Thursday, September 30, 2004

Quick Plea for Sponsors

I forgot to mention this yesterday.

Saturday we're talking the kids from the youth groups to the Walk for Life, a fund raiser for the Pregnancy Counsiling Center. Since I'm going to be there, I'll be walking. If any of you want to sponsor me, shoot me an e-mail or leave me a reply here and I'll get back to you.

No amount too small. After all, it's only a two mile walk.

Thanks, and see you in October.

Thursday Threesome for September 30

You'd think I forget to do these in the morning or something. :) Brought to us this week by risk takers and The Back Porch.

Onesome- Against: Is there anything you are vehemently opposed to? Or just something that gets you up on your soapbox?
Lies. Hypocracy. Conservative causes. But then again, if you read this blog, you've already figured that out. :)

Twosome- All: Is there something that you have to give all or nothing to?
I really can't think of anything. (And is it just me, or is this a strange question, anyway?)

Threesome- Odds: Are you a gambler? What would you bet on and for how much?
No, I'm not a gambler. I know I'd loose if I tried it, so I wouldn't bet anything I wanted to loose.

Wednesday, September 29, 2004

Time to Catch Up

It's been a few days, so maybe it's time to catch you up on my life.

Friday night, I went to Bible study for the career group. Good, although one guy kept asking needless questions, making it drag on forever. Of course, part of my impatience may have been that I was meeting a bunch of friends to see Sky Captian. We also had a new person leading worship. Made me feel good because he kept leading us so slowly. Still, considering how little he's played and how nervous he was, I'm not going to complain too loudly.

As to the movie, unlike Stephanie, I wasn't that impressed. To me, it seemed to need something. Like character developement and plot that flowed. There were too many leaps that worked, but could have been smoother. If the characters are in a live and die situation and you don't care, that means something's wrong.

Saturday was the big Frisbee golf with the Jr. high. We had a small turnout (5 kids), but it went well. The girls didn't like it, and it was hot (100 degrees). We played 9 holes then went and got ice cream and went back to the church and played tag in the church. Afterward, went out to dinner with the other staff who were there, which was very fun. Got a 5 cheese pizza that was to die for.

Sunday was church. Had the staff up front in church to pray for us at the end of the service, which was nice. And caused me to do 4 loads of laundry Saturday. Met my friend Debbie for lunch, which was a great time. Then went back to church to meet with Jr. high who is going to help me lead worship tomorrow night. (Sr. high will be gone for the most part.) Only one showed up, and he hadn't been playing as long as I thought he had. He was really struggling to keep up with chord changes, maybe getting one or two right per song. I'm meeting the other one early tomorrow night, so I don't know how well he plays, but from what I've seen, it's better. Anyway, it will be interesting tomorrow night to say the least.

Monday night after work I went down to play ultimate Frisbee. Only 5 of us there, so we played a hot box version that involved lots of running. But very fun. I was ready for a break when we quit, but not ready to quit.

While all this going on, I still finished Skin Deep, the newest Alias prequel. Not at all bad. And I'm starting Verse of the Vampyre, which the author sent me a free review copy of.

So that's the highlights.

And in other news, I am boycotting CBS. Twice in the last month, they have done two bogus news stories with obviously forged or inaccurate documents. No matter what side of this election you're on, this goes beyond that. And until they take steps to actually report news and not propoganda, I will not be supporting them at all. Which means no more Survivor or CSI or Without a Trace. I'll probably go through withdrawls, but I should be ok.

Tuesday, September 28, 2004

If it's Tuesday, it must be Meme Day

Starting off today's post with TV Tuesday. This week is on the theme of favorite channels/habits.

1. It's off to an easy start, what's your favorite channel?
I would honestly have to say Fox News. Odds are that I will watch a few minutes here or there every day. I will watch it during commercials for other shows. I set my VCR to it after I've recorded something else.

Of the regular broadcast networks, I guess it's CBS since that's the one I watch the most.

2. What shows are on your favorite channel?
On Fox News, we have Special Report with Brit Hum on weekdays and The Beltway Boys, Fox News Watch, and After Hours on Saturdays.

