So, now that everyone on my links list is officially on MySpace, I'm going to make the official transition. I update my blog a bazillion (official number there, folks) times more on MySpace than I do here. So, if you're looking for it, here's the link:

http://www.myspace.com/beckstraordinary

I'll leave this up for a good two weeks so everyone knows, but if you don't have a MySpace page of your own, I'd highly suggest it. Send me an add. It's possible I might just add you. Also, it's easier to subscribe to my blog on MySpace because you get automatic updates.

I'd like to take the time out to thank you all for your constant support and reading of the insanity that is my life. I'd also like to thank blogger for the years and years (at least three or four, there were other blogs before this) of taking my crap and posting it for the world to see. You rock the casbah.

Potatoes and tomatoes of mine!!!

It's been an entire weekend! I've missed you all, but then again, notsomuch. Part of me just wants to write that fun was had, and it was, but there was so much more than that.

The ride down was an experience. Kristin and I followed Nate and Christy down. I don't know if you've ever followed Nate anywhere, and I've done it twice now. Yipes! There was so much speeding up and slowing down that I had to do to either keep up or not pass the kid. Kristin and I were a moment away from an "Hasta luego, Don Diego" episode. If only we'd been able to keep the directions we'd printed off. We know that next time we print the directions off double--and we follow no one.

We made a pause in Hamburg, IA to take pictures in front of Stoner Drugs. Oh hell yeah. I'm sure pictures will be up soon.

So, we got to Kansas City (the Missouri part of MoKan Swing!) and made it out to our host's place. Cory is the consumate king of hospitality. He had air mattresses galore and played the most kickass blues I'd ever heard. He tolerated the more undecisive ones of us with grace and was just plain kickass the entire weekend about everything...and he made breakfast every morning.

After a great encounter with the Kona Grill, we headed off to the Art Walk and phew! I was completely blown away. I wish I'd had paper with me to write down the names of some of the artists we saw, but I didn't. My biggest suggestion is that if it's still going on, go to the Crossstreet Blues art exhibit. Oh Lord. It's not heavy, it's my brother...well, and it's heavy. If you get a chance to see it, when you get to the far right corner, notice how big the artist made the hands in comparison to the figures. Guh. So good it hurt! There was power in that art.

The Friday night dance: YAY! We walk in and there's Hilary! My favorite redhead ever! I walk into the actual dance hall and there's Terri! My favorite Terri ever! I was so giddy to see the Soul Sisters. I'm not even going to lie. I just wanted to do a jig all over the place. Otis would have understood. My most recent video is dedicated to those most lovely ladies.

I got to watch some awesome dancing. Oscar and Hallie or Callie or whatever her name was, holy crap on a stick, Batman. Those two can get down. I'd have no trouble believing they know soul. I decided Cory's dancing is actually the male equivalent of how I dance. It was so easy dancing with him. I felt like my smile was just going to jump off my face and rival the sun.

At one point, I came across the one Cat that made me forget that there were any other dancers in the roooooom. He was the most adorable thing I've ever seeeeen. (Sorry I'm getting carried away with the vowels, I'm listening to Otis in the background and when I feel the Spirit move, I can't help myself--I just talk different) Suzie and Kristin and I decided we love him and wanted to take him home with us. I won't mention how Ryan never actually followed Kristin and I to our car and got in. He and his little gang from St. Louie are welcome out here with open arms at ANY time, and I'm sure the next time any of us are headed out there, we'll call him up.

The workshops Saturday were fun, but the best time I had Saturday was spent in the car to and from lunch with Hilary and Kenny [Harry] "effin'" Nelson. I won't mention more than that, but I will say, "Shak-ee-dah" is now the most hilarious and haunting phrase in all of jazz.

The dance Saturday night was cah-razy! Not that there wasn't alcohol involved the entire weekend, but I actually got ahold of some Saturday night. Not much, but enough that I could stop being so serious and poopy about whatever I was being so poopy about.

The Jack'n'Jill went awesome! I didn't participate in this one, but I manned the cameras and did a lot of shouting and general excitement-enducing stuff to encourage my sister and the rest of the Omahans to kick ass...WHICH THEY DID. We totally had three gals : Josie, Stephanie, & Kristin and two guys: Jonathan & Brian in the FINALS. Yes, yes we did. I won't spoil anything for Kristin, so I won't mention that she and Brian took first place. (Oops.)

After the contest, there was Motown fun to be had at the Car Bar. Ooooo...so, I come around and immediately I'm met with the warm sounds of Motown and the faint scent of cigarettes. As I stepped in further, I noticed that Nate was holding a cup, which he offered me, but I was momentarily saved by Merinda, knowing that if my alcohol doesn't taste like kool aid, well, nothing really happens, but thank you Merinda. There was a sing-a-long, some dancing, some crazy guy parked on the side of the street opposite the party watching us, a not sober pairing and slobbery accented Tim and Troy, and inner excitement because 4.5 was about to play, and they play the kinda stuff that makes you realize that yer momma don't dance and yer daddy don't rock'n'roll.

