Okay. So, the last few times I’ve had to put gas in the car, I’ve had some issues. The way I remember it, you selected the grade, begin fueling, and pay afterward either at the pump or at the cashier inside. I’m pretty sure that’s how it was supposed to happen the last time I was home in early September 2008…right?
The first time I put gas in the car since coming back from England I had some malfunction with paying where I ended up having to go to the cashier despite trying to pay with a card. I thought nothing of it at the time; maybe I hit the wrong key or something. To be honest, I can’t remember if there was a time between then and now, but tonight/just after midnight (early Thursday) I seemed to have some kind of malfunction again!
I pulled into the Mobil station at the corner of Golf and Higgins. I did the whole select grade thing, but the screen never told me to “Begin Fueling”. I waited patiently, thinking there was simply some kind of delay. When it got to be minutes, I thought perhaps there was something wrong with the pump. Okay, no big deal, just go to a different one.
Getting back in the car, I drove around the corner to a different pump, one on the opposite side of where I had originally parked. Once again, I selected the grade and waited. Nothing happened. The gas station attendant came out and asked me if I intended to pay at the cashier. I told him no, I had a card. He then instructed me to insert the card first.
What? Has that always been a thing? When the hell did that become a thing?
There was also some mishap with the credit card I selected where it prompted me to key in a five-digit code. It was my dad’s card so not only did I not know the code, but I also don’t remember ever having been prompted to key in anything when using a credit card. I got mildly flustered and just ended up using my debit card anyway.
I was again perplexed when the pump stopped at $30. I wondered if it had actually filled up. Not wanting to be anymore embarrassed than I already was, I decided to forget about it and just leave. (It just so happened that to fill up was a flat $30.)
The experience made me wonder how the hell I could have forgotten how to pump gas. Have I really forgotten? If so, could someone perhaps give me a tutorial on how to fuel up my car without embarrassing myself?
For some reason, Toni was inspired to cook Chinese food for one and all; and so it came to pass that on Wednesday the 6th of January 2010, those of us who were able to gather met at the Settlement for home-made Chinese food. 
Amongst the dishes were: fried wonton, chicken and leek bao, sesame chicken with steamed rice, and chicken fried rice. It was quite the fare! (The wonton was not quite as massive as it had been when Darya made them back in 2006 — you know, ‘cuz we had enough to last us a month — but we did have wonton on a Wednesday, and I liked it as a title.) I would like to say I made a great contribution, but really, all I did was bring the party rice cooker. You know, since every Asian household has multiple rice cookers and one of them is always the “party” rice cooker. In sooth, I had not seen that one busted out since the late 90’s, back when my family actually hosted parties and the like. I had joked with Toni that my presence there whilst she cooked would bring positive Chinese energy to the cooking; it was all very Feng Shui.
How sad is it that I don’t actually know how to cook Chinese food? Thanks for the great food and the fun, Toni! Xie xie! 
As mentioned previously, I gave Glee a go. A lot of people have said to me that I would like it, and the premise seemed right up my alley. Unfortunately for me, I had missed the premiere and didn’t know how long it would take for me to catch up, if at all.
That’s where Chris and Mark come in; they’d had it saved on their DVR for quite some time. Whilst I was waiting for Rich to get back from his family dinner last week, I decided to get my Glee on. The first episode delighted me enough to declare it watch-worthy. Although, I admit, there were a few moment that threw me off.
And then I lost it. I struggle with the show in many of the same ways I struggled with Ugly Betty at first; it seems to me that the show doesn’t know if it’s meant to be a comedy or a drama, and it doesn’t quite pull of dramady well enough for me, nor does it seem very comedic with dramatic moments. It’s something in-between. I also find the characters incredibly two-dimensional and mostly stupid, at least, most of the character that I have seen. Don’t get me wrong, I love the music! But I find the show lacking so far; admittedly, I’m only about three episodes in; however, I can’t imagine it’s a good sign when I’m already fast-fowarding through the majority of what I have seen.
