glowing_dragon | Entries tagged with dylan

The kids called me at 6:45 to scream-sing a song about (as far as I can tell) licking bums or nicking bums, and asked me inappropriate questions about whether I'd like to see Jon peeing. No, thank you! Then Ayler asked if I would eat a whole pie (which Hiero said they were having for dessert) because of my "big stomach" - mmm, no, I'm not on MY 600-POUND LIFE! Harmony said that was their father's influence - yeah, I can TELL! I said hi to Beckett, who didn't really say anything. but that's okay. It was pretty brief because they just wanted to sing a song, which is fine. Life is as usual over there, I see! I joked that when social distancing is over, I'd buy a pie to throw at their dad just for all these "jokes."

From Reddit on April 23, 2019: No, PickWhatCar, deliberately leaving things for you to step on is NOT something you should laugh about. It's time to have a SERIOUS TALK with your boyfriend! What if you'd tripped over it and hurt yourself?!

From Reddit on May 14, 2019: No, "I'm blocking you" is not a silly game which should make you giggle. What if you have mobility issues like I do? I don't think you should LIKE being blocked on your way out of a room! For me, the blocking game would NOT be fun. You know I have shit to do and you're getting in my way for fun? Nope, you stay where you are. Besides, you deleted your Reddit account and I still have both of mine, so I WIN!

Current Mood: quixotic
Current Location: home
Current Music: Live, "Heaven"
Crossposts: https://glowing-dragon.livejournal.com/4027213.html

I went out at 11:55 to go to Canadian Tire so I could get another Starfrit jar opener (Aisle 54 - had to get an employee to help me grab it) and 20 face masks for $20. I always overshoot the 410 station - I SHOULD GET OFF AT ABERDEEN, NOT HAZELBRIDGE! I texted Barry about payday, and he called me when I was outside Canadian Tire - yeah, I thought I'd have to do it myself again! Then I peeked inside Yaohan - there was a lineup either for Osaka Supermarket or a temperature check service. My last stop was London Drugs: All Clean Natural lemon-mint spray hand sanitizer x2 (no limit), Scrubbing Bubbles, London Naturals orange cleaner, NEW Microban 24-Hour bathroom spray x2 in Fresh and Citrus scents, and portable Wet Ones x2. Got home at 2:10 on a 407, too.

Microban 24-Hour Fresh bathroom disinfectant spray!

( Coronavirus life and products! )

Current Mood: weird
Current Location: home
Current Music: Lords of Acid, "Let's Get High"
Crossposts: https://glowing-dragon.livejournal.com/4021578.html

I showered and then had to do MORE laundry on the third floor because my grey sweatshirt somehow got damp from laying it on the carpet!

Edit at 12:10 AM - Paulo came over at 11:55, and has already found TWO dead mice on glue traps in the corner! No wonder I smelled something decomposing last week! I also got him to replace my old shower curtain from 2010 or so, since it had mold. We talked about the Canadian coronavirus cases, and there are a lot in Quebec and Ontario! There are definitely ten cases at Richmond Hospital, from what he's been told! Everything has indeed been shut down - not even the families can visit because they'll go outside and pick up germs, which won't be very good for those patients! He recommended I replace my Splashee Softee taupe bath mat since the tread seems to be gone, and I might slip. Probably a good idea for the future! I should have gotten him to check the other corner, but things seem okay right now. I definitely had rubber gloves, Kleenex, plastic bags, and a garbage bag at the ready! When he left just now, I thanked him.

Splash foliage shower curtain!

A full view of a Splash EVA foliage shower curtain!

( FOOD! MUGS! )

Current Mood: exanimate
Current Location: home
Current Music: Children of Bodom, "Needled 24/7"
Crossposts: https://glowing-dragon.livejournal.com/4011962.html

I went out at 6:20 for more grocery shopping at Price Smart and London Drugs: Western Family baked beans x4 (tomato sauce / maple syrup / pork and tomato sauce / pork and molasses), Heinz baked beans with chili spice, Heinz Spaghetti, Kraft Dinner x2 for macaroni and cheese (Extra Creamy and Underwater Shapes), Old Dutch Foods Canada thin and twisted pretzels, Knorr Garlic Butter and Lemon Sidekicks, a Splash foliage shower curtain and Splash shower curtain hooks (which I should have bought in February so Chinese Eric could have helped me with that BEFORE current events), two Martex / Bamboo white towels, and All-Bran Canada Buds! Got home at 7:25 and did some laundry.

Bamboo face cloths, hand towels, and bath towels!

( Beans and pretzels, oh my! )

Black fire dragon, found by searching "fire dragon" in Facebook Messenger's GIF feature!

From Julie M. and Wish: Gothic dragon wall stickers inspired by GAME OF THRONES!

Current Mood: accomplished
Current Location: home
Current Music: Veruca Salt, "Benjamin"
Crossposts: https://glowing-dragon.livejournal.com/4011157.html

My computer gave me a heart attack this morning when both the keyboard and mouse weren't responsive. I had to restart the thing! THEN it happened again this evening, of course right when I had stuff going in Notepad! I figure that Eric has to come over here and update the computer drivers, so texted him about it. It is difficult to diagnose a problem over text messages, for sure!

Edit at 10:30 PM - Now I have to do laundry because there was a flood of water all over my bathroom floor after I took a shower! Did I piss off Poisedon, too?! I probably need to get a new shower curtain anyway...

From Julie: Every time I hear a mean joke about being Canadian, I go to the hospital and get my feelings checked for free.

From Julie M. and her local news: Tacy Gash was a burn victim?! That's an unfortunate last name...

Auston Matthews plays for the Toronto Maple Leafs?! BAD SPELLING OF AUSTIN! He is my birthday buddy like Alexander Ovechkin, though!

Current Mood: annoyed
Current Location: home
Current Music: the Cure, "Lost"
Crossposts: https://glowing-dragon.livejournal.com/4001631.html

I had to spend MORE time out and MORE MONEY today at Richmond Centre because of ANOTHER temporary water shutoff. *rolleyes* Good thing I had plenty of cash! I bought a White Spot breakfast quesadilla with chorizo sausage, a White Spot blueberry milkshake that slightly tasted like cough syrup (what are they doing with those machines overnight?!), NEW on-sale OGX Beauty tea tree / mint shampoo and conditioner, on-sale Dove pomegranate shampoo and conditioner from $8.99 to $2.99, NEW Life iron pill supplements, NEW Jamieson Vitamins garlic softgels, and NEW Irish Spring charcoal body wash. Shoppers and London Drugs both worked! Got home at 5:40 on a 407 (was NOT going to call Hester because of the one-word and hangup I received LAST YEAR), and the water was back on, so I could take a shower for tomorrow!

Speeda E. Bump tombstone?!

( Alcohol and milkshakes at 9 AM, Christmas at Shiny Tea, quirkiness )

Current Mood: full
Current Location: home
Current Music: Bon Jovi, "Billy"
Crossposts: https://glowing-dragon.livejournal.com/3998728.html

From WFLA News Channel 8: What's Your Cupid Name? Happy Love Wings?!

Finally found the 2020 NHL Valentine's Day cards by searching "NHL Reddit Valentines" - the guy's username is Oeuvre!

