Blue Tooth & Phone... a love story

For Christmas this past year, mom bought me a blue tooth for my phone. I had been considering getting one, especially since I didn't have a headset for the car and I won't talk on the phone without one because 1) it's dangerous and b) it's illegal here in NY and, while I've done some pretty stupid things, the thought of a run-in with the police over a cell phone hardly seems worth the trouble.



Now, what stopped me from getting a blue tooth was a) cost and 2) I didn't want to come off as more of a pretentious jerk than I already am (there are those that would disagree but I am often a jerk and not-as-often pretentious). But mom got me one and I have to say I love it.



My phone, apparently, also loves it and it loves my phone. It was so cute...they hit it off immediately, each recognizing the other in a moment of kindred spiritness...beeping and blinking and flashing pretty colors at each other. It was majickal. Now Blue Tooth and Phone are practically inseparable - they charge on the same power strip at the same time, sit on the desk together when they're not in use.



I was unaware of this love affair until recently. The one problem I have with Blue Tooth is that I often forget Phone in the car now. For so long, I had Phone in my pocket when I went to the car because I knew I wouldn't need it while driving. Now, I put Phone on the charger in the car, while Blue Tooth is nestled in my ear and then I exit the car, leaving Phone behind. This was the situation when I realized that Blue Tooth and Phone were in love. I had to run into the pharmacy and had forgotten Phone, but Blue Tooth was snug in my ear...as I got further from the car, Blue Tooth made a very sad "beeeep" sound in my ear and I wondered what it was, but didn't think too deeply about it. I left the pharmacy and, as I approached the car, I heard the same "beeep" but this time it sounded happier. Odd, I thought. But that was as far as the thought went until this evening. This evening, I was on my way into yet another pharmacy (long story involving scripts, idiots and insurance companies - which really amounts to the same thing)...and again, the forlorn "beeep" as I got further away from the car. I realized that I had left the range of Blue Tooth to Phone and Blue Tooth was letting me know... or...was Blue Tooth simply lamenting the loss of connection with Phone? They're inseparable and here I was, separating them like they were Romeo and Juliet. As I re-approached the car, the same little "beeep" only it sounded joyful...like the lovers had been reunited as I walked within range. Joy!! Oh JOY!!! Blue Tooth seemed to exclaim... My Love...I'm BACK...I'm sorry I left.



So, there you have it...the story of Blue Tooth and Phone...a love story for the ages.



Or the next twenty minutes, yanno... whichever comes first.



Think That'll Do It,


Laurie

Journey through a Rhinestone Reality: Review of Thalassa "the Old Ways

Journey through a Rhinestone Reality: Review of Thalassa "the Old Ways

Review of Thalassa "the Old Ways

I approach this review coming from a rather specific background in BDSM. Unlike many folks, I come from a rather formal tradition and protocol-laden sect of that lifestyle which I find great comfort in. That said, this story does NOT have to be read from that background or even having it in mind at all. They story can also very easily be read from the perspective of someone from a more traditional, formal culture which venerates it’s elders and adults and thus teaches it’s children respect for those older from a very young age. As the author is Greek, this is likely the mindset before BDSM. The theme is not carried through the whole story – there is a point of “equality”.

Thalassa’s The Old Ways resonated so deeply with me. Hermione’s curiosity and desire to be non-offensive and pleasing was, for me, a very realistic emotion. She didn’t dismiss a grumpy Snape because of his foul temper but sought ways in which to be pleasing – though her only reason was because he’d earned respect. In her journey, Hermione finds a mentor to explain and tutor her through a complex series of behavior rituals which very much parallel formal Old Guard submissive training in D/s. Once familiar with the ritual behaviors and well versed and comfortable in the mindset required, Hermione’s adventures continue in her interactions as an ambassador to other species who also function through these Old Ways of behavior and through a growing adult relationship with Snape.

While I found Snape’s behavior in the first chapter to be far too exaggerated for reality (though a rather canonically correct out-of-control), the marked difference in his manner through Hermione’s training into a civilized, mannered young woman is a delightful parallel to a Beauty and the Beast story. The Snape of this story grows as a character and a man from a one-sided caricature into a complete being with a fascinating past, intriguing family and proud culture. Hermione, while submissive and very much a student of Snape’s is not a doormat and remains spirited and intelligent, true to Rowling’s character.

The story spends comparatively little time at Hogwarts, instead taking the reader on a journey to far off castles and peoples. I love when a story can move me out of the classroom and into the universe that surely must exist in Rowling’s world, but that she never had time to show us. Thalassa did just that. I felt like her world was simply an extension of Harry’s familiar one and, had Rowling had time, Harry could have been there, too. There are several original characters as well as a new take a several familiar ones – and a delightful, logical justification for a book-burning, not-always pleasant Dumbledore. I would have loved to delve deeper into some of these original characters and was really put out when I couldn’t learn as much as I wanted to about these very interesting people.

