Screechy laptop noises?!

Before I left the townhouse, Mom also gave me some milk / a bottled water / Kleenex / candy. Steph and I discussed maxipad expense, wedding reception seating (Rachel and Viv? I'm in!), wedding reception food (ahi tuna / key lime cheesecake and much more), sanity, the Grand Canyon, US money, Auntie Ruby, health, and downtime in the car. Got home before 6:30 and turned on the laptop; not only did it take longer to start up, it's also making screechy noises! AIYA! Time for more editing work on filters and the past!

Macarons, Thierry Chocolaterie Patisserie Café, and SUGAR!

Got some cash from the bank before meeting up with Steph, Lisa, and Harmony for Macaron Day at Thierry Chocolaterie Patisserie Café. Turns out I didn't need it because they all refused my attempts to pay them back, but I'll use some of it to pay Eric back what I owe him! Denise snooped, and helpfully gave me directions from the Sears to Burrard; YAY FOR GOOD FRIENDS! They kinda helped, but I still got lost from Blenz downtown... good thing Lisa saw me in the half-dark on their way! Thierry was PACKED, but we managed to get a table after waiting a few minutes. We had four different macarons (lime / hazelnut / pistachio / chocolate), a fruit tart, chocolate pastries, water, and a lemon cake slice.

Discussed Winners, Mom's dog idea, the Sunday family dinner, pregnancy and the "baby gymnastics," Jon's personality as a kid, Harmony's childhood persona, what the baby MIGHT be like (hyper?), Daniel and Michelle's baby Maddie, how you can't call your own child "ugly," Lisa's sister-in-law Nicole, Gabe and Vivian, looking at open houses just because, contracts, Whistler, strata rules on Christmas lights and decorations (Feb. 5 is PLENTY OF TIME!), lychee, strawberries, kiwi, and taking one for the team as far as sweets went. Also talked about Purdy's hedgehogs (Lisa's never had them?! - then I'll buy her one in view of her diet since there's a store in Richmond Centre), diets, weddings, Dad not taking the heat in Singapore very well, the vinegar and egg concoction (NOT "afterbirth" protein source since there are better ones these days!), the lards' travel, the respite centre, our afternoons, and more. Got a train home JUST IN TIME, but really needed to pee by the time I got into Richmond - this had inevitable consequences like laundry and a quick shower (I didn't even need those on the ultrasound day!) and a TMI phone call to my sister!

Coffee is a must, man! / One less year to live!

Had to take a nap earlier, which meant that I missed a message from one of my favorite people in the world... *sigh* However, I did get an email from Randal asking if I still wanted to meet for coffee after he got off work. Sounds good to me, especially if he also offered to pick me up! At least the MARIO music perked me up after the nap, haha. Phil called me later with the passport info I needed (number / dates of issue and expiry), so that's a good thing!

Vivian LIKED my wall post to Steph, where I told her to remember that I was real and she was fake! (a family joke) I also called Steph to wish her a happy 29th birthday, and had to make the message at least somewhat morbid! "You have one less year to have long walks on the beach! What do you think about that?! MUHAHAHAHA!"

5:15, smelling like bread, Vivian S., and my energy type

Not sure why I couldn't really sleep - I got up at 5:15 (at which time Teunis was still up), and my body thought that it would be a good time to do something necessary. Thank goodness I went back to sleep after that, but it still took me some time to get up when I heard my alarm! Still smells like bread around here, kinda. Vivian S. had left me belated birthday wishes, saying she couldn't get around to it on Friday since it was a holiday. Totally understandable, and much appreciated!

Edit at 907: Eric called to say he won't be making it out today because of car problems. He also says I can call my parents or somebody - nope, I won't be doing that! I am totally going back to bed!

You Burn the Midnight Oil

No matter how hard you try, you just don't make a good morning person. You probably don't feel like your brain turns on until at least noon. You tend to get energized and inspired late into the evening - no matter how early you had to get up. Try to schedule your time so that you can be productive after dark. There's no use fighting who you are.

What's Your Energy Type?

Blogthings: Free Quizzes for Everyone

SO TRUE!

Mom: "Subway and Quizno's are difficult to find - too many Chinese people!"

Got another email from Dylan - since nobody will be at the church tonight, the meeting will be reconvened at the Starbucks on the PNE grounds near Hastings. Lovely! *sarcasm* Thanks to a combination of the sun and Teunis leaving, I was able to get up before 9 - oh joy! (more sarcasm) Of course, I won't tell Dad that if he asks... AVOID STRAMASH!

I'm looking at my sister's Toronto trip photos since I have nothing better to do. Classic Mom quote: "The problem is that there are too many Chinese people!" (on the difficulty in finding Subway / Quizno's in Mississauga; she wanted to take Gabe / Vivian out for lunch since NOBODY knows about kosher alternatives!)

You Are a Geek

You definitely have some nerdy ways, but you've evolved into something way cooler - a geek. You are free-spirited and quirky. You're proud of who you are, and you've got style. You may not fit in completely, but you don't have any problems socializing. You're witty, smart, and very knowledgeable. You believe that everyone should embrace their inner geek!

Are You A Nerd or a Geek?

