May 11, 1994 - Wednesday - Bank of Melissa, Kristen

What!!!??? Good. I swore I heard the phone ring as I started
typing this. There was a good song on the radio and I'm really not in
the mood to listen to anybody blab right now. It could just be a
chord in the song that sounds like the phone. It's always a pain in
Gainesville when I'm playing the stereo really loud and a song comes
on that every few seconds sounds like our faint little phone is
ringing.

Ashley called me back this evening as she had promised. She had
actually called earlier and told Chrissy that she'd call back. They
wanted to know why she keeps calling me and figured that she was
calling me to tell me to leave her alone. Cute. She told me that she
had called the honors department up in Gainesville. They said that
the specific requirements about biology weren't mentioned in our
course guide which is the bible according to the year you entered.
That may turn out to be really cool, I'll have to see. We then
chatted for a little while and she told me how she almost got in an
accident today on the way home from work that scared her into about
twenty minutes of numbness afterwards.

I arrived early to work and waited for Shannon to show up and
she looked at me when I said hello but just walked right on by. I
waited a few minutes to follow her and found her sitting on a bench
on boardwalk. I just realized that perhaps the sun was in her eyes
and she didn't see me because she wouldn't have really been looking
for me. I wish. I sat down with her and commented on how horribly
tired she looks and she said that she actually got too much sleep
last night, for she went to bed at nine and got up at a quarter til
seven. We sat there and the sun felt damn good. I had just closed my
eyes and leant back as she was saying that and I full agreed and wish
I could have been naked on a beach with her somewhere.

Kristen and I got along well all day long today. We chatted
briefly early in the day and eventually Ronnie and I worked across
from her on the platform. Ronnie and I were being very sexist and
were joking that we had better be careful so we don't get charged
with sexual harassment. There was this one GORGEOUS girl with the
perfect tan and the nicest breasts who had an earring loop through
her eyelid. We were also making rather perverted remarks to and about
Kristen. One time Ronnie and I were laughing pretty hard and she
wanted to know what we were saying. He said that it's just guy talk
and that we don't need her so she smiled and pouted and walked back
up to her position. I called for her to come back saying that maybe
Ronnie doesn't need her but I sure as hell do. I then told him she'll
be back and he laughed and said that you have to treat them like shit
to get them to keep coming back. That was funny. He then wondered why
they think they're the smarter sex!

Kristen came back the very next ride and I told her that we knew
that she would. It was cute. Ronnie was wise to put out a disclaimer
that we were teasing her because she works with us and were flirting
with the guests, just so she wouldn't get upset and think we were
genuinely being mean towards her. He was talking about all of the
things she could go and use on her boyfriend this weekend, mainly
strawberry lotion. I found out that he lives in Starke where the
state prison is and I asked her how soon until he gets fried. Ronnie
was mentioning other tasty lubricants and finally said baby oil. I
quickly corrected him and said that one leaves a bad taste on your
tongue and he cracked up and she made a look of disgust. It was
pretty funny.

We also were talking about Busch Gardens dress code because she
only had the top button of her shirt undone. I told her it was
against the dress code to have her shirt buttoned up that high and
she must undo another one. I then said that it is illegal not to look
comfortable in front of the guests. Ronnie thought that was great but
we could never convince her to unbutton her shirt. Kristen threw a
guests's cap one time to Ronnie and the brim made a thunk as it hit
Ronnie in the head and she and I started cracking up. I told her that
rules out playing frisbee with her up in gainesville and she said
that she was aiming for his head so we still can.

Later on I was heading out to break and Kristen waited up for
me. She was relieving Jamey for his break and she laughed and pulled
my sleeve to get me closer and told me that this is payback for what
Ronnie and I were saying. Cute. I then had the upmost fortune of
listening to Jamey blab for fifteen minutes. I later took height
stick and Kristen kept coming up and talking to me for rather long
periods of time which was cool. We then had to do a final track run
for the night and she has never done one so she called out for me to
wait up and said that she was coming with me. We each found a little
bit of money. Part of the trip included hopping off of a four foot
wall and she told me to come back and put her hands on my shoulders
and I put my hands on her sides as I lifted her down. That was cute.
We then walked to our cars together and talked a little bit more
about Gainesville.

Ryan was being rather funny today as well. He came up to those
of us on platform in the morning and told us that there are some VIPs
in the park so if we see anybody in white shirts and ties, then we
need to look like were about ready to have an orgasm! He also came
out and pointed out a woman with huge "titties" to me on boardwalk
and told me to go check her out. I told him we had seen her before
and had been joking to Ronnie that each one was bigger than my head!