Be prepared for a cliché or two, some formatting issues and for some choppy language use closer to the beginning and a slightly more stilted language use that what most readers are used to later on. English is not the author’s first language and it shows through word choice and lack of contractions, though she has a really excellent handle on English and is very good at manipulating words into a fine tale. She offers quite a few very funny lines. A few chapters in, thalassa added an accomplished editor/beta who helped to smooth many things out – but you’ll still notice it.

The website summary of this story is entirely inadequate to describe the ensuing adventures. The plot was imaginative and original, even with so many HG/SS stories floating around. Visually, the descriptions in the story could have had more depth but I never had to wonder what room the characters were in. What description was there was enough to give me a nice sense of atmosphere without verging on even lilac prose. The characters were generally believable though I thought Hermione could use a tad more cunning and Rowling’s impatience. Severus’s cruelty certainly eased off, but that could easily be explained by being enamored. I would have loved to see the D/s aspect of the story remain a constant, even in an older/younger dynamic. Not having it last through the whole story felt a little strange for me – though I didn’t pine for that dynamic when it went away when Hermione became an “adult”. Nothing could change how much I really enjoyed the story – even after three reads to get my thoughts in order.

To put it simply, I read this story from end to end in one fell swoop, even crying off of spending personal time in favor of reading this story that completely caught my attention and kept it for a long time. It’s absolutely on my “favorites” list.

BG

Richard Cory, Life, Death and the strange place known as my head.

Whenever Richard Cory went down town,
We people on the pavement looked at him:
He was a gentleman from sole to crown,
Clean favored, and imperially slim.

And he was always quietly arrayed,
And he was always human when he talked;
But still he fluttered pulses when he said,
"Good-morning," and he glittered when he walked.

And he was rich — yes, richer than a king —
And admirably schooled in every grace:
In fine, we thought that he was everything
To make us wish that we were in his place.

So on we worked, and waited for the light,
And went without the meat, and cursed the bread;
And Richard Cory, one calm summer night,
Went home and put a bullet through his head.

Edwin Arlington Robinson, 1867

I love this poem and have since I first read it in...1980something. I know back then I had NO clue what this poem was about so I don't know why I liked it back then. What I do know is: I remembered it and I know what it means to me today. It was brought to mind by a new song by Tim McGraw "Nothin' To Die For". Good tune. Nothing like the poem...it's NOT about suicide but about life. But it made me think about suicide...no, not as in committing it. I am selfish but not that selfish. I also have this weird life thing going on. I thought about how selfish people who use a car to kill themselves are. But that got me to thinking about how desperate/lonely/hopeless/lost someone has to be to take their own life. I'm not having a good time of things lately, but I keep on keeping on because that's what you do. Some people can't. It gives me pause to wonder...what do I have that they didn't? It's gotta be internal but damned if I know what it is.

I suffer from depression. Actually, I revel in it. I'm usually more creative and funnier when I'm depressed. So I've been told anyway - yes, I actually had a friend in college tell me "Laurie, I know you're depressed but you're too damn funny when you're down." It's true...the more depressed I get, the funnier I get...because that's how I deal. Laugh at myself, the situation and soon it's not as bad as it seems. My depression is chemical, not emotional and when I take my happy pills, I'm on a relatively laid back and on even keel. I take them because I don't like crying. I am still relatively creative and my sharp wit is dulled only a little by the chemicals that are supposed to balance my natural chemicals, but I am definitely more amusing when I've got an emotional depression. Again, this is how I deal with depression/anger/most negative emotions...I laugh, I joke, I make fun of it. I reach a bottom point and think "okay, now I'm just being ridiculous" and I start climbing back up.

Yes, I have a point to all of this rambling. I try (keyword there) to treat everyone the way I want to be treated because EVERYONE is fighting a battle. You can't know everything about anyone - ultimately you can only know what they allow you to know. You have no way of knowing what someone else is dealing with. Most people only know my sense of humor, laid back attitude and quick smile. That's all they need to know. My friends know a good deal more (hence the "friend" label) but there are things I keep only for me. Things no one needs to know.

I know my friends are worried. Jen's been sick for a full six months now. She's been out of work since July 27, 2008. I'm her primary care-giver (thank gods for her mother! Never thought I'd be grateful for a mother-in-law) and the sole source of income at the moment. I'm the responsible one...and really, I'm wondering how the HELL that happened. Me? Responsible? Perish the thought...and yet, there it is.

Am I stressed? Yes. There's quite a lot on my plate...no, my platter...and at the moment and I'm trying hard to keep it all together.

Am I depressed? Yes. Jen's not getting any better. The doctors haven't a clue and they're not helping her.

Am I worried? You betcha. HUGE worried...because I know me. I'm selfish and self-centered and thoughtless at the best of times. I'm worried I won't take good care of her. Because I KNOW ME and know the flake I can be (and, usually am).

But my friends don't have to worry. I'm okay. I know that doesn't make a lot of sense but I am. I know I'm a lot quieter lately than I've ever been. I'm a lot more in my head...mainly because there's a lot going on up there and I'm working through it piece by piece. But I'm okay...because I have faith. I may not believe in the Christian version of God...but I do believe. My life works because I don't try to work my life...I just live it...day to day, minute to minute and let God, the Universe, whatever you want to call it take care of things. Why? Because it always has. I get what I need when I need it and not a minute before. May not be what I want or how I want it...but it's what I need.

