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I'm planning my first hike of the spring for this Saturday. It's fun to go over the checklists, plan my route, and figure out lunch given a relatively cold forcast. I might go for stew, because I have a good thermos, but I might just stick to bringing a hot drink and a cold lunch. I'm heading out with a friend, and I'm hoping to get out hiking at least every other weekend this summer. There aren't all that many places I can get to by T, but I'll go explore what I can get to, and get my hiking legs in practice. I was thinking about getting to the convention in San Juan this summer, but that's a good week of vacation time, and I think I'd rather ask Mom if she wants to go see a national park somewhere. She does day hikes, not overnight, but she's a great hiking partner. My brother and the kids are going to be in France for a month, so I don't think getting down there and finding hiking routes that are kid friendly is going to happen, but maybe in a year or two when L is older? It would be fun, and I think D would have a blast. This entry was originally posted at http://bercilakslady.dreamwidth.org/4410 |
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Here's the reading challenge I was talking about. I have it all planned and spreadsheeted. A book with more than 500 pages A classic romance A book that became a movie A book published this year A book with a number in the title A book written by someone under 30 A book with nonhuman characters A funny book A book by a female author A mystery or thriller A book with a one-word title A book of short stories A book set in a different country A nonfiction book A popular author’s first book A book from an author you love that you haven’t read yet A book a friend recommended A Pulitzer-Prize winning book A book based on a true story A book at the bottom of your to-read list A book your mom loves A book that scares you A book more than 100 years old A book you can finish in a day A book with antonyms in the title A book set somewhere you’ve always wanted to travel A book that came out the year you were born A book with bad reviews A trilogy A book from your childhood A book with a love triangle A book set in the future A book set in high school A book with a color in the title A book that made you cry A book with magic A graphic novel A book by an author you’ve never read before A book you own but have never read A book that takes place in your hometown A book that was originally written in a different language A book set during Christmas A book written by an author with your same initials A play A banned book A book based on or turned into a TV show A book you started but never finished |
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So 2014 pretty much sucked. I mean, not entirely so, but lots and lots of suck. Some long term, that will never stop sucking. 2015 will suck in some ways, but likely not in others. I expect a death sooner than later, and that will suck badly. Work will suck badly come June if not sooner. See comment on expected death. But I'm still here, and there are some good things I expect in 2015, so there's that. I'm hoping to travel to Rainbow's End in May, though I'm uncertain if I'll be able to yet. I'm hoping to not be under general anesthesia at all in 2015. Not once. (It was 5 times in 2014, and it was horrible.) I think I'll leave it at that for hopes. I'm doing a reading challenge thingy, and will post about that here on occasion. Mostly I'm posting to Ravelry forums about it, but I'll share the wealth. I read 61 books in 2014, and have set my usual goal of 52 a year for 2015. I track under this same username in GoodReads, using my 2015 shelf. I read one book twice in 2014, but as it was _War for the Oaks_, I have no shame, nor should I. Reading friends isn't shameful, no matter how often you do. I have gone maybe 2 months without reading here? If there is a big thing I should know, please tell me. Thanks. |
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I'm sorting through my stash of yarn, and getting rid of stuff that I'm not actually going to get around to using. If you're interested, let me know. I just ask that you donate something to my ALS Walk in October. First off, I have 6 full and two partial skeins of Lion Brand Chenille Thick and Quick in Wine. Both partials are most of the skein. Lost interest in making the pattern I bought it for, so out it goes. Cat and smoke free home. I also have a rainbow of skeins of Patons Canadiana, and two in black. More to come... This entry was originally posted at http://bercilakslady.dreamwidth.org/4404 |
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As part of my "don't forget to get up off your butt" plan, I've signed up to do a fundraising walk this October -- the Walk to Defeat ALS. It's what a dear friend's mother died of, and if I can help someone else not have to lose a parent way too young, it's worth the effort. If you have a spare buck or two, I'd appreciate the help. |
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Hi, Is anyone up for rooming together at Contata? I'll be getting in late Friday, and leaving early Sunday. |
