---

(9:26 pm PT) - Shoving off.
[link] - (indescribable)

Time to turn off the desktop now. Will roll into SF in the morn. See all con-bound people soon. See everyone else Tuesday.

---

(12:19 am PT) - Another year Monday
[link] - (indescribable)

Miry, thank you, luv! I'll keep my eye out for it.

Kit, thank you for the thought, but really, I feel bad asking for anything this year as I still haven't finished things I wanted to send last year. (Which I'm still intending to finish and send.) What about this: if there's something you're into that you think I would like, send a sample or direct me to a link. Can never have too many interests, I say.

I have noted a trend in the last decade where I can't get through the month of August, especially a week prior to my Bday, without someone getting into an argument in my family. I won't get into details, but I told mom if this keeps up, I'm not celebrating. "What if someone gives you a gift?" "I'll take it, there's a big difference between celebrating and accepting a gift."

Whaaat? There is one, honestly.

---

(6:15 pm PT) - Thank you for your not help
[link] - (indescribable)

Someone explain to me why when I post what I'd like to think is a simple enough question, I get the most useless and unhelpful answers one can get, not to mention completely incorrect as I've read some and was just looking for more.

Suggestions on how to answer this fop, or just ignore?

---

(1:24 pm PT) - after effects
[link] - (indescribable)

Sorry if this gets a little long. If anyone wants I can just insert some LJ cuts into the actual Nucleus post.

Funny how you don't think something has really effected you in any significant way, only to find out perhaps it did, but the external response is different than one might have imagined they would be.

I feel disconnected from those I know. When I tried to determine just when that started really, I found it's about when I was first told about Pep's cancer. And it's gotten worse in the last week. I'm not sure how to relate to anyone, either RL or OL, and I wind up keeping quiet even when something says I should say something. (Also why I have to ask people to remind me if I was suppose to reply to something.) I can't say I'm sad, but definitely not really enjoying anything that I would think I'd like under normal circumstances. And I don't know if this disconnection is because of some warped expression of grief, or due to the fact that I felt rather disconnected from the woman herself. And it didn't help being mistaken for my sister at the funeral And while I hate how purple and cliché this will sound, I feel like I'm experiencing everything through several layers of gauze. Now if only I could find a good pair of emotional scissors to cut through this.

I hope this isn't seen as whining. Honestly, I don't like it, but I'm not trying to complain about it as maybe understand it in the hopes of fixing it somehow. I think I know one way, but I have one part of my mind saying it would be a pointless exercise in word vomiting. Though perhaps that's what I need to do. Maybe.

Gnome, if you want me to drop from the RP given how long I've taken, I understand. If you think I should stay, email me for a good time to chat.

Byrdie, I haven't paid for that latest commission, I believe. Need your addie to send it to.

Kalli: Sorry, forgot the form sent to you when I was testing it. And did you want me to answer that last email?

May is beginning on a strange note. Will see how it plays out.

---

(9:07 am PT) - sigh
[link] - (indescribable)

Funeral today. This week turned out to be more random than I was ready for, so a lot of plans went up in flames. And I have tomorrow and Sunday to finish my last essay in this Networking class. Boo. Though the next class looks a bit more to my liking: Programming Logic and Design. Hopefully the instructor is an okay type.

For now I just want to get through this and hope nobody bawls on me or mistakes me for my sister.

---

(2:19 pm PT) - hectic
[link] - (indescribable)

Since my last post life has been ultra hectic, even with me trying to keep a cool head. Though juggling school hasn't helped. And they don't seem to understand that "optional but encouraged" is not the same as "mandatory". Twits.

Anyone I owe an email to I'll get to in the coming week. Still doing a juggling act as the funeral is this coming Friday, plus it's the last week of class. Yeah, not fun. I'll manage.

---

(8:29 pm PT) - I can breathe
[link] - (indescribable)

You never know the beauty of the simple act in breathing until something greatly obstructs the flow.

I think I'm at 85% capacity now, which is pretty good considering where I was as recently as yesterday. (The physics for how a human head and connecting sinus cavities can produce that much snot is beyond me.)

Unfortunately I now have only 3 days to get in 2 assignments this week. Boo.

Ah well, snot happens.

---

(5:47 pm PT) - Happy Merry
[link] - (indescribable)

Not recovered yet, but breaking silence because I think it's Kit's birthday today. However, being I'm souped up on serious cold meds, I may be wrong. But my reminder said it is, so I'm going with that.

Anyway, hope it's a good one, Kit!

---

(1:34 pm PT) - Ugh
[link] - (indescribable)

Got blindsided by a cold. Will break radio silence again once I'm over it.

---

(11:35 am PT) - site spazz
[link] - (indescribable)

The subject pretty much covers it. They spazzed on the databases. I don't know if it was related to the upgrades done over the weekend or not, though likely that was the cause considering the timing. Everything appears to be fine now after the host rebooted the server, but I'll try and keep an eye on it after my insurance person leaves. For the flist whose sites I host, please check everything out and let me know.

Twitter proves very useful in this situation since nearly all other communication options died with the sites.

I don't know, I may have to consider a new server. But finding an affordable adult server is hell.

---

(7:23 am PT) - nh
[link] - (indescribable)

I didn't want to mention this until I had a timeframe. Now that I do... not that knowing helps any.

My older sister's grandmère has been diagnosed with liver cancer. I suppose I like the woman well enough, though I admit to having some issues when I learned about some of the things that happened between her and my stepfather. But that's beside the point. What this is doing now is damn near forcing me to acknowledge (and interact with) my sister, whom I still can't stand, and was planning on spending the rest of my life never seeing again.

Of course I had the "do it for 'granny' talk from mom. But even though I admit to liking the woman well enough, I can't say I feel close enough to her to deal with my sister. (I don't even like using 'granny', but would rather use her nickname of 'Pep'.) And she's not related to me, a fact my sister very loudly and rudely pointed out to our younger sister during an argument. In fact, she (and she alone) has often conveniently pointed out and claimed various unique blood-ties when it suited her. (And yet still didn't go to her own father's funeral, but everyone thought she did because I went.) But I digress.

It's very hard for me to let bygones be bygones when there was absolutely no resolution. Plus, school is very important to me and sapping my will to live takes up a tremendous amount of time. Plus I just know when I go over there I'm going to hear crap like 'you've gained weight'. (I know this, that's why I've traded my treadmill for a bike, thanks.) And 'what are you doing with your life'. (Back in school and working on it, helLO.) It will be very difficult not to point out that darling sis has graduated from UCLA and is currently unemployed, so kindly get off my derrière. I'm not one for humouring people unless absolutely necessary.

