Acai, tropical cherimoya, Quizno's, disinfecting wipes, guestbooks, and garbage bags

Decided to go to the mall at 4 PM, when it was still nuts: I unexpectedly saw Annie there, so we chatted for a while. She wanted to know when the small groups would be back - in January, I would think! I found that the pharmacy was closed, and it would still give me a better deal on Nytol than either Shoppers Drug Mart or London Drugs. ($10 for 40 rather than $10 for 20? I think they were the same dosage...) Stopped at Shoppers Drug Mart for disinfecting wipes, half-price garbage bags with flaps so they're easy to open, and Herbal Essences "Drama Clean" conditioner: all of this was on sale, too! Went to Sears for some reason, but their coats weren't the greatest. Looked at the calendar kiosks, but found nothing to suit my needs. Gmail calendar or my notebooks it is, then! Decided to finish STILL ALICE at Coles - it's this story about a woman who has early-onset Alzheimer's. Not that I think I have it, but you never know... and it's good for those who like to read, haha.

Had a dinner of a Quizno's Black Angus steak with Swiss Cheese sub, plus iced tea. Got to Staples and discovered that it was closed, so went to London Drugs for a guestbook so Steph can have one too / "buy one, get one free" Aquafina Vitamin Water with ten calories only (tropical cherimoya / acai fruit punch) / bread WITHOUT HOLES in it. Got home to discover that Steph had called - since I was going to call her about the guestbook anyway, I returned this one. She answered, being all melodramatic since I didn't come for dinner tonight. "Not even LOBSTER can get you to come!" I kinda knew that I wouldn't have time to do Sunday School prep if I *had* come over, and I didn't have to rush myself to get out at a certain time this way either! :D

Steph thanked me for the guestbook, and said she MIGHT go to church tomorrow. If not, I'll see her on the 29th! I told her that I didn't really buy anything I didn't NEED; so low-ticket, and she said it was GOOD that I was doing it. We'll see how long it lasts, haha. After that, I took a shower before emailing Karmie the (Google Maps) directions to my place from her intersection. Got an Evite from Melia for some Awana Leaders get-together on the 9th - I'm almost positive Henry will not be able to make it as it's before Awana, so that'll be my out, haha.

Dream about the Awana kids and swimming pools / Middle Names

Had a weird dream where my family was in this huge house, and my mom got annoyed at me since I was following her around everywhere. (as if I'd ever do it in real life!) So I was banished to the basement, which was airy and HUGE - it had lots of natural light from the windows. The Awana children started coming in with their friends, and some of them went upstairs to terrorize my mom and her friends. Everyone else stayed downstairs - toys with a collective worth of $20,000? Carley asked me why there was no Awana today, so I said that it was the Christmas break. One of the kids noticed a swimming pool in back, so I watched them ALL swim! Ian L. was looking for Arthur, who had taken his dump truck - we didn't find him, but the kids had fun. Keenan wanted me to find Ian M. for him, so I did. That was all I remember, haha.

You Are Creative and Artistic

You are the type of person who has a very active imagination. You live in a bit of a dream world. Whenever you are able to channel your creativity, you are very productive and successful. You are a very visual person, and you appreciate beauty and design. You feel anxious in the wrong surroundings. You love luxury, and at times you can be an extravagant spender. You have no problem spoiling yourself.

What Does Your Middle Name Say About You?

Blogthings: Our Quizzes Weren't Written By Bored 12 Year Olds

A Gift for the Person Who Eats Everything

FINALLY! Christmas is OVER! (unless you subscribe to the Orthodox tradition, which I don't!)

Poo nugget for this weekend: A Gift for the Person Who Eats Everything - The Big John Toilet Seat is a product that boasts an ultrawide and contoured nineteen-inch sitting surface, large stabilizing bumpers, and is rated to support over 1200 pounds. The makers of the Big John claim, "It's not just for the Big and Tall / Plus Size Consumer. It is great for people who are larger-framed or bigger-boned, or anybody who just wants a more comfortable toilet seat."

I LOVE ICONS! / A quiet Christmas Day isn't so bad, but DEATH to maternal assumptions!

Note: The Nightmare Before Christmas LJ Style Memegen, by suziequzie / Your Crazy Insane LJ Christmas party! Memegen, by Lucas14.


I like this "quiet Christmas Day" vibe - now, am I nuts enough to watch people at the mall tomorrow? Maybe, maybe not! Someone called earlier to wish me a Merry Christmas, which was nice of him. :) Jon and Harmony apparently tried calling me, too. Then my mother called, wanting to know why I wasn't at her house for an abalone dinner, and that Grandma would be living with me - well, she didn't tell me about it, and I like solitude / downtime even on holidays! In a bid for tough love, I told her that she had to face reality: her mother is back in town, and all breaks must come to an end. Then she said that Steph was too busy with her new life - right, so *I* get short shrift because I seem not to have a life?! WTF?! Don't get me wrong - I love my grandma (which is why I wished her a Merry Christmas in Chinese on the phone), but I *detest* having things just PUSHED on me... even more so than I did three years ago, TRUST ME!

She told me that she had some more stuff for me (like Garden Cocktail - at first, I thought she said "Garlic" - and mousetraps) - and invited me for a Boxing Day lobster dinner tomorrow. We'll see on that one, since I think I might not be up till 2 again! She was under the impression that I would love to get dropped off at Zellers at 6:45 AM - "It's simple... all you need to do is NOT SLEEP! Then you don't have to get up!" UGH! I'd rather tackle the mall at a more reasonable hour, even on Boxing Day! We'll see on stuff, though. Now, if only I could find my pills...

Edit: Jon and Harmony called back. Discussed tomorrow at the lards' place, mice, Holly thanking me for the shortbread cookies, Mom's melodrama, Boxing Day plans (none of us are very ambitious), and the weekend. Not too bad, all in all - but burps are not appropriate, haha.

I LOVE ICONS by Cutie258
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Weird dream with Ian, Sean, Teunis, and helicopters / I bet Erik called me by accident!

