I'm tired. Somebody stayed up talking to his roommate until 1 this morning before finally going to sleep. I blaim it all on Donald. If he hadn't been around, I wouldn't have stayed up so late. :)

I may have two leads on new roommates right now. One would be more permanent, but the other would be just the summer. Still it would be something to get me through the next few months.

Comments that you've all been waiting for. (Also known as the warning to skip the next couple paragraphs if you aren't interested.)

Dove Awards - I'm majorly disappointed. Steven Curtis Chapman deserved to win Male Vocalist or Artist (not necessarily both) this year if he's ever deserved to win. And "God is God" should have won song of the year. And don't even get me started on the fact that Shaun Groves and downhere didn't win new artist of the year. Either one of those two deserved it big time. But that's all I'll rant on that. If you are curious who the winners were, head over to CMCentral. Several staff members were there and they have a detailed listing of who won the major and minor awards.

Survivor - Last night was a riot! Tammy and Rob trying to save their skins after showing their true colors last week. Zoe trying to distance herself from the others, but becoming the lone wolf. Glad to see that liar gone. Rob or Tammy go next week. Tammy's made herself too big a target by winning immunity two weeks in a row. The instant she looses, she's probably out of there. Unless Rob really makes them mad first.

I'm a couple days late, but happy Anniversary to Shana and Chris. This is really funny. You see, Shana and I share a birthday. And their anniversary is on my brother's birthday (he's 20 now). I had several friends in high school with April 24th birthdays. My uncle and aunt got married that day, and her grandson's birthday is that day, too. Very popular day!

It's been threatening rain all day, but hasn't started here in SC. Sounds like it's been raining elsewhere, however. Hope it clears up like it's supposed to before the book festival at UCLA tomorrow. That would not be fun.

Tonight, I'm off to hang out with Donald. And hopefully go to sleep early.

Good afternoon.

Last night went well. The high school youth pastor told me that he followed what I was trying to do with the music time. I'm glad someone did. Never heard from Matt, so I enjoyed Enterprise with the others. Then read for a while and went to bed. Not that I went right to sleep, but at least I went to bed.

Went running for the first time all month this morning. I haven't been that sore today, which is unusual for me. Probably won't be able to get out of bed tomorrow, but I'll worry about that then.

Tonight is the Dove Awards. And I actually get to watch them on the night they air this year! The last several years, they've been prodcast at some point. Often a couple weeks later. Last year they didn't air at all when I could watch them. And what are they, you ask? They're the Christian Music Awards of course. An equivelant to the Country Music Awards. It's the only awards show I really watch.

I still need to watch the Amazing Race from last night. And Survivor tonight. Got a full night of vegging lined up. Can't wait.

Here's today's Thursday Threesome. Brought to you today by Clint Eastwood and The Back Porch. (BTW, Deb, that was no fair copying me. I was planning on starting to do this. How dare you! :) )

Onesome. The Good. Read a good book lately? Recommend a recent read - as well as your favorite book of all time....
I'm currently reading Murder in Four Part Harmony. I'm enjoying it, but it's obviously a first novel. Needs just a tad more polish. Recent reads I enjoyed include The Stones of Jerusalem, Fool's Puzzle, Blueberry Muffin Murder, and The Chocolate Cat Caper. Favorite book of all time is harder. I loved The Bronze Bow. And that was even a school assignment, but I'm not sure if it was a favorite. Also loved The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, but again, is it a favorite? Of the books I've discovered recently, a favorite author would be Jerrilyn Farmer. Her first book is Sympathy for the Devil. And I must include my favorite Trixie of all time, The Gate House Mystery. Can you tell I love book?

Shameless plug coming. If you want to keep up with what I'm reading and enjoying, check out my about you page at Amazon. Link is also at the bottom of my links list.

Twosome. The Bad. Was it so bad that you couldn't watch anymore? Tell us about a bad movie - did you leave or suffer through it? (Videos can count, too)
This will be pretty revealing. I walked out of Dead Man on Campus. Managed to sit through a rental showing of Blair Witch Project. Hated it. Didn't particularly enjoy O Brother, Where Art Thou? either. Don't like Armeggedon, but that might have something to do with the fact that I was fighting food poisoning when I first watched it.

