See what I mean? Here I have a ton of stuff to do, and what do I spend time doing? Changing the side of my blog like I've been wanting to do for a while. Yeah, that sounds like a good idea.

Wednesday night was not what we were expecting. Summer has definately hit. We had 6 jr. highers and just a few more high schoolers. They were asked to watch the kids for the parents that were in the AWANA awards appreciation dinner, so it was just jr. high all night. In stead of doing the stuff that Seth had picked out, we just did requests. And we did a good job of staying together and acting like we knew what we were doing. It's much harder to be spontaneous leading a group singing when there are three of you leading then when there is only one.

Last night, Jeff and I played National Parks Monopoly after he got home. It was certainly lining up for him to win, but then I got the first "tents" (houses) up, he started to pull back in fear, and I wound up winning. Which resulted in a trip to the pool for me. I think we're going to keep that tradition from last week going. Tonight's game is Risk, which I've never played the real way before (Jon Hoglan had a modified version we played with the jr. highers). I'm thinking tonight will be Jeff's turn.

And I put the bed I brought back from my parent's together. We're just going to leave it as a seperate bed right now, which means that the upstairs will be pretty crowded. But it'll definately work.

And this wouldn't be a post from me if I didn't memtion The Mole. I'm glad that ABC has finally brought it back (Tuesday night). I really enjoy this particular reality show. Although the producers are really being mean and toying with the players this time. And I'm glad they are airing the few they aired in the fall again. I missed the first episode, and have forgotten some of what happened in the other two(?) I saw.

BTW, I saw a quote from J. J. Abrams, the creator of Alias this week. He says that season one is the background, the real story starts in season two. Everyone will have major story archs. I definately can not wait. And that means that if you haven't been watching the first season of the best show on television (like if you were watching the final season of this thing I've heard of called The X-Files), then you really, really, really need to start watching the reruns so you know what's going on come fall. Sundays on ABC (although not this week. :( ) And Friday on ABC Family.

Okay, commercials over. Can you tell I like this series?

Today's Thursday Threesome is brought to you by Poor Richard and The Back Porch. (Ha, Deb, I came up with something different from you! ;) )

Onesome. Healthy. Tell us about one thing you did for yourself that's healthy - and not just physical, mental and emotional health matter, too!
Can I plead the fifth of this one? I haven't been working out at all for months. And the triathelon is only 6 weeks away. I went ahead and got the large sandwhich at Quizno's last night. And I'm putting things off so much that it's completely adding stress to my life. Of course, Tuesday night I had a pasta Tv dinner, rather small, and that was it. That should count for something.

Twosome. Wealthy. What in life makes you feel wealthy in your heart?
My relationship with my family. Friends who accept me for who I am, quirks and all. And I know I have more then my fair share of them.

Threesome. Wise. Share your favorite proverb or motto... or just make one up yourself
I always joked in college that my motto was "Why put off today what you can put off putting off until tomorrow." I'm also found of saying, "I'm the world's most indecisive person. I think." As to one I actually live by, I think I'll got with the Golden Rule, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

Man, it's been five days. Guess I should take this day by day to make sure I don't miss anything.

Saturday - Mike's graduation from the JC. Went well, although it was hard when they talked about an 88 year old who was getting an AA that day. Made me think of Grpop, who wasn't there. Also ran into my friend Kevin. His older sister was graduating. He introduced me to his fiancee.

Sunday - Skipped church, spent the afternoon and evening at Grpop's. Got silverware, a microwave, an entertainment stand, his keyboard, and his golf clubs. Hopefully, this won't come back to bit me with people being jealous of what I took. Then we went home and tried to load up my car. Took forever, especially since they were trying to find the rest of the bed parts. Naturally, they found them after I left Monday - at Grpop's.

Monday - Drove home. Stopped and saw Donald's new place and then we went to lunch. That was hard for me, because in the back of my mind was the thought, "This is it. It'll be over soon." The mattress kept getting slightly looser each time I stopped. Fortunately, I had an Odyssey collection to take my mind off of it. And boy, did it ever! I can't wait to see where they're going to wind up with the whole Novacom thing. Took me forever to get home. When I did, Jeff and I unloaded my car and played the Stock Market Game. I beat him solidly, but not as bad as Donald beat the two of us last week.