I wonder vaguely if I don’t like it as much because everyone else I know has hyped it up to me. This notion is not outside the realm of possibility. I absolutely adore that many of the cast members are Broadway babies. The incredibly cute Matthew Morrison has done such shows as The Light at the Piazza opposite the amazing Kelli O’Hara, as well as playing the role of Sir Harry opposite Zooey Deschenel’s Lady Larkin in ABC’s production of Once Upon a Mattress (I knew he looked familiar!). Also, Lea Michele, who was in the Original Broadway cast of Spring Awakening — I find her absolutely amazing. The show has featured people like Kristen Chenowith and Victor Garber, two names I know mostly from Broadway, and of course, Jane Lynch.
So why am I not a gleek? I think I’ll give it a few more episodes before I completely give up; especially since one of the episodes features “Defying Gravity” with Michele singing, and I’m amused that she kind of resembles the ever-amazing Idina Menzel.
If my dammed “Now Reading” was functioning correctly, you would see that I am now reading Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger, best known for her debut novel The Time Traveler’s Wife. I have not read her first book, but for reasons beyond my ken, her second book’s blurb piqued mine interest. (I think it had to do with it taking place in the Chicago-land area and London.) Also, for whatever reason, I struggle to say the title of the book, hence the title of this post.
I had VoW magic it from the library for me since Schaumburg Public Library had it not at the time. Yes, I’m sure I can suss out how to do this process myself, but I think it’s far more interesting to have my librarian friend magic it for me. Then, like the crazy, crazy person I am, I don’t have to deal with new people. That and the last time I put a hold on something from the library, a teenager called me to let me know that “some CD was in” — it was Anne-Sophie Mutter “Carmen-Fantasies”, which may or may not have been too difficult to say for the lad. (Yes, I realize that sounds pretentious and jack ass-y.)
Anyway, so I’m reading this book, and I’m not quite sure how I feel about it. It is a thousand times better than that damn book I bought whilst in England, and I’m only just reaching the 150-page mark. It is a book a little outside my reading-zone, though. There are no swords or magic, although it is still not considered “average fiction” as there is something of a ghost story to it. It doesn’t anger me the same way Dan Brown does, and I’m interested in it enough to want to go to Caribou and spend an afternoon reading it.
I was saying to Al that part of what makes this book appealing for me is that it takes place in the Chicago-land area and London. For some reason, I feel connected to the story more when Lake Forest, Lake Michigan, and the Water Tower are mentioned. I can absolutely envision what the twins’ house looks like in winter because it’s probably not unlike what’s outside my front door right now. And much like Bryson’s Notes from a Small Island, I’m delighted in the things and places I recognize when London is described: the football scores on the radio that sound like code, Tesco Express, Sainsbury, Hampstead, transferring from the Northern Line to the District Line at Embankment, etc. Reading so much about the parts of London I missed, like Highgate Cemetery, makes me want to return. I’m intrigued that Niffenegger is an American author and yet she manages to use English terminology and spelling in such a way that made me think she was actually British. (I’m sure there are lots of authors who can do this, but again, I point out I don’t usually read fiction where there are no swords or magic.)
I also feel strangely “grown up” reading this book. I have no worldly idea why I feel this way, but there it is. I imagine I’ll be able to finish the book soon, then it will be back to Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn series, where I have yet to encounter swords but there is certainly a lot of interesting magic abound.
Not unlike “A Heart Full of Love”.
In my head, I was going to back-blog like I have been doing, but as with so many other posts, I’ve given up on that notion and I am not just posting. And the reason for my lack of blogging? I’ve been social.
Ever since Rich came home, it’s been a pretty fun week. On Monday, there was the annual Ordonii Christmas Party. It seemed far more crowded than I remember. I was amused when Mr Thiele showed up and I addressed him as such. He insisted I not call him that, but I think it goes back to how we had been introduced; he was my science teacher and sometimes band director, after all. It was odd to see him again after ten years and on a somewhat social level. The party reminded me a bit of the one GrAl hosted, only I was less adventurous in that I did not really talk to that many “new” people. Although, I did finally and formally meet Erika Bromley; a co-worker of Chris’s many people tell me I know but don’t actually until that evening. (I’d been out of the country every other time she’s been at gatherings.)
