secret tunnel

Meme Snagged from Pearl of the Dark Age

I always answer these things as Yugi. I don't think I've ever done it as Yami, though. Let's see what happens! (Note: Yami from Evo)
 
 
1. What curse word do you use the most?
Yami: I try not to curse, unless the mood calls for it; mostly "damn". If the mood suits me, I'll use "fuck" or "Ra's blood."
Una: I'm trying to kick the habit, since I'll be student teaching soon. Lately, I've used "kriff."

2. Do you own an iPod?
Yami: What is an iPod?
Una: Yup! A shiny black iPod named Spike!

3. What person on your flist do you talk to the most?
Yami: Varon, at the moment.
Una: Shiny and Silver.

4. What time is your alarm clock set to?
Yami: I do not need one, thankfully!
Una: 6:30am

5. Do you still remember the first person you kissed?
Yami: In my first lifetime? Yes, Mana stole a kiss from me without thinking. :) I was flattered.
Una: Yes. David Lara was dared to kiss me in eighth grade. He pretended to throw up afterwards. XP

6. Do you remember where you were on 11/9/01?
Yami: Technically has not happened yet. (in Evo)
Una: Vivdly. I woke up just as the first plane hit the first tower. To this day, I'm still not certain what woke me. I started to get dressed for school when my mom called me in to watch the news. I was watching when the second plane hit. I remember turning to my brother in shock. He held my hand as we both prayed for the victims.

7. Would you rather take the picture or be in the picture?
Yami: I would prefer to be in the picture, assuming it is a group shot.
Una: In the picture. I'm not good at taking them.

8. What was the last movie you watched?
Yami: I do not remember.
Una: A Knight's Tale

9. Do any of your friends have children?
Yami: No.
Pearl: Yes.

10. Has anyone ever called you lazy?
Yami: Never
Una: My mom a couple of times. Other than that, I don't think so.

11. Do you ever take medication to help you fall asleep?
Yami: No.
Una: Not lately. Sometimes I need it.

12. What cd is currently in your cd player?
Yami: I do not own a CD player of my own, nor do I own any CDs.
Una: The Prince of Egypt soundtrack

13. Do you prefer regular or chocolate milk?
Yami: I enjoy chocolate milk, but I prefer regular. 
Una: Depends on my mood.

14. Has anyone told you a secret this week?
Yami: No. 
Una: Yes! ;)

15. When was the last time you had Starbucks?
Yami: Never. I think that I would have a back reaction to the caffine.
Una: Last week I kept getting Starbucks frappaccinos at Albertsons. I needed the pickmeup!

16. Can you whistle?
Yami: Yes. I can do bird imitaions if I tried.
Una: Yes, but I'm not very good at it. My brother is better. 

17. What is the first thing you notice about the opposite sex?
Yami: Their eyes. Women tend to be more expressive than men.
Una: Their face. Smiles make me feel more at ease.

18. What are you looking forward to?
Yami: I look forward to the day I defeat Brownstone. I will then discover whether or not I can stay on Earth.
Una: Getting my house cleaned and finally having people come in!!

19. Did you watch cartoons as a child?
Yami: No
Una: Yes, probably too much!

20. Do you own any band t-shirts?
Yami: No
Una: ... Actually, now that I think about it, I don't!

21. What will you be doing in one hour?
Yami: I will continue to go over the plans to attack the Brownstone affiliated company in Darwin, Australia.
Una: Considering I'm at work... I'll draft Yugi's next entry for Evo.

22. Is anyone in love with you?
Yami: ... I suppose that it would be misleading to say that "he does not even know I am alive."
Una: Yes. =n_n=

23. What was the last song you heard?
Yami: I passed by some men earlier today singing in Zulu.
Una: "The Plagues" from Prince of Egypt

24. Last time you cried?
Yami: About two years ago.
Una: Saturday. I had a fight with my mom.

25. Are you on a desktop computer or a laptop?
Yami: I am currently using Varon's laptop.
Una: I am using the desktop computer as my work.

26. Are you currently wanting any piercings or tattoos?
Yami: Perhaps I will get my ears re-pierced. 
Una: I've been thinking about getting a second hole in each ear. 

