1. Finally getting the house puppy proofed. Who knew how much that would be, timewise and everything else? Since my home office is set up in my living room, I had to reroute wires, rearrange furniture for the new sectional and other stuff. Thank goodness for pain reliever for aching muscles.

2. Going to the Mautner Project Gala on Saturday night with a couple of my best friends. It's their annual fundraising event and it's a lot of fun. I've gone for several years now.

3. Next week I go get Dancer! Excitement abounds, at least for me. The kitties are oblivious. Just wait!

4. Have to mulch the garden beds. More aching muscles.

5. Renewed my membership with the women's member camp and am signed up for their music festival. Get to see Jamie play again and also see Crys again too. Plus I'll be camping in my Aliner. Since it will probably be the only one there, if anyone knows what I'm referring to, stop by and say hello. It will be the shakedown cruise after I get it tuned up and somewhat modified.

6. Speaking of modding my Aliner, I was going to do some myself until I imagined my 60 year old self on a ladder in my backyard trying to do things to it. All I could see was me falling and doing untold damage to myself. So decided to take it to a professional place, get it done in a shorter amount of time than I could and get it done right with warranty.

7. I sometimes don't make it to 10 boring things and this time is no different.

1. Puppy farts... PU nuff said?

2. day two of rain. They are doing construction next door and needed to lay tarp between the two roofs. So yesterday, in the rain, hammers banging, men on roof, and dogs stuck in the house and barking about the violation and trespass... This morning, 8am, repeat of same... I need a cigarette.

3. Worried about this tarpage and nails in my roof. I have no funds to fix should there be a problem. They promise they will fix but who knows when damage from nails will show. I did write contract and had them sign it. Cross your fingers for me not getting burnt by trying to help neighbors out.

4. i usually start with 10 like a countdown, now i will have to realign myself. why did i do that?

5. sucking on my Ecigarette... combination of pacifier and a smoke. I am pretty much smoke free now, but still addicted to nicotine.

6. has anyone ever used okcupid.com? Just wondering... I actually posted. Just curious. Years ago i did some online thing like that and it was dismal. Lets see for now, maybe my age and attitude from such will be different.

7. Kuma has recovered from his little SNIP SNIP surgery. If it were not raining i would have him out and playing. We did get to the marina on monday and he had a great time, except for this one instance. There was this big irish wolfhound like dog there. Approached Kuma with that stern look in its eyes... looked like it was going to play dominance games. I hear the owner yelling from a distance NO MOUNTING, NO MOUNTING.. and i prepare myself for trouble. I try to get Kuma away from this dog that is now circling him when suddenly he attacks my little guy, who is not so little. Now my Kuma he dont back down. I remember he got into it with my friends dog once when he was like 10 weeks old, playing too rough, and he kept going for the dog... this wee little thing. It was almost comic. So now i have a dog fight at my feet and the womon is trying to get her dog and i grab Kuma's tail and separate them, but the dog still lunges, i pull Kuma further back and try to snag the other dog as well that keeps lunging.. Finally she gets a hold of him and as she is walking off yells back at me, DAMN AKITAS. Ooooooo that pissed me off. It was her dog that started it and would not stop even when separated. So i yell back to her to get a clue. Really just wanted to jump her myself. Keeping a lookout for her next trip. My friend says i should just kick the other dogs to separate them. Pulling tails comes naturally, so i dont get bit, but kicking, not such an automatic response. Anyway, fight over, back to play goes Kuma. I really love this dog. They say it can take a couple of weeks for the smell of intact dog to leave them. I await that time, and hope the fights are over.

8. Working on a new design for a website that sells mostly dolls and accessories with a multicultural slant. Positively Perfect is the name for the girls toys. Positively Powerful for the boys. We are doing the girls line first and adding in fun games for the kids that show up on the site. Kinda fun to do something so different but very strange to have it be pink and girlie. That is really stretching it. I will post url as i get closer. You all can tell me what you thiink.

9. Ok, let me think of a personal boring or random thought about myself. I used to try to mix one in every time when i did this last year. Helps me to get to 10 quicker.. so.. lemme think.....
Derail from my own head for a moment. I just noticed that I can add an image if i want. Did i only leave that permission for administrators or can you click on Img up top as well? Gotta stop that if you can. Dont want to overload our diskspace and really dont want to monitor pictures.
Rerail... back to boring.
Did i ever tall you that my last name means breast in german? i wonder how my family got that name. were there some big ones, or did my ancestors make bras you think? Hey, anyone know when last names became a thing? Google search....

