JOURNAL: yikes

holy crap it's past 10pm and i haven't packed for the weekend yet. i haven't even showered. i'm stuck in front of the tv watching the scripps spelling bee.

i don't really have set plans for tomorrow, and i'm anxious... so anxious. i'm not feeling 100% for an all-out, non-stop weekend.

i want to immerse myself in the "gay" but know that i should just take it easy.

okay, a boy from california won with 'serrefine'.

now i can shower, pack, plan, and sleep. omg.

WORK: Where Did Everyone Go?

Today's my virtual Friday since I'm taking tomorrow off (I worked extra hours earlier in the week to be able to do this... plus I'm getting my coding and testing done). I just need some help with finding some processed data, but those who would know are either in design reviews or missing. Where is everybody?

Anyways, I hope they show up so I can get some code moved along. In the meantime, it's more testing, drinking iced RaceTrac coffee, making trips to the bathroom to pee.

***
UPDATE: It wasn't too much longer before I found my co-workers and got the information I needed. Since then, I've finished Regression testing! And now I'm updating some design slides. It looks to be a good rest-of-virtual-Friday. Woo!

DISNEY: Another picture of "Could've Been" guy

Because of the positive feedback I've been getting, I'm going to post the other picture of "Could've Been" guy for y'all:

RUN: ~3.5 miles @ ~28:00

It's been almost a week since I've run, and I felt it. Not so much on my legs as in my chest. Yes, the minimal exercization of my arms produced a cramp in my chest halfway through tonight's run. It's kind of sad, but sad-in-the-funny-way sad. Anyways, yeah, it's a late night run. I put in an extra couple hours at work so I can take off Friday (AM, and then make up the PM hrs next week) and head over to Orlando without any pressure/rush... maybe have lunch with my/the/a/bauh guy and visit the expo before meeting up with my friend Cori -- we're hitting the parks early Saturday... Disney's expecting to hit capacity by 10am. (I'm SO excited!)

I'll keep this entry short so I can take a shower and make it to bed by midnight. Woo!

ANIMAL: I Stop for Turtles

Today after work, I saved a turtle. I saw it on the road, stopped, put the car in park, turned on the emergency lights on, and got out of the car. As I drew closer, the turtle shrunk into its shell. Seriously, that's all it does?... well, I found out that it can do more than that.As I picked the turtle up (to move it onto the grass), water started POURING out of the thing. I couldn't tell if it was water it was just retaining from the pond, or if it was doing some serious peeing. Anywho... I saved a turtle, and it peed on me.You're welcome.

EVENT: Memorial Day in Five Pairs

JOURNAL: Home All Day

Today, I stayed home... all day. I did get out to trim a tree and a bush before it got too dark, but that's it. I rearranged my home office and watched two DVDs-worth of The Office, then watched four of my favorite episodes of Brothers & Sisters online (it's a great show... it has an attractive cast, engaging storylines, and hasn't sold out to the desires of the higher-ups or (worse yet) the writers' impression of what the viewers want).

I talked to mommy on the phone. She and dad are visiting my older sister and the doggies up in Maryland. Sounds like they're having a wonderful time, and I really wish that I was up there with them this weekend.

Anyways, I was on the verge of going crazy (again) for spending a free-day in Melbourne, but mom had the good suggestion of doing some work outside.

If there's someone local that I can always count on to keep me feeling connected to the world, it'd be Fravel. He reminds me of why I run. He gets me excited for keeping up with running, and it's cool to have a friend who shares a hobby. We're planning on running early tomorrow morning, then I'm hoping to make it back out to the parks...

and I'm getting anxious again. I don't know what kind of crowds to expect or what my intentions would be exactly. Perhaps I just need a walk-around-the-resorts sort of day... and if so, I'd be tempted to buy one of those refillable cup-mugs (free refills, right?... and why didn't I get one of those before?).

It's almost midnight, and we're supposed to be running EARLY, so I REALLY should be getting to the shower then bed right now.

DISNEY: Two Weekends Left

After spending all of my free Friday in Melbourne (omg), I rewarded myself with another trip to Disney on Saturday. Granted, much of my Dis"Need" was satisfied last weekend, I only have two more weekends left on my Annual Pass, and although I'm about 80% sure that I'm going to renew, I still felt the need to go... and go early... again.

I decided on Epcot (for the Test Track), and I brought my new Sparkle Stitch (his first time out to the parks) and Sweetie Bear who hasn't made it out since the trip to the outlet mall a couple months ago.

I ended up heading towards Soarin' first. I was going to hold out on the ride until September, when my older sister and I go to Disneyland for the Half-Marathon, but it's been a while, and I remembered that there were some queue refurbing happening. I met a group of lively and friendly early 20-uns (?) from Lakeland who were fun to joke around with and all. There was a wall set up along the length of the queue, so the walkway was narrow but moved quickly (I wonder how they would manage the crowd once the wait gets longer than 50 minutes). Anyways, when figuring groups, I wasn't included, which was fine, but it sent me back to reality, which was that I was there by myself, which is something I get asked more often than not, but which I'm used to/immune to/okay with.

