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Tweak says, "pdenny is the bomb"

Gwenyth Miracle (gwensational) wrote in neeps,
@ 2017-12-25 22:06:00

Entry tags:

! journal, gwenyth miracle

The highlight of Christmas in our household was the appearance of a Starbrite Starter Broom for my six-year-old. She wouldn't even let go of it when she went to sleep tonight, and her father has promised to take her flying tomorrow if the snow lets up, while my three-year-old and I drown our nerves about Anna flying in hot chocolate and cookie-baking. Wish us all luck.

[Aureliana]

We have a situation involving Elspeth MacFusty and Florinda McGonagall. Are you aware of it?

I apologise for bringing this up on Christmas, but it's important.

[Cav]

What is going on between you and Ellie that made her attack your girlfriend?

Also, I need you to tell me if you know of anyone else she has attacked. Has she hit you before?

I apologise for bringing this up on Christmas, but it's important.

[Lorna]

We need to talk about your sister. Have you known her to attack people without provocation before? Has she hit you before?

I apologise for bringing this up on Christmas, but it's important.

[MG McGonagall]

I've been made aware of the situation between your sister and Elspeth. Does this affect plans for the charity match? Are you able to work with her and her players, and vice versa? I would rather put a halt to the entire thing than risk any further altercations.

I apologise for bringing this up on Christmas. I hope you're enjoying your holiday in the sun.

(Post a new comment)

	wrecktify 2017-12-26 04:13 am UTC (link)
	A wean's first broom. What a day! I still remember mine — I was five and broke my first bone. It was the best day of my life. (Reply to this) (Thread)

	gwensational 2017-12-26 04:15 am UTC (link)
	I don't need to hear about broken bones right now. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	wrecktify 2017-12-26 04:18 am UTC (link)
	I was right within the hour! (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	gwensational 2017-12-26 04:26 am UTC (link)
	Still. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	wrecktify 2017-12-26 04:27 am UTC (link)
	It built character! (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	gwensational 2017-12-26 04:29 am UTC (link)
	My child is enough of a character already. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	wrecktify 2017-12-26 04:35 am UTC (link)
	[...] They only got me the starter because I nearly killed myself on my uncle's proper broom, so you're probably in for a perfectly mundane Christmas afternoon. (Reply to this) (Parent)

Gwen

perfectmother
2017-12-26 04:43 am UTC (link)

Florrie let me know the same time she let you know. Part of me would like this to remain an issue between cousins, however I know this cannot be the case.

If this is more than a one time incident I do not know if it would be beneficial to have her associated with the upcoming friendly match.

However, I do feel the need to address your concerns over the Starbrite Starter Broom. They are perfectly safe. Euan has one. I'm sure Anna will be fine.

(Reply to this) (Thread)

Aureliana

gwensational
2017-12-26 05:22 am UTC (link)

I thought the same thing about the charity match, as I have been informed that physical altercations are indeed a pattern of behaviour with Elspeth. I'm reaching out to other parties who may know more for information. I will reach out to Archibald Ives about coaching a side in her place, though it's a shame he's not Scottish. Actually, I've just had a thought -- maybe Oighrig MacDonald would be willing to take on the duties. She was captain long enough, and it can't be so different. I'll reach out to her as well. It can't hurt to have multiple options here.

Thank you, Aureliana, that's reassuring. ~~I just~~ Anna is just so small for her age, you know. And I suppose I'm not ready for her to be quite that grown-up yet.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

Gwen

perfectmother
2017-12-26 05:35 am UTC (link)

Although I am not particularly well versed in team dynamics, I know being a captain and being a coach are two different tactical sets entirely. I do not know Ms. MacDonald personally, so I would of course rely on your judgement on that particular matter.

Mr. Ives is a pleasant enough man and there is no reason to hold his nationality against him. He has, after all, a successful coach.

I don't think once can ever prepare for that.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	Aureliana gwensational 2017-12-26 05:50 am UTC (link)
	Most coaches are former captains, aren't they? It's the logical progression of authority. What if we got Ives to coach with MacDonald as assistant, something like that? We could have all three teams represented instead of two. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	Re: Aureliana perfectmother 2017-12-27 03:16 am UTC (link)
	I think pairing Ives and MacDonald could be a solution to this not-yet-a-problem. (Reply to this) (Parent)

Gwen Miracle

avoidretrograde
2017-12-26 04:56 am UTC (link)

I have nothing against her players, and while I'm not in a position where I'm prepared to see Elsie in person, the only thing we needed to work together for was dividing up the players and doing rosters along with who gets which side/colours. I'm happy to do this in the new year and give you the list of players now for publicity purposes.

And congratulations to your daughter and her new broom. Mine adore theirs too.

(Reply to this) (Thread)

MG/Gwen

gwensational
2017-12-26 05:35 am UTC (link)

Thank you. I know that this event was the brainchild of the two of you, but in the event that Elspeth is unavailable, Mrs. Abercrombie and I are discussing other options. We feel it might be advisable to speak with Mr. Ives from Wigtown, or with Oighrig MacDonald, our own Flower of Scotland. If it comes to that, would you be willing to work with either of them?

