I never thought I would ever beat a world record for anything. I know the paperwork is still going through but it looks like I may make it. I will have been a part of the 2,645 people gathered together at the pirates festival dressed like a pirate. If all the paperwork passes, we will have beaten both Oregon and the UK for the "Largest Gathering Of Pirates".
There were tv cameras, photographers and all kinds of stuff. A picture in the paper on Sunday morning, though I didn't make it in that one. Looks like only a few hundred or so were in the shot on the front page. There was singing and yelling and pretend drunkenness, sexy women holding up signs and a drawing for free prizes. The main prize, a trip for two on a boat with dinner, a scenery, and a private pirate band. Now that would have been beautiful and fun. They also gave away a medallion, a metal skull wall hang, a fuzzy tail and a bottle to carry your "rum" or any other drink.
Captain Jack Spareribs was there as well. He did a magic trick to stuff a beautiful lady in a basket. He then lit it on fire. Roasted marshmallows and jumped on the ashes. She, of course, appeared perfectly unharmed out of the basket.
The rest of the festival was enjoyable to walk around, look at things, play a game of "jenga" which is actually called Bandu. It is played with "LARGE" wood, which all the ladies prefer to the smaller wood of jenga. I am still the champion and I played with a few other people, though one drunken pirate was not a surprise that he lost.
There was an amazing metal dragon that I would have hung up in my room if I'd had the money. Although, if I'd had that kind of money I may have bought the sword instead. Or I would have bought this handmade pirate game or the dragon coasters or the dragon stand and letter opener, or the corset, or even the entire green and white outfit that was sooooo gorgeous. Okay, okay, I get the point. I don't enjoy window shopping and get very board, unless it's at a festival. I love talking to people about their wares, especially if they are the artist or creator of those wares and not simply selling something manufactured.
All in all, it was an eventful and memorable day. I even have a t-shirt on the way to say that I was a part of the guiness book of world record gathering of pirates for 2010. That comes after the paperwork is all done to prove it, in about 10 days.
23 June 2010
02 June 2010
Pains, Sores and Epidemics
I thought this post would be about Fanime Con, but it looks like that will have to be next time's post. Over the weekend something serious happened, actually a couple of serious things. I'm not going to go over detail and personal.
First: I can blame the shoes. I can blame my foot condition. I can blame being on my feet all day 5 days a week and then for an entire weekend. I can blame the amazing weapons classes I took at the convention (you'll have to wait for the fanime post to learn more about that one.) Whatever the case may be, my foot got beyond sore to the point of limping and moving like a zombie. I became the living dead, unable to move faster than a snails pace as all my friends passed me up to go here there and everywhere. Well, everyone except Steve, who was gentleman enough to hang out at my slow pace. This led me to realize that the shoes I have been wearing for the past couple months have been ruining my feet. Sure there may have been other factors, but I choose to blame the shoes. I have now bought a new pair of shoes that, even with my repairing feet, are comfortable and cause me to no longer limp everywhere I go. The only down side is that to be so comfortable, they make my feet look HUGE. ARGH!!!! I can't win!!! But hey, it's better to take care of your feet than to worry about looks. right???
Second: I contracted some type of throat infection. I don't know when or how I got it. There was nothing I did to get me sick. No one I hung out with or had close contact with. I wasn't out in the cold, wet and late at night. But, for some strange reason, possibly divine, my throat began to hurt. It started as a sore throat that came and went. I thought nothing of it. Simply took the usual precautions to prevent getting sick. The next day, about halfway through the day I was so wiped out and exhausted and my throat hurt so bad that I took a 4 hour nap. The day after that my throat was on fire. I was only able to eat half of my breakfast burrito, and that was because I made myself. All I wanted to do was sleep. Drinking water was even a chore. When I got home I laid down. Then got talked into hanging out for a bit at a friends house, which was way fun. I got a massage that alleviated my migraine for about 10 minutes and I got to enjoy a really good movie. We hung out for a bit after and it wasn't until I couldn't bear the pain any longer that I realized I had to leave. At home, my mom looked at my throat and gasped saying I needed to see a doctor and I probably had tonsillitis or something worse. Even though I now have medical, it's crappy and super expensive so I'd rather not use it unless I absolutely have to. I figured I'd wait it out a couple days. I took knock out medacine and slept for 4 hours and took knock out med's again to sleep another 4 hours. Then yesterday I received a priesthood blessing of faith, healing and guidance; through a couple Elders in my church. At the time I was beyond tears. I have a high tolerance for pain and I was crying like a baby wanting to die if it could only stop the pain. There was a wall of white cotton all over my tonsils, and back of my throat. It was red, pussy and super gross. After the blessing, it was amazing that I could talk again. I went home, thanked the Lord, read from His book and went to sleep. Half way through today I made a miraculous recovery. Now all I have is a simple sore throat.
