A Visit With Alex

Dear Jack,

Last night I went to visit my good friend Alex.  He has had some major surgery on his leg and is in recovery. We watched The Mostly Unfabulous Social Life of Ethan Green.  Michael joined us after work and we ate Bare Burger.  It was good to visit with Alex.  His new apt is nice, and it is good to have him in Astoria.

When we got home we watched some TV before crashing for bed.

The Search

Dear Jack,

I am looking for a new job, as my old job is no more. All is good, so no worries. I've been applying to stuff for the past four hours, hoping that as potential employers arrive at work and check their email, my resume will be one of the first things they see.

Michael is still in Anaheim, and I he can't come home too soon, but for us that means Friday. I miss him. A lot. Daniel F. is back from Nebraska and Dirk, Dan, Frank and I met him at Michael's Restaurant for dinner last night. It was good to see him, and he brought back goodies from a Czech bakery back in Nebraska.

Dirk and I also met up and saw Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. I rather enjoyed it. I've read already how people are complaining that it modified some parts of the book. One person said that it was one thing to leave something out and another to change things. The reality, is that a screenplay based on a book always has to change and modify the storyline. There was nothing that was outrageous, although I had wished more memories were included.

Pre-WALL-E

Dear Jack,

Finally feeling myself!!! It is the first day that I am finally feeling near 100% following my migraines. This is great. To celebrate, Michael and I are going to go to see WALL-E. I hope it is good.

The 4th was not that great. Despite not feeling great, we joined Brian and Dave in Long Island City to watch the fireworks. Although the company of Brian and Dave was great, the weather made the viewing of fireworks less than fun...in addition to the loud crowd and the placement of some big white dome that obstructed the view. I heard from many that the fireworks had moved too, which made it more difficult to see.

Afterwords we trekked to Albatross and met Jason and Paul. I had some Shirley Temples...yes don't laugh...they're alcohol free and they taste very good. Everyone laughed at me, but they also commented on how good they tasted. While there Sebastian, Rudy and Paul Z. showed up.

Today I relaxed with Michael and slept a lot... I've done a lot of sleeping with this migraine thing. I think that most of the past few days have been spent in bed with covers over my head.

I apologize to anyone who has tried to get a hold of me, as my phone has been either off or on silent to limit the noise.

Get Real Review

Dear Jack,

Just saw Get Real, and here's what I thought:

Michael and I watched this the other night. This is probably one of my favorites so far, with regards to gay movies. The acting was actually decent, the plot was averagely complicated, and the characters were likable.

The story was very realistic, a private school setting in England where the unpopular, closeted, gay boy crosses upon the athletic, even more closeted, head boy. Other than it being about gay teenagers, I saw no reason for it to be rated "R"...but it seems the family groups are in charge of the rating systems rather than logical people. There was no sex, barely one shot of one butt for less than a second, little violence, and very little bad language.

All around I recommend this movie.

Failure to Launch not Complete Failure

Dear Jack,

Just saw Failure to Launch and here are my thoughts:

So I saw this ONLY because of McConaughey. And for the most part, it was worth it. The biggest problem other than the obvious predictability of the plot, was the weird inclusion of animals biting Matthew with an undeveloped plot understanding that nature was mad at Matthew for not moving out of the house.

I also wish there were more scenes with shirts off and men prancing around in towels...well Matthew prancing with a towel...and maybe one of his buds.

The New World Review

Dear Jack,

Here's my review of The New World:

I just got back from this movie. I liked it and Michael did not. The worst part of the movie is the length and lack of editorial skills by the Editor. It dragged on for two and a half hours to tell a story that could have been done in an hour and a half if not less.

Although it was very historically correct, it lacked the ability to engage the audience into caring about it.

I am uncertain why, but they never mention the name Pocahontas except in the ending credits. Neither do they mention John Rolfe, although he is one of the main figures. The only clearly named person was John Smith. The rest of the characters were left to those who knew the story to begin with. If you are unfamiliar with the Virginia colony, you will be completely lost as to who the people are.

What is sad about this movie, is that being so long and so unengaging, the masses will not like it. In fact, as the final credits appeared, the audience let out a sigh of relief that the movie was over.

Colin Ferrel did a decent job, although his character was never really developed, and he spent most of his time looking confused--one could make a connection between him and Russell Crowe and some of his movies.

The actress who played Pocohantas (I'm sorry, but I'm just too lazy to look it up) was exceptional. I only wish the movie were up to par with her acting.

