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Lost_Warrior

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  1. Lost_Warrior
    Today, August 14, 2007 I became an Initiate on the Pathway of the Gods.
     
    This wasn't supposed to happen until Samhain, or maybe one of the Dark or Full moons surrounding it. My mother Morrigan, however, had other plans. (And you *don't* argue with Her! ) When I told her I was ready, I was expecting to decide then what date would be right. Instead the reply I got was "well what are you waiting for??"
     
    The ritual took place near the same spot in the forest where I did my Coming of Age Rite several weeks ago. In my street clothes, doing surprisingly well to remember the Oaths and Rite, because, I did not bother to memorize it yet nor did I have it with me to read. The words came easily to me; my fear of speaking Ritual aloud has vanished.
     
    It wasn't quite what I expected, but I should know better than to have expectations where gods are concerned! I feel an odd sense of kinship with everything living around me; my mother Morrigan is no longer next to me; I am a part of Her, and She a part of me. I wouldn't want it any other way.
     
    It took me several hours to regain my bearings again. Time did not exist for me anymore; it was as if it simply vanished. I could not think in a linear fashion. (I hear this is normal for initiations...the feeling went away in a few hours but in the mean time I'm glad I didn't have to be anywhere!!)
     
    Tonight I am celebrating, in my own quiet way. A glass of the sparkling grape juice usually reserved for ritual, and watching the sun set from my stone circle. Did I mention I built a circle? Oy vey, I'm behind on this thing!
     
    I built it last week sometime. I hauled the stones from the creek (which is pretty well dried up, so the stones were easy to access). Through daily use it's becoming quite well sacred. I feel most connected to the Celtic deities there; and more connected to the Roman deities at my altar inside. I built it for Morrigan. It's Her place.
     
    On Saturday I did my Dark Moon ritual. It was the first time I've ever done a moon ritual and it was very moving!! I can't wait for the next Dark Moon so that I can do it again!!
  2. Lost_Warrior
    This week has been filled with work on my personal path. I've renamed it Pathway of the Gods (on the suggestion of someone on Covenspace.com; I was clear out of ideas) because Walking With the Gods is just...not poetic at all. I've done a lot of work on the actual *path* part of it. Designing and working the bugs out of curricula, deciding on appropriate coursework, and actually *doing* the coursework myself. On top of that, I've written the Dedication and Initiation (both forming a two-part Initiation Rite that I am planning to do myself on Samhain.) This was a challenge because, it had to be significant not only to myself, but to any seekers that might come my way (I'm not taking on any students until I've done all of the coursework myself, though, and maybe more). I wanted the ritual to be as "standard" as possible while still allowing for personal elements to be added in that would make it meaningful to everyone.
     
    On top of all of this, I've been slowly separating the actual Pathwork from the things I've written in my blog so far. Basically this involves keeping separate in my head "Pathwork and Coursework" from "essays written by someone on the path". I haven't removed anything from my blog yet; there are a few things I'm thinking of adapting to pathwork but I don't think I'll actually remove anything that's already there.
     
    I've been getting a lot of help on all of this from Mari, who is an elder priestess of the Gwyddonic Order and the founder of the College of the Blue Butterfly. I've actually been giving a lot of thought to joining the Gwyddonic Order myself as their beliefs very closely match mine (to the point that it's downright scary.) I've decided that I really need to get my Pathwork done before I consider doing work on any other path; it may well be that I *never* end up becoming a Gwiddon; or it may be that in a few years, I've devoted myself entirely to that path. Only time will tell.
     
    I went shopping today and before I went, I asked that I might find a robe suitable for ritual use. I should have been more specific; I had envisioned a dark blue, or purple, or green or even black robe, plain, and open up the front (to be tied). Or at least a solid dark color. What I *got* was a handmade and used (so slightly stained), WHITE robe with embroidered pink and purple flowers!! It's nothing like what I wanted, but it's perfect. Damnit, the Gods have a sense of humor! Could this be payback for my crack about the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Love Bug? (long story, don't ask LOL)
     
    On a more mundane note, I'm still jobless. Turns out Dave really DID only want a subcontractor. No fault of mine, just a misunderstanding. I can't do that job obviously, unless I have a shop to work in, which I don't. I did get ahold of William Poust, who is a blacksmith in the area. He doesn't have anything for me either, but he seemed really cool, and he said he'd keep and eye and an ear out for me. If I don't get any leads this week, I'm going to start looking into different jobs, saving up money and trying hard to get a shop set up. This is not going as planned! I only hope that I don't forget everything by the time I have a chance to start working again!! Either way, I am NOT going to work at one of the busier locations in town. I really do enjoy working with people; but only in small doses. I can't handle another experience like this past winter.
  3. Lost_Warrior
    I don't know how it happened, but when I was going to screw around with Snapfire, I found a copy of Corel Paint Shop Pro on my computer!! I don't know where it came from; the only thing I can think of is that it came loaded on the computer (it did come with a lot of photo software). It's better than anything I've ever used (so I doubly hope it's not just a trial version that will go away). I am so psyched!!
     
