Genetic_Drift

Okay, so over the holiday weekend, I did pick up two things that... well... were not "needs". They were definitely "wants". The first thing I bought was a new monitor for my gaming rig. I've mentioned that my computer lair is one corner of my room where I have my "work PC", my "gaming rig" and occasionally my laptop all setup on an L-shaped desk. (Yes, I am that big of a technology geek.) Well, one of the monitors I'd been using burned out thanksgiving morning. I was definitely not thankful for that. So friday I went shopping.

Yes. I faced the horde of retail zombies in an effort to secure a new monitor.

I only needed to check three stores before finding just the right one. I am the proud owner of a new 21.5" ASUS monitor. It. Is. Amazing. It's SO much more clear than my previous monitor. It has better resolution, refresh, and contrast ratio. Stuff just looks SO much better. Games that I had been sort of "meh" about, are really quite amazing when you can turn up all the graphic settings. *laugh*

I am a very satisfied consumer.

Oh. The other thing? Adam Lambert's new CD. I don't watch American Idol, so I didn't know anything about him until someone (here on LJ, I think) posted his picture. I remember thinking at the time how very pretty he was, but then dismissed it. A couple weeks back, someone else (definitely on LJ, but I can't remember who), posted a link to one of his new songs and I thought... "Wow! Sexy."

So I bought it when I bought my monitor. I really, really like this CD. So far I've enjoyed every song (I'm listening to it again right now as a matter of fact.). So, yeah... maybe that's lame, but I don't care. I like it. : )

Chase

So... game night. The teasing has not yet gotten old for my friends. There were many obligatory "quilting" references, but I sort of stepped in it on my own as well. Tonight we got into a fight with a young vampire thug who was a spy / scout for a group of diablerists (vampires that kill other vampires and consume their blood to gain additional power).

My Christian is physically imposing, but not a veteran combatant. I was the lure outside, and was to start down the fire escape to give the scout something to watch from his window vantage point. Meanwhile, my vampire friends, would rush him from behind. The plan went off flawlessly, except that the scout was surprisingly resilient to the attacks of my friends. So when I reached the other side of the window where they were fighting, I decided to help.

Christian shattered the window, grabbed the scout and bit him (quite fiercely) in the neck. Luck (and the dice) were with me and I did significant damage to him. I caught a mouthful of blood, and the game master gave me his attention to inform Christian that the blood was far more potent and affecting than any human blood had ever been. He told me the taste alone caused a powerful euphoria, and asked me what I wanted to do, since I had the upper hand in the battle. It is forbidden to Christian, by his sire, to drink the blood of other vampires because it can be addicting. But I felt that in the heat of his first battle with another vampire, faced with the euphoria of this forbidden vitae, Christian would be tempted.

I gave it a few seconds thought, and not considering the implication of my phrasing, I responded innocently, "I swallow."

Giggles abounded from around the table, along with the comment "I bet.". During subsequent feedings from humans, my fellow players seem compelled to confirm that I drink the blood with the question, "You swallow?" *sigh*

Sometimes I loathe my friends. I really need to learn to consider all responses to questions for potential sexual innuendo at the vampire game.

Chase

Happy Thanksgiving, LJ people that do Thanksgiving. : )

I'm here at work, and I just finished my lunchbreak. I cut the slab o' turkey I bought into nice chunks and tossed it in a small pot with the jar of gravy. I microwaved both stuffing and cheesy potatoes. Then I found my favourite plate... yeah, I have a favourite plate. It doesn't match any of the others in the cabinet, and everyone else shuns it, so I like it best. I'm actually convinced food tastes better on that plate than any other. It was very bachelor-esque I imagine, but I think I did fairly well for myself and I'm satisfied with my effort.

Regardless... I'm about to clock in again to finish my shift. I wanted to post though, and wish my LJ friends a safe and happy holiday. I'm looking forward to hearing about how great everyone's day was!

Chase

Do you know that for less than $16, you can buy a ready-to-microwave, thanksgiving meal and still have leftovers? While everyone else is enjoying the game/parade/family-time/etc, I'll be at work thursday. I admit I volunteered, because it's holiday pay, and I didn't have plans regardless. Mom and step-dad are going to spend the day south with her friends. I admit that hanging around with a bunch of older women that I don't know did not sound particularly festive for me. At least no more festive than double time and a half. (I know, I know... how delightfully mercenary of you, Chase!)

