Gotta Keep On Keep On Keep On ...

If the title of my blog post made you have flashbacks to the Brady Bunch, good - you're old enough to remember!  Honestly, it was part of a rather hilarious conversation between myself and Master, last night.  I'll spare you the details, but suffice it to say, it was funny, and completely relevant.

I've had a few days off from SL, and it's been pretty much blissful.  I've gotten to spend tons of time with Master (not that it's really different than any other time, because we always spend the majority of our time together).  I got to sneak in-world for a while yesterday morning and see how work was progressing on the new build, and Master and I offered some suggestions to Jynxx as to where to stick things.  Yes, that pun was completely intended.  (Love you, Jynxx!)   The new build is coming along very well, and I can't wait to see it put in place so that the rest of the staff can come and oogle the fantastic job that Jynxx and Marge have done.  Most importantly though, I have had some time to do some deep thinking about things that have  been bothering me as of late. While I may or may not have a solution to those problems, I will not bore anyone with the details of said deep thinking processes or conclusions.  Just know that they are there.  :)  There were tears, there was consoling ..... etc.

On the RL side of things, I did mundane things, like cleaning, and laundry, and playing with my dogs.  Maybe a bit too much playing with said dogs, because I returned home from work to find the papasan chair overturned and both dogs looking at me with utter innocence.  Its been raining, which has only added to the bliss for me.  Anyone who knows me will tell you, that I love rain.  I also love fog.  Perhaps its my English heritage peeking out again, heh.   Oh, and I made frybread.  Twice.  It was delicious both times.

Tonight is Halloween.  I have no candy, so I am hoping to turn off all of the lights in the house and hide from the wee children coming door to door.  Of course, the porch light will be off, and that's sort of the unwritten law around here - no porch light, no knock.  No, I'm not an utterly cruel Halloween grinch, I just haven't gotten to the store to buy any.  That isn't looking to change today, because there's no way in hell that I am setting foot inside Wal Mart on Halloween day.  Eek!

I will be back in SL on Friday, to DJ my Awesome 80's Flashback set at Exile, and then again on Saturday, for Naked Saturday, also at Exile.  I'm actually sort of looking forward to getting back in again after my time off, now that the brain is no longer on overload and I know exactly what is what and who is who.  Heh.  Horton is a Who .. did you know?

With that, I can only say, its time for bed, and I shall leave you with this charming gem.

You know I love ya.  ;)

Stupidity, Idiots, and Reality

So apparently, some people can't understand reality if it bites them in the ass.

I've had the unfortunate circumstance to have to deal with some drama queens in my time, but this really has to take the cake.   There's a person at Exile, who does a blog, and in this blog, she incessantly degrades the club, and the people in the club, and can't seem to get her reality straight.  She says things that aren't true at all, and when she's called on it, she cries like a little girl and hides behind the skirts of other people.

Yesterday, I wrote, what I thought, was a very nice letter to this person, trying to explain how people work really hard for Exile, people close to her included, and each time she posts something bad about the place, it reflects on them as well.  I tried to give her some advice, such as finding her happy place, and that she should stop complaining about things all the time - that I, as well as others, would love to see her take some pride in Exile.

Of course, today, there is another snarky blog post.  

While I understand that the blog is her own "brain dump" and her own space - and I would not, and have not, asked her to censor it, I do stand by what I wrote to her.

Honestly, lets look at this in a RL fashion.  How many employers, would continue to employ a person, if all that they did was degrade the workplace in a blog, or tweets, or any other social media?  We've all seen plenty of cases such as this in the news, and guess what? Said person was usually released from work.   I would like to note, that I have not done this.  I have tried to be patient and tried to be nice.

But, as I pointed out to Master last night, apparently, being nice isn't working.  So perhaps its time for me to become the bitch that everyone seems to think I am.

I have taken a few days off from SL to gather my thoughts, with the assurance that Master, Jynxx, Emerald and Fitch will be handling things in my absence.  I will be coming back on Friday, unless I decide that I am ready to come back before then.

But be warned.  I am not dealing with this anymore.  Master will be dealing with these people from here on out.  After all, he is the co-owner of Exile.

And please remember, the same that your blog is your "brain dump" ... Exile is OUR club, and our PATRONS' club.  That will not change.  

Please, by all means, keep up your shit-talking, sweetheart.  All it does is make you look like an idiot 2 year old drama queen, seeking attention, and so eager for it, that you'll take it even if its bad attention.  Honestly, you don't have my anger.  You have my pity.

