Tatiana's Wanderings

Hardin Long has a tombstone?! / Fraser River, online schooling, 120 Easter eggs

Tue, 14 Apr 2020 03:44:12 GMT

To my surprise, Ayler called me at 8:55 this morning because I wasn't on time with calling him at 8:45. I know he likes numbers and time, but I was going to call when a long Obsolete Oddity video was over. Beckett was crying in the background later because he wanted his blanket and his balloon, but Hiero had them instead. Harmony was also sanitizing the aforementioned balloon because it had gone outside on the balcony. I have no idea if the coronavirus can survive on concrete, but I guess it's low-effort enough!

I asked him if he talked to Steph - "no, because they do a call on videotape." Hahaha, that's true. He asked if I knew all the people in Beckett's baby book: of course I do! When I asked if he missed his school and church friends, he said he had a meeting with his school friends before online school tomorrow, and they did an online kiddy Easter church service. Hiero talked to me briefly about biking on the Fraser River, and I said hi to Beckett, who said a couple of his words into the phone. Ayler said they had 120 Easter eggs

I updated him on Fraser asking people whether they liked ice cream or cake better, told him that the Dairy Queen website is broken, and asked about their balcony activities. He asked me whether I worked from home (I could hear Jon and Harmony laughing in the background), and what my plans were for today. I'd had my coffee, so could go shopping after I ate breakfast. (they had granola and stuff) Ayler asked if there was anything else I wanted to talk about since he had run out of things to say. Then I said that the phone call had run its course - which is totally fine - so we could talk later. Yes, I called because I missed them, but also to wish them a Happy Easter 2020!

Hardin Long has a tombstone?!

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Chocolate birthday cake! / Batman Happy Birthday! / Jerimy?! / Dehydrated mud!

Wed, 01 Apr 2020 03:47:23 GMT

Took a shower tonight and noted that this foliage shower curtain seems to be doing its job right now. It seems to have more coverage area than the old Splash shower curtain, so that's good. There was a lot of noise right outside my window around 6:50 PM - unmarked police cars, marked police cars, sirens, and ambulances! TOTALLY unconnected to the 7 PM cheer for medical workers since that hasn't happened around here!

For April Fools Day 2020, I was Dragon Teacher GranmaFlam in Shiwa's Discord server!

Happy birthday 4: Chocolate cake with candles, holly, and stars!

From Janet on LJ, AKA ghost_light: Batman Happy Birthday! Eric M. and Nathan would like this!

From Michelle and the V4F Discord server: Jerimy?! BAD SPELLING OF JEREMY!

Thank goodness it's raining again... my mud was getting dehydrated. *rolleyes*

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Banana bread, animals, and pompano! / Rannita Williams and Johnathan Robinson?!

Fri, 20 Mar 2020 02:45:48 GMT

Ayler called me at 6:15, wanting to know if I had gotten coronavirus yet. Not yet, and they haven't either! They made banana bread yesterday, and had fish and chips for dinner today. Beckett ate only the sides of the fish, but Ayler says he himself can eat one pompano - hahaha, sounds good! He says they played SORRY and explained the game to me, asked (when prompted) what I did today (caught up with friends / watched videos [they need to know that videos exist] / reading books), and was fine with my saying that we had to stay away from each other for now. Harmony had apparently bought a new outside ball for Beckett recently, who loves it.

I said hi to Hiero and Beckett, who wanted to show me an egg over the phone! ("dan-dan!") Ayler mentioned that they could have stuffed animal parties every morning now, since Spring Break means that he doesn't have choir at 8:30 AM - sounds good! Harmony said that Jon talked to my parents today, who said they were only taking walks outside, which is permissible according to current health guidelines. Ended the call at 6:25, which is fine for a brief catch-up. Ayler asked when I was going to talk to them again - next week! Then I asked when HE wanted to talk to me again; next Monday or Tuesday should be fine for sure! Harmony said to let them know if I needed anything - definitely!

Ayler: "We made banana bread yesterday, and we finished all three loaves today because my family has five people and eats fast! I know why you don't have the coronavirus - you have an iron stomach, right?" HAHAHAHA!

From Youtube: Rannita Williams and Johnathan Robinson?! BAD SPELLING OF JONATHAN!

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Romanovs! / Knorr Cheesy Spinach Dip! / Paulo's birthday Cascade Room and Colony

Sun, 15 Mar 2020 10:40:43 GMT

The Romanovs: The Real History of the Russian Dynasty, Part 1

The Romanovs: The Real History of the Russian Dynasty, Part 2

I left at 4:30 to meet Paulo and Darryl at the Cascade Room (2616 Main Street, near Main and Broadway-ish, more like Main and 10th) for Paulo's belated birthday hangout at 6. I wanted to be early just in case there were stroller / wheelchair delays or elevator shenanigans - surprisingly for once, there were none of those AND I just managed to get a 3 bus which had ten people total in it, but they couldn't find my reservation when I got there at 5:30! I was seated at a high table pretty quickly, though they said they'd move me to a booth once some people left who had been there at 4. Paulo texted me and Darryl said on Discord that he was getting an Uber. We waited to see if Steve would show up (Estefan is in Whistler at the moment), and I finally messaged him. He replied pretty quickly to say he was having a bad day, so no. I showed them both the phone notification, and they joked about guilting him into it since we HAD to find a place that took reservations JUST FOR HIM! Seriously, dude - we could have stayed with the Brassneck Brewery plan!

We were on our phones a lot, which actually is pretty good for me. Talked about Jimbo's opinion on our Superfriends server and how I know I can't change his mind on it (and wouldn't want to - why bother?), the secret chat, all the drama, Holly's opinion on Jimbo not telling us much about his work, the 12 Kings meetup being last year on March 12 already, Brian being sued by some people, and Holly nuking the original server unexpectedly. I showed them some funny toilet paper-related memes, while we tried various food and drink: gin and tonic, Amber something, mushroom poutine, sausage rolls with barbecue sauce (which I spilled on my DRAGON HOODIE - necessitating MORE LAUNDRY when I got home!), white wine, schnitzel, steak, desserts, and more! The Cascade Room was advertising Jameson ginger and lime Slurpees for St. Patrick's Day 2020. Good luck with that!

Darryl said that his buddies might join us, and wondered if we'd mind. I said no, but deferred to Paulo since it was his belated birthday celebration - HE didn't mind, either. Harmony texted me at 7:15 to say not to worry about coming over next Tuesday as they're limiting everything non-essential including public transit trips. They've even cancelled their Harrison Hot Springs vacation next week for Spring Break, which makes sense! If I were a different kind of person, I'd ask if they don't trust me! This is best for everyone's health and safety, though.

Eric M. also texted me: "FYI, VCEFC has been cancelled because of COVID-19 concerns" - that's what I thought would happen when I heard the daily BC health guidelines the other day. MORE FREE TIME FOR HIM! We left the Cascade Room at 8 and walked a block or so to the Colony Bar across the street from Save-On Foods. I'd have gone in earlier to see if they had hand sanitizer, but they probably don't. I told them that my brother lives around there, but that it was probably bedtime for the kids. They joked about invading their place anyway even if the nephews were there, but I knew it was a drunken joke and didn't take it seriously. Paulo offered Darryl a hit of his vape since he'd tried smoking, but he declined due to the pandemic - smart!

We were at the Colony Bar for about 70 minutes or so, with Darryl unexpectedly buying us a round because it was Paulo's birthday. I got a Parallel 49 Jerk Face 9000 beer - I had to order it because of the name! No, I wasn't surprised that Paulo barely touched his beer - they'd already had a lot at the Cascade Room. We discussed alcohol tolerance, Paulo totally forgetting about work once on HOLIDAY PAY, the coronavirus, and whether Darryl's buddies would actually show up. I gave up on them at 9, about five minutes before they DID come in. The guy put his hand out to shake hands - what?! I instinctively shook hands, and then went to wash my hands immediately afterwards since I had to pee anyway. My hand sanitizer was way down in the bottom of my Doge bag, then I had to look for my phone when I got back to the table, which was also in my Doge bag! Habit to look in my coat pocket... not sure what I'll do once it's summer!