But knowing the timeframe (6 months, though I'm told that's a standard given for this and could well be longer) can I force myself to put aside differences, leave my comfort zone, and go visit once? It may seem easy and I should get over myself, but when I say I wasn't ever planning on seeing my sister again, that was one step shy of a blood vow. If I could stomach cutting myself, it might have been one at that.

I don't know. I think for now I'm going to finish this current class and think on it when my break comes up on the 17th. In the mean time, I'll do what I can to support mom, who is taking it hard.

---

(2:34 pm PT) - hmrph
[link] - (indescribable)

I think everything is working, save maybe those email notices on the RP board. Not sure yet. Anyway, I still advise keeping an eye out. Support was and wasn't helpful. They fixed the obvious problems but 1: kept creating new ones, and 2: spoke to me like I didn't read their so-called tips and instructions when I damn well did. (Obviously if those had worked I wouldn't have needed to contact support now would I?) Hn.

In other (and for me largely triumphant) news, I finished scanning my graphic and related novels into LibraryThing. (I'm debating if I want to include my none Jp books/novels.) For the curious (it was 440 at last count), my catalog can be found at http://www.librarything.com/catalog/LNTora

The cover view is kinda pretty, but image heavy for those with slower connections.

---

(9:32 pm PT) - toast!
[link] - (indescribable)

I'm not in '08 yet, but I know some of you are. Hope you're enjoying it. Cheers!

Me, so not getting drunk, but that's okay. My brother's drunk somewhere in Vegas. That means he's not here. I want to enjoy that state of affairs sober anyway.

Serious gift production mode begins this week. ::nods::

---

(8:12 am PT) - La la life
[link] - (indescribable)

Brother is going to visit someone in Henderson, NV and will be leaving this afternoon. Thus mom and I concluded this would be the perfect evening to go catch Sweeney Todd.

Still (slowly) working on GhD gifts. But I think everyone knows me well at this point to know when I ship out.

Nothing much else going on, just random frustrations with the school. (Class starts officially on the 7th. Not looking forward to it.) Meh.

---

(9:00 pm PT) - Merry Holidays and all that jazz...
[link] - (indescribable)

Some guy has a Xmas display with a crucified Santa and text reading, "He died for your mastercard bill" or something to that effect. I'd love to go see it.

Packages, of which there was two. From Moon-chan: half dozen novelty pens (piglet makes me giggle), figurine, photobook (makes me want to take pictures), and the gem: fuzzy bear! He has a new home with his new siblings, all 30+ of them. ^^ Yes, the grinch queen known as LN has a plushie collection. Sue me. From Ronda, beaded phone strap (and I can use it now!), bracelets, lovely scents, and gem: PotC watch! Which matches perfectly with the backpack Miry gave me. (Now your comment makes sense, Ronda, but no worries, there's no such thing as too much PotC.)

Thanks, luvs, both packages are wonderful!

Remember, I'm perpetually late, so my shipping will be done for Groundhog's Day. (Which is good as I'm also having a slow start to boot.)

It's been an interesting year, full of ups and downs. I'd like to thank my flist for getting on the ride with me, whether you meant to or not. It will only get weirder, but somehow I think if it's a shared weirdness with our own unique perspectives to add colour to it, we'll manage.

May the stress of the holidays start to wind own for you all. And viva the after sales!

---

(10:11 am PT) - love love
[link] - (indescribable)

I. Know. Love.

I will never, ever get a duplicate manga again. My only regret is they only do books, though I can't think of any time I duped on a DVD. However, I'm hoping there's a similar service I can use for that. I was going to use a local installed program, but online is better just for accessing it anywhere. So next year at the con, before I buy, I can just write down the titles, hit the lappy, and make sure I don't have it already.

Joy.

---

(8:56 am PT) - Finally, ie spellchecker
[link] - (indescribable)

Just about every browser I have to use has a spellcheck... except IE7. And I have always loathed that considering one of my RP accounts uses IE7, because it meant I had to open Word to get a spellcheck on the post. And sometimes I'd forget. Fortunately, I found an addon, so no more Word for me. I can finally feel my browsers are on equal footing now. More or less.

And because I love sharing (programs anyway): http://www.iespell.com/ Tis freeware to boot. (Because we all know I hate paying if I don't have to.)

Random news, today's LFG page, last two panels, best line ever. Might require a titlebar change.

---

(7:14 pm PT) - a note
[link] - (indescribable)

Just a heads up since I'm noticing a trend on the last post. I think you can use the openID on Livejournal to also leave comments at InsaneJournal. (In fact, I tested it, and it seems to work.) This could be handy if anyone needs a reply from me to a comment. It also creates a pseudo-account in IJ that you can set for email notifications for replies. Just thought I'd toss that out there.

Nothing else going on other than I need to see what the laws are for mailing/shipping alcohol. Boo.

---

(11:02 pm PT) - First non-LJ duped post...
[link] - (indescribable)

Well, the feed will catch it, but meh, not the same and that's fine.

Anyway, when LotR first hit the scene, while I wanted to watch, I was aware of two things that stopped me. 1. I knew fandom would be nuts, so I wanted to avoid that. (And really, I think HP has surpassed LotR, so likely it's safe now.) 2. I couldn't remember why there was something I wasn't going to like about the ending. See, I'd read the book years ago, and seen an animated version (Bakshi's, I think), but for the life of me I couldn't remember what it was about the ending that I just knew I wasn't going to like.

Well, my extended DVDs arrived today, and not wanting to get too much of an emotional investment before I figured out why I wasn't going to like that end, I popped in the last DVD and looked at the last three scenes.

Frodo leaving. Now I remember why I always hated that ending, dammit.

To fix this situation, I shall now go pop in PotC, for I need something light-hearted, and Jack always makes me laugh.

In other news, I may have a smaller list this year than I thought. That's okay, saves on postage. Not that I ship until Groundhog's Day. I don't celebrate Xmas (mainly because I'm forever late), but I always celebrate Groundhog's Day.

What? The little furball needs love, too.

---

(8:08 pm PT) - a (conditional) adieu
[link] - (indescribable)

I finally finished a layout I believe I'm comfortable with in IJ. What does that mean now? Means after this post I go turn off the plugin in Locuran that's been posting to LJ. The feed's still there, but commenting to that means the chances are extremely high I won't see said comment, and won't reply. Only reason this isn't a complete adieu is there are still a lot of fic comms (active no less) on LJ, so I'm lurking around for them. If the majority of them move, then that's when it will likely be a complete and total 'goodbye'.

Farewell, LJ. It's been fun... save for when it hasn't.