27. What’s the weather like?
Yami: A bit cool. It is winter here.
Una: Grey skies right outside the window... and the air conditioner is on.

28. Would you ever date a girl/guy covered in tattoos?
Yami: No. I appreciate decorating the body for ceremonial purposes, but not with permanent pictures.
Una: No, for several reasons.

29. What did you do before this?
Yami: I ate several fast food cheeseburgers.
Una: Helped a student out with her Algebra packet.

30. When is the last time you slept on the floor?
Yami: A couple of months ago.
Una: I don't remember. 

31. How many hours of sleep do you need to function?
Yami: During my downtime, 4 is enough for me to function. However, if I were to have a mission the next day, I need at least 6 hours of sleep to be well rested. 
Una: I have gotten to the point where I can function on 6 hours of sleep. Any less, I'm a zombie.

32. Do you eat breakfast daily?
Yami: Normally, yes.
Una: How do you define "breakfast"? 

33. Are your days fast-paced?
Yami: As of late, no.
Una: My days are very, very full, but not "fast-paced."

34. What did you do last night?
Yami: Looked up more information online about Brownstone's involvement with I2.
Una: Chatted with Fishy over the phone, came online, chatted with Pearl and Shiny.

35. Do you use sarcasm?
Yami: Yes.
Una: Sometimes

36. How old will you be turning on your next birthday?
Yami: {{Do I even have a birthday anymore?}} I suppose I will be 22.
Una: 25

37. Are you picky about spelling and grammar?
Yami: My own or others'?
Una: Depends

38. Have you ever been to Six Flags?
Yami: I beg your pardon?
Una: Yup! :)

39. Do you get along better with the same sex or the opposite sex?
Yami: No comment.
Una: I get along much better with other women. 

40. Do you like mustard?
Yami: Yes
Una: As long as it's not the dominant flavor

41. Do you sleep on your side?
Yami: I am not sure.
Una: Most of the time. 

42. Do you watch the news?
Yami: Yes. I wish to stay up to date on local affairs just in case they effect me.
Una: Rarely. I don't trust the news.

43. How did you get one of your scars?
Yami: I believe that I will have one on my back now. I was shot by a silver-haired woman.
Una: I sliced my hand on a cat food can when I was seven.

44. Who was the last person to make you mad?
Yami: Dr. Cuddy 
Una: my brother

45. Do you like anybody?
Yami: As a friend, yes. Romantically, no comment
Una: Yes and yes.

46. What is the last thing you purchased?
Yami: McDonalds. I only buy food without Varon's permission. I will not spend his money on anything else unless he agrees to it.
Una: A vitamin water and chocolate donuts

47. What side of the heart do you draw first?
Yami: I do not know what that means.
Una: Right side

48. Can you dive without plugging your nose?
Yami: yes
Una: I can, but I don't like it 

49. What colour is your razor?
Yami: Razor?
Una: Burgundy

50. What is your blood-type?
Yami: I believe that I am AB, but I do not know for certain.
Una: O-pos

51. Who would you want to be tied to for 24 hours?
Yami: ... I dislike restraints.
Una: =n_n=

52. What is a rumour someone has spread about you?
Yami: I am an "angel."
Una: I am a conniving, back-stabbing dictator. (Rose)

53. How do you feel about carrots?
Yami: They taste alright.
Una: I love carrots! As long as I am not called "carrots," I will enjoy them!

54. How many chairs at the dining room table?
Yami: There is one complimentary chair in each hotel room Varon and I reside.
Una: Six 

55. Which is the best Spice Girl?
Yami: What is a Spice girl?
Una: I liked Sporty Spice. Baby Spice was just annoying.

56. Do you know what time it is?
Yami: Yes
Una: Time is an illusion. n_~

57. Do you know all the words to the Fresh Prince Theme Song?
Yami: ???
Una: Yes. :D

58. What would you do if you were stuck in an elevator?
Yami: Climb out.
Una: Call for help.

59. What’s your favourite kind of gum?
Yami: I do not like gum.
Una: Orbitz spirament

60. T or F: All’s fair in love and war?
Yami: Absolutely false!
Una: No.

61. Do you have a crush on anyone?
Yami: no comment
Una: I've moved well beyond that...

62. Do you know how to use some words correctly, but not know the meaning?
Yami: If I can determine what part of speeh it is, then perhaps I can. But why would I use a word if I do not know the meaning?
Una: I prefer not to, but I do.