I had a weird dream which featured Ian and Sean playing with crayons and things in the old church toddler room. Ian told me to watch his brother - "I'm going to play with my other friends!" So I did that, and attempted to communicate to Sean about things. He seemed to understand a little, but didn't like it when some of the older kids tried to take his colorful books away. Their parents arrived soon afterwards to pick them up, then Teunis came to rescue me in his helicopter... it was pretty good just hanging out up there in the sky, man! He had a huge year calendar, and said that he could see me on my birthday (and other dates) if I liked. We were hashing out dates and things like that when we arrived at a Skytrain depot. For some reason, the helicopter couldn't just fly over, so it had to be stashed under the train. (there was a big grey sign with blue letters telling us this) The dream ended when we got on the train, heh.

Erik (kahobi) called me a bit ago - I wonder what that was about. Possibly an accident, as we haven't really talked in MONTHS. Oh well, I called him back to see what it was, just out of curiosity... got voicemail, which I half-expected, heh.

Merry Christmas! / Bad Movie Night / Gift Poo

Christon forwarded me the "BAD MOVIE NIGHT" email - Jen said that since BATTLEFIELD EARTH and GIGLI were such a hoot, there MUST be a followup! She suggested TROLL 2, THE GIANT CLAW, and HOWARD THE DUCK. Sounds like a pondering night to me, as my brother says - HOW DID THESE GET OKAYED FOR THE MASS PUBLIC?! Teresa wished me a Merry Christmas on both MSN and YM, haha.


Poo nugget for Friday, December 25: Gift Poo - Surprise! - A Gift Poo is a dump that someone left behind in a toilet without flushing. They come in all shapes and sizes, and are most prevalent in public restrooms and fraternity houses. These gifts are sometimes left as trophies to anonymously show off accomplishments, sometimes as pranks, or occasionally as absentminded accidents - often resulting from multitaskers trying to talk on the cell phone, and wanting to avoid the flush that gives them away. The origins of these poos may remain a mystery, but they can linger anywhere from minutes to days, depending on when the gift is first seen or smelled.

Wax seeping through paper onto your hands must HURT, man!

Ron, Veronica, and Eric picked me up at about 7:20 - we discussed classical music (SABRE DANCE), my parents' trip, and more. When we got to the church, I said hi to Harmony - she sat a bit too near Mr. Creep for my liking, but at least it wasn't the seat that she was going to sit in for the entire thing! (discussed Dallas, Fred, and the Irish Heather) I also greeted Helen, Joe T., and their kids Abby and Nathaniel - also wished Joe a happy birthday, since he's a Christmas baby! After I said hi to Grace, I wondered to Eric where his parents were - they were taking care of things, I guess! The candlelight service was meaningful enough - Harmony did a couple of readings, and we got to watch our hot wax drip off the candles! Eric had it seep through the paper to his pants, and Christon had some drip onto his hand! OUCH! Discussed the BAD MOVIE NIGHT (Christon says he'll forward something to me) - BATTLEFIELD EARTH and some other movie were SO BAD, apparently! Jen wondered where I'd been that night, but I think I was with Jon at the time! I saw Silvester, but didn't get a chance to say hi. I unloaded all my extra cookies on Natalie, the poor unwitting soul. :D [she said she couldn't eat them all, but neither could I - too bad, they're hers now!]

Deb gave me a birthday card - it had a wedding photo, and she thanked me for making her feel welcome at Fellowship. She's very impressed that I know and remember her birthday, haha. Jon was making plans with Mr. Creep - something about Belgian Fries. I don't think I'll be there, thanks... Talked to Phil about his trip to Hong Kong and Taiwan tomorrow: he's glad that there is no snow like last year. SO AM I! Seriously, it wasn't FUN trying to get around - I think I was practically housebound for an entire MONTH with blizzard after blizzard outside! (or at least, I couldn't go out by myself and do things by myself!) Yes, I know normal people had trouble walking around in it - I'd declined Christmas Eve dinner at Dave's house (even though I love Dave and his parents) because of the icy conditions outside, even if my family would have helped me walk around in it! Said hi to Uncle Peter and his friend John, who's in a wheelchair. Reminded Karmie about the lunch at Lesley's on Monday, and she said to email her some directions and such - I shall indeed do that!

Christon told me not to leave yet (also saying the same thing to Jen) - well, my rides were still there talking to people! He gave me a Christmas card - in it, he thanked me for my care and time that I put into bringing a smile to people's faces, looks forward to more Sunday Dinners, says he enjoys my humor (even if it's a bit morbid at times), and wishes me a joyful holiday filled with blessings. I said hi to Vanessa and Melia, so Melia asked if I was going to help out tomorrow with the Awana kids. When I said I didn't know, she said not to worry about it - sweet, I get to sleep in on Christmas Day for the first time in years! Talked to Auntie Beatrice (Jen's mom) for a bit - I have NO Christmas plans tomorrow, so it will be an ordinary day! Wished Joey and Angus a Merry Christmas (and told Ivan that his sister was looking for him) before we left - also took one of Veronica's cups of water from the cooler when she offered it to us. On the way home, we discussed the TV and monitor situation / Christmas plans / CANADA'S WORST DRIVERS / my getting their Candy Bouquet gift / my being "diabolical and crazy and dramatic" / my mom's DRAMA email about adopting the Korean purser / Steph's work - Ron should be careful in Burnaby, haha. Good times, and Veronica thanked me for my gift - yay!

Spiraling floors in dreams, Chinese Eric saying hi and THANK YOU, Hien, Kenny, etc.

Got up and checked my mail to find a cute Christmas card from Jane (gi_janearng) - sweet stuff! Corey said that he wouldn't be sure if floors were spiraling, but they were in my dream where someone was going to execute me and Eunice / Steph / other friends! Chinese Eric got on MSN to wish me a Merry Christmas (since it IS Christmas where he is), and thanked me for my card - he said it was a comfort to know that people still remembered him, hahaha. I said that my parents had been in Discovery Bay recently, heh. He was heading out to a family party at an uncle / auntie's house - sounds fun! Wonder how Jenny's sister Audrey is doing, haha. Added Hien's friend Kenny to MSN, hee hee hee.

