BajaNomad - Hi, is this seat taken?

Hi, is this seat taken?

Miette - 12-11-2008 at 11:02 AM

Hi everyone,

I am a Baja Nomad newbie although I have been reading posts on this forum for the past three years. Many of you have impressed me with your knowledge, humor, and generosity. I confess that I started reading this forum in order to keep my own memories of my trip up and down Highway 1 (during the month of August 2005) alive and refreshed. Little did I know that you would just fill me up with new day dreams of possible future itineraries!

One obstacle I have to leaping into this interesting forum is that I type at the blazing speed of about ten words per minute. I use the well-tested method of two fingers and one thumb. This tends to limit my posting capabilities.

I like adventure, but I tend to spend a lot of time on the planning and preparation stages. Sometimes, just to be contrary, I will veer off course and follow sudden whims. Many times I find myself heading down a dirt road that appears to be a short cut, or I'm drawn to a hand-written sign that is offering food I have never heard of, in a language that I barely comprehend. I also wind up taking long hikes to look at rock formations because they seemed interesting when viewed from a distance. Well, many of you seem to have similar afflictions.

I'll insert a brief bio here so that you can pencil me in somewhere in the Nomad friends and family chart. I'm a female. I am fifty-mumble years-old, and I am temporarily living in Nevada. I love to travel; preferably by car or train. I taught myself how to cook and bake because I love both the science and the art of home-style cuisine.

I am just returning to the US after a three year visit to France (and a few other places) and now I am semi-literate in a new language. I seem to get by with some New England version of high-school Spanish, and I could use a refresher course in English grammar.

Once I'm sure I have the hang of things, I post a few photos, and try to type up a story or two about my short visit to Baja. I want to thank you all for your many useful tips, beautiful photos, and captivating stories.

Miette

ELINVESTIG8R - 12-11-2008 at 11:04 AM

Welcome aboard and have fun!

Welcome Miette.

BMG - 12-11-2008 at 11:07 AM

I'm sure you'll fit right in here. I like your writing style even if you are a speed demon on the keyboard. (Never thought about using a thumb in addition to my index fingers.)

fdt - 12-11-2008 at 11:12 AM

Welcome Miette, You will find posting pictures is pretty simple. Use the search function and there are several threads on posting pictures.
Saludos
Fernando

Welcome!

toneart - 12-11-2008 at 11:14 AM

Miette,

There is a wealth of good information on the Nomad, if you have the divining ability to separate the accurate from the B.S. Everybody is an expert, but credibility is earned.

It is really difficult to believe that you type with two fingers and a thumb. Come on.....you must have thrown an elbow in there too.

:lol:

oldlady - 12-11-2008 at 11:17 AM

Welcome Miette, I hope you enjoy participating. Most of us don't worry about our typing skills..but BMG must have figured out what his thumb is for andhispostingsarenowmucheasiertoread!

DENNIS - 12-11-2008 at 11:31 AM

Welcome to BajaNomad, Miette.
Don't worry about typing technique...it doesn't matter. Since I have a bottle of Pacifico in each hand at all times, I've learned to type with the end of my nose. Most here are used to it.
Keep us posted.

Welcome to the forum, Miette.

Pompano - 12-11-2008 at 11:53 AM

I hope you will enjoy being here and look forward to your posts about Baja.

I share your pain on the lack of typing skills...but take heart, there ARE solutions. Some just require bigger hammers.

[Edited on 12-12-2008 by Pompano]

Miette - 12-11-2008 at 11:54 AM

Hi again,

Thanks for the welcome and the encouragement.

As I mentioned, I spend a fair amount of time planning and getting prepared, so I went ahead and learned how to use the search function on the site, and that should keep me from making a few foolish mistakes.

I'll try to make my mistakes more entertaining than other people that seem to put no effort at all into making mistakes.

I tend to go easy on the fancy BB Code stuff. I have posted photos elsewhere and I managed to make them appear an acceptable size and conform to the rules of polite use of bandwidth.

I confess that I am a bit emoticon-impaired (the qwerty keyboard demands all my attention as it is), so I try to be fairly straight forward and choose my words carefully.

