STAR TREK CONTENT!!

Did I say at one point that boring was good? Been anything but boring lately!! But it's all good!

Since I took over as "Commander" (CO) of our "ship" it's been busy!! I'm sure things will calm down a bit once I know wtf I'm doing!! Until then ... well, lots to do. Lots of questions, and thankfully lots of helpers to get me through it!

*****

My first week as Commander ...

My email inbox went from half a dozen emails a day to somewhere around 100 a day!!

To be the CO I had to be promoted to the rank of Captain. Don't worry, ya'll don't have to stand at attention and salute when you see me. I promise!!

Appointed my XO (Executive Officer ... think the Spock to my Kirk, LOL). I've just put through for a promotion for him to the rank of Commander.

I've already handed out another much needed promotion that our former CO ignored. More like on a power trip and withheld it from the member he didn't get along with.

Okayed the formation of TWO new departments; ROTC (for the kids in the group), and Ship's Counselor.

Revived plans for the newsletter that Gizmo used to print out a few years back. Gadget will take charge of that once she's officially a member of STARFLEET. Ha!! I love that she volunteered before her membership has even been processed!!

Gained two new members, and three who came back after the drama ended.

Filled all but one vacancy on our Senior Officer's List (last one filled after the member completes certain STARFLEET requirements). That's ten departments!! Twelve if you count the two new departments listed above. And I had more volunteers than I had positions to fill!

Determined that we need someone as "Ship Historian", a photographer who can be at all the functions and take pictures for us. May end up having a whole team of photogs, since not every member can make every function. Amy, too bad you're so far away ... I'd work on recruiting you and Bob. Your photog skills would definitely be a plus!! LOL! And of course, Bob's Trekkiness doesn't hurt either!!

Started looking for a new meeting place, and place to hold our annual Christmas Party. Thanks to my XO, I think we've found that place!!

Revived plans with my XO for a Poker fund-raiser event. Formed a committee of two to take charge of all details.

Requested and was approved for a demotion in rank for the former CO. I think I read somewhere that he's going to be leaving STARFLEET, so the demotion may be a moot point.

and more ... not gonna pull out my notebook to refresh my memory, just too lazy at the moment. But it's been a crazy week!! And it wouldn't have been so successful without all the help from a lot of people. Gawd, I love nerds!!

*****

I never knew that a fan based association could be so complicated!! Forms for "promotions", forms for demotions, forms to submit the chapter's monthly meeting minutes, forms! forms! forms!!

"STARFLEET Academy" (and a ton of emails every time a member completes an Academy course.

Forms for this ... forms for that... forms for every thing!!

STARFLEET Marine Corps has a totally different set of forms to get familiar with.

From what I've seen this week, this association could serve as an example for big business the world over - and probably government, too. From finances (non-profit status, every dollar spent is well thought out and well documented), to social programs (real life college tuition assistance, counseling for those in need, charity causes and more) and beyond. Not only does STARFLEET run smoothly, but the left hand seems to know what the right hand is doing! The more I get to know about STARFLEET, the prouder I am to be a member. And not just because we're a organization for SciFi nerds, but a group that really cares about the community.

And everyone, from the CS (Commander of STARFLEET) down to chapter COs all over the country have been so welcoming and helpful after all the drama of the last two weeks.

And of course, there's my awesome "crew". Stepping up to volunteer for positions the former CO couldn't twist their arms to do ... ideas and communications flowing freely. They really are awesome!

Just a bunch of helpful, caring, concerned nerds! I tell ya!!

*****

I deserve a day off. I'm even taking the day off from all things Star Trek.

Tonight, I'll chill while the kids are celebrating Father's Day at their dad's place by watching Star Wars!!

Uninterrupted.

(I really need to find some "spock hands" or other nerd icon ... this heart just ain't nerdy enough)

You've Been Warned ...

STAR TREK BLOG ENTRY ...

XO's log ... stardate .... oh hell I haven't figured out how to calculate the stardate ...
Earth Date June 8, 2012 ...

Today's meeting went alright. If you could ignore the general Me, Me, Me noises coming from the Captain. Every darned thing was about him ... his "heroics" with getting recognition from STARFLEET ... or about how we can turn every event into a recruiting event. How he wants to spend money we don't have on a banner (think high school marching band banners in a parade), or an expensive display board for recruiting purposes, or even pooling our money for bidding on a shuttle prop that has come up on auction and was used in one of the series (and is in horrible condition). In other words, not a damned thing that benefits us as a chapter, but only acts as another few feathers in his cap (and on his journey - delusion - to eventually be the head of STARFLEET).

Yes, I brought up the Community Walk ... and yes, he still had his fit about how we could turn it into a recruiting event, if only "on the downlow" so "they" would never know about it. Or even boldly suggesting we openly walk with a banner to let people know we're proudly supporting the Suicide Prevention walk.

Okay!! Enough playing nice gal here. I pretty much blew up (or thought I was using a tone that would get my message across). I explained to him, once again, how it is their event, not ours ... and I will not tolerate someone breaking their rules or stealing center stage from their cause. PERIOD. That he sure wouldn't like it if someone "invaded" one of our events to distribute their message. And I will not tolerate it from anyone in our group.

And he still tried to argue the point with me!!

Just when I thought I was going to have to go postal on him (and something I didn't want to do with a one year old in the room) one of my "shipmates" speaks up ... "Look, we are a non-profit group. We are active in community and charity events. Why do you need to turn everything into STARFLEET? I love Star Trek and STARFLEET as much as the next guy, but there's a time and a place for it. This is neither. I for one will happily support this event in any way possible, including wearing one of their officially sanctioned event shirts or my every day street clothes. But I will not wear STARFLEET as this is NOT a STARFLEET event. And I recommend anyone who wishes to turn it from the charity and into their own little selfish gains needs to 1) grow the F up ... and 2) stay home the day of the walk (or something very close to these words).

Well said!! We think it actually may have sunk into the Captains gray matter, too!!

After the meeting was adjourned, every single person there (except for Captain and his wife) came up to me SUPPORTING not only the Community walk (and pledging at least a small donation) but volunteered to walk with TMACK and her team!! Six volunteers!!