Threesome. And The Ugly. And then things turned ugly.... Oh, have a day (or date) seem to go so horribly wrong it can only be described as "ugly"? Tell us all about it...
October 31, 1992. Senior year of high school. Several of my friends dressed up as hypocritical priests. That really hurt. Then I found out they'd hired the English teacher I knew I didn't want to teach my class. Remember a couple weeks back when I mentioned "Learning to Trust" as my favorite song? This was the day it happened. I'd caught it on the radio that morning before school and it was stuck in my head all day. Really helped me deal with everything. And God was at work. I'll have to share the rest of that story sometime.

But for now, I think I've said enough. Time to post this and get some work done.

Maybe I should blog something today.

It's been a quite couple of days. Seth and Kiersten aren't going to be there tonight, so I didn't go over there last night. I'm on my own again tonight leading worship. :( I've got a pretty good set. It's different in that it follows a progression and isn't just on a topic or (more like I normally do) completely random. And I've incorrporated a couple songs we don't do all that often.

Things have been getting more and more complicated getting people together for Wednesday nights. Donald and I have a couple guys who come over to watch Enterprise. But since I don't get home from Bible Study until 8:45 PM, we watch it via tape delay. But when Amazing Race 2 started up, Matt insisted on coming over to watch it. So he comes over at ten, and he and I watch that via tape delay. But ever since that show started, it seems like one thing after another has come up on Wednesdays. Tonight, it's a two hour episode, but Matt probably won't come over anyway. Too much homework. Meanwhile, Donald, who normally gives the other two guys rides, has his truck in the shop, so I may be giving all three of them rides tonight. Yes, this gets complicated quickly. :)

It's less then a month until Donald moves out for his new job in the Bay Area. :( I am so going to miss him when he's gone. And I still don't have any ideas lined up for a new roommate. I'm really starting to worry. Not that it helps, but I am.

Dave's grandmother passed away Sunday afternoon. He won't be there tonight either. Bible Study will be a little strange.

Those of you not watching Alias yet missed an incredible episode Sunday night. When that show has everything clicking, it works so well. I was glued to the TV for the last 10 minutes and can't wait until they resolve this cliffhanger. I don't see how they'll do it, either. And just to prove that Jennifer Garner isn't the only reason I watch, she was only in about half of the episode. But they advanced several other plots plus did stuff with Sid.

24 got interesting again last night. I don't see how they're going to resolve everything in the next three hours. And, frankly, I'm going to want to know what happens past midnight. Like the fact that Jack is suspended. What will happen with Palmer's son? But I know those things won't be resolved by 12, so I'll just have to live with it. Wonder if it's coming back next season, and if so, how.

Well, off to Bible Study. Back tomorrow for the Thursday Threesome.

Good evening. Time once again for the Sunday Op-Ed, brought to us by Chris.

1) The Rock
Going with the first thing that popped into my head. What is Alcatraz? I am right, there was a movie about that place a few years back called The Rock, right? It's funny. I lived an hour from San Fran. most of my life, yet I've never been there. Would really like to go sometime. One of the places I'd take the Bob-Whites if I ever wrote the story set in San Fran. is Alcatraz. And I'd leave them there overnight. :) (Yes, the second thing to pop into my head was Who is playing The Scorpion King?)

2) New York
What is a place I'm totally in love with even though I've hardly ever been there? I don't know what it is, I love New York. Anything about it. It probably has to do with the fact that The Hardy Boys, the Nancy Drew I read growing up, and Trixie Belden series are all set in New York. Or maybe it's just because NYC has such a fascinating history. Either way, I can't get enough of reading about the state, but especially the city.

3) Computers
What can I no longer seem to live without? Hard to believe 10 years ago I'd hardly used a computer. Now, I'm coming into work on weekend to get on the internet since I don't have my computer at home hooked up. Of course, an hour or two a day seems to satisfy me. But still, when I was sick earlier this month, I felt lost being gone so long without it.

No, Chris, I didn't look at your answers (esp. for number 1) before I did this. Obviously, great minds think alike. :)

Yesterday, I did nothing. Literally. I went home, and played Super Nintendo for a few hours. Then I watched TV. And then went to bed. Didn't even shower.

Today has been the first nice day we've had in a week. Temp just right, slight breeze. If every day were like this, I'd be content.

