Hello.

Bear with me. I have never, ever done this before. It doesn't seem too scary, but I suffer from technology intimidation. Any advice or suggestions welcome.

I also don't really know how much I"m supposed to reveal about myself. I'm trying to introduce myself, while maintaining the element of mystery and illusion of intelligence. Surprisingly difficult.

But what the heck - My name is Beth and I am an "administrative assistant" (why is it so bad to say secretary?) to occupy myself on my "year off" of college that has turned into six. OTR has accompanied me through much of this hiatus, and for that I trek faithfully to Madison to see them whenever I can. (Any other Mad-towners?)

I believe firmly in the inner dork within all of us, and have come to terms with mine . I am not easily offended, but I don't think I need to request frankness from this group. You have not met me in person, therefore you don't have a chance to read the "Fragile" sign on my forehead which must be visible to everyone but me. Do not handle me with care. I don't like it.

That said, I ought to tell you that my name comes from my tendency to ramble on when writing (Stream-Of-Consciousness). I don't know why, it just happens sometimes. I will try to reign it in, for the sake of brevity (which , as we all know, is the sould of wit). Sorry for the long intro.

I look forward to being part of The Orchard.

-Beth

Go slow Beth

As much as you are comfortable with... Just avoid those things that will put you in danger of identity theft and those other things that will make us all scream TMI!!! (too much information)

I'm from Michigan... I've had about 20 "years off" from college...

You are in the right place! The people here are wonderful. I'm a newbie/dork myself.

I enjoyed reading your intro! Thanks!

Glad you're here! The others will be along soon... And try to not hold back so much next time... sheesh...
John

p.s. if anyone thinks this "welcome" was too long winded... I blame Beth...

hi, beth. welcome to the orchard.

i was scared at first too. it actually took me months to really get into the orchard, but now i can't imagine my life without it.

Wow - thanks for making my feel welcome super-fast! And thanks John for spelling out the acronym, although TMI is one of the few I know. (I love your quotes on the bottom of your posts. Here goes my ignorance - how do you do that?)

Now I'm on to learning how to put the little picture under my name and someday ridding myself of the newbie title . . .

For the love of God, turn back while you still can!!

I mean... so nice to have you with us, Beth. Seriously, we're a remarkably gentle and accepting bunch, relax and enjoy yourself.

I've been in Madison a couple of times, once being cross-examined by a very hostile Asst. AG and once for a Cowboy Junkies show. The second time was a lot more fun.

Click on My Controls in the top right hand part of your screen, and then go to Edit Signature under Personal Profile and type something in.

oh, go to "My Controls" up at the top and then "Edit Signature" under "Personal Profile" which will be on the left side. don't worry. it took me a while too. i actually had to have libby (liberationparty...which is actually stephanie, but don't worry about that) help me with my first avatar.

Hello Socwriter,

Welcome to the Orchard!

I'm glad to hear that I'm not the only one around here that has an "inner dork". I thought it was just me. I feel much better now.


See ya,
Shawn

you are not a newbie! goofball!

and hi beth! i avoiding joining the orchard for a very long time, but am super glad that steve (HI STEVE!) persuaded me to join. enjoy...looking forward to seeing you at a show sometime.

Welcome to the Orchard Beth!!

I'm sorry Beth, I stand corrected. I'm a "goofball"...


See? Stick around long enough and they start with the personal attacks...

Avatar . . . is that what they're called? Someday, when I feel inspired I'll add one . . . and a signature line if I'm extra-inspired . . .

Y'all are swell!

I've got my tickets already for the Madison show next week. I'll be there right on time, Lord willin' and the creek don' rise. It's a 2 1/2 hour drive and December in WI. I walk by faith . . . Anybody else going to that show?

Hey, I'm doing pretty good at not ranting, don't you think? And I was so worried . . .

I look forward to the day when I am loved enough to receive your insults.

-Beth

oh, you know it's all out of love, silly!

and beth, i'm sure we'll start abusing you in due time. (i'm really not that mean...i promise!)

she is too!

only to you, keith!

i'm real cute, though!

That is true Beth. Just check out the little photo of her under her name...


::ducks::

Hey Beth, welcome!!

I know how you feel about these strange sensation of a forum that somehow makes you feel it matters you're there. I defenitely like it here.

If there's any problems regarding this site: there's this thread: forum stuff: what is it and how does it work . There's some usefull info there. I started it because I too didn't know anything about forum's.

So, cheers!! Glad you're here.

André

see, now *i'm* the one being abused! *laughing* you're lucky i like you, john.

wait, didn't i just say that last week?!

you guys kill me, i swear.

Is that you hugging a bronze butt in your profile pic?

Welcome Beth. Your intro was very promising, in my opinion. I love dorks!