So I went to the grocery to see what thanksgiving-esque foods I could find. I found pre-cooked, cold turkey breast, microwaveable stuffing and scalloped potatoes, and microwaveable turkey gravy. I can open a can of whatever veg we have in the pantry and I'm set. They are generously giving us an hour for lunch at work that day, so I should be able to heat & eat and not feel rushed.

Yay me! : )

Chase

Work sucks! I got an email from my boss... "...changing the schedule to create more balance." and "...will do my best to give everyone something they can live with.".

What complete crap.

So I've wrote him back asking that I still be given at least one weekend day off, and to have my days off consecutive. Who freaking knows if that's going to fly. I can't understand why set schedules that have been fine for almost 2 freaking years suddenly have to be changed because apparently a couple of people that are friends of the shift and departmental supervisors are unhappy that they don't have both saturday and sunday off.

Whining bastards. *mutters further colourful invectives*

Chase

I saw celtcub post this meme again a week ago and he took a couple days to give me questions. I know I answered this a couple weeks ago too, but I wanted to see what he'd ask me, so... I won't be too suprised if no one asks for questions. : )

Rules:
Leave me a comment saying "Resistance is Futile.".
I'll respond by asking you five questions so I can satisfy my curiosity.
Update your journal with the answers to the questions.
Include this explanation in the post and offer to ask other people questions.

1. What do you see as your ideal partner? What would your perfect be like? Be specific.
I have to say that I've tried not to think too much about this, because I know perfect is darned near impossible to find. That being said, we'll start with physical and work our way to personality and see where my imagination leads.

He'd be taller than me, with dark hair (any shade from red-brown to brown to black) and grey eyes. His hair would be just long enough to be a little carelessly messy (that look that seems like it should be effortless, but never is). "Perfect" would be well built, but not too much muscle. He'd have an easy smile, and look unbelievably sexy with a 5 o'clock shadow. He'd have a great voice and would speak with an accent (preferably british or welsh), and he'd know at least one other language.

He'd be patient (he'd have to be to put up with my skittishness at stuff that is "new"), and he'd think I'm clever. He'd be a reader (like me), but he'd like going out and would be willing to convince me to try new stuff. He'd be a night-owl, and we'd both like sleeping in late in the mornings. He'd also have enough of a geeky side that my technology and comic addictions would amuse him.

And oh yeah, he would want me and would be fearless about letting me know it.

2. Scenario: "Champions has become real and super powers are something you can custom choose once in your lifetime." What power structure do you build yourself (you can use powers not in the game, the limit is our imagination)?
Easy, easy. I'd be a shapeshifter. My superpowers would allow me to be "not me" at will. If I could just graft Mystique's power into me, I'd be set.

3. I know you don't watch a lot of tv, and I haven't heard you talk about music at all. So what's your deal with media?
I'm not sure I understand the question, but I'm going to guess you want to know why I'm not current with tv / radio / film? I don't know. I guess there are several reasons that converge into a perfect storm of media innattention. *laugh* Because I work evenings, it's just sort of a hassle to keep up with television. Even shows I'd love to make time for invariably get interrupted by customers and it ruins the experience, so I just gave up on most television. Film seems like such a social thing. I sometimes go to movies alone, but it's just not as much fun as going with someone else. And lately, when I do go with someone else, it's just becoming too bothersome to agree with "how hot that actress is". Music I do enjoy, but my taste is so very eclectic, that I don't have many hard and fast rules. I don't care for music that screams at you or that's 'signal to noise' ratio is too great. Other than that, I can probably find something about a musical style that I enjoy.

4. What five books do you think everyone should read?
Reading is so subjective. I don't think everyone will walk away with the same message, or even the one that the author intends. Given that, there is no book that I could say everyone should read. In a very general way though, I think everyone should bead something that sparks their spiritual interest (eastern, western, or pagan). Everyone should read something that sparks their imagination (I fully intend to guide my nephew through "The Hobbit" when he's old enough). Everyone should read some history. I fully believe that those that "Those that cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." Also, philosophy. Personally, I think the Stoic core of the writings of Marcus Aurelius, but philosophy encourages people to acknowledge that there's more than one valid way to "be". And fifth? Read the damn manual. Whatever it is, it's not my job to fix it just because I work in technical support. If you can't figure out how to set the time on your microwave, that's what the manual is for.