You Are Christmas Eve

You are a patient person, and you would agree that anticipation is sometimes better than the main event. There's something magical about the night before Christmas - when it feels like anything could happen! You are a somewhat quiet and spiritual person. You need a lot of alone time to process what's going on around you. You are optimistic and idealistic. You can't help but feel like things are going to work out.

Are You Christmas Eve or Christmas Day?

Blogthings: If Quizzes Are Outlawed, Only Outlaws Will Take Quizzes

Expiration, Malodrax, Something Awful, and hairballs

Here's a site which tells you when various things expire. I just looked it up for my own reference.

Link from Corey: Something Awful link on a psycho named Malodrax, with a lot of awkward Youtube videos!

Basically, he is a 22-year-old virgin that has
1. built a very poorly constructed sex doll at age 18
2. stores his piss in bottles because he doesn't like to use public restrooms (?)
3. does cold approaches with girls
a. with internet memes, such as Bel-Airing them (my guess, to ease his social anxiety, which he's written about)
b. by striking up conversation with them
c. "pretending" to be creepy as hell
d. making male store workers feel uncomfortable with his stories

Youtube videos!
Body Building Thread


Poo nugget for Thursday, December 24: Dr. Stool Says - Rapunzel Syndrome - This rare condition occurs when patients who compulsively eat hair form a trichobezoar, an indigestible bolus of hair particles in the stomach and small intestine. Patients can develop abdominal pain and vomiting if this hair ball causes intestinal obstruction. As humans lack the ability to digest these particles, surgery is the only treatment option.

I had to shop for bras... toothbrushes, toothpaste, copy paper, and more!

Grr... this thing restarted overnight! I got a crafty Christmas card from Janina (mrshannibal) with angels / snowflakes / birds / even a Nativity scene! It included a poinsettia sticker and one with presents on it - cool! Then I got a card from Kelli (neonrose5) with ornaments - one's a candy cane, and the other's a star. Sweet!

Went out later to get some sports bras because a few of mine have big holes in them! Good thing they were on sale (like 25% off), so I bought two! Bought some underwear, too - then was off to Staples to get 500 sheets of copy paper for my notes to self and such. (also got a FUZE Refresh peach-mango drink, which I've never had before!)

Then I went to the post office at Shoppers Drug Mart to mail Steve and Carol's card, and also went to London Drugs for on-sale socks / toothbrushes / on-sale toothpaste / on-sale bread (which I wasted my money on since it was all hole-y at home!) / on-sale Uncle Ben's rice and risotto (roasted chicken and wild rice; tomato and herb; grilled Mediterranean-style vegetables) / raspberry Source yogurt with a non-dirty lid / milk. The lady in front of me had three huge boxes, plus at least 75 Gardenia energy bars - COME ON. PICK A BETTER TIME TO BUY THOSE! Her total came to $120.08, and she was disputing the price of everything - I eventually just paid for my things at customer service.

Got home to find that Vanessa H. called me - when I called back, Kyle answered. Fifteen minutes later, she stopped by with a few tarts - that was nice of her! She's leaving again at New Year's, so maybe we can all get together next week! (providing it's not Monday lunch or Tuesday dinner) Then I went to put away my stuff, and found that the bread bag was RIPPED or CHEWED THROUGH. No, I didn't notice this at the store!

Sleeping in my own bed / Bidet Backpack

It'll be amazing to sleep in my own bed again, but the mice are still around. We'll see when I can get a sonic trap! I will miss the heated bedroom, but at least I can have sanity!


Poo nugget for Wednesday, December 23: Bidet Backpack - Looking for the soothing comfort and thorough cleanup of a bidet while you're on the go? The Phess traveling bidet system includes a spray wand and container with manual pump that allows you to perform your post-number-two cleanup virtually anywhere. Touted as hygienic and environmentally friendly, this "misty mate" adds moistness to the cleanup process and reduces toilet paper use.

Fawntelle, Fulvia, Geisha, and Grizelda

This is from What Not to Name Your Baby by Joe Borgenicht.


F

Falana: The low-fat alternative to a Spanish custard dessert.

Fannie: An old-fashioned name that speaks of maiden aunts, crocheted doilies, and (sadly enough) a big fat ass.

Fanny: Just name her Butt and be done with it.

Fantasie: This should only be used as a stage name for exotic dancers. Period. In many states, the DMV will not print this on a driver's license.

Farrah: The sex symbol of the '70s whose attempts at self-preservation have virtually reached mummification levels. Females with this name have absolutely no hope of growing old gracefully.

Fatima: Though popular in the Muslim world, no female child growing up in body-conscious America should have the word "fat" in her name.

Faundaree (FOUND-uh-ree) - A place where metal items are fabricated through high temperatures and constant pounding.

Fawn: A deer, a female deer. Ray, a... oh wait. That's all wrong.

Fawn-Dew: A delicious cheesy dish. Also, the droppings of a baby deer. Make sure to read the menu carefully.

Fawntelle: The soft spot at the top of a newborn baby's head. Should harden over by one or two years of age.

Fayme: An immortal child prone to singing and dancing on the steps of public buildings, cars, and lightposts in major urban areas.

Fedora: A man's hat. Once the hallmark of a snappy dresser, now it's just plain poseur. (I once met a little girl named Fedora in the toddler Sunday School...)

Fern: An ancient plant with long stems and multiple leaves with seed pods. In harsher climates, usually found in sunrooms. The plant to which people refer when they tell someone she has the intelligence of a common houseplant.

Ferol: A gasoline additive that makes engines run cleaner. Also an animal that, while technically domesticated, exhibits antisocial tendencies and often has barely detectable ringworm.

Flavia: A tasty clam.

Fulvia: Once in the running with anatomy classes as the funniest name for a female body part. Of late, it has been replaced by Mulva.


G

Gala: Flamboyant wife of Salvador Dali. Also, a fabulous party. An especially flavorful and crispy apple used for baking or just plain snacking.

Galaxy: A far-out place in the heavens. A child named Galaxy will abbreviate her name to "G." when applying for an MBA program.

