Jet Setter

It was a whirl wind of weekend. In fact, I can’t say that I’ve had such a busy and diverse weekend in a long time, maybe never. I may indeed now be a jet setter. I started out at fundraiser for the NCSF, it rocked well into the morning and I found myself in bed about 3 or 4am. By 6am I was up and getting ready to go to work. The store was vending at a fetish event in Baltimore. With the help of my partner we got the trailer hooked up (it’s never as easy at 6:30am as it is at 5pm), found our ways to the event hotel and were set up by 9am. I was teaching by 9:02am. Let’s talk about sex. I don’t know about you but I’m not ready to talk about much at 9am, but I guess if I have to talk about something in should be sex. We wrapped up the class at 10:15.  I had exactly 45 minutes to say good bye to my boyfriend (who is also my business partner if you are new to the Nina Story), drive to the airport, find parking and make my way through security. 

I’m finally on my way home now. Its Sunday afternoon. My flight yesterday was to Atlanta. I was barely there 24 hours, where I was invited to teach at LLC. I spoke about transforming our personal experiences into teaching opportunities. I was surprised to know so many people in Atlanta. I’d like to say it was my first time there, but I can’t tell you that for sure. And even this time I’m not sure it counted. I can’t say “oh, I love Atlanta.” “It’s beautiful there.” Or even, “the weather there was amazing.” I went, I ate room service, reviewed my presentation, slept, presented, and ran back to the airport. 

There ‘s so much to share about this weekend, that I have no idea where to start. The amazing people that I met, the weird things that I saw, or the things I learned. It’s all too much to take-in in just one sitting. But as I sit here, flying along the eastern sea board (I’m generic in my description because I failed geography) the thing that I find most memorable is what was missing from my weekend. 

I didn’t obsess, I didn’t panic, I didn’t fret or stress. I procrastinated a little, but just a little. Really.   I remember this person. I use to be that person only a few short years about when it was common place for me to teach three or four classes sometimes in different states without even batting an eye lash.   Of course instead of teaching people how to talk about sex or finding individuality in a community of labels, I was teaching managers how to not kill their employees. This is much more exciting. But in fact it felt like the job I use to have. Almost (ALMOST) a corporate job. I had objectives. Ummmm, I even had a check list. Several of them in fact. A check list for the fundraiser. A checklist for the store and vending. A check list to take care of Sir. In case you haven’t guessed, I love my checklists. What those checklists represented (besides OCD) was an objective (or seven) and a plan.

For those of you that haven’t seen it. And even though most of you that I know have pretended not to notice, I’m sure that you saw that I was losing it. You may even say going nuts. Crazy just sounds too clinical. So, we’ll just say plain nuts. The nuttier I got the worse my OCPD got. And somewhere in the past year I have somehow found my way back to path. It’s a beautiful path lined with checklists, palm pilots and broadband. Oh there are some roses too, but mostly just checklists. But they are also pretty (I like pretty paper). It makes me realize that I am damn proud of myself. Of course I’m proud of myself for putting on such a kick ass fundraiser, building a “teaching career” where I’m invited to teach in two states on the same weekend, or building a successful business. But I’m most proud of myself for taking care of me and getting my ass straightened out.   Of course, I owe a large part of my successful checklist rediscovery to my amazing Sir, my awesome doctor and great friends. But, I did it. I found my way back. And boy am I glad that I did. Because besides checklists and jet setting, there are truly amazing friends and lots of naked partying.   

Tabu’s Annual NCSF Fundraiser

Friday, April 3rd at 8 PM

Help us raise $$$ to fight for our right to sexual freedom at

Baltimore’s sexiest fundraiser of the year!!

Jam packed evening of dancing, fun, games, live entertainment, demonstrations and oh yeah…swinging…

Special Appearances & Performances by:

A performance for sexual freedom by Sacred Mark’s Sanctuary

Lap dances for Charity by the lovely ladies from Scores

Lube wrestling hosted by the NinjaXgirls and ID lube

Onsite body piercing by Time Bomb Tattoo

Blow Job & Pussy Eating Contest sponsored by Sugar

Cherry Poppin’ & Titty Pinnin’ sponsored by PowerXchange by nina

Spanks & Shocks by TNG Baltimore

Silent & Live auctions (including a Trip to Hedonism II, several yearly passes to Tabu, Score Prize packages).

And much much more

We hope that you can join us and be a part of it!!  Cover is $20 per person for this event with ALL Door proceeds directly donated to NCSF.  Normal Tabu membership requirements are waived for this event and everyone is welcome (including single males).