The Lord works in mysterious ways. I know the Lord was telling me something with this and that it wasn't just an ordinary illness. I only hope that by now I have learned my lesson. I'd hate to see what new epidemic he'll come up with next.
First: I can blame the shoes. I can blame my foot condition. I can blame being on my feet all day 5 days a week and then for an entire weekend. I can blame the amazing weapons classes I took at the convention (you'll have to wait for the fanime post to learn more about that one.) Whatever the case may be, my foot got beyond sore to the point of limping and moving like a zombie. I became the living dead, unable to move faster than a snails pace as all my friends passed me up to go here there and everywhere. Well, everyone except Steve, who was gentleman enough to hang out at my slow pace. This led me to realize that the shoes I have been wearing for the past couple months have been ruining my feet. Sure there may have been other factors, but I choose to blame the shoes. I have now bought a new pair of shoes that, even with my repairing feet, are comfortable and cause me to no longer limp everywhere I go. The only down side is that to be so comfortable, they make my feet look HUGE. ARGH!!!! I can't win!!! But hey, it's better to take care of your feet than to worry about looks. right???
Second: I contracted some type of throat infection. I don't know when or how I got it. There was nothing I did to get me sick. No one I hung out with or had close contact with. I wasn't out in the cold, wet and late at night. But, for some strange reason, possibly divine, my throat began to hurt. It started as a sore throat that came and went. I thought nothing of it. Simply took the usual precautions to prevent getting sick. The next day, about halfway through the day I was so wiped out and exhausted and my throat hurt so bad that I took a 4 hour nap. The day after that my throat was on fire. I was only able to eat half of my breakfast burrito, and that was because I made myself. All I wanted to do was sleep. Drinking water was even a chore. When I got home I laid down. Then got talked into hanging out for a bit at a friends house, which was way fun. I got a massage that alleviated my migraine for about 10 minutes and I got to enjoy a really good movie. We hung out for a bit after and it wasn't until I couldn't bear the pain any longer that I realized I had to leave. At home, my mom looked at my throat and gasped saying I needed to see a doctor and I probably had tonsillitis or something worse. Even though I now have medical, it's crappy and super expensive so I'd rather not use it unless I absolutely have to. I figured I'd wait it out a couple days. I took knock out medacine and slept for 4 hours and took knock out med's again to sleep another 4 hours. Then yesterday I received a priesthood blessing of faith, healing and guidance; through a couple Elders in my church. At the time I was beyond tears. I have a high tolerance for pain and I was crying like a baby wanting to die if it could only stop the pain. There was a wall of white cotton all over my tonsils, and back of my throat. It was red, pussy and super gross. After the blessing, it was amazing that I could talk again. I went home, thanked the Lord, read from His book and went to sleep. Half way through today I made a miraculous recovery. Now all I have is a simple sore throat.
The Lord works in mysterious ways. I know the Lord was telling me something with this and that it wasn't just an ordinary illness. I only hope that by now I have learned my lesson. I'd hate to see what new epidemic he'll come up with next.
01 June 2010
FANIME
So, now that I'm finally better, for the most part, I'm back to blogging. That whole throat infection thing is still going on. When I do or think things I shouldn't it seems to flare up, and also in the early morning. Otherwise it lies dormant. Sheesh.
