Twas Beauty...

Mmm! I had a very fun week! For once, I did a lot with my life and I'm happy about it.

While Christmas was a bummer for me, I didn't dislike it entirely. I honestly don't know but I was a bit depressed over Christmas because our family was so utterly seperated. My dad, for example, was all the way in New Jersey, enjoying his Holiday season with his extended family and other 'loved' ones, while mom, John, and I stayed home and did a little bit of nothing. My mom did bake the turkey breast over Christmas Eve, but we ended up eating it around midnight and no one really ate together as a family - this is the problem with a very... self-sufficient family, I suppose.

However, I'll go into a speech about my family some other time.

Christmas day wasn't too bad, though I was seriously bummed that I couldn't stay at Sacrament Meeting's entire Christmas program. As it turns out, mom took the car in for maintnence and we had a rental car. And, according to some silly law, people under twenty-one cannot drive rental cars for insurance reasons. It really bummed out my vacation, to say the least. But, I enjoyed the songs in the program all the way through Silent Night before I headed out and met my mom in the parking lot, then drove on home and waited about a half-hour.

And then I want to church again.

No, not the Mormon church either. I was actually going to the old Roman Catholic church with my mother. Thing is that I spent that Christmas in church earlier that morning all alone, which can be quite damaging for my spirit, what with everyone else being with family and what not. I'm not so sure too many of my friends realize how it can be to go to Church all a alone every week, knowing your family was not members and probably would never join. And I took that in account when I thought of my poor mother, and when I thought of Aunt Lorraine as well. The latter of the two what the 'John' in my mother's life, and I know how awful it can be to live with a person that utterly wicked. Thus, I opted to go to Church with her, which just made her so happy as soon as she heard it.

Merry Christmas, mom.

St. Mary's Church: A congregation consisting of over three-thousand individuals total in this town. One of the largest churchs around, and also one of the most beautiful. For those of you that don't know, Catholic churchs are build with a gothic-style in mind, and tend to be very finely crafted. They're build for beauty, not efficiently, I believe, but they still hold up very well over the years. Needless to say, it was nostalgic for me to enter into that church once more, gazing upon all the stained-glass windows that lined the wall, and looking upon the altar with its gorgeous decorations brought back so many memories of my Catholic times.

Every Wednesday and Sunday, I would be in that church with classmates and family, doing all the motions I memorized doing. Non-members of the Roman Catholic Church may not know this, but there is a very lot of work coming to this church. You need to know the trinity, the gospel motions, the various moves during the mass itself, and when to do what and where while singing what with a prayer of huh. I'd recommend everyone go to a mass at least once, if only to get a workout. There was a very long list of what occurs over the one-hour period of church, and boy... is it ever more complicated than it really seems. However, I didn't do to well in that portion of religion class so I can't give you an entire run-down of the steps.

Hozana in the highest... blessed is he who comes in the name of the looooord... HOZANA in the HIGHEST - Hozana in the hiiiiiii~IIIIIIII~gheeeeest...

There is a lot of congregational activity throughout the mass too. Rather than just sitting around all the time, people stand up in unison, sit in unison, and say prayers all in unison. It's very magical, in a sense. That day, I believe there was around 300+ individuals in church, and everyone would speak in unison to a prayer, with the priest, and so on and so forth. And most of which are led by the coordinator of the mass, who knows when one side sings, or knows when another side sings, or just knows everything that's going on.

And my goodness... St. Mary's has a excellent... excellent... excellent singer when it comes to coordinating the mass. I don't know her name and I wish I did, but she's a beautiful singer who has a wonderful voice in church. Microphone? Nuh uh, buddy, she just slides that down and uses that opera-esque voice of her to ring throughout the entire church. Oh my... if you ever go to St. Mary's on a Sunday, go to hear her sing. It's just gorgeous. I cannot think of a better word to describe it.

Mm... so i was in church with mother-dearest and enjoying the proceedings. I did have to abstain from some of the motions, like the trinity and a few of the "I believe in..."s throughout the session, but it wasn't too bad otherwise. I felt very awkward, and wondered if anyone help a grudge over me going into the Latter-Day-Saints faith. But, fortunately or unfortunately, the Church doesn't exactly have a well-knit community. No one mentioned it because I doubt anyone knew who I was. Ah well... that's life for you. But I did see one or two people I knew, including Peter Henry's mom, and one of my old classmates, Chris Vine.

I was actually very thrilled to see Chris, at least for a small glimpse. It was so strange too because he looked like an adult. I hadn't seen the guy in five years and he truly grew up as a person. his hair is cut down, his fashion was more mature, and he had a bit of hair-loss in the back of his head. I swear I didn't recognize him at first until I seriosuly glanced upon him. It didn't dawn on me really until I recognized his father as well. However, that wasn't the biggest surprise to me. Lo' and behold, his little brother was there too.

OH MY WORD! His little brother, the one that didn't even come up to my wasit when I last saw him, was so much taller than before. It was incredible to see this guy, just a quiet, shy guy at church who skipped out on the wine. I was shocked at how people are able to grow! I mean... these people should have stayed as munchkins forever! It's not right for them to get so big like that. I know it sounds silly, but it is weird to see someone you knew to be so tiny and watching them a few years later as a grown guy. Man-oh-man... it was quite the sight.

