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Sarah needs help.
General | Posted 7 years agohttps://www.furaffinity.net/journal/9064852/
If you could take her up on her need for commissions, that would be great. Please.
If you could take her up on her need for commissions, that would be great. Please.
Today's Trials. Also, I submitted the visa for Uganda.
General | Posted 7 years agoToday was a tiring day at work. (I'm a librarian IRL.)Between the smelly fat idiot who thought it was okay to watch porn in full view of everyone, to the lunatic who broke into our computer lab and smashed one of our machines to bits, it was not the best day at work I've had. But not the worst I've had either. So it balances things out. I work at a very, very, wild library. Every other day, we get some noticeable incident that merits a 911 call. I'd tell you some of them, but you'd never believe me.
But onto the positives- I had the good privilege to watch this guy from my choir propose to his girl in front of everyone! He got down on his knee and gave her the ring and everything! That really made my morning.
Also, I have submitted the visa application for Uganda! I hope they don't get back to me too late, even though the odyssey isn't until March. Now I just have to worry about breaking it to my folks.
But onto the positives- I had the good privilege to watch this guy from my choir propose to his girl in front of everyone! He got down on his knee and gave her the ring and everything! That really made my morning.
Also, I have submitted the visa application for Uganda! I hope they don't get back to me too late, even though the odyssey isn't until March. Now I just have to worry about breaking it to my folks.
New Years Resolutions and Hopes for 2019.
General | Posted 7 years agoThere's no easy way to put this, so I'll give it straight up. 2018 was not a good year. Not for anyone, and certainly not for me. I lost most of my IRL friends, two of my heroes turned out to be the worst kinds of crooks- a sex predator and a giver of bribes, respectively,- and I had to witness my wonderful country be infected with racism and hatred once again. I felt, in my heart, every day, pain, anguish, distrust, and anger. In the final weeks of this year, my own grandparents went out of their way to be cruel to me.
All in all, I got the strident impression that last year wanted to pass unmourned and unnoticed. I have indeed had my heart rocked. But not broken. I have faith that the law of karma will balance things out, and hopefully everything we all have had to endure last year will be vindicated. I firmly resolve, with God's help, to make the best of what I've got.
My resolutions list is short, but effective. Here it is.
1. Be more like Mr. Rogers
2. Be a good example to my family
3. Write and publish at least one book at some point this year.
That's right. I've decided to put my skills to the test and take the plunge. I think it will go well. If your interested in what it will be, I will send a copy when (or if) it is finished.
All in all, I got the strident impression that last year wanted to pass unmourned and unnoticed. I have indeed had my heart rocked. But not broken. I have faith that the law of karma will balance things out, and hopefully everything we all have had to endure last year will be vindicated. I firmly resolve, with God's help, to make the best of what I've got.
My resolutions list is short, but effective. Here it is.
1. Be more like Mr. Rogers
2. Be a good example to my family
3. Write and publish at least one book at some point this year.
That's right. I've decided to put my skills to the test and take the plunge. I think it will go well. If your interested in what it will be, I will send a copy when (or if) it is finished.
Small art dump incoming.
General | Posted 7 years agoHey all! I have a small series of pictures inspired from a book on emotions. I hope you enjoy them (They're not very well made.) I might have some more in the works too.
I am going home early. Rochester did not go well. At all.
General | Posted 7 years agoI really didn't mean to cause so much pain. I just wanted to read my book in peace.
What happened was, my grandparents and I were driving from Rochester to Ithaca to see my Aunt Sarah for her birthday. I wanted to read my book to pass the time. My grandma wanted to talk to me. Apparently, having your nose deep in a page didn't clue her in. She started asking some guff about how I felt about the dreamers. When I didn't give a deep enough answer, she *really* flew off the handle. She started shouting about how I was being selfish....oh Lord, and loads of other horrible things. She said I needed to have my intelligence tested for poor social skills, that it was sad I was still living with my parents at my age, (I'm 27,) that it was my fault my career hasn't advanced to her liking, and on, and on, and on.
My grandfather agreed with her. (Well, except for the bit about still living with my parents.) But he not only mostly agreed with her, he started giving me some long dumbcluck story about how he managed to pull himself up by his bootstraps at 7. (It had something to do with how his Dad wasn't around and how his Mom was a suicidal loon.) They really went out of their way to make me feel small. It was petty and it was cruel. What made it much worse was how they were smiling and laughing the whole time.
Well, we went to the party. We had a good time, despite everything. My cousins were happy to see me, certainly. But I talked to my Mom about what happened, and she said I should come home. She is beyond furious with them. I broke the news to them this morning. I told them I wanted to go home. I told them their behavior last night made me feel scared, that it made it difficult for me to trust them. You would think, would you not, that they would say they were sorry, and ask how they could make it up to me?