James Horner should be shot for his atrocious sound track which consisted mostly of a chord building upon itself with French Horns to make noise.

If you are able to sit through long movies, with minimal changes in view, and minimal engagement you may like it. I did, but I have a special place in my heart for Colin and for Colonial America.

Lions, Witches, and Wardrobes

Dear Jack,

Here is my review for Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe:

I was a little apprehensive about this movie, as I feared they would take away a lot of what I liked about the book. Luckily, however the director was obviously a purist. I found it to be a very enjoyable movie that followed the book very closely.

C.S. Lewis feared his books being made into movies because of the aspects of the animals. He didn't want them humorous men in suits, or puppets, so he saw no way his books could be turned into movies. Thanks to advances in CGI, I feel this movie captured the reality of animals and yet brought them to life as likable and realistic characters.

I look forward to seeing additional movies in the series.

Brokeback Mountain Review

Dear Jack,

Here is my review for Brokeback Mountain:

It is about time that there was an epic movie about gay men. The acting was not bad at all, and the story was one that many a gay man can relate to. The only critique I find is that it takes place over a period of 20 some years, yet Jake and Heath don't seem to age that much.

I highly recommend it, even though Heath's character reminds me of my an ex. (maybe that's why it seems so real).

Rent Review

Dear Jack,

Here is my Movie Review for Rent:

Not as good as the play... one gets the jist of the story, but one looses the closer connection to the homeless.

Side note...why do Broadway singers now only whine? They didn't use to. Now it seems like they (mostly the young men) are trying to be poppish whiny singers and that takes away from the beauty of the music. For this movie, Roger has a very complementary voice which does not whine. Very Nice.

It was also good to see the guy from Law and Order in it.

Can't Sleep

Dear Jack

It is 5 AM on Tuesday 23 of November and I can't sleep. Over the weekend and yesterday I had some migraines. I am blaming them on Dad and the stress I'm under with him.

Friday I went to dinner with Matthew G., Stephen S., and Rob S. at a horrid pizza hole called Hot Spot. I was less than impressed. Then Matthew and I went to see what was playing at the local cinemas, but neither went to watch a movie. I spent the night in my room relaxing.

On Saturday I met Brendan for the first time. We were intending on going ice skating. Unfortunately it was raining pretty heavily and around 40 degrees, so it was not a good idea. Instead we met up for coffee at the Big Cup. We talked for a good long time about all kinds of stuff. I will say he is a cute guy with nice blue eyes. He has become more and more intriguing, as I've learned of his many interests which include hockey, soccer, stained glass, crocheting, Jagermeister, languages (he knows several), microbiology, and vocal performance. I feel so dumb around him LOL. On top of it all he is a very sensitive and manly guy, despite the cat ears winter hat he wore. (I thought it was cute, he thought it was gay) LOL.

After meeting Brendan, I went with Shai and Shalom (that's SHA-lom) to a thing called Date Bait. I did not expect to get much out of it, and guess what, I didn't. Not a single damned match. Shai got one, and Shalom took tons. Then after some deliberation we went to Daioh for sushi. After that I met up with Andrew, Marcus, Adam, and Andrew's friend Gregg. We went to a place called Boy's Room. It was a crappy place...extremely extremely hot and humid inside, and crowded. I recognized a guy named Andres from Date Bait there. There were strippers doing pole dances on the bars... very sketch. We did not stay long, despite we paid $15 each to get in. There is no website for it...proves it's crud.

The next place we went to was called Spalsh. It was a little bit more ritzy, but still was pretty much the same thing as Boy's Room... just a cleaner setting, cooler setting, and a larger venue. I will say that I did not completely dislike the models strutting there stuff, I am not sure I would want to go back to it. Maybe I'd go with guests to "shock" them into the gay life of NYC. But that would be about it. I left and came home around 1 AM. I talked online with Josh and Brendan.

The next day, Sunday, migraine two hit. BLARG!!! I had gotten up and showered for church, and wham. It was gone by 6 that night. At 10 I decided to go to Shalom's birthday party. I wasn't sure I was going to go because of how I felt, but since I had said I was going, I figured I should. On my way there, I ran into Andrew and Gregg... small gay world so to speak. Shalom held his party at Avalon. Avalon is an old church that was converted into a club in the seventies or something like that, called Limelight. I heard some tale that the original owner chopped up visitors, but it could just be an urban legend. Well my trip to Avalon was unique. In the main dance area (the former Nave), we looked into a secluded, guarded area, and saw Madonna. The Madonna. I would have to say this is my first big-time celebrity to see in person. I know there are probably tons of people who would have flipped out, but I was like "eh, who cares." LOL. Avalon was huge, and filled with too many people. I found myself loafing around Marcus and Andrew, not bad, but I still felt like a loafer. I went home around 1:45 and chatted with Brendan and Josh online (again).