63. Do you like to sleep?
Yami: No. I prefer remaining conscious, so that I may have better control of where my mind takes me.
Una: Yes

64. Do you know which US states don’t use Daylight Savings Time?
Yami: I do not care to know.
Una: Not off the top of my head, but I know there are a couple.

65. Do you know the song Total Eclipse of the Heart?
Yami: No
Una: Not word for word, but I like the song.

66. Do you want a bright yellow ‘06 mustang?
Yami: I am not a very good driver...
Una: Nah, I'm fine with Wilson. n_n

67. What’s something you’ve always wanted?
Yami: A flock to tend to.
Una: Time and means to do whatever I wanted to do.

68. Do you have hairy LEGS?
Yami: No
Una: Not particularly. It's summer, so I shave regularly. During the winter I look like a Wookie!

69. Would you rather swim in the ocean or a lake?
Yami: I do not care to swim. However, given the choice, I would swim in a lake.
Una: I have never swum in either, but I think a lake.

70. Do you wear a lot of black?
Yami: Yes, when I fight. I do not necessarily wear black for casual wear.
Una: Yes. I have a vast collection of black shirts.

71. Describe your hair:
Yami: My hair stands up in red spikes with gold bangs and highlights.
Una: Long, auburn, with split ends. XP

72. Do you have Entomophobia?
Yami: What is that? (He doesn't)
Una: No. I might get the willies, but if I have to kill an insect, I have no problem even using my bare hand.

73. Are you an adult?
Yami: I consider myself to be an adult.
Una: Yes

74. Where is/are your best friend(s)?
Yami: In Japan
Una: Spread out

75. Do you have a tan?
Yami: I am tan!
Una: Yes, actually. It's rare that I get tan!

76. Are you a television addict?
Yami: No
Una: Not anymore 

77. Do you enjoy spending time with your mother?
Yami: I never knew her. I like Yugi's mother, though.
Una: Yes

78. Are you a sugar freak?
Yami: No
Una: Warning: Never give Una Pixie Stix

79. Do you like orange juice?
Yami: Yes
Una: Yes 

80. What sign are you?
Yami: I can be considered either a Leo or an Aires
Una: Aquarius
South Park Una

Meme: Snagged from Silver

1. Can you cook?
Not really. I'm a by-the-book sort of person, but what I make turns out well.
2. What was your dream growing up?
I have always wanted to be a classroom teacher. To me, they were superheroes.
3. What talent do you wish you had?
I wish I had better perception of the needs of others around me.
4. Favourite place?
With my friends
5. Favourite vegetable?
Peas.
6. What was the last book you read?
"With Rigor For All" by Carol Jago. Education text books count, right?
7. What zodiac sign are you?
Aquarius
8. Any Tattoos and/or Piercings?
One piercing on each ear, no tattoos
9. Worst Habit?
Forgetfulness
10. Do we know each other outside of lj?
Yup!
11. What is your favourite sport?
High school wrestling
12. Negative or Optimistic attitude?
Oh, I am very much an optimist. I worry and freak out a bit, but I generally try to keep a cheerful attitude.
13. What would you do if you were stuck in an elevator with me?
Talk about RP! XD
14. Worst thing to ever happen to you?
Being told that I was the cause of my best friend trying to commit suicide.
15. Tell me one weird fact about you:
I have never ridden a bicycle.
16. Do you have any pets?
Cocoa, my dog.
17. Do you know how to do the Macarena?
Love it!
18. What time is it where you are now?
10:17pm
19. Do you think clowns are cute or scary?
Depends on the clown. Punchinello is cute, Tandolfo is scary, Chuckie is just weird!
20. If you could change one thing about how you look, what would it be?
Uh... My chest would be more "evened out"
21. Would you be my crime partner or my conscience?
Conscience. I am very boring and don't want people to get hurt.
22. What color eyes do you have?
Hazel (brown and green)
23. Ever been arrested?
No, and I don't want to be. Unless its for a cuase I believe in. >.> 
24. Bottle or Draft?
I don't drink
25. If you won $10,000 dollars today, what would you do with it?
n_n;; I'm so boring! I'd save most of it for future use! I would like to hire someone to fix my kitchen and get new carpeting.
26. What kind of bubble gum do you prefer to chew?
Orbit, but I dislike mint-flavored gum.
27. What's your favourite bar to hang at?
The Nugget 
28. Do you believe in ghosts?
Yes
29. Favourite thing to do in your spare time?
Read, write, watch DVDs
30. Do you swear a lot?
Probably more than I should
31. Biggest pet peeve?
Cowardice, racism, and stubbornness
32. In one word, how would you describe yourself?
Friend
33. Will you repost this so I can fill it out and do the same for you?
I snagged it from you, but go ahead! ;)
South Park Una

