lesbianchatmissoula

The next chat - update

2006-01-30T19:41:00.000-07:00

I actually get off work at 6pm so I will be there on time to open up.

The next Chat

2006-01-29T16:29:00.000-07:00

The next chat will be at the new center. The WMGLCC is now located downtown on Higgins, above the Hallmark (second floor, the stairs are to the right as you walk in, the elevator is to the left).

Of the people going to chat, I have the only set of keys currently. I have to work until 7pm, so I wont get there until probally close to 7:30, but I will be there.

Chat tuesday 1/24

2006-01-22T08:37:00.000-07:00

Sara and I won't be at chat on tuesday this week. We have decided to go to the 7pm Brokback Mountain that day. We have been wanting to go but just havn't gotten around to it, and I decided since tuesdays are only $5 it was the perfect time. That means that if Paula and/or Devy don't go, there will be no one to open the doors.

Also, everyone should remember that the center is moving downtown. I believe the moving party is this weekend.

Hi, Everyone!

2006-01-13T17:57:00.000-07:00

I'm sure Laura told you I was back in Chicago this week, so I missed chat. It was kind of weird being back where I grew up, and staying in a hotel!

Anyway, at this very moment I am sitting in the Salt Lake City airport waiting for the 7:30 flight to Missoula. It is GREAT FUN having a 3 hour layover in Salt Lake City on a Friday night! I love Montana, but sheesh, it would be nice if it was easier to get in out of!!!

See you all next Tues.

quiet chat last night

2006-01-04T10:21:00.000-07:00

The chat was quiet last night, just three of us. I hope more people will be able to make it next week because Sara is gone all week on a business trip and I will be looking forward to seeing people.

Happy New Year!

2006-01-01T15:05:00.000-07:00

Happy new year everyone! I hope you all had a good time, I know I did. This was the first time in a few years where I didn't have trouble staying up until midnight.

nice holiday visit but it's time to come home

2005-12-27T13:43:00.000-07:00

Well, tomorrow I head back to Missoula and can relax in my own home...be it ever so humble and all that rout. I have enjoyed my visit up here, went hiking and visiting and even have learned to knit...sort of...but it is time and I am ready. I will miss seeing everyone tonight. I hope you all had a good holiday without too much drama or anything unpleasent. I will see you all next week if I am not already burried. I am taking an intersession class so I may have a bit of homework :-) I am also looking forward to going out for New Years. How did everyone else spend their holiday?

Nati's card bounced

2005-12-24T14:08:00.000-07:00

Hi Nati,
I seem to have your email address more than once on my home computer and one of the addresses I have is wrong. I used this address to send you a virtual Christmas card and it bounced. :-( so I am sending you a link here and wishing you a safe and Merry Christmas and good travels.

Safe travel and happy holidays to everyone too!

http://www.jacquielawson.com/viewcard.asp?code=MS34299787

Merry Christmas from Fortine, MT

2005-12-23T15:13:00.000-07:00

hello one and all. I arrived up at my brother and sister-in-law's last night and will be here until the middle of next week. My brother drove down to pick me up because I am not really comfortable driving in the snow yet. Actually the driving part is not so bad. it is the stopping part I seem to be having the most trouble with. It is rainy and muddy muchy here and freezing at night so the roads are slick. My brother was also concerned that if I drove up yesterday, by the time I was to go home next week, he would have to drive me anyway and than my car would be stuck in Fortine until spring. My mom and dad even called this morning to wish me a happy birthday. That was pretty cool too. I will be back in time to enjoy New Years in Missoula though. I hope everyone is finding a bit of time to relax and enjoy the season. I know the pressure to get everything done for everyone else can make this time especially stressful for me. Now I am going to relax and if I get my sister's hat finished I do and if I don't well, there is always Valantine's day...
Hugs to everyone

Free!

2005-12-16T15:41:00.000-07:00

Woooo Hoooo! I am done w/ finals, I am done w/ finals! Now I get to be human again and maybe even call some of my people who I have been neglecting, after I spend two days in bed recuperating though. I am done w/ finals, I am done w/ finals!

Nutcracker

2005-12-15T17:47:00.000-07:00

Would anyone be interested in going to the ballet this weekend? Tickets are 20.00. Info is at www.gardencityballet.org

no longer on the board of wmglcc

2005-12-12T00:44:00.000-07:00

I quit the board mostly due to mental crap. I would have it out with certain member on the board and i would not take prisoners. the wmglcc wants to associate themselves with the 3 percent of our wealthy population with in the missoula community. I can not do this. we are of the working poor. and I can not erase them from the community. I have the money to be part of that 3 percent. I come from the poverty level. Some on the board only think that the 3 percent can fund the center. I can do math. 3 percent does not = the rest of the community. Christ they are only 3 percent. I will blow my stack. this will not help anyone. I will reapply for the board when certain member leaves. Lesbians are not represented with in the wmglcc fairly. Young Adults that make minimum wage are asked to put in the same money that I am. I make 3 times more. their time is not considered. yet i see unemployeed, minimum wagers, and those that wish the can make my 22.oo dollars an hour. these people applied to be the changers of the wmglcc. I hope you back me when i say good for them and their time is worth more than the center feels it is. These people are like you. they have great ideas. demand that the center uses their time as compensation of the money that they can not afford. Remember a good heart with good intentions makes up for the rich man that gives only for a tax break.