Garnetta: Only semiprecious.

Garridan: A shrewish, mean old woman. We know that's actually a harridan. But it's close enough.

Gazelle: A lithe, fast animal of the African savannah often seen being torn to shreds by its quadruped predators. Inevitably, this name will be shorted to Gaz.

Geddy: Lead singer of Rush.

Geisha: A pale, quiet, subservient child adept at shiatsu massage.

Gentle: Peaceful, calm, and placid. Let's see if you think she's gentle when she starts teething.

Geo: From the Greek, meaning "earth." Will be voted most likely to be a headliner for Cirque du Soleil. Small American-made compact car that resembles a roller skate.

Gertrude: Hamlet's mother. A good name for a maiden aunt.

Gladys: AKA Happy Bum.

Glamour: An excellent drag name. Not so appropriate for a kindergartener who pushes little boys and forces them to eat dirt.

Glee: The misty spray that emerges from underneath your tongue at inopportune, often exciting, moments.

GlenDora: Long-lost twin sister of Endora, the mother-in-law from Bewitched.

G'ni (nee) - A follower of the knights who say...

Godiva: Chocolate-loving equestrian with a dislike for clothing and taxes.

Golda: Sister of Silvera and Coppera.

Golden: A child of the retriever species. Also a flaxen-haired beauty who thinks she's soooo cool.

Grace: The most uncoordinated girl in ballet class.

Grizelda: Almost certainly the name of the evil stepmother in any fairy tale, with a hair-control problem and a taste for honey.

Guinevere: A beautiful queen with commitment issues.

Gypsy: Stage name of the most famous stripper of the twentieth century. A thief and a horse trader.

Stickers, ELEPHANT POOP card, glitter, Eric's weird font issues, and candlelight

When I got home, I selected an appropriate birthday card for David Wong (it has guitars on it - he's in the music industry, so that'll fit) while marveling at the assortment of Christmas cards in my mail. Becca (heyfashion) mailed me a bright yellow card, along with stickers featuring a teddy bear / hot air balloons and clouds / cute animals. Krista (geek_dragon) got me a card - don't worry, I definitely do not say anything to Mr. Creep AT ALL! Marie (reebee) got me a cute card with Matthew 5:9 on it.

Diane (the_fuzzy_bunny) got me a card made out of ELEPHANT POOP... I'm so proud of it that I'll probably show it to people, haha! Casey (chickabimbo) got me a black-and-silver card, an Orlando postcard, and stickers featuring colored hands / US flag mailboxes / "friendship" motifs / fruit and berries / Halloween pumpkins and ghosts / crafts hearts. Heather Parris (swingthevote) got me a VERY glittery Christmas card, and Jane (justsurvive) got me a Christmas card and a cute photo of her daughter Leila. Sweet stuff all around!

Eric got on MSN, using a different font than the last time we'd talked. Of course, I had to say that he had "weird font issues" (Spoz!) - he said it was the default Messenger font, so how could it be weird? Trust me, it can be if I say so! He asked whether I was going to the Christmas Eve candlelight service on Thursday, adding that he and his parents would have dinner in Steveston beforehand, so they could pick me up if I liked. Sounds good to me, and at least he'll have a relatively sane car ride there and back, hahaha. When I told him about the elephant poop card, he asked if I'd licked it yet... apparently, elephant poop is one of the cleanest poos ever. (according to some show he watched a while ago) Well, I was highly amused! Then he joked that he'd ingest it if I hadn't - he's crazy! He made up the word "loxadontadungigestiosis" before signing off, haha. What a dork.

Reliving Singapore and Hong Kong at Timmy's Kitchen!

I'm finally home, and the computer decided to greet me with a restart once I turned it on and loaded stuff. What the heck?! :(

Jon, Mom, Dad, and Grandma arrived at the townhouse shortly before 1:30, and we went out for lunch at Timmy's Kitchen shortly afterwards. Dad did ask what happened to the burned pot, but at least it looks a lot better after Steph helped me clean it! Mom was trying to see where she put our Singapore shirts (apparently mine was $10 more expensive than my brother's - it has a 3D dragon on it?!), but Jon and I told her to take her time... Dad reinforced it, haha. In the time she's been away (a couple of months), Grandma's forgotten where the downstairs washroom is! Oh no!

Timmy's Kitchen is under new management as of the 11th, and the new waitresses seem friendly enough. Jon and I looked at the photos from Singapore / Hong Kong on Mom's camera - fresh turmeric (which I thought was ginger), Christon and Chinese winter solstice festivals, Uncle Albert / Auntie Betty / Dawn / Geoffrey, Uncle Adrian / Auntie Annie / J-Mak, Gordon's wedding, Great-Aunt and Cousin Eric plus other relatives / the cruise ship with the Korean purser / way more.

The parents seemed to have a good time, and told us about $10 wonton (in Singapore dollars, so about $2 here) / Malaysia / tender young pig / poor food quality in that flies are swarming around the meat as it's being prepared / the wedding / not meeting up with Terrence or Uncle Michael (who apparently didn't treat Grandma well) / Starbucks / Tim Horton's / Hong Kong brands / Discovery Bay and Auntie Chu's garden. Jon and I also discussed calling Eric M., Holly's shortbread cookies, the candlelight service, Harmony, and other things. I thought of my future plans - I think I'll mail Steve and Carol's card tomorrow, and get some GOOD paper from Staples for my notes! At least I didn't have to see Mr. Creep for two Sundays in a row... YES! :D

Care Bear Tagging!

Spent some time making a new Photobucket album just for the "tagging pictures," then editing all LJ / Blogger entries with those, since staying up late is worth it because of the computer speed here at the townhouse! Can't have any broken links if I can help it, haha. I got this from one of the "tagging pictures" websites.