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Hi Everyone, If you are travelling to Boston from Merav, Jon, and Terry's wedding on Sunday evening, and have room in your car, please let me know. I had a ride lined up, but it fell through, and I very much want to be able to still go. Thanks, Leah |
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I figure some of you have been invited to the Hoffman/Karney/Lennox wedding. I'm looking for a ride out from the Boston area, with someone who plans to return Sunday night. If you are able to offer a ride, please let me know. I'm happy to help with the cost of gas. This entry was originally posted at http://bercilakslady.dreamwidth.org/4395 |
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Next week I start my three week on call period for federal jury duty. I call tonight to see if I need to go in on Monday. I have no idea if I then need to call every night, or if they schedule by the week, or what. Because telling your jury pool what they need to do is too much bother. Really don't want to sit on a jury. I've done that once, it was a nightmare. |
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Hi all! I've been off DW and LJ for two weeks. Pants are totally out of funds. Let me know if I need to see something. Colorado was fabulous, pictures once my Mom has a chance to get them off her camera. This might take a while, because pipe leak and flooding and crap like that. This entry was originally posted at http://bercilakslady.dreamwidth.org/4386 |
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I can't make it to floating northeast filk this year. Very sad, but can't be helped. |
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I would like to commission a drawing of Clint Barton, aka Hawkeye, impersonating a velociraptor. In other words, Velociraptorus Bartoni. Can any of you lovely people help me with this? |
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Is anyone looking for a roommate for Conterpoint? I'll be getting in probably very late on Friday. |
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I'm safe, as are all the people I knew would be at the Marathon. I'm getting offline, but wanted to let you all know my status. |
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I'm still looking for a roomshare for Boskone. I can commute, but would rather not have to, so that I can go to filking without worrying about missing the last T home. Does anyone have space in their room? Floor space is just fine, if you're full up on bed space. This entry was originally posted at http://bercilakslady.dreamwidth.org/4376 |
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Mouse and Dragon, Sharon Lee and Steve Miller Local Custom, Sharon Lee and Steve Miller The Last DragonSlayer, Jasper Fforde DragonShip, Sharon Lee and Steve Miller Duainfey, Sharon Lee and Steve Miller (read half, put it down for subject matter that I don't read willingly. Uptown Local and Other Interventions, Diane Duane Diplomatic Immunity, LMB A Fantasy Medley 2 And Chaos Died, Joanna Russ Captain Vorpatril's Alliance, LMB This entry was originally posted at http://bercilakslady.dreamwidth.org/4373 |
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Anyone up for sharing a hotel room for Boskone? I'm happy to take floor space for cheaper if you have a full room, as funds are a bit tight just at the moment. This entry was originally posted at http://bercilakslady.dreamwidth.org/4370 |
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So I'm doing the book a week/tracking thing this year, including audio books, as commute makes reading not possible sometimes when I get motion sick. I've not been reading much lately, and would like to change that. So far: Local Custom, Sharon Lee and Steve Miller - comfort re-read Planning: Les Miz - Victor Hugo This entry was originally posted at http://bercilakslady.dreamwidth.org/4368 |
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Hi all, You haven't seen me recently because I'm sick. Horrible, energy eating cold that will not die. I've not left my house since Sunday. At this point, I'm hoping to be well by the time I have to go back to work. Hope you've had a pleasant week, folks. This entry was originally posted at http://bercilakslady.dreamwidth.org/4363 |
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Some grad students I know are doing a survey, and don’t have enough male participation. If you have a minute, click the link. If not, no worries at all. Please note, they are specifically looking for American opinions, so if you’re not from the US, much as I adore you, please don’t click the link. If you are of the female persuasion, and want to click the link for shits and giggles, go right ahead, we’re just low on male participation. The US restriction still applies. Thanks folks. http://s.zoomerang.com/s/bfopinion This entry was originally posted at http://bercilakslady.dreamwidth.org/4360 |