I don't post on many forums (insert a bunch of excuses here) but I really fell in love with Baja, and that seems to be a theme here, too. I'm not blind to the many problems one might encounter there, but I tend to be a "the glass is half full" type so that gives me a certain bias.

I have traveled all over the US and a bit of Europe, and from Tecate to San Jose del Cabo. When I'm asked to make comparisons as to which place is better or the best, my standard answer is:

It is not so much a matter of one place being better than another as they are different. I love variety. I thrive on different. If I don't have a good experience in one place or another, I move on, and keep an open mind.

Thanks again for all the replies - I'll try my best to keep up.

Miette

woody with a view - 12-11-2008 at 11:55 AM

wow, 10 words per minute!!! 5 paragraphs musta taken half the morning.... just kidding, sorta!!!!

welcome to the asylum - enjoy!!!!

DENNIS - 12-11-2008 at 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Miette
I'll try to make my mistakes more entertaining than other people that seem to put no effort at all into making mistakes.

Personally, I've developed it into an art form. I hope you enjoy my efforts.

Eugenio - 12-11-2008 at 12:37 PM

It's good that you type slowly here Miette - some of us are slow readers.

Welcome.

Miette - 12-11-2008 at 01:10 PM

Me again,

While I have a few hours to spare let me try to personalize a few of my responses.

ELINVESTI8 Thanks for the welcome and I have been having fun here for three years. Just finally got the time to participate. (Darn it, sorry ELINVESTI8, I had your av confused with another. No offense intended.)

BMG Thank you for the compliment. I now keep a small fan aimed at the keyboard and that has prevented the keys from melting as my three digits fly around the keyboard. Using my thumb has prevented carpal tunnel syndrome from setting in.

fdt Thanks for the welcome and I will have a look at the tips on posting photos. I have enjoyed many of your previous posts and appreciate all the info that you pass along here.

toneart Wise words and very well put. I blame my elbow for any spelling or grammatical errors. Darn elbow.

oldlady Thank you for the welcome. I have given up on worrying about my typing skills, and worrying in general. I took one typing class and noticed that the teacher had taken early retirement the next semester. I'm sure it was a coincidence, but thirty seems awfully young to retire. I used to devote some time to worrying, but the return on investment was just too low for me. I leave it to the professionals these days.

DENNIS Hi, and thanks for the mental image! I have a certain hesitation about trying your typing technique as I'm afraid I just wind up getting beer up my nose when I lurch over for the shift key. But, I will keep your technique in mind if I injure one of my typing fingers. Ah, making mistakes - truly an under appreciated art form, and yes, I do appreciate your efforts.

Pomano Hi fellow sufferer. I'll consider any solutions but I reserve the right to keep fumbling along. I've put a lot of time and effort into being imperfect and it would be hard to just throw that all away at this stage of life.

woody in ob Hi and thanks for the welcome. Your estimate is waaaaaaay short, but modesty prevents me from telling you how many days you're off by.

[Edited on 12-11-2008 by Miette]

[Edited on 12-11-2008 by Miette]

Welcome Aboard

bajaguy - 12-11-2008 at 01:13 PM

From another Nevada-ite

[Edited on 12-11-2008 by bajaguy]

Kell-Baja - 12-11-2008 at 01:23 PM

Hope you have room for one more welcome!! Nomads do aim to entertain and most are VERY helpful. :bounce:

Paula - 12-11-2008 at 02:02 PM

Nice to meet you, Miette!

One more typing suggestion-- maybe use marimaba mallets-- saves wear and tear on the fingernails, and may keep your posts as musical as they have been so far.

Hmmmm..... maybe I should try it myself!

:light:

DENNIS - 12-11-2008 at 02:03 PM

Miette.........

Here is a detailed thread on posting photos:

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=24603

Miette - 12-11-2008 at 02:36 PM

Eugenio Hi and thank you for the welcome. You slipped in there while I was slowly typing. I am cursed in the opposite direction - I read very rapidly. I'm thankful that there is plenty of good stuff to read on this site. I have spent many happy hours wandering through old and current threads.

bajaguy Thanks for the welcome. I think I am only entitled to a visitor's visa for the state, but I always enjoy my time here. I have been visiting off and on for thirty years. I think I am entitled to a free dust storm on my next visit.

