Baby Ayler's first church outing!

As I'd predicted to Eric, I was up with the sounds of the traffic and such from below at about 8. SLEEP DEBT, OH YES! That didn't mean that I'd feel fully awake when it came time for the special meeting at church, though. I delayed Eric a bit by looking for a suitable jacket and stuff, but we were on our way soon after 9:35. He thought - as usual - that I was drunk, so I said NO! We talked about Kevin / Randal / Geoffrey being at the Burnaby hiking outing yesterday, coaching soccer, traffic, construction, and more. During service, I read my bulletin; tickets for Phil's farewell lunch will only be on sale for three weeks, so I got mine TODAY from Christon after confirming that Eric would be going. Later, I talked to Amanda (who has a big gash on her head from falling on metal) / Jane / Tracy, and peeked in at a sleeping baby Rebecca. Jon and Harmony had actually made it to church with baby Ayler, so people looked in at him. He was waking up from sleep, which is cute! Talked to Frances, Micah ("Is that baby Ayler? He has small hair!"), Isaac, Karen, Lincoln, Brian, Stanley, Auntie Cathy, and Auntie Ying while telling the baby that the noise was okay. He seemed to be kind of interested in my "PRICE IS RIGHT" shirt because of the bright colors, haha. Jon said that they might drop by later, as they're going to her parents' place for dinner; if not, I'll call him on Tuesday! Gave the rest of my Brookside chocolates away to Hannah W. / Natalie W. / Gladys, plus the Chiclet / Dentyne gum and Lemonheads candy. I knew I'd find willing takers!

Saw Lanie, Danny, Jessie, new kids named Silas / Janelle / Haley (the last two were too young), Anastasia, Ashley, Natalie, Ramen, Shira, Mattias, David, and Evelyn at Toddler Sunday School; the floor had changed from white tile to hardwood in the last two weeks, Lanie told me. There were also new toys that parents had donated, she added - NICE! I comforted Ramen while his mom was out of the room with a baby, and confirmed that Mattias knew who I was. Later, Eric and Jon were going for Pho, but I decided to stay and eat (egg / ham / ham and cheese) sandwiches with fruit to save money. Of course, I donated some money for the freewill offering! I spilled my fruit cup in front of Mattias and Marcus; whoops! Discovered that my handbag had sustained fruit juice, so went to Superstore to see if they had any - nope, but I did get a farewell card with a sad dog on it for Phil / Grace / Micah, plus a green apple shampoo and conditioner! To thank Mattias for doing a good job of watching my stuff, I gave him a bunch of stickers. He really liked those (after he asked what I'd bought - I showed him), and told his mom Karen about it! Phil figured that I always had gifts for the kids - sometimes, yes! We discussed his own son Micah, Steveston, Pastor John, Karmie, housesitting, quorum, and more prior to going in for the meeting. (Stanley and Jon were playing jazz on the piano while Danny W. and Eric played with Mattias and Marcus)

During the meeting, I talked to Jeremy about a light popular novel, and discovered that I really didn't believe in certain things like overly religious prayer. Guess I'm not really that religious, haha! Turns out that I didn't need to be there, since there were 184 people in attendance, and Pastor Dan was called to serve us with a 94% YES approval rating. Eric said that there were two voting against, and four spoiled ballots, heh. Jeremy told me and Eric that Big G should choose the name since she named him and Eric, hahaha! ("Bearded Man / White Kid") Nope, she doesn't have a name for Pastor Bob! Auntie Anita told me that Andrea's going to be a mom in December, too. On the way home, we just listened to the news since there wasn't much to say. He tells me that Bible Study is on the agenda for Friday; yay. *sarcasm* Decided to see if laundering my bag would work... it works as a temporary fix, but the bottom is loose. Jon just called to see if there was any freezer space for their stuff; not really, since Mom always packs the freezer to the gills with things! "Why is Mom always doing that?!" - NO CLUE!

FIRST PLACE IN THE WEST!

I was still in a blah mood, but talked to James on YM anyway, and also talked to Talia on AIM. Discussed life, journal entries, work, society, expectations, FINALLY adding each other to LJ, baseball, hockey, wedding cakes, the Capitals, and more. The Canucks and Flames played each other, and the game went to overtime. I saw a funny post on the Canucks wall: "Golden-tongued Mark Lee on the CBC call tonight has found 3 new Canucks in the lineup not previously known to the adoring Vancouver fans: Maxine Lapierre, Zack Carlson, and Henrik Burrows. Welcome to Vancouver, boys!" HAHAHAHA! For some reason, I kept mixing up Zack Kassian and Dan Karlsson when I heard their names on Team 1040. Maybe I'm going deaf already. EBBETT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 3-2 OVERTIME WINNER! FIRST PLACE IN THE WEST, BABY!!!!!!! SIX WINS IN A ROW! :D [Eric later bugged me on MSN about tomorrow - I have NO idea, man!]

Homemade blueberry pie, CARS, flatbread, and teasing me

When Eric picked me up, he gave me a dubious look when I said that I had to get a cuter hat for tonight - the other one was too BLUE! Yes, I am weird. Hey, maybe I want to look cuter than usual when I actually go out to see my friends, which happens more rarely these days! We talked about the lunch for Pastor Bob in two weeks (NOT Sunday as I originally thought!), Chinese Eric (PHO IS NOT ROMANTIC!), what I was doing to make the Canucks lose (especially in last night's shootout - THAT IS NOT MY FAULT!), Steph and Lisa's "news," passports, my being "drunk," my hoping someone didn't hate me for not really talking to them for the past two days (NOT ERIC HO!), stupid drivers, and more prior to getting on Kevin's street. Then his car was essentially boxed in; very annoying!

We found Kevin putting the finishing touches on some homemade curry, so I asked Eric to open the container of wasabi peanuts for me. HE TWISTED THE LID OFF! Damn, I felt like an idiot! My brain didn't even think of THAT at all! At least I got it open, which was my motivation in bringing it tonight! Geoffrey brought some sushi, and Albert brought some shrimp - we haven't seen Albert in at least a year or so, maybe! Everyone had pasta salad, shrimp, sushi, curry, green onion flatbread (like green onion pancakes), sugar and honey in the homemade chai tea (Eric's dietary restrictions?!), homemade blueberry pie, ice cream, and more while talking about Surrey and White Rock / youth / working / RPG / police work opportunities / STARCRAFT II / food health inspections / Houston / Canucks / J.J. Bean's owner being a Christian / Dan Hamhuis, Wally Buono, and David Booth also being open about their Christian faith / annoying phone calls / the best way to reach me / answering machines / IM.

Eric had brought quite a selection of movies, like BATMAN BEGINS / ALICE IN WONDERLAND / EASY RIDER / BATMAN AND ROBIN / THE DARK KNIGHT. Geoffrey was looking through it, and I told him that Eric DID love his Batman movies! We ended up watching Cars - well, almost all of it. There was a scratch near the end of the movie, and Kevin couldn't find his remote afterwards! We could pretty much tell how it ended, anyway - Eric and Kevin had to discuss budget stuff for a bit later, too. On the way home after getting out of the tough parking situation, Eric bugged me about the Super Bowl - yes, of COURSE my Internet friends will likely discuss the game on Facebook and LJ! (so I cannot escape even if I wish to) Also talked about my "best friend" Paul (HELL NO!), Randal, menthol, lotion, gum, my not being on drugs, crab, certain things which seemed really American since we've NEVER heard of them, my making him deaf when he suggested something to do with Chinese Eric, how I was NOT going to eat the entire thing of wasabi peanuts in one sitting now that I had it open, the church website, his sound or worship duties, and more.