Enter Migraine Three. Having not drank anything, you would think I would not wake up with a headache...ah but that is where you'd be wrong. This was the worst of the three, and hopefully the last of the three. Since it is nearly 5:30 now, and I feel fine, I assume as much.

Having done nothing all day, not eat, not drink, not sleep, not defecate... I joined Rick T. for dinner around 7:30 PM. I ate some soup and then met up with Shai, Shalom and Jason around 9. Then I felt more hungry and had a petite Sirloin at Uno. Then we went to Polar Express (which I had already seen). Then I came back home and, you guessed it, talked with Josh and Brendan online... this time you can add Shai, and Jason too. Brendan was crocheting stockings for Christmas. So domesticated, yet so manly. Josh is coming in tomorrow from New Hampshire which also adds to my light mood.

In addition to this, I am feeling good emotionally... like happy happy... I hope it lasts.

Tomorrow I should also begin moving to my new room... so who knows what will happen with the internet until I get it figured out with Time Warner or Verizon. I hope to be in full operation by the end of the week...who knows for sure though.

It is now nearly 6AM, and I still can't sleep... I get up in an hour LOL to shower before Morning Prayer.

Oh, in addition to all the migraines and partying and paper writing, I read The DaVinci Code. I will be posting on that later.

It's Nov 12 Already???

Dear Jack,

The last post I had was Halloween.

Allen B. came up for a visit. He hung out with my friends and all was good. I am very happy how all of them have gotten along with each other. They all complemented me in my choice of friends. And yes, ALL OF MY FRIENDS ARE COOL. I love them. They make an urban family. Allen hung out with my friend Jason while Shai and I went to the gay bar G. At G, Shai and I ran into Mike from Halloween and his friend Paul. I found myself feeling sort of sad because Mike and Paul seemed to ignore me and really really were pushing themselves on Shai. In the end we learned more than we wanted to about Paul and Mike and their "friendship" which included sex at an AIDS camp. Now we figure they were trying to get Shai to join them for some fun. Luckily Shai is not like that in any way. So we (having met up with Jason and Allen for dinner) just heard their stories and ignored them, and let them go about their lives. It is silly how upset I was feelign being ignored by people who really were nto people I needed to worry about.

In addition that weekend Allen and I saw Rent. I loved it. It made me cry a lot though. I felt really touched by the story and especially by Angel. It was a great time all in all, despite the fact that I was in tears LOL.

On Tuesday Josh came in to town and Jason went into the hospital. Not how things were planned to happen. Jason had an infection from a spider bite. On Wednesday Josh, Shai, and Sha-lom and I went to Sezchwuan Restaurant. After that we went to the Big Cup.

THen we met up with Andrew, Julia, and another friend of theirs and went to see Ray. It wasn't that bad of a movie, but a little long. It was a good thing Josh opted out of the movie, as he needed to be back early, and the movie did not let out until 1:30 AM.

Yesterday I went to Tribeca for spiritual direction. Then I went to visit Jason in the hospital and stayed there till he was discharged. Then we met up with Shai and ate dinner in the Upper West Side.

Today there's not much else going on.

Big Fish and Troy

Dear Jack,

So let's see... Last night I watched Big Fish with Mom. It was pretty good, but very random... which is to be expected from Burton. I liked it, especially Ewan McGreggor, the hottie of the week in my book-- well till he got dethroned this afternoon. Yes, this afternoon I went to see Troy. I shall now take this time to preach.

:: preaching voice :: Please do not think me too bold in saying, leave your brats at home when you go to a movie based on war. Having babies and toddlers watch a naked Brad Pitt kill fifty men in single hand combat is not something they should be watching at that age. In addition to subjecting kids to a PG-13/R level movie who are under 2 years old, they tend to get restless and whiny, and CRY. This takes away from the viewing enjoyment for the poor saps around you. I understand you couldn't find a freaking babysitter... wait till it comes out in the movie store... don't subject us to your bad luck and the spreading of your legs. :: OK TOO HARSH I KNOW ::

Almost as bad as having a kid cry throughout the movie was having this elderly couple and their gay black friend talk the entire time. The elderly woman... who reminds me of my friend Joy's mother, Wanda... felt she needed to ask who each person was three or four times each time they appeared on screen. I know there are a lot of major characters played by a lot of major actors, but this is not Cinema 101. This is a presentation with an audience. The black man who accompanied the old couple was obviously gay, as he and the old white woman kept commenting on how nice Brad Pitt's arms and ass were. Yes... there is a lot of Brad Pitt shown in the movie. Yes, he is definitely hot and I would die if ever I met him... but still. SHUT UP and watch in silence. It takes away from fantasizing when there are old people talking. GRRRRR.