Yeah, no. They actually upped the ante. They accused me of being paranoid, and told me I needed to grow up, that I was mentally ill, and to stop being a coward. (I need to grow up now? Oh, that's funny.) They asked me why I couldn't trust them. I told them the truth- that I still haven't been able to forgive my grandfather for what he did to my Mom 12 years ago. (He tried to have her committed to a mental hospital and send us kids back home when she did a certain thing I'm not going to divulge. That, and he abandoned his family for the wolves when she was a kid, but I didn't tell him that.) They still wanted me to stay, in spite of everything. I told them I didn't feel safe staying with them anymore. Long story short, it ended with my Grandpa shouting at me to "get into your f*cking g*damn car and get the hell out of my house! And don't come back!"
Was it my fault, at least a little? After all, its not like I went on this journey with high expectations. I didn't go out of my way to be friendly or sociable with them. But no. No matter how I stack it up, it was they, not I, who chose to react the way I did.
I really don't have a lot in my life worth smiling at. Maybe that's why I go out of my way to be kind. I don't want anyone else to feel like me.
What happened was, my grandparents and I were driving from Rochester to Ithaca to see my Aunt Sarah for her birthday. I wanted to read my book to pass the time. My grandma wanted to talk to me. Apparently, having your nose deep in a page didn't clue her in. She started asking some guff about how I felt about the dreamers. When I didn't give a deep enough answer, she *really* flew off the handle. She started shouting about how I was being selfish....oh Lord, and loads of other horrible things. She said I needed to have my intelligence tested for poor social skills, that it was sad I was still living with my parents at my age, (I'm 27,) that it was my fault my career hasn't advanced to her liking, and on, and on, and on.
My grandfather agreed with her. (Well, except for the bit about still living with my parents.) But he not only mostly agreed with her, he started giving me some long dumbcluck story about how he managed to pull himself up by his bootstraps at 7. (It had something to do with how his Dad wasn't around and how his Mom was a suicidal loon.) They really went out of their way to make me feel small. It was petty and it was cruel. What made it much worse was how they were smiling and laughing the whole time.
Well, we went to the party. We had a good time, despite everything. My cousins were happy to see me, certainly. But I talked to my Mom about what happened, and she said I should come home. She is beyond furious with them. I broke the news to them this morning. I told them I wanted to go home. I told them their behavior last night made me feel scared, that it made it difficult for me to trust them. You would think, would you not, that they would say they were sorry, and ask how they could make it up to me?
Yeah, no. They actually upped the ante. They accused me of being paranoid, and told me I needed to grow up, that I was mentally ill, and to stop being a coward. (I need to grow up now? Oh, that's funny.) They asked me why I couldn't trust them. I told them the truth- that I still haven't been able to forgive my grandfather for what he did to my Mom 12 years ago. (He tried to have her committed to a mental hospital and send us kids back home when she did a certain thing I'm not going to divulge. That, and he abandoned his family for the wolves when she was a kid, but I didn't tell him that.) They still wanted me to stay, in spite of everything. I told them I didn't feel safe staying with them anymore. Long story short, it ended with my Grandpa shouting at me to "get into your f*cking g*damn car and get the hell out of my house! And don't come back!"
Was it my fault, at least a little? After all, its not like I went on this journey with high expectations. I didn't go out of my way to be friendly or sociable with them. But no. No matter how I stack it up, it was they, not I, who chose to react the way I did.
I really don't have a lot in my life worth smiling at. Maybe that's why I go out of my way to be kind. I don't want anyone else to feel like me.
Going to Rochester NY tomorrow.
General | Posted 7 years agoHey guys! Its been a while since I gave you a journal, so here we are. Tomorrow, I'll be flying out of Reagan National to visit my grandparents and other relations. Not sure what I'll do there, but I know I'll be a part of my Aunt Sarah's birthday, meaning I get to see my 4-year old cousins again. I do look forward to that. I'll let you know how it goes.
News and things
General | Posted 7 years agoFirst of all, if all goes according to plan, I will be travelling with 
Orangetabby106 Sarah to Uganda this spring! She will be fursuiting as Tod Puppy on behalf of this organization that provides social support for widows and orphans. I look forward to that much!
Work wise, it is my pleasure to announce that I have been promoted. And trust me, it was very well-earned. I now have a pay increase, as well as an increase in rank. Under certain circumstances, I can be asked to serve as acting manager in the evenings. This opens the door to further career advancement.
Speaking of careers, I might consider a change of pace in the library system of Virginia. I have interviewed for the position of children and youth librarian for Prince William County, state of Virginia, and it seems to have gone really well. I will be hearing back from them in early November. I also have an interview scheduled with Loudoun County, also state of Virginia, for a similar position.
Lastly, I will be taking Amtrak to South Bend, Indiana this weekend. I will be visiting my godfather, whom I have not seen in person for well over two years now. I look forward to seeing him again and reconnecting! The destination will be nice, but the train trip will be just as fun, I think.
That's all on my end!