---

(5:18 am PT) - Hm
[link] - (indescribable)

The problem with being frustrated, annoyed, or upset on someone else's behalf usually means that, because one is not directly involved, there's little they can personally do about it. But the negative feelings are still there.

Because Ki asked about it, the Locuran feed will likely still work on LJ since it's just them pulling content from my rss feed. The only ways I know of that stopping are: 1. LJ stops pulling it. 2. I tell LJ to stop pulling it. 3. I change or remove the feed. No, what's going to happen is locked posts or posts wil polls will now strictly be on IJ. The feed posts from Locuran also won't have any of the additional features than an actual post in LJ would, like tag and mood.

So now it's just a matter of making a layout I'm actually happy with. Think I might have to go with the redhead kappa and see if I can find some decent pics and work from that. I would say Gambit, but finding decent pics that work in a layout is difficult. I think I have better luck with Gojyo.

In Xmas news, I still plan on doing the pirate theme, however I realise, for stress and finances sake, I honestly can't send it out to everyone I know. So, I can send it to a few but not all and, in light of that, I just ask everyone (because I haven't made my final list yet) who received something from me last year to list 1-2 things I've made that you enjoyed more than the rest. (Or if you want to chance it, list a fic idea)

And finally (though most meaningful to me), I am the proud owner of a PotC backpack, 1 PotC dj, 1 FF8 dj, and a UFO doll. All with much love from Miry! ::huggles:: Thanks, luv! The backpack made me chuckle. ^_^

---

(8:13 pm PT) - uh huh
[link] - (indescribable)

Am I in the minority of those who just doesn't give a rat's ass anymore?

Though this comment might ring closer to truth than they'll admit to.

---

(12:55 pm PT) - mindWTFery
[link] - (indescribable)

I played a game
It broke my brain
And now I'll never
be the same

That is to say
this game I play
might make me a little
more insane

At least that's how I felt after playing a game, yes. And now I have some WTFery running through my head, which is demanding to be created into a site that will breed more WTFery until it multiplies and has little WTFery babies all over the place.

Um, yeah.

Yes, there's a point to this point (in as much as any of my posts ever have one). You, yes you. I know you've had mental WTFery moments, haven't you? Yes, you have, I can see it. Share them. I don't care what they are. Riddle, thought, picture, joke, just share. So long as it's something your comfortable with sharing with others.

I'll likely screen comments for this one in LJ and IJ. Yes, there's a point to this two. If I'm lucky, I'll have part of it up to show in a few days.

---

(9:15 am PT) - Darn
[link] - (indescribable)

Sorry, I missed the usual turkey day greetings yesterday. I was knee deep in it is why. But hope those who celebrated had a happy one, and for those who don't, hope it was as relaxing/stress free a day as possible.

Well, I always hope that, really.

Random, another from the "I want but cannot get" pile. Woe.

---

(6:53 pm PT) - None for me, thanks, I'm dead
[link] - (indescribable)

Once again I've gotten the insane masochistic streak known as NaNoWriMo out of my system. Sure, it sucks dead goat nuts, but that's okay. For once, quantity overrides quality.

And Ticketmaster has sent an email telling me my tickets have been printed. Nice way to reward me, I think. /^^;

---

(10:21 pm PT) - Decisions decisions
[link] - (indescribable)

So, regarding the Bon Jovi one, I'm going.Even tossed in a bit more and got a floor seat. Yes, I'm hopeless. The only reason I wasn't really sure was a had a nagging voice in my head that sounded like my mother reminding me that we need a chest freezer. I reconciled this by committing to it next month.

Though I'd like to know why I'm the only one paying on it. Mom I'm not hung on since she pays the bulk of things by taking care of the rent. But when it comes to giving gifts that we know she wants, it seems my sibs are falling down on the job.

I'm still undecided about the vidroom and co-chairing. I think I'm worried I just won't do a good job. le sigh.

With approx. 12500 words left, I think it's safe to say I'm seeing a light at the end of the NaNo tunnel. Then I must devote major time to rp. After that, Xmas crafting... for stuff I send out on Groundhog's Day. :nods::

---

(11:02 pm PT) - Ah ha ha ha... medic.
[link] - (indescribable)

I am 1 day and almost 2k ahead of schedule. ::clings to productivity:: I know fear however, because I'm almost out of orange oil. I burn it during NaNo. Usually works.

In other news, there's no getting around it. I'm going to have to go through all the manga I have and make an inventory. I have a stack of duplicates I'll likely sell off very soon, but before I can order any more I have to see what I got. This is important as I think I'm slipping with a few series. The only reason I'm cringing is because getting to some of the books is going to be a pain and a half. Blegh.

@Amber: I might save the death event for Sai's adult years. I want to have one more (shorter) event for his teens before I move into those. Anyway, you seem to be enjoying the story so far, which makes me happy. What's funny is a lot of stuff I am just now figuring out myself about him. /^^;

Anyway, I'm due for a reward, so I think I'll go look at some more DMC anime. I didn't need a reason to fangirl on Dante any more than I do, but I'll gladly accept it.

---

(10:21 pm PT) - buzzed
[link] - (indescribable)

Note to self: do not imbibe alcoholic drinks before you've finished the word count for the day.

Also, Word is messing with my head. I have two instances of it opened: today's file and the entire file. In today's file the word count is 2700. In the entire file the same section, when highlighted, is counted at 2699. It's the same program, how can it lose a word from one window to the next? Gah.

For the most part we are dried out and no personal belongings were damaged. That said, the padding in certain areas will have to be replaced, which will hopefully be done on Monday. Unpadded carpet = uncomfortable. And they'll have to do something about the wet spots in the ceiling and the hallway light.

To those who were concerned, thank you for the thoughts. We're fine at present. Now if I can just get certain family members to understand that if I'm writing for Nano, then dumb shit can wait, I'd be even better.

---

(9:12 am PT) - mostly dry, I think
[link] - (indescribable)

My section of the carpet seems to be dried. Not sure about the rest; think brother's closet is still soaked. Going to need new padding. (Seriously, we're looking at the concrete. Brother said it looked very old world. Nobody agrees with me about keeping it that way, though.) Still have a wet spot in my ceiling, but I think it might be fading.

So nothing appears to be damaged save the carpet and the extremely dangerous hallway light, but I'm still frazzled by it all. Water, electronics, and doujinshi do not mix.

---

(2:49 pm PT) - KillMaimTortureAbuse...
[link] - (indescribable)

A bit of unexpected and decidedly unwanted excitement happened on my side of the monitor.

