...awash, adrift, afloat, aloft...

I've been neglecting everything for Harvest Moon.

I started a game of Island of Happiness (where I'm going to marry Shea), but haven't gone very far in it. Halfway through Spring, first year. I gave it a rest to play DS Cute, partially because it has characters I already know and love, partially because the controls are closer to the GBA versions. In IoH, you use the touch screen to move and throw items; in DSC, you use the directional pad and buttons to move and set down items, and the touch screen is for the animal mini games and the menu screens.

Island of Happiness is the most confusing HM game I've played. There's a system to growing crops that involves the weather and how many sun points a plant gets per day. The tools don't get upgraded normally- the system is similar to Materia in FFVII. Way different than using a tool and shipping it to the blacksmith with ore to upgrade it. The townspeople are great, though, and I love the characters. Once I get far enough in DSC, I'll switch back to it. I've introduced myself to Shea, and started on the path toward marriage. Luckily, I have no rival for him.

DS Cute is the girl version of DS, set in Forget-Me-Not Valley 100 years after A(nother) Wonderful Life. There's still Mineral Town connectivity, and the bachelors of FMN Valley are the same (though they claim ancestors looked just like them and had the same personalities). In Another Wonderful Life (girl version, again), my main player (Suzie), currently whatever chapter the child is an adult in, is Suzie. She's married happily to Marlin, and their boy is named Julian. Naturally, my DSC game is following that. I'm currently at a blue heart with Marlin (hearts go black, purple, blue, green, yellow, orange, red), so I should be married early year 2. My second game will star the Mineral Town heroine, and I'll marry Gustafa. It'll be fun.

1. Will you be looking for a new job in 2009?
That is, will I still be looking for a job in 2009? Yeah.

2. Will you be looking for a new relationship?
Nope. I've given up on looking for new relationships.

3. New house?
Not that I'm aware of.

4. What will you do differently in '09?
I'm hoping to change my daily routine.

5. New Year's resolution?
Drop half my weight.

6. What will you not be doing in '09?
Illegal drugs.

7. Any trips planned?
Nothing planned that I know of.

8. Wedding plans?
Not on my end.

9. What's on your calendar?
Transformers.

10. What can't you wait for?
I can wait for everything. Really food patience.

11. What would you like to see happen differently?
I'd like to be able to put my trust in a new person and not have it bite me in the ass.

12. What about yourself will you be changing?
I'm working towads better shape. Wii Fit is being good to me.

13. What happened in '08 that you didn't think would ever happen?
I turned 25.

14. Will you be nicer to the people you care about?
If I get any nicer, I'll be nothing but a doormat.

15. Will you dress differently this year than you did in '08?
Not really, provided my "style" is available in smaller sizes.

16. Will you start or quit drinking?
I will drink more water. I will cut back on soda. I won't really change my alcohol consumption.

17. Will you better your relationship with your family?
It's alrady pretty good. My bond with Middle Sib could be better, but I so rarely see her...

18. Will you do charity work?
Probably not. I donate to the MDA yearly.

19. Will you go to bars?
No more than normal.

20. Will you be nice to people you don't know?
No more than usual- I don't bitch at people in the aisles very often.

21. Do you expect 2009 to be a good year for you?
No expectations. That way, less disappointment.

22. How much did you change from this time last year till now?
Then: I was running away from a bad relationship, trying to get back into the swing of my increasingly less satisfying job.

Now: I've spent an entire year as an almost hermit, and nine months of it jobless, bouncing between depression and mediocrity.

23. Do you plan on having a child?
No.

24. Will you still be friends with the same people you are friends with now?
Most likely. My friends are my friends for a reason.

26. Will you be moving?
Not likely.

27. What will you make sure doesn't happen in '09 that happened this year?
Hmm...can't make any guarantees one way or the other.

28. What are your New Years Eve plans?
Stay at home and play board and card games. Eat hoppin' john and cornbread.

29. Will you have someone to kiss at midnight?
IDK, my BFF Adam?

30. Wish for 2009?
*......*

...what? If I tell you, it won't come true!

