01/12/09 You know, maybe I should get a rhythm back, 'cause this isn't gonna work...

So... Christmas came and went, New Years came and went, school's back, and I haven't said anything about it...

Christmas was nice. The exchange seemed like it had a good response. Sorry it took so long to post the pictures. (I'm still working on getting the family gathering pictures on photobucket.) Anyway, for the exchange, I drew Sariah as a store-bought, so I got her a snowman nativity that we found while visiting Applehill, and for a homemade gift, I made some jarred cookie mixes for Teresa. Now you know. (Sorry, I didn't take pictures of those.)

As for what I received, Ruth made me a decorated clipboard with tons of places for writing implements and such. Very awesome! And I just love the coloring of it. Very... Artsy? Is that a word? -shrugs- Is now. Now I just have to get over the fear of messing it up so I can actually use it. XD Anyway, here's a picture!

Now, I'm fairly certain this is from David, but it had both David's and Teresa's names on the package, so I could be wrong. So, for the store-bought exchange, I got a very awesome camping pack, which I can't wait to used on our next campout! First off, it's really light compared with the external frame pack I used to use, which is very good. Also, it has a place for a camel pack, detachable waistpack, rain cover, and lots of places to tie on gear.

Speaking of which, I should probably start packing for the overnighter this weekend. We're going on a snow trip!!! I loves ze snow! -nods vigorously-

But, before I do that, here's another picture:

Oh yes, I almost forgot. Mom and the boys all got Digital Cameras! Hence the pictures. Very awesome.

Hmm, that'll have to do for Christmas coverage, for now, at least. New years was alright. I think we played Monopoly.

Ooh! And Last Saturday Mom, Andrew, and I went to Natural Bridges state park! (again, I'm still working on the pictures thing...) Apparently, the monarch butterflies are around this time of year, so we got to see them. Then, we checked out the beach and explored a bit. Over all, it was a pretty nice adventure. We even got lost after being shanghaied into Sanfrancisco. Not for very long, though.

Other than that, I think we're pretty much caught up!

12/14/08 Ah, the merry times.

I really should be more worried about this stuff. I need to find stuff for in home family, but I really don't feel tense about it. (not a good sign)

Anywho, I should be having an interview with the Bishop today. And then, I should be ordained to the office of Priest and this whole life thing will get that much faster. Fun stuff.

Um, in this brief time before church, it occurs to me that life is going rather well. Busy, I suppose, but not overbearing. I have to go soon, but I thought I'd try to clear up some of the back order of news.

Thanksgiving?
It was very lovely, indeed. We got to visit with family, we played on Debi's Wii (by the way, Boom Blox is awesome), and we had lots 'o food. And it was tasty...
The exchange seemed to be taking effect, too. Packages appearing randomly every now and then, it was pretty interesting. I think I've guessed who a few people have, but there'll still be plenty of surprises.


Oi, I gotta run. -nods- See ya after church! (maybe)

12/12/08 Hmm... Put this off for a while...

Wow. Life pileups are hard to sort through...

Okay, in the last month since I posted, we've gone on a campout, visited with D&T and the Rosers, had Thanksgiving, spend more time with the Rosers up in Washington, saw the festival of nativities, got some Christmas stress dealt with (poorly), and turned -not-so-sweet sixteen!

And this, my friends, is why blog posts are a daily requirement. If you put it off for just a month, there's not telling how much you'll miss. Of course, daily blogs often have wide stretches of dull-your-brain-with-a-rock rants and babblings, but as far as personal history goes, I'd think this was the lesser of two crimes. Lost information is a good deal more saddening than information infused with useless comments. Or at least, for the writer. XD

So... Where to begin... Um... I'm older. Fixing to drive any day, now... Might be able to look at scoutwork even. -nods- Life is, as a general observation, good. The holidays are looking much less intimidating, although I still want to find gifts for Mom and the guys. I need something computer-ish for Joe, something odd and mission-friendly for Andrew, and something deep and heart-felt for Mom. You see my problem?

As always, I'm running late, so I'll have to leave a 'to be continued' sign in ominous letters when I go. And, seeing as I've been holding off for over a month now, I may yet withdraw my hitherto followed tradition not to post over the weekend.

To Be Continued...
Muhahahaha!!!!

11/10/08 Well, don't I feel smug?

So I was checking my inbox, and I see a notification that someone had posted a comment on a /really/ old post. Naturally, I run to reexamine this post, and lo and behold, I realized I have the ability to see the future! I know you're jealous. It was in may, last year. In the post, I talked about our ward finally having enough young men to administer the sacrament without volunteers. In that post, I mentioned that this could only mean on thing: Ward division. Sure and truly, not a year goes by before our stake is totally reformed. Coincidence, spiritual intuitiveness, or supernatural powers? I wonder this. XD

So, anyway, today was parent's day in seminary. Hooray, hooray. And I got to walk the dog! It was good.

I made some more salad dressing– Dang, salad is good...
Anyway, yeah, that made my day bigtime. Not to mention I took a few good whiffs of strawberry scented candle. Heaven....

I'm happy. Can you tell? -sighs- Good stuff. Yep, not even the fact that life is going at breakneck speed towards Christmas is dampening my mood. Hopefully I'll get something done, then. -nods- I think I'll go, now. -grins and runs off-

11/06/08 Hmm, leadership is an odd thing.

I mean, it's good that it's rewarding in other ways, because there's not much that leaders can really do other than lead. They can even mess around. As soon as they do, everyone else either gets upset or thinks it's okay. Still, at least you get the satisfaction of a job well done. Every leadership responsibility, no matter how small, when accomplished brings a certain sense of fulfillment. I like it. Yeah, Bishop had to leave seminary early today. So, the presidency was in charge. Kind of messed it up. You see, a few people start messing around, and soon you have all out anarchy. -nods- Not pleasant.

In other news, the election is over with and boy am I happy those commercials are over. I might post my essay on here, but it'll be a while, I'm afraid. I've got other things that need doing and I haven't quite found the time to copy it onto the computer.

Christmas is too close, and I don't like that. I seriously need to get this work done, but other things keep popping up. -grumbles- So yeah, I gotta go.

11/03/08 Hmm, elections

Tomorrow will be a changing day in U.S. History. Or not. Either way, it takes care of this week's YM activity. We're working the election! Fun. Stay up late, weight lift, and act serious. Goody. Mom says I should go to be on time tonight. I guess it makes sense.

Anyway, I've got a surprising lack of topic. It's dead. This being the case, I might skip out on you. I know, I do it a lot, but what do you expect from a teenager who forsook social involvement for leadership and personal development? Speaking of which, though, I learned that reading the Book of Mormon and actually taking notes is very time consuming. One of those thinking things.


Other than that, I got nothing. Bye people. I have to go think about Prop 8 and write out a decent essay.

10/31/08 Halloween

Odd holiday, but kind of fun. I'm still wondering what I should be...

Did you know that while there is a horizontal skeletal structure around your shoulders, muscle and skin make it curve slightly into the neck? It's been bugging me for the longest time, and yet I just found out about it now. Yeah, drawing sketches is complicated. I really like the collar bone though. Adds a nice touch.

Hmm, not much to say... I've got a secret person I'm supposed to help fellowship. Two actually. One of them is inactive. That's in seminary. In teachers quorum I've got a whole group of people to worry about.

...I'm kind of at a loss. I did some work in the bedroom today. That was fun. Sanded down the door so that it wouldn't stick, did a little touch up painting. It was nice. Other than that, there's not much to say. I think I'm a fire elemental who has forced himself to become earth... Completely random, but it should match the rest of this nonsense.

-sighs- I think I'll call it quits before I make a fool of myself. See ya.

10/28/08 I gotta write more...

Hmm... that could've gone better.

It turns out that I'm not meant for prolonged speech. A couple minutes, maybe, but after ten minutes or so I lose it. Lessons? Not my cup of tea. I think I'll stick to writing. Good, honest calligraphy. Speaking of which, I really need to take up writing again. I mean, things are busy and all, but I'm beginning to forget things. -shrugs-

So... Not much to say at the moment. Seminary is changing a bit. We're in groups, now. All in all, I sort of like it, although it'll take some getting used to. Sure take a lot more notes this way...

Coming up empty again... Um... The weather is... good. Halloween is coming, too. And I learned that capes made out of caution tape are a bad idea. Makes your neck all itchy and sweaty. Not pleasant. So... yeah. Maybe I'll stick with normal fabric where capes are concerned...

I think that's all. I really don't know. I'm not really excited about talking anymore though, so
I think I'll be off.

10/24/08 Why does time never wait?

Life is beginning to curve back into it's semi-normal rhythm, and yet I've still got the lesson to work on. It's mostly finished, but I've just now realized that time is slowly running out. I've got some work to do before Thanksgiving, let me tell you. Of course, that's mostly my fault, so what can I say?

Life's been interesting. The wednesday night activity went well. Rather well, actually. The foreseen doom of a demolished room and chaos was not to be. A little crazy for a while maybe, but always in control. Even the getting to know you part seemed okay with everyone. We got some pretty awesome stories, although most of those were from the leaders. I think the stick-pull tied it off well. Some active game to make people happy. After all, sitting in a chair for an hour, however funny or entertaining the activity may be, can leave a poor mark.

I'm tired. Now that I'm not running on adrenaline, it occurs to me that I haven't been sleeping much. Mostly I just think. I really should stop doing that.

Still, at least life is in order. A little. I'm going to see if I can finish up today's work quickly so I can get my thinking done before bed. For one thing, I'm having the most bizarre dreams. Like this one I had the night before the stake mutual: First off, I'm late (a frequent occurrence in my dreams), then I forgot my papers and such, and then after a good deal of random nonsense, we start playing duck, duck, goose...

That's a good identifier for lack of sleep. Bizarre dreams. -nods-

So... I'm going to go, now...

10/21/08 Pressure gauge

Recording angels, eh? I like... I wonder if they keep track of the times I talk back to the spirit when things are crazy... That wouldn't be great. Well, I predicted it, but it wasn't as bad as I had feared. Last Sunday I looked at the schedules and said I was going to snap. I did. Kinda funny, really. I get through most of my stress, give the awe-inspiring talk, and then explode when my lesson gets postponed... In hindsight, I don't see how any of it could go better. The talk was a success, I have more time to work out my lesson, this week's activity is mostly planned, and November's calendar was completely full. No need for activity ideas... Of course, it may have something to do with the continuous prayer throughout the week and the spiritual experiences during the campout. The Lord is good at this stuff, you know?

