Phyllis Sidheuaine

They went to class today, working their performance schedules around their class schedules. Some found out they're in my friend America's math class (a couple of them told me when I ran into them.) Al's taking a Japanese class and the sensei asked if he'd be willing to tutor some of the first-semester students. Looks like several of the "clan" are going to earn some extra money as foreign language tutors (FeiLong is tutoring in Chinese [don't know which dialect, so don't ask me], Al in both Italian and Japanese, Asami in French, Chinese and Japanese and Yoh in both Chinese and Japanese.)

I see a rise in female students asking for tutoring sessions in the immediate future.

I picked up quite a bit of stuff from the farmers market (much to my pantry's delight) and the guys who were able to join me enjoyed the talent this week (at least, they enjoyed the pre-recorded music.) Apples, heirloom tomatoes, pattypan squash, eggplant, bicolor corn, kettle corn, honey, so many other items that we had Wren fly the stuff home while the rest of us went by public transportation. Some of the farmers asked us about the helicopter, but we were mum on the subject.

The adults are swimming right now (I hope there aren't any hidden cameras taking photos of the group, especially since they're wearing fundoshi and too many of them look too nice in that attire) and the kids/:kitty:s/Dog are asleep. Monday will be the last day of this as far as I know since Tuesday'll be testing for the swimming/scuba classes and the school will need it.

Gotta go. Yuki's little ones are looking at me in the "We want to wait up for mommy and daddy, but we're too little for that" way.

Phyllis Sidheuaine

__________________
Arguing with you is like trying to hang myself in zero gravity<br /><br />This politickin' stuff is hard without detect evil.

Phyllis Sidheuaine

Cross was a hit with their duet (ABBA's The Name of the Game.) Those in the audience who were familiar with the song joined in the chorus. They followed up with ABBA's Knowing Me, Knowing You, then led the audience in Dance (While the Music Still Goes On) (again, by ABBA.) No, their set wasn't just ABBA hits, but they were the most recognizable to many members of the audience.

The octet who performed Boyz II Men songs were also a hit (the two basses who rattled the woofers caused major meltdown in the female hetero- or bi-identified and male non-hetero-identified audience members.) They performed with two female singers One Sweet Day (originally sung by Boyz II Men and Mariah Carey, but what can you do?) Yoh then went into Ikanaide and Friend. The Japanese campus population started crying when he did his solo stint (not because he was terrible, but he seemed to pour his heart right into each song.) He received several more proposals, which he politely turned down.

We did have a few disruptions by fundies, but there were only five arrests (the others left after they were asked politely to leave, a few with a bit of "encouragement" shall we say?) One capture was by Yogi, who was still in costume ("Can you say embarrassing? I knew you could." ) Hirato caught the "ringleader" (that was even funnier) who wanted us to stop bringing "satanic practices" onto a Christian campus. Hirato retorted, "Christian campus? That university's over there. If you'd like, I'll give you the exact address." (I like it when he's sarcastic. ) The members of Astral as well as some of the other non-"Abrahamic"-identified participants cleansed the area again right before we returned to the "main event".

The members of Circus were a hit with the little children (well, most of them.) The ":kitty: tamer" had several :kitty: doing tricks (no fire stuff, though. Didn't want to chance it.) Chii just adored the attention she received during her performance. She's a ham for Fishy Feast or Liver Lunch. *shakes head* Akihito did a live broadcast on the big screens of the tamer's shtick so everybody could see.

Ah, gotta go. I'm up with Hirato for our dances. Several of the "clan" have said, "Break a leg," which I'm hoping won't be literal.

Phyllis Sidheuaine

__________________
Arguing with you is like trying to hang myself in zero gravity<br /><br />This politickin' stuff is hard without detect evil.

Phyllis Sidheuaine

Update of today: several truckloads of nonperishable food items were collected over our stint as well as food, bedding and toys for the humane society (this is on top of the monetary donations collected.)

