Saturday I had my first public scrimmage at the Rookie Rumble at Southland Skate Center. We were supposed to play a demonstration game for half an hour, but there were so few of us we cut it down to 15 minutes since we were all exhausted. While I usually enjoy scrimmaging, I didn’t skate well in the demonstration – I was completely shut down by another skater, who eventually even apologized to me.
I need to improve my skating ability before I skate again publically. This time I was skating against all new or returning skaters, and I still got completely pwn3d. If I’m going to compete in the Spring Roll against established teams next month (eep!), I need to improve vastly between now and then. I don’t mind losing so much, but it’s very frustrating to be completely ineffectual on the track.
Perhaps if we’d played longer I might eventually have had the chance to knock the opposing jammer out of bounds, or hit someone to help our jammer through. I don’t mind sucking overall if I can occasionally do something useful. However, if I’m going to continue being useless during bouts, I might be better off not going at all if we eventually get enough people where I’m not needed just as a warm body.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Thursday, April 22, 2010
I am ze Viper
From scifiwire --
heh. I'd so love to do that to someone... B)
Crazy cleaning company will send Spider-Man to wash your windows: Looks like Spider-Man has found other employment - http://tinyurl.com/26vayfv
heh. I'd so love to do that to someone... B)
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Week in Review – Week of 2010.04.11 – 04.17
This week has been stressful in terms of work, but fun in terms of derby. I’m still excited to be playing in scrimmage-like drills, as anyone around me can easily tell since I won’t shut up about it. I’m taking full advantage of my early work schedule to go to as many practices as possible. There are other things I’d like to be doing with this time as well, but right now I’m making derby a priority because I want to get my skills up to speed, and hope to be able to skate in the upcoming Rookie Rumble. Wish me luck!
Sunday’s endurance practice was surprisingly a lot of fun. I normally *hate* endurance practices, but since there was a bout last Saturday, very few people showed up for practice one and therefore it was ran at a slower, more personal pace. I actually got to work on technique instead of just racing pell-mell for two hours. It was nice. After practice I picked up Nivagi and we brought Ke dinner before Ke went into work. Nivagi and I snuggled and watched Angel, enjoying a pleasant, low-key night.
Monday I had off work so I enjoyed some quiet time while Ke slept and Jero and Nivagi were at work. When Jero got home I walked over to her house and we went out for a yummy dinner before I got on the MUX. I was able to get on early for a change, so I got to role-play with Cawh, Chdr, Desm, Hemy, Nightfall, Scourge, and Semcca in several different scenes. I didn’t advance the plot as far as I’d hoped to, but I had a lot of fun, which is ultimately more important. Jero and I then looked over Gen Con stuff before bed.
Tuesday night’s derby practice was a lot of fun. Again, my legs were tired in the beginning but fine once we started doing scrimmage-type drills. I got to be knocked around the track by Faye Stunaway, which was rather cool. I felt guilty “hogging” the track (even though I shouldn’t have because it was a men’s practice), but I wanted to block every jam. I still suck, but I’m having fun playing. After practice I tore Stsm away from my other girlfriends at the poly meetup to come hang out with me before bed. We talked and she brought me cool books to read and we had a lovely night.
Wednesday was a shitty day – it started with scheduling stress and went downhill from there. After I escaped work I didn’t want to go to derby practice, but I went anyway, since I usually enjoy it once I get there. Luckily, this was the case again that night – after skating around for two hours and getting pummeled by Uzi Q (who hits like the steel telephone pole), I felt a lot better. I grabbed some food with Jero and then Ke, and after a long shower I felt a lot better. Unfortunately since I’m working an earlier shift I couldn’t stay up too late, but I did get to watch The Daily Show and The Colbert Report with her before she put me to bed. B)
Thursday was a better day at work than Wednesday, especially since I got to have lunch with Adshru. After work I went with Jero to practice where I had a great time getting my ass kicked by members of the Circle City Socialites during scrimmage-like drills. After two hours I was sore and incredibly tired, but I had a lot of fun. Jero and I grabbed quick food and then went back to her house so I could do my taxes (yes, at the very last minute, as always). Exhaustion and technology fail made it a much more difficult process than it had to be, but I finally got them filled out and submitted at 12:10 AM Friday morning (doh!).
Friday was busy and tiring, with the phones ringing off the hook all damned day. I did have a pleasant break when Jero visited me for lunch, but then the day dragged for the next 4 hours. I had to deal with a host of Friday-stress problems (every company in the Midwest seems to want to wait ‘til Friday to run everything), and I barely escaped on time at the end of my shift. I ran to Ke’s house to grab Nivagi, and then Nivagi and I went to see Neil Gaiman, who was awesome. After the lecture we went to Some Guys Pizza and ordered a ton of food, some of which we brought back to Ke before she went into work.
Thankfully today has been much quieter at work. We have very few people here, so I’m doing a combination of east and Midwest work, but I don’t mind. Tonight I’m going to go see the Naptown Roller Girls play the Ohio Roller Girls in a double-header at the Pepsi Coliseum. The Naptown Roller Girls got to hang out with Neil Gaiman last night after his lecture, so I’m a little envious. Jero is picking me up, and Stsm should be there as well. Should be fun!
Sunday’s endurance practice was surprisingly a lot of fun. I normally *hate* endurance practices, but since there was a bout last Saturday, very few people showed up for practice one and therefore it was ran at a slower, more personal pace. I actually got to work on technique instead of just racing pell-mell for two hours. It was nice. After practice I picked up Nivagi and we brought Ke dinner before Ke went into work. Nivagi and I snuggled and watched Angel, enjoying a pleasant, low-key night.
Monday I had off work so I enjoyed some quiet time while Ke slept and Jero and Nivagi were at work. When Jero got home I walked over to her house and we went out for a yummy dinner before I got on the MUX. I was able to get on early for a change, so I got to role-play with Cawh, Chdr, Desm, Hemy, Nightfall, Scourge, and Semcca in several different scenes. I didn’t advance the plot as far as I’d hoped to, but I had a lot of fun, which is ultimately more important. Jero and I then looked over Gen Con stuff before bed.
Tuesday night’s derby practice was a lot of fun. Again, my legs were tired in the beginning but fine once we started doing scrimmage-type drills. I got to be knocked around the track by Faye Stunaway, which was rather cool. I felt guilty “hogging” the track (even though I shouldn’t have because it was a men’s practice), but I wanted to block every jam. I still suck, but I’m having fun playing. After practice I tore Stsm away from my other girlfriends at the poly meetup to come hang out with me before bed. We talked and she brought me cool books to read and we had a lovely night.
Wednesday was a shitty day – it started with scheduling stress and went downhill from there. After I escaped work I didn’t want to go to derby practice, but I went anyway, since I usually enjoy it once I get there. Luckily, this was the case again that night – after skating around for two hours and getting pummeled by Uzi Q (who hits like the steel telephone pole), I felt a lot better. I grabbed some food with Jero and then Ke, and after a long shower I felt a lot better. Unfortunately since I’m working an earlier shift I couldn’t stay up too late, but I did get to watch The Daily Show and The Colbert Report with her before she put me to bed. B)
Thursday was a better day at work than Wednesday, especially since I got to have lunch with Adshru. After work I went with Jero to practice where I had a great time getting my ass kicked by members of the Circle City Socialites during scrimmage-like drills. After two hours I was sore and incredibly tired, but I had a lot of fun. Jero and I grabbed quick food and then went back to her house so I could do my taxes (yes, at the very last minute, as always). Exhaustion and technology fail made it a much more difficult process than it had to be, but I finally got them filled out and submitted at 12:10 AM Friday morning (doh!).