Christmas'll still be a pain, though. I'm running out of time. And while I know a little about what I'm doing, there's still plenty to think about.


I've put off listening to the Bourne Identity soundtracks too long. They help me think clearly. Now... what all needs to be done before I faint...

Dinner. Yes, I must go back to dinner... Oyasumi nasai.

10/16/08 Stretched resources

Trying to be a difficult teenager? Perhaps. I've seen what happens when you're TOO responsible. You get heart attacks. No thank you. I'd much rather keep to my falsified aggression.

... It's been a while... Then again, I've been busy. This week...

I've got to:
Prepare a sacrament meeting talk
Prepare the priesthood lesson
Have November's calender ready for BYC
Plan the stake mutual activity
Get packed for an overnighter
Help clean the church
Get ready for the ES (done)
Get over the annoyance that whenever I plan an activity and have it somewhat detailed, it gets rejected the Sunday before hand... (done)

Chores, Schoolwork, Eternal progression, not to mention all of my bigger projects... Life stinks. Like old Marshmallows. At first they seem nice, but then you realize they're only good for firestarter. -_-

This being the irksome and stressful case, I'm going to go now.

PS: List above being a prime example of why I might not wish to be seen as overly responsible.

10/09/08 Lame virtues...

I'd much rather be doing something than being 'patient'. -shakes head- Oh well. Anywho. I'm not as tired as I was yesterday, but I really need to get to work... -nods- I've got too much to worry about to think about patience... It's great and all, but it's a little annoying.

So... I feel like talking about eggshells. Now, I hear raw eggs really aren't as bad if you wash them first. Something about the shell... I dunno. I like to crack them, though. Very interesting. Plus, unknown to them, they have become a clearly distinctive color. -nods- A good color, too. Bright.

Check that, maybe I am tired. I've got to work on my christmas gifts, too. I don't think they'll be very good... I need better hobbies. The only thing I could think of for a while was writing, but that's clearly not going to happen. I have a few ideas and a theme for one of them. The other I'll have to look around for. (At least that one is the bought gift.) Maybe a good book... Or a couple books... They'd have to be related somehow... -shrugs- I'll work on that later...

In the meantime, I have to go study Japanese. Bye.

10/08/08 Assistant Chalkboard Manager

-shrugs- It seems like that's what I am. -shrugs- Academic Vice doesn't seem to do much. Yet.
At least I got to play with the chalkboard today, though. Scorekeeper for tick-tac-know. Took me a while to figure out that it wasn't no. It was know. That makes all the difference.

Anywho, I'm not questioning the whole devoted to the gospel thing, I just want to find a way to make it subconscious. You know, like how you burst out laughing when you hear something funny. ...Bad example. I understand it isn't supposed to be easy, but there are some habits you can form by repeated action. Why not something like this? I know, I know. Just keeping doing it and it will. Maybe, but it seems like an awfully long process. I wanna find the switch in my head that works with stuff like that. There are triggers for thought and emotion. Why not habit?

-yawns- Mr. Stull. (Even that sounds weird....) Is coming next Tuesday. I've got to... Um. Plan for that. I also really need to check out the corn maze and the stake mutual. And get a three month calendar back... And think about Christmas and half a dozen other odd things. -pounds head into wall- I'll be thankful when I join Priests Quorum... I might not have a position of responsibility, then... Then I'll just have everything else in life... Goody. I have to make phone calls about YM/YW tonight. I think it's canceled. My quorum should probably get a memo about that... So they don't... um... show up.

Yeah... I don't feel happy. I mean, I feel a little happy, but I've got some work to do...

10/06/08 A brief moment

It's becoming known to me that the Lord often works in short spaces of time. Even Conference, which took up an entire weekend, seems somewhat dwarfed now. Perhaps it is merely that it seems short, compared with the vast messages presented, but in daily life, as well. He's always in the little things. The faint, unnoticed sounds of the morning. The subtle touch of the spirit in the midst of a humble testimony. They're so brief, and their touch so light, yet it lasts longer than any other emotion.

What kind of feeling is this, that you can barely notice it's strength, despite the fact that you can often easily find its source, along with the vast impacts? I wish I could feel it more. I wish that I could make it flare constantly. I mean, I've always felt the spirit, yielding in only some occasions which I do not gladly recall, but there's something special about these times. More than the quiet knowledge. More than the need and want for righteousness. A throbbing, immense joy which cannot be denied.

Looking back, I've always wanted it, but still I can only feel it with great devotion and diligence. How can I make this feeling natural, as I know it must be with those greater than me? I want to feel more than the quiet knowledge, as I have before. I feel that knowledge daily, without much present thought. It is burned into my mind. I want to feel the joy, the eagerness for service, the seeking of truth and peace. While the knowledge of truth is natural to me, I want the actions of truth to be even more so.

For years, I've grown in practicing the mastery of emotion, and some even of thought, yet I can only sometimes feel the sweet, undeniable sense of control I feel when I understand and master desires. I felt it in conference. I feel it sometimes in seminary. I feel it in church. I want to be complete in this. I want it to be a natural thing. I want to be able to choose without restraint the things which I desire. Not only emotion or outward opinion. I understand them. I want to control my inward desires. This love of conflict. This desire to outmatch. I want to beat them. I want to know and have control over the very fibers of my being. Learning to control one's body is one thing. Learning to control one's emotions is another. What I want is to learn how to control one's wants. Not to rise above them or act separately from them, but to /change/ them. To feel only what I want to feel and to seek only what I want to seek, to become a better follower of Christ. I fear that this will be one goal that I may never reach quickly.

Aside from this, life is quiet. Not that there aren't many things I am sadly avoiding which I shouldn't. There are things which must be doing and I will eventually have to do them. However, there is little happening which warrants much mention. I am pursuing (pursuing being a very affective term) an education, and I am attempting to do the things which I must while also setting time aside for the things I wish to do, as well. I feel stretched, something which one of the general authorities talked about during Conference. He mentioned prayer and seeking the Lord's help, but I cannot help but feel like He is already helping. It seems somewhat ungrateful to ask for more, when there are many others who need Him more. I suppose I don't understand Him well enough. In any case, I should go. Perhaps I will ask.

Sayonara.

10/02/08 Oompa Loompa: The Sport of Kings

It... was... Awesome.

Seriously good exercise, though. We were SWEATY. And yet, it wasn't all that tiring. I mean, it burns after a while, but there's no fatigue. Hecka fun.

Anyway, today is Thursday. In seminary we learned about Parables, but also about the latter day (that's us) gathering of the ten tribes. Yup. Tomorrow there'll be a mention about General Conference. Woot! It'll be fun. Also, I'm pretty sure we'll be hometeaching after the Sunday afternoon session. I can only fathom what awe-inspiring message we will be able to relay from these precious words... We'll sound wise.

I gotta make a cloak. The thing is. I don't know how. And frankly, I don't have time for it anyway. -sighs- I'll just read my books and continue on with life.

I've got the Hiragana symbols down now. I just need to finish the Katakana and my new Japanese book will actually make sense. ^^ I'm gunna be bilingual. Hopefully.

To be brief, I shall not go into depth concerning the battle that took place a short while ago. I shall merely be content to say that the shards of glass fell slowly in that time, and the world itself seemed to move with a lethargic rate. I'll never forget that noise. Shattering, cracking, and a pealing shriek of protest as the crippling blow found its mark. It was terrifying. ...And yet, I've never felt so alive... XD

-restful sigh- That shall be all for today. I must tend to my studies.

10/01/08 Happy New Month!

I dunno. Just felt like mentioning it. In reply to the comments, however, I can only say that sarcasm's delightful affects seem somewhat diminished over hundreds of miles of webspace. Text, as it were, may not be the best outlet for making jokes.

Mom hasn't been all that bad, considering the blatant reasons she might have for being worried. Exaggeration is a wonderful thing, no? Anyway, I do find it someone interesting how she mentioned we're bad on gas millage... Seeing as I've never driven her car before, there's no telling what I might do to it. Who knows, I could be one of those crazy smooth drivers. Probably not, but is there no chance?

Oi... I'm never getting into politics. People taking what you say seriously stinks. I mean, at some -rather obvious- points, I would understand their thinking, but in most everyday things, I, and many other people, can be taken with reasonable disregard for the accuracy of our statements.

This isn't seeming to get the point across very well... Okay, I'll admit, I'm generally accepted as a serious person in some fields, but when it has to do with crazy people not being allowed to drive, odds are you can sort of cast aside the neighboring rantings.

There... Now you know. And I'm gunna leave before anyone has a chance to yell at m-

-goes poof-

09/30/08 I'm tired...

-Sighs- Wednesday is coming up... I need to get everything ready... General Conference is coming up too... And I've got a Priesthood lesson on the twelfth. Stake mutual is coming... And Christmas... I used to complain that things always seemed to come in spurts... Now it's just constant psychoticness. I never thought I'd miss the spurts so much...

I'll probably start driving soon. I finally got into the Driver's ed course. Fun stuff. At least then I'll be able to get the car open. Mom has been anxious about letting me have keys. Apparently, I'm unfit to go near a car because I'm mentally disturbed. First they cut off the blind people, now the lunatics? I guess the gas prices won't be such a big deal anymore. Who'll still be allowed to drive?

I just read about the American colonists going all crazy rebel child on Britain. Actually, they've been at it for a while, but now they're being the physical resolving fist-swingers. Nathan Hale was pretty awesome, though. Definitely had some good last words. "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country," or something like that. Very stirring.

I gotta make bookmarks... My grim reaper collection seems to be depleting, although I'll probably have to draw someone else after a while. The bleach one was good, but now they're seeming to get old.

Books... Oh how terribly doth thou tempt me. -shakes fist- Soon... Very soon.

I gotta do some jumping jacks, change my alphabet, and learn about stupid variables. Then, I shall read... -sighs-

I have to stay awake. Life never sleeps... I hate that. At least it's fun every now and then, though. Just long. So long... Heh... That's funny. Well, I guess this'll have to do. See ya.

09/25/08 Strange blessings.