I don't ever want to see this much snow south of the Northern Territory again. Three, three and a half feet. It wouldn't be an issue if we had this much snow regularly, but this as record-breaking snow. On one hand, it was awesome to be able to build a snow fort and a snowman, and still have enough snow to have several snowball fights. On the other hand, we have one vehicle with chains, and we don't drive it very often. My car, the only car with AWD, is having issues, so we didn't bother trying to excavate it. So, we're left with the Cobalt, the cute little Chevy. Front wheel drive, seats four comfortably.

The problem with winter weather is that no one is fully prepared for it. We have a generator, but couldn't find our 5 gallon gas can for a trek into town, so it has no gas. We can't find chains for the Cobalt because of the sudden snowfall (everyone rushed for them, something like the Tickle-Me-Elmo wars of high school).

Christmas Eve, power went out around 11.30p, came back on middle of the night, went out again at 7.30. Day 5 with B and C.

Christmas, we were supposed to go bowling and see a movie, but spent the entire day trying to get to a friend's house. Awkward because we had six people, so two trips. Luckily, friends had chained up his truck and was able to meet us halfway. Dad packed up the Sibs and C for the first load. Power came back on before he got back home, so I was able to get in a workout on Wii Fit (freakin' awesome program). Dad got home, lost a chain from the car when trying to get turned around. Excavation ensues, we get re-chained. At the friend's house before dark. Stayed there that night, and the next because we couldn't get chains or out of their driveway. Mom and Dad went home Saturday, I house-sat with the Sib overnight. Mom and Dad couldn't rescue us Sunday morning, so we were there until 3.15-ish, when truck got back.

And I had no cell phone from Friday onward. So, one week of B and C, too much snow, people going stir crazy. I started smoking again (not heavily- opened a pack on Thursday and still have 3/4 of it). On the plus side, read Callahan's Legacy, re-read Callahan's Lady (both by Spider Robinson), and watched the first and second season of Venture Bros., Doctor Horrible's Sing Along Blog and episodes two and three of Dexter. We're slowly working through that one, but Dad rented the first season, so we'll finish it all this week.

So, other than circumstances sucking like woah, not a bad week. This is still in my top ten winters.

IT'S SUNDAY!

Went to bed around midnight, up again at 4. Ravaged the stocking, cool stuff in there. Watched Venture Bros. until 7.50, when we woke everyone up. Presents were passed out, and the carnage began.

It was the best haul ever. I got two dinosaurs (one stuffed, one AI), a Velveteen Rabbit, a really cool shirt, a Transformers calenders, the Stargirl books, and a smelly candle. Totally awesome. :)

1. Name a movie that you have seen more than 10 times: Big Troubl in Little China

2. Name a movie that you've seen multiple times in a theatre: Last one I can remember is The Devil's Rejects

3. Name an actor that would make you more inclined to see a movie: Callum Keith Rennie, Hugo Weaving

4. Name an actor that would make you less likely to see a movie: Tom Hanks

5. Name a movie that you can quote from: The Princess Bride

6. Name a movie musical that you know all the lyrics to all the songs: CATS

7. Name a movie that you have been known to sing along with: any movie with sign and dancing, but we'll say Shock Treatment

8. Name a movie that you would recommend everyone see: WALL-E

9. Name a movie that you own: Trainspotting

10. Name an actor that launched his/her entertainment career in another medium but who has surprised you with his/her acting chops: IDK, my BFF Adam?

11. Have you ever seen a movie in a drive-in?: A couple of times in recent memory.

12. Ever made out in a movie?: Not exactly.

13. Name a movie that you keep meaning to see but just haven't gotten around to it: What Dreams May Come. I have it recorded on the DVR, but haven't watched it.

14. Ever walked out of a movie?: Nope.

15. Name a movie that made you cry in the theatre: I cry at a lot of movies.

16. Popcorn?: Yes but only if it's salted and buttered

17. How often do you go to the movies?: Rarely, too expensive

18. What's the last movie you saw in the theater?: Madagascar 2: Escape to Africa

19. What is your favorite/preferred genre of movies? comedy, good horror, bad horror, musicals

20. What was the first movie you remember seeing in the theater?: IDK, my BFF Adam?

21. What movie(s) has/have changed your life?: There are movies that make me want to be a better person. Can't name any off the top of my head, but...

