Perverse and often baffling

test

smonsterbite — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 16:40:46 GMT

crosspost?

This entry was originally posted at http://smonsterbite.dreamwidth.org/1045.html. Comment here or there.

over to dreamwidth

smonsterbite — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 18:27:33 GMT

I don't know how much I'll be posting, but I'm at the same name as here so feel free to add me to your circle or whatever it's called. I do plan to transition my old entries over there and will likely post at dw from now on, mirroring here.

We did it!

smonsterbite — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 22:02:23 GMT

Historic Green won the Brighter Planet $5000 grant for this month! What a perfect finishing touch to this Mardi Gras. Thank you all for your help in voting and encouraging others to vote. Special thanks to calligraffiti, onelittlesleep, and ethrosdemon for boosting the signal here on lj. (Umm, if I forgot you smack me upside the head via comments)

I'm bouncing in my chair I'm so happy.

Please vote to win a $5000 grant for green rebuilding in the Lower Ninth Ward - today's the last day

smonsterbite — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 19:29:33 GMT

If you ever loved me, or liked me, or laughed at something I said, or just know what it means to miss New Orleans (even if you've never been), then please vote for Historic Green to win $5000. We have a narrow lead and there are only three days left to vote. I promise we will use the money wisely to help the Lower Ninth Ward rebuild in a green fashion.

Historic Green's Spring Greening is an all-volunteer effort that supports the Holy Cross neighborhood goal to become carbon and climate neutral. We help put people back in their homes, and keep existing residents there by installing energy efficiency measures that reduce their heating bills. We build rain gardens to reduce street flooding and plant community gardens to improve diets (there is no grocery store, still, anywhere in the Lower Ninth Ward). We renovate a playground. We harvest and reuse valuable and historic building materials, which reduces the need for using virgin materials and preserving the historic character of the buildings. We help renovate a community center that seeks to provide a gathering place and a training space for the neighborhood. We bring new energy to a resilient neighborhood fighting to survive.

This will be my third year volunteering and it is a cause near and dear to my heart. Every dollar will leverage $10 of volunteer labor.

I AM SHAMELESS. VOTE.

I will even bribe you by promising to answer (privately if necessary) any one question you feel like asking me.

You get bonus points (and questions, if you like) for reposting here or FB or Dreamwidth and/or Tweeting.

You can read more about the origins of the group here: http://www.eco-structure.com/adaptive-reuse/past-present-and-future.aspx

You can donate or register to volunteer here: http://historicgreen.org/

Vote here: http://brighterplanet.com/project_fund_projects/99

THANK YOU!

Help New Orleanians help themselves.

smonsterbite — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 19:27:41 GMT

xposted from FB and b.org.

If you ever loved me, or liked me, or smooched me at an f2f, or downloaded something I posted, or asked me environmental advice, or just know what it means to miss New Orleans, then please vote for Historic Green to win $5000. We have a narrow lead and there are only three days left to vote. I promise we will use the money wisely to help the Lower Ninth Ward rebuild and I will post pictures from my trip to New Orleans.

Historic Green is a 502(c)3 all-volunteer run organization which I have volunteered with for three years running. We are helping the Lower Ninth Ward rebuild in a green fashion, which is in line with their goal to become carbon and climate-neutral. Our efforts preserve historic buildings, improve homeowners' energy efficiency and reduce their bills, reduce street flooding, promote material reuse, bring people back to the neighborhood, and on and on. Learn more by asking me questions and/or visiting Historic Green's website.

I AM SHAMELESS. VOTE.

I will even bribe you by promising to answer (privately if necessary) any one question you feel like asking me. You get bonus points (and questions, if you like) for reposting and/or Tweeting.

You can see pictures volunteers and work from last year here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/holycrossneighborhood/sets/72157617989955504/

Vote here: http://brighterplanet.com/project_fund_projects/99

THANK YOU!

Haflaween costume

smonsterbite — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 05:20:27 GMT

Cheerleader for Satan (see Bring It On 4)

Yes, I'm wearing fangs. No, I didn't have to buy anything for this outfit.

How're y'all? Finally downloaded the iPhone app, maybe I'll post more now. No promises, though.

random sytycd thoughts

smonsterbite — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 17:24:25 GMT

PEANUT! Peanut. I love him. It's ridiculous. I think I'm going to buy the sytycd cardio funk dvd just to get more of Travis Wall on my tv.

