I joined AS sometime in 1997. Some of my friends from school had told me about it, and when I had a few days at my future brother-in-law's place in Sydney during the holidays (he had an internet connection!!) it was the second site on my list to check out! I ummed and ahhed for quite some time trying to decide what last name to go with, but as I had also recently been introduced to Lindsey Davis' books, Didius seemed the logical choice.

Back home again, after spending hours on this fantastic site. AS was the main reason I spent so long pestering my parents to get the internet, but our ancient computer wouldn't have been able to handle it. So, many hours spent sneaking into the school's library to use one of their computers to get to AS when the librarian wasn't watching. Future brother-in-law to the rescue again, when he helped us buy a new computer for home and "accidently" bought us a modem, despite all my parents' arguements against it!

Then I was off! I became Mater Familias of the Didius family, and spent ages talking with HelenaDavis Didius (now Anarane Burgundian), Hypatia Didius, Margot Barneveldt, and so many more.

I remember seeing the advertisement for AS in the Archaeology magazine - it was actually a thrill to see it there!

Before too long, I had created Keridwen Catuvellauni and became the Catuvellauni Bard in their roleplay with the Trinovantes. There I met Miranda Catuvellauni and Gwalchmai Trinovantes, and spent many more hours chatting with them.

It was devastating when AS closed. I spent time in lectures I was meant to be listening to trying to figure out what to do next, and it was then that the idea for the Ancientsites Alliance was born. I met many more former ASers through that while it lasted. I came to AW when it opened, but have only recently became a regular again, due to other commitments and RL issues (finished my degree in History and Archaeology in the meantime, despite the missed lectures!)

I'm looking forward to a fun (and hopefully busy, if I can help it!) future at AW. Thank you to everyone who made AS, and has made AW, such a fantastic place to be!