Blogthings: A Fine Line Between Insight and Stupidity

Byzantium voices, sourdough, college humor, and checking email after eye surgery

High-scoring words of the afternoon:

AVES (128 points) - against Jason S. [two 4W] {a good deficit-erasing word!}
BYZANT (104 points) - against David K. [4W]
VOICE (108 points) - against Lori G. [two 3W]
WINGED (126 points) - against Cheryl W. [two 3W] {a good deficit-erasing word!}


Teunis and I discussed Failbook, showers, eating, opening the window, my having to leave at around 5:15, phone calls, money, frying stuff, hot sauce, apples / carrots / potatoes, sibling interaction, laundry, favors, dishes, temperature, organization for leaving, sourdough starter, and more. The Brazilian bean soup might have tomatoes in it, and you can't be too careful when it comes to your health! Vivian S. sent me a message as thanks for my thoughtful wedding card, saying that Steph told her to add the "you can't be mad at her!" afterthought, and that my cards always make her smile. She's also added Billie, heh. (we're still on for next week!)

Eric said that I might enjoy this video of Grammar Nazis on College Humor if I hadn't seen it before. Of course I've seen it before, but it's always nice to be amused once again!


Steph emailed us this picture of Mom attempting to check her email after her cataract surgery today. Somehow, I don't think it works so well after major eye procedures...

Banter at fashion tweakage auctions! / Avoiding Starbucks fights

Bingo of the afternoon:

ANTIRAPE (80 points) - against Vivien S.


High-scoring words of the afternoon:

BANTER (126 points) - against Denise B. [3W used twice, hook off NOTE to make NOTER]
FASHION (111 points) - against Georgia R.-E. [4W, hook off KING for a plural]
TWEAKAGE (120 points) - against Jenny S. [4W, 2W]
FA (178 points) - against Cat D. [5W used twice, 4W used twice, hook off ROOKIE to make OF / KA]
AUCTIONS (120 points) - against Patricia R. [two 3W, hook off HA to make SHA]
RETOOLS (130 points) - against Linda D. [two 3W]
ANCHORED (440 points) - against Millie F. [two 5W]


I had a dream about avoiding fights between two wifebeater-clad men at Starbucks; my sister referred to it as "Starbox," much to Dylan's dismay! No clue why I had that one, haha. Now I can't help momentarily wondering if Dave will be at the postponed BBQ this afternoon, since it'll be in his neighborhood. I know Jeremy will be, which is good. Sam just called, apologizing for not calling last night. Hey, it's okay... people get busy, and I didn't have anyone else calling me even when I left the phone on all night, which is a good thing! Says he'll pick me up around 4:30 before worship practice, or whenever he gets the car from his dad. Sounds good to me, especially if I can wait for his call first!

Burgoo, HO, and trying for sanity

This computer restarted TWICE in the last bit - once while I was out, and a second time just now. I'm also using Opera instead of Safari for now because it seems to work faster and better - it's just more responsive!

Steph picked me up after shopping at Richmond Centre for Vivian's bachelorette present (for tomorrow - manicure / pedicure / dinner), which she showed us later: QUIZ THE BRIDE ABOUT THE GROOM, haha. We discussed bombing, Awana ending early, air, a very little bit about my past Friday, Terrence, and the bad traffic before stopping at her place so a necessary function could be performed before watching old-time Canucks hockey on TV. After a while, we left again - we got to Burgoo in good time for the anniversary dinner for Jon and Harmony, and my parents had gone in separate cars for some reason. I later found out that Dad had a deacons meeting to attend, and I erroneously thought that this meant the dinner would be SHORTER - nope, he just left early. Oh well. We ordered coffee, wine, beer, biscuits, Kentucky meat, chicken pot pie-tasting stuff, salad, and other good things. Grandma came in and made a beeline for the bar, haha! Her memory is really getting bad if Jon just dropped her off, then she asked us where he was barely a minute later! :(

Mom gave me an Ikea bag of stuff, including a digicam (with related equipment) / Life Saver gummi candy / Rice Bites / candies. We discussed annoying stuff relating to me (ugh), Vivian's wedding on Thursday, Hannah Lee's wedding on July 10, Auntie Susan Lee / Karen Grace / Edwin, moving, the Stampede, seeing Dave He on Sunday, Steph seeing Dave Wong on Sunday near the church, Brent and Danielle, Nathan coming back soon, Eric and Jeremy being honorary NG family members, Chuck's mom dying from ovarian cancer, Raymond and Randal doing a boogie on the dance floor at Chuck and Andrea's wedding, Steph getting home at 1:30 after all was said and done that night, my taking transit with Eric, and more. Erin's coming back next week, and Tracy wants to have a get-together that's NOT coffee in between various family meals! Maybe Steph can host it at her place once a date is determined! Apparently, Erin's dad Uncle Eric is a bit sensitive about his son-in-law because Ben apparently won't call him "Dad" or say "Good morning" to him, I learned. Mom said that Auntie Brenda and Uncle Eric better not give them expired biscuits from the time Erin's other grandpa died, or a sweater they'd originally given them, which ultimately went to ME. Erin's grandpa Uncle Percy isn't doing well, and may have a heart operation which he refused seven years ago. Steph says she'll hang out with Mom if she takes Auntie Eva (Erin's aunt) out for a night, but of course Auntie Eva may be paranoid since she doesn't know what might happen to her 93-year-old father when she's gone!