Merry Christmas

2005-12-11T10:00:00.000-07:00

This is the coolest Christmas card.
http://www.jacquielawson.com/viewcard.asp?code=0212320003

Hope you all have a great holiday and stay safe too.

an update

2005-12-11T09:17:00.000-07:00

My cousin will be coming home from the hospitol today. She is still having difficulties with her balance and her vision but mentally she is doing great and been improving by leaps and bounds. It is amazing the progress she has made. Thanks to Paula, my car ran even in the very cold nights too.

Many hours spent at community hospitol

2005-12-08T08:15:00.000-07:00

After getting all comfy in my jammies and settling down to study for my exam tomorrow, I get a call that my cousin is on her way down from Ronan, via life-flight. She was kicked in the head last night by one of her horses. I am the only one who lives down here in Missoula so I got to the hospitol shortly after she did. Her husband and daughter arrived about 45 minutes after me. She is stable at this point and semi-concious. She had a major head trauma about 15 years ago in a car wreck so this is kind of scary all the way around. Even though the horse just lightly connected, it is on the side where the damage was already done. Anyway, after many hours spent in ICU last night I can tell you that the nurses are really great down there and the life-flight people were as well. I was even able to keep my car running to get down there and to get back too and even had about an 8 inch area of the windsheild I could keep clear too. I guess I will have to stop saying bad words about my car for a little while. When it was really necessary, it ran and did its job. Now to get ready for tomorrow's exam.

Still breathing!

2005-12-07T23:42:00.000-07:00

Howdy! I just wanted to let everyone know that I am still breathing (in case anyone was concerned). It's just too damn cold and I am in denial about finals. I also had a b-day party for a one year old on tuesday and an old friend dropped by out of the blue who i haven't seen in about a year so that required hanging out time. Anyhoo, I plan on being at chat this coming tuesday come hell or high water as I will definately need some non-study time. So I will be there with my frazzled self to check in with the rest of the world. Later all!

This is just SILLY COLD

2005-12-07T19:58:00.000-07:00

People told me it was really cold up here and I guess somewhere in the back of my mind I knew green trees meant wet and north meant cold but those correlations just never seemed to make it into my conscious reality. This is for sure a reality check :-)

This is info from the WMGLCC yahoo group

2005-12-07T18:07:00.000-07:00

From: ElsiePub@aol.com
Date: Wed, 7 Dec 2005 16:24:23 EST
To: ElsiePub@aol.com
Subject: Lesbian Connection press release (lisa-nr)

Hi there – thanks so much for offering to help spread the word about Lesbian
Connection! If you feel like adding an introductory comment or two to this
that'd be great. Otherwise you can just send it out as is.
Once again, thanks for your support.
Margy

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Hello from Margy at Lesbian Connection magazine! I'm trying to get the word
out to lesbians everywhere about our FREE magazine. In case you haven't
heard of it before, here's some info:

Lesbian Connection is the free worldwide forum of news, ideas, and
information for, by, and about lesbians. We've been publishing since 1974,
and we mail issues out every other month in plain brown envelopes (the word
"lesbian" doesn't appear anywhere on the outside).

As a grassroots forum, this magazine is truly written by our readers. On its
pages you'll find info for lesbians on places to live and where to travel,
lesbian B&Bs and guesthouses, lesbian websites, cruises, festivals,
conferences, lesbian land and retirement communities, products (books, CDs,
DVDs, etc.), campgrounds and retreats, lesbian lawyers and realtors, "Dykes
to Watch Out For," etc. There are also articles and letters dealing with
whatever issues LC's readers are talking about, from the "L Word" to health
issues, relationships, and politics.

If you're a lesbian and you'd like to start getting LC, all you need to do is email
us (elsiepub@aol.com) your full name and complete (snail mail) mailing
address and we'll be happy to add you to our list. (By the way—our mailing
list is totally confidential; we never sell, loan or share it with anyone else.)
We'd also like to know where you heard about us. By the way, while LC does
survive on donations from our readers (we're a tax-deductible 501(c)3
nonprofit), subscriptions really are free to all lesbians. Our goal is quite
simply to connect the lesbian community worldwide.

So do whatever you can to help us spread the word to lesbians, and we hope
to hear from you soon!

For Lesbian Connection,
margy

P.S. If you email us by the end of the month we'll be able to get you into our
next mailing.

Ok anybody up on their statistical analysis...

2005-12-03T20:46:00.000-07:00

I have spent the better part of today, ok all day today except about 2 hours, working on my final for stats class. I think I have the right set up for one of the problems but I am just not sure and it is bugging me. Anyone who might be willing to take a look, I would sure appriciate it. The problem involves confidence intervals on a group of paired samples. And no it is not cheating since it is a take home final...cheating is a null point.

