Saturday, I was just about to head out to the beach, when an inspiration hit me. I still had my free pass to Hurricane Harbor, and I never made it last year. So, I headed over there. Really wasn't as crowded as I thought it might be. Had fun on the slides and floating along the "endless river." Then I headed home and got caught up on TV watching.

I read my new copy of Secret of the Mansion this weekend. With all the times I've read it, this was the first time I really dawned on me that Mr. Frayne was Jim's dad's uncle. Yes, I feel very, very stupid. :)

Also introduced Marcus to The Stockmarket Game Sunday. (Yes, he's back this week. Gone again next.) I won, but it seemed to take forever. Of course, it might have helped if we weren't constantly landing on the sell all shares spaces and stock broker fee squares.

And now I really don't know what to do this weekend. I got ahold of Mike, and he said, "Well, I'm going to be very busy, don't know if I have anywhere where you can sleep, but I guess you can come up if you want to." So now what do I do? Especially since I'd be skipping Jr. high Bible study and my ultimate game this week to go. Yet, I really don't want to stay in my apartment all weekend. And, if I go up there, I'm sure I can find stuff to do. I just don't want to be a pain. Any suggestions?

Have I mentioned recently how much I hate making decisions?

And, a quiz from Kathy.


What rating is your journal?
brought to you by Quizilla

Why does this not surprise me in the least? :) (Glad I didn't scandilize anyone by getting a different answer.)

Almost forgot! Let me the first to wish you a Happy Fiscal New Year! (Like anyone else is crazy enough to do that, anyway.) :)

Once again, things seemed to go well for worship time having not practiced until the very last minute. This time very literally, too, since we were concluding at 6:40. Then Jared showed up. I figured he'd be able to follow along, but I forgot some of the stuff we'd gone over. Seemed I'd picked all the songs with something I had to explain. But he seemed to fake his way through stuff pretty well. Was kinda hard to tell since he was behind me, of course.

Anyway, we only had about three guys. Dave wasn't there (at the General Association of Regular Baptist Convention in Riverside), so Seth and I took the guys and we went through the chapter of Proverbs for the day. Went very well, and I think we all got challenged from it. Of course, when the last verse of the chapter is "A lying toung hates those it hurts," it's hard not to be challenged.

Murphy seems to be working over time in my life. After I finished Minivan last night (what is it with me and reading the last half of books in a day or two, anyway?), I just couldn't get to sleep. So I started the new Alias novel. And guess what I got in the mail today. My copy of the new Trixie book! (#2 will probably be here tomorrow.) I planned to reread it next, but I guess it'll have to wait. Still, it's so fun. Called a co-worker who also likes the series, and he came right down to look at them.

I'm hoping this will work in other things too. Seth and I had talked about camping again this weekend, but he doesn't think he should. So I finally unpacked my car of all my camping stuff. This would also apply to visiting Lovell at Hume Lake next weekend. Keeping my fingers crossed.

I have to figure out a way to hit the beach this weekend. Wanna come?

I got the name of a mortgage lender that Pete recommends. I'm really serious this time. I'm going to buy a condo. Just need that finally push to get me started on Monday.

Tonight, we have either a Bible study or game night for career group. I think it's games, which will be fun, but I'm going to throw my Bible in just in case since that's what everyone keeps saying.

But I see by my clock it's finally quitting time! I'm off (no comment, please.)

And here, for your reading and stealing pleasure, is this week's Thursday Threesome. This week, its sponsers are Shakespeare and The Back Porch.

Onesome: Rings- Hmmm.. How are you about jewelry? Do you wear any? ...none? What is your day to day complement. ...and what one particular piece do you save for special occasions?
I guess my poocha shell necklace counts, but other then that, I don’t wear any jewelry. Unless you count a watch. Don’t wear anything special if I dress up, either.

Twosome: Things- Ah, and how about those 'things' about the place? You know, the ones that you cannot throw out, but don't seem to really have a place of their own... Where do they end up? ...in The Drawer? ...or do you have a better place for those bits of randomness that just seem to show up now and again?
The drawer, under the bed, on the table (you don’t actually eat at the kitchen table, do you?) Basically, I’m a lazy saver who just lets things pile up. Not the neatest person in the world.