From Reddit: Happy Valentine's Day 2020 to Anaheim Ducks fans! (Ryan Getzlaf)

( 2020 Reddit NHL Valentine cards! )

Current Mood: quixotic
Current Location: home
Current Music: ZZ Top, "Legs"
Crossposts: https://glowing-dragon.livejournal.com/3994956.html

The Canucks played Chicago tonight at 7:30, and won 3-0. They even got an empty-netter! It was the Sedin jersey retirement game! The ceremony was awesome - John Shorthouse, Dave Nonis, Markus Naslund, Trevor Linden, Mike Gillis, Marc Crawford, Alex Burrows, Jannik Hansen, and so many others! The twins definitely sent their well-wishes to Jay Bouwmeester, who collapsed on the bench during last night's St. Louis-Anaheim game because of a cardiac issue! YAY FOR HENRIK SEDIN AND DANIEL SEDIN!

From Jim for Valentine's Day 2019: Roses and white wine! How nice! ♥

( Henrik and Daniel Sedin! )

From Rainbow Waffle Doge in the Fearsome Canucks Fans: A pixelated MINECRAFT Doge!

From Rainbow Waffle Doge in the Fearsome Canucks Fans: A basic Doge!

From my ex-friend Natalie and College Humor: Puritan Valentine's Day cards! Roses are red, violets are blue, and neither are useful or necessary at all. I need you to help raise livestock and crops or surely we will starve to death come winter. You almost make my heart dance, and dancing is forbidden. Being with you fills me with impure thoughts, and I am ashamed.

Current Mood: enthralled
Current Location: home
Current Music: Creedence Clearwater Revival, "Down on the Corner"
Crossposts: https://glowing-dragon.livejournal.com/3994344.html

COFFEE TIME and another phone intake interview with Jocelyn at CHIMO done as of 11:15 AM!

From Serious Eats and my ex-friend Chris in 2008: Tofucken and Turducken and other interesting meat marriages!

From Joe Bradburn on the Save-On Foods Facebook page on July 7, 2016: "In our house, we refer to turkey burgers as Turgers for reasons pertaining to linguistic efficiency." DISLIKE! I know that portmanteaus are a thing ("Brexit," "Brangelina," etc.), but if you're too lazy to enunciate "TUR-KEY BUR-GERS," what the heck is the matter with you?! Besides, "turgers" could sound like "turds" if you aren't careful, and you sound way too pretentious in your Facebook post anyway.

From Julie: Coronavirus coming to the United States? Here are some Karens with lavender essential oils!

Current Mood: enthralled
Current Location: home
Current Music: Aerosmith, "Closer"
Crossposts: https://glowing-dragon.livejournal.com/3991745.html

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!

Current Mood: annoyed
Current Location: home
Current Music: Aerosmith, "Sunshine"
Crossposts: https://glowing-dragon.livejournal.com/3991542.html

Before COFFEE TIME / BRUSSELS SPROUTS TIME / HOT CHOCOLATE TIME, I called Chrystal at work at 10:10 AM to remind her about tonight. I left at 6:50 on a 414 (which actually had the wheelchair ramp slope in use instead of the steps) to get to London Drugs on time at 7:30 or so. Unfortunately, someone caused a delay for me at Brighouse. Why would you try to start small talk with someone in an elevator who obviously isn't paying any attention to you for a 20-second ride?! No, I'm not going to respond to a guy cyclist's "hi, how are you, hope you're okay, ma'am" in an ENCLOSED SPACE, especially because YOU AND YOUR BIKE FUCKING MADE ME MISS THE FUCKING TRAIN AND WAIT AN ADDITIONAL 11 MINUTES! The elevator wasn't on the first floor either when I needed it to be! I saw the train pulling into the station when I had JUST gotten to the stairs outside!

Don't get me started on the three tall white dudes who evidently had something like "Well then! What the?" to say to me when I was running for the train at Broadway on the way home! THEY WERE OBSTACLES IN MY PATH so of course I had to BARREL into them, and I didn't even have time to turn and yell FUCK OFF! Or the guy IN the train who was blocking my path right when everyone got off and I wanted in. People, have some spatial awareness and consideration! Too bad they didn't think I had coronavirus! At least Mike found my text message rants entertaining!

I FINALLY got to London Drugs at 7:45, where Chrystal was waiting for me and wandering near the back of the store. We quickly decided on our default option of Pho Extreme Xe Lua, since Cactus Club would DEFINITELY be busy on a Friday night even if we'd bothered to reserve beforehand! (they made us wait for 45 minutes at my birthday dinner even WITH one!) We ordered a small #1 (special noodle soup for Chrystal), six signature butter chicken wings for $9.50 to share (although she only ate one - we split the bill anyway), and a large #30 Bo Bun Hue noodle soup for me. We talked about my trip (I showed her some photos), her nephews Benjamin and Ethan, Ayler / Hiero / Beckett / Fraser / Henry, my relief that Mom wasn't coming on that trip, the flight delays, toys, that gas leak on Chinese New Year, her sushi Chinese New Year dinner with family, Hiero's UBC birthday party and presents, Beckett learning new words, Hiero being sick, and work not being fun today. I got home at 9:35 on a 407, which I guess wasn't terrible for leaving the restaurant at 8:50...

From James: Might be the best selfie of the year, and it's only January! Cats and dogs!

I got a blue dragon as my home icon on Google Maps on my phone! I set my "home," tapped on the menu icon, skipped the commute, and tapped on the three dots which appeared so I could change the home pin!

Dinner with Chrystal: Bo Bun Hue soup!

Dinner with Chrystal: Signature butter chicken wings!

Current Mood: indescribable
Current Location: home
Current Music: Aerosmith, "Someday"
Crossposts: https://glowing-dragon.livejournal.com/3990075.html

The Canucks played the Blues tonight at 7, and won 3-1 thanks to Thatcher Demko and Bo Horvat's insurance empty-netter with five seconds remaining! Nine wins in a row, the first time since 2009! The first team all season to beat the Blues at home in regulation after they were leading in the first period!

My pasta specialty: Cream of mushroom soup, pink salmon, straw mushrooms, Gomitoni, Foglie D'Autunno, Trofie, and Trecce Dell'Orto! I made this for Mike once with far less exotic pasta (penne and macaroni?) ON MY BIRTHDAY OF ALL DAYS, and he took a few bites and declared it to be unedible. It was really not up to his lofty food standards, when I'd vetted each ingredient beforehand because he's "picky about food with parents." *rolleyes*

From Julie and her local flyers: Missy Molly Mold Spore?! YUCKY BASEMENT? GREAT! Mold Remediation Specialists!

From Volklin in Shiva's Discord server: A basketball player (Lebron James) is carried off the court with a leg cramp. A Dallas hockey player (Rich Peverley) dies on the bench, is revived, and asks to be put back in the game.

Current Mood: ecstatic
Current Location: home
Current Music: Aerosmith, "Combination"
Crossposts: https://glowing-dragon.livejournal.com/3988430.html

I discovered that Andre had unfriended / blocked me on Facebook - WHAT THE HECK?! Eric picked me up at 8:50 AM so I could use church as a vehicle to get to the Osborne Gym at UBC for Hiero's 6th birthday party. It helps that his hockey is all the way out at UBC, too... and it turned out that his hockey building is practically right next to the Robert Osborne building! He said that the LUFIA music sounded like something crazy was going on at my place - HAHAHA! I packed the Creature Chumpers toy (but forgot the birthday card), a bottled water, my Doge bag, and the other Starbucks Cold Brew before putting my boots on just in case of slush. Made my bag heavier, but it was okay. Eric and I listened to the radio for a bit until some guy came on who just monologues at you all the time - not his thing, and not mine either!