Yesterday - Work and Seth and Keirstein's.

I have been procrastinating, still. What's wrong with me? Not doing any work certainly doesn't decrease the stress factor. I have got to get cracking and get some things accomplished. I'm been hoping to avoid working this weekend, but I'm beginning to think that'll be a necessity. But maybe I'll get a lot done in the next two days. And maybe pigs will fly. Then when I get home, I need to get the bed together for Jeff and set everything up on the TV stand. I NEED A VACATION!! Fortunately, Trixie convention is only 15 days away. :)

Met Dave for lunch today. Was nice to have a chance to talk with him. And I've got youth group tonight. Which means that tomorrow is another round of the Thursday Threesome.

Got to post this really quick. I'm outta here (the office that is) in half an hour. I'm heading up to my parents again to attend my brother's junior college graduation. And I still have to go home, eat lunch, and pack. I was going to pack last night, but Donald, Jeff, and I wound up playing my copy of The Stock Market Game until about 12AM. Then Donald had to jump in the pool since he won, so by the time we picked the game up, I decided to go to bed.

What's this about the pool, you ask. It's funny how things like this get started. Tuesday, Donald and I were playing my Disney Monopoly. I was doing laundry, and walking by the pool, it kept calling me. When he lost, I told him he had to jump in the pool as a penalty. I decided to jump in, too, but when we got down there, Donald decided it was too cold for him. After debating, I dove in, swam the length of the small pool, and got out. It was cold, but not that bad. We'd joked about me winning and being the one to get in. So when Donald trounched us at the game, I looked at him and said, "Now, you've got to jump in the pool." Which he did with no hesitation. Jeff and I talked about joining him, but decided the pool was too cold. And it was colder then it was two days ago.

Donald is on his way to his new place right now. Not being one to say goodby easily, I'm stopping by to see the new place on my way back Monday. I'm am really going to miss him. He's been the best friend I've had in years.

I got so little occomplished this morning. Spent almost the entire time on the deposit. And I had stuff I really needed to do. But I don't have time now. It'll have to wait for Tuesday. To get to where I should be, I think I'm going to need to work every day for the next two weeks. Guess I'll have to start applying myself more after this.

I probably won't check in again until Tuesday, so have a great weekend everyone.

Ok, so I didn't make it back until afternoon. I had a humongous deposit to get done at work this morning. And I have lots of stuff waiting on my desk this afternoon, too, so it will have to be quick.

But before I begin, a happy belated birthday to Deb. Please know you're in my prayers.

Ok, time for The Thursday Threesome. This week, it's brought to you by one room schoolhouses and The Back Porch.

Onesome. Readin. Tell me about your favorite book you read as a kid.
O boy. Where do I start? Well, for about a year, all I read was Little Pilgrim's Progress. Then in third grade, I found The Chronicles of Narnia and read all of them as quickly as I could. Over the years, I also fell in love with The Great Brain, Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle, and The Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew. But then in 7th grade, I found Trixie Belden. Love that series still and still read it.

Twosome. 'Ritin. Everyone does a Senior Research paper. What was YOUR Senior Research Paper about?
Actually, I didn't do a senior research paper. All the juniors in high school had to do one about the US during the 20th century. Mine was on the Camp David Accords during Carter's Presidency. Interesting, especially in light of current stuff.

Threesome. 'Rithmatic. Using those 'rithmatic skills to balance the checkbook...so, what store seems to have the most entries in your register, and what the heck have you been buying there?
Well, aside from bills, that would have to be Crime Time Books, the mystery book store I like in Passadena. Seems I'm over there buying books at least once a month. Do I actually get through everything I buy? Of course not. Does that stop me from buying more? Again, of course not. Another regular entry would be my Disney Credit Card. I use it all the time when buying DVD's at The Disney Store.

So there you have it. Now post your own answers on your blog and let us know where to find them.

Wow, I haven't blogged since Sunday. Maybe it's time for me to post a few things.

