Tales of Eternia was renamed to Tales of Destiny II in North America because Mattel owns the copyright on the term "Eternia" in relation to the He-Man line of toys.

Thought that might interest you. It's much less cynical than we had thought...

It's been a heck of a week.

Despite how screwed up our planning and timing got, meeting readnofurther and seeing foghlai_mara again was excellent. As I told them, one of my greatest regrets in life now is that we don't all live closer together. And for a beautiful hour or so on Friday, when ehzoterik was there too, I had many of the people I care about most in life within arm's reach of me. That was a wonderful feeling, and a wonderful time. I hope we can all recapture it someday soon.

I can't say I started the new year right, being as I rang it in with a plague of doom. I haven't been this sick in years, maybe a decade if you don't count food poisoning. Wandering around feverish and freezing is not my idea of a good beginning to a new year.

I did, however, finally get around to watching Advent Children. (I know, I suck.) All I can say is that I really, really want to play Exalted now. Heh heh.

So happy new year to you all.

October 9th through the 15th is Bring Your Culture to Work Week. Clearly we would be serving the interests of UPMC if we brought our culture into work.

-Hold a recipe contest for staff to bring in family recipes

"Energon cube, anyone? This one is made from hydroelectric power."
"Too boring for me, this sucker's nuclear Energon."

-Attend a foreign film

12 STRAIGHT HOURS OF DBZ!

-Attend a cultural performance, event, or exhibit with a group.

This one might be tricky, considering that it might be hard to promote a joint ER/Medical Records movie viewing. Still, no one can argue that viewing Transformes: The Movie would be an intense and moving introduction to our culture.

- Tour the University of Pittsburgh's Nationality Rooms.

"Sirs, please stop insisting that mecha be added as a separate display room... No, we are not oppressing your culture, it's just that... No, sirs, we do NOT have a Mushroom Kingdom room!"

-Wear cultural attire representing your ethnicity

"No. SOUND. The forehead protector symbol means I'm a *Sound* ninja!"

...You've aleady got this one covered, just wear a short-sleeved shirt.

-Create a display of flags from around the world

"They probably meant Earth."
"Screw that and fix the Iacon flag, it's crooked."

-Play music from different cultures throughout the day

"Wait, explain to me again what the hell 'the Touch' is?"
"Aaagh, you'll never get it. I'm switching to the "Closer" Mario remix."

- Share with coworkers how to say "hello," "please," "thank you," and "goodbye" in different languages.

"BAH WEEP GRAA NA WEEP NINNY BONG!"
"Bah weep graa na weep ninny bong?"
"BAH WEEP GRAA NA WEEP NINNY BONG!"
"BAH WEEP GRAA NA WEEP NINNY BONG!"

::Shadyside Hospital bursts into dancing to "Dare to Be Stupid"::

So what's going on in my life. Hmm.

I've started going to a dentist (ably recommended by tlttlotd), and as a consequence have been reciving some filling work. Two a couple weeks ago and I'm going back for another one tomorrow. It was fun and exciting, my ear hurting for a week (damn referred pain). The pain in my lower tooth has subsided to mere sensitivity, but it remains really sensitive to cold. My dentist said I might possibly have to have a root canal for it, depending on if it continued to hurt or not. I haven't gotten any unusual throbs of pain for it, which is good, but the sensitivity to cold is bad. So I don't know. I'm going back on Tuesday for one more, and we'll likely discuss it then.

It's not something I want to go through, really. We'll see.

Pending a review or two from some people whose opinion I'd like, I've prepared my first actual submission to a magazine. I'll send it off very soon, I hope, and cross the line from "aspiring writer" to (most likely) "rejected writer."

That isn't pessimism, just realism, so don't start lecturing me on expecting the worst. And if/when I DO get rejected, I'll kill anyone who posts a long note imploring me not to give up, that rejection is common, etc. etc. I know that!

I saw Batman Begins yesterday with tigerphoenix, which was an excellent movie. I really prefer the simple cape-and-cowl design of Batman: TAS to anything I've seen on the screen; graphite masks seem a bit excessive to me. But it was nevertheless a good movie, and for those of you who understand the reference, I totally get why readnofurther spent the entire movie going, "Morgan! MORGAN!"

Also had a wondeful brunch with kaote. How did I go 14 months without seeing her? Definitely need to make sure THAT doesn't happen again.

If I'd know Barnes and Noble had begun registration for line position at 4, I would have gone earlier. I ended up in the 300-350 block to get Half-Blood Prince, but it only took about half an hour once midnight hit. I ended up staying up till 5:00 finishing the book. Holy damn.

Harry Potter is turning into Daria. Everyone will bitch because it doesn't stay the same, but it can't stay the same.

And that's my epic post at work. How's things with you?

Notice! I am working until 3 or 3:30 am tonight, instead of my original time of 11p. There was a call off and I volunteered to pitch in for half the shift. readnofurther, I know this interferes with that scene we have to do, for which I sincerely apologize. tigerphoenix, please feel free to call me or anything if you need support. I know having your family there is rough for you, and I'm sorry I can't be more supportive or helpful. I need the money!