When we got to church, there was still plenty of parking across the street. As I thought, the car door went CLONK into a slush accumulation. Luckily, Eric could pull forward a bit so I could go into the nearby parking lot and then cross the street after getting on the clear sidewalk. I waited around outside the sanctuary, saying hey to Joe. When we were allowed to go inside, I said hi to Geoffrey and Sheena, and was respectful of the service. Hiero was there with Jon (who was preaching today), so I asked him if he wanted his birthday gift now or later... of course he chose now, before the Children's Sunday School.

I realized I'd forgotten the birthday card, but I can always give it to him later. He seemed out of it for some reason, but I wouldn't find out why till much later. Then he was trying to get Jon's attention, but he was busy talking to Pastor Dan. When I got back from the handicapped restroom (seeing empty water jugs inside and hoping a grandma didn't have to use it), Hiero had gotten Jon's attention, who told him to say thank you. I said that he already had (when I prompted him), so of course he didn't have to say it again! I did see Uncle Eric and Auntie Brenda at different times, and an uncle said hi to me as well.

Jon had an engaging sermon on Mark and seeds, at least. Even Julie S. agreed with me later on! I said hi to Sam, Auntie Cathy, Auntie Catherine (hug), Auntie Esther (hug), Cordia's mom, Helen C., Joe T., Ivan, Lesley, Dylan / Deb / Declan / Elysse (who thinks it's crazy that Hiero will be her age by next week AND who was eating sugar cubes), Cordia / Amasiah / Julie S. / Denise (who sent a photo of me to Steph) / Julie M., Auntie Susan x2 (Karen Grace's mom and Vivian's mom), Darren L., Martin T., Acer, and others. I could hear Acer swearing in the fellowship hall while talking about DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS, but whatever.

Soon enough, it was just a little group of me, Eric, Cordia, Amasiah, their friend Jeremy, and Acer since everyone else was staying for the Larry and Bella Mori missionary lunch before Missions Fest later in the month. Once we were shushed by Auntie Ada (Benedict's mom) since the Cantonese service was going on, we moved to the stairs, where I noticed a few minutes later that we were blocking the way, so we stood around a little outside the sanctuary in the "hall" until the bench cleared up. We still had to watch our volume, though!

Jeremy insisted he wasn't a weeb just because he went to Japan with some guys - including Acer's cousin - and had to translate for the group, Cordia said she's accepted who she is, and said that Amasiah was morbid like me - SWEET! We talked about the Japan trip, Japanese people KNOWING when you're "foreign" to them even if you're Asian and fluent in the language, Sharon's health woes in the Osoyoos (being literally stuck at home), 80 cents for a medium bottle of milk tea in Japan, the Mori kids Timothy and Tiffany, Molly, people following others on Instagram, pressuring Amasiah to buy some Pokemon figurine on Amazon since she didn't in Hong Kong, my trip, the snow and slush, anime / manga, otaku people, Discord, and lunch plans. Eric and I went upstairs to see if we could get some extra $2 sandwiches (Benedict had five pink tickets from his mom!), but he decided not to bother or distract anyone in the rooms, which I noticed are now labelled. They even upgraded the water cooler from a huge jug to a black self-cleaning one!

A few minutes later at 1:25, Eric asked if I was cool with going to Broadway / Cambie instead. Sure, why not? We could get fast food burgers, so we went to A and W where he kindly paid for my Mama Burger and we shared his fries before going to Pacific Spirit Park and a parking garage on UBC campus. He pressed the crosswalk button for me in the rainy weather, and showed me which building to go into. I went into the Robert Osborne building, connected to the Wi-Fi, and looked for a specific gym on the Evite to no avail, so I had to text Harmony about it. "No, gym" is not really a great answer to "should I meet you on the second floor?" when there are at least three gyms and lots of lockers in the entire place... as I told Steph, I wonder how many "where is this place specifically?" calls and texts they got before the birthday party.

Jon and Harmony were actually early with the kids, probably because they had to sign a waiver and were nominally hosting 15 kids and their parents. I showed Beckett the balls that he had dropped in my bag, but he seemed too out of it even for just waking up. He did look at them with widened eyes, but said nothing. After I met Hiero's friends Emmett and Huxley (what a name!), I heard that Hiero had puked on the gymnastics equipment when Harmony was explaining what had happened in Chinese to her parents! IRRESPONSIBLE AND GROSS! WHY WOULD YOU SUBJECT KIDS TO THAT?! Even Ayler was complaining of feeling sick at the end of everything later! While I was there, Chinese Eric replied to my text about the All-Star Game, saying he'd get back to me later. Why don't you figure it out first, man? I'm not like my ex Mike who wants an almost-instant response! Uncle Joe and Auntie Wing ended up driving me home after the refreshments since Costco closes early on Sundays, so I got home at 6:25. AWESOME!

Random stuff from Mom and Dad, who definitely wanted the tiny tote bag back if Mom dug through my bag for it: Cao Is Starvingbase Chongqing instant noodles, Paldo Jjajangmen Chajang instant noodles, Country Life pure soap, a random floral soap circle, Princess Cruises Lotus Spa shower gel x2, a shoe brush, a Bath Aquatics h2O+ bath bar, and Ontrue roasted seaweed x2 in green tea flavor! It's MINE after I put it in my bag - come on now, WAIT FOR ME TO GET BACK FROM THE WASHROOM AND THEN ASK PERMISSION! Even Beckett has more respect than that! When he dropped his balls in my bag, he just stood by the bag and didn't go through it... I'm sure he doesn't have the words to ask about the balls, but that doesn't matter!

The Tiger Tiger Sukiyaki noodles did come with a lot of packets in the bowl with the handy lid, all crammed inside!

( Gummies, water jugs, hot water advisories, and party food! )

Current Mood: worried
Current Location: home
Current Music: Free, "Lady"
Crossposts: https://glowing-dragon.livejournal.com/3985757.html

COFFEE TIME! I showered and did laundry today, like the red dragon hoodie with white flecks from Steph's laundry detergent OR leaving it in the washing machine for days, AND Jon's socks which Harmony loaned me - the hoodie now looks awesome again, thanks to white vinegar! I called Chrystal at work at 3:15, and 7:30 on the 24th sounds like a great time to catch her up on my trip! The Canucks played the Panthers today at 4, and lost 5-2. Eric can give me a ride to church and UBC on the 19th for Hiero's party, thank goodness! His hockey is at UBC, so I'm glad I remembered that little detail. Rishu also wants to reschedule tomorrow's appointment since she's sick - fine by me, since I don't particularly feel like busing in the potential snow!

I got my first Reddit silver on September 13, 2019 for tagging LittleYeti11's assoholic boyfriend, CrazyPotatotoes! Woo!

My Daffy Duck vest: YES! I AM TOTALLY OUT OF CONTROL!

Current Mood: okay
Current Location: home
Current Music: GWAR, "Horror of Yig"
Crossposts: https://glowing-dragon.livejournal.com/3981829.html

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! )

Current Mood: nostalgic
Current Location: Stoney Creek, Ontario
Current Music: AFI, "Bleed Black"
Crossposts: https://glowing-dragon.livejournal.com/3963314.html

The Canucks played the Penguins tonight at 7, and s.

From 9Gag: How Will I Die? Devoured by Republicans?! Mike would be Buried Alive by Justin Bieber! My ex-friend Jimmy would be Suffocated by Living! HAHAHA!

Current Mood: busy
Current Location: Stoney Creek, Ontario
Current Music: Band Aid, "Do They Know It's Christmas?"
Crossposts: https://glowing-dragon.livejournal.com/3961632.html

I got a chance to catch up with Andrew M. this afternoon via phone, which was nice. Talked about kids, quadding, my computer chair, and more stuff.

This pink T-shirt is from Julie M. and Wish: Rise and shine, mother clucker!

