Thursday, January 5, 2006

   So here's a fun story from school . . .
So yeah, the intro day of classes was alright. I think the best part was that the last class ended early, meaning an empty bus waiting for me at the bus loop (no rush of students)! The bits before that weren't too bad either, though.

First class was Old English/Beowulf class. The department head is teaching the course, so that's cool; I also once had him for a Medieval Studies course a few years back too, he's a neat guy.

Second class, Children's Literature, now THAT was an interesting class . . . now, I saw the name of the prof' teaching it, but it didn't click that I knew this guy before . . . here's where it gets fun.

So in my third year, I was taking a Victorian Literature course or something like that. I wasn't really keeping up with the readings very well, and suddenly everyone in class was handing in some assignment that I didn't even remember we had (I've since become somewhat of a better student . . . not much better, but better nonetheless) . . . long story short, it was WAY past the last day for dropping classes without bad things happening. But, I just wasn't getting into the course, and I was getting really scared (probably more than I needed to be, but hey). So yeah, I dropped the course and have a big fat "W" on my transcript.

That said, the bald head and glasses was unmistakable when he walked into Children's Lit' yesterday. I kinda felt a lump in my throat, needless to say. I mean, I was the guy who spontaneously dropped his class two years ago . . . . .

But then the class went on, we did show and tell . . . funny bit, a guy brought his "StarTropics" NES cartridge as his childhood thingy and went on to describe how video games were a big part of his childhood (he even mentioned how hearing Aeris' Theme makes him cry sometimes) . . . guy's name is also James, no less . . . . . . but yeah, Ben did a'ight for show and tell.

Of course, when I put my hand up to go next, the prof' STILL knew my name! (Me=guilt). After show and tell he went on to talk about how next class he was bringing slides of 18th and 19th century children-type stuff. Then he made an extra mention to me specifically, apologising because I had already seen them before (me=more guilt). So yeah, he doesn't seem to have any ill will or anything, but MAN . . . . .

And then I finished "Call of Duty 2" once I got home.


Random SomeGuy Trivia: My favourite professional wrestler from the classic days was Jake "The Snake" Roberts. Maybe I just liked the fact that he had a big python . . . I mean, to be honest the guy didn't have an especially great physique . . . but still, he invented the DDT, and people owe that to him . . . . . a shame his life's gone to hell now, though . . .
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Wednesday, January 4, 2006

   I knew it, I knew it . . . oh how I knew this would happen . . .
So, traditionally this would be a point in the year where I would quote Billy Madison and start going "back to school, back to school . . ." . . this semester, though, all I can think of is how "Civ IV" is gonna ruin my education. Almost makes me wonder if my brother had this intention all along for some sick reason or something . . . probably not, but still. Fun game, but I'm playing it waaaay too much.

Ahem, that said, today is the first day back to school. I'd better not sleep in. I have morning classes again after almost a year of none. Dang, I'm hooped . . . but, at least my days end at about 2pm this time around. That shall be my silver lining . . . until it starts raining again (which it will).

That said, I still haven't really cleaned up my room since Christmas. I have all these open packages and boxes all over my floor right now . . . maybe I'll take care of that tonight while I load up my clipboards and other school-type stuff. Something to think about, in any case.

So, anyone else going back to school this week or anything? Anyone done school and feel like gloating? 'Cause I'll let ya, y'know. With one more semester to go myself, I'd imagine being done done would be a nice feeling . . . . . heh, but first, must read! And write! And study!

. . . . . . and maybe beat up Alexander and the Greeks a little more once they feel like they wanna pick a fight again . . . not Roosevelt and the Americans, though. They've had a rough game (funny enough, through attacks by Saladin and the Arabs), so I like to help them as much as I can (I'm playing as Queen Elizabeth/England) . . . . . oh man, the modern parallels amuse me to no end . . . the fact that I wiped out Napoleon/France just makes it more amusing . . . . .

Okay! Gotta stop playing! See ya.


Random SomeGuy Trivia: Who knows what a Texas Cloverleaf is? It's a pro wrestling leg/back thing not dissimilar to a Sharpshooter or Boston Crab, except the attacker locks the other person's legs into the figure-four position solely with his arms . . . um, consider googling a picture or this, maybe. In any case, should I ever feel the need to spontaneously put someone into a wrestling lock, this is my preferred choice as resistant leg-kicking is less of an issue with this one than many of the others.

