January 2000 January 1999 January 1998 Rachel's Daily Diary _________________ Monday 10 January 2000   4 08 am pst   [ jig zag ] There are two ways of doing a jig saw puzzle. You can attempt to fit in various pieces that look like they might go in a specific spot, or you can pick up each piece and try to find it's location by staring at the image on the puzzle box. The later method is rather one of brute force, and is generally only employed as the puzzle nears its end. That is the mothod I have been using in the past few hours.

I love games. I love puzzles of various types. I love any good logic test and I love playing cards. I hope that someday -- when I am married -- i can have friends with whom I will play -- evenings of mah jong, bridge, or go. Matthew's mother loves games, and in playing with her, I realize the whole I have in my lofe for such activities. I play countless hours of computer games (Solitaire, Tetris, MineSweeper derivatives, Macigame, Dr. Mario derivatives), but I long for a game playing partner. Card games are a common passtime with all members of my family [my father's side], and I never pass up an opportunity to teach or learn a new game. I still need to learn mah jong, go, and bridge. But I'm not worried that the opportunity won't present itself. Surely I could find instructions on the web, but being taught by a person is much more enjoyable. There is nothing better in life than finding a teacher.

5 12 pm pst   [ what she needs ] My mother and I had a bit of a tiff. She always says that she needs for me to various chores for her. I told her that she doesn't need me to, she wants me to, and rather than saying "I need you to..." I want her to say "Would you please..." I politely requested this change in diction, and my mum got indignant that I would ask her to change the way she talks. Clearly she was in an unreasonable mood. She eventually hung up on me, and I was happy I had kept my calm. Matthew and I are having an early dinner with my mum, her boyfriend, and on of his sons. The son's name is Kevin, and he is an absolute riot. He is one of the funniest people I have ever encountered, so the evening looks promising, despite my mother's mood.

11 47 pm pst   [ a belly of laughter ] Dinner was fantastic. My belly was filled with both hearty laughter and delicious food. It was an evening of family -- an evening of merryment. I always enjoy a night out with my mum and her beau. I dined on a tomato and onion salad, steak potatoes, a vegetable plate, and apple torte. Twas a feast fit for a king. The gift of humor is certainly a marvelous thing. I use humor to cope with all of life's disappointments and quibbles. And I enjoy a sharp wit, whetted with humor, more than most anything else. It is lovely that people come in so many flavors. And here, to the right, is one of the myriad watercolors I created early this morning [before I went to bed]. I asked one of Matthew's roommates what he would like me to paint, and he suggested a fruit basket. I hate being at a loss for a subject.

two years ago today: "I feel as though I am playing a game to which I do not know the rules." * * * one year ago today: "Got in touch with researchers around the world." * * * one month ago today: "My legs are great for running, jumping, skipping, walking, strolling, pacing, kicking, pushing, spinning, swimming, horseback riding, dancing, turning, supporting, skiing, lunging, leaping, dangling, and squeezing." * * * <   yesterday   |   month   |   tomorrow   > ~   back to Rachel's Daily Diary   ~