The real action was after the meeting when Captain and his wife left ... as well as our two newest members who haven't yet seen the Captain at his finest (they had a good taste today, though) ... My buddy who chewed Captain out, as well as another member, Gizmo and I stayed to discuss the current situation and a growing discourse running through the ranks.

So bad we're talking mutiny here. A real mutiny. And I have to stay OUT of it (drats) ... wouldn't look good if Spock tried to oust Kirk (and I'm the same position as Spock as the XO, LOL) ... too politically charged ... but they did promise to keep me in the loop as far as how it's going. And it's going straight to STARFLEET (via Gizmo who has first hand knowledge of the situation) for a full investigation. And probable removal of office for Captain.

Which would make me the Captain ... OY!!! Not a job I really wanted ... but I have some grand ideas suggested by fellow shipmates that I've tried to suggest for a general vote several times, only to be shot down by Captain. Ideas that benefit ALL the members - like more family friendly activities, fun days, games and/or movie nights, etc. Not just official meetings and one event every four  months.

Gizmo estimates a good 85% of the members want Captain out of office today based on complaints he's received. Heck, we've had THREE great members quit because of him. There's no one that he hasn't pissed off at least twice in the first six months of his term.

It's supposed to be a FUN group. I hate that it's come to this, but hey, if it's causing this much stress on members it's time to look at making changes to make it fun again.

Beam me out of here Scotty ... Don't care where. Just beam me back when this drama is over!!

WARNING ... STAR TREK CONTENT!

So, Amy ... I've done a bit more research. LOL. Had to, Gizmo asked me to figure out our budget for the International Convention (IC). I have a correction to make .. it's in Memphis, not Nashville!

With that in mind, we'll have to figure out our route, and if we'll be close at all to Indiana in any way. If not, I'll have to steal the van from Gizmo and do a day trip to Indiana! Soon. Very soon!

Let's start with the official website, where I gathered most of my information ... LOL ... You may want to show this to Bob. Or not ... he may want to go if he's that big of a Trekkie.

http://www.ic2012.com/

So, there'll be a lot going on in Memphis. Meetings, lectures, food, and shopping ... the last two being those I'm looking forward to the most. I know, ME like shopping, who knew? Actually ... this is shopping at Quarks for Trek items ... what girl doesn't want to shop at Quarks?

Of course, I'll have to do some shopping first. There's a formal Marine dinner. Not the long sequined gowns of the USMC Marine Dinner but STARFLEET Marines (SFMC) dress attire (uniforms). This is a definite case of "I don't have a thing to wear". My old TOS uniform shirt ain't gonna cut it.

*****

I did manage to make a few Star Trek themed things lately. Photos to follow. One is a cell phone case that looks like a TOS communicator, the other is a card/cash case with the ST Command insignia. I've already got three orders from shipmates (chapter members, lol) for a cell phone case, a card case ... and can I make a passport case (easy peasy). All made of plastic canvas.

I was having trouble designing a purse that'll look like a TOS tricorder. I think I finally figured it out.

I was showing Gizmo the drawing I have for the purse (bag for the guys, LOL) when he came up with a great idea. Make the instructions up for them and sell them for a buck or two each at the IC. And include patterns for the cell phone case and card/cash and passport cases. Damn good idea!!

Judging the responses I've had so far just from my own shipmates, they will be a huge hit.

Hey, any way to make a buck, right?? I'll need all the money I can get for Quarks anyway.

*****

Oh oh, gotta scoot. Gadget just knocked on my door ... "Chows on, Mom" ... BBQ chicken here I come!!!

StarTrek DSO Event

We'll start with the long overdue blog about the DSO event last weekend.

It was a beautiful day to be running around Downtown Detroit in our Star Trek uniforms. Odd thing is, absolutely no one thought it was unusual to see a bunch of uniformed Trekkies walking the streets.

Once we were in Orchestra Hall, our mission was to work the audience as they entered the lobby.

For an hour we "worked" the audience.

I happened to have brought Single Son's phaser and communicator. I totally forgot about bringing his tri-corder. And since they were TOS (the original series) and I was wearing the TOS uniform,  they were my props for the day.

Until our Captain "stole" it from me (he did return it later) and got into a shooting match with one of those nasty Klingons. And nasty is an understatement. This certain Klingon has managed to get kicked out of more functions (he even got US all kicked out of a bowling alley once) but he damn near got hit by a man he managed to piss off by asking "how much you taking for that wench on your arm". Can't take a Klingon anywhere.

The show was sold out, so there were few tickets for the Trekkies. We did manage to get half a dozen tickets for the main floor. I wasn't lucky enough to pull one of those. But security finally found us seats way up in the second balcony. Nosebleed city is about it, too. Literally the last row of the highest balcony ...  but the show was awesome, even from my seat. They played the themes from about every Sci-fi film or show ever made. The Conductor was a hoot. He even had a short medley of tunes that one lucky concert goer, if guessed right, won a Star Wars light saber. He got  'em all, too!!

Afterwards, we got to meet with Mr. Takei. We weren't allowed to take individual photos, or even an autograph. But that's fine. My understanding was he was pressed for time and had his plane to catch.

Here's the pics ... enjoy!!

Friday's show attended by Star Wars folks ...


Those nasty Klingons ... with our Captain in the middle


Ship's Doctor, P, Me, Single Son, D and Captain


Klingon's ... The Trekkie was a vocalist and acted on a few of the Trek episodes. Her name totally escapes me! Sweet Gal!!


Main Floor Orchestra Hall.


Captain and the Lady


Single Son's girlfriend (I really do need a nickname for her!)


Our Group photo with Mr Takei!

What a dork!!

I can't believe that both Single Son and I totally forgot about yesterday's Star Trek junkies meeting!! Luckily my friend Chicken had called both Son and I to find out what time the meeting started. Had he not called, it'd have been a catastrophe! And after all that Chicken didn't even get to the meeting  - something about he thought he was having a stroke - I'd be concerned, except for the fact he's a major hypochondriac!

And I'd have missed the meeting where my peers cast their votes for their new XO (Executive officer) had Chicken not called so many times yesterday.