Threesome: and fine array- Okay, so Summer's here (except in the Land Down Under)... What is your "fine array" to clothe yourself in for the next few months? Do you still maintain? ...or do you 'go native' with vengeance? Hmmmm???
With the students gone, I wear jeans into the office. And shorts the rest of the time, now that's it's warmed up. Actually, if I’m just going to be home, I’ll often just wear shorts.

Last night was my third ultimate frisbee summer league game. Ok, second I actually attended since I got into town too late last week. Anyway, we were missing several key players and had few subs. Especially compared to the other team. At half time, we were down 5-9. Then they got two in a row, making it 5-11. We actually came back at that point to 10-11 and traded points back and forth until is was 14-15. Then we must have given up because it was suddenly 14-17 with us loosing our first game.

Seeing as we had few subs, I got lots of play time, but still couldn't manage to get openned. Someday soon.

Reached that half way point in my new novel For Whom the Minivan Rolls when I got home last night. I'm enjoying it, and it gave me a very big question when I quit last night. The main character has quite a sarcastic streak, and he narrates. But it still seems to be a bit much at times. Probably another brush with the editting pencil could have solved that minor problem.

Called Lovell last night, and actually got to leave a message on his voice mail. Hopefully he gets to check it in the next couple days. Of course, if I do head up there Thursday, I'll miss my next summer league game. This extra day off is really messing me up!

Also called Garrick last night. And I'm glad I did, because he's not planning to be home tonight, so we're going to put things together last minute again like we did last week. Which leaves me a free evening to get my car washed and fun stuff like that. I need to go to Trader Joe's, and it's near Barnes & Noble. May just have to pop in there for some reason. My copies are on their way, but still.

I've been meaning to do this quiz for awhile, so here you go.


Which Annoying B-list Celebrity Are You?

Like there'd be an answer to this I'd like. :)

Just posted this at Zap's, will post at Jix in a couple. But I wanted to put it here since it applies to most everyone who reads this. (Hi Donald and Val!)

I realized last night I never posted something like this is September, but I think Thanksgiving is also appropriate.

You see, September marks my five year anniversary at the site. Back then, it was just the main content that Zap still has up. The message board and fan fic were still a year off. We've come a very long way since then.

And it's been wonderful. I've made some friends on this site I obviously never would have met otherwise. And the site has spun off a couple off chutes as well. I'm looking forward to my fourth convention this summer. I wish we could see each other more often, but I enjoy each chance we do have together.

And, with all the message boards I have visited over the years, those in the Trixie community are still the best. Maybe it's the Bob-White spirit, but we actually respect each other. True, we've had some problems over the years, but we manage to work through them and move past them. From what I can tell, that's a very special thing in an internet community.

So, one thing I'm thankful for you all of you. Have a great Thanksgiving weekend everyone!

*********

And a quick update on Grandma while I have your attention. She's doing ok. Not great, not terrible. hasn't been in the hospital for a week, but still at her sister's. Hopefully I'll get a chance to really feel out the situation when I'm home this weekend.

Last night, I went over to Pete's for dinner. Then we played Match 4. Basically, it's Connect Four, but 3-d. Usually, I beat him at it steadily, but last night I couldn't keep track of stuff to save my life. Maybe because I was exhausted. I was home, in bed, lights out, by 10:30. Very early for me. Still, a very nice time.

One thing I forgot to mention about my weekend. I also bought another six-pack of impatiens to plant by the front door. Now it looks even less like I had a plan when planting them. But they should grow and fill in withing the next couple of weeks.

Today, they announced they're giving us another holiday, July 3rd, making it a four day weekend. And they couldn't have let us know, say a couple weeks ago, when we could have actually planned something? (Yep, I'm complaining about getting an extra paid day off work.) I'm going to try to get in touch with Mike Lovell and see if I can visit him at Hume Lake over the fourth. Going home isn't an option since they'll be down the very next week. I should stay in town, but I hate to mess up a four day weekend like that.

Sun was out all day today. Was probably around 80. Let the rejoicing begin! At least for me.