Hester, parking fees, HOCKEY, and awards

I saw Hester yesterday, and she asked whether my "boyfriend" was going to be here long; apparently, her boss and supervisor have noticed Teunis' car in the parking lot for a while, and wanted her to tow it! She says that she and her husband Ni don't want to be involved in any trouble every day, so she let me know that overnight parking isn't allowed in the visitor parking. ($25 for an open space, and $40 for a covered space, with an initial fee of $20?) She also thinks I've lost five pounds; not sure why she gets THAT impression! Also says it's my responsibility to change the light bulb in my bedroom, like Kathy and Kelly told me years ago; however, they did it for me since I'm so nice) When Teunis got home before 7 last night, he said he'd had a good day - this is excellent news! I briefly talked to Vanessa on MSN about Dan Savage, too. (discussed Russians, hockey, sports, medieval names, his friend Ana, plans, and more)

You Should Win the Pulitzer Prize

You have a sharp and lively intelligence. You are quick-witted and always ready for some verbal battle. You are constantly seeking growth and change. You are always pushing to be a little better. You can't help but feel unsettled in your life. You have a major case of wanderlust. You are constantly growing and learning. You express yourself well, especially with the written word.

What Award Should You Win?

Blogthings: A Fine Line Between Insight and Stupidity

Brandy x2, Prozzäk, exes as used toys, love temperament

Turns out that Teunis was up before me - the poor guy's been trying to sleep, but it just isn't working! We discussed brandy for his hot chocolate (it's a treat), vibrators, grandmas, sex in general / Dan Savage, the PERSON Brandy (mspixiegirl), Alicia's friend Shauna, Scott, Alicia, interesting friends like Norman, Prozzäk (I remember listening to that at Billie's in January!), that Persian carbonated drink (he's had it also), the Alice Cooper tribute band, a sorcerer webcomic, "macaroni and cheese" with spinach noodles, cheese graters, and more. We got a laugh out of Lisa B.'s status: "I never get jealous when I see my ex with someone else, because my parents always taught me to give my used toys to the less fortunate."

Your Dating Temperament is Phlegmatic

You are a stable and calm force in relationships. You deflect drama. You are a natural peacemaker and compromiser. You are willing to do your part to make sure you are both happy. You have a good sense of humor. Even when you fight, you try not to take any of it too seriously. At times, you can get a little too content and stuck in a rut with your sweetie. You need someone who will help spice things up!

What's Your Temperament in Love?

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

Ghee pancakes, mango body lotion, wasabi peas, Egypt, and LARD talk!

While I was having ghee pancakes, Christine Bennett buzzed me on FB chat to see how it was going - she'd finished HELL'S KITCHEN, which I guess is a good thing! Decided to go out to return that FREEMAN'S shea butter-lemongrass body lotion, and got Triple Lanolin mango lotion (smaller size!) and Dan-D-Pak wasabi peas while I was at London Drugs. Got home and took a shower before updating myself about Egypt, then called Steph to tell her that I was more real than she was! HAHAHAHAHA! I also updated her on Chinese Eric and his health issues / Nathan and Citrus going to see Nate's girlfriend! Later, Teunis and I talked about honeymoons, mead, beer, Egypt, and more. I FINALLY FINISHED EDITING THINGS THIS TIME, TOO! BACK TO DUNGEONS AND SPACE ADVENTURES!

Permitting capstones, sweet taxicabs, sharing frenzy in quantity

Interesting rack of the afternoon: DANSVINE, against Annie C. [read this as "Dan's vine"]

Bingos of the afternoon:

PERMITTEE (118 points) - against Diana S.
CAPSTONE (115 points) - against Douglas N.


High-scoring words of the afternoon:

TAXICAB (168 points) - against Caroline M. [5W, hook off HOOPER to make AH, hook off OWLS to make BOWLS]
SWEET (250 points) - against Melanie L. [two 5W]
FRENZY (153 points) - against Michelle D. [3W used twice, 2L on F, hook off FUNK to make FUNKY]
QUANTITY (640 points) - against Lori E. [two 5W]
QIS (176 points) - against Dana E.-L. [4W used twice, 3W, hook off DOG for a plural]
PERMITTEE (118 points; 4W, bingo), BOXING (118 points; 4W, 2L on X) - against Diana S.
SHARES (180 points) - against Beth M. [4W, two 2W, hook off AMAZE for a plural]
CAPSTONE (115 points; two 2W, hook off HARE to make SHARE, bingo), TOPI (167 points; 4W, 5W, hook off BE to make BET) - against Douglas N.

The Good Husband Guide: 19 Rules for Keeping Your Wife Satisfied

These are from The Good Husband Guide: 19 Rules for Keeping Your Wife Satisfied (Ladies' Homemaker Monthly), comprising one of two parts of my first anniversary gift for Jon and Harmony. I don't think these are meant to be taken terribly seriously!

1. A Prince Among Men - If a man's home is his castle, well then, doesn't that make you a princess? A top-drawer fellow will make his wife feel like queen for a day, every day, with thoughtful gestures like serving her breakfast in bed, drawing her bubble bath in the evening, offering up a daily foot rub, and never forgetting to tell her that he would be a mere shell of a man without her.

2. Isn't He Dreamy? - With the handsome urbanity of Cary Grant, the rugged swagger of John Wayne, and the boyish charm of Troy Donahue, your husband will be deemed "the bee's knees" by the ladies in your coffee klatch when he confidently comports himself like a gentleman from the silver screen. Yet rest assured, his iron-clad fidelity and unwavering adoration for you mean you'll never have to share the title of "leading lady" in his heart.

3. Knight in Shining Armor - An ideal husband will shield his lady love from all that is unseemly or indelicate in this world. Such duties include the disposal of household rubbish, cleaning up after the family pet, and the extermination of errant insects. When circumstances dictate, the man of the house will also spare his wife the burden of incorrigible children, meddling in-laws, and tedious dinners with colleagues.

4. No Fuss, No Muss! - A titan of tidiness, your considerate spouse takes special care not to leave detritus in his wake. Not only will he place his clothes in the laundry hamper and deposit dirty dishes in the sink, he'll also take the initiative to straighten up the house whenever and wherever he spies an item out of place. Only be forewarned: ever preoccupied with household gadgets and machinery, you'll be hard pressed to tear him away from that vacuum cleaner!

5. Dapper Dan - An upwardly mobile man dresses for success. Sure, those dungarees may fit him in all the right places when he's doing yard work or toiling under the hood of his Corvette, but he'll cut a truly dashing figure in a bespoke suit, crisp seersucker slacks, or spiffy pair of khakis. And since a man with this level of sartorial sense needs an equally well-dressed mate, he'll never look at you askance when you splurge at the local dressmaker's shop or buy your third handbag this week.

6. What a Knockout! - Bulging biceps aren't just window dressing. A merit-worthy mister puts his brawn to good use by opening tight jar lids, changing flat tires, shoveling the driveway, and engaging in any household chore predicated on the use of sheer force and elbow grease. Certainly your fragile constitution and dainty frame couldn't be expected to take on such grunt work as scrubbing the kitchen floor or defrosting the Frigidaire!