5. Likewise, five movies you think everyone should see?
This is probably the most difficult question for me, because I've not seen most of the movies that are considered "must see". Of what I personally have seen, I'd recommend... "Monty Python and the Holy Grail". It's not just a cultural phenomenon, it's damn funny. "Jaws". It's what I think horror movies should be. Gore is not horror. Gore is shock value. Horror is about a growing dread and a realization that "it's not going to be okay". That's a feeling we should explore, but not dwell in, as human beings. "Jaws" accomplishes this. "The Quiet Man". It's John Wayne not in a western. To me it's a story about respect as much as love. And it's also about tolerance. I'm always moved by the scene where the catholic priest encourages the town to cheer for the protestant reverend's superior in order to help the reverend keep his job. "Lord of the Rings" (all of them). They're just epic! And sweet leaping gazelles, Aragorn is the hotness. And finally, "1776". It's a musical about the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It's sweet, funny, and clever. I just want other people to see it so they don't look at me weird when I go all fanboy over it. *laugh*

Chase

Just as a reminder... my name is Chase and I'm a comic book geek. (waits for chorus of voices saying "Hi Chase")

In case you don't read comics, they're up to about three dollars each now, some limited titles (special events, crossovers, etc.) can sometimes run a little more.

I'm more of a Marvel fan myself. During my comic formative years, although I very much enjoyed Batman, the combination of Spiderman and X-men titles won me over to Marvel, and I really haven't regretted it.

I confess that I have several boxes of comics all safely bagged, boarded, sorted and stowed away and that every once in awhile, I do re-read a few of my most favourite stories. Obviously, I don't have all the issues of the titles that I collect, and so when I find myself in half-price bookstores, I invariably make time to browse the racks of comics (if they have them). They're usually a buck a piece, regardless of the original purchase price. Normally, I find a one or two from a few years back (late '90s), but every once in a while, I find something older...

This last weekend, in my browse, I found a copy of "Peter Parker, the Spectacular Spider-man", issue 28. The thing that caught my eye was the splashy mark in the upper left corner that read "STILL ONLY 35 CENTS!". I picked it up, it was Spiderman after all, and took it home. Over this morning's coffee, I went to read the issue, noted it was published in Mar. 1979, and two things struck me.

1. The stories are so... innocent. In this issue, Spidey and Daredevil are trying to stop a crazed villain from destroying New York with an "H-Bomb" because the mayor won't turn over the city to him. There were few "shades of grey" here. The heroes are selfless and noble. The villian is unredeemable. He taunted Daredevil in classic bad-guy fashion with the motives of his plan as he thought he had him helpless. It's really quite charming.

2. Holy cats but children must have been shockingly gullible. The adverts liberally sprinkled through the comics are truly astounding. They promise to allow you to allow you to "be a slam dunker! add 6 inches to your vertical jump in 6 weeks!", or "have an Atlas body in only 7 days!", or even "be a locksmith! earn while you learn! big profits!".

Additionally, the items you could buy through the mail were very much a product of their time. The full page ad that sold "Farrah", "Linda Carter" and life sized "Cheryl Ladd" posters was by far my favourite. I never had a poster of a girl in my room. I did have a Return of the Jedi poster that I was very fond of and among the rest of the cast, it had princess Leia in her slave-girl outfit, but she really wasn't the reason I bought it. *laugh*

The nostalgia actually went fairly well with my coffee.

Chase

Okay.  So I went south to game (that vampire RPG I mentioned forever ago, remember?) with my best friend and some of our gaming group.  Lawyer Friend (tm) is also part of that group.  It appears that my best friend, and Lawyer Friend (tm) have decided to institute a teasing campaign of staggering proportion.