(Wow, I used 3 which's and 2 but's in that last [run-on] sentence.)

Anyways, afterwards, I walked ahead, realizing that I could either try to assimilate into the wild-and-crazy group (they were going to try to do all four parks in one day) or I just go do my own thing. I know better than to hope or strain, so I went ahead to Test Track and their single-rider's line. I think it's the best single-riders' line in all the parks, though the single-riders' line for Rock'n'Rollercoaster is pretty fast too, though Test Track is definitely the most fun for a single rider because of the fact that we'd be put with a couple other people in the row (so no awkward it's-only-you-and-me moments). Plus the other people get a kick when I do my Britney Spears impression. And this time I was able to do it with Sparkle Stitch the first time and Sweetie Bear the second time:
In the gift shop, I looked at the "Here Comes Trouble" [Stitch] window decal and saw that it was Finally on sale (for $3.99). I got two of them! Anyways, afterwards, I headed towards the front entrance. I skipped Spaceship Earth because I still wanted to savor the memory of my last time on it, when I was with my guy... the guy... a guy(?)... guy(?!). Anyways, the music being played at the front wasn't the theme to Soarin and wasn't from Peter Pan. I think it was from the POTC3 soundtrack... hmm... that'd be good synergy, plus I didn't like the Peter Pan audio.

Anyways, I somewhat hesitantly got on the monorail and headed to Magic Kingdom. I say 'hesitantly' because otherwise I would've headed right then to Downtown Orlando to the tea house, but I figured that I needed to do at least two parks.

First thing, I took the railroad to Frontierland (to save some walking, plus it's relaxing, like the parking lot trams). I saw thatSplash Mountain was only an estimated 30-minute wait so I rode it. Then after getting a Jungle Cruise FastPass in Adventureland, I walked through the center of the park to Tomorrowland. I felt the urge to ride the TTA (again, relaxing), afterwhich, I bought a bucket of popcorn (crisper than the microwave popcorn I have at home, plus the souvenir bucket!) and then made my way counter-clockwise through Fantasyland and Liberty Square, where I stopped by the Haunted Mansion -- I knew that it was going to be down for a more-than-a-couple-weeks refurb soon and just wanted to get it in. It was crowded, but pretty fun since I was talking with a family from Tennessee who are new to the parks and everyone was excited.

Then it was time for Jungle Cruise! I didn't see my favorite Jungle Cruise guy:

. But I saw someone who could've been:
Unfortunately, I was put on a boat after the Could've-Been guy, whose guide was obviously new, nervous, and not my type. Yeah, it was painful, but oh well...

I took the monorail back to Epcot and engaged in some small talk (about FOOD!) with my fellow riders. It made me feel good. Happy, smiling, friendly people. Yay! So I was done with the two parks by 2:30pm and headed onto the tea house.

I spent the rest of the sunny day inside the shop, helping with the cleaning and serving (not so much the sandwich-making or the ringing-up). I was so happy to see Cori -- I haven't seen him in the longest time -- and Trace, Nigel, and I met Kathy(sp?). Cori and Kathy made "frappucinos" while I made coffee with chocolate-and-simple syrup. I had a large cup of it but quickly got really tired (reverse action?).

After a couple hours, it was just down to Cori and me. We handled a good rush, and at the end of the night, he gave me all of the tips. I totally wasn't expecting that, because I was there just to help, and I was had a wonderful time. But I did take it. It was my gas money, which is both a depressing thought and also one that gets me to feel more appreciative of where I am. I do miss the tea house.

And to cap off the day, I went to a Shindig at my friend Minish's. It was fun to hang out with Disney people. I miss the feeling of being part of a group with a common bond... like being on an All-State Math Team bus playing Egyptian Rat Screw... or going to Cookie break in pajamas with people from down the hall in college. Anyways, it was fun, and I safely made the hour-drive home listening to some Savage Love podcasts.

It was a full and nice day -- Disney, Tea House, Shindig. There was variety and sociability. Why don't I just move to Orlando?

DISNEY: Four Parks Plus [atf]

[This entry is ATF.]
Just catching up here. Last Sunday, I satisfied my two-week absence from WDW with an all out, four-park, two-shopping-district, two-resort amazing race day.

Animal Kingdom:
- Expedition Everest
- Kilimanjaro Safari
- Festival of the Lion King (gave a Screaming Flying Monkey to the Tumble Monkeys)
- *Dinosaur
- Primeval Whirl
Disney-MGM Studios:
- had a Frozen Banana
- MuppetVision 3D (received a certificate for "Finding the Key!")
- (received another certificate as an Indy Trivia Champ)
- *Aerosmith Rock'n'Rollercoaster (twice)
Epcot:
- had Fish & Chips from the United Kingdom
- Living With the Land
- *Segway Central at Innoventions
Magic Kingdom:
- *Swiss Family Robinson Tree-house
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Tomorrowland Transit Authority

VIDEO: So You Think You Can't Dance

I should really get rabbit ears since Season 3 of So You Think You Can Dance has started. I tried finding clips online, on YouTube. Well, I couldn't find any footage from Fox footage but I came across this video. I don't know why I actually watched it. It's funny plus the song kind of grows on you.