Thank you. Anna is thrilled. I'm less so, but my husband will keep a good eye on her, of course.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

MG/Gwen

avoidretrograde
2017-12-26 05:53 am UTC (link)

[...]

Do you see her being unavailable?

And Oihrig MacDonald [...] playing as captain? I was under the impression she was out for at least the season. If we have to do it without Elsie then it's not like we have any other teams represented than Ives.

Though I'm sure you're aware it'd give the competition a rather...separatist vs. Unionist feel to it.

I'm sure she is. And it's a great gift for kids, keeps them outside enjoying themselves and given how low the Starbrite starters fly, it's really quite safe.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

MG/Gwen

gwensational
2017-12-26 06:21 am UTC (link)

That will be up to Ellie herself, I suppose, as well as our team ownership. I'll admit that our conversation since the event has not filled me with great confidence in her ability to lead, but of course it's not my decision.

Oighrig as a guest coach, either on her own or assisting Ives, in the event Ellie is unavailable. She's well-known, popular, knows all the players well enough. And, of course, we are striving to keep the match as apolitical as possible. We're just promoting the vote, not taking sides on the issue.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

MG/Gwen

avoidretrograde
2017-12-26 07:16 am UTC (link)

[...] Of course. Elsie is difficult at the best of times.

Then I'll be honest with you, if Elsie is available and prepared to do this I would prefer her. I might not currently want to see her in person, nor am I in the mood for dealing with her at a professional level as it sits. But if there is someone I need to stare down at the other end of the pitch for this I would still prefer it be her. Since that was rather some of the point of this, a Neep preview if you may, without it being or reflecting the actual Neep, while promoting a very Scottish issue.

But I think if we need to throw that away it might be perceived as a bit of an insult to put Oihrig alone. To replace two coaches (since this would be replacing Ives too) with a captain that got injured and put on rest really only recently is...less than ideal. Especially since she hasn't retired and isn't quite 'a legend returned to coach' but rather one put on rest the other month. If you want her with Ives as a face to represent Portree well that's more on Ives to accept.

My only real request is you give it to the new year to make an official decision. I've told the players we'll start practices a week before the match so there's room there to make changes. The roster splitting I will do myself when I return and we can just hand off what would've been Elsie's colours and roster to whoever takes her place. If needed.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	MG/Gwen gwensational 2017-12-26 08:26 pm UTC (link)
	All right, we'll hold off on any decision-making about this until after New Year's Day. I need to speak with my team ownership, in any case. I'll speak with Aureliana and Julie Singh regarding coaching options. (Reply to this) (Parent)

	Gwen/Lorna mrs_dragon 2017-12-26 05:29 am UTC (link)
	~~Fuck this she's my sister...~~ We got into a fight after the Fall Classic. I hit her first. (Reply to this) (Thread)

	Gwen/Lorna gwensational 2017-12-26 05:37 am UTC (link)
	~~Salazar, what in the world is the matter with~~ Why did you hit her? (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	Gwen/Lorna mrs_dragon 2017-12-26 05:41 am UTC (link)
	I went to her house to talk to her after we lost the Fall Classic. We had some words. Or, she had some words for me. [...] She provoked me into it, basically. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	Gwen/Lorna gwensational 2017-12-26 05:52 am UTC (link)
	I see. To your knowledge, has she attacked or similarly provoked any other members of the team? (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	Gwen/Lorna mrs_dragon 2017-12-26 05:57 am UTC (link)
	Since I joined the team again? No, certainly not. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	Gwen/Lorna gwensational 2017-12-26 06:23 am UTC (link)
	That's not the impression I got from Elspeth herself. Do you know why she assaulted Florrie McGonagall at the Macmillans' party? (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	Gwen/Lorna mrs_dragon 2017-12-26 06:28 am UTC (link)
	That's not the impression I got from the players. No I don't. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	Gwen/Lorna gwensational 2017-12-26 06:50 am UTC (link)
	You've spoken to the other players about your sister's issues with anger and violence? (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	Gwen/Lorna mrs_dragon 2017-12-26 06:55 am UTC (link)
	Only Meaghan, and only this last week to any great detail. I meant from observation and just being around the other players I have not gotten the impression they have been in a fight with Ellie. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	Gwen/Lorna gwensational 2017-12-26 07:03 am UTC (link)
	What about Cav? Or your husband? Do you think she could have been hitting either of them? (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	Gwen/Lorna mrs_dragon 2017-12-26 07:04 am UTC (link)
	Cav, I don't know. My husband, never. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	Gwen/Lorna gwensational 2017-12-26 07:09 am UTC (link)
	Why not Owen? She had no qualms about assaulting Florrie McGonagall. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	Gwen/Lorna mrs_dragon 2017-12-26 07:14 am UTC (link)
	Look, Ellie and I haven't spoken since our fight. I'm not condoning what she did, but she is my sister. She's been going through a difficult time but I don't know what it is and I don't know how to help her. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	Gwen/Lorna gwensational 2017-12-26 08:11 pm UTC (link)
	I understand your loyalty to your sister. But as captain, you also need to think about the well-being of your team. As it stands, she is a danger to herself and others and she cannot be allowed to go on like this. I want to get to the bottom of this in order to help Ellie and to protect the team. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	Gwen/Lorna mrs_dragon 2017-12-26 08:32 pm UTC (link)
	I am thinking of the well-being of my team. If I could have helped Ellie sooner, I would have but she wouldn't speak to me. Because of that, I wasn't as aware of how bad things had gotten. All I know is that she hasn't turned any of this on our player except me and that was awhile ago. If it had been anyone besides me, I would have mentioned it. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

