Why I fight

I am very excited, in just two short weeks I will be attending another Gulf Wars with friends and family. I will work hard, learn loads, good off and get some much needed stress release for the week. I am adding something new to the mix this year though, this is my first year as an authorized fighter.

When I first talked about doing combat in the SCA, it raised several eye brows with my friends. Many asked why, many were confused as they hadn't seen any kind of desire or heard me discuss it before. I even managed to surprise several of my SCA relationships the day I was authorized, the Queen Herself pointed out that she was surprised to see me out of the kitchens. Because of all that, I feel the need to blog about my choice and speak aloud my whys and how's.

Short answer:

Because I want to, and I will have fun doing it. Duh.

Oh, that's not a good post...I should probably fill in more of an explanation than that.

Long answer:

Sword fighting, combat and daring warrior antics have always been a part of my imagination and my dreams. Growing up I adored the Power Rangers because they had weapons and weapon combat felt cooler than later pistols. Jedi were awesome, they were just future Knights!my fantasy and play times I cloves saving princesses from dragons or saving the day by beating a generalnin one-on-one combat. These were fun fantasies of mine, but nothing I ever thought would be a reality.

As I grew up I discovered stage combat, first playing with it in stage shows and later moving onto performing at Ren Faires. This scratched the itch that I had felt since a boy, a fun outlet to live out my fantasies as a swashbuckler. In doing such activities I met some fantastic people and one person in particular introduced me to the SCA. At the time her selling point was "wanna swing a sword and hit people for real" and to a young twenty hear old guy that sounds kinda fracking awesome.

I primarily played rattan when I first joined that SCA, that was all I knew, and thought the combat was nice it was like eating a candy bar. Yes a candy bar tastes good, makes you feel full and happy for a short period of time, but it was just temporary. I didn't have an anchor into the group and that feeling along with other factors led me to leaving the SCA for a time.

Upon coming back with my friends combat was the farthest thing from my mind. Service and Art were what was pulling to me, and for a good while I could have cared less about combat within the SCA. Sure I enjoyed the tourneys with my friends and didn't mind supporting my fellows in ther fighting endeavors, but as far as participating went I could have cared less if I fought or not.

Then I went to Gulf Wars for the first time.

There's nothing I can really do to describe my experience with War. It changed me, all for the better, and left marks on me mentally and even spiritually that I'm still uncovering and learning of. One of those marks was rekindling that childhood dream of combat, to fight for glory and honor and to have a great fracking time. After that first war I began to plot out and plan how I would enter into the fighting field, what I would do and how far I would take it.

It took me a while to get everything together that I needed, job changes and life changes like getting married refocused a lot of my priorities, but I finally was as to join in combat. While I still enjoy rattan and can't deny the carnal pleasure of slamming a sword up against a mans helmet, I wanted to follow my dream. My dreams have never been about me fighting alone against the odds, I was always with my friends. My brothers in arms are an important part of this dream, and since my best friends all fight with rapier I had an easy choice to make.

There is always a lot of talk about The Dream when it comes to the SCA, and the importance of following your personal dream to its fruition. For me, this year at War will be a first big step to fulfilling a dream I've had since I was a child. I will take the field of battle and fight with honor to represent my Lady, my King, and my Country. I will finally be living out a fantasy I never thought to be a reality. I am so fracking excited I can barely contain myself. And though I will most likely die pretty regularly during each battle, I dare you to find someone out there on the field or at the whole of Gulf Wars who will be happier than me.

Personal Reflections after St. Val's

I find it humorous that sometimes working like a madman all weekend at an event can bring about a lot of personal revelations. I think it's the chance to see things through a new lens, to see reflections of behavior in others actions and to try something new. I'm gonna kinda bullet point some of my reflections here.