At approximately 1:50pm PST my apartment sprung a leak. The bathroom floor was flooded, the hallway light was leaking (super dangerous), water leaked into my brother's closet and it even stretched into the living room. Part of my own floor was saturated and I'm keeping a careful eye on a wet spot on my ceiling.

Why? Did a pipe burst? Did the sprinklers go off? Was the structural integrity compromised? Nope.

The upstairs neighbours let their tub overflow.

None of my personal belongings have been damaged yet, and the manager and some crew are working on things as I type.

This doesn't make the urge to brutalise my neighbours lessen, however.

Dear Reality, if this is your roadblock to make me fail NaNo, good show, but I'm going to hang in there a bit longer, okay?

---

(10:18 pm PT) - Phew...
[link] - (indescribable)

Broke 20k a day earlier than I'd averaged out. Not that I think I can keep a pace of 4k a day. (Oh if only I could, I'd be so done so fast.) But as long as I don't slack just because I got ahead, I should be okay. So it's looking like I'll be done around the 19th. ::prays::

Tomorrow before writing I'll be playing catch up, which includes boards, email, and the like. So anything you want me to hit, let me know.

---

(10:41 pm PT) - Pheh
[link] - (indescribable)

So apparently there's a bunch of email providers blocking LJ, including hotmail. LJ/6A wants to say it's not their fault, the big nasty email providers are doing it. I find this a little hard to believe since soon as I switched my main account over, I get two pieces of spam, both with a spoofed LJ address. So obviously those providers must have a pretty good reason for the blockage.

Anyway, I switched both my main and fic LJ addies over, so hopefully I'll start receiving comment notices again. Not holding my breath, though.

Amber, glad you liked the first part. I think that format is likely how the rest of the story will follow, least if I'm lucky. ::crosses fingers::

---

(11:29 pm PT) - The insanity starts all over again
[link] - (indescribable)

Sorry if I haven't commented/replied/posted anywhere. Mainly after I got back home I kinda spazzed and crashed more than I usually do. Next thing I know, NaNo started. Bah.

So kindly remind me if I'm supposed to do something. Trust me, I have forgotten.

As for NaNo, it's the usual routine for posting at my fic journal. It's locked, so if you want to read, comment here if you're not already on the flist. To note however one must friend the journal as well so I don't get friend/friend of discrepancies. Anyone who hasn't friended I removed as I figured they're not interested and I don't want to bother anyone.

Anyway, that's all I can think of for now. I have orange oil and coffee, so hopefully the month will go smoothly. ::knocks::

---

(7:26 pm PT) - still tired
[link] - (indescribable)

Someone smack me tomorrow if I haven't posted about the con by then.

Gnome, I'll post to the board no later than tomorrow, but aiming for tonight.

---

(8:41 pm PT) - ...it ends
[link] - (indescribable)

Back home. Long trip. Will post later after a bit of ipoding and reading. Just relaxing now.

---

(10:51 pm PT) - It starts...
[link] - (indescribable)

I'm currently out of state, (typing from Dom's comp). I'll be back in state sometime tomorrow/Thursday.

I've been told I absolutely have to be back by next Tuesday evening, as the Peanuts Halloween special is coming on. I know my mom, she'll guilt me if I miss. Hell, I'd guilt me if I missed. I don't care if I'm 32 and she's... older. It's tradition, and we have so few.

Anyway, next post should be from the hotel...

---

(8:04 am PT) - To Do
[link] - (indescribable)

This one's mainly to help me keep things in order as I want to be finished with it all today and just be able to wake up, wash, and head out tomorrow.

To Do:
Laundry
Hair
Shoes/OTC Drugs
Packing
Panicking

... in that order.

To Pack:
Gnomes DVDs
Ouran manga
DMC djs
cart for DR
clip fan to sleep with
lappy
clothes
bath items
comb/brush

Carry-on:
OTC drugs
make-up
ipod
DS (DoS, PoR, AC:WW, PH, HD, JFA, and action replay)
ID
couple reading manga

---

(8:17 am PT) - Uwah
[link] - (indescribable)

What is up with this season's boots? Everywhere I went they all had a 3 in + heel! I don't want a heel, dammit! I want a nice pair of flat or low heeled boots that are taller than my ankle, in my size. Is that too much to ask? Crudmuffins.

I take off Tuesday. I'm not ready...

---

(6:34 pm PT) - Ugh
[link] - (indescribable)

What a week, and it's not over. Dammit.

If anyone sees my sanity roaming around, please tell it to come home soon. I'm beginning to miss the tiny, little critter. Emphasis on tiny.

I could let loose with a long a probably slightly whiny rant on the current state of affairs, but I'll spare everyone that. I hate to whine after all. And I have no cheese.

I don't care what anyone says, Halloween is a vacation day for me. Guh. And then right into NaNo. I'm not ready.

---

(10:50 pm PT) - Looking for Group...
[link] - (indescribable)

Dear LFG, today's page ripped my heart out, stomped on it a few times, and handed it back to me on a silver platter. By all rights I know I should hate you for that, but damn it all, the Cale angst makes me love you more.

I'd curse you if I weren't so busy loving you.
---
@Kit: the experience has actually left me comfortable enough to consider removing my floppy drive and replacing it with an backup internal HD. So likely it will only be a matter of time (and money) before I just build my own. (Have to look into the liquid coolant system first.)

---

(9:48 am PT) - Ugh
[link] - (indescribable)

I'm having comp trouble. You can imagine the scare when I woke up to a blank screen that said "No OS Found". I was thinking HD failure and already mourning the loss of programs and bookmarks. (Thank the Divine that I had decided to use my external as my main file storage so most important stuff was on there.) Anyway, hooked up lappy to net, got on HP chat, and after seeing the master wasn't detected in bios, the guy told me to try switching the MB pins between the HD and dvd to see if it was connection trouble.

I have never, ever, ever felt comfortable with the hardware. Never. I was strictly software type. But I followed the directions and after fuddling around (trans: removing wrong screws, unplugging what I didn't have to, resisting urge to go out and shoot something), I managed to switch the pins like the guy said, put it all back, and booted up.

Is there any euphoria equal to seeing one's familiar desktop picture pop up after such an ordeal?

But now my dvd is listed as my primary and my HD as my secondary. I'm sure that's no good. I'll have to get back on hp chat.

One really bright spot in all this, I don't feel so squeamish if the time comes that I need to replace my HD.

Update: Seems I can leave the switched pin/cables be, so I'm back to rights. Really, only thing would have been the loss of programs and (more importantly) bookmarks, but who wants to go through that? Though I do see some Firefox addons that will synch bookmarks, which might be handy for the lappy.