If that was too much for you, here's a layman's trivia: I grew up watching a lot of professional wrestling.


[EDIT:] Okay, I have to share this e-mail I just got from my Children's Lit' prof' for today. This is just too good . . .

"...Happy New Year, and welcome to Studies in Children's Literature. I thought we could use the first class to think about how modern Anglo-American culture tends to construct childhood. With that end in mind, I'd like to invite you each to bring an object (or a photo of a place or even a memory) that you associate particularly strongly with your childhood. Anything will do: a toy, a book, an article of clothing, something you collected when you were little, etc. I'll
invite members of the class to use the object to introduce themselves and to comment on what the object suggests about how western culture thinks about childhood.

Don't miss the opportunity: this may be the last show-and-tell of your lives.
See you in Scarfe 201..."

Methinks I'll bring Ben. Y'know, the crooked-mouthed teddy bear.
Comments (8) | Permalink

Monday, January 2, 2006

   Cheers to 2006
Happy New Years, everyone! So yes, once again I narrowly dodged doing nothing for New Years' Eve. Basically I just invited a couple of guys from kung-fu over. We were watching Rocky 2 while midnight hit. We didn't really count down. We did drink some Jack, though . . . then after Rocky 2 ended, we watched Serenity (loves that movie). So yeah, didn't go to bed 'til about 5am. Burn, eh? No matter, I had a nice, quiet, relaxed New Years this year.

Last night I was out for a bit to see people again. "Faramir" goes back to Ontario for school today, so now I've got one less person to play with on my days off. A shame, I know . . . so yeah, last night was sort of our new years/send-off thingy, really brief . . . I had my first martini, though, I think I quite enjoy them. Heh, it'll probably be the last night I drink for a while now. Ah well, it was a good run . . . . . so as usual, here's the part where I once again make the point that if you're not of age you don't drink because that's bad, and if you are then you don't be dumb about it. Just sayin' . . .


Dang, I'm gonna hafta go back to school soon!


Random SomeGuy Trivia: When I was born, I caused blood loss for my mom. In fact, years later she had to test for Hepatitis because they didn't screen blood donations as much back in the '80s like they do now (she was fine, though). But yeah, because of that she had to feed me on formula instead of nurse me. This probably isn't the case, but sometimes we wonder if that's why my brothers are so much bigger than me . . .
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Saturday, December 31, 2005

   Filler post . . .
-The OOT got home safely.
-Been sleeping in really late a lot. 'Tis good.
-Playing a lot of Civ IV.
-Bought "Call of Duty 2". Also quite good.
-Gonna work today 1pm-6pm. Boo.
-Currently have no idea what I'm gonna do today for New Year's.
-I'm sleepy and I've eaten too much today.


Random SomeGuy Trivia: Apparently I speak really fast. Like, compared with the rest of the world. It's a west coast thing.
Comments (4) | Permalink

Thursday, December 29, 2005

   The 25th, the 26th, and the 27th . . .
I'm just gonna up and say now that this is gonna be honkin' long. If you're just gonna comment to say that you didn't read it, I don't care, so please continue on your way.

December 25th: Stella Artois and Granville Island Pale Ale . . .
That said, Christmas morning was pretty rockin'. I woke up at about 9am because I got bored lying in bed or something, and then I just played on the piano for a bit; my younger brother alleges that it was to wake everyone up, but I dunno . . . maybe. The aniki made his way over for the morning, so he still hasn't missed a gift-opening time with us; his tonsils were less gigantic that day. Anyway, This is more or less what I got:
-iPod (new kind that plays videos) and assorted iPod accessories. Totally shocked to get this, no doubt.
-"Civilization IV" for PC. In other words, I'm never sleeping ever again for the rest of my life. Very addictive.
-UFC DVD and a Ken Shamrock book that shows you how to fight. "Come here, let me try something..."
-Socks and underwear. Me loves my mother.

There were some other little heres and theres, but those are what stick in my mind the most. Anyway, we had some brunch afterwards with bacon and eggs and stuff, and then we all proceeded to play around with all our new stuff . . . well, the aniki left because he had to go fight crime, as you may had gathered from the poem below . . . but yeah, we all just sorta hung out until time for the party . . .

I finally got a hold of "Faramir" and the OOT; they were downtown at a time when they should have probably been heading back to the civilization of New Westminster . . . but, I can only blame myself for not calling them sooner (playing "Civ IV", it already wrecked me . . . funny info bit, though, "Civ IV" actually has a built-in alarm clock! Cracks me up that they would think to add it . . .).