Dinner at the HO HO Hos / LOVE DREAM / Bookworm redux / Shortbread / Hiking

Diane (the_fuzzy_bunny) thanked me for my Christmas card, and Jennifer L. (tehgreenfairy) says she sent mine today - hopes I get it before Christmas. Farrah (lilaznffairy421) says she sent mine before she left L.A. - we'll see if I get it at home, too! Karine (karineinthepool) got my 2010 Olympics postcard, and emailed to thank me for it! Vanessa H. buzzed me on Facebook chat to say she was in town (as is Rachel, who definitely wants to see Steph's new place!), and asked how I was. I'm well, but I had to jet to dinner! Borrowed a pair of blue shoes from the laundry room because they'd be easier to take off and put on when I got to the HO HO Hos, hahaha.

Hanging out at the Ho house was relaxing! Had peppermint tea, vegetables, lettuce wraps, Chinese tea, chicken and beef skewers, pumpkin ale, Dallas, tomorrow's plans as far as picking up the lards go, Capilano, lights, Jamaican cake, and other things while talking about matchmaking, Holly's students, chocolate, Christmas dinners, little kids, presents, bananas, dried scallops, cooking, Eric / Veronica / Ron, SERVANTS, sleep, Auntie Ying, Karina, Steph's new townhouse, people at their church, prayer, whether certain people would be a good match for each other (being tall should NOT be the only criterion, Auntie Wing!), photos, and other things. Holly and Peter played Bookworm on their iPhones, and I told them that I used to play it on the computer ALL the time! (she apologized for not being entertaining, but it was fine) Auntie Wing wondered why they were playing it when it was frustrating, and Holly said that it was addicting - she speaks the truth, man! Later, we heard Holly CATERWAUL from the PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, and then sang one Christmas carol (O HOLY NIGHT) - poor Peter was pretty tired already! (Jon had to play the LOVE DREAM at least twice)

When I got home, I portioned the shortbread cookies from the exchange into a Ziploc bag for Jon to take to Holly on Friday. I know the other cookies need to be eaten soon - maybe I'll give them to people if I go to Thursday's candlelight service. Jon had wanted to know why I didn't give them away on Friday - well, I didn't want certain people to get their hands on them! Of course, I didn't say that! After I did cookie portioning (haha), I decided to bite the bullet and call Auntie Ying - I figured she might wanna kill me, although she doesn't seem like that type of person. She said things were fine, as there was the pancake / egg / ham breakfast, and she'd seen Esther / Margaret / Amos and his mom / other kids too. As I was checking my email / Facebook / friends list (and typing one-handed), she told me about BASIC CHRISTIANITY / her friend John in the long-term care unit (a wheelchair) and his sister Joan visiting / Uncle Peter wanting her to call me to see how I was doing / Phil, Pastor John, children's Bibles / wanting to learn computers / little Rachel's grandma / prayer requests / lunch and such being good / small groups confirming Sunday attendance (?!) / ideas / multi-level marketing being applied to witnessing (?!) / getting together in the future. Now I'm just mock-arguing with Corey about his Italian-German heritage, hahaha.


This is from a cruise the family took in 2007:




Poo nugget for Tuesday, December 22: Doo You Know? - Doo-Doos and Don'ts of Hiking Etiquette - The incredible popularity of hiking and climbing has made waste disposal a big topic for outdoor recreationists and organizations. In 1990, Hikers Against Doo-Doo was founded. It is an international organization dedicated to keeping human and animal excrement off mountain paths around the world. The group claimed a thousand members as of 1994, and attracted nineteen people to its 1993 International Congress in Moscow.

Valerie, gift baskets, dinner at the HO HO HO place, David's birthday, Christmas Blogthings

One of the townhouse complex neighbors (Valerie) came by earlier this afternoon with this giant gift basket and a card for my parents - when I introduced myself, she said she remembered me from the wedding. There were SO MANY PEOPLE that I didn't bother with remembering, haha. I know, I know... and I wasn't even the one getting married, har har. Since I'm curious, I listed out the contents of the basket: two Choco Lounge mugs, 70% Lindt chocolate bars, Cocoa Comfort (in Chocolate Supreme and Chocolate Truffle), and Délicieux cookies.

Later, Harmony called and invited me to dinner at her parents' if I wasn't doing anything tonight - I thankfully accepted. (I told her about MR. HO'S as well, haha) I know Jon's teaching today, and I'm only a minute away - so if her parents don't mind, I'm in for a dinner! I've spent the past few hours just catching up on stuff - thank goodness my mom's computer is way faster than mine, otherwise it would take HOURS! I'm sure Corey would say that I needed a more reliable computer and such if he were reading this, haha.

I've been getting a lot of replies to my wall posts, which is good. "David Wong" is indeed who I think he is... perfect! Eric and I were discussing him in the car on Friday night, and he suggested that I ask Dave when his birthday was. Thank goodness that Facebook has done this for me, if December 30 is his real birthday. HAHAHAHA, I'm so not trusting at times, hee hee. :D

Your Holiday Wish is Parties and Fun

You are truly outgoing, and you think the holidays are a great reason to celebrate. Being invited to lots of shindigs really makes your holiday. And of course, the holidays wouldn't be complete without one of your own legendary parties. You love to make merry with everyone you know, even if it means going out almost every night. The holidays only come once a year, and you're willing to totally, completely live it up.

What's Your Holiday Wish?

Blogthings: We'll Tell You The Truth... Someone Has To!

Well, I guess I can't argue with that, as long as I get my downtime in as well. ;)

Your Holiday Personality is Responsible

The holidays mean that you need to get a lot of things done, and you're up to the challenge. You love shopping for gifts, sending cards, baking, and decorating. It's all about making things festive for others. Of all the types, you are the most likely to try out something new each season - whether it's a interesting recipe or fun decorating idea. You don't mind playing Santa for everyone else. In fact, it's what you brings you peace and joy.

What's Your Holiday Personality?

The First Rule of Blogthings Is: You Don't Talk About Blogthings

2009 Checkbox Survey / The Great Toilet Paper Shortage

In 2009, I have...

