glowing_dragon: (Bert and Ernie)
It's MARIO DAY today! After COFFEE TIME, I went out at 3:10 on a 401 to help with the kids. Surprisingly, I just managed to get the 3 despite the elevator buttons not responding to my commands. I got to the house at 4:10 despite an electric scooter not knowing how to maneuver smoothly on the bus (I had to move), but those things can be unwieldy! Thank GOODNESS it stayed on the bus AFTER 16th, so I wasn't delayed any more! Once I got in, Beckett wanted to play with me, but my washing hands coincided with his diaper change. After that, we played with blocks / magnets / balls ("boh-boh!") / Play-Doh. He ALMOST licked the Play-Doh lids, looking at me to see how I'd react. I said that was gross and not to do it. He said "come up / yeah / block / ma-net / open! close! / lid / pease / light / purple / Auntie" a lot. Later, he almost fell down, but I was there to catch him and put him on the couch, where we sat together and "talked" about the "funny" blanket and the happy / sad eggs.

When Ayler told me to guess what time he went to bed last night, I actually got the right time: 10 PM! Apparently, there was a choir concert last night at St. James (Jon's old orchestra hangout space), WITH a rehearsal before AND a mass choral recital afterwards, so nobody could leave early even if they wanted to! I realized that they had scheduled it for the day after Daylight Savings, which is NOT GOOD! Hiero spent his time making Superman signals and wanting Popsicle sticks and special paper. He also was less than polite when he laughed at people. Apparently, roasted broccoli is not his thing!

Beckett wanted me to look out the window at the alley because of the lights - good choice! Hiero wanted me to play a game, but I wasn't up for that. There was a felt book with multiple felt pieces, and Beckett identified an X for Tic-Tac-Toe correctly some of the time. He also knew what the moon was, so he's getting smarter! I told him what a flower was when he identified it as a boh-boh (hahaha), and he picked it up from me. When I took my phone out to take photos that were CLEARLY of the food and NOT THE KIDS, Beckett said "gung-gung"... hahaha, I thought he associated the phone with Uncle Joe last week!

Ayler said that their trip is after Tuesday next week, so I said that I know that they get to listen to TICKET TO RIDE on the ride over. "How do you know?" was easily answered since I saw Jon's Facebook status earlier about borrowing someone's copy. Hiero told us about MINECRAFT, but Harmony wondered where he learned about that. The school computers offer that as an option for ALL the kids, apparently, so Harmony says she'll talk to the teacher about that. I did not volunteer that there was Preschool MINECRAFT - she'd be horrified! I left at 7:30 and surprisingly got home at 8:35, despite the stroller at 16th! If you can't be ready when the bus stops, then don't be surprised if a passenger gets on before you maneuver your stuff off the bus! I know it's safer to wait till the bus stops, but come on now - be aware and at least make your way toward the door!


From Janet on LJ, aka Ghost_Light: Your birth month is your muppet. Ernie, Elmo, Big Bird, Abby, Slimey, Oscar the Grouch, Bert, Snuffleupagus, Rosita, the Count, Cookie Monster, and Grover!




Chili, beans, and cheese!




Red Jello and mango pudding made by Jon!

glowing_dragon: (Vancouver Canucks hockey!)
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! )
glowing_dragon: (Default)
After COFFEE TIME, I went out at 11:40 on a 414 to help with the kids, but first went to Dublin Crossing Pub. Noticed the Canada Line was slightly slower on the tracks, but that's fine since it snowed yesterday and had pretty much melted today. I had to go in early to help by staying with a sick Hiero at home while Jon and Beckett did school pickup. I had an ahi tuna bowl at Dublin Crossing and bought a mocha Starbucks / on-sale pomegranate Canada Dry ginger ale at Shoppers, which had a sign saying that the store was sold out of Asian face masks and hand sanitizer! Luckily, I built in extra time to wait for the 3 bus - thank goodness it wasn't late, but it did have an alarm delay and other things going on with the passengers... I FINALLY got to the house at 2:10! After some Jello and other food, Jon and Beckett left the house to go pick Ayler up from school. Hiero and I read some CHARLIE BROWN storybook, and I let him have a little bit of my ginger ale.

When everyone else got home, I switched from reading on the couch (and exposure to germs) to playing on the mat with Beckett. He had learned HELP, POO, AYA (for Ayler), MAGNET, OPEN, MONKEY, DRAGON, HELLO (to make the coin purses inside-out), and JOW for JELLO... and also picked up OKAY from me tonight. At 4, Ayler asked when I was leaving - gee, thanks! Jon let him know what people would think when he asked him that, and clarified to me that he was just curious about time. (of course!) Turns out Jon had a few music students; Beckett was interested in the silver things on Kayla's guitar (so tried re-tuning it) AND her green guitar pick on the black piano bench, thought everyone calling to come over was Jon's student Dean, and was generally curious. Later, we had bean soup and French onion soup with bread for dinner. Ayler asked about apostrophes, a gratitude list (the "big Jello" item was pretty funny!), what "philosophy" meant, and wondered who would win his eating competition.

Hiero seemed pretty out of it for sure, lying down on the couch when he wasn't fighting with Ayler. He wanted ANOTHER day off school tomorrow despite his snow day yesterday from his mom. I just talked to Beckett about the toy balls, tested whether he knew what things were, and didn't mind if he wanted to play with the "boh-boh" on my shirt OR socks. He showed me a stack of dry noodles and said "Noo-noo!" (his word for "noodles") For my own amusement, I asked him if he would eat them all. He said "okay" - not that he ever would or could right now! He still likes to look out the window to see some lights across the street, which is cute. Jon left and came back later to teach yet another student, and I finally left at 8, having probably just missed a 3 bus, and got home at 9:35 on a 407. Lots of people wearing Asian face masks today!


From Julie: A female lion-human hybrid!




Even the Mona Lisa is protecting herself from the coronavirus by using an Asian face mask!




Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl at Dublin Crossing pub: Sushi grade marinated ahi tuna, dynamite slaw, avocado, edamame, mango salsa, pickled onion, cilantro, and sesame seeds served on a bed of coconut jasmine rice and topped with crispy wontons!




Canada Dry pomegranate ginger ale!




French onion soup!




Bean soup with Play-Doh!

glowing_dragon: (Vancouver Canucks hockey!)
There was snow this morning at 11 AM! Of all the people, Auntie Vonnie texted me (at least identifying herself, unlike either of my parents) saying that the building insurance had expired as of January 4, so I had to call Hester to find out if I still needed it (yes), and then tell her about the light bulb issue. "If the light bulb is broken, that's your job. [NOT what I was calling about...] Turn the TV off. [NOT the TV! THE PRE-GAME SHOW!] Write a note. If I can't understand you, you can't understand me. [WTF?!]" Called the insurance office to see how much it was: $375!

I also got banned from R/Relationship_Advice for literally telling a guy that he was scum since his comment was "My girlfriend got raped and I'm having a hard time with it because I would have been her first if her ex hadn't done that." Fuck that! YOU ARE A SCUMBAG AND A SCUMBUCKET! Then someone on Youtube tried telling me how an insistence on proper spelling and grammar could be ableist and classist - HA HA HA! I don't excuse it EVER unless you are a kid just learning how things work. The Canucks played Boston today at 4, and lost 4-0. I showered today.


From Julie and Anorak UK: KidsExchange?! Master Bait and Tackle?!




I about had a heart attack when some lady pointed towards my waist and said, "Looks like your caulk is falling out."




From Mikey in the V4F Discord server: When there are too many new genders and you want to be clear: DICK OWNER!

glowing_dragon: (Consumer Whore)
Jon said he'd be home this afternoon since Harmony would be going to a school meeting, but I could still come by if I wanted. The last time I was around when she went to a meeting, Beckett was quite upset! I went anyway, of course. After COFFEE TIME, I went out at 3:15 on a 407 to help with the kids. Since I'd just missed a 3 at Marine Drive, I went into Tim Horton's to see if they had those new Dream Doughnuts: no Strawberry Confetti, but yes to Dulce de Leche and Chocolate Truffle. They didn't look that great relative to the ads, but nothing ever does!

I had to wait for six rings before Harmony answered the buzzer, but that was fine. A few minutes later, I told Beckett that I would be right with him after I washed my hands... Wet Wipes only do so much against sticky doughnut crumbs! Harmony said "yes, please - thank you!" Hey, I've heard about the coronavirus too, and so has Ayler, apparently. He says he heard on the news today that the BC patient is in Burnaby ("so not here in Vancouver, but close"), while Hiero wondered what we'd do if Beckett died from it. You can get very sick and possibly die, we told them, but Harmony kept it simple and said that she'd keep them safe and we should all wash our hands.

Ayler and Hiero thought it was funny to encourage Beckett to go to the printer, and also to take Beckett's balls away from him, but he got way more upset over this than Harmony leaving for her meeting. ("MINE!" followed by lots of crying) I was there to give him hugs and a small kiss, telling them that it wasn't funny. Jon did come home a little earlier than 6, and took over dinner duties. Beckett called the Pho noodles "noo-noo," and called the treads on Grandma Joan's slipper socks "boh-boh" - very funny! Ayler asked about school, of course, and wanted me to listen to his piano. Beckett said "help" to me a lot (and wanted me to help put on the yellow "sunglasses" that were missing a lens - Hiero said they were pirate sunglasses), said "bye bye" to me a lot (maybe when I was walking to my bag and then to my coat so he could see the fur and buttons - but I didn't leave), and walked over to show Jon various things like his blocks.

Later, Beckett went to the window to see the "boh-boh" outside and point at all the lights. He also used the blue ruler to "hide" and wanted me to do the same with his toy balls - I just pretended to most of the time. Then he said "HIT YOUR BUTT!" in Cantonese - Uncle Joe taught him that one because it's funny to hear a little toddler say so! Hiero made a "lightsaber" out of a plastic sticker sheet, and a "gun" out of the magnetic rods and balls, and wanted me to say "gun" - I don't know about that one. He also 'teleported" into me, which was NOT fun!

Ayler took out his red-and-yellow stuffed dragon toy... he remembered that I'd given it to him! Beckett seemed to like it as per Hiero - he even said a very close approximation of "dragon" and grinned when he showed it to me! I should tell him that Auntie is a dragon, haha! He also said "monkey" for his stacking blocks, "dog" for his dog book, and "apple" for the Creation story with Adam and Eve in the children's Bible stories book. He's LEARNING VOCABULARY plus CONTEXT! I left at 7:40 (not at 7:30, thereby missing my window of time to get the 7:42 Marine Drive Station bus with the heavy bag of stuff from Mom and Dad) after waiting a few minutes for Jon to finish something while it was the bedtime routine, but not before Hiero called me a "blah blah person" - RUDE AND DISRESPECTFUL! I got home at 9:10 on a 407, having to finish a text message to Paulo first.


Random stuff from Mom and Dad: A thin brown Mondi sweater with yellow diamonds, a thin brown Mondi sweater VEST with yellow diamonds, a random white undershirt with an actual bra built in it in a clean produce bag, Ragu Tomato and Basil light pasta sauce which expires in October 2021, more Ontrue green tea roasted seaweed x3, and more toiletries inside a Ziploc bag...

Two plastic shower caps, Kandesn Spa shampoo by Sunrider, a white scrunchie only suitable for a toddler, a Paul Mitchell refreshing citrus facial bar, three Q-Tips inside some plastic, a useless LONDON DRUGS blue circle thing, 40 mL of Agraria San Francisco lemon verbena conditioner, blue Chateau de Chine shampoo, 24 mL of Crabtree and Evelyn lavender verbena shampoo, 24 mL of Crabtree and Evelyn lavender verbena conditioner, Princess Cruises Lotus Spa aloe vera moisturizing lip balm x2, a black toothbrush with a toothbrush cover, 22 mL of Ognnx Lacoupe argan oil complex shampoo x3, and 22 mL of Lacoupe argan oil complex conditioner x2.