    As of this moment, I'm back into digital art.
     
    Now it's going to be REALLY hard for me to break my techno habit.
  4. Lost_Warrior

    Hopeful

    By Lost_Warrior,

    Well I talked to the guy who would have been my boss today. He said that he really was only looking for a subcontractor (and that I really hadn't made an issue by calling too much; I and my friend had both blown it out of proportion). I'm unable to be a subcontractor until I have a shop to work in, but I said I'd give him a call as soon as I had a place to work. He asked for my number as well which shows me he definitely is interested. He also filled me in on the name of the guy in Beaver Lake. I had been looking for him.
     
    So I went to yellowpages.com and searched for the guy in Beaver Lake...I found two that seemed likely and the first one I called was it. I left a message, I hope he calls me back. Wouldn't it be awesome if he could use another set of hands in the shop?!
  5. Lost_Warrior

    Oh Well

    By Lost_Warrior,

    I got home yesterday (finally! It was great to be able to sleep in my own bed!). I went into my old work just to say hi and ran into my friend. She seemed angry with me, it turns out that the reason the job I thought I had wasn't working out as planned was because a) I had been calling my perspective boss' house (I was given that number and I had assumed they had a home office; it didn't make sense that I would be given his *home* phone number!!) I called a few too many times (even though I was told to call back later in hopes of catching him!) and c) I was following some very well meaning advice that obviously I shouldn't have followed. Basically, I was a bit overzealous and in trying to secure a job, I pissed off the guy's wife and blew it.
     
    I hope I didn't get my friend who had hooked me up with the guy in trouble; I don't think I said anything that would put him in a difficult position if things didn't work out (I was careful not to do that!) but I don't know what *he* said. I guess I can't do anything about how far he chooses to stick his neck out; but I still feel responsible.
     
    I'm going to call him tonight, and I'll call the guy I was going to work for tomorrow. Basically I'm going to say something like "I'm sorry I kept calling your house, honestly I thought that you had a home office and did not realize that I'd been given your home phone number. I didn't mean to cause any disruption in calling to tell you when I'd be back in town, I was following well meaning advice that I shouldn't have followed. If you still want to talk to me we'll set something up and if not, just tell me now and I'll go away, no hard feelings."
     
    I'm not too worried about not getting the job, I know I can make something work. I've got more than one back up plan! I *am* kicking myself in the butt though!
     
    I came home and the energy here is much better than it was when I left. I still feel a bit pissy whenever I'm here and I don't entirely know why. I guess I have to work on the energy here, because this doesn't happen elsewhere.
     
    I see my mom has a lot of new books that I might like to read. I started one called "Sexual Life in Ancient Rome" or something like that (can't remember now) and though it's written in a style that's a bit dry, it is very interesting.
  6. Lost_Warrior
    I finally got to New Hope today, and I finally got my gemstone runestones! They are made of sunstone, and they are beautiful! I actually first bought a set of rainbow moonstone ones, but I couldn't connect with them, like there was a shield around them and they wanted nothing to do with me. I couldn't stop thinking about the sunstone ones! I swear they were calling me so loudly I couldn't ignore it, so I actually went back and asked if I could trade the moonstone ones I'd just bought for the sunstone ones! The guy was confused at first, but he let me. I felt really weird asking, but I couldn't leave the other ones there. The little sunstone guys seem quite happy with me...and the moonstone ones must have been meant for someone else; I do hope they find their home soon. It's actually kind of annoying being "called" by objects so strongly.
     
    I also finally got my dragon's blood perfume oil. I had some, but it was fake, and the smell was similar to Lady Stetson (to which I'm allergic) with undertones of dragon's blood. I had to force myself to get used to it (after nearly violent reactions to the scent). This stuff smells nothing like that, it's sweet, and flowery, and woodsy all at once. And it smells like *home*. I love it. Plus, it is long lasting (by long lasting I mean I took a shower...and the smell is still on me! the fake stuff is like that as well, but not as noticeably.) The funny thing is, they were out of the oil that they carry that I like so much, so I had to go with a different brand. I got to smell some of the stuff they had left (not enough for a whole bottle) and I actually really like this better! If they had had theirs, I probably wouldn't have gotten this.
     
