Friday, July 31, 2009

07/31/09 The calm after the storm...

So, since Monday and Tuesday, life's slowed down a bit. On Wednesday, I didn't do much. Read a book, did a /little/ scout work. Went to young mens, which was helping the Parkers move. It turns out that we weren't much needed then. So, we're going back tonight. Anyway, Thursday was so-so. I went out to attack some weeds which were trying to grow back, played a demo version of computer Risk and beat it within the ten round limit. That was fun. I started around Asia. XD Tuffy went home Thursday evening. All being said, the past few days have inched by with little to mention.

Today, though, I'm starting filling out the worksheets for the two cits. Some studying, some planning. Basic awesome stuff. I also mean to work on the computer corner project, mow the lawn, and kill some more weeds. Probably some household cleaning and dish washing. too. We'll see how all that goes. I was meaning to get pictures and sketches up sometime, but photobucket doesn't seem to want to cooperate and the pictures are still on the camera.

After all the excitement, I feel sort of let down. Today might be cool though. Maybe the lull was just because I was reading a book and I had sunburns... Could be. But anyway, I've got work to do, so I'll best be off. See ya!

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

07/28/09 Our dining room is cool...

So, today was devoted mostly to cleaning house. That being said, I found a most enlightening discovery. In a prior post, I had mentioned moving– say... what are those things? Not dressers... Not really cabinets, either... Anyway, I moved them into the dining room. Little did I know that there was a space between them that fit the table /perfectly/. So, when we want more space, we can move the table back to the wall, or even fold it up, depending on what we want. A very happy discovery. -nods- I took pictures. Mostly for Andrew, but they might make their way here, too. Now I just need to get them on the computer. (That's a tricky thing now-days.) So, today was nice. I'm not really sure how ready the house is for company, but it's much nicer than it's been in years, so I do believe I'll enjoy a moment of contentedness.

As for yesterday's post, I've decided that it's probably what a typical blog post from me looks like, anyway, so I'm afraid you'll have to decipher it yourself. It's truer this way, yes? I'd like to think of it that way.

Anyhow, I'm very happy to say that I've finally gotten around to organizing my sketches on the computer. More or less. Really, most of them needed some looking after. Fixing old sketches is a bit annoying, but the payout is nice. Now I don't feel as strongly about getting rid of them. Still, a lot of them are beyond help. The best I can do is say they were from my incompetent years. Still in those years, probably, but we're getting there.
And drawing is more for relaxation than for talent, I think. Somehow, drawing sketches takes my mind off things. It's like writing, only the details are more blended together, less reliant on external thought. I still worry about errors, but I can see the whole picture clearer than I can in writing, so I can still feel a measure of pride in it, despite imperfections. The plot is physical thing, rather than in writing, where it is expressed through a compilation of effort. With writing, you're more focussed on the moment, something I feel a great joy in. It let's you explore the deeper portions of a concept, without completely forsaking the big picture.

I suppose they each have their own qualities. And while I know now that I've been rambling, I can't help but feel like they compliment each other. An illustration captures a broad idea well, while a caption can be used to pinpoint certain aspects that may have otherwise gone unnoticed. I know I like reading better. It engulfs me. And yet, between writing and art, I'm not sure which one I prefer for myself. I am in no wise highly skilled in either one, but I still find a simple joy there. The thought of a clever phrase, or a well crafted stroke. Even if, in fact, the outcome leaves the audience in want of something better, the author still has that moment of happiness to look back on.

But anyway... Life is good. The house is improving. I suppose I better go get ready. Not sure what to expect from a visit with the Bishop and Stake President... Yep. So, I'll see you later!

Monday, July 27, 2009

07/27/09 Why are there so many marbles???

So, I sit before you now in my sunburned state, to tell you the tale of the day's activities. I am slightly drowsy, so this may take a while, but in essence, I spent the day ripping out all of the front garden, fighting hoards of weeds, and finally pouring several bags of wood mulch over the barren battlefield. Sunscreen? Used it. Sweat didn't take to it. Still, it was good. Mom doesn't know yet. After I took a very cool shower, I headed for the library and turned in The Goose Girl for Enna Burning. I might write what I thought about it, but that'll be later. I'm tired. Actually, not really tired. More like... bored? That can't be right. Not that there's nothing to do. Just that I don't /want/ to do anything. Lazy? ... Yeah, that's right. I'm lazy. ... That's nice.

I need to take pictures, write to Andrew, and clean the house. Not sure if I'm gonna make it... Very sleepy... I took a picture of my foot before I took a shower. Kinda weird. You can see where my sock was. REALLY clearly. It's like a line... Yeah...
I want to play Risk. Not now, maybe. But sometime. Risk is good.