• Seeing such a performance during feast really has changed the entire scope of my TMT and 30th year feast plans. Madhavi showed me how to do entertainment right, it was all timed perfectly and everyone who participated did a damn fine job. I also love how she mixed up "low tables" and standard seating. It makes sense, giving certain guests the option for the authentic feasting experience while still providing wonderful table service for the guests, and I plan on mimicking it for 30th year. I will ask Tim to help me with the Iliad on Saturday night, and I will be splitting the hall to "period" seating and modern seating for 30th year.
• I really do adore Kristin and love hanging out with her. We get along really well, and she inspires me to be a better person for myself and for the SCA. I always learn something from her after every meeting, and she makes me think about things in ways few people can. We also both agree we shouldn't be left alone unsupervised for too long...
• I really do love all of my Baron and Baronesses. They inspire me and make me proud to be a member of both An Crosaire and Darkwater. Gavine shows me that there is a need for that personal time and personal work, even when public pressure is high. Illene shows me that there is always time for everyone, because even a small gesture can make someones day. Dulcia shows me that its best to publicly promote others verse ourselves, because that spreads the Dream with every viewer. Turold shows me that dignity, chivalry and grace at all times is vital. They inspire me and it makes me feel good inside to support them anyway I can.
• I got authorized! I was so happy to authorize, it was many kinds of awesome. It lets me do more with my friends, which is always good. It lets me fill a dream of mine as well, to fight at War. I have dreamed of going to Gulf Wars, fighting for Crown and Country, and fighting with honor of the field for my home and my lady. I cannot wait to live a dream of mine next month.
• I was really happy that I had the same White Scarf who denied my first authorization to approve me on my second attempt. It made me feel really good, really safe and that I had learned a lot to gain his approval to become an authorized fighter.
• I got a rose from Dulcia, for my actions in the tournament and (as she said) my bravery. Pretty sure that was one of the best moments of the event for me.

Gonna explore some of this more later, I just wanted to share some of my reflections on an amazing event. Thank you to all my friends and family whom I was able to share this weekend with, and I hope to see most of you at War!

Vivat!

And this is why I often avoid Internet forums...

So I take a lot of pride in the work I do as a cook. Both professionally in my own store and in my SCA life, my cooking and the work I go through to put on a good meal for people is a source of pride and joy in my life. It's why I tend to get frustrated with folks online, who prompt questions like "what is a bad feast experience" and those who respond with generally poor reasons to be unhappy.

I'm not saying that it is wrong to complain, or to have concern over an issue. It's not wrong at all, and Anne of their points are quite valid. I too worry about properly cooked food, I too express concern over health of my guests in the kitchen. I too would be worried about allergies if I had any, who would want to be worrying about dyeing for eating a nut?! These are all valid concerns, and things that would make a feast experience a bad one.

But then there are just some...whiny cry babies. I know the type, because I work in the industry that deals with them on a daily basis. People who have "concerns" or complaints that have nothing to do with a situation the cook can (or should) control. And seeing people go off on these topics, it just makes my teeth itch. I'm gonna tackle a few of these concerns , and really show why it's not that valid.

1) Servers

A lot of the complaints were focused on the servers, how there's not enough/not educated/seemed inattentive. And really, that annoys me. Everyone who serves feast at an event is a godsend, volunteers who bend over backwards to take care of others. Often times its younger children and teens, people who are turned away from many service roles and just want to be of help. Sometimes it's good gentles who couldn't afford feast/couldn't reserve in time and are willing to work for a meal.

None of them are paid, none of them are required to be there and none of them are responsible to you to have be same level of cheer and ass-kissing attentiveness that your waiter at Denny's will. They're not paid, they so this by choice, so shut up. 

2) Lack of modern food

I don't hear people complaining that there is a lack of modern fabrics on the Queens dress, or a lack of modern inks on a scroll, but it's ok to complain about a lack of mac'n'cheese for your five year old?

I get it, some period food can have strange or weird textures/palettes. Sometimes period food can be intimidating to first time eaters and I get that entirely. But to say a reason you wouldn't go to an SCA event feast is because the food isn't modern enough for you just maddens me. Why would you not want to try and experience period food?!

As for not catering to children needs or unique diets...there just isn't enough money or time. I don't have enough funds to spare (more on that in a moment) and I don't have dedicated teams ready. I have a limited kitchen with limited time and space, and often I have a very loose handle on WHO will be in my kitchen to assist. I can't cater to every whim, every last minute notification, every picky eater. And I don't deserve to have my feast called bad because of it.