But yeah, as people slowly came, suddenly I had a LOT of friends over! "Boromir" and his family were here, as were "Pippin" and his family. There were the two houses of neighbours as well (including the young 3 and 5 year old kids). And finally, "Faramir" and the OOT called for a ride from the station.

Oh yeah, and "Boromir" brought THE SWORDS!!! Check the post below, you can see pics of a few of the cardboard masterpieces we've boardsmithed in the back room of Superstore . . . me loves my Zangetsu . . . I should paint it!

The night rocked so hard! So many of us whom we hadn't seen in so long, and it was just . . . . . yeah, it ruled. I don't know what the older people did upstairs (probably just talking), but the younger people were watching "Pirates of the Caribbean" while we ate in the basement - the older younger people cracked out some drinks too (the brother stocked the fridge well). Oh yeah, and then "Faramir's" sister came over too (the OOT loves her). But yeah, a little "NHL 2006", a touch of "Soul Calibur 2", and then a rockin' game of Cranium and then Trivial Pursuit. In any case, we didn't finish until about 1:30am or later . . . so yeah, I drove "Pippin", his sister, and the OOT home . . . it was a very leisurely drive, gotta say . . .

Oh yeah, the OOT got me a Washington, DC touque and Pocky for Christmas. That was enjoyable.


December 26th: Beer, Crown Royale and Baileys . . .

The night before, "Faramir", the OOT and I were contemplating maybe going skiing on Boxing Day. Well, I woke up early-ish (but dead tired, seeing as it was practically 3am when I got home the night before after driving downtown and back again), and called everyone. In any case, the consensus seemed to be that since it was RAINING up on the ski mountains, skiing would be a bad idea . . . instead, we all went back to sleep. Rawk on.

Now, I had told the OOT to give me a call once she did wake up so we could figure out what to do . . . but she didn't and went shopping by herself. Burn, ne? Ah well . . . anyway, I spent most of the day playing "Civ IV" some more (great game, by the way) until "Faramir" called me asking what we were doing today . . . I had no idea, so then he suggested maybe we go see a movie . . .

I checked the listings. "Faramir" had no interest in "Memoirs of a Geisha" or a few other winter movies . . . then when I sorta jokingly mentioned "Harry Potter", then he perked up.
"Oh! [The OOT] said she wanted to see that!" he said. Now this amused me for a couple reasons. One, "Faramir" would NEVER go see "Harry Potter" of his own accord; indeed, that he had no interest in the movie was a prime cause in my not seeing it earlier this month. But two, now I finally had an excuse to see it.

So I drove over to "Faramir's" house, picked him up, and then we went downtown to pick up the OOT. We were running a really tight schedule and basically got to the theater 5 minutes before the 7:40pm showing . . . . . needless to say, with Boxing Day and all that, it was sold out . . . burn on us. So, we got tickets for the 10:50 showing and went off to get some food and stuff.

The three of us went to a wings place . . . aptly named "Wings", in fact. Really, it was just our excuse to get some drinks before seeing the movie . . . the wings were good, make no mistake, but let's face it, Crown Royal whisky, well . . . um . . . . . . it comes in a nice bottle. Baileys isn't bad either . . . . . again, let me stress that I didn't drink nearly as much as the other two, seeing as I was driving in about 5 hours.

With an hour to kill before the movie, we went to a Starbucks to chill and chat. Um . . . yeah, really there's nothing else to add to that, so we'll get on with it.

I really liked "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire". It ends on such a downer compared to the other ones! Heh . . . I guess this makes up for my misgivings with the ending of the first movie. But yeah, Chinese girl with a Scottish accent (played by a girl with the same last name as me, no less) was good, as was a lot of other stuff . . . heh. But yeah, good warm-up for when I read the book for Children's Lit' this semester . . .

After the movie (1:30am), got the OOT back to her hostel again, and got "Faramir" and myself back home. Then I played "Civ IV" for a little longer before bed. Idiot me.


December 27th: Plum wine, gin and coke, screwdriver . . .

I came to notice that I was drinking a lot this week . . . just sorta happened . . . . . I mean, the OOT's not gonna get to do it much once she's back at Lee University in Tennessee, so why not?