Friday was busy and tiring, with the phones ringing off the hook all damned day. I did have a pleasant break when Jero visited me for lunch, but then the day dragged for the next 4 hours. I had to deal with a host of Friday-stress problems (every company in the Midwest seems to want to wait ‘til Friday to run everything), and I barely escaped on time at the end of my shift. I ran to Ke’s house to grab Nivagi, and then Nivagi and I went to see Neil Gaiman, who was awesome. After the lecture we went to Some Guys Pizza and ordered a ton of food, some of which we brought back to Ke before she went into work.
Thankfully today has been much quieter at work. We have very few people here, so I’m doing a combination of east and Midwest work, but I don’t mind. Tonight I’m going to go see the Naptown Roller Girls play the Ohio Roller Girls in a double-header at the Pepsi Coliseum. The Naptown Roller Girls got to hang out with Neil Gaiman last night after his lecture, so I’m a little envious. Jero is picking me up, and Stsm should be there as well. Should be fun!
Blast from the Past: Reminder of from where Obama’s “new” deficit originated :
Bush's tax cuts overwhelmingly favored the wealthy. The top 1% will saved more than $30,000 per year while the bottom 31% saved nothing at all.
Source: Citizens for Tax Justice and AFL/CIO
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Friday, April 09, 2010
Sunday, April 04, 2010
Derby Progress – 04.10
This past week has been very cool in terms of my derby education. Tuesday at practice I got to play something akin to roller derby for the first time. I was completely ineffective, but it was still a lot of fun. I normally hate doing things I'm not good at, but it was cool skating around in a mini-pack and experiencing first-hand how it might work in an actual bout. It was 3-on-3 instead of a full scrimmage, but it gave me a taste of what the real deal is like.
Wednesday’s practice was good – this time I got to skate in a pack of first two and then four people, and together we tried to stop a jammer from coming through. I got to lay a hard hit on West Side Slam - my first hard hit in roller derby. He gave me positive feedback about it, possibly exaggerating because I’m new, but still very encouraging. He said I hit harder than he’d been hit in a recent bout, although I’m sure now that he’s wary I won’t have the opportunity again for a while.
At Thursday’s derby practice we worked on offensive scrimmage skills, and I cemented my discovery that I actually love playing derby. Until now, I didn’t know – all I’ve been doing is working on basic skills, and I could have hated playing the actual game, especially since I generally despise team sports. However, derby feels more like soccer to me, which I really don’t mind – if I screw up, I have other players right there with me that have my back. It feels more like a group effort than all pressure on me.
Although my legs were burning and wobbly after three days of practice, I was able to keep up the entire scrimmage-like drill. I even jammed once and got through the pack (although I couldn’t catch back up to the pack afterwards). Rockit Ma’am was happy because she got to hit me finally, though apparently she went easy on me because she didn’t want to knock me into a wall my first time out (thanks, honey!). B) Luckily, right now what I lack in skill make up for in mass – I can take a hit pretty well and keep going.
At first I just held the line, but eventually I got moved to the middle of the pack and surprisingly was able to hit the jammer out a few times. While they were able to get past me initially, my teammates often set up a wall in the front of the pack and I was able to catch up and push the jammer out, in a maneuver called Set ‘em up/Knock ‘em down. We worked on one-on-one offensive strategies, and I had a lot of fun, grokking the point of everything even if I’m not fast enough to always put the strategies into effect yet.
Based on the fun I was having, I told my mentor Dexter I have a goal to play in upcoming bouts, especially the upcoming Rookie Rumble. Dexter said he might even put me on the roster for this weekend. That seems a little soon to me, but if he thinks I’m ready, I’ll give it a try. As long as I keep practicing, I should be ready to get my ass kicked at the Spring Roll Tournament in Fort Wayne in May. That should be very cool, even if I personally will be hopelessly outclassed by our competition.
Should be fun! I’ll try to remember to post how it goes!
-- Eye-Roll 20s
Wednesday’s practice was good – this time I got to skate in a pack of first two and then four people, and together we tried to stop a jammer from coming through. I got to lay a hard hit on West Side Slam - my first hard hit in roller derby. He gave me positive feedback about it, possibly exaggerating because I’m new, but still very encouraging. He said I hit harder than he’d been hit in a recent bout, although I’m sure now that he’s wary I won’t have the opportunity again for a while.
At Thursday’s derby practice we worked on offensive scrimmage skills, and I cemented my discovery that I actually love playing derby. Until now, I didn’t know – all I’ve been doing is working on basic skills, and I could have hated playing the actual game, especially since I generally despise team sports. However, derby feels more like soccer to me, which I really don’t mind – if I screw up, I have other players right there with me that have my back. It feels more like a group effort than all pressure on me.
Although my legs were burning and wobbly after three days of practice, I was able to keep up the entire scrimmage-like drill. I even jammed once and got through the pack (although I couldn’t catch back up to the pack afterwards). Rockit Ma’am was happy because she got to hit me finally, though apparently she went easy on me because she didn’t want to knock me into a wall my first time out (thanks, honey!). B) Luckily, right now what I lack in skill make up for in mass – I can take a hit pretty well and keep going.
At first I just held the line, but eventually I got moved to the middle of the pack and surprisingly was able to hit the jammer out a few times. While they were able to get past me initially, my teammates often set up a wall in the front of the pack and I was able to catch up and push the jammer out, in a maneuver called Set ‘em up/Knock ‘em down. We worked on one-on-one offensive strategies, and I had a lot of fun, grokking the point of everything even if I’m not fast enough to always put the strategies into effect yet.
Based on the fun I was having, I told my mentor Dexter I have a goal to play in upcoming bouts, especially the upcoming Rookie Rumble. Dexter said he might even put me on the roster for this weekend. That seems a little soon to me, but if he thinks I’m ready, I’ll give it a try. As long as I keep practicing, I should be ready to get my ass kicked at the Spring Roll Tournament in Fort Wayne in May. That should be very cool, even if I personally will be hopelessly outclassed by our competition.
Should be fun! I’ll try to remember to post how it goes!
-- Eye-Roll 20s
Eye-Roll 20s – Derby Hoodlum - Race City Rebels
RaceCityRebels.com
Saturday, April 03, 2010
Week in Review – Week of 2010.03.28 – 04.03
This week was a lot of fun, especially in the arena of derby. I’m finally getting to actually play the game and it turns out I love it, which frankly was a big surprise to me since I hate team sports. Roller derby is different, however, and I’m enjoying the hell out of it even though I suck. I put in a request to officially scrimmage, and with luck if I keep improving I’ll get to play in the next Rookie Rumble. I’ve never been actually anxious to play a physical game before, so this is all new territory for un-athletic me.
Sunday morning Jero and I got up early have breakfast with Dawi and Deal while Dawi was in town. We had a great time catching up with them (we hadn’t seen either of them in years), and afterward Jero and I went back to my apartment to clean, do laundry, and be productive. We went out to Outback for dinner, but it was very disappointing and we probably won’t go back again soon. After dinner we gathered Jero and I belongings and retired to Jero’s to sleep.
