glowing_dragon: (DarkEyedWolf... sex!)
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!

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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




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




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




RIP, Don't Argue pizzeria...




Beef stew with carrots and Pho noodles!




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




Tomato and Basil light Ragu pasta sauce!

glowing_dragon: (Bubble Tea)
After COFFEE TIME, I left at 12:35 on a 407 for my dentist appointment with Sean on FRASER instead of Oakridge - sigh. I had to leave myself plenty of time for getting lost (seeing Krista at Gilbert and Westminster - "Ontario is a magical place because I've never been there"?!), and had to take a 99 at Broadway / Cambie, and then an 8 Fraser bus around the corner at Fraser till I got to 19th, right across from Glad Tidings church. I would have been there earlier than half an hour early if SOME PEOPLE hadn't hesitated for 45 microseconds at the Brighouse station elevator - BE EFFICIENT AND NOT SLOW WHEN OTHERS ARE PLAINLY WAITING FOR YOU AT THE DOOR! The new location has more space and okay enough wifi, plus actual hooks for your coats and things! I had to have an X-ray, but it's not my fault that my mouth is SMALL! Learned that Sean is getting married in July, too! I have to wait till July to try The Pie Hole across the street because I got fluoride as part of my treatment today. Also got a receipt where the insurance paid 100%, but for some reason, I'm keeping it for now.

Went to the Broadway London Drugs to buy an on-sale Creature Chumper with 1500 Zorbees for Hiero's birthday, on-sale Stemnex 4D Transforming Robots for Ayler's birthday, on-sale Nescafé Taster's Choice instant coffee in a 250g canister, and on-sale Andes candy cane Peppermint Crunch before going to Pho Extreme Xe Lua to have a large #17 and figure out the wi-fi from the nearby A&W. Some guy ahead of me was in a fucking hurry at the exit of London Drugs, saying "excuse me" - nope, we are both directly headed to the doors, so you will have to wait. I should have dawdled even more because he was an impatient ass! It's not like I dropped anything, after all. I also had to deal with THE most recalcitrant self-checkout machine! It wouldn't give me the correct start-up screen (thinking I had items to re-scan), wouldn't give me enough time to find a barcode, wouldn't let me scan something without a barcode (the coffee), and wouldn't let me pay without calling an attendant! UGH! SO TIME-CONSUMING!

Finally got home at 5:20, and saw Hester and Ni, so told them about the mouse / steel wool problem, which luckily I had a photo of on my phone! I did notice an odd metallic clanking sound coming from my bag, which turned out to be two of Beckett's red / white molecule balls from yesterday's throwing activities. No wonder I noticed him standing at my bag looking into it, but he does have plenty of balls, so he should be fine till next week. He did seem interested in the safety fluorescent slap bracelet, too. I'm also going to wash the socks that Harmony loaned me.


Large #17 at Pho Extreme Xe Lua! Steak, flank, tendon, tripe, and fatty flank!




Creature Chumper with 1500 Zorbees!




Stemnex 4D Transforming Robots!




Nescafé Taster's Choice instant coffee!




From Julie: Uncle John's Bathroom Reader BRIEFS and FUNNIEST EVER!




From Julie: Uncle John's Bathroom Reader blurb for BRIEFS and FUNNIEST EVER!




From Julie: Uncle John's Bathroom Reader STRANGE HISTORY! I actually have this one! STRANGE SCIENCE, too!

glowing_dragon: (OMFG Yay!)
2019 Yearly Recap!


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


JANUARY

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

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

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

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

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

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


FEBRUARY

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

( Highlights and lowlights! )
glowing_dragon: (Default)
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*

glowing_dragon: (French Toast)
From Youtube: Halee Rathgeber?! If you are going to spell it that way, pronounce it like Halle Berry does, not as HAILEY or HALEY. BAD SPELLING! It also makes me think of Gerber.

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

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

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


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


President's Choice jalapeno cheddar popcorn!




Zippered Doge bag!




( Do I really need a packing list? )
glowing_dragon: (Consumer Whore)
After I had COFFEE TIME and called Dr. Ruby's office back to grudgingly set up an appointment for tomorrow at 3:30 and NOT today at 2:45 (HOCKEY AT 5?!), Barry picked me up at 11:50 and we went banking and to Price Smart while discussing his recent Japan trip / XTC / the Buzzcocks / my own life. I got NEW Western Family Foglie D'Autunno pasta / NEW Farfalle Tricolor pasta / NEW Connchiglioni pasta / NEW Orecchiette pasta / NEW Trofie pasta / NEW Trecce Dell'Orto pasta / NEW Gomitoni pasta / NEW Arcobaleno pasta / farfalle bowtie pasta / Alphabets pasta / penne rigate / Cavatappi pasta / Small Shells pasta / rigatoni, NEW Samyang Fire Noodles 2X spicy gyoza dumplings, a DRAGON MASTERS kids book for obvious reasons, American Greetings construction and vehicle and dinosaur stickers for my nephews, Western Family white vinegar x2 (one litre for laundry and four litres), NEW on-sale Danone YoPro Skyr yoghurt x3 (plain / strawberry / vanilla), NEW limited-edition Ruffles Jalapeno Cheddar chips, and on-sale Earth's Own almond milk which expires before my trip.