CBS brings us all three CSI's, Survivor, Amazing Race, and Without a Trace

3. Does your favorite channel change often or are you a loyal watcher?
I'm loyal to shows I like. If another network starts doing shows I like better then these, I'll stop watching them and be loyal to that station. I'm more loyal to shows then networks.

~Bonus~ How much of a creature of habit are you? Do you have a daily or weekly viewing schedule? Is your TV or Cable programmed to switch channels even if you're not there? LOL
I have a weekly viewing schedule with some show on every night of the week. My TV won't switch channels without me telling it to, but I will program my VCR to get anything I miss.

And Eric's back with a new Psycho Survey, this time about the night.

1. What if anything will keep you up all night?
I prefer to sleep at night, but sometimes I seem to get a round of insomnia. At that point, it's because my mind is going a million miles an hour trying to figure something out. Or I'm concerned about getting to sleep, so I'm trying to get to sleep and staying awake because I'm worried about it. :) If I try to stay up, I usually hit a wall about midnight or 1 AM when I must sleep I'm so brain dead.

2. If you find yourself up all night, and not in a hurry to go to bed, what are you usually doing?
The last time I stayed up super late was in December putting my entertainment center together. Think I was up until about 3 or 4 AM. I've been known to stay up late Friday nights watching stuff, but it's usually not anything spectacular if I'm up that late.

3. How late will you sleep when you have been up all night?
I might sleep until noon. Normally I can't seem to sleep past 8 AM unless I'm with my parents.

Sunday, September 26, 2004

Word Association for Sept 26th

Just coming in under the wire this week. As always, found here.

  1. Diminishing:: Returns
  2. Fed up:: Walk Away
  3. 3:00 AM:: Sleep
  4. Interfere:: Bother
  5. Often:: Frequently
  6. Hay:: is for Horses
  7. Prediction:: The Future
  8. Homophobia:: A term thrown around to stifle any debate
  9. Booty call:: Shoe Store Phone
  10. Enunciate:: Speak clearly

Friday, September 24, 2004

Fall is in the Air

Actually, today is the day it's been in the air the least. It was downright cold at the beginning of the week. Ok, cold for here. Low 70's during the day. It's now back to 90's. Let me enjoy another week of summer while I can. (And yes, I know come spring I'll think 70 degrees is wonderful.) And the air was rather dry earlier this week as well. It felt like it was sucking any moister it could find out of the air. Not my favorite feeling.

And I've been fighting my annual change of seasons cold. The one I get during our first cool weather snap. This one settled in my throat most of the time, but I'm waiting for my nose to completely unplug.

Fortunately, I could sing enough to lead worship last night. Monday and Tuesday, that wasn't an option.

I was late last night because I just had to finish No Place for Secrets. Great book highly recommended.

Got my check back for excess escrow funds. And with today being payday, I'm much happier with my bank account balance. I don't have a mortgage payment due next week, but will need to pay my car insurance. Still, all in all, I think I'm in pretty good shape financially.

Took my car in for survive yesterday. Just standard maintenance stuff.

As you can tell, after Tuesday, the rest of my week has been a thrill a minute.

I recorded three hours of TV to watch Wednesday night I haven't even gotten near. And I don't know when I'll watch this weekend, either. With a subtle shift of Tv viewing habits, I may never get caught up. I may need to rethink what shows I watch.

No. There's got to be a better way to handle things.

Thursday, September 23, 2004

Thursday Threesome for September 23rd

Things were crazy this morning, but I've got a few minutes to do this week's round, brought to us by Betty Crocker and The Back Porch.

Onesome: Crockpot-- Hey, Winter is just around the corner! Does that mean crockpot meals for you? ...and how about the students: When you get home for the holidays will Mom have had something simmering all day?
Nope, but it does mean I get to eat in the caffeteria at the college again. And am I loving that!

Twosome: Marmalade-- Chunk style or creamy? Do you even do jams, jellies and peanut butters with bits and pieces in them? ...or is that something you like have stocked on the shelves?
Chunky style all the way. In peanut butter and in jams and jellies. Not that I eat any of them regularly, but if I did, there I would be.

