Daily Update

On Friday everyone had stuff to do so I just ended up watching tv. So I consider it to be productive.

So the Service Auction finally came. It was a huge headache, but also a huge success. After all was said and done we raised $10,325. People were very generous with donations and services. The 'big ticket' item of 2 first class tickets to Hawaii went for 1400 its self. Aloha!

After words, Renee Ko was having her birthday party at Fairburn. I got there a bit late after having to add up lots of cash, and it was in full swing. There was food there, but it was only small healthy snack type stuff. Sorry, but I wasn't in the mood for light healthy snacks. After having been too frantic to eat since noon, I needed more than rice crackers, cherry tomatoes and chips. Luckily Kristen had a few extra cinnamon rolls hidden away. I talked her into showing me where the stash was so I could sample the goods.

During the party she wanted to take a picture with me, and me, being in a funny mood, decided to play with her emotions a little bit. Every time Someone would try to take a picture I would change my face to be 'funny'. The only reason she knew, was because everyone in the crowd started laughing. Then she started previewing each picture (digital camera). That picture preview is both a blessing and a curse I tell you. Every girl I know, after having their picture taken NEEDS desperately to approve each picture taken of them. And in this situation R-ko would check it, then each and every girl in the room would get in line to look and see if they were somehow in the image. So with this extensive process, you can imagine all the time it took to take only a few picture with her. I had a lot of funny faces.

At the end of the party, when I wanted to leave I noticed R-Ko trying to pick her stuff up and leave. Although it was kind of funny to watch that scramble, I offered to help carry stuff to her car. Little did I know, but she misinterprets this offer to 'here, let me hold all your crap so you can take 50 more picture of the three remaining people here, that you probably already have pictures of'. So I had to take pictures of her and B, then her and K, then K and B, then her and both of them, then each one in stupid korean-esque poses. It went on and on. Finally I prod her out the door, then R-Ko wanted to walk slow, and slide her heels on the ground at 2 inch strides. You're right Renee, I didn't need to sleep tonight. I kept asking where she was parked in hopes of me just dropping her stuff off, but I could barley drag which direction her car was out of her. And she wouldn't point no matter how many times I asked her to. After a 1 block trek we find her auto. and now I want to say good-bye. I wave and wish her well as I am walking away, to my car, but she would have none of that! She started to squeal/scream as if I had just slashed her tires! What?! did something happen? Oh, NO. She just wanted me to say goodbye within a certain distance from her. As well she thanked me about 20 times, which was a lot to much, which turned her from gracious to annoying. Do you know how some girls voices will go up a few octaves (to a squeal) when they get excited? well, thats what she did. Except as she did that, the squeal also got louder and louder. Thank goodness I was already walking away cause from 50 feet away it still heart my ears! I honestly became concerned about her waking the neighbors, and me being the only guy on the street and her the only girl shreeking, I saw a potential problem for me being there. I tried to shush her, but then the squeals only got louder cause she got more excited about something. And she was talking so fast about something that I couldn't understand her very well. After I got away I sighed in relief.

Church was cold. I started a new sketchbook. I think a few to many people saw me sketching and being funny in the back row with Rob than paying attention. oops. After church Rob invited me over for dinner at Fairburn. I spent a few moments over there with Robs Home teaching group; then the main 'Church After-Party' was at Laurel's Flat. It was a sweet set up, with a wet bar in front and Guitar Hero off to one side, a large kitchen in the back, and space to play games off to the other side.

Lunch was sponsored by the Corner Bakery. Mmmm

I'm listening to Skid Row right now.

I've had pancakes every morning since Friday.

Daily Update

Last night was terrific fun. I think almost all of you were there, so I don't need that much of a recap, but it was Jessica's birthday. We went to some sassy Mexican place in Beverly Hills. It was pretty expensive for being mexican. It was good food. They took their time serving us so when our food actually did arrive I was pretty hungry. In order to combat my hunger pains, I started taking some of the largest bites I've ever taken in public eating establishments. It took me a few seconds to realize that the food was a LOT spicier than I'm used to! It felt like someone had just hooked up a car battery to my tongue. I hate that feeling. One good thing was that I didn't splash my food on the people sitting next to me. The After-Party was at Jessica's. For a few minutes I think Danny was trying to eat Kami's cat. Then she noticed it and She got mad. So then everyone settled down. Oh, and of course we got Danny to sing his rendition of the birthday song. I even recorded it, and i'll post it soon on the ol Blog-a-roonie. Its a must see.