Mod Notes: Time Jump

Now that the major battle of the Griffin arc is over, we need to consider the time difference. According to RP time, it is June 4th (Yugi's birthday). So much has happened in the last few weeks during the battles. And I know there is so much we have to cover soon.

It has been brought to my attention that a time-jump would be helpful. This would involve entries from each active character describing events and developments within the time that is jumped. As a mod, I am taking this into serious consideration. It may be a benefit to our characters to have them develop in ways that would take ages to play out, such as relationship development, jobs, etc. It would also help to have the comm date catch up with the actual date. (Though it might just catch up with us!)

The problem with a major time-jump is that so many things have to take place within the next few months/before the tournament, such as the Kaibas' trip around Europe, preparation for Amelda's surgery, the birth of Sam and Max's baby, the group who is going to Los Angeles, etc. These are important to the players involved.

As a player, I refuse to skip over Varon and Neve's wedding. The biggest reason the Aurum Family's account was created was so that they would be involved. I also refuse to skip over the planned mini-arc where several of the characters go to Los Angeles.

As a mod, I would like to hear from everyone else before I make my decision. I will also be updating the comm profile within the next two days.

The following characters are considered retired: Adolphos' Army, Darci, Plentyn, Trace, Pele, Kekoa

The following characters are considered inactive but can return: Dartz, Shadi, Mai, Mokuba, Tristan, Mako

The following characters' players need to contact me about their status: Keith, Ilmari, Vellamo, Miruko, Nameka

Please post your thoughts and ideas here or contact me via email. I hope to have much of this settled by next weekend.
dramatic prairie dog

Submental, in More Ways Than One

Pearl suggested I post this. It is based on my experience last night. I wrote it as soon as I got back from the ER at around 3:30am.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Introducing the submental lymph node, located just under the chin. This lymph node's job is to protect the jaw, tongue, teeth, gums, and other parts of the oral cavity from infection. It is partly made up of white blood cells and can send messages to call for reinforcments. Lately, this little (and often overlooked) lymph node has not been doing its job. When Una is under stress, lymph nodes get lazy.
 
Well, an army of bacteria managed to sneek its way into Una's throat, causing it to swell slightly and make it hard to breathe out of her mouth. When the sub-mental lymph node found out, it got angry! It got so angry that it swelled up too, like an aggrivatted Jigglypuff! Unfortunately, when the lymph node is this angry, it cannot fight the infection very well.
 
Another thing that happens when Una is stressed is that Una breaks out. This invited the infection to spread through the popped pimples; the same infection began making her chin hurt. Less than a day later, late at night, her chin swelled up to closely resemble a Cadbury Chocolate Easter Egg!
 