7. Cool Daddy-O: Forever indebted to you for delivering his progeny to the world, your grateful mate should feel inspired to do his part as the family patriarch. When diaper duty or 2 AM feedings are on the agenda, he'll answer the call with aplomb. You can count on him to clean pureed peas off your two-year-old, or placate your tantrum-throwing preteen. Sigh no more, exhausted mothers - truly, this father knows best.

8. Mr. Fix-It: Step aside, NASA, and meet a tech-savvy marvel able to fix anything that goes on the fritz using little more than duct tape and an Allen wrench. We all know how much he enjoys tinkering with his tool set and tackling those "Honey Do" lists you present him with each Saturday morning. Feeling useful is every man's greatest aim in life, so don't deprive him of his chance to prove himself handy.

9. Palling Around - Although he'd naturally rather be home with you chatting about feelings or helping fold laundry, occasionally "Boys' Night" will beckon. Don't begrudge your spouse's Elk Club membership or nickel poker games. It's harmless fun, and he's sure to be home by nine. Better yet, all that male bonding will have him pining for a little female companionship, if you sense our meaning!

10. "Tact"-ical Maneuvers: A good husband understands that there is a right and wrong way for broaching certain subject matter. Like a UN diplomat on the eve of a Cold War showdown, he'll parse his words delicately when weighing in on your daring new bouffant haircut or your experimental parsnip-and-liverwurst casserole. To that end, he always manages to gift-wrap his gentle criticisms with a ribbon of good cheer.

11. Lip Service - Modern man has certainly evolved from the days of caveman grunts and monosyllabic responses. Today, courtesy and compliments are at the heart of pleasing marital discourse. From proclamations of praise to whispered sweet nothings, you'll blush and bask in his daily declarations of admiration. A worthy gent also listens as skillfully as he speaks, clicking off the television or putting away the newspaper to give you his undivided attention.

12. Self-Sacrifice: When you nobly urge your husband to partake of the last slice of apple brown betty, he honorably insists: "Oh no, my pet! YOU deserve the last piece!" Ever putting your needs and wants ahead of his own, he will do things like brave below-zero temperatures to scrape the ice off your car's windshield, hold your purse while you scrutinize a sale rack, or leave his sickbed to climb on the roof and fix the TV antenna.

13. Groomed to Perfection: How is it that he manages to look - and smell - so deliciously manly? Chalk it up to the extra effort he makes in the realm of personal grooming. With some minor snipping and trimming, a handful of pomade, and a spritz of cologne, he'll leave you wistful for those teenage excursions up to Promontory Point. Speaking of yesteryear, did we mention that his waist size hasn't changed since the day you two lovebirds met? He'll leave the pot bellies to the pigs and the stoves, thank you very much!

14. He Shouldn't Have! - Reminding him about your upcoming anniversary is about as necessary as reminding the sun to rise. While he acknowledgement of the special days in your life is to be expected, the great lengths he'll go to in honor of those celebrations will leave you, quite simply, breathless. Brace yourself for surprise jaunts to Paris, bottles of chilled Dom Perignon in front of a crackling fire, and more diamonds than could be found in Liz Taylor's safety deposit box!

15. Your Daily Pick-Me-Up: Some days are tragic. When you ruin a freshly-polished manicure, scrape the fender on the Packard, or accidentally deflate the soufflé intended for tonight's dinner, it's natural to find yourself in a sour mood. Luckily, your understanding husband will be your antidote. (key word: DOTE) You'll be purring like a kitten by the time he's finished pampering and waiting on you hand and foot.

16. Spicing Things Up - The only monotony in your relationship will be the weekly delivery of fresh-cut flowers from your dear Don Juan. Otherwise, he'll keep you on your toes with spontaneous gestures of romance that will reignite those initial sparks of attraction. By day, he may be your beast of burden... but when the sun sets, he's a tiger in the bedroom!

17. One of the Girls - A good husband always takes an interest in his wife's favorite hobbies and pursuits, and he'll gladly join in on those activities. So go ahead - invite him to go caroling in Victorian garb, include him in your book club meetings, or sign him up for ballroom dance lessons. Even if an event coincides with the big game he's been gearing up for, he'll happily trade in his tickets to revel in the splendor of your favorite pastime.

18. Man of Means - He doesn't just bring home the bacon... he brings home the whole hog, and that's how he prefers to spend it, too. Sure, he'll invest wisely so as to save up for that sailboat and second home you've always dreamed about. But in the meantime, he's happy to treat his doll to the finer things in life. No more clipping coupons - your Mr. Wonderful isn't afraid to spread the wealth.

19. A Born Leader - With his wit, wisdom, and humble regard for humanity, your husband prompts the awe and respect of strangers, who whisper among themselves: "Is he a Kennedy?" Sure, he seems born for high political office, but who needs the drama? He asks not what he can do for his country - only what he can do for you, his darling wife!

OH SHIT, RENEE IS DEAD!

President Taylor gazes pensively outside the window of her office inside the United Nations building. Jack calls, and apologizes for failing. Luckily, Weiss isn't in on the call, otherwise he would have started berating Jack and blaming him for the end of the world. Taylor tells Jack not to blame himself, and then tells him that the peace process is probably dead. You see, without Hassan, the hardliners take over. Apparently, the IRK vice-president is even more useless than Dan Quayle. Samir is alive, but an EMT gazes suspiciously at the camera once Cole is done talking to him. Luckily for him, only the cameraman sees him, and he doesn't say anything. Man, that guy is really unreliable, isn't he? Sure enough, Evil EMT Guy injects Samir with some stuff. Even the EMTs are full of moles. Renee and Jack look sad. Well, there's one way they can cheer themselves up... Torture Samir when he regains consciousness. Man, they're going to be upset about what happened with the EMT.

Jack says he's done, and is going home. He shakes Cole's hand, and tells him he's a good agent. Just don't expect an Emmy nomination, Freddie. The Russian ambassador is stirring up trouble, and tries to enlist the help of the IRK's ambassador, the one who had been detained by Hassan earlier. The ambassador says he believes in Hassan's vision, and is determined to see it through. How magnanimous of him. The Russian ambassador calls the Evil EMT Guy, and it looks like they are part of the plot. What a shock. Evil Russian EMT Guy is worried Renee recognized him because, apparently, he dealt with her when she was undercover all those years ago. They're getting some mileage out of Russian Renee, aren't they?

Jamot (the IRK ambassador – I looked it up) and Taylor try to convince Mrs. Hassan to take the reins of power. Let's just say that she's not jumping for joy at the new job offer. With so many people out of work, you'd think she'd show a little more gratitude, right? She eventually agrees to take her late husband's place, and how soon until we find out that she was the one behind all of this? Hey, it beats running for election. Taylor's homeland security aide, Woods, calls Chloe directly, and tells her Bubba is being relieved because of his overall incompetence. Woods offers Chloe command of CTU, and she resists. Ultimately, she takes the job, and I have a bad feeling about this. How soon until she clashes with Jack? Chloe goes to talk to Bubba, and he handles it well. Actually seems relieved. Wouldn't you be? Finally! No more bumbling field agents that don't know how to maintain a perimeter! Now he can chase his dream of being a shrimp fisherman.

Jack and Renee are back at his place, and she lets down her hair. You know, because her hair was getting tired. Renee starts off by telling Jack he's off the hook for his promises to her. Jack doesn't say anything, and just starts kissing her. He picks her up, and carries her to his bedroom. Smooth! And they're done... Just kidding. How much respect would you have lost for Jack if that had happened? Evil Russian EMT Guy sets up shop across the street, and starts spying into Jack's bedroom. So, he's not just a murderer, he's also a voyeur. Just keep your hands where we can see them, buddy.