I wonder if I'll read this later and think it sounds funny. I feel funny... Maybe it's more like stupid. Stupid...

Stupid sun, maybe... I don't like the sun. Not unless it is masked by the great obscuring cloak of overcast. Clouds are so nice. So free... Sometimes I think about being a cloud... Then a breeze came and blew me up. Didn't want to be a cloud after that...

I think I should sleep. But that's a bad idea. I need to do stuff. Maybe I should eat. I haven't eaten since I went out to work on the yard. What'd I eat today? Eggs? Sounds right. Eggs are good. Waffles are good, too. I like waffles. I found out the proportions for just making two waffles. I've had waffles a lot since I found that out.

Tuffy isn't lazy...

I don't think I'm making any sense. That means I'll have to post again. You know, when I'm awake? Not looking forward to that. Well, I'm not dreading it either. What's that mean? I wonder if this is what being drunk is like... Why'd you want this? It feels funny, but you can hear the laughter in your head. You can already tell that people are reading this and thinking it sounds stupid.

Oh yeah, the Bishop and Stake President are coming tomorrow. What'd we do? Should I run now? I don't think I be able to run very well like this... Maybe they just want to visit... That'd be weird. Anyway, I gotta clean. Glad I've been working on the house, though. That makes it easier.

Is this enough? I feel like this is enough. But I'm drunk, so how do I know? Whatever... It's enough. Goodbye, peoples... I'll try to remember to come back when I know what I'm saying...

Wait! The topic... I found a bunch of marbles in the garden. Why? o_O? I don't understand, either...

Sunday, July 26, 2009

07/26/09 Too many princess stories...

Well, to start off, I've gotta say that Ruth has got to have the best party-planning instincts I've ever seen. Alice in Wonderland theme, with /lot's/ of work. And you could see it, too. The cake alone was awesome! Definitely the perfect centerpiece for the Mad Hatter tea party. -nods- But yeah, she read the story (Some people aren't familiar with it, so that was really cool. I mean, it's not like the Lion King or Toy Story.), then everyone moved outside to the tea party, played a couple games, and painted the roses red, which, by the way, looked amazing. I mean, it looked just like it did in the movie. Anyway, it was about that time that the cake announced it was time to cut it. Ninety+ heat= Lethal. Even to awesome cakes. After the cake, Esther opened presents, and after that, there was some croquet. Then, the grown-ups played. Competitive, although there seemed to be some confusion which wickets the ball was supposed to go through in what order. Figure eight? I think that's what it ended up being. So, that's about when the party ended. Pretty fun! I may have disarranged some things, though. There was a lot going on.

So, after the party, family sat around and talked. I read a little and played with the kids. And somewhere in the mix, one of them, a relative of Tom's, started chasing me around calling me lovely guy. Or lovely boy, or something like that. That was kind of weird. To make a long story short, I spent a good portion of the evening hiding, part of which time in the closet, where I learned something. Never hide in the closet. For one thing, it had to be a hundred degrees in there, plus, other kids keep giving away your presence by opening the door, and thirdly, when the kid finally catches on, there aren't many exit options. Eventually, I went outside and laid down on the play set. That was good for a while. Then the kids came outside to play. Still, it wasn't as bad, then. I mostly kept my distance and juggled. Fun thing, juggling. Croquet balls are good for it. -nods- Hedgehog plush balls... Not so much, but doable. So, after a while, we had dinner, and Mom, Joe and I took our leave to care for the beasts. -looks at the tennis ball Tuffy has left on my lap- That dog never gets tired... Anyway, in general, it was a fairly interesting day. I guess I've got some stuff to write to Andrew about now.

But for now, it's getting to be time for church, so I shall leave my record here. In conclusion, I've decided that I probably won't read my daughters a great condensation of princess stories. We'll stick with The Wizard of Oz, Hansel and Gretel, and all those other classic fairytales. Maybe one or two princess stories so they don't get obsessed as soon as they see one, but mostly The Wizard of Oz. These princess stories are too dangerous. I bid thee all farewell.

Saturday, July 25, 2009

07/25/09 Belated...

So, I couldn't get on the computer yesterday, but it was a very successful day, so I don't mind.
Yesterday, Mom and I went to go pick up Tuffy (we're dog sitting this week). After that, I spent most of the day on a three pronged attack on the house. I had cleaned an area in the garage for storage, but I didn't even need to use it. So, after the garage was clear, I would have been able to clean out the closet in the office, with which space I planned to store some memorabilia stuff. So, the pictures and scrapbooks and what all was there was moved out of the family room, leaving a space I would utilize by moving the sewing machine. After cleaning out the area by the sewing machine, I hoped to move the dresser-things (also in the family room) into the dining room. That was the plan, and it worked perfectly. XD To make a long story short, I have all but completely annihilated the mountain that once inhabited the family room. Yay! So, the boxes of pictures and things are gone, the dresser-things have a home, and the sewing machine has been moved to a more beneficial place. The best part is that we now have TONS of open space, both in the dining room and in the family room. I'm very happy. Plus, there's some room in the garage that I didn't get to using. Some future project just got that much easier? ^^ I wonder when I'll get started on that...