Naked Saturday Goodness

Last night was Naked Saturday at Exile, and it was our annual Halloween bash.  Well, the 2nd one we have had, anyway, but it's going to be a tradition.  It seemed like most everyone who was there, had a great time, and there were loads of great costumes to be seen!  Unfortunately, I was so busy Djing that I didn't get a chance to snap any pictures, but take my word for it!  Ky'she was an amazing mermaid, Master was Cartman, Sem and I were both ghosts, albeit different costumes, and there were some angels and devils and demons, and even Frenzy was there with a big mallet of some kind, and a gun.  I personally thought it was a pretty good night.  Granted, there were some who werent there, but I am guessing that RL also held lots of Halloween parties, since it was the last Saturday before.  I'm looking forward to seeing them back, next week!

Today has been a pretty lazy day all around.  I got the Exile schedule out (a bit later than I like, but I overslept!) and have dinner started.  Tonight is going to be Indian tacos, with chicken instead of beef.  For those of you who aren't familiar with the Indian taco - become intimately familiar! They are delicious!! Fry bread is da bomb.

Because of oversleeping, I dont have a lot to post today.  I'll try to do a better one tomorrow.  :)

~R

The 80's, Tuna Noodle Casserole, and Other Things

Hey everyone, its me, River, again! I know, its an odd title for a blog post, but trust me, it fits in with the whirlwind that is my mind.

So yesterday was Friday.  Fridays, I do my 80's Flashback set at Exile, and it was really a lot of fun.  All of my usuals were there, and Cherie stopped in towards the end of the set as well!  The sploder was well-served, and there was lots of awesome 80's music to be had by all.

Immediately afterwards, was the Exile staff meeting.  The ones who were in attendance, seemed very excited about the news of the new build, and while we assured them that nothing is, as they say, set in stone, I think that everyone is very excited to see it.  We informed them that Jynxx and Marge are deprimming the hell out of it, and doing some parcel-fitting as well (its a bit ... large), but hopefully a lot of that will be done soon.   They were, as always, full of great suggestions and ideas.  I love when that happens!   I was really sad that Frenzy didn't make it - I had a question to ask her, but Miss Fitch said she would talk to  her about it when she came on - co-incidentally, just as we were logging off!

RL work was a booger.  Everything was fine until the very end, and then the car had a blow-out, back passenger side.  Being as we are in a used car that we purchased 2 years ago, we had no idea that there was a spare tire tucked away underneath the car.  Heh.  After downloading a flashlight app on my phone so that we could see, we finally managed to get the tire to release, and then changing it was a breeze.  As of 9am this morning, there's a shiny new tire in it's place.   I stayed up late to meet a man who was supposed to come over and get an old refrigerator, but he never showed.

In the meantime, I was enjoying some time with Master at Exile, as he streamed some of his awesome music.  I had already gotten dressed for the Halloween version of Naked Saturday tonight, so I was looking a little pale.  Shanique, Rosie, and Miss Eloise also showed up, and then Satre, so it was a regular little party.

Tonight of course, is Naked Saturday, and as usual, its going to be a blast.  If I can manage to, I will try to snap some pics of the fun and post them here, tomorrow.

Now, I am off to enjoy some of the awesome Tuna Noodle Casserole that is for dinner.  I have a pic of that too.  There will be much less of it when I am finished.  I love this stuff!

Enjoy the night and see you all at NS tonight at 8pm!!

A Little Tact ...

I am going to try my damnedest to be tactful in this blog, but there are some things that I want and desperately need to address.  I do not plan on mentioning any names in this posting at all, so please bear with me as I dance around the naming of people.

There is a blog that I read on occasion, and in this blog, said blogger, who is an employee of Exile, has complained and commented on multiple things.   I am going to take the time to answer those comments, here and now, for everyone to see.

1.  "Exile is a dark, cold place."
In actuality, it isn't at all.  The beauty, the warmth behind Exile are the people who come to Exile, whether they be staff or patrons.  Everyone, and I do mean everyone at Exile, is considered part of the family.  As I have said before, Exile isn't about the build, or the pictures that were on the wall (and are now in the viewer) or the couches, or any number of other things.  Exile is about the PEOPLE.

