with it :)

Congratulations to all who have been nominated, and good luck in the vote :)

I am so glad to finally get the details out!

P.S. I'm considering it my penance of having such a long list that I have to work out the optional preferentials for it all, so it's not a case of me making it easy for myself! (I don't think I've done that once with regard to the awards...)

Where am I? DPC Feeling... accomplished Compelled listening... nil Define... # 2008, awards, swancon, tin ducks, voting

In the wake of me being busy.

lady_niav's birthday was relaxing and fun! I stayed out much later than I meant to :) I still had work to do when I returned (Hi! angriest who was also online at 3am at that point :P)

I didn't end up at Exomod - just too tired and it involved too much effort, but I was productive as I did lots of shopping and am now 3/4 organised for being a bridesmaid.

Sunday I got up far too early, and went to my Swancon 2009 meeting, and once again was totally in love with my committee. They rock. So does apple pie for breakfast... but the coffee at The Boatshed cafe leaves a lot to be desired for the price.

Then there was the WASFF meeting. It wasn't as bad as I thought it could be, but it was bad enough. Stress, tempers running short, and other things made it intense. All is well however which is the upside of the 4 hour meeting.

Spent the night with e_dan and his housemate, we had thai food, and watched S6 Scrubs, we talked and it was relaxing - forcefully so as no laptop so no work for me! Especially after the intensity of the day, this was good.

The downside is, and especially considering the sleep debt from Saturday night (hah! read Sunday morning...) was that I slept badly for some reason. I kept pulling myself out of sleep the way it used to happen when I had insomniac symptoms. Also my mind decided to inflict all manner of horrible and truamatic images to play on the surface of my mind and I was scared of having nightmares. Cuddles banished this but it has left me a little... apprehensive? It's been quite a LONG time since this has happened. Woke up early and yet late, managed to work and have something remotely resembling a brain.

Have managed to achieve various things this evening, but I'm waiting on a particular email reply before I can send out the Tin Duck ballot.

Am enjoying the bottle of wine I bought myself, to enjoy in celebration of being 'almost there' and for all I've done and weathered, and to help me relax as it seems to be the hardest thing to achieve right now.

That said, I'm going to bed very soon :) That thought fills me with glee!!

Where am I? home Feeling... exhausted, slightly tipsy Compelled listening... "The Way I Are" - Timbaland feat. Keri Hilson Define... # amazing conversations, amazing friends, awards, general, intimacy, love, nightmares, sleep, swancon, tin ducks, update

Tin Duck ballots should be out very shortly now.

Where am I? DPC Feeling... exhausted Compelled listening... nil Define... # awards, swancon, tin ducks

Anyone interested in presenting an award?

Comment if so :)

Where am I? DPC Feeling... exhausted Compelled listening... "Me, Myself and I" - Darren Hayes Define... # 2008, awards, swancon

* The day went well, work was productive and busy, all the Swancon stuff I meant to get done, didn't. Nor tonight either, but tomorrow it will be done.

* Friday night was the re-energising, wonderful company and people to share my enthusiasm with over recent wins.

* There were several deep and interesting conversations on various topics including:

- engaging in communication, whether acknowledging distress is the automatic taking on of fault acceptance.
- papparazzi and their plague of people who still have the right to be treated as humans and have their private lives not made into a joke or something news worthy every time they fart. This further went into the hipocrasy of those who rail against this happening, and yet buy the magazines that pay the papparazzi to do this.
- styles of email and styles of communication in general via various mediums
- weddings and planning and organisation

It was a great night and it was the balm I look for as always. So. Much. Love. (I need an icon for Friday nights expressing my love and joy in you all who are part of that).

* Tomorrow I have to pay off my bridesmaid outfit, and I also have to do a bunch of Swancon stuff that actual work prevented me doing. The only thing that is truly what I wish to have already finished is the Tin Duck Ballot, but really, things happen and it's really not the end of the world, however much it irritates me.

* Tomorrow I also plan to head to Exomod to do said Swancon stuff in the ambience of good coffee, and broadband, while watching my beloved strut his stuff :) This may change however as being at home and not having to be in a state to receive visitors is VERY appealing.

* Last but not least, I have a birthday party to go to. Must organise logistics of this with K somehow - he's working tomorrow which will push his timeframe out by at least an hour, and that's a very optimistic answer, given he works from stupid o'clock in the morning till 5pm. We shall see how things go.

And now, bed, becuase sleep is far more productive right now than blinking at the screen trying to make sense of things and apply focus, and logic and reason!