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Sadly, I am not able to attend GaFilk this year. I have a membership and banquet ticket available, that if I recall correctly cost me $75 for both, $10 under the current price. If you can use my membership and repay at least a large part of my cost, please let me know and I'll make the transfer. It kills me not to get to the con this year, so I really hope someone else can. This entry was originally posted at http://bercilakslady.dreamwidth.org/4358 |
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I'm really tired, so this will be short. I'm still a little overcome with happy tears about the outcome of this election. I'm proud to have been part of President Obama's campaign, and Senator Warren's. I am thrilled to see so many women in the Senate, and to have the truly frightening haters of women be defeated. I can't stand the fact that civil rights have to be on ballots, but am joyful that they've been upheld. Thank you to everyone who volunteered their time. Thank you to everyone who voted. This entry was originally posted at http://bercilakslady.dreamwidth.org/4354 |
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Hi Everyone, Having gotten a lovely kick in the pants from my Governor, Deval Patrick, from Rep. John Lewis of the Georgia 5th, and from Elizabeth Warren, I ask you all to please, please, please be sure to vote in this election. I know many of you have probably voted early, but if you haven't, please be sure to get to the polls on Tuesday. I'm friends with you all, and expect that most of you don't need this reminder to vote, but please, pass it on. On Facebook, Twitter, whatever else you use for social media, phone calls to your family and friends, whatever you can do. This election cycle is going to be so close. So. Close. Every vote counts. This election terrifies me. I can't stomach the thought that we might end up with government that wants me dead. And that possibility is there, if the women's health programs are gutted. I've relied on Planned Parenthood to get a vax that could prevent cancer when I couldn't afford it otherwise. I can't handle the thought that health care for all Americans is something you can fight against. I just can't. I'm horrified that some of the candidates think my friends are lesser human beings because they are gay, or bi, or trans. One senate candidate in my state thinks his voting record shouldn't matter. What the ever loving hell? It does matter, it shows that he's voted against job growth, against equal rights, and I hope with all my being that now that I've shaken hands with his opponent, that I've shaken hands with our next senator. I lived in Massachusetts under Governor Romney. I voted in a Republican primary specifically to vote against him four years ago. I won't leave my country if he wins, but I'll stay and fight him in every way I can. I may be frustrated with some things that President Obama has done, and hasn't done. That said, what he has accomplished far outweighs my impatience. And the things I disagree with him on would only be far worse with someone else in the White House. I take comfort that a man who stood with Dr. King when they marched on Washington calls Barak Obama his brother, and Elizabeth Warren his sister. I can't think of a better endorsement than that. This entry was originally posted at http://bercilakslady.dreamwidth.org/4352 |
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We didn't lose power at all. House shook in the wind, but nothing worse than that. Things got scary for a while, and it's really not fun being sick and dealing with storminess, but all's good now. My Mom was doing fine when I talked to her yesterday, though they canceled her school for both Monday and Tuesday on Sunday night. She's in NJ. Are you folks all okay? This entry was originally posted at http://bercilakslady.dreamwidth.org/4350 |
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Congratulations to all the Pegasus winners! 2012 Pegasus Award Winners - Travel Song - No Hurry, Michelle Dockrey Gaming Song - I Put My Low Stat - Dr. Mary Carolyn Phillips Crowell Best Writer/Composer - TIE, Dr. Mary Crowell AND Juanita Coulson Best Performer - TIE! - Betsy Tinney and Wild Mercy Best Classic - Tiberius Rising, Rand Bellavia and Adam English Best Filk Song - Cheshire Kitten, S.J. "Sooj" Tucker Also, I'm all prepped for the storm. I have some water, though not a lot, non-perishable milk, cereal, and some other stuff. I'll make soup in the morning with some of the carrots in the fridge, and some of the frozen veggie sausage and stuff. It'll be good meals for the day for the household. All my electronics are powered up, and my "lasts a week" backup battery for the iPod is all charged. It won't do any good for internet if they power goes out, but at least I'll have music. Mom's all prepped down in NJ, and at the top of the 100 year flood plain, so I'm not too worried about her there. I've ridden out hurricanes in that house before, and *knock virtual wood* we didn't have flooding in the house. This entry was originally posted at http://bercilakslady.dreamwidth.org/4348 |