And I think he would look at me weird if he ever read this.

But, that was about as eventful as Christmas became. I couldn't go caroling with my friends because - duh - I had no means of getting to North Augusta to join the ward. Well yes ,I had a means, but I couldn't drives that certain means because the means of the law is very much a pain in the butt. C'est la vie...

Oui oui, je parle francais. Comment ca va? Mm? Bien? Oh, comme si comme ca, eh? C'est d'accord. Alors...

Anywho, Monday came by without much happening, but Tuesday was pretty eventful. I was really excited that day because Mike, John, and I were going to the movies to see The Ringer. Not to be confused with The Ring, which is a Japanese Horror flick, but the one staring Johnny Knoxville and a few other names that I can't remember. And I'm sure many people would be worried about the premiss this movie has about rigging the Special Olympics, but I can assure you that it is entirely respectful. If anything, it sheds a very good light on our mentally challenged brethren, and I think it's a great movie. Also, it has many good laughs in it. But, since it is PG-13, it does have the f-word in it once. But the thing is... they could not have tossed it in at a better time. Usually, I'd be cringing at the word, but they just tossed that thing out in just the right spot that had all three of us laughing our butts off into the night. I'm laughing just thinking about it right now! Mmm... but it was a good movie and I'm glad I went to it with friends. Afterwards, we headed over to Walmart and enjoyed some quality shopping for lotions, moisturizers, and furniture.

Yeah, sounds weird, I know. However, we didn't get much done before heading home. John and I talked a little bit on the way, and he seemed to apologize to me once again about pushing women upon me so much. Hmm... it came out of no where, but at least he's trying to show some decency, if that's even the right word. But I think he's an alright guy. He needs to settle down and everything, but he's an alright guy nonetheless.

As for Wednesday... nah, uneventful as well. I just stuck around home all day. Same for Thursday.

However, on Friday, I did the bizarre thing of going to the movies again, though I went with Jowy this time around. Instead of seeing Fun with Dick and Jane, which I heard really wasn't worth the cash (from multiple sources), I decided to go watch King Kong. And for eight bucks, it really wasn't too bad; heck it was even pretty good! Granted the movie was three hours long, I believe the story was most excellent, and that Peter Jackson did a wonderful job expressing the old film in a remastered version. While it didn't get all that many laughs out of us, it was nearly tear jerking at so many points. My only regret was that I hadn't taken a girl to the movies with me instead. I kid you not that I would be having a soaked shoulder by the end of the night. By the nd of the night, we headed home and I enjoyed the thought of having my car back in my possession.

I can finally drive that poor missionaries around again.

Mmm... but yeah, I thought a lot while watching King Kong. It made me think so much about the world, and about people I knew. Such a wonderful picture...

Jingle Bells

Well, seeing how everyone else is updating their blogs regularly, I figure I might as well make one also.

Let's see... over the past two weeks, I've nearly been blown up, I've shown the newest missionary how insane a driver I am, and I'm fairly free from school at the moment. Hoorah...

I should go out and see a movie today or something. Mm... I honestly don't know what to write in this thing at the moment. My life has been very uneventful for the past week or so, what with me being on vacation and everything. All I've been doing is lounging around the house, doing menial chores here and there, and playing games when I felt like it. I guess that about does it for my home portion of my post. Meh, I'm lacking serious inspiration at the moment. What you're all witnessing is pure free-writing, one of the best tricks a writer can do to practice his style of writing. Generally, the person just keeps writing and writing for however long they feel like going on about, and then some.

So I guess we'll start with school. I didn't get all the grades I wanted this semester, and I was bit disappointed with some of my classes. If I'm ever going to go to BYU, I'm going to have to seriously over-haul a good many of my classes for the next couple of semesters, and even then I don't know what I'll do when problems arise. If it weren't for that school's high standards in grades, I'd already be there, toiling away in vacation. However, that's not the case and I'm stuck here. John, my friend, mentioned that BYU wasn't nearly as cracked up as everyone said it was, and that he wouldn't be able to stand going there for four years. I wondered if he was just saying that because he served on the BYU mission... Oh well, I'm surprised that more of my friends don't go out there. However, I'm sure they have their good reasons. But still, I was to go to BYU for a number of reasons.

My top one would be to be nearer to Miriam. Not sure why, but I still harbor some feelings for that girl. She's a real sweetheart, and I'm sure many can testify to. Also, she's the only girl around that lives to my standards. I figure that if she goes there, then there are pelnty of other girls at BYU that are just as good. Eh, I fear Mia might somehow get married while I'm on my mission, and I won't know about it until I come back. That's life, however, and there's very little I would be able to do about it. I might hold off going on my mission for half a year just to squeeze in another semester of college.