Threesome: Chicken--pot pies? Do you love 'em or hate 'em? Simple, -eh? ...and if you love 'em, where do you find good ones? ...or is that even possible ?
I love 'em. And I'll eat any kind from anyone. Usually just do the frozen ones from the grocery story, but I even like the new Hot Pockets brand Pot Pie Express.

That was easy this week! :)

Wednesday, September 22, 2004

In Which I Am Grateful for a Leaky Pipe

Ok, maybe not the leak itself, but the way it happened.

It all started Monday night when I went to bed. I thought the room had cooled off enough we wouldn't need the fan on. So I turned it off.

I awoke at 1:30 in the morning for two reasons. First, it had gotten hot in the room. Second, I heard a sound that sounded like water dripping. Into the light cover over my bathroom sink. Got up to investigate. Couldn't really find anything, but I was more convienced that's what it was. So I called my home owner association's answering service. They called the plumber who said he'd come at 7:30 Tuesday morning. Went back to bed. With the fan on, I could no longer hear the dripping, which was probably a good thing. Would have driven me crazy otherwise.

When I got up Tuesday morning, I no longer heard the noise. In fact, I wasn't sure if I had been right the night before now or not. But I took a shower and got dressed. The plumber showed up and we looked at it for a few minutes. That's when I noticed a water spot. He cut a hole and find a nice steady leak. I felt good because it means I hadn't over reacted. Got it fixed and I even got to work on time. I now have a couple nice holes in my ceiling, but that's minor.

So why am I thankful? Yesterday was the only day I could have stayed home to take care of this. Tomorrow I'm taking my car to the dealer for service and the other days I have class. Furthermore, they came and took care of it right away and they could from my unit. If you remember, when I had a similar problem around Thanksgiving, it took three weeks to get it taken care of.

Now, if they'd just replace the pipes before it happens again I'll be really happy.

In other news, I'm enjoying Steven Curtis Chapman's new CD. Not that that's a surprise or anything.

Last night, I went to the Frisbee golf course and borrowed some discs for Saturday then played the course so hopefully I'll remember where the holes are come Saturday. Was fun, but my right arm sure is sore today. I'm such a whimp.

Think that about covers the news around here. Maybe it's time I headed for home.

Tuesday, September 21, 2004

Three Meme Tuesday

Can you believe I'll be trying to do three today? Me neither. Guess I'd better get going.

First up, the TV Tuesday for the week.

1. What's your favorite all time spin off? Which show did it spin off?
I'm gonna have to go with Laverne and Shirley, which spun off from Happy Days (itself a spin off.) And I guess Diagnosis: Murder counts as a spin off, too, doesn't it. Love that show as well. At least the Lee Goldberg years.

2. What do you consider the worst spin off ever? Why?
At the moment, I'm not exactly enjoying Joey. Much more sexually oriented then Friends was, which really says something. Also, I'd have to say some of those that failed to make a full season would have to qualify. Not that I've seen Joannie Loves Chachi or Three's a Crowd.

3. Is there a show that's ended that you wish they'd done a spin off for? Which one?
I would have liked either of the Babylon 5 spin offs to last long enough to tell the stories they were supposed to tell. I hate being left hanging.

~Bonus~ If you could "end" your current life and make a spin off of it what would you call it? What would be the theme (characters new and eliminated, changes you'd make)?
Starting Over takes Mark, still single, to a new city where he tries to find a wife. New characters are the leader of the singles ministry at his new church, his new co-workers. Everyone non-family was eliminated due to budget cutbacks/new location. Unlike the previous soap opera, this one will be a comedy.

Second, is Mary's Tuesday Two. (I just had to do this one second.)

1. What is the most adventurous thing you have ever done to your hair?
Must we go through this discussion again? :) I'd say shaving half my head and coming to play ultimate Frisbee that way. (Link to pictures not posted so Matt doesn't find them without some effort.) A close second would be the Swiss Cheese Mohawk I sported for New Years one year. (Pictures not on-line, Matt, don't worry about it.)