Lawyer Friend and I drove down together (I drove, it makes sense to carpool since it's about a two hour drive) and he was a little late because he overslept.  When we'd arrived, I'd forgotten a few things at home (character sheet, dice... yeah I know, how do you intend to play an RPG without those, Chase?), but my best friend could print me up another, and I could borrow dice.  But they gave me good natured crap about it.  Standard stuff, until I reminded them that I'd brought Lawyer Friend, and that was the important part, and... oh yeah, they can all bite me anyway (also a comment made in a good-natured way and they knew it).

So when I said that, I was in the kitchen pouring myself a glass of iced tea, and one of the others in the group said to me "Can you feel the love, Chase?"

I grumbled a gruff "No." in reply.

So then my best friend walked into the kitchen and said "How about now?" and put his hand on my ass.  I damn near dropped both the glass and pitcher.  The gaming group howled with laughter as I sputtered some kind of vague exclamation of shock and protest.  My best friend laughed too, ruffed my hair, and went back to the table.


I need to come up with something good to get back at the pair of those teasing bastards (I say that with all affection, they are my friends after all).  Suggestions are welcome.

Chase

I had lunch with P.S.G. again today.  It's the third time this week, because she's at one of the close stores all week long as I mentioned in a previous post.  We were tired of our sandwich shoppe, so I picked up a fast food-y alternative and we planned to eat lunch in the Bug since it's freaking beautiful out today.  Clear skies, 71 degrees, light breeze.  (I do love early november in texas.)

The only downside is that P.S.G. was starting to feel a little under the weather, and has developed a cough and sniffle.  It's nothing major, but I told her if she felt crappy she should think about calling it a day a little early.  She works retail, so it would be a mild inconvenience for her coworkers for two hours or so, but nothing earth-shattering.

When I got home, my step-dad called me into the living room and asked "How was lunch?".  It was wierd being asked, since it's out of character, but I told him fine.  I mentioned that P.S.G. wasn't feeling very well, and turned to go get setup to start my shift at work.  As I was starting to move, he said "So you'll probably be sick by this weekend too?".

I stopped, and turned back, and he and Mom were both smiling at me.  I puzzled it out and the best I could come up with was "Huh?"

And still clearly amused he replied "Just been having an an awful lot of lunches with that girl."

Cue stress headache.

Apparently, they had a little chat and figured that P.S.G. and I were becoming quite, ummm... familiar... over lunches.  I can only imagine that I looked shocked and said "She and I really are just friends.  Like, seriously.  Just.  Friends."

He laughed and said, "Sure."

I fled to the safety of my computer lair.  I don't know if he was just yanking my chain, but the idea of he and Mom discussing my romantic options...  I've again arrived at "ewww".   *wince*

Chase

...but, strangely I don't mind.  P.S.G. of course.  We went out to lunch today at our usual place, I'm fairly certain that the people behind the counter think we're together.  Or at least they did, before P.S.G. ordered extra-extra onions on her sandwich.  The counter girl looked at me like she wanted me to tell her it was okay (which made me break out in giggles) and P.S.G. said "We're not together!".

So after we ate and affirmed that I've nothing new going on, and she has nothing new going on, I walked her back to her store.  The cute guy she works with watched us from the window and when we were close called to her "You didn't bring ME anything?!"  We laughed.  Then we paused at the outdoor trashcan/ashtray (P.S.G. smokes, I do not), and she told me that she very nearly shouted back, "Of course, I brought you Chase!", at which point I apparently turned a delightful shade of red.

While she was clocking back in I went to play with the adoption kitties, and her cute coworker came over and started asking me if I had cats and whatnot.  I was actually able to tell him about my cats.  I was so relieved he asked me something that didn't give my brain vapour lock.  O_O

Chase

I got a message from P.S.G. saying that her boss (the one that's kind of a jerk), is having her stay at the store where she works when we have friday lunches, all week long.  So we're definitely having lunch together tomorrow, and possibly again before friday.  Which makes me especially happy because she's really become a good friend to me.

And speaking of good friends...

I had a minor problem today that I wasn't able to get help with from any of the people that were actually supposed to be helpful.  There was a lot of  try-this-other-person and call-this-other-number and let-me-send-you-some-information (that was completely not on point, thanks ever so much!).  Sorry, I know I'm being a little vague, but I'll ask you to be tolerant.  The whole reason I am mentioning it is to thank my online friend that was not only helpful but also knowledgeable and he didn't have to be either, but he was.  Thanks Liam!

