My Blog

Funny thing about having fun. . .

BAsina — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 13:32:26 GMT

The more I am enjoying life, the less time I have to write about it. I had wanted to do a post about Pennsic, but its already nearly a month gone by at this point. Suffice to say, it was AMAZING. The weather (even with the first few days of rain) was AMAZING. I love my wonderful friends who really are the ones who make the event memorable. I adore the folks who come up to show me the garb they have made with my instructions or advice - it makes me feel great. I loooove the fact that one VERY sweet woman wrote a song for me! And I love making new friends (you know who you are!). I even started learning to knit this year! lol Aside from Pennsic, the summer was a whirlwind of cabin-ing and cars. This past weekend was the Labor Day Double event at the Track. The Big Man got his new top speed on the course, and I got a ride in a wicked Ferrari (on the track)! We also went to check out the new Summit Point Karts, which were a total blast. Best of all, we had an awesome birthday for the Big Man at the track - beer and birthday cake with friends. This weekend we get Big Man B-day Part II as my parents are headed out to our end of WV :-) So many things coming up too - Glengary, the big fall camping trip with the Norwegians, more track stuff, including me driving. I need to prep for the competition driving school this spring, as I now have a race car waiting for me :-) Big Man helped me build too tablet weaving looms so I need to get on making us some trim. We want to go to War next year with wool garb as there were a few really chilly nights this year. And I can already feel the holidays rolling around. Yikes! And the cats, well they are awesome! Nimar will be 3 at the end of this month. . . I think he needs a birthday party too! So, life is just really, really good. (And I have to say, that I am sooooo very glad I can count on continued humor from one facet. At least somethings are consistent - even if they dont know it!)

Haberci is here!!!

BAsina — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 16:27:21 GMT

https://www.yousendit.com/download/Y...UzhRWUxIRGc9PQ http://tinyurl.com/lrqcy2 Please, please, please make a few extra copies and take them to YIV when you arrive at war, that way newcomers can get a copy as well (or you if you forget to take yours!)! The folks there are very generous to allow us to use their establishment every year for Haberci, so please stop in while there and have some of their excellent coffees and desserts!

HABERCI TIME!!!!

BAsina — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 14:05:52 GMT

For those who don't know, each year for Pennsic, I (with some help) produce a flyer that's made available free (while supplies last) at Pennsic. This has Middle Eastern class listings (both official classes and non-official classes), a performance calender and an event calender (haflas, informal performances and parties that cater to those whose interests in the SCA lay in the Near or Middle East). If you know that your group is having an event that you want listed on the calender, please let me know so that I can include it! Please send the information to my yahoo email ( teinenishea@yahoo.com ), so that I can include it. I will need Name of host or hosting group, date and time, location (block number and camp name if its not at official place like the ME tent), brief description and other information as necessary. If you would like to donate to the effort making copies, please email me at the above address and I will give you the paypal info! Thanks! Uum Hurayrah bint Khalid (aka Basina, Elf, and NAzirah)

Let the Pennsic Prep begin!!!!!

BAsina — Wed, 13 May 2009 13:37:21 GMT

Pennsic Pennsic Pennsic!!!

FiestaMovement Cars in Baltimore!

BAsina — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 16:17:10 GMT

Just came off the boat and are sitting outside a downtown hotel for the media to take a peek. Of course I had to go check them out. I have to say they look sweet, and that green is amazing in person! http://www.flickr.com/photos/32639113@N02/3387906182/ Fiestas in the Port: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2009/03/first-ford-fiesta-hatchbacks-arrive-on.html Remember - new blog here!!! http://beingcrazyisntenough.wordpress.com

Fiesta Movement!