2. Tell me about a book you recently read that you would highly recommend.
The last book I read that I would recommend highly would be The Shooting Script by the afore-mentioned Lee Goldberg. Even if you weren't a D:M fan, this has a great plot that will keep you guessing as to how until the very last page. And if you did watch D:M, you'll absolutely love it.

Finally, we have Eric's most recent Phycho Survey. This edition is guarenteed to tell you nothing new about me. Heck, I'm even going to do Anna's bonus question with the same results.

1. Have you ever worn jeans?Yes
2. Have you ever taken a shower?Yes
3. Have you ever eaten breakfast?Yes
4. Have you ever had a cold?Yes (In fact, I'm getting over one right now.)
5. Have you ever woken up in the morning?Yes
6. Have you ever used a computer?Yes
7. Have you ever watched a movie?Yes
8. Have you ever seen a cat?Yes
9. Have you ever witnessed a rain storm?Yes
10. Have you ever had a conversation with another person?Yes.
Feel free to add additional questions of equal import.:)
To which Anna added:
11. Have you ever gone for a walk?Yes.
12. Have you ever done a meme? (you may include this one in your answer)Yes.
13. Have you ever said "Hello" to someone you know?Yes.

Wait, we can't have an unlucky 13, can we?
14. Have you ever said "Hello" to someone you don't know?Yes.
15. Have you ever watched a TV show?Yes.
16. Have you ever blogged?Yes.

You know, I was tempted to answer sarcastically. That would have been loads of fun. But there were only a few that it would have made a difference on. Who knows, maybe I'll revisit this one if I get the time later.

Monday, September 20, 2004

One Year Ago Today

It hit me this weekend. It's been a year since I moved into my condo. A year exactly today.

One year as a property owner.

One year as a landlord.

Yes, still scary, but the world hasn't ended. Yet.

In other news, I caught the cold everyone and their brother has had around here. While I've got a little in the stuffy nose department, it skipped that for the most part and settled in my throat. Boy do I sound good. :) Hope it clears up by Thursday so I can lead singing. If not, I can at least still play.

Meeting my contact at the Frisbee golf course tomorrow after work to go over the course and get some discs. Finally got in touch with him Saturday.

And you know that new key I was so proud of? I can only get it to work in some of the locks it's supposed to work in. Something about being a new key and the locks being finicky. Major bummer there. I'll have to break it in somehow without breaking it.

Sunday, September 19, 2004

Word Association for Sept 19th

Well, I've left myself 30 minutes to do it this week. Still no songs picked out. And I need to cut my fingernails since I forgot to do that this morning. But I'm here now doing the word association, which I always take from here.

  1. Pointless:: A few movies I've seen
  2. Sadistic:: Torture
  3. Bunny:: Hop
  4. Betrayal:: Knife in the back
  5. Oliver:: North
  6. Star Wars:: Missle Defense (yes, even with all the hype. And it's usually the other way around, too.)
  7. Let it ride:: Don't make an issue out of it.
  8. Ray of light:: Hope
  9. Tight:: Rope
  10. Gadget:: Inspector

Friday, September 17, 2004

I hold the key!

Finally, after years of asking, I have a key to my church!

Ok, so I've only asked once or twice, but I asked again now that Dave's gone. And Jon agreed that it would be good for Kurt and I to have keys. Now I won't have to track someone down if my guitar is locked in our Sunday School room like I always do when it's hot out. If Scott doesn't show up to Sunday evening practice I can let us in the room. And I do all kinds of things to get into trouble, too.

I've been behaving well for 9 years so this day would come.

Ok, not really.

The only downside is that I can no longer use my standard joke when it comes to this. "They trust me with kids but not keys."

Let's see, what else is going on in my life?

I made it to class early this morning. By about 10 minutes. See, I actually got out of bed when my alarm went off for something different. Traffic is such a mess at that time of the morning, it's already driving me crazy and I've got another three months of doing this three times a week.

Maybe that's about it. Can't think of anything else earth shattering. Or exciting.

Now watch, I won't have any reason to use my key for months to come. :)

Thursday, September 16, 2004

Thursday Threesome for September 16th

Afternoon. Where does the morning go these days? Anyway, here's this week's Thursday Threesome, brought to us by Thin Mints and The Back Porch.