    All in all I had a really good day. I am really excited to go home (for one thing, I want to see how my myrrh oil turned out after 8 weeks or so!) and it'll be great to be in my own bed again (plus, this bedroom is so small. I literally have to vault over the bed to get from one side of the room to the other!). I also can't wait to get my own shop set up.
     
    I haven't actually worked with my runes yet but I hopefully will start doing that tomorrow. I just wish I could get to my google bookmarks on this computer; I have a link to a really good rune site that I can't remember the name of.
  7. Lost_Warrior
    Well, I'm back safe and sound in PA. I really missed Pennsylvania, and any thoughts I once had of moving out west are now completely gone. I love this place.
     
    Yesterday we went to Green Dragon...it's a HUGE flea market both indoors and outdoors. It's enormous. I didn't buy anything but a sno cone and a pretzel, but I had a good time just checking everything out.
     
    This afternoon my cousin is getting married. It's going to be so weird that Becky is going to be a Pearson instead of a McJilton! Ack! I'm really happy for her though; I hope she and her new husband are very happy. I made her a vase full of silk flowers for a wedding gift, and painted their names, and the date they will be married on it.
     
    I've come to the conclusion that my family has figured out that I'm Pagan, but are ignoring it. I'm not going to rock the boat and bring it up, they are rather Fundamentalist Christian (I wouldn't go so far as to call most of them "Fundy"...at least, if they were once, they've mellowed out quite a bit).
     
    The other day I officially dedicated myself to Morrigan. I've been dedicated to her for years, I just did it officially in ceremony the other day. Short, to the point, and spontaneous. I'm not sure why exactly she wanted me to do it but I did it anyway. Half the time I have no clue why gods want me to do things.
     
    I wrote a few more posts for Love, Hope and Life and I put in a table of contents. Breaks things up into slightly different categories and lists every post on the same page. It was a pain, now I'm just going to have to remember to update it every time I write a new post. I'm working on getting everything "set up" and then I'm going to initiate myself....on the surface it seems like an initiation is rather pointless, but it feels like the right thing to do. Plus, I want the experience of how ritual initiations work so that if I'm ever working on one for someone else, I'm not "flying blind". If I'm going to screw it up or have some sort of unforeseen undesired consequence, I want it to happen to me and not someone I'm working with.
     
    Today I finally was able to speak to my friend, who is having a very rough time of it. It's a huge load off my mind to hear from her that she's doing quite well. I am still worried about her, and have been for some time; but it was nice knowing that she's alive and well, and that the prospects for her future are indeed bright.
     
    Tomorrow I'm going to New Hope and it promises to be an excellent day!! I'm going to get some Dragon's Blood oil (real thing, and scented. Not the fake stuff I have now, or alternately the stuff that has no scent) and a set of Rune stones. I have been looking for the Runes but haven't found them yet, I know where I will probably get them. They're calling me, I think I'm ready for them now.
  8. Lost_Warrior

    Going Home

    By Lost_Warrior,

    I'm going back to PA tonight at 3 25 AM (yay?). I'm exhausted and so NOT looking forward to the trip. I am really going to miss being out here in MN and working with Al. I've learned so much, I can't wait to get my own shop set up and see what I can do!
     
    The birdbath stand that was such a pain in the ass got taken out by some wind, it's a real shame after all I went through with it. It was a good project though, I learned a lot. We went to Raven Works Forge and I got to meet Joel and Sue; they're really cool, and I had a great time talking to them. I learned so much just from seeing things from a different perspective. It was so inspiring.
     
    Yesterday and today I worked on a "letter opener" that turned into a mini replica of an Amazon war spear with a Norse Rune engraved handle (Uruz, if you must know. I'm thinking of getting it tattooed on me somewhere. My ankle maybe?) It was a lot of work but I'm finally happy with the result. Wish it was a little sharper. I also made an armband that kind of matches my tattoo. I'm totally psyched about it and can't wait to wear it everywhere and show it off! Fire is such a fun addiction....
     
    I got some bad news this morning, apparently the place I had a job lined up for is not hiring a full time blacksmith (of course, this came from the boss' wife, not himself. I just asked her to take a message for me that I'd be home in two weeks). I was a little taken aback by it but I'm not that upset. While I don't feel completely ready to set up my own shop yet (I'm not talking about hanging a sign and being an official business...just having a place to work on my own stuff) it looks like I'm going to have to and to be honest, I'm quite excited about it! I just wish I had more money to start out with. I don't want to have to get a loan...I've got my mom on it; if anyone can ferret out an opportunity, she can!
     