From Julie M. and Introvert Spring: These pie charts are about what people think "introverted" means, and what "introverted" actually means!

Chapman's frozen yogurt: Caramel Pecan Crunch!

Chapman's frozen yogurt: Cappuccino with chocolate espresso flakes! I had this with Teunis.

Chapman's frozen yogurt: Black Jack Cherry! Cherry and Chocolate Yogurt with Black Cherries and Cherry Chocolate Cups! I had this with Teunis, and later with Mike.

Chapman's Butterscotch Ripple ice cream!

Current Mood: enthralled
Current Location: home
Current Music: Rolling Stones, "Beast of Burden"
Crossposts: https://glowing-dragon.livejournal.com/3974402.html

DIRTY JOKES!

How is pubic hair like parsley? You push it to the side before you start eating.

( Dirty jokes from Red's Twitch stream! )

After DOUBLE COFFEE TIME, I went out at 6:55 on a 401 to meet Chrystal at the Broadway London Drugs. Good thing I left early since the next Waterfront train was out of service at what HAD BEEN a surprisingly empty Brighouse Station! There was some guy clapping like a seal on the bus and at the station - thank goodness he wasn't in my train car! I got to London Drugs at 7:30, and was happy that there was no lineup at the post office so I could mail Corey and Julie's cards. However, I got a postal worker who was grumpy as fuck: I have NEVER been told that I shouldn't write anything in the corner of the envelope, otherwise the stamp would obscure the destination address! Fuck you, random guy!

Chrystal and I went to Pho Extreme Xe Lua: #17 and #1 it was! SPECIAL! We talked about her nephews Ethan (4) and Ethan (1 and a bit), Ayler, Hiero, Beckett discovering new words and the door, Beckett being "smart" by banging his head on the hardwood floor to delay Harmony's leaving for a school meeting, Beckett being really smart by putting all his molecule balls on the far windowsill so he can play with those and look at the reflected lights across the street at the same time (I left him to do that for a minute - he's fine and preoccupied), my broken suitcase, my replacement suitcase, my upcoming trip, and her just doing family things at home this holiday season. Angus and Melia and Phil and Grace have their own families now, and it would be pretty huge to have a family gathering! I got home at 9:05 on a 407, which is pretty good for leaving at 8:30. (Chrystal bused home again!)

Pho Xe Lua # 17 with Chrystal as a pre-Xmas 2019 dinner: Steak, flank, tendon, tripe, and fatty flank!

Right after Halloween, I was ChristmasFlamHam in Shiwa's Discord server!

From Tommy Chong: What's Your Stoner Elf Name? Mine is Smokey Jingletokes! Mike would be Buddy Evergreens! My ex-friend Jimmy would be Danky Sparklepipe!

Borked Heys suitcase which came with a busted zipper and an almost-impossible push handle...

Successfully packed replacement carry-on American Tourister suitcase with enough room for ALL my stuff, a working zipper, and a much simpler non-push handle! Way easier to maneuver on transit, too! My parents should have just lent me this one in the first place, then I wouldn't have had to store the first one in a weird way so I wouldn't have had to push the handle down every time I wanted to access it. *rolleyes*

Current Mood: full
Current Location: home
Current Music: Rolling Stones, "Brown Sugar"
Crossposts: https://glowing-dragon.livejournal.com/3973131.html

I went to do the dishes in February 2011 at a family dinner, and came back to this on my Facebook timeline. Thanks, evil siblings!

From Youtube: Miraynda Salinas?! BAD SPELLING OF MIRANDA!

Current Mood: indescribable
Current Location: home
Current Music: Rolling Stones, "Ruby Tuesday"
Crossposts: https://glowing-dragon.livejournal.com/3972576.html

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?!

Current Mood: hungry
Current Location: home
Current Music: Children of Bodom, "The Nail"
Crossposts: https://glowing-dragon.livejournal.com/3970809.html

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? )

Current Mood: cold
Current Location: home
Current Music: Eamon, "Intro"
Crossposts: https://glowing-dragon.livejournal.com/3968879.html

I showered and did laundry today since Harmony gave me a day off. The Canucks played the Predators tonight at 7, and won 5-3 thanks to two goals from Pearson (one an empty-net) and two goals from Pettersson (one an empty-net) on his birthday!

My neighbors are at it again, this time leaving a box of St. Remy VSOP brandy just outside the front door, halfway to the dumpster...

Samyang Topokki fire noodles with broccoli, Brussels sprouts, peas, and corn for lunch!

Chili with brown rice and Frank's Red Hot sauce for dinner!

From Youtube: Dellen Mallard is a serial killer? BAD SPELLING OF DYLAN!

Current Mood: pleased
Current Location: home
Current Music: Aerosmith, "Angel"
Crossposts: https://glowing-dragon.livejournal.com/3959323.html

COFFEE TIME! The Canucks played Calgary today at 5, and won 4-3 in a shootout... four wins in a row for the first time since the Sedins were on the ice! That's right - it didn't happen last season! Now I guess I should make a tiny amount of pasta for World Pasta Day today...

Original I Can't Believe It's Not Butthurt, hahaha! Soothing butt salve! Fast pain relief from Internet arguments!

From Julie M. and Hilarious Comics: I found where my ex was born! Mistake Island!

Edit: Pasta for World Pasta Day tonight after the Canucks-Blues hockey game: Rotini, macaroni, Arrabiatta sauce, and Puttanesca sauce! World Authentica Cuisine!

Current Mood: bouncy
Current Location: home
Current Music: Take That, "Shine"
Crossposts: https://glowing-dragon.livejournal.com/3949805.html

I finally actually checked WhatsApp and got a surprise of some Han OK pictures from the other evening! Nice!

From the r/hockey Discord server: Vontaze Burfict?!

Elysse, Declan, Dylan, and me at Han OK with bulgogi hot pot for my belated birthday dinner!

Declan, Elysse, Dylan, and I are happy with bulgogi hot pot, Asahi beer, and iPad time for my belated birthday dinner!

Dylan and me at Han OK with bulgogi hot pot for my belated birthday dinner - YUM!

I'm at Han OK for my belated birthday dinner with bulgogi hot pot - thanks, Deb and Dylan!

Current Mood: hopeful
Current Location: home
Current Music: Green Day, "Jaded"
Crossposts: https://glowing-dragon.livejournal.com/3946334.html

It's TACO DAY today! I had some coffee and biscotti before going out to see Rishu at her new Viking Way location. (401 / 407 AND the 405?!) I was really late, no thanks to it being past Cambie and Jacombs AND the confusing nature of the bus stops at Bridgeport and Viking Way! After SHOWER TIME and MORE COFFEE TIME when I FINALLY got home at 2:40 after refilling my prescription at the pharmacy (yay for wi-fi in the building!), Deb and Dylan picked me up at 6:50 for Korean food at Han OK on Alexandra Road for my birthday. We had seafood pancake, spicy seafood tofu soup, Asahi beer, rice, tea, eggs, cheese, corn, kimchi, spicy pork, and bulgogi hot pot all makes for a yummy belated birthday dinner!

Discussed CBD oil, (medical) marijuana, Cuba, the Philippines, Filipino fried chicken, pregnancy, Vicky, depression, how technology and health has changed so much, the differences between healthcare here and in the States, iPad games and a hungry Sasquatch "finding food in garbage cans" (which reminded me of EARTHBOUND), church being so busy and how it's hard to form or maintain friendships, lots of meetings, the Cactus Club dinner, my nephews, family relationships, downtown conferences, and Elysse's pronunciation of words. No, BALLET is not BELLY DANCING! It was good to see them - they even gave me some assorted Lindt chocolates in a light blue gift bag?! NO WAY! They drove me home at 9:10, which seemed to be a bit late for the kids, especially since they got up at 5:30 to 7 AM!