---

(11:39 pm PT) - heh, he has his moments
[link] - (indescribable)

Gas for trip to comic shop: $5
Comics: 6.99
Talking with brother about why most male readers seem to hate Gambit and having him say the majority of guys are stupid: priceless

I don't hate men. Not a bit. It was my brother who said a lot of guys are stupid. In turn I was the one who said a lot of women are insane.

Forget that Mars and Venus stuff, my brother and I are going to get matching shirts that read: Men are stupid, Women are insane. Mom said we might be onto something, but she's a biased opinion.

In other news, the actual paper reading AA finally arrived. Sure, it's got about the value of a HS diploma at this point, but it's nice to see physical evidence of all the BS I went through in school.

---

(2:09 pm PT) - change isn't just from vending machines
[link] - (indescribable)

It's not that I'm particularly resistant to change in and of itself, it's that I'm just incredibly lazy to initiate change for things that took a lot of time and effort to build in the first place.

Definitely a personality issue I should work on.

That said, the titlebar in Locuran has a change, now featuring a quote from Einstein. He's one of my top five favourite people to quote. Somewhere between Groucho Marx and George Carlin.

On another note, I have to apologise for not being as chatty/comment-y to various people on the flist. Just haven't had my head in the game known as reality for awhile it seems.

---

(9:59 pm PT) - My gaming curse...
[link] - (indescribable)

I just bought Zelda: Phantom Hourglass for the DS. I'm now in a race to beat it before I have to leave for the con. Because obviously, I'm insane.

---

(7:09 am PT) - Well so much...
[link] - (indescribable)

...for posting every day. Hate those sneak attack sleeps that creep up on you and then, wham, you're out like a light. Ah well.

Hmm, nearly two weeks before I head out. And just like all the previous years, I get that 'don' wanna' feeling. I suspect it's the travelling aspect I just don't like most of the time. Well that and packing.

Had to scratch cosplay idea as people didn't repay me in a timely manner. Oh I have it all, but it's cutting it too close so I won't bother. I'll save it for next year.

I do want to finish an LJ icon pendant and wear that, just not sure which icon to use. Hmm...

---

(11:13 pm PT) - Got nuthin'
[link] - (indescribable)

I got nothing tonight. Nothing. Just spaced out all day. Ah well, I have posts to go do so I'd better do them before I crash, but yish, don't have a lot of working grey matter. Seems to only be good for reading, not writing.

I wonder if I'm in mental hibernation and just waiting for NaNo?

For those who know the character, this year I believe I'll do the beginning backstory for Sai. Expect lots of weird feline humour as a result.

---

(10:39 pm PT) - surreality
[link] - (indescribable)

I swear RL is becoming more surreal the closer I get to the con. Having trouble focusing on much of anything and feeling tired. Bah, hope it's not a sign of getting sick, though would prefer to get through it now than at the con. I've had a cold at the con 3 years in a row I think. It's not fun. Day-quil is my only salvation.

---

(9:41 pm PT) - another day
[link] - (indescribable)

Trying to keep to a personal goal of posting once a day this month just because I've been so lax. Problem is I just don't have that much to talk about. My interests are a bit all over and not that popular about the flist. RL's about the same as I look for a different online school. And mainly, I've been spacing out and having trouble focusing on things I need to do.

Yup, it's October.

---

(10:33 am PT) - Last quarter of 07
[link] - (indescribable)

The years just don't hang around long enough anymore. And the last quarter is always the busiest for me. Like I don't have enough on my plate. Ah well, some things I try and do no matter what, so long as they don't feel like a chore. The minute that happens I'll quit... unless I'm getting paid for it, that's different.

---

(4:36 pm PT) - Still breathing...
[link] - (indescribable)

Or as Duncan Sheik said, barely breathing.

SNAFU is my average way of life seems, so the 'situation normal' part is true enough. I'm having trouble far as going for my bachelors as UoP is slightly more expensive than anticipated. I'll have to shop around now, especially for something that has distance learning. Also, I was supposed to reinstall the RP board but 1. mom's been sick lately making it hard to complete testing, and 2. yesterday I wasn't allowed on the comp for most of the day as it was brother's bday. ::shrugs:: C'est la vie, I'll work on the forum tonight, least the tester one.

Nothing much going on otherwise, though I'm getting disappointed in that I'm trying to find a back issue comic, Gambit annual 2000, and I can't seem to locate it anywhere. Even eBay is failing me. Not happy.

Well, least the art for the upcoming Messiah Complex arc is looking good. Yeesh, Marvel, quick dickin' the Cajun around, please?

---

(12:45 pm PT) - Just curious
[link] - (indescribable)

Anyone considering/going to this Yaoi Jamboree? I might, but need a roommate.

---

(11:58 am PT) - quickie
[link] - (indescribable)

Quick reminder, if you tried to use my hotmail addie at some point and I didn't seem to respond, try my gmail one too. Addie is on both the LJ and IJ profiles. Sorry for the trouble.

---

(9:06 am PT) - Telegram: I'm hot, how're you?
[link] - (indescribable)

I am not dead. stop.
Weather has been hell. stop.
No AC to keep comp cool. stop.
Will post more as wave breaks. stop.
Miss flist, hope you're all okay.

don't stop.

---

(10:24 am PT) - older sure, wiser maybe, more mature, in your dreams
[link] - (indescribable)

o/`it's my birthday and I'll work if I want to... o/`

That is to say I gave my comp a gift and clean out his insides. Poor baby was filthy and running a high temp. I'm a bad comp mommy.

I owe stuff. I'm supposed to work on stuff. I need to write stuff. Do be a friend and suggest what I should do as I'm having a hard time focusing. Should I be helping you with your site still? Tell me, I may have forgotten what I was supposed to do next. Do I owe you a fic? Feel free to guilt trip me since I likely procrastinated or got distracted by 'ooh shiny!'. Honestly, I have a long list more than likely and just don't know which to start on.

Nothing much going on otherwise. Probably should install music generator on the comp and work on some music, but don't want to keep running it too hot, and the weather doesn't help.

A nap sounds good right about now. (Yes, I know my clock is reading 10:24. I have strange sleeping hours and woke up at 4 ish.)

---

(9:49 am PT) - extortion invades your pc
[link] - (indescribable)

This scares me only slightly. It mainly pisses me off the high heaven, low hell, and all parts in between.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20183184/site/newsweek/from/ET/

---

(8:55 am PT) - random
[link] - (indescribable)

Topic the 1st: I'm about ready to pack up and leave far as LJ is concerned. (Which would basically mean just turning off the plugin in Nucleus.) I mean, I don't think I've ever directly or indirectly been in anything with this much drama in my entire 'net existence. Honestly, there's drama, there's wank, then there's LJ. It deserves it's own special standing.