It's strange... When the wards split and got reorganized, it struck me that I somewhat missed the feeling of having to look out for old troop 40. There was a whole troop of boys I had responsibility for and, even though it was burdening at the time, I enjoyed it. Of course, now it's only one quorum, but it also seems more individual now. Before, I watched over a group. Now, I find myself watching over individuals, seeing resources coming into play right when they're needed. I'm seeing the dire needs of action, and it almost feels natural to take that action. I've never really felt that before. Plus, as my focus is centering, I'm catching sight of my own weaknesses, learning the things I have to do to help myself, and later, those around me. It's more than the feeling of progression, or even service... I don't know how to describe it.

Last night was the stake activity. ^^ For the teachers, we had an ever-exciting game of Basketball (Malan style. XD). After that, we had our little service project lunch-making thing. Two minutes under the last go. -nods-

It's an odd feeling, trying to understand and help a rebellious teenager. It makes me a little uneasy about parenthood, although I imagine I'll be a good deal more prepared when I finally get to that point, seeing as I currently am such a teenager myself. I guess I'll leave it to mom to decide how rebellious I am, but I'm definitely a teenager. Anyway, teenagers, unfortunately, seem to have this way of brushing things off, so I have to make sure my first blow is well-placed. I just hate thinking that by waiting too long, their resentful feelings towards all that is good in the world will have time to grow. It'll definitely be tricky. -grumble grumble-

In brighter news! Fall is here (officially), and I have a book at the library! -resists urge to bolt- I must go soon. Rather soon. Like, way...

Great to see all of you again... I uh... gotta go. -runs off-

09/24/08 Why does this keep happening?

Um... let's see, I went on a campout, jumped off cliffs, learned that I'm surprisingly useful in getting other people through a tricky obstacle, and I have a terrible distaste towards falling. Not heights, just weightlessness.

So, how are you guys?

Um... I'm still working on Hiragana and Katakana... I did some laundry... Ooh, and I learned that the chocolate mug recipe is very good when you add a tablespoon of peanut butter. But that's old news...

-sighs- I'm not very interesting. I gotta go, it would seem that a very uneventful life could still keep one busy.

09/17/08 Rhythm is good.

I might be close to getting a good rhythm now. On a daily perspective, of course. Good thing, too, seeing as I've got a good number of things I could and probably should be doing. I've just got to do some cleaning around the house and work on the last few subjects of the day and I'll be set. ^^

As for the cooking aspect of yesterday's post, The only changes I've tried with the mug cake were with the recipe itself. A little less flour, a little more milk, nothing drastic. I've yet to take up the courage of trying a new variety altogether, although I suppose it's not entirely out of the question.

Um, I think the first thing we tried was a sort of pizza thing, which tasted fine, the only real problem being that there was too much for the thing. Some parts less cooked because of too thick biscuit dough, oozing tomato sauce and cheese... The others went a lot better. Mom made some cheese biscuits, then the next day I tried a quesadilla-type thing. Those were good. I dunno, I'm thinking about trying something else for lunch, but I can't decide on what...

-yawns- I must be off. Lots to do before I can get to my book... ( I went to the library today. )

09/16/08 First Check

Travis came today. Maybe I shouldn't call him that. You know, 'cause he's the education specialist. Using a first name isn't very formal. Then again, it's not really meant to be formal... I dunno.

So, it went okay. Didn't murder myself with the Japanese quiz. Yay!

Not much to say about it.

I learned that you should never sketch leaning back. Makes it lopsided. I tried out a funny little cooking thing that mom got. It's used to make little pocket things. It's good. Needs a little getting used to, but very fun.

Mug cakes are great! You see, there's this recipe where you cook it in the microwave... Tasted pretty good, for ten minutes of prep time that is. XD

Um, I think that's it. Bye? -shrugs- I should get a schedule. -leaves-

09/15/08 Uh... sorry 'bout that.

Odd. You're gone for a week or two and suddenly there are things to talk about. Um, mutual has come and much more slowly gone, seminary has maintained its upbeat energy packed aura, and I've felt the spirit and its promptings quite clearly. Over all, I'd say that life is going fairly well. Now, I realize that some such promptings were calls for action where I am already losing track of a small number of things. Christmas... Oi. Still, I should be able to manage. Enough about the future, though. Let's wallow in the past!

Mutual. Probably a good place to start, seeing as I've been complaining about it for so long. And, I don't know why, it doesn't seem as bad. It might just be remnants of seminary's spiritual high. As you (might) know, we were going to play BoM Whose Line. Worked okay. Not everything was according to plan, but people seemed to like it. By the way, buzzers are dangerous things.

Next! That same night- -switches to ominous tone- That same night... In the dark of the church, I watched as my brother was swept away. Voices. Voices behind the door... It was unnerving. It was only upon his unexpected return that the duration of his absence was explained... They were preparing him. Preparing him for an awful torture. One that could claim the sanity of any man, let alone one as close to the edge as my brother... The next morn, he vanished again, returning only when the sun had reached the sky. He had not talked under the onslaught, yet it cost him dearly. He was confused. He was numb with pain. In the end, they did the only thing left for them. They removed his teeth!

(For those who may not have guessed the subtle hints, subtle being used lightly, Andrew got his wisdom teeth pulled.)

I must go now. Not only is there much schoolwork to be prepared, but I also must prepare for a battle of souls. Oh yeah, I could so be an over-dramatized spiritual writer. Ja mata, minasan!

09/04/08 Thursday?

Already???

Wow... This week has been fast. I need to work on the mutual activity... -groans- Who had the bright idea that youth should learn to be leaders and productive... things? -smacks head into wall-

I don't want to write at the moment. I don't want to do anything. I think I'll sit. Sit and wait until I'm... I dunno. Dead. That'll work. Not.

-sighs- Oh well, at least I've got Anna. Bit of a coward, but she's loyal enough. We're probably going to be working on the floor tonight... Not looking forward to it.

I don't want time to move quickly. I want it to drag on forever. I can cope with boredom. Fast pace? NO.


Am I ranting? I feel to tired to be ranting. Check that. Not tired. Stressed. Small difference. I have a snowball... Now I just need to come up with something spiritual to put under it. I need to pack. I need to learn Japanese... I need to meditate.

-a few minutes later-

Much better.
Anyway, I need to go take charge of my life. See ya.

09/03/08 Meandering sweetly through the grass like a tornado...

This is an example of a very bad analogy. So, uh. It looks like the boys may be migrating soon. -scratches head- I need to work on that. -scratches head again- Why am I so itchy? -whacks leg- I'll probably have to take a shower soon, this is getting annoying.

So... Christmas, Eagle, DTG, Stake activity, mutual, Mormon Ad, packing, phone calls, school work, and everyday chores... I have to go.

09/02/08 And so it begins...

Seminary is back! I'm beginning to see the differences between teachers. Bro. Malan's class felt a good bit like a normal classroom, yet somewhat more personal while Bishop Farrimond's seems almost like a scripture studies group. I dunno. It seems like there's less of a lesson involved and more discussion and such. Not the best description, perhaps, but interesting.

Anyway, back on the topic which I haven't decided yet. Life is good. Libraries are good too. I just remembered that I wanted to go there. Not to mention the Mormon Ad I need to make for seminary. I wonder, where might I find a picture of Christ walking with some kid... I had an idea about Eternal Progression being a team sport, but I'm not sure where to start my search for the picture... Oh well, I'll figure it out.

-shrugs- I've got a quiet life, I'm telling you. Not much happens, but not much needs to happen. I'm going to start Driver's Ed this semester, though. -grins- I'm going to enjoy this.

I suppose, for lack of a better topic, I shall leave you with this foreboding idea, always causing you to look twice before getting into your car. XD

08/29/08 No more...

No clue what I'm going to talk about today. I finished the last book of the series I was reading, and, unlike some of the other books, it seemed a little less implying that there would be another one. I think there might be, but I'm not sure. ...I gotta get a hobby. I've been thinking about writing a couple random reports, though on what I'm not sure. I'll at least want to work on some short stories. Improv, of course. -shrugs- I miss Seminary. It's coming back in around a week probably, but I still miss it.

-yawns- I like Anna. She just lays there while I'm doing some schoolwork. Very lovely dog.

Okay... Getting tired of this. Maybe I should just get on with ALEKS and be done with it. Sorry, everybody. I've taken on a certain lull that can only be described as boredom in the fullest. Even a fate of radicals and polynomials and all kinds of other horrors that are much harder to spell is starting to seem interesting... Bye everyone, we shall meet again.

08/28/08 You know what I'm going to say

Yeah, I'm sweaty, I need a shower, there's a book and Algebra waiting for me and I've just regained some control over things around here. I don't have much time.

So, without much in depth recollection, I shall see if I can piece together a few things I missed. During this week, I helped a bunny in need, got a guy in a straitjacket onto a unicycle, was recognized in said event, watched with faked enthusiasm a man talking about airplanes, read more of a charming series, and moreover attacked the vast array of junk that has sneaked back into this house. Other than that, I am a young man. You now know all that I'll probably ever tell you here.

-stretches- Well, that was fun. Now that this merry little post is on its way, I shall be, as well. -poof-

08/27/08 -yawns- Only one left?

I just finished the third book of the Ranger's Apprentice... I'm beginning to think I should be reading less. For one thing, I'm running out of book. -shrugs- I'll find another series.

Anywho, We (Andrew and I) went to the fair with dad on Monday. Surprisingly, it was pretty fun. I mean, around the middle it got a little boring when we ran out of things we wanted to see and we kept missing shows, but after a while we got into the rhythm of them and we got to see some pretty cool stuff. Sea lions, jugglers, and towards the end we got to watch some acrobats. XD The hypnotist, to my standards, wasn't the most enjoyable, but it had its moments.

Hmm, so... What else? School's nice. I gotta get back to it soon, but it's nice. -sighs- Oh, if only I was an interesting person! Yeah... not gunna happen.

So this is the conclusion to our monotony. Farewell, lively folks.

08/26/08 YES!

Um... This is going to be another short post... I've got three books at the library for me and two to return. Must. Do. Homework... Ugh! So yes, life is good. My history work is all finished, so now I just have to do ALEKS and Japanese. I'll do PE on the way to the library. ^^

Uh... That's all. Sorry guys... If you're looking for something purely awesome to read, you could try the Ranger's Apprentice. That's what I'm doing and I haven't been disappointed. I've finally found a book that's not drowned in romance or pathetic characters. They're mortal! And the heroic scenes are realistic enough to the point where a teenager could beat one of the toughest guys ever and it still makes sense. -nods- Very happy. So uh... -runs off to get the hour of brain melting over with-

08/22/08 Good book

Hi, peoples. Time to actually post...