The Russian ambassador meets with Taylor, and wants to know how they'll continue with the peace process. Taylor says Mrs. Hassan will sign it in her husband's stead. After all, her name is Hassan, too. If the signatory line just says Hassan, then they're in business. The Russian ambassador is skeptical, and says he'll pull out of the agreement. Once again, Taylor voices her suspicions about the ambassador, and says she'll take it up with Suvarov himself. Hey! He's still the president, after all! Taylor meets with Warden Norton, and she fills him in on the details. Taylor asks Warden Norton for help, and he recommends Charles Logan. Apparently, he still has close relations with the Russians. You know, even though he handed 20 canisters of nerve gas to a gang of Russian separatists that spoke with English accents so that they could detonate them in Moscow.

Bubba says his goodbye, and tells Chloe he should have listened to her all along. He wishes Chloe luck, and leaves. Cole then calls, and tells Chloe that Samir is going into cardiac arrest. Chloe immediately shows off her chops, and theorizes that someone at the scene must have drugged him. Cole acts like this is such a revolutionary concept. You know, like having more than two facial expressions. No sign of Jack and Renee. Not even on the split screen welcoming us back from commercial. Man, those two are taking their time, aren't they? Mrs. Hassan tells Kayla that the party has decided to name her acting president, and Kayla isn't happy about it. The vice-president is really getting shafted, isn't he?

Logan is in the UN, and meets with Taylor in a conference room. Is it just me, or does it look like Charles has a black eye? Did Martha punch him out? Maybe it was Pierce? That would have been awesome! Anyway, Logan makes a snide comment about how the Russians appreciate him more than Americans do. He also makes some promises about how he'll get the Russians to go along with the peace agreement, and insinuates that he'll use any means necessary. They rehash some of Logan's past transgressions, and he seems somewhat defiant before taking responsibility for his treasonous actions from Season 5. Not sure how to read this scene. Unlike his appearance in Season 6 where he seemed sincere, he seemed a little disingenuous this time. Who knows? Maybe he'll come through. Either way, it's good to see Greg Itzin back. He's a hell of an actor.

Jack and Renee are engaging in pillow talk, and they seem happy. He seems out of breath, and even winces a bit when he gets out of bed. That's right. Stab wounds, gunshots, and torture don't bother him, but sex with Renee makes him weak? I guess we've found his kryptonite! Jack goes to get a drink, and Evil Russian EMT Guy sets up his rifle. Chloe calls Jack's cell, and Renee picks up. She tells Renee about Samir, and she immediately puts two and two together. Before she can say any more, she gets shot, and I don't know if I can handle this. Jack carries Renee out of his apartment, and waltzes by his window. Of course, Evil Russian EMT Guy can't hit him. Jack puts Renee in a taxi, and they head to the hospital. Probably better than calling the EMTs. After all, they're full of Russian moles.

They're already at the hospital, so either Jack lived really close to one, or there was no traffic in Manhattan. At 9 in the morning. Jack wants to know what Chloe and Renee were talking about. Chloe starts to tell him about it, but the doctors come out of the emergency room. That can't be good. Well, I'll look on the bright side. Maybe they were able to remove the bullet and stop her bleeding in less than 2 minutes. Hey, if Jack can beat rush hour traffic in Manhattan in 3 minutes, anything's possible, right? Silent clock. Noooo!!!!

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.

Delightra, Dixie, Effie, and Evangeline

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

D

Dachele (duh-SHELL) - Source of processed fossil fuel, high-nitrate lunch meats, and gallon-sized carbonated beverages. "Where did you get dat 180-ounce soda and Slim Jim snack?" "Down at Dachele."

Daffodil: An early bloomer who leaves the farm to try to make it in the big city.

Daisy: A desirable country cow or front-parlor maid. All the boys will ask for a dollop of Daisy. Also, child will have a penchant for old Levis, cut at the crotch, several sizes too small.

DaNae: Vietnamese city known for its strategic location during the Tet Offensive.

Danetta: The lady who sets your grandmother's hair in little metal curlers.

Danielle: A bipolar rodeo queen. Do not call her Danny, or you'll have good reason to fear her wrath.

D'Ann: Friend of Pat, Chris, or Leslie. D'Ann will have gender identity confusion throughout her life.

Daquari: A frozen, rum-based alcoholic beverage best served poolside.

Darnese: A method of expressing exasperation. "Darnese kids! They keep trampling my flower bed."

D'Asia: Didn't you already name your child this? It just sounds so familiar.

Dee-Lee: Member of the male genitalia. Also, what's up or what's happening. "Don't touch his Dee-Lee." "What's the Dee-Lee, yo?"

Déja: I swear you already named a child this. Didn't you?

Delightra: A delicious substitute for sugar. May cause anal leakage.

Demeatrice: A second-rate S&M practitioner. Group discounts available.

Deputy: Will have hangdog eyes and big ears.

Destiny: Kismet, fate. Also, a stripper.

Divine: Loveable but scary transvestite. Looked best in a housecoat.

Dixie: Perfect for a shemale, whether an exhibitionist or voyeur.

D'Nay (duh-NYE) - To assert adamantly that something did not happen. Also, a river in Egypt.

Dodge: Children's playground game that leaves mental and physical scars.

Dominiqua: A small banana republic in Central America. The chief exports are coconuts, sisal, and tarantulas.

Drucilla: A great drag name, particularly if one is heading across the desert in a broken-down tour bus.


E

Eden: The garden from which life sprang with the creation of Adam and Eve. Home also of the wily serpent that offered Eve a taste of the forbidden fruit and led to the first eviction. Nice work, Eve.

Edna: The great-ant that comes to visit and takes over your room. The trade-off for the lingering old-lady smell is a crisp two-dollar bill.

Effie: Network censor who bleeps out all profanity for tape delay.

Elizabeth / Lizzy: An ax-wielding murderess and preteen star.

Elvira: Large-breasted, Gothic late-late-night talk show host.

Emeline: A thick, oil-based emollient used to remove mascara in the late '50s before it was discovered to have addictive properties and cause liver deterioration.

Erasmus: A holiday for the eradication of stray pencil marks.

Ernestine: Kick-ass, gum-chewing truck stop waitress who can serve the entire dinner shift without cracking a smile or running her support hose.

Europa: A slow, bovine girl with pretty eyes. Also, a specialized Starbucks blend.

Evangeline: Bus service notable for comfy seats and in-ride sermons.

Apostrophes, Boston stuff, John, Dan, triple birthdays, Volvulus

How to correctly use an apostrophe: for extra fun, right-click and view page source. :D

Steph has weighed in on the "November dinners" email to call us all lards, and say that she got me and Jon something from Boston. Nice... even if she didn't find anything suitable for the parents, haha.

Talked briefly to Leigh, who says it was 12:30 at 9:40 here... oh, time zones! Exchanged email with John and Dan - too bad Dan sounds really down, even as he thanked me for remembering his birthday. Vanessa sent me an Evite to a birthday party - triple celebration for her, Melia, and Emily! At least it's at the Broadway / Oak Red Robin's next Tuesday at 7... shouldn't be TOO hard for me to attend, haha.

Leslie's just got their Austin Powers Name from Name Generators. It's Random Task.