About the movie... It was well presented, however I do not know how accurate it was based on the literature of the time about it. I did think they had a hard time trying to present it in the wake of Lord of the Rings. One only needs to realize that what happened in Troy actually happened whereas Mordor did not. I will complain that they could have developed some characters a little fuller. Hector was probably the most developed, then Achilies. Paris and Helen were not very well developed. The King of Troy... yeah he was good role placement. I think, but am not sure that he is the same guy who was Edward Longshankes. Boromir and Legollas make appearances in the movie of course -- I guess poor Orlando will always be put behind a bow. The dude playing Boromir plays King Odysseus. I also thought that any CGI was very well hidden and believable.

Oh.. last complaint. The damned movie theatre stopped the damn film before the credits!!! I was very upset. I actually complained. They gave me the excuses, "the projector must have got too hot." There are two projectors used, and besides that the movie was not so long that that could happen. Just tell me you didn't think it was important, or you messed up... don't lie to me.

After the movie, I went to Shoe Carnival and had a blast. I bought three pairs of shoes, all Sketchers. I got a dressy shoe, sandals, and some dark workshoes/casual shoes. I then came home and fixed some steaks for my dad and I. I also decided to try a low carb pudding I found at Kroger. It was pretty good.

Homeward Bound II

Dear Jack,

Today I woke up, ate lunch, and then headed over to my Aunt Sandy's house to see her and my Grandma Pease. There was very little conversation, as they were intent on watching the baseball game - Indians vs. Tampa Bay and the Indians were kicking ass. I had no problem watching the game, I just would have liked some conversation. I did get to meet my Aunt Sandy's boyfriend... I think live in. His name is Joe. He seems very hippie looking.

Around 3:30 I decided to trek back from Conneaut to Ashtabula. On TV was Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Francisco. It wasn't that bad of a movie. We ate ribs for dinner and then my cousin Cathy came over. She brought her daughter Mia whom I've not seen in six years. Mia is working on her Masters in Ann Arbor... some field dealing with social work. Regardless it was very neat to meet them.

This evening Grandma Hohne and I got into an argument, so to say, regarding my email practices with my father. She says I should email him more, and I told her it was none of her business. Luckily we sat down and discussed things out, and all is well now.

Tomorrow I head to Mass with them at 8:30 in the freaking morning. Then I head to Holy Eucharist at Holy Cross Charismatic Episcopal Church. I am not looking forward to the second service. It is in a break-away Episcopal Church. My Grandma Pease, whom I am meeting there, has left the gold old ECUSA for it. Being Charismatic all they talk about is how wonderful the minister is. Well I am sorry, but the minister is not the reason to go to a Church. Ministers are human... they error. One should go to the church for God and how God is shared in a growing community. I know the minister has also spoken out against the atrocities of ECUSA and it's "heretical practice with God-forsaken homos". I am prompting for a scene.

Lamb is Tasty

Dear Jack,

Ok so today I woke up with a migraine headache. I took meds and felt better by noonish for choir, although I still felt groggy. I came back to my room after eating lunch alone... I hate eating lunch alone... I almost skipped it, but had already paid my money. I worked in the SCIS office today and overheard the Board of Trustees Meeting for Academic Affairs. It was interesting, 'cept that diversity for them means "bringing black people" to PC. Even funnier was, 'how many black people does Furman have?" They never mentioned women or gays or Buddhists. They did mention the three Chinese restaurants in Clinton... Thus they believe we have a small "china town" somewhere in Laurens. And they also mentioned Freddy as the token Latino.

After work I ate dinner with Caleb and James and a random girl that I know but do not remember her name. After dinner Teska came up for a chat. I told him how I edited my journal pre-posting to protect "innocent' friends of ours. He found it interesting. Justin and I have been chatting online, and I hope he comes by.

