Swaying towards temptation
Oct. 7th, 2002 10:05 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
whitereflectionI have to admit, but for the fact that I pretty much was busy from waking up until crashing and therefore didn't get a lot of socializing-online time, it was actually an extremely cool weekend. I did get to the zoo on Saturday, if a little later than I'd originally intended. But it was one of those days where I'd be walking along, seeing and hearing everything around me, and thinking "Glorious...glorious." To be melodramatic, it was like a short time where I could hear my soul singing. *embarassed grin*
Eventually it got more overcast, but the day started out with the sort of sky I call golden-blue--an intense color with sunlight of such a warm tone that everything looks bright and new (even areas of town that are normally run-down seemed cheerful and inviting). People were just *everywhere* (guess they all had the same idea I did), but they didn't get to me until the end of the day, when I was tired. ^^; (By then, if I woulda seen *one* more stroller... *arches eyebrow*) I did check out the new Desert Dome again, as well as my usual haunts of the Rainforest pavillion, the aquarium, and the Mutual of Omaha Wild Kingdom Building. But for once I walked the entirety of the zoo, including the places I only occasionally go to (the aviary, the cat complex pavillion, the bears, and the botanical gardens), and places I just *never* go to anymore (the gorillas and orangutangs, the elephants/rhinos, the sea lions/seals, the giraffe, the hooved animals, the small mammals, etc).
What's neat about going to the Henry Doorly is that there's always *something* unique and different going on. Like this time, I got perhaps the best view I've ever seen of the octopus in its exhibit at the aquarium--usually it's hiding. This time not only was it visible, it was all over the place--moving up and down the glass walls (giving a perfect view of both it's upper and undersides), hanging between the wall and the tank's rock formations. Just damned cool. And I also happened upon the exhibit of three Jaguar cubs with their mother--they're three months old, and absofreaking *adorable*. I hope the pic I took of them sleeping huddled together comes out. ^^ And I even rode the zoo's carousel, which was new as of last year--didn't get to ride the winged dragon though, as some kid had gotten to it first. Dang. *grins* Ended up snarking mildly at some idiot throwing their snack food to the North American River Otters--it took twice before the woman acknowledged that yes, the other sign *did* say no feeding the animels because of restricted diets. I mean, come on--buttered popcorn isn't good for *us*, like it'd be any better for *them*. Eh. People. *flails*
The rest of Saturday evening was more normal--Gina was feeling ill (yet again), but James came home early from the gaming con (he just has no con endurance, I swear...), and so he and Anj and I watched the subtitled Laputa from her Studio Ghibli box set. The subs were fairly ok, but sometimes their timing was majorly bad, and they did occasionally skip subbing--typical HK, but not bad really.
*blinks* Speaking of things HKish... *GLOMPS Moe* I got your package, hon! Thank you thank you thank you thank you!! I must make time to watch, and will definitely have to discuss what I/we think of Omoide Poro Poro *bounces eagerly* (OPP is Only Yesterday, right? Or am I mixing it up with something else?) And the leaves just charmed the heck out of me. ^___^ Just the perfect little touch to add--and a fun coincidence considering me babbling about leaves and fall color in a comment to you the other day. *beams* *hugs Moe bunches* You absolutely rock, hon. :)
Anyhoo, did something very different on Sunday--I tagged along with James to an Amptguard gathering. It was held out on this couple's acreage outside of Council Bluffs, IA, which they have since they own several horses (and a donkey, all of which I got to give scritches to :D :D Shelley even has offered to teach us to ride sometime, and I think I'd *really* like to take her up on that). They got started a bit late, as we kept getting caught up in watching movies (the last bit of Rush Hour 2, the beginning of The Fast and the Furious, all of Just Visiting and Muppet Treasure Island)--but eventually the few that were there sparred a while (the rest of their group was as that gaming con in town). Shelley and the other woman playing--was her name Elizabeth? I can't remember--were really damned good. James isn't bad at it, I must admit, but the others have been playing for a lot longer (especially Elizabeth and Lance--they've been doing this for years and years).