The final push

2005-12-02T21:35:00.000-07:00

The end of the semester is in sight. There are only a few more things to do before it is in the books and history. I do not know why I am having so much trouble finding the motivation to do the little bit I have left. It is like my brain is stuck in neutral and my get up and go, got up and went. I have 2 take home finals to do this weekend and I have to finish up a presentation which includes finishing up a basket and writing out talking points so I remember what it is I need to say, oh yes and printing a graph which I have already created. Other then studying for the exam I have on Friday, that is it for this weekend. I had high hopes of finishing up the basket tonight and doing a bit more on the coiled basket just so it was a bit bigger and easier to see. That is not happening though.

I did talk to my Aunt in Portland and then found out what a rip it is to take the greyhound to Portland...would you believe 15 hours for one route and it is still almost 140.00?!?!

drag show

2005-12-02T08:27:00.000-07:00

anyone planning on going to the drag show at the bar? I think its on Saturday.

the sleep that we all crave

2005-12-01T22:57:00.000-07:00

I have sleept since tuesday night, wednsday night, and some of thrusday. total hour=around 20 hrs. and I mean i couldn't get up. I did finally got up to go to this class work put on . I fell in my hallway grabbed a trim to the door frame and ripped open my first finger inside webbing with a nail. made it late to the class. still had to put on snow tires. What did i learn from this ? the community hospital chants all night so they can get patients.

felt the need to post at least once a week

2005-11-30T08:20:00.000-07:00

Chat was short last night...only four of us at first and one more right before we went to the bar at 8pm. We watched Paula change the doornob at the center - which was amusing for everyone except maybe her. I am sure its not fun to try and fix something with three people watching you!

The bar was fun as usual.

I think all the students among us are probally too busy to post anything. Good luck to all of you with finals rapidly approaching.

Last Nights Chat

2005-11-23T09:42:00.000-07:00

Sara and I had a good time at chat last night. I also had a good time at the bar afterword. Its nice to get out of the house and meet people.

Happy Thankgiving

2005-11-23T08:01:00.000-07:00

I would like to wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving and safe travels to all your holiday destinations. This group is one of the things I am thankful for. All the unique individuals make this a great group, a great bunch of friends. :-)

Ok, I am now going to complain

2005-11-22T13:27:00.000-07:00

If you do not wish to read someone's whining then you should stop now but Good Grief! I thought I was moving to the "Big Sky" state...What in the world happened to the sky!!! This is just totally a bummer. Now on top of no sun in what seems like forever I find out this morning that summer school is NOT like winter session. Winter session you pay the same flat tuition whether you are a resident or not and there are no additional fees. Summer session I would have to pay out of state tuition that would make taking the 6 units I was going to take cost the same as taking 12 during the regular semester since my WUE does not count for summer unless I take 12 credits which would be insane in summer session! This is totally depressing because it means instead of graduating at the end of next fall, I will have to attend next spring Waaa Waaa :-( On top of that my cat is being a total butthead and is being more obnoxious than usual.

Ok, I am done ranting on. Now will someone please open the curtain so the sun can shine in???

Can't make chat tonight

2005-11-22T09:27:00.000-07:00

Hi there!

This is the 90 mile away newcomer...last Tues was my first time there.

Thank you being so open and welcoming to me. I will make it next week. I would like to become a real part of this group and hope I have something to contribute.

I just figured out this blog deal...blond under auburn here!

Is it ok to post short poetry here...I guess you know now that I didn't really read the guidelines...oops! smile!

see ya next week
Kim

First Post

2005-11-21T21:36:00.000-07:00

I admit I'm not very good about keeping up with my own blog, but I'll try and post something here now and then.

Laura and I had a great time at the soiree the other night. What a turnout, in spite of the fog!

Speaking of the fog, does anyone remember what the sky actually looks like? Laura tells me this sort of thing is typical around here, but I don't think I've ever seen so much fog in my entire life. In case you've forgotten the sky (like me), here's a picture I took last Thursday:

That's from the front of my rental house. I'm still not used to looking out the window and seeing mountains like that! Not that I've seen it since this fog rolled in, of course.

Thanks for the Invite

2005-11-21T07:24:00.000-07:00

So now I have two blogs to post too! Well, I'll try and keep up. I really enjoyed the soiree and look forward to the lesbian chat tomorow night.

If no one actually likes to bowl, but rather likes to drink at the bar, then we could always just skip the bowling part of the activity!!

ps

2005-11-20T21:38:00.000-07:00

The title of the post is the link, click on it and it should take you there, it's a flash animation so it shouldn't require any downloading of special video programs.

T-shirt folding video

2005-11-20T21:34:00.000-07:00

Ok, per request after a very silly clothes folding discussion at the soiree (anything sounds intelligent after mulled wine!) here is the link. I haven't tried this yet, but eventually I will remove a t-shirt from it's home, i.e. the pile at the end of the bed, and give it a shot. Let me know if anyone figures it out before I do.

Thank YOU

2005-11-20T09:44:00.000-07:00

I would like to send a BIG thank you to all those who worked so hard to put on the Soiree and make sure everyone had a good time. It takes a lot of time and effort to put together events and often it seems those who work behind the seens do not get the appriciation they deserve. I would especially like to thank all the kids who helped and even those who were just little people, running around and have fun because they add to the fun of the event in their own way. The kids who helped out with tickets and helped out by cooperating while their folks helped out with getting the event together, kudos to you all.