Onesome: Girl- Girls' (or boys') Night Out- Do you ever just feel the need to drop everything and go hang out with your pals? What do you all do when you go out? Something "wild" like partying at the bar, or something as "mild" as just hanging out at a coffee shop and discussing the latest books you've read? Or do you head over to a pal's house to watch the big game?
Yes, I often feel the need to hang out with friends. Usually, they're busy when I need to do that. Stupid friends! When we do, it's often just talking or watching a movie. Of course, there is my weekly Sci-fi nights.

Twosome: Scout- Were you ever a scout as a kid? Which branch? Did you join willingly or was it something you did because everyone else was or your parents thought it would be "good for you?"
I wasn't a scout. The closest I came was Boy's Birgade or AWANA at church.

Threesome: Cookies- What's your favorite kind of cookie? What's the strangest cookie you've ever had or heard of but been too afraid to try? And do you buy Girl Scout cookies? Which ones?
Let's see, chocolate chip cookies are great. As are girl scout thin mints. In fact, some company makes a cookie called Mistic Mint that is almost identical to thin mints. And there were the mint cookie joys I found at Trader Joe's. Not to mention the chocolate coconut Girl Scout cookies I've been known to buy. Just can't remember the name.

I used to buy cookies from someone at church, but haven't for a few years, mainly because I just see people outside stores selling them. But right now, I'm really hungry for a box. If I can keep that for 10 months, I should be fine.

Wednesday, September 15, 2004

So the Week Continues

After feeling lousy Monday, I spent a quiet night at home. I've been feeling better sense. Casey was also sick Monday. We decided to blame Matt, but then he got sick yesterday, so maybe no one was to blame. :)

Yesterday was all about getting stuff. After work, I went to the mall and bought Home on the Range. Didn't especially like the movie, but being a collector has it's downfalls. Also preordered Aladdin while I was at it. I've been wanting to watch that movie recently, but I'm waiting until it comes out on DVD. I can not wait until then!

Then when I got home, I found Rocky and Bullwinkle, the Complete Second Season waiting for me. Watch a couple episodes before The Amazing Race. Man, I love that show!

Signed papers for my refinance today. Finally. So that's moving ahead. Should fund on Monday. Then in another couple weeks I start getting the refund checks back since I paid more then I needed to today. Not to mention the old impounds account for my taxes. That will be very nice to have in.

In case you're wondering, that book in my currently reading collumn should be No Place for Secrets. It's an older book, so I knew that the cover wouldn't show up. But I honestly expected the title and author to show up.

Tuesday, September 14, 2004

TV Tuesday Returns!

After a few week break, TV Tuesday returned, while I was having computer problems and sick and generally not blogging regularly. But I'm back to it this week.

This week's theme is judge shows. Should be interesting. It's something I know nothing about.

1. Do you have a favorite judge? Least favorite?
The only one I've ever watched is People's Court. I can't stand the ads for most of them, especially Judge Judy.

2. If you were given the chance would you settle a court case on a judge show?
Never. It always seems to be the silliest, most trivial cases on there with people who know no shame. I never want to be like that.

3. What's the silliest case you've ever seen on a judge show?
I haven't watched one in 15 years. I really don't remember anything about them.

~Bonus~ Imagine it, you've got your own show and now you're a judge, what would your show be like?
It would have to be a business judge show cause that's about all I know about. And would probably be very boring so it would get canceled quickly.

And, just for fun, I'll do last week's as well. The theme then was Kid's TV

1. When you were a kid what was (or is if you're still a kid LOL) your favorite show?
Mr. Roger's Neighborhood, no question asked. Especially since it was the only one I was allowed to watch. Watched it into elementary school, then again with my younger brother. :) On the sly, when I was in jr. and senior high, it was probably You Can't Do That on Television.

And can I make a confession? Sesame Street scared me as a kid. Only on TV. Loved the records I had. Of course, I scared very easily as a kid, so I'm surprised Mr. Roger's didn't.