I was a little surprised at when we all called it a night; it wasn’t long after midnight. We’d always hung about until at least 2 a.m. in the past. What has become of us?
Tuesday night was pretty mellow; I returned to the Halfway House to fix some blog problems and ended up hanging out. Rich and I ventured to Petco and PetSmart as I am still strongly considering buying a budgie. I also annoyed Rich by watching some of Grey’s Anatomy, a show I don’t actually follow but can sit through without wanting to gouge mine own eyes out. Again, the evening was very reminiscent of two summers ago when Rich and I could be found just hanging out in Chris and Mark’s basement regardless of if the Ordonii were even home. Heck, even when they are home, we’re all just kinda doing our own thing.
Wednesday was very similar to Tuesday in the hanging out-ness. Those of us who were inclined to enjoy breakfast indulged in such; then there was hanging out at the Settlement. I won two rounds of Rummikub, yet another game that had not been played in a long while; and there was even another pet store run. (I have yet to fall in love with any of the budgies.) Rich had a dinner thing with his family so I drove him back to Chris and Mark’s and then chilled there whilst people did their dinner things (I was to drive him back to the Settlement for more fun and games later in the evening — not to be confused with “Late in the Evening”, which is a good tune). It was on this day that I gave Glee a go — but more on that in a different post.
Upon our return to Mike’s, there were ships to be sunk and empires to be destroyed; although, I am hardly any good at playing Warcraft III, I do have fun with it. It was a late night there, too, which is something that has not been done in a while.
Now, I’ve always been pretty indifferent to New Year’s Eve; perhaps it’s because I don’t drink or because I’m not one for heavy partying. But this New Year’s Eve was pretty fantastic. We were back at the Halfway House, since Chris and Mark were kind enough to host us this year, and we ordered Yu’s, much like we had the year we toasted in 2005. Several games were played because that’s just how we roll (sort of pun intended), and a decent amount of alcohol was consumed. Heck, even I had a bit; although, if I understood Toni correctly, I had enough alcohol to maybe equal a shot.
Breakfast the next morning was at a place called Egg Harbor, a positively delightful breakfast place that now rivals Richard Walker’s for mine affection. I was a little surprised that people wanted to break our fast on New Year’s Day; my memory of working at Denny’s likened NYD to working a Sunday morning — I imagined it to be hella crowded. I was pleasantly surprised to find Egg Harbor busy, but not packed. I fell in love with their cinnamon swirl French toast and I sincerely hope we will be able to partake in its fare again soon.
And once again, we found ourselves back at the Halfway House. We finally broke out the Rock Band; it surprised me to no end that we hadn’t done so on NYE so it seemed we were going to make up for in on NYD. At least, until the afternoon or so. It was also at this time that the changing of the lodging took place; Rich was now to stay with Brad at his new pad.
The fun didn’t end there as Saturday night found us once again hanging out at the Settlement; and Sunday night Toni made some pretty tasty tacos! I even kidnapped me Da from Oak Park so that he could enjoy delicious, delicious tacos. I know what you’re thinking, just one post ago I was saying how I don’t really dig Mexican food. Well, this is truly an exception because I kid you not, I’ve been thinking about those tacos ever since. (I blame Toni.)
And finally, we find ourselves on Monday: Trivia Night at Emmett’s Tavern. Both our teams did pretty well coming in at first and second, so it was a pretty fab night. The final change of lodging took place as Rich’s final place of stay is now the Settlement. From where, we will set off in a misadventure to a strange and wonderful land called “Arkansas”. I certainly look forward to it, although, we may finally and truly encounter some mountain men. If so, I get to live. I’ve already lobbied for the position and dammit, I’m gonna live!
