Zydekitten: What a Difference a Year Makes!

[Zydekitten]

Hey, Y'all -

Yes, the Kitten is back on the Boreds! I had to hibernate for awhile, while I got my life back on track. But, what a difference a year makes from the relatively awful one of 2006.

So, for anyone who's interested - here's Kitten's 2006 wrap-up/2007 update. After seeing my beloved T-head krewe, and working at Miss Lena's ZDC beverage tent at 'Fest, I:

- Lost my job, due to federal unfunding.

- Went on my yearly sea kayaking trip to the San Juan Islands and saw whales.

- Got a new office job up here in Nevada City for some very nice guys (but which didn't pay much).

- Went to High Sierra Music Festival (yay), where I missed seeing the Most Excellent Potters (boo).

- Volunteered for a week at a whitewater kayaking camp for kids with HIV/AIDS that changed my life (both from the paddling and also from meeting a GREAT man/fellow volunteer)!

- Quit my new office job, and took an independent contract tech support job with the organization I used to work with from 2001-4 (who says irony is dead?!).

- Almost went to Burning Man, but went to Seattle instead to visit man from kayaking camp and see about moving up there.

- After Seattle visit, the possible relationship with great man from kayaking camp didn't materialize (oh, well - it was still great), stayed in Nevada City.

- Found INCREDIBLE, WONDERFUL relationship with long-time friend (Dennis) who is now out of his long-term relationship!!! He's not only a great guy, but is born and raised in NOLA and goes to JF each and every year!!

- Dennis and I have been spending the past three months together, going to shows here in California, rooting for the Saints and LSU football/basketball teams, spending the holidays together.

- Was coming home from volunteering at charity event in S.F., car ran out of gas on Hwy. 80 and was then rear-ended (me in my car AND the Good Samaritan pushing it) and forced down a ravine from impact. Still dealing with that.

- We went to New Orleans for the week before Christmas to build houses with Habitat in the Musicians' Village to celebrate the Kitten's birthday. It was great and we saw some great live, local music while there (Kermit's Birthday/Pajama/Holiday Jam with Rebirth and Irvin Mayfield at HOB, Papa Grows Funk at dba, Joe Krown Combo at dba, Hot Club of New Orleans at dba).

- Got two new tattoos to mark passages this year.


That's about it - sorry for the overlong post. Dennis and I just bought our Burning Man tickets for this year and are also getting ready for Jazzfest 2007. Now that the rest of my life seems to be calming down, I'm ready to get heated up with y'all on the Boreds and see everyone at 'Fest!

Much love, peace and blessings to you all - I hope that 2007 is a fabulous year of joy, health, happiness and laughter for you and your loved ones!

What's new with all of you??

[pokerchick66]

Hey my little sweetheart! I sure have missed our adventures in the bar on the old bored, lol. Boy, you sure did have a jampacked year full of life! Glad you have found a fellow fester to hang with and I look forward to meeting him. He must be cool if you like him. Only 100 more days, kitten; can't wait to see you! :D

[Amy Winette]

Hey Kitty! Jeff really wants to do Burning Man one of these years too . . . Nice to have you back!! :)

[grisgris]

Welcome back Zydekitty, sounds like lots of up & downs for you in 2006. Hope all is ups in 2007. Check out your birthday thread, Pokie pushed it back up for you. Welcome home sweetie, we missed you.

[swag]

Hey ZDK, that's quite a tale.

Good for you finding a Jazzfester for your fella.

Was the samaritan pushing the car ok? That sounds horrible.

But I'm curious about Burning Man. I always thought it was a random anarchist gathering and performance art festival out in the middle of nowhere in the desert. And now your telling me that you need to buy tickets to go? That's just wrong. Next you'll be telling me that it's the Burning Man Festival Presented by Coors.

[Amy Winette]

It's a mini organized society Swag. The old timers in San Fran will tell you it's not what it used to be but I still have plenty of friends who enjoy it a lot :)

I thought High Sierra was awesome Kitten, did you? This was our first year. Getting a camping spot was a little bit of an ordeal though.

[Zydekitten]

Thanks, Chip Chop Mama!! I, too, have very much missed being a bar fly with you on Ye Olde Boreds - hopefully, we can cause some trouble in these newfangled boreds that the kids today are using!