10. and for my finale, here is the tenth random and boring fact about me and mine for today....I NEED WORK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

derail:
yes, bb, I've used OKC as does at least one other festie you know. I like it for a variety of reasons, that it is free, that the womyn on it are not as "mainstream" as on match and some other sites, the questions provide additional info about people, etc. . . My advice: try it out, see who's there, email anyone of interest, if you start communicating with someone who seems interesting, meet in person sooner rather than later (assuming you want in-person connections rather than penpals). . .as you know, someone can be fabulous in email and NOT fabulous in person. . .
just sayin'
rerail:
SKWD

Been a long time since I've posted in this thread...

1. It is almost 70 degrees outside right now. In northern MI (100 miles north of the Land), in March. We all ought to be outdoors, enjoying it. So this post is my micro-rebellion for being stuck inside under florescent lights.

2. I skied my a** off on Saturday. Probably the last day of decent skiing we will have; see #1. My racing year wasn't as great as hoped, owning to crazy weather, but I think I am still 3rd or 4th in my division. Before you get excited for me, be warned that I am not telling how large the division actually is.

3. For those who know me, you may have put the pieces together that I did in fact raise enough $$ to buy my own adaptive ski. For those who are still wondering how the heck I can downhill ski, google "adaptive mono-skiing" or take a look at the alpine ski section of the Paralympic games website. That's what I do. And it is bad-ass.

4. With the weather warm up comes insatiable urges to spring/pre-Passover clean my house & to dig in the yard. Which reminds me that I need to find a new yardboy this year.

5. Doesn't appear I will be having houseguests for Pesach this year, so I want to be one. A houseguest, that is. I need a vacation, in April or early May, and I have a free flight on American. Anybody want to host(ess)? I am an excellent guest, so long as you favour good coffee. Which I will bring.

6. My little sister & her toddler are coming from GR for the weekend. She is pregnant, due next month, so this is the last time I will see her before the new boy arrives. Note to self: it is no use starting the deep housecleaning process until after above-mentioned toddler goes home. Second NtS: make sure to check the cat's fur for jelly handprints after departure.

7. I've been having some wild fest dreams. And some peaceful fest daydreams, fun with list making, and attempts to pare down my "to purchase" wish list.

8. A big shout out to all of the S.O.C.K. You know who you are. Only 144 days until meetings resume! 143 if you're also a CCE or crew!

9. I found a place that sells dark chocolate Cadbury mini eggs. (NOT the ones with the nasty, gooey stuff inside. The minis with the solid chocolate & candy shell. Like the bunny pooped M&Ms.) Of course I bought a bag, and now I must share them because they are dangerous.

10. For somebody who didn't have much to say, I am doing ok.

11. What's everybody reading? I've just finished UnOrthodox: the Scandalous Rejection of My Hasidic Roots, which was meh. And [i]The Memory Keeper, which was ok in places until the last 1/4 when it became a blatant set up for a sequel and there was NO further story/plot/character development or resolution. Just for that, I will not be purchasing the inevitable sequel. I say, everyone read Time Traveler's Wife instead, which was vaguely similar and much better. I'm now onto Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking. I really need to quit listening to NPR (like THAT will ever happen) for my book list, as it is costing me a fortune in hardcovers. Someday I will get to the Steig Larson trilogy...I found the first 2 at Goodwill & everyone at work loved them.

12. Now that we've mentioned reading, how 'bout my other appetite, cooking? What're you cooking these days? I am longing for little green foods, like baby lettuces & asparagus. All of the good spring flavours. Do Shamrock shakes count as a spring green food? I haven't had one in years, but have a nagging craving for one lately.

13. Calling V & Bruno & all the other angels...

14. I am cooking Shabbes dinner for a few friends on Friday. It will be enchiladas verdes, guacamole, fresh pineapple salsa, rice & beans. And as a nod to my mom's holiday desserts of old, Pistachio Layered Dessert, which is basically pudding & cream cheese with a crust and whipped cream. I dunno what kind of wine goes best with all of that, but I am prepared to experiment until I get it right.

15. My office is holding daily afternoon 15 minute "yoga for wellness & relaxation" in our large conference room. I went once, but watching everyone try to get up off of the floor made me giggle so hard that it defeated the purpose. I include myself in those folks glued to the floor, BTW. They're in there now, and I can hear grunting & sitar music.

16. It is (nearly) spring and luv is in the air. I need a date!

17. Looks like I have chatted myself out. Have a brilliant evening.

1. hello ladies..... Here's hoping your week is going better than mine.

2. Right now I'm trying to figure out if I can actually make a living selling Hemp Bracelets on the sidewalk in Key West. Scout, want to join me?

3. spark, Sounds like the skiing was wonderful.

4. What am I reading..... I'll check, a Robin Cook book (I do love him). Just finished The Hunger Games though, they were amazing!

5. Cat just licked my plate clean! Too funny, he really likes my cooking.

6. BB, I know someone else who uses OKC. She's having good luck.

7. It's almost time to start doing work shifts at our Farm! So excited! Our CSA offers the chance to pay full or half with work shifts. I can't wait for real lettuce again!