Sunday night no one went swimming at the SNYF. My cover was safe, however, as I had my jeans on over my swim trunks. But I got home about 10. Managed to watch the Survivor Finale completely unaware Monday night. I was rooting for Kathy, but any of those four were fine, which is good since V won. Of course, I wasn't inpressed with her "people of color" speech during the reunion. And if she was so sure she was going to win, why did she fall down when Jeff announced it? But, on to Thailand in the Fall.

This week has been your average week. I've been burying my head in the sand at work. Funny, that doesn't help get the work done. Enjoyed the finales of 7th Heaven and Angel. Although I must admit, I'm still more then willing to give up Angel in the fall if I have to since it's on opposite Alias. Found out last night that our Wednesday night youth Bible study won't be changing formats at all this summer. Which means I get to keep hanging out with Seth and Keirstein like I am now. They still don't know what they're doing in the fall, but this gives us more time together.

Watched 24 at lunch time. What a powerful ending. If they weren't to come back in the fall, I'd be perfectly happy. That ending had all the drama, excitement, hope, and tears you could expect from TV. Now, you all know I much prefer Alias, but this hour of 24 was better then any one hour of Alias. Not by much, but still better. Over all, Alias is still much better, of course. :) And if you aren't watching, now's the time to start. Sunday, 9 PM (8 central) on ABC.

Bible study is starting early tonight. The jr. high is meeting at a semi-fast food place for dinner before hand. It's our big activity of the month, but it also means I'll be rushing to get out of here so I have time to eat with all of them and still be set up and ready when it's time for Bible Study to start.

So that's it for now. I'll be back in the morning with the Thursday Threesome.

Happy Sunday everyone. Start out today with the Sunday Op-Ed thanks to Chris.

1. Poems
What do I have a hard time with? I'll admit, some poems I understand right off the bat. Then there are the ones that I really struggle with. It doesn't help that some of what I read in school as a poem meets no logical definition of a poem at all. And don't even get me started on writing poems. You'll laugh at my pathetic attempts.

2. Short Stories
What is O. Henry a master of? (You know, I should really work on making these questions better gramatically.) I have a collection of O. Henry short stories I haven't touched in a long time. I really should dig it out and read some more. I love his stuff, especially some of his surprise endings. He is of course most famous for "The Gift of the Magi," but I think my favorite of his is "Tommy's Burgler." It's a humorous spoof. If you get a chance, read it.

3. Novels
What do I love to read? I always have a novel of some sort going. Usually just some modern book that won't be remembered 5 years from now. But I enjoy reading them. Probably should add some non-fiction back into the mix, but I just haven't been inspired to for a while now.

And on a related note, look quick. I've made it! I'm a top 1000 reviewer at Amazon.com!!!!!!!! Yes, I'm slightly excited about that. Actually jumped over 100 ranks with the last update. And I'll probably jump with the next one as well.

Finally got to see Spiderman last night. That was after trying to see it Friday night. It was sold out. Granted, I got there 10 minutes before it started, but I kinda figured that with it showing in three theaters and with Star Wars having openned there wouldn't be a problem. Anyway, Jeff and I went after he got off work. It was great! Wonderfully emotional film with great action and characters and script and acting. Very glad they're working on a sequel. Hope it's up to these standards.

I went to the Huntington Library in Passadena with Ben and Kate yesterday. I was almost going to go to Santa Monica by myself. And in some ways I wish I had. It's not my cup of tea. The best part was when they got into a water fight with Arrowhead water bottles. Quite funny to watch. And I sunburned the top of my head. Guess I didn't have as much hair up there as I thought I did.

But today, it's drizzling and cloudy here. Our SNYF tonight is supposed to be at a house with a pool. I'll be prepared, but I doubt anyone will swim. I was also planning to play ultimate after I talked to my family, but the weather and the fact that I'm dead tired is making me think I'll pass this time around. Again. Someday I'll make it back.

Second post for today. Don't get used to it. :)

I got nothing accomplished at work today. My desk has gotten worse all week, yet I've done little about it. I am so dead. I really should come in and work tomorrow.

Yet, I may tag along with Ben to the Hunington Library. I really don't want to go, but I'd rather do that then sit around by myself all day. But, with the way his week's been going, he may get stood up and join me in heading to the beach. We'll just have to wait and see.