A silver Gem hand ground nail clipper, another unbranded silver nail clipper with a nail file, Smart Shield serious sun protection aloe vera lip balm, four more Q-Tips and four makeup wipes inside some plastic (do people use Q-Tips to apply makeup?), a white hairbrush / comb in one, a blue microwavable eye mask with instructions inside plastic, a white Dr. Fresh Turbo Power battery-powered toothbrush with a free Duracell battery, and a small Princess Cruises Lotus Spa linen mist bottle.

50 mL of L'Occitane verbena shower gel, a LaRoche Posay Nutritic lip balm (47 mL), 22 mL of Be Better macadamia nut shampoo, three more Q-Tips and three cotton balls inside some plastic, sampler Oral-B floss from the dentist, a tiny yellow tube of Vichy SPF 45 sheer lotion with Bare Skin Feel, 2 grams of Super Dry Superior Dessicant with a warning on it (??), Chinese Glyso-Derm lip balm with Vitamin E, 50 mL of Crabtree and Evelyn iris bath and shower gel, a 5 mL Avène Canada soothing moisture mask in a tiny tube, 22 mL of Nourish Green Tea hydrating conditioner, and a white travel toothbrush inside a green plastic cover.


Hunt's Snack Pack: Banana Cream Pie pudding cups!




NEW from Tim Horton's: Dream Doughnuts! Chocolate Truffle, Strawberry Confetti, and Dulce de Leche!




Tim Horton's Dream Doughnuts: They didn't have Strawberry Confetti, so I ordered Chocolate Truffle and Dulce De Leche instead.




RIP, Don't Argue pizzeria...




Beef stew with carrots and Pho noodles!




Red and yellow dragon stuffed toy! I gave it to Ayler originally because he is also a BABY DRAGON, but now Beckett likes it too. He knows the word "dragon," and grinned when he told me what it was!




Tomato and Basil light Ragu pasta sauce!

glowing_dragon: (Bert and Ernie)
After DOUBLE COFFEE TIME, Eric texted me to say that he was heading out from home, so could pick me up around 4. PHEW! At 4:25, he picked me up for the belated family Christmas 2019 dinner with the Fritos Hoops (in my new bag just to show it off) and the American Tourister suitcase and yellow-green Roots knapsack. We didn't talk much on the way there, but that was just fine. At the house, we parked around the corner, and Jeremy was there as well to my surprise. I said hi to everyone and Ayler wanted to test my piano skills. He also wanted to test everyone's math skills at dinner, oh boy! Hiero wanted to show me the PETER PAN library book, telling me who the characters were. I was interested to see if he liked it, anyway. He also cannonballed into his mom - not a good idea!

Beckett just wandered around, thinking that Eric's watch was a ball (not really) and amusing us with his "yeah" answers to questions like "do you want a beer?" He's picked up "please" and some other things while I was gone. Mom insisted on FaceTiming Steph at 8 PM there, and after she didn't want to talk to Ayler (telling him that it was "too noisy"), she did want to see Beckett, who called her "Attie" too. He definitely wanted all the blueberries from the dessert, calling them "boh-boh" (like the pom-pom on the end of my Santa hat), and smiled when Jon got out the Dewdrops bottle for the kids! Later, he wanted me to put some cool sunglasses on him, then plopped down into my lap with what was a very dilapidated 4-page "100 Words" baby book. Turns out Harmony recycled most of the already-broken book when I was gone.

Told Randal about Henry's "Dear Santa, my brother did it" shirt, which he seemed amused by. Ayler wanted to see how much taller I was since he's 4 foot 2, and also used Eric as a piano bench because I'd used the actual bench to sit on at the dinner table. That was pretty funny! Hiero called everyone in the room "Captain America," and Mom almost wore my coat when she left, thinking she'd left hers on the couch - NO! Mom also said she gave Deb a gift for taking me to the airport (why?!) and Dad wondered if I'd said thank you "enough." *rolleyes* She also claims Pastor Dan is leaving VCEFC, but when I checked with Jon later, he was as surprised as I was, and Eric said "that's what your mom says..." He had slept in and missed church this morning, but caught some of the last World Juniors hockey game. I got home at 8:45, which wasn't bad at all. Jon thanked me in advance for coming this week. Interesting, indeed. Harmony said that they'd given me a pink Pure Nail Spa gift card, and to call ahead first. She also said that it looked like I'd had a fun trip - for sure!


Random stuff from Mom and Dad: Two wrapped plastic straws, a broken candy cane inside a Ziploc bag, Carnaby marshmallow Christmas trees x2, Ottogi Jin Ramen Ppushu Ppushu noodle snacks (BBQ x2 and Bulgogi) which expire in three weeks, Maruchan Instant Lunch beef ramen noodles x3, a Reese's Pieces carrot, a pink Smarties bird, my $10 back, and two hats where the brims are too large.


Knorr Three-Cheese Sidekicks!




Hats!




Carnaby marshmallow Christmas trees, a Reese's Pieces carrot, and a pink Smarties bird. QUIRKY COINCIDENCE since it's National Bird Day today, January 5!




Belated family and friends Christmas 2019 dinner: Duck with hair, soupy rice, chili, Chinese mushrooms, and sweet potatoes!




Dessert for our belated Christmas 2019 dinner: Candied citrus peel and homemade panna cotta with blueberries!




Seattle Chocolate truffles in the Woodland Cheer box for Christmas 2019 from white Eric!




Maruchan Instant Lunch beef ramen noodles!




Ottogi Ppushu Ppushu BBQ noodle snacks!




Ottogi Ppushu Ppushu bulgogi noodle snacks!

glowing_dragon: (French Toast)
* Lea D. (plop_O) from Reddit: a Christmas card

* Eric M.: Seattle Chocolates truffles in a Woodland Cheer gift box

* Jon and Harmony: Pure Nail Spa gift card and a photo card

* Christy C. (snoopdawg): a Christmas card

* Julie M. (moonshar): a Christmas card

* surprise Toasties Totes slipper socks x2 from Grandma Joan

* surprise $25 Boston Pizza gift card from Ruth

* a trip to Ontario from Steph and Lisa... two weeks!

* A Christmas card and stickers from Janina: Valentine's hearts, cupcakes, birds, flowers, robots, STAR WARS, an anchor, a steering wheel, boats, ships, fruit, ice cream, watermelon, peaches, strawberries, grapes, blueberries, green apples, and ninjas in training! SO SMART! Super job! School matters! You measure up! Looking good! School rules! WOW! So bright - discover! Great work! (pinkfloyd63)

* a Christmas card and stickers from Julie: A question mark, a football, a skull, a Rubik's Cube, dice, UK sneakers, and a shoe on a skateboard! (moonshar)

* Mom and Dad: President's Choice jalapeno cheddar popcorn, a yellow-green Roots knapsack or backpack to "replace" my reusable bags from London Drugs, two Paderno steak knives, small Cuisinart Canada scissors, a 100 Yen coin, grey Touch Gloves mittens, a Gildan black T-shirt with a golden dragon, an Asian notebook, an embossed pink rose journal, two random spiral notepads, and a zippered Doge bag which I switched out with the grey-white bag since Steph probably wouldn't care.
glowing_dragon: (OMFG Yay!)
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! )
glowing_dragon: (Happy Birthday!)
Cards Received, 2019!


Metallica, "Jump Into The Fire"


Special 2019 (1)

* Nepenthes: "Flamsterette_X, I hope this feminist BEFORE YOU ASK, THE ANSWER IS NO pin makes its way quickly to you. Thank you for rehoming her. :) Enjoy. My name's Latin for a type of pitcher plant."


Birthday 2019 (3)

* Julie: "Happy birthday to you! Here's to many more years of memes, bad names, strange foods, and mass murderers! Have a great day!! :)"

* Jeremy: "Guess what? Chicken butt. I'm glad to celebrate another birthday with you, Leslie. Here's to many more, lots of laughs and good times. Jeremy."

* Randal: "Dear Leslie, The elephants on this card are not a reminder to vote Republican next year. Even if you could, I would not want you to. Rather, I want to say that Donald Trump is proof that not everyone gets better with age - but some do. I believe that you are one of those who gets better with age. Randal."


Christmas 2019 (0)

* s


Total: 4
glowing_dragon: (Bubble Tea)
THIS ENTRY IS ALLOWED TO HAVE NON-ALIGNED TAGS.


What I gave for Christmas 2019!

* lots of Christmas cards and Christmas stuff for my real-life friends! [Windel Advent calendar for Jeremy, Wendel Advent calendar and Delecto assorted dark chocolate box for white Eric, stuffed Santa dog / hot cocoa Hershey's Kisses / Advent calendars for Jon's crew, cards for Corey (with bonus birthday card) / Julie M. / Jan M.]

* lots of online Christmas wishes! [s, s, s]

* s
glowing_dragon: (OMFG Yay!)
After COFFEE TIME, I went out at 2:50 on a 401 to help with the kids. I would have taken the earlier 401, but someone took FIVE MINUTES to maneuver a wheelchair into that bus! I don't expect people to be extremely fast when it comes to that, but I always appreciate the actual wheelchair users who are fast and efficient movers when they see others are waiting! (she was... not, and held up everyone else) There went any extra time I had to buy lotion and dish soap at Shoppers! At Marine Drive, I actually managed to get a 3 within a few minutes, which was amazing! No incessant talker today, thank goodness. Finally got to the apartment at about 4:10 in the rain, and Beckett was sitting on the mat and waiting for me - so cute! I gave the kids some Mars bars and Coffin Crisp plus a Christmas card later on. Hiero confused a CARD for a CAR, asking me where the Christmas CAR was, hahaha! Harmony set him straight, though. (my phone had randomly saved photos of Beckett eating out of a pot earlier, hahaha)

Ayler and Hiero did origami / cut-out snowflake crafts at the table after one too many "no scissors on the ground" directives that got ignored, so Beckett and I spent our time rolling balls to each other / being distracted by "boh-boh" (the bling on my white sweater AND the pom-pom on my Santa hat, which he batted around at times) / "reading" books while sitting on my lap (he picked up "yummy" from me!) / his giving me his blocks and balls and emotion eggs / his saying "yeah" to my simple questions of whether HE would get the balls instead of me (but he didn't) / his knowing where my fuzzy purple winter coat was with all the big buttons. Harmony said that balls were his very favorite thing in the whole wide world, which I can believe! (LOTS OF ALLITERATION!) She'd taken him across the street since there was a Christmas tree with lots of ornaments, and he'd loved seeing all the "boh-boh!" He also wanted to look out the window, but was stymied by the Venetian blind being down, and thus blocking his view. His other window was blocked off by chairs and couches, but he managed to throw balls in that restricted area, which I of course got out for him.

We had pork and mushroom jong (sticky rice) with garlic, cherry tomatoes, gai lan, and water for dinner. Beckett actually ate more than usual, but Harmony thought that was down to the sticky rice, some of which did fall in his bib, but luckily did not smear or smudge on my Heat Holders socks! Ayler told me that he had a Christmas concert next week, and a winter party because his class had received a lot of points to go towards one. NICE! I asked if he was going to have ornaments, but he says no because it's not Christmas. That made sense, I told him. After they learned about butterflies and cocoons and the chrysalis, Ayler wanted to hug me! I said that he could hug me, paused, and added "only if you want to." He did! That was amazing!