BAsina — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 21:28:07 GMT

I am trying to win a chance to be part of the Fiesta Movement - which is Ford's introduction of the new Fiesta to the US market! The contest requires a video, but between the lagging cough/cold and spring allergies, I am too raspy for filming. Instead, I made a brief intro, and also built (finally) my new (permanent) blog (which is currently Fiesta themed for the occasion). Please click the link here for the slide show, and the full written blog/entry is below if you care to read! http://tinyurl.com/cbn6bj Here is a little bit about myself, my background and life, and the reasons that I think I would be a good “Agent” for Ford and the Fiesta Movement. (Told here, because my voice is too raspy right now to do a proper video.) I live in Maryland and spend most of my weekends traveling by car to various social functions. I was raised by a Ford family. My grandfather owned only Fords, and even now my parents own a Ranger, a motorhome on a Ford chassis and a restored-by-my-father 1929 Model A Ford. My very first ride in a car was in a Pinto and I have a collection of Ford toy antique trucks on display in the West Virginia cabin. My “dream car” is a 1947 Ford Pickup and I am presently trying to save up to buy an old Pinto race car. I never expected to be a “car person” but at some point, after I met my boyfriend, it was just the natural progression of things. We are both WRC, Nascar, ALMS and F1 fans. We currently participate in the SCCA Mid-Atlantic Road Racing Series where I crew-chief for his Showroom Stock Mini Cooper S and American Sedan 2008 Mustang GT. Until the Mustang GT went into the shop for race-prep, I used to be able to drive that car. I could use that car for autocross, Rallycross, track days, etc. Now I am left without a “sporty” ride. I would love to take that new Fiesta to these and give the car enthusiasts there a glimpse of what is to come. I would also enjoy taking the Fiesta ON the track and in the dirt for track days and Rallycrosses. . . Ford permitting, of course. I have many friends (both male and female) that enjoy their cars beyond just “as a mode of transportation”. We take pride in our vehicles and like to show them off. Similarly though we have all seen the exciting and stylish Ford vehicles offered in other markets and have longed for their release here. The new Fiesta - from what I have seen and read - really seems to be one of these vehicles that have traditionally been out of our grasp. Whereas an AWD Focus in Wimbledon white and a rally package would be the ideal, a lime green Fiesta would fit the bill nicely! I spend a great deal of time in my car commuting from southern Maryland to Baltimore City to work, where I spend my days behind a computer monitor working on special projects and dabbling in social media. With so much time spent in a car, I need my ride to not only be comfortable, economical and safe, but it really also needs to be FUN to drive. Why not enjoy the many miles on the road? A bit more about myself, I am a computer geek, I sew and create costumes, I camp and fish and travel, and I am a bellydancer. I am fashionable and like to have fun. I have a fairly fast paced life and like cars with personality. So why should I be chosen to join the Fiesta movement? I live cars, love cars, and would be a fantastic person to test out the new Fiesta and spread the word about the Fiesta Movement! New blog is at: http://beingcrazyisntenough.wordpress.com/

Fantastic Middle Eastern event for those in the DC/MD area (and beyond!)

BAsina — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 16:28:12 GMT

I know there are quite a few SCA members here on Tribe, so I thought I would put this info out for those who might not know about this great event (or for anyone who might want to try one!). I have gone to this event since its inception several years back. It really is one of the best Middle Eastern events the SCA has to offer!!! There will be music all day (most will be live!), there will be AMAZING AMAZING food, there will be classes and there will be lots and lots of open dance! More information, directions and registration info can be found at the link below! http://www.duncarraig.net/middle_eastern/ Hope to see some of you there!!! Umm Hurayrah bint Khaalid Basina/Hurayrah

Driving, driving, driving

BAsina — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 19:58:23 GMT

I have a long commute. And even when I am not commuting to work, I always seem to be on the road to somewhere else. . . Did you know that I blow a 3 year/36K warantee in less than a year? I dont know if thats impressive or just ridiculous, but there it is. I know, my cargon footprint sucks, but living in the city again would suck worse, so there it is ;-) All this driving one reason that I went from viewing a car as something that merely gets you from point A to point B, to something that should get you there, get you there comfortably AND let you have some fun behind the wheel in the process. Speaking of "fun behind the wheel" have have to also comment that I really am itching to get an old Pinto to use as a race car. . . .

ITS NOT ME!

BAsina — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 18:47:58 GMT

Some of you here know me, I go by Basina and Hurayrah in the SCA and for dance, and in real life my name is Jenn. I live in Maryland, in the Baltimore/DC area. A few people here might have also heard of my past travails with a mentally ill neighbor (diagnosed paranoid schizophrenic). That neighbor abruptly left her husband and moved almost 2 years ago I think, but something recent has come up and I feel I need to let the community be aware of it and possibly help stop anything before it becomes an issue. This woman is living now in the Owings Mills area and has printed business cards for several people (me, my BF, an employer from 10 years ago and her enstranged brother) and leaving them in appartment buildings and possibly other places. The cards she printed for me state that I give free bellydance lessons AND free stripping lessons (I dont teach classes at all, except the occasional baby beginner lesson at an SCA event). They have my full name and home phone number on them. That isnt so bad compared to those for my BF, who apparently does free auto repair and teaches Ghost Extermination Classes. . . We found out about this only because the woman who was our neighbors former employer has had cards put out for her that state that she gives free sex magic and she has started this weekend to get a number of calls. She tracked down one source of the cards (Briarwood appartments near Owings Mills MD) and had the management pull the cards from their common area. I would really appreciate that if anyone in the area sees or hears of these cards, that they remove them from boards or common areas, or let me know where they are so that I can take care of this. I am rather mortified, but there is also concern over the fact that some of the people involved hold govt clearances. This situation is SO surreal, and I finally thought it was past. . . (Ok, the fact that my BF is supposed to be teaching Ghost Extermination IS actually a bit funny, lol) Jenn/Hurayrah/Basina

