Word Association

You know, if I don't do these more often, they're going to think I stopped doing them.

Oh, wait....

1. Bounce :: Ball
2. Wasting time :: Internet
3. Utility :: Belt
4. London :: England
5. Pregnant :: Lucy (as in I Love Lucy)
6. Cranberry :: Juice
7. International :: Student
8. Disappointment :: Upset
9. Sponsor :: Pay
10. Second :: Time Around

Ketchup

Wow, it's been way too long since I posted here, hasn't it? Hold on to your hats. This will be long.

A week ago, I went in for my second CT scan. I'll find out what the doctors learned Thursday this week. But I will say this, your wait time is significantly less if you have an appointment then if they are working you in.

Wednesday night, I went to a concert by Christian group downhere. They were here in town, and it was a free concert. On the down side, it was youth group night for Grace Baptist (who was hosting the concert). I think I was the only person there who didn't attend the church. And I wasn't feeling up to par, so I didn't enjoy it as much as I might have.

They had just released a new CD the day before, and were selling it for $10. I'm glad I waited to get it that night! Unfortunately, most of the songs were from the new CD. I would have prefered to hear more from the CD's I already had, but it wasn't unexpected. Afterward, they were signing autographs, so I got the CD signed as well as one of their "Rockstars Need Money" shirts. Overall, it was a great evening. And their new CD is awesome. Their best to date!

Thursday, I got a pleasant surprise from Amazon. They offered me a free three month trial of their "Amazon Prime" shipping. So all my orders for the next three months will be two day. I think I can live with that. I just need to remember to turn it off in mid-August so I don't get charged their $72 annual fee for the service.

Debbie hosted the game night Saturday. Had a good time playing Imaginiff.

Church was very empty Sunday. Not only was it Memorial Day Weekend, but the Christian school had let out the week before. (In fact, I spent Thursday and Friday at graduations). I bet we had half the normal attendance. We had a potluck that night, and I actually brought something. I made Joanne Fluke's Cherry Cheesecake. Ok, so I did a strawberry version. I was going to use real strawberries, but the ones I could find to buy didn't seem that good, so I used a strawberry pie filling. Good, but not as good as it would have been with fresh fruit. It was about 3/4 gone when everything was over, however, so I consider it a success.

Monday, I went with Debbie to Universal Studios. Yep, the second time I've used my pass, which expires in a month. We were there about 8 hours, but did everything at least once. Not a big park, but fun and interesting for those of us obsessed with the movie. What was really nice was that Debbie went with me even though she went back again today with her sister and her family. Debbie's going to be giving her new pass quite the workout!

Hm, maybe that wasn't as long as I thought it was going to be. But that's my week.

Thursday Threesome for May 25th

If I hurry, I can get it done in today.

Brought to us this week by every student's dream and The Back Porch.

Onesome- Last: What's the last thing you do each day before heading to bed? Do you sit down with a cup of herbal tea? Read a bit? What's your evening routine? Do you settle in early or are you a night owl, winding down long after the rest of the household is in bed?
I used to not be much of a night owl, but I seem to be staying up until midnight or after every night. Probably way I felt so tired yesterday. Anyway, I always read a chapter or two of my current novel before turning out the light.

Twosome- Day: How do you start off your day? Do you stumble to the kitchen and turn on the coffee maker in a sleepy haze? Or do you wake up refreshed and rarin' to go? Maybe somewhere in the middle?
I start the day by rolling over and dozing off until my alarm goes off again (or like this morning, sleeping through the alarm), then start with a shower. I don't drink coffee, but after a good shower, I'm awake and ready to face the day.

Threesome- of School: What's your fondest school memory? Whether it be from childhood or college, let us know!
I got my picture in the paper when I was out observing nature. My teacher even saw it and commented on it in class.

If I'm going to update, I guess I should do it

I am exhausted today. I think staying up until midnight or later every night is catch up with me. Hopefully, after the downhere concert tonight (which starts at 7:30, for those who might be wondering), I can go home and go straight to bed.

Friday night, we had our youth event for May. The jr. high and high school played Gotcha. Basically, everyone had tape on their back and the name of the person they were supposed to get. If you pulled the tape off someone's back, they are dead, and have to give you the name of the person they were going for. The object is to collect the most names. I walked around and make sure everyone was ok, and they were. In fact, everyone seemed to have a great time.

Saturday was lots of fun. First, the college had a picnic for the employees and their families. I arrived just after the softball game (darn, NOT!). They had hamburgers and hot dogs for us, as well as games for the kids. And adults. We had a waterballoon toss and someone brought a volleyball net. I played inspite of my intentions, and it was fun.

See, over the weekend, my wound started to really hurt. I figured out that it was because the skin around it was getting irritated and had nothing to do with the wound itself. I've been using Neutragena, and that's been helping a lot.

Anyway, our game night Saturday was just Debbie and me. Not that we let that stop us from having a good time. We played mini golf in Sherman Oaks and I won. Then we hit Hometown Buffett for dinner since the wait was close to an hour and a half at Olive Garden, our first choice. Konrad and Carol showed up just as we were about to leave. Perfect timing.