But, now I up to snuff enough to get back to blogging. Fanime was so much fun. I spent the weekend hanging with my my sis, her fiance and our mutual friend Steve. I learned how to fight with a long sword, bastard sword, at least 4 different forms of dagger fighting and archery. Although I didn't get to actually practice the archery since they didn't have a permit or insurance for that. I also took a women's self defense class.
In the market place I bought some nice chopsticks. Steve bought me a fanime t-shirt and a cookbook for my bento box. I hope to have the time to start cooking myself some cool lunches soon.
On Sunday it was super hot. Steve and I had some free time so we went out in search of a 7/11 type place that would have a "big gulp" type drink. We walked all over the place. Asked at every gas station. Nothing. Other than the fast food joints, there wasn't a place around that even sold fountain drinks. They looked at us like we were crazy. "We have bottles. We have cans. What would you need fountain for?" It was strange. It could have also been the "kitty" ears on my head that caused them to look at us like we were crazy. hmmmm. We did stop at Johnny Rockets and got a couple milkshakes, Steve bought mine to thank me for walking with him.
I was able to watch the latest episodes of a show called "One Piece". It's an amazingly hilarious anime about a boy who wants to become the pirate king and he eats this special devils fruit that causes his body to stretch like crazy. It's so much fun.
The costumes were fabulous. I saw characters from many of my favorite anime. There were also quite a few nintendo characters and final fantasy characters. The skits were so much better this year than they have been in the past two years. I tried posting some but it is true that they are better in person than as youtube video's.
Fanime is a magical place of anime shows, costumes, fun panels, stores, local artists and so much more. I had planned on taking this year off, but Steve bought my ticket. I am so glad I went this year.
But, now I up to snuff enough to get back to blogging. Fanime was so much fun. I spent the weekend hanging with my my sis, her fiance and our mutual friend Steve. I learned how to fight with a long sword, bastard sword, at least 4 different forms of dagger fighting and archery. Although I didn't get to actually practice the archery since they didn't have a permit or insurance for that. I also took a women's self defense class.
In the market place I bought some nice chopsticks. Steve bought me a fanime t-shirt and a cookbook for my bento box. I hope to have the time to start cooking myself some cool lunches soon.
On Sunday it was super hot. Steve and I had some free time so we went out in search of a 7/11 type place that would have a "big gulp" type drink. We walked all over the place. Asked at every gas station. Nothing. Other than the fast food joints, there wasn't a place around that even sold fountain drinks. They looked at us like we were crazy. "We have bottles. We have cans. What would you need fountain for?" It was strange. It could have also been the "kitty" ears on my head that caused them to look at us like we were crazy. hmmmm. We did stop at Johnny Rockets and got a couple milkshakes, Steve bought mine to thank me for walking with him.
I was able to watch the latest episodes of a show called "One Piece". It's an amazingly hilarious anime about a boy who wants to become the pirate king and he eats this special devils fruit that causes his body to stretch like crazy. It's so much fun.
The costumes were fabulous. I saw characters from many of my favorite anime. There were also quite a few nintendo characters and final fantasy characters. The skits were so much better this year than they have been in the past two years. I tried posting some but it is true that they are better in person than as youtube video's.
Fanime is a magical place of anime shows, costumes, fun panels, stores, local artists and so much more. I had planned on taking this year off, but Steve bought my ticket. I am so glad I went this year.
28 May 2010
Back in Business
Sooooooooo.........here we go again. I'm back online and hopefully back in business. This past while back has been insane crazy with finding a job, working full time, school full time, side jobs, homework, sometimes church, friends, sleep and who knows what else. It's great to be back online. I have just started getting back into facebook this past week. I'm hoping I don't get addicted again like I was. As for my blog, well I wish to keep this going. I may turn it into a once a week posting and see how that goes. This is simply the introductory post and has no real substance. Next week will be my fanime post. Then we will go from there.
I would like to say this though......FINALS ARE OVER!!!!!! Although, from a book I am reading, it's not the destination, it's the journey". Which means that I should not sit around in class waiting for finals to come and be over, but I should enjoy each and every day I have the privileged to be in school. I enjoy school so hopefully that one shouldn't be too hard, especially since my next class is a "FICTION WORKSHOP" I am so excited.