Poo nugget for Wednesday, November 4: Dr. Stool Says - Volvulus - This twisting of the colon causes intestinal obstruction, and can cause abdominal pain in addition to the inability to pass stool. There is marked geographic variation in this condition, with the highest rates seen in the so-called "volvulus belt" - countries including India, Iran, Russia, and Brazil where volvulus is a common cause of intestinal obstruction. While genetic factors may play a role, these countries' residents also consume high-fiber diets that result in them having larger-diameter colons. In turn, this may predispose them to volvulus formation.

Nice timing, toilet - major embarrassment for me! Senses Fail, indeed...

I hate my toilet's timing! That was embarrassing, and now I have to wash multiple towels! Note to self: The toilet brush is not the plunger! That's only further proof of my decline into dementia! :(

How will Senses Fail murder you? by StarEyed
Your name?
Your age?
How:	Push you off a building
Mike will...	Try to cut you up to sell you
Dan will...	Beg Buddy to confess
Buddy will...	Brag about his accomplishment
Dave will...	Wonder who you really were
Garrett will...	Stab you after you're dead

Dream: Opposite reactions, colorful bathrooms in libraries, and reading on logs

I had a dream last night which involved my coming along for moral support when Steph, Vivian S., and Vanessa had to tell my dad something very important. We all thought he'd react with volcanic intensity, especially when told that Vivian had the same experience, but all he said was "Well, it IS Vancouver..." and patted them on their heads.

Then my friends and I went to a library building, where we all sat in these little chairs and listened to people tell us what we'd do later. Sarah seemed to take charge, and gave us these little bags with confetti inside. I saw Eric and Dan Driol there, who invited me to sit with them. Went up and said hi, but then was distracted by Phil and Grace announcing that they had to go to the washroom. The centre of the room was then transformed into these colorful mini bathroom stalls, with no privacy except for a door in front of them. Given that there was no alternative, we all went. I said hi to Jon and a few others, then saw Teunis! Of course, I had to hug him in welcome - he laughed and hugged back.

A while later, we all went outside to sit on a bunch of logs on gray concrete with lots of dirt around. I remember thinking how I'd write this up later on when this had ended, haha. Sam, Emily, and Hilary took the opportunity to go through their own bags that they'd brought - candy, trinkets, and more! Teunis didn't mind when I semi-snuggled up to him in order to see better, and read from the Bible he'd brought along. He didn't say anything when I looped my arm through his, either - I figured I was just fine to slip an arm around his waist, which I was. Everyone read from colored sheets and our Bibles before just talking about stuff, which is how the dream ended. Not sure why I had it, except that I've been feeling a certain way lately - that seems to have ended for now, though. Phew!

Dream of kids and iced tea / 13 Most Shocking TV Deaths

Note: AWRC LJ Blogalyser, and retitling usernames.


I had a weird dream where my sleeping quarters were on a hammock downstairs in a green-and-white tiled kitchen. My dad came downstairs and instantly figured out that I had the missing pillow and blankets. I told him that I'd had them for five and a half months, so it was stupid that he was only JUST getting around to finding out where they are, especially since they were in plain view of everyone entering / exiting the kitchen! Then we all had to go to a conference room with a white table. We had to help kids get iced tea in Styrofoam cups, and supervise their playing with toys - this had to be done even more quietly while Pastor Edward talked to us about stuff. I was in a corner with Michelle and Robin, and we had got the least amount of iced tea, for some reason. That was where the dream ended... hmm!


TV Guide compiled a list of some of the most shocking moments in TV where a character had passed away.

13. Dan Conner, Roseanne
Critics attacked the "Roseanne wins the lottery" story arc for betraying the show's everyman, blue-collar ethos. But Roseanne (the actress-producer, that is) had a plan all along: In the series finale, it's revealed that the whole shebang was the product of Roseanne Conner's fertile, writerly mind, a literary defense mechanism she created after Dan suffered a fatal heart attack at Darlene's wedding.

12. Terry Crowley, The Shield
Before you get all, "What about Lem and the hand grenade?" let us explain. Yes, Shane blowing his partner to bits was an amazing twist, but it came five seasons into one of the riskiest and most brutal TV series we've seen; we practically expected it. On the other hand, Vic Mackey popping a fellow cop to cover up his unit's misdeeds in the series' pilot caught us completely off guard, and provided a small taste of things to come.

11. Joyce Summers, Buffy the Vampire Slayer
This one got to us simply because, in the context of an otherwordly battle between vampires and slayers, Joyce's death by brain aneurysm is a little too real. Perhaps we just didn't think the writers would off Joyce so quickly after she had begun recovering from a brain tumor.

10. J.R. Ewing, Dallas
OK, fine. We know his death(s) were always survived or explained, but you have to give Dallas credit for basically inventing the season-finale cliff-hanger. Have you ever seen a "Who Shot Mary Alice" T-shirt? Thought so.

9. Adriana, The Sopranos
Just as it appeared that the Feds had convinced Ade to flip, her shocking demise came at the hands of so-called "nice" wise guy Silvio. She frantically crawled off-camera through autumn leaves, begging for her life, and then two gunshots echoed, silencing one of the show's vivid female portrayals.

8. Gary Shepherd, thirtysomething
While everyone was focused on Nancy's mortality as she awaited test results after cancer treatment, it was Gary who kicked the bucket after being involved in a chain-reaction car accident. Yes, the same Gary who usually rode a bicycle because he hated cars. Bitter irony alert!

7. Uh, Everyone, Six Feet Under
Even for a show that began each episode with a death, Nate's death a few episodes shy of the finale still packed a punch. In the show's chilling last six minutes, though, the narrative fast-tracks audiences through 79 years, showing how each of the protagonists departed the mortal coil. Talk about tying up loose ends.

6. John Locke / Jeremy Bentham, Lost
Just as John accepts his destiny to lead the island-dwellers known as The Others, it's revealed via flash-forward that Locke is the man in the coffin three years later in Los Angeles. Of course, death is a relative term on Lost (he has since appeared to have been resurrected), but seeing our favorite faith junkie lying in eternal slumber was perhaps more mind-blowing than watching the island completely disappear.

5. Mrs. Landingham, The West Wing
Similar to Gary Shepherd, the demise of President Bartlet's beloved, wisecracking secretary comes via a car accident at 18th and Potomac. In the first new car she'd ever owned. We think we'll stick to the subway.

4. Rosalind Shays, L.A. Law
Writers often leave loathsome characters on a show too long, but sometimes, they dump them down an elevator shaft when you're least expecting it. No, we're serious, Rosalind fell down an elevator shaft, just as she had silenced her own demons and found love with Leland. It was a jaw-dropper that would have had the Internet abuzz ... had Al Gore invented this here thing yet.

3. Dr. Lucy Knight, ER
Again, some might point you to the stunt-ier blockbuster death of Dr. Romano, who was pinned underneath a crashing helicopter, but Lucy's sudden and unexpected stabbing at the hands of a schizophrenic patient remains one of the show's truly haunting moments. Sadly, she made it through a surgery to treat her tissue damage, but still died due to pulmonary embolism and other complications.

2. Teri Bauer, 24
When you're in a high-profile national security job like Jack Bauer's, the wife and kids are usually among the first to be targeted for leverage. Even so, Teri snuck and killed and survived her way through Day 1 almost better than Jack. Until CTU mole Nina kidnapped her and shot her fatally in the stomach. Can we get a Jack Bauer "Damn it!" on that one?