Monday night after work I drove down to Bloomington to have dinner with Caro and her parents. Caro made yummy craisins-and-pistachio pasta, which was delicious. After dinner I chatted with her parents and perused their bookshelf while Caro scanned pages from her grandmother’s memorial book. When Caro was finished we bid her parents goodbye and I drove Caro back to Indy to spend the night. We didn’t have a lot of time together, but it was great to see her while I had the chance.
Tuesday I drove Caro to the airport before heading into work. At practice I got to play something akin to roller derby for the first time. I was completely ineffective but it was still fun. I normally hate doing things I'm not good at, but it was cool skating around in a mini-pack and experiencing first-hand how it might work in an actual bout. It was 3-on-3 instead of a full scrimmage, but it gave me a taste of what the real deal is like. Afterward I had a great night with Ke, marred by technology fail when my laptop and my phone both crashed and I stayed up far too late trying to fix them.
Wednesday’s practice was also good – this time I got to skate in a pack of two, then four people, to try to stop a jammer from coming through. I got to lay a hard hit on West Side Slam, my first in roller derby. Slam gave me good feedback about it, possibly exaggerating because I’m new, but still very encouraging. After practice, I picked up Nivagi from belly dance call and we went to Some Guys Pizza since I was craving their yummy avocado/black olive/sun-dried tomatoes pizza. I then kidnapped Nivagi back to my apartment to snuggle and sleep.
Thursday’s derby practice we worked on offensive scrimmage skills, and I furthered my discovery that I actually love playing derby. Until now, I didn’t know – all I’ve been doing is working on basic skills, and I could have hated playing the actual game, since I generally despise team sports. Derby is different, however, and I’m really starting to grok the basics and have fun even if I suck at it so far. After practice I met Stsm at my apartment, and we snuggled and watched The Princess and the Frog, which I liked. Afterward was Lost Girls story time and then bed.
Friday at work was hectic! It was a ghost town since everyone was off for Good Friday, and there were few people to take all the repair calls. I was the only ISDN guy, so I dealt with a lot of headaches one after another. The highlight of the workday was lunch with Adshru, which was far too short but a very nice break. Friday night I was planning to go see Electric Six, but instead Chpa, Ke and Nivagi and I stayed in and watched Legend, which Ke owned but had never seen. It was fun, but difficult to watch without constantly making Tom Cruise jokes. ;)
Saturday Jero and I drove up to Toledo for a CCS Newbie Bout vs Glass City.
Jero got to play since she was just coming back from a long absence, and the game was very close – one 15-pt jam made the entire difference, and otherwise the teams were almost perfectly matched. I recorded the first period on Wrecker Becker’s video recorder, and most of the rest on my phone. I need to get a copy of WB’s bout files, and upload mine from my phone. It was a great week for derby!
Eye-Roll 20s – Derby Hoodlum - Race City Rebels
RaceCityRebels.com
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Week in Review – Week of February 7th – 13th
Last week work sucked, and my personal life was down and up. I had an unexpected fight with Ra, and now am giving her space before talking to her again. I did enjoy hiding out on the MUX and pretending to be someone else, which helped me get through the week. Mira came into town for the weekend, and it was great to hang out with her and all my girlfriends this past weekend. We’re all getting together again maybe Thursday to skate and definitely Saturday for Howl at the Moon. B)
Sunday I got up early since the CCS/RCR had a derby skills camp before our regular practice. It was the first skills camps since the one that hooked me in, and it was fun to meet new skaters and be the one helping out this time. Tesh was there, and while he’s traditionally not my favorite person, he could skate well and could be an asset to our team. Ultimately it was nice to have another familiar face at practice. After practice Stsm and I were going to have a game night, but no one showed so we ordered Chinese food and blogged instead. I finally called and got my furnace motor replaced, so at least it was relaxing and warm, and a nice way to end off the weekend.
Monday, however, was awful, once again fulfilling my maxim of the nicer the weekend, the shittier the Monday. Work was absolutely awful, with an hours-long problem from Friday returning to rear its ugly head, and when I tried to reach out to Ra to see how she’s been doing, I wound up triggering an unintended argument with her, and now she’s not talking to me. When I got to Jero’s she fed me yummy steak and mashed potatoes, which did improve my mood, and I got in some fun role-playing with Chameleon and Scarlett as Airtight and with Spike as Dark Buster before the MUX router died and I just gave up and went to bed.
Work didn’t quite suck as much Tuesday as Monday – there were a lot of messes, but I got them all taken care of. After work I went to Ke and Nivagi’s to hang out with Ke. Ke was unexpectedly still awake (she’s had early days all week), so Nivagi and I got to hang out with her for a while before she went to bed. Nivagi made us all surprisingly yummy microwaved Indian food, and after Ke went to bed Nivagi and I snuggled up in her room and watched Angel on DVD. Nivagi’s cat Nana decided to join us, but luckily my allergies weren’t bothering me too much, so her cute presence wasn’t a problem. When it got late we switched off my laptop, kicked out the cat, and went to sleep.
Wednesday after work I just grabbed a salad from Wendy’s and went home to hide out and MUX (since the MUX router died Monday night without me accomplishing much). Even though it was late, there were a ton of people on, and I wound up in a lot of great scenes. Evil Scarlett came through a rift from Mirror Earth, causing mass confusion. Evil Flagg got to test-fire his massive laser. Starscream apparently beat up the Aerialbots and Broadside. Mel interviewed the Baroness for a story, which I need to get back on the MUX and post this week. I stayed up way too late, but it was a lot of fun. I also got laundry done and time alone, so it was a good night.
Thursday after work I went to Skateland to skate, since my work schedule is going to prevent me from attending any weekday derby practices this month. I felt self0-conscous at first, since I was still the worst skater there (everyone else were cool jam skaters), but after a while I relaxed, and it was nice to just practice on my own and work on my endurance and crossovers. Since it wasn’t an official practice, if it took me 30 laps to master something, there was no one to notice but me, which was nice.
Friday I had a horrible night at work, so I was all too happy to escape at 10:15. Mira came into town, so when I got off work I went to Ke’s to hang out with Mira, Nivagi and her. They’d gotten pizza, so I joined them on the couch and ate after showing them what I’d brought to wear to the party the next day and getting their more fashion-minded approval. Unfortunately, we were all tired, so after some snuggling we went to bed relatively early for a Friday.
Saturday Jero and I drove up to Ft. Wayne to see their SWAT derby team play Indy’s Circle City Socialites. We stayed to watch Ft. Wayne’s other derby team play the Hammer City Rollergirls from Ontario, Canada. After the bout, Jero and I drove back to go to an Anti-Valentine Goth party hosted by Tojo and Mika. We had a great time, and it was magnificent to see Ke, Mira, Nivagi, and Stsm all dressed in hot outfits. We stayed there until the wee hours and then went home to collapse.
Sunday I got up early since the CCS/RCR had a derby skills camp before our regular practice. It was the first skills camps since the one that hooked me in, and it was fun to meet new skaters and be the one helping out this time. Tesh was there, and while he’s traditionally not my favorite person, he could skate well and could be an asset to our team. Ultimately it was nice to have another familiar face at practice. After practice Stsm and I were going to have a game night, but no one showed so we ordered Chinese food and blogged instead. I finally called and got my furnace motor replaced, so at least it was relaxing and warm, and a nice way to end off the weekend.