I would like to say this though......FINALS ARE OVER!!!!!! Although, from a book I am reading, it's not the destination, it's the journey". Which means that I should not sit around in class waiting for finals to come and be over, but I should enjoy each and every day I have the privileged to be in school. I enjoy school so hopefully that one shouldn't be too hard, especially since my next class is a "FICTION WORKSHOP" I am so excited.
19 February 2010
Men of Worth
I told a number of people, not everyone but anyone I was in contact with for the past week, that I was going to a concert with my grandma tonight. My parents also came. The band is called "Men of Worth", there are two men, one is Scottish and the other Irish. They play Celtic and folk music and have been doing so for the past 25 years.
I recommend them to anyone. My family bought a couple of their Cd's. I would have but I'm trying to be smart with my money and not spend what I really don't have.
If you like Celtic and folk then you will love them. They are funny, traditional and have amazing voices and musical talent. If you don't but like trying new things, they are good to try out.
I saw them at the Benicia Historical Museum. It is a lovely place with an amazing Boy Scouts museum. They have all sorts of things from the beginning of scouts in the area and through history. They have a large collection of manuals, patches and other historical items. Also, there is a beautiful backyard area with a fountain and garden. It was lovely. The concert had a packed house but we were over an hour early so we got the best seats in the house. And, thanks to my Grammy's handicap parking, we also had the best parking space.
I don't know if I can but I'll try on Sunday to borrow the Cd's and post a couple songs here. If not, I will post them on facebook and you will simply have to check there to get a taste of the music.
I recommend them to anyone. My family bought a couple of their Cd's. I would have but I'm trying to be smart with my money and not spend what I really don't have.
If you like Celtic and folk then you will love them. They are funny, traditional and have amazing voices and musical talent. If you don't but like trying new things, they are good to try out.
I saw them at the Benicia Historical Museum. It is a lovely place with an amazing Boy Scouts museum. They have all sorts of things from the beginning of scouts in the area and through history. They have a large collection of manuals, patches and other historical items. Also, there is a beautiful backyard area with a fountain and garden. It was lovely. The concert had a packed house but we were over an hour early so we got the best seats in the house. And, thanks to my Grammy's handicap parking, we also had the best parking space.
I don't know if I can but I'll try on Sunday to borrow the Cd's and post a couple songs here. If not, I will post them on facebook and you will simply have to check there to get a taste of the music.
18 February 2010
It's Just Too Easy (conclusion)
Her chin rested on the knees of her blue jeans. "I know, but you don't." A forlorn sound echoed in her voice, lost and sad.
"How would you know that?" Aaron grumbled as he sat up to lean his back against the wall. He was hungry and there was food sitting right in front of him. It filled the air with salt, yeast and over-greased meat. A smell to bring anyone running and panting for a taste. It was the savory flavor of bad for you food that makes your mouth water. He opened the wrapper and attacked the first burger he grabbed out of the magical bag of delicacies.
"I've been watching you." She immediately held up her hands as he glared at her, "Not in the creepy stalker way. I mean I've followed you for the past couple years that you've been traveling."
"Oh and that's not like a stalker at all." He grumbled through a mouthful of fries.
"It's not when it's for research."
Images of test animals in cages appeared in Aaron's mind. He did not like the sound of that. He was nobody's Guinna pig. Then a new image appeared, one that interested him a lot more. It was a facility out on an island, but not filled with lab coats and crazy scientists. This image made him think of a training grounds. It could be a new experience, but how was he to know that this was real. A slight breeze brushed along the island sand. The image was so vivid it was as if he was already there. Seagulls called from mountain cliffs searching for food for their young. Aaron's bare feet carried him across warm, tropical sand. There was a melody in the air so peaceful, so calming. The sound of children laughing came from somewhere in the trees. This was a place he could stay forever. Someone was roasting a pig, he could smell the delicious pork. There was also the scent of fresh tropical fruits ripe and ready for the picking. "Yes." He said to himself, "This is where I want to be. A safe place where I can find peace at last."
"You ok?" Came a concerned voice from somewhere in the heavens.