Paulo declared that he would call an Uber since he said it was too cold to wait around for the bus for too long. I decided to just wait for the bus since it was more wallet-friendly. The East Indian 3 driver waited THREE TIMES for no reason, holding everybody up on his bus! What schedule is there to make up at 9:30 PM?! You have your breaks now, so that's not a good reason! Of course that made me late for the Brighouse train - it was pretty chilly outside, so I took the opportunity to send Mike a picture of my current footwear at Marine Drive station after fighting with the wifi.

Mike said something about "where's the glim-glam?" so I texted that 1 degree was too cold for bare feet and toeless sandals! (I waited till I was up on the platform since I heard the YVR train announcement from the statue) The train was sparsely populated, too - I got my own little row of accessible seats since an Asian lady moved far away from me instead once I said I needed her seat. I got home at 10:35, thanks to that stupid 3 bus driver - I could have been home half an hour before! Doing laundry seems to have worked for my dragon hoodie, but I can't seem to say the thing for my four towels since I used them to wipe up a flood of water from when I was showering a few days ago. Guess I'll go tomorrow to London Drugs and buy up on-sale zinc citrate, four towels, and maybe a pair of Secret socks!

Knorr Cheesy Spinach Dip for lunch!

( Zinc, bar food, and a special Pi Day 2020 Reddit award! )

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May Chan, a dehumanizing used condom board, Walker's Oat Crackers, Jimbo leaving

Mon, 02 Mar 2020 05:03:28 GMT

Jimbo / Nate LEFT the SuperFriends Discord server - WHAT THE FUCK?! I went shopping at 2:05 on a 407 for on-sale NEW limited-edition pink packaging SpongeTowels paper towels, NEW London Naturals plant-based citrus detergent, Colgate MaxFresh toothpaste x2 (Clean Mint green / Cool Mint blue), Scrub Daddy, and on-sale Walkers Shortbread Highland Oat Crackers / Three-Seed Oat Crackers before getting home at 2:55 on another 407 prior to COFFEE TIME! May Chan unfriended me on Facebook, but whatever - she was just Gabriel's friend. The Canucks played Columbus today at 4, and lost 5-3 thanks to an empty-net goal AND four unanswered goals in the last eight minutes of the third period... thanks, new goalie Louie Domingue...

My NEWEST top-voted Reddit comment as of February 20, 2020: A used condom display on a public bulletin board IS disgusting and dehumanizing! 5313 points! :D Every time someone uses "body count" to describe their number of sex partners, I think: "HOW MANY PEOPLE DID YOU KILL?!?" because THAT is what "body count" really means! Millennials and zoomers, I swear...

NEW limited-edition pink packaging SpongeTowels paper towels!

NEW London Naturals plant-based citrus dish detergent or dish soap!

NEW London Naturals plant-based unscented FREE AND CLEAN dish detergent or dish soap!

Walkers Shortbread Highland Oat Crackers!

Walkers Shortbread Three-Seed Oat Crackers!

Colgate MaxFresh Clean Mint toothpaste!

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ERIC HO! LEAP YEAR 2020 GAME! / Leap Year Frog! Leap Day Facts! / Quiche!

Sun, 01 Mar 2020 03:10:18 GMT

MORE COFFEE TIME! IT IS LEAP YEAR 2020 TODAY! The Canucks played the Leafs today at 4, and lost 4-2... DAMN EMPTY-NET GOALS AND MY BIRTHDAY BUDDY AUSTON MATTHEWS! Eric Ho confirmed yesterday via text that he was coming over, and also called me at 12:10 to iron out some details, so YAY! I got him to pick up a 24-pack of Nestlé Pure Life bottled water from Price Smart on the way since I was running out. He got here at 2:15, so that was good. We talked about the parking pass / my spare keys, the skyrocketing coronavirus news, Nathan being overseas right now, the 2001 version of THE MUMMY RETURNS with Brendan Fraser, Jeremy, washing hands, my Ontario trip, the bacon quiche / Reser's mashed potatoes / meat lasagna / macaroni and cheese / Peanut Butter Pie Oreos / Mackie's Crispy Bacon chips / Mackie's haggis and cracked black pepper chips, the Lindt / Nutter Butter I gave him in a Ziploc bag, and David Ayres the Zamboni driver. He also called "coronavirus" SARS, and called the Alcan aluminum foil "cling wrap - you know what I mean." Not really or not at first, but he's still a good friend of mine!

Also discussed Jann Arden / a halftime show, 2011 and the Boston Pizza name change, HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA, my slipper socks / high heels bag / Boston Pizza gift card from Ruth and Joan, Carey Price / Patrick Roy (possible) trades / the trade deadline activity on Monday, ICBC driver premiums and car insurance, whether I caught any of Sedin Week, and the 9-3 Boston Bruins blowout the other night. Conversed about his smelling my hot sauce, the playoffs, Jim Hughson, his not preferring to drive during sunset / twilight hours, a cow in a plane for a THE MUMMY: TOMB OF THE DRAGON EMPEROR movie scene with Jet Li, and Don Cherry's podcast / being fired, the Juno Awards, the Simpsons controversy, Apu, and Krusty the Clown before he left at 6:40 after a disappointing Leap Day / Leap Year LOSS! DAMN EMPTY-NETTERS! Sure, I'll collect my empty bottles for him to redeem somewhere if he offered! Of course he did the dishes WITHOUT COMPLAINING!

Happy Leap Year Day 2020! Leap Year Day FROG! February 29! Feb. 29!

( February 29! Leap Year! Food and water! )

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GIVE ME THE WEED! / Real-life Hangman / Starman Coffee! Happy Ness in every cup!

Thu, 30 Jan 2020 07:20:12 GMT

The Canucks played the Sharks tonight at 7:30, and won 5-2 thanks to an empty-netter from Pearson and other team play!

Squid selfie! No, the squid is not actually up my nose.

A parody of Uncle Kracker's "Drift Away" from Jim: Give me the weed, boys, and free my soul. I wanna get lost in a sticky bowl and drift away. Of course I sent this one to Mike!

From Nate, Extra Fabulous Comics, and Discord: "How about a C?" "Nope." "An R?" "Nope." "Fellas, I gotta say this is some of the most fucked-up shit." REAL LIVE HANGMAN AND EXECUTIONERS!

From The Onett Times: Special dark roast Starman Coffee! Happy? Ness In Every Cup! Latte art of Giygas, hahaha!

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Busy Philipps, Birdie, and Cricket?! What?! / Dr. JONICE Webb? Yum, jaundice!

Sat, 25 Jan 2020 01:37:03 GMT

Since I couldn't sleep because of the neighbors stomping around upstairs at 3:30 AM (FUCK YOU - PEOPLE ARE TRYING TO SLEEP!), I got up at 6:30 AM and ate my sushi. To my surprise, Chrystal of all the people had texted me last night to say she can't make it to dinner tonight because she has to go out and eat Chinese New Year dinner with her family instead. Sure, I can accept that as an excuse! I cancelled on Rishu since I got up from my much-needed nap at 2:15. At 6:10, Chrystal texted me back: January 31 sounds good to her!

6:30 AM sushi, Roll D!

From Julie M. and the Daily Mail: Busy Philipps named her kids Birdie and Cricket?!

From Reddit and r/raisedbynarcissists: Dr. JONICE Webb?! BAD SPELLING OF JANICE! Yum, jaundice!

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A salt rifle for $999! / Peculiar, Missouri?! / Nathson, Nathina, and Torrence?!

Fri, 22 Nov 2019 04:10:55 GMT

After COFFEE TIME, I left at 3:05 on a 401 for my appointment with Dr. Ruby (which was not exactly informative - but I did get my prescription renewed), but I had to hurry back after wasting time at the Dollar Tree and Big Crazy after not being able to find Advent calendars or dumplings! I did go to Shoppers for on-sale Jamison Vitamin D3 gummies (almost half-price!), NEW Lindt Milk Mint / Hazelnut truffles, NEW Life brand echinacea x120, NEW Delecto assorted dark chocolates in a purple box, NEW Cheetos Snowflakes, and NEW Hot Cocoa Hershey's Kisses! The Canucks played Nashville today at 5, and won 6-3! FIVE POWER PLAY GOALS!

Chicken teriyaki and udon from Shoppers!

( Food and vitamins! )

From Janina: A salt rifle selling for $999 in Amarillo, Texas. It's made of Morton Salt and is definitely overpriced.

From List25: Peculiar, Missouri?!