Monday, however, was awful, once again fulfilling my maxim of the nicer the weekend, the shittier the Monday. Work was absolutely awful, with an hours-long problem from Friday returning to rear its ugly head, and when I tried to reach out to Ra to see how she’s been doing, I wound up triggering an unintended argument with her, and now she’s not talking to me. When I got to Jero’s she fed me yummy steak and mashed potatoes, which did improve my mood, and I got in some fun role-playing with Chameleon and Scarlett as Airtight and with Spike as Dark Buster before the MUX router died and I just gave up and went to bed.
Work didn’t quite suck as much Tuesday as Monday – there were a lot of messes, but I got them all taken care of. After work I went to Ke and Nivagi’s to hang out with Ke. Ke was unexpectedly still awake (she’s had early days all week), so Nivagi and I got to hang out with her for a while before she went to bed. Nivagi made us all surprisingly yummy microwaved Indian food, and after Ke went to bed Nivagi and I snuggled up in her room and watched Angel on DVD. Nivagi’s cat Nana decided to join us, but luckily my allergies weren’t bothering me too much, so her cute presence wasn’t a problem. When it got late we switched off my laptop, kicked out the cat, and went to sleep.
Wednesday after work I just grabbed a salad from Wendy’s and went home to hide out and MUX (since the MUX router died Monday night without me accomplishing much). Even though it was late, there were a ton of people on, and I wound up in a lot of great scenes. Evil Scarlett came through a rift from Mirror Earth, causing mass confusion. Evil Flagg got to test-fire his massive laser. Starscream apparently beat up the Aerialbots and Broadside. Mel interviewed the Baroness for a story, which I need to get back on the MUX and post this week. I stayed up way too late, but it was a lot of fun. I also got laundry done and time alone, so it was a good night.
Thursday after work I went to Skateland to skate, since my work schedule is going to prevent me from attending any weekday derby practices this month. I felt self0-conscous at first, since I was still the worst skater there (everyone else were cool jam skaters), but after a while I relaxed, and it was nice to just practice on my own and work on my endurance and crossovers. Since it wasn’t an official practice, if it took me 30 laps to master something, there was no one to notice but me, which was nice.
Friday I had a horrible night at work, so I was all too happy to escape at 10:15. Mira came into town, so when I got off work I went to Ke’s to hang out with Mira, Nivagi and her. They’d gotten pizza, so I joined them on the couch and ate after showing them what I’d brought to wear to the party the next day and getting their more fashion-minded approval. Unfortunately, we were all tired, so after some snuggling we went to bed relatively early for a Friday.
Saturday Jero and I drove up to Ft. Wayne to see their SWAT derby team play Indy’s Circle City Socialites. We stayed to watch Ft. Wayne’s other derby team play the Hammer City Rollergirls from Ontario, Canada. After the bout, Jero and I drove back to go to an Anti-Valentine Goth party hosted by Tojo and Mika. We had a great time, and it was magnificent to see Ke, Mira, Nivagi, and Stsm all dressed in hot outfits. We stayed there until the wee hours and then went home to collapse.
"Gilligan's Island" star Bob Denver has died at the age of 70. The White House is declaring a national day of mourning to remember the man who created the TV character President Bush has strived to emulate in every aspect of his public and private life. -- Jake Novak
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Week in Review – 2010 January 31st to February 6th
Last week I had an early work schedule, and so even though work itself was sucky, the rest of my week was great. I got to spend time with my girlfriends while they were actually awake, and was able to get onto the MUX while people were still logged on. One of the weekday derby practices was cancelled, but the other one was very cool, even if I personally sucked. I got to spend an entire weekend with Stsm for the first time, which was a birthday celebration for her and a great time for me.
Last Sunday afternoon Jero made omelets for breakfast and then she and I had a very good derby practice. It was an endurance practice, so we were worked to death but felt excellent the next day with positively achy muscles. Unfortunately after Sunday practice I wasn’t feeling well, so we didn’t get much more done besides a late dinner and skate maintenance before I left to go spend the night with Ke and Nivagi. Ke was tired, so the three of us didn’t stay up very late, and mostly just snuggled talking until bed.
This month I’m the go-to guy for ISDN problems at work, which kept me busy most of the day. Last Monday Jero made us dinner and then we got on the MUX. The Old One opened a portal between Wheeljack's lab and the Shattered Glass universe, and on the other side General Flint sent Snake-Eyes to investigate, which was wacky fun. Goldbug revealed himself in the SG-Pit and shot his way out while Ebony was powerless to stop him (which she took out on the Witwicky brothers). Geeky good times. B)
Last Tuesday after work I went over to Ke’s to have dinner with Nivagi and her. We went to Ruby Tuesday and when we got back to Ke’s, Nivagi went to her boyfriend’s while Ke and I settled in on the couch. Ke watched American Idol and Kitchen Nightmares while I MUXed. I got to RP with Spike and get a few other things done, although I idled on Kadjem, which I’ll have to make up next time. When it got late Ke turned off the TV and lured me to bed, where we snuggled under the blankets to get warm.
Last Wednesday night when I got off work I went back over to Ke and Nivagi’s to hang out with them again. Ke was HUNGRY and ready to eat, but Nivagi was asleep. We finally roused Nivagi enough for her to decide on food, and then we let her nap while Ke and I went to pick it up. Nivagi and I’d planned to watch Angel (to Ke’s chagrin), but I’d left the disc at home, so we watched Chuck and The Colbert Report instead. Ke helped Nivagi file her taxes, and then we all snuggled up to sleep, roasting and squishing Ke in the middle.
Last Thursday’s derby practice was awesome in that the Bleeding Heartland Roller Girls came up to help out, and bad for me because all practice I was just suck on wheels. Bunnie showed me just how low I’m supposed to be in proper skater stance, and in retrospect my thighs should have been screaming since the appropriately-named Thigh Scream Social. After practice I got back on the MUX, but it was quiet, so I got mostly admin stuff done, although I did get to role-play with Turborat and Stormwind.
Friday night Stsm and I had plans with her friend Jest. We met up at my apartment and then ventured out into the Snowpocalypse for dinner. We went to Some Guys Pizza, and I was surprised to discover they have *insanely yummy* vegetarian pizzas. I definitely need to go back with Ke and Nivagi. After eating we picked up a bottle of wine for Jest and Stsm, and then hung out at my apartment until Jest had to get home because it was late and snowy. Stsm was sleepy but I wasn’t, so I watched some Mad Men while Stsm napped until I was ready to join her in slumber-land.
Saturday night I had dinner with Jero and Stsm and then the three of us headed to the Pepsi Coliseum for the Naptown Roller Girls bout. After the game I went to the Beer Seller with Stsm and her friends for an after-bout birthday celebration for Stsm. When we returned late to my apartment my heat still wasn’t working, so we cuddled up under the covers and watched YouTube videos until my space-heater warmed up my room. I gave Stsm her birthday spankings and read her a story before we cuddled up to sleep. It was a wonderful, wonderful weekend.