We have to send the ballots to our ballot-counter up in Canada, so we won't know the election results for about a week.

But from the general gist of the mostly hushed conversations around me, I'm pretty sure I won. Besides, my opponent lives in the state of Wyoming. How can he really do his job from such a distance away??

And believe me, there's a lot to this position, most of which I've been doing for over a year now in the absence of the gal who is supposed to be our XO.

So, just think, if I win the election, you'll get to hear all about the events I'll have to plan ... and probably a lot more venting about all things Trek, too.

LOL ...

Lucky you!!

Star Trek Picnic

What a great day it turned out to be!! The weather, while hot and humid, wasn't as bad as previous days. Besides, there was a nice cool breeze at the camp ground!! The half hour downpour later in the evening, after we'd all eaten, was welcomed, too!!

So, Mr. Mouth wasn't so bad. Loud, talked constantly for the hour drive from his place to the picnic, but he was civil. No rude or bigoted comments. And, he even thanked me and said he appreciated my going out of my way as soon as he was in the car. He even helped unpack the car, including moving the heavy cooler!! It'll make it harder to say no to him in the future, but the added two plus hours on the road isn't worth it!

Because we had so many visitors from other chapters we decided to keep our monthly meeting short and get right on to the fun! We set a new record, fourteen minutes for the meeting!! Of course, we did table old business, most new business, and department reports until next month's meeting, and didn't allow the conversation to wander off topic (as it usually does).

So, I know Helen Jo is dying to see the cake ... here it is! The bakery did a fantastic job, didn't they?

Complete with a miniature USS Enterprise! Gotta love it!

That cake topper was just too cool to keep for myself, so on the bottom of one of the cake plates I wrote "You Win!" ... and whoever got that plate would, obviously, win the cake topper. Since I knew the first plate wasn't the winner, I did take the first piece that was sliced! That way, no way would or could I have won. I was helping the gal who offered to cut the cake by handing her plates along with a fork for the next person in the cake line. LOL ... dummy me, I accidentally dropped one plate (onto the table thankfully) and son of a gun if it wasn't the "winning" plate! Next in line happened to have been Single Son. Grrrrrr. No way I was going to let him win, so I handed that plate to the guy behind him. Drats, now I knew who the winner was (took some of the fun out of it for me, LOL). He's one of the founding members, and a long time friend of the family. And since his four year old son was also there, it worked out well. Daddy gave Little Guy the prize.

Yes, that's a military haircut Daddy is sporting. He's a twelve year soldier, home on leave.
We're so proud of him!

Next we have the youngest Cadet. She's not yet 9 months old, and already a seasoned pro at Star Trek functions!! Check out her onesie!!

Notice she's NOT a "red shirt", thankfully!
However, notice her Daddy is! Oh NO!!

Next we have our fearless leader, the Commander of StarFleet (a.k.a. The Canadian) waving his light saber. No one dared to tell him that it was really a fire poker.

Love those shorts!!

When he wasn't waving his light saber around, you could find him protecting the Federation with his Phaser. Again, no one had the heart to tell him that it was really a super-soaker water gun!!

Here he's chasing Little Guy's Mommy!

And never, ever laugh when someone makes a snide comment about your Leader ...

You may find relief from the heat with the resulting shower, but your camera won't like it!

And as with any Star Fleet function, there was a lot of food to be had. I was stuffed on burnt to perfection hot dogs, jello salad, three different types of macaroni (or pasta) salads, and more kinds of chips than I could count!

Oh, and I only brought home two cases of pop (remember Son bought fourteen cases). Between what we all drank, and my open call for "take some of this pop home with you", that's all that was left!!

At about 9 pm I decided it was time to call it a day. I still had two hours on the road before I would pull into my own driveway. If I'd gone straight from my house to the campsite it would have only been a forty minute ride, but nooooooo ... that's not how it worked thanks to Mr. Mouth! Oh, and Single Son for volunteering dear ol' mom for the job!

Again, the ride home wasn't that bad. Mr Mouth was loud and talkative, but at least he didn't touch those taboo topics.

I pulled in my driveway at 11 pm, after my day starting at 5 am ... tired, and hot but in a good mood. Okay, a headache from the sun and being in a small enclosed space for the last hour with the loudest person I've ever known ... but it really was a good day!

After a good night's sleep, I spent a good part of this evening looking at the costs of tents and camping supplies. Each year more and more of our members choose to camp at the park for the entire weekend. I'm feeling left out! So is Single Son as he's the one that brought up purchasing equipment instead of renting a cabin in the future.

Belated "Report" on my Away Mission ...

Oops, this is a few days late. Hope StarFleet doesn't hold it against me, LOL.

What a wonderful weekend!! Full of trekkies AND lighthousing! It doesn't get better than that! Well, maybe a squirrel sighting or two, but believe it or not, I saw not one squirrel!

So ... let's go back to Saturday evening. We left as soon as Single Son got home from work. Twelve hours on the road working his FedEx job, then another ten hours driving from home to Escanaba. All my offers to take over driving were met with a "phhht, Mom, I'm fine. I'll let you know when I'm tired".

We crossed the Mackinac Bridge with about a quarter of a tank of gas left. We should have stopped at the only opened gas station there, but nooooooo, Single Son says we'll make it to another gas station further up the road. Maybe I should say here that it's now 2:30 AM ... and nothing, I repeat NOTHING is open in the wilderness of the UP (Upper Peninsula) after 5 PM. Long story short ... LOL ... about an hour later and 53 miles remaining to our destination (and only an eighth of a tank of gas left) we did manage to find a Shell Station open! We probably could have made it, but at 3:30 in the morning who really wants to test their gas luck? And I should insert here, too, how I love my car!! A tank of gas for the entire drive up ... 402 miles .... well, 53 short, but still.

We pulled into the hotel parking lot at 4 AM and promptly got our room and hit the sack. Up early. Had to go to WalMart (yuck) and get a pair of pants for Single Son, since I had forgotten to grab them out of the closet when I grabbed his Star Trek uniform shirt. After that, we went to lunch with "R" and "L", then back to the hotel to change into our Star Trek uniforms.