Ayler and Hiero didn't like it when Beckett climbed on them, but he's so light! While Harmony was out of the room for a bit, Ayler told me that he gets screen time at school (as does Hiero), and his mom doesn't like it. I had to laugh, since I could see this coming years ago! When I left the apartment at 7:50 (so late!), Harmony said that Beckett had called me "Attie," and he called me that again while pointing to me. HE KNOWS WHO I AM AND WHAT MY NAME IS - SO CUTE!Hiero told me seriously that his school friend knows Punjabi and she wanted to teach him some language skills - good for them! Harmony wanted to know if I could come on Friday the 13th, so I said yes. As it turned out, I hope fervently that I used up ALL my "bad luck" tonight - I kept on missing trains and buses galore! EVERY SINGLE ONE! I got home at 10, which is pretty fucking late!


From Reddit: For the first time since January 10th, 2006 (which was also a Tuesday), the Vancouver Canucks will finally host the Toronto Maple Leafs at 7 PM PST. The Canucks played Toronto tonight at 7, and lost 4-1. UGH!


Random stuff from the family: Novelty HOT FLASHES socks from Hatley, Ontrue roasted seaweed in Wasabi flavor, a pink "XXL" Xi Fu Fen pajama set (more like Small), a light brown Rice Balls (actual brand name) sweater with purple stars from Korea, and a 52mL tube of Colgate MaxFresh Knock Out toothpaste.


From Julie: When you're washing the dishes and the water hits a spoon! WATER IN YOUR FACE AND ON YOUR CLOTHES!




Snowflake art on the bedroom door!




Hiero insisted on having a green heart on the bathroom door! No double-sided arrow, however!




Ontrue seasoned and roasted seaweed in Wasabi flavor! Thanks, Mom and Dad!




Red bling shirt for Christmastime!




White bling sweater for Christmastime!




SANTA HAT TIME!




Thanks for the Hatley socks for my non-existent HOT FLASHES, Jon and Harmony...




A Rice Balls brown sweater made in Korea... thanks for the Engrish, Mom and Dad!

glowing_dragon: (Vancouver Canucks hockey!)
After COFFEE TIME, I went out at 3:15 (first refilling my yearly prescription at the pharmacy next door) on a 401 (JUST IN TIME) to help with the kids. I had to leave room for a suitcase and also remember to get to the house after 4:35 because of a water shutoff till 4. Lovely! I killed time at the Save-On nearby, and when Harmony said they were fine at 4:35, I said I'd be there soon, but made a necessary pit stop at Kwong Chow first. That meant I washed my hands twice within ten minutes, but whatever. The replacement black carry-on suitcase looked okay, and I later found out that ALL the zippers were fine and that it was way easier to handle and maneuver! When I got there just after 5, Beckett wanted to see me and say hi in his own way - so cute! Harmony said that Jon was doing his West Vancouver holiday gig, which is totally worth it, but means a little extra work on everyone else's part. Ayler wanted to know why, haha. My nephews are smart and curious kids!

Hiero wanted to show me his "enchanted airplane," Ayler wanted to show me some piano techniques and quiz me on piano (and quizzing me on math at dinner), and Beckett just wanted to show me all his balls and have this cute confused look when the balls wouldn't go through the holes in that wooden toy. He did go over to the far windowsill (almost obscured by the curtain) and play with the toy molecule rod and balls there while looking at the lights across the street. (and did it with the near window, too - spouting gibberish as usual) I found another emotion egg later and gave it to him. He wanted to go after the pom-pom on my Santa hat (Harmony thought that was funny), explore my bling shirt, and gently touched the keloid scar on my neck later out of curiosity. (I told him that this wasn't a "ball-ball") He climbed on top of Ayler, who didn't like that, and then climbed on top of Hiero, who was a bit more acquiescent. When he threw the balls around and pointed at them, I asked him if he wanted me to go get them. After a pause, he said "yeah," so I said okay. Hiero wasn't sure if he knows what that means, but he did say "wow" tonight for the first time!

Beckett also has discovered the apartment door, and sometimes crawls to it for whatever reason. I picked him up and got him out of there, of course. He wanted to sit on my lap and "read" the 100 Words baby book, which I of course let him do because he's much lighter than his brothers and my legs don't complain! I did have a toe cramp much later, but it was okay within a few minutes of agony. We had beef tendon and beef brisket with broad white noodles and vegetables for dinner - even with cereal, Beckett didn't eat much. Harmony crammed some Rice Krispies into his mouth later a few times when he was preoccupied with me and the toys, otherwise he'll be way too hungry tomorrow morning! She bought some stuff on the Black Friday sales, and I told the kids about the KFC 50% Bowls and Buckets deal yesterday when Harmony was gone temporarily. Hiero asked if I wanted to buy it - not after I heard the website was pretty broken! Ayler asked me what a website was, so I asked him if he remembers Kids Physio. His face brightened at that: YES! I told him that a lot of stores and businesses and people had websites on the Internet these days. He seemed to accept this explanation. I didn't mind if Harmony gave Beckett some shortbread at all.

I left at 7:30 and was thankfully able to catch the 3 Marine Drive bus earlier instead of later, and got home at 8:40 on a 407 in time to catch the last five minutes of the second period. The Canucks played Ottawa tonight at 7, and won 5-2 on the Alex Burrows Ring of Honor evening! Fantenberg and MacEwen got their first goals! I also managed to pack everything into that suitcase without anything breaking or being overstuffed... SUCCESS!


Random stuff from Mom and Dad: Cozy Christmas socks and a green PEANUTS water bottle!


Dinner tonight: beef tendon, veggies, and noodles!




From Julie: Christmas is so much harder when you get older. It's like, "What do you want this year?" I don't know... maybe a sense of purpose, some financial security, could use more sleep, a bottle of wine, and maybe some new bras. I had to use MS Paint to edit in an Oxford comma LIKE IT SHOULD BE!




The Famous Grouse whiskey shortbread!




Cozy Christmas socks for me, Steph, and Lisa! Pig coin purse for Steph! FUZZY SOCKS!




Western Family condensed cream of mushroom soup!




Green PEANUTS water bottle for me!

glowing_dragon: (Devilish Smile)
2019 Year In Review! / Pictures with Satan in Comox and Courtenay!


THIS ENTRY IS ALLOWED TO HAVE NON-ALIGNED TAGS.

[Meme fun: Take the first line from the first post of every month of the year. Repost it here as your year in review. (I'm discounting greetings and things like that :P) Yeah, it's been an interesting year!]

Go to your Calendar and find the first entry for each month of the year. Post the first line of it in your journal as a paragraph, and that's your "Year In Review."

HAPPY NEW YEAR AND 2019, EVERYONE! Heard from Jana in CANUCK NATION that racist Stuart has three kinds of cancer (liver / colon / something else) and is currently in Langley hospice - karma works in good ways! I went shopping, having to walk to London Drugs because the endless construction and sewer upgrades have made the nearby bus stops non-operational. I went out at 12:30 for shopping purposes at London Drugs, so I walked there. Barry called to see if I was fine with changing our food shopping appointment on the 22nd to 11:30 instead of 11. I went out at 3:10 on a 407 (which luckily picked me up at the sidewalk) for shopping purposes.

I went out at 2 on a 401 to get Rubbermaid Take-Along containers and on-sale pads x2 at London Drugs, getting home at 2:20 on a 407. After my intake session with Rishu at Touchstone at 3 (leaving at 2:20 on a 401), I went shopping at the Dollar Tree / London Drugs / Big Crazy after killing time at the Richmond Public Market beforehand. Today's date is a palindrome: 9/1/19! Beckett crawled over to me to say hi - CUTE! AMERICAN GREETINGS STICKERS, HOT CHOCOLATE, CANDY, SCISSORS, and TEA! SHORTBREAD, MULTIVITAMINS, CHRISTMAS DISH SOAP, AND COUGH DROPS!



From Reddit and This is True: Downtown Courtenay and the Comox Valley in BC offered pictures with SATAN for Christmas 2019?!

glowing_dragon: (Vancouver Canucks hockey!)
After COFFEE TIME, I went out at 4 on a 407 to hopefully make it on time to Do Chay Vegetarian Vietnamese restaurant at Kingsway and Knight. The Brighouse stops have changed because of some construction for a new bus loop - will we ever get to use it? (old Richmond Centre stop is a block back - the Brighouse stop is the old 410 stop) I got there at 5, so killed time by going to the crowded Dollar Tree. I should have just gone into Save-On Foods because I almost killed myself going out of the store since their outside lighting left a lot to be desired. THE STAIRS AND RAMP SHOULD BE LIT UP! I eventually walked back a block to the Save-On, where I bought Teriyaki Noodles Sidekicks and Allen's Malt Vinegar before taking advantage of their wifi connection to copy-paste a NON-MMS text message to Mike into Hangouts instead, and catch up on Youtube comments. No, idiot, you can't police public comments and say "normal" people can't hijack others OR wish staph on me! BAD SOCIAL CUES!

I STILL got to the restaurant first, but hoped that Jon had reserved a table when he wouldn't answer my text messages. Hiero came in a couple of minutes later with Mom, Dad, and a wheeled small suitcase. Dad showed me how the luggage handle worked (push down / pull up), got me to try it out, and gave me some tiny keys which weren't for me. Geez, they're going to set off alarms at the airport! Apparently, they're NOT driving me to the airport anymore - WHAT THE FUCK?! Ayler asked me how many pounds I weighed, only to be shot down by various people.

We talked about monsoon rolls, their running out of coffee, the pub down the street KNOWING they get busy and send people there to wait, tomorrow's plans (Harmony's parents are coming by - so I MIGHT come on Friday if I let her know by Thursday evening), Harmony working on Friday, Beckett liking to look at all the lights, satay noodles, spicy soup noodles, Ayler asking the server about how busy the restaurant gets on weekends (I said he had a question... A TWO-HOUR WAIT?!), Steph meeting Mark Messier, and Dad's choir tonight. It was definitely cold outside when we left at 7:15 or so! I got home at 8:05 on a 407, thanks to Jon and Harmony driving me to King Edward Station. Ayler and Hiero thanked me for my Christmas gifts - I still have time to give Beckett the stuffed Santa dog, I think. The Canucks played Philadelphia at 4, and lost 2-1.


Random stuff from Mom and Dad: President's Choice jalapeno cheddar popcorn, a yellow-green Roots knapsack or backpack to "replace" my reusable bags from London Drugs, two Paderno steak knives, small Cuisinart scissors, a 100 Yen coin, grey Touch Gloves mittens, a Gildan black T-shirt with a golden dragon, an Asian notebook, an embossed pink rose journal, and two random spiral notepads. Mike would be jealous of the Doge bag!


President's Choice jalapeno cheddar popcorn!




Zippered Doge bag!




Do I really need a packing list? )
glowing_dragon: (Vancouver Canucks hockey!)
IT'S WORLD TOILET DAY TODAY! After DOUBLE COFFEE TIME, I went out at 3 on a 401 to help with the kids. I had a bit of time to finish Jon's birthday card with a Sprite and Coke, nacho / pizza Goldfish since Beckett can eat those, one limited-edition Kinder Bueno chocolate bar, the Caramilk bar and a half, and NEW $2 Weinrich's Porta chocolate bars x4! (Peppermint / Raspberry / Blueberry / Strawberry) Got to the house at the usual time, no thanks to a couple of delays like a bike and crowds! Harmony was trying to get Beckett to sleep in his carrier, but Ayler and Hiero seemed enthusiastic to show me their "new" magic trick set. They even told me how things worked! Magic wands, haha!

I read a book and a half to Ayler as he sat in my lap - Mr. Watson and his pig Mercy. OH MY! He seemed to like some of the funny drawings, anyway. Later, Beckett did wake up, so we played for a bit before eating dinner. He did like the green balloons from Kids Physio, batting them around the room. I didn't care if he played the piano, but had to watch that he didn't close the piano or rip Ayler's music books! Ayler said that Jon was tired of buying new books, so he had to keep those ones in good condition. Sounds reasonable to me! I managed to open the Blue Diamond wasabi and soy sauce almonds while I was at the house (thinking I'd get Ayler to help me instead), so since he asked what they were, I fed him one. He seemed okay with it.