Tuesday was the last day the OOT was gonna be in Vancouver. So again, "Faramir" and I drove downtown, picked the girl up, and then went to get lunch at some super-expensive Japanese-Korean restaurant downtown (I forget if I've mentioned this, "Faramir" is Korean). Anyway, the restaurant was closed since we got there at about 2pm or so, past their lunch time. Instead, we went to an expensive dim sum restaurant next to it (I, of course being Chinese, thought this would be my chance to shine . . . I failed, of course). But yeah, we chatted some more, talked about how it's interesting that I was so willing to pour tea for everyone else, other ways in which our cultures differed . . . fun times.

The restaurant wasn't even that good, though, to be honest . . .

After lunch, we walked around downtown for a bit more since I still had about 40 minutes of paid parking time left. We went to HMV to look at music and DVDs and stuff. The OOT picked up a season of "Friends" and . . . something else. I got "Serenity" and a couple "Sharpe" movies starring Sean Bean (you all HAVE to find these if you can!). Afterwards, we all got back into my car.

We drove the OOT back to the hostel so she could check out, and then we all went back to my house to bum around (it was about 5pm by this time) . . . . . well, technically we made a side-stop to the liquor store first, but that's beside the point. The REAL point was that we tried calling a couple other people to come over and hang out as well, but no one could make it.

Instead, it was "Faramir", the OOT, and myself in my basement again. Oh, and my brother for the first while too . . . but yeah, on the way back to New Westminster (our city), "Faramir" requested a stop at his house to get his laptop since he had some horror movies on it or something. Anyway, for those first few hours there were four computers running down here: my desktop one, "Faramir's" laptop, the OOT's laptop, and my brother's laptop. It was a little ridiculous . . .

But fun! I made the other two watch some of the shows I've downloaded, like "Yakitate!! Japan" and "Yawara". The OOT used to watch "Yawara" back when she was in Japan, so she was happy. Oh, fun fact: did you know that the Japanese judo athlete who competed at Barcelona was in fact nicknamed "Yawara-chan" because of the manga/anime? Ryoko Tamura, look her up . . . it's kinda amusing.

So that took up the first little bit of time. The rest was a little more talky . . . you see, the OOT's friend (the ORIGINAL OOT who came by the same summer the other year AND last April) was online. We convinced her to get Skype, and then for the next couple hours my computer was more or less commandeered by Japanese girls. I still tried to chat with my people as well, of course . . . but then "Faramir" commandeered the keyboard and confused many girls and one guy. Ahh, it's fun to introduce him to people . . .

Well, we cracked out the drinks in time to wish Molly a Happy Birthday as it clicked 12am in Kansas (oh yeah, everyone go wish Molletta a happy birthday if you haven't!), and then went back to the couch and coffee table to watch a Thai horror flick on "Faramir's" lappy. Heh . . . by this point it was the three of us sitting quite close with each other . . . well, more technically it was "Faramir" and I sitting quite close with the OOT between us . . . . . details, I'm sure.

But yeah, this Thai movie ("Shutter", 2004) was pretty cool! If you can find it, check it out if you like scary movies . . . heh . . . by this point the OOT was getting pretty drunk, so "Faramir" and I had to cut her off and force her to hydrate herself and stuff . . . again, I had long since given up and was sucking coke rest of the night.

After the movie, I popped in the first "PMK" DVD since I wanted to show this show to the OOT . . . . . hehe. The whole time she kept resisting the idea that Souji was a guy . . . that, or that he was gay. But yeah, she didn't do history, so she really didn't know much about the Shinsengumi . . . a shame . . . she kept saying that her younger brother back in Japan probably knew about the show, though.

Anyway, by the end of the third episode, the three of us were now all sitting on the couch under a shared blanket. Thus, I CLEARLY had to put in a "Ranma" DVD. Hehe . . . we watched the first episode with Shampoo and had fun (we all loves the Shampoo). I dunno, we were all sittin' pretty close . . . I wanna call it flirtatious, but there was just a sense that we were all so close to each other and stuff . . . I dunno, it was a comfortable closeness, I'll say. I just remember lamenting later in the night that "Faramir" and I don't know more girls with whom we can just hang out with and watch anime like that . . .

Once it was over, we gathered up all of the OOT's stuff and got it in the car: we were going to the airport. Her flight was 6am, and she feared missing her flight like she once had before . . . thus, we left at 2am (the main reason for hangin' out at my house that night). The whole drive to the airport the OOT kept talking about how much she likes Vancouver, how she wants to come back again . . . and apparently how really super nice I am, apprently. Ah, the Japanese are funny . . . even when they're drunk . . . . .