Hmm... everyone's been asking me where I want to go on my Mission. I heard it's a jinx to say where you want to go, so I've forbidden myself from ever mentioning it. Everyone of the missionairies, however, want me to go to Utah so they can all drive me around. Elder Bowns still promised that he'd come anywhere in the Western US to drive me around. I'm going to have to hold him to that deal of his. Also, Elder Taylor, Elder Flitton, Elder Moimai, and ever other Elder has promised to drive me around as well. I guess that'll be a blessing, seeing how I'll need all the rides I can get. Also on my mission, I want to build a workout routine so that I can trim up and come out of the whole ordeal fit and fine. From what I've seen, going on your mission can add a few inches on your waist for some reason. C'est la vie...

Elder Silton... I like the sound of that...

But yikes... short hair again. I had short hair from highschool, and it really didn't look all that great on me. Meh... I was dawning a missionary hair-cut before I even knew what one was. At least I can wear hair-gel!

And I curse my sleeping habits. I can't get any sleep at night for some reason. I've resorted to torturing myself with long afternoons, only to take naps that betray me. I want to be awake during the day again, but I don't see that happening anytime soon. Maybe a good walk to two around the park will do me right.

OH! That's right! I remember that I went on a walk in the park a while ago, some time around four in the morning, and I saw a shooting star in the sky! I saw it streak through the sky, and it was very beautiful. There was this long tail that disappated with the head of the falling star, and it was right near the moon too (visually). I'd almost forgotten that I'd seen it too! It had to be in the west so... yeah. A western falling star. I wonder if anyone else saw it... Also, I think I saw a UFO the previous time I went walking. I don't know whether or not it was real or a figment of my imagination, or perhaps another shooting star, but I felt like I saw something in the sky out of the corner of my eye, and then it disappeared. I was taken aback, to say the least, because it astounded me that such a thing could have occured. Anyone who really knows me knows that I love astronomy and all things related to space (it's why I love physics), and these sort of things really make me think.

Mmm... my free-writing is over, I suppose. *hugs you all* And I'd like to part with you a Christmas story I wrote recently. I hope everyone enjoys it.

~~~

So I sat down by the warm heater, enjoying its blissful eminance as carolers' were chanting outside. Their sweet melodies, their off-key singing, and their cries of "Merry Christmas!" rang in my ears. How sweet like merry candy canes their hearts must be to go door to door, shouting joyous cheer and spreading their love to each individual that hears their tune. None complained about how cold it was, nor did they whine about people who gave little to no thanks to their melodies. Nay, these kind-hearted spirits truly brought joy to the world, if only to their own souls.

And that was enough for me.

I could hear their foot steps sinking into the white sheets, crunching and munching through soft ice. My word, they were coming my way! Dare I open the door to their voices? Would they be frightened of me? Of how I acted and appeared? I certainly hope not... Oh what fun it would be to see their radiant face though! It must be ten times as good to hear them sing face-to-face! Oh but still... No! I'd come out and listen to them! It was Christmas after all!

I quickly stood up on my feet and made tiny steps towards the entrance. My poor furniture was a mess, a reflection of my cleaning habits, but it was home to me. It was awfully dark though - hopefully, the carolers won't mind. But I finally got there; I finally made it to the door. Oh! And their singing was divine!

I had to go out there to meet them! Yes, I most certainly did, especially after all the beautiful chanting they did.

And out into the cold I went, making my way out of my dreary hole, peeking an eye out to see the young mistresses and masters sing. They all were so very tall and bright eyed, like angels from heaven! How small I felt in comparison to them. They wouldn't care about someone so unimportant as me...

And sure enough, they moved on after singing. I felt a little sad to see them go, and that none of them took the time to notice me. Oh well... it was Christmas, and they had many other homes to bring joy to. It was getting cold anyway; best just go back inside.

"Hello there."

A small voice? Where did this come from? Above? Oh look! A little girl's face, radiant with love as she looked at me. She was smiling and in awe, and I wonder why to this very day. Her cheeks were very rosy, and her eyes were as blue as the summer's sky. And she looked everso cute in that jacket of hers, reaching down to her knees with fuzzy fluff on the end. And with her mittened hands, she pulled out something from her pocket, giving it to me. My word! A small crumpet of cookie! I couldn't help but smile at this child and wiggle my nose embarassingly. But... she only smiled back and stood up to join the others, waving to me with her mittened hands.

"Merry Christmas!"

A merry Christmas indeed! I watched them fade away into the snow, disappearing only in sight as I could still hear their voices ringing in the distance. I quickly headed back into my home and scurried over to my heater, cookie in hand. With little nibbles I ate the morsel of food, fully satsified with it's homemade flavor. It's sweetness reminded me of the little girl's face, so cheery and cute.

I felt a yawn come on, and I knew it was time for bed. Perhaps Santa would come to my house this year and depart some presents. I could smile at the thought while curling up in my make-shift bed of hay, staying warm by that heater.

Oh Merry Christmas to everyone, and to all a good night.

Hersey's Kisses

"Hold that warm feeling inside of you." He said that to me, and I felt awkward when he did. What did that old man in over-alls mean by those words? I thought about that when I was only half my present size, and perhaps half as wise also. The old man had a serious face back then, covered with valleys of wrinkles upon his face, but I can tell now that he was smiling behind that beard of his. How was that man was... to have known and experienced what I now experience. I wish I could thank him for those words he gave me...