2.  "Hardly anyone comes anymore. I think its because (insert names here) left."
As an owner of Exile, I see the number of people that come through the doors each and every day, and exactly how long they stay for.  Many of the events are well-attended!  As with any club in SL, not all events are going to be well-attended.  But, if your event is not well-attended, then sit down and ask yourself why it isn't.  Is there something that you can do? Perhaps a change of music, or even a change in attitude?  Maybe some outside advertising could help.  There again, if could be because (Insert names here) and all of their alts, aren't attending your shifts anymore. Addressing the thought that it's because (insert names here) left ... so not the case at all.  So many people were sick and tired of the drama being caused, and, as I said before, and will say again - Exile is Exile .. not the (Names Here) Show.  If you were under the impression that they ran things, or had some sort of "inside track" on what was going on ... I suppose you know now, that you were mistaken. Not sure if you just thought it, or if it was something that you were told, but I can hazard a pretty damn good guess, seeing as I have heard it from others as well.  They have left.  They are gone. It's time to let the past be the past, stop dwelling in it, and rocket forward into Exile's future.

3.  "I came in twice now, and stood ungreeted for at least 10 minutes."
That may very well be.  I remember bringing this up in several staff meetings.  Except .. then it was your and yours not doing the greeting, and guess what .. You still barely do, unless it's someone that is one of your friends/family.  I still get complaints about you in that aspect, and some of those complaints are coming from managers, as well as staff and patrons.   Darling, you cannot expect people to jump up and down for joy when you walk through the door, if you are not willing to at least greet people, yourself, and show some enthusiasm in it.  No one wants to feel as though they are pushing themselves upon someone.  You cannot expect someone to be happy to see you, when they say hello to you repeatedly, and get nothing in return, but you're all too happy to say hello to everyone else.

I'm going to end this blog by offering some well-intentioned advice to you.

Stop complaining and bitching about everything.  If you aren't happy, then change it.  Get your happy on! Look for something to smile about!  Trust that the people in charge actually DO know what they are doing, and if you have thoughts or comments to make, make them constructive ones - not words dripping with sarcasm and contempt.  Stop with the "woe is me" act and FIND your happy place, and reasons to smile and be happy about all of the good things that you have in your life.  No one should have to find it for you, or provide it for you.  Inside, I know that you are a truly awesome person, but right now, its very hard to get past the drama and bullshit, to see all of that awesomeness.  Said with love, said with love.

Love Is In the Air @ Exile

Sunday was a good day for love at Exile, apparently!

First, Miss Florisa and Kitten had Kitten's collaring ceremony in the gardens, followed by a party to celebrate.  Then, Sir Mav surprised everyone by proposing to Vampy, so another celebration! And, just a few days before that, Master and I celebrated our 3 year anniversary of my being in his collar.  Just wow!  I really love it when there is so much love in the air!  Although I wasn't able to make it to Miss Florisa's and Kitten's ceremony because of RL obligations, Miss Florisa knew that I was there in spirit, and I am wishing them the very best!  I posted my congratulations to Vampy and Sir Mav via FB, and will be telling them in person, as soon as I manage to get in-world to see everyone.

It was my typical Sunday, RL.  Saturday nights are my hardest night during the week, and so I tend to rest up a bit on Sundays.  My housemate returned to work after having 3 days off in a row, and I enjoyed some quiet time at home with the doggies.  I made my first ever quiche - a Quiche Lorraine, and served it up with steamed green beans and almond slivers.   Delish!  There's still about half left, so plenty for breakfast for a few days, too!  I played a bit of WoW (yes, I do play from time to time) and enjoyed lots of quality time, talking to Master on Skype, as is our usual.  There's not hardly a time when we aren't on Skype together, which is wonderful.  I feel really blessed that I get to hear his voice for the majority of the day.  When I got home from work, we watched a couple of episodes of Australia Border Patrol and one that is sort of the Australian version of "COPS".  Both are really good.  I'm still grumpy that the "COPS" one doesn't have Meghan on it anymore.  I really liked her a lot.  And, I am very much looking forward to the new episodes of "River Cottage - Australia" that will be coming back in the new year.   (I am utterly addicted to the "River Cottage" series, both the England and Australia versions, though, I think I do prefer Hugh a bit more.)  For those of you who have no idea what I am talking about, you can find the majority of them on YouTube - start with River Cottage, the England version, with Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.

And, as I am about to have something for dinner, I am going to leave off of here for now, and possibly post an addendum to this, later.  

Have a good day, y'all!

~R

Naked Saturday And Other Things

Let me just start out by saying that, Naked Saturday was a blast.  We had over 30 at the club at our highest point, and its great that we are starting to see some old faces coming back in again! Charmi stopped by for a bit this week, and Sapphire was there last week.  Semarra is coming in again also, which is great!  There were quite a few members of the Freeze family on-hand, too, and it was great to meet them all.