. . . hey, don't look at me like that . . . . .

But yeah, we got her to the airport, "Faramir" bought her a bottle of water just in case, and . . . then we found her a seat to wait until someone came to the desk to process the flights (people were sleeping all over the airport at this point, being about 2:30am). Again, the OOT reminded me that I was to believe that I was a nice person, we told her to be careful, gave her each a big hug, and then left her to chill at the airport (our parking time was ticking up, after all). By the time I got home, it was about 3:15am or so . . . . .



And thus ends the visit with the OOT. Very fun girl. Big Miyazaki fan, you'd all like her. I played a mix CD in the car with "Itsumo Nan Demo" from Spirited Away, and she kept repeating the track . . . she also does Taekwondo and used to do kendo. And she fights back. Yeah, it was a fun visit . . .

Oh, "Faramir's" pretty okay too. Sometimes it takes a while to get used to him, though . . .


Alright, I should be at kung-fu. See ya guys!
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Wednesday, December 28, 2005

   Real post tomorrow . . . teaser post today . . .

Cloud's Buster Sword . . .


Sephiroth's Masamune . . .



Ichigo's Zangetsu!!!






Just got home from dropping the OOT off at the airport about 20 minutes ago (had to clean up the basement a bit). I'll tell you all about it tomorrow. And about the days before too . . . heh, there's a lot to tell . . . . . here's hoping I can remember . . .


[EDIT:]

Thank you Aurus!
Comments (7) | Permalink

Sunday, December 25, 2005

   Christmas Post 2005 . . . in VERSE FORM!!!
T'is the night before Christmas,
my knuckles I've cracked,
It's time to revisit
my holiday pact.

I do this each year
and each year it gets better,
So here's to hope that this one's
not a down-letter . . .

I tried to wake early
and get to work fast,
I still lacked a gift
and feared shelves would not last.

But lo and behold,
I found it quite clear,
A Raphael figure
for little bro' dear.

But now I'll be frank
and of Christmas Eve speak,
when Superstore opened
'til six (it was weak).

It was not too busy
until after five,
When malls closed down
and those not done had arrived.

And then crowded to bits
all the aisles became,
as if last minute shopping
was like some sick game!

The crowds and the shoppers
disturbed me a touch,
but boredom above all
drove madness and such.

For five hours straight
I had squat to do,
Just watering, facing,
and dumb questions too.

I spent some time chatting
with two Produce guys,
About anime and goodness!
Time certainly flies!

Six came soon enough
and I made my way home,
I gave thanks to its sight
like the papal of Rome.

With shower and dinner
I felt all quite better,
Though brother was viewing
the first Harry Potter.

I liked the film, true,
but 'gain I recall,
that I hate how it ends
so damn happy and all!

He just killed a man!
With his mom's love no less!
Then pouring of points...
...overkill, I assess.

Then once we finished
he cracked out a game,
But I turned him down
to which he replied, "Lame."

I had to write this,
after all, so ah well,
I'll play with him later
(at least that's what I'll tell)

I still must wrap some gifts
for friends and for family,
So yeah, after writing
I must finish rapidly.

"Boromir", "Faramir",
and "Pippin" too,
it seems many friends
shall come over . . . woohoo!

Christmas we shall have
a fantastic feast,
where no doubt we'll clean off
a lovely farmed beast.

And let's not forget
the cool Japanese girl,
I'll hope she can be at
the morning gift "whirl".

The aniki's free for
the morn's present strafe,
but evening he works
keeping Vancouver safe.

The life of a cop
includes things such as this,
We know and accept
it like nothing's amiss.

That part aside,
I think we'll be good,
and Christmas shall rock ass
like always it should.


And now comes the part
where I give my best wishes,
To all of myO,
that none sleep with fishes

or have to feel down,
to feel sad or depressed,
So for all of you
I shall wish with my best.

Again to my ladies
across the big sea,
I wish a great Christmas
and New Year to thee!

Vrolijk Kerstfeest
to my beautiful girl,
Your soul has the shine
of a blemish-free pearl.

I still cannot wait
for the day we might meet,
'til then, please be well
for the love of Pete!

God Jul to the Miss
whom I've known for so long,
You give me such warmth,
and this heat keeps me strong.

You oft' make me wonder
about you, you know?
Remember that time
has ways to melt the snow.