Nicolas Cage screaming "HALLELUJAH!" in a scene from FACE/OFF!

What's with suddenly making my pics disappear within 0.1 seconds of adding a new tag, Facebook?!

I'm now Pumpkin Flam Hammy in my friend Shiwa's Discord server!

Assorted Lindt chocolates! Red milk chocolate, gold white chocolate, blue dark chocolate, and bronze hazelnut Lindt chocolates!

Red milk chocolate, gold white chocolate, blue dark chocolate, and bronze hazelnut Lindt chocolates!

Current Mood: full
Current Location: home
Current Music: Smashing Pumpkins, "Bodies"
Crossposts: https://glowing-dragon.livejournal.com/3945226.html

I failed at the Excel peppermint gum lottery THREE TIMES, so I had to buy more while I was out anyway! After COFFEE TIME, I went out at 6:35 on a 407 to meet Chrystal at the Broadway London Drugs at 7:30 for Birthday Dinner #3 of 4. She was on time, and we went to Benkei Ramen, which was practically next door. We talked about St. Petersburg (Russia), Copenhagen (Denmark), having ten minutes to take photos of some churches before going on the bus for two hours to the next place, her vacation being with Vivian, my mom and Spanish and Cuba, the trash folder, my birthday dinners so far, Mike's birthday being yesterday, and life in general. It is a small place, but the broth and ramen was pretty good! Later, I went to the Marine Drive Shoppers (on a crowded train at 8:30?!) and got three Excel Polar Ice gum tubs. Luckily, they were ALL good! Finally got home at 9:30 on a 407, but somehow lost my Shoppers Optimum card!

This pie chart is from Life of an Introvert, and I sent it to Julie M. in 2016. What You Do During Small Talk: Nod and smile, or plot your escape!

Nuclear ORANGE levels of powdered spice from Safeway Compliments brand of Spicy Chicken instant noodles...

What an odd M&M candy...

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.

Current Mood: indescribable
Current Location: home
Current Music: Duran Duran, "Ordinary World"
Crossposts: https://glowing-dragon.livejournal.com/3942770.html

PRODUCT WARNING: No more Nivea lotions in my apartment - the pump just suddenly goes down without warning, making it impossible for me to pop it up again!

Today is National Dumpling Day! I called Chrystal at work at 11:40 to see if we were still on for tomorrow's Birthday Dinner #3, and WE ARE! The Canucks played Arizona tonight at 7 in Preseason Game #8 (the last one!), and lost 3-2. Deb said that they could take me out to Korean food tomorrow night, but I'm not free due to the aforementioned plans. Next week on the 4th sounds fine, especially since it's a non-hockey night! I also banned someone from the Fearsome hockey group for typing in very mangled English (it would just annoy me even more throughout the year), and making every comment into some kind of slam freeform poetry.

From the V4F Discord server: Dumpling typology chart - now I want siu mai, hahaha! QUIRKY COINCIDENCE because it's National Dumpling Day today, Sept. 26!

Telisport Putsavage?!

From Julie: Kirk Fonoimoana?!

From Julie: Jarkel Fanning?!

Current Mood: complacent
Current Location: home
Current Music: Duran Duran, "Rio"
Crossposts: https://glowing-dragon.livejournal.com/3942548.html

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 )

Current Mood: tired
Current Location: home
Current Music: the Cure, "Killing An Arab"
Crossposts: https://glowing-dragon.livejournal.com/3941927.html

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! )

Current Mood: relaxed
Current Location: home
Current Music: Metallica, "Until It Sleeps"
Crossposts: https://glowing-dragon.livejournal.com/3940667.html

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

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

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

Cambridge Wesley Sand Flatware cutlery!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Current Mood: loved
Current Location: home
Current Music: Queen, "Jesus"
Crossposts: https://glowing-dragon.livejournal.com/3940543.html

Auntie Catherine finally got back to me via email, wished me a happy belated birthday, and said we could get together on the 24th. Ha, that's not going to work because of my doctor's appointment! I'm not going to go to Vancouver, back to Richmond, and then back to Vancouver within four and a half hours! She wants to go to the Gloucester Café, but at least I can probably take the 15 Olympic Village instead of walking down seven blocks from King Edward station unless I think I need the exercise before or afterwards.

Nick flaked out on me at 5:15 because he didn't want to go to Richmond since he's hungover and depressed and can't deal with small talk. REALLY? Flaps had a good reason: wisdom tooth removal today, which I was understanding about when he let me know yesterday. Darryl would just be all drained, which I totally understand, especially after Christon's wedding!

Then Dylan and Deb called me at 6:15 to say they were stuck in Coquitlam with the kids because traffic was blocked off everywhere, so they can't make it either. At least THEY offered to make it up to me with a meal at their place or elsewhere, so we can start the planning for that soon - not a big deal! They told Declan to wish me a happy birthday, which he did. Then Billie flaked out when she was supposed to be there, achieving Maximum Flake Level - DO YOU REALLY NEED TO DO THAT AT THE LAST MINUTE?! The Canucks played Los Angeles tonight at 6 in Salt Lake City in Preseason Game #5, and lost 7-5.

From Vanessa and I'm Not Right in the Head.com: Me to myself: "Don't be a weirdo at this social event." Also me to myself: Give unnecessary information to strangers about Jeffrey Dahmer.

Dermot Smurfit?!

Apparently, another stupid idiot on Reddit thinks that "the female version of flipping people off" needs to become a thing. No... no, it does not. It's way too confusing, and everyone else prefers the NORMAL version of flipping someone off...

Current Mood: full
Current Location: home
Current Music: Def Leppard, "Promises"
Crossposts: https://glowing-dragon.livejournal.com/3940320.html

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:

Current Mood: silly
Current Location: home
Current Music: Def Leppard, "Unbelievable"
Crossposts: https://glowing-dragon.livejournal.com/3939812.html

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

Current Mood: thankful
Current Location: home
Current Music: GWAR, "Fuckin' An Animal"
Crossposts: https://glowing-dragon.livejournal.com/3939251.html

9/18/19 is also a palindrome date!

Two years ago, I got 173 thumbs-up on my comment of September 18, 2017! "CRIMINALLY LISTED TIME! This makes a great belated birthday present, now that I am actually in the mood to watch things on Youtube! Now to make dumplings and finish off my Sara Lee strawberry cheesecake! :D"

From Youtube: Sharmon Jay Crawford Intili?! Why not Charmaine or Harmony?!

Current Mood: lazy
Current Location: home
Current Music: the Cure, "The Lovecats"
Crossposts: https://glowing-dragon.livejournal.com/3938244.html

GIF Resizer

9/17/19 is also a palindrome date AND MY BIRTHDAY! After COFFEE TIME, I went out at 3:30 on a 401 to help with the kids. I JUST missed the Brighouse train because of someone shoving their way onto the elevator when the door was closing, and ALMOST missed the 3 bus at Marine Drive because someone wanted to let others on the already full elevator! JESUS CHRIST! People already on the elevator have connections to make and places to go - they can wait for the next one! And no, I did not leave really late!