Oh I have to mention the double date from the other night. Dani and Teska (now dating... soooo sweet) and Justin and I went to G-Vegas to see Matrix Revolutions. I enjoyed it, but some of the others in the crew didn't. I thought it was soooo sweet that the "men" cried... Especially my sweetie. He cried when Trinity died. Justin is so sweet and sensitive. Oh and Teska cried too... Dani might have, but she covered her face in fear from the rest of the movie. She's such a chicken... Plus it invokes arms to go around her... Teska's arms of course. Before that we ate at Ruby Tuesdays, and that was good... I love Steak. It may be my favorite food. It may be. But then again I love my Thai food... And Italian, Mexican, Chinese, Indian... Hell I like all foods... 'cept for deep fried stuff. That gets old.

I might as well list the foods I loath.

I loath Ham, Sweet Potatoes, Beets, Yams, non-ruby red Grapefruit, Parsnips, I'm not big on pork in general, but I do eat sausage and bacon... But prefer non-pork on both. I may like to cook fancy, but my favorite food is still beans and franks with macaroni and Cheese.

I love Beef. BEEF IS GOOD. So is Turkey, and chicken, and goose, duck, lamb, I LOVE LAMB. LAMB IS DA BOMB. Well that's all for today. Talk to you later Jack.

Mom's Back

Dear Jack,

I did nothing today, but relax and sleep. At around dinner time, I went to get my mom at the Airport. She was arriving from Pittsburgh where she had gone on her way to Conneaut for her High School reunion. On the way home, we had a chat about England and about Gene Robbinson. She was shocked and surprised by Dad’s approval. Apparently he had told her differently when it actually occurred. This made me think that maybe Dad was trying to open up to me, and had an inkling that I may be gay. I can never read him.

Anyway she reported on the family up in Ohio. It appears that she and her half sister have made friends again. They used to rival each other. They discovered her mother had actually been sort of playing them off of each other. It took them to this year to realize this. Luckily they have realized it, and are now getting along with each other. I then told Mom about Lynda and Dad. She was happy to hear this too. We went home and watched My Big Fat Greek Wedding. I think it is one of my favorite comedies right now... that and Bridget Jones Diary.

Back from Oxford

Dear Jack,

Tea was held at the Old Parson’s Hotel. It was way down the road north of The Eagle and Child. I personally thought it was overpriced for tea. So I ordered a Hot Chocolate. Afterwards we gathered in the lawn at Corpus Christi where we were served champagne by the head of the dining facilities. We had roast for dinner served with wine. I wasn’t crazy about the Sauvignon, as I am a sweet wine connoisseur.

Following dinner, all of us, but Rob and William B.(the latter went to bed), went to The Turf Pub. It is located in an ally near the Radcliff Camera. Grace M. was the big instigator of the gathering. We invaded a section of the pub. I ordered a Port. We sat and chatted for a while. A portion stayed inside the Pub, while a group of us stayed outside on the picnic tables. Eventually all joined us outside. I cannot say there was much deep conversation. The majority of it focused around the fact that Jacob H. was smoking a cigar. Many people made sure to get his photo. There were a lot of photos being taken. I felt honored in the rare cases where I was asked to be apart of the picture. Grace insisted on buying a drink for me, so I ordered another Port. She said, “After this, we can go to The Castle again.” I hoped she was right. However I knew in my heart we would not go. At 11 when the pub closed, we left en masse to find another pub which is open till 2. I knew the Castle was open. The group split... many heading back to C. C. C. so as to pack. The few of us that remained headed to the pub that was supposedly open (not the Castle). We found out that pub, however, had a cover charge. So we headed in another direction (I hoping for the Castle). Instead we ran into Drew and Alison R. There was some argument going on between the two of them. Ali stormed off, and Drew joined our crew. “Damn,” I thought, “Now we’re definitely not going to The Castle.” We headed to The Rose. It was filled, so we headed back to C. C. C. Drew headed to bed. Matt Kay and I were left to enter the courtyard to check our emails in the library. As we entered the court yard, we overheard yelling and screaming coming from Grace’s window. It was Ali. Grace had gone after her. I headed up with Matt to see what was going on. Adriana met us at the top of the stair to explain the deal.

According to Ali, Drew had said something to her for a practical joke--well supposedly he yelled and cursed at her. She felt hurt and confronted him, and they blew up at each other. About this time, Matt and I see Drew at the bottom of the stairs coming up them. Matt and I tried to wave him away, but he would not listen. He got to the top, and Adriana told him he better leave now.