So, the Solstice is fast approaching. We're doing presents on Sunday, hopefully with Middle Sib and her boy. We haven't heard from her, so we don't know if she'll be over on Saturday to spend the night...I really hope so. I like spending the holidays with my family. It's one of my things.

Today, I cooked. I made peanut brittle and a chocolate mousse (it was supposed to be fudge, but it didn't cook long enough). Next is haystacks and peppermint bark. Mom made haystacks and fudge (since mine failed). I may try again for it.

We're now watching the holiday movies. First up was National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, then we watched It's a Wonderful Life for the fist time, and now we're watching Scrooged. It's excellent.

Is it Sunday yet?

I feel better now. I've drawn something, vented my frustrations, and Dad's talked to the manager of the clothing store I really want to work at (where I was interviewed ... a month and a half ago then never heard from them). She really wants me aboard, so she'll be hounding the DM for followup. If nothing else, I can work at her store. That would be awesome.

Yeah, so...sorry for whining. But the prayers and good intentions are still appreciated, 'cause I still need to secure the job.

So, I'm trying really hard to keep my cool, but life keeps throwing curveballs my way.

I've applied for something like 20 jobs in the past week and haven't heard back on any of them. I'm really starting to get worried- is someone saying something about me thats turning people off my work experience? I really hope not. I need a job. NEED A JOB. I've had the opening song from A Chorus Line in my head for four days now because it's almost all I can think about.

Your rainbow is strongly shaded orange and blue.

What is says about you: You are a strong person. You appreciate friends who get along with one another. Others are amazed at how you don't give up. You share hobbies with friends and like trying to fit into their routines.

Find the colors of your rainbow at spacefem.com.

Got a late start on the food, so we didn't eat until 5- the plan had been 4-4.30. The morning was spent cleaning the living room and dining area, peppered with food prep. By the time BC got here, I had my second wind and was finishing up my stuff in the kitchen. I personally cooked the ham and mashed potatoes, and helped with almost everything else. Mom took care of the turkey, dressing, baked yams and pies.

If I hadn't napped until 5pm on Wednesday, we would've eaten earlier, but because I did, I couldn't do any of the prep the night before. I'd wanted to get the green bean casserole almost done, the steamed veggies done, and anything else that we could as close to done as possible so we only had to worry about the meat on Thursday. It didn't happen, obviously, but we still made good time and had everything on the table at once. Yay us!

Now, I'd like to take a moment and reflect on my ham. I cook ham pretty frequently, usually wit a glaze of some kind. It started back in high school, when we had a Thanksgiving with T and J- I did a cherry/almond glazed ham that was really good. People loved it, and I've kind been encoring since. Over the past couple of years, I've branched out to other fruits for the glaze, left out the nuts, and basically just gone a bit mad scientist at the stovetop. Last night's apple glaze was amazing. I'm definitely doing it again. It consisted of: light Karo syrup, a small amount of honey, ground gloves, nutmeg, cinnamon and a pink lady apple (sliced). As the ham baked, I spread the liquid portion of the glaze over it. At the table, the rest of the glaze went on top, with the apple slices (that had absorbed the flavour of the spices) spread out prettily. Imagine this for a moment.

It was beautiful.

And it tasted amazing. If you're lucky, I'll make it for you.

The rest of the food was really tasty, too, but the ham...I was in love with it. It was just that beautiful.

After dinner was the board games- we played Cranium. The Sib and I were a team, BC were a team and Nik and the boy were a team. Everyone had fair warning: the Sib and I are unbeatable. We came from behind to dominate the game because we're awesome. (Is it really cocky if you know it's true?) Family friends came over after to eat pie. Then we crashed. Awesome day, really.

Thanksgiving preparations are underway. We'll have a pretty full house: the five of us, B's boyfriend/fiance thing, the Nikkster and her friend. Eight people! I'm looking forward to it.

Snacks:
olives (black, pimento and garlic stuffed)
radishes
cheese (meunster, swiss, colby, pepperjack, cheddar)

Meats:
Turkey, brined and buttered, with dressing
Ham with experimental apple glaze

Sides:
green bean casserole
steamed vegetable medley (carrots, cauliflower, broccoli)
apples and onions
baked yams
candied yams
cranberry sauce
canberry sauce
mashed potatoes
brown 'n serve rolls

Desserts:
homemade pecan pie
dutch apple pie
pumpkin pie

There'll be board games and good times to be had. I'm really excited.

