For those not on FB, I have some really good news! Drew and I have been close-lipped because we didn't want to raise hopes, but remember that canyon house with the gorgeous views? It fell out of escrow and the agent approached us. Well...we were still in the cancellation window and were able to back out of the other house, which we liked but didn't love. We took some HUGE risks in our offer because this is the house of our dreams, but WE GOT IT! We are taking it as is, knowing we have some repairs will have to be made and such, but guys...THIS IS GOING TO BE OUR HOUSE!

Link went POOF for now. If you want to see, reach out to me via email.

Mostly lurky me is here, shamelessly asking for conversational help.

x-post from FB:

So, it is push has come to shove time for me to negotiate a 'moving package' with my landlord. I am actually ready to make a change now that the friend I have been caring for this year has passed.

BUT, there are a couple of things that need doing before I can.

Sadly, my long-term attorney's have chosen the most crucial point in this process to essentially fall apart. Could I please have a conversation with a legal-adjacent Buffista to figure out how to express my needs/concerns to the lawyers effectively?

Suddenly my normal communication skills seem to have no effect on them. Their actions, or lack there of, are actively putting me in danger.

Plus, they have left their shoddy work so late that I have only 2 days to either get someone else, or convince of them what they need to do.

I have a tiny bit of money and a larger set of barter opportunities to offer in return for your help.

::Imagine a pleading expression::

My profile addy is good, or I have no problem having the conversation in the FB group.

For anyone who isn't on FB, we are closing on the house in the canyon (which did NOT burn down) next week! Yay!

I don't think she's been active lately (not sure because I haven't) but wanted to let you all know that Ouise died early this morning.

She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer just over a year ago and unfortunately did not respond to treatment. We are so thankful that she retained good quality of life this last year and was very much herself (aware and full of wit) until the day before yesterday.

Thank you all so much for being part of her world, I know she appreciated the friendships she found here (especially a few close irl friends)

The week before Christmas I interviewed for a part-time job at the public library. I just got the call: i've Got the job!

I go in tomorrow to do paperwork and schedule training.

I am extremely excited: a buffista in her natural habitat.

Eight years ago today, I married this guy I met on a Buffy fan board — hell, he even proposed here. He's still pretty great. Thanks for my marriage, Buffistas!

If I could get some surgery~ma for my nephew. He underwent the first of two surgeries today to remove a tumor from his nasal cavity. (It's benign, but in a bad location.) Thanks!

Success! All of our party submitted Kilimanjaro safely yesterday just before noon local time. We are exhausted but safely back in town, happy for beer and hot showers.

I am very excited to make the following announcement! Please share and disseminate the information among your online communities wherever you think there might be interest.

Here's the press release:

The Kenyon Review is excited to announce a new Summer Seminar for the week of June 16-23, 2018.

Immerse yourself in the cultural ferment of the downtown New York art scene of the sixties with a full week of interdisciplinary study on the most influential American band in rock history, The Velvet Underground.

Join music writer and pop culture historian, David Smay, and arts educator, Ellen Leerburger in tracing the origins of the Velvet Underground through their relationship with Andy Warhol's Factory and place them within the context of the music, art, theater and cinematic avant garde of their era.

Each day will focus on one of their original albums from a rich store of recordings, video, film and visual art to supplement our critique and exploration. Classwork will involve student presentations on individual songs, as well as post-VU solo recordings by various members, and musicians or bands directly influenced by the Velvets. Particular focus will be brought on the Velvet Underground's profound influence on entire genres (Glam, Punk, Post-Punk, Paisley Underground, Goth, Indie Rock, Industrial, Krautrock, Shoegaze) and artists and bands such as David Bowie, Roxy Music, The Modern Lovers, Television, Talking Heads, The Feelies, R.E.M, The Smiths, The Dream Syndicate, Jesus and Mary Chain, The Pixies, My Bloody Valentine, Belle and Sebastian, Luna and The Strokes (among others).

Price includes a full week of room and board at Kenyon College, one of the most beautiful college campuses in America. This is a once in a life-time dream opportunity for any serious music fan.

Here is the link to the course. You need to create a profile to register. As noted this includes a full week of room and board in beautiful (seriously) Gambier, Ohio. So this is a big event splurge more than an impulse buy. Though it does qualify as an academic conference for those of you who could justify it as professional development.

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