Again, I'm really very sorry for this. Those of you this affects, I apologize... I'm sorry.

I still haven't gotten a response on the whole Aberrant thing and I don't know what to make of it. Any idea what's going on??

Edit: Hell. Jameel, if you have any idea what's going on, give me a call so *I* know.

I need to talk to you ASAP about this weekend. Plans're firmed up and I don't want to spring them on you at the last minute.

Heh heh. Vacation was awesome.

Well, it didn't start out so thrilling. tigerphoenix and I got out a little late, which wasn't so bad, on our drive from Pittsburgh to Tampa. Yes, all the way down there -- and believe me, our plan of sleeping and driving in shifts looked good on paper, but was very hard to pull off! Not much to relay about 22 hours of drive time, except I got pulled over by a cop who thought I was drunk because I was weaving back and forth (I was falling asleep...) and got off without even a warning.

Arrived in Tampa and picked up genesisangel. Her mother was cool. And then it was bonding experience time, because Tampa to Boston (area) was our next leg of the journey!

After hours of talk, roleplay and roleplay discussion, naps grabbed and hotels sought but not found, we pulled into tigerphoenix's house. Total elapsed drive time between her and me -- about 51 hours straight (Friday at 6 to Sunday at 9... whew!). And somehow we survived! And genesisangel didn't want to kill us!

Speaking of which, genesisangel rocks, and rocks hardcore. For someone who claims to be aloof and nonsocial, we got along like we'd all been best friends since kindergarten. It was really, really happy.

Monday saw us going to the Carver Renn Fest, where we got to see a pretty decent setup. Lot of vendors, decent shows. I got to see both tigerphoenix and genesisangel in bodices, which would make any heterosexual male's day, and we also got to see a great cat show -- with baby tigers, a cougar, and even a liger (!). I came away from the fest with a bo staff, chain-wrapped at the handgrips. Heh heh heh.

Tuesday and Wednesday were lazy days -- we hung out, yakked, played Magic and video games... I laid the smack down with my Goblin and Cleric decks, and whipped up a Massive Monsters deck which I'm entirely too proud of -- I've never seen a creature with above 30 power and toughness before then. And I beat my old life total (243) by shooting up to 329 before genesisangel forfeited. Damn.

Thursday was the trip from Mass to PA, which after the trips on the weekend was a breeze. We pulled in early Friday morning, caught some sleep, and then crashed the Cam Mage game. I have my problems with certain aspects of the game, but the company couldn't have been better. (And yes, cyfis, there's someone in your life who's so happy to see you that he'll charge and pounce. Bet you never expected that, huh?)

Saturday -- Revolutionary Girl Utena Marathon! All the episodes I have on DVD in one intense, action-packed ten-hour-straight stretch! Now genesisangel is thoroughly indoctrinated.

Sunday -- the wedding of ehzoterik! Despite arriving a bit late, it was nevertheless a wonderful affair.

And then that night, I said my goodbyes to genesisangel. Much video game loaning and trading ensued. It was an emotional parting at least on my behalf, because dammit, I'm a dragon, and we don't like it when we lose parts of our hoards! But ah well... I'm still surviving. Rougher still was tigerphoenix leaving on Monday.

State inspection for the home I work at was Tuesday. We got 100%, but the main office alternates between telling us we suck, and trying to take all the credit for the rating. I am getting the hell out. As soon as I get my resume together and posted, as soon as I find someplace else that's worth my attention, bam! Out of there.

I'm totally unproductive lately because I just have no energy when I get home. My job alternates between long stretches of boredom and nothingness to intense periods of work that I can't even delegate. Taking a promotion was a big mistake. But, learning from that!

This is probably the longest post I've done in ages...

genesisangel -- if you're still talking to me, call me or drop me an e-mail or something? Don't worry about waking me up if it's the former, I got a good nap in today.

So, yeah, I intended to post about the fun fun week I had, but there's just so much good stuff I don't know where to begin. Let's see. Meeting ehzoterik rocked, X-Fest kicked so much ass, movies were good, the wedding was wonderful, I'm happy. So, here I am again!

Oy.

So I just worked 26 out of the past 48 hours. Ouch. More than that, tomorrow I work 8, Wednesday I work 11, and Thursday 8 -- in the evening. Yes, my job has gone totally psycho on my ass.

On the upside, I can expect checks to start coming in between $700 and $1000, for the next month or two. I've worked that much overtime.

Beyond that, my promotion is now official! I'm no longer Acting Senior Advisor -- I'm just Senior Advisor. The title is funny because I'm now in charge of several people who've been at the agency thirty times longer than me.

Even happier news, my Friday is now free. No work! No work Saturday either. cyfis, adept, siliconrose -- will classes be done killing you by then?