    Of course this means that my NEPA newsletter might not be able to be in print like I wanted; at least not unless advertising can cover the costs. That's OK with me, although of course it's a disappointment. I can always do it the free online way!
     
    I've been busy, and I didn't get to read all the books I had planned to or all the writing done either...I guess I'm just not the bookworm I used to be. I would say I'll get alot of it done on the train but I know I won't. I'm hoping to sleep as much as I possibly can.
     
    I am really not looking forward to the train ride over two days. It's only two layovers and shouldn't be as harrowing as the ride out here but at the same time I'm nervous about it. I don't like giving up control. Next time I come out here I'm definitely going to drive...driving is fun, and I really enjoy long trips in the car. On the train, not so much.
     
    See you Sunday night! (or Monday morning).
  9. Lost_Warrior
    On Saturday I didn't get to go to the horse show, so I went to the Farmer's Market with Kathy. I am sure glad I did (I'm not disappointed at all about missing the horse show anymore. I was there for a little bit.) I met three people who I could talk about paganism with. The first was the salesgirl at a clothing store; she approached me and asked about my jewlery. It turns out she's Wiccan and we talked for about fifteen minutes on the subject of religion. The second was Robin who works at Brigid's House (a pagan store). We talked for at least an hour and a half about all sorts of things, and then I found out that someone we know is also pagan. More "wanna-be" than anything else but it was still cool talking to her.
     
    Such a warm and open pagan community here leaves me longing for such contact when I return home. There are many pagans where my dad lives, but when I still lived there I was not able to appreciate it. On Sunday I was parusing around Witchvox and I ran into the NEPA pagan group. I quickly joined, and I'm hoping that through the NEPA group I will make lots of real life pagan friends in my area. I've actually considered writing pagan essays for the local newspaper and seeing if they'll print them. It's probably not a good idea to do that (I live in a very conservative area) but I feel it's really a step in the right direction towards tolerance and acceptance. I'll have to think about it for a while (am I prepared for all the hate mail? Or I could always write under a pen name.)
     
    One person came back to a pagan forum that I'm a part of, and already is trying to bait me into something. I'm flat out not taking the bait. If she wants to play that game, she can play it in private. I will not be baited into a public argument if that's what she wants. I'm hoping it just blows over but I think she'll cause more trouble if someone else takes her bait.
     
    I finally finished the bird bath stand for Kathy. Boy was it ever a pain in the ass! The leaves I forged kept breaking off...I overworked the poor things...and they had to be MIG welded back on too many times to count. I had difficulties with everything...and was really starting to feel like I couldn't do it, but with a lot of help from Al, I did. And it's done!!! I also made my first horse shoe the other day; I gotta say, really not bad for a first try. Of course I wouldn't put it on a horse but still...and the thing I like most about it is the holes, because I never was able to punch holes before.
     
    I just have to remember how far I've come, when I start to feel bad about what I can't do. When I got here, I couldn't even light a fire; now I'm doing things I couldn't even dream of doing before. I really do think that I have the knowledge (experience only comes with...well...experience!) to do what I need to do when I get back home. And I am truly enjoying it!
  10. Lost_Warrior

    Welding

    By Lost_Warrior,

    Is turning out to be a lot easier especially now that I have a helmet that works properly. Al's helmet is way too big for me, and I had to hold it on, opera-glasses style. My new one is MINE and it's auto-darkening. No more "blind tack welding".
     
    I'm currently working on some Oblisk lawn ornaments. This is actually really fun.
     
    I haven't been this content or "mellow" in a long time. I used to be a complete spaz, but I'm not anymore. It's wonderful.
  11. Lost_Warrior

    Been Busy

    By Lost_Warrior,

    Wow, it's been a while since I updated this; it's been a while since I updated my other blog too. Al is keeping me busy, between working the forge, fishing, and occasionally getting to go with him when he works with horses.
     
    I'm really starting to "get the hang of" this, and he's started turning me loose in the shop and leaving for the day. Yesterday I made a paper towel and tp holder, and the day before that, a decorative hinge. The blisters on my hands have healed and I actually have forearms now! I actually don't know if my family will recognize me when I get back.
     
    Yesterday was the Solstice and we had a bonfire to celebrate. No one we invited showed up, but it was cool anyway. Today I'm going with Al when he works on some horses, and I might get to ride one of them! And tomorrow we're going to a horse show. I love horses, but I'm too small of frame to actually shoe them.
  12. Lost_Warrior

    What a Day!

    By Lost_Warrior,

    Well, my hands are blistered, and my heels are blistered (boots not broke in), I've spark burns on my arms and I'm covered in all sorts of filth...
     