When I went inside, I tell you, Miss Hilary had the hall set on fire. Sure people were dancing, but there were sounds. Sounds and soul and fire and I, for one, may have looked calm and collected, but my entire being was aflame. I will make no mention of the soul contest except to say that Jonathan and Stephanie were totally worthy of the win. If I should ever get the chance to "Show My Soul" again, there will be a partner, and I will make the distinction of schooling that partner in soul vs. blues or burlesque.

Ah, then there was Sunday. Sunday, bloody Sunday. I loved it. I enjoyed the workshops I took this weekend, but I loved Dooing the Tranky the most. Granted it was kinda different than I learned it, and it wasn't the whole thing, but it was the one workshop I was looking forward to all weekend, and it completely held up to my every expectation. Kudos to Mike and Nina for that one. Ho!

Saying goodbye kinda stunk. The Thai and Japanese food wasn't nearly as good as actual Japanese or Thai food, but the company couldn't be finer. There were the St. Louie Three, some of the KC kiddos (including, but not limited to: the Soul Sisters), Mike and Nina, and my Omaha crew.

The ride home: Kristin and I got lost. We found our way to highway 40 and then turned the wrong way when we made our way back to interstate 70. Yeah, but there was singing. A little arguing, but much singing. Also, two headless deer, but not in a row.

Top 3 Favorite New People:
1. Ryan (seriously, you'd all love him)
2. Kenny [Harry] "effin" Nelson--best.dj.ever.
3. Cory

Top 3 Dances Of The Weekend:
1. Drunk Tim
2. Cory
3. Terri...even if it was only for thirty seconds.

Top 3 Songs Of The Weekend:
1. That John Legend Christmas song...someone will have to spill that one.
2. (tie)Business Time - Flight Of The Conchords/St. Louis Blues - Danny Kaye
3. Tuxedo Junction - Any version will do.

Top 3 Moments Saturday Night:
1. Kristin & Brian 1st place in the Jack'n'Jill
2. The Big Apple to OutKast music.
3. Dancing with the shoe.

Top 3 Things I Missed:
1. facewash
2. bed
3. iTunes

*sigh*

I have so much to do today and such little time to do it, I think my head my explode. May though, no guarentees. But I'm so excited about it. I have to put my straps on my dress and fix my wings and get bug antenna somehow. I have to listen through the Halloween songlist and download one song. I have to get to the Lodge and set up the computers. I have to assist Ms. Linda in getting ready...and possibly getting her imbibed to get her to go through with everything.

It's been a stressful week for me, and I'm not taking it well. I am not myself. I spent a good portion of last night whining and moaning to Dana and Michela (poor, poor Michela, she got to hear the worst of it) about everything. Linda's heard a good amount of it this week. I had a fight with mom. I took a test that I didn't want to--tests at work are not okay anymore. I've been having trouble with men in general lately, romanitc or not. Frankly, I've been a giant bitch lately. I apologize.

I love you all. I promise. I don't mean to offend. I mean to enlighten, really.

1. First Name? Rebecca
2. Were You Named After Anyone? Well, I was supposed to be Rebekah after the Bible character, but mom was too hopped up on painkillers and dad was not the best speller...the Drs. created the spelling of my name.
3. When Did You Last Cry? August 12th...the day I was fired.
4. Do You Like Your Handwriting? Yes, I even like my handwriting when I try it right handed.
5. What Is Your Favorite Lunch Meat? Summer sausage.
6. If You Were Another Person Would You Be friends With You? Probably.
7. Do You Have A Journal? That's more or less what this has been since 2003.
8. Do You Still Have Your Tonsils? No.
9. Would You Bungee Jump? No.
10. What Is Your Favorite Cereal? There's a cereal in Japan called Choco that is cereal covered in chocolate. They also have it in strawberry and banana. The banana is my favorite. It smells great and works great as a snack.
11. Do You Untie Your Shoes When You Take Them Off? Not always.
12. Do You Think You Are Strong? Unfortunately so, and at times, to my detriment.
13. What Is Your Favorite Ice Cream Flavor? Oatmeal Cookie from Ben & Jerry's.
14. Shoe Size? 8 & 1/2
15. Favorite Color? Pink.
16. What Is The Least Favorite Thing About Yourself? Purely physical.
17. Who Do You Miss? Sam & the Sobczyks
18. Do You Want Everyone To Send This Back To You? Send? Meh.
19. What Color Pants And Shoes Are You Wearing? Blue jeans & white canvas tennies.
20. Last Thing You Ate? Rasin Bran Cereal.
21. What Are You Listening To Right Now? Angie and Sally debating Buffalo Wild Wings vs. The Wing Stop. Also, I have Nelly Furtado's "Maneater" stuck in my head.
22. If You Were A Crayon, What Color Would You Be? Yellow.
23. Favorite Smell? Gasoline.
24. Who Was The Last Person You Talked To On The Phone? Linda.
25. First Thing You Notice About People You Are Attracted To? Hair, the shoulders, then teeth.
26. Do You Like The Person Who Sent This To You? Yes.
27. Favorite Drink? Kool aid or Midori and a clear soda of some sort.
28. Favorite Sport? High school football.
29. Eye Color? Brown.
30. Hat Size? In a Sombrero...large.
31. Do You Wear Contacts? No.
32. Favorite Food? Sausage and Peppers Penne from Macaroni Grill.
33. Scary Movies Or Happy Endings? Happy Endings.
34. What Color Shirt Are You Wearing? Navy Blue.
35. Summer Or Winter? Summer...because of Lindy In The Park.
36. Hugs Or Kisses? Depends on the giver.
37. Favorite Dessert? Cherry Cobler.
38. Most Likely To Respond? Suzie maybe...
39. Least Likely To Respond? Linda, seeing as I got this from her.
40. What Books Are You Reading? Jack Keroac's "The Dharma Bums"
41. What's On Your Mousepad? HIPAA w/pills and prescription bottles
42. What Did You Watch Last Night On TV? Heroes & Studio 60.
43. Favorite Sounds? Guitar, soul bass, and I'll agree with the rain...
44. Rolling Stones Or The Beatles? The Beatles...and then Paul, not John.
45. The Furthest You've Been From Home? Japan.
46. What's Your Special Talent? Drawing and/or painting.
47. Where Were You Born? LaGrange, Il.
48. Who Sent This To You? No one. I stole it from Linda's blog.