I did have quite the character-building year in 2006, but they say everything happens for a reason and maybe getting to have DenBear in my life is the reason. I like to think that maybe he's my reward for trying to be a good person all of these years . . .

http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o67/Zydekitten/sweet_sweet_remote.jpg

That is a picture of Dennis talking to Harvey, the rabbit. Actually, that's Dennis working for RockMed at the Sierra Nevada Music Festival talking to a rabbit.

He is WAY cool, and you'll get to meet him at the Bored meetings during 'Fest '07.

[Zydekitten]

Okay, actually - that's NOT Dennis! [dern newfangled bored!]

Let's try it again this time:

http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o67/Zydekitten/DSC00417.jpg

[Amy Winette]

Thanks, Chip Chop Mama!! I, too, have very much missed being a bar fly with you on Ye Olde Boreds - hopefully, we can cause some trouble in these newfangled boreds that the kids today are using!

I did have quite the character-building year in 2006, but they say everything happens for a reason and maybe getting to have DenBear in my life is the reason. I like to think that maybe he's my reward for trying to be a good person all of these years . . .

http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o67/Zydekitten/sweet_sweet_remote.jpg

That is a picture of Dennis talking to Harvey, the rabbit. Actually, that's Dennis working for RockMed at the Sierra Nevada Music Festival talking to a rabbit.

He is WAY cool, and you'll get to meet him at the Bored meetings during 'Fest '07.

I was gonna say, you've got yourself one cute man there kitty!

Then I saw the next pix and you do have yourself a cute guy :)

[Zydekitten]

Thanks! I missed all of you guys too!

To answer some of the above questions:

- Sweet Cracker Sandwich! It was indeed quite a year, one that I am glad to see in the rear-view mirror.

- Yes, I am SO outrageously happy to have found Dennis - not only a native Ragin' Cajun (his folks are Boudreauxes from Thibodeau), but to also find a fellow Fest Lover. I can't wait until Fest this year!!!

- Yes, unfortunately the Good Samaritan pushing my car was also hit by the car rear-ending me. He has two broken legs and an attorney. SIGH :-(

- LMAO, Swag!!! No, it'll be the Tostitos Burning Man Festival. Burning Man is indeed a semi-organized society as well as an anachistic one too. I have friends in S.F. who've been going for many years and Dennis went for his first burn last year (I was supposed to go with him, but went to Seattle instead). I'm REALLY looking forward to it this year!

- High Sierra was great! Den was also there, along with some other friends - we had a tremendous fun and funky time (LOVE the fire dancers!). Yes, getting a camping spot (not to mention a parking spot) can be interesting - luckily Den had gotten there early on Thursday and snagged a good one for us.

Lastly, "Junior Member???!!!" How does one get to exalted ranks of "Senior Member" on this bored? :confused:

[Zydekitten]

Yeah, well - you know men and dere remotes, don't cha? ;^D

[Zydekitten]

Here's a better photo of DenBear (he is yummy and almost as adorable as the wittle kitty):

http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o67/Zydekitten/Dennis_HIghSierra2006.jpg

That was from High Sierra 2006.

[funkkjunkie]

Welcom home, kitty, and just keep talking. Before long, you'll be a senior like the rest of us. ;)

[Zydekitten]

Thanks, Junkie!

Keep talking, huh? I don't think that will be too much of a problem - I'm way too chatty for my own good!

Any insight on why my last photo posting didn't work correctly??

[Amy Winette]

Oh its easy, you just need 30 posts to member, then 100 to senior member.

Apparently there are no designations above that. Harumph. :(

[saturn]

Oh its easy, you just need 30 posts to member, then 100 to senior member.

Apparently there are no designations above that. Harumph. :(

We do need more categories -- just let's not have them age-related. I don't want to be an "ancient member" quite yet.:eek:

[pokerchick66]

Thanks, Chip Chop Mama!! I, too, have very much missed being a bar fly with you on Ye Olde Boreds - hopefully, we can cause some trouble in these newfangled boreds that the kids today are using!

I did have quite the character-building year in 2006, but they say everything happens for a reason and maybe getting to have DenBear in my life is the reason. I like to think that maybe he's my reward for trying to be a good person all of these years . . .

http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o67/Zydekitten/sweet_sweet_remote.jpg

That is a picture of Dennis talking to Harvey, the rabbit. Actually, that's Dennis working for RockMed at the Sierra Nevada Music Festival talking to a rabbit.