I'd like to take this opportunity to point out that the Facebook group "Travis Wall is straight" has FOUR MEMBERS. ::laughs forever:: Sure, a guy with a drag alter ego named Danielle Chorizo is straight. He's not even closeted, for eff's sakes.

His number was BRILLIANT and I hope it's not the last time he choreos for the show. ::sigh:: GAH. Well done, Jeanine and Jason. (Jason, you're still boring)

Did anyone else think that Wade's opening number was the problematic blender result of Cirque de Soleil, Rhythm Nation, and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon?

I'm a little disappointed that all the dancers simply redo their solos in a different costume on results night, but I can't say I blame them. I kind of wish they'd just go out there and improv their little hearts out, though.

I can't believe Ade was in the bottom two guys. WTF, America? You are stoooooopid. He rocks everything he does and his soloes are consistently kickass, what else could you possibly want? Doves to fly out of his ass? (spoiler alert for Wade's next choreo)

If you're looking for YouTube clips, sytycdism seems to be pretty consistent (except there's no audio for peanut's dance. woe).

oh, damn.

smonsterbite — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:05:03 GMT

Another closure on Franklin St.

Good-bye, Varsity

I don't go to movies that often, and the Varsity was rarely my theater of choice, but I'll miss it. That's where I saw Winged Migration, and All the Real Girls (drunk, on Easter), and Hotel Rwanda, among others.

Mash Game: Predict Your Future at eSPIN-the-Bottle

smonsterbite — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:44:48 GMT



		I will marry Christian Bale.
		After a wild honeymoon, We will settle down in Berkeley in our fabulous Apartment.
		We will have 3 kid(s) together.
		Our family will zoom around in a red Jeep.
		I will spend my days as a librarian, and live happily ever after.

It's that time of year again...

smonsterbite — Fri, 29 May 2009 14:39:39 GMT

Time for SYTYCD!

I want a t-shirt that just says CHBEEB!! on it. Failing that, an icon.

Phillip Chbeeb on Romanian TV - he's gotten even better

Chbeeb helps partner (gf?) audition for SYTYCD 2009

Chbeeb teaches his fantastic arm waves

eta one more: phillip and arielle choreo to "fidelity"

I'm in love. ::sigh::

rip andy hallett

smonsterbite — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 15:09:34 GMT

I've been watching the clips on Tim's FB page, and listening to my Angel soundtrack, and when I get a chance later on, I'll be watching sisabet's superlative vid Two Words.

It seems appropriate.

More Peace Corps

smonsterbite — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:01:17 GMT

As many of you know, I served in the Peace Corps in Eastern Europe. Whoever came up with the ad campaign "the toughest job you'll ever love" knew what they were talking about. It was an emotional roller coaster for me, and I'm still reckoning with some of the self-knowledge that came about during that time.

All that said, I believe that it's an invaluable experience for Americans *and* those in the countries being served. I was the only American in a town of 14,000, the only American many of those people would ever meet. I truly believe that Peace Corps, with all of its faults, is a powerful tool for diplomacy both at home and abroad.

Please feel free to ask me questions about my experience.

I heard once that the entire Peace Corps budget costs the same as ONE HALF of a Stealth bomber. That pays for over 7000 volunteers and their support staff. If you believe, as I do, that more money put towards the Peace Corps will only help the US, then I invite you to sign the following petition to be delivered to President-elect Obama.

More Peace Corps

Pass it on if you are so inspired.

Help me buy shit.

smonsterbite — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 18:52:11 GMT

To random etsy seller: Dude, if something is "Provence style" it wouldn't be "reminiscent of something you would see in Tuscany." Two. Different. Regions. in. Two. Different. COUNTRIES.

I'm getting myself something for having gone a month without smoking, wanna help me decide? (NB: I made this Etsy list a week ago, so some items may now be sold.)

I love stoopidgerl's stuff:
Round sprinkle ring
Star sprinkle ring
Rainbow geek necklace
Sweet lips
Sweetheart
Big fat kiss
Get yer freak on
Star sprinkle necklace

Or, to go in more of a belly dance direction, there's:
Red, copper, skull necklace
Long and dangly
Recycled bits

Or I could feed my owl fetish:
On a branch
Made of clay
Trapped in a clock
For my wall
For my tush (possible nsfw due to cheekiness)

Or I could get a mini top hat:
Rust glitter
Look, she has a mini-witch hat!!!

Or...
Dia de los Muertos tee

mrmph.

smonsterbite — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 17:09:29 GMT

I think this is one of those days where I have to just hunker down and get through. Oh, hormones, why must thou sucketh so effing much? I mean, to be strong enough to cancel out the joy and glee I was feeling last night, that's pretty hardcore.