Orangetabby106 Sarah to Uganda this spring! She will be fursuiting as Tod Puppy on behalf of this organization that provides social support for widows and orphans. I look forward to that much!Work wise, it is my pleasure to announce that I have been promoted. And trust me, it was very well-earned. I now have a pay increase, as well as an increase in rank. Under certain circumstances, I can be asked to serve as acting manager in the evenings. This opens the door to further career advancement.
Speaking of careers, I might consider a change of pace in the library system of Virginia. I have interviewed for the position of children and youth librarian for Prince William County, state of Virginia, and it seems to have gone really well. I will be hearing back from them in early November. I also have an interview scheduled with Loudoun County, also state of Virginia, for a similar position.
Lastly, I will be taking Amtrak to South Bend, Indiana this weekend. I will be visiting my godfather, whom I have not seen in person for well over two years now. I look forward to seeing him again and reconnecting! The destination will be nice, but the train trip will be just as fun, I think.
That's all on my end!
Documentary of Choi Eun-Hee and Shin San-Ok
General | Posted 7 years agoChoi Eun-Hee and Shin San-Ok were South Korea's top Director-Actress couple in the 1970's when Kim Jong-Il had them kidnapped so he could have them make movies for North Korea. After a very long, very gruesome set of years involving torture, brainwashing, and denial, they agreed to do so, making Hong Kil-Dong, and the notorious Pulgasari- North Korea's version of Godzilla.
In 1988, Choi and Shin escaped by way of Vienna, Austria to the United States. They settled in Reston, Virginia, not too far from where I live! They published their memoirs, which were to prove highly valuable to the CIA and the KCIA (Korean Central Intelligence Agency). They returned to South Korea for good in 2003. Enclosed here is a documentary version of their story, for you to enjoy.
https://youtu.be/fSI2TmRiUDI
In 1988, Choi and Shin escaped by way of Vienna, Austria to the United States. They settled in Reston, Virginia, not too far from where I live! They published their memoirs, which were to prove highly valuable to the CIA and the KCIA (Korean Central Intelligence Agency). They returned to South Korea for good in 2003. Enclosed here is a documentary version of their story, for you to enjoy.
https://youtu.be/fSI2TmRiUDI
Thoughts on the McCarrick Scandal and other matters.
General | Posted 7 years agoBy now, you have likely heard of the horrors of the McCarrick Scandal and other matters. Namely, the abuse of children and the deep-level cover-up in Pennsylvania.
https://www.vox.com/2018/7/29/17620.....scandal-resign
https://www.npr.org/2018/08/16/6393.....ports-of-abuse
I have something big to tell you.
I knew McCarrick. Personally. Not as friends- thank Jesus- but I did know him and see him from time to time. My first job was a reference librarian and cataloger for a Roman Catholic Seminary in Hyattsville. (A seminary, for those who don't know, is a kind of school for training priests.) It was my job to find and purchase books for the collection at times, but every so often, we would have pizza night, after Compline. (Compline is a kind of meditation that takes place at night.)
McCarrick would sometimes join us, either as the pastor or just one of the diners. Had you asked me, I never would have dreamed he would be capable of what they say he did. He would preach beautifully on the virtues of love and compassion! He seemed like a nice and grandfatherly old man and nothing more. Its a horrid thing to consider.
And then there's what happened in Pennsylvania. How certain men in the church sheltered monsters from Justice for over 70 years. Some of these men, the molesters, did things so terrifying I dare not write them here. And their bosses decided to shield them as if their victims did not exist or matter at all. Not only that, but the bishops involved actively silenced their fellow priests who wanted to do the right thing and bring the molesters to justice.
I won't pretend I'm not shocked, saddened, and disgusted by what these traitors did. But I'm not going to let that rock my faith. I'm still going to go to church each Sunday, and contribute financially from time to time. You know why? Because what these people did does not testify to the character of God or his church. The deeds of these men testify to the character of Satan.
https://www.vox.com/2018/7/29/17620.....scandal-resign
https://www.npr.org/2018/08/16/6393.....ports-of-abuse
I have something big to tell you.
I knew McCarrick. Personally. Not as friends- thank Jesus- but I did know him and see him from time to time. My first job was a reference librarian and cataloger for a Roman Catholic Seminary in Hyattsville. (A seminary, for those who don't know, is a kind of school for training priests.) It was my job to find and purchase books for the collection at times, but every so often, we would have pizza night, after Compline. (Compline is a kind of meditation that takes place at night.)
McCarrick would sometimes join us, either as the pastor or just one of the diners. Had you asked me, I never would have dreamed he would be capable of what they say he did. He would preach beautifully on the virtues of love and compassion! He seemed like a nice and grandfatherly old man and nothing more. Its a horrid thing to consider.
And then there's what happened in Pennsylvania. How certain men in the church sheltered monsters from Justice for over 70 years. Some of these men, the molesters, did things so terrifying I dare not write them here. And their bosses decided to shield them as if their victims did not exist or matter at all. Not only that, but the bishops involved actively silenced their fellow priests who wanted to do the right thing and bring the molesters to justice.