"It's devastating. It's got to be doubly devastating on the ground." -- All President Bush could muster about the Katrina damage, according to his press secretary. His first view of the floods came, pitifully, theatrically, from the window of a low-flying Air Force One
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Week in Review – Week of 2010 January 10th – 16th
This was a good week. I’m feeling a little stressed lately since derby practice is pwn!ing all of my free time, but otherwise things are going well. The MUX has been crazy busy, with fun RP every time I log on, and my derby skills continue to improve – I hope to be WFTDA-ready by this time next month. Between B! visiting Indy and Nivagi’s birthday I had great times with my friends and lovers this week, and tonight I get to go see a derby bout! Good times. B)
Sunday Jero and I slept in late after getting in at 3 AM from a derby party in Bloomington. We’d planned to go to derby practice, but we didn’t get up and out of bed in time. Instead we tried out a new Chinese food place near her called On Time. The food was very good, especially the egg soup with tomato. After we ate I went home to get onto the MUX for an event Dean was running. Ke joined me when she got off work, and brought food. After the MUX event Ke and I snuggled up and slept.
Monday Ke and I went shopping and then met Nivagi for lunch. When we got back we went through my mail and then I went over to Jero’s to follow up on Sunday’s MUX event. Jero and I had dinner first and then got online. We played through the aftermath of Sunday’s raid, and furthered events on the human side of the Shattered Glass TinyPlot. I had great fun role-playing with Dean, Jero, and Spike, and it felt good to get things accomplished on the MUX since I’ve lost a lot of RP time lately to derby.
Tuesday was another WFTDA testing day. Again, I did a lot better than I expected, and if I work hard over the next month I might be able to pass everything when we test again. I did blow the written test since I didn’t study for it, so after practice Jero and I went to Denny’s and she went over what I missed with me and made sure I grokked everything I’d missed. When I got back to Jero’s I showered and called Ra. I haven’t spoken with her in a while, so it was good to catch up.
Wednesday after work Mars and I went to Brbe and E-’s for a game night to celebrate the fact that B! was in town for a few days. Mars couldn’t stay out too late, but the rest of us played a really fun game that was a cross between Pictionary and the telephone game -- there were lulz all ‘round. When we got hungry we ventured out to Steak n’ Shake and hung out there ‘til we all needed to go home and sleep. I went to Nivagi’s to snuggle with her until I had to leave for work in the morning.
Thursday work was tense, and Mars’s attempts to alleviate that tension got him in trouble with our manager and his boss, although it seemed to work out in the end. After work Stsm came over, and while she wasn’t hungry for food, she did want ice-cream, so we ventured out to McDonald’s to get her an Oreo McFlurry. Ice-cream in hand, we snuggled up and watched Mad Men far too late into the night. After a bad day at work it was very nice to see Stsm, who always improves my mood.
Friday I took the day off since it was Nivagi’s birthday. Nivagi wasn’t feeling that great, so we spent all day in bed, napping, snuggling and watching Heroes and Angel. When Ke got off work, Nivagi and I got up and dressed. Ke planned to take Nivagi out to the Melting Pot for her birthday, and I went with to help celebrate. After very yummy fondue we stopped at Wal-Mart so Nivagi could pick up supplies to upgrade her Mac OS, and we spent the rest of the evening on our computers. Happy birthday, Nivagi! ;)
Today I’m at work, which is pretty standard for a Saturday. Nivagi is spending the evening with Chpa, so I’m probably going to see the Naptown Roller Girls bout with Jero. Work is quiet today so far, which is pleasant and I hope lasts. Tomorrow Ke and I are spending the evening with Nivagi to continue her birthday weekend snugstravaganza. I’m not sure what we’ll be up to, but knowing us it will be a low-key and pleasant way to wrap up the weekend.
Sunday Jero and I slept in late after getting in at 3 AM from a derby party in Bloomington. We’d planned to go to derby practice, but we didn’t get up and out of bed in time. Instead we tried out a new Chinese food place near her called On Time. The food was very good, especially the egg soup with tomato. After we ate I went home to get onto the MUX for an event Dean was running. Ke joined me when she got off work, and brought food. After the MUX event Ke and I snuggled up and slept.
Monday Ke and I went shopping and then met Nivagi for lunch. When we got back we went through my mail and then I went over to Jero’s to follow up on Sunday’s MUX event. Jero and I had dinner first and then got online. We played through the aftermath of Sunday’s raid, and furthered events on the human side of the Shattered Glass TinyPlot. I had great fun role-playing with Dean, Jero, and Spike, and it felt good to get things accomplished on the MUX since I’ve lost a lot of RP time lately to derby.
Tuesday was another WFTDA testing day. Again, I did a lot better than I expected, and if I work hard over the next month I might be able to pass everything when we test again. I did blow the written test since I didn’t study for it, so after practice Jero and I went to Denny’s and she went over what I missed with me and made sure I grokked everything I’d missed. When I got back to Jero’s I showered and called Ra. I haven’t spoken with her in a while, so it was good to catch up.
Wednesday after work Mars and I went to Brbe and E-’s for a game night to celebrate the fact that B! was in town for a few days. Mars couldn’t stay out too late, but the rest of us played a really fun game that was a cross between Pictionary and the telephone game -- there were lulz all ‘round. When we got hungry we ventured out to Steak n’ Shake and hung out there ‘til we all needed to go home and sleep. I went to Nivagi’s to snuggle with her until I had to leave for work in the morning.
Thursday work was tense, and Mars’s attempts to alleviate that tension got him in trouble with our manager and his boss, although it seemed to work out in the end. After work Stsm came over, and while she wasn’t hungry for food, she did want ice-cream, so we ventured out to McDonald’s to get her an Oreo McFlurry. Ice-cream in hand, we snuggled up and watched Mad Men far too late into the night. After a bad day at work it was very nice to see Stsm, who always improves my mood.
Friday I took the day off since it was Nivagi’s birthday. Nivagi wasn’t feeling that great, so we spent all day in bed, napping, snuggling and watching Heroes and Angel. When Ke got off work, Nivagi and I got up and dressed. Ke planned to take Nivagi out to the Melting Pot for her birthday, and I went with to help celebrate. After very yummy fondue we stopped at Wal-Mart so Nivagi could pick up supplies to upgrade her Mac OS, and we spent the rest of the evening on our computers. Happy birthday, Nivagi! ;)
Today I’m at work, which is pretty standard for a Saturday. Nivagi is spending the evening with Chpa, so I’m probably going to see the Naptown Roller Girls bout with Jero. Work is quiet today so far, which is pleasant and I hope lasts. Tomorrow Ke and I are spending the evening with Nivagi to continue her birthday weekend snugstravaganza. I’m not sure what we’ll be up to, but knowing us it will be a low-key and pleasant way to wrap up the weekend.
“Anywhere in the galaxy this is a nightmare.”
– Doc, Forbidden Planet
http://derbygirls.wordpress.com/
Shauna Cross, A.K.A. Maggie Mayhem of the LA Derby Dolls Talks About Falling In Love With Derby and How That Love Lead Her To Writing “ Whip It” @ http://derbygirls.wordpress.com/
Thursday, January 07, 2010
Roller derby is for blokes too
From The Ipswich Queensland Times --
by Felicity Caldwell | 1st January 2010
(More...)
by Felicity Caldwell | 1st January 2010
NO LONGER a sport purely for women, roller derby is welcoming men with open arms.