BYOB * 21+ event
1115 N. Rolling Road

For more information, to register, directions or to make a donation visit www.tabulife.com. 

I had the opportunity to attend my second protest last weekend.  This time, however, I was on the receiving end.  A radical Christian group caught wind of Winter Wickedness - the kink event that we were attending near Columbus.  I really didn't know that there were really people like this out there.  Check out some of the articles that resulted on both sides of the issue....

Columbus Dispatch         Right Pundits         TV 10        American's for Truth    Better Than Faith     World Net Daily      The other Paper

Despite my shock at the whole thing, I was able to come away with some insights of my own.  I am truly grateful to have the job and life that I do.  I'm really happy that I do not live in the Bible belt (really - I didn't know there was a bible belt), and I am thankful for wonderful organizations and people that fight for our rights.  Thank you AIS, Barak & Sheba,  the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom, and the Holiday Inn Worthington. 

Please take the time to support those who support you.... Holiday Inn Worthington, NCSF and AIS

An open letter to the Kink Community, from Barak & Sheba

We recognize the greater significance that this weekend held within the Central Ohio Kink, and National Kink communities.  With the coming together of our community, and the help of the NCSF, Winter Wickedness Was a HUGE success!  We had over 400 people in the space, and the Host Hotel could not have been kinder.  

We want to thank everyone for the outpouring of love and support for Winter Wickedness.  It was beautiful to see this community working together to defend what we are all trying to create.  WW, and scores of other kink, BDSM and Leather events, groups and gatherings are essential for sharing what it is that we do in a legal, safe, sane and consensual environment.    It is imperative that we continue to think globally, and work to defend and promote Kink, Leather and BDSM gatherings and events in our local, state and national arenas. 

The calls to the hotel, and the corporate office assisted in offsetting the smear campaign that a few fanatical right wing individuals had mounted, as they attempted to mobilize their grassroots efforts within their community.  We recognize that their efforts were attempts to play on the fears of their constituents by the misinformation that they were spreading.  In this day and age, it is truly unfortunate that there is still this intolerant mindset. 

We in the Kink/Leather/ BDSM lifestyle do what we do because we are seeking a greater connection, a more focused and honest power exchange, and a creative way of loving and caring for each other.  There is no reason whatsoever that we need to be embarrassed or ashamed of what it is that we do.  We are consensual adults, making choices about our personal sexual orientation and expression.  This is a personal choice, and is not anyone else's concern.    We do not impose our beliefs or lifestyle on others, but openly share should we be asked. 

Like the GLBT communities, we too adamantly refuse to be forced to hide because of the ideology of a few fanatics.    We are law-abiding, tax-paying, citizens of our respective communities.  We are first class citizens, who happen to enjoy a creative expression of our sexuality.  And we are "coming out" to stay.  Furthermore, we refuse to accept any treatment that is discriminatory, demeaning, or shaming. 

AIS, our gatherings and events are extensions of friendship, love, and acceptance.  We are simply trying to create a safe, fun, educational and consensual gateway for adults who are open-hearted, honest and desire another form of communication and sexual expression.   What we have found is that many people are grateful for this avenue.   They have come away from our events with a more open way of connection, a new discovery of their needs, wants and desires, and a renewed relationship with themselves, life and others.  

Times are changing, and we hope for the better.  This fact that Winter Wickedness was a huge success, despite adversity, within a traditionally conservative local community, gives us hope.   We are continuing our search for bliss.  We look forward to our future work in the community to educate and share the truth of what it is that we do.

Ever wonder why the heart is the symbol of the center of our love, emotion, soul, spirituality.  There are biblical, mythological and historical references to the heart being the seat of our soul.  Indeed, many classical philosophers and scientists, including Aristotle, considered the heart the seat of thought, reason or emotion, often rejecting the value of the brain. In some odd combination of the two, I’ve often heard requests of some person or another to think with their brain (reason) or with their heart (passion, emotion, desire). 

In many ways I understand that it is seen as the center of “our being.”  The actions of the heart…thump, thump, thump….are obvious and when the obvious stops so does typically our “being.”  Of course, for that sake the lungs could fit the same criteria.  And in some irrational way is better suited for the job.  It serves as a conduit between our being and the outside world.  And then there is the Roman physician Galen who believed that the seat of passion was the liver.  I’m tempted to say “how unromantic”, but have you ever actually seen a heart?  It is far from romantic. 

It seems that there is little other than a loose consistency based merely on our rhetorical needs at the time.  I’d argue the point further, but in truth my interest is not great.  I only bring up the point of the apparent relationship to my past (and continuing) psychiatric struggles and my developing cardiac symptoms. 

