Yes and Yes Network of Nice Hookups!

If you're new to Yes and Yes, this is our once monthly sharing of love, expertise and good karma. Ten readers write in about hook ups that they're looking for and other readers help them out. And other readers write in volunteering their own area of expertise. How nice, right?

A note: if you're looking for a hook-up and someone is nice enough to email you offering you advice or input, for the love of Pete, please email them back! A few readers have told me that they emailed hook-up seekers and never heard back. Frown town, dudes.

I'm looking for a hook-up!

We need a place to stay in Barcelona and Paris

My friend and i are traveling to Europe for our very FIRST time and doing a mini backpacking trip. We're trying to save $$ by staying with friends and friends of friends and couchsurfing, but have hit a dead end in two cities: Barcelona & Paris. i wonder if you have any readers who would be willing to lend us a couch/floor/hammock in either of these cities for a couple of days in August each (Barcelona 08-10, Paris 12-15)? if not, just tips on how to get around and such is always everything wonderful!
poly (dot) deoliveira (at) gmail (dot) com

I need to know about getting my blog hosted independently

I need some help with getting my blog independently hosted somewhere so I can start to display small ads and hopefully get it off the ground. Right now I'm just hosted at Wordpress, but I know I need to move my files over to somewhere else. Anyone who knows about IT/blog stuff out there who can give me some advice on how to do this?? (I've turned Laura onto Blog Ads and Project Wonderful as far as ad stuff is concerned. Do you guys have any other ideas?)

lauracatherinesullivan (at) gmail (dot) com

I need to meet people in San Diego

I'm looking for a friend or two in San Diego. I've recently moved down here to stay with a friend while I look for a job. I just graduated with my MBA and currently spend most of my time in front of my computer hunting the elusive marketing job. But I want more than that. I'd like to meet up with someone who knows the area and would like to show me around or maybe go on hikes (I'm just getting back into hiking). I don't know how long I'll be here, but would like more company while I am!

andreajeanc (at) gmail (dot) com

I need to know about becoming a preschool teacher in California
I love children, especially when they are at that challenging and impressive stage of first entering school and would love to ask your readers about the best way to enter the field and become attractive to employers. I especially would like to get some information about Montessori accreditation. I've done a bit of research and the cost is great enough that I would love some feedback from someone who is informed about things like how difficult it is to get hired at a Montessori school for early education, if the pay is competitive with traditional preschools/kindergardens, if they like Montessori practices, and if the accreditation helps with getting hired at traditional preschools. I have my B.A. in English and have expired CDA credits that I might still be able to renew, though I'm willing to take the requirements over again if not. And if your readers think I should scrap this whole plan and just get a traditional teaching credential I would love to hear from them too!

syvonnelow (at) gmail (dot) com

I need to know about importing and supporting international artisans

I'm an artist (jewelry designer/ graphics/ sewing/ quilting/ pottery etc.) and I'm starting a 2 year degree this fall in International Business. I want to someday have a gallery or import business that promotes artisans from all over the word. I don't know much about it, but if any of your readers have advice on where to start I would love to hear it. I would also LOVE to participate in some sort of volunteer program (anywhere in the world) that involves working with indigenous women to help them to learn ways to earn money making crafts or, if they are already artisans, forming cooperatives to better market and represent themselves in the global/fair trade market. That sort of thing! I haven't been able to find one that doesn't involve paying thousands of dollars up front.
jasmineleeann (at) gmail (dot) com

I need to know about cemetery regulations
I'm doing research for a project I'm writing about a girl who lives (or maybe just hangs out?) in a cemetery over the summer, and I need to know what sort of regulations are set at a regular town cemetery, for instance, would somebody be allowed to sleep in a cemetery? are security measures enforced at all when it's a cemetery in a small country town? Thank you!!
mimagirl (at) gmail (dot) com