I won't pretend I'm not shocked, saddened, and disgusted by what these traitors did. But I'm not going to let that rock my faith. I'm still going to go to church each Sunday, and contribute financially from time to time. You know why? Because what these people did does not testify to the character of God or his church. The deeds of these men testify to the character of Satan.
A little thing
General | Posted 7 years agoI enjoy writing very much. Its like composing a symphony! There are a lot of wonderful little and big notes that make up the whole thing.
On that note, expect a nice long story soon.
On that note, expect a nice long story soon.
Going to New York City tomorrow!
General | Posted 7 years agoI'm going to be taking Amtrak from New Carrollton to New York, and just enjoy the city for a day. I'll be going back home in the evening the same way. I plan on enjoying Central Park, and buying something for my baby cousins, who turn 4 this week! I look forward to it much.
Spread the Love!
General | Posted 7 years agoBorrowed from Orangetabby106 Sarah
RULES:
The 10 first people who comments on this journal will get featured
I will choose between 3 submissions from their gallery, and tell why I like them
If you comment, please copy-paste the rules to a journal on your page, and feature me too!
The idea is to spread art around, not to get free features!! and has to be your drawings
not pictures people did for you.
https://www.furaffinity.net/view/18485803/
I really like this one because its a nice little scene! Sharing something nice with your friend on a beautiful day!
https://www.furaffinity.net/view/25326834/
I really love the sense of kindness in this one! You can see the love in Daniella's eyes, and her Mom looks like the sweetest and most caring Mom in the world when she snuggles like that.
https://www.furaffinity.net/view/22083802/
Honestly? Your feet! They're just so tiny and cute!
Landonbay
https://www.furaffinity.net/view/20619101/
I like this because its funny! The look on Lanny's face is so unexpected, and the punchline! Who throws tantrums over cucumbers?
https://www.furaffinity.net/view/22023862/
I like the way you drew Ziver's face! He looks like a creature of courage and integrity.
https://www.furaffinity.net/view/23341104/
Max has such a cute smile when he's feeling bashful!
Thehotrodhero
https://www.furaffinity.net/view/14172946/
This one I like for its sense of adventure! And a redeemed one passing on her sense of freedom to her child. That is a concept most beautiful.
https://www.furaffinity.net/view/22601252/
The birth of children is always a joyful and wonderful occassion, regardless of circumstance, and the story written here is very, very sweet. Lots of luck and life to Jeremy and his beloved!
https://www.furaffinity.net/view/21943760/
Because its a funny joke and nice gift! I hope Kammy won't be set too far back!
Orangetabby106 SarahRULES:
The 10 first people who comments on this journal will get featured
I will choose between 3 submissions from their gallery, and tell why I like them
If you comment, please copy-paste the rules to a journal on your page, and feature me too!
The idea is to spread art around, not to get free features!! and has to be your drawings
not pictures people did for you.
https://www.furaffinity.net/view/18485803/
I really like this one because its a nice little scene! Sharing something nice with your friend on a beautiful day!
https://www.furaffinity.net/view/25326834/
I really love the sense of kindness in this one! You can see the love in Daniella's eyes, and her Mom looks like the sweetest and most caring Mom in the world when she snuggles like that.
https://www.furaffinity.net/view/22083802/
Honestly? Your feet! They're just so tiny and cute!
Landonbayhttps://www.furaffinity.net/view/20619101/
I like this because its funny! The look on Lanny's face is so unexpected, and the punchline! Who throws tantrums over cucumbers?
https://www.furaffinity.net/view/22023862/
I like the way you drew Ziver's face! He looks like a creature of courage and integrity.
https://www.furaffinity.net/view/23341104/
Max has such a cute smile when he's feeling bashful!
Thehotrodherohttps://www.furaffinity.net/view/14172946/
This one I like for its sense of adventure! And a redeemed one passing on her sense of freedom to her child. That is a concept most beautiful.
https://www.furaffinity.net/view/22601252/
The birth of children is always a joyful and wonderful occassion, regardless of circumstance, and the story written here is very, very sweet. Lots of luck and life to Jeremy and his beloved!
https://www.furaffinity.net/view/21943760/
Because its a funny joke and nice gift! I hope Kammy won't be set too far back!
I have returned.
General | Posted 7 years agoThat is all.
New Business
General | Posted 7 years agoHey guys, its been a while, so I thought I'd give you all an update.
I'm in Florida visiting my girlfriend Orangetabby106 at the moment. Its proven very nice! We've spent most of the daytime shopping together, and her parents have been having me over for dinner every night. (I think that's a good sign!)
But lets see....Wednesday, I went with Sarah to this preschool graduation. It was for Isabella, a younger sister of her friend Daniella. Sarah was Minnie Mouse! A lot of the kids kept mistaking her for Mickey, much to her chargrin. You can see one of the photos here- https://www.furaffinity.net/view/27430327/
It was very cute! We bought plushies for the kiddos as graduation gifts, and we had a fair amount left over. (Kinda my fault; I didn't get around to passing them out until five seconds too late)
We watched the movie Airplane that night- I'd never seen it before. Its a sort of slapstick comedy about a war vet who boards an airplane trying to get back the girl he loves, only he finds himself having to fly the plane after everyone gets food poisoning from fish. Sarah loves that movie! (Frankly, I'm surprised its rated PG, given the none-too-subtle adult humor present within it.)
