Floydfest

It was awesome! Not only did I get to see the bands I wanted to, but some of the best ones I saw I wasn't even planning on seeing! There was a great Senegalese hip-hop band, and Oliver Mtukudzi from Zimbabwe, who made me dance with relative abandon in a sea of 50-something hippies. I saw some awesome folks at the "crooked road all-stars" show, including the winner of Myrle Fest's Guitar competition and the Mandolin player who won best overall performer at Galax in 2005. Freaking awesome. I was a bit disappointed though because it seemed the group that was supposed to come on at 10 didn't show, and they were really talking it up. I was praying that Ralph Stanley was gonna roll up in a limo or something, and then I would be forced to pee in my pants. Who showed up instead was a folklorist from the Smithsonian, dressed in some kind of red and gold elvis-superhero costume. he was actually pretty entertaining though so I was pleased.
I saw Crooked Still, who was awesome. I parked next to and quickly made friends with a "Hoorah Clogger" from Blacksburg, who was a little creepy and invited me to do some impromptu yoga in the middle of a crowd. I "passed" on account of the "grass", haha.
they had all kinds of veg-food, including vegan CORN DOGS which I was eyeing earlier but like "eww, ground meat" since I thought they were real. All kinds of neat vendors to watch. I had personally brought a taco bell burrito and my own drink in, so I was set, but I couldn't resist the smell of freshly made, off the griddle waffle cones and ice cream, and I have to say it was delicious.
There was so much more to see I would love to go back next year and do the whole weekend with camping, so I did not have to worry about driving home at 12 and could stay for the wilder up-till-three bands, etc. Lots of good acts on Friday as well I could catch. The whole atmosphere was so chill and relaxed I would like to spend more time in it. I plan on going back!

whiskers on kittens and smelly attic rooms

so things are going relatively well with my new apartment. This will be a brief update, since I can't seem to get to sleep this week no matter how exhausted I am. I have assessed the room-space, and it is good. I have assessed the roomate, and the verdict is out, mostly because she's as awkward as I am. I think things will be fine but I am just nervous about it. Frankly I am way too relaxed about things and THAT is making me a little uncomfortable. I feel like this space is mine already and I don't want to like, overstep my bounds. Also, the other day I was talking to my parents on the phone and left my door open, and I found today that the sound carries really well so she could have heard the whole conversation. Today I am anxious because I have not seen her... at ALL... and I am pretty damn sure she was here when I knocked on her door to see if she wanted to go on a walk, but she didn't answer. Maybe she was meditating or napping or something. She did get back late last night... I can hear her moving around down there. I hope I didn't keep her up or something/I hope she'd tell me if I did rather than ignore me.
I have also just this afternoon assessed the neighborhood, on foot, and it is excellent. The yard is currently fair, but gets a 'good' rating because I can do all kinds of gardeney maintenance in it since the roommate holds no interest in these things.
The roommate also bought a new AC for my attic space since it is so hot up here with the tiny 99$ type unit that is in here. It was super hot outside (90+) when I first moved in though and has not been nearly as bad since. I have the windows open right now.
Also, I've touched base with an old high school friend of mine who lives really close to here. I am looking forward to seeing him again.
I don't know if I mentioned but I now live near a ghetto-food-lion and this of course pleases me greatly. I missed the one in Cville so much. However, the Lion-brand cheese bags are now over 7$!!!!!! can you believe that shit???? it used to be 5 something. I had my traditional nacho meal tonight for dinner and it was satisfying but a bit bittersweet with all the memories these nachos have for me. It would have been more so if I'd bought a giant bottle of Pace Medium Salsa.
...god if you didn't know what that meant that last bit would sound really weird...
Well, much love to all, and I'll be in touch.
aside:
Still looking at campgrounds... I think Montebello Camping and Fishing Resort is a promising one... it has woods camping so there would be a bit more privacy. I prefer not to be next to people in a big field.

Summer Fun

Planning on Sat/Sun...anyone want to go to FloydFest with me???

http://atwproductions.com/

Back from Vacation

It was a nice time! and I have today to do extra, other things like laundry before I go back to work and do tons of paperwork.
The beach was great, and I was glad to see my family. The grandparents in PA are still completely nuts, and the family reunion was interesting. There had to be twenty kinds of home-made pie there. It was awesome. I ate a ton of delicious food and have probably gained some good weight. You can tell I'm really broken up about it.
Getting stressed out about moving, I have a room to rent from someone I met through craig's list. I'm going to move halfway through this month. I have a lot to do and very little motivation for now. There are some good summer activities coming up though, like fairs and other weekend music activities. It's also good weather for camping, and I need to test out my tent.
Anyway, this is shorter than I intended but a quick update is better than none.
Talk to you all soon, I hope.
-M