(Not to be confused with a re-return)
As previously noted several posts ago, Rich has left our good company to live in Arkansas; it has been a noticeable absence. For the holidays, it was deemed that he visit, and so it came to pass that on Sunday the 27th of December 2009 Rich returned to us.
The plan was that Rich would stay at the Halfway House for the initial part of his visit, then he would stay with Brad, and finally round out his visit at the Settlement. Rich’s train was scheduled to come into Union Station at about 2:58, thence there would be a gathering at the Halfway House. At least, that’s how it had been told to me; it was an amusing arrangement to me because we would once again be gathering at Chris and Mark’s house without Chris and Mark. Just like old times. However, because of the snow, Rich’s train was delayed by about two hours. This did not thwart our plans overmuch, though. VoW, Toni, Mike and I had originally thought to kill time out in Schaumburg following our lunch at the Olive Garden, but instead it was to the Settlement; I myself had pulled Dixie duty so I stayed at the Halfway House anyway.
Whilst at the Halfway House, I managed to kidnap Grant from his parents’ house down the street. I knew Al would be coming from work at the zoo and she mentioned to me that me Da would be out in the suburbs anyway. Now it really was like old time with Grant and me hanging out at the Halfway House.
Rich and Brad made it to the house before the others. There was hugging involved and Rich regaled us with a little bit of his journey and how much Amtrak sucks. It reminded me a bit of my first few train journeys in England and how inefficient they seemed to be in comparison with Japan. If I had been in Rich’s place trying to take the train, I might have gone insane. I think my favorite part of his tale was when he taught his fellow delayed passengers how to play Oh Hell.
By the time all was done and gathered, it was something like 7 o’clock. Our original thought had been to go to Yu’s for dinner, but it was way too crowded there so we ended up at Chevy’s. I don’t know if it’s timing or what, but it seemed to me that every time I’ve been to Chevy’s it hasn’t been overly crowded. Being at Mexican restaurants always makes me wish I drank margaritas; they always look super tasty but I can’t imagine my dislike of alcohol would allow me to truly enjoy them as they were meant to be enjoyed.
Back at the Halfway House, we somehow managed to play Phase 10, a game I haven’t played in at least a year. This seemed to be the theme of things to come now that Rich was back in town: we’d get to do things we haven’t done in a while.
‘Twas definitely a most joyous return.
So the last time I went to the dentist was when I was home for Christmas 2006; as in it was my first year in Japan. I was mildly convinced that coming home from England would result in cavities or something, you know, ‘cuz the English are stereotypically known for bad teeth and the like.
Huzzah! No cavities for jesspepsi! Check that out! My dentist was like, “However you’ve been taking care of your teeth while you’ve been away seems to be going well, so keep it up.”
Huh. I vaguely wonder if being home in the States will change this.
When I was leaving, the receptionist asked me if I wanted to make my next six month check-up appointment. I declined saying that if I’m lucky, I won’t be in the country in six months. 
Yay no cavities!
There was a time when Al would host her “White Elephant Holiday Party” where the requirement was a gag gift and a donation of non-perishable food that would be given to one of the local shelters. I can’t actually recall if I attended them in high school, but I definitely remember going to them whilst a university student. As luck would have it, she was unable to host them anymore due to moving out of her parents’ house. We were sad to see them go but it was perfectly acceptable.
This year, however, GrAl decided to host people at their condo in Oak Park. (I refer you to my post about Friday breakfast in Oak Park and how I get to live.) It wasn’t going to be White Elephant, but the charitable donation was still a factor.
As previously mentioned, I am convinced I need to earn my way back into the group; thus, I offered GrAl my services should they need any additional help for the party. (I’m fairly certain that even if I were not trying to be on the “gets to live” team, I would offer my help.) This was either amusing or annoying since as of yet, I am still without a permanent vehicle of mine own. As it turned out, it mattered not, as the Ordonii were also happy to help. We had a few errands to run that involved dropping by the supermarket twice as it would happen.