Una could no longer feel part of her face, so Una went to the emergency room to find out why she now looked like Jay Leno. After hours of waiting, the doctor finally came in, thoroughly examined everything from her chest up, and discovered that it was the little lymph node's fault! The lymph node would never calm down unless it had (somehow) destroyed the infection! The doctor perscribed two antibiotics to help the node fight, which would eventually help the swelling to go down, and a pain reliver so that she could move her head again w/o pain.
mighty mod

Una's Bio

 Hair: “Autumn” (red w/ orange and blonde highlights, natural)
Eyes: hazel (brown w/ green)
Height:5’ 1/2”
Weight: about 120 lbs
Dimensions: 34 – 26 - 38
Blood Type: O
Date of Birth: February 15, 1985
Place of Birth: California, USA
Calls Home: California, USA
Accent: Southern Californian

Personality: Kind, compassionate, friendly, shy, creative, intelligent, naive, honest, usually humble, affectionate, emotional, likes control, often takes the lead in a group when comfortable, sadistic with own characters, sometimes impatient, moderately low self esteem
~ Introvert – Very shy and quiet around people I don’t know

Hobbies: story-telling, singing, writing, reading, hanging out w/ friends, watching anime or other cool shows, web surfing

Favorites:
Make-up: eye liner
Food: pepperoni pizza, cheeseburgers, sushi
Flower: Dutch iris, snap dragons, roses of all colors
Colors: purple, navy blue, white
Fabric: nylon (I have two shirts that I call “yummy”)
Drinks: Code Red Mountain Dew, natural juices
Holidays: Halloween
Sports: Shotokan karate-do, wrestling
Animals: dogs, foxes, fish, hamsters, mice, cats
Other: action and sci-fi movies, well-developed characters and storylines, Broadway musicals, online RP, Joss Whedon, Jane Austin, intelligent comedy, mystery novels, listening to people, Yugi from Yu-Gi-Oh

Dislikes:
Make-up: glitter
Food: really bitter or spicy stuff
Flower: sunflowers, tiger lilies, anything with lots of pollen
Colors: none
Fabric: hemp
Drinks: alcohol, strong coffee
Holiday: any that you can’t cut school for
Sports: boxing
Animals: potato bugs (aka nina de la tierras)
Other: anyone who does not respect my friends, cheaters/liars, feeling helpless, vulgar rap/heavy metal music, apathy, being left out, feeling foolish, the belief that magic does not exist, wasting time, child abuse, abortion, bad educators, close-mindedness

  • Current Music
    "Every Story" from Aida
mighty mod

What Book Are You Most Like




You're The Hobbit!

by J.R.R. Tolkien

All you wanted was a nice cup of tea when some haggard crazy old man
came into your life and told you it was time to do something with yourself. Now you're
all conflicted about whether to stick with your stay-at-home lifestyle or follow this
crazy person into the wild. While you're very short and a little furry, you seem to be
surrounded by an even greater quantity of short folks lately. Try not to lose your ring,
but keep its value in perspective!


Take the Book Quiz
at the Blue Pyramid.

mighty mod

Thanksgiving Tradition: Donuts!

I know a lot of households have certain traditions they do, whether its from culture or just because. My family gives donuts.

A few years ago, my mother decided to give our next door neighbors a box of donuts of Thanksgiving, mostly to celebrate the arrival of their new granddaughter. She also gave one dozen to our neighbors down the street, who Danny has always been close to. The next year, my mother extended it to the whole block., and Danny and I had to help. Three years later, we started getting extra to take to near-by friends, our Church, and the fire stations.

This year was our seventh run. We gave out twenty-two dozen donuts: two to sheriff stations, four to fire departments, one to my buddy Lislis, one to Danny's boss, one to my aunt Maggie's, and the rest to our neighbors. Next door and Dan's friend down the street always get special dozen, with mostly custard and jelly-filled. 

Oh, the stories I can tell from these mini-adventures! Like last year, Danny's "brother" was in Iraq, so we saved their house for last and stayed with them for a while. I got to know the siblings a little better. Another time, my mom tried to track down a home for battered women and children. The woman in charge would not let us near the door, so we had to wait in a dark alley for half an hour just to deliever one dozen! -_-' I hate rats! And is it just me, or are firemen among the hottest guys on the planet?!?!

But here's the story that tops them all: Three years ago, we had just gotten new neighbors at the end of the street. They had only been around for about a month, and we had not met them yet. But that didn't matter. We rarly speak with our neighbors anyway! That Thanksgiving, we drove around the block as usual. I was the one to deliver this dozen. I knocked on the door, adjusted my Santa hat and jingle-bell earrings, and greeted the man who answered the door. He looked at me like I was from Mars! Still, I handed him the pink box, wished him Happy Thanksgiving, and walked back to the car.