Someone brought up the service project at First Baptist, and Jon said that he'd signed me up for the SERVANTS one, then asked how I'd liked it. I confined myself to an answer of "It was okay... the little girl was CUTE!" (Steph wondered if I could use some opportunities at SERVANTS - giving or receiving counselling?!) For some reason, Jon brought up toilet training since that little girl had recently been toilet-trained! We also discussed RateMyPoo.com ("don't upload those pictures now that you have a digicam!"), and what Jeremy had told us about the toilets in Germany and the low ledge to see your poo!

Mom said that they could give me a ride to Chung Ming's dinner, but a decision is a decision! After various discussions, we had ice cream at Bellagio Gelato across the street, and decided that it wasn't a good idea to jaywalk with Grandma in tow. At least Mom convinced Grandma to give me $50 more for the two weeks I spent with her (which I'll save), and Steph gave me back my fifty cents. Grandma thought Jon and Harmony didn't eat much considering the amount on the dinner bill, but fondue (which we had to describe as "cheese hot pot") DOES get filling after a while! Besides, the spinach salad was relatively huge! I think she figures they got full on the alcohol and French onion soup as well, haha.

On the way there, Jon horrified Mom by showing her Brewery Creek ("my favorite liquor store!"), haha. At the gelato place, various embarrassing stories were discussed - "it's FAMILY!" doesn't cut it with me. Jon mentioned that Dave liked hip-hop, and dressed about as well as the average person on Main Street - casual, yet not overdone. Then we quizzed her on Eminem / Marshall Mathers, Dr. Dre, and Snoop Dogg... she had NO idea who any of these people were, haha. From there, we went to check out Jon and Harmony's new place next to a liquor store (the stairs there have railings - YAY!), then dropped them off at home since Mom also gave them a bunch of boxes for moving. Mom attempted to give me a ride home, but I just got her to drop me off at King Edward Station two minutes away. Got a train JUST in time, and didn't mind the wait when I got into Richmond even if I *did* have to pee! :P

Frightened HOORAY! / Pick-ups, not being girly, chili at SERVANTS

High-scoring words of the afternoon:

HOORAYS (192 points) - against Shirley C. [4W, 2W, 3L on H, hook off AMIGA for a plural]
FRIGBT (256 points) - against Alan C. [two 4W]


Got an email from my sister, who's apparently in Richmond now and can pick me up for Burgoo when she's done whatever she's doing. Nice, nice... I assume it either has to do with work OR Viv's wedding. Apparently, Dave thinks my not being a "girly girl" is cool!

Been some time since I did a picture post. These are from the time a bunch of us cooked three huge pots of chili for about 40 people at SERVANTS a couple of weeks ago (May 26) - tripling the recipe certainly worked out in our favor!

Simmering chili:




Kevin, Randal, and birthday boy Wesley in one kitchen... no, they were not part of the tripled recipe!




Dylan being a MAN, and cooking the chili in the other kitchen:




Chili in progress:

No Sunday School for me! I'll go early to save myself a headache!

Eric picked me up a little earlier than I thought he might, but at least we'd have an outside chance of not missing half the sermon! Discussed DARKWING, his deplorable behavior in singing the theme song, PINKY AND THE BRAIN, the LOST series finale tonight which he'd be missing due to the service project at UGM (he'll get his parents to tape it), French, stupid traffic, and whether I'd figured out a ride home from church since there was no Sunday School again. Well, if you'd told me before, I might have! As it was, I decided just to go home after service with him - Auntie Ying was probably not too impressed, and said she needed more notice... but at least I had the worksheets for her! Got to service a little late (I swear I saw someone waving at me from across the street as I waited at the light to cross), but it was fine. There is a new Sunday School class next week on Dietrich Bonhoeffer - sounds interesting, and it's too bad I can't do that. Said hi to Vicky and Denise (whose sister Julie is back for the summer), and waved to little Mattias who provided a distraction to me during most of the sermon. After service, I gave Steph her mail plus a wedding card for Vivian and Gabriel - she complained to Christon that U of T wanted more money from her! Then I gave Jon his mail right afterwards, but said that I had money for him instead - I had money on the brain, given that Steph says she'll give me the money tomorrow!

Went to the fellowship hall, looking around for Auntie Ying to no avail. Talked and waved to Hien, Andrew, Harrison, his mom, Chrystal, Danielle, Auntie Catherine, Dominic, Samantha, Emily Lam, Jeff, Allison, Grace, Keenan, and others: Metrotown, free time, wanting people home, drums, what we'd done yesterday, Anita and the new baby, cookies, instant rice, being careful, high-fives, not seeing Amos yet, RSVP for a dinner on the same day as Megan's baby shower, New York brotherly graduations, and more. Finally, I went upstairs to see if Auntie Ying was there - she was, and I got her to come downstairs. After giving her the worksheets (if I can prepare in a few minutes, so can YOU!), Eric asked if I were ready - yup! We talked to Allison for a while, and she waved to Mike after seeming interested in Vanessa's umbrella. I got Steph to sign Jon and Hamony's anniversary card while she attempted to guilt-trip me into attending tomorrow's lunch... nope, you KNOW how I feel about that! Harmony was just a couple feet away from us, but she was distracted talking to Jen and others.

