For the games.

Thanks to a colleague, I joined a role playing group down at the Student Union of Queens University called Dragonslayers. The amount of wacky shit that went down there, and the ridiculously poor jokes that went on there, made it all absolutely amazing. So here's to Stephen, the creator of the best story I've taken part in. Here's to Hugh, who got me into it, and so often directed the path of the game, regardless of if he was the Dungeon Master or not. Here's to Alex, the most hilarious and epic munchkin I've encountered. Here's to Rory, a generally cool guy who got stabbed repeatedly for being the only sensible person at the table. Here's to Ting and Samuel, who both made any game world they touched erupt into chaos. Here's to Dianne, who brought a fresh perspective and a much needed second sensible mindset to the games. Here's to Zorgash the destructior, who has earned this badass title through both role and roll playing. Here's to Michael – I don't think I've ever laughed as much in any game, until you showed up. Here's to Simon, the cleverest and most resourceful bastard I've had the honour of sharing dice with. Here's to you guys, who make me proud to call myself a tabletop gamer.

Munin.

And so I return. I cannot believe that time passed so quickly. Suddenly I'm back, poised to return to my studies. It feels strange. Sitting there, in a taxi, on a bus, in a plane, on a train, looking out on the world.

I don't think I've ever reflected over the sound a train makes, just by moving, before. To me it's the beginning and end of a journey. I sat there, thinking about... Well, everything. The lush, intense green landscape of the island I'd just left behind made the wide golden fields of my homeland seem as bleak as the desert surrounding the Dead Sea had seemed when I gazed out over it all. I didn't think about all of this on my way there. It was a rush, and I got there the night before I started working in Belfast. No time for reflection then, and 2 weeks later, I was at home there. I keep doing this. I toss myself into unknown waters, knowing no one ahead of time, adapting as it happens. It's worked wonderfully so far, but only because I know I've got a place to fall back on if I need it. Thank you, everyone that has made this possible - both new people, that I've encountered and shared a piece of my life with, and the ones that were already there for me.

With every step I take, I make more of the world Home. And I'm fuckin' glad I have you all. I know that few are more than a message away, but life is still full of bitter farewells. I'm glad, in a way, since this means that you're worth missing. So here's to you, people of the isle. I'll be back for more.

Land of Glass and Change.

Belfast is the city in the UK with the lowest crime rate, and yet this is the place I see broken glass the most. Windows, bottles, glasses, what have you. Land of glass, definitely. Land of change as well - I have changed a lot, and I keep finding pennies all over the place. I'm used to Swedish coins, very simple - 1, 5, 10 kr. Here we have 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 p, and 1 and 2 pounds, and I rarely use 10 p or below. But enough about that. I just needed a decent title and explanation. So what have I been doing for the last 2 months?

 Bird watching.

 Oh, and my sister came over for a visit. This about sums it up. Her tattoo and me with a pen.

 I met CHRIS HADFIELD, previous commander of the International Space Station. An awesome Canadian astronaut. I waited in line for over an hour to get his autograph, and he risked missing his flight to stay and sign more. When I got to him he said "Sorry about the wait", and I am too starstruck to do more than grin like an idiot.

And I got something from an awesome friend of mine. A German who used to work with me sent me a box containing... Apparently almost nothing. Maybe a pack of skittles.

Surprisingly enough, it DID contain things. A book, a companion rat (until I come back to Sweden to the real rats), a YOU'RE AWESOME card, a pencil case, and some other things. Thank you Zera - you're awesome too!

 A regular brunch with Brie and toast. Omnomnom.

And me looking stylish in a proper blazer. I have shoulders now! :D Thank you Ferruccio.

So, what more has happened? The regular gaming, a few coworkers have left, and a few have arrived. It has turned to spring, and there's this energy in the air. I have a friend that will be visiting in April, and will see the Lego movie this week.

And I finally got my christmas present from my sister. Last week. A mana bar, perfect for nerds like me. :D

PS Lisa is awesome.