I'm thinking I'm going to go see Spiderman tonight. I'm dying to see it and don't know who I'd see it with at this point. I haven't been to a theater since January because of trying to see stuff with friends. But this I will not miss.

Speaking of Friends, what a cliffhanger last night. I was not expecting that ending at all. It'll be interesting to see what happens in the fall. All I have to say is they'd better have Ross and Rachel be married before the show ends. And I'm sure the majority of the fans agree with that.

CSI last night was disgusting and sad. What a downer to end the season with.

Survivor was great. So glad to see Sean leave. I was hoping he'd hit the road at this point in the show. Frankly, I'm ok with either of the four remaining people winning. I don't have a clear favorite or a person I clearly hate. Don't know when I'll watch for sure, however, since I'll have a SNYF Sunday night and probably won't be home until 9:30 or 10. (That stand for Sunday Night Youth Fellowship. It's the jr. high fun time after church. Going to a house with a pool, and those tend to go a little long.)

Just pretend this posted last night. I tried, but it was when blogger was down.

You know, if I could get a good night’s sleep, it might help with my rollercoaster. Last night Donald, Jeff and I were talking until after midnight. But I didn’t fall permanently asleep until after 2. I must have dozed off, but it couldn’t have been for more then half an hour.

I’ve been trying to find someone to go to the beach with me Saturday. You wouldn’t believe the number of people who already have plans for that day. I’m surprised. I thought I was booked in advance.

Found out last night that for the next month the Durons and I are it when it comes to jr. high staff. But when team Ethiopia gets back, we’ll have Angie and Becky back. At least for the summer. I think Becky is going to our Israel campus in the fall. Guess I never did mention that three of the jr. high staff are on a month long missions trip with Master’s.

I did find out one of the people Dave’s talking to about coming in is someone who was in jr. high when I started working with them. While it would be weird for a little while, Kurt’s a great guy who’s really matured, and I think it would be a good thing.

Also got the information about the triathlon for this year last night. Unfortunately, they’ve up the running part to three miles. Unless that was a misprint. I have really got to start running. And swimming. And biking. I’m so out of shape, it’s not even funny. And I’ve gained 5 pounds this week, too.

On to other matters.

I’m mad at 24 right now. What they did Tuesday night was great from a plot twist angle, but makes no sense from a logic standpoint. And I like to have both. Don’t see how they’ll wrap everything up in 1 hour.

But I was thrilled to death with the outcome of The Amazing Race. I was rooting for Chris and Alex all along. And Wil and Tara so deserved to loose. I thought it was very telling that Wil was shocked no one would give them the clue when they lost it. And that he immediately blamed Tara like he has all along. I was actually cheering when Chris and Alex passed not only Tara but Wil, too.

And tonight is Survivor (leave Sean). Then CSI and, via tape delay, the season finale of Friends. That promises to be interesting tonight. We’ll see how they leave us hanging for the summer, one last time.

So now that that’s over, I’ll try to post again later today.

Good morning and welcome to this weeks Thursday Threesome, brought to us this week by an expression and The Back Porch. (You know, Deb, it's not fair coming up with threesomes I can't come up with a connection for.)

Onesome. Livin. Livin La Vida Loca. Oh, for goodness sake. What pop song do you love to sing along with but don't want to admit it?
This will show my differences in taste then most people, but for me it's "Written on My Heart" by Plus One. I love that song. Best song they ever put out. But if some of my friends found out. Or my brother either for that matter....

Twosome. a Charmed. Charmed, did you say? Come now, are you superstitions? Do you buy into lucky charms and signs and such?
I don't in any seriousness. I'll joke around about knocking on wood (and then knock on my own head) and similar things, but I don't really live that way. About the only one I ever really did was "step on a crack, break your mother's back" but that was because Mom used to give me such a hard time (teasingly) if I would step on a crack in the sidewalk.

Threesome. Life. Let's play the game of Life. Or is it Monopoly? What is your all time favorite board game? Come on, tell us what you like about it...
My favorite board game.... I love Clue. I like it because it's so different every time you play. I've collected several different versions of Monopoly, and always enjoyed that one, too. And I like some obscure ones. Anyone heard of Trust Me? Stop Thief? I love those two. And Donald got me playing a game from the 1960's called The Stock Market Game. Lots of fun. I just got myself a copy off ebay since he seems to think he gets to take his stuff with him when he moves. (The Nerve.) Speaking of the weird, I just got Sorry, the Disney Edition at Wal-Mart on Tuesday. But in my own defense, I didn't have Sorry at all before.