Topic the 2nd: Cross your fingers for me, I see an auction with the entire Gambit 1 series run (25 issues). I know that would mean I wind up with a few early dupes (1-10, if that many), but that's perfectly fine with me. So yeah, I'm going to go for it, even if it means just pushing my usual monthly manga shopping back by a month. Not like the stuff ever comes out on time anyway. This leads to...

Topic the 3rd: slowly leaning back towards comicdom. I really only left because I didn't like what the then artist were doing to my lovely Cajun. But it's going to be a slow go since now it's the writers I'm pissed at. Really, did they have to hand him over to Apocalypse?

Topic the 4th: Need to finish layout for day view, then will get to installing it at IJ. But, anyone know of some (easy to understand) S2 programming tuts? Since some features simply aren't supported by S1, but I still want total layout control. Though I'll still use S1 if it's a choice of features to layout control.

Dom: Sorry, not been doing well far as being online in the afternoon. I'm usually asleep then. Hence why I said weekend. Think you'll be around?

Dear archivists: being one myself, I know how much trouble it can be for very little reward. That being said, if you insist on using an email contact for authors, please consider two things. 1: make sure you know which email they don't mind having a link to. Don't assume the email you might have talked to them through is one you can link to. 2: Use some sort of anti-spam code, even if it's nothing more than adding "NOSPAM" to the end of the addie. But there's other options. My personal favourite is this page for code obfuscation. Seems to work every time I've made use of it.

Think that's it for the moment. May have to cut this if it's too long, hard to tell when writing in a teeny textbox at Locuran.

---

(9:12 am PT) - huzzah
[link] - (indescribable)

Was bashing the LJ plugin at Nucleus to work with IJ too, so now posting here will post to both places for the time being. Eventually, may phase LJ out. And even if IJ doesn't work out, least I know I don't have to worry about Locuran.

I can see it now, I TOSs myself. ¬_¬

Reminder, if you emailed, say, 2-3 weeks ago or since or you were waiting for me to email you, hotmail wasn't playing nice. May have missed it. Likely I'll put up my alt gmail in my profile later to avoid this. (That would be locuran @)

Amberlee: I'll have to assume (hate that word) the email never made it to you. (Or I really had the wrong addie, but don't think so.)

Kalli: was waiting for opine before trying to move to front page instead of in the temp folder.

Mina: I have perfect icon in mind, just a matter of finding the picture. (Think the sumo wrestling sections...)

Gnome: Might be slow next couple of days.

Dom: Um, let me find those hidden room fees and I'll let you know, likely this weekend, me.

Now to finish layout will use at IJ. It's coming out flowery, but what do I expect when I'm working around a Meine Liebe pic?

---

(3:28 pm PT) - Save me
[link] - (indescribable)

My house is under invasion. I have about 9 people too many in it, all family, none I really want to see. Feel free to send help... or shoot me, whichever one works for you.

Also, hotmail was flippy for a bit on me, so I might not have gotten a message. And I don't know if any I sent got through. So if you haven't heard from me about something, feel free to email me again.

---

(10:02 pm PT) - I R Dork
[link] - (indescribable)

Sometimes while reading, especially fanfics, the writer will create a scene that I will actually research myself just to get a clearer picture in my head. An example, when reading a scene for a potc fic, I went looking for the diagram of the Pearl just to get an idea of where the characters were actually standing.

That said, my last fic research foray turned up this: knots. Some look rather interesting.

Yes, knots, interesting. I said it. Nyeh.

---

(5:57 pm PT) - I'm not part of the crowd for once
[link] - (indescribable)

Dear HP fandom,
Thank you for wanking way more than any fandom of mine ever could.

Yours truly,
LN <= never read a single book, never saw a single movie

---

(7:49 am PT) - One week later...
[link] - (indescribable)

I'm free... FREEEEE BWA HA HA HAA! ::cough:: Anyway, that was my last AA class. I deserve a month off, IMO. Especially considering the last two classes were for a field I didn't want. But it's over. AA doesn't mean squat though, so will go for a BA, this time in a major I do want and can understand. (I swear if I read any mroe about IT networking and project planning I will scream.)

ANYway, hopefully I can focus on things I've neglected thanks to school. Need to write. Probably need to poke LJ a bit more. Considering a redesign, though for which site, I don't know. Definitely want to get started on Xmas crafts, and need to get rear off seat and work on that long start, dusty as hell writing project.

But first... I will celebrate with chocolate, yesss.

---

(8:25 am PT) - [insert something witty here]
[link] - (indescribable)

LJ wasn't playing nice with Locuran last time I tried posting. Let's see if it's gotten over itself.

One more week. Just one more week and I will be done with the AA's. I'm taking a month off. Must write. I have 2 VGYs left, then I must answer the call of the potc slashbunny. It's been a loud and untameable beast.

Yes, still random on chatting and stuff, (when am I not random?) Feel free topray for my immortal soul. (But I'm taking today off, I need it.)

---

(2:09 am PT) - Bah
[link] - (indescribable)

Went to go help mum assemble a new futon. Was rough work so we waited until after sunset to do so. Those pieces were heavy and of course some of the wholes where the screws had to go in were not designed with the actual tool in mind. ¬_¬ So once done I thought maybe I could catch a light nap.

Let it be known, I apparently do nothing lightly.

So imagine my dismay at waking up around 2am.

I do not win.

In school front, I think the instructor is MIA. With one assignment left before the final, this is the WRONG time to go missing.

Life: 1; LN -2

---

(8:59 pm PT) - Ways to tell RL is out to get me...
[link] - (indescribable)

...it gives me a migraine on the 4th, just as all the noise making fireworks start up.

Screw you too, Life.

---

(8:04 am PT) - 6 down, 3 to go
[link] - (indescribable)

I'm entering the 7th week of my last AA class before I work on the BA (in the right major this freakin' time). Counting this one, I have 3 weeks left, so if I get even more sporadic about posting/not posting and utterly random subjects, that would be why.

To those on my flist having a tough go of things, I truly am thinking of you, even if my brain is too scattered to make a worthy comment.

---

(11:39 am PT) - Power of the right tool
[link] - (indescribable)

I am now the insane proud owner of an embossing heat tool, also if erroneously referred to as a heat gun.

I feel crafty.

---

(4:15 pm PT) - drink up me hearties, yo ho
[link] - (indescribable)

Me: ::shows mom craft pic:: I think I'll make these for Xmas this year. Slightly varied but essentially that. A candleholder with some slim beeswax candles perhaps.