8. I love Greek yogurt! I do not like the little Dannon cups of Greek yogurt though. I prefer to use the plain kind and add frozen berries.

9. I'm cleaning out the DVR. My guilty pleasure of the moment is General Hospital. I do love me some GH.

10. Where is everyone??? It's kind of quiet around here.

11. Is it time to plan meals yet?? I'm ready for August.

12. I just made microwave popcorn for the first time in years. I heard something about it causing cancer in the workers at the plants a while ago so I quit using it. I do love stovetop popcorn with real butter.

13. V and Bruno.

14. Love to you all!

derail.
I dont know why but for some reason this year, it seems like i should be getting ready for fest now. It should be at least June by now.... approaching July. If it were august yet, i would be there, and does not feel like i should be there yet, but prepping for sure. This is way early for me... why is that? Anyone else feel that way?
Rerail.

1 I hate Glee. And I generally hate musicals (except Avenue Q, of course)

2 LD – I’m on okcupid...although I haven’t logged in in at least a year I’m sure. I liked it when I used it. I met some ladies (ok, 1...but I’m shy...REALLY!). It was cool. I like taking the quizzes more than anything though lol

3 I am not happy with the non-winter we had. And the really warm temps this early. I’m just afraid this summer will be unbearably hot, and full of epic storms.

4 AND MOSQUITOS! No cold weather to kill the things off fml

5 I am reading...nothing right now. I just finished Lucy by Jamaica Kincaid, and before that I re-read (for the 5billionth time) all my Little House books.

6 My favorite kind of Greek yogurt is Chobani plain, fat free (in the blue and white tub). It is ot sweet, which is important because we use it as a sour cream and mayo substitute. DELICIOUS.

7 IT’S TOO HOT

8 Big storms around these parts today. Luckily it went south of my workplace and although the sirens went off at home everything is ok there (as far as I know).

9 Has anyone watched Breaking Bad? My lady and I are watching it now and it is SO. GOOD.

1. I'm excited about fest, the new boards, the lineup, reconnecting here.
2. Is it August yet??
3. spark - cool about the monoski! It is badass. I was watching a guy doing it this week and was seriously impressed. I love speed too, would love to race.
4. I feel much faster on skis when I'm not struggling to keep up with my super fast daughter.
5. ld - try out cupid. I resorted to match when I was desperate to meet womyn who lived close to me. It worked. I second skwd's recommendation to meet face to face early on.
6. 2 days ago I was bundled up and skiing, today will be shorts and a tshirt and a run.
7. I'm preparing for a 10k that is happening in 9 days. Better get on it as I haven't gone more than 5 miles and haven't gotten much mileage in in the last week.
8. I have a canary that I adore. Last night, I had a bad dream about being at fest, finding some canaries and throwing them up, 'fly!' but they flopped to the ground and got hurt. :(
9. It was a good fest dreams besides that as there were no men in it for a change. My fest dreams always have men. Craziness!!
10. I'm very happy that the new boards limit political discussions.

1) woke up with a wee hangover this morning. i am such a cheap date.

2) nothing beats voodoo donuts at 1am! well, except maybe white castle at 3am.

3) reading...just finished The Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning. i disagreed with him in a few places, but dog-eared at least half the book nonetheless. very very good.

4) pbs is playing some very vintage Peter, Paul and Mary. i am geeking out. "Leaving on a Jet Plane", sigh.

5) <----- total sucker for harmonizing.

6) this weekend is my sister's baby shower in MI, i am house sitting here in pdx.

7) and working on a baby blanket :o)

8) spark - yaaaaaaaay pregnant sisters! :o) :o) :o)

9) does anybody else know how to play Rook?

10) yesterday we signed a rental agreement on a new, much cheaper place. it's a cute, clean, 2br duplex, and month-to-month, which is a huge relief. the best part is our new landlord is very nice, very funny, thinks we are awesome...and is almost certainly a lesbian. and when she found out i'm from MI, she put up both hands - l.p. AND u.p., correctly - and said "so where's home?" i was so impressed!

@Luckdragon: did you say "somewhere near Hart?"

no, can you believe it? but i should've! i was just so surprised, lol!

1 - Started the day rather mundane, cleaning.  Clean sheets, clean clothes, clean toilets, you get the idea.

2 - Then a late in the day transport.  Took JD the English Setter down the road towards PA.   Getting to travel with rescued dogs so warms my heart.  Strongly recommend adopting rescues, I get to live with three.

3 - I have been watching some great Womyn's basketball on and off all day.  Love seeing the parity and the occasional upset or at least scare.  What do you think Wrinkles? So far the cheese heads are my favorite fans, on fashion points alone.