Now click on the link at the top of this post and let us know where to find yours.

I am on such an emotional rollercoaster these days. But I guess that's what you'd expect with everything going on in my life. The good news is that Pete looks ready to hang out a little more since his other activities have died down for the summer.

Did a quick search for Alias over at Amazon. They've got a site set up for a DVD release, just in case. (There's been no word yet. Same with 24.) Looks like they've got some behind the scenes books and novels coming out this fall, too. Now is it just me, or wouldn't it make more sense to have them come out this summer so we fans get something new to keep us going over the hot months?

Right now, however, I desperately need to get back to work. My desk is a mess, my in box is full, and I've got a ton of other stuff to do. But all I want to do is play around all day.

Seems like my "love life" is going no where. The woman I've been thinking about asking out has a boyfriend. At least, from what I saw at graduation last night, I'm 99% certain. Personally, I think they make a better couple then I do. But it's still hard, with everything else going on right now.

And, for those of you who watched Alias last night.... I was right!!!! So now we have to wait until next year to see if Vaughn is really dead and what Will does next and if Emily is really dead. And what Sydney's mom says to hear. I think it's a good thing I've got the season on tape so I can review everything that happened before the show starts up again in September. And at least I know for sure it's coming back.

Tonight I'm going to do laundry and try to corrupt my new roommate. He'll be home and watching TV along with me. Of course, I think he'll be pretty easy to corrupt. He's been watching my movies like crazy and already watches Buffy.

Just think guys, only 8 more days until you don't have to read about my TV obsession every day. :)

Well, it's Sunday, and I'm tired. But I'm sitting at my desk playing on my computer, so it must be time for the Sunday Op-Ed by Chris in his new home. Haven't done one of these in weeks.

1) Mom
Who do I really wish I could be with today? I think it's because of Grpop (her dad.) Usually it doesn't matter to me either way if I see her for Mother's Day or not. Which might be why I very seldome have since I moved down here. But this year calling just didn't seem to be enough. But I'll be back up there in two weeks. Guess I'll have to wait.

2) Flowers
What does Mom never get for Mother's Day? Of course, it has to do with allergies. We love here and don't want her to suffer from the pollen. :)

3) Children
Who owes their existence to their Mothers? As my mom was always pointing out, "I went to death's door to give you life."

Well, Donald graduated yesterday and Seth graduates tonight. Jeff's moved in, and all his stuff's in a corner. Sounds like I'll have a car full of stuff when I come back from SR end of the month. Alias season finale is tonight, and I can't wait. BTW, have I posted my theory here that Syd will find her mother as the season ending cliffhanger? We'll just have to wait and see that I'm right. I mean IF I'm right.

I had more stuff I was thinking of posting, but my mind has gone blank. I think it's something about being tired and my brain not working properly.

Time today for the Thursday Threesome brought to you once again by The Back Porch. (You know, I can't come up with where these came from. So I can't add anything to this.)

Onesome. Hold Me. What's your first remembrance of holding an infant (or if you aren't into kids - a baby animal) ? Feel free to talk about other stand-out holding memories....
I think the first time I held an infant was when I held my baby brother. Yes, the one that just turned 20. :) Frankly, I'm not sure I've held too many others. Anyway, I remember thinking how small he was, and how fragile he was.

Twosome. Thrill Me. Up for a thrilling ride? Tell us, do you seek the thrill rides at the amusement park or is the carousel more your speed?
I'll actually take both. I live in the same town as Six Flags Magic Mountain, and when I moved here I found I love roller coasters. However, I still love the smaller rides. For example, at Disneyland, I insist on riding Star Tours, Indian Jones, and Small World. Quite a mix, but I love it.

Threesome. Kiss Me. Come on - kiss and tell - at least, tell us about your first *real* kiss.
Haven't had one yet. I'm waiting until it will mean something, and I haven't been in a relationship like that. Yet.