But, on the way over to Jessica's party I stopped by Borders again, to get Jessica something. (I don't like showing up to a birthday party empty handed) And the lady at the counter has been getting to know me quite well lately. Over the last few days she's gotten nicer and nicer. So yesterday as I whipped through the check out line she was enthralled with: What I was getting, the Wrapping paper I was getting, the bow I was getting, and the fact I was getting it. I explained that it was for a birthday that I didn't know about yesterday (during my Christmas shopping) And she was so willing to help me out. Although she was the only person on the register she offered the use of their gift wrapping station to me, and I even think she wanted to
help me out. Good thing she didn't cause there was a long line. Their security dork was checking me out as I was wrapping my present. So I asked him if he wanted to come and help, or if he was just 'checking out the goods' as I stuck my butt out and slapped my back side in a sassy Maggie-like manner. So he just walked away. After the fact, I realized that I shouldn't have done that cause if was a 'fruit' then there would have been a bigger problem if he got any closer, namely me punching him in the head until he stopped bleeding.

Lunch was sponsored by In N Out.

I'm listening to Guns N Roses right now.

(ok, this was weird. One of the cleaners at my work just asked me, in his thick accent, something about going to a strip-club with him I think. I accidentally responded "no I don't want to see your mom like that". Luckily he didn't understand me. But if he did understand me... I leave everything of mine in Utah to my brothers, and all my possessions in LA to Jeff and Josh. Ok, now he just left the building. I think he just went to his car to get a gun. Thats it, its the end of me. Its been nice knowing y'all. oh wait... no, he just got a squeegee to clean the glass. That was a close one. Does anyone know how to say "you smell bad" in Mexican slang?)

Daily Update

I went running last night. It about took the life out of me. It felt like it had been a month since the last time. We went up to the Australian Outback Track. There were Wallabees everywhere. We had to avoid them cause I think they were carrying some sort of engineered virus. All the 'carriers' looked like high-school aged mutant zombies. Luckily I was bigger than all of them, so they stayed away. I was sleek and cunning as the best Hyena possible. I didn't have a watch to tell me exactly how superb I was, but I was. trust me. My angry claws gripped the pavement
like velcro and would I would speed away like a car tire. On the last lap I tried to use up every last bit of positive energy and sure enough I did. about half way thru the last lap I felt the last drop evaporate off my brow as I quickly slowed to a trickle. I tried to hurry, but I was spend. It was a good feeling on the walk back to my cave.

I felt compelled to stop by Stan's Donuts this morning. I got a 'Chocolate Halloween Delight, and a Coconut Surprise. I don't know why he has out his Halloween supply, but when I took the first bite, I realized why. It was like going back in time a full week. I was still dancing around in the fitting room of the Harry Potter Store. The sprinkles on top of the donut reminded me of Scary houses from Scooby-Doo. And the whole assortment of sprinkles made me think of the Last
time I had Lucky Charms Cereal. The little candy moon's and ghosts were a joy to think about and a pleasure to eat. and the purple and orange sprinkles were just bedazzling. I wonder if I stop by there tomorrow if it will be the same experience. Don't worry, I'll let you know.

Wandering around Westwood was weird today. I kid you not, I saw a real live ninja. I think it was a she, but not sure. its face was covered. I had to laugh at it when it walked by, cause it didn't seem to threatening. I though of pushing it in the street and laughing at it, but I didn't cause It could have been the mysterious 'Lizzard-Face' Ninja. I didn't want to risk it so I continued on with my donut experience. Later I saw a bunch of freaks.

Lunch was sponsored by Jamba Juice.

I'm listening to No Doubt right now.