Yesterday, we went grocery shopping at this Latin-American grocery I'm fond of. (Its where I got my food the first time I was in Bradenton.) Then we went to Chili's; I got some excellent news while I was there! Broward County, which governs Ft. Lauderdale, wants me for an interview later next month! If it goes well and I get the job, Sarah and I will be considerably less further away. (This is with the county public library, btw)
Later that same day, Sarah's Mom, Sarah, and myself attended this guided meditation run by a friend of her mom. I had an emotional experience, which I thought I might draw later. But that's for you to find out.
Sadly, today wasn't quite as adventuresome. Sarah wasn't feeling well, and to top it, it was rainy. But we still had dinner, and tomorrow, we will be celebrating her Grandma's birthday at a restaurant in Sarasota. I hope it goes well!
Well, that's all the news on my end. I will give an update sometime later.
I'm in Florida visiting my girlfriend
Orangetabby106 at the moment. Its proven very nice! We've spent most of the daytime shopping together, and her parents have been having me over for dinner every night. (I think that's a good sign!) But lets see....Wednesday, I went with Sarah to this preschool graduation. It was for Isabella, a younger sister of her friend Daniella. Sarah was Minnie Mouse! A lot of the kids kept mistaking her for Mickey, much to her chargrin. You can see one of the photos here- https://www.furaffinity.net/view/27430327/
It was very cute! We bought plushies for the kiddos as graduation gifts, and we had a fair amount left over. (Kinda my fault; I didn't get around to passing them out until five seconds too late)
We watched the movie Airplane that night- I'd never seen it before. Its a sort of slapstick comedy about a war vet who boards an airplane trying to get back the girl he loves, only he finds himself having to fly the plane after everyone gets food poisoning from fish. Sarah loves that movie! (Frankly, I'm surprised its rated PG, given the none-too-subtle adult humor present within it.)
Yesterday, we went grocery shopping at this Latin-American grocery I'm fond of. (Its where I got my food the first time I was in Bradenton.) Then we went to Chili's; I got some excellent news while I was there! Broward County, which governs Ft. Lauderdale, wants me for an interview later next month! If it goes well and I get the job, Sarah and I will be considerably less further away. (This is with the county public library, btw)
Later that same day, Sarah's Mom, Sarah, and myself attended this guided meditation run by a friend of her mom. I had an emotional experience, which I thought I might draw later. But that's for you to find out.
Sadly, today wasn't quite as adventuresome. Sarah wasn't feeling well, and to top it, it was rainy. But we still had dinner, and tomorrow, we will be celebrating her Grandma's birthday at a restaurant in Sarasota. I hope it goes well!
Well, that's all the news on my end. I will give an update sometime later.
Sarah is all right.
General | Posted 7 years agoShe was discharged from the hospital this afternoon. I'm so happy she's okay. Thank you so much for all your prayers and good vibes!
http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/8656427/
http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/8656427/
Please pray for Sarah
General | Posted 8 years agoMy girlfriend is not well. She's had to check into the local hospital, for reasons I'll let her disclose in the link below. But I would really, really appreciate it if you could help in any way you can. Thank you.
https://www.furaffinity.net/journal/8655217/
https://www.furaffinity.net/journal/8655217/
I have (long since) returned.
General | Posted 8 years agoI suppose this is a tad overdue. I have since returned from Florida (been back for almost two weeks now) and I had a very nice time! I seem to have hit it off well with Sarah's family, which is important. Truth be told, I think Sarah was more worried than I was.
So, after Valentines day, I went to the Dali Museum in St. Petersburg, and saw a good number of Dali's surrealist paintings. I enjoyed it very much, especially when the soft breezes blow through. I also visited Treasure Island beach, and brought back some sand for mom.
At some point after that, I went with Sarah to Las Llaves del Reino church, which is an evangelical latino church she's very fond of. I enjoyed it a lot too! Its the kind where you dance, sing, and scream your praises to the Lord, and recieve the holy spirit. I hope to go back there the next time I am in Florida.
Oh! Before I forget, I met a number of Sarah's friends, including her brother, Marco Painter, that day. Had lunch with him and their dad, which was nice. We also saw this pretty nifty store that specializes in magic and herbal tea- its a lot like Smile Herb Shop in College Park.
It was a lovely way to spend time. I look forward to seeing them all again.
So, after Valentines day, I went to the Dali Museum in St. Petersburg, and saw a good number of Dali's surrealist paintings. I enjoyed it very much, especially when the soft breezes blow through. I also visited Treasure Island beach, and brought back some sand for mom.