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I'm back from a lovely weekend at Rhinebeck, at the New York Sheep and Wool Festival. Seven skeins of yarn, one book, and maple cotton candy purchased. If I haven't replied to your LJ, assume I didn't see it. If you have a must make pattern that takes 1200 yards of laceweight, let me know. Baby camel and silk. Awww yeahhhh. This entry was originally posted at http://bercilakslady.dreamwidth.org/4344 |
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http://archiveofourown.org/works/29 This entry was originally posted at http://bercilakslady.dreamwidth.org/4342 |
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Details here. http://davis-square.livejournal.com/303 This entry was originally posted at http://bercilakslady.dreamwidth.org/4341 |
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I made fake poptarts with vegemite and cheese last night. I would have used marmite, but I didn't have any left. Woe. They were really good this morning with a huge cup of coffee. I'm thinking I'm going to have to make more. :) What breakfasts are making you happy these days? This entry was originally posted at http://bercilakslady.dreamwidth.org/4338 |
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So Mary has her new album coming out. It promises to be awesome. I know this because I've actually met Mary. :) Details of when and where, and her awesome offer of a free bonus track here: http://quadrivium.livejournal.com/40370 Yaaaayyyyyyyyy! This entry was originally posted at http://bercilakslady.dreamwidth.org/4336 |
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Reason 458 why I love our president. This entry was originally posted at http://bercilakslady.dreamwidth.org/4332 |
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I was eating my lunch in the school caf, and a very sweet student asked if I was interested in joining a bible study group. Smile, no thanks, go back to eating my lunch. Minor wtf, because I've never been asked before in several years of working here. Walking back to my desk, I hear a discussion of who will be Bubbles, and who gets to be Buttercup. Halloween? Awesome random cosplay? Who knows? But Powerpuff Girls for the win! This entry was originally posted at http://bercilakslady.dreamwidth.org/4329 |
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Want to start running? Have a Zombie chase you while you go! https://www.zombiesrungame.com/ Plum Ginger Shrub. Need to make this. http://www.eatingfromthegroundup.com/20 Amazing looking peach tart. I think I know how to use the last of last year's canned boozy peaches. http://www.foodinjars.com/2012/09/a-rus Fig Challah. http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2012/0 Post about the surge in home food preservation, and how it's not all pretentious hipsters doing it. http://www.eatingfromthegroundup.com/20 This entry was originally posted at http://bercilakslady.dreamwidth.org/4328 |
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"Does anyone know of a Reform or Conservative (egal) synagogue in central London, ideally easily accessible from the Barbican tube stop? I have a student who'll be there on a mandatory course trip during Rosh Hashannah." Friend of mine looking to help a student of hers. Let me know if you have relevant info, and I'll pass it on. Thanks! This entry was originally posted at http://bercilakslady.dreamwidth.org/4325 |
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I'm mostly going to be writing about the categories I know anything at all about. So it's not a complete list by any stretch. Best SemiProzine: Locus. (Was hoping for Apex.) Do not stroke the rocket. Ha! Best Long Form Editor: Betsy Wollheim (!!!) Best Short Form Editor: Sheila Williams Graphic Novel: Digger!!! Best Related Work: the encyclopedia. (Should be gracious, but honestly? DAMMIT.) Best Short Story: Paper Menagerie Best Novella: Man who bridged the mist (What the hell? Really? I didn't like this one at all.) Best Novel: Among Others. Congrats to Jo. (Also, DAMMIT.) Edit: Looking at this in the light of day, I realized that friends of mine are friend with folks who won, and whose winning made me sad, because I was rooting for someone else. I'll just mention here that I did in fact enjoy the Best Novel winner, but not as much as my top pick. I'll also note that I only listed two novels for the category, having read at least a large portion of them all. This entry was originally posted at http://bercilakslady.dreamwidth.org/4321 |
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Best Fancast: SF Squeecast!!! Holy Shit, Congratulations!!!! This entry was originally posted at http://bercilakslady.dreamwidth.org/4319 |
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Best Fan Artist: Maurine Starkey (Don't know this category at all, speech was awesomely cute) Best Fan Writer: Jim C. Hines!!! (Woooooo!) (Thank you, Seanan, for introducing me to Jim's writing.) This entry was originally posted at http://bercilakslady.dreamwidth.org/4316 |
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So happy for EError running style: S2TIMEOUT: Timeout: 4, URL: bercilakslady.livejournal.com/ at /home/lj/src/s2/S2.pm line 531. | |