Come play, too. We'd love to have you.

I so needed last night. I was really feeling depressed when I went over to Seth and Keirsten's. After we were done with the songs, they offered me some cheesecake they had in the fridge. It was a little old and dry, but you never turn down cheesecake, right? But we sat around talking for almost an hour. I was feeling so much better when I left.

Then Matt wasn't able to come over and watch 24. So I watched Buffy instead. Did they completely fool anyone else like they did me? Watched 24 at lunch time.

When I saw the headline on the paper this morning, I just had to shake my head. DOES NO ONE GET IT???!!! Israel was hit by yet another Murder bomber (I think that was the term that Pres. Bush wants us to be using now.) How can we be calling for Israel to sit down with Arafat to talk? Let's let him take some actions first. If we had people constantly attacking us like this, we'd be going to war, and the rest of the world wouldn't be voting against us, like the UN just did. When will people see that we're fighting the same war Israel is and they should have the same rules we do. And before anyone starts saying the Palisteinians just want their share of land that Israel is occupying, just look at history. If they really wanted to live peacefully with Israel, they've been given lots of opportunities to do that. Every time, they turn it down and start a war. Then complain when Israel wins. Seems they'd figure it out by now.

Ok, stepping off soap box.

In other news, I finally got my tickets for this years Trixie Convention. And with only 6 weeks left until then, I was cutting it a little close. I CAN'T WAIT. It's going to be so much fun. Now I just have to get up in time to get to the airport in time. I don't like having early flights. But I really don't have much of a choice.

Tonight, I'm off to youth group. Then I get to try Quizzno's new sandwich. After that, two hours of Enterprise. Not that I've watched last weeks yet, but that's beside the point.

Well, I'm back in town. Last week was a week. It went well, considering what was going on. It's going to be with all of us for a while, however.

Grpop was in good health for an 86 year old. Numorous people mentioned that there are many other people they thought would go long before he did.

And I've figured out why this is effecting me so much. When Grandma died, she'd been sick for a while, going down hill rather quickly. I'd done most of my grieving over the summer before she died, and when she actually did die, there was a sense of relief because she wasn't suffering any more. But since Grpop was such a shock, it's going to take me longer. Of course, he didn't suffer, which is a plus. No, you can't make me happy.

Looks like I'm going to inherrite some money. Maybe enough for a down payment on a condo. But I'd much rather have Grpop. (Not that anyone would have thought differently.)

On to other things. I have a roommate for the summer! Possibly longer, if he desides to try to move off campus next year. He has to move in this week since the dorms close at graduation, so it'll be crowded for a couple weeks. But the three of us will manage.

And, as promised, I'm going to do the Thursday Threesome. Last week, it was brought to you by Dorothy, Tin Man, Scarecrow, and The Back Porch.

Onesome. Lions! Can a lion tame its mane? What about you? Tell us your worst hair memory...
Believe it or not, when my hair was longer (read two or three inches. A normal man's cut.), I used to have some serious problems with getting to to lie down properly. Especially in the back. If I didn't comb it when it was wet, it was a lost cause.

Then came the fateful day two years ago when I did this on April Fool's Day. Basically, I decided to take a joking dare from a couple friends. And I haven't let my hair grow longer then an inch since. Now there's no such this as a bad hair day for me. I just towel dry and go. Never have to comb.... And I have shaved my head again completely since then, too. With no hair, it's impossible to have a bad hair day. :)

Twosome. Tigers! Can a tiger change its stripes? Can people really change?
Absolutely! I've seen people change completely after certain things happen to them. Especially becoming a Christian.

Threesome. Bears! Who's a grumpy bear? 'Fess up - what makes you grumpy?
Being tired. Most of the time, if I'm grumpy, I'm overly tired. People treating me like dirt tends to do the same thing. Especially if I'm tired. :)

That's all for now. Have a great day.

Just thought I'd take a minute to check in. I made it up to Santa Rosa fine. We're doing ok under the circumstances. The service is Friday, and there's still a lot to get done between now and then.

I see today's Thursday Threesome is one of the ones I gave Deb the idea for. I will do it when I get back. Probably Monday. Looks like she managed to fill in my rough idea with some great thoughts.