I’ve been struggling with a variety of psychiatric symptoms for several years.  Most of my adult life, I suspect.  My introduction in to the “scene” has enflamed these symptoms.  To which, my most amazing lifestyle friendly therapist tells me, is a good thing.  Transitioning from a life of hiding to a life of being is not as easy as one might suspect.  And so I’ve been to therapy and I’ve been on a variety of drugs to help me on this journey.  And sometime in the last three years I’ve developed a new symptom.  (In case you were wondering the previous symptoms usually presented as a raving bitch).  Anxiety.  Unexplained heart palpitations.  The constant feeling that I’ve just gotten off of a roller coaster.  Similar to that feeling that you have right before you are struck with a new toy or by a new play partner.  That feeling right before you kiss someone that you are totally into and were sure they didn’t know you existed.  The feeling of getting ready to speak in front of 200 people.   That feeling.  It seems like a pretty good feeling right?  But I’d get it at odd times, watching television, doing laundry, filing paperwork. 

So at first they called it anxiety and for lack of a better explanation, I accepted that.  And, we changed my drug commendation again.  Only the symptoms didn’t subside, they increase in frequency and potency.  Fast forward….. I’ve missed speaking engagements, events, dinners, play dates.  I’ve been to the ER and sent home, I’ve been to the doctor and sent home.  Now, I’m waiting this morning to hear from someone who didn’t send me home. 

It’s probably nothing, but it appears that I have a broken heart.  We are waiting for the string of tests to come back.  Either way I will know….either I have a broken heart or I really am a prisoner to my compulsions….more drugs please? 

Now Hiring

Yeah!! We are happy to announce that things are going great at PowerXchange. In fact, we are growing and need help, so much so that we a part-time assistant manager. 

We are looking for someone who:

is looking for 2-3 days a week (sometimes more)

Must be able to work all shifts (weekends, nights and days).

has retail, computer and cash handing experience

Excellent customer service and sales skills

Can work independently and follow direction

Has problem solving ability

Has excellent references

Is looking for an employer who appreciates self expression, tattoos and piercing

Appreciates and respects all individuals

Can work for a bitch ; )

For more information, please send resume and cover letter to Nina at nina@powerxchangebynina.com. Please include availability, scheduling restrictions, and salary requirements. 

Ok, so I have to admit that sometimes I'm a total flake. My mom has always told me that this is a trait of being a genius. Creativity and genius comes at a cost she says...but sometimes I just feel like an idiot..... ok, of course I'm exaggerating....but put yourself in my six inch heals for a moment and try to deny that you wouldn't feel like an idiot...just for a moment.... totally out of touch with my body, my lifelong challenges, my passion and my career....

I have lop-sided boobs...a common problem right? And as a result, its impossible to get bras to fit right..... and then you have escaping boobs!! Unless you are wearing your grandmothers bra, you are always in danger of the escaping boobs!! They are jumping ship at the most inopportune times and you look lumpy, sloppy, and even worse have a wardrobe malfunction. And, I don't know about you, but I'd rather keep my clothes on...until I'm ready to take them off .... now granted this is usually at inappropriate times, but its on my terms.

So, I'm at work this weekend and I'm really happy with my outfit....ankle-hi, 4-inch boots with a kind of decoupage pattern of vintage style magazine covers; waist cincher style, ankle length black cotton skirt; and a white button-up blouse with a plunging neckline and lots of cleavage. And, of course, I spend a good portion of my day pushing my precariously placed boobs back into my bra and blouse. I mean come on!! The bra fits right and as long as I stand still my boobs look great....but damn reality requires me to move...you know walk, bend, lift....And my boobs are just not cooperating.

I'm standing in front of the mirror adjusting myself (again), when Sir recommends Duct Tape. Great, I'll use duct tape thats a great idea. Only one problem...no duct tape. Then it hits me....Hollywood fashion tape!! God, how could I have been missing this for the past year? We sell Hollywood fashion tape that is specifically designed to hold your clothes in place and not hurt when you take it off. It comes in lots of shapes and styles to fit whatever need you have ... hold your bra strap in place; hold your tag down; keep your nipples from showing through your t-shirt; you get the idea.... Its not that brilliant of an idea and we have a display.... So, my light comes on and I momentarily feel like a complete idiot for not utilizing the products that we sell!!

And just in time too... after taping my boobs perfectly into place, we were off to walk the streets of Fells Point, hang out with some friends, run of to Little Italy for dinner and then to a movie.

XOXOXO Nina Love PowerXchange by Nina 1724 Aliceanna St. Baltimore, MD 21231 410-342-0617 www.PowerXchangebynina.com www.NinaLove.org