After that, we wandered a wooded area behind their acreage to scout out a potential location for a quest Shelley wants to host--and damned if that wasn't the coolest thing I've done in years. I have such a weakness for hiking through places like that, and it was just awesome. It was cool enough that on the acreage, you'd look around and see nothing but rolling hills, farmland, and bluffs--but in the woods, there was just nothing but huge trees, some grass, underbrush/undergrowth. To use a cliche, it was like being in another world--nothing but this sun-dappled old woods around us, hearing nothing but the gusting winds, rustling of trees and grass, the slight groaning of the trees. *han-yaaaaaaaans* And it was *neat* terrain, too. Some of it was smooth, level ground, gentle slopes, while other parts of it were quite interesting to climb around, with old small creek beds, fallen trees, tall grass and wild weeds and whatnot. Absofreaking *cool*. :D And I just love being outside in places like this extra in fall--the way the drying, coloring plant life *smells* this time of year is something special. And the crisp of the air is just delicious to feel and smell. ^__^ Yeah, I dig it. Picking burrs out of clothing is a necessarily evil that I'm willing to put up with for experiences like that. *grins*
We did stay later than I expected, though, and not just because of movieage. James and Shelley talked a huge amount into the evening, about problems she'd been having with some people and politicking in the Amptguard group--I couldn't rush us off with her needing to vent. She was frustrated to the point of quitting entirely, but after being able to just talk awhile, she was a lot more positive, and willing to try to stick it out to be able to socialize with the good people. But man, it was *dark* by the time we left--like country dark (a-freaking-mazing stars, tho). But we didn't get to eat dinner until 9:30. ^^;; Good thing I'd thought to bring some Cheerios along to snack on, or I probably woulda had a major blood-sugar-snark-attack. ^^;;;
I must admit, though...I've been trying to resist, and have been trying to resist *hard*...but I'm tempted by this Amptguard thing. I'm *pondering* trying it out. I mean, bopping each other with foam-covered swords and weapons actually looks kinda fun--and I'm *extremely* intrigued to try to do archery for this. Yes, the foam-tipped arrows can fly for shit, but it becomes a challenge to assemble an arrow right and gain the skill to fire accurately despite that. And they do some arts and crafts as well as bopping each other, and Shelley's indicated an interest in teaching someone what she knows for making costumes and tooling leather. *ponders ponders ponders* I am *very* tempted, and really swaying towards that temptation. Hm.... On the 'pro' side, it is a physical activity, and I desperately need that--especially of an interesting type, as most exercise loses my interest fast. ^^;; I'd just have to emphasize to James if I start that I reserve the right to bow out later if I lose interest, and to not be guilt tripped into continuing (unlike our monthly DnD games, or helping to maintain Michael's church's website--both somehow became 'together times' without my knowing it >_<; )
Today it's been tough getting back to normality, or what masquerades as such. I am celebrating that our department chair is back, though--it means that I finally have juvenile subject headings to work on again when there's nothing to catalog (i.e. like right now >_< ). My morale about work is amazingly better when I have something to *do*. (No sarcasm there, ne?) And I've been listening to a couple CDs that Anj lent me--Two Mix's newest, 0G, which I plan on ripping/burning, and Journey of Foresight by Shakkazombie. Now I like 'Shiroi Yami no Naka', or the remix that's used for the Tainted Donuts AMV--but the version on this CD is the original, and it's not as good. The rest of the CD is ok, if you like rap--but I don't, really, not even trippy Japanese rap. ^^; Ah well, can't like 'em all.
Unfortunately, normality seems to also include a return to my almost perpetual mood-swinginess. Dunno if it's getting up at 6 instead of 8, being at work, being inside in the windowless cave of the Library basement as opposed to being outside, or what. It was nice having moments where I felt like I was finding joy/peace/contentment, and feeling like everything was right--but now I miss those feelings much, and everything seems kind of...dim? hollow? somehow off, like something's missing. I guess I need to find a way to make my 'recharges' stick and last longer.
Eh, damn, did this go long. Why not add a quote then, to make it that much longer? Voila... *grins*
"Don't look back. Something may be gaining on you."
--Satchel Paige
Eventually it got more overcast, but the day started out with the sort of sky I call golden-blue--an intense color with sunlight of such a warm tone that everything looks bright and new (even areas of town that are normally run-down seemed cheerful and inviting). People were just *everywhere* (guess they all had the same idea I did), but they didn't get to me until the end of the day, when I was tired. ^^; (By then, if I woulda seen *one* more stroller... *arches eyebrow*) I did check out the new Desert Dome again, as well as my usual haunts of the Rainforest pavillion, the aquarium, and the Mutual of Omaha Wild Kingdom Building. But for once I walked the entirety of the zoo, including the places I only occasionally go to (the aviary, the cat complex pavillion, the bears, and the botanical gardens), and places I just *never* go to anymore (the gorillas and orangutangs, the elephants/rhinos, the sea lions/seals, the giraffe, the hooved animals, the small mammals, etc).