So, I suppose I should start with the Encampment– Wow, that was a long time ago...

It was good. The Teachers and Deacons went up a day later than the Priests, so that was interesting. -nods- Really fun, though. Lots of stuff to do. Plus, I got to collect the sixteen trading cards of the modern day prophets. XD Good stuff. Although I have to say: the people who started with Joseph Fielding Smith mostly turned out as a bunch of crooks. -shakes head- Selling a prophet, piece of paper or otherwise. Not good. Still, other than that, I was pleased with how the people there were. There were just thousands of them. (No exaggeration)

Next off... Fort Bragg trip? Not much happened over the weekend. We got to visit with D & T, so that was pretty awesome, but as far as going out and doing something, I can't recall anything. Mostly just talking and playing Crack the Case. So, the trip. It was pretty amazing. I'd just like to say right off the bat, though, that just because it was a sibling trip, it's not meaning that we actively wanted for mom to be left out. It was just that through everything that's been going on, with the divorce and all the other odd happenings that have come up, this was a time where we could get together and sort of renew the knowledge that no matter what happens with the divorce, we'll still be siblings and that will never change. Something like this will probably not happen again for years. I mean, we might still get together for a night during a visit, but over all, the majority will be spent together with everyone. It's not that we didn't want parents, there. It's just that that isn't our only relationship. We're a family, with relatives who care about us, but we're also brothers and sisters. And even though we have our own opinions about mom and dad, we wanted to have a chance to look at our relationship without worrying about how the divorce changes things and know that it won't change us. So, I'm sorry that it was hard for mom, but I want her to know why it happened like this, or as far as I can tell through my opinion.

Now that that's... settled? I suppose I should talk about how things went. It was pretty cool, both the experience and Fort Bragg itself. We got to check out the town, and some of Mendocino, too. But of course, who goes camping for window shopping? (Please don't answer that. I seriously do not understand it...) We got to go to several of the beaches, check out the tide pools, and there were loads of good climbing trees. Now, what we did was very fun, but I'm not sure if I've been on many campouts were we ate as good as we did there. Good stuff all around. And yes, Sariah, I gained back seven of the ten pounds I lost while I was sick, five of which I'm sure were from the campout... (But we all know it's mostly muscle. -nods-)

I don't know how to condense it. The stuff we did and the food we ate were great and all, but it just felt really nice to have everyone there so we could talk openly about anything we felt like. Whether it was the divorce or odd things like the Mole. It didn't matter. So yeah, this might happen again in the future, but as far as I can guess, next up will be everybody. (Well, except maybe Andrew, but he'll be doing more important things.)

That basically catches things up. Sorry if this a a little... short? I dunno, I figure there's not much chance in capturing the whole thing in detail, so this is as good as I'm going. It occurs to me, though, that I completely forgot to mention the speakers at the Encampment and that I got to say hi to John Bytheway while he was arriving at the ranch. (How could I miss that? :/) So, now you know, it was nice. The speakers were nice... Hurrah for Israel! Yeah... that was fun...

Tada! Le end, good luck with... Life. Bye!

08/21/08 Cut short

Heh heh...

I'm not starting reviews today... I have a book... and it's wonderful... and I must start reading it... The end.

Um... yeah. Bye!

08/20/08 Landing on one's feet

I've always admired those who go through a break in routine and yet still manage to function well on reunification. With the close of Summer and the return from several camping trips, I'm relearning the struggles that come from lost time. Two weeks gone from most announcements and right off the bat I head into a meeting to talk about the next month of activities. Does it end there? Not really. The next day is back to school, with all the uncertainties of the first day. What I'm doing, what needs doing before I take a certain class, the basics. Perhaps not so troublesome, but it always seems more annoying at the moment. Hindsight... Wonderful thing.

In other news, the Mole season finale came out last week. Pretty good, I suppose, although I say the mole was the wrong person. It was Craig, and yes, he was good, but it should've been Mark. Craig was too obvious. There are the obvious moles and the completely impossible moles. He was the latter. He's so clearly not the mole that you know he's faking something. Not to mention the tiny detail that Mark kept out more twice as much money out of the pot as Craig, as far as I can tell. Mark was the perfect mole. He sabotaged in the dark, making others perform poorly while performing amazingly himself. He was the die hard kind of guy who worked hard at everything. Yet even with this, he still did massive damage himself. I mean, seriously, Craig hardly did anything to mess with other people. His sabotages were small and personal, keeping a finite amount of money from the pot while Mark was doing his job for him. -shakes head- Disappointing.

So, anyway, life is mostly good. I've got a service project coming up that sounds pretty... unpleasant. 'Course, everyone knows those get you the most points with the awesome-est guy ever. -nods- Silver lining. It's there. -twiddles thumbs- Kay... Now I'm out. I could talk about the hitherto mentioned campouts, but something tells me I'll wait until later. To much to do before six. -nods-

This being said, I shall leave you all in a state of suspense, waiting on the edges of your seats to see what the reviews will be. To add to the suspense... A dramatic exit! -bursts into flame and jumps out a window-

08/06/08 Encampment

I'm going to jump off into the woods again. No clue how, or even where, really, but Imma do it. Twice.

-stares at bulging backpack- Maybe I'm bringing too much... -packs in a measuring tape, yawns-

In answer to a comment on the last post, Hubert still hasn't come back from his 'two week' vacation. Fish is with him. The monkeys are somewhere on the east coast of North America. Hedge has been called back to take a rest for a few days before returning to the search. That's all I know, okay? Apparently not everyone is so fond of living in an asylum.

I don't want to do things. I don't want to eat, either, but I really should. I've been losing /way/ too much weight in this short of a time. Ten pounds in less than a week? A little much.

Well, that's my story. I'm tired. And I have to pack. Toodles.

08/04/08 Amazing...

-stares in awe at Hopelessness- It's so... cool. You can't see it... but at the same time, you can... Weird...

'Brighten' your day??? I make a humongous fuss about not really wanting to do it, and this makes you feel /good/? -lightbulb- I have... and idea. IF she was glad because she knew that much more how much I sacrificed to please her, maybe I can relate this to daily life... Teenagers aren't annoying... They're making their parents happy... That is, when they do what they're supposed to. Most just sit around and complain about stuff online. (XD) We don't know any of those people.
So if there was a bigger fuss before hand, even the smaller things will mean something... Thanks mom! I know just what to do now!

The Mole...
#o~º

Sorry, Hedge, I don't think a magnifying glass is going to help with this one. 'Still say it's Mark, though. Nicole and Craig should have the whole speed vs. detail battle. Nicole has said a couple times that she's mostly just doing it as quickly as possible. Craig, on the other hand, might go more accuracy. 'Course, I /suppose/ IF Craig was the mole... Mark would be another good choice for the speedy/accurate comparison. Everyone knows he spends enough time with his journal.

So yeah, TB and I helped the Malans move this morning. -head drops- I'll miss them. Bro. Malan was an awesome speaker, and, understandably, a great teacher. ...Big head idols. -nods- They had smiley faces, but they usually didn't last long. Apparently, big head idols were pretty common in the Old Testament. 'Kept getting smashed, though. Phonies aren't appreciated.

Delightful. So that's most of my day. For the weekend... I was sick. The lame kind where you can't get up much because your head says "no". I think I may have gotten it when I was working in the downstairs fireplace. ...Or in the sea room. -shrugs- It's gone now. And I lost five pounds! I don't weigh one fifty anymore... -sighs- Oh well, I'll have it back sooner than I'd like anyhow.

Tada! That is the end to this remarkable post of insanity. Seriously. So yeah, have fun and do /not/ jump off a cliff. Bad idea. Bye!

08/01/08 -_- Oh well.

You had to tag the lazy one, didn't you? -sighs and mumbles something about chainletters-

Before I get to that truly sparkling topic, however, I would like to say a few words...

I've been looking back through old episodes and I'm almost positive it's Mark. Reason this time? Targets. After watching the eliminated players, I've noticed that the people going for Nicole and Craig were being knocked off. Craig might still be here because he's the mole, but I think it's because he's been watching Mark. Craig wanted an exemption on that episode and he explained why he sabotaged the group. Mole-ish? Perhaps, but more mole-ish is the fact that Mark lit the sparks of uncertainty when the mission began.

Now, for the 'fun'. part.

I was tagged by Mom (you probably know her...)

Finish These Five

Rules:
Each player answers the questions themselves. At the end of the post the player then tags 5 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment letting them know that they've been tagged and asking them to read your blog. Let the person who tagged you know when you've posted your answers.

The Five-

Ten years ago… I was shorter than four feet and stank at chess.

Five things on today's "to do" list…

1) Clean downstairs fireplace. -check-

2) Clean up family room. -check-

3) Sand. -check-

4) Prepare for camp(s) -heh heh...-

5) Household chores. -mostly check-
Oh yeah, I'm good...

Five Snacks I enjoy… .

1) Uh... I don't really eat... snacks. Desserts or appetizers, perhaps. For the heck of it, though, let's say popcorn.

2) Ice cream is good.

3) Apples are good, too.

4) Running out of options...

5) Water???

Five Things I would do if I was a millionaire…

1) Further experiments regarding mental psychology

2) Turn it over to... someone who knew what they were doing. Like, maybe a legal adult???

3) Savings?

4) Seriously, I'm not this complicated. I don't need five spaces.

5) What mom said.

Five Places I have lived…

-blinks- Now, this is mean.
1) Sacramento, CA

2)...

3)...

4)...

5) I'm adventurous.

I'm tagging...

1) Towel Boy xP

2) Sharp Shutter

3) Uh... who hasn't been tagged yet?

4) Whatever, that's good enough. I'll be rebellious and say that you guys are lucky enough to get this much.

5) Why are you still asking me that??? Fine... Has Debi been tagged yet? No fancy links. Odds are you know where to go anyway. If not... Sorry for the immense disappointment you no doubt are feeling, even as I continue to crush your dreams of reading a hilarious response to this dreadful thing.

I thought that'd never be over. Next time you say five questions, how about they /stay/ five questions. Having multiple answers required never helped anyone.

07/28/08 Eesh fancy. -nods solemnly-

No idea what I'm talking about. Went to the dentist today, though. That was interesting. Got a toothbrush. No cavities. -leaps for joy- Also, The Mole's coming tonight. So far, I've seen everything, and so far, I haven't changed my mind. Mark just seems like a good mole. I liked last week though. They got to see their families. (Ha! Take that reality shows! This one actually let's 'em see each other from time to time. xP)


-walks off- A package! A Japanese package! -nods- School. Horray.