I have always had this weird thing about arriving places ridiculously early. I think it has to do with my Filipino heritage in that Filipinos are always late to everything, as it is good manners. Since I was raised American, and it always annoyed me that Filipino time resembles little to actual time, I made a super conscious effort to always be early. So I was pretty happy to be among the first folks at the party. And I was helpful, hopefully adding more in my favor of “gets to live”.
The party divided into usual groups. People Al knew at university, people we knew from high school, and our group of folk. As the shenanigans continued, all parties started to mingle a bit more. I do confess I was strangely more comfortable interacting with Al’s friends from Butler than I was with the people I knew from Conant. Perhaps it’s the revertigo, but I just feel incredibly out of place with those people now. Also, I was greatly amused with Al’s friends the Connors, and how Ross was keen on naming his soon-to-be child either John or Sarah. I was all about this, since I am a geek, but at the time he posed the question, he thought only the lads would approve of this. Pffft. How can these names not be cool? It’s not like he’s going super overboard and naming the child Kal-El. (I say this not because it’s a Kryptonian name but mostly because Superman is lame. The answer is always Batman.)
Eventually, the party dwindled down to the usual group of folk. We passed the time as we do and were content to enjoy each others company. (Random query: others in its possessive has no apostrophe? Definitely need to re-read Strunk & White.)
A few weeks ago, Toni proposed going to Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind. She had been wanting to go for quite a while and so we picked a date and went with it.
The show we went to was at 11:30 pm. (This gave us a perfect opportunity to eat at Lou Malnati’s before hand.) According to the website, it was recommended that people arrive early in order to get seats, so that’s what we did. We trooped it out there at 10:00 — we were pretty keen on getting into the show! It was quite a cold night, but somehow we braved the winter winds. I couldn’t tell you when it was they let us into the building, but we were pretty grateful for it.
Once we made it up the stairs, we were conducted into what we later discovered was the foyer (it was more like an anteroom). When we initially got into the room, we thought perhaps that was it; so we took seats along the wall. Of course, it didn’t seem quite right since it looked like there would be nowhere for the troupe to perform. It didn’t take us long to make the connection that there would be one more chamber to pass into. Unfortunately for us, we thought perhaps this would mean we would be split up. (Luckily for us, this was not the case.)
Before we entered the performance area, two of the Neo-futurists came out to tell us about the process. One of the fun things about TMLMTBGB is that the price of the ticket is $9 and the roll of a die; so the most you pay is $15, but you might only have to pay $10. Also, once your ticket is purchased, you receive a name tag which bears absolutely no resemblance to your name despite being asked for it in the beginning. I was hoping for Inigo Montoya, but alas, my name, according to them, is Feelings.
Our group managed to find seats in the back of the theatre, house left, right by the booth. It was a thrust stage, but we were still able to get a good view of the performance space. Once everyone was in, the Neo-futurists explained how the show worked; they would perform 30 play in 60 minutes; along the top of the stage ran a string with numbers attached; the troupe would perform each play at the prompt of “Go” and it would end when someone said “curtains”. Once we heard that, we were to shout out the number of the next play we wanted to see. It seemed like a fairly simple process.
For me to go through every single play would be kinda crazy. I enjoyed pretty much every play they performed. Admittedly, some were a bit more curious than others, like the musical chairs one; but for the most part, they were enjoyable. Some of the ones I really liked that I actually do have the names for were: “Taiko P-B-n-J”; “pissing contest” (although incredibly disturbing for me, I couldn’t help but think “Dude, good for you!”); “Back Home We Used to Camp A Lot”; “Insult. Dance. Repeat”; “Sham(e)”; “Death Play with Kites”; “Neo-Hypnotic”; and the one that ended the show “Hate Yourself!”.
So yeah, I would totally go again and for my friends who live abroad (or at least, aren’t from around here), if ever you are in Chicago and someone says, “Hey, you wanna go to this show I heard about called ‘Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind’?” You should do it. (In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if I would be the one to suggest it.)
Good times had by all.