~~~

Seeing how I just got done looking over everyone's blogs, I felt it was time I actually get to work on my own. I swear this thing is catching dust these days! But... enough of the introduction, it's time to get down to business.

Since my last post was over a week and a half ago, I suppose I should start on what happened in the meantime. On the Saturday of last week (the 3rd), I was finally promoted to a Dedicated Moderator on a site called Gaiaonline. Why should that be important enough to express on my personal blog? Because it involves a great portion of my online life. I've been on that site for a little over two years, and over that time, I've experienced so many things. I've grown because of it, and perhaps died a little because of it. But never had I encountered something like this! This was a great responsibility that I was charged with, and deal with this new job of mine was more of a challenge than I ever thought I could imagine.

At least it's teaching me a few skills in authority.

Oh, and I forgot to mention this little tidbit of information earlier. The previous Sunday was testimony meeting, and I felt a sudden urge swell up inside of me. I was so nervous too, and I also missed my chance. After Sister Blackwell, Brother Kent, Elder Bowns and Moimae, as well as Mason went up, I stood up and walked to the front of the room. I stood up there and looked out at the crowd.

"Brothers and Sisters... it's been a year and one week since I first received a look at this church..." And from then on out, I felt a lump in my chest. It wasn't nervousness, that's for sure, but I felt something strange deep within me. There was this strong... pushing on my heart. I felt as though I could have cried as I told the story of my entry into this church, how a person very dear to me allowed me to find my way. I told of my many visits, and of the wonderful people that greeted me. I told of the visitor's center in Washington, and how that person never gave up on me. She didn't dare give up on my soul, even when I denied all her teachings, even so much as questioning her own beliefs. Next thing you know, I was talking with Missionaries, and with God, in my very own home. How strange is that? And Atheist to Mormon. The missionaries still laugh about that.

Mmm, and I felt like crying as I stepped down, grinning like an idiot. When I say down, John leaned over and patted me on the shoulder. People all over church came up to me and thanked me for my testimony, complimenting me on my words. I felt so... good when I heard them talk about me in such a way. I felt at home.

Thank you, Miriam Angell Cox, for bringing me here.

But that big news aside, I suppose I should go into more detail with the rest of my life. Finals started for me the other week, and it has been quite stressful. I've done so much studying, writing, and slacking that it's all very harsh for me. But that's what finals week is suppose to be like. My very first one was in Philosophy, which I had mistaken for English. What did that mean?

Well, it meant that I had all my English books and materials instead of the ones I now required. So, like the crafty little devil that I am, I tossed all my books and supplies into the classroom and wrote a note on my desk that read "BE BACK IN THIRTY MINUTES". I kid you not, I really did write that sucker. While dashing down the hall, I noticed Lisa studying by the English department. And yes, I'd have liked to stay and chat, but I had more important things to worry about; namely, obtaining my Philosophy book.

So home I drove, taking the scenic route that I thought would be quicker. However, due to the immense amount of red-lights, it turned out to be more of an annoyance than my ordinary route was. C'est la vie. I ran into the house, grabbed my book and supplies, then ran back to the car and returned to college. And once I got there, I felt like an odd tradition was finally met. I was late for Philosophy class for the umph-teenth time that semester. I was more than certain that Dr. Hopkins expected this. However... she did mistake me for being in a different class. Huh? Well, I manged to sort that out, obtain a blue-book from a friend (many thanks, Greg), and took that sucker of a test. I say I did... mediocre. Wish I did a little better, but I know I passed it.

As I finished, I noticed that Lisa completed her test the same time as mine, but left without me. I felt a bit bummed (not really - I'm rather apathetic like that), and turned my test in. Leaving the room, I looked to my left and noticed that little gothy-girl standing by the wall, gazing upon the bulletin board as if pretending to read it. As I exitted, she quickly turned (as if surprised) and quickly walked up to me.

Yep, I can always count of girls to scheme just as much as I do.

So we talked for a while, nothing all that important really. She congratulated me on the promotion I received, while I retorted with a grunt and explained how much of a pain it can be - a laugh we both shared. I invited her to lunch (no, not a date ;3 ), but she had to finish up a wee story she'd been working on recently. Made her happy to know that I saw the part she'd written up and asked advice about earlier that week, but I couldn't really give much more insight than a few jokes.

Alas, tis my way with women: A comedic trip of me doing my darndest to make them laugh.

After that, I stayed up late and started my unhealthy habit of sleeping all day and staying up all night. It's been torturous with my brother awake all night too! How am I supposed to get to sleep with him playing games all night long? At least he's been kind enough to knock himself out tonight (allowing me time to get on this computer). That reminds me... I still owe him a ice-cream sundae from McDonald's thanks to a promise I made to the missionaries.

They visited me a while ago and we were talking about John while he was sleeping. Next thing you know, the door to his room opens and he yells "Why don't you just shut the [heck] up?!?" And people wonder why I don't particularly like him... Also, this resulted in there being a bit of a hole in the wall of his room. Yeah... he gets very moody, in case you haven't noticed.

Maybe I pick us up some after my exam today.