My "clan" went swimming after the gig (one hidden camera lost a fight to Shigure's shuriken while a couple of others were carefully removed by Gareki, Hirato, Yoh and Akihito [and they were at the person/persons responsible for setting up the cameras].) Akihito asked the police if he could have the surviving cameras for his use (he'd never set up something like that [doesn't need to].)

Oh, before you ask, there are security cameras, but they aren't in areas that are "questionable". We asked, plus Daiba, did a computer search of the building from his "cave". Anyway, one camera ended up in the pool (no, it wasn't waterproof, so that one's also trashed) and five more are currently in police custody, awaiting their former owners.

Daiba also provided musical background for everybody from his vast collection of bookmarks and downloads. He went in later with three trusted people to make sure he didn't drown or anything like that. I guess he enjoyed the swim because his bum leg didn't cause him any trouble, plus it was time he could spend getting to know several of the :kitty: swimmers who joined him. Oh, before you ask, the people were humanoids, not felines.

Gotta go. Long day tomorrow with getting two checks cut (one for the Hunger Task Force, the other for the Wisconsin Humane Society) plus school starts in earnest.

Phyllis Sidheuaine

__________________
Arguing with you is like trying to hang myself in zero gravity<br /><br />This politickin' stuff is hard without detect evil.

Phyllis Sidheuaine

Final total for our benefit: $360,000! (*wow*) Not bad for something going on during bad financial times, eh?

Oh, we also found out who installed the "security" cameras and they're expelled from school (have to repay all their financial aid, pay for the replacement cameras, plus two have been drummed out of the military [their schooling was being paid by Uncle Sam via one or more military services].) One of them was a student senator (will have an emergency election for his seat.) The :kitty:s had fun with the printouts the kids had of our pool parties (I think you can guess what they did, those "naughty" :kitty:s. )

I sang a few songs earlier today which several of the couples enjoyed immensely: Sparkle by Cameo, Diamonds and Pearls by Prince and the New Generation, When It's Love by Van Halen and Lotta Love by Nicolette Larson. Things got a bit "interesting" to say the least (luckily they found quiet places to "neck" in private.) Good thing I didn't have anything "harder" playing or it would've been really interesting! (*eek!* *blush*)

The first day of tutoring was today and the tutors were inundated with females requesting their assistance. Our deaf member was helpful in that he helped with enunciation/pronunciation (one has to really think about both when speaking to someone who has to read lips in order to "hear" what's being said.) A few girls tried "pick up lines" on him (he blushes quite nicely [it's a good thing he can pretend to not quite get all of the words the girls are saying. ].) He got a frozen fruit slush as a reward for his being so patient with his fellow "clan" members (they didn't have any control over their students, so they were almost as frustrated as he was.)

There's going to be a new rule posted in the tutoring center starting today: No flirting with the tutors, students or those who have business in the tutoring center before, during or after one's session.

Gotta go. Sounds like Keigo's in hot water. Again.

Phyllis Sidheuaine

__________________
Arguing with you is like trying to hang myself in zero gravity<br /><br />This politickin' stuff is hard without detect evil.

Phyllis Sidheuaine

Cross is learning a few Loggins and Messina songs (they're practicing Angry Eyes right now) for future performances, adding a bit of variety to "our" repertoire. They're "borrowing" several of the musicians, including the guys from Lucifer.

We had a "mass tutoring" today (it was interesting working with several different accents/dialects, which was a change from the usual one dialect/tutor.) Going to have to ask the tutoring center as well as the professors if it will be repeated. Several of the students recognized Suoh because of the broadcast of his furry manager's story, which got him to teach them his dialect (since he lapses into it when he's excited about a subject.) He just lights up when he talks to/about Tiger Lily. Oh, excuse me a moment. . .

What is it, Tao? We're running out of chopped peppers? I'll be right there.

Gotta go. I'm directing the "burrito building" line while a few others are directing the other Tex-Mex "assembly lines". :kitty:s are also standing by.