And my final TV shows of the season are winding down. 24 was awesome Monday night. I'm still not completely sure how I feel about Alias, although I think they killed off one too many characters for me to truly say I liked it. Still, I thought Sloan's fate was especially poetic.

Last night, I accidentally ran over a spray can of something pulling out of the work parking lot. Sure made lots of noice, but I don't think it did any damage to my car.

And that's the Mark report. Thanks for reading!

What Would a Good Title Be

You know, when your posts consist of random ramblings, it's often hard to come up with a good title. I'll certainly entertain nominees for this one.

So last we left off in my thrill a minute life, I had had a good weekend. I followed it up with a quiet week.

Really, I don't have much to report. Which is why I haven't blogged anything about my life.

I went to get the blood work done for the CAT scan on Wednesday. The woman who did it managed to give me a bruise that hurt for 24 hours.

Went to the new Super Wal-Mart that's opened up here in town as well that night. It's huge! And a complete grocery store, to boot. The best part is it's on my side of town and open 24 hours. I don't know why, but both those things make me very excited.

And it's official. I got the forms to turn my Pixar stock into Disney stock this week. I will now morn the death of my favorite animation studio. Long live Pixar!!! Hopefully Cars is a good final film.

And some old news from last week. After only 7 months, I have statistical graffitti at epinions! Don't know what I mean? It's the popular author and popular review stuff on my about me page. I was quite excited to get it so soon.

Looking ahead to next week, I need to figure out when the downhere concert I plan to attend next Wednesday night is.

And We're Doing Two Weeks Again

I guess I need to do two week's worth of Thursday Threesomes once again.

Onesome: We're after the same rainbow's end- What's your pot of gold at the end of the rainbow? Happiness, true friendship, money?
It depends on what aspect of my life we're talking about. But life in general, it would be Heaven.

Twosome: Waiting around the bend- Anything interesting coming just 'round the bend for you?
Actually, with summer starting, probably not much.

Threesome: My Huckleberry friend- Huckleberries, what are they anyway?? Seriously though, what's the strangest fruit you've ever eaten? Did you like it or hate it?
I had papyas, or however they are spelled, and hated them.

And now, for something completely different....

Onesome: 303-- In what household product line is this number used as a size? Can you guess, or will you have to hit the link?
I had to look it up. (What you thought I'd answer these here? You have to follow the link, too.)

Twosome: 451-- Where is this number used in a title? Bonus: without Google, what is the significance of the number?
Again, didn't get it. I should have. I feel so stupid for not remembering this one. Wouldn't have known the bonus either way.

Threesome: 501-- Where is this number used to denote a style? Ah, you should know this one ...
Even thought I don't wear them because I don't like how they feel on me, I got this one without having to look.

Good Times

Friday night was the college's graduation. Unlike last year, which was roasting hot in the middle of the day, this one was fine temperature wise. In fact, I got cold by the time it was over. And we were facing east, so the sun was behind us. Anyone on stage had the sun in their eyes, but that number was small.

Afterward, a bunch of us went out to eat at Black Angus to help Matt celebrate. It was a late dinner, but well worth it.

Saturday, I hosted game night. Well, that's only half true. Christine provided dinner while everyone was over here. I did make a peach cobbler for dessert. We played Apples to Apples. As far as I know, everyone had a great time.

Sunday, after talking to Mom, Debbie and I met up for a movie and dinner. We went to see Just My Luck. It was good although it wasn't nearly as funny as I thought it would be. The best parts are in the previews.

But this doesn't talk about the best surprise I got this weekend. My friends Donald and Heather were in town for various family graduations. Donald came over for a little while Saturday and then we had an early lunch together today. Or at least I had lunch while they talked because they had a large late breakfast and weren't hungry. It was absolutely wonderful to see them and spend a little time together. Wish it could have been more.

Frustration!

Ok, that's it. I'm officially frustrated again. And anyone who sees me finds out all about it.

I went to the doctor again Monday night. He decided he was concerned about how slowly my wound is healing. So he ordered another CAT scan for me to see if I have an absess under the service that he needs to open me back up for so it can heal.

I couldn't get in for that before the 23rd. At that point, the doctor will be on vacation, so I won't get the results until the 1st. Yep. Three weeks from now is when I'll find out what's going on. Over the phone. So I probably won't get cut back open if I need to be until the 5th at the earliest. Then it will need time to heal again. Translation, we're looking at July before I'll be well, at the earliest!

Furthermore, I asked about ultimate Frisbee summer league, and he told me it wasn't a good idea.

The weather has finally warmed up, and I want to swim. Can't do that either.

I want the last six months of my life back!!!!!

On the other hand, it has warmed up nicely this week. We skipped spring and went straight to 90 degree summer. I'm going to graduation tonight, so hopefully it will be cooler then it was last year. Of course, last year, it was Saturday from 10 Am to noon, so it has to be better then that.

Last night was a kicked back youth group. We played ultimate Frisbee most of the time (yes, I played anyway, so there!), and then had root beer floats. A good time was had by all.