We had soup, jap chae (Korean glass noodles), chicken legs, dumplings, and yogurt for dinner. When Harmony gave him Goldfish, Beckett wanted the "newer" ones inside the Ziploc bag, although the ones on the table were the same thing! ("NA NA NA NAAAAAAA!") We also wouldn't let him overdose on Dewdrops, which made him upset. I think he's entering the stage where he just wants to be with Harmony a lot because every time she left to do something or take care of the older boys, he also was upset and crying. Of course I hugged and safely kissed him anyway, though! He wanted to look out the window and spout gibberish at me about whatever he saw out across the street, and pointed at the lights.

I told Harmony that yes, I was excited for my Ontario trip. Then I asked whether Jon's birthday restaurant on Sunday was in Burnaby again like last year. Apparently, Do Chay Vegetarian Vietnamese Restaurant is on Kingsway and Knight, and we'll be going there on Monday since it's Jon's actual birthday. Yes, I did see the part of the email exchange where Mom said that we could just save Jon some food if he couldn't make it, and Jon's response that he would actually like to be there at his own birthday dinner! HAHAHA!

Beckett can say "yeah" and "goh-goh" (comes out as "gah-gah" these days), and did say YEH-YEH for the first time the other day. So then I pointed to myself and asked him if I had a name! Reasonable question, even if he may not understand it! When I was leaving at 8, he pointed to me, so Harmony told him what was going on. I guess I'll see her either on Sunday at Jeremy's or Monday at the restaurant in the afternoon. She has to go there after work, so she definitely hopes the buses are still running for both of us! (Mom only mentioned HER in the email...) The Canucks played the Stars today at 5:30, and lost 6-1?! Luckily, I got home at 9 on a 407.


Random stuff from Mom and Dad inside a produce bag: Two extremely old and very used orthopedic shoe inserts (wouldn't be surprised if they were from my childhood...), a 175g bag of Nosh & Co soft chewy mints, a Colgate Extra Clean toothbrush, a regular 100mL tube of Cavity Protection Crest toothpaste, 400g of Campside strawberry Twisties marshmallows, and a Knorr Fettuccine Alfredo Sidekicks package that expires in July 2020.


From AskReddit: Mike Litterst?!

glowing_dragon: (Vancouver Canucks hockey!)
After COFFEE TIME, I went out at 3:05 on a 401 to help with the kids. I stopped by Kam Do Bakery briefly to get a sandwich-like bun, and finally came away with a ham and cheese bun for $2. Despite the train just coming into Brighouse station right when I got to the crosswalk, I just missed it because the traffic light refused to change for half a minute - UGH! I did have time to wait in the lineup at Tim Horton's for a $1.25 Double Chocolate doughnut for National Doughnut Day today, and had enough time to take a photo of that and the bun before I ate the doughnut prior to leaving the store and taking the 3. Once I got to Harmony's, I buzzed into the building, but got no answer, even from that cranky guy of last week. After TEXTING HER without a reply, I sighed and tried buzzing AGAIN - THIS TIME, I FINALLY got a response!

Slightly irritated, I took the elevator up to find that Penny was the likely reason for my delay, and I waited while she finished talking to Harmony before leaving the apartment. Beckett was definitely awake, and seemed interested in the small buttons on Grandma's purple wintry warm Alia coat, so I told him what they were. He also liked the black fuzz! Beckett still likes looking out the window, but he pointed at something outside (maybe the street lights) and spouted random gibberish at me, to which I responded as if it were understandable. He's picked up the word "yeah" and said that a number of times. I didn't care if he wanted to poke his fingers in the holes at the bottom of the baby pop-up toy and "new" light-up toy from Holly! When he wanted to walk, I supported him by holding his hands up high, like I had with Ayler and Hiero. He threw blocks at me when he wasn't attempting to fit them in the holes in the lid ("Na na na NA NAAAAAAA!" when he wanted me to take off the circular lid so he could see where they landed), tried clawing my eyes out (no glasses protection this time!), and pulled off my light winter hat - I made him look at me while I told him NO THROWING!

He seemed slightly interested in the bling on my shiny red bling sweater, and burrowed himself in an embarrassing position on the mat. Hiero wanted me to "fight" him with his long paper lightsabers, but I had to keep an eye on Beckett. We had mesquite smoky bean soup with bacon and kale, grapes, and some cheese that the older kids helped to grate. Beckett scrunched up his face and grinned at us - SO CUTE! When he didn't want to eat anymore, he started to throw food at us - I even got a bonus Cheerio in my soup! (none of his Rice Krispies!) Harmony said that he's different with Jon, who does pretty much the same thing that she does to try getting him to eat. At least I finished before he ate any yogurt; yikes! Ayler and Hiero talked about taking ALL the grapes before I could have any, ding-dongs, what happened if the principal was away (they don't have a vice-principal at that school?!), the "Jingle bells - Batman smells - Robin laid an egg" song, my Coffin Crisp fun-size bars with skeletons and spiders, calcium / iron / vitamins / sugar, my going to Ontario by myself, FOUGHT being the past tense of "fight," math quizzes being verboten at dinner (even though 16 + 6 is simple), and new therapy.

Once Beckett had been put down to sleep, I read more pig and elephant stories (yay for my different voices!) / AMELIA BEDELIA / Invisible Boy stories to Ayler and Hiero. I reminded Hiero to do something, and Ayler pushed him towards the bathroom, which made Hiero upset and crying. Geez! Harmony let me go at 7:35 and said that she hoped the transit strike didn't affect me too much, I just managed to get a 3 to Marine Drive Station (which STILL stopped for two minutes at 41st!), some lady was standing RIGHT in my way in front of a seat on the Brighouse train I DID get, and I got home at 8:35 on a 407. I updated Mike via text, although I bet he didn't have much time to read. The Canucks played St. Louis tonight at 7, and lost 2-1 in overtime despite a big goal from our rookie Quinn Hughes...


From Julie: Me whenever I meet someone who can match my dark sense of humor and sarcasm... "You're full of hate and loathing and I love it."




Double Chocolate doughnut for National Doughnut Day today, plus a ham and cheese bun from Kam Do Bakery for a late National Sandwich Day on November 3. This slightly ruined my appetite for an early dinner at 5:30, but whatever.




Watermelon tea towel in the bathroom at my brother's place.




This unscented lotion is for EVERYONE, Mike!

glowing_dragon: (Happy Birthday!)
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 )
glowing_dragon: (Happy Birthday!)
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! )
glowing_dragon: (Happy Birthday!)
2019 Birthday Photos and Pictures!


THIS ENTRY IS ALLOWED TO HAVE NON-ALIGNED TAGS.


From Nita: A Sugar Sugar girl topper on a black and red birthday cake!




Wine, chocolate cake, hockey, and dragons! )


From Tina Williams in John's True Crime group: A HAPPY BIRTHDAY cake with chocolate being poured on it.



GIF version:
glowing_dragon: (Happy Birthday!)
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
glowing_dragon: (Crazy-Eyed Bear)
After LAUNDRY TIME (with the elevator STILL out of service...) and COFFEE TIME, I left at 12:15 for my Invisalign appointment, barely managing to get there on time thanks to a wheelchair JUST making me miss a Brighouse train at 12:35. (they're definitely entitled to use the elevators and trains - I might have made it with the time it took to wheel the person in and out...) The technology simulator was pretty cool, at least.

I did see Dad, which is what I'd been expecting, so I briefly discussed it and he said no if the insurance didn't cover it. I got brochures and the health angle, also expected. Once I finally got out of there at about 2, I saw Dad waiting downstairs. He unexpectedly gave me a ride home because it was really raining by then, and said a bunch of stuff about money and exactly why Mom thought finding the grave in Cuba was "urgent." (Steph will go with her in October?!) At least I got home at 2:40 so I could finally eat!

My next dentist appointment is on Jan. 8 at 2 - I had to go home, check the actual Canucks schedule, and then call the office to change it from the 7th at 1. Then I decided to finally call Dr. Ruby's office and found out that they can't just do a six-month referral to the eye clinic over the phone, since I legally have to go to the office to set it up. UGH, FINE! I guess I know what I'm doing on the day before my birthday...


Sharky Laguana?!




From Julie: Raven?!




Coffee and Dr. Dre?! )
glowing_dragon: (French Toast)
After ASPIRIN TIME and COFFEE TIME, I went out at 2:10 on a 401 for my dentist appointment at 3 to get three fillings done. I decided to stop by T&T beforehand to see if I could find some Mala 4X Spicy Samyang noodles and Shin Ramyun BLACK noodles, and I managed to buy both items! After the dental procedure and talking about Invisalign technology on September 12, I bought Magnum Double Peanut Butter ice cream bars / Dr. Oetker wildberry cheesecake / Dr. Oetker strawberry cheesecake at Oakridge Safeway before stopping by the Oakridge library to kill that memory dragon of using Facebook Messenger to chat to Jimmy. I managed to get home at 4:45 thanks to the 407 pulling up right after I got to the Brighouse stop at 4:35, but a walker and slow people could have posed a real problem to my frozen things! Then I successfully crammed everything in my freezer, but I might have to eat that meat shepherd's pie to make more room...


Magnum Double Peanut Butter ice cream bars: Peanut butter ice cream dipped in a chocolatey coating, peanut butter sauce, and milk chocolate!




From Julie M. and my ex-friend Helen S.: I'll get over it. I just have to be dramatic first.




Harrison Treegoob?!




From TV Guide: French Stewart?!

glowing_dragon: (Crazy-Eyed Bear)
After COFFEE TIME, I had to go out at 4:10 on a 407 for a Kwong Chow dinner. Since I was out anyway, I bought three pairs of London Naturals foam scour sponges, a Snapple half and half iced tea / lemonade for aspirin purposes, and a bag of 20 KitKat chocolate mini-bars for National Chocolate Day for Ayler and Hiero at London Drugs. We had fish congee, spicy tofu triangles, a different kind of Chinese fish, pork intestines with pickled vegetables, green beans with spicy beef, half a chicken, and tomato fried rice with red sauce / white sauce / shrimp / pork for dinner. Ayler tried his first pork intestine since he was curious about them, and chewed through half of it before deciding he didn't like them that much. Hiero didn't want to try one at all.

Beckett was in a high chair and screaming happily. He was being shielded from the "evil" TV, and the family made care plans for this week. The boys seemed to like their Seattle trip, even if one of them dumped a plastic dinosaur down the toilet this morning at the AirBnB! They told us about the monorail, the water table at the Children's Museum, the chocolate shop, the $25 per person baseball game with hot dogs, Pike Place Market being really crowded, and more. Seemed like a fun trip for sure! The kids wanted to race on our way to their house, but that wasn't a good idea right after dinner! I apparently have to wait for the lards' call on Wednesday morning - no melatonin the night before, PLUS coffee and the phone on then, before going to Aberdeen and Parker Place!

I finally got home at 8:05 on a 401, and no, I did NOT want to be dropped off at 49th instead of 41st simply because it was easier for Mom. Even Dad was annoyed! Mom also wants to NOT pay for three pairs of reading glasses instead of "just two since it would be too expensive" - if she balks at that, I'm sure she's not going to like the cost of any proposed Invisalign! Sorry, Sean...


Random stuff from Mom and Dad, inside a Safeway bag: a tiny bottle of Mayanik Habanero Pepper Sauces Habanero Chile Verde sauce, Red Rose Tea in Orange Pekoe flavor x5 teabags, plus three random pairs of thin socks. Green-blue, blue and white, plus white and blue!


20 mini Kit-Kat bars!




Mayanik Habanero Chile Verde sauce!