Phyllis Sidheuaine

__________________
Arguing with you is like trying to hang myself in zero gravity<br /><br />This politickin' stuff is hard without detect evil.

Phyllis Sidheuaine

*stares at the empty bottles, then the sleeping :kitty:s*

Ah, you caught me again. I was just reminiscing, caused by another song (We Must Believe In Magic by Crystal Gayle.) It just got me thinking about [deceased member]. Sorry.

We had a chaotic day yesterday. Yoh and FeiLong were accosted (one of the attackers found out that, despite his long hair, FeiLong isn't female.) Yoh's and FeiLong's initial appearances before a judge will be Wednesday. Their attackers' initial appearances will be after they're released from the hospital. They're lucky that neither of my guys were "packing" nor willing to kill any of them (FeiLong is a trained assassin.)

Belinda is sticking close to "Uncle Yoh", asking him to help her with her exercises as soon as he comes into view (when he enters her line-of-sight.) The doctors watch from the sidelines, making sure everything's done "to spec". Yoh has been singing during her rehab workouts (he claims that it's easier to time stuff without having to check a watch or a clock [whatever floats his boat, I guess].) Yuki and his wife are grateful for their interactions (gives the parents time to spend with their biological child.)

A few of the guys have been helping out with the community garden set up by America's mother (they've been paid with fresh vegetables and edible flowers.) Yuuen's been a godsend since he's quite "attuned" to the plants (stopped an aphid infestation before it really got off the ground by bringing their natural predators into the plots.) He's known at the local "organic co-op" as the guy who drinks tea with honey and orange juice (instead of sugar or lemon.) One of the people involved in the garden has tried to foist vegan pastries or carob-covered soybeans on him, but she just doesn't understand how to make them palatable (I usually get edamame soybeans to snack on since he just adores them [just steam them, then step back].)

America and her mother have promised to show everybody how to make homemade potato chips (what you Brits call "crisps") from which potatoes make the best ones to how long to fry them in the "right" oil. I promised to make a few casseroles for that day, just in case.

Gotta go. Sounds like trouble outside and several of the "clan" are arming themselves to the teeth. PUT THAT .44 MAGNUM AWAY.

Phyllis Sidheuaine

__________________
Arguing with you is like trying to hang myself in zero gravity<br /><br />This politickin' stuff is hard without detect evil.

Phyllis Sidheuaine

Well, here are the results of the prelim trial: Yoh and FeiLong were let off with a stern warning by the judge and FeiLong's assailant had fourth-degree s. assault tacked onto his charges (he groped FeiLong in an area that proved the Baishe leader's male, which is what caused FeiLong to "go ballistic".) The "victim"'s mother is serving eight months for multiple counts of contempt of court (just didn't know when to shut up.)

FeiLong's sequestered with Dragon's Wing (that's right, a :kitty: ) right now and has been since we returned yesterday. He's allowed only Tao and the :kitty:s to enter the room (he's that [the female questioned his gender, his preferences and his suitability to be Tao's guardian, and used some negative racial epithets].) The racial epithets were what got her the contempt charges (the judge's last name was Liu) but the rest was what caused FeiLong's blood pressure to skyrocket. Dragon's Wing just adores getting combed by the Chinese gentleman and her purrs seem to act better than opiates. When one adds Tao combing the Baishe leader's hair, I have a feeling that it won't be that long before the voluntary sequester is over.

Ah, speaking of Tao. . . Ah, FeiLong wants some steamed chicken feet? Coming right up.

Gotta go. A "royal command" for steamed chicken feet. The kitchen calls.

Phyllis Sidheuaine

__________________
Arguing with you is like trying to hang myself in zero gravity<br /><br />This politickin' stuff is hard without detect evil.

Phyllis Sidheuaine

FeiLong's returned to "the fold", shall we say. He faced his assailant (and the guy's mother) and scared the living daylights out of them both. He just told them that he spent seven years in a Chinese prison and his son, Tao, was the only thing keeping him on the "straight and narrow". He left out the fact that he is/was the head of a Triad (I believe that's what the Chinese mafia's called.)