    I finished my first blade today. Not my first successful blade, the first one EVER...and it was successful. Not perfect, but really not bad at all for a first try. I'm absolutely stoked.
     
    I'm so happy to be here now, it feels almost like I've lived here all of my life. I had a great discussion with Kathy last night about energy, past lives, etc. She understands about *everything* I never discuss except for anonymously online. It's GREAT to be able to have a face-to-face conversation about that stuff.
     
    Dinner is almost done, I'm running off!
  13. Lost_Warrior

    I'm Here

    By Lost_Warrior,

    I have made it safely to MN. The journey was interesting, but not that great. I did get to see Pittsburg (beautiful!! I'd LOVE to go back!) and Chicago (nice, but not great). I was so exhausted from dragging my luggage everywhere (too cheap to rent a locker...dragged it all around downtown Chicago). I was 2 days on the rails, luggage in tow the whole time and gods my arms hurt!! I arrived in Detroit Lakes at 3 AM...and the sun was coming up by the time I made it to bed.
     
    I'm having fun, although I'm really homesick at times. Al is already teaching me stuff, I made a nice scroll today (but it got wrecked unfortunately...oh well I'll make hundreds more) and a really nice twist. I'm thrilled, because I have never done these things so well. Kathy is teaching me about herbs and such. The really awesome thing is that they have a lot of pagan friends; they were even considerate enough to ask if I had a "day of rest" in my religion (I don't, but it's so cool that they asked!)
     
    The dog Shotzy got attacked by a wild cat of some sort. She's OK thankfully but the poor dog can barely walk (getting better though).
     
    I have very little time online, so I'll see you all occasionally...
  14. Lost_Warrior

    Tomorrow

    By Lost_Warrior,

    Tomorrow I'm catching the train to MN. It will be at least until Friday before I get online again.
     
    I'm really nervous about the trip, not sure why. It is a lot of things I have never done before, but I think I'll be alright. I just wish I could stop worrying LOL.
     
    We had our memorial day celebration yesterday, and my cousin's friend got his car stuck...you should have seen us trying to get it out. We got it out, but it was by 6 or 7 of us sitting in the trunk to add enough weight to get the front bumper off the pavement. After that KT's friends came over, and we had a "jam session" that went until almost ten PM.
  15. Lost_Warrior
    Scented oils from resin:
    This one is extremely easy; I actually discovered it by accident.
     
    You need:
     
    ~Some carrier oil (grapeseed works well, so does mineral oil; I haven't tried any others. Recommend grapeseed for skin use)
     
    ~Resin incense (such as Frankincense, Myrrh, Copal or other) I can tell you from experience that Dragon's blood does not work well at all sad and Myrrh works phenomenally. mr blue
     
    ~One of those liquid potpourri burner things with a tealight candle (mine is made from soapstone)
     
    ~Of course, a bottle to put the oil in when you're done, and a funnel.
     
    Here's what you do:
     
    ~Grind up the resin and put it in the burner thing, with some oil. For a strong scented oil you'll need to use a good bit of resin; the more resin, the stronger the scent.
     
    ~Light the tealight, and let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes (depending). You should see bubbles start to come up from the resin, and smell it releasing it's scent. When this happens, let it "cook" just a little bit longer. Blow out the candle and let it cool, then take the candle out of the thing and pour both oil and resin into the bottle (the oil will still be warm).
     
    ~You might need to make a couple of batches to fill the bottle because most of those burner things don't hold much oil.
     
    This makes nice anointing oil or just perfume oil. It has a subtle, yet very long lasting scent. (I'm wearing some amber myrrh oil that I put on at about 5 30 AM; it's now 2 04 PM and it's still going strong.) It can be rubbed all over your body, because the scent isn't strong or "harsh".
     
    (Do shake well before applying because the resin will settle out. You'll get bits of resin on your skin but they can be brushed off. Shaking helps the scent.) You probably will only smell carrier oil when you sniff the bottle, but when it's applied the scent comes out.
     
    Enjoy! Oh, and let me know what other resins work with this process. So far I've tried Myrrh (wonderful!), Amber (works well with the Myrrh, never tried it by itself) and Dragon's Blood (doesn't work so well).
     
    Salt Scrub
     
    Another extremely easy recipe:
     
    You need:
     
    ~Salt (sea salt is preferable. Lacking that, table salt works)
     
    ~Baking soda
     
    ~Essential oils of your choice
     
    To make the scrub:
     
    ~Mix some salt and baking soda in a bowl (more salt than baking soda...maybe...one part soda to two parts salt? I don't measure anything...)
     