Oh I had a moment of logic tonight - black_samvara mentioned that people are far less likely to be beaton by a stranger, I commented that I didn't want to be one of that minority, and further commented that I also didn't want to be part of that majority that were beaten by someone they know, and that I far preferred to be a person who wasn't subjected to beating at all. Who'd have thought?

Where am I? home Feeling... exhausted Compelled listening... nil Define... # amazing conversations, amazing friends, awards, coffee, exomod, friday night, logic, moments to remember, swancon, tin ducks, work

* Rollerskating was fun! I had especial skill with the rollerblades, and was pleased to find proficiency that I never gained in street skating with K in Darwin, was perfectly good for a rink. Yay! I even practised stopping ( always the wost thing for me).

Many thanks to wolflullaby and madradish for dragging me with them, I enjoyed myself mightily and it was good to see so many people that I so rarely catch up with or see at all :)

* Returned to my house, and ventured out into the cool night air for a walk with abovementioned companions and also harveystoat who'd come over to train with K again :) it was lovely and there was much discussion on folk music and other local bands and things - of which I know zero, so if I got it wrong, I'm sorry! Correct me :)

To Do List:

* WASFF corporate site - PRK sent out the communication for this for people to look over it. If you didn't see it, the site is located here: http://test.sf.org.au Please have a look and let us know what needs to be worked on. PRK and I have looked at it so much lately that well... you know what that's like. Notes: Link colours will be changed. I've been working on the links page tonight, and though there's a lot on there, I'm sure that I've forgotten things, if I have, please let me know and I'll add it in. Tried to excercise my newfound knowledge of unordered lists for the bullets on the website, and it appears that while my html was fine, it doesn't show the cute little disk bullets. I've highlighted this as a problem, and hopefully we'll figure out what the CSS hates about it and fix it.

* Tin Duck stuff - I have finished the list, which is what will be formatted into the ballot, once i get some emails back on eligibility... if you know for certain that AM Muffaz, Ian Shoebridge or Jenny Schwartz are WA residents please let me know asap!

Nothing else done, but then I only started at midnight, so honestly, I'm calling that a win.

People who were sparks of brightness today (in no particular order), and as such have my utter adoration and appreciation:

• maharetr


• kae_dash


• lady_niav


• agoodliedown


• e_dan


• black_samvara


• wolflullaby


• madradish


• angriest


• harveystoat


• babalon_93


• livelurker

You may not have considered it anything at all, but it was special and whether it was a single moment or several, it made a huge difference and I'm very grateful. Thank you!

And now, I am dead of tired. Bed for me.

Where am I? home Feeling... exhausted Compelled listening... "Hold Me" - Savage Garden Define... # amazing friends, awards, excercise, social, swancon, tin ducks, to do list, wasff

* I worked, and got a lot of stuff done. Including the spreadsheet of doom on time for my boss to go to a rather unpleasant meeting. (It's never a good idea to go to the higher ups and not be able to give an indication of where your budget is at...)

* I had lunch with kae_dash, mystic_one and Mad Dog which was lovely, even if I was lethargic and wishing I didn't have to go back to work.

* I had a productive conversation with the TISC people, and have been reassured that it is unlikely that I would need to pay the course fees for the degree I want to do, up front. I am increasingly excited about doing this.. I am so looking forward to it, and am so ready for it, I don't quite have the words to express this. Some of you already know what I'm planning on applying to study, and the rest of you will have to wait till I make appointments with the University of my choice and find out the rest of the significant details, such as whether I can start this year or have to wait till next year.

* I met up with callistra after work, ostensibly to head to a feminist group meeting. On my way to meet her at the address, she got lost so I met her in Subi instead. Settling of baby happeneed, and then driving the correct way through Subi in order to get to the address.

We made it, just on time and largely organised, only to find that it had been cancelled unexpectedly but they hadn't had Calli's email to let her know. So we meandered down to the nearby park to facilitate sushi eating, and baby cuddling. I then called cupidsbow to see if she was up to unexpected company, and delightfully, she was!

We spent a pleasant few hours discussing, chatting, and of course, watching some song vid - I have a marvellous collection thanks to cupidsbow now, and I can't wait to sit down and watch them when I have some spare time. It was easy and lovely and I enjoyed it a lot. Calli and I have a loose plan to venture out every so (undetermined) often together to socialise. I'm very much looking forward to this as I love time spent with Calli, especially one on one or in a small group, it's just awesome, in the same way that Friday nights are awesome.

* Arrived home, squeaked happily at harveystoat and got hugs, burbled happily at K, who burbled back in a lovely mood.