Red Rose Tea in Orange Pekoe flavor!




Kermit Sprinkles?!

glowing_dragon: (Consumer Whore)
After COFFEE TIME and fielding an email and phone call involving King-Lok and Touchstone (for next Wednesday?!), I left at 3 on a 401 for my dental appointment at 4 with Sean. Discussed Crest GUM Detoxify toothpaste, Uncle Andrew, Invisalign, insurance, and coming in next week for fillings on three cavities. Later, I decided to kill the "mailing Soo salmon jerky for an ungrateful Jimmy" memory dragon at the Oakridge post office by mailing notebooks, stickers, and birthday cards for Lisa and Henry's July birthdays. Then I went to T&T at Marine Drive (no wi-fi?!) for Samyang 2X Spicy noodles, NEW Samyang Carbo FIRE noodles, NEW Lay's wasabi chips, NEW Lay's cucumber chips, NEW Lay's Numb and Spicy Hot Pot chips, and NEW Lay's kimchi chips! I finally got home at 6:25 on a 407.


Crest GUM Detoxify toothpaste!




Lays yogurt chips (not at T&T) plus Lays Numb and Spicy Hot Pot chips!




Lays kimchi chips!




Lays cucumber chips!




Lays wasabi chips!




Samyang Carbo Cheese noodles!

glowing_dragon: (Crazy-Eyed Bear)
THIS ENTRY IS ALLOWED TO HAVE NON-ALIGNED TAGS.


Cards Received, 2018!


Special 2018 (2)

* Cuya: "Flamsterette! Thank you so much for your continued support! It's awesome hanging out with you online! Enjoy these things, please! ♥ - Cuya!" [a Ness from EARTHBOUND perler and two homemade green heart-shaped soaps!]

* Vanessa and Jason: "Hi! Here's Cassidy's birth announcement. One of these days, we'll meet up! ♥ [heart sticker]"


Birthday 2018 (3)

* Jeremy: "Hope you have a great year ahead, Les! Happy birthday - Jeremy." ("You're someone who's lovely, thoughtful, sweet, and kind... wishing you a day that makes you feel as special as you really are! Happy birthday!")

* Rachel F.: "Wishing you continued hope, love, happiness, and excitement for your many years to come! Happy birthday. :)"

* Steph, Lisa, Fraser, Henry, and Havarti: "There once was a very happy tree... who died for this card. The End. Happy Birthday, Tree Killer." (included the kids' handprints!)


Christmas 2018 (11)

* Kitty: "Hello, Leslie. The card is a little late, but I really want to wish you all the best for Christmas and I hope all your wishes for 2019 will come true! Love, Kitty and Ringo the dog."

* Angie H. (auralily): "Happy Holidays and best wishes for a wonderful New Year!"

* photo card from Jon and Harmony

* Steph and Lisa: Merry Belated Christmas, Leslie!

* a photo card from Janet S. (ghost_light) and Mark S. (lonelydumptruck): "Dear Glowing_Dragon, Merry and happy to you throughout the season and the whole new year!"

* Julie M. (moonshar): "Leslie, It seems like each year is flying by. It's almost 2019! Here is to another year of murder shows, bad names, and funny memes! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!"

* Deanna H. (endlessblush): "Hello, Leslie. It's 38°C and I need to get my Christmas baking done. Summer and Christmas don't always mix. We are home this year, and it will be quiet. Everyone is well here... kids are all busy with part-time jobs now that school / university has finished for the year. I have one more week of work, then have time off until January 2. Yay! Merry Christmas. Wishing you a wonderful Christmas and a peaceful New Year. Love, Deanna."

* Rebecca R. (reeby10): "Happy Holidays! I hope that 2019 is a wonderful year for you! Best wishes!" She included IRON MAN stickers / rainbow stickers / superhero stickers / Roald Dahl JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH bookmark / Roald Dahl THE BFG bookmark / golden owl bookmark / golden stylized leaf bookmark / STAR WARS "Join the resistance!" and "power!" stickers / IRON MAN stickers / rainbow stickers in a huge Canada Post plastic bag. Apparently, the card with a red robin and logs was "damaged in the mailstream."


Total: 17
glowing_dragon: (Crazy-Eyed Bear)
THIS ENTRY IS ALLOWED TO HAVE NON-ALIGNED TAGS.


What I got for Christmas 2018!

* lots of online wishes! (Discord people, Andre S., Helen Y., Alice P., Nita F., Wilf C., Jackie M., Itamar R., Wes J., Scott C., Victor R., Ryan B., Julie M., Daniel T., Pothead Mike)

* Random stuff from Mom and Dad, inside a Lush Cosmetics North America bag: A Spirit "Size 14" thin blue and white pair of pants which Mom thought would "fit" me (ha ha ha... she forgets about the NG butt size!), two random pairs of grey knee socks, Project 7 Coconut-Lime gourmet gum, a pound of Carnaby (Shoppers Drug Mart store brand) Halloween candy and gumdrops in a tub with NO expiry date (VERY QUESTIONABLE!), a pack of three pairs of women's athletic socks, two pairs of T-Max Heat Holders / Heat Holders / Heat Holders / Heat Holders World casual socks (FINALLY, SOMETHING POTENTIALLY USEFUL!), a random pair of white "socks" which don't even fit over my feet, and a Disney / Disney Princess Lip Smackers tub in "Birthday Princess" flavor.

* a Christmas photo card from Janet and Mark S. (ghost_light / lonelydumptruck)

* Stuff from Julie M. (moonshar) in a bubble-wrap envelope: A Christmas card with stickers, red and pink CHRISTMAS HOUSE penguin socks, a fun and fuzzy JOT ballpoint pen, Women Daredevils: Thrills, Chills, and Frills (Julie Cummins / Cheryl Harness), eight sticker sheets (Christmas glitter / wild animals / truck equipment stickers which Ayler and Hiero would probably stick all over the floor if I gave it to them / five more assorted sheets), two fun and encouraging little notebooks ("You can do this!" / "Best day ever!"), and a penguin pouch of Cappuccino For You!

* a Purdy's Chocolatier Chocolate Survival Kit "Survive the Season!" box of assorted chocolate bars from white Eric: Peanut Butter Bar, Sweet Georgia Browns (2), Coffee Break Bar, Hedgehogs (3), and Chocolate Chewie Bar!

* a LOQI lightweight cat reusable bag ("I carry up to 20 kg") / matching cat wallet / Softsoap® Brand Pampered Hands Tangerine Treat foaming hand soap / a Happy Hippy PEACE fragrant soap square from The Happy Hippy Soap Company from Jon and Harmony

* Are You Shitting Me?: 1,004 Facts That Will Scare the Crap Out of You (Cary McNeal) from Steph and Lisa

* stuff from Angie Hatley: a BUDDY THE ELF Christmas card / Tazo Tea x3 (passion herbal tea, vanilla caramel chai, and green ginger tea) / magnetic Fool Moon treasures crow bookmark (auralily)

* a Ringo the dog photo card from Kitty (bornwitch / dutch_kitty)

* a Christmas card with a red robin and logs / Roald Dahl JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH bookmark / Roald Dahl THE BFG bookmark / golden owl bookmark / golden stylized leaf bookmark / STAR WARS "Join the resistance!" and "power!" stickers / IRON MAN stickers / rainbow stickers from Reeby (reeby10)
glowing_dragon: (French Toast)
What I gave for Christmas 2018!

* lots of Christmas cards and Christmas stuff for my real-life friends! [Eric Ho (plus Waterbridge Belgian chocolate seashells, an NHL 100 Advent calendar, and a Terry's Chocolate Orange), Jon / Harmony / Ayler / Hiero / Beckett (plus NHL 100 Advent calendars and Waterbridge Belgian chocolate seashells), Steph / Lisa / Fraser / Henry / Havarti (plus STAR TREK stickers / letter stickers), Eric M. (plus Almond Roca), Chrystal {plus a 300g bag of Rose and Lemon Bayco Turkish Delight - NO ten pounds of stuff like last year!}]

* lots of online Christmas wishes! [Discord people, Andre S., Helen Y., Alice P., Nita F., Wilf C., Jackie M., Wes J., Scott C., Victor R., Ryan B., Julie M., Daniel T., Pothead Mike]

* Christmas card and bonus Soo salmon jerky for Kramer, Merlin, Poohbear, and Kitsune from Discord

* Christmas card for Kitty B. (bornwitch / dutch_kitty)

* Christmas card for Sheryll T. (sheryll)

* Christmas card for Kelli E. (neonrose5)

* Christmas card for Janet S. (ghost_light)

* Christmas card and bonus birthday card for Corey T. (dwcorey)

* Christmas card and bonus birthday card for Deanna H. (endlessblush)

* Christmas card for Angie Hatley (auralily)

* Christmas card and surprise Soo salmon jerky for Jimmy C.
glowing_dragon: (Bert and Ernie)
2018 Year In Review!


THIS ENTRY IS ALLOWED TO HAVE NON-ALIGNED TAGS.

[Meme fun: Take the first line from the first post of every month of the year. Repost it here as your year in review. (I'm discounting greetings and things like that :P) Yeah, it's been an interesting year!]

Go to your Calendar and find the first entry for each month of the year. Post the first line of it in your journal as a paragraph, and that's your "Year In Review."

I got a baby girl card for Jason and Vanessa ("KEEP CALM AND CARRY BABY WIPES"), NEW Shasha organic ginger snaps for Vanessa (no sugar?!), 200g of on-sale Ferrero Rocher, 100 store brand bandages, a NEW Carnation variety pack of hot chocolate (TURTLES Canada / Coffee Crisp / After Eight), and NEW Lipton Chicken Noodle Supreme soup from London Drugs, which has just started charging for plastic bags. SO MUCH ON-SALE BLACK PEPPER SALMON JERKY FOR ME AND JIMMY AND JULIE, OH MY! I called Barry at 8:35 AM to tell him about the mouse on the glue trap which I discovered last night. The computer restarted at 6 AM! I called Barry at 9:40 this morning to remind him about going to Rona for a Victor Pest Chaser Ultrasonic Rodent Repeller, which cost $33. I went to the pharmacy next door at 1:50 to refill my prescription early; yes, even Adam commented on it!

I left at 5:55 to get two 3-subject Hilroy notebooks in green and light blue (for home use and road use) from London Drugs, returning home at 6:40 on a late 407. CHOCOLATE AND BATHROOM REPLACEMENTS GALORE AGAIN, and today's date is a palindrome: 8/1/18! Yesterday, Frances C. emailed me to say that she couldn't make it to Felico's because of work, which is fine. I went out at 12 on a 401 so I could buy Campbell's Chunky Soup (Jerk Chicken with Vegetables / Butter Chicken with Vegetables), NESCAFÉ instant coffee (December 16, 2017), a NEW on-sale limited edition Oh Henry! Canada / Oh Henry 4:25 Pop-Up candy bar, barkTHINS snacking dark chocolate with pumpkin seeds for Thanksgiving dinner, NEW limited edition Doritos Late Night Fully-Loaded Nacho chips, and HALLS assorted mint cough drops. I went out at 12:20 on a 414 to do some shopping for on-sale Halloween candy and Advent calendars. COFFEE TIME while I'm still figuring out why Jimmy blocked me instead of just talking to me about what I did...... I should have posed it as a hypothetical a while ago!
glowing_dragon: (Vancouver Canucks hockey!)
I got to voice call Helen Y. yesterday via Facebook Messenger - SO GOOD TO HEAR THE OTHER'S VOICE! Diane also re-friended me... okay, then! I also finally deleted all the Video Game Enemies albums on Facebook! They were fun at the time, but trying to redo them because various pages have gone bye-bye is just too exhausting... 39 albums and 4738 pics! The Canucks played Colorado at 7 tonight, and the crazy game went to overtime! VANCOUVER WON 7-6! FIVE POINTS FOR PETTERSEN!