Gwen/Lorna

gwensational
2017-12-26 09:21 pm UTC (link)

And she's still not speaking to you, as you've said. Clearly this situation has progressed beyond a private family matter. And by the time she does eventually hit a player, it will be far, far too late. As a mother and as a professional, I don't want that on my conscience.

If you know anything further, or hear anything, about your sister's behaviour, please tell me.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	Gwen/Lorna mrs_dragon 2017-12-26 09:24 pm UTC (link)
	~~I'd tell Owen first.~~ Fine. ~~Whatever.~~ (Reply to this) (Parent)

	Gwen cavallero 2017-12-26 01:31 pm UTC (link)
	Nothing is going on between me and Ellie. I don't see why we need to have this discussion now. (Reply to this) (Thread)

Gwen/Cav

gwensational
2017-12-26 08:16 pm UTC (link)

Ellie told me the Circe article, in which you appeared, was one of the causes of her violent response. What do you think she meant by that?

We need to have this discussion because Ellie assaulted a respectable, well-liked, innocent woman without provocation. Are you comfortable with that? Are you certain she won't attack one of your players next, or a member of the media, or a fan, or a rival coach? Because I'm not, on either count.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

Gwen/Cav

cavallero
2017-12-26 08:19 pm UTC (link)

I have no idea outside of jealousy, which I suppose is possible but it wasn't something she brought up to me about it.

I meant that it's Christmas, Gwen. And Boxing Day after. One or two days isn't going to make a difference.

Besides, this isn't your job. I'm team manager and I'll manage her. With help from others as needed as needed. Stick to your PR stuff and let me do my damn job.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

Gwen/Cav

gwensational
2017-12-26 08:38 pm UTC (link)

I take my responsibility toward the Portree organisation and all the people in it very seriously, Bastian. I don't care whether that's convenient for you or not. Ellie is a danger and a liability to the entire team as things stand, and dealing with that is my job.

Frankly, if Ellie's jealousy over you is what caused her to assault a member of the public, I doubt your ability to 'manage' her in this instance.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

Gwen/Cav

cavallero
2017-12-26 08:42 pm UTC (link)

I didn't say it was jealousy. If she's jealous of Florrie or me or whatever, that's something she has to deal with.

I'm saying that managing the public's perception of the organization is your job. You're not a manager, or a healer, or an owner. If Ineed you to draft a statement - and for fuck's sake, don't do that - then I'll ask you to.

For now, I'm going to talk to her and work on next steps before it gets to be your job.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

Gwen/Cav

gwensational
2017-12-26 09:13 pm UTC (link)

Clearly she is not dealing with it, so other steps will need to be taken. I hope you're up to the task.

Let me make one thing very clear: I am not a crisis manager or a professional cleaner; I am not here to mop up your and Ellie's public messes, but in part to prevent them from being made public in the first place, and as such this situation already falls under my purview. Furthermore, I work with you, not for you. I have autonomy to do as I see fit for the good of the team, and I will use it. If that bothers you, make a formal complaint to Mr. Urquhart.

Happy Christmas, Bastian. I'll see you tomorrow.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	Gwen/Cav cavallero 2017-12-26 09:14 pm UTC (link)
	Cheers, Gwen. (Reply to this) (Parent)

	ecoutezmoi 2017-12-26 08:48 pm UTC (link)
	First broom, eh? Exciting times, I still remember mine. Was your wee one bouncing off the walls in her eagerness to get going? (Reply to this) (Thread)

	gwensational 2017-12-28 08:01 pm UTC (link)
	She wanted to take it out immediately, before she even finished opening her gifts. Fortunately, her grandfather gave her a fire-breathing dragon toy that helped distract her until we could make plans for tomorrow. (Reply to this) (Parent)

	catapults 2017-12-28 02:05 am UTC (link)
	If you need distraction- or perhaps just another set of eyes on the sky- do let me know. I'd love to witness her first solo flight. (Reply to this) (Thread)

	gwensational 2017-12-28 08:04 pm UTC (link)
	That would be lovely, Mum. I know Anna would love to show off her new broom to you. I have an early meeting and I'm not sure how long I'll be away, but if you'd like to come by mid-morning and help Trev keep her contained until I make it home, we'd appreciate that much. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	catapults 2017-12-29 12:45 am UTC (link)
	I'll be there. Think she'll have all of the broom's specs memorized by then? I can quiz her to pass the time. (Reply to this) (Parent)