* I did productive awards stuff, and am a few breaths away from releasing the Tin Duck shortlist and opening the voting - apologies for the delay but there have been a few more eligibility queries than usual for people I'm unfamiliar with being in WA or not :) I've had some very pleasant email exchanges though.

* Two friends took specific steps today in order to do something for themselves, and in both cases it involved letting go of something. I'm pleased for them, proud of them, and sending love because of the various stresses and hurt involved. That and sending love also because they rock and I adore them.

Where am I? home Feeling... happy Compelled listening... "Chasing Cars" - Snow Patrol Define... # amazing conversations, amazing friends, awards, feminism, nominations, shortlist, song vids, study, swancon, tin ducks, university, voting, women, work

Today has been a great day for the most part - some parts definitely better than others. ( Rather long, but several chunks of information including the ditmar vortex, WA on Show and forays into study as consideration for myself. )

Wow... this got long. No apologies though... this is part of who I am, and being able to detail things here actually serves far more purpose than simple vanity of recording, or some misguided idea that people read what I write. It's for me. It connects me back to things that I don't wish to forget, things that I consider important, or may consider important in the future.

The downside of having had to deal with regressed memories, is that my mind still gets overzealous in protecting me sometimes, and there are things that I just don't wish to forget the words and feelings that were on the tip of my tongue at that given moment.

Where am I? House of Books and Ducks Feeling... excited Compelled listening... nil Define... # 2008, 2009, amazing friends, assertiveness, awards, convictions, ditmars, feminism, moments to remember, murdoch, perth city events, sadness, study, swancon, trust, women

The short summary before I go into detail for those who don't have the time/interest/patience to read below the cut.

* Tin Duck nominations have been drafted into spreadsheet, this has been sent to Other Relevant People for checking.
* Some eligibility emails have been sent re Tin Ducks if it was easy enough to do as I was transcribing.
* More discussion on the Ditmar Google group - some huge amount of email has passed through this group in the past week, and while at times it's been painful, frustrating and exasperating, I also feel like we're generally circling in the right direction.
* NAFF race is over, waiting on replies from candidates and then I can announce the outcome.
* Discussion/meeting with cupidsbow has happened and we've mostly nailed down our OTW panel for Swancon, including having drafted black_samvara onto it.
* Gynaecon Panel for Swancon with dalmeny has been finalised.
* I've registered for the sf.org.au wiki so that I can offload various masses of information that should be recorded other than in my head, or email or journal. This resource is aimed at being a massive source of information as a resource for the Australia wide community, and has languished unloved a bit for a while - I'm encouraging YOU all to help that change.
* Put in my own nominations for the Tin Ducks.
* Managed to get K's in too.

I have yet to:
* Call Supernova person for 2009.
* Make a couple of venue phone calls for Swancon 2009
* Check eligibility of Tin Duck list
* Publish Tin Duck Shortlist, and open the voting.
* Finalise the other potential panel items that may go ahead.
* Publicise the details of this year's NAFF race finalisation.
* Organise the NAFF delegate to get here, and associated stuff.
* Remind people to vote for Tin Ducks and NAFF
* Write my Ditmar Admin Report
* Draft my proposal's for the WASFF AGM and Natcon Business Meeting
* Finalise the Swancon FAQ for printing.
* Finalise my NAFF Con report for printing.
* Follow up on how my props for the awards are going and try and find more time to actually do stuff for it, also, make grateful and appreciative noises in wolflullaby's direction for taking this on for me.
* Update the sf.org.au wiki
* Finalise the WASFF site so it's ready to launch.
* Follow up on awards trophies.
* Organise someone to take photographs of the 2008 Swancon Art Show to publish online ready for the Ditmars and Tin Ducks next year, this is in line with the eligibility list that girliejones wishes to publish online at ASiF! and what I'd also like to have on the sf.org.au wiki.

Gods knows what else - that's the top of my head.

( And here the detail starts... Ditmar Vortex )

Other than the above, I'm seriously counting down to Swancon, and the fun, the people, the madness and rushing, the relaxation, the sleep deprivation, the masses of cuddlyness and sensuality, the games, the discussions and conversations, the Box... parties - the whole lot. I can't wait till it's here, till I'm immersed... and then I will be glad for it to be done, as for someone not on the committee, I seem to be spending quite a bit of time on things at present. By quite a bit I actually mean reasonably a lot. I'm not working nearly as hard as the committee is though :) I'm reassured by this :)

Okay... bed time.

Where am I? home Feeling... exhausted and yet happy Compelled listening... nil Define... # 2008, 2009, achievements, amazing conversations, awards, changing the world, ditmar vortex, ditmars, dot points, lists, making the world a better place, nominations, social, swancon, the box, tin ducks, to do, voting

This wasn't the first part of my evening, but it did wholely make a difference.