When I finally got to the house at about the usual time, Beckett was fussing and trying to sleep. Ayler and Hiero were doing some origami; no, they couldn't test me on my birthday since that isn't very nice! I got to see Ayler construct a tiny gift box, while Hiero put very small things in his. Ayler wanted me to look at the origami book, so I did - lots of stuff in there for sure! Later, he wanted to see if he was taller than me yet - nope, but he was also cheating (which I told him) because he was standing on the mat and I was standing on the floor. I did tell him - as usual - the demarcation between my neck and my chin. Wow, he's 4 foot 6 already?!

We had dinner earlier than Beckett, and Hiero told me something interesting about making friends in kindergarten. It's good to know the proper names of your body parts, I told him. Harmony asked what I did for my actual birthday: Uh, you're currently looking at it! Turns out Jon believed Mom when she said it was the 16th, so I told her that maybe she shouldn't automatically believe Mom, and take what SHE says with a very liberal grain of salt. Homemade tomato soup, artisan bread, sticky rice (JONG), chicken feet, spicy sausage, soft carrots, and shortbread camel cookies - I declined the relaxing tea, though!

Beckett finally got a little bit of sleep - which I agree that he needed - and then crawled to my chair and pulled himself up to say hi and eat my dragon hoodie strings. CUTE! He wanted me to play with him, so I did - without washing my hands, which I'm sure Harmony wasn't impressed with. Oh well. Sometimes you gotta let the kid lead! He laughed at the baby pop-up toy, clapped and laughed, climbed on my back to try pulling my hair (Ayler says he claws people and pulls their hair now), and seemed way more energetic than Harmony thought he should be. Maybe he just wanted to play with me since he recognizes and likes me now!

Later, he crawled into the bathroom while Ayler was in there, but I was interested to see what he gets up to inside. Turns out that he's smart and knows that his blue basin is inside the shower stall, so wants to put it on his head. I took him out of there to play with better toys on the mat, and he climbed on me when I put the soccer ball on my head. Harmony let me go early at 7:10, which was a change. There was a transit officer on the 3 Marine Drive bus already, which again did not stop anywhere randomly for a few minutes. I still was a couple minutes late for a Brighouse train, but eventually got home at 8:45. Not a bad end to my birthday at all, involving no rushing like LAST YEAR!

From Nita: A pencil is on the phone. "I'll call you back later, okay? I'm having dinner with my editor." The RUBBER ERASER is the editor, hahaha!

Current Mood: loved
Current Location: home
Current Music: Fugazi, "Margin Walker"
Crossposts: https://glowing-dragon.livejournal.com/3938885.html

9/17/19 is also a palindrome date AND MY BIRTHDAY! The Canucks played the Oilers at 7 tonight, and WON 4-2 for my birthday! :D

From Janet, AKA ghost_light: You've leveled up for your birthday! +2 wisdom, +1 age, +5 presents!

It's Palindrome Week 2019! 9/10/19 to 9/19/19 are ALL palindrome dates!

9/17/19 is also a palindrome date! The Canucks played Edmonton tonight at 7 in Game #3 of the preseason, and s.

Deicide Huxtable?!

From Julie: Jeramie?! BAD SPELLING OF JEREMY!

Current Mood: quixotic
Current Location: home
Current Music: Matthew Good Band, "Deep Six"
Crossposts: https://glowing-dragon.livejournal.com/3937545.html

9/15/19 is also a palindrome date! I looked up Uncle John's Truth, Trivia, and the Pursuit of Factiness Bathroom Reader (Bathroom Readers Institute) online, and after getting an error message on the Indigo website search, I managed to find it on the site! Then I looked up the Richmond Chapters number, and also managed to put it on hold for me since I was going out to the mall later anyhow - YAY! After COFFEE TIME, I went out at 4:10 on a 407 to meet the family for dinner at the Richmond Centre White Spot. In addition to the Bathroom Reader, I also picked up Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Beyond The Bizarre 16th Annual (Ripley's Believe it Or Not) up since it was just $15. Yeah, it made my bag moderately heavier, but I could handle it. Since I was at Shoppers anyway to prove to Highspirits that a LOT of Nature Valley bars here (his favorite!) were CRUNCHY and you needed a bowl to eat them, I bought the three chewy kinds I could find. Bonus: They were ON SALE! Fruit and Nut, Dark Chocolate, and Mixed Berry!

Thank goodness the mall and White Spot had wi-fi since everyone was LATE! Harmony wondered what I was doing with my phone after she got back from buying clothes at The Children's Place, so I assured her that I wasn't saying anything about the kids on Discord, and she thanked me for that. Jon says that Jeremy spends a lot of time on Twitch, and figured I wasn't really a gamer - true, but it passes the time for sure! The boys greeted me with what I took to be HAPPY BIRTHDAY - better than Mom's greeting of "Do you know how to cancel a person who is dead?" Um, what?! Beckett just stared at me until he warmed up in the high chair - looking out the window, clapping, laughing, and slapping the table were all entertainment to him!

Discussed menu options, making my own decisions, Pirate Paks, various milkshakes, Monday / Tuesday plans (sure I'll go help out on my own birthday!), Kwong Chow with Uncle Stanley, Brooke, parking upstairs, texting,

Mom and Dad's birthday gifts: 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, 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.

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!

( So many past chip and chocolate flavors! )

Current Mood: full
Current Location: home
Current Music: the Melvins, "Sacrifice"
Crossposts: https://glowing-dragon.livejournal.com/3937146.html

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?! )

Current Mood: irritated
Current Location: home
Current Music: GWAR, "Bloody Mary"
Crossposts: https://glowing-dragon.livejournal.com/3936016.html

Today's date is ALSO a palindrome: 9/11/19! At 2:05, I called Chrystal at work to ask where she'd gone on her cruise since I'd forgotten to ask last time: Copenhagen as a starting point sounds nice! Then just in case, I invited her to the Cactus Club dinner on the 21st, but I know she might still get lost, so instead we made plans for Friday the 27th at the Broadway London Drugs.

I showered today after seeing Rishu at Touchstone at 4:30 and going to RPM for dinner at Captain Wa. Surprisingly, Nick is in for the Cactus Club dinner - I'm glad that both Erics, Jeremy (NOT Jman, Term!), Darryl, Paulo, and Flaps are in, too! Got home at 7:20 on a 407; phew! Found out that some random person had sent me an abusive PM - it's not MY fault you broke the DRAGON group rules and posted some sob story about your sister! I did talk to an admin as well, so HA! I'm glad she's out of the group now, and that another member agreed with me that it was annoying!

Dinner from Captain Wa: "Spicy" cod, fried noodles, mushrooms, beef, cabbage, zucchini, plus bonus broccoli and a bonus chicken leg!

Congress Lepou and Bread of Life Faiupu?!

My ex-friend Chris W. sent this to me on May 25, 2014: The crocodile and buffalo turn to a bra and ask it to judge if the crocodile should be allowed to eat the buffalo. The bra, naturally, can't answer because it can't speak. This is in an Indonesian show for kids, by the way.

Current Mood: okay
Current Location: home
Current Music: GWAR, "Licksore"
Crossposts: https://glowing-dragon.livejournal.com/3935867.html

The 401 did not show up at the bus stop when I left at 3:30, so I was stuck waiting 20 minutes for the 407 and two 401 buses which all came at the same time. I still managed to get to the house at 5, despite a text message from Harmony way earlier asking if I could be there at 3:45, which I didn't even get till I left the house. Technically late before I even thought of making my way outside... hahaha! Good thing the 3 Downtown pulled up when I'd made my way to the bus stop, and there were NO further delays on my way over! I had to stop into Kwong Chow to pee, which I wouldn't have had to do if the 401 had showed up when it was supposed to!