I streamed a lot of great music - all in all, I had about 4 hours worth loaded into my SAM, and was getting lots of requests all night.  For some reason, I was having problems finding some of the songs that Miss Fitch wanted to hear, but I am going to try to get her to send me those songs via email so that I have them on-hand, if she wants to hear them again.  Oh, and I also ranked #8 on the SHX Top 40!!  YAY!

Unfortunately, I was so busy DJ'ing, that I didn't have time to grab any pictures of the event.  So, just imagine Exile, packed with scantily-clad people, all dancing away and having a great time for 3 hours straight.  Miss Fitch was in her dance cage, and Shanique and Simon were dancing away on the poles.  Ah, yes, that's a great picture, use that one.  :)

Life in the "real" was a bit more sedate.  I'm very excited that Jynxx will be here in just 22 days!! And yes, I still have yet to go and buy that coffee pot! However, there's a good sale on at KMart, so I may stop in there this coming week.  Which, brings about a whole new issue ... Where to put it?  My kitchen here at the new house doesn't have nearly the cabinet space that the old house did.

Speaking of Jynxx, she and Marge B. have been working very hard on a new build, and I am really excited to see the final outcome! Both of them are really talented builders, and it's always great to see the new things that they come up with!  I remember one of the highlights of my year was seeing what Marge put together for the holidays over at Sidhe.  Great stuff.  What does this build mean for you?   Well .... I guess you will just have to wait and find out.  ;)

Have you ever had one of those days (read, weeks!) where, there was a ton of things to be done, and you just didn't have the motivation to do anything at all?  Yes, that is where I am at, today. (and yesterday, and the day before, and the day before that...)  Perhaps if someone were to bring me a big, fat Vendi from Starbucks - something with white chocolate and caramel - that might help me transition into getting something done.   No?  Instant coffee it is, then.  

Wish me luck.

~R

Time Lost!

Oops, I may have skipped a few days there, but I had really good reason to!! I promise!

I heard lots of good things from Exile on Thursday!! Even though attendance is a little slow, it seems like people are getting along and having a great time at the events, which is always a good thing.  Bananas got hold of a new picture editing program and is churning out new pictures like nobody's business!  If you ask her nicely, I bet she might show you some.

Friday was a really special day for me especially.  It was mine and Master's 3 year anniversary.  It still amazes me that it's been 3 years, because honestly, it doesn't feel as though its been that long at all.  And, my love for him just keeps growing with each passing day.  Friday morning (end of the day, our time) we kicked back and watched "Skyfall" before going to bed for the night (day).   When we got up, we both had events to DJ.  Both of us made it onto the SHX Top 40, yay!  Master recorded the most BEAUTIFUL thing for me, and played it at the beginning of his set, wishing me a happy anniversary, and telling me (and everyone listening) just how much he loves me.  It made me cry!!  He paired it with the song "All I Want Is You" by U2.  Then, a bit later, Bananas came in and dedicated a song to us, called "River" by Emeli Sande, and it was absolutely gorgeous.  Second time that night, I cried.  Seems I was doing that a lot, wasn't I? Here's a picture I snapped from Master's event:

Fun at Exile 10-18-13 "Aussie Style"

And yes, I am trying my hand with the same picture editor that Bananas found out about.  The jury is still out on it though.  I'm pretty fond of my PaintShop Pro, honestly.

After I got home from work in RL, we settled back and watched a couple of episodes of "America's Book of Secrets" - one about the Playboy Mansion, and one about West Point.  Both of them were pretty good, and at least in these two, nothing was blamed on the Masons!  (Haha, isn't everything conspiracy-wise?)

Tonight is Naked Saturday at Exile, and I am DJing again.  I'll update again soon, I promise!! Hope to see you all there!  :)

~R

Prayers and Best Wishes

My prayers and best wishes go out to the people of NSW, AU, who are affected by the horrible bush fires.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-10-17/youtube-nsw-fires-montage/5029962

Thoughts

"There is so much about my fate that I cannot control, but other things do fall under the jurisdiction.  I can decide how I spend my time, whom I interact with, whom I share my body and life and money and energy with.  I can select what I can read and eat and study.  I can choose how I'm going to regard unfortunate circumstances in my life - whether I will see them as curses or opportunities.  I can choose my words and the tone of voice in which I speak to others.  And most of all, I can choose my thoughts."
--Elizabeth Gilbert


It seems as though I have tried this blog thing before, but hopefully, this time, it will be something that I will be able to stick with.  Sticking with things is sometimes an issue for me (for those of you who aren't aware, I have adult ADHD, and have grown up with ADHD before it was cool, heh.) Really, though, there is so much that I want to say in a day's time, that it seems logical to me, that I should put it all down in a blog so that I can go back and review these thoughts and ideas later in time, and either say, "hey, that was really good", or "really - what was I thinking?"