From my ex-friend Jimmy and Perda De Tempo: "Damn, that's a huge tongue you got there. I suppose you are that Venom guy." "Yeeeeeessss.... Hey, what are you doing?" "Giving you the opportunity to become a hero."

glowing_dragon: (OMFG Yay!)
Birthday Gifts / Presents in 2018!


THIS ENTRY IS ALLOWED TO HAVE NON-ALIGNED TAGS.


This is a list of birthday gifts and cards that I received in 2018:

* lunch from Vanessa at Pho 37 in Ironwood on Sept. 4 (spring rolls, shrimp salad rolls, and Bo Bun Hue: cubed pork blood, pork hock, Vietnamese ham, and beef in spicy soup with vermicelli noodles!)

* birthday card from Pathways

* lunch from Auntie Catherine at Pepper Lunch (4.5 ounces of Angus Beef steak, carrots, green beans, bean sprouts, miso soup, and mango mochi for dessert)

* dinner from Mom, Dad, Jon, and Harmony at Nando's in Kerrisdale!


* 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!


* dinner from Eric H. / Eric M. / Jeremy at Felico's (traditional roast lamb dinner!)

* birthday card from Jeremy

* birthday card from Rachel F.

* birthday card from Steph, Lisa, Fraser, Henry, and 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 Chan at Pho Lan in Richmond! (#8 - rare steak, flank, tendon, and tripe)
glowing_dragon: (Happy Birthday!)
2018 Birthday Photos and Pictures!


THIS ENTRY IS ALLOWED TO HAVE NON-ALIGNED TAGS.


From Wesley: Weird Al Happy Birthday!




Birthday wish photos and pictures! )
glowing_dragon: (Happy Birthday!)
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
glowing_dragon: (Devilish Smile)
It's Air Conditioning Day and WORLD OYSTER DAY today, so of course I ate my Mac's raw oysters for treat purposes! :D

I finally finished Facebook tagging of my ARN'S WINTER QUEST, BOZOBOUND, JONBOUND, MOTHER 3 Enemies, MOTHER 3 Back Sprites, EARTHBOUND, and MOTHER 2 DELUXE pictures! Finally, having some unfettered time to do that stuff without certain people like Jimmy bugging me a lot was good!


From Julie: Ala?! As in "à la mode"?!

glowing_dragon: (LJ Drama)
After Barry dropped me off at Oakridge at 10:35 AM, I bought NEW Taki's Fuego Mexican snacks / NEW Taki's Xplosion Mexican snacks / NEW Taki's Angry Burger Mexican snacks / NEW Taki's Crunchy Fajitas Mexican snacks / NEW Peace Tea Peach Party iced tea / NEW Mini Rolos as a treat after my eye exam / NEW Take Home Size Maltesers at the Oakridge Safeway. I also had a NEW Korean Pulled Pork six-inch sandwich at the Subway in the food court since I was right there anyway and needed to eat. Then I returned the chocolate - TOO HOT AND IT WOULD MELT IN FIVE MINUTES!

Later at Oakridge Station, some guy practically threatened to sue me over incidental contact with my bulky reusable bag. This city, I swear. Just because you wanted to get by after maneuvering your bike into the elevator does NOT mean you get ALL THE SPACE EVER! I wasn't even in his way! That wasn't even the first person who had a problem with my reusable bag, as there was some lady on a crowded Canada Line train who said "You're excused" after I entered the train at 49th and got a seat.

When I got to Jon and Harmony's at 2:10, the door was open since it was still pretty hot, so I just got to invade the living space. The kids greeted me with "YOU BREAK IT - YOU FIX IT!" but calmed down and told me that they'd gone to Granville Island today. We heard about a Canada Line emergency - thank goodness that it didn't affect me, only Olympic Village to King Edward! (it did affect Jon coming home from teaching) The skating lesson went fine - I told Harmony that no, I didn't have to pay anything for the eye ultrasound or cataract surgery!

Hiero told me that he didn't like it when I farted - he just likes his own farts. Okay, then! We had pizza, more laksa, blueberries, and corn on the cob for dinner after I read some more Robert Munsch stories. I got to hold a content baby Beckett for a while (and show him a few books) when Jon was finishing up with his piano student Curtis, but the baby started crying almost as soon as Curtis left! (before, I told Curtis to "quick - play some music!" when Beckett started fussing at the start of the lesson) I went through the Translink route map with the kids when Harmony grew tired of it, and left at 7:30, just managing to get a 49 before getting home at 8:10 on a 401. I was NOT waiting 20 minutes in the muggy heat!


SPICY SNACKS AND SUBS! )
glowing_dragon: (Devilish Smile)
After COFFEE TIME, I left at 11:45 on a C94 so I could get some Facebook status tagging backlog done at the library, but was still blocked after an hour. I got out in time to see Rachel at The Caring Place at 2:30. After that, I went to Jon and Harmony's to help with the kids, who were not at the Langara YMCA park. Upon arriving at the house, I learned that the boys thought it was too hot to go out, even though the park would be shaded. I agreed with them!

Baby Beckett seemed more active and slightly fussy even in his bouncy chair - at least I finally got to kiss him on the cheek when Harmony was busy with bathtime! Hiero knows that Mom and Dad are getting old because they take the elevator instead of the stairs, he and Hiero sang "GO AWAY" to Beckett, I read Robert Munsch stories to them, I sang ABC to Beckett, Harmony offered me a printer, and we discussed whether Popsicles and other things had too much sugar. I'm sure Mom wasn't happy that Harmony said no more sugary treats for them, but if it's true that they had chocolate / ice cream / more sugar at lunch today... I just throw them away myself. I got home at 7:50 on a 401, then took a shower.


Random stuff from Mom and Dad: Butter crisps and almond thins (in a purple snowflake box) which expire on August 28, Quality Street chocolates which expire in a week (I'm not eating 3/4 of a huge 725g tin in that time even if I DID like it!), a Laura Secord milk chocolate heart, Santa's Gumball Workshop Dubble Bubble which expire in September 2018, a Ziploc bag full of Chinese coconut candies with an unknown expiry date, Kinder mini-eggs which expire in a week, a purple tube with a heart at the end and liquid inside, "YOU'RE AWESOME" stickers, Runts candy x7, and Frisk mints with an unknown expiry date.
glowing_dragon: (Devilish Smile)
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?!

glowing_dragon: (Consumer Whore)
Barry came by at 11:15 to help me with a flashlight / rubber gloves / steel wool, and left at 11:45. I gave him the parking pass, and he removed another dead mouse plus a nearby pack of playing cards. Since I didn't have to help out today (which I found out at 2:40 right when I was going to leave), I took the "extra" time to shop at Price Smart instead when it wasn't so hot outside at 3:20. I bought a Japanese bento box (sushi / egg / rice / meat / two potstickers / thin red noodles!), crunchy pig's ears, NEW limited-edition Olympic Krema passion fruit yogurt, NEW limited-edition Olympic Krema Greek lemon ginger yogurt, NEW Western Family sriracha chips, store brand steel wool, an on-sale Crunchie bar (for 50 cents!), and NEW on-sale Breyers Reese peanut butter cups chocolate ice cream.

Before I left the store (getting Erik's sister Lindsay as my cashier), I had to endure the lady in front of me thinking that she could use her new points redemption / points rebate coupon on the same transaction where she got it, then take an extra minute to slowly get her debit card out of her wallet and then use it. Ugh! It's a good thing that I was home within 15 minutes at 4:30 on a 407!


Breyer's Reese peanut butter cups chocolate ice cream!




Western Family kettle-cooked sriracha chips!




Clinton Bacon?!

glowing_dragon: (French Toast)
After DOUBLE COFFEE TIME and an early shower, I left for Jon's at 2:45 on a 401. For Sunday, I'll message him in the morning to see what's up with them and going around Arbutus. I beat them to the house by two minutes after breaking a $50 bill at Kam Do Bakery (BBQ pork bun!) for that dinner in a couple of weeks. The kids thought they should beat me to the house because they live there (also that Hiero can get rid of Ayler), but that's not how things work! I read (Christmas GRINCH and baby) books to them for at least 45 minutes after a snack of cherry tomatoes dunked in chocolate milk, plus mangoes. Turns out that I was sitting in some Silly Putty "slime" that the kids made at school (which Harmony noticed), so I had to wash my white pants when I got home... I was NOT IMPRESSED, and wasn't impressed when the kids reached for my hat and said stuff about taking it off. At least the Silly Putty washed off!

Hiero asked me whom I saw before I got to the house - nobody except for the people at the bakery and on transit! Both boys said that Curtis (Jon's piano student) and I were Mommy, despite warnings from Jon. (INCEST IS WRONG!) We had minestrone and chicken Pho noodles for dinner; Jon and I also had (Steamworks) beer. I told the kids about YOU CAN'T DO THAT ON TELEVISION, and the "I don't know" phrase triggering GREEN SLIME! We discussed my doing the dishes, boundaries (I got up mid-book to find an oatmeal cookie after ten times of the kids talking about my hat), going to the bathroom / using coconut oil / privacy / the cash register, my leaving at 6:45 (and getting home at 7:25 on a 401), popsicles, baby spit-up, blowing bubbles in chocolate milk, favorite colors (Ayler likes red and Hiero likes yellow), being quiet, and more.


Mahogany Essence Loggins?! The ironic thing is that she's black!

glowing_dragon: (Bubble Tea)
After COFFEE TIME and the fire inspection / "Terminix pest control" with Hester, I left at 2:45 for Jon's with the Crunchy Raspberry / Crunchy Mint / Crunchy Raspberry M and Ms for Harmony, plus the dessert chocolate. I bought a BBQ pork bun from Kam Do Bakery, of course. I got to the house at about 3:25, and they were definitely home because I heard fussing from inside. The kids were eating the last of a snack, and Jon's student Kayla came in just a minute after me. The boys were okay for the most part, but still had volume issues. Hiero told me that the tiny playing cards were from the doctor, and Ayler said "that is that" when I asked him what my San Francisco shirt said. Jon called him out on that, and also on his telling me to guess whether he went to school today. Ayler climbed on me and wanted to get my hat - NO! Hiero wanted to drive his truck on me - okay, I guess so.

One huge burrito plus 1/4 of Hiero's AND half of his black bean burger was more than enough for dinner! (plus Ayler's leftover peppers and tomatoes from snacktime) We talked about reading and writing, Hiero knowing the concept and word of "exhaustion," Hiero drawing "a delicate maze," the new baby, Harmony going to Dragon Ball for some well-deserved bubble tea, Ayler changing teachers, Ayler drawing a monster, Ayler knowing how to read the word "flowers," and Harmony thanking me for all the chocolate. No, I didn't want any as I had quite a lot at home! (I ate one piece for dessert when I got home at 7:40 on a 407, before brushing my teeth)


Random stuff from Mom and Dad: assorted washed cutlery, 3/4 of a bag of Old Dutch ripple chips that expired three days ago (with a rubber band around it, but still... I have enough junk food as it is!), two Good In Every Grain zipper pulls in the tiniest Ziploc bags ever (a sandwich bag would be just fine next time), and $5 cash.


From Julie M. and Wish: A painting of a naughty frog on the toilet by 5D Diamond!

glowing_dragon: (French Toast)
It's International Women's Day today! After COFFEE TIME, I left for Jon's at 2:30 in the rainy weather, stopping off at Kam Do Bakery for a BBQ pork bun; I also bought three Bath Retreat shower poufs at Shoppers, but one was actually pink in my bathroom lighting (it looked orange in the harsh lighting of the store...), so I had to throw it away unused. I'll just get a couple more non-pink LifeCandy poufs at London Drugs next week since I need at least two days at home by myself after being out at some point for four days in a row. When I got to the house, I saw a lot of paper planes and a bunch of drawings / workbooks from Ayler, who can read simple words and write equally simple words. I read a lot of books to the kids; baby books and stories, oh my! Jon's guitar student Kayla had to sit through an anatomy lesson about pregnancy and baby bums, oops. I had some grapes and a tiny mandarin orange while the kids had apple slices and asked me why they would turn brown. So I told them that it was science!