So, apart from my apparent lack of any social life, I've been out of the house a lot more than I thought this summer. And guess what. I'm doing it again! Good stuff with the Encampment and sibling-thing. I will need showers. I've gotten... /civilized/. Why do I sense the dirt piling up in my hair??? I didn't always... I used to be a wild child... Dirty hair was good. Now... Not so much. Why?

I found a Panda. His name is Van. I haven't seen him in a while, but he's cool. That's just about it. Life story is over. The end. Thanks for coming.

One more thing. Rock on funny little hoping thing! Enjoy your last moments of life! Bye people!

07/25/08 Structure? -shakes head-

You know, I think I'll be glad when school is back. Not necessarily the busyness, but during school, I've got a specific plan for when I blog and all those things. Now it's a little more... Random? I dunno. Maybe should start looking at next semester's books... Or scouts. Something.

TV shows? Well, the two noted before are very nice. I also like... Well, I kind of like a few of the situation comedies. Everybody loves Raymond, Reba, stuff like that. A few gameshows are interesting. There are a lot I watch, but the ones I like are the ones with actual ongoing plots. Heroes is okay. A little freaky sometimes, but interesting. Lost is very good. -nods- Other than that, It's all so-so.

The list of things I don't like is much longer. Practically every drama that has to do with social/romance things, most supernatural-like things, cartoons with poor art styles and worse writers. You get the idea.

About the mole, though... I really think it's Mark. He's one of the most productive players, and yet people around him seem a little less successful in missions. He can mess with peoples' heads. He got them angry about a stupid race, he made people all rushed during another mission, and through that, sloppy. He's got a high- tension attitude that really helps him, but ruins everyone else. He's the kind of guy who works harder than anyone, but still knows how to work against them at the same time. -shrugs-

A cat is staring at me. I don't feel like petting a cat, nor do I feel like having one on my lap or dealing with its overexcited claws. -nudges cat away-

It's back. Okay, um... I have to go...

07/18/08 I really don't like colds.

I mean, the kinds where you feel fine, but nevertheless have this constant need to blow your nose. -fist shake- Annoyance. Anywho, life is good though, and I learned that there are two more shows I like. (not all TV is stupid?) Avatar and The Mole. Both very good. And while Avatar is a kid show, it is extremely well put together. Plus, there is absolutely no blood or such disgusting things, so it's actually pretty decent. Uplifting... Sorta. It's got its morals and life lessons, and it's certainly not degrading. Also, unlike almost every other show I've seen, this one has successfully pulled off team fight scenes. No limiting to one on one, we've had one group fighting another, heck, even three different people trying to pull off a free for all. Very good. I'll admit, it does have it's unrealistic side and a few cheesy moments, but it's all in good balance. And to top it all off, it's got a stellar plot and character backgrounds. -nods- The Mole, in comparison, is completely different. Reality show where everyone is trying to find out which one of them is a plant while having a bunch of odd challenges. Pretty fun. It's odd though. There are beginning to be more shows I like, but tidal waves more shows I don't like... The only explanation is that there are more shows... Even media is having inflation! What happens when people run out of ideas for all these shows? -points to saturday morning cartoons- That's right. They go to the dogs. Which is why I'm glad Avatar has a set ending in the future. (however unfortunate its absence shall be)

So yeah, other than that, life is mostly sanding... (You'd think there'd be some signs of progress after repeated hours of labor...) I've got to work on some Teacher's Quorum planning... -waves and goes poof-

07/09/08 Hibernation

It's too hot... Must not go back to sleep...

Sorry for the wait, I seem to keep forgetting about this... Hedge is find, he's helping track down the monkeys, while Hubert and the gang are taking an ill-timed vacation, not that he'd be much help here. This is something Hedgy is better at. -nods-

So anyway, life goes on. Mom and the guys did some cleaning in the valley a while back. -cheers- I'm telling you, I have no idea what that stuff was... It's all good, though.

Also, I've been called as the Teachers Quorum President, and after a little more work, I think we'll have things all set. We've sort of got a three month calendar now. It's a little lacking in detail, but it's good for now.

-smacks head into wall- Hundred and six??? Who the heck wants that??? -thinks about question- Given the general belief of what heck is like, perhaps they would like it... -shrugs- I don't think so, though. It's all figurative language, unlike this sorrow kindling thermometer... Evil, I tell you. Evil!

Fan, you're my friend. And water. I should take a shower. A cold shower. No heat... Oh, what a pleasant thought.


So yeah, that's the basics of what life's going to be like for a while. On the bright side, though, I finally rearranged the magazines! (it's been bugging me)

So uh... Ja mata!

06/18/08 Monkeys (continued)

Some of you may remember the post a few weeks back, which included a certain poster.

This has been kept low for safety reasons, but I feel that it can no longer be hidden. The Monkeys, and a few other experiments, went missing a few months back. While searches were commenced, no trace of them was found. Also, genetic research and testing supplies disappeared shortly after this occurrence. We believe the monkeys are looking to expand their numbers, a theory which was confirmed a short while ago in April. Fifteen monkeys escaped from a Safari Wild Preserve in Florida. While monkeys generally have a fear of water, these were able to escape by swimming across an unfenced pond. We believe the Monkeys are in search of others to enhance in able to create a much larger force. While one monkey was found a short distance from the site, interrogations have proved useless, and the others are still at large. If you see one, you are encouraged to keep your distance, as we are still unable to know how much these creatures are capable of.

06/10/08 Carpet, condiments, and... cookies.

The following is a brief and somewhat random report of the weekend.

Andrew had his birthday dinner Sunday, which was amazing because I got to make crystal light with the Hinds' cool pitcher, although there were other reasons. ^^ We also had tots, hamburgers, corn, and uh... Ooh! Pretzel Jello-ish-stuff. (I don't remember what it's called.) Don't we all love Andrew? Good choice in food...

Saturday was pretty cool, too. First, we went to the Elder's quorum lunch/hike, got lost, and climbed trees. -nods in pleasant remembrance- Then, we watched a disappointing horse race, followed by a likewise sad movie. Emma Smith really had an unsettling life. Not too fun.

The Volcano that lies on the far side of the Valley that divides the Great Cliffs... Is /lame/.

Clear floor! No more funny carpet stuff in the big bedroom! All painted, carpet removed. All we've got to do now is move a bunch of stuff out of there...

Yep, those are the basics, as of late. Progress! Good stuff, that. I also made cookie dough, only to realize with heart-stopping surprise that, to my disappointment, the chocolate chips were all gone. -sighs- Chocolateless cookies? Impossible, so it remains as dough in the freezer.

Good times, good times. Now that that's all over with, I think I'll start working on the volcano again... Oi...

06/06/08 -sobs- I made a crane.

It's a little paper crane, made out of a pink post-it note. Seminary's over. My current teacher is moving to Oregon. (Rosers might see him. I think he'll be right across the river, if my geological memory serves correctly.)

Kinda sad to think about, but at least now I'll be able to tear through the house like I've always wanted to. The western volcano and its valley might be a little difficult to take down, but I'll see what I can do. - Too much computer stuff and things that belong to someone who doesn't live here... This is where we need someone like my twice elder brother. WHAT THE HECK IS THAT STUFF???

I'm not so great at cleaning when I don't know where anything is supposed to go. -sighs-


Yep, that's life. On the bright side, the big bedroom is almost ready to move. ...Oh joy and happiness... Moving the beds.... -shakes head- You know, this place might not be too bad off, after all, once everything's rearranged. I guess that's all for today. I'll see you when I see you. -waves-

06/05/08 An Ode To My Departed Seminary

Yeah, I might not do that, but you never know...


This house is messy. Less messy than a few years ago, but it could still use some improvement. -glances at mountain- Not much more I can do on this front. I must pick a new target... I could just head west and see how it goes... On through the family room and into the dinning room... It'll be a challenge, but nothing drastic. A certain someone's storage garage might pose a problem, though. -pause- Nah, I'll just attack it too. It's not like it'll be going anywhere any time soon.

As you know, that-which-must-not-be-named is coming, which means that school is over. And so is seminary. It's sad, really. I just realized this morning that I can't keep a straight face in seminary. I've got this uncharacteristic smile that doesn't go away. It goes away once we start driving home, but up until we leave, it won't leave. There's something about seminary that's different from other classes, even Sunday classes. It might be that it's in the morning, it might be the teachers, but there's something I feel there that I /know/ is the spirit. When I look around, even thought some people are messing around, I see a world that's not so done for. People who will make the world a better place, despite the constant oppression that's bringing it down. And now that it's over, I'm going to miss it. I'm going to miss that feeling I get as soon as we say opening prayer. Tomorrow is the last day of our seminary class, but I hope seminary doesn't go away.


-looks up- Man, I am so deep. -nods-
So I'm thinking I should go. Bye, everybody!

06/04/08 Elections?

First, I'd like to reply to a comment left on the last post. If everybody decided that Matthew already wrote about everything, the book would probably be a lot shorter. The real question is whether or not that was a bad thing. XD


Okay, so last night was election night. Yay! Once again, the scouts went to raise money for scout camp. I got to try a new fashion trend, though: Trenchcoat and reflector vest. Oh yeah, you know you're jealous. XD So I think it went pretty well. I mean, we had a slight problem with people messing around, but that got a little better when they got to show off their dislocating appendages. That and when there was actually work to do instead of sitting around waiting for a car to show up. It was weird, though. Someone there could completely bend back his thumb... Fifteen seconds of fame never seemed so freaky...

Other than that, life's been reasonably quiet. School's over, so I'll be doing scouts, cleaning/sorting, and stuff like that for a while. I'm really beginning to wonder why we're keeping some stuff we have. Like this funny looking thing that I think goes to some computer thing we don't have anymore. Why do we have that??? Then there's the whole sentimental thing. (I'm not one to keep things... Except the temple celebration stuff. They're in a locked briefcase... XD)

Hooray! It's June and I'm not a roasted peanut! I may actually survive thi- (Inner self:) DON'T SAY THAT! You might give you-know-what ideas! Back, Summer! Back!

That was random. Anyway, time to go. Bye!