Of course, I left my Bible behind. Fortunately, Pastor Jon found it since it wasn't there when I went back. I called him when I got home. Our conversation went something like this.

Me: Do you know why I'm calling?
PJ: It's sitting on my desk.

I just laughed.

Word Association for May 7th

Look what I'm doing! On time even!

1. Represent :: United Nations
2. Mumbling :: Angry
3. Meetup :: Internet
4. Tantalizing :: Details
5. Fake :: Person
6. Dale :: Sleuth
7. Deny :: Access
8. Calories :: Dessert
9. Roll :: Bread
10. 44 :: 45

Is it Bed Time Yet?

Actually, I'm doing ok now. If I'm tired, I always wake up in the evening. Go figure.

See, it's not really my fault I'm tired. Never mind the fact that I've been staying up late to read. It's all Kurt and Kellie's fault. They're the ones who told me about the 10 PM IMAX one time only showing of Mission: Impossible III last night. They're the ones who encouraged me to go. It's all their fault and not mine at all.

Yeah, I'll just keep believing that.

Meanwhile, back on planet earth, I've done better today then I thought I would. Still, I have a feeling I'll be going to bed early tonight. And/or sleeping in tomorrow. Both of which sound nice.

My thoughts on the movie? There are some definitely traces of JJ Abrams in it, especially Alias, which was great since I'm such a fan. And the movie itself was incredible! I really enjoyed it, and I didn't care for the first two that much.

Other then that, I don't have much to report. Just another week of watching TV in the evening and working during the day.

Two Thursday Threesomes

So does that make it a six something or other?

Last week's was brought to us by suitcases and The Back Porch.

Onesome: Packing-- What type of packing do you do when you travel? Are you one of those who carefully does the "traveler's roll" with each peace of clothing and tucks it carefully away? ...or does everything more or less just find its way into the car somehow?
I try to pack smart, but I am no good at it. Everything just hopefully finds its way into my suitcase/car.

Twosome: for a-- change of pace how about a guided tour of any building or place you'd like to visit: where would you go if you had that opportunity?
The White House of Disney archieves.

Threesome: Trip-- Where are you off to on your next trip? ...or if you're stuck in place for a while, where would you like to go? ...and yes, "Anywhere!!!" is an okay answer !
Anywhere! Disneyland or World would be nice. Washington DC has been calling me again. Hendy Woods State Park would be awesome. Basically, out of town for a trip would be appreciated right about now.

And this weeks, brought to us by Emily Bronte.

Onesome: Wuthering-- What kind of word is that anyway? Do you have a word you think is just strange? "Kangaroo" comes to mind ...
I just always assumed it was an old English word of some kind. Kazoo is a strange word. And thanks to Calvin and Hobbes, I love the word smock. I don't think I would have given it much thought if it weren't for them.

Twosome: Heights-- Are you afraid of them or can you dance along the rooftop coping like a character in a movie?
I am afraid of them. And the movie character dancing on the rooftop? Those scare me as well.

Threesome: (and lows)-- What kind of insect or bug sends you low and scurrying? Do spiders do that to you? Wasps? ...or do you just squish everything that "bugs" you?
I'm not a big fan of any of the creepy crawlers, but wasps and bees are one of my biggest fears.

And a Good Time Was Had By All

I wish the LA Times/UCLA Festival of Books came several times a year! As always, Angelique and I had a wonderful time.

We did our usually hop from mystery bookstore booth to mystery bookstore booth chatting with authors we know or getting autographs from authors we plan to try. I got chastized for not having read Pari Noskin Taichert's second. And we found out that Jerrilyn Farmer's next won't be out for another year. Furthermore, the teaser at the end of the last book is wrong, so I bought it as a collector's item. Which meant I had to buy the paperback of Perfect Sax as well. She was quite amused, but in a happy sort of way. Nope, not an obsessive collector. Another highlight was discovering Cookie Jar publishing and telling Joanne Fluke about it. (Her main character is a cookie baker who owns a shop called The Cookie Jar.) This one looked like a kid's educational book publisher.

For the first time this year, we went to a panel. Dianne Mott Davidson, Jerrilyn Farmer, Earlene Fowler, and a guy who I hadn't heard of and whose name I can't remember talking about their books. We really enjoyed it. Quite humourous and very informative as well. We're going to try to hit more of those in future years.

From there I headed up to game night at Konrad and Carol's. I won two of the three rounds of Mexican Train Dominoes we played, so you know I had a god time.

I wanted to go back to the festival Sunday, but we finally had our SAYF (Sunday Afternoon Youth Fellowship) that day. Wound up playing volleyball at a nearby park with Nick and five of the jr. high girls. We had fun, and I think the jr. highers did as well.

The part of the weekend that wasn't fun but was challenging was Friday night. One of the high schooler's organized a fund raiser for the Invisible Children fund. The story of these kids hiding so they won't be kidnapped and force to serve in the rebel army in Uganda is very sobering. I've been challenged by it, and I really need to figure out how to help them myself.