At some point after that, I went with Sarah to Las Llaves del Reino church, which is an evangelical latino church she's very fond of. I enjoyed it a lot too! Its the kind where you dance, sing, and scream your praises to the Lord, and recieve the holy spirit. I hope to go back there the next time I am in Florida.
Oh! Before I forget, I met a number of Sarah's friends, including her brother, Marco Painter, that day. Had lunch with him and their dad, which was nice. We also saw this pretty nifty store that specializes in magic and herbal tea- its a lot like Smile Herb Shop in College Park.
It was a lovely way to spend time. I look forward to seeing them all again.
Melissa's Nightmare
General | Posted 8 years agoIt was nighttime. Everyone else was asleep, but not Charles. The cat turned this way and that, hoping to find that sweet spot where he could fall asleep, but with no luck. He sighed, feeling both tired and annoyed. Then, he heard his door creak open!
"Daddy?" Melissa sniffled. She sounded very upset!
Instantly Charles was alert! He sat up and asked, "Melissa? Is everything okay?"
"No..." She moaned. She clutched her teddy bear rather tightly.
Charles held out his arms, and Melissa crawled into them.
"Did you have a bad dream, sweetie?" Charles whispered.
"Yeah..."
"Do you want to talk about it?"
The little wolf paused for a moment. "I...I dreamed that everything was on fire...and..." she sobbed, "and I couldn't find you, or Maddie, or Mika, and I was scared that..."
"Mm?" Charles prompted.
"thateveryonewasgonnadieandIwasgonnabeallalone!" Melissa blurted out in one breath. "Again!" She began to cry some more.
"Awwwww," Charles cooed, giving his daughter a great big hug. He kept it like that until he was sure she had calmed down a bit.
"Poor love. That does sound like a very scary dream."
"Yeah!"
"But dreams don't really happen in real life, sweetheart. And its all over now." Here he paused. "And no one we love really goes away, Melissa. I'll always be here, and so will Maddie and Mika. Even when bad things happen, I'll still be there to make them better."
"Do you promise?" she asked.
"I promise." Charles smiled. "Are you ready to go back to sleep now?"
"Uh-huh..." Melissa yawned.
Charles carried Melissa back to her bed, and tucked her in nice and snug.
He gave her a kiss between the ears, and said "Sleep well, Melissa. I love you!"
"I love you too, Daddy." She was about to close her eyes when she remembered something important. "Wait, Dad?"
"Yes?" asked Charles.
"Um...Can you leave the hallway light on? Just in case?"
"Of course, babe. Sleep well! I love you!"
"Mmmm....love oo too..." Melissa mumbled sleepily.
Charles went back to bed as well. But not before making sure his door was open. And this time, he had no trouble falling asleep.
"Daddy?" Melissa sniffled. She sounded very upset!
Instantly Charles was alert! He sat up and asked, "Melissa? Is everything okay?"
"No..." She moaned. She clutched her teddy bear rather tightly.
Charles held out his arms, and Melissa crawled into them.
"Did you have a bad dream, sweetie?" Charles whispered.
"Yeah..."
"Do you want to talk about it?"
The little wolf paused for a moment. "I...I dreamed that everything was on fire...and..." she sobbed, "and I couldn't find you, or Maddie, or Mika, and I was scared that..."
"Mm?" Charles prompted.
"thateveryonewasgonnadieandIwasgonnabeallalone!" Melissa blurted out in one breath. "Again!" She began to cry some more.
"Awwwww," Charles cooed, giving his daughter a great big hug. He kept it like that until he was sure she had calmed down a bit.
"Poor love. That does sound like a very scary dream."
"Yeah!"
"But dreams don't really happen in real life, sweetheart. And its all over now." Here he paused. "And no one we love really goes away, Melissa. I'll always be here, and so will Maddie and Mika. Even when bad things happen, I'll still be there to make them better."
"Do you promise?" she asked.
"I promise." Charles smiled. "Are you ready to go back to sleep now?"
"Uh-huh..." Melissa yawned.
Charles carried Melissa back to her bed, and tucked her in nice and snug.
He gave her a kiss between the ears, and said "Sleep well, Melissa. I love you!"
"I love you too, Daddy." She was about to close her eyes when she remembered something important. "Wait, Dad?"
"Yes?" asked Charles.
"Um...Can you leave the hallway light on? Just in case?"
"Of course, babe. Sleep well! I love you!"
"Mmmm....love oo too..." Melissa mumbled sleepily.
Charles went back to bed as well. But not before making sure his door was open. And this time, he had no trouble falling asleep.
My Valentine's Day
General | Posted 8 years agoSo, today I met Sarah's family. Her Mom picked me up from the hotel, and Sarah met me in the lobby! I gave her the world's biggest hug! Also some clothes I thought would look sweet on her. She also gave me a drawing of us, (which I will show here) and a doll from her last sojourn to Cuba.
After we met, I had lunch with her Dad in Bradenton while Sarah had her Doctor's appointment. I can see where Sarah gets her empathy from, he is a rather easygoing man! (A thing I was very grateful for.)