The fast-paced sport has exploded in popularity in recent months and Ipswich’s local league – the Brisbane City Rollers – is expecting a packed rink at its next open day for new skaters.
Known as “fresh meat”, converts spend six weeks learning the basics, including skating techniques, how to fall properly and the rules of the game.
Eastern Heights nurse and recent fresh meat graduate Brigitte Gamble, 21, said the Rollers made learning the skills a dream.
“You’re really sore at first but when you come everyone’s really welcoming and no one makes you feel stupid,” Miss Gamble said.
Ipswich receptionist Erin McIntosh also recently graduated from fresh meat training to level two and has caught the roller derby bug.
“It gives you more confidence in derby and in your everyday life,” Ms McIntosh said.
“It’s lots of fun, you get fit, it builds muscles and you get to meet new people.”
Roller derby was big in the 1960s and 70s but has experienced a recent revival across Australia and internationally.
Played on quad skates, the sport involves two teams with four defensive players (blockers) and one points scorer (jammer) on each team.
A jammer scores points for his/her team when he/she passes blockers from the opposing team while skating around an oval circuit.
(More...)
Monday, December 28, 2009
Derby Practice Sunday
I took another hard backwards fall during Sunday’s derby practice. It seems to be a pattern with pack skating – it takes everything I have to just keep up with the pack, so when I try to do something else (sprint ahead, zigzag laterally), I fall. Dexter and Bunnie were very supportive and encouraging, but I really need to work on my basic skills so I’m not so far behind everyone else. I especially need to work on skating in proper derby stance, so I don’t fall backwards if I get off balance. At least my tailbone doesn't hurt as much this week as it did last week -- I took it easy last night, and feel mostly better by today.
I do need to look into getting one of those tailbone protectors, however, if I'm going to keep falling on my ass. B)
I do need to look into getting one of those tailbone protectors, however, if I'm going to keep falling on my ass. B)
Friday, December 25, 2009
Week in Review – Week of 2009 December 20th – 26th
This has been a very nice holiday week. I only had to work three days this week, and while it sucks that one of those days is Saturday, it could be a lot worse. I’m in Evansville right now, hanging out with my mom, sister, aunt, and cousin. My mom is doing well, and we benefit by enjoying her wonderful cooking. I got her a carved wooden “happiness” statuette to celebrate the fact that her depression is lifted and she’s finally feeling herself again.
Most of derby practice sucked Sunday. Between my sprained ankle and my late work shift, I haven't been able to make it to more than one practice a week, and that's not enough to keep up. I tried to sprint out of a pack skate when it was my turn, and after getting whipped to the front I promptly fell on my ass, which didn't hurt then but hurt for days after. I think I might take Dexter's advice and start going to Skateland on Thursday nights, at least on the weeks I work late and can't go to Monday practice.
After practice I went to Ke’s to shower and spend the night. We went to the Laundromat so she could wash and dry blankets and sleeping bags, and we grabbed Chinese food from next door while we were there. When we got back we watched a cute Star Trek parody episode of CSI while Ke worked on computer repair projects. When Nivagi got home, she hung out with us for a while before going to bed. When Ke got hungry again, I went out and got us Fazoli’s before bed. We stayed up way too late, but it was fine since I didn’t have to work Monday.
Monday afternoon Ke and I got up and went to Le Peep for a late breakfast. I hung out at Ke’s before going to Jero’s to snuggle and get dinner. After dinner Jero and I went to derby practice – me to skate, Jero to observe and provide advice and moral support (she’s on a self-imposed off-season until January). Practice followed the same pattern as Sunday – the first half sucked, but it got better as I got warmed up. After practice I gave Jero solstice presents and then we cuddled and watched Dexter.
Work was hectic Tuesday, but I got to leave a little early so I went home and enjoyed some time alone before my friend Jeki arrived. She’s in area (sort of) for the holidays, so she made time to stop by like she did last year. We thought she was going to have to leave early to drive back to her parents’, but she got someone to watch her kids so she could spend the night. We both had a lovely time cuddling and catching up with everything that’s been going on in the last year.
Wednesday work sucked, so I escaped as early as possible and went home to unwind before bringing Ke dinner. Ke and I snuggled up and watched NCIS before I tore myself away and headed to Bloomington to pick up Chhu to bring her to Evansville. Chhu and I headed to Evansville, where I dropped Chhu off at our mom’s. I went to Mira’s apartment, where we said hello to her roommates and then sequestered ourselves in her bedroom to snuggle and watch “Epitath One.”
Thursday morning Mira and I went to her brother’s house for Christmas Eve celebrations. Mira’s family is very nice, and they (as well as Mira) got me presents. When we left I went to my mom’s house for dinner. She made super-yummy lasagna, and after we ate we hung out and listened to fun Christmas music like Straight No Chaser and Hebe’s Cthulhu carols. When Mom went to bed I got on the MUX for a while and then Chhu and I played Guitar Hero.
Around 2 AM Friday morning I went to Mira’s to sleep. Hours later Mira woke me up very nicely with kisses and breakfast. When she headed out for her Christmas plans, I headed back to my mom’s apartment. She’s making a ham for the holidays, and after we eat I’m bringing Chhu back to Bloomington and then meeting up with Caro while she’s in the state. Caro’s Thanksgiving visit was far too short, so tonight I get to kidnap her for the entire night.
Tomorrow morning I have to work, so unfortunately Caro will have to head back early. After work I get to have dinner with Jero and her parents. With luck maybe we’ll all get to play SingStar again and Jero’s brother and I can show off our mad Madonna-singing skillz. I like Jero’s family, so I’m happy I’ll get to see them while they’re in town for the holidays. Overall, it’s been a very nice holiday week with friends, lovers, and family.
Most of derby practice sucked Sunday. Between my sprained ankle and my late work shift, I haven't been able to make it to more than one practice a week, and that's not enough to keep up. I tried to sprint out of a pack skate when it was my turn, and after getting whipped to the front I promptly fell on my ass, which didn't hurt then but hurt for days after. I think I might take Dexter's advice and start going to Skateland on Thursday nights, at least on the weeks I work late and can't go to Monday practice.
After practice I went to Ke’s to shower and spend the night. We went to the Laundromat so she could wash and dry blankets and sleeping bags, and we grabbed Chinese food from next door while we were there. When we got back we watched a cute Star Trek parody episode of CSI while Ke worked on computer repair projects. When Nivagi got home, she hung out with us for a while before going to bed. When Ke got hungry again, I went out and got us Fazoli’s before bed. We stayed up way too late, but it was fine since I didn’t have to work Monday.
Monday afternoon Ke and I got up and went to Le Peep for a late breakfast. I hung out at Ke’s before going to Jero’s to snuggle and get dinner. After dinner Jero and I went to derby practice – me to skate, Jero to observe and provide advice and moral support (she’s on a self-imposed off-season until January). Practice followed the same pattern as Sunday – the first half sucked, but it got better as I got warmed up. After practice I gave Jero solstice presents and then we cuddled and watched Dexter.
Work was hectic Tuesday, but I got to leave a little early so I went home and enjoyed some time alone before my friend Jeki arrived. She’s in area (sort of) for the holidays, so she made time to stop by like she did last year. We thought she was going to have to leave early to drive back to her parents’, but she got someone to watch her kids so she could spend the night. We both had a lovely time cuddling and catching up with everything that’s been going on in the last year.