Of course, the upside of the cool weather we've been having is the lack of summer fires. Remember, we'd had at least 10 by this point last year.

And Trixie Belden #'s 1 & 2 hit the stores today. Won't be looking for them, because they're on their way from Walmart.com. If you haven't pre-ordered or bought them yet, go do so now. That's an order. Unless of course you can't for budgetary reasons.

And, to finish out the day, Mary's Tuesday Two.

1. I’ve been eagerly awaiting both the re-release of Trixie and the new Harry Potter book. Other than these, name something you’ve eagerly waited for.
The second season of Alias. (Not quite there with season 3 yet.) Babylon 5 sets on DVD. The fifth Jerrilyn Farmer book. Finding Nemo.

2. In the very first line of Secret of the Mansion, we hear Trixie tell her mother that “she’d just die” if she didn’t have a horse. What was something you wanted that badly in your childhood?
An Atari 2600. I saved my money, and got one, too. Still works, and I still play it occasionally.

You'll never guess what! Come on, guess. (Yes, I hate it when people do that, too.)

Looks like I haven't posted since Friday. Friday night was a TV night with me watching just about everything I possibly could. Caught the second season premier of Monk. I think I'm going to have to keep up with it this year. I like how they do such suttle things with it, like Monk walking weird, they should you why, and then just keep on doing it. Never even mention it in dialog. (You still waiting for the guess what? Haven't forgotten.)

Saturday was another lazy day. I didn't even get out of bed until 11 because I was reading. Not Harry, of course. But I did read almost half of A Witness Above. Finally finished (started it backpacking.) Got up, watched some TV, came into the office for some internet time, then decided to hit Borders and Barnes and Noble. Lines weren't as crazy as I thought they'd be, but both places were out of HP5 and neither had put Trixie out early. Speaking of which, my copies of book 1 have shipped from walmart.com today. Wonder why the rest of them didn't. (Is the suspense killing you yet?)

When I got home, I watched some TV I was behind from last week, then I read another book. Ok, so it was the brand new Accidental Detective book, but it still felt like an accomplishment to me. I actually read 300 pages on Saturday and watched several hours of TV. (You'd better not be planning to skip to the end to see what I wanted you to guess on.)

The sun actually broke through the clouds today and is shining right now! That's what I wanted you to guess.

Sunday, I watched the special edition of The Love Bug. Some of the special effects don't quite stand the test of time, but it's a really fun movie, none the less.

Saturday night, Daniel spent the night with me. That would be because Becky kicked them out of their apartment so she could spend a night there and have the jr. high girls over. They're the couple whose wedding I'm skipping to attend Trixie camp this year. Anyway, since Marcus wasn't home, he actually had a bed to sleep in, too. And I spent a few minutes cleaning the bathrooms since they were so bad.

Which lead to Marcus asking me to kill him. I was upstairs with the bathroom fan going, so I couldn't hear a thing. And he walked in and up right behind me. Naturally, scared me like crazy. He was just there for about 15 minutes taking care of a couple things, then heading back to camp. What was so important he'd drive that many hours to take care of, I have no idea, but there he was.

I think that about covers my weekend. Nice and restful. Now, if only I didn't have that lined up for the next coulpe of weekends, I might be happy. (I know, there's just no pleasing some people, is there?)

I'm thinking I need to rename my blog "Random Ramblings from Cold, Cloudy Southern CA." We still have clouds with no rain, keeping the weather in the low 70's at best. This is the beginning of summer. I should be able tIo wear shorts after work without even thinking about it. Makes me really frustrated.

I noticed something wonderful yesterday afternoon. My blister from backpacking had popped while rafting Tuesday, but was still causing me pain everything I tried to walk. Actually, I could walk. The problem was trying to start, stop, or turn. Anyway, it suddenly stopped yesterday. It's so wonderful to be able to walk without pain. The small things you take for granted.

We had a small turn out at Bible study last night. But it was a good time as I got to talk to a couple of the new 7th graders. Think it'll be a good year. And Garrick and I did a good job at faking it during the worship time, at least from what I could tell. We didn't get to practice Wednesday night because his back has been giving him major problems and he was at the chiropractors.