Now I want the recipe for the Mulled Wine...please

Oh yes, and the high light of the evening for me...I won a tatoo! Now I just need to decide where I want it and what I want this time. I only have one so this is really exciting for me.

Soiree

2005-11-18T19:06:00.000-07:00

Hello all!
Tomorrow night is The Annual Hiliday Soiree at Cara's Nursery, 2727 S. 3rd St. W from 6pm - 9:30pm. I hope to see some familiar faces there. I've not attended the Soiree before, but I'm looking forward to it. I and my partner hope to be there around 7 - 7:30pm. See you then!

If you have a gut, if you have a heart this will tear them apart.

2005-11-18T00:40:00.000-07:00

Warning, This is a gut renching, heart breaking call to fucking get mad and do something about.
the link is: http://www.geocities.com/lone_wolf_in_montana_2005/ If you are truely lesbian, truely wanting to stand up and need to be counted. I plead you read. no one was left behind. no one. No one should experience this here in Our Community! NO ONE PERIOD.......

Thank you for supporting "Last Call At Maude's"

2005-11-16T22:15:00.000-07:00

I hope that all of you who came out enjoyed the documentary. I learned alot with our discussion afterwords. In the evolution of the grease monkey's brain mine grew two inches. I'm on my way towards becoming an official "Neanderthal". Would anyone like it if we did this at least once a month. The night of the week could be Tuesday or even a Saturday evening. We don't want to tax anyone. I do believe that soon we all should go bowling. Dyke bowling night. what do you think?

movie database

2005-11-15T22:37:00.000-07:00

Ok, here is the movie database that I use. You can type in an actresses' name in the search bar and then search their database. It will give you a list of all the stuff they have done. http://www.imdb.com/

Hope this helps... :-) and see, I am being a good little geek. I went home and am blogging the info before I did anything else and forgot again.
TTFN

We need Drag Kings

2005-11-15T15:46:00.000-07:00

For anyone who is interested, the Two Finger Bois have been invited to perform at The Loft in Billings on Saturday, Dec. 3rd and we are looking for a few good Kings to come along. Lodging will be provided for those who make the journey, you just need gas money (any tips you make are yours to keep). Anyone who is interested please email me - twofingermissoula@yahoo.com

Stanley Upstanding

bouncing email Oh No!

2005-11-13T07:58:00.000-07:00

Nati,
The email address I have for you is boucning...it says you don't exist and my email is rejected. I am sad at being rejected of course but I am very concerned that you do not exist, your domain is invalid and you are unknown. I am very sorry to hear that. LOL ok guess I am taking the reject error a little too literally. But if you would shoot me an email I will correct my address book. :-)

and alas, now I must away, with the break of day, a paper to write forth with.

how to combat adversity

2005-11-12T23:47:00.000-07:00

Every community has their village idiot. This is hard for me to say due to I usually fall under such prefix. I have found that there are some people in this world who as a kindergarteners who never learned to "play well with others" I being the loner I was back then didn't understand how a community grows. As the adminstrator of this site I found that be you be true only belongs to non vicious people. Within the lesbian community there is a sense of woundedness. I was told I am like a god as the administer. I don't like that control. I like knowing who my enemys are. I personally would not want a world or community to have rivals. I wish there was peace and harmony among us. Yet I being a libra with such traits also can not be taken as a fool. This blog site will not be used as a way to destroy others. If comments or posting appear negitive towards a group. or and individual the writer will be asked by me if such offences are worth airing on this blog. I am dedicated to protect all. Slanderous, petty, and mischieviou words towards a group or an individual cannot be tolerated on this blog site. Deletion is upon my discreption and a select few that I counsel with. I will tolerated pettiness , slanderous, bullshit towards me. But this is not the forum to attack anyone who enters this site. I will protect all/. I will delete membership if the need seems fit. like i said attack me all you want. You will not attack any member......This is a safe haven for all respect everyone.

If I owned a lesbian bar

2005-11-12T05:06:00.000-07:00

If I owned a lesbian bar I would serve lesbians (part 1):
A Long Tall Sally
Dawn
Pick Me Up
French Kiss
Sabrina
Ruby Fizz
Cherry Kiss
Daisy
Alice springs
Suffering Fool
Third Degree
Self Destruct
Sloe Kiss
Cordless Screwdriver

Tamara's Tipple

Wild Night Out
Misty Morning
Trixie Dixie
Goodnight Ladies
Karina
Not Tonight Joesphine
What The Hell
Why Not
This Is It
The Spray
Spotted Bikini
Black Bush
Trashy Women
Twin Peaks
Long Gone
First Night
Bossom Caresser
Nineteen Pick Me Up
Between The Sheets
Bomb Shell
Teaser

These are all drinks believe it or not and I have the recipes. If you see something you want to taste comment and I will give you the pleasure. I figure lesbian inquiring minds want to know. Thank You Maude. Join us for "Last Call At Maudes"

Your invited

2005-11-11T08:32:00.000-07:00

SAVE THE DATE!!! MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!!