Boas Festas, my butterfly,
you always amaze me,
You bring so much cheer
to a friend, two or three.

I can't wait 'til summer,
when to here you'll come,
'Til then, Merry Christmas
my way cute, young chum!

The other direction
There lies the Pacific,
I know a girl or two
who is quite terrific.

Maligayang Pasko,
you know who you are,
You hold such a strength
that beyond me is far.

We care for you deeply
so may you be well,
I foresee many years
for our fun, I can tell.

And now to go through
some land closer to home,
To not mention you all
might cause mouths to foam...

Starting from West,
I see Miss T. C.,
She's fun, she rocks out,
and lives close to me!

It's been quite a joy
as always it is,
Merry Christmas, young kendo-girl,
O she of show biz.

And then there's the cutie
a little more south,
"We don't do Christmas"
had come from her mouth.

But still here we are
and we celebrate, thus,
Have a great winter break...
...the gift was a plus.

Next timezone over
and in land of cowboys,
The little one fidgets
awaiting her toys.

Ochibi-chan mine,
the year's been a blast,
have a great holiday,
may it go none too fast.

Another zone on
and down to the Midwest,
I see two great girls
whom I love like the rest.

Milady continues
to be such a source,
of my inspiration that life
can be won with some force.

You've been a big sister
strong as the larch,
Merry Christmas to you...
...and I'll see you in March!

And then there's the angel
who giggles so great,
she'll outlive us all
with her mirth at this rate!

You've been such a friend
and I've loved all the chats,
Have a great Christmas
out there on the flats!

On south to the tip
of the land below mine,
my young ojou-chan
sits pretty and fine.

It's been half a year,
but now you've returned,
May you get the
good things I know that you've earned.

Oho, now we come
to the populous east,
where I couldn't count
all of you at the least.

In the east, Mr. East,
fellow Canuck,
a comrade whose friendship
is one of great luck.

We broke the text-barrier
and more dare to shatter,
Merry Christmas, dude,
so sleep more! What'sa matter?!

Ah Narwa, your friendship
has meant all the world,
Despite from your volume
I've had my toes curled.

I kid! I kid!
Hehe... but still,
I've loved all our time,
be more, there will.

And now... to a girl
whom to no one's surprise,
I'll devote extra lines
if lines I can devise.

It's been quite a year
with much good, much bad,
No doubt it was the most
Eventful I've had.

I can't always be direct
but hopeful I stay,
That signals don't stop
and that some find their way.

Rest well this winter,
spring's just 'round the bend,
And things shall get better
with wishes we send.

So darling and dearest,
I give you this wish,
Merry Christmas times ten
with sweet dreams of "the bish'".


I know there's still many
of you whom I've passed,
but to go on longer'd
make this post my last.

But know that I love
you all with all my heart,
With this site I've not once
regretted my part.

There's no other group
I'm more happy to know,
that I'd spend three hours
thus far here should show.

But yes, it is time
that I wrap up this post,
lest I be haunted
by th'insomnia ghost.

So once and for all,
for two thousand and five,
Minna-san, Meri Kurisumasu!
Play it suteki and live!



(Um . . . . the last one was a cheat. Um . . . it was Engrish?

Doesn't matter . . . everyone, Merry Christmas!!!)
Comments (16) | Permalink

Saturday, December 24, 2005

   Singin' and dancin' in the rain . . . . .
I gots me a card from Virginia and a package from the Azores. I can't remember if I said it before, but I also got a package from the Netherlands . . . in any case, I must reiterate how I loves my girls all over the world . . .

Went to Richmond with "Legolas" and the OOT yesterday. Actually, it was kinda funny. Since we all got together at about 1pm, I figured it'd be fun to go down to Superstore and see if we could catch "Boromir" and the other Superstore guys for lunch . . . I also wanted to do more shopping for my brother and stuff . . . . . in any case, "Boromir" told me to put back everything I had because it was all going on sale today. In any case, "Legolas", OOT and I had lunch with "Boromir", my supervisor, and the Housewares supervisor, and joy was had by all.

Here's where the narrative gets slightly complicated: now, my dad wanted to have dinner with us (his boys) some time, like that night. So prior I had set up a reservation at a small Japanese place back near my house. With that said, While I was off in the land of Richmond where everything is below sea-level and nobody knows how to drive in a parking lot the younger brother called me. He wanted to know if we should get the father a Christmas present . . . . . . . well, long story short I decided to get him a sword. A fairly expensive, Ching Dynasty style Chinese sabre/dou - it was the best quality Chinese sword the little kiosk had. So my dad got that, he seemed to like it quite a bit . . . oh, backing up time.