Went to a book signing at Crime Time this afternoon for Earlene Fowler. Stayed much later then I intended to. But she's a wonderful person, and I loved getting her stories about publishing. I've only read the first in her series. Can't wait to read more. And I have no excuse now that I have books two and three.

New Alias tonight. Looks good!

Yes, that is egg on my face. The mystery caller last night was Brandi, not Joey Lawrence. Oops. From the clues I saw, it could have been Joey, but as soon as I heard the voice, I knew I was wrong. So I watched the entire evening to find out who. Couldn't quite place it. But I enjoyed watching those shows. Not that any of them except Sabrina will be regular viewing habbits. I watch enough TV as it is.

I'm in major pity party mood. Second day in a row with nothing going on. And I really want to get out and do something with my friends. Last night, I played Clue with Donald and Heather until their plans for the evening came together. Then suddenly I was left home alone. And that's as far down this path I'm going.

We lost both our games today. Which puts us in a three way tie for last. Which means we have to show up at 7:30 AM (yes, you read that right.) next Saturday to determine who is and who isn't in the play-offs. Frankly, I just wish we knew either way so I could plan the rest of my Saturday since I'm going to the Book Festival.

Maybe I'll go look up a movie schedule and figure out which movie to go see this weekend. I have a free pass that expires the end of the month, not sure when else I'd go, and there are about 5 movies I'd like to go see. First, of course, I need to post this, go home, and take a shower.

Today's Friday Five looked like way too much fun for me to pass up. As if you'll be surprised.

1. What's your favorite TV show and why?
I'm going to cheat and give two. Both will have similar reasons.

A) All Time: Babylon 5. I still don't consider myself a huge sci-fi fan. But this show is a political drama set in space. The story builds on itself so much that by the time you're in season 4, it's really hard to come in in the middle. But it can be done. Trust me, I did it! When TNT started in on the reruns, I wound up recording every episode. The characters grow over the series so much they feel like friends. Love that show.

B) Current: Alias. This show hooked me because of the complex plotting and real characters. Ok, so it's got a lot of fantasy behind it. But the show is building in such a strong way that I can't get enough. Again, taping every episode. Gives me a reason to look forward to Sunday nights when I used to dread them.

2. Who is your favorite television star? Easy one. Jennifer Garner. She's beautiful, athletic, and can convencingly play the entire range of emotions. She's enough reason to watch Alias all by herself. (But her co-stars are great, too.) She deserved her Golden Globe for Best Actress in a TV Drama. Unfortunately, she's also married. :)

3. What was your favorite TV show as a child? Little child? Mr. Rodger's Neighborhood. Didn't really watch TV again until I was an adult.

4. What show do you think should have been cancelled by now? Just Shoot Me. I've watched it about 5 times, and it's just dumb.

5. What new show do you hope escapes the axe this season? Since I already know Alias is coming back, guess I can't answer that one. :) And frankly, I only want 24 to come back if they don't ruin the show. So I guess my answer will be Baby Bob. I'm finding it very enjoyable. It doesn't quite have it's stride yet, but I think it'll get better as they find their voice.

Ok, so that's done. Now, on to what I was going to blog about today.

Last night was a blast. I met up with a couple Trixie friends. We had a blast at City Walk. I hadn't been there for 5 years, so there were parts that were like the blind leading the blind. We found a very delicious Italian restaurant to eat at, then went bowling. When we weren't wandering around pretending like we knew what we wanted to do. What to see some pictures? Then go here, thanks to Gabi.

I also have to comment on Survivor last night. YES!!!! I can't believe how stupid the alliance was at the challenge. It was obvious to everyone what was going on. They just signed their own eviction notices. And I'm glad they started with John. I'm hoping that next week is Tammy, followed by Sean. Still don't like him and want him to go packing. Either way, the game just got very interesting. And the look on Tammy's face when she heard the final vote was priceless.

Tonight? Looks like it'll be just me and The WB. Actually, I'll probably skip out after Sabrina. After all, I think I already know that the "mystery" caller is Joey Lawrence. Too many clues on their web site. :) But tomorrow is another day of ultimate. 8 AM again. Hopefully we'll play as well as a team like we did the second game last week. If we do that, we'll be unstoppable.