For dinner, we had spicy jerk chicken with rice (me), soupy casserole (the kids), chocolates, and fortune cookies. ("A man with brown eyes will give you a special surprise"?!) After his lesson, Randal stayed for what seemed to be a brief pre-dinner before meeting a guy named Carlos who has clingy emotional vampires for friends. We caught up a bit: my week, the online drama with certain people, his dad liking DVDs from Sunrise Records at Metrotown / Westerns / Clint Eastwood, his dad doing better and walking around, his wanting to write a screenplay as his next goal with his Christian book club friend who has a Chinese actress wife who grew up in Russia, and life goals. I also helped Ayler with his "home reading" from kindergarten: THE WATERHOLE, indeed! I wasn't sure how much help to give him with "waterhole," and he said that only parents were allowed to sound out words. Well, that's too bad for you, then! Randal said he'd drive me to the Canada Line station since it was pouring even more outside, which I appreciated. I technically didn't have a seatbelt on, but it's a very short drive. I'm just glad that Jon and Harmony's landlords finally installed a light at the back so people can actually see that dangerous step going down! I got home at 8 on a 407, no thanks to an idiot driver stopping between buses to let his friend out at the station. The bus driver got out of the bus and yelled at the guy, haha.


From Someecards: Creepy Easter Bunny 19!




From Julie: Mariquett?! Reminds me of marionettes and the Mariott Hotels!




From Janina: The perfect drink for that active cannibal in your life! Ready-to-drink meal: SOYLENT ORIGINAL! 100% People Juice! Serve Hot or Cold. Active Ingredients: Made from 100% honest-to-God people, and whatever they've eaten. No added fillers. 14 fluid ounces. (414 mL)

glowing_dragon: (Happy Birthday!)
I called Barry at 8:35 AM to tell him about the mouse on the glue trap which I discovered last night. When he came by at 11:15, he said that it was STILL MOVING! We both heard it squeak, so I wanted him to just take it out of here as fast as possible. I left for Jon's at 2:40 today after DOUBLE COFFEE TIME (stopping by Kam Do Bakery for a BBQ pork bun) with the Paqui Haunted Ghost Pepper chips, Ragusa Noir chocolate bar, heart-shaped Ferrero Rocher chocolates, Harmony's early birthday card, and the Alter Eco Burnt Caramel / Salt and Malt / Blackout / Brown Butter chocolate bars. (she thanked me for it later - Jon said his face would melt off with all those chips!) I had to wait a few minutes for them to get home from school, and Ayler immediately wanted to show me his "100 Days of School" pasta craft and something else. He's definitely learning to write and to draw flowers!

They played with toy trains, read Robert Munsch and other books, ate hummus / banana bread / seashell pasta (they could NOT have my white wine or spicy green sauce with white beans), discussed his field trip to the Orpheum to see a symphony and STAR WARS, and Ayler showed me his school break schedule to ask about the dates and what they meant. I think Ayler can read simple words on his own now, which is great! I also did some dishes while giving the kids some (diluted) orange juice and more banana bread. Later, Ayler tried to walk acrobat-style on top of the couch, and Hiero wanted to go jump on the mattress that they were giving away - NO! Ayler made a "Snot Construction Zone" out of his red Chinese gelatinous dessert of leen-goh, and Hiero said, "If you eat a people, you will go to jail for a long time [reasonable] and [my parents] will go too! [HUH?]" HAHAHAHA! Jon did put Hiero in a box, though! I got home at 8 on a 407, which is pretty par for the course!


From Someecards: Creepy Easter Bunny 13!




From Julie: Chinese New Year Facebook stickers 4!




My Facebook posts have been liked 80,000 times!

glowing_dragon: (Default)
A sick Jon asked me this morning if I still wanted to make it to his place since his student had cancelled yet another Monday lesson (which I did), and then wanted to know if I could make it on Thursday from 3:30-4:30 since Harmony is working then instead of next Monday because she wants to spend time with Hiero on his actual birthday. Sure, I guess so! BYE WEEK, AHOY! After (MORE) COFFEE TIME, I left at 3:30 to make it to Jon's at 4-ish. The kids were eating and playing with puzzles, but seemed excited about school and new stickers. Ayler had drawn a purple house with lots and lots of floors, Hiero wanted to read a book with lots of flaps with me, Ayler asked a lot of questions about math and why Keith was sick ("he can't be sick in the summer!"), Ayler asked if he could have my fruity beer (NO!), and Ayler practiced his writing and told me that I should know better how to write because I'm an adult. I also passed that message on to Steph, haha.

Ayler asked whether people had gone to heaven if they were born in 1961 or 1948 (or 1914 or 1918) / whether people were still alive if they were born in 462 A.D. or 1018, Hiero loved his bulldozer, and we had gummy cars / curry stew / dumplings / sausage / (coconut) water for dinner. Randal had apparently cancelled too, maybe because of his dad. More playtime for me! Ayler wanted to take my hat off - I said no, which doesn't mean that he gets to say yes! We also talked about seeing his special Gr. 3 buddy Ethan on Thursdays depending on the class schedule, eating old marshmallows from a school craft (NO!), San Francisco in March, falling asleep on the bus, being tired, "Baby Baloo," Hillcrest, the pizza dinner on Sunday, seeing them again on Thursday, and my not staying later than 7 because I had to do some shopping before I got home.

Then I went to London Drugs for a Hilroy notebook since some paper towel got on the whiteout on the cover, a bubble mailer envelope, some hand sanitizer x2 (one of which will have to be returned because I can't figure out how to open it...), desperately-needed Softsoap hand soap refills x2 (juicy cucumber and crisp melon / vanilla brown sugar), and desperately-needed Silk almond milk. No thanks to the cashier commenting on EVERYTHING ("this is so heavy! why did you buy this?!"), I barely made it out the door in plenty of time to catch the 407 and get home at 8:30. Ugh!

Random stuff from Mom and Dad: a brown Tika sweater vest and a Ziploc bag full of Werther's Originals and other hard candies.


From Julie M. and Pinterest: Visual Anatomy Limited chocolates! They're anatomically correct!




From Krista and Pundora: Don't use a big word when a singularly unloquacious and diminutive linguistic expression will satisfactorily accomplish the contemporary necessity.




A chicken horror show! They have to watch a chicken cooking in the rotisserie!

glowing_dragon: (OMFG Yay!)
What I gave for Christmas 2017!

* lots of cards and stuff for my real-life friends! [Steph N. / Lisa N. / Fraser N. / Henry N. - with BATMAN / snowflake / animal in gift box stickers, plus Advent calendars; Chrystal C. with Crème de Pirouline dark chocolate artisan rolled wafers / scary Halloween candy (ScAero / Scaries / Coffin Crisp / Ghostly Kit-Kat) / Korean BBQ Kettle chips / a Ziploc bag of Gusto Caffé candies / Mastic mints; Jon N. / Harmony H. / Ayler N. / Hiero N. with a box of assorted Elmer chocolates and Advent calendars; Jeremy J. with a FROSTY THE SNOWMAN Advent calendar {which he LOVED!} and a Christmas card; Eric M. with Ganong Delecto dark peppermint creams and a Christmas card; Vanessa H. with an Advent calendar / Jersey Milk chocolate bar / Christmas card]

* lots of online wishes! [Holly L., Billie E., Jim S., Ryan B., Ryan M., Cecilia M., Sean K., Sean S., Mandy D.-R., Nas, Jan M., Kitty B., Barb D., Vanessa H., Ellen W., Mike B., Shelley H.]

* Hanukkah card and Lindt gingerbread truffles for Lena M.

* Christmas card and five Vancouver postcards for Julie M. [moonshar] (tram / Stanley Park totem poles / Canada Place / aerial map with orca whale / Canadian provinces and territories)

* Christmas card for Kelli E. [neonrose5]

* Christmas card and Vancouver postcards (Vancouver tram and Canadian grey wolf) for Kitty B. (bornwitch)

* Christmas card and Vancouver postcards (BC Place, Gastown steam clock, RCMP officer on a horse, moose / squirrels / grizzly bears / Bighorn sheep) for Jimmy C.

* Christmas card and Vancouver postcards (Harbour Centre and Canada Place, Canadian Rockies grizzly bear, Rockies Bighorn sheep, False Creek and Granville Street Bridge, downtown Vancouver panorama) for Jan M. (Shiv from Discord)

* Christmas card for Paul (Classy from Discord)

* Christmas card and Vancouver postcards (Science World, BC Place, Gastown steam clock, RCMP officer on a horse, moose / squirrels / grizzly bears / Bighorn sheep) and bonus birthday card for Corey T. [dwcorey]

* Christmas card and Vancouver postcard (Coal Harbour and Stanley Park) for Mandy B. (dazzamre)

* Christmas card and bonus birthday card for Deanna H. [endlessblush]

* Christmas card for Sheryll T. (sheryll)

* Christmas card for Karla W.
glowing_dragon: (Default)
2017


JANUARY

* Finally got a CHIMO / Family Services phone intake done with Jocelyn, then finally finished JONBOUND. [Jan. 6]

* I created a Discord account for whatever reason, probably to talk to Lucas and his weird friends, plus Kramer and his Twitch stream friends. [Jan. 7]

* Finished replaying HALLOW'S END on Turbo Mode. [Jan. 11]

* Unfortunately, I had to get the passport stuff done with my parents. [Jan. 12]

* Visited Vanessa in the hospital after her surgery. [Jan. 13]

* Hiero's third birthday party! Ayler told me that he needed to take more nachos. Sure, why not? [Jan. 22]

* I got my ten-year passport through registered mail! [Jan. 25]

* Finally finished the very difficult MOTHER 2 DELUXE, and started FINAL FANTASY VI: ETERNAL CRYSTALS. [Jan. 28]


Highlights and lowlights! )
glowing_dragon: (Devilish Smile)
THIS ENTRY IS ALLOWED TO HAVE NON-ALIGNED TAGS.


Cards Received, 2017!


Special 2017 (1)

* Julie M.: "Here is the bracelet that I finally was able to send! I hope you like it. Go Canucks!! :)"


Birthday 2017 (5)

* card from parents

* Steph, Lisa, Fraser, Henry, and Havarti: "Sarne! Happy 41st birthday from your loving sister, sister-in-law, and FAVORITE nephews! (Haha! We know it even if you don't say it!) Love from Hamilton. See you in November! Steph, Lisa, Fraser, Henry, and Havarti."

* card from Pathways

* Christon: "Happy Birthday, Leslie! I know this card makes fun of our age, but I have realized how long we have known each other, and despite all the different turns of events in our lives, we have been able to keep in touch through birthdays of friends and our own, so that has been pretty cool! Enjoy another year with good friends and food. I pray that this year be a good one for you! Cheers! Christon."

* Eric M.: "Happy 41st Birthday, Leslie. Hope you have a good year to come. The rides to and from church aren't as interesting without you on board ready to disembark at No. 4 Rd. and Alderbridge Way. Just don't let a fart out in a crowded elevator... or a US Navy Aircraft Carrier. Trump will consider it an act of war. Eric."


Christmas 2017 (12)

* Karla: "Merry Christmas, Leslie! I hope you have a great one, and that 2018 treats you and yours well. Love, Karla."