    ~Add your oils, amount depending on type of oil, and personal preference.
     
    ~Mix well and spoon into a jar
     
    To use scrub:
     
    ~Wet skin
     
    ~Rub salt scrub over skin and then rinse
  16. Lost_Warrior

    FREEDOM!!!!

    By Lost_Warrior,

    I am no longer employed at a certain gas station/subway I've been complaining about for the past several months.
     
    This job has been hard on me. Very hard. No one knows exactly how bad it's gotten, with the exception of maybe a few close friends. But I toughed it out, and I survived. And damnit, now I'm FREE!! I WILL really miss my coworkers though. We had a lot of good times together.
     
    The meeting I was griping about earlier wasn't so bad; I feel like we got some things accomplished; at least, it didn't ruin the rest of my week. That night, we scrubbed the floor of the deli clean. We were high on 409 fumes, and we had a great time. My back, shoulders, ribs and legs still haven't forgiven me.
     
    Tomorrow I am getting up early to do that Coming of Age Rite I've been talking about. Today is the last day of this part of my life. Tomorrow is the dawn of the *rest* of my life. I've done much preparation, but I'm still very nervous. I hope all goes well. It will be done by the time I get online again.
     
    I set off for my dad's on Saturday; I'm spending a few days with that half of the family before catching the train to MN on Wednesday. I'm terrified, but in a good way. I have a hook up for a job doing blacksmithing when I get back; a REALLY COOL job. I really hope it works out. Until Saturday, there remains much packing and preparation to be done, as well as catching up with family and friends one last time before I leave. So much to do, so little time.
  17. Lost_Warrior
    Come on, I can do this! Just four more days of my crappy job left! I can do it, I know I can!
     
    I have a meeting tomorrow at 8 am, about all the ******* that has been going on. It's pretty much guaranteed to make my last four days more stressful, but it's only four days, I can make it.
     
    I have made very good connections apparently, and when I get back from MN, I have a pretty definite hook-up for something that is nearly the perfect job for me (I say nearly because nothing is perfect!). I can't wait, I'm so psyched!!
     
    I'm actually looking forward to tomorrow, because the sooner I get started on my four days, the sooner I can get done with them.
  18. Lost_Warrior
    I'm a member of a website called TC. It's great, the people are great, for the most part, and the conversations are wonderful. The one thing that really bugs me is that the hosts are a bit erm...pushy. And one thing they are VERY pushy about is that each reply must contain a quote, made using the quote button, of the post you're replying to. It doesn't matter if you are making a general reply to everyone, you still have to quote *something*. It's very annoying, but I don't think the quote button is the issue that I have with it. It's the attitude of the staff about it. They're trying to make an SMF forum into a Beehive forum, because they "hate drill-down forums" and "they can't do their job if they can't follow the threads" so they want a link back to some thread or other in *every post*. Done in a specific way. Ok, not my fault they can't figure out what people are saying. They must have the conversational awareness of dead flies, if they can't figure out when a post is in general to everyone and when someone is replying to a specific person.
     
    I really wish there was another website around where I could talk about paganism the same way I can talk about it there.
     
    I'm REALLY hoping the issues between my coworkers have been resolved. I have to go to work today, and I really don't want to. I am so freakin' sick of the DRAMA around that place. If I have to deal with 8 hours of one particular person not doing her job, making messes and stirring up trouble (I'm starting to wish she HAD walked out) I'm going to lose it. Just two more weeks and I'm FREE!!
     
    I got my dragon's blood oil today, and I'm really disappointed to find out that it doesn't smell at all like dragon's blood. It smells like carrier oil, and that's it. I know that Myrrh resin steeped and heated in oil makes a wonderful perfume, as I'm wearing some right now (I discovered it by accident; my Myrrh stinks to high heaven when actually burned, so I put it with some mineral oil in one of those potpourri burner things.) I don't know why the dragon's blood didn't work that way, maybe I'll try making my own.
     
    I do love my Myrrh perfume though.
     
    I finally got a new ISP, and I think the kinks are still being worked out of it as it's a brand new connection. It seems to be working quite well now, but I was having major problems with it before. If you call Epix tech support, they tell you that you need a new computer to be able to connect to the internet um...NO. So we hooked up with Chilitech. I hope it works. If not, well it can't get too much worse than Epix and it's cheaper.
  19. Lost_Warrior
    All in all this week wasn't too bad; but these past two days nearly killed me. Friday was the grand opening for Subway, and we were absolutely slammed. It nearly killed us. We were so busy we couldn't keep up, and there were at least 14 of us working. The people were lined up nearly out the door, for hours on end. It was nuts, but we made it. I got my picture with the Shell race car, and a picture of the rather perverted looking neon sign in front of my store. I'm sending them to my dad.
     