ANYWHO! Stayed up late that fateful morning, and arose to check up on my exam stuff. Received a pleasant little surprise from a certain someone in the middle of the night, and I felt bad for holding such a harsh, serious tone when I spoke with them. Meh, she knows I don't mean to be mean. But after that, I took the time to get some cramming in for my Physics exam. After a good hour or so of that, I looked at the clock and noticed how late it got. Next thing you know, I was hauling down to college, anxious to get to class on time. Not like it matters during exam week, but it makes for a good impression on my fellow students.

And as for the test... I felt like the teacher was pulling my leg.

The test was just... EASY! I don't know how to explain it but I was just zooming through the answers, knowing they were right. As soon as the essay/short answer questions came up, I jammed on that paper with all my knowledge. I know for a FACT that I got every single one of those questions right. I wanted to go up to the teacher and scold him, saying, "Oh come ON! Make it a little harder than that, buuuhday! Pfft, whatever..." It's probably a good thing that I didn't, but I felt so powerful after I exitted that room. I was tossing my fist in the air and bobbing my head to a silent beat and everything. Oh did I EVER feel good! So good, I called up a special friend of mine and tossed all that good stuff on to her. My apologies for the wake-up call being that early (nah, you know you enjoyed it.)

Mmm! I still feel pretty good about that one.

Anyway, I hung around with the missionaries some more, and eventually went to Brother Basette's house to eat dinner again. We had a great deal of pizza and salad, and Elder Halbert kept trying to make Elder Moimae eat more and more of the former. Seven or eight or so slices later, the big guy was quite stuffed. We all then picked at Elder Bowns and his girlfriend's videos, as well as at Moimae some more. When the Basettes asked which one of the missionaries improved the most in the past four months, everoyne laugh as I rose my hand up. In all honesty, I could be considered a missionary at this point. A bunch of the younger children at church confuse me for one, that's for sure.

But... I do go out with the missionaries more than any other member of this ward. It's strange, but I love doing so. They're my friends and I learn so much from them. I should have no trouble getting used to all the scriptures I'll have to memorize as a Elder.

Elder Silton... it has a nice ring to it, eh?

Then this Sunday came along, which was one of the funnest ones I've had in a while. After Sacrament Meeting, Brother Askew asked if I'd be willing to give a talk next Sunday. I was quite cheerful to accept, and I hope I do my best to enlighten the crowd with my vast wisdom and knowledge! Eh... maybe I'm being too egotistical? ^^; Nah... it's good for me. I'm just good like that.

However, later that evening, I went to FHE to join with the others for special night of Christmas Caroling at University Hospital. Jowy and I talked for a long while about Bitorrents and games, and Donovan joined in to our conversation as well. Apparently, Jowy has used a gun to shoot up a few relic keyboards, and he carried some of the bullets in his pocket. He's an interesting guy, I'll give him that. When we were heading over, Cherish, Mike's girlfriend, hopped over to me and started chatting up a storm. We talked mostly about Mike and how he wasn't there, and what we'd be doing at the hospital. I allowed the fine young lady the front seat, which I regret giving up as soon as I saw the back seat to Jowy's car.

Who has a a styrofoam bowl, fritos, knives, and a perfectly good grapefruit in their backseat? Needless to say, I had to perform a bit of Feng Shui on his car, which basicly involved tossing everything in the seat next to me.

Once we entered the hospital, we all quited down and I talked to one of the newest members, Michael, a marine. He has new member written all over him, seeing how he speaks so greatly about the church, more so than everyone else did at least. Also, he has a few tattoos from his old life, but I don't hold that against him. Quite the contrary - I found it interesting. It's simply another form of art; though I'd never get one myself.

So caroling we did! I was cut into the back group, which Cherish, Michael, and a few others, while Jowy and a few others went with the other group. Next, we headed into the different elevators. And that, my friends, is when the fun really started. We exitted the place and checked over our songs, then entered into our first room. I believe the first song we sang was Silent Night, and all my old thoughts of St. Mary's Christmas singing came back to me. It was rather nostalgic, to say the least.

Afterwards, Cherish and I got into little bouts where the two fo us would pick at each other. It was funny how she was blaming me for starting it when the fault was ENTIRELY hers. We rammed into each other and talked a lot. I can see why Mike likes her so much now. :3 She's very outgoing, a nice trait I should keep in mind for future relationships. After we sang about twenty or so rooms, we all headed downstairs and relaxed in the lobby.

After the next group came along, we all headed to North Augusta's ward and socialized. Cherish was on the phone with Mike while Jowy enjoyed giving her a heart-attack when we entered into the parking lot. I'm pretty sure, based on how loud it was, that just about everyone within a 100 meter radius heard Jowy's turns, which made all of us laugh. Yon was passing out candy to everyone while the rest of us were heading home. Cherish played a mean little trick on me by telling Mike that I gave her a kiss (it was a Hersey's kiss for her to give to Mike!), and I quickly snatched the phone from her. After a lot of laughing about having my knee-caps blown off, I returned the phone and headed home. A good night that wasn't over just yet...

After returning home and clearing out the reports on Gaia, I headed over to Mike's house that evening for some nice, friendly, video gaming fun. I entered his room a newbie to the game, hardly able to get any good shots on either him or his botty teammates. Indeed, I was out-matched for a good round or so. However, I quickly got the hang of the game and started dealing out a healthy portion of whooping on the guy. After finally winning a round, I headed home at midnight and lay around for the next couple hours.