Daily Update

Not much to update you all on. I've been super busy at work; making me stay late and go to bed early. Yesterday they gave me my own project to work on. I don't know if I like that cause that just means more responsibility for me! What are they thinking? And right before the Holidays too. And on top of that project, some of the others have been telling me that they have more for me to do when I have a free minute. Good Grief Charley Brown.

So last night I went Christmas shopping. I was in line to check out and some of the stuff I was holding made it obvious that it was for the holidays, so the ladies in line and behind the registers were getting really excited about everything I was doing all of a sudden. I figured it was because they were girls and cause I had gifts.

I also went to a movie last night with a friend of mine. At the last second they said "I hope its not to much of a chick flick". "?" I thought, followed by 'What have I done?'. It wasn't after all, but it made me nervous for a second. I don't think I've ever seen one of those...'Chick flicks'. Not that I remember anyway.

Steve my desk neighbor at work has toned down on talking to himself out loud. I wonder if hes OK. He did switch from a Scottish to a British accent when he swears and yells at imaginary people. I wonder if there's an adult version of 'Child Protective Services' that I can call for him.

Lunch was sponsored by The Corner Bakery.

I'm listening to some song titled 'Don't Stop The Music', by Rihanna.

Daily Update

The Move Premier of Beowulf was last night in Westwood. They were setting up all day. At night they had fancy lights and lots of short little Asian kids who would do everything they could do to get in front of me and then block my view by holding crap up or lifting each other up in an awkward manner. After they started taking pictures of themselves, and the flash would go off right in my eyes, I had enough then started making loud mumbling comments and making weird faces in their pictures, but would ignore them when they looked back at me. I saw a few famous people who I barley recognized. Anthony Hopkins was probably the most famous. Then some hot blond chick, then some weird long hair dude, and some tall black guy. Thats who I saw.

At FHE they were having Craft Night. I brought paint for the kids to use, but My part of the adventure only lasted a few minutes before I felt my stomach telling me to leave and to find food. Sorry FHE. Not only that but I have other art projects that I'm trying to finish before I take on more.

After that I went to watch TV at Cheryl's Flat. At first I didn't care what was on, but then after a few seconds I realized that CS was forcing me to watch Dancing with the Stars. There was nothing I could do; I had already started eating, which means I couldn't move from my spot till I was done. OK, just kidding I wasn't forced. I was actually somewhat interested in watching it cause i hadn't seen it this season yet and I can't watch it alone or with dudes cause that could be considered GAY.

Lunch was sponsored by D'Amores Pizza. It was just as delicious as the last time I went.

I'm listening to Depeche Mode right now.

Daily Update

Friday was the return of the welcomed treat of Movie-Night. It was fantastic! We watched the extended version of Lord Of The Rings. We scheduled an earlier start time, but having to run to the store, Jeff and I were still late, and thus a little late on starting. The food was great. I can't wait till we do it again. Before the movie started I had to make a disclaimer about my attitude of Froto and Sam; namely how gay they act together, and that I would be making derogatory comments throughout the movie as to their sexuality. (I felt that I had to warn everyone of this because the last time I decided to speak as two gay characters, during the Harry Potter movies, I was mistakenly mis-understood while I was speaking as Ron and expressing RON's deep romantic love for Harry. Some people tried to accuse ME of having this expressed love but NO, I spoke on behalf of the others, not myself. I was just the middle man.)

On Saturday morning I was rudely awakened by a handful of early morning text messages. I really need to turn my phone off at night, especially on the weekend! But with the early morning start, I had options. In a stroke of genius, I somehow decided to be super productive before the day really got started(around 2pm typically). In the morning I took my car to the shop to get new tires; the first step to getting it registered. While my car was being worked on I walked over to Veteran and convinced Jeff to make Pancakes. While I was on my way over there I was talking on the phone to the Parents, so I was Super-Multi-Tasking.

When I finally got my car back, the driving difference was like going from at cat to a cougar. Still roughly the same shape, the performance became quick, sharp, powerful, and outstanding. I had to drive in lower gears because my car wanted to go as fast as each gear would let it.