On the way out, I waved to Adam at the bus stop - then asked Eric whether he'd HAD to say something to Mr. Creep. He thought I was referring to his playing the DARKWING DUCK song on the piano, which I dismissed as deplorable behavior, haha. We walked back to the car more slowly than usual because of Daryl, his son Darren, Mike, Kathy, their son Christopher, and some other kid right ahead of us. Talked about moving forward, not talking to certain people, FINAL FANTASY, WORLD OF WARCRAFT, characters, STAR WARS misquotes ("Luke - I am your father" / "No, I am your father"), trivia / trick questions, non-commitment, French, looking stupid, massages vs. messages, (wanting) pickles, these estates at #4 / Alderbridge, whether tomorrow's dinner is a potluck, 6:15 tomorrow at the usual place, and more. I'm not going to get Eric to send a certain person a message on Facebook... knowing him, he'll say that I want him there! That could get awkward, so NO! The Frog Hollow talk is the last I recall seeing him at church - the evening he tried telling me that he was a church regular, haha. I'll give him a break for sure, though!

Got home to find out that Chrissy had deleted her FB account again, which is fine. Then I checked Steph's event: it IS a potluck dinner! I called Eric to tell him that, and got his mom on the phone. At least it was a quick call, since it sounded like he was busy with something, judging from her asking him if he wanted to call me back later! Now I have to go out and get something for this potluck dinner, haha.

I intend to try these oatcakes - yay for bargain books!

Barry picked me up, and we made an appointment for next Thursday while driving to Save-On. I managed to find a bargain cookbook for Andrea's bridal shower (In Mother's Kitchen: Celebrated Women Chefs Share Beloved Family Recipes by Annette Cooper and Lisa Holmes - only $10!), a card for the same occasion (I'll use my last two wedding cards on Vivian / Gabriel and Andrea / Chuck), bananas (how did they get so mad expensive?!), bulk Fibre One bars, bulk wildberry juice, Walker's oatcakes (never had one before), Ziploc bags (of course I found some in my drawer LATER!), on-sale soy milk, on-sale Hunt's butterscotch pudding, pads x2, on-sale vanilla yogurt, chocolate chip Teddy Grahams / peppermint Aero Bubbles / Arrowroot animal crackers for Committee meeting sharing, and more. When I got to the checkout, Barry wondered whether I was on a budget... after yesterday's spending (plus getting an anniversary gift for Jon and Harmony's anniversary), I might need to be!

I forgot my Save-On More card, but I can always get the cash back tomorrow since I don't have to worry about the bus times in getting back to my place for a ride from Henry like I did that time I went to Sears! Got home to two calls from Eric, one from his cell phone (I was all WTF about it until I figured maybe it was his lunch break at 12:51) and one from work. When I said that he'd called while I was out, he disbelieved me at first, and then spent a minute joking that I was out to lunch - actually, no. Of course I can make it to Cambie / Jacombs at 6:15!

Lime mojitos, BBQ chicken pizza, and being accommodating to old ladies

Steph came to the house early, so used the computer to check her email and other things while Grandma was in the shower. She checked the valve under the sink to water the plants - Jon had forgotten where it was, so she verified that it was the red thing. After trying to accommodate Grandma's dietary preferences, we were off to Ironwood. Steph almost settled on Danny's Wonton House until she remembered that I'd had BBQ food earlier for lunch. Of course, Grandma forgot already, and it had just been at 1 PM! We decided to try Brown's Social House, AKA the place that wouldn't take my party on my birthday in 2008. Steph asked if Grandma wanted sushi at Kisha Poppo next door - knowing she'd say NO - and got this response: "No! NO NEED FOR SUSHI!" It's plain to see that she still doesn't like the Japanese!

They were actually accommodating to a 90-year-old's requests, and didn't end up changing us extra to substitute cooked vegetables for a salad, which she doesn't really eat anyway. We had halibut, spicy capicollo pizza, BBQ chicken pizza (the pizzas were only $9), a lager, and a lime mojito. Discussed Vivian's wedding (June 10), Andrea and Chuck's wedding, Grandma hijacking Eric and not recognizing Jeremy, getting drunk, water, Grandma being forgetful, packing, Grandma just people-watching (finding the skanky waitresses and high heels bad), Pei Lyn's quitting a job over being asked to skank it up, text messages, and more. Grandma seemed happy to be out with us, and even initiated a toast! Got home to find out that Benito Camelas had added me on Facebook - no way, I don't know you! Steph also discovered that Grandma's TV actually worked now for some reason. It was a good time - not sure if I'll take Steph's suggestion to drink more because it'll be free. Hahaha, nice! Grandma also wanted us to get milk at Super Grocer, so we humored her paranoia. (1% it is!)