WMGLCC Presents…

8th Annual Holiday Soiree at Caras Nursery
November 19th (Saturday), 2005
6 pm to 9 pm
Location: Caras Nursery, 2727 S. 3rd West

What to Expect: The Western Montana Gay and Lesbian Community Center is proud to sponsor this stylish event… wine and other beverages, snacks and hors d’oeuvres, music and entertainment, fabulous raffle prizes, the first pick of Christmas garnishing and goodies, and good ambiance and company… 10% of sales from the Christmas store benefit the Center! Please join us for the holiday social event of the season!

November 15th

2005-11-07T22:09:00.000-07:00

LAST CALL AT MAUDE'S

November 15th, 2005

Tuesday Night at 7:00pm

Lesbian Chat is hosting a Tribute to the women

Of the 40's, 50's and 60's

The Women that paved the way for lesbian rights

Come join us

Snacks and Drinks will be provided

Bring a friend

Bring a pillow

Bring a blanket if you want to

Most of all bring yourselves and watch this informative documentary on sisterhood

2005-11-05T07:30:00.000-07:00

The dance/fund raiser is tonight! Is everyone going? Do tell if you are planning to come...us nosey enquiring minds want to know after all. Who is dressing up to go? This sounds like a fun night out but if I am going to go I had better quit playing around on the computer and get my homework done. I hope to see you all tonight as long as my car will get me there.

2005-11-05T00:36:00.000-07:00

hey you want to see something funny?
http://www.funnyjunk.com/pages/cat.htm

hate not our community value

2005-11-04T21:48:00.000-07:00

The main reason reports are not file with law enforcement is the fear that you will be outted more than you would want to. Scott Oaks came up with a form that the Missoula Police department will use to track hate crimes. You can put your name on it or remain anonymous. Please check out this form and retain a copy for yourself.http://mail.gaymontana.com:8383/attach/Main/6/1/1131166056/Missoula%20Hate%20Crime%20and%20Bias%20Incident%20Report.doc
Nothing is too small for Scott. Even verbal slurs are important to him. please check this out.

My response

2005-11-04T02:53:00.000-07:00

the latest was an article in the kaimin. I hope it touched a nerve as it has done to me. I wrote the editor hopefully I get a response. I went to the meet and greet with Scott Oak. The Chief of Police Rusty "im bad at last names" and Guy "still bad at last names" all were there. They all seemed concerned that we have a voice. All said they would be willing to improve relations between law enforcement and the glbti community. Scott Oak is a gay man on the police force and asked if he could be the liason between the glbti community and law enforcement. the man is couragious for taking a stand. He has my respect. I ask that we write into the kaimin and give an opinion of this article. Erik Kurd is only promoting denial. You can email the kaimin at: letters@kaimin.org or dropthem of in jounalism 107. We need to stand together on the issue of discrimination. It may not have hit you personally but one of your sisters or brothers in our community has faced it. thank you for your support.

be out raged

2005-11-04T02:52:00.000-07:00

Newfangled anxiety in Missoula

Story by Erik Hurd, For the Kaimin
11.02.05
The anxiety has nothing to do with the next appointment to our nation’s highest court. It has nothing to do with the Iranian president calling for Israel’s destruction. This anxiety is purely community-based.
The social climate here can be sized up concisely. Missoulians are in a hysteria.
The reasons are observable. Contemporary conversation on violence in Missoula is situated on a certain linkage: acts of violence to anti-gay violence. Why this seemingly random linkage? Why are we hysterical?Sensationalism. The Kaimin, for instance, has had a particular role in spawning hysteria in our community. From relaying the fanciful tale of Xavier Old Chief’s brush with gay-haters - I am completely unconvinced this man locked himself in his dorm without calling police or eating for two whole days - to its more blatant fraudulence, and I’ll quote the Kaimin contributor Jacob Baynham, “[on officer Scott Oak’s impression of the community perception of] recent downtown violence - and fears that they were inspired by anti-gay sentiment (emphasis added),” the Kaimin has proven itself an incredulous source for information on recurrent violence in and near downtown Missoula.
Of the latter attack on the Kaimin’s sensationalistic coverage, it can be rightly maintained that “they,” the beatings plural, were not, in fact, inspired by anti-gay sentiment. The facts, as they appear, establish that one incident of violence as of late was inspired by an anti-gay sentiment - even then we do not know for certain, as our impeccable judicial process has yet to disclose to us all truthful and relevant details of the matter.
That is to say, there is no evidence - omitting the nonsensical tale of Xavier Old Chief, (which still perplexes me) - any more than one recent act of violence has been fueled by anti-gay sentiment. Yet, in our fallibility, we act and speak as if being gay is sure to get a person harassed, or worse, beaten or killed in our community.
Because of an ill linkage between violence and anti-gay violence, we may worry ourselves, rightly, and a new drive for “awareness” may be pushed on us Missoulians. Such movements happen when actions of the few affect public perception of the many and when public officials and organizations want their community to believe remedial “action” is being undertaken. The “drive” is already underway. A police officer as a liaison to “the gay and lesbian community”? Sensitivity training for police? Forums? Enough.
The social problem is not violence against “gays”. On any given weekend, several fights occur downtown. On any given Friday you may read in the Kaimin about incidents of men assaulting women. The social problem is violence! Let’s not forget that. Crimes against “gays” are not “on the rise.”
Sensationalism. One incident. I cannot help but feel we are exaggerating the threat posed to “gays.” Sure, some of you may insist that I “just don’t know,” and that the prejudice against “gays” in Missoula is both subtle and overt.
True, there is “anti-gay sentiment” here, but it is a sub-issue of the issue of violence, not the mainstay. Too, the approach to “confronting the ‘gay-issue’ head-on” is worthless, as we’ve yet to find a medium to confront anyone who needs to be confronted.
So go hold your forums, on say, “Tacit and Explicit Prejudice in Missoula” perhaps - maybe tie racism into the agenda. No more than a handful will attend. Around 30 attended your first one? You may preach to the choir there - do not expect much to result other than a lightened heart.
Further, such feel-good events tend to turn into something of a diatribe, in which few people take more than their share of time with the microphone, spewing banality and ignorance. These staged events are completely unconstructive and ill-conceived; the atmosphere is inhospitable for constructive discourse, as those with unpopular opinions, if they show, fear either being censured or committing a faux pas.
In short, before reforming laws - not to say they should not be reformed - or hiring consultants and more police, we should analyze VIOLENCE in Missoula, and with scrutiny, not sentiment. Then develop our opinions, make our recommendations for remedy, if necessary, with a sense of hindsight. Quit using the back door when politicking!
Last Updated ( 11.02.05 )