From Youtube: Torrence White?! BAD SPELLING OF TERRENCE!

From Youtube: Nathson Fields?! Shouldn't that be NATHAN FIELDS?! He also named his daughter NATHINA...

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2019 Yearly Recap!

Sat, 16 Nov 2019 09:02:50 GMT

2019 Yearly Recap!

This is the 2019 recap. Fitting for the last day of the year, no?

JANUARY

* Hung out with Vanessa and baby Cassidy pre-surgery at Lansdowne: Fresh Elements bubble tea, good dumplings at the food court, GOLDEN DRAGON SUSHI, and more! She helped me open the ridiculous eyedrops bottles, too! [Jan. 7]

* Had eye cataract surgery at Mount St. Joseph's - yikes! Luckily, I had love and support from my friends, and my parents DID drive me home! [Jan. 10]

* Had a one-day followup appointment at the eye clinic. Thank goodness that Barry was able to drive me! Things looked healthy! [Jan. 11]

* Crashed at Deb and Dylan's for about a week. Declan and Elysse liked me from the start, and it was pretty interesting and funny. ("I have my dad's old phone, Elysse." "Did he die?!" Haha!) Lots of meals and Swiss Chalet plus lamb and ribs and packed lunches! I appreciated their support, for sure! [Jan. 11-16]

* Had my one-week followup appointment at the eye clinic. My eye still looked healthy and there is no need to rush on any new glasses! I got hit up for cash at Vancouver City Centre, but I said NO. He should have fucked off instead! [Jan. 17]

* Had Hiero's birthday party: glow-in-the-dark bowling at Grandview Lanes! Dylan and Deb kindly gave me a ride back, and Mom did NOT have to insert herself into our post-church plans by thanking them for "looking after" me! [Jan. 20]

FEBRUARY

* Got a chance to three-way call with Kate and Pothead Mike right after the hockey game, which the Canucks won 4-3 in a shootout against the Flames! It was pretty good to hear their voices as we chatted about a bunch of things including Ed Kemper and the RCMP tank in Surrey. [Feb. 9]

( Highlights and lowlights! )

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Phone photo dump! / Salmon, delays, and congee! / Pumpkin spice chicken wings?!

Wed, 25 Sep 2019 10:29:54 GMT

It's National Punctuation Day today... MY FAVORITE! After COFFEE TIME, I had to leave at 2 on a 401 and then a 410 (which I just got to on time, no thanks to idiots blocking my path on the sidewalk) for my appointment with Dr. Ruby before I helped with the kids. That was uncomfortable - I also saw a professional Audrey. Also, I had to buy more NEW Beehive Burst Peppermint lip balm at the Dollar Tree since there was no photo online that I could find, so I had to take my own photo. (I had ripped mine open last week before I figured this out...) I was there on time, but STILL had to wait 20 minutes to be seen! UGH! I should have gone to Dollar Tree before rather than after! Then I tried to speedwalk over to Lansdowne station a block and a half away, and just missed a Waterfront train thanks to these two slow ladies on the elevator going down.

When I got to Marine Drive station, I definitely needed a snack, so I went to Tim Horton's. Luckily, there was no lineup, so I got a non-sticky cheese tea biscuit and then got out of there to find that a wheelchair wanted to get on the 3 as well. Then a stroller wanted to get on - at least this one contained a fairly curious kid who growled and made various noises, unlike the other stroller who got on after that one left! After another delay caused by the driver stopping in the middle of the road for five minutes to check an alarm that was going off, I finally got to Mount Pleasant at about 4:20 when I could have been there at 4:05! Too many delays! Yeah, I used Term to complain to via text, haha.

Inside, Penny was just finishing up speech therapy while Beckett was failing at napping again. Almost right after Penny left, it was off to the park across the street because Harmony wanted to walk Beckett around the playground to see if he'd nap then. Spoiler alert: He did not. Ayler asked if I wanted to play tag or Manhunt - no, because I had run out of energy and was like a car which had run out of gas. Hiero asked why I walked how I did, so maybe Jon and Harmony should talk to him about it at some point. Once we got home again after more promises of consequences, I got to play with Beckett for a bit. He liked the baby pop-up toy because it made him laugh more than usual, wanted me to shake my head a lot because it was funny, liked PEEK-A-BOO as per Hiero, tried eating my DRAGON HOODIE strings again, and climbed on me a few times. (he did pull Hiero's hair, though!)

At the same time, Hiero was trying to show me his origami. Blowing up squares to make huge boxes, oh my! Later, I stayed close as Beckett crawled on the couch despite Ayler telling me not to let him do it. Well, you're doing and completing a HUGE connect-the-dots puzzle, so I'll do what I want while keeping Beckett safe in my own way, including trying to put on one of his missing socks. We had salmon, congee, Chinese chicken soup, meatballs with ketchup and barbecue sauce, some veggies, and ridiculous amounts of shredded pork. Then we talked about whether Jon had been shot today at the Downtown Eastside (he was fine and didn't have to lie on the floor as per Hiero's question), why people shoot at each other ("because some people think that the best way to resolve their problems is with guns" and "that's why we don't joke about guns"), my Cactus Club birthday dinner, Ayler seeing Brooke early this morning ("how do you know?"), Hiero doing flips and gymnastics in the elevator earlier and being injured, and how much everyone in the family could eat compared to each other.

After I washed dishes for a bit, I read to Hiero about Optimus Prime and the Decepticons, then listened to Ayler play a boogie on the piano before listening to him read a Level 2 story about polar bears. Sure I had to help him with some words, but that's normal. I left at 7:20, but couldn't get a 3 bus till 7:40 thanks to a couple of buses being out of service! I missed a Brighouse train by five minutes, and JUST managed to get a 407 at Brighouse, no thanks to people blocking my path where I was going to run to the front door of the bus. Do I really have to shove my way past other people all the time to get where I'm going in a timely fashion?! I got home at 8:35, checked my mail, and found Julie's birthday card plus random stuff - yay!

Random stuff: Nathan returning the OUTLANDER novel to me, six packs of Compliments Safeway brand spicy chicken instant noodles, and yet another pair of reading glasses. Good thing I didn't buy the Jergens lotion today because of all the walking I had to do, AND the utter weight of the 650-page paperback book!

From WINGS Restaurants and Pubs: Pumpkin spice chicken wings for fall 2019?! BLEH!

( Peppermint lip balm, birthday swag, Compliments instant noodles, a bunny, construction workers looking out for the baby rabbits, doughnut drawing at the hospital bus stop, Polestar planner )

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Birthday Gifts / Presents in 2019!

Mon, 23 Sep 2019 04:51:19 GMT

Birthday Gifts / Presents in 2019!

THIS ENTRY IS ALLOWED TO HAVE NON-ALIGNED TAGS.

This is a list of birthday gifts and cards that I received in 2019:

* Tostitos Rounds chips, No Name beef cup noodles, a birthday card with a cat coaster which is now between the fridge and my kitchen counter, Colgate 360 toothbrushes x2, Colgate Winterfresh Cavity Protection toothpaste, Colgate Cool Mint MaxFresh toothpaste, Burt's Bees ginger-lime lip balm, a tiny 30 mL Purell hand sanitizer, Simple Skincare cleansing wipes, and a new White Cross Scrubs pale blue scrub jacket.

* Jambalaya rice bowl, iced tea, and white chocolate cheesecake from both Erics, Jeremy, and Randal at the Richmond Centre Cactus Club! [Sept. 21]

* a birthday card from Jeremy

* a birthday card from Randal

* a cupcake birthday card, Mario, woodland creatures stickers, Domo, a rainbow cloud sticker, butterfly stickers, two Minions, Homer Simpson, and Easter Jesus stickers from Julie

* a dinner at Benkei Ramen from Chrystal: Spicy Akaoni Ramen served with pan-fried minced pork, green onion, bean sprouts, bamboo shoots, special roasted garlic oil, and roasted sesame. Toppings: butter, bamboo shoots, bean sprouts, spinach, kimchi, boiled egg, corn, green onion, cha siu, and cheese. [Sept. 27]

* a dinner at Han OK from Deb, Dylan, Declan, and Elysse (seafood pancake, spicy seafood tofu soup, Asahi beer, rice, tea, eggs, cheese, corn, kimchi, spicy pork, and bulgogi hot pot) plus a box of assorted Lindt chocolates [Oct. 4]

* a lunch at the Gloucester Café from Auntie Catherine [Oct. 1]

( Gift photos! )

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Richmond Centre Cactus Club, NO FLAKES, Cambridge Wesley Sand Flatware cutlery

Mon, 23 Sep 2019 04:20:46 GMT

After COFFEE TIME, Eric M. picked me up at 7 so we could go to the Richmond Centre Cactus Club. Yay for both Erics, Randal, and Jeremy! I assume Chinese Eric was texting white Eric while we were trying to find parking at the mall, so I texted him saying just that, then he suddenly appeared when we had finally parked. We had to wait 45 minutes to be seated, so we just chilled in the mall coffee shop area while talking about Randal's sales guy taking them all out for lunch at that Cactus Club a couple of weeks ago, my giving Chinese Eric the last bag of Chitato Indomie Mi Goreng chips, Randal and Jeremy giving me birthday cards, the BC Lions (so boring), and Nathan not being able to make it. (HE isn't a flake!)