Also got ALL the on-sale Knorr Sidekicks flavors x22 for hopeful food photo purposes (including NEW Garlic Fettuccine Alfredo), NEW Samyang noodles dumplings x4 (Kimchi / Seafood / Vegetable / Chives), on-sale GOING BANANAS chips snacks, NEW Mentos gum x3 (Cinnamint red / Fresh Mint blue / Spearmint green), Nissin black garlic oil noodles, NEW Western Family peanuts x4 of 400g (Chili and Lime / Sea Salt / Sea Salt and Pepper / Jalapeno), GOOD TASTE Pork and Celery dumplings since the store finally had them after a couple of months, and a NEW Softsoap Aquarium refill. After that, I paid my Shaw bill online when I got home at 1:30. Barry and I will set up an appointment when I get back in January OR before I leave in December, probably!


From Julie M. and Introvert Spring: I am a daydreamer and a night thinker.




NEW limited-edition Ruffles Jalapeno Cheddar chips!




Nosh and Co. soft chewy mints!




Campside marshmallows: Strawberry Twisties!




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

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

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

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

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


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


From AskReddit: Mike Litterst?!

glowing_dragon: (OMFG Yay!)
Since I didn't have to help out with the kids today, I stayed home to wallow in redrum unglory, haha. I felt bad because I had genuinely forgotten to give the cleaner a $20 cash tip yesterday (and remembered the time when Eric made us go back to the Pho place next door to church so I could give them a tip for dinner), so after some procrastination, called the EcoClean number given in my text reminder yesterday at 3:55. No, an e-transfer wouldn't work as far as I knew, and neither would a credit card payment on my own non-existent credit card if I didn't want it getting back to my family. The guy said he'd call her and see what she wanted to do.

Someone knocked on my door at 6:30, and it turned out to be the cleaner, who actually lives in Richmond! SHE thought I was paying for the service in cash, and wanted to call her boss, but I clarified. I said that I didn't want her to think that someone deliberately didn't tip her since I definitely wanted to show her some appreciation (especially since she was doing it all by herself), so she thanked me and gave me a big hug after I gave her $20 in cash fresh from my wallet. I should get more envelopes since I have no idea where my other ones are! At least my laundry token seed money of $20 is still intact!


COOKIES! Dare Cookie Butter cookies, NEW Dutch De Ruiter Speculaas biscuits, NEW Triscuit dill / sea salt / olive oil crackers, NEW Triscuit Canada balsamic and basil crackers, and NEW basil and garlic Triscuits crackers in a Ziploc bag!




From Julie: Amina is okay, but it reminds her of ammonia!




From Julie: Charece?!




From Julie: Bhakari?!




From Julie: Bhakari Jr. and Brooklyn?!




From Julie: Porsche and Vina?!

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

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

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

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

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


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


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




( Peppermint lip balm, birthday swag, Compliments instant noodles, a bunny, construction workers looking out for the baby rabbits, doughnut drawing at the hospital bus stop, Polestar planner )
glowing_dragon: (Happy Birthday!)
Birthday Gifts / Presents in 2019!


THIS ENTRY IS ALLOWED TO HAVE NON-ALIGNED TAGS.


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

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

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

* a birthday card from Jeremy

* a birthday card from Randal

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

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

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

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


( Gift photos! )
glowing_dragon: (Happy Birthday!)
Birthday Wishes in 2019!


THIS ENTRY IS ALLOWED TO HAVE NON-ALIGNED TAGS.


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




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




( Gift photos! )


Gmail Chat: Mike F. {1}

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

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

LINE: Corey T. {1}

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Twitch Streams: Kramer, YoungMerlin1 {2}

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

Not Always Right: Deadpool {1}

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

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

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

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


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


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


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


GRAND TOTAL: 390
glowing_dragon: (OMFG Yay!)
After COFFEE TIME and getting some free NRG Detox Iaso tea samples from Shane in today's mail (yay for bubble-wrap envelopes!), I went out at 2 on a 414 to see Rachel at the Caring Place. We called Shaw and I managed to get my bill lowered by about $50 per month for two years in a row! I'll also get a new cable box and some other things next Wednesday when the technician comes by in the late morning or early afternoon. I killed time by taking advantage of the wi-fi there, in Richmond Centre, and outside Waves Coffee. Texted Paulo, talked to James about food, sent Mike a quick Hangouts message, and generally kept in touch with people. Someone in the V4F Discord server mentioned coffee, so I decided to check the London Drugs website to see whether the tall canisters were on sale - SCORE! I bought a NESCAFÉ instant coffee canister (October 1, 2018) for $10.99 instead of $14.99, plus NEW Late July bacon habanero tortilla chips.