[X] broken a promise
[] made a new best friend
[] fallen in love
[] fallen out of love
[] been in over 2 relationships
[X] lied
[X] gone behind my parents' back
[] cried over a broken heart
[X] disappointed someone close
[X] pretended to be happy
[] kissed in the rain
[] kissed on a first date
[] slept under the stars
[] kept your New Year's resolution
[] forgot your New Year's resolution
[] met someone who changed your life
[] met one of your idols
[X] changed your outlook on life
[X] sat home all day doing nothing
[X] pretended to be sick
[] left the country
[] almost died
[] given up something important to you
[] lost something expensive
[X] learned something new about yourself
[X] tried something you normally wouldn't try, and liked it
[X] made a change in your life
[X] found out who your true friends were
[X] met great people
[X] stayed up till sunrise
[X] pigged out over the summer
[X] met someone from Live Journal in person (does it count if I didn't add her till after we met in person at someone's house?)
[X] cried over the silliest thing
[X] partied more than 5 times
[X] was never home on weekends
[] gotten into a car accident
[X] found a person I never thought I'd become really good friends with
[X] had friends who were drifting away from me
[] had someone close to me die
[] had a high cell phone bill
[] wasted most of my money on food
[] had a fist fight
[] gone to the beach
[] seen a celebrity
[X] gotten sick
[] liked more than 5 people at the same time (... thank goodness, no!)
[X] had a wasted night
[X] became closer to a lot of people

Poo nugget for Monday, December 21: Johnny and the John - The Great Toilet Paper Scare was triggered on December 19, 1973. Late-night comedian Johnny Carson joked about an impending toilet paper shortage in the United States. This announcement in front of millions of television viewers caused massive hoarding of toilet paper, depleting supermarket inventory for a period of three and a half weeks.

Diapers and circumcision at the Whip, anyone?

Took the bus and Canada Line out in the rain to Jon and Harmony's place - it didn't help that there was an unspecified delay at Bridgeport Station! The two black / East Indian men were wondering what the nature of the delay was when the extremely generic announcement was replayed three times: "We apologize for the delay, and are attempting to rectify the problem." Er, so what IS the problem?! I found myself inwardly agreeing with them - first time I've consciously done so with certain people in some time! Then I got lost around Jon and Harmony's place, knocking on the back door of the wrong house two blocks up... good thing that nobody answered, I suppose. After a bit of standing around, I finally figured out that I hadn't had to go up any blue steps, so I left that place before I could be described as loitering around in the dark! When I finally got to my brother and sister-in-law's, it was almost 5! Harmony called Jeremy to say that we'd be taking the car as it was rather yucky out.

They received a phone call from Fred to say that he couldn't start his sister's digital car, so we picked him up after they called Dallas to make plans to see him before he leaves. Poor Jeremy was waiting for 45 minutes at the Whip! Discussed a LOT of stuff since we were there for at least six and a half hours, but the time seemed to fly by! (liberal and conservative views, Harmony and me both being wordsmiths ["is IRREGARDLESS a word, girls?!"], New Zealand, Fred going to the Hillsongs church in Sydney, poutine, healing rooms, yam fries, pizza, chicken wings, Slickety Jim's and that fire, Australian slang, gays, lesbians, personal depression stories, charismatics, Dan, being bipolar, responsibilities and stress, Jon and Harmony's wedding, crazy dancing, being talkative when drunk, alcohol having a few different effects on people, alcoholism, Jonathan G., India Pale Ale, Black Plague, PITCHERS, water, coffee, Coke, the Spice Girls, a guy wanting money to buy diapers [then people actually BOUGHT them - DIAPER MAN was then trying to SELL them!], Jon H., friends, dating problems, sex, condoms, AIDS, disease, circumcision and sexual performance, vasectomies, different sexual intimacy, Sydney, penguins, owls, animation, Steph, flirting with the waitresses, toasts, Jeremy's invented punctuation, etc.) Hugged Fred goodbye, of course!

Fun times, and we didn't really expect Fred to be so generous and pay for EVERYTHING! After that, Jon tried calling Steph since the Canada Line might not run much past 12:15, and the buses were only once an hour. Apparently, she got annoyed because she thought we were prank calling her at work! We dropped Fred off at his sister's, then I chilled at Jon and Harmony's for a while till Steph dropped by to pick me up. She's still up just packing for her trip after we made a run to the 7-11 for milk and Creamo... Safeway is definitely closed at 2:15 AM! Steph said that she'd been to a restaurant named MR. HO'S with her co-workers tonight... I'll have to remember to tell Harmony that whenever I see her next, hahaha.

Eric FORGOT about me! I bet he wouldn't forget about SOMEONE ELSE!

Note: STUPID FUCKING MEME Memegen, by verix.


Got up because someone called the house at 9:15 - of course, I thought it was Eric. So I called his cell, only to find out that he'd FORGOTTEN about me / was too far away to turn back, and had agreed to do the sound. What the hell?! I bet he wouldn't forget about Mr. POTATO HEAD! He said that he was sorry, wondered if I knew a bus route to church (I would get there really late if I did - not good!), and figured he owed me something... you bet you do! Went back to sleep after phoning Jon to tell him what happened and saying I likely might not be at the Whip to meet Fred from Australia (and telling this to Steph when she got up), and had a complicated dream about going downstairs / shopping for groceries / bedtime / other things. Finally got up at 1:45, but I blame that on being woken up out of sleep and such. Got a bunch of replies to my holiday wishes - thank goodness I remembered that Annette and Alan are Jewish!

So then I tried calling Jon with no answer - I did hear that Brittany Murphy has died! When Jon called me back, I told him what had happened with Eric, and also about the death - he's heard of her, heh. Her poor mother, finding her in the shower... Jon says they're leaving at 4:30, so if I can get to their house by then to go the Whip, it'll be cool. Guess that's where I'm going, after I consume mushroom soup / water Mom's plants / get the garbage and recycling out in the rain [I hope it gets picked up this week - didn't seem to last week!] and check the bus schedule - and be out there extra early, oh my!

2009 Survey: Fashion Concept, Achievement, New People

2009 Survey: Fashion Concept, Achievement, New People

1. What did you do in 2009 that you'd never done before? Went to the Alibi Room, watched SWEENEY TODD, had Steveston Pizza, had GOOD male overnight guests stay over (yay for Terrence and Teunis!), took the West Coast Express, attended a women's Bible Study group, and went to a cookie exchange.