Once we were seated, I ordered a jambalaya rice bowl and iced tea. Randal had steak and frites with some beer, Chinese Eric had flatbread, white Eric had some blackened Creole chicken, and Jeremy had some butternut squash ravioli with prawns. Chinese Eric had a nosebleed halfway through dinner, but he wasn't sure what it was at first. I even took the napkin and moved it closer to the candle to see if it was sauce or something else. At least I wouldn't have to deal with that if it happened to Jimmy anymore! Chinese Eric tilted his head back and not forward, contrary to white Eric's Googling. (I had to go in as Cactus Guest)

We talked about our food, how bubble tea ISN'T some new fad, Jon, Harmony, Ayler, Hiero, Beckett, their not having a microwave (so they're the healthiest kids that Randal knows), Randal not taking piano lessons for the right reasons (and practicing was getting tedious), the automatic blinds ("why is it so dark suddenly?"), Justin Trudeau's blackface scandal, real-life Twitch streams, raiding Area 51, the Toronto Raptors memorabilia (white Eric had the right hoodie!), a future sports hangout, Jeremy not texting at all, Hiero's view on kindergarten, the fire outside, and just hanging out. They convinced me to order a dessert since it was my birthday dinner, so I did - white chocolate cheesecake! Then I found some Area 51 Naruto runners from a different angle on Reddit, and had to show Jeremy - he laughed! Randal commented that my phone's camera flash was really bright - well, the restaurant was really dark at that point! White Eric drove me home at 10:30, and it had really started raining then.

Cambridge Wesley Sand Flatware cutlery!

Jambalaya rice bowl at the Cactus Club: Shrimp, chicken, chorizo sausage, vegetables, bacon, spicy tomato sauce, black bean salsa, and crème fraîche!

White chocolate cheesecake at the Cactus Club: Chocolate cookie crust, raspberry compote, hand-whipped cream!

Jeremy's order of butternut squash ravioli at the Cactus Club for my birthday 2019 dinner! Chef Rob Feenie's signature butternut squash and mascarpone ravioli, truffle butter, sautéed jumbo prawns, pine nuts, and crispy sage.

White Eric's order of Blackened Creole Chicken at the Cactus Club for my birthday 2019 dinner! Creole butter, Cajun spices, buttered mashed potatoes, and roasted asparagus.

Randal's order of Steak Frites at the Cactus Club for my birthday 2019 dinner! Eight-ounce certified Angus beef sirloin, kale salad, horseradish cream, and sea salted fries.

Chinese Eric's order of Rob's Flatbread at the Cactus Club for my birthday 2019 dinner! Caramelized onions, grape tomatoes, feta, goat cheese, basil pesto, arugula, and balsamic glaze.

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Birthday Wishes in 2019!

Sat, 21 Sep 2019 04:16:42 GMT

Birthday Wishes in 2019!

THIS ENTRY IS ALLOWED TO HAVE NON-ALIGNED TAGS.

Chargrilled Salmon and Seafood trio for my 2019 family birthday dinner: Wild Pacific Sockeye salmon topped with shrimp, scallops, and clams in a creamy rose sauce with arugula and Campari tomatoes. Served over jasmine rice with broccolini.

Captain Morgan spiced pumpkin milkshake for my 2019 family birthday dinner!

( Gift photos! )

Gmail Chat: Mike F. {1}

Email: Match, dentist office, Nathan T., Auntie Catherine I. {4}

Evite / (Facebook) Event RSVP: Eric M. x2, Billie E. x2, Eric H., Jeremy J., Darryl B., Nick LoveDrunkPunch, Paulo, Flaps, Randal C., Violet Hour, Luke, Deb L. / Dylan L., Kathy S. x2, Aaron C., Frances C., Lisa D., Benny N., Nathan T. {22}

LINE: Corey T. {1}

LJ: Matt A., Julie M. x2, Janet S. {4}

Facebook Wall Posts: Cathy B., Kitty B., Josh D., Alice P. x2, Ellen W., Kelli E. x2, Steph N., Shane T., Michelle S. x2, Andrew M., Alan P., Itamar R., Barb D. x2, Jim S., Talia E., Helen S., Leona K., Ellen C., Eve M., Jason H., Andrea W., Susan D.-C., Eric M., Andrew L., John P., Flora G., Rosenda M., Krista K., Daniel T. x2, Wade T., Ryan B. x2, Holly L. {38}

Facebook Chat / Messages: Mike B., Scott C., Jim S., Lisa D., Julie M., Vanessa H. {6}

Facebook Discussion Boards / Groups: Mary-Anne M. x2, Ivor S., Mona F., Wilf C. x2, Laurie E., Sam D.-W., Jolene J., Adam H. x3, Shavin A., Gayle P. x2, Stacey C., Carol F., Kevin J., Trish P., Kathy P., Vic F., Bill C., Joanna M., Bethany B., Karen P., Chiko T., Michael R., Luke F., Tina W., Kim J. {31}

Facebook Status / Photo Comments and Reactions: Julie M. x14, Cathy W. x8, Melia Y. x2, Deb. L., Zonia L. x3, Jim S. x2, Adam H., Sheryll T., Debbie S. x2, Vicky S. x2, Helen Y. x3, Virginia B., Holidays That Might Get Overlooked, Scott C., Michelle S., Pete C. x2, Robert B., Josh A., Teunis P., Barb D. x3, Orlando F., Shane T., Leona K., Jessica G., Steph N. {57}

Passed-On Messages: Damarys (via Mike) {1}

Discord: Shadownet x2 / Dynazide x2 / Nathaniel / Night_Edits / Toooo123 / FBG_Schwartz / WeNeedDaDrysdale / Lucky Anish / Hazeluff [Vancouver r/Canucks], rhinoballerina x2 / bats_are_cute / whiskey_sparkle [TrollX Support Love], DanGod x2 / Glaciier x2 / Mei x2 / Lyra / Merciless Gator / FlanKitteh / Kytten [Server of Thunder], Cuya x2 / Flynne x2 / Historybuff1117 x2 / Atheistman / Seele 2 Audio Only / Hansi / midoriskyz [Easytown], PureKaos / OnlyHopeRemains [Life Chat], Erik C. x2 / Aimsworth [DaveTheUsher], EvaDNG [Kramerica], Kalvinis / Touma Touma / Shiwa [Arise Realm], Creature_Of_Tea [PM], Clusa / Playinful / Arcine / Foygoox / Glaxion [Dragon Quest], Steve / Flaps / Jimbo [Chill Superfriends], Mikey / AlbinoMouse / Tyler / Eevee / Jimbo / Brian / Nick / Crows [V4F], Ceriam / PrettzL / Hyrule Hero / Corinne [Ceri_Realm], Hidden One / RedWeird / Harry / Goldberg / Karen Bro Michael / Alien / Krayven [Weirdo Manor], Kiran / Haley / SJ / Violet Hour / VioletNym / Jimbo [Sober Vancouver], ClassyBeard / Ange / smolbun / Lurus [ClassyCast], TheArcy / LuckyToken / TheRPGChick / Tsukiya / Rom_Stein / Highspirits / Kuja_ / Pesmerga / Dawnventure [Highspirits], Don Cherry's Suits / Black and Gold Hero / mbx / cheez wes / Aaron94 [r/hockey], ArmTheSharks / Boucher / CLASSIC_DISCORD [Scotiabank Arena], SirBillip [Earthbound Speedruns], Turtal / Eriphram / Ultimoice [Moonside] {102}