Dressed in uniform, we headed out to the lighthouse. Boy, did we get the looks! Got a few interested brief conversations going, hopefully we recruited a new member or two for the Escanaba chapter. We'll see!



But, I climbed this lighthouse. It wasn't bad ... two stories tall. And what a view from the parapet!! Silly me only took two pictures from up there ... grrrrrr.

The meeting was next on our agenda ...

Sorry, it's such a small picture ... but it gets fuzzy when it's enlarged. go figure. Of course, I was the one taking the picture. Always the photographer, never the photographee. Hahaha.

After the meeting we went out to eat, then we were invited to a bonfire. I haven't been to a bonfire in ages!! We had a blast! Even the mosquitoes enjoyed themselves.

All that fresh "up north" air sure did me in. As soon as we got back to the hotel I hit the sack. Didn't wake up for a full eight hours!!

We left for home the following morning, Monday ... after eating what proved to be the largest breakfast platter I've ever seen!! I did manage to eat all of my sausage and cheese omelet, but only half the toast (whole wheat of course) and barely any of the hash browns!! I was full for hours!

Our next stop was the Seul Choix Lighthouse (pronounced sis-shwa). I did NOT climb this lighthouse, but Single Son did. It was obvious it was a long climb (over 120 steps to the top), he was beet red and sweaty when I saw him next. LOL.



I didn't buy a single souvenir while we were in Escanaba. I made up for that at Seul Choix ... I got a few postcards for my "lighthouses I've visited" collection ... and I found this cute little critter - just screaming for me to adopt him ...

And I'd have been a bad person if I'd ignored his pleas! He sat on the dash board until we got to the Mackinac Bridge. Obviously my little friend is afraid of heights, so he dove for the safety of my lap when we saw this beautiful view ...

Mackinac Bridge

Single Son surprised my by stopping for dinner in Prudenville (Houghton Lake) ... I haven't been there in forever. Growing up, my Gigi had a cottage there and we'd spend most of our summers there. Ah, the memories!! And boy, the changes in twenty years since last I drove those roads.

We were home before dark ... some 887 miles driven.

We'll be traveling back to Escanaba this fall. Winter possibly. I can't wait to see Escanaba in da snow!

End report ... Lt (j.g.) LCM signing off.

P.S. There was a sink full of dirty dishes when we got home. Surprised?

We weren't home half an hour and I'm being bombarded with crap ... Married Son has applied for a job in North Carolina and has gone through his first interview (over the phone). He's got a second interview coming up in a few weeks. They won't be living there, though, they'll stay in Michigan. Drats!! So he'll be on the road soon ... what's to become of DIL and Grandson? They won't be staying at her parents house - her father has forbidden their return. And I don't think he's got the nerve to ask his father if DIL and Grandson can stay there. I'm stuck with them until he gets an apartment for them. Says it'll be about two months from the time he leaves for the road. My question is .. he makes ALL this money with FedEx ... why can't he afford to get them an apartment NOW?

Can I go back up north? Please?

Monday Musings ...

Who'da thunk (as Bubba would say) that I'd post two blogs in two days? And I can finally call it Monday Musings!! Haha!

*****

Wrecking Crew update. Married Son and DIL went today to look at a semi-truck that he wants to buy. Meaning he's giving serious thought to getting back on the road doing long haul driving. Which would mean buh-bye DIL ... she's NOT living here if he's on the road for weeks on end.

Oh, DIL has a new "trick" ... if you want to call it that. She's taken to saying "that's mine" or "that's Married Son's" if it's something she wants that doesn't belong to her. Case in point, a Paul Rogers CD that I purchased at one of his concerts many years ago. Autographed. I found it laying in their room, and said "ahah, I've been looking for that". Of course she says it's Married Son's, to which, when I told her no it's mine (and I could prove it since the concert ticket stub is in my scrap book!!) she accuses me of making things up to benefit me. Oy. Son walked into the room not a minute later, and I (still holding the cd) said jokingly "so, thought you could steal it from me, eh?" "You busted me. I was gonna give it back. Eventually".

Tell me it's yours. That's theft if you ask me. I mentioned it to Married Son when she left the room. He said she's tried that over at her parents house, too.

I guess I'm going to have to supervise very closely when they (she really) packs to finally move out. Not that I have a lot she'd want, but it's the principle of the thing.

*****

Ow! It hurts to type! I managed to about pull off my index finger nail today -putting my bra on of all things. One of the hooks managed to snag under the fingernail and before I knew it, the pain was intense.

***** STAR TREK ALERT *****

Membership has it's privileges! LOL. I've been invited to join an "away mission" in June to commission a new ship into StarFleet. In non-geek terms, we have a new chapter that we're going to visit for their dedication ceremony.

I'm excited. It's the first time I've gotten away since my mini-trip to Chicago a few years ago to meet Helen Jane! The trip isn't until June 11th, but I've already sat down and figured out my packing list. Pretty sad, eh? And ... don't fret ... I'll be bringing my laptop and digital camera so ya'll can join in on the fun. Don't you feel special? Hehe.

Single Son, who is the MC for the ceremony, and I will be driving up to Escanaba, Michigan for a weekend. It's a twelve hour drive from the Detroit area. I'm not sure of a lot of the details yet, as he's making most of the plans (when we leave, our hotel accommodations, and the such).
Should be lots of fun!

*****

Hoping ya'll are having a good week!!

Star Trek Photos ... consider yourself warned!

Single Son presenting me with my Certificate of Promotion to Lieutenant (j.g.)... I just wish he'd have let me run a comb through my hair for my one big photo op this spring!! And I'll just pretend all that grey hair is blonde!!

Ariel being presented her Certificate of Promotion to Ensign. Way to go, girl! Good work!

Caution: Star Trek content ...

Just spent the evening with my trekkie buddies. Good times.

I got a promotion in rank ... I'm now a Lieutenant (j.g. ... junior grade). Finally made the ranks of Commissioned Officer, it only took me ten years, LOL.