3) Money

Find me anyplace that can provide you a 4-5 course meal including drinks all for 10 dollars. It doesn't exist, so why the hell do you wanna say the cost of feast is what turns you off?

I have packed and brought my own food when I wasn't a fan of feast, or when day tripping a smaller event. It costs me regularly 12-15 dollars to feed myself, more than the cost of the whole bloody feast!! I don't just understand how someone could gripe and complain about this cost.

"But Chris, think of the price of kids! A whole family would be so expensive!"

You're right, it would be. It would be the same if not more expensive if you went to Red Robin or Logan's Steakhouse. 

And do you really grasp how hard it is to feed everyone at 10 a head? For a 100 feast I get 10 dollars a person. Ontop of the 100 people, I need to feed high table for free which is an additional 16 people. Then including servers and the feast crew and you end up with feeding 130-140 individuals, for only 1000 dollars. That's breakfast, lunch, dinner and a small travelers Faire meal on Friday nights for just 1000 dollars. That's 7.69 I get to spend per person, just to break even, and feed everyone enough food.

Anyone who can pull off that amazing feat of purchasing should be admired and respected, not scorned because of the price asked.

Sorry to go off on a small rant, this kind of thing just really itches me. There are valid concerns and complaints that can make a feast bad, but too many of those comments came off as the type of patron I dread coming into my workplace.

Fall Coronation Memories

Fall Coronation has a funny way of making me see things in a new light, of reminding me of things I never knew I needed reminding of, of placing new challenges and new situations in front of me to tackle for the next year. In a way this event is my New Years Day, a shining weekend of hope and promise. And much like New Years in January I always leave there changed. 2011 was my first Fall Coronation, and every one since has been a wonderful changing experience. This year proved to be equally insightful. 

This new year promises to be one of comings and goings. I am learning, slowly, to trust and rely on others. I can't do it alone, nor will I have to. I have family to provide comfort, friends to ally with and common causes to rally others around. At the same time I am learning to let go of things that need to move on, to not have a death grip on things because "that's how it's always been". Friends come and go, and I need to let that happen without too much fuss. Passions and interests grow and change, and I need to adapt better to these things. 

My new job has also taught me I have a strange fascination and enjoyment for administrative tasks. I find myself wanting to do them, and look forward to exploring  the administrative side of the SCA. After talking with my Laurel, I was able to find a really great mentor on all things service-related in Steve aka Baron Terrill(sp?). It'll be nice to have a guy I can bounce ideas off and get advice/insight without any concer of strings or misunderstandings. My passion for cooking as always burns strong, and combined with homework from my Laurel the Saturday night feast have me much to inspire and push me higher.

It's silly at what inspires us, but having a larger tent has inspired me to have a more period presence. I have more room, thus can think of more things to do to look better. I wanna make my footprint on site look more period, dress more period, just be more damned period in my presence at events! I have idea for rugs, wooden covers on bags/crates, lamp lighting...ah money. This raise was nice, and now it's nice to see it go away again!

I think my favorite part of the night was a spent late on Saturday. Andi, Jason and I just lounged outside the feast hall with drinks in hand and on her carpet. The conversation just traveled, but those few hours of simple social time really made the event for me. I wish I could have gone another day, but alas work.

I have a wonderful new year to look forward to!

Filk: Bard Monkey

This is another filk song I typed up after some inspiration from my friend Lana.

Bard Monkey get up get coffee.
Bard Monkey go to job.
Bard Monkey have boring meeting,
With boring Site Herald Bob.
Bob say "Bard Monkey very diligent,
But is breath does stink.
His clothes not period or elegant,
What do Bard Monkey think?"

Bard Monkey think maybe Site Herald wanna cry goddamned morning news himself!
Bard Monkey not say it, out loud.
Bard Monkey not crazy, just proud.

(Chorus)
Bard Monkey like moonlight.
Bard Monkey like mead and bacon too.
Bard Monkey very simple man.
With big warm fuzzy secret heart.
Bard Monkey like you.
Bard Monkey like you.