Cashews, macadamia nuts, killings, and warehouses

As soon as I got in the townhouse, my mom wanted me to call Eric - IT IS FINE BECAUSE I KNOW HE GOT THE NOTIFICATION! Escaped upstairs to say hi to Grandma, who was watching TV. Made Steph sign several cards - her Chinese New Year wish for Grandma was "may you find contentment beyond the safety deposit box!" Hahaha! Signing cards was one of the only reasons I went out, as well as to see Eric again. I also picked up a Doctors Without Borders envelope for Jon - I only trust myself, haha. Eric came over soon afterwards for a curry / chicken / beef dinner, of course. At least the Canucks won 3-2 against the Sabres!

I said I'd spend time with Grandma on Thursday afternoon ONLY! Steph wants to spend time with them tomorrow after some Langley math test! Eric consumed Starbucks cashews, Chinese grapefruit, and macadamia nuts during his time with us - Steph had to take me home on HER way home! Never again, I swear... we'll see. Apparently, Vivian and Gabriel got engaged this past weekend - terrific.


On the show, "Kamistan" is our fictitious country du jour, joining Sangala and the unnamed Islamic country from season 2. Some military guy in Kamistan is talking to baby bro, and they're talking about some general who was arrested. I wasn't paying attention because, let's face it, it was boring. If it turns out to be important, I'm sure the writers will bring it up again. Anyway, they're convinced that the uranium will solve their problems. I mean, it's done wonders for Iran and North Korea. Meanwhile, Sergei is in the back room, comforting his dying son. Sark wants to take him to a doctor, but Sergei won't sacrifice the mission. Sark lectures him, and flashes the puppy dog eyes. Who says villains don't have a soul? Sergei finally lets Sark take him to some safe house so that he'll die in comfort.

Baby bro tells Sergei that they're sending the money. Sergei won't give up the rods until then. In the meantime, baby bro is going to get his rod taken care of, as Sergei offers him his choice of two women. Baby bro, unwilling to offend either one, takes them both. What a chivalrous man! (this part reminded me, Eric, and Steph of Stephen Ng's talk on Friday) Renee and Jack stop Ziya's bleeding. Jack threatens to call Bubba and end the mission, but Renee says she did the right thing. You see, that's what he would have done to her. Man, the Russian mob is messed up. They have a heart-to-heart, and Jack decides not to make the call. He's not convinced she's fit, but she's the only chance they have. That's right, our nation's fate is in the hands of an unstable former FBI agent. Albeit an extremely cute one.

Renee's warped logic continues to manifest itself as she tells Ziya that she did him a favor in cutting off his thumb. Ziya isn't buying it, though, and Renee turns to her trump card. She'll give him an extra point on top of his cut, which winds up being about three million. That's enough for him to forget about his thumb, and he's willing to take her to Vladimir. Dana gets a call from Kevin, and he doesn't care about the pending national crisis. He wants her to come home, and wants her to do it now. Kevin then helpfully reveals that she's an ex-con who was an accessory to murder, so we finally know what he has over her. And I thought it was just his glowing personality. Dana goes to Arlo to cover for her, and he hits on her as well. Man, it pains me to say it, but it really does look like Freddie Prinze Jr. is the best out of her three prospects. Unless she decides to hook up with Jack, of course.

President Taylor just finished speaking to various heads of state to make sure they were still arriving in New York. Because it's a good idea to bring more important people to the U.S., especially with a looming national security crisis. Chief of Staff Weiss tells the President about baby bro's gameplan, and that Hassan seems to have imposed martial law. Taylor is upset at it, because her way of dealing with things is to sit around a fire and sing Kumbaya. She wants a face-to-face with Hassan after he gets back to the UN from CTU. Weiss tells her it should be 10 minutes or so. Renee and Ziya are in the car. He alludes to some past problems between Renee and Vladimir, and Ziya's tone is somewhat sleazy. Jack suddenly looks concerned, and wants Chloe to snoop into Renee's file. Based on Ziya's tone, I'm assuming it's something sexual, but who knows? Maybe Vlad ate all of Renee's borscht or something.

Hassan defies the laws of midtown traffic, and gets to the UN in four minutes. Hassan and Taylor have a debate over democracy and martial law. Blah blah blah. Hassan wants to yield a firm hand, but Taylor is outraged. What about human rights? What about Miranda laws? What about putting them up in the Waldorf Astoria until they learn the errors of their ways? Hassan has had enough and wants to see his family – even his wife is better than dealing with this. His wife asks him if he loved Meredith, even if he tells her that it's over. Sark and his brother reminisce in the car, and Sark decides to defy orders and take his brother to a doctor. He sheds his escort, and then starts driving towards the doctor's office. You know, the one that specializes in treating Russian terrorists who are trying to avoid the authorities.

Renee and Ziya pull up to some warehouse, and Ziya agrees to go in first. Have you ever noticed that bad guys are almost always holed up in some warehouse? Maybe CTU should just raid all of them? Anyway, Jack wants to know about what Vladimir did, but Renee won't say. She wants to go over the cover story instead, and Jack has to comply. Haven't seen anyone get over on Jack this consistently since Nina. Vlad is not happy to see Ziya, and punches him in the face. Or maybe he's Klingon and that's just how they greet each other. Guess not, as Vlad puts a gun to Ziya's head, and Ziya frantically tells him what's going on. Poor guy. First, he loses his thumb and now this. Vlad seems to have a blind spot for Renee, as he's convinced that Renee wasn't the one who sold them out. His henchman Lugo is not so sure, though.