Kell-Baja I always have room for one more welcome! Thanks! The Nomads have been entertaining me for years and I have been very touched by the amount of help, love, and generosity that has been extended by the strong majority of Nomad members.

Paula Hi, very nice to meet you! Let me grab a writing pad here - marimba mallets, uh, big hammer, nose and beer bottles; these things were NOT mentioned in my typing class. I believe mark Twain said, "Never let school interfere with your education." I could be wrong on that, as that was not mentioned in typing class either.

DENNIS Thanks for pointing out that thread. I will take a crack at posting some photos tomorrow. Hang on, I still have severe jet-lag. I'll post some photos before the end of 2008.

Wingnut - 12-11-2008 at 04:19 PM

Welcome Miette: It seems you have got plenty of encouragement on your typing. Personally, I don't care how slow it is, keep typing. Your words are right on! You said your last trip down was in 2005? Way past time to head south. Seems like we are neighbors, I live in Phoenix. My friends and I are getting ready for our annual Xmas drive to Cabo. Can't wait....anyway welcome aboard and enjoy!

DianaT - 12-11-2008 at 04:35 PM

Your typing is great---I use all ten fingers quite fast and often make lots of typos---and sometimes I don't make any sense at all.

Welcome and hope you have fun.

Diane

Keri - 12-11-2008 at 04:40 PM

Boy o boy did you make me laugh. I type they same way. I was looking for the photo thread when Dennis put up the link for you. That's how I learned to post photos. I keep the instructions in my favorites file here so I can pull it up when I need it. Welcome aboard. It's a great group here. Your gonna love it. k

fishbuck - 12-11-2008 at 05:20 PM

Mucho Gusto Miette!!!

Saludos!!!

Fishbuck

Paulina - 12-11-2008 at 06:01 PM

A fresh voice, I'm glad you're here. (Not that there's anything wrong with all you old moldy voices out there...) :saint:

Can't wait for your fotos!

P<*)))>{

David K - 12-11-2008 at 06:58 PM

Welcome to Nomad... I am sure we all look forward to your contributions here... Nomads love trip reports, stories from past Baja experiences and photos! I will bump up my post over on the Baja Photos forum on how to post a photo on Nomad... I have since been using photobucket.com a lot to post multiple photos, all easily re-sized for 15" screen or smaller so as not to distort the viewing of Nomad pages...

Oh, and about typing... I am a two finger typer... and that doesn't slow me down much, LOL! :yes:

fishbuck - 12-11-2008 at 08:16 PM

Some photobucket practice:

fishbuck - 12-11-2008 at 08:21 PM

This ones better:

shari - 12-11-2008 at 08:40 PM

Ah Mon Cherie Miette...bienvenu et bienvenido...what a pleasure to have such a creative sister posting with a lovely,fresh, humorous style. Hope to share a glass of vino tinto with you in the not too distant future.

estebanis - 12-11-2008 at 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Miette
(the qwerty keyboard demands all my attention as it is)Miette

I type using the Dvorak layout. It's a geek thang. My letters are mapped according to the ergonomic use of the english language. 70% of my keystrokes are on homekeys. I just simply change the keyboard driver setting with an icon on my desktop.It was developed in the 1930's to help mankind.
Read the whole story at... www.dvzine.org

BAJACAT - 12-11-2008 at 08:49 PM

Bien venida MIETTE,(COOL HANDLE).
You will be ok here a long as you stay off the " OFF TOPIC FORUM"...

Diver - 12-11-2008 at 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Miette
I use the well-tested method of two fingers and one thumb.

Welcome aboard !!

Been waiting to hear which 2 fingers. :lol:

Miette - 12-11-2008 at 11:46 PM

Wingnut Thanks for the welcome and the kind words. Yup, I am long overdue for a Baja trip. I hope you have a great trip and please post a little trip report when you get back. Happy travels!

jdtrotter Diane, hello and thanks. I am having quite a bit of fun. Don't you think it shows a lack of creativity to make sense all the time? Typos happem. They usually make me smile.