But for now, I've just got to hone out some spots in the family room and start in the office.

But that's only part of it!

After cleaning house, I read a bit, then got ready for the Youth Temple Trip.
Doing baptisms for the dead is always a meaningful experience, but really I just love the time you have to reflect. On what you're doing for those on the other side, and on just life in general. I liked it.
On the way home, I was in a car with Brother McCord, Brother Kenealey, Brock, and Anthony. Brock and Anthony are from Brighton Ward. Anyway, for some reason, Brother Kenealey was holding a rubber band out the window on the freeway. Maybe he was going to shoot it? Anyway, it made a funny noise, so he decided to try holding his harmonica out the window. (How cool is that? He had a harmonica. XD) Then, he started playing it by covering part of it with his fingers. Not the most clear, perhaps, but it was pretty cool. XD Good times...

So, all in all, a pretty cool day.

As for today, we'll be going to Esther's Alice in Wonderland Birthday Party (Happy Birthday!), then we might be going to a ward party. Not sure. Anyway, should be very fun. Maybe I'll read, work on scouts, or clean house. They seem to be my top three activities these last few days. Or wasting time on the computer. That happens, too.

So, without further adieu, I'll get right to that. See ya!

Thursday, July 23, 2009

07/23/09 It's Thursday?

The familiar call of "It's Thursday!" is no more. As of today, the garbage and recycling pickup changes to Thursday. I'm not sure if "It's Wednesday!" will catch on, though.
Anyway, I forgot to mention something nice that happened yesterday. So, somehow or another, Mom's saddlebag came off her bike while she was riding home from work. Once she got home and found out about it, she and I went out looking for it before mutual. We drove to her work and back, but he didn't see it, and it kind of wasn't looking great. So, she dropped me off at the church, and went out again with Joe. While they were looking, a lady came by who had found our address on a note to our neighbor, which was in the saddlebag. Anyway, she came by and we weren't here, but then she came by again after Mom and Joe got back. Mom was very happy. So, things worked out well and Mom got to make a new friend. Yay.

Anyway, today went fairly well. I worked a little with scouts, read a book I got from the library yesterday. It's one that Miriam had read, called "The Goose Girl". Odd name, but it's pretty well written, and I really like it's original magic system. When the world was created, everything spoke with each other. Over time, though, some of those languages were lost. However, there are still some who can speak them. Some people can talk to other people, easily capturing the attention of others and making them more inclined to see their point of view. Then there are those that can talk with animals, although different animals may not speak the same and it may take time to determine the various ways in which they communicate. And lastly, there are those who can talk to nature. And it talks back, sometimes. They can't control it, exactly, it's more like suggesting that it do something, which it usually does. Anyway, I thought it sounded cool.

So, I'll have something to read now. That's nice. I like the name of the next book, though. Enna Burning. Fire manipulation? Sounds fun... XD

-sighs- I can't really think of anything else. I pulled some weeds today. That was fun. There was this weird plant with these little ball things where the flowers should be. And they each had a spike in the middle. Kind of hard to explain, but they didn't look like buds. I don't know. I was a little wary of touching it at first. I'll probably die now. At least then I won't have to worry about what to write.

I guess I'll leave it at this. Maybe I'll read some more. Reading is good. And I gotta say. Rationing the last book was a horrible idea, even if it /did/ prolong the reading material a couple more days. Yeah. So, I gotta go.

07/23/09 The game losing catch. XD

Sometimes, when you can't make the game-winning hit, it's good consolation to be able to make the game losing catch. It's called a fumble. And when they need one more run and they've got a runner on third. Two outs. Dropping the ball isn't an option. Or, at least, if you want to win. For a wiffleball game, though, last night's activity was pretty intense. First, neither teams are scoring much, then the other team gets a ten or fifteen run lead; then we catch up in a single inning, pass them, only to lose because the ball slipped through my hands. -sighs- All my dreams are gone. XD After that, we had soft pretzels. They were good, but I wasn't sure if I was going to eat one. Luckily, they were small, and didn't have the salt on them, so I decided I'd risk having one. It was good, and mom didn't seem to notice, so until she reads this, I think I'm safe.