Time once again for the Thursday Threesome, brought to you today by the sky, Joseph, and The Back Porch.

Onesome. The Sun. Blow some sunshine my way, and tell me what makes you feel joyful
I'm rather easy to please. Give me nice weather and good friends to hang out with and I'm a happy content little guy.

Twosome. The Moon. By the light of the silvery moon....tell me about your most romantic evening.
I'm going to have to pass on this one for the time being. :)

Threesome. And The Stars. What's your sign, baby? And do you believe in that sort of thing, anyway?
It took me years to even remember what mine was. But I'm a picses, if that's even how it's spelled. Obviously, I don't believe in any of this stuff. Our lives are not determined by the stars, especially since we're actually a sign off from what everyone follows.

Since we're discussing romance, I'll head some people off at the pass. I haven't asked her out yet. Still trying to figure out a good first date. And I've found out she attends the Bible Study I've been thinking of joining, so I may just do that and get to knkow her better in a group enviroment so I can plan a better first date.

Now head over to your blog, answer the questions, and post a link for us at the Back Porch.

Last night turned out differently then I'd planned.

Donald called me at 5 to see if I wanted to go with him to Santa Monica. I kept saying I shouldn't, but didn't let that stop me. Of course, we didn't leave until almost 6. He had a quick errend to run, but that didn't work out. Then it took them forever at the take out restaurant to cook my dinner. So it was after 7 when we were leaving. Which meant I was late to Seth and Keirsten's. But that actually sounds like it worked out well. Matt still came over and watched 24. I'm rather proud of myself. I actually caught the plot twist before they told us! But it meant I did my grocery shopping late. And I have to get my brother a birthday card and get his present in the mail for his birthday next week still. If I'd remember that was in my plans for last night, I would have stayed home.

So I'm going to post this and the get ready for jr. high group so I can leave a little early and hopefully get Mike's card so that's out of the way.

Added a couple links to the right.

Thank you and good night!

I'm baaaaack!

Ok, more thoughts.

I've added a new ring. I'm now part of the California blog ring. Seems appropriate to me somehow.

I meant to mention the weather we've been having yesterday. (I can do that since it's my blog and it's called "... Sunny...” I planned ahead.) I did mention getting sunburned on Saturday. Well, it was 93 degrees Saturday. It was a little cooler on Sunday. But yesterday... It was drizzling when I came into work. Today's been mostly cloudy. And the temps back into the 60s. So much for our early summer. :(

I finished my last Scumble River mystery at lunch today. Now I know the author is a Trixie fan, but I didn't enjoy either book. (I've read the first two, even though the third just came out.) Many of her characters are really caricatures. All of her conservative characters and any that take their religion seriously are portrayed in a bad light. And the plots left a lot to be desired. The first book we had no clue who the killer was until he or she tried to kill the main character. There was no way to get there from here. Then in this one, I had the entire thing figured out about half way through, including where we'd find the final piece of the puzzle. The bad thing is, I'm curious as to what happens to the main character in the next book. But not enough to buy and read it. O well. On to my next book now.

Brief TV recap for the week so far. (I know you're just dieing for this.)

Alias - great ep, even if I did see the ending coming a mile off. Don't these characters realize they're in a TV show? That certainly helps me jump to conclusions I wouldn't normally reach.
7th Heaven - Glad to see they aren't making the Camdens into the hate mongering family I thought they might from the preview. I'll hold further thoughts on the story line until it wraps up in a few weeks.
Angel - Where's Cordy? How will they get Conner? Will Angel ever forgive Wes? I can't wait to see how this gets resolved.
Baby Bob - Not my favorite subject matter for a show, but funny.
Becker - Man that show can be hilarious. I love it!

Got all my laundry done and got a hair cut from a friend BEFORE the shows started up for the night, too. Is that impressive, or what? Went a little shorter then I'd planned, but I'm loving it anyway. May ask for this next time, which will probably be next semester.

Can't believe the school year's almost done. And I still have no prospect for a new roommate. But I'm doing my best to get the word out.

Deb, I love your new graphics. I need to start figuring out what I want to do with this site graphics wise.

Off for the usual Tuesday activities. (Yeah, new 24. You're probably wondering what I'll talk about come summer reruns. We'll just have to wait and see.)