Lots of business settled. Lots of activities to plan for ... Future fund raisers, regional conferences (RC) to plan for (we're the host chapter next year for the RC), picnics, bowl-a-thons, study groups for Starfleet Academy courses and so much more. I still need to figure out my costume - especially since finding out we're organizing and hosting the RC.

Man, I need a life. LOL.

Then again, my dad always used to call me a Space Cadet. I guess I'm living up to his expectations, eh?

I have pictures of the Promotion Ceremony, I'll post 'em as soon as I get them from Single Son ... if only so you can finally see how short I cut my hair a few weeks back.

And short it is. Personally, I love it short.

Chicken, however, had an opinion that differed ... and couldn't wait until we were alone to tell me "you need to grow your hair back out". Excuse me? I don't think so!! I chose not to get mad at him for stating his opinion rather strongly, but it sure reminded me why I'm single and plan on staying single. LOL.  ... telling me what I *need* to do ... no siree, I won't play that game!!

Ah well. He's still a dear friend ... regardless.

We have a new member is our chapter. Well, not exactly new, she's been a member for a while, but this was our first face to face "encounter", I have talked to her on our monthly internet (skype) conference calls for a few months now. I'll call her Ariel. She's rather soft spoken online, but in person she's as goofy as I am. Turns out we have a lot in common. She loves all things Star Trek, as well as lighthouses, and ... get this ... the britcom, "Keeping Up Appearances". My new best buddy! LOL. She has awesome ideas for some of the events we have coming up, and added a few ideas for events, too.

I'm really excited about this ... not only a budding new friendship (with someone who isn't all full of testosterone) but all of the events we have to plan. LOL.

I did tell her (and Single Son) about the comment Chicken made about me growing my hair back out ... she said what I'd been pretty much been thinking ... "screw him ... shave it all off, that'd teach him to shut his pie-hole wouldn't it?"

Could you see me sporting the Jean-Luc Picard look? hehehe ...
 

Birthday Catsup ...

I mean Catch up ... our modem died late on the 18th, I'm suspecting the Gremlin had something to do with it ... no chance to blog until this evening. Please don't mind the offline blog that I wrote and pasted here. It's late and I'm sleepy, too sleepy to try to write a proper blog. LOL.

December 18, 2010

LOL. I don't know if I'll have time tomorrow to blog, it's the big StarFleet Christmas Party. Seems it's tradition to have it on my birthday anymore. But then, I'm used to my birthday being upstaged by Christmas, lol. Company parties, school parties, church youth group parties, you name it. I'm not bitter, lol, in fact I always thought I was something special by being born so close to Christmas!

You know, when I was growing up, I never realized that Hallmark (or the others) made anything but Christmas paper. My birthday gifts were wrapped in Christmas paper. Brother Deere, born January 5, also had his birthday gifts wrapped in Christmas paper. It wasn't until I was eight, when Little Bro was born on Valentine's Day, that I found out that Hallmark made more than Christmas paper. They also made Valentine's paper! Who knew? Dad was born on the Fourth of July, Mom's birthday occasionally falls on Easter - yeah we're a family of holiday or near holiday babies, LOL ... yet they never had gifts wrapped in birthday paper either ... Mom always had so much extra inventory of Christmas paper that that's all we ever saw gifts wrapped in (besides Valentine's paper)!

Today there's presents to wrap, cookies to bake ... okay, who am I kidding? I'm not baking cookies, I'm cheating by stopping by the bakery on the way to the party tomorrow. Two dozen chocolate chip cookies should cover it. Plus the stuff Single Son said he'd bring ... pop, cups, cheese and crackers and ... and ... oh I hope he remembers what else he said he'd bring.

As long as I'm wrapping gifts for the Trekkie Party, I may as well wrap family gifts, too. It's either that or I'll put it off until literally the last minute.

I'm so relieved that the shopping is done. I picked a great day, too, to go shopping! The one store I went to ended up not only having everything on my list, but everything was marked 50 to 80 percent off - an in-store unadvertised sale! Yes, 80 percent off. Eureka!!

Seeing as part of the shopping today was to buy my own birthday and Christmas gifts (from Mom) I really hit the jackpot!! Blue jeans for ten bucks, and a beautiful sterling silver amethyst and marcasite ring (valued at $90) for $18 and change!! Combine that with the Flylady order, and Mom spent 25% less on my gifts this year. And no, I didn't run around the store trying to spend the rest of the money. Let her enjoy some savings, LOL.

Speaking of running around the store, I'm beat!! Three hours in one store, unheard of for me! But I did search high and low, far and wide (and circled the place a few dozen times) in search of the perfect gift at humongous savings.

Sore as I am now thanks to *someone* wearing the wrong shoes for marathon shopping, and a few too many wayward carts rammed into the back of my heels by people not paying attention to anything but shelves and I can tell you I'm ready for a soak in the bathtub.

And soak I plan on doing, as soon as Alien gets here to pick up some mail and a ring I told her she could have. We both love amethyst (it was my brother's birthstone). I didn't tell her, but the mail is a check from Aunt Silly ... a hundred dollars to help Alien with Christmas for the Butterball. Now how sweet was that? But that's Aunt Silly ... generous and loving.

Well, I was going to post this ... We've lost internet about half way through my writing this. Seems our router just died. I'll post when I can (hopefully it'll come back to life, even if for only a few hours).

Hmmmm, nope, not the router it turns out, but the modem that went poof.

Nope, no such luck. Single Son said there was a small “explosion” followed by a stench. Great. Monday I get to call AT&T and order a new modem. I wonder how long that’ll take?

Until then, I blog offline, I’ll play catch-up with ya’ll when I can.

December 19, 2010

Just got back from the Star Trek Christmas party. Had a great time! We ate way too much delish food, opened presents, had birthday cake and played the game “Apples to Apples” while the *guys* held their end of the year Star Fleet teleconference call.

Our hostess, “L” had mentioned she’d sent me an email early this morning to ask me to bring a deck of cards, which of course I wasn't able to read, when I said that our modem had died she got all wide-eyed “we have three extra modems here, you’re more than welcome to take one home”. Yay!! As I type Single Son is working on swapping out the old, dead modem for the new one. And I mean new. They never used the one they gave us. It’ll be nice to be back online tonight. Hopefully tonight anyway.