Anyway, the reason I'm writing this is because I've been writing to Andrew and he keeps requesting blog posts. At first, I thought he just wanted /something/ from me, but I've been sending multiple page letters every week since then, so maybe he's after the witty and spiritually uplifting words which sprout with such irregularity here at the Asylum. I dunno. It may be that my letters are too dull. Should the monkeys move to Canada? Needless to say, no letter could henceforth be considered dull after such an event. Still, translators are such a hassle these days. It never makes sense when you switch the selection back to english...

So, here I am, on an epic quest, to come up with something to write about. Quite frankly, though, I'm not sure what the difference is. Coping something over to a letter, when said copied things would probably have been covered beforehand... Not to mention my blog posts don't make nearly as much sense... I'm so confused sometimes. May be I should write a bunch of fiction about myself, like saying I'm thinking about joining the swim team, or that I had a dream I was a rabid humming bird, determined to conquer the world.
I could write book reviews, but that's so much work, you know? And then I'd actually have to find books regularly, instead of following my slow, but relaxing search for enjoyable literature. Goodness, there seems to be no end to the dilemma. Unless, of course, I write to Andrew, and keep a blog, and then simply send both to both– with minor editing, of course. But you get what I mean. That would accomplish the same amount of work for only twice the effort! Wait...

So... What do I write, who do I send it to, and when do I write it? These questions make little sense to me. Then again, I'm mostly stalling right now and not really thinking about what I'm saying, so what surprise is that?

Alas, I fear I have but one thing to say... I'm going to be a monk, now. With a trenchcoat. That's important. No more of this confusion. Nephi never had this problem. He had his two plates, but they were for two different things. If letters, journals, and blogs, all have the same thing to say, you're repeating yourself over and over again... At least the scripture notes are simple. Outline and insight– That's it!

Listing the week's events and you're responses and opinions to them, keeping in mind the audience to whom you are addressing– it's simply too much. You write about the same thing, but you have to rephrase it each time. You may as well start fresh...



So... uh. Not sure how this'll work out... but I also realized that snail-mail is too slow. I gotta send e-mails or something, but they're too long to read at a computer screen. A brief summary? Now you're writing it four times... Writing what you did in a given day, knowing that you're going to be writing it four times, four different ways, is a little daunting. This being said... I think I'm going to go... uh... write a letter?

PS: Just out of curiosity, what am I writing this for? If the blog is for everybody else, letters are just blogs with personal notes thrown in, and journals are for your personal insights, feelings, and what not, would it not make sense to start with the blog, hack it to pieces, and distribute it to all the other factions? At which point, the scripture study would pick up the randomly felt stuff during the day, which doesn't relate much to any given event.

So, if I understand what I just came up with...
Blogs: Raw data. What you did, what you thought, maybe a fancy story at the end.
Letters: Raw data + personal notes.
Journals: Your reaction to raw data.
Scripture study/ Testimony journal: Thoughts, feelings, promptings, and all that good stuff.

So, the last one has nothing to do with the other stuff, although you might have an experience which can be written in it which will also be in the others.
But the blog goes first, and promptly explodes. Right? That makes sense? I dunno, but I'll figure that out later. I have to study Mount Rushmore. Or some other monument, given I find something else I like better. Later today, I might post again, bearing in mind what I just rambled about. I also decided I'm not going to post in the morning-midday. If this system is going to work, my best bet'll be around five. Most of the day will be gone, so I'll know whether or not I have something to write about or not, and I might have an idea of what's happening later in the evening. I'll probably try to add reviews the next day about what /actually/ happened.

Complicated... Too complicated... -thud-

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

07/01/09 JULY??? Say not so!

Too hot. Too soon until Christmas. Too many things to keep track of. On the bright side, though, I might actually get around to working on my writing projects. Not the ones I blog, but still... Anyway, I'm happy. I finally organized my literature junk. Apparently, I once wrote out a plotline for a roleplay-starter kit, complete with storyline and a couple pre-made characters. And oddly enough, it had absolutely /nothing/ to do with any of my other plots. I think I designed it to be reused. Most of them weren't. Kinda felt like there shouldn't be backtracking in roleplaying. Which reminds me, I have another project I forgot about. I have to archive the graveyard of all my dead characters so I don't forget about them. That'd be sad.

But that's not the point! The point is... What is the point? Why am I here? I cleaned out my stuff. I'm almost done with the individual folders. Pretty soon I'll know about everything on my account... But, the computer is still full because I'm not the only one that needs to do spring cleaning- Ooh! Clorox music! Good commercials, eh.

Today, the Young Men will have a planning meeting. We're supposed to have ideas. Great... Building a monkey bridge between the basketball hoops in the gym? We could have the walk of faith! And first aid training...

Right, I'll work on that. But first, I need to take a shower!