05/29/08 Sun-Wed

Okay! To continue our story, Sunday morning we woke up in the parking lot of Wal-Mart, which we had heard opens at six in the morning. It didn't, so instead, we got to stare at it for two hours and watch a bunch of people drive up, head to the door, and speed off. Kinda funny, but it got old. So we finally go in, go to the bathroom, do a few other things, and head to church. (Their program folded into thirds. @.@)

After church, we drove a bit and stopped at this little park-ish thing for lunch. It had a bridge! -ahem- So then we got back on the road to go to Yosemite. It was nice weather, for the most part, but it got worse as we got closer to the valley. To make this short. It was crowded, it was rainy, it was supposed to be the same Monday. Yeah, we went home. Yay! Happy vacation!

When we got back, we were just in time for a priesthood meeting talking about home teaching. Despite being a little tired, I thought it was pretty good. (they had ice cream at the end...)

Not much happened on Monday. We went to a memorial service at some place I can't remember how to spell, then we came home and -coughs- went to a friend's house.

Tuesday we painted! Our room looks like an ocean! Sort of. Anyway, there's just a little more touch up work and we'll finally get to start moving on with the rest of the house!

Last night was the line dancing activity, which I thought was pretty good. I can definitely see why people call it exercising... Very tiring. A few people weren't very excited about it, but they seemed to be the minority, so nobody cares about that.

Anywho, that's pretty much it. Once again, I wonder why I bother with this, seeing as mom already covers most of this on her blog, but I guess it's good for something. -shrugs- Ja mata.

05/28/08 'Weekend Adventure'

Yeah, I'd say it fits. I'm not terribly sure how much I'll have time to talk about, since YM/YW is in a little less than an hour, but I'll try.

The weekend started well. We left around... Nine-thirty-ish? We got there, it was a little crowded, we looked around, saw Yosemite Falls, then left to go to our night destination: Wal-Mart! Yep, we slept in the car, but first, we drank strait out of a milk carton in Taco Bell, had family prayer over the phone, and watched Prince Caspian at ten-o-clock at night. XD Good times.

I'm getting a little anxious about time, so I'll leave the rest for tomorrow. Needless to say, we had a pretty good time.

PS: We're teaching line dancing to the rest of the youth in the stake. -nods-

PSS: The room is blue...

05/22/08 ...Cheesepuff?

Yeah, I can't think of anything... -sighs- Maybe if I were to do something random... -does summersault-

Uh... I still got nothing.


I finished my Japanese book today. I learned about illness. It was pretty good, although some words were hard to organize. -shrugs- Now it's just vocabulary work, so that'll be interesting. Summer... Bah. Too hot here. At least now we have some decent winds to keep us below the hundreds...

Oddly enough, I don't feel like writing, but since I just remembered something, I'll talk about that and wrap this up. Last night, as always, was YM/YW, and we learned about line dancing. (NEVER learn the 'Tush push'. It was odd...) Next week we'll be helping teach it, so I suppose I'd better practice the darn thing, but it really is weird.

That's about it. Sorry, I'm lazy. -shrugs- Bye!

5/19/08 That stank...

I realized why I never play chess against computers. Apparently this one was one of those special ones that only have one setting. I beat it, though. It just took five games. It uses a combination of knights and the queen for offense, utilizing bishops and pawns for backup and using the rooks as defense. I figured out that the only way to win was to get a knight to the point where it had to sacrifice its queen to move the king out of the range of the knight. Still hard, but easier than trying to rush in and kill everything.

So anyway, I'm doing okay. We might be going on a improv roadtrip to Yosemite, so that's... nice. Right when /everyone/ is going to be there, but that's understandable. I'm just happy it's going to have a high of seventies. -relief- Triple digits should go to the /really/ hot place, be humbled, repent, and come back as pleasant forty degree weather. -nods- That would be dear and charming.

I'm going to try something new, today.

This is one of my roleplaying characters, Couramo, son of Matthias. He's erm... dead, but I figured it be nice to say hi, anyway. He /was/ a journeyman blacksmith, but then his village was attacked and he was one of the people sent to go get help. It worked, but he tried to go after a dark wizard alone and got himself killed. Then everyone got together and killed the wizard. So nobody's really happy, but it's good for the plot. Couramo had responsibility issues. He took on too much and thought that he needed to do everything. He mainly started feeling this way because he was performing an errand in another city and knew that there was an army coming, but couldn't get back in time to warn anyone. After that, he had a guilty conscience because one of his closest friends died in the raid. So, from then on, he always wanted to do things himself so other people wouldn't get hurt. Ironic, seeing as that only made things worse, but he was getting a little insane by the time he went after the evil guy.

So anyway, my roleplaying partner was a little surprised. You see, people don't usually kill off their primary character in a story, especially with such a disappointing ending. -shrugs- Even when they killed the dark wizard and ended the war, the place still had problems, but that's a bit more complicated. I suppose I should've picked a better character to talk about... Matthias was pretty good, maybe I'll talk about him next.

So, that's it. I hope you enjoyed it. Sort of. Bye!

05/16/08 B+! Of course I'm disappointed!

Literature is my /zone/! Well, not really. I'm more into analytical and strategy, but that's not covered in high school. I should've planned it out more. The paragraphs and such were decent, and in a sense, they flowed, but there was no /root/. -sighs- I need to find a chess board...

Not going well... -sighs-

I might be a pain and leave it at this. I /really/ want to find a chess game. I'll be right back. -switches on elevator music-

Yeah, I think I'm done. Iz short, but oh well. I must go eat something.

PS: The frog is something you don't want to know about. He's stupid.

05/15/08 Wow... that is gross...

My week has been decent, yet /very/ disappointing. First off, I got sick around Monday night and went to bed at a crisp eight-thirty. The next day, I got up in the middle of the night, went to go puke, and fell asleep in the bathroom (there's a chance I passed out, but I didn't feel any bruising or stuff like that, so I'm not sure). Half an hour later, I got back in bed and didn't wake up until eight-thirty in the morning. (Interesting, no?) After that, things got better. The cold-ish-thing is going away, I was able to go to seminary, and when I got home, I had the pleasure of studying the reproductive track for three freaking hours... -bangs head against wall- Why? Why...
I never want to see an illustration of anything, EVER AGAIN.

Last night, we went to YM, and you guessed it, there was nothing. Nothing planned, no leaders. Brother H. probably didn't like it either because he spent most of the time trying to figure out where everyone scattered off to.

On the bright side, I got the Highschool Exit Exam report. Surprise, surprise. Easy. Very easy. I could've done better on the essay, though. I seem to have a problem with planning things out before I write them. (partly why none of my stories have happy endings) I mean, I start off, working on improv, then due to my obsession with plausibility, things go downhill. (One vs. One hundred= Duh! 100. The two 0s make sure of that! -_-) As it was, I ended up getting 3.5 out of a possible 4 on it. -sighs-

Hooray. Now I can... uh... I dunno. Sleep? Nah... I've got Nihongo... Oi...

Oh well... Ja mata, minasan.

04/29/08 Odd, isn't it?

I set my alarm clock fifteen minutes later than usual to try to avoid people getting unhappy when I lie in bed not wanting to get up, but I ended up getting up earlier than usual... I'm thinking my brain is more alert then so when the alarm goes off, it's more of a jerk than after it's already gotten used to it. Interesting...

Anyway, I was awake this morning! Ohayoo to the world! Sort of. I also like turning on the cold water full blast after I take a shower. Painful almost, but very efficient. Sometimes I chicken out, so the rest of the day I'm tired. Not fun.

Here it is, the end of the school year, and I find myself wondering how the Lord did it. Not only did he make it so people couldn't understand each other, he also began the growth of thousands of individual languages all over the world. Amazing...
Yeah, Japanese is tough. Progressive, but tough.

I'm working on something witty. You know, something that I can do every day and have it entertaining and linked together with some form of order, without the issue of it being the same dull thing all the time. So far, all I've got is some for of talk show arrangement. They have color, and yet, it all seems to flow... So... If I do a bunch of random interviews... with myself... It will either be 1) More annoying than that stupid frog, 2) A thriving hit that'll make this blog more... alive, or 3) A massive disappointment which I'll drop in a week. Sounds a bit risky... And who would I be talking about? I suppose I could do what I've always wanted to and start categorizing my militia of characters. Especially the dead ones; I'm starting to forget some of them...

Anywho, that's about it. Horray for useless attempts for creativity! Ja mata!

Atsui desu... Natsu...

04/28/08 If Firefox crashes one more time...

I'll eat it for breakfast. Yeah, it's not a big fan with me right now. And yet it only acts up with Geometry... -shakes fist- I /should/ eat it. -turns on music-

I keep running out of water. Imagine that. -goes to get more water-

Cool... Yeah, I don't care what those crazy people say, it's summer. -glares- I don't like summer. Hmph...

Once again, I find myself wishing there was a cold-burning fire. Ie' Gute. Non-existent, but gute.
. . . . . . . . .(#)

#o

Too hot... I may be done... Am I done? -faints- -blinks- Yeah, I'm done.

04/24/08 Yeah, I'm going to pretend that I haven't disappeared lately...

I've had other priorities...

Hehe, I've been working on the mountain project, or rather the side area. I've managed to get the bricks cleaned off, so that's nice. I'm hoping to head West a bit when I get the chance, so pretty soon there'll be some noticeable improvement. I'm also trying to figure out why I'm so tired all the time. I've overslept three days this week when not much has changed... Maybe a should start dunking my head in water... It might work... Then again, I might get a cold, so maybe it's not the best idea.

I FINALLY LEARNED HOW TO SAY MOM!
Apparently, they have formal and less formal ways of saying it, too...
Mom=Haha -grins-
Mother=Okaasan

(You can tell which one I'm more likely to use.)

That's about it, for now. I've gotta go do something drastically important... Or something.

PS: I won't be grinning.

04/14/08 Hmm... Monday... Getsuyoobi...

I feel somewhat better towards this Monday. Not sure why, but it feels good.

Anywho, I've got one Scripture Mastery left. Horray! (The only problem with this is that I won't have as much to work on with them. I suppose review will be fine...)

I think I feel like drawing the grim reaper with a daisy... Looks better on paper than when I tried to do it with text... -erases-


Um... I don't really know what to talk about exactly. STAR testing is coming up tomorrow. -_- -ahem- I made a lego... thing. I'm not sure if it's medieval, but it looks nice. And it shoots things. ^^

I should probably go. I have work to do...

...04/11/08 ...

Wow... It's been a while... Okay... Yeah.