You really don’t know how much time you spend online until you can’t get online. Haha.

It looks like I will be going to Port Huron for New Year’s after all. Single Son pretty much has to go for the swearing in of our new Star Fleet Commander, but he won’t be staying too long after midnight. So, knowing that he’s not staying overnight, or that I won’t have to drive the distance at night, I decided to go. A break from my normal tradition of meditation and reflection as the new year comes.  

What's that I hear?

Could it be I hear myself thinking? Could be ... no outside noises, no interference, no yelling or screaming. Silence. Blissful silence.

The house is empty! Just me and the cats. And they're obviously enjoying the quiet, too.

Ahhhhhh.

I can actually hear the tap tap tap of the laptop keys for a change.

The Wrecking Crew and Single Son are out! The house is all mine.

Alien called ... three times she called. I didn't pick up. Instead I decided to go lay down for a noise-less nap for about half an hour. As I finally dozed off, she came in the house ... came up to my room where I faked being asleep. "Mom? You awake? I need a huge favor. I need you to watch Butterball for a few hours tonight". I told her I couldn't ... that I have a headache (which is partially true), and that my head feels like it wants to split wide open (was true last night, but not now). Told her sorry, but there's no way I was up to it.

All because she wants to drop two tires off at the "Knight in Rusty Armor"s mother's house. Ummm, excuse me ... give her directions and let her come get the freaking things herself. Geesh ...

Momma here needs a peaceful night all to herself. And I'm gonna get it, by gawd.

Yesterday was the USS Sinclair's (star trek geek group) annual summer picnic. It was a great day for it ... not too hot, a nice breeze blowing, mostly sunny. Perfect. Although I did manage to get a sunburn on my face (thus the splitting headache yesterday). Grandson, for the most part was well behaved, except for a few major melt-downs and temper tantrums. And terrorizing two "service" dogs belonging to one of the guests that sure aren't used to small devil children. The dogs behaved perfectly, even when Grandson didn't. Oh, and him deciding to sneak into our Canadian guests brand new travel trailer, and jump on their bed ...

I was a little disappointed in the attendance, though. Ten all together, including three guests. Being our chapter has over thirty members, that's not a good turn out.

The picnic was in a KOA Kampground. I'd never been to one before and was really impressed by not only the cleanliness of the campgrounds, but the many activities available to campers and day-guests. Definitely someplace I'd stay ... well, if I had a tent or camper anyway. LOL. Although, they do have cabins to rent, too. I'm thinking it'd be a good place to head when I'm fed up and need a get-away for an evening.

So ... here's a few pics. There are more pics, but those were rather boring ... you know, shots of people talking, sitting around the campfire on a hot summer's afternoon, or just general point the camera and see what pics we get shots. These are the highlights ... enjoy!

I'm headed outta here to enjoy a quiet evening at home - ALONE!

Warning: Candian Playing With Fire

Canadian Barbecue Queen

Trying a veggie hot dog. HOT dog is right! OUCH!

Chicken

Melody and Nikki (two service dogs)

Single Son and our Canadian Guest

Trekkie

I should warn ya'll now, this is a Star Trek themed blog. If Star Trek isn't your thing, you may want to beam out now!!

On Sunday, we had a meeting of the Star Trek group I belong to. Single Son, our Commander, asked that I bring my computer with me. Seems I've been drafted to the position of meeting Secretary. No problem. The problem was the table at the restuarant where we hold our meetings was too small for me to set the computer up to take minutes. Because I hadn't thought to bring a pad of paper with me, official minutes were taken on the back of a Chinese Zodiac placemat. I'm sure Roddenberry would be turning over in his grave - a Trekkie using a placemat to keep Star Fleet minutes on! Oy!

I did have the computer set up for a presentation though. Since it was before the waitress had brought appetisers or our meals I had room for the laptop (whoever said it was a good idea to hold meetings at a Chinese restuarant whilst eating sweet and sour chicken and brown rice NEVER owned a laptop). However, because of seating arrangements, I did the presentation pretty much upside down - looking at the laptop from above and trying to navigate through it all with the touch pad. It was quite an accomplishment for me, I tell ya. I have to admit I was sort of ticked off at one gal whom I had asked to navigate for me while I spoke. She got all huffy (she's thirty something) and had quite a little fit. "I don't touch computers with Microsoft product on them". And she didn't either! Well excuse me!

But the presentation went well. It was for a friend and fellow Trekkie who is running for the position of Commander of StarFleet. He was at the meeting, but we kicked him and Single Son out of the meeting room whilst we discussed their platform and took a vote as to if we will officially nominate them as candidates, or if we'd nominate another team as candidates for the upcoming election. Needless to say, I think you know who got our unanimous vote. LOL. And yes, Single Son was kicked out because he will be part of this person's cabinet.

I have volunteered to help with the campaign in any way they can use me (provided it doesn't involve coding websites).

I also have the honor of planning the annual summer picnic. Fun stuff. We have our date all set, just not the exact time or a place yet. That's this week's assignment, find and reserve a picnic site (hopefullly with a pavillion or other shelter should the weather not cooperate). But, it has to be central to all members. There's my problem. We have members all over lower Michigan, and even some members in Canada. Could prove to be quite a chore. LOL. Oh, and the menu will be Star Trek based. Yes, there are Star Trek recipes out there. I just have to figure out some Trekkie games we can play! If anyone has creative ideas how to Trek-ify a game or two let me know please?? OMG! I just had an idea. No, I'm not hurt ... something with Tribbles. Amy ... got any ideas for games using Tribbles?

Oh, and I finally got a promotion in rank. Only took a year, and a lot of work on my part. LOL. So, I'm now officially an Ensign. The lowest of commissioned officers, but by gum, I made it!

I also volunteered to fill a vacancy in our "ships" Security division. I'm now the Security Officer, Communications Officer, Ship Historian, Secretary and ... Star Trek Picnic Planner. Oh, and campaign volunteer for my friend.

In other words ... I HAVE NO LIFE!