* Katherine K.: "Hi, Leslie! My holiday cards are a bit different this year. I'm turning an old damaged Tarot deck into one-of-a-kind personalized cards, complete with a tanka poem. Enclosed is also some of my favorite Swedish tea. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! Wishing you a lovely holiday. TWO OF SWORDS: Impasse Unpleasant truth. Peace is being maintained for now. At what cost? What are you holding back? What do you need to admit?" (cactus_rs)

* Katherine K.: "Here's some of the most Swedish possible candy! Except black licorice, but UGH!" (cactus_rs)

* Deanna H.: "Dear Leslie: Wishing you the most wonderful Christmas and a peaceful new year. Love, Deanna." (endlessblush) (endlessblush)

* Mandy B.: "Leslie, I hope you have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Happy Holidays!" (dazzamre)

* a Christmas photo card from Steph, Lisa, Fraser, Henry, and Havarti

* Julie M.: "Here's to another Christmas!! :) Have a wonderful 2018!! :) Love, Julie. :)" (moonshar)

* Sheryll: "Leslie, it's a blessing to know you're a friend! Have a Merry Christmas and all the best in the New Year! Love, Sheryll." (sheryll)

* a Christmas photo card from Jon, Harmony, Ayler, and Hiero - DUCKFACE FOR SANTA?!

* Jaymee L.: "Merry Christmas and a joyous New Year! May your holidays be filled with love, laughter, inner peace, joy, and yummy food!" (kirei_xo_ai)

* Sam C.: "Wishing you a very happy Christmas and a healthy and safe New Year in 2018! Hope the stickers are okay. I went through my stash and tried to grab a little of everything that wasn't girly, haha." (acidquill)

* Bella B.: "Dear Leslie, Wishing you and your family all the best this holiday season and in 2018. It turned out that most stickers I have on hand are girly, so I hope you and your nephews like the enclosed neutral ones. Regards, Bella." (med_cat) [colorful smiley faces, snowflake / polar bear / luge / snowboarding cat]

* Christy C.: "Hi, Leslie - wishing you the best of everything this holiday season!" (snoopdawg)

* Kitty B.: "Dear Leslie, Thank you for your friendship. Time does fly and the Internet changes, but we are still here. I want to wish you a very Merry Christmas, and I hope all your wishes for 2018 will come true. Love, Kitty and Ringo." (bornwitch)

Total: 20
glowing_dragon: (Poop)
THIS ENTRY IS ALLOWED TO HAVE NON-ALIGNED TAGS.


In South Figaro in the World of Ruin, Celes and Sabin come across this person in FINAL FANTASY VI: THE ETERNAL CRYSTALS while chasing Edgar around town. "We may be thieves, but at least we have goals in life!" Well, then.




This BIZARRO comic is from Janina: Band Auditions Today! "Doesn't ANYBODY play guitar?"




From Julie M. and Snapchat: Botttles of bears?! Ruthlessly rimmed charcoaled chicken wings?!

glowing_dragon: (OMFG Yay!)
What I got for Christmas 2017!

* lots of online wishes! (Holly L., Mikki M., Jim S., Ryan B., Billie E., Sean K., Sean S., Mandy D.-R., Nas, Jan M., Kitty B., Barb D., Vanessa H., Ellen W., Mike B., Shelley H.)

* homemade chocolate peanut Eat More bars from Vanessa H.

* a surprise Christmas card from Karla W.

* wishes from Frances C. via email

* a Tarot Two of Swords Christmas card, Swedish Christmas card, Swedish Bilar candy, Swedish Polly chocolate / butter toffee / vanilla candies, and Swedish fruity-floral Twinings tea x3 from Katherine K. (cactus_rs)

* a Snoopy and Woodstock Christmas card with ice cream / Christmas cat / Christmas dog / taco / emoji / hamburger / butterfly / cactus stickers from Mandy B. (dazzamre)

* a Christmas Hello card / Christmas note / various Australian postcards x 24 [Love The Mornington Peninsula x8 / Australian War Memorial / PAINTERS / National Archives of Australia / Tarkine / DIARY OF A WIMPY KID / Bangarra Dance Theatre / Melbourne Zoo / Best of British / bugs of Melbourne Museum / Hokusai / Mental Health Australia / Princess Highway / Linden Postcard Show / Show Us Your Tattoos / REMOTE ALIGNMENTS at the Mars Gallery / THE FATHER at the Melbourne Theatre Company] from Deanna H. (endlessblush)

* a Christmas photo card from Steph, Lisa, Fraser, Henry, and Havarti

* a Peanuts Christmas card, CHRISTMAS HOUSE erasers, Snugadoo Too Super Soft purple striped socks and a red toque, two CHRISTMAS HOUSE jingly necklaces, Hot Tamales Fierce cinnamon jellybeans (better not let the kids have any...), bite-size Tootsie Rolls in a bank, 12 CHRISTMAS HOUSE pencils, Christmas stickers, and a Christmas memo book with pen from Julie M. (moonshar)

* a Christmas card from Sheryll T. (sheryll)

* wishes from Chrystal C. via phone call


* Random stuff from Mom, Dad, and others: A winter-ish dark grey jacket which used to be Grandma's, a Christmas card, $10 in cash, a brown Tahari leather jacket (not as cool as it sounds), a blue polyester Stormtech winter-ish jacket, a dark blue San Francisco winter-ish jacket, a red Roo handbag, a blue Sport Sport handbag, a brown Chinese handbag, a light brown wool toque, blue Thinsulate gloves, a zebra stripe AMAZING GRACE cap, a thin red scarf, a thin leafy dress (?), a brown polyester winter hat, and thin black gloves.

Also: Laura Secord praline Christmas Collection chocolates from Eric, a MYSTERIES home fragrance gift set / a FOOTPRINTS journal / Christmas card from Amy, Santa's Gumball Workshop Dubble Bubble cartons x2, Santa Lifesavers cherry / watermelon / green apple / strawberry / orange Gummies, Florida's Au'Some Christmas candy cane Nuggets, and a Waterbridge chocolate letter N.

Plus: A thin Man Fang Yuen Wa long-sleeved shirt, Nosh and Co. Yummy Mixed Fruit Berries, Lifesavers Holiday Mix (candy cane / cherry / apple), a lined blue and white snowflake toque, a colorful small beaded hand purse, a small black BB Design handbag, a thin leafy Orla Kiely long-sleeved shirt, and a colorful Vietnam tote-ish bag.


* a photo card from Jon, Harmony, Ayler, and Hiero - complete with a DUCKFACE in the Santa photo!

* a Christmas card from Deb and Dylan

* a Christmas card with a dog on it from Jaymee L. (kirei_xo_ai), who also included a packet of Swiss Miss hot chocolate

* a Grinch Christmas card from Sam C. (acidquill), who included a small dragon charm / BATMAN stickers / dinosaur stickers x3 (perfect for Ayler and Hiero!) / STAR WARS stickers / FINDING NEMO stickers (perfect for Fraser!) / cute food stickers (ice cream cone / taco / sushi / hamburger / doughnut / pizza slice / French fries / cupcake with cherry on top / a Coke cup playing a guitar / a pretzel / a chocolate bar) / smiley face stickers / IRON MAN stickers / TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLE stickers / American dollar bill and American coin stickers / robot stickers / Martian stickers / GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOLUME 2 stickers / THE AVENGERS stickers

* a Christmas card and colorful smiley face stickers / polar bear sticker / luge sticker / snowflake sticker / snowboarding cat sticker from Bella (med_cat)

* a Christmas card and penguin / Santa hat stickers from Christy C. (snoopdawg)

* a dog photo card and a postcard of downtown Rotterdam from Kitty B. (bornwitch)
glowing_dragon: (No Netspeak!)
Hester and the management came by for a suite inspection at 9:55 this morning, saying I needed to wash my kitchen sink and my bathroom sink, wash the bathtub, and move my mop and bucket from the balcony. Yeah, I don't think any of those are going to be done with a lot of competency or urgency! :P

After (MORE) COFFEE TIME at 1:10, I left at 2:40 to make it to Jon's by 3:30. I just missed the 49, so had to wait for the next one. Ayler and Hiero were supposed to be sleeping before snacktime and the SERVANTS dinner, but they had their eyes open the entire time I was in the room. Then they started fighting over the stuffed monkeys before I saw Hiero fall - but something cushioned it, thank goodness. They tried jumping on the bed, taking my necklace, putting the monkey "far away so no one could get it," and then I watched them as they ate pomelo / apple / pomegranate while Jon was teaching Pius. Hiero did not complain about the violin noise this week, at least!

I had an orange while smelling the caramelizing onions and discussing French onion soup / leap years / time / whether it was completely dark outside yet / not believing me when I said I was going to the bathroom / the weather next week / Jon giving me back my U2 JOSHUA TREE CD / school days and holidays / dropping me off at Langara Skytrain Station on the way to pick up Harmony before dinner. At least Jon gave me his arm to hold while going down that treacherous hard-to-see step! (I did try to go through the alleyway earlier, but their landlord had closed the back gate) After they dropped me off at 5:30 (and discussed Nathan), I mailed Corey's extra birthday card and Christmas card at London Drugs before going home at 6:20 on a 407. I had to wait for a while in line, otherwise I'd have been home at 6! Jon thanked me for coming by, which is good. I sent Nathan a FB message when I got home, as well as emailing Eric.


From Julie: Sarah Palin! Parah Salin!

glowing_dragon: (No Netspeak!)
I got a surprise Christmas card in the mail from Karla yesterday, so I had to return the favor while I was out today anyhow! Also got a Snoopy and Woodstock Christmas card with ice cream / Christmas cat / Christmas dog / taco / emoji / hamburger / butterfly / cactus stickers from Mandy (dazzamre), a Two of Swords tarot Christmas card / Twinings Söderte tea x3 (Fruity and Floral) from Katherine (cactus_rs) in Stockholm in Sweden, and a Christmas Hello card / Christmas note / various Australian postcards x 24 [Love The Mornington Peninsula x8 / Australian War Memorial / PAINTERS / National Archives of Australia / Tarkine / DIARY OF A WIMPY KID / Bangarra Dance Theatre / Melbourne Zoo / Best of British / bugs of Melbourne Museum / Hokusai / Mental Health Australia / Princess Highway / Linden Postcard Show / Show Us Your Tattoos / REMOTE ALIGNMENTS at the Mars Gallery / THE FATHER at the Melbourne Theatre Company] from Deanna (endlessblush) in today's mail. Corey said that his parents had moved, so I got the new address from him while we were both online anyway. I totally thought they'd moved to Ontario for a second until I re-read the address! Then I talked to Helen briefly about things, which definitely made me feel better - CLOSURE!

After COFFEE AND ASPIRIN TIME at 2:30, I went out at 3:20 to my dentist appointment with Sean. It went pretty well (he seemed surprised that I was flossing), but I did hear they were moving next year sometime to Fraser and 19th. Not so convenient anymore, but maybe I'll find new haunts over there. Of course we caught up briefly and wished each other a great Christmas / New Year! I went to the post office at Oakridge afterwards - right upstairs by the Photo Express near the elevators - to mail Karla's card, then went to Shoppers since I had time before the next 407. I got some Sour Cream and Bacon Ruffles chips with one of my coupons, plus some brand-new on-sale De Cecco and Catelli pasta: fusilli, rotini, and penne rigate x2 in much more reasonably-sized boxes. I got home at 5:20 and threw away the old pasta to make room for the new.

PRODUCT WARNING: Since I'd found a bone in my Western Family pasta the other evening, I am BANNING IT FROM MY APARTMENT!


Twinings Söderte tea from Sweden! (Fruity and Floral)




From Julie M. and WET HOUSE: Here's a weird Hanukkah sweater! Happy Hanukkah, ya filthy schmuck!




Dragon fighting humans in winter!




From Little Boubba: Recolored Disney princesses!

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