So...friends who are reading this...stop worrying. I'm not going to pull a Richard Cory. I am not afraid of death...but I'm not going out looking for it either. Kinda wanna see how this weird life I've got plays out. Besides...I've got 2 more Harry Potter movies and a 4th Inheritance Cycle book to look forward to...can't wait...and by that time, I'll have found something else worth waiting for...like my nieces and nephews getting married.

Think That'll Do It,

Laurie

Buffy and Willow Awards?

Our own CaughtNTheQuiet is nominated in two categories for her story Willow's Promise so if you haven't read the story, read it (because you'll love it) and if you have read it, please support Caught and vote for it here.

What are The Willowy Goodness Awards?
The Willowy Goodness Awards are for any and all Willow-centric fanfic. As long as Willow is the primary character (or one of the primary characters) in the story, it is eligible to be nominated. We have many categories for all types of Willow-centric fanfic. Slash, het, all ratings (G-NC-17) are eligible!

BG

Shameless

Yes, yes I am. I'm shameless.

I wrote a novel. Some of you know this, some of you may not. It was...erm...IS a fan-fic novel based on the tv series Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The title is Willow's Promise (clicky click :) ) and someone thought it was good enough to nominate it for two awards here ~~~~> Willowy Goodness Awards ... soooo...

Go. Read. It's a good story even if you're not a Buffy fan. Then, go vote for me *grins*. Voting is open from February 1st-February 28th.

Yes, short and to the point blog...not in a rambly frame of mind at the moment.

Think that'll do it,

Laurie

A World Without Men

I was flipping through facebook and found an article posted by one of my FB Friends... Lesbian Communities.



I admire these womyn. I am thankful that they were there to blaze the trail to allow me to be me. I don't identify as lesbian but I'm not comfortable with the "bi-sexual" tag either. So I know I wouldn't be welcome in this community, and I'm okay with that because I don't think I could live in a world without men. Not because I want to be with one but because I happen to have a father and two brothers I love and three nephews I adore.



I understand their desire for separatism. The desire to be around like minded womyn, who share the same struggle and want the same things. The desire to know that you're living in a safe environment. Seriously, who doesn't want that? Gay, straight, male, female - we all want to be safe and loved. So I understand. But I also know that the younger generation (if I can even be considered younger anymore) want to raise families. Families that include boys and non-lesbian girls. This community wouldn't allow that, if I'm reading the article right.



I guess my problem is...I don't want to have to live separate from society to be accepted and feel safe. How do you change the world when you shun it? How do you change the world when you're creating the very thing the world accuses you of? Also, unless you're independently wealthy, living in these communities is cost-prohibitive. They're struggling to remain relevant because the younger generation has to work, they have ties to their families and their diverse communities. When these womyn created their collective, it was because the world at large shunned them. They were treated as something "wrong" and the need to have a safe haven was pressing. The need is no longer as pressing now that people are starting to realize that being a lesbian is no big deal. The bigger a deal we make it, the less the "mainstream" society is going to accept us for who we are.


I'm not a radical feminist...heck, political stuff in general makes me break out in hives...but I am out. To my friends, my family (except my father - we allow him to live in his deep denial although I'm fairly certain, because he's not a stupid man, that he knows that Jen and I aren't just "roommates"), and at work. I don't hide who I am anymore. I'm not in your face about it, I'm matter of fact about it - this is me, take me or leave me but I'm not going to change for you or anyone else.


Of course, I recognize that I work in a field that is conducive to being out. I work with emotionally and behaviorally challenged kids...I work within an organization that preaches diversity. They offer domestic partner benefits and, if something should happen to Jen's father or mother, I'd be granted bereavement leave as though Jen and I are married. I'm very fortunate in that respect and recognize not every woman (or man) who is in a same sex relationship has the same freedom.


But isn't that what we're fighting for? Isn't that what these womyn started by separating from society? We're fighting for equality. We're fighting to be recognized as "normal" people. By separating from society, it seems to send the message that either "we're too good for society" or "we're not good enough to live in society".


Since Barack Obama's election, I've been joking that "Gay is the new black"... but in all honesty, the civil rights struggle for gays and lesbians is still very much a struggle and the only way to break the barriers down isn't by constructing more of them, it's by battering the ones there are and telling people...we're your mother, father, sister, brother, friend... we're the same person you loved ten minutes before you found out we're gay, we haven't changed, you just have new information about us.


I'm not sure I've made any sense here. It's rather early in the morning and the randomness of my thoughts on this subject have quite probably created a convoluted message.

The nuts and bolts: I admire and respect these womyn. Without them blazing the trail, I wouldn't be able to be as open as I am. I simply don't want to be one of them...if I'm to be a trailblazer, I want to blaze it right through the world of men and make everyone take notice. I'm not a trailblazer...but if someday I am considered one, I want to be one of the voices that made it possible for the first lesbian to get elected president.


Think that'll do it,

Laurie