1. Lt. Col. Henry Blake, M*A*S*H
More than 30 years later, this classic death is tough to top. After finally getting discharged from the Army and bidding farewell to the 4077th, Blake's transport plane was shot down over the Sea of Japan. The show had a knack for balancing laughs with serious reflections on war, but it was never more emotional than when Radar delivered the sad news to the company.

You Would Be a Upstanding Superhero

You are alert and observant. You can see through people easily. You know who's evil and who's good. You need a lot of freedom in your life. You like to do your own thing, and you don't fit into any normal mold. You understand people quite well and often know what others are thinking. Because of this, you can get people to do what you want. You tend to feel apart from the rest of the world. You don't really fit in, and you don't try to! You are a true intellectual. You are thirsty for knowledge, and you are curious about the world.

What Kind of Superhero Would You Be?

Post #5000: The History of Toilets

Yay, I've reached 5000 posts in this thing! :D

High-scoring words of the night so far:

VEES (115 points) - against Kate E. [5W, 4L on V]
ANXIETY (115 points) - against Dan N. [5W]
SAWLOG (615 points) - against Marg D. [two 5W, 2W]
SPY (145 points) - against Theresa B. [5W, 3L on Y, hook off FAD for a plural]

Poo nugget for Tuesday, Feb. 3: Doo You Know? The History of Toilets - It appears that toilets date back to at least 3000 BC. Evidence of primitive toilets has been found in the remains of neolithic Scottish settlements. By 2500 BC, the Harappan civilization had indoor water-flushing toilets in what is now Pakistan and India. Toilets existed in Minoan Crete, ancient Persia, ancient China, ancient Egypt, and ancient Rome. The toilets found in Roman bathhouses provide some of the earliest examples of sitting toilets, which didn't come into general use until the mid-1800s.

Makes me think of the book my brother got me from Ireland in 2004: Sitting Pretty: An Uninhibited History of the Toilet (Julie L. Horan) - sweet stuff. :D

Mushrooms and punching people in the face! (survey stolen from Billie)

1 MINUTE AGO: Listening to the Stones' Gimme Shelter.
1 HOUR AGO: Reading Ripley's Believe It Or Not!: Prepare to Be Shocked!.
1 DAY AGO: Playing with the kids, having dim sum, and watching Battlestar Galactica / Arrested Development at Nathan's with Jon / Phil / Grace / Jeremy.
1 YEAR AGO: Starting to wonder about things, and getting to know certain people better.

- - - - - - - - - First word that comes to your mind - - - - - - - - -

I LOVE: friends.
I HATE: stupidity.
I FEAR: escalators!
I FEEL: empowered.
I HIDE: much.
I MISS: Eric.
I NEED: truth.
I KNOW: much.
I THINK: lots!

- - - - - - - - - Random - - - - - - - - -

First piercing: NONE! Unless you count my voice sometimes, haha.
Last long car ride: Abbotsford / Chilliwack - poor Eric, haha.
Last movie seen in theatres: Dark Knight - man, I wish Eric (a different one than the one referenced in the previous question) was back...
Last food consumed: Vector cereal... yum, granola!
Last person you called: Jon.
Last CD played: Alexis On Fire, Watch Out!
Last drink: Chocolate milk.

- - - - - - - - - Short Answer - - - - - - - - -

I AM: the Hamsterette.
I HAVE: secrets which you will never gain access to.
I LIKE: being with friends.
I WISH: I could provide good things for my friends.
I DANCE: rarely.
I CRY: when you're too busy to care.

- - - - - - - - - Favorites - - - - - - - - -

Number(s): 12.
Color: Blue, purple, black.
Day(s): Friday.
Month(s): July or September.
Season: Summer.
Ice Cream flavor: Mint chocolate chip.

- - - - - - - - - In the last two days, have you - - - - - - - - -

Cried: Nope.
Helped someone: Yes, indeed! I helped Arthur and the other kids with Lego and the mat.
Gotten sick: Definitely not. I haven't been sick since mid-October!
Gone to the movies: Not at all.
Said 'I love you': Nope! I'm cold-hearted like that. ;)
Written in a diary: Of course.
Had a serious talk: Probably.

- - - - - - - - - Worst - - - - - - - - -

1. Time of day: Mornings, usually.
2. Day of the week: Mondays.
3. Food: Eggplant, which I will NOT eat.

- - - - - - - - - Last - - - - - - - - -

1. Person you saw: Jon.
2. Talk on the phone: Like, an actual TALK? That would have to be when I bugged Nathan last week. As for actual phone calls, that would have to be my brother.
3: Instant message: Corey, of course. :D

- - - - - - - - - Today - - - - - - - - -

1. What are you doing now: Listening to the Rolling Stones' Angie.
2. Tonight: 24!!!!!
3. Wearing: Blue, black, and white sweater / black pants.
4. What did you eat for lunch: Spaghetti.

- - - - - - - - - Tomorrow - - - - - - - - -

1. Is: Going to be for me only.
2. Got any plans: Might replenish my collection.
3. Goal: Enjoy my own company.
4. Dislikes about tomorrow: Possibly encountering stupid people.
5. Likes about tomorrow: Accomplishing something.

- - - - - - - - - ME - - - - - - - - -

How tall are you? 4 feet 11.
Are you still in high school? Nope.
What is your middle name? Cigar Tree. ;)
What is your first name? Leslie.
How old are you? 32.

- - - - - - - - - More random questions - - - - - - - - -

Have you had a headache today? Nope.
Do you have posters hanging in your room? Sort of, if you can call this a poster: a ten-year-old (!) birthday wish on construction paper. (Shirley, Kelvin, Melia, and Emily rock!)
Have you ever seen the movie Hairspray? Twice in the span of just over a year, thanks to Chuck and Anthony.
Are there any life-changing things coming up soon? Possibly.
Do you have a stereo in your room? Does a clock radio count? It gets weekly use for the radio purpose! (used to get daily use, but that's not the case anymore!)
Do you use Windows Media Player? Rarely.
Do you use Netspeak? NEVER! I abhor the stuff... *shudder*
Do you have a large vocabulary? Yup, thanks to reading books!
Do you read during the summer? Of course! I don't understand people who wouldn't.
What time does your favorite show come on TV? 8 PM, but it's only once a week.
Do you like mushrooms? Heck, yes! How people can't is beyond me.
Are you a teacher's pet? No, not really.
Are your computer's speakers on? Yes, but I'm not watching any videos at present.
Do you use Yahoo Messenger? Rarely - last time I used it was on Christmas Day when I talked to Dan about stuff.
Do you know any cops? Three of them, at least!
What do you do when you are bored? Read a book, or watch mindless TV.
Have you ever moved to a different house? Yes.
Do you own anything that is ADIDAS brand? I don't think so.
Where is your mom right now? Home or work, I'm guessing.
What color is your keyboard? Black.
Do you know what you want as your career? Something to do with kids.
What does your kitchen look like? Small and white.

- - - - - - - - - Family - - - - - - - - -

Are you an only child? No.
Do you get spoiled? Not really.
Do you get along with your cousins? We're polite if we have to see each other, but that's about it. There IS the whole "different culture" thing going on, y'know. ;)
Have you ever gotten grounded? Yes. Let's not speak of that dark time.