The Christmas Spirit is. . .

BAsina — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 14:19:22 GMT

...the guy who stepped out into the cold wind to see if traffic was coming so that I could make a right on red. ...helping a frail, elder lady into a cab when no one else would even bother to open the door for her. ...the people who brought sooooo many fabulous toys (bags and bags and BAGS) of toys to a Toys for Tots drive at a small company Christmas party. ...the people who responded to a call from a homeless shelter that ran out of food. They got food to the families who needed it. ...the people who sat out in the cold playing holiday music (very cool Victorian-ish brass band) to encourage people to donate to the Salvation Army. ...the folks who helped to pitch in to get cats rescued from a quick-kill shelter spayed and neutered so that they have a better chance of finding a forever home. Want to help? They still have 9 cats to do, I think. Awesome people and totally legit. Every little bit counts, and the addy for paypal is at this link: http://www.exoticheritagecats.org/ExoticHeritageCats.org_files/Page420.htm ...and because I love critters -- Rude Ranch in Maryland does the most fabulous animal rescue effort. I have been to their facility. Mr. & Mrs. Rude are WONDERFUL people. The Isis and The Reeses came from there and are the bestest cats. Do you need a last minute holiday gift for an animal lover? They have permanent residents (special needs cats and ferals), that will not find a forever home, you can "virtually" adopt one and help them to provide it with the care it needs!!! (They send you photos and updates of your cat too!) http://www.ruderanch.org/ And, like I said before, the little things help. Do you shop at Food Lion? If you have their MVP savings card, you can link your account to any number of charities! (Just google Food Lion Shop & Share and you will find the info). Dont have a favorite? Think about choosing Rude Ranch, in Harwood, MD. Wishing everyone a fabulous Christmas filled with the true beauty of Christmas Spirit!!!!! (and on the day I mentioned Rude Ranch they are - big time - in the news!!! http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/wayoflife/12/23/rude.ranch.animal.house/index.html )

Entertainment

BAsina — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 02:36:28 GMT

Seriously, I really cant get over how surreal some people are. . . or how entertaining. . . lol Idiots aside, I am swamped at work. No time to spare posting here, but thought I'd drop by to tell everyone to have a wonderful, beautiful holiday!!! (And the best New Year!) I know I will :-)

Some things make me so horrifically angry

BAsina — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 22:16:27 GMT

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2008/11/13/waugh.ga.cat.used.as.football.wjxt I really really wish that someone could take those teens, bludgeon them for hours and then amputate THEIR legs. I will sign up for the job to do it myself if it becomes available (and I would take pride in my work). There are some things in this world that are horrific and inexcusable. You dont have to like animals, but for gods sake its a BABY. Crimes against animals, little kids, the elderly and anyone else who is helpless, are just beyond wrong, and honestly, if you do that kinda thing, I wish you off my planet.

The Big Event

BAsina — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 18:08:24 GMT

It occurred last Friday. The Big Man closed on the Cabin in the Country. Its every bit of perfection. So much that I wish I could live there everyday (but a 2 hour each way commute to work just wont but it, sigh). Its beautiful, the way it sits perched on the side of a hill, overlooking its pasture/farmette, with the forest sitting behind it. It has every thing I could ever want, a trout stream (gets stocked) for feeshing, (and swimming too, as we will damn it up somewhat), trees trees and more trees (mostly oaks - my fave), wildlife - deer, birdies, critters and a BEAR (rawr!). Hell, it even has the Worlds Biggest Garage and a SEWING ROOM!!!!! Decorating will be the fun part. Already did the Master Bath, next will do the guest bath (in John Deere stuff, hehehe). Its perfect, did I mention that before??? Its all wood inside, log exterior walls, wainscotting internally, with oak floors. The kitchen and bath have stone floors. There is a wood stove, and all fairly new stainless appliances (and they all WORK, lol). There is even a 4 person hot tub out side over looking the valley. You can only see one other house while at the cabin, and I feel that in the Spring, when the leaves are back, you will not be able to see even that. There is even a redneck saloon down the street (walking distance) that has a remarkably NICE concert room and bluegrass bands on the weekend. http://s186.photobucket.com/albums/x310/ryashani/The%20Compound/ For the first time in a long time, I felt truly at Home. :-)

SQUEAK!!!!