Then, we all drove to Sarasota to meet Sarah's grandparents. They seem to approve of me! They live near the top of this very tall retirement complex overlooking Sarasota bay. Her grandfather showed me this video they had made of Xander (Sarah's borther) lyp synching and dancing at some kind of dance competition. He is very talented! Her grandparents are doctors, and they actually mentioned having friends in Silver Spring, which I thought was pretty cool.
When that was finished, we went to see some family friends, the Huangs. They have this very, very big house on Terra Ceia Island. Sarah showed me the observation deck- it has a big view of the surrounding marshland that makes the air smell nice.
After that, we had dinner at this place in St. Petersburg called Gateway to India. I remember having to polish off some people's food because we all had too much! Sarah's mom, she gave us all valentines day gifts- cards, chocolates for me, pumpkin (or truffle) spice for Sarah. After that, we drove back to the hotel, and bade our goodbyes.
It was a good Valentines Day all in all. I look forward to seeing more of the one I love.
After we met, I had lunch with her Dad in Bradenton while Sarah had her Doctor's appointment. I can see where Sarah gets her empathy from, he is a rather easygoing man! (A thing I was very grateful for.)
Then, we all drove to Sarasota to meet Sarah's grandparents. They seem to approve of me! They live near the top of this very tall retirement complex overlooking Sarasota bay. Her grandfather showed me this video they had made of Xander (Sarah's borther) lyp synching and dancing at some kind of dance competition. He is very talented! Her grandparents are doctors, and they actually mentioned having friends in Silver Spring, which I thought was pretty cool.
When that was finished, we went to see some family friends, the Huangs. They have this very, very big house on Terra Ceia Island. Sarah showed me the observation deck- it has a big view of the surrounding marshland that makes the air smell nice.
After that, we had dinner at this place in St. Petersburg called Gateway to India. I remember having to polish off some people's food because we all had too much! Sarah's mom, she gave us all valentines day gifts- cards, chocolates for me, pumpkin (or truffle) spice for Sarah. After that, we drove back to the hotel, and bade our goodbyes.
It was a good Valentines Day all in all. I look forward to seeing more of the one I love.
Today's business
General | Posted 8 years agoSo, I am currently staying in St. Petersburg, Florida. I will be spending time with my girlfriend Orangetabby106 Sarah. I'll be here until next Monday.
Today's business includeserrands with Sarah and her mom, and afterwards, dinner with Sarah's family and friends. Looking forward to what that entails.
Also, on Sunday night, I will be introduced to Las Llaves del Reino pentecostal church- its a church that Sarah's on good terms with, and she's been wanting to introduce me to her family there as well. Can't wait!
Orangetabby106 Sarah. I'll be here until next Monday. Today's business includeserrands with Sarah and her mom, and afterwards, dinner with Sarah's family and friends. Looking forward to what that entails.
Also, on Sunday night, I will be introduced to Las Llaves del Reino pentecostal church- its a church that Sarah's on good terms with, and she's been wanting to introduce me to her family there as well. Can't wait!
Things you may not have known about me
General | Posted 8 years agoI'm a vegetarian. I choose to be a vegetarian because eating meat involves ignoring a large amount of cruelty and suffering, which I cannot do. Thus, I choose not to eat meat.
I am a librarian by profession. I make for the sixth generation of librarians in my family, as well as the first male.
I hate eggs. I cannot stand the way they smell or taste, and I really hate the way they squirm in my mouth. Yuck!
I love diapers. I always have, ever since I was rather young. They represent such a wonderful thing of freedom for me.
I still have two of my baby teeth, and one tooth made out of metal from when another baby tooth fell out after 20 years of being loose.
I am religious. I go to mass every Sunday without fail. (I"m Catholic, if you didn't already guess from the term 'mass'.)
I can sing, and I can draw, but I can't really dance. Yet I have a whole page to myself in my high school yearbook that shows my dancing with my then-partner. (I graduated in 2009).
I am a librarian by profession. I make for the sixth generation of librarians in my family, as well as the first male.
I hate eggs. I cannot stand the way they smell or taste, and I really hate the way they squirm in my mouth. Yuck!
I love diapers. I always have, ever since I was rather young. They represent such a wonderful thing of freedom for me.
I still have two of my baby teeth, and one tooth made out of metal from when another baby tooth fell out after 20 years of being loose.
I am religious. I go to mass every Sunday without fail. (I"m Catholic, if you didn't already guess from the term 'mass'.)
I can sing, and I can draw, but I can't really dance. Yet I have a whole page to myself in my high school yearbook that shows my dancing with my then-partner. (I graduated in 2009).
Resolutions for 2018
General | Posted 8 years agoResolutions for 2018
Walk closer with God
Grow in spirit with my girlfriend, Orangetabby106
Be more like Mr. Rogers
I plan on keeping all of these.