Later, I met Frances for dinner at Pho Han after walking from Richmond Centre to Lansdowne and then taking the 410. Well, she offered to pick me up somewhere near Aberdeen Station around 6 since the restaurant is in one of those little plazas on Capstan Way. It was definitely out of the way, that's for sure! We talked about VCEFC people, my mom calling me for something which turned out to be an "invite" to one of Dad's VOS opera choir concerts tomorrow evening (I never check WhatsApp and she might as well just TELL ME WHAT IT IS ON THE PHONE), Ellen, Facebook, my malfunctioning microwave, her mother and dementia, my spicy pork blood soup, her spring rolls and grilled chicken, her paying for the meal (wow!) and dropping me off later, her brothers, and autism. I guess Mom will pick me up at 5 tomorrow from the courtyard with another bag or two of random stuff before we go for wonton mein or something.

It was good, but I am still glad to be home. I should have gotten her to stand around while I looked at microwaves in London Drugs since I have more than $150 cash in my wallet, but that's probably not what she had in mind when she said "grocery shopping." I just emailed white Eric to see if he can do it and then recycle the old one - then maybe I can give the Danby Designers 700-watt one to Paulo if and when that ends up happening.


Alprentice Von Slatten?!




From Julie: Cardi B has a daughter named KULTURE?! Bad spelling of Culture, not that this is a good name if spelled correctly...




NEW Late July bacon habanero tortilla chips!

glowing_dragon: (Consumer Whore)
SHOPPING RUNDOWN!

H and M: DRAGON HOODIE on clearance ($15 off) from $39.99 to $24.99! :D

London Drugs near my house: Red MARTEX bath towel, medium blue MARTEX bath towel, NEW on-sale Strawberries and Cream Lindt chocolate truffles, NEW limited-edition on-sale Blueberries and Cream Lindt truffles, NEW on-sale Milk and White Spring Edition Lindt truffles, on-sale Colgate Optic White toothpaste, and Colgate KnockOut MaxFresh toothpaste in Mint Fusion.

Broadway London Drugs: Fart-O-Matic birthday card for Jon for 2020, brown MARTEX bath towel, on-sale Godiva dark chocolate Easter bunny, and an on-sale Kit Kats Senses Easter bunny.

Shoppers Drug Mart: On-sale Philadelphia chip dip (dill pickle!), and on-sale President's Choice bite-size round tortilla chips! Gotta have it for Chips and Dip Day today and tomorrow!


Before COFFEE TIME, I called Chrystal to see what time we should meet tonight; 7:30 sounds good to me! I went out early at 5:30 to see if I could get that dragon hoodie at H and M after figuring out all the sidewalk and bus stop closures. They were all in a Medium size, but I figured that I'd make it work somehow. I didn't even care that I couldn't exchange it or get a refund since it was on clearance! $15 off - from $39.99 to $24.99! Then I went to the nearby London Drugs, then to the Broadway / Cambie London Drugs. Figured I'd spend my $75 tax refund while I was out and could do stuff, and I did! Now I have to wait for the April credit to go through, ha ha ha...

As I was reading an ARCHIE book, Chrystal came up to me - she was on time today! I told her that I had a birthday card for her, and not to worry about the rest of the stuff in my bulky reusable bag - that was all for me! We went to Pho Extreme Xe Lua to catch up: her parents going to Dubai pretty soon, Ethan and Mike being sick with the flu, my new Reddit friends, the whole Woob and Twitter screenshots saga, Benjamin being about the same age as Beckett, Beckett screaming as loud as the 80s music inside Como Taperia, and her knowing that I liked spicy stuff. After dinner, I went home instead of joining Brian, Paulo, and others at the American. I did stop by Shoppers Drug Mart when I got to Brighouse so I could get the aforementioned chips and dip. Got home at 9:10 on a 401, no thanks to MORE complicated sidewalk closures! They did make a temporary crosswalk near the intersection at my place, though.


From Sara and BrazilFlair on Tumblr: Here’s my first attempt at synonym rolls. Just like Grammar used to make!




( Lots of dips! Lots of chocolates! FOOD TIME! )
glowing_dragon: (Devilish Smile)
After COFFEE TIME, I went to the eye clinic by 11:45 (busing at 11 on a 401, which I got to JUST IN TIME) for an eye pressure test, but I was 25 minutes late because of snow and transit delays, NOT helped by SOMEONE thinking we had infinite time to exit the elevator at Brighouse station! It won't be 20/20 vision or anything with the other surgery, but the doctor is okay with how things are going so far. I decided to take a business card for my home use: IN THE COSMETICS BAG BY THE COMPUTER FOR EASIER ACCESS! I'm sure they have a thousand of those things! While I was out anyway, I decided just to kill time at Oakridge. Thank goodness the snow was melting because of the rain since the temperature had warmed up a bit! I found that the best wifi signal was near the food court (where I had some Pho), and definitely not at Safeway or the library!