The next year, I had the same house. A little girl answered, and she cheered when she saw me with the donuts. She grabbed them from my hands and ran inside. I was almost at the car, where my mom was handing my brother the next box, when a scrawny, tired looking woman ran out to us form the house. She asked us who we were and why we were giving away donuts of Thanksgiving. We answered that we just wanted to be neighborly. She clasped my mom's hands and thanked her. "Last year, we moved in because it was the only house we could afford. My husband lost his job, the bank foreclosed on our last house, and my sister wouldn't help us! I was so worried we would have no food for Thanksgiving! Then you come to our door with donuts! It was as if God sent you to make sure our family wouldn't starve! You're angels!"

^_^ I've never since gotten a higher compliment! ^_~

mighty mod

Meme: Random Character Match-ups

First from MOG, then from Pearl, now its my turn!

 First, select ten fictional characters (from any medium) by whichever method you like best. Then answer the questions below. (Note, I'm just doing the first question. But the other questions are there.)


1. Yugi (Yugioh)
2. Kakashi (Naruto)
3. Vegeta (DBZ/GT)
4. Spike (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)
5. Domiyoji (Hana Yori Dango)
6. Leia (Star Wars)
7. Mohinder (Heroes)
8. Piper (Charmed)
9. Luna (Harry Potter)
10. Abby (NCIS)

( Collapse )
mighty mod

Really Teaching!

I have wanted to be ateacher since kindergarten. I have put in more hours in the last five years of volunteer tutoring and "TAing" than most in my field have in their lifetimes. I read the state standards like I would a piece of literature, cover-to-cover. My parents, and a few aunts and uncles are teachers. I have devoted my life to this goal.
But I have always been on familiar ground. I am a TA at the school I grew up with (my parent's work). I have been a TA for each of my former high school English/Musical Theatre teachers. I have tutored only for neighborhood kids. 
This semester, I chose to observe at a middle school for the first time. It is a public middle school that feeds into my alma mater, but since I went to public school, I had never been there before. To make matter more uncomfortable, my master teacher is a guy! This didn't matter as much after a while. Mr. C is really cool! (I like his idea of a bathroom pass: A plastic pink flamingo!)
For my observation hours, we each had to either tutor the kids constantly or teach a lesson during our time. A few weeks ago I spoke to Mr. C about teaching a poem. He gave me twenty-five minutes for the lesson.
I chose the following to teach his sixth graders:
To a Sleeping High School Student
or Sweet Oblivion

 

You lie there
head on your notebook
oblivious
to the spiral digging into your cheek
and the little puddle of drool collecting
on the carefully detailed cover.
You are oblivious
to the disgusted look
on the face of the pretty blond girl
you've been obsessing over--
she finally noticed you.
You are oblivious
to the sign your best friend
has just taped to your back
specifying where you should be kicked,
oblivious to the fact
that he just smiled at the pretty blond girl
who has stolen your heart and doesn't care
and that she smiled back.
You are oblivious
to the teacher
who hasn't wakened you
because she is tired, too,
maybe too tired to care
or maybe she doesn't want to embarrass you
because you opened the door this morning
so she wouldn't spill her coffee
and she is grateful for small kindnesses.
And you are oblivious
to the fat girl in the back of the room
who quietly traces the clipped line
of the back of your hair
with her eyes, oblivous
to the longing to be read in her eyes,
and the spitwad in her hair.

© Samantha Dunaway



I reasoned that it is a vey moving poem, simple, and can have plenty of activities to go with. My goal was to help them  relate to different characters. In class, we read the poem aloud twice (once me, once popcorn reading with the kids), then discusses each character on the board. The activity: Write a letter to one of the five characters - Tired Teacher, "Best Friend," Pretty Blonde, Secret Admirer, or Mr. Oblivion. Give advice, talk about yourself and how you feel you can/cannot relate to them, etc." Basically treat them like a penpal.
Today was the lesson. I gave a copy of the poem to Mr. C. He loved it! He asked me to teach it to the rest of his classes, including his eighth graders! All three lessons went fabulously! *heavens sing* I think I really reached them! I'll post more about it when I get the letters next week!