It's strange to think that all that happened but a day or so ago. In all honesty, it felt like it happened at least a week ago. That's what reminiscing does to you, I guess.

Mm... so now I get another chapter of my life to live today... One more exam before I have a well-earned vacation. I should give 'her' a call or two.

... Old man, you taught me a lot with just those words. I wonder... what story led to your wisdom. Did an old, toothless man teach you of the universe as well?

Cherry Tops and Gum Drops

And I looked into her eyes and saw the world open up unto me. Her smile rose slowly, snaking her arms around my neck and pulling me close. I felt a sense of urgency rising within: regret, warning, and anxiety – all coming forth at once. But… I felt myself lean into her as well. I couldn’t stop myself…

Now that my angst-session is over with, I can get back to a bonified post that details the various events happening over the past seven days of time. Oi! And there are a few bits and pieces, to say the very least.

Thursday, as we all know, was Turkey Day. Yes, yes; it was Thanksgiving, I know. But due to the wonder of the media and advertising, it’s turned into another Hallmark holiday where people only think of – you guessed it – turkey! Of course I cannot complain about such a thing, as it does fill m belly with many treats and goodies that lull me into a slumber rather easily. Mm-hmm, I slept well that night.

Instead of the turkey dinner that I really wanted, my parents and I drove over to Shoney’s, a Southern food-chain, and ate up a gallant meal of ham, sweet potato, turkey bits, and plenty more. Sure, it all came from a buffet, but I’m not one to complain about such trivial matters. I was just happy knowing I ate enough to fill my belly and to prevent me from sampling and food at home for the next week or so. We had very quaint conversations, which were a bit uncomfortable, but the folks and I had our dinner nonetheless, and we were thankful for it.

And yes, my brother didn’t bother to join us. In all honesty, I forget when that young man has even bothered to come out to eat with the rest of his family. The only times he even goes out of the house would be for haircuts, and… that’s about it. I don’t get it and I don’t try to get it. It’s his choice whether he stays home and does nothing with his life, and I have to respect that decision. That doesn’t mean I have to like it, however. And it’s really not my place to say what he should do or shouldn’t do, but you can bet I lecture my father about not providing any form of motivation for his lost son.

He failed to do so with me, and he’s failing to do so with my brother.

Yes, who takes out the trash every day? Me. Who retrieves the mail every day? Me. Who goes out and purchases the groceries when needed? Me. Who is the one that brings all the groceries in? Again – me. I’m glad my parents are placing so much responsibility on me, but they should know that I feel a bit “jipped” when my brother isn’t asked to do anything. It’s like the guy has them wrapped around his finger!

“Oh don’t bother that John fellow. He’s got quite the temper! Dare we arouse that fury, he’ll start cursing under his breath and slam doors. Oh! There’s James! He’s not cranky at all and he doesn’t curse under his breath about us. Let’s send him out to do all the work while Mr. Grouchy-Pants leisurely sits around and plays games.”

Strangely enough, I see the sense in asking me now; not the fairness, but the sense. But, life is not fair and I should get used to it. Never said I was going to like it though.
And on Friday and Saturday, I completed a rigorous act of doing a whole load of jack-squat. Thanksgiving break isn’t called a break for nothing, you know.

But, like the good LDS member that I am, I drove the missionaries around and had them come over for some root beer and Dr. Pepper. Elder Halbert finally met my mother and they got along just fine. We watched a Christmas min-movie that had Jon Stewart in it, and I don’t think it really had a point in it. Though Elder Bowns did a great impression of the guy, beside the fact that the guy never said anything like what Bowns said. I think his version was much funnier though.

Anyway… on Sunday, I attended Church, as usual, and was slightly disheartened that neither Sam nor Rachael was in Gospel Principles, and that Brother Basette wasn’t teaching it either. I love the missionaries and all that, but they cannot teach a good chapter like Brother Basette can. He’s one of my favorite members, along with brother Barnhurst, Brother Adams, and Brother Anderson. Love all of them silly guys. Barnhurst is the Assistance Councilor to the Bishop, and he always welcomes me with a warm conversation. I mentioned him before, so you know this guy is great. Brother Adams was the one who baptized me, and we can always have a good conversation as well. Turns out that he used to be atheist as well, and he says it gave him a good, open-minded view of all churches, much like it did for me. And Brother Anderson… well, he just acts like a good friend would. If I could have more friends like him in m life, I honestly would.

Any – any who~… I’ve that song stuck in my head now. Doot doo - doot doot doo…

Oh, and I have some news about that one Gaia site that concerns me, but I can’t really tell anyone, unfortunately. I promised one of the administrators, Dri, that I wouldn’t. So… I’ll tell you when I can. It’s good though, for me at least.

Mm! Family Home Evening rolled around and I’m beginning to find one girl in particular rather captivating. I believe her name was Kathy, and she’s much different than I thought she’d be. Instead of a complete Southern Bell, she had a much more educated personality. She’s humorous, enjoyable, and she can stand to talk with me – always a good thing. Also, she’s not as stuck up as I thought she would be either. Generally, I think that most good-looking girls are stuck up for some odd reason, and that gives me trouble when I’m trying to talk with them. There’s always this… feeling of judgment. I get that feeling from her sister, Katie, though. She’s better looking, more or less, but I don’t really get a great feeling when I talk with her, which is hardly ever.