2. Did you keep your New Years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year? Didn't really make any, so there aren't any to break. ;)

3. Did anyone close to you give birth? Winnie did!

4. Did anyone close to you die? I don't think so.

5. What countries did you visit? None! Yay, I'm exciting! :P

6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009? Good friendships with certain people, someone OUT of here, better sharing in general, a safe public blog, and staying true to myself.

7. What dates from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

Jan. 1 (watched FARGO and FAMILY GUY: THE MOVIE at Nathan's with the guys!)
Jan. 3 (Matt and Elaine's wedding reception, which ended up clashing with Jon and Harmony's engagement party at the Alibi Room)
Jan. 9 (found out my brother was FINALLY on Facebook - Tony and others think Harmony had something to do with it, har har)
Jan. 10 (watched BLADE RUNNER and DR. HORRIBLE with Teunis and the usual bunch - including Kailee and Alysha - at Erik's)
Jan. 11 (watched the premiere of 24 with a bunch of people, including Jeremy)
Jan. 16 (went out with David S. to Home Outfitters and such - he told me that he was the descendant of Jesus Christ, among other crazy things!)
Jan. 19 (watched ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT and BATTLESTAR GALACTICA at Nathan's)
Feb. 13 (Teunis made it out for a Fellowship potluck - FINALLY, haha!)
Feb. 17 (got Mongolian FIRE OIL and a weird movie DVD thing from Colorado!)
Feb. 27 (FINALLY got together with Billie, but we're not going back to Fish on Rice since ONE Alaska roll somehow turned into FOUR!)
March 18 (a year REMOVED from HELL!)
April 4 (celebrated Vanessa H.'s birthday with a bunch of people, including Kyle - good to see him again!)
April 6 (found the PERFECT use for someone's red party shirt, hahahaha!)
April 15 (celebrated Mom's old-style birthday at Kisamos - Greek food! - then went to Erik's to watch CITY OF LOST CHILDREN)
April 23 (saw ALEX LEE - of all people! - at the Oakridge White Spot... SO GOOD!)
May 3 (celebrated Danielle's birthday / grad at Melia and Angus' place - we found USED CONDOMS in the common pool room as we were cleaning up; EWWWWWWWW!)
May 16 (another "forest hiking / Erik party" day - and at least this time around, I didn't have to worry about someone else's feelings because of a death!)
May 23 (The perfidious blackguard Raymond decided to end our friendship because he felt my Facebook usage needed prayer, and because he thought I was obsessed with him since I tagged him in the POO NOTES - STUPID IDIOT! I also hung out with a bunch of people at the townhouse - including Vivian, Gabriel, Daniel, and Michelle - for Spoons / Steveston Pizza / frozen yogurt!)
May 24 (Harmony's bridal shower - I hate the "toilet paper wedding dress" game!)
May 29 (got together at Metrotown with Billie - we wandered their back corridors when the mall was closed! YIKES!)
June 6 (Jon and Harmony's wedding)
June 22 (Megan's bridal shower - also, Terrence came into town for a couple of days - watched UP, went for bubble tea and sushi and STEAK...)
July 1 (the Canada Day barbecue - this year, I didn't have to worry about someone else - YAY! Also found a mouse attempting to get out of my garbage can - ewwwww!)
July 5 (went to the Jazz Festival with Jon, Harmony, Nathan, Shally, and Jeremy - good times!)
July 7 (had a good last hangout with Nathan and Chinese Eric - California Café works!)
July 9 (Finally hung out with Chrystal - Boston Pizza / London Drugs / Fit-Overs / Shoppers and their scents! Also saw Rachel and Lisa later on at the townhouse!)
July 18 (saw Krista in Tsawwassen, since she was back for a couple of weeks!)
July 21 (hung out with Krista and Erik - Future Shop, Bubble Queen, and CORALINE was good times!)
July 24 (hung out with Billie in Richmond near Richmond Sushi - good times!)
July 26 (aw Jon and Harmony's honeymoon pictures at Eric's with them and Jeremy)
July 28 (saw Brüno with Krista and Vanessa - AIR CONDITIONING ROCKS during a HEATWAVE!)
Aug. 1 (had a scavenger hunt at Granville Island, which I was less than impressed with - stupid buses as well!)
Aug. 5 (had physical freedom for a YEAR exactly - YAY!)
Aug. 10 (Billie slept over, finally - YAY for that!)
Aug. 11 (the start of Housesitting 2009, Part 1 - Grandma is very frustrating sometimes!)
Aug. 14 (Grad Banquet 2009... HOLY MO-FO and BEEF JERKY UNDERPANTS!)
Aug. 23 (took the Canada Line for the first time, home from a Sunday Dinner with Wesley and Lincoln as new additions)
Aug. 26 (met up with Teunis and Jasmine at the Oakridge White Spot - good times!)
Aug. 29 (Jon and Harmony's housewarming - too bad a certain person was in town and ruined my ride plans!)
Aug. 30 (Saw FM for the first time in YEARS! Also went to the Night Market with Dallas, Nathan, Jon, and Harmony!)
Sept. 6 (celebrating Eric M.'s birthday at Rocky Mountain Flatbread Company / Millennium Karaoke... too many Chinese songs, courtesy of someone who shouldn't have been there!)
Sept. 7 (Erin and Ben's Vancouver wedding reception)
Sept. 13 (Nathan's farewell at Kishu Star - hope he continues to enjoy the UK!)
Sept. 17 (celebrating my birthday at Kelsey's with a bunch of people - Teunis then came to stay for a few days with TUBS of stuff!)
Oct. 1 (went to Jon and Harmony's to watch the Canucks-Flames season opener... we also said HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Jeremy via phone!)
Oct. 4 (met my great-aunt for the first time, along with her son Eric - I also started noticing a certain ICK around my church!)
Oct. 5 (Grandpa Marr died - I got to be the FIRST to tell Mom!)
Oct. 21 (I slept over at Billie's - I got her a LOT of presents!)
Oct. 26 (went to Posh with Steph, Chantal, Karen Grace, Ryan, Margaret, and others)
Nov. 4 (went to PEACEFUL restaurant with Jon, Harmony, and Danielle - went to my first Women's Group Bible Study EVER that night, too)
Nov. 19 (Steph took possession of her "new" townhouse - saw "TASTED RICE" on a Pho menu later, too)
Nov. 24 (celebrating Jon's birthday at Gudrun)
Nov. 27 (hanging out with Vanessa and Kyle at Tapioca Express - YAY!)
Nov. 30 (banking a new way, haha)
Dec. 4 (Fellowship Christmas potluck... it would have been better had I not been worried about what the planned power outage was going to do to my food at home - but reacquainted myself with certain people!)
Dec. 9 (parents went on a Singaporean Cruise - Housesitting 2009, Part 2 was then enabled... good thing, since I needed a break from the mice!)
Dec. 16 (Women's Group Cookie Exchange 2009)
Dec. 18 (lunch with Auntie Ying, who insisted on buying me a book - I chose a Bathroom Reader, since true crime and such would horrify her, haha - saw Fidela and Darren back that night, too!)
Dec. 20 (met Fred at the Whip - it's been just under two years since I've seen him!)
Dec. 22 (Mom and Dad got back from their cruise, with Grandma in tow)