Cole is looking for Dana, and Arlo tells him that she went home. Dana is already back at her apartment (knocking at the door since she gave Kevin her keys), and Kevin introduces her to Dick. No, that wasn't a euphemism or a double-entendre. He really does have a friend named Dick, who's lounging on the couch. Dana tries to pay him off with $500, but he isn't having it. We get more talk about their past as, apparently, Dana cut a deal since she was a juvenile, but Kevin went to prison. Kevin throws her up against a wall and slaps her, while Dick just continues watching football on TV. I'm guessing he's watching old USFL footage, as I'm sure the producers are trying to save money. Go, NY / NJ Generals! Kevin wants Dana to use her CTU access to get them bank records and stuff. He says that if she does this one thing, then he'll never bother her again, and I'm sure we can trust him on that.

Chloe tells Jack that Vlad became obsessed with Renee, and was abusive to her. Cracked ribs, broken jaw, etc. Jack asked if she had been raped, but Chloe isn't sure. Man, what's with all the abusive boyfriends this year? Were there complaints about the show being too misogynistic or something? Vlad quizzes Renee about her cover, and Jack feeds her the answers. Where was he when I needed him during Calculus? Even Vlad picks up on the fact that she looks like hell, and he wants to know what's up. Finally, he stumps Renee on who was in charge of the hotel she was staying at, and Chloe takes her time looking up the answer. Just look it up on Wikipedia or something, Chloe. They finally get a name, and Renee asks if she's done playing 20 Questions.

Vlad says that Renee's answer is correct, but orders her and Ziya tied up anyway. Man, this game sucks. They both get locked into the trunk of a car, and Jack loses his signal. Jack is following the car, and I have a feeling that Renee's not in that car. Sark drags his brother into a doctor's office, and emphasizes the need for strict confidentiality. In other words, he pulls a gun on the doctor, and tells him he knows where he lives. Sark then tells the doctor that his brother was exposed to weapons grade uranium. Well, now we know how CTU is eventually going to find out about the plot.

We finally see Bubba, and he authorizes Jack to intercept the car. Jack realizes he's following a decoy, and he frantically tries to get to Renee in time. Vlad has his henchman take Renee and Ziya towards the water. Vlad kills Ziya for whining, and that probably qualifies for "Worst Hour Ever." Vlad then deliberates killing Renee, and points the gun at her. She closes her eyes and tells him to do it. Vlad wants to know who she really is, and Renee gives a heartfelt speech about how she's sick of living like this, and that she has nowhere to go and no one to go to. Jack is listening in, and starts to get misty-eyed. So am I, actually. I'll take you, Renee. Craziness and all! Anyway, Vlad won't do it, and she's in like Flynn. Jack is at a loss for words, as he tells the teams to stand down. He looks a little shaken as he informs Bubba that Renee's successfully re-established her cover.

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

Posh with Steph, Chantal, and others: NO XANGA VIDEOS, man! (but penis stories are okay!)

I made it out in time for the bus, thank goodness. It was pretty windy outside, but I managed to find Posh since it was next door to Pearl Castle (recognized the logo from the website), and the entire plaza had a big sign reading "Continental Plaza." Ryan, Karen Grace, Margaret, Vivian, Gabriel, Steph, and Chantal were in the middle of eating when I got upstairs, but I expected that. Chelsea, Jon, and Harmony came later. Chantal and Chelsea had never had hot pot / sukiyaki before, and they seemed to enjoy the experience. Nobody ordered any pork out of respect for Vivian and Gabriel, although Vivian said it was okay. There WAS a "no-meat" pot, which Steph thought Jon might appreciate more. Talked about Boston, road trips, Sea-Tac airport being messy, Fenway Park, joking about white people, souvenirs, hotels, flights, teaching, Richmond / Surrey, Transcendental Meditation, Chelsea's upcoming trip to study religion, Chantal's parents being named John and Melody (weird when you consider Jon married a girl named Harmony!!), and more.

Steph said that Mom was excited about showing Chantal some exotic meats, so they went to a shop after their Banzai Sushi lunch, and Mom told the owner that she wanted to show some stuff to her daughter's white friend. The owner (who Mom knows) just keeled over laughing for a few minutes, apparently! So they saw some "normal" stuff like alligator and such, and then Mom saw a sign which was only in Chinese. She translated it as "bull's peh-niss," which is how she pronounces "boar's penis." Let's just say the testicles were so huge that they had to be in their own bags... the owner said "ball" when Steph asked if they were indeed what she thought they were! That reminded Jon of the restaurant which sells only penises of various animals - yup, it's the old Chinese superstition that you are what you eat... vitality and fertility, I suppose! That reminded ME of the "penis / peanuts" story, which Steph told the entire table - it's still funny! Daniel and Michelle had been laughing REALLY hard at "salty penis or garlic penis" (my mom cannot say "peanuts"), and Dad had given them a GLARE before he informed them that they were BAD since he knew why they were laughing! (my mom had just continued upstairs on her merry way, oblivious to the humor she'd created)