A while has passed since an update of substance. In this time, dear reader, there've been some changes. We are no longer ill. I had a job interview that looks promising with a clothing retailer. I'd really like to get hired.
The Halloween party was excellent. Really good turnout, and some good stories told. We watched a few movies, ate a lot of candy and some pizza. It was fun.
We've taken in the Sib's BFF's boyfriend for at least the week. He's a nice kid.

Movies we watched:
Black X-Mas: pretty good holiday horror. Definitely full of gross.

Beyond Reanimator: cheesy. So very cheesy. But I love it. The end credits sequence is win. And music video! If you haven't seen the "Move Your Dead Bones" video, you should. So much win.

Ghost Ship: pretty good. Excellent ending, and I loved the flashback sequence that showed what happened to the passengers and crew. The opening was really good, too. Extreme clothesline ftw.

That's about it.

1. How old were you?
Then: 15
Now: 25

2. What was your online presence?
Then: Two websites: Angelfire and AOL. Email: hotmail (still active) and AOL.
Now: Manage a few groups on MSN, sometimes upkeep a journal or two. Mostly, I'm invisible.

3. Where did you work?
Then: I was in my sophomore year of high school.
Now: I chauffeur my Sib and mom to Bellevue/Redmond for school/work. And am looking for a job.

4. Where did you live?
Then: West Seattle, WA
Now: Duvall, WA

5. Who did you live with?
Then: My parents, my siblings and three cats.
Now: My parents, one sibling and three cats (two of whom are different than the above).

7. Pets?
Then: Tigre, Sterling and Stormy.
Now: Stormy, Jenneth and Tetsuo.

8. Who was your boyfriend/girlfriend/partner/spouse/s.o.?
Then: R------, who dumped me in between junior and senior year.
Now: the closest I have are the Sib and Panda.

9. Who were your friends?
Then: Maggi, Lindsey, Josh, Timmy, Stephie, Mike, and occasionally Patrick and Winky.
Now: Panda, the Sib, the Yoruhana family, my online friends like Itchy and anyone else on my flist.

10. Any kids?
Then: None.
Now: Still none.

11. What was your worst struggle?
Then: I had severe issues with school, stemming from elementary school where I was bullied daily and had a shitty teacher that turned me off of schooling. I didn't want to go, I didn't have many friends, and I saw no incentive to going. Everybody sucked.
Now: Finding employment that I can do that I won't feel dehumanized doing.

12. What was your biggest joy?
Then: My social life, I think.
Now: Getting out of the house and being able to RP.

13. What did you consider your greatest accomplishment?
Then: Not being held back in freshman year.
Now: n/a- all my accomplishments are great.

14. What advice would you give your younger self?
Your friends aren't everything- knuckle down and graduate on time, bozo. Also, be nicer to your family.

15. What would your younger self say to you?
Holy shit, I live to be 25? Way to go, me.

16. Looking back, is your life in 2008 what you thought it would be in 1998?
Not at all.

Hmm, Halloween is coming up. The Sib and I were thinking of throwing a party...but we'll see. Everyone has been sick lately (myself included), and we're on the mend. But heaven forbid we get sick again.

Funny story about that: Being out of a job means I have no health insurance. Having no health insurance mean I need to stay healthy. Of course, with the start of the school year everyone got sick. The sinus cold from Hell, or something like that. Mom caught it, the Sib caught it, Dad caught it. I caught it. Dad went to the clinic and got antibiotics. He got to feeling better, but had a refill. I graciously accepted it- I have a little nose and sinus colds suck. The next morning, before even picking up the Rx at the chemist, I was feeling 70% better. Apparently, the best thing to do is threaten my body with pills. Yeah!

I have one last day of antibiotic. I am back at 100%. I'm still taking a handful of pills every evening, though. Two gigantic osteo-flex things to help my poor joints and three echinecea and goldenseal capsules that melt too fast and taste nasty.

The music progress is going very well. I've been grabbing music from all the computers in the house, so I have almost everything I want to listen to.

I woke up too early for a Sunday. It would be a different story if I went to church on Sundays, but that's not my thing. So, awake at 7:30. Not too pleasant, especially when I figured it would be so much later. Of course, I'll manage.