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? I was able to feel "vibes" in the air and around certain people!

9. What was your biggest failure? Not telling certain people exactly what I thought of them, har har.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury? Nope, definitely not. I do have my vitality!

11. What was the best thing you bought? Books for Billie, Jeremy, and Christon - for myself, I don't know!

12. Whose behavior merited celebration? Jeremy, Corey, Eric M., and Steph - she knows why. ;)

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? Raymond, and a certain other person which I won't mention here.

14. Where did most of your money go? Food and books, as per the usual.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? Jon's wedding!!!! Getting together with Billie / Vanessa / Teunis!!!!

16. What song will always remind you of 2009? Any Beatles remastered track.

17. Compared to this time last year, you are:
i. happier or sadder? Happier!
ii. thinner or fatter? The same, I hope.
iii. richer or poorer? Richer, thanks to monthly transfers. ;)

18. What do you wish you'd done more of? Getting to know certain people better.

19. What do you wish you'd done less of? Wasting time in certain places with certain people.

20. How will you be spending Christmas / Hanukkah? I'll possibly spend the morning (ugh) helping with the kids - don't know about the rest of the day.

21. What was the most embarrassing thing that happened to you in 2006? Going on a rant, and having certain people know about this. Sorry.

22. Did you fall in love in 2009? No, I think that part of me is broken. :(

23. How many one-night stands? Zero.

24. What was your favorite TV program? 24!

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year? Yes.

26. What was the best book you read? Not sure.. too many candidates! I know there was at least one food book at Jon and Harmony's, but darn if I remember the title!

27. What was your greatest musical discovery? Dunno if I discovered anything...

28. What did you want and get? Help with certain things, as well as some in-person time with Chinese Eric.

29. What did you want and not get? Eradicated mice and a nice management!

30. What was your favorite film of this year? Up!

31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? Turned 33 (shut up), went to the mall to meet Billie, spent some time at home (where we shared cake), fielded a VERY quick call from Candy, and went to Kelsey's at Ironwood with Steph / Billie / Teunis / Harmony / Jon / Eric M. / Christon / Jeremy. Then I let Teunis stay over for a few days - that was pretty good, haha.

32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? Emotionally mature people in my life, at least more so than certain others which I won't get into.

33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009? BLING! (or that's what Eric would say, at least...)

34. What kept you sane? Being able to vent to certain people. ;)

35. Which celebrity / public figure did you fancy the most? For some reason, I'm not much for celebrities. Maybe it's the increasingly public eye and suchlike.

36. What political issue stirred you the most? None, really... unless you count my immense hate for the incoming HST.

37. Who did you miss? Vanessa H. - Krista was right when she said we WOULD get along! Definitely missed Chinese Eric and Nathan, as well. Then of course, I missed Grandma when she went to Hong Kong... and I missed Citrus when he was in an undisclosed location. ;)

38. Who was the best new person you met? Um, I don't know... did I meet that many new people this year? (too bad this question doesn't pose the opposite, haha!) The people whom I met are either too new to know well, or I don't know them that well and am unsure if they'd welcome me into their lives. Such is life. :(

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009: Do not trust ANYONE. Oh, and LISTEN TO YOUR GUT!

40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year: Is there one that's about feeling vibes in the air?

40. For posterity...

Artist: Phil Collins
Song: In The Air Tonight

I can feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord
And I've been waiting for this moment for all my life, oh Lord
Can you feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord, oh Lord

Well if you told me you were drowning, I would not lend a hand
I've seen your face before my friend, but I don't know if you know who I am
Well I was there and I saw what you did, I saw it with my own two eyes
So you can wipe off that grin, I know where you've been
It's all been a pack of lies

And I can feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord
Well I've been waiting for this moment for all my life, oh Lord
I can feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord
Well I've been waiting for this moment for all my life, oh Lord, oh Lord

Well I remember, I remember, don't worry, how could I ever forget
It's the first time, the last time we ever met
But I know the reason why you keep your silence UP, oh no you don't fool me
Well the hurt doesn't show, but the pain still grows
It's no stranger to you and me

I can feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord
Well I've been waiting for this moment for all my life, oh Lord
I can feel it in the air tonight, oh Lord, oh lord
Well I've been waiting for this moment for all my life, oh Lord
I can feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord
And I've been waiting for this moment for all my life, oh Lord
I can feel it in the air tonight, oh lord, oh lord, oh lord
Well I've been waiting for this moment for all my life, oh lord, oh lord

I can feel it in the air tonight, oh lord, oh lord, oh lord, oh lord
And I've been waiting for this moment for all my life, oh lord, oh lord, oh lord
And I can feel it in the air tonight, Oh Lord...
I've been waiting for this moment, all my life, Oh Lord, Oh Lord