Star Trek (2009)

OMG!!!! What an awesome movie!!

I won't say anything about the movie itself so I don't ruin the plot for anyone. All I'll say is that ya'll just have to go see it. It's a must see for Trekkies. Sci-fi buffs will enjoy it, too ... as will non-Trekkies. On our way out of the theatre we heard quite a few "WOW!! That was great. I could get into Star Trek after this"!

I give it ...
   
as those two movie dudes say.

I went with two friends from the USS Sinclair (our Star Trek club) to see it. I'm so glad that LD pre-purchased our tickets. The IMAX show was sold out by the time we got to the theatre. I'd strongly suggest you pre-purchase your tickets, too. Especially if you're going to see it in IMAX.

Afterwards we stopped at Burger King for our Star Trek glasses and fun meal toys. Yes, I had a fun meal, just to get my Star Trek toy!!

Rainy Saturday

Bet ya'll will be glad when I've seen to new Star Trek movie and tone it down on my blog a bit.

But before I do, here's more Trek stuff you're gonna have to tolerate.

You know Single Son was contacted by the radio station last night to do the movie review. He'd never reviewed a movie before. At least not "formally". So .... I helped him do a little research last night on how to do a proper movie review so he was well prepared for this morning's phone call. He said the call went great, that he was very well prepared for it. It was a *live* broadcast, no room for errors. At least not for my son, who strives for perfection. Especially in front of the television cameras or radio microphones.

I wasn't *allowed* to listen to it, as he did give a spoiler or two ... and I didn't want the experience to be ruined for me. He did say he added a spoiler disclaimer to the beginning of the broadcast. LOL. I wonder how many listeners turned off their radio so as to not have it spoiled for them, too. That wouldn't have made the radio station too happy, I'm sure.

He'll give me the link to the website once it's posted. Should take a few days before it's up. By then I'll have seen the movie and it'll be *safe* for me to listen.

Aren't ya'll glad I'm not a Super-Trekkie like Single Son is? He eats, breathes and sleeps Star Trek. Me ... I go in spurts depending on what's going on in the Trek Universe.

And today's a big day for me. LOL. We've followed all the gossip, hype and excitement from the time they first started talking about the movie a few years back.

I've got the Shuttle all fueled up. Just waiting for the clock to show me it's time to go.

Hope your Saturday is a great one!!

Front Page News!!

Yup, we made the paper. Front page, no less! How cool is that?
Okay, so I'm not going to go thru the article and change names to protect the guilty. But I'll leave it up to you to figure out who's who (shouldn't be too hard, really). And check out on the bottom, the FYI - that's OUR fan club!!

The Oakland Press (theoaklandpress.com), Serving Oakland County

Entertainment
Fans make ‘Trek’ to movie theaters

Friday, May 8, 2009

By CAROL HOPKINS
Of The Oakland Press

Joe Sare planned to leave his volunteer post at the “Star Trek” exhibit in Detroit on Thursday to see the new movie.

“I’ve always had the personality of a leader so I want to see how they portray Spock and Kirk,” said the Waterford Township resident, referring to the most famous of the characters from the original 1960s TV show. “I’m really excited.”

Sare isn’t alone in this particular universe.

Around the nation, thousands of fans of “Star Trek” and its many incarnations will pack theaters to see the new film, which debuts today.

The movie — which explores the lives of the original main characters when they were young — promises plenty of action. David Germain, Associate Press movie writer, wrote that “J.J. Abrams’ ‘Star Trek’ is the wildest makeover ever to Gene Roddenberry’s vision of a future where humans have overcome their own squabbles and set out to make new enemies among the stars.”

Sare, a 29-year-old police officer in Lake Orion, was first introduced to the series by his parents.

“My dad was always a big ‘Star Trek’ fan,” said Sare, who started watching shows in the late 1980s.

“At family gatherings, we’d sit and watch ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation.’ ”

In high school, he joined a fan club based in Dearborn. His favorite characters were Capt. Jean-Luc Picard, played by Patrick Stewart, and Data, an android played by Brent Spiner. In 2001, he and friends began their own “Star Trek” fan club called the USS Sinclair, named for the street where they met. Today, the 55-member group meets 10 times a year, said Sare, who is the group’s commanding officer.

Another “Star Trek” fan, Lisa McDonald of Waterford, plans to go to the new film on Saturday.

“I’m pretty excited about it,” said McDonald, who is also a member of the USS Sinclair group and a fan of the 1960s TV show. “I’ll be seeing it at an IMAX for the first time.”

Friends in the club call McDonald a “Ferengi” — aliens considered to be the galaxy's most successful entrepreneurs — because she is studying business at college. She isn’t shy about telling people she is a Trekkie.

“It opens a lot of conversations,” said McDonald, who admitted she is “nearing 50.”

“At college, the young kids ribbed me all semester. But nobody’s shunned me. It’s their loss if they don’t want to get to know the crazy Trekkie.”

Diane Frkan, a science fiction film reviewer who participates in the ConFusion convention in Troy each year, planned to see the new movie Thursday.

“I was a little resistant at first but I started hearing the buzz and it became more appealing,” said Frkan, a program coordinator.

“I hope it’s not just one big action flick, though. I want them to explore the characters’ backgrounds.”

Mike Lester, who runs the comic book and science fiction store Time Travelers in Berkley will be in the movie audience tonight.

“With all the high-tech movies out there — ‘Terminator Salvation,’ ‘X-Men Origins: Wolverine,’ ‘G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra’ — coming out or about to come out, the one I see with the greatest enthusiasm by far is ‘Star Trek.’ ”

Sare has been volunteering at the Detroit Science Center’s Star Trek exhibit monthly since it opened in February.

He wears the red uniform worn by command staff on “The Next Generation” series. If people have questions about the show or exhibits, he has answers.

“Any time you have a chance to talk about your favorite hobby is a lot of fun,” he said.

The allure, he said, is in the details.

“I like the technical aspects and the storylines,” he said. “They teach you lessons in life.”