Twitch Streams: Kramer, YoungMerlin1 {2}

Youtube: Obsolete Oddity x2, AM PM, K, Lollie B, Deborah Danhauer, Libby Sanders, DEADBUG says x3, ARMY Bitch, Johanna Thompson, Faro Bass, Hillbilly Scholar x2, Michelle Godoy, Betty James, Lisa 86, Damarys, Mrs. EliteNugz, Candace P. PlusSizeShop, Logan Malough, Tracie Haygood, Wayne Pollard, Becca Lyn, Queen D, Banoffee, Goran Sipka, strale gaming, Jinn Malik, Dwae Rocks, Lorraine Arcand, Cold Jolteon, Tony Lee, Irish Temper, Thunder Glitch, Patrick Brookings, Elvira Miller, Lancer, Craig Bain, Teresa Howick, Beruška Vozábová, Ingrid Kastner, blackjackbahamas, Nicole Poe, Ann J.T. Farrington, La Doña Mariposa Vigilis, Scritti {48}

Not Always Right: Deadpool {1}

Reddit: Fosse22, SouthernMS, GhostieItsOhG, SocialFormality, JessicaRae28382, CheetahKeeper, NDesplas, RewardOffered, MyOwnPrivateUniverse, S_Jeru, CableLayer1, SirCleanPants, DibbiLuncan, Jess, MahilaMahi, SpiritNaga, JustAPersonnn, TheSaltyB, GreenFuckFrog, SoulEatingBastard, NYRKid, DrAgus_ {24}

Other Rewards Stuff: Boston Pizza free dessert (Chocolate Explosion Cheesecake!), London Drugs Extras $5 gift voucher {2}

In Person: Rishu S., Mom, Dad, Jon N., Harmony H., Ayler N., Hiero N., Beckett N., Eric M., Eric H., Jeremy J., Randal C., Dylan L., Deb L., Chrystal C., Auntie Catherine I., Kathy S., Aaron C. {17}

Cards / Presents: Uncle John's Truth, Trivia, and the Pursuit of Factiness Bathroom Reader / Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Beyond The Bizarre 16th Annual (me), Chargrilled Salmon and Seafood Trio / Captain Morgan spiced pumpkin milkshake at White Spot (family), jambalaya rice bowl / iced tea / white chocolate cheesecake (Eric M. / Eric H. / Jeremy / Randal), birthday card (Randal), birthday card (Jeremy), a cupcake birthday card / Mario / woodland creatures stickers / Domo / a rainbow cloud sticker / butterfly stickers / two Minions / Homer Simpson / Easter Jesus stickers (Julie), Benkei Ramen dinner (Chrystal), dinner at Han OK (Deb and Dylan - seafood pancake, spicy seafood tofu soup, Asahi beer, rice, tea, eggs, cheese, corn, kimchi, spicy pork, and bulgogi hot pot) plus a box of assorted Lindt chocolates, dinner (Kathy and Aaron) {17}

* Mom and Dad's presents: Tostitos Rounds chips given to Chinese Eric instead, No Name beef cup noodles, a birthday card with a cat coaster which is now between the fridge and my kitchen counter, Colgate 360 toothbrushes x2, Colgate Winterfresh Cavity Protection toothpaste, Colgate Cool Mint MaxFresh toothpaste, Burt's Bees ginger-lime lip balm, a tiny 30 mL Purell hand sanitizer, Simple Skincare cleansing wipes, and a new White Cross Scrubs pale blue scrub jacket. {12}

Phone Calls / Skype: Dylan L. Deb L., Declan L. {3}

22.6% of my Facebook friends... 95 of 421! (3 more wishes, 0 fewer people) [87 of 421]

GRAND TOTAL: 390

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Los Cuervos Taqueria! / Bison skirt steak! / Ceviche tostada! / Sorry I'm late!

Mon, 09 Sep 2019 07:48:48 GMT

Discovered that the front door lock is stuck and recalcitrant again before Eric M. gave me a ride at 6:50 to Los Cuervos Taqueria around Kingsway and Fraser, so I wondered how long it would take me to get in later on. I had Jeremy's 101 THINGS TO DO WITH BEER cookbook and birthday card, one bag of Indomie Goreng Chitato chips for Nathan's dad since Chi-Tat To is very similar, Chinese Eric's birthday card / Indomie Goreng Chitato chips x4 / iChoc Almond Orange, Classic, Super Nut, and White Chocolate Vanilla bars, and white Eric's Western Family Swiss 72% dark chocolate bar / NEW Heidi Chocolate Intense / Ginger / Himalayan Salt chocolate bars and birthday card. Nathan did not show up, but I offloaded everything to everyone else.

Saw Acer and said hi to Quan and Gino, of course. Then I spontaneously invited Randal to my own birthday dinner. Chinese Eric was confusing as usual and said he just got my "birthday message" - uh, which one? Facebook birthday wish, a text message about a birthday, or something else? I think it's best that we were just friends! He didn't really explain it well at all. I got a bison skirt steak taco after seeing multiple people mention steak before I left, and then a ceviche tostada when that wasn't quite enough food. First time trying ceviche, so that was quirky for sure! Jon asked if I could switch days this week - I told him that he should ask Harmony first before making executive decisions like that, and he said that it did come from her. Okay then, I can switch from Tuesday to Monday this week. I made sure my blog drafts were tagged correctly and everything as soon as I got home so I didn't forget.

Jeremy and I talked about dragons and interesting topics like Greyhound not being there anymore for his Kelowna trips, and he said he could use that beer cookbook. After paying for the food, we all left at about the same time. I stopped at the door because I knew there was a step going down, and Chinese Eric wondered about that. Well, you don't want me to find out where the step is by faceplanting... he agreed, but thought I'd had eye surgery for a reason. Yes, but that doesn't mean my declining night vision has improved!

While Jon and Randal were trying to figure out whether they should go to 12 Kings, it started raining. I told them to arrive at a decision even if I'd be going home with white Eric either way since he has to get up at 7 AM tomorrow. (for some reason, Eric found it necessary to hang around while they made said decision...) We walked to Eric's car and said the necessary farewells. Once I got home at 10, I was actually able to get in fairly quickly... phew! Then I discovered that Mom apparently thinks I still know Spanish because she wanted me to translate a long document for her. Nope, I've forgotten virtually all my Spanish 9! I just told her "nope, don't know Spanish." I just wanted to relax when I got home! Jon suggested Google Translate instead.

Sweatshirt or hoodie: Sorry I'm late. I didn't want to come.

Ceviche tostada!

Bison skirt steak taco!

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Christon and Alice's wedding! / Damn extroverts! / Four Winds, Rocanini's, Kirin

Sun, 01 Sep 2019 08:06:40 GMT

It's International Bacon Day today!

After COFFEE TIME, Eric picked me up at 12:05 for the wedding. Chinese Eric had texted him "hey" and nothing else, so Eric asked me to see what was up with that. Apparently, he'd asked him whether he'd picked me up yet. The wedding was very religious and traditional on Religion Road at Fujian Evangelical Free Church. I was glad to see Jeremy and Nate at least! Yes, things were relatively quick, but COME ON!

Later, I learned that Jon insisted that we all have lunch at Four Winds Pub in Delta - REALLY? (me, him, both Erics, Nathan, Jeremy, and Wesley) Why didn't you let someone know BEFORE I LEFT THE FUCKING HOUSE?! THAT'S the problem with spontaneity! I did NOT eat anything (the burritos were huge though!), and was very fucking annoyed with everyone - so just read and did not say much of anything. At least I got to talk to Nathan alone for a few minutes about his present feelings on weddings after all that had happened. He had had to do Citrus's wedding afterwards, but said that now it was okay, and thanked me for asking.

After that, SOMEONE also wanted to go for good coffee at Rocanini's in Steveston - can't you think of what I want for once?! We talked about everyone staring at their phone - I was trying to bang out a relatively quick message to Mike with the reliable wi-fi while we were there. THEN we decamped to white Eric's, where Veronica had kindly set up a table and chairs for us in the backyard before going to Van Dusen Gardens with Ron. At least I had water and ginger ale throughout the afternoon.