LWORD

2005-11-03T21:53:00.000-07:00

God I am sitting here wandering when the hell is the new season going to begin. Addiction is hard to control when it comes in seasons. Do know we will be hosting l word party night. when the season starts.

ffffuuuunnnn.

2005-11-03T00:02:00.000-07:00

found something fun for all. take the test see where you stand. are you a goddess or a goslin.
above all its just away for single gals to connect to other. it was sent to me and i took the test not to be single but to find out if i qualify as a goddess. guess what i scored a 77 percent. i found out that i had good qualities. yet i was very annoying. I hate truth sometimes. have fun and take it with a grain of salt. i did. I'm not annoying damn it. i have shit i'm working on.
http://www.okcupid.com/tests/take

Some really great news to share

2005-11-02T18:42:00.000-07:00

Today is my son, Adriel's 24th birthday. He is the only one I am in contact with and I hear from him occasionally. He actually lived with me for a couple of years after he got into some trouble and his father would not let him live in his house. (that was a tough time for him but it also was a gift)

I had not heard from Adriel since June and today he called me. I am one happy mom. He has moved around a lot since he got out of the Marines and for the most part, the only way I have to get in touch with him is his email address. He writes his mom about like you would expect I guess. A couple of times a year I get a note that says hi and that he is ok, don't worry :-)

So getting a phone call was just wonderful. He is working and doing ok and of course, told me not to worry.

Community info

2005-11-02T04:14:00.000-07:00

Okay, in my quasi-official role as webmaster I am going to try and keep on top of posting community events/info. I know this is short notice, but here we go, this saturdy there is a dance being sponsered by the community center. The link for all the info is: http://www.gaymontana.com/wmglcc/documents/gaysha%20dance%202005.pdf
Please let me know if you are going to attend, mostly because I am nosey and I must know what everyone is doing at all times :)
I will be posting the next few events here shortly (tis the season for fundraising!) so if you have any questions give me a holler. 370-5705. I was recently informed, in a very nice way, that I have been lax in making sure everyone has my number so there you have it. It is 4 am and I don't know why I am still awake so I am going to try and remedy that. Toodles.

In answer

2005-10-30T11:39:00.000-07:00

Yes they are all mine. The picture was taken in August 1991, two weeks before the Friday afternoon CPS came to my door and my life changed forever.

Oldest to youngest Menolly(27), Amberina(25), Adriel(24), Elizabeth(21), Kyle(19), Bobby(17)

A bit of the story: http://web0.greatbasin.net/~annie/writings/phantom_pain.htm

Haiku...or something like it...

2005-10-28T13:07:00.000-07:00

Flower's Gift

Yellow flower grows

Sweet aromas drifting up

Days pleasant greeting

Flower's Duality

Soft pink petals hide

delicate honey inside

Sensation's pleasure

It's Friday!

2005-10-28T05:18:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday everyone who has the weekend off. For me, this is a long weekend. Oct 31st is admissions day in Nevada and about 3 years ago it was changed to be celebrated the Friday before Halloween. So when I finish working this morning at the Food Zoo and taking a physical anthropology exam at noon, I am done for the week! I am really excited not to be working until 6:30 or 7 tonight. Not sure what I will do with the extra time (probably study for the exam I have on Tuesday) but it is just nice to have time off...almost like playing hooky :-)

Stripper name

2005-10-27T22:45:00.000-07:00

This is my first blogging post! (although I have made a few silly comments to posts) I would like to know what everyone’s stripper name would be. So take your first female pet’s name and end it with your mother’s maiden name. Mine would be Callie Buckingham! My Daughters stripper name would be Ella Sparks. Although Ella is not her pet. Ella belongs to my cat bogie.

pop up purgatory

2005-10-27T18:11:00.000-07:00

I spoke to one of the sys admins I work with about the pop up issues you are having who I knew was good with this kind of thing and who taught me a lot when I was working as a tech.