Keri Hi there! I love to laugh and the great thing is laughter is so contagious. Cool, a fellow three finger typist! It's a rather special skill, and I think it makes my resume really stand out during these competitive times.

fishbuck Hola, howdy, and Salut! Great picture of your well-developed typing thumb. You must do a lot of typing.

Paulina Hello and thank you! I plan on submitting a fresh report (eventually) on my trip of three years ago. I want to see what I can recall based on my collection of 700 photos. I swear only 500 or so of them are sunset photos.

David K Hi and thanks for the welcome. I devour the trip reports, examine all the photos, and read the old reports, as well as the new ones. I finally have a little bit of time to add to the mix. You type everything with two fingers? Darn, it appears I have been over-exerting myself all this time. Do you have a course available for download?

shari Merci et gracias! I'm glad to be here and I am running on fumes and that tends to bring out the silly side of me. I'm nine hours out of my usual time zone and, wait, what the heck was I going to say? Oh, yeah - your little stretch of beach is very high on my list of places to visit. Tchin tchin!

estebanis Hi and all hail Dvorak! It is a brilliant solution and I do know the history behind the Qwerty layout and love the logic behind the Dvorak layout. I, for one, welcome our Dvorak overlords.

BAJACAT Hello and thanks for the compliment. You are a little too late with the warning about the Off Topic section. I visited once. My head exploded and it took forever for me to put it back together and clean up the mess. I had to move out of my apartment after that and I did not get my deposit back. Lesson learned.

Diver Hi there Mr. Master Photographer! I use my two favorite fingers. The other fingers are quite jealous about the whole arrangement, so I don't like to type about it in front of them.

David K - 12-12-2008 at 12:03 AM

You are going to fit is here just fine!

Have a fun! :yes:

Sharksbaja - 12-12-2008 at 01:22 AM

Wow, the first time I.ve ever seen anyone take the time to reply to everyone....evreytime! Good on you.

Severe double carpal tunnel has relegated me to type with my 2 toes and..er...my big toe.

That's what happens after posting 1000s of worthless posts. :lol:

Welcome aboard!
btw, Ken Bondy IS the pro photographer. Soory Diver.

edit for bad humor

[Edited on 12-12-2008 by Sharksbaja]

Miette - 12-12-2008 at 07:56 AM

Sharksbaja Thanks for that uh, erm, hmmm, informative typing tip! As I tell all my friends, there is just no limit to what one can learn from this forum. Oh dear! Have I confused certain folks with other certain folks? My Magic Eight Ball says, "Why, yes, you complete idiot!" It's the limited edition Magic Eight Ball. Oddly, it has just the one message.

Iflyfish - 12-12-2008 at 09:07 AM

Welcome to BajaNomad, Miette.

I type like the wind and blow just as hard.

Iflyfish

Miette - 12-12-2008 at 09:54 AM

Iflyfish Hi there - You're in a place that is on my list of places to get back to on a return visit. I type about as well as I tie flies. Ugly, but it sometimes gets the job done. I have yet to fly fish on salt water, but I have tricked a few varieties of starving trout and salmon into sampling what I was offering.

I often catch and gently release the couple of fish that I have managed to fool every year. But, I am an omnivore, and well, I am higher on the food chain, so, ahem, you know.

bajalera - 12-12-2008 at 11:31 AM

This is a bit late (sometimes posts fly by at top speed on the Nomad board) but I want to welcome you too. You've already fit right in!

Sharksbaja - 12-12-2008 at 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Miette
Sharksbaja Thanks for that uh, erm, hmmm, informative typing tip! As I tell all my friends, there is just no limit to what one can learn from this forum. Oh dear! Have I confused certain folks with other certain folks? My Magic Eight Ball says, "Why, yes, you complete idiot!" It's the limited edition Magic Eight Ball. Oddly, it has just the one message.

Actually I think you already get it. Takes a thick skin and a lots of grains of salt to master forum presence. My prob is that while I not only take the wrong things serious my smartburro gets me in trouble too often. Dark or odd humor doesn't always go over too well

So jump on in and give us some fodder to chew on, we certainly need some new thoughts and ideas from interested people like you.