Was he ok? He was more than ok, he had never felt better. All of his life, as far back as he could remember, he had been running. There was never a moments peace. At first it had seemed like everything was going to work out. His mother was sweet and understanding. She didn't know why her son was different but she protected him as a mother lion would protect her cub. When the other kids became vicious, she pulled him out of public school. When his father tried to kill him, she took him far away, moving west as far as they could go. The move had not been good for her. She got sick, very sick. He was only 9 at the time and didn't understand what was going on. He knew how to help her and would get whatever medicines he could. Things would simply come to his mind and he would know what she needed. The problem was that he also knew that she was going to die. She only lived a few months after that, and then he was on his own. People don't like when you're different. They can be cruel and distrusting. Aaron learned that the easiest way to deal with people was to avoid them. That worked well for the past two years, until today.
"I can't read your mind. Dude? Guy? Person? I don't know your name. Are you alright?"
Blinking back to reality Aaron smiled for the first time in years. "I'm more then alright. I feel..." What could he say? Great sounded to common. Peaceful wasn't the right word either. There was a whirl of emotions from happy to calm to ecstatic. How could he even begin to describe how he was feeling?
"I know you may already know this but I was wondering if you would like to come with me. I can make sure you never have to run again." She smiled sweetly, "I know it's hard, as I said before, I've been watching you. You are not the only one who is..." she paused, as if unsure of the right word to use, "different. There are others. I had to be sure before I approached you. If you come with me you will never have to run again."
She made so much sense and she was cute too. He didn't even have to think about it, he simply held out his hand in agreement. She smiled and shook his hand.
"I'm glad you're coming willingly." She smiled innocently as he felt a needle puncture his wrist. Immediately he felt the effects of some type of drug, collapsing to the ground. Everything went black, but even in the blackness he could still hear the sounds of music. He could still smell the roasting pig. Paradise. That was what she promised. She had known of his ability. Of course she would have, she'd been tracking him for over 2 years.
When he awoke, he was behind bars in some type of lab. The same lab he had seen the first time, before the beach scene became so overwhelming. There were others, in similar cages. Some were yelling, some crying, but most sat back with a look of deep sadness in their eyes. Those were the ones that knew their fate and accepted it. The light was gone from their eyes. They would never fight even if freed and given the chance. Aaron would not let them break him. He knew this place. Actually, he knew everything. The dream had been compelling but he knew it was fake. Just as he knew that there was a hidden hole connected to his cell. An opening that was so well hidden his captives had never found it. It was a hole that connected to an underground tunnel. A tunnel he could use to escape at anytime. He knew he would escape, without any problems. He didn't know how he knew, but he knew. These things just came to him. They knew that he knew things. What they didn't know was how much he actually knew.
THE END
"How would you know that?" Aaron grumbled as he sat up to lean his back against the wall. He was hungry and there was food sitting right in front of him. It filled the air with salt, yeast and over-greased meat. A smell to bring anyone running and panting for a taste. It was the savory flavor of bad for you food that makes your mouth water. He opened the wrapper and attacked the first burger he grabbed out of the magical bag of delicacies.
"I've been watching you." She immediately held up her hands as he glared at her, "Not in the creepy stalker way. I mean I've followed you for the past couple years that you've been traveling."
"Oh and that's not like a stalker at all." He grumbled through a mouthful of fries.
"It's not when it's for research."
Images of test animals in cages appeared in Aaron's mind. He did not like the sound of that. He was nobody's Guinna pig. Then a new image appeared, one that interested him a lot more. It was a facility out on an island, but not filled with lab coats and crazy scientists. This image made him think of a training grounds. It could be a new experience, but how was he to know that this was real. A slight breeze brushed along the island sand. The image was so vivid it was as if he was already there. Seagulls called from mountain cliffs searching for food for their young. Aaron's bare feet carried him across warm, tropical sand. There was a melody in the air so peaceful, so calming. The sound of children laughing came from somewhere in the trees. This was a place he could stay forever. Someone was roasting a pig, he could smell the delicious pork. There was also the scent of fresh tropical fruits ripe and ready for the picking. "Yes." He said to himself, "This is where I want to be. A safe place where I can find peace at last."