Anyway, he said if you have already ran ad-aware after updating it (the version you download does not have the most up to date files, just like an anti-virus) and you have run Spybot Search and Destroy, also after having updated it (the freeware versions of these work fine and if you have trouble downloading them I have them on disk and you can install and then update), then the only other one he ever uses is Spywareblaster but it is more of a protector before the spyware is installed. He has not run across anything that between the two programs listed, he has not whiped out.

The other thing he suggested is if you know or can get the ip that is generating the popups, you can go into the host file and add an entry to point that ip to 127.0.0.1 You can find the host file by doing a windows system search (including hidden files) for 'hosts' This is also where you will find hijackers sometimes.

His first suggestion was the same one I had, google it. :-) the techs answer to everything..."Google, live by it"

Um, is your anti-virus upto date and have you ran a system scan? If you do not have an antivirus there is a free one you can run online that is pretty good at housecall.antivirus.com

Ok, that is enough of all this. Hope some of this helps. Probably mostly stuff you have already tried but from here, it is the best I can come up with.

If you don't succeed try try again

2005-10-27T01:35:00.000-07:00

Tonight I tried to make sure my little sister that I am 18 years older than have a good b day.
It did not go as planned. She turned 21 this week. I took her out for sushi. My efforts were to say the least futile. I only hope that she understands that I care about her and the choices she is making. Her having a lesbian for a sister is probably not what she expected. Her homophobia runs ramped. I only can wai till she is comforable with me being a lesbian. Right now she is drinking with friends looking for attention from others. Trying to be noticed on her coming of age. Driving from place to place. Family is so hard to understand some times.

New Girl

2005-10-26T18:48:00.000-07:00

Ok...ok...ok, so I have typed, deleted, retyped, and deleted some more. Scew it. Here it goes: Hi. I'm new here. I don't know what else to say...I could write a novel on who I am, the baggage I bring, and the insight (or lack thereof) that I have to offer. But, for now, I just wanted to say Hi and that I am so glad you are here. I can use the support, the comradership, the validation...

Missing you at chat

2005-10-26T17:36:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed chat last night. I wish more of my new friends could have come last night but I wanted to say you are missed :-) and I hope to see you next week and maybe hear from you on this really cool blog space.

After chat, Amvets was also great. I don't think I have laughed so much or so hard in a long time. The singing was great too...great fun, great company.

I have exams to get ready for but will keep checking back here. In the mean time, I thought I would share a picture. When I was looking at the baby pictures and saw the big orange cat I was really surpised how much he looked like my Taz.

Broken bones but not broken spirit

2005-10-26T17:31:00.000-07:00

My son Korry broke his arm monday morning. I picked him up from school.
I walked in and he looked at me and he was tearing up at the sight of me in front of him. I knew he was hurting but his tears were not that of pain but of relief. He sat patiently at the emergency room. Even though he hurt he still could find away to make a joke or two. Tuesday all of us were together for his surgery on his arm. We have all taken it upon us to help out Korry. Korry has to remind us that he rather try to do things himself. My boy has been a trooper through out his ordeal. His independence has impressed me.
His strenghth that of a young boy turning into a young man. I love you Korry. I love your spirit.

naked monkey

2005-10-25T16:43:00.000-07:00

Naked monkeys,
I recently got a comment about Naked monkey pj's. It made me laugh yet, I rang a sence of truth. I am a naked monkey. As open of a person I am, I expose me. When I was a kid. I loved the barrel of monkey game. I loved how you can connect every monkey in the barrel. It wasn't ez. I relized I am a barrel of naked monkeys. The hard part wasn't whether or not I am naked. But connecting all the Naked monkeys together. Connecting naked monkeys that have different likes and dislikes. Lifestyles. Even the naked monkeys that don't think they need to be connected. It seems to me that naked monkeys don't mind occupying the same space as long as there in a barrel. Yet. to connect them arm in arm they have a tendency to swing away from each other. I see the world connected with every naked monkey in the barrel. Holding on to each other. Naked monkey number 12 is connected to Naked monkey number 15 but it takes Naked monkey 13 and 14 to connect them. You get my Naked monkey point. When a naked monkey feels like they don't belong and lets go it does break the Naked monkey chain. I don't have the anwser to keeping the Naked monkey chain together. I can only offer the barrel and wish for more. I do know that the Naked monkeys that hang on do Make The Chain.

Poison pen

2005-10-24T19:17:00.000-07:00

So I have been thinking long and hard about wether or not I wanted to respond and post this, and since it has been driving me nuts I guess I should get it off my chest. I am glad to see that the poem has been removed, although you can still see it under the comments on the very first post. I am hoping that it was just a blip as I am hoping that this site will be a good place for our community to come and connect. I honestly think that we should all be able to have differences of opinion and see the world differently without resorting to spiteful poem writing. In particular, as a long standing member of chat, I was very offended by
"Amazing how lonely life
was with all the chatty grrls
running hither and yon
their auras just as bare
as the trees will be soon".
Whew, that's a hell of a judgement call on the state of my soul and spirituality, much less by someone who is as human as I. I am sorry this person is so bitter and felt the need to let everyone know in a very safe and anonymous manner, however because we didn't become best of friends or maybe had a difference of opinion on how the world works or should work doesn't strike me as a reason to wield the poison pen.