Oh man, I'm just so tired. But not sleepy. At least I get to do later mornings for a while. Maybe permanently. I hope. I hope I get another raise too now that I'm no longer "Acting."

I hope a lot of things. I need to work out some sort of draconic ritual to make them happen. Anyone have any requests while I'm doing it?

Uraaaaaaagh! I'm working 9-11 today -- that's thirteen hours! Add onto that the fact that I'm supposed to be at work tomorrow morning at 8, and that overall I'm working 60 hours this week -- well, my life is going to be hell. My sleep schedule is going to be hell. This bites!

At least I'm not suffering from a bonecrushing lack of motivation at the moment... it's simply heart-rending. I will be glad to see my paycheck, though. Considering how much effort I've been putting in...

I will be so glad when we cover the 60 hour gap in our schedule, though.

Hey dramatica, if you're reading this... where'd you go? I'm starting to worry!

tigerphoenix, I'm working today, tomorrow, and Thursday. I have Friday and Saturday off. No night shifts thought.

tigerphoenix is here safe and sound, as those of you who've read her LJ might had discovered. We're debating going out for dinner tonight, but it all decides on what my stomach decides.

Stupid stomach! ::pounds on it to make it behave::

Awww. I have to stop.

Look over there, tigerphoenix!

::gets sat on::

Say, this is nice.

tigerphoenix and I went to see Lord of the Rings yesterday. Thanks to calling in reservations we got posh, over-sized, super-comfy chairs. Of course, we were still a bit achey by the end of the three-hour movie, but it was more than worth it.

What a sweet movie. Gollum... damn.

Picked up the special edition of Fellowship, the special edition of Beauty and the Beast (yes, really), and the Black Rose Utena DVD. (Hey girls, got something to watch when you guys get back!) Also managed to get my hands on Tale of Destiny, which I've been looking for forever.

I'm so happy to spend time with my tigerphoenix!

My family -- my mother, my stepfather, and my sister -- came into town today. They brought a lot of stuff, both mine -- all my 2nd edition D&D stuff! -- and new -- Christmas decorations like mad! I'm getting all my packages for out-of-town family taken care of, so that's cool.

We went to Sam's Club (they do have a card, tigerphoenix, but we need to go back anyway. ;) ), and Red Lobster. I'm so full of shrimp it's not funny.

It's cool to see them and all, but yet... stressful. I'm so accustomed to being on my own that when I have to deal with people like my family, it's just rough on me.

I miss my tigerphoenix desperately, and I'm so looking forward to her visit. Similarly, I miss cyfis and siliconrose. And to all of you who I've never met... well, I miss you too. I hope someday we all have the opportunity to see each other in person.

My other Christmas wish, of course, is that my upstairs neighbor is noisy all night -- so I can get that bitch booted out.

Sentimental dragon.

As of today I am now officially certified by the Red Cross to perform CPR and first aid.

Thank you, tigerphoenix, for being you, my heart, my love.

Thank you, siliconrose and cyfis, for being true friends.

Let me enlighten you
This is the way I pray
Living just isn't hard enough
Burn me alive, inside
Living my life's not hard enough
Take everything away.

Going to bed with an odd urge I don't comprehend.

Tomorrow I go in to complete my paperwork for my new job. I'll also get fingerprinted for a criminal background check, no doubt! Woohoo!

I kicked the butt of the cold. Being the Dragon of Life has its advantages. Err, if only they were complete. (Sorry, cyfis...)

Only $100 of my $800 check I deposited has cleared. This is very strange and I do not understand it.

Did random searches on LJ which were utterly unproductive. Say, I'm curious. Does anyone out there read my journal regularly on someone else's friends list?

Got up -- got woken up -- at 7:30 to get ready for my interview. That was a hell of a bus trip.

Some psych woman attacked me on the bus. She slammed her foot down on mine and screamed at me to get my foot out of the aisle. Now, mind you, I'm six feet tall, and if I had been sticking my legs out into the aisle maybe it would have been understandable, but this was just a normal sitting posture. I was too stunned to say anything. Fortunately she got off the bus at that stop.

The interview went well, even if it did rain on me. I saw a raccoon roadkill on my way there. It was a big sucker of a raccoon too. That made me sad.

On the way back, I stopped at the Blood Bank and had them drain me. ^.^ Yes, I feel proud and good to have done this. So don't rain on my moral high ground today. Now I'm going to relax, suck down orange juice, and for a brief little while, enjoy being me.

Personal notes.
cathouse_blues: Hugs for you.
rachaelwynter: Hey, if tigerphoenix and I hadn't had big days today, we woulda been there too.
moonmama: Hugs, just because.
siliconrose and cyfis: I miss you guys. I'm looking forward to seeing you tomorrow.
tigerphoenix: Love you, babe.

To My tigerphoenix,

I will stand by you, and with you, until the end of time. I will care about you forever, and be by your side through everything and anything life can throw at us. I will never leave you.

Sincerely,
Your Dragon