When we finally got to the restaurant, the parkade proved to be pretty confusing! I was at a table with everyone I knew, but we were stuck at the very back behind two pillars! We saw Deb, Dylan, Martin J. (who apparently also has an autistic kid), Martin T., Randal, Kevin, Isabel, Sheena, Lincoln, Karen, Vivian, and Geoffrey. We discussed the seating, "MORE TONGUE!" (we're known for shenanigans), Quiznos, Singapore, durian mochi NOT being durian MOCHA, hair follicle transplants done by ROBOTS, Samaritan's Purse, that lady who died because a metal straw pierced her brain, and the waiter taking the food platter away after he showed it to us BEFORE scooping it on our plates individually at the back. Some people had too much red / white wine, apparently including Alice's mom, which is how the MORE TONGUE thing came about.

After everything was done, I STILL had to wait around for the cleanup crew (who'd been given thank-you cards beforehand so they couldn't just "forget" about it), and then the loiterers! UGH! We did amuse ourselves at the photo booth, but STILL! Talked to Deb a bit about the summer, to Eric about PowerPoint (that's a VERY VALID excuse to leave...), and to Jon about Tom Lee Music / Hiero not getting any bullet train toys / my being there on Tuesday / speech therapy. Just as Eric and I were about to FINALLY drive away at 10:30, Chinese Eric delayed us by asking where Nathan was. HOW SHOULD WE KNOW?! I said GOODNIGHT rather firmly, and FINALLY got home at 10:40. Yes, I live THAT close to Kirin!

THE WEDDING BANQUET MENU:

* Kirin special platter with roasted suckling pig, sauteed prawns, and scallops with pureed truffle

* deep-fried crab claw wrapped with minced prawn

* bird nest soup with fish maw and Chinese ham

* live lobster in consomme with light ginger and green onion

* sliced wild catch California Mexico brand abalone braised with fish maw, Chinese mushroom, and peatips

* crispy skin free range chicken

* steamed live fish

* special fried rice with dried shrimp wrapped in lotus leaf

* E-Fu noodles stewed with two kinds of mushrooms in abalone sauce

* two kinds of Dim Sum dessert

* Kirin special sweetened soup

What do you mean, Four Winds Pub has no tacos?!

( Most of the food... )

Five years from now (our wedding day), I'll be stabbing you with this same knife. Enjoy the cake, honey!

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Banana Wong is a real name?! WHAT THE HECK?!

Sun, 25 Aug 2019 17:13:11 GMT

Today is Humility Day!

I found some girl apparently named BANANA WONG on Facebook - mutual friends include Andrea, Justin C., Kenneth, Nathan, Sean C., and Trudy. HAHAHAHAHAHA! Reminds me of the time I met someone almost named Banana Brown on Facebook while playing Scrabble, hahaha. It's also coincidental that it is National BANANA SPLIT DAY today!

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Raptors and Golden State Warriors at 12 Kings! / It's not ladylike to swear?!

Mon, 03 Jun 2019 23:45:55 GMT

Eric M. unexpectedly called me at 2:50 to say that Eric Ho and a few of the guys were going to watch the Toronto Raptors play the Golden State Warriors in an NBA playoff game (Game 2) at 12 Kings, and wondered if I'd like to go. I said sure, why not. (much better freedom without Jimmy around!) He said he'd pick me up around 4:30 or so, and did. While I was waiting, I discovered that he'd texted me about the hangout at noon. Oops! At least we managed to work it out in the end!

Then Eric managed to drop me off in front of the pub after using his phone to navigate his way to 12 Kings. I tried texting Chinese Eric to see where he was, but got no answer. Jeremy came in a few minutes later and we managed to find Chinese Eric and Randal while white Eric was parking. After saying hi, I was still not impressed, so told him to answer his fucking texts, in those words. He said that he'd been talking to Randal, but it's TIME-SENSITIVE! "WHERE ARE YOU?" should be answered IMMEDIATELY! UGH! Yes, I'm being a hypocrite about this. Oh well. Randal gave me a LOOK, but whatever. At least we can be casual acquaintances now, which is okay by me. Eric implied that he wasn't going to invite me, but since Christon was dragging Alice along, he thought of me. Gee, thanks!

We talked about Yellow Dog Play Dead IPA, sharing a platter of nachos / olives / jalapenos / cheese eventually (we paid Chinese Eric back $4.50 each), Obama being in the building for the basketball game, my Reddit mobile being VERY SLOW and not loading (but it eventually did a while later), instant noodles, spicy noodles not good for the stomach, Christon and Alice's fried food, Eric's club sandwich, current events, Jon organizing this but not making it because of teaching, and Nathan being back in town till Christon's wedding, the CFL and BC Lions games / tickets, Jeremy's brother Mark doing well in Seattle, and keeping in touch with people online. When I noticed that Randal was reading The New Evil: Understanding the Emergence of Modern Violent Crime (Michael H. Stone, Gary Brucato, Ann W. Burgess), I had to show him MY current reading material: The Most Evil Women in History (Shelley Klein) - HAHAHA! Randal mentioned that he'd thought of me while picking his book up at the library, and Jeremy laughed at the coincidence, because great minds think alike!

Chinese Eric wasn't impressed that the Raptors lost 109-104, but nobody else in the pub to watch the game was, either. He also owes me an extra 50 cents because he didn't carry cash or expect me to have the London Drugs receipt for the Indomie Mi Goreng Chitato chips. We finally left about an hour after the game, at 8:30. Those stairs at the pub are not disability-friendly since they have no handrail, forcing me to jump the last step, LIKE I DID LAST TIME ON MARCH 12! It wasn't too far to the car, which is fine. Eric got a text message while he was driving into Richmond, which he hoped wasn't Chinese Eric texting him that he was lost on the way to his own car. He said he could give me a ride to Christon's wedding (which is on the same day as Mike Kwan's), but that I'd have to remind him closer to the date since it's so far away now. I totally understand!

A 6.2% Play Dead IPA from Yellow Dog Brewery in Port Moody!

From Julie M. and I Think My Mom's Gone Crazy: When someone tells me it's not "ladylike" to swear... WHAT?!

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ERIC HO! / Great Value All-Beef Meat Lasagna, old purchases, and overtime!

Sun, 31 Mar 2019 05:15:09 GMT

After COFFEE TIME, Eric Ho called to confirm the time he was coming over to watch a lot of hockey, so I had to take a shower! I had the parking pass, bottled water, the Lindt caramel Easter eggs, Lindt Blueberries and Cream / Strawberries and Cream / Milk and White Spring Edition chocolate truffles, the Russell Stover praline chocolates assortment, the Laura Secord peanut-free chocolate assortment, and the Kit-Kat Senses hazelnut chocolate assortment ready for him in a huge Ziploc bag, plus smaller ones as appropriate. That was in a Price Smart plastic bag since I also had Ferrero Rocher hazelnut Easter eggs and Easter Egg Oreo cookies for him. Yes, of course we could have Deb's frozen Great Value All-Beef meat lasagna for dinner, plus a lot of snacks! I also got him to help open my eyedrops and buy me some heavy bottled water (a 24-pack for the rounded-down price of $5) while he was out anyway, and all I had to do was text him my Price Smart card number and address. Phew!

He got here at 3:25 and quickly settled in to watch some Blue Jays baseball. Yes, he definitely thanked me for all the stuff mentioned above! We talked about Korean LEAGUE OF LEGENDS players, always being online, Steph, the Habs and the playoffs, ARE YOU SHUTTING ME?, the Mi Goreng chips (which he thinks are "wicked"), Winnipeg Jets playing the Montreal Canadiens, Ottawa Senators playing the Toronto Maple Leafs, and the Canadian dollar falling. Also spoke on Jim Hughson, CBC After Hours (Markstrom / Josh Leivo / Tyler Seguin), Sportspage, Sportsnet Pacific, ownership, excitement, my being able to text him at any time for things like heavy bottled water, Facebook tagging (which he's cool with), my online hockey fan friends (don't remind me of Jimmy...), Quinn Hughes, April Fool's Day (ugh), and opening the living room window. I'm well aware that he thinks my apartment is too warm!