There is still plenty of adventure in Baja to get. Time to get at it!
:yes:

BAJACAT - 12-12-2008 at 03:37 PM

Cool truck Sharks,
Second lesson, don't let your thread be hijack, :lol:

vandenberg - 12-12-2008 at 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BAJACAT
Cool truck Sharks,
Second lesson, don't let your thread be hijack, :lol:

Some members make that their specialty. :biggrin:

Pushed the wrong key and it posted before I had a chance to welcome Miertte to the board. Must have something to do with my typing maybe :?:

Miette that is. :no:

[Edited on 12-12-2008 by vandenberg]

[Edited on 12-12-2008 by vandenberg]

Sharksbaja - 12-12-2008 at 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BAJACAT
Cool truck Sharks,
Second lesson, don't let your thread be hijack, :lol:

No Cat we just fill in the post to keep it going when she isn't here to talk. We can always change gears.

Wanna see it now? The truck that is.... :bounce:

How DO you stop a hijack anyhoo?

Miette - 12-13-2008 at 06:40 AM

hajalera - Thanks for your welcome. It is never too late for a kind word, in my opinion. The timing of posts on this forum is similar to a few places that I visit in cyberspace. There are peaks and valleys that appear and disappear; it's just like driving north and south on Highway 1.

Hi again, Sharksbaja = I have developed a few forum posting philosophies over the years, and a thick hide and a large salt supply has served me well. I try to keep my blood pressure at its current low level.

My odd sense of humor has gotten me into trouble since it first appeared at a very early age, and you are right on the money with your observations on odd or dark humor with regards to forum posts. One thing I fall back on, as I am reading the posts, is that this is a non-visual medium, and so we are missing those visual cues that tip us off to a person's mood or intent.

I am working on a post about my 2005 road trip to Baja. It begins when I first get my first glimpse of Tecate as I am heading down the road, with Cabo Pulmo as my destination. Between my typing skills and my current state of jet-lag, just getting the report past the first few lines is going to take me a wee bit of time. But, fair warning y'all. it is coming.

BAJACAT - Thread hijacking happens. Sometimes one has to sit back and just enjoy the ride!
(And, have I not mentioned the 9 hour time zone change frequently enough? I have been sleeping in delightful 4-hour spurts. It's 0 dark:30 at my physical location and my brain thinks it is 2-something in the afternoon. I will be in and out, off and on, well, for the foreseeable future! I am playful and frisky. and then I suddenly stop and fall asleep; just like some cats I know. Yes, cats; just like some cats i just met!

vandenberg - Hi there! You call that little old post a boo-boo? Heck, that was small potatoes in my book. And, as my mother used to say,"Call me whatever you want, except late to dinner!" Thanks for the welcome.

jorgie - 12-13-2008 at 06:55 AM

Methinks I can see you along the miles of beach in Asuncion. After La belle France it will be different and as different is your thing , hopefully , you will know the peace that I found there.......

Miette - 12-13-2008 at 07:43 AM

Hi jorgie! Thank you for your comment! When I unfold my Baja map, Asuncion is a place that catches my eye .

I like small towns. I like rough roads, with few intersections that lead to a beautiful beach.

My impression is that it is a friendly place. A place that welcomes travelers - travelers that treat the place with the respect that it deserves.

I think I could spend many, many days in Asuncion

Ken Bondy - 12-13-2008 at 08:39 AM

A belated welcome to you Miette!! I can type very fast, but when you add in all the time for correcting mistakes it comes out to about 2 words/minute. I am better at posting pictures, they are supposed to say 1000 words. Anyway bienvenidos!! ++Ken++

vandenberg - 12-13-2008 at 08:50 AM

Well, "you liitle sweet thing" :lol:

you are a welcome addition to this board. I like your writing style and we sure can use some new non-aggressive new blood on this forum.
So, again WELCOME

Diver - 12-13-2008 at 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Miette
Diver Hi there Mr. Master Photographer! I use my two favorite fingers. The other fingers are quite jealous about the whole arrangement, so I don't like to type about it in front of them.

Ah but you have me confused with our true Master Photographer, MR Ken Bondy; I am but a hack.
If you have not already, check out Ken's very impressive collections.

Say, maybe a pair of gloves with the fingers cut out for your typing digits would prevent excess jealousy by the other, less talented fingers ? :lol:

BajaGringo - 12-13-2008 at 12:01 PM

Welcome aboard Miette.