I don't really want to write at the moment. 'Cause it's four-o-clock, being late in the day. I kinda want to take a shower. I think it'd help. I'm feeling tired...



Uh, yeah. It's four-o-clock. I haven't posted for a while.

I'm almost done with the Scripture Mastery's. Yay. Still tired, though. I think I'll uh... Stop now. Yeah. I'm going to take a shower now...

04/01/08 Laziness; the world's response to work.

Something like. I was just checking through some things and I noticed I haven't posted in over a week. Sad? Very.

It's odd. My life is busy, but there's not really much to talk about. David and Teresa came to visit this past weekend, which is always a fun experience. (I 'rested' during two sibling get-togethers. Signs of lack of sleep?)

Um... I'm all caught up on Lost. -dances- The only problem is that it looks like there won't be another episode until the 24th... That can't be right.

While David and Teresa were here, Dad and the boys went with them to see National Treasures. Good movie, a tad unrealistic, but I think it was meant to be more entertaining, which it definitely succeeded in. -nods- They kidnapped the President.

I hope that sums it up, cause I gotta go. There's a good deal of work to do with Japanese, then I have to check up on the logs and see if everything's okay, then there's the SM and chores... Curse these ticking hours!

-sighs; turns on clorox music- Bye.

03/24/08 Am I really this dumb?

Who in their right mind would hike eighteen miles in the hills when Brother Adair says that it's "a good workout"? It's official, I'm insane. I've never run out of water in my water pack before. Come close, yes, but never completely drained. I ended up drinking four and a half liters of water in nine and a half hours. Oh well, at least my feet are starting to forgive me. They didn't want to trust me for a while.

Anywho, spring break was good. Did some catching up on Lost, went on a nice campout (once you get over the tired thing), worked on a few scripture masteries, all that good stuff.

Oh yes, Lost is good. I was able to get up to season three, but I've still got a little further to go. Uh... I think I might stop early-ish today. I've got to do some ALEKS and Japanese and it's getting late. -waves-

03/13/08 Uh... Yeah.

CASEE–Is that spelled right?– took place Tuesday and Wednesday. Yay.

So, that's over. And that's good. Things aren't going well, today, though. I've been unlucky. And when I was putting my books away, I knew something was going to happen. (Just because of the day's history...) Guess what? They wouldn't work right and fell down. Then I kicked something. And now I keep having typos and my legs keeps itching. Arms too, but not as much. I used pressure point stuff on my wrist to sort of relieve the annoyance. Didn't work. So now I'm not happy. I was happy. This morning I was happy. But now I'm not happy. You can tell I'm not going to be writing any stories about hedgehogs or strawberries any time soon. It might end up like that part in Watership Down where they're crossing the road and find the little hedgehog roadkill. Not so pleasant.

My eye keeps twitching, too. It's making me mad.

Celtic music, do your magic.

-flails head into the door-

I hate Thursdays. I've got to do some homework, which will make me hate Thursdays even more.

03/06/08 About the grasshopper...

Believe me, mom. The temptation was there.

So once again I find myself looking back at the week, wondering why it went so quickly. Six chapters to read of the Bourne Ultimatum, so I guess I'm not worried. Also, only sixteen scripture masteries left... Yay! I'm currently working on the dreaded Exodus 20: 3-17 and another, not so dreaded Exodus 33: 11. Sound fun yet?

-yawns and stretches- I've stayed up past eleven every night this week... Not good. Doc was right. Six hours... Not right. Still, I must be valiant! (Here meaning: Awake)

I should blast the Bourne Supremacy. I think that would help. At least, it always woke me up before. Delta One... Very good for focusing... ish.

I have to organize things again... Not so fun. More Japanese work, a little tiding up, the books– oh no... the books!

Still. It makes me more happy than when I'm trying to think. Thinking ain't all it was made out to be. In, writing, yes. I hate authors/roleplayers who seem abhorrently incapable of actually thinking through things. (You can tell I've had some unfortunate experiences with this...)
Anyway, practical use, however? Not so great. I've got to think... -sighs-



I should write a story about a hedgehog and a strawberry. That would be a rather difficult subject to make sorrowful... I'll see what I can do tomorrow... Bye.

^ (With illustrations... #o •)

03/05/08 Agenda is out

I decided to-do-lists are better. For one thing, I'm sick of being late everyday... Also, I'm trying to keep a log of my day to make things easier.

Paint, right... I thought I mentioned that... -reads through posts with search-

Ah! Here we go! From 02/21/08:
"Room. Room, room, room.... Right.
It's blue. Light blue. A little too light. We still have to put on the glaze, so maybe that'll make it darker. That'd be good."

Okay, so now that I've decided to use to-do-lists, I think I'd like to know if you can print on index cards... I guess it's not vital, but they're handy.

Exodus 20:3-17... Curse you...

Yeah. It's a tad long.


Story? Sad? Okay, okay, okay, I can't write happy stories... Easily. That one was supposed to be about the two of them going out on the boat and seeing some sea creature... Big one. But as the story went on... It sorta drifted. Who knew?

I need a good organizing method. And a happy story. Many happy stories. Stories that are like Clorox commercials only in text form- Have any of you seen those Clorox commercials with the good music? I downloaded a youtube video of it and set it up so it could loop. Happy music... Happy Stories...

Yeah, that's not gonna work. Thoughtful, miserable. All I can write. -shrugs- Then again, possible completely random... In any case, I gotta jet. See ya!

02/29/08 LEAP DAY

Come 365 days, this won't exist...

Anyhow, in reply to the comments...

It's a math course, which means I will not likely choose to major in it for college, no matter how things turn out. Also, yes. If I do, I will proceed to do another course if I can. After all, I wasn't supposed to start this one until next year, but I finished the last one half a year early. Anyway, I've slacked off for a year or two, so now I've got some catching up to do, let alone the constant urge that I feel to be ahead of everything else. Yeah. I wanna finish this stuff quickly.

And don't worry, Sariah, I've been beating myself up over the project too. Not getting far, but working on it.

That's roughly the comment segment, which is most of what composes my posts, so...

Story time!

A boy in his early youth, here meaning nine and a half, or ten as he would claim, ran down to the docks, excitement emanating from his eager frame as he watched the boat sail emerging from the horizon. Will's father was a fisherman, and so was often gone for extended periods of time, but every time he returned he would spend the day with him, doing anything from skipping rocks to camping out in the back yard. It wasn't really what they did that made it special, it was that they did it. It provided a chance for them to talk. About school, about sailing, it didn't matter. And one day, Will would go with his father on these trips, learning what he needed to take up the family trade. He knew a good deal already, of course, but his father had said that it would have to wait until he was older. For the ocean was a dangerous place, and while one day the sun can shine gloriously, the next may bring a storm that swallows ships with a cruel fury. Yet despite the stories of fierce deaths at sea, Will longed for the adventure of the open water. It was a rite of passage for him, something that he could always see, but not yet conquer.
As Will waited on the docks, the ship neared, causing small waves along the shore. He waved happily, but the wave was not returned. The man that had worked with his father for years seemed solemn, quiet...
The boat came up to the dock and was tied off, Will quickly rushing aboard and looking for his father. "He's not here..." Said Johny, usually bright brown eyes downcast as the boy looked at him in confusion. "What do you mean? Where is he?"
The sigh was the thing that made Will realize something was wrong. The quiet, almost silent regret filling the noise and portraying through it things that words could not.
"He's gone, Will. He won't be coming back..."

William Holland stood at the helm of the ship, eyes peering out at the crests of waves as his mind wandered back to that fateful day exactly nine years ago. Things were different now. He and mom had been forced to double their efforts while coping with loss. He had taken up several small jobs, likewise, she too found herself working several jobs in order to make ends meat. Thankfully, Johny had said that he would be able to take care of the business until Will was old enough to take on the responsibility. One day, Will thought, watching the ocean move continuously around him. How could one day change so much?


Not exactly what I was going for, but oh well. (I'm not sure if cheerful stories are in my ability to write....)

Uh... Ja mata!

02/28/08 Organization

I find more and more that while I am messy, I tend to be organized. It's like I'm addicted to rearranging things. Still, I think I like how a new system for Japanese is working out. Well, actually two.

First, I've just started jotting down the vocabulary info on index cards and categorizing them. So I now have copies based on alphabetical order, chronological order of when I learned them, and the closest category they fall under. Yay?

The second was merely dividing the hours you see, I'm thinking about doing forty-five minutes for the three days I'm doing the other subjects, then one and a half hours on the other two days to even it out. This will likely be the schedule for PE too.

So, pretty much crazy.

I need sleep. I have a book due in thirteen days that I've never found time to read, an ES coming, High School exit exams the same day the book is due, Christmas ideas to work out, and then there's scouts, and chores, and scripture masteries, and who knows what else?

-thud- Even music and strawberries are beginning to lose their affect. I mean, they help, but it's just a little overwhelming. Scripture reading and prayer? A possibility, but I already do a little and my day is already crammed full for a while... Yeah, I know. Gospel first... And the Gospel says you shouldn't undersleep. -thud-

PS: That last thud assumed the place of a farewell. -nods-

02/27/08 Irregularity

Perhaps you've noticed it. Anyway, I've been busy. Mainly with school, though I should be busy with everything else as well. So yeah, I need to get things organized before next Monday when the E.S. comes. Fun...

On a brighter note, I finished about three fourths of a course that I only started last month. Pretty happy to hear it. Anyway, I'll be sure to do plenty of review work. -nods-

So yeah. Busy busy busy...

Still, background music is good. -glances at Celtic CDs and Bourne series- Helps with the focusing.

Without further adieu, I'm afraid I must be off. School. Yay.

02/21/08 Scripture Mastery

I've got to catch up. It seems as though this class keeps a chart... You see, if there's a chart, there's competition. -nods- I must memorize them all...

Room. Room, room, room.... Right.
It's blue. Light blue. A little too light. We still have to put on the glaze, so maybe that'll make it darker. That'd be good.

Traffic cones are sounding good about now...

Anyway, I don't have much to say... As always. Still, I am a bit early... Maybe I'll think of something.