I don't want to forget this day.

smonsterbite — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 13:20:18 GMT

I left my house at 7 am, dressed for work and carrying my usual backpack. The rain pattered on my red umbrella as I avoided puddles strewn with scarlet and gold leaves. Two blocks to the polling place, a historically black church, and I walked right in as voter #23. Filled in my ballot, checked it twice in paranoia, put it in the machine (oh god, I hope I filled it in right) and collected my sticker. Thanked the poll workers, returned my voter guide for reuse, and walked on to the bus stop, stopping to treat myself to coffee and a chocolate croissant at the not-quite-open, last independent coffee shop on Franklin St. (not counting the Coffee Shop, which is actually a restaurant).

At work by 7:45, with a lovely voter afterglow and hope in my veins.

Pray, meditate, do some hedge magic, think good thoughts.

A Change is Gonna Come - Leela James (YSI link)

To make up for what I posted earlier...

smonsterbite — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 19:12:09 GMT

Here's a different video for the holiday - the "Ramalama" routine from s2 SYTYCD, still one of my favorites.

best sarah palin clip yet

smonsterbite — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 14:51:23 GMT

you won't believe this one

Reminder: Lisa Zahiya and Samite in Carrboro/Durham

smonsterbite — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 18:47:14 GMT

Just a reminder to register now for the cosmic goodness of workshops in Durham and Carrboro with Lisa Zahiya and SamiTe of Asheville, NC! If we don't have a certain number of registrations by November 10th, we will have to cancel.

Samite on YouTube
Lisa Zahiya on YouTube

Click here to learn more and register.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions by email at devotedcollective (at) gmail (dot) com.

December 13th and 14th, 2008

SATURDAY DECEMBER 13
The Saturday workshops and show will be held at Triangle Dance Studio 2603 S. Miami Blvd., Durham (near RTP), NC 27703. Directions are available at http://www.triangledancestudio.com/directions.htm.

10am – NOON ---Hip Hop Fusion with Lisa Zahiya! $35 pre-registered or $40 at the door

NOON - 1pm –--LUNCH BREAK

1pm - 3pm --—Direction, Dimension & Dynamics with SamiTe' $35 pre-registered or $40 at the door

7pm - ??? ---BELLYDANCE TO THE CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE! Outer space-themed bellydance show featuring both of our lovely workshop instructors as well as many talented local dancers. Tickets $10 each.

SUNDAY DECEMBER 14
The Sunday workshops will be held at Balanced Movement Studio, 304 W. Weaver Street, Carrboro, NC 27510. Directions are available at http://www.balanced-movement.com/location/location.html.

MASTER CLASSES WITH SAMITE’ & LISA ZAHIYA
**NOTE- you must register for both classes, they cannot be split up. Take advantage of the more personal instruction of these two amazing teachers! Space is limited. $45 pre-registration ONLY for both classes

9am - 10:30am ---SamiTe' Stylings
10:30am - 10:45am ---Water Break

10:45am - 12:15pm ---Advanced Drum Solo Techniques & Choreography with Lisa Zahiya

need a Boston hotel

smonsterbite — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 14:02:47 GMT

So I'm going to GreenBuild in Boston (Nov 18-21st or so), and every damn thing is full. Looking for a not-too-expensive boutique hotel or short-term apartment rental convenient to the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center (BCEC). Public transit is cool.

Anyone got any ideas?

eta: found a place (short term apt rental) near the intersection of mercer and 8th - anyone know anything about that area?

Lisa Zahiya and SamiTe in Durham, NC, USA

smonsterbite — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 14:04:57 GMT

Join The Devoted Dance Collective for a weekend of cosmic workshops
in Durham and Carrboro with Lisa Zahiya and SamiTe of Asheville, NC!

Click here to learn more and register.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions
by email at devotedcollective (at) gmail (dot) com.

December 13th and 14th, 2008

SATURDAY DECEMBER 13
The Saturday workshops and show will be held at Triangle Dance Studio 2603 S. Miami Blvd., Durham (near RTP), NC 27703. Directions are available at http://www.triangledancestudio.com/directions.htm.

10am – NOON ---Hip Hop Fusion with Lisa Zahiya! $35 pre-registered or $40 at the door

NOON - 1pm –--LUNCH BREAK

1pm - 3pm --—Direction, Dimension & Dynamics with SamiTe' $35 pre-registered or $40 at the door

7pm - ??? ---BELLYDANCE TO THE CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE! Outer space-themed bellydance show featuring both of our lovely workshop instructors as well as many talented local dancers. Tickets $10 each.