RUN: 2 miles @15:04, Home <--> WM

Tonight, I finally made it back out for a run, a nice and easy two mile run across the roundabout to the side of WM. I ran mostly on the grass and felt more of a workout for my upper-body (which really needs it). My knees didn't ache afterwards, but I think it was the running on grass, the easy warm-up of mowing the lawn, and the fact that I mowed the lawn, bought a couple of wedding gifts (used coupons!), and got my ticket for tomorrow's 8:00pm showing of POTC3!

The movie is getting mah reviews (50% at RT.com, yet 8.6 at imdb) *shrug*. It's going to be my 3-hour planned distraction tomorrow night. Then who knows what the rest of the 4-day weekend will bring... Disney? Universal? Tea House!

I'm digressing.

Anyways, work's been better since yesterday. My officemate and I... we didn't have a "heart-to-heart"... but we cleared the air -- attempting to understand each other. My heart and body was so full of conflicting/confusing emotions -- knowing that I couldn't have a heart-to-heart, but also knowing that I had to be sure that I stood up for myself this time. I hadn't expected for things to come to a head that day and just didn't know what to do with all the emotion (he actually apologized! (totally unexpected!)).

So that was what happened towards the end of yesterday. Today, the air was much clearer, and it was nice not carrying around such hard feelings. And I realized that although we may not ever be the best professional team, it doesn't mean that we can't still work together effectively. It'll one day at a time. And that's something that we both can agree on.

Now, for those who've been missing them, here are some kitchen pics from tonight:

FOOD: PUD Cake

WORK: On Fire?

After the picnic, I headed to work. As I approached... could this be?Was my office on fire?...
.
.
.
Nope. The fire was far on the other side. Oh well.

When I left the office, it was dark and on the way to the Interstate I saw the fire, glowing big, orange and red. It was a grand sight like looking out at the ocean. Perhaps next time, I'll pull the car over and take a moment.

EVENT: SCR Awards Picnic

I'm still unable to put together words... to make sentence... with sense. Here are some pictures from picnic. Food. People I know. Bird in garage.

Another Year, Another Cake :)Congratulations!Steve and Kelly let me baby-sit KaraMmm... FoodRobin and WayneKara N., Ed, JenJohn and Donna -- Fire and IceT-Shirts from the SCR ROY Series RacesSteve, Kelly, & Kara H.Bird in Garage

MUSIC: "Life Is Beautiful" by Vega4

I absolutely love this song. It was the free iTunes song of the week a few weeks ago. It brings out the feeling of freedom in the people that we love -- that we can't help but love... "Life Is Beautiful" by Vega4

MUSIC: "Black And White Movie" by Janove Ottesen

I found this song on one of those promotional cds from god knows how long ago... but I had it in the office and needed something to occupy my ears. I just can't stop looping this song. I'd suggest just listening and not so much watch the video *shrug*. Here is is though. "Black And White Movie" by Janove Ottesen

RUNS: Monday and Thursday

I'm supposed to be keeping track of my diet, sleep, relaxation, exercise, and social...ness -- and also rating my stress and mood. It's a project to try to get on some sort of regular routine. But I've been slacking. Oh well. I'm not going to stress about it.

Gotta catch up on the run record though. Not much activity there... just a couple of outings this week. Monday, after the running club meeting, I ran with my friend Paul. 3 miles, nothing woo, just at 7:52 pace, then walked a couple quarter-miles loops for cool-down. And today after work, I headed to Wickham Park and ran a half-mile warm-up then a couple miles at 7:05 pace. Then I ran/walked the half-mile back to my car. My right knee was bothering me, so I didn't push it.

Tonight I'm heading to see the early showing of Shrek the Third. It's at 10:00pm... (no midnight showing), which I guess is good. Tomorrow night, I'm going to try to go see my friend Emily in the Henegar Center's production of The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (aka. Little Shop of Whores (and I mention that all in good fun)). I'm expecting it to be a lively production. Woo! Then Saturday's the Running Club's Annual Picnic and Awards Ceremony. I won't be getting anything, but there'll be food and a lot of photo ops. Then Sunday's all about the Disney. SUCH a hankering for it. I'm SO THERE - RAIN OR SHINE!

Anyways, there's no "kitchen pic" tonight... but here's one from the home office:Have a safe trip, Sweetie :)

PHOTOS: Mother's Day

Okay, I'm not so much in the writing mood, so here's the pictures
(I <3 Mommy):

STITCH: Working on it.

We just got back home from a trip to South Carolina to visit grandMOM for Mother's day. We're hoping to have something up by Friday. -The Stitches

MISC: Screaming Flying Monkeys have arrived!