Wednesday work sucked, so I escaped as early as possible and went home to unwind before bringing Ke dinner. Ke and I snuggled up and watched NCIS before I tore myself away and headed to Bloomington to pick up Chhu to bring her to Evansville. Chhu and I headed to Evansville, where I dropped Chhu off at our mom’s. I went to Mira’s apartment, where we said hello to her roommates and then sequestered ourselves in her bedroom to snuggle and watch “Epitath One.”
Thursday morning Mira and I went to her brother’s house for Christmas Eve celebrations. Mira’s family is very nice, and they (as well as Mira) got me presents. When we left I went to my mom’s house for dinner. She made super-yummy lasagna, and after we ate we hung out and listened to fun Christmas music like Straight No Chaser and Hebe’s Cthulhu carols. When Mom went to bed I got on the MUX for a while and then Chhu and I played Guitar Hero.
Around 2 AM Friday morning I went to Mira’s to sleep. Hours later Mira woke me up very nicely with kisses and breakfast. When she headed out for her Christmas plans, I headed back to my mom’s apartment. She’s making a ham for the holidays, and after we eat I’m bringing Chhu back to Bloomington and then meeting up with Caro while she’s in the state. Caro’s Thanksgiving visit was far too short, so tonight I get to kidnap her for the entire night.
Tomorrow morning I have to work, so unfortunately Caro will have to head back early. After work I get to have dinner with Jero and her parents. With luck maybe we’ll all get to play SingStar again and Jero’s brother and I can show off our mad Madonna-singing skillz. I like Jero’s family, so I’m happy I’ll get to see them while they’re in town for the holidays. Overall, it’s been a very nice holiday week with friends, lovers, and family.
"Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy." - Ben Franklin
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Week in Review – Week of December 6th – 12th
Last week was nice. I got to skate again since my ankle healed from Thanksgiving, and I got to spend geek time with my friends and quiet time with my girlfriends. I also chose a derby name at last – Eye-Roll 20s. It combines derby with something about me (role-playing) and is a pun, as I feel all good derby names should (although my new mentor Dexter might disagree). I had some stress when our MUX disappeared for almost a week, but it is back up now so I can relax knowing I didn’t lose six month’s work.
Last Sunday morning Ke and Mira slept over. I was planning to go to practice, but by the time we were all awake and ready to go there wasn’t time for me to eat, hydrate and digest before practice, so I used that as an excuse to skip it and give my ankle another day to heal. Sunday night Mars and Nivagi came over and I ran a session of my old World of Darkness campaign, which was a load of fun. After everyone else went home Mira and I stayed up for extended RP and a geek talk session.
Derby practice Monday was fun. It was the first time I was back on skates since I sprained my ankle over Thanksgiving, and on my doctor’s advice I wore the brace Jero lent me. Monday’s practice was WFTDA testing, which was a strange time to jump back in (since I’m not ready to pass most of the requirements), but did give me a chance to assess what I could do and set benchmarks for improvement. Monday’s practice was also cool because it was the first time Jero has joined me since I started.
Jero hasn’t been on skates since the end of her BHRG season, so she took it easy as well, trying out her new skates and then offering advice to me and another new skater. Jero watched and encouraged me as I tried everything I dared on my healing ankle, which wound up being just about everything. I’ve fallen behind on some skills (crossovers, knee falls), but other things (one-foot glides, swizzle skating) I can still do, which is nice.
Last Tuesday I had a quiet night with Nivagi. She came over to my apartment and the two of us went to Broadripple for Thai food. After we ate we went to my place to cuddle up in bed. Nivagi had brought over Dexter to watch, but she was feeling too mopey for Dexter and too blah to make a character for World of Darkness. I lent her the Vampire the Masquerade book to read later, and instead we watched The Big Bang Theory, which did seem to help her mood.
Last Wednesday it was freezing, so I picked up Ke from work and we got dinner at Qdoba’s. We went back to my apartment, and since her laptop is dead I let her use mine to catch up on email while I read Nights of Prophesy. When Ke had read all of the Internets we snuggled up and watched House on huhu. We were going to watch Bones as well, but the episode started with extended product placement for Avatar, so we turned it off in disgust and watched The Colbert Report instead.
Thursday night I stayed home to schedule another MUX night, since the MUX was down Monday. Unfortunately, by Thursday we still hadn’t gotten out DB back from aerosar.net, so we MUX exiles met up at temporary refuges until we realized our MUX was still set up at its old location at spodzone.com. Its DB was out of date and missing anything we’ve added in the last six months, but it had the basic grid and characters so we were happy. Dean logged on and we all welcomed him back to the MUX and the country.
Hemy and I rebuild a tiny mirror universe so we could continue the Shattered Glass TP while we waited to get our new DB back. I got to play a stirring scene of Father Cobra welcoming Bludd to Cobra officially, as well as an amusing scene between Evil Growler and Dark Typhoon. For not having our real MUX, I wound up having a very pleasant evening of MUXing after all.
Another nice aspect of Thursday night is that Stsm called to tell me she’d resolved a long-running tension with her best friend, who happens to be the younger sister of an ex-girlfriend of mine. Since Stsm started dating me, she’s wanted to share her joy with her best friend. Unfortunately, that friend hasn’t wanted to hear it since she’d afraid that Stsm will get hurt in a similar fashion to my breakup with my ex. However, apparently Stsm talked it out and reassured her friend for now, and so is free to share her happiness with her BFF again. Good news, indeed.
Friday I was lucky enough to get off work early, so I met up with Jero and we went out for dinner and shopping. She was looking for new shelves for her house, but ultimately we were unsuccessful in our quest, although we did find a new holiday ornament, which we get together every year. When we got back to Jero’s house I played Zelda music for her and MUXed a bit more before the two of us powered down our laptops and went to bed. We stayed up late watching House before finally going to sleep.
Saturday I had to work, so when I escaped I headed to Ke and Nivagi’s immediately so we could go to Tojo and Mika’s Poly Meetup holiday party. However, when I got to Ke’s, she and Nivagi were each asleep in their individual beds. Even after waking, Ke didn’t seem up to a large social gathering. The three of us had a quiet dinner instead, and then I went to Jero’s to sleep so Ke and Nivagi could have a night alone. The weekend was quieter than expected, but still very nice.
Last Sunday morning Ke and Mira slept over. I was planning to go to practice, but by the time we were all awake and ready to go there wasn’t time for me to eat, hydrate and digest before practice, so I used that as an excuse to skip it and give my ankle another day to heal. Sunday night Mars and Nivagi came over and I ran a session of my old World of Darkness campaign, which was a load of fun. After everyone else went home Mira and I stayed up for extended RP and a geek talk session.
Derby practice Monday was fun. It was the first time I was back on skates since I sprained my ankle over Thanksgiving, and on my doctor’s advice I wore the brace Jero lent me. Monday’s practice was WFTDA testing, which was a strange time to jump back in (since I’m not ready to pass most of the requirements), but did give me a chance to assess what I could do and set benchmarks for improvement. Monday’s practice was also cool because it was the first time Jero has joined me since I started.
Jero hasn’t been on skates since the end of her BHRG season, so she took it easy as well, trying out her new skates and then offering advice to me and another new skater. Jero watched and encouraged me as I tried everything I dared on my healing ankle, which wound up being just about everything. I’ve fallen behind on some skills (crossovers, knee falls), but other things (one-foot glides, swizzle skating) I can still do, which is nice.