Steph told me that she'd done something with Chantal's cell phone, and now SHE owned a few weird videos of me. Of course, she then had to show the entire table what she was talking about... fighting on the cruise ship, snorting when being asked to take a picture, CACKLING in the townhouse complex parking lot, Mom singing to me in the car, and other such "gems" were shown. Then again, Mom was horrified when Steph informed her that she'd posted her "Hong Kong Itchy Foot" video on the Internet... "euh... you posted it on THE INTERNET?!!!!?" Hahahaha! Then my family did the haiku they'd debuted on my birthday - uh, thanks. I told Jon that I was in for the Sunday Dinner, since that beats having to remember to email him or something later.We also talked about Erin's embarrassing stories in general, Erin being all "innocent" about her and Ben's five-bedroom house (sleepovers?!), Pei Lyn being spazzy, Rachel, racist terms for Chinese people (Steph actually got CALLED that term!), (used) maxipads, and THE ULTIMATE PRICE!!!

Later, Steph was in pain because she'd eaten too much. Chantal especially wondered if she were okay, since they leave for their road trip tomorrow. Steph just thought she'd buy Tums or something, which is probably more portable than Pepto-Bismol happens to be! Discussed musical preferences, country, disliking rap, AC/DC, Bon Jovi, death metal, and other things on the way home. It was a pretty good night out. Got home to find that Cindy had expressed sympathy over my bad experience last week. I also found a bunch of birthday cards and Christmas cards that I'd forgotten about, so spent some time prepping them with greetings and stickers. Of course, now I have to buy more stickers / seals / cheap cards. We'll see about that next month, since it isn't URGENT or anything. I also found some birthday cards and Christmas cards that I can't use now (wrong year, people whom I no longer talk to, etc.) - I had to rip them out and throw them away! It should be fine, though!

Sukiyaki, no Mr. Creep till Sunday, Beer Name, Dunce Cap Poo

Called Jon briefly at 10 to tell him of the venue and time for Steph's dinner, and told him who was going. He says Harmony may want to go since they're in Richmond anyway because he's teaching (and won't be at dinner till 7:15), but she may also want to have dinner with her parents. We talked about Bible Study, our group meeting at church because off-site locations weren't really working out for us (which means I don't have to see Mr. Creep till SUNDAY!), Chilliwack, and some other stuff. Good to be brief, haha.

Leslie's just got their Beer Name from Name Generators. It's Rolling Rock Extra Pale.

Poo nugget for Tuesday, October 20: Dunce Cap Poo - While the ideal defecation is a long, soft, pliable cylinder that is uniform in size, some begin with a thick base and then scale down to a point. While the discharge of this poo may offer some satisfaction, you are left longing for a poo of more uniform distribution. Synonyms: Coneheads, Cylinder Poo, Tapered Wafers, Biggie Smalls.

Various name generators like Village Idiot and SMALLVILLE

Found out that Rachel B. unfriended me from Facebook. Oh well... *sigh*

Leslie's just got their Romance Novel Character Name from Name Generators. It's Carly Huntington.

Leslie's just got their Anne Rice Vampire Name from Name Generators. It's Avicus.

Leslie's just got their Smallville Character Name from Name Generators. It's Oliver Queen.

Leslie's just got their Village Idiot Name from Name Generators. It's Fronglunk.

Leslie's just got their Halloween Ghost Name from Name Generators. It's Spyro the Blushing Ghost. (That's not even remotely scary! :P)

Leslie's just got their Halloween Character Name from Name Generators. It's Elvira, Mistress of the Dark.


Facebook quizzes taken from Kenny:

Leslie took the "What the FUCK is wrong with you?" quiz and got "You're dead and remembering this." Take comfort in the fact that no one else cares that you're not actually alive.

Leslie took the "The Hardest Quiz Ever: You will not get a 100" quiz and got "20%" ... FAILED! Haha, you failed because you are not God, and you suck at life. (My grammar is better than the quiz creator's, so I am automatically better than he or she is. :D)


Poo nugget for Monday, October 19: Doo You Know? - To Sit or Stand During the Cleanup? - A study found that most people in North America wipe while sitting. Some claim that sitting allows for better separation of the cheeks.

Rock Star Barbie with atrocious spelling! / Rotten Poo

Facebook quiz taken from Angela B:

Leslie just took the "What Barbie are you?" quiz and the result is Rock Star Barbie. You love to listen to rock music, and to go to shows. You also love to sing, and play an instrument... or maybe both. You love fashion, but with your own little flair. (The spelling on this one made my eyes bleed! Even the result was bad... "instrument" as "interment," for some strange reason!)

Poo nugget for this weekend: Rotten Poo - The stench from the most atrocious Rotten Poos can overwhelm you. Even with a quick-response courtesy flush, survival instincts force you to speed up the defecating process in order to exit the bathroom as quickly as possible. A Rotten Poo's odor is so powerful that anyone entering the vicinity within the next several hours is affected. There is no way to prepare for a poo like this. When it happens, a quick execution of the stooling session is a must. Synonyms: Napalm, Aftershock Poo, Agent Orange. [I like the picture for this one: a toilet with wiring at the back, all with "smelly" lines, hahaha!]