FYI -- To learn more about the local “Star Trek” fan club, the USS Sinclair, visit www.usssinclair.org

URL: http://www.theoaklandpress.com/articles/2009/05/08/entertainment/doc4a03f66094c4c527495889.prt

© 2009 theoaklandpress.com, a Journal Register Property

************************
and then there's this video from the Detroit Free Press (sorry, can't embed it into my blog) ... http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?category=videonetwork&videoID=1117521094

Thursday Thoughts ...

I had a ziploc bag with some left over pierogi and beer-cooked bratwurst in it. I was soooo looking forward to them for lunch today. Only ... The Gremlin has returned. The brats are there, but there's no sign the pierogi was ever in the bag. Single Son is getting ready for a night out (see below). I barged in while he's getting ready and hung the half empty bag in front of his face. "Officer, I'd like to report a grand larceny". Straight faced he said "Can you describe the missing pierogi, Ma'am". BUSTED!! I had said nothing about pierogi being missing!! Only the thief would have know about it! He knew he was busted but only snickered. I doubt he'll ever confess - or replace the missing pierogi either!

I talked to my mom today. "So what are you going to do about Alien" she asks. Do? What's there to do, the damage is done. For the first time since Mom found out she showed emotion - she cried. She told me about a journal I had supposedly written when the boys were young, about how sad and lonely I felt even though I was married (to the first husband). She said she cried when she read it. Funny, I don't remember writing a journal. I can't imagine writing something like that. It'd have been too risky, the ex could have found it. But I'm not going to argue with my mother. Anyway ... something like that would have been great reading material for Alien - IF indeed it really did exist.

Yay!! I get to pick my new car up early next week. That gives me part of the weekend to clean out the old car for DIL. I had thought about trashing it for her ... but decided not to be a witch like that. Tempting as it is.

Tomorrow is Grandson's 4th birthday. Man ... he's getting old!! He's going through this really annoying "Gramma watch this" and then "watch watch watch" ... or "Look, Gramma. Look! Look! Look!" Annoying as hell I tell ya!

So ... Single Son is going to the Detroit Science Center for tonight's opening of the new Star Trek movie in IMAX. A bunch of our chapter members are going as Exhibition volunteers for the double event (The Exhibition and IMAX). I passed the chance. Partly because I still don't have a uniform, but a lot had to do with the fact that the exhibit Single Son and I would have been guides for - well, I just don't know enough about that episode. He'll be better off on his own than having to have to help Mommy along. For you Trek fans, it's "The City On the Edge of Forever". The DSC has the time portal that transported McCoy to the 1930s. And that's all I know about it. Not enough to play Trek Guide.

I'll see the IMAX version of Star Trek on Saturday with a few friends from the *Bounty Station* ... the American and Canadian group I belong to. I'm geeked. It'll be my first IMAX movie. I hear once you go IMAX you never go back!

I'll miss Grandson's birthday party, though. It's on Saturday at the same time as the movie starts. I felt bad at first, until DIL reminded me that the place they're going to is really kid oriented (imagine a huge rodent serving pizza). I hate that place!! Not the rodent, I don't hate rodents. It's the screaming kids that I can't handle. Not with out earplugs and a serious amount of alcohol in me.

Okay ... last two super-geek things then I'll leave ya'll alone. Promise. LOL.

This is what the Star Trek bracelet *slash* flash drive looks like. I put my order form in the mail today. Should be about two months before I get it. Damn ... you'd think they'd be able to just put it in a transporter and transport it right over ...

The flash drive clips into the band and voila!! Instant Geek Jewelry!!

So while I was looking for the above image online I ran across this. Great ... something else I want!! LOL! At least this one is on a box of waffles. We know the Gremlin LOVES waffles!!

You realize I haven't been so freaking geeked about the goodies in cereal boxes (or send in the tokens promotions) since Fruity Pebbles offered a rubber-band powered Flint-Mobile back in the early 70s?

And don't get me started on Burger King's promotion!! Collectors glasses (four different ones, lol) and prizes in the Fun Meals! If you're like me and are either without a life or are a Trekkie check out this link from Burger King. It's a hoot!! http://www.whenkingonsattack.com/

K ... your faithful Trekkie Squirrel signing out ...

My Valentine's Day

At the entrance of the Detroit Science Center



Left to Right: JP, LD, Single Son, Me, Alien

So ... today would have been my brother's 41st birthday. A great day for the distraction of a Star Trek field trip.

What a field trip it was. Great distraction, too! This is the first birthday since he passed away I wasn't tearful all day. I definitely have to come up with another distraction next year.

Anyway ...

It was a great exhibition!! If ya'll are Trekkies and in the Detroit area before September 7, 2009 you'd love the exhibition at the Detroit Science Center. Really. 

We got to see a lot of the props used and costumes worn by the actors in the different Trek series. Got to sit on a recreation of the Bridge on the Original Series. Got transported (picture above) and saw a few of the sets from TNG (The Next Generation) and TOS (The Original Series). A neat time-line of space travel ... and lots and lots of the models that were used in the filming of different movies and series. Loads of history from many knowledgable volunteers (Single Son and LD included). Even got to see Jean-Luc Picard's quarters. Thought Alien was gonna borrow a phaser gun and blast my arse when I said I wouldn't mind decorating the house like that. She disowned me when I went crazy in the history room looking at the uniforms and costumes. But I think I finally know how I want my Female Ferengi costume to look. Oh, there was even a Space Flight Simulator. I passed on that one! Too many going around in circles for me. Alien and JP enjoyed it, though.

People were very friendly ... and not just the volunteers. I can't count how many "Live Long and Prosper" signs were thrown at me by total strangers ... yeah ... about like gangs throwing their signs at each other. Lots of Trekkies showed up in uniform. It was hard to tell the volunteers from the patrons. Luckily the volunteers all wore name tags (LD's tag is visible in the photo).

Since Friday Single Son has been at the Science Center *training* for this event. He's been interviewed by four television stations, three or four radio stations and a host of newspapers, as have many of the other volunteers. He'll be volunteering a lot while the Exhibition is here in town. I'm sure I'll tag along.

One of the best Valentine's Days I've had in years and years.

Hope ya'll had a great Valentine's Day!!

Back now to my regularly scheduled homework