Bard Monkey hang around at Crown Lyst,
Tell you scroll-work looks nice.
Bard Monkey offer bring you soda,
Bring you cup. Bring you ice.
You say "No thank you for the soda 'cause,
Period it ain't.
Anyway you busy drawing unicorns,
This'l haveta wait."

Bard Monkey as long walk back to Heralds desk,
He sit down pretend to work.
Bard Monkey not thinking, so straight.
Bard Monkey not feeling, so great.

(Chorus)

Bard Monkey have every reason
To get out this place.
Bard Monkey just keep on working,
See your soft pretty face.
Much rather wake-up eat a coffee cake,
Go fence take nap.
Herald's desk fulfilling in creative way -
What a load of crap.

Bard Monkey think some day he have everything
Even pretty Laurel like you.
Bard Monkey just waiting, for now.
Bard Monkey think some day, some how.

(Chorus)
(Chorus)

Updated SCA Resume

So I have a bad habit of writing notes to myself all over when it involves me personally, then forgetting to follow through on whatever personal matter I wanted to set up. I'm damned good at taking care of others but someday I need my own secretary LOL.

So the topic came up in the middle of the night during Antocalypse 2014, and I remembered that I hadn't updated my SCA resme in a while. Crapbaskets, I say to myself, I should get on that when I get home. Then sleep happened, then work happened, so here I am updating this in the middle of the night and trying to remember various facts and dates and sch and so forth.

Honorable Lord Christoffer Koch

Barony of Darkwater, Trimaris

Awards

Trimaris-

Coronets Acclaim, Regional Art/Sci - Baronial Bash 2011

Populous Acclaim, Regional Art/Sci - Long Nights 2011

Kings Acclaim, Regional Art/Sci - Long Nights 2011

Companion of the League of the Hidden Treasure - Trident Tourney 2012

Order of the Golden Hearth - Res Festivus 2012

Order of the Acorns Glade - Village Faire 2012

Order of the Trident Keype  with AoA - Village Faire 2012

Order of the Emerald Seas - Gulf War XXII

Order of the Argent Estoile - Cooking and Dancing Symposium 2013

Grant of Arms - Trident Tourney 2014

Order of the House of the Serpent's Torque - St. Val's 2014

Kitchen Experience

Res Vestaria 2011, Dinner (Silk rod themed, starts in Italian based and ends in Chinese based)

Fall Coronation 2011, Saturday Dinner (Viking)

Baronial Bash 2011, Dinner (Italian)

Long Nights 2011, Dinner (Mediterranean)

Hero of the Chalice 2011, Dinner (Irish)

Royal Luncheon - Gulf Wars XXI

Known World Party - Gulf Wars XXI (Arabic)

Ranger Moot 2012 - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Assistant to the Feastcrat)

Trimaris Memorial Tournament 2012 - Saturday Dinner

Fall Coronation 2012 - Saturday Dinner (Roman theme)

Michaelmass Moot 2012 - Saturday Breakfast/Dinner (Forme of Cury, so 14th century English)

Mayanmass Moot 2012 - Saturday Breakfast/Dinner (Mayan theme)

Gathering of the Clans 2013 - Saturday Dinner

MartinMas Moot 2013 - Friday/Saturday (early period Saxon)

Hero of the Chalice 2013 - Saturday Dinner

Trident Tourney 2014 - Saturday Dinner (Norse)

St. Val's 2014 - Saturday Dinner (bread and meat prep)

Gathering of the Clans 2014 - Saturday Dinner

TMT 2014 - Saturday Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner (Wolfmom's "Easy Peasie Feastie Beastie")

Cooking

Swampkeype Revel 2012, Lunch (German)

Trimaris Memorial Tournament 2012, Fundraising Lunch

Michaelmass Moot 2012, Fundraising Lunch and A/S Judges Luncheon (Roman themed)

Hero of the Chalice 2012, Feast (Plaine Fare, German camp cooking themed)

Gulf Wars XXII, Queens Tea (Roman themed, recipes translated from Apicius)

Fall Coronation 2013, Feast (French)

Trident Tourney 2014, Fundraising Lunch and A/S Judges Luncheon (Tavern themed)

Swampthynge 2014 - Dayboard (Tavern themed)

Vigil for Thallassia - 2014, Roasted "Unicorn" (Goat)

Vigil for Milesenda de Bourges - 2014, organizing and managing.