- - - - - - - - - Even more random questions - - - - - - - - -

Name an overplayed song: Rihanna's Umbrella song.
Does your best friend(s) have a dog? Used to, but she died.
Do you like blue or black ink better? Blue.
Would you punch Robert Pattinson in the face for 500 dollars? I have no idea who that is, so probably not. However, if I needed the money, perhaps I would!
Do you have a job? No, but I'm thinking about it.
Do you have a cell phone? No, and thank goodness for that!
Would you rather have glasses or braces? Glasses.
Would you ever dye your hair green? Hmm... probably not.
Do you like animals? Depends what they are.
Would you rather use tape or glue? How about glue-sticks?!
What brand is your shampoo? Herbal Essences, until I buy something new.
Are you tired? Not really, although I should be.
Would you date Hayden Christensen? No, he's too young for me.
Do you know any REALLY weird people? Oh, quite definitely!
Do you know how to play poker? Hahaha, nope. Maybe Andrew should teach me!
What is one thing that you remember from the year 2005? STEPHEN! Oh wait, that said "a THING" - not a PERSON! Let's see, then... the start of the SLB nights!
Do you bite your nails? Nope.
Did you shower today? You bet I did!
Do you have long hair? Not really.
Is it raining? No, but I bet it's still foggy as heck!
Do you like rain? I guess it's better than snow... but I still don't like it.
When is your birthday? September 17.

- - - - - - - - - Medical stuff - - - - - - - - -

Have you ever broken a bone? Nope.
Do you have asthma? No.
Do you have perfect eyesight? Nope.
Have you ever had braces? Yes.
Have you ever gotten stitches? Yes.
Have you ever gotten burnt? Who hasn't?
What is your family doctor's name? Dr. Ng - no, she is not related to me.

- - - - - - - - - OTHER - - - - - - - - -

Do you have a dog? Nope, and I never have.
Have you ever held a snake? I touched one.
What school do you go to? N/A.
What year do/did you graduate high school? 1994.
What is the most embarrassing injury you've gotten? Hmm. Perhaps a bruise, which I may or may not have received when I slammed against a wall...
Do you wear band shirts? Maybe if I could find a METAL shirt!

Quite the haul of virtual gifts...

Lunch with the family at Chen's Noodle House was all right - Steph's up at Whistler with Rachel, and will be back in Regina with friends later. She's already taught a young punk a lesson, according to Jon - HAHAHA! Mom got me Ripley's Believe It Or Not!: Prepare to Be Shocked!, two notebooks, and a Chapters coupon; Grandma just gave me $30, which was fine. When it came time for pictures, Jon and I took a "typical" picture which included weird facial expressions! We posed normally with Grandma, but she looked horrified to be included in a photo! (Mom says it's because she doesn't look pretty anymore... oh, and she won't eat "low-class / peasant" food, but it's fine with the rest of US! "I'm a British noblewoman: that food is BENEATH me!")

Had surfboard noodles, hot and sour soup, eels, SLB, other buns, and very mild tea. Discussed some Chinese banquet dinner that the Hos are hosting for a grandpa's 90th birthday next week... I guess I'm in. Jon said that Peter was the only one who sounded awake when he called at 11:30, and thinks that certain people doing a wedding slideshow would NOT be a good idea! Maybe if Nathan and Steph work together... Nathan alone would be kinda amusingly weird, heh. Bantered about snow, Henry, Mark Ho, the anime redrum picture, and more. Got home to find a cool YM message from Dan - damn the economy, indeed. Should have used THAT as an excuse way back in the summer, haha.


I've received at least 50 (virtual) gifts from friends, too:

* Sherrie H.: Nano armband, Chanel sunglasses, Dark Knight DVD
* Natalie H.: a box of chocolates, baby Smurf, Snoopy, Addams Family DVD, a train Christmas cookie, a red-and-pink scarf
* Julie S.: banana split, purple carnations
* Brenton L.: Maltese puppy, a "puppy love" animation
* Billie E.: banana split, a ring with a pink rose on it, Vera Wang princess perfume
* Michael B.: James Bond, a star Christmas cookie, a silver cross ornament, a Christmas bell cookie, champagne bottle in ice bucket, an angel with green wings / a purple skirt
* Michael M.: ornament with Santa / a Christmas tree / a snowman
* Pat K.: Frosty the Snowman (complete with top hat)
* George M.: a White Russian, large diva necklace, Snoopy and Woodstock "BIG HUG"
* Gretchen L.: Santa ornament, Santa stocking, a Cosmopolitan (the alcoholic drink)
* Kitty B.: a horse Christmas cookie
* Toussaint F.: a golden angel, Santa with a tree in his workshop
* Sharlene M.: a Christmas tree cookie, fuzzy silver ornament
* Morgana F.: Nano armband, pink dragon toy
* Veronica H.: two red-and-green stockings
* Karla M.: Darling red bag, girl Santa suit
* Ankh S.: blue dragon toy
* Alexander W.: red roses
* Cathy B.: a snowflake ornament, a heart-shaped necklace
* Chuck C.: blue diamonds
* Flora G.: ornament with winter scene
* Danielle L.: champagne bottle in ice bucket (2)
* someone who doesn't show up: a heart-shaped necklace

Yearbook inscriptions from Gr. 10

These are yearbook inscriptions from the 1991-92 school year.

Leon Stephens: "Hey Leslie. Band class was a lot of fun. Have a good summer."

Gary Pattern: "Leslie, have a good summer. I want your thighs. Thanks for helping me on the French test... NOT!"

Clayton Sato: "Les! Your last year here. Too bad... you will be a legend when you are gone."

Dave Swan-McKenzie: "Have a great summer."

Derek Yih: "Gone from Palmer, huh? Too bad. Have a good summer."

Taryn Ying Sun: "Have an awesome summer. This year went fast. I'll see ya next year. Love always!"

Natalie Basiren: "Hey, Leslie. Good luck in future years. :)"

Darcy Tweedly: "Leslie, my bud from way back. Have a great summer. Luv, Darcy."

Akane Hume: "Glad to have met you. Have an awesome summer. Hope you remember my student number."

Steve Joyce: "Have a fun summer."

Jonas Greig: "Hi, Les. Have a great summer. Don't do anything I wouldn't do."

Denise Fraser: "Hi! Have a great summer!" (she drew a cool thing!)

Amelia Myckatyn: "Have a great summer. Good luck next year!"

Samantha Stevens: "Have a great summer. Call me... we'll have fun! P.S. Don't forget Jaws! :)" [our name for Mrs. Grafton... kinda like Mrs. Ramscharita being called RAMBO, but not really :P]

Freddie Esteban: "Hi, Leslie. Good luck next year!"

Jeff Rea: "Les... watch that Nick. He's a wild man."

Dan Harowitz: "Leslie, my wonderful storyteller. Have a great summer. Love, Dan."

Karen Ashdown: "Leslie, have a good summer. Hope I don't see ya at McNair."

Carly Turner: "Three long years are over, Leslie. Have a good summer."

Carrie Smith: "Have a wild one."

Ashley Garrison: "Leslie! Have a good summer. Come visit next year!"

Jessica Peter: "Hi, Leslie! Have a good summer! My student number is 91199."

Daniel Yeung: "Keep in touch. Have a good summer!"

Karen Chang: "Have a great summer."

Arlette Carlin: "Hi!"

Tara Lynch: "You remember me! Great memory. Take care!"

Priya Bains: "Leslie... you party animal, you. Keep smiling and stay friendly." [girl]

Andrew Mavis: "Have a fun summer!"

Tiffany Ho: "Thanks for remembering my birthday! Have fun and don't forget me! P.S. Keep smiling!"

Gary Mehat: "English and Socials were fun. See ya around."