I told you all about my exciting new choice to purchase Harry Potter books, right? I think I bought them on Thursday, during work. And already on Saturday afternoon I received my first installment of Harry Books! Unfortunately it was the 5th one and not the first. I proudly displayed this choice book in the middle of my bed for me to gaze at dreamily while I attempted to clean my room. Now all I need to do is clear my bookshelf off from crap so I have a wonderful resting place for them all. Do you also remember that I mentioned the Harry and Hermione Book-Ends that I got from the Harry Potter store (Halloween costume store)? Well, I changed my mind about giving those to one of my unsuspecting siblings, I now need those for my new book collection.

I finally got an Activity Co-Chair. Its Catherine. BUT, I'm still annoyed at the B-Rick for being so damn Slow, thus making our lives more difficult. What's the point of surprising us with callings and releases? They made me promises two months ago and haven't followed through yet. On Sunday I told One of them that I knew they were blowing smoke up my 'A', and I didn't appreciate it. Then later that night Cheryl pointed out that I'm a little to mean to some the bishopric, so if other people are noticing it readily, I better tone it down I guess. I don't think I'm being mean, just forcefully honest in my convictions.

Lunch was sponsored by In N Out.

I'm listening to Smashing Pumpkins right now.

Daily Update

It was a personal triumph for me to leave work leisurely on time yesterday. I didn't have to dash, sneak or pretend. A few of the guys there have been lobbying for my assistance at work, so I had the choice (kind of) to come and go as I pleased.

Josh was in town for the day. He was taking refuge over at Greenfield as I got off work so I went over there to hang-out while he was in town. He decided that because he was up here, we needed to do something 'Fun'; like ice-skating or bowling. Not that we don't do anything fun, but he was having fun with it cause it was his very own idea. So after a short 30 minutes of deliberation we decided to go bowling, which turned out to be a very nice idea. Another problem arose when we had to again deliberate as to who was invited to come with. As we decided that, we also realized that there were only 4 dudes going, which wasn't to 'Hetro'. So we each got on our phones to call girls. You'd think that it would be easy, I mean who wouldn't want to go 'Last minute bowling' with 4 of the coolest guys you'd ever meet? I know, right!

So we round up some troops, but we can't go straight there, we first need to fill our tanks with food. Food from Tommy Burger to be precise. Mmmm, some the the greasiest burgers you'll ever find (its a good thing, not bad). Any paper they touch goes clear from the grease just dripping off of it. They just slid right down. The added chili is there just to remind you that you ate there later that night. We then make it over to the bowling lanes. Perfect timing! The League games were just ending, so we took over two neighboring lanes front and center; I wanted everyone to see how 'Good' I was.

Things that were funny while bowling: Jeff had surprising good technique. Not the best score, but his bowling teachers at the Byu would have been proud. All the girls there had great form too [wink + 'Heeeeeey']. (he he he, that was a joke, I'm being funny) And a surprising ringer Heather, one of the twins, beat all of our scores without even blinking! She just couldn't do wrong! During the second game she hit 8-9 pins, spare, strike, spare, 8, turkey, spare, 9, 8's all over the place. I begged her to go and buy lottery tickets cause she was on fire. No matter what she did she'd knock every pin down. Lin was there to, she was fun cause when she did good she'd jump, dance, and bounce all over the place; kind of like Tigger from Whinny the Pooh, or a bouncy ball. I didn't do that bad. It took me a while to get into my groove and perform acceptably. Mike got to know the gutter pretty well. He was practicing his Ball-Spinning, and Eyes-Closed techniques.

I just bought all the Harry Potter books, well books 1-6. I'm getting these for myself for Christmas. (tis the season, right!) It will be gift set 1 of 3-4. I'm just having trouble finding the proper Harry Potter wrapping paper. I can't wait to go through and read them again. This time I will be able to visualize ME as Harry; it will be so exciting! I can't wait to tell you more about my Wand Waving adventures.

I'm listening to Arckid right now. They are a new and upcoming band from the New York Indie-Rock scene. They're great.

Lunch was sponsored by In N Out. Their Root Beer is to die for!

Evening snack time was sponsored by Diddy Reese. Shame on them for being so close to my office.