What's neat about going to the Henry Doorly is that there's always *something* unique and different going on. Like this time, I got perhaps the best view I've ever seen of the octopus in its exhibit at the aquarium--usually it's hiding. This time not only was it visible, it was all over the place--moving up and down the glass walls (giving a perfect view of both it's upper and undersides), hanging between the wall and the tank's rock formations. Just damned cool. And I also happened upon the exhibit of three Jaguar cubs with their mother--they're three months old, and absofreaking *adorable*. I hope the pic I took of them sleeping huddled together comes out. ^^ And I even rode the zoo's carousel, which was new as of last year--didn't get to ride the winged dragon though, as some kid had gotten to it first. Dang. *grins* Ended up snarking mildly at some idiot throwing their snack food to the North American River Otters--it took twice before the woman acknowledged that yes, the other sign *did* say no feeding the animels because of restricted diets. I mean, come on--buttered popcorn isn't good for *us*, like it'd be any better for *them*. Eh. People. *flails*
The rest of Saturday evening was more normal--Gina was feeling ill (yet again), but James came home early from the gaming con (he just has no con endurance, I swear...), and so he and Anj and I watched the subtitled Laputa from her Studio Ghibli box set. The subs were fairly ok, but sometimes their timing was majorly bad, and they did occasionally skip subbing--typical HK, but not bad really.
*blinks* Speaking of things HKish... *GLOMPS Moe* I got your package, hon! Thank you thank you thank you thank you!! I must make time to watch, and will definitely have to discuss what I/we think of Omoide Poro Poro *bounces eagerly* (OPP is Only Yesterday, right? Or am I mixing it up with something else?) And the leaves just charmed the heck out of me. ^___^ Just the perfect little touch to add--and a fun coincidence considering me babbling about leaves and fall color in a comment to you the other day. *beams* *hugs Moe bunches* You absolutely rock, hon. :)
Anyhoo, did something very different on Sunday--I tagged along with James to an Amptguard gathering. It was held out on this couple's acreage outside of Council Bluffs, IA, which they have since they own several horses (and a donkey, all of which I got to give scritches to :D :D Shelley even has offered to teach us to ride sometime, and I think I'd *really* like to take her up on that). They got started a bit late, as we kept getting caught up in watching movies (the last bit of Rush Hour 2, the beginning of The Fast and the Furious, all of Just Visiting and Muppet Treasure Island)--but eventually the few that were there sparred a while (the rest of their group was as that gaming con in town). Shelley and the other woman playing--was her name Elizabeth? I can't remember--were really damned good. James isn't bad at it, I must admit, but the others have been playing for a lot longer (especially Elizabeth and Lance--they've been doing this for years and years).
After that, we wandered a wooded area behind their acreage to scout out a potential location for a quest Shelley wants to host--and damned if that wasn't the coolest thing I've done in years. I have such a weakness for hiking through places like that, and it was just awesome. It was cool enough that on the acreage, you'd look around and see nothing but rolling hills, farmland, and bluffs--but in the woods, there was just nothing but huge trees, some grass, underbrush/undergrowth. To use a cliche, it was like being in another world--nothing but this sun-dappled old woods around us, hearing nothing but the gusting winds, rustling of trees and grass, the slight groaning of the trees. *han-yaaaaaaaans* And it was *neat* terrain, too. Some of it was smooth, level ground, gentle slopes, while other parts of it were quite interesting to climb around, with old small creek beds, fallen trees, tall grass and wild weeds and whatnot. Absofreaking *cool*. :D And I just love being outside in places like this extra in fall--the way the drying, coloring plant life *smells* this time of year is something special. And the crisp of the air is just delicious to feel and smell. ^__^ Yeah, I dig it. Picking burrs out of clothing is a necessarily evil that I'm willing to put up with for experiences like that. *grins*
We did stay later than I expected, though, and not just because of movieage. James and Shelley talked a huge amount into the evening, about problems she'd been having with some people and politicking in the Amptguard group--I couldn't rush us off with her needing to vent. She was frustrated to the point of quitting entirely, but after being able to just talk awhile, she was a lot more positive, and willing to try to stick it out to be able to socialize with the good people. But man, it was *dark* by the time we left--like country dark (a-freaking-mazing stars, tho). But we didn't get to eat dinner until 9:30. ^^;; Good thing I'd thought to bring some Cheerios along to snack on, or I probably woulda had a major blood-sugar-snark-attack. ^^;;;