2. What is the silliest kids show you've ever seen? (You can use stupidest, most outrageous, worst, etc if you prefer!)
You know, I've drawing a blank on this right now. Possibly Salute Your Shorts on Nick.

3. If you could be any character in a kids show (past or present) who would you be? Why?
Fred Rogers. He had such a cool job and was so well loved by so many.

~Bonus~ This one is kind of for the adults and parents out there. Do you feel kids shows have changed for the better or worse since you were a kid?
There are a lot of kids shows out there that aren't appropriate for kid's right now. I really don't know how much that has changed, however.

Monday, September 13, 2004

Weekends Aren't Long Enough

Heck, I complained my three day weekend wasn't long enough last week, and I feel the same way today. Of course, since my Sunday's are so broken up with stuff I have to do anyway, it hardly counts anymore. It's more like a one day weekend.

Saturday was loads of fun. I went to Santa Monica with Matt (no, the other one) and Casey. We played in the water, threw a frisbee around, and played in the water. That's when the non-fun part came. Matt lost his glasses in the water. We tried, but couldn't find them. And his spare pair were at his parent's in Garden Grove, so we headed down there. That's when the really non-fun part started. We drove within a mile of Disneyland. Boy was it calling me! But I resisted. We hung out at Matt's for a little while and ate dinner. He made me drool over his book collection. And we found his spare glasses. All in all, it was about an 8 hour day, but we had a blast together.

Sunday was the usual. Church, talking to family, internet, church stuff again at night. We did practice for Thursday on Sunday for something different. And I'm very excited about the songs we'll be doing. "I Stand in Awe" with both verses. A great version of "Amazing Grace" thanks to Jared. And "Unto Thee, O Lord." I love that song but just finally figured out how to play it. It's an old song, but I don't think any of the kids know it since I haven't played it for years. I'm really looking forward to introducing it to them.

Then we had a SNYF at a house with a pool. We had lots of fun playing in the water, then we had a great time of worship with the kids actually singing. Seemed like a great SNYF.

So, yes, it was a good weekend, but not nearly long enough.

Meanwhile today, I've been trying to decide if I'm sick again or not. I think I'm mainly just tired. Not sure why I'm so tired, but I'm going to try going to bed early tonight and seeing what happens.

Should be getting loan docs tomorrow to sign Wednesday for the refi. Will be glad when this is all done.

Sunday, September 12, 2004

Word Association for Sept 12th

Once again, I should be on my way to church, but I'm doing the word association. Does this mean I'd addicted or something?

  1. Self-esteem:: Good in small doses
  2. Migraine:: Headache
  3. Phoebe:: Friends
  4. Nervous:: Butterflies in Stomach
  5. Punctual:: Not me Today
  6. Liver damage:: Drinking
  7. Legal disclaimer:: Small Print
  8. Reverend:: Pastor
  9. Supple:: Jim (Obviously, I've spent too much time on the Trixie boards.)
  10. Binder:: School

Friday, September 10, 2004

Modern Technology is wonderful. When it works.

Yeah, it's been one of those 24 hours.

It started last night at youth group. We hadn't practiced Sunday since my parents were in town. I was doing laundry so got there late. Once Jared got there, we practiced. Things were looking great on our end.

However, no one could log into the computer we were supposed to use for the Powerpoint slides I'd created. We tried just about everything, but nothing worked. So we cut the first song and went ahead with the others hoping people would know them. I mean, we sing them enough.... We had mixed results, but it was the best I could do on short notice. Next week, I'm going to bring the songbooks as back up.

Watched the premier of Joey when I got home. It was a pilot episode. I'll give it a few more before I give up on it, but I wasn't completely hooked right off the bat. And NBC did their normal trick of not sticking to their stated times. I'm about ready to stop watching them because I'm sick of setting my VCR for 8-8:35 and not getting the end of a half hour show.

It was while doing laundry that I determined my dryer isn't fully drying clothes all the way again. And I was doing three rather small loads. I don't know what to do now.

Then today, I came into work to find out the AC wasn't working. It's now 83 in the office, steadily getting hotter from 77 all day. It's not so bad since I've got my shoes off right now, but it's still pretty bad.