I got NEW Pringles Groovz in Applewood Smoked Cheddar flavor, small bottles of Vaseline x2 in Cocoa Radiant Cocoa Butter / Aloe Vera, Flaming Hot Cheetos, and Jalapeno Cheddar Cheetos at Safeway. Also read a bit and talked to people on Discord, as you do. I also went to Wireless Wave to find out why my Internet data was frozen - apparently, I wasn't allowed to have any, which explains some things, but at least I can still seemingly take advantage of Wifi and Shaw Open!

We talked about her mom, Sophie, not saying hi to David yet after a year (sit in their pew!), her brother helping out, the new caregiver from church, the new worship team and their new style of songs, Belinda's new snowblower for Toronto weather, my eye surgeries, and going to No Frills later only to find that the Becel avocado oil margarine was sold out. Ugh, I'll just get it some other time since I was not in the mood to walk anymore once I got into Richmond. Got home at 7:55 on a 401, and the sidewalks were just as clear as they'd been this morning as I tried "safely running" for the bus. Yes, of course I'm a good listener as Anita told me all those years ago, and Frances affirmed tonight. I told her to look up Edward Rutherfurd if she wanted to read more historical fiction, ha!


NEW Chipotle Barbacoa Bowl - yum!




Vaseline Advanced Repair lotion in the white bottle!




Vaseline Aloe Vera lotion in the green bottle!




Vaseline Cocoa Radiant Cocoa Butter lotion in the brown bottle!




Pringles Groovz: Classic Salted, Delicious BBQ, and Applewood Smoked Cheddar!




Flaming Hot Cheetos!




Jalapeno Cheddar Cheetos!

glowing_dragon: (Happy Birthday!)
After COFFEE TIME, Eric picked me up for church in the morning. We talked about DARK SOULS, my eye surgery and insurance, how it was somewhat his fault for the sewer updates and construction zone around my place because his company was involved, drivers and turn signals, Elysse thinking my dad was dead because I now have his old phone, and sleeping in last week. We sat together in church service, I returned Deb's Ziploc tub to her / returned Mom's jars to her, and said hi to Frances M. / Sophie / Auntie Cathy / Ayler / Hiero / Andrew L.

I got a lunch and ride offer from Deb if I was fine with going to Canadian Tire beforehand (sure, why not?), and had to chat briefly with Uncle Reuben as he saw me. He asked about Dad and - speak of the devil (which I DID say out loud in church, hahaha) - Dad did pass by in purple choir robes a minute later! Ivan did joke that I should make it three weeks in a row for church attendance next week, but I think I'm good to go for now. Dylan, Deb, Declan, Elysse, and I bumped into Mom in the church elevator, where she thanked them for "looking after" me. *rolleyes* Like I can't do that myself?! Sheesh!

After looking at ALL the games / windshield wiper fluid / shovels / lawn mowers at Canadian Tire (and saying hi to Joe T. who was also there), it was time for a Pho lunch at Basil Garden (where I attempted to pay for my own meal - we talked about Farrah Fawcett / SMALL SACRIFICES and Diane Downs / SALVATION / Extreme's MORE THAN WORDS / whining / iPad time / tendon / brisket / steak / tripe / Pho noodles / rice) and Hiero's glow-in-the-dark bowling party at Grandview Lanes! While I was at the bowling alley, I successfully signed up for Shaw Open wi-fi because I'd written down my stuff at home when I could more easily access it via desktop. I also met a kid named Louie's mom (Hiero's classmate), saw kids named SPARKLE and KALAN in another group, and tried to stay out of the way, but it was pretty cramped.

Ayler asked me whether my body was cold because of the Dairy Queen ice cream cake (not yet), and added that the cake was the yummiest cake that he's ever had - NICE! Said hi to baby Beckett when he was awake, admired the glow-in-the-dark effect, watched Elysse when she looked at the frosted window, and told Hiero that I could read to him the next time I came over because my eye surgery was done for now. He seemed to like that idea, as well as the hot dogs and Lays chips and veggie platter. I got a sane ride home with Deb and Dylan, thank goodness. We talked about tonight's lunar eclipse, Jawbreaker candy, and I SPY before they dropped me off at 4:50. The Canucks played Detroit at 1 today, and won 3-2.


Random stuff from Mom and Dad: Liberté Canada strawberry Greek yogurt x4 which expires on January 22 (so I'll eat it all tomorrow night after it's chilled in the fridge), Excel Hotel Tokyu coffee powder x1, random Chinese green tea x8, Daiwa Royal Hotels green tea x1, Nikko Hotels International Roasted Japanese Tea x2, Nikko Hotels International green tea x2, random Chinese tea x4, Kantafe Creamy Powder x1, Kantafe sugar packet x2, Kantafe Instant Coffee x1, random Chinese roasted tea x1, Ronnefeldt 隆納菲 Lemon Sky flavored fruit infusion tea, Sencha green tea x1, and random Chinese coffee powder x1.