    Saturday wasn't nearly so busy, but my coworker was having a conniption and nearly walked out, after calling every manager AND the district manager, over a fight with one of our coworkers (it was a stupid fight to. The girl was WAY out of line, and the other called her on it, which caused her to decide to walk out mid-shift.) Things are smoothed over now, but it made the night pretty darn stressful. I'm hoping by the time I go back to work on Tuesday it will be taken care of.
     
    I also think I'm getting sick. Everything is going around, and the last thing I need is to get sick for my trip. I'm drinking thyme tea every day and taking zinc supplements. Thank gods I have the next two days off; if they try to call me in, the phone will be unhooked. I'm sleeping till noon tomorrow.
     
    I got my train tickets, so I don't have to worry about them being lost in the mail anymore. And I found $50 I didn't know I had, when I was cleaning out my lock box. Perfect timing. I received an invite to the History Book Club today, which I plan on joining (four books for a buck each, and they have really cool books!) so I should have reading material; if not by the time I go to MN, by the time I get back and get a better job that allows me time to do things (I hate working third shift; "mornings" suck because I'm getting ready for work, and don't have time to get started on much, and "evenings" are very late at night, so I end up going to bed as soon as I can.)
     
    TWO MORE WEEKS!!
     
    If I got through Friday, and today, I can get through anything!
  20. Lost_Warrior

    Things To Do

    By Lost_Warrior,

    Car registration
    Update computer virus and antispyware protection
    Book train tickets
    Get car inspected
    Acquire luggage that meets AMtrak requirements
    Get Tracfone minutes
    Get ring resized (when it gets here)
    Move money out of savings account
    Pack
     
    Getting there! A lot of loose ends to tie up. I probably won't be very active online for a few months (until I get back). There's a lot of stuff to do, and the train trip is going to take several days.
     
    I'm nervous about the trip, I've never traveled on a train before and there are a lot of layovers. I'm going to have a six hour layover in Chicago. My goal is to find a coffee shop near the train station, and have a cup of java in Chicago. I've never been to Chicago, it's a small thing, but it's something I'd like to do.
  21. Lost_Warrior

    An Update

    By Lost_Warrior,

    My dad called yesterday morning, screaming at my mom. She basically told him, "you're being an @ss, and you're alienating your daughter. She's going whether you want her to or not, so you can make this easy, or you can make this hard. If you keep acting like this she might just jump in the car and go, and you don't want that, do you?" So he's stopped being a donkey's behind, and I'm catching the train in Downingtown. It'll be a VERY long ride, (about 2 days) and I have to change trains three times. He's not coming with me, but he'll see me off.
     
    I'm disappointed to learn that I would be better off leaving my ritual dagger at home, I probably won't be able to bring it on AMtrak. I don't really need it, but I'd wanted so badly to show it to Al. I don't know about bringing anything I make there home...I suppose I could mail it back. AMtrak is more strict than the airlines are, with their checked baggage. The good news is, I can take up to 100 lbs of luggage with me as *carry on* not including my purse, and I can carry up to 150 lbs of luggage in checked baggage. I'm going to try to do it all as carry on however, because of all the changing trains. I don't need much to survive after all, and it's only six weeks.
     
    There's a lot I have to get done before I go though, I have to renew registration for my car, and get it inspected. I also have to get some decent luggage. I think I may ask my gram to go with me shopping, because she's more likely to be available than my mom on any given day and she is more well traveled than I am.
     
    I've put in my notice at work, WOO-HOO! Three weeks...May 23...and no more work. At least until I come back from MN. (They're holding my job for me, because they really don't want me to leave). I'm desperately hoping to get a new job quickly after I come back though; my current job, while sometimes a joy, has been detrimental to my physical, mental and emotional health. I really need to get out.
     
    I've gotten a ring to use for my "coming of age" ceremony (my friend calls it "reclaiming adulthood" and I rather like her term for it), but it'll need to be resized when I get it here. I am planning to do it *before* I go, because it makes more sense, and because it's more practical. Hopefully the weather will cooperate.
  22. Lost_Warrior
    The weather is freakin' gorgeous! 70+ degrees and sun, AND I had off all weekend! On saturday my mom and I went shopping, and then we went out to dinner with her friend. I had a great time, and I really enjoyed getting to spend time with my mom (we rarely have a day off together). On sunday I spent some time outside, in the woods, meditating. I wrote my "rite of passage" ritual that I'm going to use when I go to MN, and I talked to the people I'm going to be staying with on the phone for about 3 hours. They are really cool. Al (the blacksmith) had me in stitches laughing the whole time, he's a hoot!
     