He is WAY cool, and you'll get to meet him at the Bored meetings during 'Fest '07.

lol, wow! I was gonna say kitten really does like kittens! Glad you found one with two legs. :D

Sorry to hear about all your troubles but whatever doesn't kill ya makes you stronger, right? And sounds like you made it through with flying colors. Nice pitcures, too!

[ohio]

welcome back, ZKitty!

[Zydekitten]

Damn, you been postin' girl!!! If you can't get any other designation at over 1,200 posts, other than "Senior" . . . Harumph indeed!

Now, tell me about your other aliases (Vina, Amy Winette) - what's the story with these?

[pokerchick66]

Damn, you been postin' girl!!! If you can't get any other designation at over 1,200 posts, other than "Senior" . . . Harumph indeed!

Now, tell me about your other aliases (Vina, Amy Winette) - what's the story with these?

lol, Amy's the new Poker. ;)

[Amyloves...]

Hey Zydekitty!!!

[Zydekitten]

Yes, I didn't want to point that out - but I had wondered if I had stumbled into some Bizarro World bored . . .

[Zydekitten]

{{{{{{{Hey, Amy Loves!!}}}}}}}

[pokerchick66]

Yes, I didn't want to point that out - but I had wondered if I had stumbled into some Bizarro World bored . . .

Oh, without a doubt. :D

[Amyloves...]

I thought YOU had gone bizzarro world posting a kitten as your man! Whew!

[pokerchick66]

I thought YOU had gone bizzarro world posting a kitten as your man! Whew!

LMAO!

[Zydekitten]

Well, I DO love da kitties . . . and he is a bit furry . . . ;^D

[Amy Winette]

I AM the new Poker! She's gaining but I've got a comfortable lead :)

Well, the Amy Winette was a combination of my love of wine and country music (like Tami Wynette). And Vina was also suggested, but I thought that was too duplicative on the wine front and didn't want to lose the Amy, wanted people to still be able to figure out who I am ;)

The avatar is too small to see clearly but it's me in my fest chair with my crackberry and beer, the quintesential Amy pix (as T-Bird said when she sent it to me) :D

[mightyradgumbo]

Welcome back, chica...you were definitely missed.
To answer your last question-post,post, post :D
Good to hear the ball is bouncing your way-karma, ain't it wonderful?

[Zydekitten]

I AM the new Poker! She's gaining but I've got a comfortable lead :)

Well, the Amy Winette was a combination of my love of wine and country music (like Tami Wynette). And Vina was also suggested, but I thought that was too duplicative on the wine front and didn't want to lose the Amy, wanted people to still be able to figure out who I am ;)

The avatar is too small to see clearly but it's me in my fest chair with my crackberry and beer, the quintesential Amy pix (as T-Bird said when she sent it to me) :D

The Poker is dead; long live the Poker, I guess.

Ah, thanks for the nickname explanation and I like them! When in doubt, get more wine is what I say . . . especially at wine o'clock.

And yes, an avatar of you with your Crackberry and a beverage is indeed the quintessential Amy photo!! LOL :D

[Zydekitten]

Welcome back, chica...you were definitely missed.
To answer your last question-post,post, post :D
Good to hear the ball is bouncing your way-karma, ain't it wonderful?

Many thanks for the kind wishes, my friend!

I''m working on it!! I hope to get at least to "Member" (no jokes please) by the end of tomorrow ;)

[Corona]

Kitten!!!!!!! Wahooooo!!! You're back :) Wow, you've had one helluva year girl. BUT, it looks like despite all the difficulties, the universe's plan for you has been a good one. Dennis sounds wonderful and I'm so happy for you. Amazing how life happens sometimes huh? We missed you lots and don't you ever leave like that AGAIN!!!! xoxoxoxoxoxox

Welcome back sweetie :)

[pokerchick66]

Hey kitten, I loved all your lovely pictures but it sure would be nice if you put one of yourself up there! :)

[Zydekitten]

Hey kitten, I loved all your lovely pictures but it sure would be nice if you put one of yourself up there! :)

Well [sheesh], I generally try to avoid inflicting photographic trauma on those that I love and care about (such as your fine selves) . . . but okay [gulp], here goes . . .