Speed limit 69! Just kidding... 35! What a road sign, hehehe!

glowing_dragon: (OMFG Yay!)
After COFFEE TIME and some aspirin, I left at 3:30 for my dentist appointment with Sean at 4 today, which was a success! He's going to Colombia to get married?! Later, I hung out at Oakridge Library and Safeway to kill time for a bit until meeting Chrystal for our annual Christmas dinner at 7:30 at the usual London Drugs and intersection. Broadway / Cambie London Drugs, baby! I also mailed cards to Janet (ghost_light) and Angie (auralily), plus a surprise for someone else.

While I was at London Drugs, I bought two bags of Bayco Turkish Delight in Rose and Lemon flavor for the NOSTALGIA, and promptly gave one to Chrystal when she showed up, hahaha. We went to Pho Extreme Xe Lua and discussed all our nephews (Ethan loves baby Benjamin), her mom's Christmas Eve birthday, Uncle Peter and Auntie Ying still being fairly independent, life, watching TV, needing time to yourself after a get-together, Rachel, my eye surgery, meeting her dad at No Frills, her hot pot Christmas family plans, the fire here, and new bakeries. I got home at 9:25 after walking home from Brighouse (at 9:10), which is the time when the 407 bus WOULD have come.


From Julie M. and My Life Quotes: No matter how old you are, an empty Christmas wrapping paper tube is still a fun thing to bonk someone on the head with!




Tatsan Turkish Delight - Assorted Fruits flavor in a shaped box!




( More Turkish Delight )


Marich peppermint bark shortbread from Christmas 2012!

glowing_dragon: (French Toast)
I left at 6:10 on a 401 (just managing to get the bus) to meet Frances C. at Pho Lan at 6:30 for a belated birthday treat; I got off at Brighouse and took a 406 so I wouldn't have to walk for a couple of long blocks. However, the scooter guy definitely posed a problem for me, so I had to get off at the other end of Richmond Centre and walk in the rain to the restaurant. We talked about her baptism, Sophie, the Vancouver library's Inspiration Pass, her brothers and their autism, Ellen's daughter, my nephews (she's seen Ayler and Hiero around church), my meal (#8 - rare steak, flank, tendon, and tripe), and her being distantly related to Billy and Stella because Eunice and Eddie are married.

She and I also discussed Eunice being her cousin (but she doesn't talk to her / Pauline / Winnie much), Ellen, her offering me a ride home (of course I took the ride!), Sophia and her daughters, her mom's dementia, Frances Marr, her seeing David Marr around church, my area of Richmond being really convenient, and her nursing career. Thanks to her giving me a ride home, I was home at 7:45 instead of even later!


From FINAL FANTASY BLACKMOON PROPHECY and Lancer on Youtube: KNAVE is not NAIVE! BAD SPELLING from Dio to Hans and the party! "Silence, NAIVE! I do not have time for your petty small talk! Farewell!"

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


THIS ENTRY IS ALLOWED TO HAVE NON-ALIGNED TAGS.


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

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

* birthday card from Pathways

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

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


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

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


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

* birthday card from Jeremy

* birthday card from Rachel F.

* birthday card from Steph, Lisa, Fraser, Henry, and Havarti

* dinner from Chrystal at the Cactus Club (Baja fish tacos (beer battered Ocean Wise™ cod, shredded cabbage, chipotle aioli, fire roasted tomato salsa, pickled radish / onions / jalapenos, and sea salted fries), some of Chrystal's fries, and a yummy Tuna Poke bowl (sesame ginger Ocean Wise™ ahi tuna, jasmine rice, mango, cucumber, avocado, edamame, radish, crispy tempura)

* dinner from Frances Chan at Pho Lan in Richmond! (#8 - rare steak, flank, tendon, and tripe)
glowing_dragon: (Happy Birthday!)
Birthday Wishes in 2018!


THIS ENTRY IS ALLOWED TO HAVE NON-ALIGNED TAGS.


( Pho and sizzling steak! )


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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


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


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


GRAND TOTAL: 410
glowing_dragon: (Happy Birthday!)
After COFFEE TIME, Vanessa and baby Cassidy (with her cool pink sunglasses) picked me up for my BIRTHDAY LUNCH at Pho 37 in Ironwood and Steveston. She apologized for yesterday, but it was still fine by me. We talked about her friends, Tamara, chocolate, sugar, weird people, our parents and siblings(-in-law), "adventurous" pork blood / pork hock / Vietnamese ham / beef / basil / bean sprouts in spicy soup, spring rolls, shrimp salad rolls, padding, buying various things at London Drugs (I opted for on-sale Cool Blue Gatorade x6 - but couldn't find the expiry date of March 16, 2019 on the bottle till just now), blenders, She dropped me off early for my appointment with Rachel at The Caring Place. Rachel actually saw me early, which was surprising, but I also got to be home at 3:25 on a 407, so things worked out that way. I think other things (with Jimmy) are pretty final, but I could be wrong. Still, I want the control...