Alright, so we had lunch with the Superstore people, then we went shopping for a bit at the various malls around Richmond. The OOT picked up some more souveneirs at Roots (very Canadian choice), and then I bought that sword (10% off with a free display stand, might I add). After that, we dropped "Legolas" back home because he had a work party to go to, and the OOT and I went back to my place so I could wrap up the sword.

So yeah, we had Japanese dinner. I've been having a lot of those this week, I'm finding . . . . . but yeah, it was nice and fun for all of us. Oh yeah, my dad got me a bunch of books for Christmas - a set of what seem to be mystery novels, and some Optical Illusion book (I'm guessing the latter is gonna become top-class bathroom material . . . just sayin' . . .).

After dinner, the OOT and I went to the kung-fu club so I could practice some lion-dancing stuff . . . I gotta say, I'm pretty apprehensive about it since they want me to be a lion head (meaning I have to jump and stuff, among other things). But yeah, we had a good little break working out . . . . . and then one guy from kung-fu left early so he could go clubbing with some people . . .

. . . . . did I mention that the OOT loves clubbing? Hehe . . . so yes, we went clubbing after kung-fu practice. Again, clubbing's still not really my thing, but this time it wasn't quite as bad since we actually had girls with us this time (not big on the random picking up, I must say . . . probably explains a lot, but meh). In any case, the OOT enjoyed herself, so it was all good.

Of course, by the time we left the club, it was POURING rain! Seriously, by the time I got to driving home, I had the wipers on double-speed on the highway and stuff. Scary times . . . but I'm home now, so it's all good . . .

. . . . . with that said, it's about 3:30am right now, and I have to work at 1pm . . . dang. Ah well . . . again, I gotta reiterate how this Christmas has been plenty more eventful than many before it.


No trivia today because I can't think of anything. However, I CAN remind everyone that tomorrow brings a very special SomeGuy post at myOtaku . . . it's tradition! So don't be afraid to plug it a bit once it comes, I promise it'll be good . . . well, I hope it'll be good, anyways.
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Friday, December 23, 2005

   I suck at pool . . . like, a lot . . .
Met up with the OOT at noon yesterday. She picked up a digi-cam from Future Shop (she says they're about $100 cheaper here than in The States); neat thing about it is that although she bought it at Future Shop (a Canadian chain), she can get the warranty reimbursed at Best Buy since they're both run by the same parent company. Keep that in mind, friends to my south.

Went to Metrotown (the main big mall) again to eat and shop for a bit before "Faramir" got off from work at 4pm. Heh . . . OOT loves "T&T Supermarket" (the "asian" supermarket)! She stocked up big time on Japanese cookies, instant noodles, Pocky (hehe), and stuff like that. While there, I also managed to pick up a Japanese tea set for my mom (she'll probably never use it, but it's neat and pretty and comes in a wooden box). Then after 4pm it was time to get "Faramir".

"Faramir", the OOT and I drove back to downtown Vancouver to meet up with some of "Faramir's" work people for dinner at this pretty expensive "new age" Japanese restaurant. We still had an hour or so to kill before dinner, though, so the three of us walked along the beach at English Bay (a very pretty area of Vancouver, should any of you come by), taking pictures and enjoying the semi-rainy weather (we got some good rainfall today too, though).

Dinner was really fun with the nine of us (three of "Faramir's" work people plus a couple of their girlfriends and a friend of a girlfriend . . . in any case, there were three Japanese girls with us at dinner which rocked). We got a bunch of little dishes to share around, and "our half" of the table got some bottles of sake (clearly we had to). I gotta say, it's fun to drink sake, especially with the little cups and stuff . . . . . so yes, something fun for everyone to consider trying IF you're of age, a'ight?

Afterwards we hung out for a bit at "Faramir's" friend's apartment downtown (very cushy place) and played pool while drinking some more (only a little more for me though, I was driving) and eating ice cream and pound cake. Oh yeah, and we watched the Simpsons episode on a TV in that room where Marge makes the pretzels . . . needless to say, when the end part came around with the Yakuza guys fighting the Springfield mafia guys, we were all quite amused. Heehee.

After I got home, I also sent an e-mail to DES' girlfriend. Here's hopin' it gets to her in time for Christmas . . .