I think maybe while I'm taking a moment to recognize the friends that get me through the rough bits, I'll also thank my friend's list, inclusively.  You guys are awesome.  : )

Chase

...sure as heck need to stop throwing stones.  I kinda realized that I'm a crappy and faithless friend.  Owie. 

I just got a call from Lawyer Friend (tm).  First off, he sounds like hell.  Second, he sounds like hell because he's been sick as a dog all week.  Which is sort of why he was ready to go home after one beer last week, he was just starting to feel like dooky.

But.  He.  Called.  Me.  And he wanted to know if I wanted to get together and hang out tomorrow, assuming he doesn't start to feel crappy after doing lawyer things all day tomorrow.  I've no idea what we're going to do.  It doesn't matter though.  What does matter is that I didn't lose a friend.

(I know you'll never read this LJ, Lawyer Friend (tm), but you have my sincerest apology.)

Maybe there something to this "to thine own self be true" stuff after all.  *laughs in genuine relief and happiness*

Chase

That's sarcasm, by the way.

It's 5 am, and I gave up on sleep about an hour ago.  Several game of spider-solitaire later, I thought I'd compose a thought or two on how much it sucks (insomnia, not spider-solitaire).  On the plus side, when I finally gave up and went to my computer, Velvet Kitty came with me and has napped on my desk or in my lap, like she knows I need the company.

Ugh.  I'm not clever at 5 am.  I want to turn off the over-thinking-stuff parts of my brain long enough to pass out for 3 or 4 hours at least.  Dammit.

*sigh*

Chase

...for paranoia these days?  *sigh*

Right.  So last night, I got a call from Horse Girl (tm).  She called to talk over possible Boston stuff and made mention to me that she wanted to spend a night in a bed & breakfast in the house where Lizzie Borden lived (yes, yes, I know that's not in Boston) and would I be interested.  Emphatically "no" I told her.  Sleeping where people have died violently, is so not my idea of a good time.  She said she suspected not, and that she'd drive up to that place one of the days we were in Boston and she'd leave me to kick around the city on my own one evening.

*ahem*  This is where it's about to get weird.  ( Ready? )

I admit.  I'm panic-ing.  $&%*.

Chase


( Update:  After receiving some frankly brilliant advice, I rang over to Horse Girl (tm) and worked in a casual question about if she'd heard from Lawyer Friend (tm) recently.  She sounded genuinely mystified by why I would ask.  So she's either a very good actress, or I owe Lawyer Friend (tm) an apology for mentally doubting his agreement to keep my confidence.  So there's that then.  Possibly just weird coincidence...)

No, no... of course, I don't mean it.  *laugh*

Starbucks has these new instant coffee packets (they call it "Via", it's been out for a few weeks), that are so finely ground, that you can mix them even in cold water and still have coffee.  It's like a christmas miracle, but with coffee.  They sell them in 3 and 12 packs and they come out to roughly a buck a piece.  But the important part is that they mix with almost anything soluble.  Why is this bad?  I'm getting to that...

So there I was driving home from a trip to the bookstore and Best Buy, and I decided to stop at Wendy's to pick up a couple grilled chicken wraps for lunch.  Not the best choice, but I wanted something quick and cheap, and it's relatively okay for me as far as fast food solutions go.  Well there I was leaned against the railing, waiting for my turn to order when my eyes fell upon the big splashy advert for "99 cent frosty" (which in case you don't have a Wendy's nearby, is sort of a thick milkshake) and my brain said to me in a quiet, almost serpentine voice... "You know what would be good in a vanilla frosty?  A packet of Via."

Damn you brain!  No, no, I don't mean that either.

It was right though.  Extra delicious.  Now I've a new temptation to stalwartly resist.