Baja is an incredible peninsula that seems to attract a very diverse (and at times complex) crowd. If you've been reading BajaNomad for awhile you surely know that by now. I suppose that is one of the things that makes this place so interesting to me. I have made many friends here from all walks of life and everyday seems to be a new adventure. Whatever you choose to explore here, share your personal experiences and enjoy the ride...

bajaandy - 12-13-2008 at 05:32 PM

Hello Miette, and welcome.

You know, although there are no visual cues to tune into here in the forum, it's certainly easy enough to "get a read" on someone when they type out a message. (Regardless of typing speed... perhaps even in spite of it!) I love the fact that everyone here has a unique "voice" when they write. And it's fun to meet some of these people and actually put a face to the written voice. I can already tell that your writing style and wit will be a good blend here on Nomads.

mulegemichael - 12-14-2008 at 08:59 PM

welcome, welcome, welcome....gosh, what more can anyone say?...except....don't get caught up in the daily "crap" that some of these nomads just LOVE...it is not, in my mind, what this forum should be all about...i love the interaction, the sharing, the laughs, the fun....not the backbiting, nasty crap that some of these folks can generate...ignore all that stuff and enjoy the nomads for what it really is; an incredible source of reliable information that we can tap and rely on....welcome aboard, amiga...stop by when in town, m.

Sharksbaja - 12-14-2008 at 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mulegemichael
welcome, welcome, welcome....gosh, what more can anyone say?...except....don't get caught up in the daily "crap" that some of these nomads just LOVE...it is not, in my mind, what this forum should be all about...i love the interaction, the sharing, the laughs, the fun....not the backbiting, nasty crap that some of these folks can generate...ignore all that stuff and enjoy the nomads for what it really is.

Quote:

Originally posted by mulegemichael
what a wimpy looking dog....gosh marv, get a macho looking animal or keep them off the nomads....we are keepers of rottweillers, dobermans, german shepards and jack russell terriers...we don't need no stinkin' chihuahuas!...

Miette - 12-15-2008 at 06:06 PM

Ken Bondy Hi and thanks for the welcome! I really enjoy your photographs.

I just have to say that you are not supposed to give away the secret about how correcting mistakes lowers our typing speed even more than many people can imagine. I'm kidding, but you have let that cat out of the bag now. This puts my adjusted typing speed into a negative number range. To compensate for all that, I am going to attempt to post a photo in a little while. Wish me luck!

Upthread I did mention that I had you and Diver mixed up in my mind. I apologize for that. I think it may have been because so many of you photos are shot underwater. Gosh, I hope you have diving gear on when you take some of them, Yeah, you must.

vandenberg Thanks again for the welcome and the compliment. Hmmmmmmmm, "little sweet thing". Two of those words are true without qualification.

Diver Can you see me blushing here? Way upthread I admitted that I had got the identities of several posters turned around. I am sorry to say I got you confused in my mind with Ken. I apologize for that, and I straightened out those two brain cells, and now all three of my brain cells are squared away.

Gloves? You want me to add gloves to my typing handicap? Those jealous fingers are just going to have to get over it. Hear that jealous fingers?

BajaGringo Thank you very much for you welcome and good wishes. I have been enjoying the "ride" for three years. I have just jumped in recently and have begun to post. I am working on a trip recollection report of my one and only Baja trip (fall 2005). Thanks for your encouragement.

bajaandy Hi and thanks for the welcome. I agree with you that one can "get a read" on some people through their "voice". I would submit to you that a poster's voice can change due to various circumstances ,and one's own ability to "read" a person's post can fluctuate. I try to err on the side of caution. I try. Sometimes, I fail.

mulegemichael Hello Hello Hello! Thank you and thanks for the invitation. I hope to be down sometime before 3008.

A quick note here: I forgot to mention in my intro that I only have internet access on an intermittent basis. I am taking advantage of the great Southwest and I might just get the chance to slip across the US-Mexican border (yahoo!). So, with that in mind, I am going to start to focus on putting up some photos and putting together my 2005 Baja trip recollection report.

Thanks to all the Nomads for allowing me to sit and chat with everyone!