In case you're wondering what I'm doing here so late, the career Bible study meets tonight just down the street from the college. Since it makes little sense to spend the hour I had on the road, I'm whining on my blog.

And now, I think I'm off to write a couple reviews.

Late Memes

If I'm doing one late, might as well do them all late, right?

First up, Sunday's word association.

  1. Reporter:: Newspaper
  2. Mythology:: Greek and Roman gods
  3. Wimbledon:: Tennis
  4. Civilization:: Cradle of
  5. Punctuation:: Period
  6. Party Games:: Taboo
  7. Flawless:: Perfect
  8. Unprecedented:: New and Surprising
  9. Curry:: Garbonzo Bean Curry (which we had for dinner Sunday night)
  10. Tropical:: Island


And then yesterday's Thursday Threesome, brought to us by Jennie and The Back Porch.

Onesome: Ripped-- Ripped and torn asunder? Do you have a memorable "ripped clothing" moment in your life? No? How about in someone else's? Come on, you know you have something to contribute!
I do? I've had clothing rip, but not in an embarrassing way and I was able to make it home just fine. Frankly, it's been years since that happened. The only one I still wear is my athletic shorts. I just love them and can't find anything to replace them. I ripped the seam on one "leg" about a month after I bought them, but I've been wearing them for four years now.

Twosome: from the-- From the archives: What's changed on your website over the last year? ...a redo? ...a change of pace? ...or is it still business as usual?
If we're going to count this as my web site, I've completely changed the layout. It was a few months ago, but I really don't remeber for sure when.

Threesome: Headlines-- Are you a Headline Nazi? I mean, do you ever look at a headline and ask yourself, "What were they thinking?" ...or, "What are they trying to say?" Then again, do you have a favorite headline that you'll always remember?
To be a headline Nazi, I'd have to read headlines. I haven't read any for years except for those funny ones that are forwarded to you, and frankly, half the time I think they make sense. :)

Wednesday, September 08, 2004

That's right!

Yep, Faith guessed correctly. I now have hair down to my waste. It was quite a challenge getting it to grow several feet overnight, but worrying really can add inches to your hair. And since my boss isn't here today, I can get away with it until tomorrow when I'll be fired for having inappropriate hair.

September Fools!

Somehow, that doesn't sound the same as April Fools, does it?

In reality, the reverse is the truth. I'm writing this bald. Or as bald as you can be 22 hours after shaving smooth.

This is my first head shave in since I moved into my condo. And man have I missed that feel. There is something about feeling that smooth doom I just love.

Did it as soon as I got home last night. Had some fun with the clippers leaving the front for the very last. Thought about leaving it, but figured it was too weird.

I've gotten a few "baldy" comments and things like that today. But most people haven't commented. Even though I haven't been bald for a year, I'd say they must be used to it by now. Heck, even my roommates didn't say anything last night. Of course, Ben knew I was planning to do this and Tom keeps his hair so short he probably didn't think anything of it. Drew was at work by the time I was done.

In other news, I had lunch with a friend today. Good to catch up on our summers. It really was quite a summer for me, wasn't it? Maybe that's why I'm not too sorry to see it ending already.

Well, I guess it's dinner time.

Tuesday, September 07, 2004

Not Nearly Enough Time for Goofing Off!

And it was a three day weekend to boot!

As soon as I left work Friday, I headed to my parent's trailer. We had a great weekend, but it wasn't nearly long enough!

Saturday, we tried to sleep in, but someone started up their loud deisel truck at 5 AM. While we dozed after they finally turned it off, we were all pretty tired. Still, we went to the Reagan Presidential Library (Mom and Dad's first visit) and played miniture golf in Sherman Oaks. The frustrating part of the day was that Mom was expecting me to be a tour guide. What I do most of the time and what they like to do are two different things. Then, when we finished the golf, Mom expected me to come up with a restaurant off the top of my head in an area I'm not at all familiar with. Keep in mind that they are vegan, so it's hard to find a restaurant they'd like. Eventually we gave up and came back to Santa Clarita where I have at least a bit of an advantage.