"You ok?" Came a concerned voice from somewhere in the heavens.
Was he ok? He was more than ok, he had never felt better. All of his life, as far back as he could remember, he had been running. There was never a moments peace. At first it had seemed like everything was going to work out. His mother was sweet and understanding. She didn't know why her son was different but she protected him as a mother lion would protect her cub. When the other kids became vicious, she pulled him out of public school. When his father tried to kill him, she took him far away, moving west as far as they could go. The move had not been good for her. She got sick, very sick. He was only 9 at the time and didn't understand what was going on. He knew how to help her and would get whatever medicines he could. Things would simply come to his mind and he would know what she needed. The problem was that he also knew that she was going to die. She only lived a few months after that, and then he was on his own. People don't like when you're different. They can be cruel and distrusting. Aaron learned that the easiest way to deal with people was to avoid them. That worked well for the past two years, until today.
"I can't read your mind. Dude? Guy? Person? I don't know your name. Are you alright?"
Blinking back to reality Aaron smiled for the first time in years. "I'm more then alright. I feel..." What could he say? Great sounded to common. Peaceful wasn't the right word either. There was a whirl of emotions from happy to calm to ecstatic. How could he even begin to describe how he was feeling?
"I know you may already know this but I was wondering if you would like to come with me. I can make sure you never have to run again." She smiled sweetly, "I know it's hard, as I said before, I've been watching you. You are not the only one who is..." she paused, as if unsure of the right word to use, "different. There are others. I had to be sure before I approached you. If you come with me you will never have to run again."
She made so much sense and she was cute too. He didn't even have to think about it, he simply held out his hand in agreement. She smiled and shook his hand.
"I'm glad you're coming willingly." She smiled innocently as he felt a needle puncture his wrist. Immediately he felt the effects of some type of drug, collapsing to the ground. Everything went black, but even in the blackness he could still hear the sounds of music. He could still smell the roasting pig. Paradise. That was what she promised. She had known of his ability. Of course she would have, she'd been tracking him for over 2 years.
When he awoke, he was behind bars in some type of lab. The same lab he had seen the first time, before the beach scene became so overwhelming. There were others, in similar cages. Some were yelling, some crying, but most sat back with a look of deep sadness in their eyes. Those were the ones that knew their fate and accepted it. The light was gone from their eyes. They would never fight even if freed and given the chance. Aaron would not let them break him. He knew this place. Actually, he knew everything. The dream had been compelling but he knew it was fake. Just as he knew that there was a hidden hole connected to his cell. An opening that was so well hidden his captives had never found it. It was a hole that connected to an underground tunnel. A tunnel he could use to escape at anytime. He knew he would escape, without any problems. He didn't know how he knew, but he knew. These things just came to him. They knew that he knew things. What they didn't know was how much he actually knew.
THE END
17 February 2010
Not enough time in the day
So death to me. I have excuses though, as to why I can not post the story conclusion today but must post it tomorrow.
I've been having trouble with my breathing.
I was not near a computer at all today.
I have it all finished, it just needs to be typed.
Work is taking more time than I expected.
I went to the Temple with friends.
I had to deposit a check and buy necessities.
Can't think of anything else. Today was wonderful. I saw so many people I knew and got to talk with one of my really good friends. I have been able to help a friend with rides too and from work and I have done pretty well on keeping up with my homework and such. I enjoy my job and other than missing this post, life has been going pretty well so far.
Oh and I decided not to move to Crescent City. It's been my plan for so long, but I'll have to share the details later.
I've been having trouble with my breathing.
I was not near a computer at all today.
I have it all finished, it just needs to be typed.
Work is taking more time than I expected.
I went to the Temple with friends.
I had to deposit a check and buy necessities.
Can't think of anything else. Today was wonderful. I saw so many people I knew and got to talk with one of my really good friends. I have been able to help a friend with rides too and from work and I have done pretty well on keeping up with my homework and such. I enjoy my job and other than missing this post, life has been going pretty well so far.
Oh and I decided not to move to Crescent City. It's been my plan for so long, but I'll have to share the details later.
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