Let me start out by telling you, how very blessed I am to have such amazing people in my life. True, there have been some who have fallen by the wayside, or chosen to take a different path - but that is simply called, life.  I've always subscribed to the thought that each of us are where we are, for a reason.  We don't always know what that reason is, but it's always there.  Maybe we'll never know.  Maybe it just isn't something we need to know.  Maybe I am rambling.  Where was I?  Oh yes, blessed.  I am!  I have such wonderful friends and family, both on SL and in RL, that I can't begin to name everyone.  There are some, though, that touch my life in ways that no one else could ever begin to.

My beloved Master ... Where to even start?  Since "day dot", You have been there for me - even before You wrapped me in Your protection against the cruelties that I was facing.  You listened to me cry and rail against things, and You tried to shelter me from those things as best You could. Then, when the time was right, You took me as Your own ... not only Your submissive, but as Your partner, loving me so completely in both lives that it sometimes still makes my head spin. There are some people out there that say some pretty hateful things, but anyone who truly knows the man that You are, could never believe them.  You are the kindest, most gentle man that I have ever chanced to meet, and the words "I love You" don't even seem to do justice to the feelings that I have for You.

My Sister in All But Blood - Jynxx ... We go back to before the age of dinosaurs, you and I.  Back to the days of dial-up, and actual RP on AOL.  (Is that even around anymore??  LOL)   You hated me, I didn't like you overly much, and it was all Adam's fault.  (Seriously, it was, and not for the reasons anyone might think!)  Over the past 10+ years, we have gotten closer and closer, and really, what is there between us other than a few pesky states, now?  You always tell me what I need to hear, even if I don't want to hear it.  I almost always appreciate it later, by the way.  And, your impending visit is making me go out and buy a coffee maker.  So, I guess, you aren't all that bad.  ;)

The Little Sis I Never Had - SydnEmeraldNannas ... This is the little sis I always and never wanted to have.  The one that I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, would be stealing my clothes and driving me absolutely crazy!  But, that's okay, because I love her, and anyone who messes with her, other than Jynxx or Master, has me to answer to!  Why, you ask?  Because it's okay for me to get pissed off at her and do some ranting and raving, because she's my little sis.  But let anyone else do it, and guess what?  Hell to pay, that's right.

My Exiled Family ... So many of you that I can't name you all.  We came together from all over SL, to form this wonderful place together, and it ain't been easy at all.  There's been some who want to destroy things, but as long as we stick together, then nothing can touch this beautiful place we call "home".  Exile is not about the building, or about pictures on the walls, or about toys or dungeons or dance floors.  Exile is about the PEOPLE, the very souls that walk through the doors, the voices that reach out and say hello, and the need and want to make new friends, to bring them into the fold and family.  To be an Exile isn't a colour or an attitude, or a role or orientation.  It isn't about Dominance or submission, and it isn't about who you know.  To be an Exile means ... family.  It's just that simple.   I sincerely hope that I make each of you feel as warm and fuzzy as you do for me.   To the ones who want to cause drama and try to destroy what we have here - I say to you - go for your lives.  Because, at the end of the day, we are STILL Exiles, and we will ALWAYS be Exiles.  Exile, the place, could cease to exist, and all of that would still be true, in our hearts, and that is something that you can NEVER take away.

I've been around SL a year or so ... well, actually, since 2007.   Sure, there's people who have been around longer than I have.  Sure, there's people who have more experience with things than I do.  But, no two experiences are ever the same.  No two truths are ever the same.  No two people are ever the same.   That said, I would take the time to urge each and every one of you, to not judge people based on the stories of others, in the same way that you would not want to be judged based on what someone may say about you.  Take the time to get to know people.  Find out about them, who they really are ... discover hopes and dreams.  In that, know that there will always be those people who are so miserable, in themselves, that they would say and/or do anything to bring others down to their level of unhappiness - why? Because misery loves company.  But when they send those harsh words against you, just remember - you have the choice as to whether they are going to stick to you, and cause you to feel less than you really are, or whether those words are going to slide off of you and lay in a puddle on the floor.  Offer compassion in that, you don't know what is going on in that person's life.  People reflect what they are feeling.  If someone shoots words of unworthiness to you ... perhaps they are only feeling unworthy, themselves.  I think those are some of the most important things that I have learned in the past 6 years of SL.

I'll leave off with that, and head into the world of slumber and dreams.  You know ... that place between dreaming and waking ... where I'll always be thinking of you.  :)

Night,

~R