Curled up with ascetic_hedony and there was that sense of being 'home' which is neither the wrong nor right word, but it was just wonderful. I was loved and there was much needed sharing of energy. We were playful and plotty and evil at moments, there was laughter and stress relief... and joy. Because I am loved, because I am celebrated. Because this is mutual and it is unquestioned. I am lucky. I am grateful. I am smiling and peaceful.


Facets of the world make me sad, hence the juxtaposition. ( More on the awards and my feelings... )

Though really right now, it's all about the love. Truly the greatest gift, to love and be loved - and to trust in this.

I don't quite feel like the night has ended - it's a little strange, as it really has. But I have the desire to be out in the middle of nature, away from electronics and lights, just with the stars and the breeze, ascetic_hedony and conversation, purry cuddles, energy, dreaming and phillosophy... and yet....

The seductive beast named 'sleep'... how tempting and soothing the creature.

Where am I? home Feeling... enthralled Compelled listening... nil Define... # amazing conversations, amazing friends, aspiration, awards, career, discussions, ditmars, eligibility, events, intimacy, love, sadness, sensuality

At the very least, it will be of very low concentration - promise!

First of all I have to mention the most beautiful and unexpected gift from cricketk. She has given me this exquisite piece of jewellery on pretty ribbons, it is glass that is clear, and black and purple and sparkly and seems to be embedded with something that sometimes in my mind resembles a rose, and other times a fossil. It's amazing and I'm utterly touched by the gift and love it to pieces! What was also unexpectedly heartwarming was that juffles decided to cycle his way up to give it to me for her... there was conversation and much in the way of watering, before he headed off home again (sacrificing keys in the process). It is one of those things that just has just made it for me - I don't have a time period to offer, I'm just so amazed and touched by it. Thank you, thank you, thank you again cricketk - I really don't have the words.

I was meant to be catching up with e_dan before he headed off to Melbourne, and while our original plans fell through, we did catch up briefly for dinner with madradish on Wednesday night. I made redbraids easy peasy bbq pork recipe with some pork belly and accompanied by salad for dinner. It was unfortunately still too hot to really be eating.

Thursday was the night I took entirely OFF from fannish commitments. I caught up with livelurker while we waited for syncretin to join us. Following that _fustian and wildilocks turned up, and we fled the Belgian for the airconditioned comfort of the Moon and Sixpence. Later shrydar turned up as well as three others that I don't have appropriate tags for. It was a gorgeous evening of conversation, relaxed and just... easy. Meandered, is a good word. Arguably the most fun of the night was the baileys and lemon juice cement mixer that syncretin decided to try after being told of it's potential uses - highly amusing. No I didn't try the concoction - I was happy to accept that three of those at the table agreed that it tasted like vomit.

Arrived home at the sensible* hour of midnight. Checked email quickly, found that a certain google grouplist hadn't exploded while my back was turned :P Went to bed before 1am.

The working week has been good - I'm slowly finding my feet and getting the hang of things. The job is very busy and I'm hoping to alleviate some of that by improving some of the admin systems, but it will be slow going for a while, and really some things will just be a hard slog till after the new financial year.

There is the WA on Show event this weekend, including free public transport Perth wide on Sunday 2nd March! There are several presentations/stall things put forward by the GLBTI community - I'm hoping to get down there on Sunday - anyone want to meet up and wander through with me?

This afternoon I have managed to snaffle the lovely cupidsbow for coffee, we're discussing our OTW panel (anyone want to join us for this at Swancon?) and also so that I can learn how to construct a water tight argument. (somethings are important enough to me right now to do it right, and not leave it to chance.)

Later there will be the wonderful company of my usual Friday night companions (I keep feeling we need another name other than 'Friday Night'), and I can't wait! It's still a highlight of my week over a year and a half later - we're coming up close to 2 years actually I imagine. I am also hoping that prk may be able to take me out for another driving lesson :)

Now, to get some more work done so that I can catch up with lady_niav for lunch :)

Tomorrow my loose plan is the laptop, Exomod, coffee, aircon and shuffling through the Tin Duck nominations to get the short list together, and possibly tackling my report for the business meeting and also look at starting my proposal for the business meeting.

( Paragraph on awards stuff for those who wish to skip it )

Oh last thing - I'm interested in seeing Tina Cousins at the Court on Sunday... anyone else remotely interested? (No eye rolling, it's not Roxette nor Darren Hayes so be thankful!)