Conversed about the ENDLESS CONSTRUCTION ZONE and closures around here, Google, pay-per-view Canucks games, Hockey Night in Canada / Hockey Day in Canada, the Whitecaps soccer game and the origins of the Southsiders nickname, long-range planning for his birthday (a Thursday - he enjoyed hanging out with me and white Eric last year at Boston Pizza) and Christon's wedding at the Blundell Church / the nearby Kirin, and HOCKEYVILLE. Discussed my new Reddit friends, his lupus making him overheat easily (he's already transitioned to a Toronto Blue Jays T-shirt and wondered if my DRAGON HOODIE was too hot for me - NOPE!), the Korean BBQ chips, the Salsitas, his ranting, bumping into "whoever" (Mike - don't be so vague!), Trudeau, "injury time / stoppage time" in soccer (where they add on time to the game based on injury recovery time DURING the game - can't imagine that in hockey or football), the old days going to Nathan's basement, "ineptitude" being a "big word" for 9:35 at night, his doing the dishes, and his liking to hang out with me. The Canucks played the Stars at 7 tonight... the game went to overtime plus a shootout, and Vancouver won 3-2! At least Eric Ho could go home happy, but he didn't like that the shootout went so long because he has to work tomorrow.

I like these hangouts from the point of view of updated blogging and not having to wait till I go home to start. YAY! Now I just need to relax from constant talking and vagueness!

Most rounds in an NHL shootout: 20?! Most hockey OT periods ever: Eight in the Norwegian League, surpassing the 1936 NHL record of six?!

Great Value All-Beef Meat Lasagna, kindly given to me by Deb on APPRECIATE A DRAGON DAY!

( Old purchases with PEACE AND QUIET! )

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A witchy pentacle cat making noises! / Batman Batsuit history infographic!

Wed, 30 Jan 2019 02:06:45 GMT

I went out at 2 on a 414 to see Rachel at the Caring Place, and got home at about 3:50. Now there's going to be no water on Thursday?! Damn construction and sewer upgrades, haha!

From Julie: When you discover what your cat is really doing up all night making noises... here's a witchy cat inside a pentacle, probably doing incantations! WITCHY BLACK CAT!

From Uncle John's Bathroom Reader: Batman Batsuit history infographic, as of early 2012! Eric M. and Nathan would LOVE this!

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Chinese Eric, Compliments chips, Stanley Park Pilsner! / Guestbook 2018 Entry!

Fri, 28 Dec 2018 05:26:52 GMT

Guestbook Entry 2018!

December 27, 2018 (Thurs.)

Eric H. (lddude): "Here now for the POST-Christmas hangout with Leslie... it has been a while since I was here. (one year and eleven days) Haha. Hope I can come over more often and enjoy Leslie's company... Happy Holidays! :)"

After COFFEE TIME and SHOWER TIME, Chinese Eric called me at 4 to say he was on his way, so I of course had the keys and the parking pass / parking permit ready! He came over at 5:30 with Stanley Park Noble Pilsner beer from a work party (which he can't have because of his lupus, so he gave the bottle to me) and Safeway store brand Compliments barbecue / Extra Barbecue chips. We talked about the Bassili's Best shepherd's pie, which I actually convinced him to make earlier than 8 PM since it would take 50-60 minutes to cook in the oven! He also had FOUR bottles of water - WOW, SO THIRSTY! I also convinced him to leave the tray for the shepherd's pie while cooking it, even though he was worried about eating the plastic material afterwards. Needless to say, that did NOT happen! At least we found my Alcan tinfoil behind my toaster oven!

Discussed hockey news, Connor McDavid's jersey number corresponding to his birth year of 1997, Dragon Ball bubble tea, Loui Eriksson's six-year contract from Canada Day 2016 to Canada Day 2022, all his Halloween and Christmas candy in a big Ziploc bag, taking the chips (meh at best) home for Auntie and Erica to try, Steph / Lisa / Fraser / Henry, Jon / Harmony / Ayler / Hiero / Beckett, and Christmas stuff. Also talked about Gritty the Flyers mascot, my low-tech blue guestbook, MONSTERS INSIDE ME, the Clintons and Michelle Obama hitting town, water bottles vs. bottled water at work (bottled water is more inconspicuous when slipped into a suit pocket), and Desmond being in Australia according to Nathan. The Canucks played the Oilers at 6 tonight, and won 4-2. Eric left at 8:50 after doing the dishes and watching some GOOD highlights. At least I convinced him to do the dishes, but I should have soaked the dumpling pot before he came over!

5.1% Stanley Park Noble Pilsner beer, thanks to Chinese Eric! We brew our Noble Pilsner with two row Pilsen malt and a distinctive blend of noble hops. This European-style lager has a delicate Pilsner aroma and delivers a soft, crisp taste and refreshing finish. Enjoy!!

Safeway store brand Compliments ridged Extra Barbecue chips!

Safeway store brand Compliments barbecue chips!

PUMPKIN PIE!

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Kadegah, Joc, Jacarre, Nyla, Natheeah, Lakita, Rapheal?! / Saadiq?! SAD DICK!

Tue, 09 Oct 2018 17:18:57 GMT

I discovered redrum this morning - UGH!

From Julie: Kadegah?!

From Julie: Joc?!

( Jacarre, Nyla, Natheeah, Lakita, Rapheal, and Saadiq?! )

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Birthday Wishes in 2018!

Thu, 20 Sep 2018 17:20:38 GMT

Birthday Wishes in 2018!

THIS ENTRY IS ALLOWED TO HAVE NON-ALIGNED TAGS.

( Pho and sizzling steak! )

Email: Kevin L., Frances C., Christon S., Thrillist, Match {5}

Evite / (Facebook) Event RSVP: Vanessa H. x2, Frances C., Eric M., Elizabeth M., Benny N., Lisa D., Nathan T. x2, Jeremy J., Eric H. {11}

LJ: loglady / rhapsodeeinblue / executivehpfan / marywebgirl / futile_devices / war_machine_rox / hjalmartazar / thekellieee / callista88 / magicpebble / my_dear_watson7 / theemii / lilyoda / therearewords / joliebelle / urfave / archersangel (ONTD), Julie M. x2 (moonshar), Matt A. (matt1993), Janet S. (ghost_light) {21}

Facebook Wall Posts: Cathy B., Rosenda M., Kitty B., Mikki M., Sheryll T., Dave H., Michelle S. x2, Carol F. x2, Milli P., Nita F., Ryan B., Cathy W. x2, Jim S., Judy K., Andrea W., Diane S., Josh D., Chrissy S. x2, Heather M., Andrew M., Jason T., Itamar R., Jesse C. x2, Eve M., Eric M., Wade T., Dilys C., Vivian S., Helen S., Nathan W., Amanda K., Sara H., Lesley C., Alan P. x2, Steph N., Auntie Susan L., Kelly L., Jason H. x2, Holly L. x2, Ryan M., Julie M., Gino T., Barb D. x2, Tyler T., Shannon S., Shane T., Kelli E. x2, Ellen C., Chun Wai C. {71}

Facebook Chat / Messages: Vanessa H. x2, Julie M., Diane S., Lena M., Victor R., Jimmy C. x3 {9}

Facebook Discussion Boards / Groups: Aubrey Lynn, Julie M., Doug G., Pamela F., Frank M., Wilf C. x2, Stacey C., Peter V. Adrianne C. {10}

Facebook Status / Photo Comments and Reactions: Jim S. x4, Cathy W. x5, Julie M. x7, Shannon S., Steph N. x10, Boston Pizza Ackroyd, Pete C. x2, Kitty B. x6, Ryan B., Daniel T., Vanessa H. x2, Benny N., Julie M. x3, Vicky S., Elizabeth M., Diane S., Eve M., Mikki M., Chantelle S., Alice P. x2, Christine B., Kelly L. x3, Sheryll T. x2, Witwur R. x2, Debbie S. x3, Sabrina K., Kate M. x3, Matt H., Michelle S., Leona K., Zonia L., Itamar R., Andrew L., Chun Wai JOHN C., Andrew M., Jessica G., Harmony H., Lisa D. {77}

Not Always Right: Aléthia, sarcasticcupcakes, Ellen Smith, RosieDeacon, Deadpool, Jesen, BadWolf, Me, Alan Liber, pandapatsy, Number, Totalism, cficsprings, Name, Sionyx, HeatherJasper, James Freeman, GabbySigns, Candice Kay Hood {19}