4 - Damn it is just too warm!  I am planning a weekend back packing trip later this spring, but at this rate it will be too damn a hot and water sources will be an issue if we don't get more rain.

5 - Makes it weird to think about the garden, everything is greening up, blooming way too early.  Tori I so envy your community garden experience.  My shot at it here a couple of years ago was pitiful. Looking forward to seeing pics of HF's garden.

6 - Last weekend in KC the River Market had such beautiful veggies at such amazing prices I would be there often if I lived in the area.  And the spices are my favorite.  Fresh, beautiful and cheap.  Phoenix we should go to the market in St Louis.

7 - Looks like I will retire in 810 days. I just have to keep telling myself I have saved enough.  I might apply for crew in 2014, if I think I could be useful. And I have to figure out what to do with myself the rest of the time.

8 - Gonna have a late dinner tonight, right after the last game.   Homemade veggie pizza.  Thin whole wheat crust and a white garlic sauce loaded with veggies and cheese.  Topped off with a cold wheat beer.

9 - Been kicking up my time in the pool, up to 45 minutes of laps, but due to working out some problems on my mind I have accidentally done more than 50 minutes at times.  It feels good, at times in the past when I have tried this I got too tired.

10 - Thinking about remodeling Stella the RV.  Just thinking, it may not make sense $$ wise.  I will be staying in Xena the Pop up Princess and I have already added another roll out awning and easier access for the solar panel to Xena. A But Stella is returning to Fest and staying over in Brother Sun with the grands and I am thinking about improving storage and opening up space.

DETROIT FESTIE PARTY TODAAAAAY!!!!!!!!!

1.) "If you can't go over, you must go under."

2.) It's all Baylor's to lose, but there is always that possibility; that's why they play the game. Look at what happened to Duke's mens team.However, the situation is almost dire enough to cause me to pull for Uconn, but not quite.

3.) Gonzaga is the real deal even without Vandersloot and any SEC team losing a head coach this year should give their coach a call and see if he is interested in a move. (I think Gonzaga's fans are my favorites because they really show-up in numbers to support both their team and Women's bball in general.)

4.) Any team that plays their entire bench in a tournament game not only has a deeply talented team but is showing excellent team sportmanship. I know the point is to win, but these are still "games", let the young athletes play. (doesn't hurt when recruiting either)

5.) Probably Pat Summitt's last year on the Vols' bench. (think she will move to some sort of coaching emeritus position.) Bring on DePaul; Delaware is going to be tough for anyone playing them; and being in Baylor's region is a tough draw but i love when teams do not complain about their seedings. Coaches have to turn situations to their advantage and i don't think i've ever seen a team that complained about a seeding come-out ahead because of it.

6.) Maybe TN could tempt Carolyn Peck back into coaching. Even if it's the best move it would be very difficult not to hire Demoss or Warlick. So many other programs would love to have them as head coaches, and a new head coach would probably mean one or both of them would leave the Vols program.

7.) I believe in letting them play, but not in letting them brawl. If guards played like some of the posts, they'd be fouled out by half, easy. And if they don't tighten-up the officiating a little, by the elite eight the game's are going to get ugly (which to my taste is not good Bball.)

7.) Wondering if Nikki Caldwell will have the newest LSU fan in attendance today. (have to admit, i thought it could have made for a great story if she had gone into labor during a tournament game)

8.) Very difficult to stay inside and concentrate on the games when this very late winter weather insists on being sunny and in the 70's (but it's only one weekend a year)

8 1/2.) Great coverage by ESPN2. It's thorough; they let knowledgable, articulate women handle most of the coverage and commentary; and most importantly they treat the players primarily with respect for being talented, competitive athletes. They don't make a fuss or distraction or exploitation out of them being females; and the advertising around the games does not tend to be overly sexualized. (Though, i would love it if they could take the time during the final four to cover a little history of women's college hoops over the last fifty or so years and how important title ix was and still is.)

9.) Anyone who can follow the above must be a women's NCAA basketball fan (which to those who aren't can be a very boring topic indeed)

9 1/2.) March madness proves that there is more to sports than who will pay Payton Manning 28 million plus to come in and take-over their team.

10.) Red, you weren't a worker last year?? I felt like i saw you behind the wheel of stuffle as often as any crew member. Of course you would be useful (with your prof. talents, probably very intimidating as well)Frankly, though, i think the greatest help any one can be to the festival at present is a force for finding ways to encourage and especially empower more girls and womyn to attend.

****Derail

Wrinkles love your analysis! Did you see Nell resigned Auburn? The level of play is fantastic this year, although the next game at Bowling Green is going to be sad. I think the Gators are going give Baylor a fight in the next round. But the really important question is what the heck is a Hoya?

You and me boring BB fans together.

And nope never been on crew, just do extra shifts as a CCE. I would like to give it shot.

****Rerail