Going out

I saw the Boy, as a friend again. We've mostly been in group settings since the breakup and this is the first time we went to a thing together as friends.

That's not to say we went together per se. Just that we were going to the same thing, but the thing was connected through him, so I could only go if I went with him.

What am I doing?

Lions roar, Tigers fall, and Bears growl, oh my!

Sneaking under the radar for the past couple of days has been Cal's progress in the Great Alaska Shootout from Anchorage, Alaska. The Bears survived an opening round battle against Marhsall on Thursday 72-70, a game in which neither team led by more than five. Cal had an easier time against Hawaii last night, winning 72-56 and never losing the lead after Ayinde Ubaka dropped in a floater to make the score 6-4 early in the first half.

In tonight's championship game, the Bears face Loyola Maramount. The Lions of Loyola came back to defeat the Pacific Tigers in double overtime. Since the game is Alaska, the hour for viewing is the funny hour of 10pm, following the conclusion of the consolation game between Pacific and Hawaii, which is not televised.

Big Game Week

Okay, next week is Big Game Week. This is exciting. Cal seeks to retain the Stanfurd Axe for the fifth consecutive year, making this possession of the Axe the longest since Pappy Waldorf retained the Axe for eight consecutive years from 1947-1954, a streak that included two ties. A win would make the longest winning streak for the Bears in Big Games in which the Stanfurd Axe was at stake, the current mark of four is a tie with California's first possession of the Axe as trophy from 1936-1939 and would tie the Bears record for consecutive Big Game victories of 5 with the teams of 1919-1923.

A Night Rally on Tuesday, a Tree Chopping Rally at noon on Thursday, and the Bonfire Rally Friday are all part of this grand spectacle that is Big Game Week. I'm excited, get excited.

CARP

No, not the fish. I was nearly suckered into becoming interested in the Collegiate Association for the Research of Principles. I played right into their hands, sitting alone, on the computer, in the cafeteria since all of the libary wall outlets were not functioning, and hearing my answers being guided towards commitment to service, joining a sort of family, and wonderful things.

That I was so receptive to these entreaties is certainly indicative of my state of mind. I don't see my friends often enough. It's this fear I have of sounding needy or being a tag-a-long that sort of stops me from calling them up just to hang out or something. That, and they're 30 minutes away.

I'm rather melancholy now. This will be the first Thanksgiving where my parents won't be together, and the first time I've been forced to choose between them. I think I'd have more fun on a day out with my friends than joining the split family that I'm in. I perceive disappointment and pity from my extended family whenever I'm around them. I don't know why, but I feel...shame.

My mom is sensing that all is not quite right with me, and I tell her I need to get out more, and that I worry my friends will forget about me. I know they don't, really; they just need to know I'm more available than they think. Because I am needy, I do need to be around people that feel their lives are improved by my presence.

Well, I'm gonna go play hide-and-seek tonight.

Visiting The Londoner (The Los Angelesian)

I'm going to Los Angeles on the 26th to visit the Londoner, who weakly complained in one of our rare phone conversations that he was from Los Angeles, so for the purpose of trip discussion, he shall now be the Los Angelesian.

I also plan a daytrip on the 28th to attend the Pacific Life Holiday Bowl and stay overnight with Rally Committee to the 29th. I'll either Greyhound it back to Los Angeles or else hitch a ride with someone on the way.

I can't wait to see him.

Diary day, please pass on this if you're looking for news

For the last few weeks I've felt rather, well, lost. My friends seem to be drifting from me by distance or whatever, and I'm just sort of going day to day waiting for the next awesome phase of my life, whether it be some crazy adventure, a new boyfriend, or some other totally unexpected surprise, like finding a winning lottery ticket on the ground (since I never play the lottery after I lost that one time).

So I'll be proactive. I'll go to QD meetings on Tuesday. I'll actually make the phone calls that I don't fancy. I'm otherwise losing touch with living.

I've never been to Hawaii. I'm not going anytime soon.

I might meet the Londoner in New York in December. It will be cold.

Work is kinda getting sucky, especially since the holiday season is starting.

Orgasmic Election Day and Post-Day

So the Democrats take control of the House and appear headed for at least a tie if not a win in the Senate. The President is ready to work with the Democrats. And Secretary of State Donald Rumsfeld is resigning his post.

The seating of the 110th Congress will be the dawn of a new era for America. Americans will instantly be doing better under Democratic leadership in the legislature.

Countdown to the finale of a legend

Bob Barker will be retiring from the Price is Right after 35 years on that program, and 50 years on television.

Bob Barker, your knowledge of the game, your ability to put up with big Samoans, idiot teenagers, and people who would pay $3,000 for a pair of surfboards makes you one of the legends of the world. Your simple appearance makes people burst into cries of joy, as if Santa Clause had chosen their city to relocate North Pole operations.

I hope the next host of Price can live up to Mr. Barker's standing. After 35 years, he's a tough act to follow.