My parents left on a cruise today. It's their reward for getting through all of Grpop's stuff, and they're going with my uncle and aunt. Heading up to Alaska. Sure hope they enjoy. Also, it's their 35th wedding anniversary today.

Looks like, after all the debate, I'm not going on the church campout. :) It's this weekend, and I didn't manage to fanagle an invitation. Part of me is really upset, but part of me thinks having a nice quiet weekend at home alone might be a good idea. And part of me wants to stay home but do stuff with friends. Whoever said I didn't suffer from multiple personalities didn't know what they were talking about. Or maybe they did.

And, in an attempt to be more random, I'll remind you that the green cat crows at dawn. (Of course, if I announce that I'm being random, does that defeat the purpose?)

Stupid boss had some stuff he needed me to get done this morning, so I didn't have time to come back and post the Thursday Threesome before now. I'm here now, however.

This week, it's brought to you by J. K. Rowlings and The Back Porch.

Onesome: Potter- Which Harry Potter character is your favourite? Why do you like him or her?
You see, you assume that I’m familiar enough with Harry Potter, when actually, I’ve seen the first movie only. I own the first two books, so I guess I really should read them. Especially with my quest to read more kid’s books. Anyway, really have no answer to this question.

Twosome: Publication- Is there one publication that you just have to read? A paper you read daily, a magazine you read weekly or monthly? Newsletters? And do you buy it for the articles, or just to look at the pictures? ;) Whatever it is, tell us about it!
This should come as no surprise to anyone, but I must get TV Guide every week.

Threesome: Party!- The festivities begin tomorrow night in bookstores across the US and England, (and elsewhere too, probably!) with fun and games for the kid in all of us. Do you plan to be there standing in the queue when the clock strikes midnight to pick up your copy of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix?
Since I haven’t read any of them, I’ll be in bed asleep. Would be fun if I were a fan, I’m sure.

And once again, I'm back.

The rafting trip was much more fun. :) We left Monday mid-morning and got to the camp site mid-afternoon. It was pretty primative, but right on the Kern River, so we spent the afternoon playing in the water. That night, I led the singing, and got to use my new lantern (bought when OtherSeth and I went camping last month) to light up my music. Worked real well, too. Only downside? The bugs that were attracked to the light. :)

Tuesday, we got up and broke down camp, then the jr. highers hit the river. We did one stretch four times. At the end of the stretch was a final dangerous rapid, and the first time we went over it, half the boat, including the guide, fell out. :) The second time down, I fell out there. First time I've ever fallen out. But it was lots of fun. I enjoyed doing something different from what we've done for several years now, but would have enjoyed doing a longer stretch of the river. I thought we'd be doing one long trip instead of four short ones. But it was lots of fun.

The bad part is that at some point yesterday morning, my blister popped. Now, my left foot hurts when I try to start walking, stop walking, or turn. If everything I needed to do where just in a straight line, I'd be fine.

And, in spite of all the sun screen I put on, I got a sun burn on my solders and back of my arms. I know I sprayed them, too!

Driving home last night turned out to be an adventure, however. I drove my own car because of all the stuff that meant I could throw in (like chair and lantern, not to mention packing my guitar how I wanted it to be packed). I was following the bus, when all of a sudden, there was a huge tire tread in the road. As often happens, I paniced and forgot to check traffic to see if I could get into the next lane. :) The tire tread had come from the bus. We limped into Mojave, where we were able to find someone to replace the tire. And they only charged an extra $10 for the after hours work, which was a real blessing. Got us back to Santa Clarita an hour and a half later then we'd planned, and I was dead tired. Went home and went straight to bed. I was so out of it, Marcus finished packing and I didn't even notice.

Yep, Marcus has gone to the camp he works at every summer for the next week and a half. Once again, the wild parties are at my place. :)

So it was back to the salt mine, today. There were some things I was doing that showed I'm still half asleep. But maybe I can relax now and recover from my vacation. :)

I ran across this quiz again, and still got the same result. Although it's very easy to rig the results if you want to. :) Obviously, I need to work on being more random still if I don't want to have to change my blog's name.





How random are you?

this quiz was made by alanna

Back in the morning with the Thursday Threesome (so someone can steal it from me.)