Here's one of me at Camp Liquid (the whitewater kayaking camp):

http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o67/Zydekitten/LisaatLake.jpg

And here's one of me at High Sierra:

http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o67/Zydekitten/LisaatHighSierra.jpg

[pokerchick66]

Oh, how pretty! I love it, I love it! Thank you, my dahling. You just put a smile on my face. :)

[Zydekitten]

Kitten!!!!!!! Wahooooo!!! You're back :) Wow, you've had one helluva year girl. BUT, it looks like despite all the difficulties, the universe's plan for you has been a good one. Dennis sounds wonderful and I'm so happy for you. Amazing how life happens sometimes huh? We missed you lots and don't you ever leave like that AGAIN!!!! xoxoxoxoxoxox

Welcome back sweetie :)
It's good to be back in the bosom (no double entendre intended) of my Threadhead fambly!!! :)

It was one hellacious year, but that which does not kill us, only makes us stronger, right . . . RIGHT?!

Dennis is wonderful and makes me so happy, the happiest I've been in years - just when I thought I was gonna dry up and become a crazy cat lady, I find someone special right under my nose (as it were).

I missed y'all too and will never disappear like that again - I promise (yes, mom)! Although it's hard enough to concentrate on work with my Ragin' Cajun here, much less hanging around the Bored bars with the likes of youse guys. ;)

xoxoxoxo

[pokerchick66]

Don't feel bad, kitten, I was out of pocket for awhile, too. I just came back on recently. Sucked back into the vortex that is the JF chat bored, lol.

[Zydekitten]

Oh, how pretty! I love it, I love it! Thank you, my dahling. You just put a smile on my face. :)

Awww, stop it, Mon [kicking at ground sheepishly] - but thanks for the kind words, y'all have always brought a smile to mine - I'm happy I can return the favor!

[Corona]

all is right with the world again....the gurls are back :) Now where the hell is Jodie?????

[Zydekitten]

Don't feel bad, kitten, I was out of pocket for awhile, too. I just came back on recently. Sucked back into the vortex that is the JF chat bored, lol.
LOL!!!

Man, sucked back into the vortex is right!! If only I could get a paycheck for doing this . . .

Hmmmmm ;)

[pokerchick66]

LOL!!!

Man, sucked back into the vortex is right!! If only I could get a paycheck for doing this . . .

Hmmmmm ;)

It for real is a full-time job.


Okay, I need my shakin bartender Jodie in here now!!

[Zydekitten]

all is right with the world again....the gurls are back :) Now where the hell is Jodie?????
When the Threadhead coven regathers, the world had just better watch out - MUAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

:cool:

[dumbtourist]

[quote=Zydekitten;13457]
Here's one of me at Camp Liquid (the whitewater kayaking camp):

http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o67/Zydekitten/LisaatLake.jpg

Kitty, were you learning to do an Eskimo Roll? Did you get good at it??

[Zydekitten]

Yup, you got it, Tourist! That was the day we were all practicing our rolls and wet exits before we got on the river. I'm much better at the wet exit, but did okay with the rolls, however this year I want to go to Otter Bar for more intensive whitewater learning before this year's camp.

I've been sea kayaking and river rafting for years, but this was the first time I had really attempted whitewater kayaking. Here's another photo I found of me on the river:
http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o67/Zydekitten/LisaTryingtoKayak.jpg

[Amy Winette]

Somebody ping Jodie on Myspace!

[Zydekitten]

Somebody ping Jodie on Myspace!
Yeah! Where in hell is dat damn Jodie?!! Kitten's almost out of pinot noir!!

:mad:

[dumbtourist]

[quote=Zydekitten;13545]I've been sea kayaking and river rafting for years, but this was the first time I had really attempted whitewater kayaking.

Well, you should be ready for some serious white water....like some class III and IV rapids. Come on down to the Ocoee and lets get wet!

[Zydekitten]

[quote=Zydekitten;13545]I've been sea kayaking and river rafting for years, but this was the first time I had really attempted whitewater kayaking.

Well, you should be ready for some serious white water....like some class III and IV rapids. Come on down to the Ocoee and lets get wet!

I don't know about being ready for THAT [quailing a bit], unless it's in a raft. I'm MUCH more comfortable in that class of rapids rafting than I am all alone in a kayak - I'm still quite the doofus newbie with that type of paddling (not to mention that I'd had a bad, BAD experience with my ex-husband in some wannabe "ducky" inflatable kayaks on that river many years ago that have still scarred me a bit).

However, I AM determined to overcome my whitewater kayaking nervousness and really get more comfortable paddling rivers in my own craft! And then, I'll TOTALLY be up for Class III and IV on the Ochoee, dude!!! :)