Ah well, nothing that I’m going to lose any sleep over.

So I grew this bit of interest for Kathy after making some small talk with her last Tuesday. I think it all started when I commented about the picture she had in her bible, and that helped ease along further conversation. When my stomach made a loud growl, Kathy told me that people on the other side of the table could hear it (and I don’t doubt it for a second). I apologized to her, and we laughed about me taking some Tums or antacid. Oh, and for the record, my stomach just wouldn’t stop growling after that.

James’ Brain: “Hey, I appreciate that you’re trying to help out the big guy with your growling and all, but it worked the first time and I don’t think anymore is needed.

James’ Stomach: “Oh really? Well sorry about that. Hey! How about if I make a fart?”

James’ Brain: “I really don’t think that would help out the situation anymore.”

James’ Stomach: “Oh come on! It’ll provide some comic relief! Girls love that, right?”

James’ Heart: “Hey, this is just me butting in and all but… no, no it doesn’t. Guys find it funny, girls find it gross.”

James’ Brain: “Some girls might have a fetish for it though.”

James’ Heart: “Yes, and we’re trying to avoid those kinds of girls…”

James' Stomach: "Phooey..."

Such an interesting conversation going on within my mind, needless to say.

Monday rolled around and I felt a good, long, restful day approaching me as I came home and rested my tired little body in bed. Unfortunately, the phone rang and it was Elder Bowns. He asked if there was some way to get pictures and videos off a digital camera's memory card directly from the computer. He asked because his camera wouldn't play the sort of card that his girlfriend sent him, and he REALLY wanted to see the videos. Calmly, I told him of a magical device that could play the files on memory cards, and where to go to see them (Wal-Mart). So, we hang up for about five minutes and then he calls me back.

Now, this cat wanted me to come over as fast as I possibly could so that we could go to the store and watch the videos. This bugged me on the account that I was playing Tribes during that time, and we know that bugging me during games is not a good idea... But, seeing how I am "The Man", as the missionaries call me, I figured "What the hey? I'll come along and take you fellas where you desire!" And so off I vroom'ed to the Elders' house, picking up Cobbley and Bowns. Instead of going to Wal-mart, however, we made a trip to a more localized store; Shuttlebug. Good place too. They had the device we were looking for, and they allowed Elder Bowns and Elder Cobbley to view their photos and videos for free.

This brought an idea to my mind as well. When I go on a mission, I'd really like to do that as well. I'd love it if people sent me videos instead of letter and photos and whatever. Sure, I'd like letter and pictures, but I'd adore seeing some videos; mainly because of how close to home it would make me feel. But I should focus more on actually going on my mission right now rather than videos and junk.

Hmm...

Tuesday rolled around and it was entirely exhausting. Besides the English paper, the only other things I attended was Institute, though this time was different. Around four o'clock, I received a phone call from Mike, asking if he could get a right to Institute that night. Apparently, his car's engine was screwed up and he was having issues getting around everywhere. Also, he had a Xbox 360 for me to play when I came over, so naturally I accepted. When arriving, we quickly headed over to his room and played Perfect Dark Zero, one of the release games for the system. I won't lie - the visuals were pretty gorgeous. However, I was having issues with the controls and all; though that didn't stop me from smacking Mike once or twice in the cooperation missions we endured. It was quite the game, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Not as fun as Tribes, mind you, but still pretty good.

Also, Mike was kind enough to give me one of his old scripture-carriers. FINALLY, I had one! (*so happy*)

After chatting long and hard about how school went, we arrived at Institute where I was greeted by Mike's girlfriend, Cherish. Sweet girl and very outgoing; I can see why Mike likes her a lot. We chatted for a bit and surprised Mike with the seconds book to a series that he was reading, and he was all: "You lied!"

Let me explain - In the drive over, Cherish had arrived sooner than us and gave Mike a call on his cell-phone. And I knew it was her because Mike was using a boobee-woobee-bear talk that most boyfriends use when acting silly with their girlfriends. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I am guilty of having used that voice as well, and I am proud of it. But yeah, he was asking her if she'd remember to bring the book or not, and she was playing possum by being all shy and crafty about it. Poor Mike was saying, "Now you know I'll be sad if that book isn't there tonight. You know that, right?"

And voila, we fooled Mike and hardy har - yeah the rest of the Institute meeting was miserable for me. While Mike and Cherish were busy 'hand cuddling', as I like to call it, I was busy listening to Shawn and Katie talk about some junk that really held no interest to me. Also, I was lacking a pen at the time so there was no way for me to take notes on anything that Brother Tuckfield was telling us, and this one girl kept looking over at me, which was really, REALLY creepying me out. Why? I have no attraction for her, and sorry to say, there are plenty of reasons for that.