Discord: creature_of_tea (Lex), SAdenosylMethionine / jeep / whiskey_sparkle / bats_are_cute / reallifeavatar / rhinoballerina [TrollX Support and Love], Ceriam [Ceri-Realm], Nas x2 / Nate x3 / BoucherFan12 x2 / Pingu x2 / Kendall / JoeyTwoTimes / Aaron94 / Eric / KrizChin / Jetstone / nontoaster / Yuriegh [r/hockey], Evading x2 / Amanda / Kramer / MarkRamsey™ [Kramerica], Ultimoice / superhomebody [Moonside], Pothead Mike x2 [Scary Mysteries Family], Highspirits / Tsukiya 月夜 / Frotwirth / DanGodOfThunder / Volklin / Kuja_ / luckytoken / Rom-Stein / Pa-Sama [Highspirits], Aimsworth / Lord Goose / Erik Charette [DaveTheUsher], DanGodOfThunder [DiscordServerOfThunder], Aggressive LGBT Person / Baloney Pony Boy / SpuriousAbsolution / TheCriticalHit / Nyanmajo~ [Dragon Quest], Cuya / The Dick Wizzard / Prax [Easytown], TinyTalkingNinja / Lurus / Classy [ClassyCast], CLASSIC_DISCORD [Panda Express], Shiv, OnlyHopeRemains, PureKaos, brownboy102 / Ascent007 / WeNeedDaHughes / kwando [Vancouver r/Canucks] {68}

Twitch Streams: Ultimoice [Ultimoice], Cuya [Cuya], RedWeird_ / demonbladewolf / Enkeria / LeoUnderscoreChaos / ErikJan0 [RedWeird_], toucansham [ToucanSham], Kramer / scrubplaystwitch [Kramerica], DankeyKrang [DankeyKrang] {11}

Youtube: Chris Cilley, Alysin Chainz, Jenna Neely, Damarys Dingui x3, Ms. Oyeogbe, stand4something, Misty Allan, Pepper McCadden, Rik S, Aquarius 83, Drea Lynne, Empress Shiania, Little Rookie, Lancer, JustChill4Life, BCSBuster, Hector Chavez, Drey Dupe, Jackie M., bitty bitty, Zero_BS_Tolerance {22}

Our Place: Net Widow, Debbie S., Marie S. {3}

Reddit: designingwomen, jesuisunchien, msstark, surfbort_t, JesusListensToSlayer, theskyisstarless, hannameher, Lifesabitchh, AppropriateFilth, DisloyalMouse, Bunniebones, ARestlessRose, SocialIQof0, kailan14, TypicalHumanoid, dadawn, headinthegrave, WiseVeps, lfslshlps, fleurjackie, sweatycat, JabberWockyJurist, TragicalKingdom, glorioid, carolinemathildes, oFraggleMyFraggle {26}

Other Message Boards and Such: Baby's Named A Bad Bad Thing, Unaboard {2}

Other Rewards Stuff: Boston Pizza free dessert (Chocolate Explosion Cheesecake), London Drugs Extras $5 gift voucher {2}

In Person: Vanessa H., Cassidy F., Rachel F., Auntie Catherine I., Mom, Dad, Jon N., Harmony H., Ayler N., Hiero N., Beckett N., Eric H., Eric M., Chrystal C., Jeremy J., Frances C. {16}

Cards / Presents: lunch from Vanessa H. at Pho 37 in Ironwood (Bo Bun Hue: pork hock / Vietnamese ham / beef / cubed pork blood in spicy vermicelli soup plus spring rolls and shrimp salad rolls), lunch from Auntie Catherine I. at Pepper Lunch (4.5 ounces of Angus steak / miso soup / mango mochi), a birthday card from Pathways, dinner from the family at Nando's Chicken on West 41st, cleaning service from Jon / Harmony / Steph, Felico's dinner from Jeremy / Eric H. / Eric M. (traditional roast lamb), a birthday card from Jeremy, a birthday card from Rachel F., a birthday card from Steph / Lisa / Fraser / Henry / Havarti, dinner from Chrystal at the Cactus Club (Baja fish tacos (beer battered Ocean Wise™ cod, shredded cabbage, chipotle aioli, fire roasted tomato salsa, pickled radish / onions / jalapenos, and sea salted fries), some of Chrystal's fries, and a yummy Tuna Poke bowl (sesame ginger Ocean Wise™ ahi tuna, jasmine rice, mango, cucumber, avocado, edamame, radish, crispy tempura), dinner from Frances C. at Pho Lan in Richmond (#8 - rare steak, flank, tendon, and tripe) {11}

* Mom and Dad's presents: Random stuff from Mom and Dad: A Colgate toothbrush, 95 mL of Colgate Cavity Protection toothpaste which expires in April 2020, a Joe Fresh wristwatch already set to the correct time, a broken Cadbury Fruit and Nut dark chocolate bar (not that it matters), nine Halloween puffy skull stickers, a religious Gratitude Journal with a tree on the cover, and a Michaels ruled journal with an L on it.

A Michaels spiral notebook with speech bubbles on it plus a bonus pen, a set of eight Paper Mate Ink Joy Candy Pop! ballpoint pens (orange / red / black / purple / green / light blue / pink / dark blue - which now seem to write curves better than when I banned them from my apartment in March 2013), and a birthday card ("YOU ARE... the [green] apple of my eye") with $20 in a red lucky envelope... all in a Vitamin World plastic bag protected by a Sunmore Ginseng paper bag with handles! {28}

Phone Calls / Skype: Chrystal C., Steph N., Kevin L. {3}

20.7% of my Facebook friends ... 87 of 421! (0 fewer wishes, 7 more people) [87 of 414]

GRAND TOTAL: 410

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WHY GRIZZLY BEARS SHOULD WEAR UNDERPANTS! / Laksa, salad, smoothies, and ZOOP!

Fri, 20 Jul 2018 06:23:56 GMT

After COFFEE TIME, I left at 2 on a 401 to make it to Jon's by 2:30 or so. Ayler asked me whether I brought chocolate this time - nope, because I chose not to, despite what he said about how that wasn't true. He also told me that Jon said I had to fill up their bath water later - I DON'T THINK SO! We made it to Sunrise for skating lessons, with slightly more time to get the kids ice-ready. Harmony and I talked about the baby, Portland, Squamish, Nathan, family, the cute kids on the ice, my toilet book, and how it takes an equal amount of time to leave the house and get ready as it does to have the half-hour lesson. Got home to have fish cakes, lime, laksa noodles, leftover pizza, cherries, and a green melon smoothie with some seeds for dinner. Hiero said that the toy trains were diaper trains, said that Bambi started "fire-burning" by kicking people, and wanted me to read LILY AND TROOPER to him. Ayler just wanted to "show Hiero a trick," which I was 99% sure involved taking my hat off, so I said that I wouldn't read to him if that was the case.

I talked to baby Beckett in his crib when he was being fussy, and later held him for about ten minutes in the rocking chair after doing the dinner dishes. No, Ayler was not allowed to wake him up when he'd just fallen asleep. Harmony had gone to the lards' place briefly to measure stuff after a few people all came at once to view their place - one party was rather late! Jon asked about next week, but I wasn't quite sure with my eventual vision issues. Maybe I can get Barry to drop me off at Oakridge that day... I got home at 8:25 on a 407 because I read bedtime stories to the kids before leaving. Harmony got home again just a bit before I did, actually.

From Julie: WHY GRIZZLY BEARS SHOULD WEAR UNDERPANTS?!

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La Royce Lobster-Gaines?! / Duran Porrino?! / Kolleen?! / Morning Li?!

Tue, 17 Jul 2018 01:15:06 GMT

Jimmy FINALLY decided to unblock me and send me a message, saying that he'd fucked up royally and completely - NO SHIT! Later, I fielded an email from Mom about a dinner at Wo's, but she didn't include a date! I had to call Dad to find out that the dinner was on SUNDAY the 22nd at 5:15. Then I messaged Nathan because the email had referenced "his lovely wife" (um, er...), so he thanked me for my sensitivity. Yeah, I don't tell Mom about MY personal stuff, so why would I tell her about my FRIENDS' personal stuff? At least we appreciate each other, and he told Jon to tell her for him! I showered today.

La Royce Lobster-Gaines?!

From Julie: Duran Porrino?! Reminds me of durian, porridge, and Duran Duran!

From Julie: Kolleen?!

Seen on a local ad: Morning Li?!

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