From Julie: Have you ever listened to someone for a while and wondered... "Who ties your shoelaces for you?"




Pho 37 is an adventure with this menu!




Happy Pho 37 birthday to me!




Bo Bun Hue at Pho 37: Beef, pork blood, Vietnamese ham, and pork hock in spicy soup with vermicelli noodles!

glowing_dragon: (OMFG Yay!)
Vanessa wanted to know if tomorrow works for me since she has to go to Vancouver from Langley anyway - sure, why not? I can take advantage of things like my free My BP offer of Pizza Bread OR Cactus Cuts OR Yam Fries... AND Boston Pizza Pasta Tuesday! Time for a shower before eating dinner!


Edit at 11: She wanted to change the restaurant because there is soy in a lot of things at Boston Pizza. I was okay with that, so Pho 37 at Ironwood in Steveston it is! (the reviews are good)


From Julie: A colorful mosaic dragon!




From Lesley and Meanwhile in Canada: "No! I don't wanna go back to school!" "I know, honey, I know... but you HAVE to..." "WHY?" "Because you're a teacher!"

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

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


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

glowing_dragon: (OMFG Yay!)
Before COFFEE TIME at noon, I called Chrystal at 11:55 at work to confirm that we were still on for tonight at 7:30. After MORE COFFEE TIME at 5:30, I left at 6:55 in order to meet Chrystal at the Broadway London Drugs at 7:30 in the rain. I had the Ziploc bag full of Canadian maple syrup candies / Gusto Caffé candies / Mastic mints, the scary Halloween candy (ScAero / Scaries / Coffin Crisp / Ghostly Kit-Kat), her Christmas card, a LOT of extra candy, hot chocolate, and her Crème de Pirouline dark chocolate artisan rolled wafers. That grew so out of control that I had to get a spare tote bag for everything instead of a mere light plastic bag! It was pretty heavy, but I managed! Chrystal got there at 7:45 and tried telling me that she really couldn't take all of that, but I managed to convince her with the power of an NG LOOK before we went to Pho Extreme!

She thanked me profusely (saying I was very generous) and was amazed at how I'd managed to take all that from home. Eh, it was only a half hour's trip at most, and I made liberal use of the ground / floor to rest it on, haha! (and the wheeled basket once I got into the store) We talked about the holidays, hot pot, Emily / Mike / Ethan / Melia / Angus / Owen / Mackenzie / Ayler (who wants to spend more time with me!) / Hiero / Fraser / Henry, toddler quirkiness, saying "fuck" for "fork," the siblings fighting, the photos of the kids which I'd brought along, Yaohan / Big Crazy, paying cash, steak / tripe / spicy things, sharing all her goodies with people, plans for the year, floods, her admin work being less busy these days, rides being a good thing, and spam emails. I got home at 9:25 on a 407, which is about the time I was expecting. Good to catch up and unload a bunch of stuff, for sure! Now someone is asking me what tripe tastes like - I DON'T KNOW! It's just tripe to me - very chewy, of course.
glowing_dragon: (Default)
2017


JANUARY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


( Highlights and lowlights! )
glowing_dragon: (Consumer Whore)
I left at 1:55 on a 407 to make it to Jon and Harmony's and the store prior to playing with Ayler and Hiero before Thanksgiving Dinner. Since I left so early, I went to Shoppers Drug Mart to see if they had sriracha sauce. They did, as well as on-sale Scaeros / Coffin Crisp / Ghostly Kit-Kats / Scaries, plus NEW Korean BBQ Kettle chips! After that, I walked over to IndigoSpirit to see if they had the newest Bathroom Reader: Uncle John's OLD FAITHFUL 30th Anniversary Bathroom Reader (Bathroom Readers' Institute). They didn't since they were only limited distribution in BC, but I did manage to have someone help me at a kiosk so I could just have the book shipped to me at home this week. It saves me another trip out to the mall even if it is nearby! That took a while, but I still managed to be at Jon's place by maybe about 3:15 or so! Ayler asked me what I'd do if they moved downtown - well, I would probably take the train and the bus out to wherever they would be living!