Mom: Hmm, looks a bit piratey. Like treasure.

Me: Piratey? I wasn't trying to. ::gets painfully smacked with Inspiration:: Although that would be a cute theme with the cookies and all.

Mom: Yup.

So this year... blame mom. All I have to say about it.

edit: in case that link doesn't work, here's the project page. Just not interested in the snuffer per se.

---

(9:15 pm PT) - Finally
[link] - (indescribable)

I have finally, freakin' finally seen PotC3, after much hemming, hawing, and hedging from other parties. Yeesh. Remind to plan things two weeks ahead of when I actually want to do them. Maybe then I'll get to do them on time.

ANYway, yes, loads better than 2. 2 was filler, I'm convinced of that. However, I want a director's cut. Some things just needed a bit more, IMO. But all in all, I enjoyed it. Well, could do without the obviously mushy bits between Will and Swan, who I admit I do not like. I'm just tired of a certain 'touch chick' type I have seen far too often in movies. Would like to break away from that. I mean, one can speak sensibly and not have to be tough about it, (Yuna FFX comes to mind). But I digress. I enjoyed it, was fun, and to Miry and Gnome, yes, I did see the special scene after the credits. ^^

---

(9:46 am PT) - randomness
[link] - (indescribable)

My flist is funny. Though Kalli had a point. There should always be a few days between Internet explosions for rest. (Least I like to think that.)

Bad bad bad night last night. A combination of eating dairy (I should know better) and stress. So I only managed an hour of sleep at best. Signs for a bad day.

Am now on the fourth PW:AA case. Actually have been there for awhile, but got distracted by the goofiness of Mario Party 8.

Reorganising today. DVDs are spilling into manga, manga's going all over the place. Yeah, must get the overflow back under control. (And seriously work on that backlog.) Speaking of Backlog, I'm still owing two vgy fics. Will start this weekend. Hopefully they'll be slightly easier, and more BL worthy, than my last Zelda fic. ( liked the fic, but it was more gen than BL.)

Well all these plans are contingent on my stomach cooperating, so hopefully it won't rebel or go on strike. ::crosses fingers::

Hmm, and finger reader on lappy not working. (Good thing I used the backup password feature to get in.) Hoping I won't have to take it in; don't have funds for repairs this month.

---

(4:04 pm PT) - ::puts up 'Away' sign::
[link] - (indescribable)

Going out for a bit, be back between 8ish to 9ish PDT. Don't let the Internetz explode without me.

---

(8:22 am PT) - IJ and ToS
[link] - (indescribable)

I couldn't find an email, so I sent my concerns about the IJ ToS to the support boards. I'll let everyone know if/when I get an answer. I'm not as worried about them removing content thanks to what's on their front page, least for the time being.

My last post at Nucleus did not hit LJ it seems. (We are not surprised.) But as Dom and Gnome know, I have been corrupted. I am now playing Phoenix Wright. The dark side has embraced me. And Phoenix and Miles are /so doing each other.

---

(1:00 am PT) - Okay
[link] - (indescribable)

I admit it, i caved. I bought one of the Phoenix Wright games for the DS.Worse yet, it was a whim buy.

I'm so ashamed.

---

(7:52 am PT) - o/` Blue moon o/`
[link] - (indescribable)

So, LJ news... no comment.

Anyway, while I haven't decided about continuing to pay, I have got a bead on a cheaper LJ-like service called InsaneJournal. Okay, I admit, not only do I like their pricing structure, ($10 a year, $30 for a permanent, $10 for permanent extra userpics, $5 for a rename token), but I like their themes. (We're patients, comms are asylums, the profile is your diagnosis...) However, after the chaos of Deletegate, I read over their ToS carefully. Here's the points I wanted opinions on before I decide to plop any more over there.

XI. TERMINATION
You agree that InsaneJournal.com, in its sole discretion, may terminate your password, journal, or account, and remove and discard any content within the Service, for any reason, including and without limitation, the lack of use, or if InsaneJournal.com believes that you have violated or acted inconsistently with the letter or spirit of the TOS. Any contracts, verbal or written or assumed, in conjunction with your deleted journal and all its parts, at InsaneJournal.com's discretion, will be terminated as well. InsaneJournal.com may also in its sole discretion and at any time, discontinue providing the Service, or any part thereof, with or without notice. You agree that any termination of your access to the Service under any provision of this TOS may be effected without prior notice, and acknowledge and agree InsaneJournal.com may immediately deactivate or delete your InsaneJournal.com journal and all related information and files. InsaneJournal.com reserves the right to bar any further access to such files or the Service. You agree that InsaneJournal.com shall not be liable to you or any third-party for any termination of your access to the Service. Paid accounts that are terminated will not be refunded.

Okay, nevermind they have the right to kill the account and/or change the ToS without prior notice, it's that 'lack of use' that concerns me the most. If I'm paying for it, even if I don't use it, I shouldn't be sacked.

XII. ADVERTISEMENTS AND PROMOTIONSz
InsaneJournal.com has decided to remove all banner advertisements and promotions on InsaneJournal.com journals. However, InsaneJournal.com reserves the right to run advertisements and promotions on the InsaneJournal.com service in the future. By using InsaneJournal.com, you agree that InsaneJournal.com has the right to run such advertisements and promotions with or without prior notice, and without recompense to you or any other user. The manner, mode and extent of advertising by InsaneJournal.com on your journal are subject to change. You agree that InsaneJournal.com shall not be responsible or liable for any loss or damage of any sort incurred as the result of any such dealings or as the result of the presence of such advertisers on the Service.

So basically they don't have ads now, but if they decide later, they can add them without prior notice. My biggest beef with this is it doesn't specify an account type, so by this even on a paid account they can run ads if they so choose.