So, I've had the chance to cool down after a pretty crazy weekend. Don't get me wrong. I still stand by my post from yesterday. I just want to balance that out with the fact that I am an adult. I may take some things hard or take them personal, but I also know when I'm getting rediculous and I know when to move on.

I will point out that I've had many messages from the gals I know, and while they don't all know the men I may or may not be talking about, they live with the same thing wherever they're from. Which in turn begs the question, "Where are all the men getting it from?" They've all become either cowards or predators. Granted, there was one perfect man who walked the earth, and we killed him...I'd imagine there were at least a few decent ones left walking the Earth. Do we find them and commission them to give lessons?

Or it warrents the question "What's wrong with me?" Do you guys see that? That I question myself when I'm the one left wondering? I've gone over it and over it for so long that I've convinced myself, other than the obvious physical attributes, I'm uniquely flawed and unworthy of any decent male relationships be they casual or serious or merely friendly. I'm not saying I'm the greatest and should be worshiped. I am saying I'm real. I feel. I react. I respond. I live each day, one day at a time, just like the rest of the world. It may be big, but it doesn't make me any less worthy of mere admiration or friendship or even simple courtesies.

And then, after a while, gravity kicks in and I come off my high horse.

So, I have several men in my life that this applies to, so don't think it's specifically for one or another, it's for most of them. It's meant to have humor and be drop dead serious, all at the same time. Enjoy.

1) I am a woman and I deserve respect. I have birthing hips and that means without me, the world will not go on.

2) I would rather have you say "no" than ignore me. If you don't know, say "yes" and get inside my head until you know. Then say "no." I respond much better to "no" than to being ignored. "Maybe" and "later" without immediate follow up as to when "later" would be are also unacceptable forms of battery and neglect. So, let your yea's be yea and your no's be no.

3) Unless there is a legitimate excuse for your behavior, dating a gal then turning around to ask her about other girls is almost altogether inexcusable. Legitimate excuses include: Amnesia or an extremely stupid lady friend...you'll find either to be few and far between.

4) It is completely innapropriate to joke in a sexual manner with any female twenty or more years younger than you unless they start the banter. This is harassment, and although I may be too polite to point it out, it makes me undeniably uncomfortable. Also, if I try playing the witty banter card with you, encouraging you to stop, you'd better listen to me, because the more you ignore what I'm trying to say, the less I respect you and the more I am likely to start a crusade in protest to get other women to join my cause.

5) If you are easy to talk to, are constantly surrounded by women, and are even remotely easy on the eyes, we all have a crush on you. Self-depreciating humor is only charming for so long. Then it gets terribly annoying because there is a fine line between charming and pathetic and you're more or less towing said line.

6) I am not in it to win it. I am not here for games at all. I don't know how to play them and I don't bother. I am straightforward. If you do not notice my advances, then I am probably not making any. If you think I may be making them, but are not completely certian, ask. I tell it like it is.

7) Don't flirt with me and not understand that you're going someplace that I don't get to go to with any consistantcy. Understand what you're getting yourself into. Flirting can be a joy and I can be adult about it if it's clear it's just flirting. If I feel I've been made a fool of, I do not tolerate it and have a tendency to become guarded and hard to talk to.