The boys fought with each other as usual (and Hiero fell off the couch's armrest!), but I might have distracted them with the promise of reading to them. Ayler asked if he could sit on my lap, which was fine until my legs started falling asleep. There was a kiddy book with Legos to describe Bible stories, Chinese characters books, a Taan Moon book, a body book, and other things. Randal came over for a piano lesson and stayed for dinner afterwards. Dinner was beef stew with tendons, carrots, and typical Pho garnishes like bean sprouts (and Vietnamese subs!), plus an apricot / grain salad with feta and ricotta cheeses... so non-traditional, but still good! Probably a good thing that I have a turkey backup here at home! Jeremy came over later, which livened the evening up and made it more silly. We talked about Jeremy's cold, baby Henry's banquet (Jon can't attend because of Stanley's wedding on November 19 - but he doesn't even know what he's doing for it?!), Fred becoming a cop in Toronto (and seeing "shades of grey" in morality), the Whip, 12 Kings, Jen being way more conservative / less liberal than she was when we met her, documentaries, Tom Petty, Youtube jams, C+C Music Factory, LL Cool J, Ace of Base, pissing off Auntie Wylene with Salt-N-Pepa and Green Day back in 1994, Bob Dylan / Keith Richards, Silverchair, Bush, and seeing how much the kids knew about fall. We told them that Canadian Thanksgiving was in October and the United States had theirs in November, wanted to know if the leaves would turn blue, and generally had fun with them.

Ayler wanted to tie knots with his Vietnamese noodles, while Hiero wanted to bite the very hard pomelo rind to see if he could eat it that way. That's not how those things work! I saw a kindergarten worksheet with a colorful turkey on it - Ayler had managed to write his own name on it in a reasonably legible fashion! Jeremy brought up the possibility of becoming pregnant when you're already pregnant, so I said that of course there was a name for that: SUPERFETATION! Then he said that it sounded like I got that from a Bathroom Reader: he's SO RIGHT! Of course I had to tell them that I ordered the newest one to ship to my place! At about 7, I left after watching Hiero play train tracks by himself, bidding Jeremy a good night and thanking Jon and Harmony for the dinner. Jon actually thanked me for hanging out early with the kids, surprisingly. Harmony said that it was still pretty stressful since they haven't found a new location to move to yet, and they only have three weeks left in this place!

Ayler and Hiero also surprised me by wanting hugs before I left, so of course I obliged. I would NOT do "falling hugs" as Ayler wanted, though. Why? BECAUSE THEY WOULD HURT! On my way home, I decided to stop by the Oakridge Safeway to see if they had a "fabled" chicken-bacon-ranch sandwich as Milan Penner (Jen now has the same last name as she does!) had told me about YEARS ago in CANUCKS NATION or whatever the group chat was called then. I'd forgotten about that till Jimmy said something about it in Facebook messenger recently since she wants to meet him at some point. The Safeway did have made-to-order sandwiches at the deli, which was good enough for me. The sandwich even had guacamole, and I was also able to pay for a second bottle of sriracha sauce right there at the deli counter instead of having to go to the cash register just for that. I got home at 8:20 on a 407, and talked to the Canucks fan chat and Discord for a bit. Now, bedtime!


Korean BBQ Kettle chips!




From Julie: Ron Swanson! Swan Ronson!

glowing_dragon: (Bubble Tea)
After COFFEE TIME, Tryanna from Pathways picked me up at 12:30 today so we could do some food shopping, but I'm fairly sure I lost my voice at some point overnight. We talked about Croatia, her smoking, Pho, tripe, bubble tea, and more. I got bananas, two birthday cards for Jeremy (beer!) and Christon, on-sale Paldo spicy cheese noodles, Dove lemon shampoo, Dove lemon conditioner, Dove hydration conditioner to go with the GLISS shampoo, on-sale store brand Western Family echinacea, Vedan spicy mushroom and cuttlefish noodles, Nissin sesame oil noodles, on-sale Paldo garlic Namja Ramen, on-sale October Fifth Bakery lotus red bean mooncake.

Also got on-sale Chunky Soup (Beef / Vegetable Beef / Chicken Noodle Soup x2 / Clam Chowder), on-sale original Laksa La Mian noodles, NEW limited-edition Doritos Sonic Sour Cream chips, on-sale store brand Western Family white vinegar, Olivina margarine with olive oil, three cans of Fat Choy straw mushrooms, an on-sale Hungry Man microwaveable turkey dinner / a Swanson's turkey pot pie for Thanksgiving weekend, an on-sale Pepsi bottle for attempted toilet cleaning purposes, on-sale Earth's Own almond milk, and on-sale Lipton tomato garden vegetable soup. Tryanna wanted to know if we could have coffee afterwards since they apparently have a budget for that, but I wanted to get my frozen stuff home and focus on resting my voice instead. Maybe if my voice was 100% today! At least she said that she wanted to help me more often if Barry couldn't!


From Candy and Grammarly: Shakespearean insults for your roguish, onion-eyed friends!




Julie S. got my wedding card in the mail today!