I need to know about the Annapurna trek in Nepal
I would really like for someone to tell me their experience hiking the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal. My friend and I are aiming to take the trip/make the hike in fall of 2011. I would like to know any essential packing items, tips, best time to go, etc. Also, just about your experience hiking the AC in general! Thanks! (Note: I want to know about this, too! If you've done this will you email me at sarah_vonbargen (dot) yahoo (dot) com, too?)
bmbrowers (at) gmail (dot) com

I need to meet people in The Netherlands
I am moving to the Netherlands to work as an au pair in one week. I am super nervous that I won't be able to make any friends. I'm been listening to Dutch podcasts so hopefully I will know some Dutch but the time I get there, but I am super scared I will miss out on same amazing opportunities because I haven't made any friends and do not speak Dutch well. I am sure other people have dealt with similar issues obviously I'm not the first to live abroad for a year). Help me out!
caitlin (at) caitlinfitzpatrick (dot) com

I need to know about getting into law school
I'd like to have a career in human rights law or in international law, and I'm leaning towards schools with some international law curriculum options. I will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations in May 2011. I don't know where to begin with my personal statement. I'm also looking for some recommendations on where to apply. I have a list of schools I'm interested in but I'd love to talk with some alumni of any law school about pros and cons.
arnold ( dot) rachelm (at) gmail (dot) com

I need to know about employee rights
I'm currently employed as an architect in Chicago. Over the last six months I have been paid irregularly and am owed what is for me a large amount of money in unpaid wages. Has anyone had to deal with a similar situation? Any advice on best resources, my rights, best course of action would be much appreciated!
janesloss (at) gmail (dot) com

I need a good hairdresser in upstate New York
I just moved from Boston to Binghamton in upstate NY, leaving behind the ONLY hairdresser I have ever been to. So I am wondering if anyone knows of a really excellent hairdresser in the area between, say, Ithaca, NY and Scranton, PA. I need someone who listens, who discusses what I want, who isn't afraid to stand up to me and say, "that is going to look terrible," who knows how to get an idea of me and suggest an alternative, who is actually good at cutting hair… etc. Can anyone help?

isisrtd (at) gmail (dot) com

I can give you a hook-up!

I can tell you about pregnancy, new mama stuff, breast feeding or using cloth diapers
janelleam (at) gmail (dot) com

I can talk to you about drinking and drug problems

I'm able to visit with people who think they may have a drinking or drug problem. I'm a recovering alcoholic, am very knowledgeable about AA, Alanon, NA, GA, etc. I also work part time in the field. I can offer direction and suggestions, but not on a professional level.
k8zimm (at) aol (dot) com

I can tell you about home schooling
can answer questions about being home schooled. I was home schooled all the way through high school and think I have a pretty balanced view of the whole thing, and have curious parents pick my brain on a fairly regular basis.

jrecorey (at) gmail (dot) com

I can host you in Sao Paulo
I like to consider myself a "how to have a good, fun, clean, and cheap time in São Paulo" expert AND have a wonderful little apartment with couch and inflatable mattress for gringo visitors. So if any of your readers are making their way down to Brazil and would like to stop by São Paulo, i'm all about it!! (except from aug 8th-22nd!)
poly (dot) deoliveira (at) gmail (dot) com

I can tell you about road racing for ladies

My name is Elizabeth Medina, I'm 23 years old and am a member of Drifting Pretty, a small but dedicated grassroots organization based in Southern California, namely Los Angeles County :) Our mission is to help bring together women with a shared love for cars and racing in a safe, educational, and friendly environment. We understand how difficult it may be for some women to find themselves with this interest in an area dominated by men and we're here for you! A team of women who learn to work on their cars together, learn the ins and outs of a vehicle, and learn car control in various forms of racing like Gymkhana, Drifting, Road Racing and Auto Cross.
lizzypooface36 (at) gmail (dot) com

P.S. Remember during the last Network of Nice, the reader from San Francisco who was looking to meet new friends? Well she did! How cute are these two?! Rachel and Angelica had so much fun together. But that's not surprising. We all know that Yes and Yes readers are the coolest kids in any given room, so of course they'd make for fantastic friends, right?