He left. He followed directions... well Ali got upset cause he didn’t come in to talk to her, yet really that was what he had planned on doing, from appearances. Eventually Grace and I ended up with Ali, trying to calm her down. She had it in her mind to confront Drew. Now I know for a fact things would have turned out differently had both been sober... but with both Ali and Drew drunk... neither would be thinking correctly. Grace and I tried to convince Ali to just wait for the night. She wouldn’t hear of it and stormed down the stairs to confront Drew. Meanwhile, Adriana had gone to talk with Drew. I came downstairs to find a crew of people unsure of what’s going on. Drew came out of a different direction and denied all parts of his involvement. This sort of ticked me off. He had been apart regardless of to what degree. He tried to push it all onto Ali. Now I wasn’t there, but I know that it takes two to tango. I said nothing other than, “Be careful, the women are looking for you.”

I met up with Matt again and we headed out into the street to head back to Magpie. On the way we ran into Ali waiting for Drew to come and chat with her. Matt went to bed, Adriana and I stayed off to the side and chatted... and Drew and Ali had an all out yelling match outside Oriel College. Eventually all went to bed.

I slept little, as I had been conditioning myself for the trip home. I woke up, took a shower (used William Brrss’ shampoo as he offered), and then took my things to the courtyard to await our departure. The bus driver was very nice, and good looking. He drove up to the college. Grace and I shared a seat on the way to Gatwick. The line at Gatwick was long and warm. British Airways handed out bottled water for us. Eventually through, we went to the gate. I sat in seat 30H next to an old black man and his Irish wife. He was a nasty talking grump. Behind me was a 5 year old cry-baby who wined the entire trip back. I thought I was going to go insane. I watched Finding Nemo for the second time. It’s a pretty good movie dealing with letting go of those whom you love so they can grow up. I think it is one of Pixar’s best, so far. At the airport in Atlanta we waited for a long time in a cow-pen line. I got through without a hitch.

I couldn’t find my dad at the baggage claim however. This disturbed me as it was an hour after my landing, and he should have been there by then. Turns out he went to the wrong terminal and was about to leave, when we happened upon each other in the Atrium. We came home and chatted along the way. I was surprised to learn his approval of the gay bishop. He doesn’t “think fagots and queers are normal, but they need to be allowed in church anyways.” Now I don’t want to even un-package that statement nor my reaction to it.

At home we watched a DVD-- Bringing Down the House staring Steve Martin and Queen Latifah. I must admit Queen Latifah is becoming one of my favorite actresses. Along with Rene Zelwigger. Midway through the movie we got a very unique phone call.

“Hello, I received a letter from you in the mail, and I replied to you through email, but I wasn’t sure when you were going to check it, so I looked up your phone number,” said the caller.

“I’m sorry, but I don’t have any idea what you’re talking about,” my Dad.

“Well, the letter says that you’re my big brother, and that you’ve got our father...”

“OH OH OH OH. YEAH!!!!”

Turns out that my uncle hand run across a letter addressed to my great aunt from my half-aunt Lynda. See, my grandpa Day was married to my Grandmother, Marilyn. He was an abusive drunk and left her. They divorced, and he married a Jeanie Miller and had two children... Lynda and Lisa. Well with him not keeping in contact with the family, we never knew my aunts. After finding him again, and reconnecting with his sister and nephews in LA, we were able to track down Lynda and Lisa. Lynda wants to come out and meet us. They live in Missouri.

Departing For Germany

Dear Jack,

[transcribed from handwritten journal. links have been added for enhancement.]

I went to church as usual. I was already packed. During the service we sang the Naval Hymn. The last time I remember hearing that song was in Titanic...and of course the line "perils of the sea" was foreshadowing the end of the ship.In the modern version of this song, it has also perils of the air. I felt... wonderful.

At 2pm Joy and Wanda showed up, so we left for the airport. Wanda was being really protective. We got there around 2:40. No one else showed up until 3pm. We checked in and headed for E3 Gate. Our flight was flight 38 Delta. I switched to air miles to my name. We boarded at 5:05. I sat in seat 38D. Joy sat in 35D, so we switched her to seat 38C. It took a while to get off, but we did so around 5:58. We had a choice of steak or chicken for dinner. I chose the steak. it was surprisingly tender. Joy had chicken and spilled bits of rice on herself. The movies were At First Sight and Message in a Bottle. They were both sappy and boring. Two Dutch/Chinese people sat in front of us. The woman had trouble walking. Behind us sat a Dutch family with a young girl. I sat next to Joy and an American college guy who didn't talk much. We were in the middle. The stewardesses' sleeping seat was next to the college guy, and a short girl with wavy black hair sat on the other side. Joy and I tried to sleep, but neither of us could due to the movies playing.