*Bedtime of late has been post 1.30am because I've been that damned busy

Where am I? DPC Feeling... and busy!!! Compelled listening... "I like the way" - The Bodyrockers Define... # 2008, amazing conversations, amazing friends, awards, coffee, concerts, ditmars, friday night, general, gifts, intimacy, moments to remember, music, social, swancon, tin ducks, update

This is via editormum and girliejones:

http://asimmum.livejournal.com/73722.html

http://girliejones.livejournal.com/865745.html
Tehani Wessely and I were talking on the phone last night and mulling over Ditmars stuff, as our ilk are wont to do. And she mentioned that she thought there should be a package of the short stories and maybe the novellas that are nominated on the ballot that could be sent out with the Ditmar Voting Ballot. They do it with the Oscars - it's one of the coolest aspects of being in the guild and being able to vote - you get all the movies sent to you to watch before you vote.

So we mulled it over and thought ... hey! that's not so hard to do! And really, most of us never see all the art that's nominated either, how hard is that to include? And the other stuff? What if the best new talent contenders each provided a little mini bio that you could read? And what if all the relevant links to all the online material were compiled and readily available for voting perusal?

And so, at 11.30 last night she and I were emailing and googling away. And I have to say, the response has been overwhelming. Authors and artists are giving permission left, right and centre and already this morning we have a pretty decent-looking package compiled. We're still waiting for a few items but for those of you eligible to vote on this year's Ditmars ballot we will be presenting: Your 2008 Ditmar Ballot!!! A package of fiction, nonfiction, artwork, links and bios. It will be winging it's way to your inbox very very soon.
---

girliejones writes tonight with regard to the above that there are some good things about Ditmars, and she's right - certainly this is one of them!

As Admin, I've enjoyed much of the correspondence I've had with people throughout the Australian scene. Additionally, I've gotten to see what people nominated before anyone else - which was rather cool and it appealed to me :)

Also, I love things that celebrate talent and inspire others, which I think is one thing that the Ditmars do.

Here's to the good things about the Ditmars, and to there being more of them!

Where am I? home Feeling... cheerful Compelled listening... "The Only One" - Darren Hayes Define... # 2008, awards, ditmar voting package, ditmars, positive things, voting

The day was better.

I don't really know what to say, or how. So I'm just going to write, and hope that it makes some sense. ( Read more... )

Where am I? home Feeling... thoughtful Compelled listening... "Weight of the World" - Evanescence Define... # awards, community, ditmars, fandom, organising, reflection, thoughts

Voting is open to members of Convergence 2 and Swancon 33 (2008) members.

Details have been emailed out, but if you missed it, or are interested then comment and I'll pass details on to you.

I'm about to go to bed, I'm feeling tired, but have had a spark of happy energy running around my system from unexpectedly chatting to a loved one. I may even have had some coherence and made some sense, perhaps was even useful.

My care is slowly creeping back.

My rant on why the awards matter is still forthcoming. As is the possibility of another one that looks at the reasoning behind the distinction between fan and professional, and the connotations therein. (This via black_samvara who also mentioned cupidsbow)

Maybe I should do a FAQ on how to care for your local fannish volunteer (ala caring for your introvert etc).

Where am I? home Feeling... exhausted Compelled listening... "Casey" - Darren Hayes Define... # awards, ditmars, fandom, moments, swancon 2008, thoughts, voting

There are any number of things I /should/ be doing... and yet I can't actually get my act together and get my portable HD and hook it up to do stuff.

*sigh*

I did go shopping for awards props tonight with wolflullaby and we have Plans! now. Think something akin to a Doctor Who (old style) set and that's what we're aiming for :)

I am feeling decidedly confident about my new job too - I can see the improvements that need to be implemented to make things run more smoothly, and to really transition this position from an admin position to a project support position. I really like my boss, and the people I work with seem really quite lovely - I'm pleasantly surprised, but not overly so, IT departments seem to be havens in government :)

The woman who is teaching me her job still continues to frustrate me, and I'm battling the impulse to tear my hair out several times a day... but she's a nice lady and is doing the best she knows how - it just happens to be extremely frustrating and unhelpful in terms of what I need from her - and she doesn't understand what it is I'm trying to get from her. I'll also come right out and say it's not my lack of communication or strangeness of my communication, everyone else gets exactly what I'm talking about.

Also I have a lengthy post brewing about why the awards actually do matter - though not for the reasons you might think off the top of your head, and with particular emphasis on the tin ducks.

Also, if you haven't already, go and check out the list of program items that strangedave has posted in swancon - it's your program people, make it what you want!