BAsina — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 18:26:33 GMT

Big stuff, big stuff in the works! Just a few more days to know allllllll the details but I am so excited I could just faint right about now ;-)

No time to post. . .

BAsina — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 23:17:47 GMT

So busy at work. Beyond busy. Not really bad busy, but busy. Saw this today - pretty bad ass! http://www.motortrend.com/oftheyear/suv/112_0812_2009_subaru_forester_suv_of_the_year/index.html

Nostalgia

BAsina — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:16:22 GMT

First of all, I drove the STI this weekend. .. actually DROVE it. Pretty cool stuff, if I do say so myself ;-) Beyond that though, it was a trip down memory lane. We both reloaded EQ, the original game. Bought all the expansions and did the 20 hour patch. Last night we were able to log on and take a trip back to the past. LOL I really loved that game, and still do. Its tedious though, alot of "downtime" and alot of wasted time. But I realized that thats why Guilds were important and thats why your group was important. There was time to chat and carry on in EQ that doesnt really happen with the newer games, and their faster "kill kill kill quest quest quest" pace. I remember entire weekends spent (happily) gaming. . . I remember the raids and "camping" mobs. I remember taking off work for an expansion. And I will be a very lame geek now when I admit that that much loved theme music was a bit thrilling to hear again. ;-) Maybe this coming weekend I will get some junk food and we can have a real journey back to the past with an all night gaming session ;-) Ok, done geeking on computer games. My fibre geek is happy right now too. I got my hands on some DMC wool Medici floss AND on the same day my order from Renaissance Dying came in as well. I cant wait to use this stuff (plan to do some tablet weaving with the DMC and the RD stuff is for my Viking coat!)

The problem with Tribe is. . .

BAsina — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 20:44:49 GMT

There just arent enough pics of the Nimar! ;-)

When hobbies collide...

BAsina — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 13:51:14 GMT

I love the fact that the race track is so close to my SCAdian friends. I love the fact that I have free time at the track and there isnt anything better to do than my hand weaving and sewing. With holiday traffic hell, I ended up having to drive from work to the race track, rather than home first and riding up in the RV with the Big Man. Turned out to work well as having my car there allowed for more forays into town. Had dinner at the diner one night, at a prime rib place the next, and Sunday went to a lovely BBQ at Seamus and Sorcha's place. Food was good, great company, and I got some archery lessons from Seamus while there! Bonus! I got my tablet weaving warped up, but something isnt right. The pattern just looks, wrong, and I cant figure out why. I will finish the strap though, as it still looks nice and its out of a soft, yummy wool. I did some additional hand work on my woad colored linen tunic too. Yippee :-) The races went well, even though the clutch was going in the MIni. It did make it thru the weekend and we found out one of our friends there is a mechanic who is more than willing to not only fix the car, but to go take his trailer to pick it up to do the work! YAY! Sunday night at the track was funny. An entire tent city pops up for the Labor Day races. The stands are full of folks watching the races and they had not only fireworks (Serious crazy fireworks, for over 2 hours!!!) but some guy set up with DJ equipment trying to get the party started.. . lol It was a riot. Oh and 2 second place trophies from the weekend! WOOT! Coming up soon is the Big Man's b-day. Dance class resumes next week. Another track weekend (same weekend as Glengary too, good thing they are so close!), then Ubiquitopia (the most awesome camping/party event next to pennsic), and then another SCA event in October. . . sweet stuff, eh?

Not the kind of thing I usually post...

BAsina — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 21:26:18 GMT

But it was so interesting I couldnt not post it. . . http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/personal/08/26/o.divorce.dreams/index.html

Pennsic pics

BAsina — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 13:45:47 GMT

http://s186.photobucket.com/albums/x310/ryashani/Pennsic%2037/ Didnt take too many this year, was too busy having too much fun. LOL I know, there are cat pics when you open the album, the sub-albums are off to the left. . .