When I'd made my way quietly into the living room, Hiero greeted me with "Look at my balls, Auntie!" HAHAHA! Thank goodness he meant his yellow origami balls which he'd made and displayed on the table! He showed me some more cardboard buses and Mark III Skytrains plus a cow "headband" which he'd picked up at the PNE this year. Ayler was hiding Beckett's toy balls among some books, then was concentrating on his connect-the-dots book for a while. We had bean soup, frozen grapes, pork chops, and blueberries for dinner while discussing Christon's wedding. Apparently, someone stole Jon's extra four boxes of leftovers! WHAT?! Some auntie had stolen a Bible from Jon and Harmony's wedding centrepieces - WHAT?! She gave it back once she realized it was real, but STILL!

Later, Beckett played the piano with his feet as I held him in my lap for better mobility... that was funny and cute! Yes, he climbed on me and laughed when I put the soccer ball on my head, less so with the baby pop-up toy. Ayler didn't get to sleep till 10:30 last night, but it had been the first day of school today, so anxiety and questions were normal. Hiero took quite a while to eat dinner, while Beckett seemed happy to flip pages of various books on the mat. Later, Beckett climbed on Ayler's back, and Ayler said that he knew Beckett would pull his hair. Close enough - he instead was gumming his hair and chewing on it! I guess he really is teething from last week into this week.

Since someone had a tantrum, I left at 8 on the dot. Next week should be fine. I actually got on a 3 Marine Drive that was NOT annoying and did NOT stop anywhere random for a while! There was a girl who wanted to let the bus driver know that she'd be getting off with her stroller, but if I could barely hear her above the traffic and bus noise while seated across from her, I'm surprised that the bus driver could! I'm glad that I have NG lungpower and strength! Since the bus didn't stop anywhere, I was able to get a Brighouse train pulling into the Marine Drive station. I still had to wait a while at Brighouse Station, but I got home at 9:30 on a 407 - PHEW! Harmony had mentioned that Mom had emailed us about my birthday dinner. I'll think about that tomorrow, since I'm much more interested in chilling and relaxing at home for the rest of my night, haha!

Hiero thought I should be a cow with this Mobile Dairy Classroom thing that he picked up from the PNE!

From Jim Can't Swim: Anjie Galsworthy?! BAD SPELLING OF ANGIE!

Current Mood: quixotic
Current Location: home
Current Music: Veruca Salt, "Bodies"
Crossposts: https://glowing-dragon.livejournal.com/3933686.html

Today's date is a palindrome: 9/1/19! I went out shopping at 5:05 on a 407 at London Drugs. I got more 48 chewable Pepto-Bismol tablets, 400 Mead index cards, two GOODY toothbrush holders, and NEW on-sale Ruby Cocoa Kit-Kat chocolate bars before coming home at 5:55 on another 407.

NEW Ruby Cocoa Kit-Kat chocolate bars!

Labor Day is a great opportunity to reflect on what you failed to accomplish this summer.

Dr. Trent Artichoker?!

From Reddit: Brookelyn Farthing?! BAD SPELLING OF BROOKLYN! Also, the reporter's name is CRITLEY KING?!

Current Mood: okay
Current Location: home
Current Music: Touch Tone Terrorists, "Retirement Home"
Crossposts: https://glowing-dragon.livejournal.com/3932924.html

It's International Bacon Day today!

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

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

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

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

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

THE WEDDING BANQUET MENU:

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

* deep-fried crab claw wrapped with minced prawn

* bird nest soup with fish maw and Chinese ham

* live lobster in consomme with light ginger and green onion

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

* crispy skin free range chicken

* steamed live fish

* special fried rice with dried shrimp wrapped in lotus leaf

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

* two kinds of Dim Sum dessert

* Kirin special sweetened soup

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

( Most of the food... )

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

Current Mood: drained
Current Location: finally home!
Current Music: Touch Tone Terrorists, "Heavy Metal Hotel Destroyers"
Crossposts: https://glowing-dragon.livejournal.com/3932630.html

From the r/hockey Discord server: There are 69,420 days from August 20, 2019 until April 20, 2069?!

Mint Chewy Dragees Mentos!

( Clorets gum, various Mentos, and more! )

Current Mood: thankful
Current Location: home
Current Music: Lords of Acid, "Marijuana In Your Brain"
Crossposts: https://glowing-dragon.livejournal.com/3928339.html

Today is Hot and Spicy Food Day! After COFFEE TIME, I went out at 3:30 on a 401 to help with the kids. Just before I was going to leave, the handyman came by and agreed with my assessment that the toilet float needed to be replaced, thank goodness! That left me with little time to catch the bus, but I JUST managed to. Then I was STILL left with time to kill at Marine Drive, so I went to T and T to buy NEW Sautao hot and sour soup vermicelli noodles and what turned out to be Choco-Caramel Mentos. I also texted Term (as is now the tradition) to say, "Hey, guess where I am right now!" Then I saw an Engrish sign: LAYS POTATO SHIPS IN KIMCHI FLAVOR?!

Jon texted me when I got to his building at 4:45; no wonder they weren't answering the buzzer because they were at the park across the street! I found them in due time; he decided to see if Beckett liked the baby swings. He was still expressionless after a few minutes of swinging, not sure what to make of it even if he'd had that experience once before a while ago. Later, Jon tickled him and took video of him laughing for Harma. Ayler and Hiero threw sand on the slide and over the railing for the kiddy structure. I swung the baby gently as Jon went over to discipline. Hiero called me by my first name, which Jon scolded him for. Later, Harma met us at the park with a new puzzle from work! Jon told me that they'd had a playdate with Deb, Dylan, Declan, and Elysse recently, and that LA Chicken was good with kimchi. Fried chicken with kimchi - WEIRD FOOD COMBINATION!

At home, Beckett wanted to play "catch" with those hard plastic stacking blocks... ouch! The soft toys they borrowed or bought are much better for that purpose! Ayler showed me his "creative part" for "THE PLANETS" (not Gustav Holst, but his own creation) and some variations he'd made up for a piano piece. Awesome! Hiero just hid Koosh balls in the "Duplo" blocks and made me guess where he'd put them. That kind of went okay, but I still had to watch Beckett, who was doing a lot less throwing than last week! I had lots of kimchi and some ratatouille for dinner, plus another slice of nectarine thanks to Ayler's aversion to mushy things. He didn't care if I ate it! (I asked him first just to be sure)

We discussed Caleb's greenhouse, Parksville, Hi-Chews candy, Uncle Percy's death (why else would Mom be inviting me to his celebration of life this weekend?), what "avid' meant in the context of being an avid reader, what Beckett liked to eat, summer reading (Ayler read a book all by himself with no alternating pages!), origami with the Summer Reading Log, practicing reading and writing, whether they needed me once school starts up again (could be chaotic), and colorful train tracks which apparently aren't appropriate for Beckett yet. He still seemed to like them, though I know that's not really the point. I left before 8 and got home at 9 on a 407, which isn't bad at all. I thought I was going to miss the 8:56 407 like I did last week, but thankfully did not run into any delays, although other people on the elevator could have counted as one. Luckily, they seemed to be efficient, which I value.

From Julie M. and Introvert Spring: I may be quiet, but I have so much on my mind.

Lays potato SHIPS in kimchi flavor! Nice Engrish!

NEW Sautao hot and sour soup vermicelli noodles!

NEW Choco-Caramel Mentos!

Current Mood: lazy
Current Location: home
Current Music: Korn, "Blame"
Crossposts: https://glowing-dragon.livejournal.com/3927822.html

Turns out that the Halo Top ice cream I bought on July 11 was already expired with a date of June 10, so I ate it TODAY. Screw saving it for my September birthday!