Walk closer with God
Grow in spirit with my girlfriend,
Orangetabby106Be more like Mr. Rogers
I plan on keeping all of these.
Post-Holiday update
General | Posted 8 years agoWell, Sarah's long since returned to Florida. (Obvious much, I suppose.) But anyway, we both had a lovely time together! On Christmas Eve, my family and I took her to a pageant play at my mom's church, you know, where all the little kids dress like animals around the baby Jesus? We had a good time with that, though I wish I had not spilled hot wax on my hand when the time came to light candles. (I was fine, don't worry!)
After that, I took her to Midnight Mass at my own church. (Which, contrary to its name, actually ended at 11:30.) I sing at the choir there, though I'm not convinced I did all that well. But she seemed to enjoy the show! I did enjoy having her there with me- I think it gave my voice some more oomph. I remember she was intriqued by the number of pretty statues and candles we have.
(You can see her perspective on all of this here, btw- https://www.furaffinity.net/journal/8553041/ )
We opened presents together on Christmas morning. I got her some carebear plushies and a CD of ABBA in Spanish, and she got me drawing supplies. I plan to use them to improve my game!
The rest was rather quiet after. Poor love came down with a cold after Christmas and spent a lot of the time resting. So we spent much of the day just surfing the web on our laptops together, with me occasionally brushing her hair.
Two interesting things I have learned since Sarah came to stay-
Both of us are pretty introverted. Compared to me though, Sarah's a real social butterfly. You may have already gathered, but she talks quite a bit more than I.
I drink coffee and tea like no tomorrow. Sarah can't stand either.
When all had been said and done, we went back to the airport by the D.C subway. I shall not lie. I really did not want to leave her alone. But I take comfort in knowing we will see each other again soon.
After that, I took her to Midnight Mass at my own church. (Which, contrary to its name, actually ended at 11:30.) I sing at the choir there, though I'm not convinced I did all that well. But she seemed to enjoy the show! I did enjoy having her there with me- I think it gave my voice some more oomph. I remember she was intriqued by the number of pretty statues and candles we have.
(You can see her perspective on all of this here, btw- https://www.furaffinity.net/journal/8553041/ )
We opened presents together on Christmas morning. I got her some carebear plushies and a CD of ABBA in Spanish, and she got me drawing supplies. I plan to use them to improve my game!
The rest was rather quiet after. Poor love came down with a cold after Christmas and spent a lot of the time resting. So we spent much of the day just surfing the web on our laptops together, with me occasionally brushing her hair.
Two interesting things I have learned since Sarah came to stay-
Both of us are pretty introverted. Compared to me though, Sarah's a real social butterfly. You may have already gathered, but she talks quite a bit more than I.
I drink coffee and tea like no tomorrow. Sarah can't stand either.
When all had been said and done, we went back to the airport by the D.C subway. I shall not lie. I really did not want to leave her alone. But I take comfort in knowing we will see each other again soon.
Update
General | Posted 8 years agoOkay, so, I picked up Sarah from Reagan National Airport in D.C. I gave her the world's biggest hug! After that, we took the subway home to College Park, Maryland, where I live.
I'm not gonna lie, I was nervous! This was the first romantic encounter I've had with a girl since high school. She was nervous too! We both need to get to know each other, it would seem. We made small talk most of the way back.
We arrived home, and I introduced her to my family. She and my sister Kirb really hit it off! Afterwards, we had dinner together- pot roast for her, potatoes for me. I told her little details about my life- where I used to work, other important people, etc.
I took her upstairs to my former room. (I'm not staying there, don't worry!) I showed her some of my saints posters, and what to do if the temperature drops low. (The heating/cooling doesn't reach that part of the house, so we need to have a space heater.)
We bade adieu, and tomorrow, we will have breakfast together.
I'm not gonna lie, I was nervous! This was the first romantic encounter I've had with a girl since high school. She was nervous too! We both need to get to know each other, it would seem. We made small talk most of the way back.
We arrived home, and I introduced her to my family. She and my sister Kirb really hit it off! Afterwards, we had dinner together- pot roast for her, potatoes for me. I told her little details about my life- where I used to work, other important people, etc.
I took her upstairs to my former room. (I'm not staying there, don't worry!) I showed her some of my saints posters, and what to do if the temperature drops low. (The heating/cooling doesn't reach that part of the house, so we need to have a space heater.)
We bade adieu, and tomorrow, we will have breakfast together.
Something wonderful happens tomorrow!
General | Posted 8 years agoCan't wait for tomorrow! You know why?
Because my love Orangetabby106 will be coming that night!
It's going to be so, so sweet! Not only will I have the pleasure of seeing her after so long, but I'll also be introducing her to my family for the first time.
I'm gonna make these next five days so, so sweet for you, Sarah.
Because my love
Orangetabby106 will be coming that night! It's going to be so, so sweet! Not only will I have the pleasure of seeing her after so long, but I'll also be introducing her to my family for the first time.
I'm gonna make these next five days so, so sweet for you, Sarah.