When a good thing turns ugly it might become a great thing in the end

2005-10-23T22:45:00.000-07:00

I finally get a full week off. On top of it I got a 55.oo dollar card for lowe's for our safety incentive. I get the bright idea to buy a new toilet. I begin by removing the old toilet. and then it happened. the floor is rotted. I have to replace it. so we were going to just do that. we decided that it would probably be a sign . so we are going to tile in there. then taking off old tile around tub the wall started to crumble. This was worst. black mold . Now the bathroom is being gutted.
Out with the old. hopeful that it will look better then now. I should have bought tools instead of a toilet.

Halloween happenings

2005-10-23T05:43:00.000-07:00

Halloween is coming up in just over a week. Do I need to be ready with candy? Do the kids go trick or treating around here? Do they change the date for trick or treating to over the weekend or do they actually go on Halloween? Thought I would ask. Halloween used to be a lot of fun but with the risks these days, it seems to have become a thing of the past.

Be careful out there

2005-10-20T20:10:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday night two UM students were walking along Higgins Street.
They were ambushed by Teenage boys in a red SUV. This happened around 11pm. Both boys were put in the hospital. There attackers were yelling anti gay remarks. Both of the victims are straight. Today, the police department has a gay laison. This laison is a cop here in Missoula and he is Gay. I have also receive news that another UM student is being harassed on campus because he is gay. Do not walk anywhere downtown alone. Buddy up. The least you should carry is a whisle, as to attract attention if something should occur. Be aware of your environment. I have a catalog that I can order pepper spray from for anyone that would like to purchase some. Not all pepper sprays work. This one has a higher consentrate. Gay bashing is becoming cool for some teens. This crime usually occurs with a group of perpetrators. (2 or more) I guess they are afraid that we would kick their ass or something. I suggest you protect yourself in ways that make you feel comfortable. Devi and I are currently working on a FREE self-defence class. We hope to offer it soon. We only ask that those that can make a small donation to the center. But please do not feel like you can't come if you don't. We would like your imput as to whether or not you would be interested in coming.

anybody have a good cold remedy?

2005-10-20T18:23:00.000-07:00

I have caught my first Montana cold...yuck! Does anybody have a really great cold remedy? Just thought I would ask. Hopefully I will make it to chat next week and see you all there. In the mean time I am going to go have some more chicken soup and orange juice.

What a Great Idea!

2005-10-20T05:27:00.000-07:00

This is a really great idea. I hope everyone stumbles there way here and uses this. I have never used a blogger before but it seems fairly simple and we can all stay in touch even when the only time we have is the middle of the night or we can not make it cause we are sick or something. Thanks for creating this and inviting me.

Now I must convince myself that a cold is no reason to stay home from school and get on out of here...

lesbianchatmissoula

2005-10-19T22:54:00.000-07:00

lesbianchatmissoula

Members

2005-10-19T21:33:00.000-07:00

Girls,
Please answer your invites. I found a way for all of us to k.i.t. other than tuesday nights. I am like a giddy girl at her first prom waiting for that hotel room. I hope you all answer. If you got info to share. Updates on you. Here you can express your art. or your poet side or what ever the hell you want. As the Great Chinese Proverse says.,

I stepped in Dung yet I am not alone because it was a big dung and you stepped in it two. That makes us both full of dung.
Wong smel yew

Here we go

2005-10-19T21:06:00.000-07:00

Okay, my girlfriend has roped me in, hopefully I'm not the only one who responds. Anyhoo (she's yelling at me for writing this :), she says she does so have friends!). I think this could be a nice way for us to keep connected when life gets hectic and we can't make it down to the center.

Tonights the night

2005-10-18T00:58:00.000-07:00

Got bordom? What is a lesbian to do in Missoula. PSST. Come to Lesbian Chat. We have the most casual atmosphere in Missoula. Topic we don't need no stinking Topic. Yet the stuff we talk about would make your mama blush. Did I mention that we could even say the SSSex word. Well one things for sure, the L word is in. Find out the latest. Find out the who of who is there. Find your place in the lesbian community. We got it. No topic to tough. Come and see. Tuesdays at 7:oo pm. Montana has it own L word. Its called the M word.

Just gettin started in here

2005-10-17T23:23:00.000-07:00

Hey,
I welcome one and all to the new lesbian chat missoula blog. Here you are among friends. As the I was told as a child say hello to everyone because you never know who you'll meet and even better who they know. With that I wish you every blessing. Please feel free to speak your mind. Be real. Be true. Be you.
Just a note lesbian chat is held every tuesday night at the Western Montana Gay and lesbian community center here in Missoula Montana at 7:oo pm. Located on the corner of 4th and Oak st. Please come. Very casual and cargo pants are welcomed.