(no subject)

Is it possible that I may be losing some of my hearing? I often only catch snippets of people's comments. Sometimes I take a chance and wing it. I'm too embarrassed to ask them to repeat themselves (especially when it is for the second time) so I just say something in response to what I think they said. Sometimes my answers have been met with confused expressions. Sometimes they look downright shocked.

I went to my mom's place for dinner yesterday after work. She still forgets that I am allergic to fruits like apples even though I visit her at least once a week and she asks me if I want an apple every time I am there.

My mom always offers me food to take home with me. She keeps buying more than she needs. Some of the food she buys are things I would never bother buying myself. I often ask her not to buy any food for me but she doesn't listen. I have resorted to lying and saying I don't eat certain foods that she offers me to discourage her from buying food with me in mind. It feels odd telling her I don't like vegetables. But of course, like her forgetting that I am allergic to apples, she won't likely remember this anyway. My poor younger brother, who lives at home with her, had put on a lot of weight. Luckily, he started hiding from my mom and not eating everything she tries to give to him. He is beginning to get back to a normal and healthy size again.

(no subject)

It was a beautiful day so I decided to hang out at The Drive and visit one of my favourite spots, Juicy Lucy's, for some... ummm... juice. I was reading the newspaper there when I somehow got to chatting with a cute girl. I loved her funky look and she was dressed kind of goth but she wasn't one. Before I knew it, we took a short walk over to the park and continued chatting. It was great meeting someone new like this and just enjoying our conversation. After about 2 hours, we decided to part ways and resume our lives. It felt pretty awkward when I walked her to her car and we were saying goodbye to each other. We both didn't seem to know what to do. We did exchange phone numbers so I might give her a call sometime. I haven't called someone new for a date in ages so it all feels so awkward to me.

(no subject)

I can't wait to see the miniseries about former FBI agent, John O'Neill, tonight. (It starts at 8pm and the second half is on tomorrow).

The story of John O'Neill is an interesting one. (The link I provided made for a enjoyable read.) The man was quite a colourful character. While most FBI agents are low key, he was quite flamboyant in his double-breasted suits and cordial manner. He loved to go out to dance, wine and dine. O'Neill even had long term relationships with two women at the same time. O'Neill developed and headed what was the newly formed counterterrorism division in the FBI at the time. He collected and analysed a lot of information. He investigated Al Qaeda and warned goverment officials about their activities but at the time, they were not seen as a threat or terrorist organisation. The US government tried to dissuade O'Neill from his investigations because they were conducting business with various members of that organisation.

John O'Neill was charismatic and made efforts to befriend people all over the world and in various police and intelligence organisations. He wanted to develop ties with people to help him in his work. However, he can also be quite heavy-handed, abrasive and difficult to work with. He had frequent conflicts with his superiors and other government personnel. Despite all that, he was a determined and hard worker who got results.

On August 22nd 2001, John O'Neil finally left the FBI in frustration. He had a new job as the head of security at the World Trade Center. On September 11th, John O'Neil died when the towers collapsed. He had gotten out safely initially but went back inside.

I thought his life would make for a great movie. I had pictured George Clooney, Tommy Lee Jones or Harvey Keitel playing him. To my suprise, this miniseries was announced with Harvey Keitel as John O'Neill.