For one, she doesn't take good care of her body. How can I tell? Well, she's basicly pudgier than I am, and probably weighs more as well. Also, she's about... oh... eight, maybe nine years older than me, which adds to the creepiness factor of my life, and I'd really not like to think anymore on that. She's a nice girl and all, but there are one (or so) too many differences between that I am not into. Yes, sorry. I try to be a nice guy, I honestly do, but I have no idea how I'm supposed to avoid something like that.

Like Mia said about my postings a long while back: "They seem, I don't know, honest for some reason."

You ain't kidding, Sister.

Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday! The big battle royale between the leagures top tow fighters in the world! You can't miss this one folks! If you miss it, you'll be the laughing stock of your town! That's right, the laughing stock! WEDNESDAY WEDNESDAY WEDNESDAY!

Can you tell I feel silly? You know you love it. ^.~

So, Wednesday morning, I arrive at school and I meet Lisa outside. She instantly seems to cheery up as we talk, discussing about school and how our papers went. Also, we chatted a little bit about Gaia and how everything went on there, and how her guild mates were very weird (in my opinion). She took it as a compliment before we chatted onwards and upwards about every little thing that came to our minds, then we had to head up into class. Before doing so, however, I hinted at a little secret I had concerning Gaia, one which I wasn't supposed to tell anyone besides friends such. She guessed at what it was and was floored by the truth.

Hey, you should have seen me when I found out about it. Oo la la, I was crazy.

In philosophy class, the one we shared together, we discussed some of the problems her guild faced, and how there was very little help from outside forces. I shrugged and offered some advice as for who to talk to and how to talk with them. I do love having a vast knowledge of information that holds entirely useless to the real world. But anyway, we got our papers back in the class, and I was as happy as a puppy unwrapped on Christmas. Not the childs getting the puppy, but the little doggie itself with its wagging tail and bright stary eyes.

An 'A'! Yes, a grade 'A' on my paper that I toiled upon for so long, and I was so very satisfied with it too. Dr. Premo-Hopkins expressed how she loved my paper and how wonderfully written it was, which only further send my day into a cheery bliss! Oh, the fun stuff about actually accomplishing a excellent grade on a paper that was fun to write! I almost felt like flaunting the paper to some of my acquaintances in the class who said doing it on Berkeley was a bad idea, mainly because the teacher had written some papers on the man herself. But HA! I showed them what for! HA HA HA! Booyah, grandma, booyah!

Mmm! Ah, and after class, I met with the lovely Lisa once more, and laughed about what she said on her paper. She received an 'A-' for her grade, and then whined how she could have pulled it up if she had at least twenty more minutes worth of time. I poked at her about our time in the library the previous week too.

Lisa: "If I only had twenty more minutes, I could have gotten a better grade."

James: "Eh, Lisa. You DID have twenty minutes, remember?"

Lisa: "Well, I mean I was tired and was just bogged down with other papers and-"

James: "Lisa, you had an extra hour after you finished with the citation."

Lisa: "*huffs and laughs* Okay, okay! Fine, I could have worked on it a little longer."

(I blame my charming good-looks for distracting her.)

We both stepped outside once more, still chatting about various things. We talked about how sick Lisa had been over the past few days, and how hard she had to whine to get her mother to make some home made chicken-noodle soup. Also, one of her friends passed by and talked about jello for a bit, and then the two of us talked about how I couldn't eat Jello anymore after an incident that happened to me during my second grade year.

I won't bore you with the details. Let's just say that, when puked, red jello looks like blood. Enough said, right?

Went to class, survived it, and then headed home. Didn't do much else that that day besides taking the missionaries out again and then hanging around while eating sun flower seens. Hm.

Mmm! And onwards to today's events. Sorry this post is getting very long, but I've been working on it for about two days now and I feel it deserves the honor. Anyway! I actually didn't get any sleep last night either. The missionaries were going to call me around 6 a.m. to go to Gold's Gym with them, but they never did. Sadly, I sat in bed for a good five seconds before an idea popped into my brain.

"Hey James! When's the last time you went to O'dell Weeks?"

James: Well I don't know! When was the last time.

James' Brain: Please just get on with the posting.

Sorry...

So, at 6:05 in the morning, I got dressed and headed over to the park with about 40% of the usual visibility I usually had. Note to self: wipe the wind shield off before leaving next time, especially on very cold days. And yes, it was very... very cold. I don't know why I went walking around the park that early, but my gut told me it was a good idea. And walk I did, discovering something amazing!

When people are in the cold air, walking briskly around a track, they're really friendly. Everytime I passed a person while jogging/walking, they would say good morning to me, and I to them. I don't know why but we were all very friendly to one another, joking about the cold as each of us passed beside the other. I honestly don't know what it was, but I liked it. Unfortnately, my lungs weren't enjoying the chilling air quite so much as I would have wanted to. But, I did go on! I marched and marched until I couldn't march anymore! Eventually, I stopped at 7 a.m. after having walked/jogged three miles. I was loverly.

And well... nothing much to report after that. Life's good. I'm happy. And I'm thinking about asking a certain some one over to visit me after Christmas.

Ciao!

... and all guilt, all pain, and all denial slipped away as our lips touched, releasing a warm feeling over my entire body. I felt my myself smiling against her warm touch, and for a moment... I felt her smile too.