I'm still looking for a receptionist position, hopefully at the Evil Empire®. I could go back to retail...maybe at a clothier or a boutique. Something that has customers, just not scary eastern European ladies. Seriously, terrifying. I think I may be through with big box retailers. Perhaps I can head into town and pick up applications today.

So, the computer issues are taken care of for now. My keyboard is a little iffy, but that may just be a loose connector.

I'm loading music onto my Zune. It's taking a long time...converting file types. I've been at this since about 10 this morning. (*note to self: post an entry without proof reading some time. Document keyboard errors.*)

( Entertainment update: )

Let me wax on Disney a bit. In my book, it doesn't matter how different someone's personal views are, if they do good for people, they are a-okay. It's common knowledge that Walt Disney was racist. What he did for future generations should be what he's remembered for, not his dislike of the Jews. Disneyland is still the Happiest Place on Earth, and Disney movies are still one of the most recognisable forms of entertainment. And they make people happy. That's what counts.

Computer Woes -or- The Trouble With Older Computers

So, dear reader, in an effort to be able to connect my Zune with my computer (something I haven't been able to do for several months), I began deleting instances of Zune from my Registry Key. I mistakenly deleted something else, too, and it hosed my computer. Luckily, we keep the install discs for our machines clearly labelled. I spent six hours installing Winxp, and it error'd out on me when I tried to reboot my computer. After I re-formatted the (new 80 Gb) harddrive, I reinstalled Windows, this time taking only twenty minutes. Then it was two more hours of eye-burning 640x480 resolution while I tried to install drivers. At one this morning, I gave up and said I'd deal with it in the morning.
This morning, I realised all the drivers I'd installed were for a different Inspiron model. I had the correct disc a little further down the pile, thankfully, and finally started installing the correct drivers. Snag: my graphics driver was under the impression that there wasn't enough space to install; I was still at the shoddy 640x480, but I managed to get my internet working so I could download it.
Now I'm in the process of resetting all of my particular settings. I've been expecting to have to completely rebuild, so I've been backing my documents up for about three weeks. I haven't lost much. This will take a little time, though.

Still haven't made it out to Zune to install the software...even so, I feel better today. Accomplished. I've gone from tearing out my hair in frustration to being able to type out what's been going on, and that makes me feel good.

Hopefully, everything will work properly. [fingers crossed]

Please to be filling out in the comments, for fun.

01) Are you currently in a serious relationship?
02) What was your dream growing up?
03) What talent do you wish you had?
04) If I bought you a drink what would it be?
05) Favorite vegetable?
06) What was the last book you read?
07) What zodiac sign are you?
08) Any Tattoos and/or Piercings? Explain where.
09) Worst Habit?
10) If you saw me walking down the street would you offer me a ride?
11) What is your favorite sport?
12) Do you have a Pessimistic or Optimistic attitude?
13) What would you do if you were stuck in an elevator with me?
14) Worst thing to ever happen to you?
15) Tell me one weird fact about you.
16) Do you have any pets?
17) What if I showed up at your house unexpectedly?
18) What was your first impression of me?
19) Do you think clowns are cute or scary?
20) If you could change one thing about how you look, what would it be?
21) Would you be my crime partner or my conscience?
22) What color eyes do you have?
23) Ever been arrested?
24) Bottle or can soda?
25) If you won $10,000 today, what would you do with it?
27) What's your favorite place to hang out at?
28) Do you believe in ghosts?
29) Favorite thing to do in your spare time?
30) Do you swear a lot?
31) Biggest pet peeve?
32) In one word, how would you describe yourself?
33) Do you believe/appreciate romance?
34) Favourite and least favourite food?
35) Do you believe in God?
36) Will you repost this so I can fill it out and do the same for you?

A thought for today:

"Art is the process of evoking pity and terror."
-Jubal Henshaw, Stranger in a Strange Land

This quote lept at me from the page, so I thought I'd share it with you, dear reader. For the most part, I agree with this statement. I prefer to look at art that makes me feel something- usually that feeling is unease, so I continue to look at it, much like a car wreck, until I can discern why I feel uneasy about something. For example, the works of Hieronymus Bosch: religious in nature, but don't let that put you off. Looking at the darker pieces, the ones dealing with Hell and damnation, I can understand why one would take steps to avoid going there. As James Hetfield said for Trey Parker, "Hell isn't good." But the lighter pieces, those of Heaven and Salvation- those are achingly beautiful. If I were going to spend eternity somewhere, I'd want it to be that version of Heaven.