Staff meeting discussions, Anita Blake men, California toilet efficiency

Hey, Auntie Rebecca responded to my email! She says she'll bring it up as a discussion point in the staff meeting tomorrow, which is a good thing. Eric thinks I'm stereotyping CREEP, but you never know! Now I'm coughing again, and my earlier sneezes drew attention from Great-Aunt. Time for bed!

What the Men of the Anita Blake Series think of you... by seraphim_ranks
Name:
Asher thinks:	You are too stuck on Jean Claude
Richard could not:	find his way home, so he crashed with you
Micah was able to:	Get you to mark him before Nathaniel
Nathaniel let you:	Tie him up
Damian left:	His clothes in the basement when he came to find you
Requiem compromised when:	he kissed you, but didn't bleed you.
Jason loved it:	when you let him "take one for the team"
Jean Claude says:	Kiss me, ma petite

Poo nugget for Thursday, October 15: California's New High-Efficiency Toilet Law - On this day in 2007, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed the California Toilet Efficiency Law (AB 715). The law sets down a timetable for the toilet industry to convert current 1.6 gallon-per-flush (gpf) to 1.28 gpf models. This would mean a 20 percent reduction in water waste.

Concern about Mr. Creep, not being at the airport, and NO POO!

I decided to email Pastor John about Creep, and then forwarded it to Auntie Rebecca and Phil too. Dad thought I could talk to the person who's organizing the service projects, but that would be VERY AWKWARD since it's Raymond. (not even for the kids' sake?! YIKES!) Maybe Eric can do it, haha.

Pastor John could verbally let them know of my concern, but thought it was best if I forwarded the email myself. He thanked me for bringing it up to him, and says it's a balance between being welcoming and being careful when it comes to children. Yes, of course it is... but I still cannot shake this feeling. My dad thinks we should wait to see if and when he's cleared by a police check, as per policy - yes, but DO YOU REALLY WANT TO WAIT TILL SOMETHING HAPPENS?! The dictator in me says we should bar him from the church building and surrounding area, like a restraining order. No, I don't feel like this about all newcomers, as I was telling Eric and Corey. The first two paragraphs are the background that I provided to Phil and Auntie Rebecca:

Hi, Phil and Auntie Rebecca. Background: There's this newcomer to our church and Fellowship that I get this OFF feeling from. He shook my hand last Friday, and I instantly felt icky and creepy all over - I could NOT shake the feeling! Perhaps it was because I saw him sign up for our David Fellowship service project on Friday night which involves helping out at Kids Night this year. (his first visit EVER was last Sunday, October 4) That set alarm bells ringing in my head because that's what a pedophile / creep would do, and I couldn't shake it off.

He's this white older guy named Daniel. I talked to Pastor John briefly about it on Sunday, and sent him the following email this afternoon, and he advised I forward this to you guys directly. Since I know you both work with children / teens, I'd advise you to watch out for him! Yes, I know we have the child protection policies in place for a reason. But you both know I love the children and teens of this church, and don't want anything to happen to them... if he tries to help out with anything kid-related, I'd say NO. If he shows up at any event where kids are around and in a vulnerable position... I'd be very concerned. No, I'm not saying he IS a pedophile or anything, but....

Hi, Pastor John. Thanks for listening to me about the newcomer on Sunday. I know that the church has child protection policies in place to minimize the chances of abuse, but I still found his behavior with the service project sign-up sheets as a first-time visitor to be very odd. When I shook his hand on Friday night, I just instantly felt ICKY. There's no other way to describe it, and I'm not normally one to either shun newcomers or put stock in VIBES you get from people! I'm usually fairly open-minded, but something just feels OFF about this guy, hence why I am not acting the way I normally would. I'm not saying ROLL OUT THE PEDOPHILE ALERT or anything, but my personal instincts say to be wary and not give out any personal info, even down to my name! And no, I don't feel guilty about not being Christian and exhibiting loving kindness toward him. I'm not really sorry about it either, although the typical NG bluntness is tempered a bit because this email is going to my PASTOR, of all people! I just had to say what I couldn't with him standing like two feet away from the water cooler! Maybe this makes me a bad Christian, I don't know..

My mother, on my needing to eat just ONE MORE cold cut at Dinesty last week: "But it's just a cold cut!" [when we were younger and complained about eating fruit practically right after dinner, she used to say that fruit wouldn't make you full... um, sure...]
Me, immediately: "Like cold cuts don't make you FULL?!" (I was already PLENTY full enough!)
Steph: Hahaha! YEAH, Mom!

I just told Corey that I was going to bed because I was at the airport... of course, what I really meant was that I was GOING to the airport. What the?!

Poo nugget for Wednesday, October 14: Log Jam - A Watched Pot... - Despite stomach pains, rancid gas, and the feeling of a turd on deck, sometimes nothing comes out no matter how hard you try to push. After ten to fifteen minutes in the bathroom, your friends / spouse / roommate may start to worry about you. But you may not be ready to give up yet. However, when you ultimately decide that it was a false alarm, the emptiness of the toilet bowl is a cruel reminder of your inability to perform. {POO OF THE MONTH!}