Trevor Lange: "Hi, Leslie! Have a GREAT summer! NO MORE SCHOOL! :)"

Jamie Reynolds: "You crazy critter, you!"

Monique Spencer: "Hello. Bye. Have a good summer!"

Ray Polnau: "Enjoy your summer."

Josie Loyola: "Hi! Have a great summer!"

Paula Bednjak: "You are such a BOOGEDY! Tricia McLaughlin is WEIRD!"

Jason Leonard: "Call me. Serve me well. Party Hard. Drink Beer. Smoke Up."

Angela Landon: "Hi, Leslie. You are cool!"

Blair Arbuthnot: "Hi, Leslie. So what's my student number? Hah hah hah."

Paul Gallagher: "Hey, Lesser. Whoa!"

Megan Wilson: "Hey, Les. Have a great summer, and have a great year next year!"

Sage Berryman: "Thanks for the card. Have fun!"

Shauna Hawkins: "Hi! I enjoy sitting next to you in Band. Good luck next year."

Bob Singh: "Leslie, have a great year!"

Galvin Lowe: "Leslie! Have fun in McNair, because I'm going to Richmond. Just kidding."

Pam Shih: "Hi, Leslie. Well, Palmer's conquered. Have a great summer. Luv ya!"

Neelum Khalsa: "Hey, Leslie. I really admire your courage and strength. I know you'll go places." [girl]

Laura Hooites-Meursing: "I'm so happy to be one of those certain people."

Alan Cofman: "Have a great summer. It was a great year. Keep up the clarinet. See you soon."

Nick Turner: "Leslie, it was MY water gun! I'm faster than you! See ya!"

Alex Price: "Lesser... have a wonderful summer. You are cool."

Malinda Sandhu: "My bud! Keep smiling and being funny! You are too cool!"

Jackie Ip: "Hi, Leslie. It was nice knowing you. Good luck in senior high."

Lori Nishi: "Leslie, have a great time at McNair. See ya around."

Joe Downer: "Leslie! Have a great summer. Keep smiling."

Allison McLaughlin: "Quick! What was last year's student number?"

Kelly Overton: "Have a good time in the summer."

Rocky Gill: "Have a good summer."

Rebecca Healey: "Leslie: It was great meeting you! Take care, have a great summer, and be nice to everyone. See ya next year!"

Tara Thom: "Have a terrific summer, and don't get into trouble. 90273."

Brian Nishi: "Awesome 11 years knowing you, Leslie. See you around next year at McNair. Have a good summer."

Sheri Jones: "Leslie, have a fucking wild summer! Party on! Remember: sex, drugs, and alcohol!"

Kim Nguy: "Thanks for telling me my student number. Have a good summer."

Dave Powell: "How's it going? Sorry for hitting ya. Well, see you later."

Sonia Zimmerman: "Hey, Les. See you next year. Have a great summer."

Andrew Rollo: "Hey Leslie! So, ever think you'd make it?! Well, ya did... and it was three years of pure hell! Have a really great summer, and see ya next year! Your bud."

Grace Hofstee: "Hey, Leslie - hang in there! See you next year! Bye! Luv, Grace."

Grace Oliveros: "Dear Leslie, how did you remember my student number? Have fun!"

Willy Kump: "See you next year!"

Debbie McClure: "Leslie... nice knowing you. You've helped me understand a lot of things."

Lisa Carlin: "Have a great summer! Finally out of Palmer!"

Heather MacLeod: "Hey Leslie! Palmer was rad! Have an awesome summer!"

Helen Huynh: "Have a good summer!"

Vanessa Lucas: "You're out of Palmer. Hope you have a good summer."

Mary Oishi: "Have a great summer, Leslie! See ya!"

Bill Yeung: "Have a good summer, Leslie."

Jason Ackerman: "It's been nice knowing you."

Upkar Gill: "Hey, Leslie. Powell's a geek. French was boring. Have a great summer."

Yearbook inscriptions from Gr. 8

These are all my yearbook inscriptions from the 1989-1990 school year:

Annette Gold: "Hope you have a super summer, and I'll see you next year!"

Jesse Nakatsuru: "Don't lose too many hairs, and shave your legs. Your royal Baldness. Guess who?" (not very nice!)

David Powell: "Hi, Leslie!"

Veronica Tauber: "Hi, Leslie. Have a good summer. See ya next year."

Mr. Fromager: "Have a superb summer! It's been a pleasure to teach you!"

Laura Hooites-Meursing: "Have a great summer."

Dan Driol: "Hi, Leslie. Have a good summer. :)"

Cecilia Tupper: "Have a cool summer." (she and Dan - above - were stepbrother and stepsister the next year!)

Chau Ho: "Get fucked, Leslie." [I took GREAT exception to that, especially since she'd asked a few days before if we could be friends!]

Colin Williams: "Hey Leslie. Are you gonna get a boyfriend!" (hmm...)

Dave French: "Hi. Have a fun summer. I'll see you next year."

Vicky Shourounis: "Hi. Have fun."

Jen Bertram: "I've known you for three years, and we'll always be friends! Have a good summer!"

Nick Turner: "Good luck over the summer. Too bad I won't see you next year." (this was when I thought I might switch schools)

Andy Bottomley: "Hey, Les. Stop eating purple food. Your classmate, Andy."

Josephine Uy: "Have a great summer. I hope you had a great year."

Elaine Litchfield: "KOWABUNGA! TURTLE POWER! DONATELLO."

Angela Fast: "Have a great summer and see you next year!"

Kelly Wong: "Have a great summer, and see ya next year! We had lots of good times together. :)"

Angela Lee: "Have a fun summer!"

Daniel Yeung: "Have an awesome summer! P.S. Will you go out with me sometime? PLEASE? Dan." (wish I had!)

Louise Hui: "Hi, Leslie. Have a great summer."

Dolly Whittle: "Hey, Leslie. Hope you had fun this year. Friends forever, Dolly."

Rob Durnin: "Hello, Leslie. I can hardly wit till next year to see you again. Have a great summer." (He was telling us the next year that his parents confiscated his yearbook and read EVERYTHING in it! YIKES!)

Jonathan Braude: "Hey Leslie. Don't take up field hockey. Stick to the clarinet." (he had to smoke outside since his parents had quit)

Valerie Thai: "Have a great summer. Have fun at your new school!"

Shan Hofer: "Have a great summer!"

Mrs. Arlene Spearman: "Have a terrific summer. See you in French next year!"

Sophia Dimitropoulos: "Hey Leslie. Have a good summer. I'm glad I met you. You're a nice person. From your friend Sophia."

Harleen Bains: "Have a good summer."

Eric Reykdal: "Hi, Leslie! :) Have a cool summer."

Andrew Mavis: "Hey Leslie. Don't have a cow, man."

Raymond Tsui: "Leslie, you are the wildest friend I know. Have a nice summer. Ray."

Melissa Bartsch: "Leslie, have a wild summer. And don't let Melinda bug you too much!"

Jaime Latchford: "Have a great summer. :)"

Jason Ackerman: "Have a great summer."

Jonathan Kung: "Leslie! You're awesome, funky, cool, etc. Have fun!"

Sasha Olson: "I'll miss ya lots. See you in summer, I hope. Have a great year!"

Cindy Beck: "Have a fun summer... and no drinking or smoking, although I know you do." (I didn't!)

Karen Ashdown: "Have a good summer, Leslie."

Tiffany Ho: "Hi, Leslie! Have a great summer! P.S. Keep smiling! :)"