Where am I? home Feeling... apathetic Compelled listening... something by Kylie. Define... # awards, motivation, swancon, to do list, work

I've been flat out this week. After Wednesday's day of loveliness, I had lunch with black_samvara - and yes there was the joyful laughing cuddles, I was slightly damp from the rain (oh how I loved it!)

I cooked for lady_niav and we had an awesome bean and tomato, vegetable soup. It was utterly a win and I'm looking forward to having it for lunches next week :) I have quite a bit extra that I think I will try to find a way to pass on to splanky.

We also played 'Catopoly' which was fun! I do enjoy playing it when someone is interested in playing with me :)

Friday I was up early and fred_mouse and I went off investigating awards thingumy's with reasonable amounts of success. It was a fun morning in any case :)

The afternoon I spent like a mad thing sending emails and inputting information into my Ditmar spreadsheet (of DoOOooOOoooOOom!!) which I'm also doing now, will do tonight, and while I'd hoped to have it finished this weekend, I don't know that it's happened, I got an extremely positive number of nominations, so colour me a happy Administrator! :)

Today I have a SwanCon 2009 meeting, lunch with ,lj user="prk"> who is also giving me a driving lesson (!!) which will hopefully go well *fingers crossed*.

I'm looking for someone for our committee who is friends with/has contact with a range of people over the different social groups and ages of people who come to or are involved in Swancon. I need someone reliable to take on the Volunteers wrangling - it's not a huge job, but it's one of the specific and important jobs that takes a huge weight off another committee member if they don't have to do it, it's some work, but mainly being organised and talking to people, asking them to be involved - I can provide support and assistance in learning this if you're unsure of it. Comment and let me know if you're interested.

Tomorrow is my first day with Prem & Cab, I haven't heard from RAC again yet, which is a shame, but I'm okay with settling on something right now in the short term. This may not be a platform for me to further my career in an obvious way, but it is going to provide me a place where I can do many other things that will be fulfilling my goals and expectations of myself. Thanks to e_dan, and the thinky thoughts that he's been prodding in me about jobs, and their value and fulfillment etc, I have a plan for what I want to do beyond being an Events Manager. Up till a couple of years ago, I didn't even have that plan, there wasn't anything I had a burning ambition to do... I've been working solidly over the past 2 years towards events management, and I'm teetering on the edge of it now. I also now have new plans to formulate, involving many discussions to be had and some serious thought in terms of committment and what and how etc... but I'm excited and hopeful! More on this with less ambiguity later. :)

I can't wait to see my committee today, they're so awesome!

Where am I? home Feeling... accomplished Compelled listening... "Maybe" - Darren Hayes Define... # awards, cooking, ditmars, general, jobs, nominations, social, swancon, tin ducks, volunteers, waiting

Hi all,

This is the last call for nominations for the Ditmars 2008! Nominations need to be emailed to me by COB today, or be postmarked today to be counted.

Please pass this on as widely as possible as I don't have access to everyone!

Cheers,

Ju
Ditmar Administrator 2008

Where am I? home Feeling... busy Compelled listening... "Niles Edge" - VAST Define... # awards, ditmars, ditmars 2008, nominations

I saw '27 Dresses' tonight - which was most definitely a romantic comedy. But like 'Music and Lyrics' from last year, it was similarly well written and lovely. The dialogue was great, punchy and both heartwarming and funny. I really enjoyed it. amarillion and I had a blue moon moment of similar appreciation for the hotness that is James Marsden in this movie :P (we go for opposite things in our celebrity men :P)

We also saw trailers for 'St Trinian's which seems to be a cross between the ultimate schoolgirl fantasy and something along the lines of 'Malory Towers'. I can't wait - so so trashy, and yet, I am compelled :)

Other really interesting trailer was for 'Hey, Hey it's Esther Blueberger' which suffers from an unfortunate name, but is an Aussie/NZ production, and looks to be an awesome story - and also features Toni Collett whom I love in movies.

2007 was a year in the cinema where I wanted lots of moments of my life back from previews that were forced upon me - this year, looks to be the opposite *here's hoping* in any case.

As far as all the stuff that I have to get done? My long to-do lists? Well I took a day off today - I don't think I'll even do any work after typing this... I figured that last night was evidence that I needed a break from it all. I've been working on something solidly for ages, and usually several simultaneous somethings. Today I slothed in the house, including spending time with my beloved as he was also home. I wandered around Carousel in the aircon for a while this afternoon before the movie which was also pleasant - I don't know why, but when I'm out meandering in the shopping centre on my own, I feel quite alone, in that pleasant way. Weird, given I'm surrounded by peopele.