. . . and now it's about 12:30am, and I gotta not sleep in . . . gonna call up "Legolas" and see if he wants to go to Richmond (the city where I work) and look around with the OOT. Gotta say, this has definitely been one of the more eventful Christmas breaks I've had in my time . . . . . but first, gift-wrapping! Have a good Friday, everyone!

(And remember, don't drink and drive. It's bad.)


Random SomeGuy Trivia: I have a quirky gift-giving policy when it comes to getting gifts for in-home family: no DVDs, no games, no books. I consider it cheating. Why? Consider this: when you say you buy a movie for someone, then they watch it, then they're done watching it, where does it end up? On the shelf with all the other movies in the family library! So sure, you got them something, but did you really get it for them? Not personal enough, in my opinion . . . which is why I'm always sad because I'm constantly breaking said-policy regarding my younger brother (he's hard to shop for) . . . by that same token, it's part of why I love that my older brother's moved out.
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Thursday, December 22, 2005

   At last, I shall sleep!
Alright, I'm back from kung-fu (they made me go last night) and now I'm feelin' tired. This should be a nice post . . .


So yes, I am finally finished my exams and am completely truly guilt-free free. This is a good feeling. So is getting some textbook buying out of the way - Children's Lit' is gonna kick so much ass! We're reading "Alice in Wonderland", "Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe", "Goblet of Fire" (I realise the humour in reading books that are movies this winter), and a couple other things. Should be good, yeah . . .

So yeah, on Tuesday after writing my 8:30am Arthurian Lit' final and finished buying my books, Japanese out-of-towner girl (here on referred to as . . . let's use "OOT" until I think of something better) met me at campus and we hung out a bit. Got lunch, shopped for souveniers (like hats, Maple-syrup related candy, a ton of postcards . . .), and just sorta walked around. Eventually we then took the bus and skytrain to the ultra-mall to meet "Faramir".

I didn't mention this bit, but Vancouver has gotten very little rain all December. Maybe 3-5% of the regular rainfall . . . thus, this week we're getting the rest! Tons of rain Tuesday, we got pretty drenched . . . sucked extra bad for me, since I had a bag with books in it . . . they got through mostly unscathed, luckily. But yeah, it's been wet as hell since Monday or so.

Aaaaaanyways, after we met up with "Faramir", I left to meet my family for dinner. I think it goes without saying that by 5:30pm I was tiiiired. But yeah, got picked up by the aniki, we had dinner, and then I rode back home with the aniki . . . well, back to the aniki's home, anyway. So I'm hangin' on his couch half-asleep, watching "House" (which I've been missing lately!), while he's upstairs doing e-mail, hockey news, or something. Eventually the other brother calls us and again hocks the idea to go see "King Kong". Now, this showing was at 10pm . . . I was still tired and not totally up for it . . . . . buuuuut, with TWO brothers, both physically larger than I am, well . . . okay, the size thing didn't really matter, but I agreed to go.

So the aniki, the ototo, the aniki's female-type friend (possibly from work) and I went to see "King Kong". I'll just say I quite enjoyed the massive CG chick-flick with dinosaurs . . . yes, I've been calling "King Kong" a chick-flick all day. It kinda is, if ya look at it that way . . . . . heh. But yeah, definite sense that this was a movie made by a guy who loves movies. I quite loved this movie too. In fact, I bet if I wasn't so tired at the time I probably would've been pretty misty-eyed and all that . . . good times, I tell ya.

So yeah, I went to bed at about 2am that night . . . . next day (yesterday), I worked 1-5pm, then later in the evening was talked into going to kung-fu. So yeah, it was nice to see those guys again after all these months . . . . . and dayum, I'm outta shape big time! My chest was pounding pretty bad, and my legs, shoulders, and other such joints feel slightly over-exerted. I'm probably gonna be in pain for the rest of today . . . but I'll feel good about myself, I'm sure.


Ah . . . . today I'm gonna go meet up with the "OOT", and after we do something which we don't know yet, we're gonna meet up with "Faramir" and some other guys and get some dinner probably. I dunno, I'll talk about it more tomorrow. Meantimes, I REALLY wanna get some good sleep without sleeping in, so I'm gone. Peace!


Random SomeGuy Trivia: According to the "OOT", my Japanese pronunciation is apparently pretty good. Not bad for someone who learned words and phrases from internet and anime, nya?
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