Sunday, we met up at church. Eventually, we made our way back to the trailer where we played some games, talked to my brother and sister-in-law, and ate dinner.

Monday, we really slept in. It was almost 10 AM before we got up and going. We tried to go see Princess Diaries 2, but it was sold out for the first showing. Grabbed tickets for the second showing, drove around Castaic Lake, and then went to Linner. (A meal between lunch and dinner). Then we enjoyed the movie. Yes, predictable, but very fun. Finally, we headed back to the trailer were we played a little Rummikub before Mom decided to watch Finding Nemo. Frankly, her desire to see that movie surprised me. She enjoyed it for the most part, but liked PD2 better. Personally, it think they are both great movies.

We never went swimming and we never played Canasta. Yet, it was a fun weekend. :)

I did get some read in my new book, Stalking the Angel. A PI novel, but I'm enjoying it.

What surprised me was that they didn't say a word all weekend about me having cut my hair. Since they didn't know about it, I was expecting something. I guess Mom's resigned to my hair being short as well as those down here.

Of course, I haven't cut my hair in a month, so I have a rather moppy looking crew cut at the moment. A problem I intend to remedy tonight, with results I'm sure Faith will approve of. :)

Friday, September 03, 2004

And So Ends Another Crazy Week

Remember when I used to post here 5 or 6 times a week?

Me, too.

It's been another crazy week in the life of Mark. Ready to hear about it?

Monday, the network here at work was hit by a virus big time. I was only able to work long enough to actually transfer money in our bank, but that was about it.

Tuesday was more of the same. Frankly, by Tuesday afternoon, I was very frustrated. With having been off last week and already being behind because of getting ready for the audit, I was swamped with work I needed to do and no time to do it.

Tuesday night I had an evidence of God being in control happen, however.

In trying to plan the Jr. high activity for the month, one option we've thrown out is Frisbee golf. So I headed out to the course in Sylmar to check it out. I got there and was looking around. Wanted to confirm my impression, so I went up to someone throwing some discs into a hole. Turned out he's the guy who's overseeing the course right now, so I was able to make a great connection. He happened to be there when I showed up on the spur of the moment. Now if I can just get back in touch and firm up details, it will be great.

Wednesday, the network was back up, at least for staff. But that was also the first day one of my co-workers switch departments. Her job has been farmed out, and I've got part of it. And part of that is stuff I've never done before, so I'm now trying to learn that. Frankly, today is the first day I managed to get to my July stuff that's been hanging over my head all week.

Yes, I'm looking forward to a long weekend, why do you ask? I need it. I feel like I've worked a week and a half since Sunday.

My parents are in town. Ok, technically, they're in Castaic, the town just north of here. I'm not sure what all we'll be doing, but I'm looking forward to a nice relaxing weekend.

Hope you all have a great 3 day weekend! Or, if you aren't in the US, I hope you have a great regular weekend!

Thursday, September 02, 2004

Thursday Threesome for Sept. 2nd

Wow, I've been abandoning the place. Life's just been crazy I guess. But more on that later. Right now, it's time for this week's Thursday Threesome, brought to us by clowns and The Back Porch.

Onesome: Three- What do you think the T3 should be next week? Just toss three words together; we'll do the rest! *g*
I did have an idea stringing the questions together from the beginning of Crusade, the shortlived Babylon 5 sequel. Those questions are "Who are you?" "What do you want?" "Who do you serve, and who do you trust?"

But that's not three words is it? How about God Bless America. Or Man Bites Dog.

I think they might be running out of ideas. Sure hope not since I love doing it.

Twosome: Ring- Are you a jewellery person? Is there any one item you wear every single day? Do you have any piercings? Where are they and did they hurt?
Does my watch count? Once my shell necklace broke, that's about all I wear. In the way of jewlery! I did wear my college class ring for a few months, but stopped that. And I have no piercings and have no desire to get any. Too much pain.

Threesome: Circus- Do you like the circus? What's your favorite act? Or is your life enough of a circus for you?
Right now my life seems circus because of how crazy things are at work. But normally it's not. And I honestly have never been to the circus. I really should go sometime I guess.