Bought 2 books, including the most recent Scott Westerfeld book "Extra's" which I can't wait to read, and also the 4th Naomi Novik book *hugs books*, the books and the shoes I bought yesterday are my initial rewards for job stuff well done. The shoes were also necessary - and new ones of the black sketchers that I've been wearing to death steadily since mid last year when I got them in Melbourne. Best shoes ever.

NAFF voting will hopefully kick off tomorrow or Thursday, as will the announcement of when I'm holding my NAFF fundraising bbq (early March at this point), so stay tuned.

Where am I? home Feeling... ` Compelled listening... "Somewhere Else to Be" - VAST Define... # awards, books, busyness, movies, naff, social

I'm interested to know if anyone is aware of past Tin Ducks being awarded to non speculative fiction (sci-fi, fantasy, horror etc). If so, what was it?

Where am I? home Feeling... curious Compelled listening... nil Define... # awards, opinionative, tin ducks

* Coffee from my barista Dave, from Bocelli's. It's just easy enough to catch the yellow cat from Wellington street hospital entrance, down to forest chase, go get coffee, and hop on the red cat back, which takes me right outside the building i'm working at the hospital. Awesome!

* Long conversation with strangedave, involving somewhat the discussion on eligibility of nominations and reasonings and clarification and laughing (soemwhat cyncially) over the fact that most of the rules or precedence's set, seem to have evolved as the result of notable past arguments. This fascinates and horrifies me in equal measure. We also talked about some of the stuff I've been doing here - how in 2007, the first year interns seem to have consistently enjoyed the emergency medecine term moreso than many of the other terms. We also talked about the awards ceremony and how I'm trying to coordinate three seperate aspects of it and finding it quite hard. It was just a nice conversation, which could only have been made better by a hug from the person in question.

* I'm about to have lunch with rabbit1080 which will be awesome, plus I have the last slice of the 'cheats lasagne' i made during the week, which is yummy! I'm so going to make this againg.

* The sentimental and soppy and squeaky part of me is looking forward to seeing e_dan and ascetic_hedony tonight. Also, there will be much of the cuddling madradish to help her on her job hunt (energy is important for this!).

* OTW newsletter, and the first of the FAQ posts, which I was able to contribute to very minorly! But it's enough to make me squeak with happiness :)

I have a chunk of work I still hope to get done this afternoon this temp job before heading to the House of Books and 'Ducks' but it's doable, and if not by me, there is a new secretary starting next week :)

My application for ARACY is in second draft form, thanks to madradish and black_samvara who rock awesomely.

I have amazing and cool plans for foil, chicken wire and other geeky bits to dress up the awards ceremony this year!! I'm so excited!! Art sculpture - me?!

Where am I? RPH - wonderful freezing aircon Feeling... cheerful Compelled listening... "Silence" - (remix) Delerium Define... # amazing friends, art, awards, coffee, ditmars, jobs, otw, tin ducks

Greetings all,

Nominations are now open for the 2008 Tin Duck Awards, the annual Western Australian Science Fiction Foundation (WASFF) Achievement Awards for WA writers and artists. The awards will be presented at Swancon 33 “The State of the Art” to be held in Perth from March 20-24th 2008.

Works eligible to be nominated must have been "published" (be it written work, art or any form of performing art or convention running) in the 2007 calendar year, and must not have been voted upon in any previous Tin Duck Award. Works will be validated by the Tin Duck Awards Committee, and may be moved to a different category than nominated for if deemed necessary. Any works nominated without a category may be deemed invalid by the Awards Committee.

Multiple nominations may be submitted for any category. Nominations must be received no later than 27th February 2008, and can be submitted by emailing tinducks@swancon.com or mailing this form to:
Tin Ducks Awards Committee, PO Box 555 Inglewood WA 6932.

Nomination forms can be found here: www.swancon.com/tinducks

Please let me know if you have any queries.

Where am I? RPH Feeling... productive Compelled listening... "Conversation with God" - Darren Hayes Define... # awards, fandom, tin ducks

More people making lists of Ditmar eligible stuffs:

http://martinlivings.livejournal.com/182848.html

http://angriest.livejournal.com/216990.html

Where am I? RPH Feeling... bored Compelled listening... "Missing" - Evanescence Define... # awards, ditmars, fandom

I'm so pleased to see so many reminders about nominating for the Ditmars flying around! It's good timing as there isn't that much time left to submit your nominations! This is where you share your opinion on the stuff you've read or seen this year - so many people have created and achieved so many amazing things, this is your chance to be a part of that.