We had a real cute little scene yesterday. Yoh, FeiLong and Suoh were standing in the apartment complex's front entrance, their mutual :kitty:s draped on their shoulders. Tiger Lily's growing so fast. *sigh* She'll be almost as big, if not as big as Cloud Walker and Dragon's Wing. She might have some Siamese in her family history (her "voice" is rather loud, shall we say?) Anyway, there were several high school girls who were trying to get into the building to get to the "cute guys". I basically told them that the guys were well aware that they (the girls) were underage and they don't want to spend time in an American prison. All the guys might still be around in four or five years, so it'll be something to look forward to.

Gotta go. :kitty: requests.

Phyllis Sidheuaine

__________________
Arguing with you is like trying to hang myself in zero gravity<br /><br />This politickin' stuff is hard without detect evil.

Phyllis Sidheuaine

Greetings from Chaos Central.

We had a really "interesting" day today. You see, I had to pick up the memorial candles for Sunday night (the Day of Atonement) and several of the "newbies" asked me about them. They ended up picking up several for themselves, too. One of the "veterans" asked if I was fasting this year, too, and I replied that it depends on whether or not I'm physically up to it. That started a discussion on fasting (some decided to try it out this year [I warned them that if they didn't feel like they were able to keep going, EAT].) I'm going to have easy snacks that don't require any cooking/baking so as to make it easier for those who can fast.

There's going to be several non-fasting members keeping an eye on the kids, feeding them when needed (Al and Kei are going to be cooking elsewhere so we aren't tempted by the aromas of either authentic Japanese or Italian cooking.) Yuki's set up several pounds of dry cereal in individual bags for snacks along with several pounds of apples and gallons of fruit drinks. He's fasting, so he's turning Belinda's care over to Tesshou (one of the vets [the one who is "audible sensitive"].) I just hope he doesn't pig out with her. Before you ask, his son's being cared for by his wife (she needs to have some time off from caring for their daughter, that's why Tesshou's caring for her.) Anyway, those who aren't fasting are going to the lobby to eat/feed the children so as to avoid being a distraction (only wish that those not in my "community" would be as conscientious. )

Hirato and Co. have volunteered to act as a "safe place" for the kids/Shigure to go if/when they're bored (the "sheep" will act as security, keeping them out of danger while on the "ship".) They're going to set up rooms for different games, run by different members of Circus, plus one for all the weapons (HIGH security room.) They're also going to provide snacks from their "stash". I can't wait to hear what games and such they're providing on top of all the security they're providing (there are a few wastes of a good evening of adult entertainment who seem to congregate outside the place I go for services, causing no end of trouble for both the old folks' home and the women's crisis center nearby.) I hope I'm not stopped by one of the "men" again this year.

Gotta go. I'm supervising the prep (along with the :kitty:s. )

Phyllis Sidheuaine

__________________
Arguing with you is like trying to hang myself in zero gravity<br /><br />This politickin' stuff is hard without detect evil.

Phyllis Sidheuaine

Pretty much just returned from an evening with Tyler and America (and "my clan".) Poor Tyler found out that he had to hand his Soul Calibur crown to my group (they trounced him, even when he was using his favorite characters (Astaroth, Berserker, Cervantes and Nightmare/Siegfried.) It was pretty good-natured, though (he "took it like a man", although I have a sneaking suspicion he wanted to cry like a baby.)

We had fun playing a "once-off" D&D 4th with a visitor from Ty's and America's hometown, most of us threw together a makeshift dinner (tortillas, cheese, a garden and a nearby store can be a real godsend sometimes. )

Anyway, I'm off to investigate the insides of my eyelids since today was "interesting" to say the least.

Phyllis Sidheuaine

__________________
Arguing with you is like trying to hang myself in zero gravity<br /><br />This politickin' stuff is hard without detect evil.