    My dad is being a donkey's behind about my going to MN. You see, the guy I'm staying with has PTSD, and my dad is of course saying nothing but "he's crazy as a loon!". I know my dad is overreacting. I think he just wants out of any involvement in this. No matter; I've pretty much decided on taking a train to MN, and made some arrangements from that end. All that matters is if I catch the train up here, or go all the way down there to catch one so that he can come with. Personally I'm leaning towards the former, based on his reaction. He even sent me an article from MSN news about cyber stalkers...forgetting of course that I've been corresponding with these people for two years before they even HAD a working computer!! I really don't want a how many hour? really awkward train ride with my dad.
     
    Today I'm going to stop by my friend's before work. I spoke to her for a long while on the phone last weekend, and I'm going to stop by to see her on my way to work.
  23. Lost_Warrior
    Things that make me happy:
     
     
    I have this weekend off (as of now) and so does my mom
     
    Our 6-inch subs are on sale
     
    I've started working together with Heartshadow on the religion she's creating (because there are many similarities between my path and hers)
     
    Chocolate
     
    Black Chai Tea
     
     
    Things that Don't make me happy:
     
     
    My back is still stiff from shoveling 18+ inches of wet snow
     
    I pulled my back/shoulder somehow last night and was having muscle spasms so bad that I couldn't breath (though it's feeling better now)
     
    I smashed my finger in the trash can door and "scraped off" a good deal of the skin below my cuticle
     
    Two of my coworkers are suddenly very ill with a stomach flu (I REALLY don't want that. Really. I think I'd rather have Syphillis. You know, something treatable with antibiotics.)
     
    I'm on my period and of course, crampy, grumpy and ill feeling
     
    I'm a walking disaster, I need to go to bed before I hurt myself more
     
    This board has a limit on emoticons, so I cannot use them as bullets
  24. Lost_Warrior

    Snow??!! Ugh...

    By Lost_Warrior,

    Well it snowed. We got one heck of a snow storm in the middle of April. And the power was out all day, but now it's back on again. I hope it stays on.
     
    This week has been very stressful, but I'm extremely glad that it is over. I have tomorrow off too, and I'm really enjoying my time off. Due to the power outage I had nothing to do (other than shoveling 18 inches of snow) so I spent most of the day in meditation (when not trying to keep warm. I was huddled around an oil lamp for heat. It was pathetic.)
     
    I didn't get the ring I was bidding on, I got "sniped" at the last minute. Oh well, I'm sure another will come along. I'm going to let my mom on the comp soon, because she wants to check her Ebay auction.
  25. Lost_Warrior

    Easter Week

    By Lost_Warrior,

    Well, Easter Week is over. I got my new ring from Israel and it is BEAUTIFUL. I also got my other new one today, a "color change" amethyst that really does change from a bluish purple to a raspberry red. Unfortunately, the seller lied about the size; it's a size 10 or 11, she said it was a size 7. It doesn't fit my biggest thumb.
     
    Yesterday I got to go to my grandmother's for lunch. I had to miss Easter dinner, because I got stuck working. But I got to help hide eggs and watch the kids try to find them before I left. My mom gave me her wedding rings yesterday, and overall it was a good day. My grandmother surprised me with an orchid and another African violet. I need to clean out my upstairs room to find a place for them. My grandad saw my tattoo for the first time, but I really think grandma must've told him about it before (judging by his lack of reaction. He only said "it comes off, right?" LOL)
     
    I'm watching a beautiful natural alexandrite on Ebay. It's from a company famous for selling their alexandrites and they usually go way out of my price range. But it would fit my right pinky finger (the only finger I don't have a ring on) and it isn't going sky high yet. With a little luck, I just might get it. If I can get it for under a 100 bucks I'm going to have to.
     
    Last night I spoke to a very close friend who I haven't spoken to very much in years. We did everything together in elementary school. I told her about my other friend who is having a very rough time, although I kind of feel bad about telling her because I had told my other friend I wouldn't tell anyone (keeping in mind though that my childhood friend doesn't know the other, and probably never will; I didn't mention her name). I just needed to talk to someone about it. I've been worried sick about my friend (literally) for weeks and I couldn't take it anymore. I miss my old school friend too. We've regrettably grown apart over the years, but I would very much like to get to know her again. She is probably the best friend I've ever had. Today I heard from my other friend and I am very happy to say she seems to be doing *much* better.
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