ArtSci Projects

Mylates of Pork, a reproduction from Forme of Cury - Novice Cooking: Regional Art/Sci 2011 (Baronial Bash and Long Nights)

Mylates of Pork, a reproduction from Forme of Cury - Journeyman Cooking: Winter Art/Sci 2012

Compost, a reproduction from Forme of Cury - Journeyman Cooking: Regional Art/Sci 2012 (Michaelmass Moot)

Compost, a reproduction from Forme of Cury - Journeyman Cooking: Kingdom Art/Sci 2013 (Michaelmass Moot)

Classes

14th Century Feasts: How, where, and why they ate feasts in Europe, and simple ways to re-create for an SCA meal

Feast with the King: Why they ate certain foods for feast, what they ate at feasts and how we haven't changed!

Medieval Cooking for Teens

Redaction 101: Translating and Preparing your Period Recipes

Service

Chronicler, Canton of Peregrine Springs: June 2012 - September 2013

Art/Sci officer, Canton of Peregrine Springs: January 2013 - September 2013 

Majordomo to their Excellencies Darkwater: April 2013 - Present

Interests

Medieval cooking and preparation, gardening and farming in European styles. German history and culture of the 14th century. Heavy combat, rapier combat, water-bearing, serving and retaining in a period style, fighting styles and designs from the 14th century specifically.

While updating all of this, I found myself realizing I have done a lot of things in a long time. I reread many older entries and remembered fondly the events I attended, and had a good time down memory land. Yeah, I know my resume is not as large and mighty as others but it is mine and I love it!

Because I knew you...

As late as 2011, I was a terrible person.

Well, maybe terrible was a strong term. Not good is better, or even lacking in chivalrousness could be described; any way you cut it I was not a good person to be terribly close to. I cheated and stole, I gossiped and worked to "punish" those that I felt wronged me and my own, I lied and broke promises. I blamed my hurt on my past, on my present, on anything I could find to excuse my poor behavior. And all the while, I was miserable.

A whirlwind of time later, I found myself surrounded by a whole new crowd. A new girlfriend, a new social circle, new peers in my life. It was a restart, a chance to have a blank canvas...and I almost wrecked it. My fear, my cowardliness almost had me throw it all away. People were treating me with respect. Me, this monster of a person, was being treated with kindness and generosity. My best friend Ever has often stated it's because people could see the good in me that I was choosing to be blind to, and I really feel she was right. I was blind to the person inside, the honest and good soul, because I was afraid. Afraid of my past, afraid of the choices I had made, and afraid of admitting fear itself. I was running from life because I was afraid to live it. 

So many people have come into my life, some more prominently than others and yet others have drifted away. Every single interaction has helped me to see who I am, to discover the spar of hope I used to parade down the street with. People such as Dulcia, Madhavi, Ever and yes of course my lovely wife-to-be Sarah have all helped me discover the person I've always wanted to be but been afraid to confront. It's been rough, and at many points I have fought and rejected it.

All this is on my mind from a sudden and surprise test of my character I encountered within the last 24 hours. I've never realized how far I came until today, and how much I have changed. I know it's cliche', but there's a song lyric that really speaks to me on this:

Like a comet pulled from orbit
As it passes a sun,
Like a stream that meets a boulder
Halfway through the wood.
Who can say if I've been changed for the better
But because I knew you.
I have been changed for good.

To all the wonderful people who have been in my life these last 4 years...thank you. Thank you for inspiring me, pushing me, mocking me at times when I got too serious or bringing me to earth when I was lost in the clouds. Thank you for never letting me go, and for helping me to be the good pperson I've always hoped to be.

Stay tuned for some madness, some ramblings and some more general updates.