Any thoughts, dear reader, on either the quote or the paragraph below? How would you define "art" and the creative process? Am I once again off on a tangent in my own world?

Ahoy, mateys. Today be a lazy day aboard the Red Queen.

Mayhaps we can set sail and plunder something from the EITC, some of their coffee. That all depends on the accountant and the captain.

This log entry would be more compelling if we did regular pirating.

Happy Talk Like a Pirate Day.

I have the urge to write, dear reader. Something long and in-depth. That won't happen tonight.

Still no luck on the job front- I'm actually trying, but it seems no one is hiring me. I've now been unemployed for six months, and I really just feel useless.

I did replace my Gamecube- $30 at Gamestop got me a new box, cords and controller. Pretty bad ass. I've been playing a lot of Harvest Moon. It started as Magical Melody, then I wanted to play some Another Wonderful Life, and started a game on the original SNES version, and I've spent the last four days playing More Friends of Mineral Town.

In Magical Melody (TJ, "Honey"), I'm in my second year, married to Kurt (Beloved), and we have a baby named Justin. He can't walk yet.
On Another Wonderful Life, I'm running two games. In the first (Suzie, ~~"Wife"~~"Su-su"), I'm very happily married to Marlin (Husband) and we have a son named Julian. Julian has made it all the way to adulthood, and is going to take over the farm when I die. In the second (Luna, "*shine"), I'm very happily married to Gustafa (Sweetie) and our son's name is Ahmet. He'll be an artist when he grows up, but for now, he's a toddler who sucks his thumb all the time.
For the SNES (Mick, "Darling"), I'm married to Ann (Honey), and she's pregnant with our first child. If it's a boy, Jr or Mike (not sure which yet), and if it's a girl, Sara.
Finally, on MFoMT (Iris, "Sweetheart," if I can fit it in), I'm nearly done with the first year, and eagerly awaiting the chance to upgrade my bed so I can get married to the Doctor (Doctor). We'll have a girl, and we'll name her Daisy.
Next on the list is Friends of Mineral Town (Michael, I haven't thought of what to have the wife call me), where I will marry Popuri. By doing this, I save Karen from having to marry Rick (eew). None of the girls are really my type (except the Harvest Goddess, but she's not a good wife), so I can save two girls from poor marriages with Popuri. She won't marry Kai, and her brother won't marry the pretty Karen. Ann and Cliff can get married, Mary and Gray can get married, and Elli and Doctor can get married.

Other than the games...
Been watching Season 5 of CSI.
Watched Slings and Arrows (Canadian dramedy about a theatre).
Still watching Three Delivery, which has continued to win.
Season finale of Metalocalypse kicked so much ass, it was temporarily known as "Chuck Norris."
Lost Boys 2: The Tribe was much better than expected (basically, it was as if the Sib and I had updated the story), and had wonderful references to the first movie, though poor Angus Sutherland just is not as good looking as his father or half-brother. Feldman was good, though.
Meet the Robinsons was beautiful, though predictable. Wilbur made it all. Seriously, every time he did anything, the Sib and I were squeeing. Rex was my favourite part ("I have a big head and these tiny little arms. I'm just wondering if this plan was thought through all the way"). Anyone who's seen my T. rex imitations knows why.
Tried watching the Ethan Hawke Hamlet. Failed. I feel a bit slighted that there isn't a really, really good version of Hamlet available to watch. It's my favourite Shakespeare play. I have some very strong ideas of how the characters should act and what their motives were. No one has done my version yet, and it makes me sad. Obviously, I need to start my comic again.
Picked up Brave New World (Aldous Huxley) and Stranger in a Strange Land (Robert Heinlein), both of which should be required reading before interacting with me on an intimate level. Both books are the origins for many of my philosophies, and I'm terribly sad that few people that I talk to have read both (not that I really talk to many people outside my family, but still...).

And now, dear reader, it is my favourite time of the morning (12:34 après midi), so I am off to bed.