Last Tuesday I had a quiet night with Nivagi. She came over to my apartment and the two of us went to Broadripple for Thai food. After we ate we went to my place to cuddle up in bed. Nivagi had brought over Dexter to watch, but she was feeling too mopey for Dexter and too blah to make a character for World of Darkness. I lent her the Vampire the Masquerade book to read later, and instead we watched The Big Bang Theory, which did seem to help her mood.
Last Wednesday it was freezing, so I picked up Ke from work and we got dinner at Qdoba’s. We went back to my apartment, and since her laptop is dead I let her use mine to catch up on email while I read Nights of Prophesy. When Ke had read all of the Internets we snuggled up and watched House on huhu. We were going to watch Bones as well, but the episode started with extended product placement for Avatar, so we turned it off in disgust and watched The Colbert Report instead.
Thursday night I stayed home to schedule another MUX night, since the MUX was down Monday. Unfortunately, by Thursday we still hadn’t gotten out DB back from aerosar.net, so we MUX exiles met up at temporary refuges until we realized our MUX was still set up at its old location at spodzone.com. Its DB was out of date and missing anything we’ve added in the last six months, but it had the basic grid and characters so we were happy. Dean logged on and we all welcomed him back to the MUX and the country.
Hemy and I rebuild a tiny mirror universe so we could continue the Shattered Glass TP while we waited to get our new DB back. I got to play a stirring scene of Father Cobra welcoming Bludd to Cobra officially, as well as an amusing scene between Evil Growler and Dark Typhoon. For not having our real MUX, I wound up having a very pleasant evening of MUXing after all.
Another nice aspect of Thursday night is that Stsm called to tell me she’d resolved a long-running tension with her best friend, who happens to be the younger sister of an ex-girlfriend of mine. Since Stsm started dating me, she’s wanted to share her joy with her best friend. Unfortunately, that friend hasn’t wanted to hear it since she’d afraid that Stsm will get hurt in a similar fashion to my breakup with my ex. However, apparently Stsm talked it out and reassured her friend for now, and so is free to share her happiness with her BFF again. Good news, indeed.
Friday I was lucky enough to get off work early, so I met up with Jero and we went out for dinner and shopping. She was looking for new shelves for her house, but ultimately we were unsuccessful in our quest, although we did find a new holiday ornament, which we get together every year. When we got back to Jero’s house I played Zelda music for her and MUXed a bit more before the two of us powered down our laptops and went to bed. We stayed up late watching House before finally going to sleep.
Saturday I had to work, so when I escaped I headed to Ke and Nivagi’s immediately so we could go to Tojo and Mika’s Poly Meetup holiday party. However, when I got to Ke’s, she and Nivagi were each asleep in their individual beds. Even after waking, Ke didn’t seem up to a large social gathering. The three of us had a quiet dinner instead, and then I went to Jero’s to sleep so Ke and Nivagi could have a night alone. The weekend was quieter than expected, but still very nice.
“'Yes... this is a fertile land, and we will thrive. We will rule over all this land, and we will call it... this land.' 'I think we should call it your grave.' 'Ah. Curse your sudden but inevitable betrayal.' 'Hahaha. Mine is an evil laugh.'”
- Wash, playing with dinosaur toys, Firefly
Sit on Santa's Lap
Have you been naughty or nice this year?
Fetlife is giving away over 200 kinky presents!
Sit on Santa's lap and tell him what you want at Fetlife!
Happy Holidays!
Fetlife is giving away over 200 kinky presents!
Sit on Santa's lap and tell him what you want at Fetlife!
Happy Holidays!
Friday, December 11, 2009
MUX Thursday
Last night I stayed home and schedule another MUX night, since the MUX was down Monday. Unfortunately, by Thursday we still hadn’t gotten out DB back from aerosar.net, so at first we MUX exiles met up at temporary refuges set up by helpful players, until we realized our MUX was still set up at its old location at spodzone.com. Its DB was out of date and missing anything we’ve added in the last six months, but it had the basic grid and characters so we were happy.
Dean logged on and we all welcomed him back to the MUX (and the country!) and then Bludd and I rebuild a tiny mirror universe so we could continue the Shattered Glass TP while we waited to get our new DB back. I got to play a stirring scene of Father Cobra welcoming Bludd to Cobra officially, as well as an amusing scene between Evil Growler and Dark Typhoon. For not having our real MUX, I wound up having a very pleasant evening of MUXing after all.
Another nice aspect of last night is that Stsm called to tell me she’d resolved a long-running tension with her best friend, who happens to be the younger sister of an ex-girlfriend of mine. Since Stsm started dating me, she’d been wanting to share her joy with her best friend, but that friend hasn’t wanted to hear it since she’d afraid that Stsm will get hurt in a similar breakup to what I had with my ex. Apparently Stsm got things resolved now and is free to share her happiness with her BFF again.
A great night all ‘round!
Dean logged on and we all welcomed him back to the MUX (and the country!) and then Bludd and I rebuild a tiny mirror universe so we could continue the Shattered Glass TP while we waited to get our new DB back. I got to play a stirring scene of Father Cobra welcoming Bludd to Cobra officially, as well as an amusing scene between Evil Growler and Dark Typhoon. For not having our real MUX, I wound up having a very pleasant evening of MUXing after all.
Another nice aspect of last night is that Stsm called to tell me she’d resolved a long-running tension with her best friend, who happens to be the younger sister of an ex-girlfriend of mine. Since Stsm started dating me, she’d been wanting to share her joy with her best friend, but that friend hasn’t wanted to hear it since she’d afraid that Stsm will get hurt in a similar breakup to what I had with my ex. Apparently Stsm got things resolved now and is free to share her happiness with her BFF again.
A great night all ‘round!
Thursday, December 03, 2009
How the US Funds the Taliban
From The Nation --
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On October 29, 2001, while the Taliban's rule over Afghanistan was under assault, the regime's ambassador in Islamabad gave a chaotic press conference in front of several dozen reporters sitting on the grass. On the Taliban diplomat's right sat his interpreter, Ahmad Rateb Popal, a man with an imposing presence. Like the ambassador, Popal wore a black turban, and he had a huge bushy beard. He had a black patch over his right eye socket, a prosthetic left arm and a deformed right hand, the result of injuries from an explosives mishap during an old operation against the Soviets in Kabul.
But Popal was more than just a former mujahedeen. In 1988, a year before the Soviets fled Afghanistan, Popal had been charged in the United States with conspiring to import more than a kilo of heroin. Court records show he was released from prison in 1997.
Flash forward to 2009, and Afghanistan is ruled by Popal's cousin President Hamid Karzai. Popal has cut his huge beard down to a neatly trimmed one and has become an immensely wealthy businessman, along with his brother Rashid Popal, who in a separate case pleaded guilty to a heroin charge in 1996 in Brooklyn. The Popal brothers control the huge Watan Group in Afghanistan, a consortium engaged in telecommunications, logistics and, most important, security. Watan Risk Management, the Popals' private military arm, is one of the few dozen private security companies in Afghanistan. One of Watan's enterprises, key to the war effort, is protecting convoys of Afghan trucks heading from Kabul to Kandahar, carrying American supplies.
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