XV. # JOURNAL CONTENT

Guidelines for posting to your online journal shall be as follows:

1. All Content posted to InsaneJournal.com in any way, is the responsibility and property of the author. InsaneJournal is committed to keeping the Service in decent standing for all audiences but is not responsible for the monitoring or filtering of any journal Content. Within the confines of international and local law, InsaneJournal.com will not place a limit on the type, or appropriateness of user content within journals. Those users posting material not suitable for all audiences must agree that they are fully responsible for all the content they have posted anywhere on the service. Should content be deemed illegal by such law having jurisdiction over the user, InsaneJournal.com is committed to submitting all necessary information to the proper authorities;
2. Should any Content be reported to InsaneJournal.com as being offensive or inappropriate, InsaneJournal.com might call upon the author to retract, modify, or protect (by means of private and friends only settings) the Content in question within a reasonable amount of time, as set forth by the InsaneJournal.com staff. Should the author fail to meet such a request from InsaneJournal.com staff, InsaneJournal.com has the full authority to terminate any such reported and verified offensive account holding such inappropriate content. InsaneJournal.com, however, is under no obligation to restrict or monitor journal Content in any way;
3. InsaneJournal.com claims no ownership or control over any Content posted by its users. The author retains all patent, trademark, and copyright to all Content posted within available fields, and is responsible for protecting those rights, but is not entitled to the help of the InsaneJournal.com staff in protecting such Content;
4. InsaneJournal.com reserves the right, without limitation except by law, to serve user Content on the web according to the security provisions set forth by the author. InsaneJournal.com also reserves the right, without limitation, to resell any portion of a user's InsaneJournal back to that individual;
5. You acknowledge that InsaneJournal.com does not pre-screen Content, but that InsaneJournal.com and its designates shall have the right (but not the obligation) on their sole discretion to refuse or remove any Content that is available through the Service. Without limiting the foregoing, InsaneJournal.com and its designates shall have the right to remove any content that violates the TOS or is otherwise objectionable. You agree that you must evaluate, and bear all risks associated with, the use of any content, including any reliance on the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of such content. Furthermore, InsaneJournal.com reserves the right to limit access to your journal, if found in violation of the TOS, by removing the journal and related user information from the member directory, search engine, and all other methods used in conjunction with finding InsaneJournal.com's users.

#2 is my beef, because of the wording. might also means might not.


XVI. MEMBER CONDUCT

You understand that all information, data, text, software, music, sound, photographs, graphics, video, messages or other materials, whether publicly posted or privately transmitted, are the sole responsibility of the person from which such Content originated. InsaneJournal.com does not control Content posted via the Service and, as such, does not guarantee the validity of such Content. You also understand that by using the Service, you may be exposed to Content that is offensive, indecent or objectionable. Should Content be found or reported to be in violation with, but not limited to, the following terms, it will be InsaneJournal.com's sole discretion as to what action should be taken.

You agree to NOT use the Service to:

1. Upload, post or otherwise transmit any content that is in InsaneJournal.com's opinion to be unlawful, harmful, threatening, abusive, harassing, tortious, defamatory, vulgar, obscene, libelous, invasive to another's privacy (up to, but not excluding any address, email, phone number, or any other contact information with out the written consent of the owner of such information), hateful, or racially, ethnically or otherwise objectionable;
2. Harm minors in any way, as seen by InsaneJournal.com or applicable law...

Indecent or objectionable is ookay, vulgar and obscene is not. My question is where would fics with serious lemon scenes, including spectacular kinks, fall in.

I have no problem with 2 far as harming minors. I'd like some clarity on what 'as seen by...' means.

Depending, I might hit some of the comms I'm on to suggest it as an alternative. (Seriously depending though.)

---

(7:27 am PT) - Hn
[link] - (indescribable)

I see the Internet hasn't exploded while I was asleep. However, Kalli's post reminded me it's a blue moon tomorrow. I expect the explosion then.

Screw it, I'm going to see PotC3. Mom was in a definite down mood yesterday so if she's still in one, I'll go alone. Tis not the first time, and I was a distraction.

---

(7:20 pm PT) - There aren't enough swear words...
[link] - (indescribable)

...to convey my feelings on the current insanity of the Internet in general and LJ in particular.

Suffice it to say, what was originally thought to be just a rumour with coincidental timing to a DDoS attack is in fact true. Well in truth, the original rumour didn't quite line up to the truth, as the DDoS attack was what made it hard to login and post to LJ, but the part about a watchdog (maddog is more like it) group reporting comms and acounts to the abuse team based on interest 'keywords' is turning out to be true. I think the main to flags are incest and shota, though it's probably a lot more.

At this point I'd like to interject my opinion on this being less likely to have occurred before Six Apart showed up. I may very well be wrong about that, but it's how I feel.

Anyway, I'm not locking my journal mainly because I post through this one anyway save for some locked post. I'll back it up, however, so I don't lose anything. (Soon as I find a good backup tool.) But for comms, just kill the interest lists, IMO, and lock it up. That's probably the best bet.

Oh yes, and paid accounts for LJ? Well the quickest way to get any business to listen to the masses in via the wallet, so reconsider paying any more until this is resolved in a satisfactory manner. (Mass deletion doesn't count as satisfactory.)

For likely one of the easier to follow posts about this, I'd say start here: http://liz-marcs.livejournal.com/266024.html.

Would someone tell the Internet to kindly take a time out though? We just got off the FanLib thing as I recall.

---

(8:54 am PT) - ouch
[link] - (indescribable)

Concert was great, though little disappointed with Miyavi's set. (DJ MIX) alice nine. topped, though now interested in Kagrra as that was the first act. Actually I'll likely look into all the acts I didn't know, they were all really good. Poor brother, having never gone to a rock concert before, was unaware of the volume decibels a rock concert can reach. I think he finally gt his hearing back a couple hours after it ended. Me myself, I'm still in a dazed state. Takes me a few to get back to normal when I go to these events. Rock or orchestra, if the experience is moving in some form, I'll always take a while to return to earth.

Will reply to comments a little later, probably going to go back to sleep since we didn't get in until after 1 thanks to a slowpoke sib. We are so getting our own car this year.

(Oh, the subject? It's because right now I am royally stiff. And why did I get a charlie horse at one point in the concert? Have taken motrin, am waiting for it to work.)

---

(9:43 am PT) - Change in plans
[link] - (indescribable)

Brother woke up late, complained of headache last night. I explained there wasn't a guarantee for the pit passes, so we will not be trying. I'm perfectly alright with this in truth. I don't need to be so close I'm feeling the guys' sweat flinging off or anything. Cameras aren't allowed anyway and I don't have one of those types of cells.

(Actually, I don't have a cell, and will be getting one, so recs are welcomed, including whether I should go for a family plan or pay-as-you-go.)

So we're still going, but I won't be sitting there all day as planned. C'est la vie. Works out anyway as I FINALLY finished a horrifically overdue VGY prompt. (Soon as I've posted, I'll only be behind by two, yay!) Course it sorta kinda ignored the pairing the prompt called for, but I think it holds to the prompt itself. (Really, I should have not taken it, but I was damn well going to finish it once I committed.) Well I doubt if the original prompter likes it, but I'm just happy I saw the thing through.

Randomly, the family and I were talking about music boxes. Now I'm on the hunt for a music box with the Super Mario Bros music. It just has to exist.

---

(7:05 am PT) - Away away
[link] - (indescribable)

Going to be gone for most of the day. (Not that I think I'm doing anything ind