Chase (corporate shill)

After P.S.G. told me that her friend thought I needed to consider a short haircut, I gave it all due consideration.  I went in today to see Linda (my girl that does hair), because it had grown out enough to have a clear demarcation between "burgundy Chase" and "natural brown Chase".  I believe she was undecided between amused-that-I'd-gone-with-such-a-bold-colour and how-could-you-betray-me-by-letting-someone-else-do-your-hair.  *laugh*

Either way, she forgave me, and now it's closer to a natural colour, but till with a notable hint of red.  I like it.  : )

Anyway, I told her that I had been advised that I needed to cut it short.  She told me that she'd be willing to cut it if that's what I wanted, and that she's sure she could find something that looks good if that's what I decided on.  Then she ran her hands through it and told me that personally, she thinks long hair looks great on guys... and that was that.  One comment appealed to my vanity, and any good intention I had to get it cut evaporated.

Can I blame Linda for that?  And get away with it?  *best innocent look*

Chase

(P.S.  "Friend" update...  he skipped our weekly online gaming group last night with no notice, and still has not contacted me, so I'm still in limbo as to if I still have a "lawyer friend".  *sigh*)
 

...that don't make me sound way, way over-dramatic.  So, we'll pretend I had something clever for the subject line that was not over-dramatic.  *grin*

Right.  I've decided not to let my panic have it's way with me, unless my friend actually torches my carefully constructed world with the flame of truth.  What?  Oh, yes, right.  Over dramatic.  Seriously though.  I haven't heard from him so far, and don't plan to call to see if he's freaked out.  Either...
1.  he is and will get over it, or...
2.  he is and he'll tell, or...
3.  he isn't and it's such a non-issue, that it hasn't occurred to him that I'm fretting.

Clearly, option 3 is the one is the one I'm hoping for.  Regardless, however, big thanks to my friends list for helping me feel better about my decision and the aftermath (whatever it turns out to be).  You all rock so much, and if you were here there'd be hugs for each of you.

So anyway, on to things I've been doing to try and keep me from chewing through the upholstery from nerves.  I've been playing Champions Online.  I have tried many characters and decided I love being a superhero that can fly.  My favourite character so far is S.A.B.R.E.  a 4 ft. tall mecha with bolt guns, jet boots and a short range missile pack built into his chest.

He looks like this...

If only I actually felt that blasé about it.  Oh dear, sweet, merciful Zeus...

Right.  So I was out with my lawyer friend, because he got out of work and wanted to hang out.  So I hauled myself downtown to pick him up, and we went out to Cafe Brazil and grabbed food and coffee.  Afterward, we weren't ready to head back, so I asked him what he'd like to go do, and he said there was a bar not far away that he sometimes goes to, and we could go there and "pick up chicks".  That's a long-standing joke between us, because he knows that I don't have the ability to talk to people I don't know.  He didn't know that even if I could talk to people I don't know, it wouldn't be "chicks" I'd be hoping to pick up.

So...  I asked him as I was driving if we could have "a brief, and awkward conversation".  He looked confused and said "Sure?".  So I told him.  And then I went and babbled for about 5 minutes about how I wasn't going to hit on him, and if he was too uncomfortable to be my friend anymore, I understood, and that I was sorry that I hadn't been honest with him, and that I knew it was weird for him, and that I hope he knew it didn't change who I was as a person, and, and, and...

He definitely had that look on his face that means "I am fairly freaked out", but after awhile he told me to breathe and that he has known gay people before, but that he was really shocked by this news, since he knows I've dated women in the past.  We went to the bar, had one beer, and then he said he was kinda tired and was ready to go home.

Crap.  I asked him to please keep this quiet, because there are certain people that I never want to know.  But this is fairly extreme confidence-keeping.  On the whole ride home (after I dropped him off), I kept replaying the conversation in my head and whenever I did, I could feel my heart start pounding again and the primordial lizard-part of my brain tell me that I truly fucked this up, and what if he doesn't keep this quiet, even though (at least up until tonight) he was one of my few actual friends.

Now all I can do is wait and see if he ever talks to me again, or if he starts dodging my calls and I discover that I talked myself out of a friendship.  Nice going, Chase.  Halfwit.

Chase

Shamelessly stolen from layla_aaron ...

Leave me a comment saying "Resistance is Futile."
• I'll respond by asking you five questions so I can satisfy my curiosity
• Update your journal with the answers to the questions
• Include this explanation in the post and offer to ask other people questions

( Deep and significant personal infoz located here! )

Chase