It's also very easy, pretty much as simple as emailing the address on the website below and send in your form. Given that I'm the Administrator, I can assure you that I'm not taking a hard stance on 'active in fandom' - trust me, I want people involved, not to turn them away.

Details on the awards and downloadable nomination forms are available on the Swancon website.

ASiF! has done a comprehensive list that you can find here:
http://www.asif.dreamhosters.com/doku.php?id=ditmar_eligibles_list_2008

Also there are a number of people who have listed their eligable works:

http://stephen-dedman.livejournal.com/168897.htm

http://agoodliedown.livejournal.com/8599.html

http://ratfan.livejournal.com/58784.html?view=188064#t188064

http://benpayne.livejournal.com/249613.html

http://community.livejournal.com/asim_discussion/11365.html

Where am I? home Feeling... hot Compelled listening... "Casey" - Darren Hayes Define... # awards, ditmars, organising

Congratulations to winners! There are a couple that I'm particularly pleased with but I'm too tired right now to actually detail it :)

Had a lovely evening out at editormum's house - great company abounded and it was truly an awesome night.

Many thanks hon for the invite :)


I spent much of the afternoon before heading out to Rockingham in Exomod, with coffee, aircon and broadband. Oh it was delicious. I didn't actually manage to get the Tin Duck nominations out, and I'm not even going to think about doing now. Tomorrow is soon enough - and tomorrow is seriously busy, but then I'm not going to let that daunt me :P

*grins*

Where am I? home Feeling... cheerful Compelled listening... nil Define... # amazing conversations, amazing friends, awards, social

Swancon 2009, I'm the Vice and we launch at Swancon this year.
Ditmar Administrator 2008
Tin Ducks Administrator 2008
Awards Ceremony organiser 2008
NAFF for 2008 (nominations to go out real soon now)
Swancon FAQ
NAFF con report

Just for my reference really, and interest for others if by chance you are :)

Where am I? home Feeling... busy Compelled listening... "Little Black Heart" - Aha Define... # awards, ditmars, naff, organising, projects, swancon, tin ducks

(and now in my own lj...)

Greetings all,

This is just a short friendly message to let you know that I have been appointed the Administrator for the Ditmar Awards for 2008, and that the nominations are now open. The Ditmars will be presented at a ceremony during SwanCon 33 "The State of the Art" in Perth, Western Australia.
( Details )

Where am I? home Feeling... accomplished Compelled listening... the night time Define... # awards, ditmars, nominations, organising, swancon

* Met with prk and agoodliedown to evaluate possible hotel space, feeling pretty good about it, shall see what happens.

* Had lunch with those mentioned above, and discussed lots of stuff to do with Swancon 2009 that occurred to us over food. (as it does)

* Went to Myer, stumbled on 'utensils canister' for stupidly cheap (under $9), also bought 2 Miss Shop soft and comfy t's for the year (they're $10 atm, 50% off)

* Met up with strangedave and got a crash course into 'How to run the Ditmars', I'm a little apprehensive - I'm aware this gig has a history of causing extreme stress, hopefully though, I can make it work and do a good job. I'm looking forward to trying. So yes, I'm the Ditmar Administrator for 2008.

* Also did some thinking and paper planning for the Tin Ducks 2008, decidedly easier and more familiar :) This included thinking on a possible theme for the ceremony (comments with suggestions welcome), and having a vague idea as to what needs to happen in the ceremony, bare bones level.

* Did some thinking and planning for NAFF nomination and fundraising.

* Went to Swancon 2009 meeting, lots of productive discussion. I have a long to do list - but much of it on the same vein, so shouldn't be too overwhelming. Much of it is familiar stuff that I know I can do/organise/achieve.

Things look to be decidedly busy between now and Swancon for me - I may have summarised it quite tightly above, but there's a lot of work involved, and a lot of relying on people to respond with info and nominate and vote and stuff.

So start thinking of things that should be nominated for the Tin Ducks and the Ditmars, or if you're not in WA, think about whether you'd make a good delegate for NAFF to Swancon this year.

I'm curious if anyone is interested in putting together a folder of the nominated works for the Tin Ducks once we have the list of nominations? This is to have at the convention and remind people of what is up for an award, or to draw their attention to it in the first place.

Also, does anyone have a list of the swancon art show submissions for 2007? I'd love to email this out to job people's memories, or, if you submitted pieces, feel free to comment about it below and I'll compile a list from it and send it out to the list.

Where am I? home Feeling... accomplished Compelled listening... the wind in the tree outside Define... # awards, fan funds, naff, productivity, swancon, swancon 2009, tin ducks