SUNDAY DECEMBER 14
The Sunday workshops will be held at Balanced Movement Studio, 304 W. Weaver Street, Carrboro, NC 27510. Directions are available at http://www.balanced-movement.com/location/location.html.

MASTER CLASSES WITH SAMITE’ & LISA ZAHIYA
**NOTE- you must register for both classes, they cannot be split up. Take advantage of the more personal instruction of these two amazing teachers! Space is limited. $45 pre-registration ONLY for both classes

9am - 10:30am ---SamiTe' Stylings
10:30am - 10:45am ---Water Break

10:45am - 12:15pm ---Advanced Drum Solo Techniques & Choreography with Lisa Zahiya

Felty...

smonsterbite — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 14:30:51 GMT

Hey, prncsspetulance (and other crafty peeps) - check out these felting projects.

Auction to benefit Historic Green

smonsterbite — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 18:36:20 GMT

The fabulous and talented labricoleuse is auctioning off a reproduction bonnet she made to benefit Historic Green. As y'all may remember, I had such a fantastic time last year that I'm helping plan this year (March 10-20th, mark you calendars and come on down). Anyway - go, bid! Tell your friends!

Her Blog Action Day post
The auction
The making of "Aunt Pittypat"

tree of (my) life

smonsterbite — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 18:43:23 GMT

Here's my 'healthy lungs for me and the world' ring.

3 trees I love:

Curly willow - salcie cret in Romanian (sal-CHEE-eh KRETS); I love the squiggly branches and curly leaves. First noticed this tree in Moldova, and there's one right by the building I work in now that I didn't notice for YEARS. Like most willows, it likes to "have its feet wet."

Live oak; I mean, duh. The grandeur, arching over roads, dripping with Spanish moss. Reminds me of visiting family in Savannah.

Linden trees - tei in Romanian (TAY), made famous by the "Nu ma nu ma" song; another one I first noticed in Moldova. I love when they are in bloom, with the pale green teardrop shaped secondary leaves hanging down and the little white, fragrant flowers dangling below them. I love to just walk underneath while they're blooming, look up, and breathe deeply.

Preparing for tonight's debate

smonsterbite — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 12:53:24 GMT

Palin Bingo

Meme-licious

smonsterbite — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 18:21:19 GMT

Ye gods, I've been trying to do this meme for a ridiculously long time. And I only had to come up with 7, b/c I decided to reuse 3 of e_juliana's that very much apply to me as well.

* Each blogger starts with ten random facts/habits about him/herself.
* Bloggers whom are tagged need to write on their own blog about their ten things and post these rules.
* At the end of your blog, you need to choose ten people to get tagged and list their names (whatevs, I don't tag)

1) I can fold my tongue in half across the width and make it stick there for a good length of time. I freaked KBD out doing this last weekend.

2) I have a scar in the middle of my forehead from an attempted mugging in 1995 (shoutie to esbrucho) and at the time I got kind of obsessed with The Last Unicorn (book) as a coping mechanism.

3) Fruit juice + alcohol = stomach ache, even if drunk sequentially and not as a mixed drink. OW.

4) I'm obsessed with owls. Getting an owl tattoo may resolve this issue or intensify it, who knows.

5) I've noticed recently that my left pit is stinkier than the right, and I have no idea why or if it's always been this way. Maybe the tattoo on my right shoulder affected it? Or I've got a chi blockage on my left side? It's confirmed by KBD - poor thing sleeps on my left. Heh. Hoping Oyin Funk Butter will solve the issue.

6) I drink water constantly. Constantly. If I don't have a fuck-off giant water bottle with me at work or at home, I get kind of nervous. (from j)

7) I know I'm smarter than a lot of people. I also know that I'm dumber than most of my friends. (from j)

8) Water left running is nails on a chalkboard to me.

9) Due to pain issues in my hands, I often look down to discover that my right hand is making the "fig sign*," which can be the letter "t," a blessing, or an obscene gesture depending on where one is the the world. *fingers curled, thumb poking out between index and middle finger

10) I have a giant fucking vocabulary (that I often get shamed into not using), and yet my favorite word is still "fuck". (from j) bonus note - i tend to use bigger words the tireder I am - i once notably remarked to my therapist, during one sleepy session, that "we needed a fully integrated non-binary gender nomenclature."