Sleepy contentment :-)

BAsina — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 13:40:20 GMT

To sum up the weekend. . . nice. All around nice :-) Friday night was dinner at home, but the Big Man cooked up lamb chops (from Lobel's) and we had skewers of veggies and couscous and I made a yogurt sauce. With that went a bottle of red wine. Dessert was chocolate cake and fresh berries, followed by a sip or two of Louis XIII. We just watched TV during dinner and afterwards, I puttered with hand sewing a little coif-like Viking cap. Saturday had us off to Tandy Leather for supplies for armor and shoes! Yup, gonna try to make some shoes (with his help, as he's good at that stuff), then to lunch at DuClaw and some shopping at Bass Pro Shop. I even got a kid's bow with a 20lb draw to practice with. Yippee!!!! After that to Michaels for glue (I have NO clue what for), and I got some more beads for Viking necklaces. Can I just say I am totally addicted to making these? LOL Then to Pet Smart and before heading home, a quick stop for Slurpees. How great of a day is that? That night I did finish the cap, including doing whipcord (attached directly to the cap). It looks nice! Yesterday was puttering around the house, doing more Pennsic laundray, playing Age of Conan and starting another linen underdress. This weekend its off to the races! :-)

Its happening. . .

BAsina — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 18:05:03 GMT

Most of my garb over the last several years has had very little or no visible machine stitching. I do my facings by hand, as many of my hems that way as well. I even did some decorative stitches (that also served to hold down my hems) by hand for my first Viking apron dress. But now my foray into Viking has me itching to do lots visible hand stitching. Why do I want to torture myself so? Actually, the time spent at the motorsports track is helping my historical clothing endeavor. I am there, in the RV, for hours on end with no distractions! What better to do than perfect my hand work??? (And tablet weave!) I also tried making a wool viking whipcord last night - it came out well enough, despite Nimar's best efforts to distract me. I used it to edge a little pouch :-)

2 in a day!

BAsina — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:37:09 GMT

I have a bow, I will be getting my never-yet-used armor back soon (I hope). . . I might actually take the field with my household next Pennsic :-)

Work makes my head hurt

BAsina — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 14:56:24 GMT

I love walking into work disasters. Really, I do! Yargh. The weekend was pretty laid back. We repaired the leak in the roof (well, we think we did. . . ). Actually, I mostly watched and stressed, but everyone lived so all is well. ;-) Beyond that it was more Pennsic laundry, and futzing with the wool machine embroidery thread I bought. Its so very yummy. Seriously. When stitched out, it loves very much like hand work! There are some issues I am working out at the moment (lowing stitch count in designs and the like), but its promising. I love doing handwork, but it doesnt love me. When I made the Big Man's favor a few years back it jacked up my wrists for weeks, and I dont want to repeat that again. Also was looking at alternate patterns for the Viking Apron Dress. Hmmmmm. I want to try one that I found, but in the end I think I will be sticking with the one I used this year, simpler and I see no reason that its not as plausible as any other construction out there. Also toying with a way to teach Middle Eastern Coat making/construction techniques, without having to have everyone bring a sewing machine and fabric. I think I even have a solution.....

Still on a Pennsic "High"

BAsina — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 18:06:05 GMT

Seriously, who needs drugs? Usually I come back from War wiped out, this year I am invigorated. I think, in part, it is because I took a different approach to this years event. First of all, I didnt have alot of sewing I "had" to do, instead I was able to work on projects I WANTED to do. That was fun. Adding Viking stuff to my mix was also refreshing as I am at a dead end on resources for more info on my Turkish projects. I forgot how much I LOVE researching something new-to-me. So this year, I didnt have late sewing nights and last minute projects. I went to war in a more relaxed state than I ever have previously. Secondly, I wasnt in a rush. Yes, Galyana walk so fast only a trained runner could keep our pace. But I wasnt trying to get to 20 classes a day or to anything else in particular. Yes, I did take a daily Saz class, but it was at the perfect time as we were always headed to the market by then anyways ;-) I took time every afternoon to just chill out and hang out, maybe to nap, work on little projects (like Viking necklaces) or, on occasion, I even would join in on Gaylana's 4pm beer hour ;-) And in the evenings? There were 2 haflas I was NOT going to miss, but the other parties and events, well they were bonuses. I wasnt going to die if I didnt rush out to be at a certain event. And even the parties I did attend, well, I only stayed as long as I wanted and then camp back and hung in camp with the uber cool folks there. I dont need a "break" from sewing/SCA/dancing/Pennsic this year. Instead, I am already working on plans for the next War (and everything in between) :-)