Jimmy was small for a dragon. Then again, he was a grasshopper, so that was understandable. His life was a simple one, and though he liked it, he often grew curious about the roaring creature that came by weekly to cut down the thin green stems of grass. Why did it do it? It seemed like such a silly habit, seeing as it hardly ate it. It just spit it back out again once it was sliced enough. A few times Jimmy had gone over to it, seeing how close he could get before jumping out of its path. For it didn't seem to notice him, and he knew how well it did its job of slicing grass, let alone what it could do to a young grasshopper. It was around that time again, the strange creature coming right on cue. Perhaps he would follow it today. A pleasant task for one so curious. He hopped through the freshly cut grass, watching the human and lawnmower steadily as they went around the lawn, finally going to the side and crossing the borders pass the grass. The lawnmower had stopped roaring, now, but Jimmy was still uncertain. Jimmy had never gone passed the grass before. Slowly, Jimmy hopped into the open, aware of the lack of cover that would keep him safe if an animal thought he would make a good snack. The lawnmower had gone into the cave now. The cave filled with strange sights. The human left the lawnmower, beginning to close the cave. Jimmy hopped quicker, slipping inside before the garage door closed. He looked around in the sudden darkness, letting his eyes adjust to the dim light. There it was. The lawnmower. Jimmy crept forward, intent on getting a closer look of the sleeping creature. It did not seem so frightening now. He looked underneath, staring at the large teeth. All of a sudden, chopping grass didn't seem like a difficult job for this strange being. Maybe it enjoyed cutting grass. Or maybe the grass had done something to anger the large beast. Either way, the creature was perfectly capable of handling it, it seemed. He hopped on top of the lawnmower, thinking that it almost looked peaceful when it wasn't doing it's weekly cutting. After a few minutes, his curiosity seemed satisfied, although there was still a matter of getting back home, something he had not been thinking much about when he first set out. He hopped around, looking back and forth, hoping to see a hole or gap that he might leave through. Nothing... But wait! He looked over at the source of the faint light, seeing the thin fabric rustle with a quiet breeze. A window! He went quickly now, hopping on strange metal boxes he did not recognize, finally stopping on the sill of a small square opening. Sighing contently, he jumped out, going around the corner and spotting the welcoming sight of grass on the horizon.

02/19.2/08 Paint...

Oh yeah, we painted the boys room yesterday... -falls asleep-

02/19/08 Seminary, Soundstracks, and Paint

Busy five day weekend... (I'm not sure why Friday was off, but it's what it said on the log. -shrugs-)
Saturday I got the last soundtrack for the Bourne series! Yay! I can now listen to over three hours of Bourne Identity music... Very good.

Anywho, later that day, or rather evening, we went to the Triple F Dinner! Friendly Family Dinner Frenzy. Yeah, that was fun.

~MAIN SECTION~

Seminary has changed! Today was my first day in the new class, and it was... Different. LOADS of people. Good teacher, though. Excellent teacher. Very easy to take notes with. Oddly enough, they have this "object of the day" thing where they find links to the gospel with random items brought by a student. Strange... Anyway, I'm still not sure what I think, but on first impression, I suppose it went well. For the object thing, I might consider borrowing one of TB's Traffic cones. -shrugs-

Yep. Main section. Now I'm just stalling. Major brain sleep today. Can't think. Delta (BI music; just thought I'd shorten it) is helping, though. Keeps me awake. And boy do I need it... So tired. I get on these highs and then drop like a rock. Life... So uh... I go now. -runs off and trips over a pine cone-

02/15/08 I'll tell you what happened...

This is in response to the comments in the last post....

Wanna know what happened? I figured out that structure was vital to life. You know, responsibilities... Horrid good stuff.

ALEKS is a delightful program I've been taking for math stuff. No textbook. Just online. Much much faster. I actually understand most of the stuff now. ^^

Um... yeah, I've got to start looking for kid books I wouldn't mind reading twenty-two times a week... (If the kids are like I was, they'll be addicted for a few weeks and suddenly drop it when it gets old. -shrugs-)

-end of comment response field-

@(o.o)@
.o( . )o
...d b`~

Do not be fooled by his harmless appearance. Behind those innocent eyes lies a mind of terror. -nods-

-crackling noise-
Hey, what's that thi-

Hmm... This is good.

Hedge?

#o ?

Could you, uh... fix it?

o#

#oƒ

Uh.. Nice wrench...

-banging noise-

?

Thanks, Hedge.

o#

So, uh, I have to check on the monkeys... Bye.

02/13/08 Growth and inspiration

So recently I've developed the method of reading one chapter of the Bourne Ultimatum for every chapter I read of Jesus the Christ. Just a precaution to make sure I don't lose focus of the real masterminds in life. I still must give some credit to Ludlum, though. There are some mind numbing ideas that you would never normally think of. Simple things, too. Like using nylon rope and fusing knots together so they can't be untied. Warranted, I would never want to be placed in the kind of situations David Webb is continually put through, but there are still some useful information that you never know when they'll come in handy.

So yeah, two very good books. Jesus the Christ is really the main reason I find so much joy in literature, both reading and writing. I was pretty young then, back when Reading Club first started. Mom was reading Jesus the Christ and she read some out loud while I looked over her shoulder. It was a good bonding experience, and while I don't recall the words, I can still remember the voice of her reading them. It was nice, far nicer than annoying TB, my until then preferred daily activity. Reading Club isn't as frequent now, but it is still something looked forward to, and even more remembered and cherished. It showed me the inspiration of the written word, something I may not have gained as quickly without it.

I don't think I mentioned this yet, but last Saturday I went and got the Bourne Ultimatum Soundtrack. ^^ I also placed an order for the Bourne Identity Soundtrack, which has just come in, so sometime I'll have to go pick it up. Needless to say, there are many things I like about the Bourne Trilogy. Books, music, movies, all were very well put together.

I should probably stop talking about that, shouldn't I?

Oh well, so life is good on this end. I've got a well established routine to follow during the day, something I've always striven for. Speaking of which, I've got to go do my ALEKS work. See ya!

02/08/08 The legacy continues

Wow, David Webb is fifty years old in this one... (Although I imagine he still stays active, with all the running he does. No, mom. Not that kind of running. He goes for jogs to clear his mind.)

Yep, the Bourne Ultimatum. I need to get the other two soundtracks soon...

Anyhow, I figure out how to bypass the Dick Van Dyke DVDs without a remote. You skip until you're in the info for the first episode (it'll automatically be selected), then hit the back button and aim for the last episode on the disk. Then just skip to the end and you should be on the play all button in the main menu.

Yeah, I found out by accident...

Celtic music is good... But I have to go, so I won't go into that. Bye er'body!

PS: Sorry about the poll. It wouldn't let me make a new one. 404...

02/06/08 Elections

I slept through my alarm clock...

Yeah, staying up late at the elections. We may have been on either channel 13 or channel 40 news. The people from channel 13 actually asked some questions, and L, the fearless spokesman that he is, was quite remarkable. I was off a little right of the camera, much to my preferment. The less publicity I get, the better. -nods-

So yeah, quite fun. Quite tired. As you can see, I'm late. I've still got ALEKS, Japanese, and PE. Let alone chores, scouts, church... Who knows what else?

So I'll just leave you with this and jump into a wall.

02/04/08 Laziness

I'll wait until tomorrow to update the side stuff. I will say this, though. This was the first poll with only one chosen answer.

Question:
How many Hedgehogs does it take to pop 481 balloons?

Answers:
x> 1000 = 0%
481 = o%
42 = 100%
x<10 = 0%

Interesting...

Anywho, yeah, we need more monkeys on the maintenance staff. As it turns out, they're easier to control in groups. Who would've figured. I think it has to do with social unsteadiness. When there's a language barrier between every member of a crew, they're not eager to do something unexpected. Just face it, who would go through the trouble of translating into every language that the monkeys speak? Besides us, of course.


Um... There's stuff to say. Like... Elder Uchtdorf becoming the new second councilor in the First Presidency! He's awesome! Elder Monson is President and Elder Eyring is first councilor.

So, uh... yay!


That's it. I think. I don't know. I'll talk about everything else later.... Bye!

02/01.2/08 Oh, and a...

MONKEYS!

¡Wanted!
@(o.o)@
No current information at this time.

02/01/08 Brief, but... well, just brief.

Okay, this will be short, as I am very very late at the moment. -looks at clock-
Anywho, education stuff is going to happen Monday. Charming. So yeah, I need to get ready. (Part of why I'm late.) Final draft of this months vocabulary work has to be keyed in and organized, schoolwork has to be sorted, chores have to be done, and above all, I need sleep.

I stayed up late trying to think of what if would be like not to think. I tried it a bit. Didn't work. I just kept thinking about the color green. -shakes head-

I'm tired. (Another part of why I'm late.)

I gotta go eat something or do something or faint.
Haven't yet decided which.

Goodnight.

01/03/08 Oaty Yogurt

So yeah, apparently here are the combined health facts of both the yogurt and oatmeal.

Calories: 330
Total fat: 6%
Sat. fat: 5%
Trans. fat: 0%
Colest.: 3%
Sodium: 9%
Total Carb. 21%
Protein: 26%

Vitamins:
A 0%
C 4%
Calcium: 22%
Iron 12%

So yeah, considering it fills you up for half the day, not bad...

Plus it's fast.

Anywho, I've got to help Towel Boy give our walls super powers.

See ya!

01/29/08 Something is wrong with me

I'm always tired. And late. -blasts Bourne Identity music-



Okay! Slightly better now. Sorry, Anna....

Yeah, we're making a model of the tabernacle in seminary. The other things were made of some odd wood, but the laver was a bowl. So uh... It was overwhelmed by the spirit.

Anywho.. -glances back at other comments-

Well, it was no elegant obituary, but I figured it deserved more than a passing glance.
Speaking of which, I believe his funeral will be this Saturday and I think it'll be on BYU and prodcasted to the stake centers. I think. I got an e-mail from mom, so yeah. Something like that. For more information, go to- Anywhere else...

-looks up- Yeah, I don't know very much...

Am I late? I don't think so, but I'd like to get some more exercising done before lunch. By the way, mom, I think you should be happy. I had a butter-free potatoy breakfast. With an apple. So yeah, it occurs to me that I'm getting fat. I used to be 135... Which I am not anymore... Oh well.
Healthy junk! Ooh! Bro A. told me about a really good food thing. Oatmeal + Yogurt + Berries = Good.

I tried it - berries, but whatever. He was right. One little cup and I wasn't hungry for HOURS. Then I ate dinner like mom kept telling me to.

Reorganization is good. I've finally found the right place for my beloved trenchcoat...

Anyway, that about wraps it up. See ya, er'body!