I must admit, though...I've been trying to resist, and have been trying to resist *hard*...but I'm tempted by this Amptguard thing. I'm *pondering* trying it out. I mean, bopping each other with foam-covered swords and weapons actually looks kinda fun--and I'm *extremely* intrigued to try to do archery for this. Yes, the foam-tipped arrows can fly for shit, but it becomes a challenge to assemble an arrow right and gain the skill to fire accurately despite that. And they do some arts and crafts as well as bopping each other, and Shelley's indicated an interest in teaching someone what she knows for making costumes and tooling leather. *ponders ponders ponders* I am *very* tempted, and really swaying towards that temptation. Hm.... On the 'pro' side, it is a physical activity, and I desperately need that--especially of an interesting type, as most exercise loses my interest fast. ^^;; I'd just have to emphasize to James if I start that I reserve the right to bow out later if I lose interest, and to not be guilt tripped into continuing (unlike our monthly DnD games, or helping to maintain Michael's church's website--both somehow became 'together times' without my knowing it >_<; )
Today it's been tough getting back to normality, or what masquerades as such. I am celebrating that our department chair is back, though--it means that I finally have juvenile subject headings to work on again when there's nothing to catalog (i.e. like right now >_< ). My morale about work is amazingly better when I have something to *do*. (No sarcasm there, ne?) And I've been listening to a couple CDs that Anj lent me--Two Mix's newest, 0G, which I plan on ripping/burning, and Journey of Foresight by Shakkazombie. Now I like 'Shiroi Yami no Naka', or the remix that's used for the Tainted Donuts AMV--but the version on this CD is the original, and it's not as good. The rest of the CD is ok, if you like rap--but I don't, really, not even trippy Japanese rap. ^^; Ah well, can't like 'em all.
Unfortunately, normality seems to also include a return to my almost perpetual mood-swinginess. Dunno if it's getting up at 6 instead of 8, being at work, being inside in the windowless cave of the Library basement as opposed to being outside, or what. It was nice having moments where I felt like I was finding joy/peace/contentment, and feeling like everything was right--but now I miss those feelings much, and everything seems kind of...dim? hollow? somehow off, like something's missing. I guess I need to find a way to make my 'recharges' stick and last longer.
Eh, damn, did this go long. Why not add a quote then, to make it that much longer? Voila... *grins*
"Don't look back. Something may be gaining on you."
--Satchel Paige
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(no subject)
Date: 2002-10-07 01:32 pm (UTC)Ye've gotta come up to Ottawa sometime Di-chan... The great fall weather starts in around, well, start of fall (My Birthday some years! ^^V), and lasts a fair while... And is absolutely stunning for hiking, exploring, or just resting... =^.^=
Ooh! And now that you mention it... Today up here is one of those Golden Blue days... Or Bronze blue at least... ^.^;; Everything is bright and foresty, s'grand.
*snaps his fingers* OOh! Your getting of package from Moe reminds me! I still need to send you FLCL! ^^;;
And, my turn for a counter-quote also! Wah-ha!
"Try not to look to much back on your life, or you might plow into the oncomming traffic of the future"
-Some person, can't rememeber right now. But it wasn't me. ^^;
Re:
Date: 2002-10-08 11:26 am (UTC)*bows* I appreciate you still being willing to send FLCL, and still need to ask you what you want in trade for it. :) I'm going to soon get copies of some eps. of Azumanga Daioh, so I'm tempted to send a bit of that, some DigiCharat, maybe what I've got so far of Excel Saga from my DVDs--kinda make a humor pack of sorts. ^^ I'll have to find you on AIM sometime and coordinate that, if I can ever get on early enough. Darn you eastern time zone folks. ^^
Heh. I need to go find more quotes.
Laters! *hugs*
--Di
Re:
Date: 2002-10-08 01:08 pm (UTC)We'll get it sometime! ^.^;
But, yeah... Victoria is beautiful... Even when it's frickin cold everwhere else, it can still be a balmy 5°C... 'tis beautiful there.
I'm going to have to send you that pic from my concert in Victoria if I can find it Di... It shows off the stretchiness o' my face. *smirk*
Well, SOMEONE had to make up for the lack of smiling! /\___________/\