Truman Peyote?!

Sione Tikitaki?!

Andraez Greedy Williams?!

Josey Jewell?!

Current Mood: okay
Current Location: home
Current Music: Ween, "Molly"
Crossposts: https://glowing-dragon.livejournal.com/3921581.html

I took a shower, did some laundry, and had COFFEE TIME before Eric Ho texted me to cancel the BC Lions-Edmonton Eskimos hangout since he had to to stay at work till 7:30 or so. (he COULD say no, but maybe not!) "Are you coming? Yes or no." "Yeah, I have to stay a bit later, so text you later since I have to take a raincheck on the hangout." Fine, I'll just use my $10 off coupon by myself with no heavy things! I went to London Drugs first at 3:10 to get four DEFINITE big reusable bags (I only had four small ones?!), a dark green MARTEX bath towel, a shopping cart with a cooler bag ($54.99 to $24.99 SALE!), and two more London Naturals foam scour sponges.

Luckily, I was able to sort of tuck the cart under my arm and then waited for the bus home - got there at 4:05 on a 401. Later, I went to Price Smart with my $10 coupon at 5:35 on a 401. I got Halo Top birthday cake ice cream, NEW Sapporo Ichiban Tonkotsu ramen noodles, NEW Maynards Fuzzy Peach popsicles, NEW Maynards Swedish Berry popsicles, NEW Magnum white ice cream bars, NEW Magnum Double Cookies and Cream ice cream bars, NEW Magnum double cherry truffle ice cream bars, NEW Magnum Infinity Chocolate ice cream bars, NEW Magnum double raspberry ice cream bars, NEW Magnum strawberries and cream ice cream bars, BIG on-sale Lysol lemon wipes, Maggi curry noodles, and Olay cooling white strawberry and mint bar soap.

Cloverleaf baby clams!

( Baby clams, cereal, ice cream, and more! )

Current Mood: accomplished
Current Location: home
Current Music: Soul Asylum, "Runaway Train"
Crossposts: https://glowing-dragon.livejournal.com/3915612.html

After COFFEE TIME, I had to go out at 11:20 to meet Mom and Dad for my new reading glasses and some lunch. Mom wondered why I didn't turn my cellphone on - why not save battery life if I don't NEED it on all day? She wasn't impressed when I told her that, but whatever! At home, I just use it to briefly check things like redundant Youtube notifications / Facebook messages and texts. When I'm out and about, it's a different story!

We had stew beef noodles, hot and sour soup, long Chinese dumplings (wo-teep), and siu long bao (soup dumplings) for lunch at Dinesty. Dad told me that she was slowing down, so I had to look after her - if I feel like it, maybe. Then we went to the nearby herbalist (whom she asked for dollar store intel when I'd already told her about Dollarama and Dollar Tree) - where I saw testicles apparently for sale - and Staples where Mom got a bunch of clearance stuff. No, I didn't want any of that even if she wanted to buy it for herself.

Mom also wanted to pay for my one pack of 12 blue Z-Grip Pens (January 17, 2019- the last one on the shelf) which I was going to pay for myself at the cash register. Then she played the martyr about it when they weren't the cheap kind ("why don't you get some other kind..."), but eventually paid for them. The next stop was the Dollarama at Lansdowne, where Mom paid for one pair of reading glasses, then stopped by the Smart n'Save for some crunchy Wah Yuen BBQ fried dough. Mom also almost killed herself by crossing the street too slowly at Lansdowne Mall with oncoming traffic - shades of Grandma! Later, we got one more pair of reading glasses at Dollar Tree before they finally dropped me off at home at 1:10 prior to helping Ayler and Hiero with swimming lessons.

Random stuff from Mom and Dad: two pairs of dollar store reading glasses (2.50 and 2.75 - NEEDED: 3.00), a small pack of Cadbury mini-eggs from the dollar store, a 12-pack of Z-Grip pens which I was going to pay for myself since we were at Staples anyway, Every Living Thing by James Herriot, a thin beige scarf, an ORGANICS FOR LIFE tote bag, a blue neck scarf, a thin white scarf, a knitted white hat which looks like a doily, a knitted black and brown hat, a black buttoned SEQUENCE coat, and a thin sky blue zippered Tabi vest.

Pan-fried pork potstickers or wo-teep! Long Chinese dumplings!

Wah Yuen BBQ fried dough!

Touch toothpicks - 1000 regular ones! Mike almost stole them from me by keeping them at his mom's place in Point Grey because she supposedly needed them for a party appetizer in 2014! Thank goodness I took them back when we were there next time... phew!

Current Mood: bitchy
Current Location: home
Current Music: Red, "Lost"
Crossposts: https://glowing-dragon.livejournal.com/3915428.html

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?!

Current Mood: full
Current Location: home
Current Music: U2, "Where The Streets Have No Name"
Crossposts: https://glowing-dragon.livejournal.com/3914646.html

King Jin tried adding me to Facebook - DENIED! A "lady" at the dumpster last night said, "Thank you for recycling" when I dumped my Ziploc bag with stale cookies inside. Thank YOU for being nosy! I'm not going to recycle my Ziploc bags!

From my People You May Know section: Fishluna Yu?!

From Julie: Quiet (and dead) neighbors across the street? Mary's a savage RE/MAX realtor!

Current Mood: groggy
Current Location: home
Current Music: Nirvana, "Polly"
Crossposts: https://glowing-dragon.livejournal.com/3914454.html

After COFFEE TIME / SHOWER TIME / LAUNDRY TIME, Eric picked me up at 6:10 so we could go to Lion's Den plus Bells and Whistles for Randal's birthday thing. Thank goodness for texting! I wore my Spirit of Nature "Canada D'Eh!" moose T-shirt in honor of Canada Day long weekend, of course. Kevin, Eric Ho, Eric M., Jeremy, Randal, and I discussed chimerism in humans, jerk chicken, curry goat, ginger beer, Jamaican patties, working security at the NHL Draft in Vancouver recently, Kaapo Kakko, Jim Benning and the number 6 (NOT 666), my NOT wanting Eric to put his styrofoam (teriyaki chicken) leftovers box in my tote bag without a plastic bag because it would spill all over, Christon and Alice coming really late to Bells and Whistles, my "famous" handwritten birthday card for Randal, Grace hot sauce, the Scoville scale, and the world's youngest mother.

It took 15 minutes for us to get the bill and pay because Kevin wanted our bills to have an additional amount for Randal's stuff. I didn't mind paying part of Randal's bill, but can't we do that among ourselves without wasting time? I don't mind the owner talking to someone in a wheelchair, but that was before she took our request for the bill. We did meet the owner and heard her story, just like that time we were there years ago. I knew the immediate area looked vaguely familiar!

Later, we ordered various beers (Kevin had a Pilsner while I had a Vancouver Special West Coast IPA) and Jon showed up to order garlic fries at Bells and Whistles. I was on my phone (Jon asked how I liked it after I gave him some used printer paper for Hiero's origami creations), but paid attention to CANADIAN BACON while texting Pothead Mike about stuff on Google Hangouts. Eric and I left after Kevin and Jeremy did - discussed chicken and waffles, anime, DARK SOULS, SHINING FORCE, the Nintendo Switch, and cleaning up after Christon's wedding at Kirin. Hopefully, it won't be like the time Mike wanted to help out at Tony and Trish's wedding after an already long day! Got home at 10:30 and discussed the questionable smell outside - at least it didn't smell like shit like on Thursday evening!

Canada D'Eh! moose T-shirt for Canada Day!