( Chips, Greek yogurt, Mamee noodles, echinacea, and mooncake! )
glowing_dragon: (Bubble Tea)
Tonight's menu:

Bo Ssam [Korean pork], served with rice, kimchi, ssam sauce, ginger-scallion sauce, lettuce, and love.
Jap Chae (Korean glass noodles)
Various Banchan: Napa Cabbage Kimchi, Roasted Seaweed, Marinated Bean Sprouts, Soy and Sesame Spinach, Cucumber Kimchi, Garlic Chive Kimchi
Beer: BYOB!
Barley Tea
Aloe Vera Drinks


Eric M. called me at 11:30 from church to say that he wouldn't be going back to Richmond, but could give me a ride back from Jeremy's. Sure, I can bus there, and I didn't have to leave the house really early at 2 PM! That gave me more time to do stuff! After COFFEE TIME (during which I almost left with my pants on backwards), I left the house at 4, and killed a slight bit of time at Kingsgate Mall. The Books, Etc. store is now 90% DVDs and puzzles! I bought NEW Moscow Mule Kettle chips, OXO beef bouillon sachets, and a Hot Beef Pho Mr. Noodles bowl from Buy-Low Foods before walking over to Jeremy's at 5:15 or so. Unfortunately, I had to see my ex-friend Randal, who mentioned to Jon's friend Mallory that he has "a passion for God and wants it to show at work" - THAT'S NOT WHAT YOU DO! I can't believe I ever liked him!

I said hi to Julie S., Ivan, Emily, Sam, Quan, Gino, Kevin, and Caleb after meeting Jon's other friend Eric (from Jacob's Well) / Angel / Mallory. Then I talked to Stanley about my 90% whiskey, his band, Peter Gabriel, the CODEX, weird acoustic dubstep, and the whiskey. I updated both Jesse and Jon's friend Rebecca about my life recently, and talked about the summer / no editing for Holly / not doing well with change / all this unknown stuff possibly impacting people's recovery (Rebecca said that my point was a very good one which she hadn't thought about before), Jacob's Well needing $50,000 and already raising $42,000 in two weeks / all my nephews loving me ("You have to stay longer! Stay all night!") / Ontario hydro bills. One guy in a Youtube / NPR video even had a traffic cone inside his saxophone, haha! Eric and I left early (after I paid $10 and he made a comment about my chips), and I got home at 9:05.

Then I noticed that Chinese Eric had called me at 5:45, so I called him back at 10. He had called me by accident, but he wanted to see if I was up for seeing a Blue Jays-Mariners game this weekend. I thought he meant a literal road trip, but thank goodness he didn't. He says it's been eight months (really six or so) since we hung out here; he's been busy and apparently had a problem with his Hotmail account, but didn't really specify what. (but did say that he had 3500 emails to sort through... JUST DELETE THEM!) We also talked about heat, a sauna, the 162-game MLB schedule, and catching up later. Hopefully, I don't have to do anything else after next Sunday for quite a while! DRAINING!


NEW Moscow Mule Kettle chips!




OXO Beef Bouillon sachets!




Sauteed soy-sesame spinach! (gotta love the alliteration!)




Bo Ssam [Korean pork] served with two sauces, a Ssam Sauce and a Garlic-Scallion Sauce!




( Kimchi and Jap Chae! )
glowing_dragon: (No Netspeak!)
Humans over the age of 35 lose about 7000 brain cells each day. (that explains my ditziness!)

Dammit, I should have used a billion Strength Seeds before fighting Dogma and Zozogel in DRAGON QUEST VI - too late now unless I restart (so close to the end!) OR somehow figure out how to use ZST files! (I swear I knew this before when I was playing CHRONO TRIGGER last year...) Never mind, then. Doesn't really matter!

Mom and Dad were LATE picking me up this morning, and I was surprised that Mom was driving. Apparently, Dad was sick and under the influence of Neo-Citran which he didn't want to take. HA HA! We discussed Havarti's growth, dropping Jon off at Tom Lee, clothing, Nerds, chocolate, and other things which I didn't really pay attention to. Went to see Grandma briefly, and I gave her half a mini-banana... the other half looked brown, so I threw that out. I ate another mini-banana, and in the time it took for me to throw the peel in the trash, she'd finished her apple juice! Grandma also recognized me, and had a rounder face than usual... apparently, this is a medical side effect. She said that Alan had visited her earlier, which is good. Maybe she has a lot of repetition! At least she fed herself some soup.

We were off to Trinity church on 49th a bit early, but at least it was close by! Congratulated Myles in person, saw Peter and Holly, noticed Harmony with a crying Ayler (she had to bounce him all the time - maybe she missed the ceremony!), and saw Steph talking to her! Also said hi to Dorcas, who keeps forgetting our family connection to Myles, hahaha. We wondered which wedding photo category we'd fit into: probably #8, which was the groom's extended family. The ceremony was pretty traditional, right down to the vows. Brittney and her sister look REALLY alike!

Saw a bunch of people whom I haven't seen since Harmony's bridal shower and wedding back in 2009, like Peter's parents! Dropped the ugfart off at Tom Lee while discussing Thanksgiving, teaching, making money, FAT DRAGON, Portland, Pho Thai Son and the supermarket next to it BURNING DOWN (Jeremy probably saw the remains this morning!), and more. At least I got to go home after Mom unsuccessfully looked for parking at the insanely busy Yaohan Centre! I didn't want to go for smoked chicken at their house, since I'm having noodles and downtime here!

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