Shannon was kind enough to let me park patrol in the morning
even though she had wanted to. I told her I was kind of planning on
it because I forgot my breakfast money. I promised to buy her a drink
if I found enough change and she said not to worry about it because
she raided Dick's wallet this morning. Later on we were all up on
boardwalk talking and she told me to get the earring out of my ear
and I asked her if the park was open yet and Jimmy kind of laughed
and I had gotten my point across. She was then making fun of me and I
asked her what she had said since she has called every other guy with
an earring a faggot. She said she was just making fun of my hoopy
loop and does so because she doesn't really like earrings on guys,
and then said it is nothing personal. She also said that she doesn't
like long hair, she likes her guys plain. That really surprised me
and I suddenly realized that I had been stereotyping her against
Shar¡. But maybe she is like Shar¡, just older. I'll just have to
wait and see how Shar¡ turns out when she grows up.

Shannon made Jamey wait for me so we could all go on break and
she bragged that they had even waited for me and I thanked them
graciously. It was funny. I was in panel later on when Jimmy was
filling out the break schedule. He had Jamey's name under mine and I
asked if Shannon's shouldn't be before him. He laughed and said that
I am definitely right, since Jamey did come in late for work, thus he
scheduled it so Shannon and I could go together, however he thought
he was just fixing it so I wouldn't have to go with Jamey. Shannon
and I were talking earlier and she had hoped that she doesn't have to
eat with fat boy, and after I said I wanted to eat with Melissa, she
looked at me funny and I admitted that I'd much rather eat with her.

Well, Jimmy, not knowing his error, sent me with Melissa, which
worked out because I suddenly realized I had forgotten my wallet so
she drove us to Wendy's and spotted me, and then told me every detail
of her up and coming wedding.

March 12, 1994 - Saturday - Here's the deal Shari...

Dear Shar¡,

OK friend, I'm going to let you in on a pattern in my life. I have always gotten a rush out of splitting up couples. It's a huge turn on and takes up a lot of my social time up here in Gainesville. I love to become friends with a girl who is in a relationship and then mentally, or sometimes physically, convince them that their man is worthless. I've done this so many times in the past few years it's not really funny.

I'll go in and just start talking to a girl making them believe I only want to be friends. I have always had good advice and am a good listener so the girls will tell me all of their problems without much convincing. I then start pointing out all of the bad aspects of the relationship while hiding the fact of what I am really trying to do. I never toot my own horn and try to make myself look better than the guy. I let the girl realize how right I am on her own and a lot of the times the girl will fall for me on her own. It's a lot of fun and I have become quite good at it.

I have quite a few impressive victories under my belt. There was a girl named Melissa my first year up here who was about four years older than me. She had been dating this guy very seriously for over three years and had just started having trouble when I met her. The girl was gorgeous and was getting ready to go to Yale on full scholarship! I felt like she was way out of my league but I was very eager to take the challenge. It took me a month but the rewards were cool and quite a few people were surprised that I accomplished that one.

There was this guy named Clint at Busch Gardens over the summer and we were pretty good friends. Christina knows him. Clit's gorgeous little girlfriend Sarah dropped by to see him at work one day and the fool introduced her to me. I immediately picked up on her and started ragging on him right in front of him. I did it in a way that he didn't really catch on and was laughing along with us. Nobody ever said he was smart. I then went on break and walked her out and gave her my phone number. The very next night I received my call and started convincing her to axe Clit it happened very easily. It was almost so easy that the fun was taken away along with the excitement. It also helped that I had just met you. Anyway Sarah wants to be a dentist and wanted to see Gainesville so she is the one I told you came up the weekend after you were here. Her two friends told me that all she kept saying on the drive up was how she was going to rape me when she got here. Unfortunately for her I was in love with you and for some reason didn't want a thing to do with her. She left very pissed and I didn't talk to her again until long after you an I broke up.

Leigh Anne... I finally told the neighbor why I had gone out with her a couple of days before Spring break. It was only because I had just been hurt by you and needed a close and convenient way to keep my mind off you so I wouldn't get depressed because exams were coming up. She was pissed. She was stupid though because she knew how much I cared about you because I used to talk to her about you almost every day when you and I were going out. And then she suddenly thought that I liked her only a week after you dumped me??? There's a nut for you! Back to subject. Not only was Leigh Anne close and convenient, but she had a boyfriend who lived with her in the dorm!!! there argued a lot and she used to slam the door and sit in the hallway. On one occasion I took her in a gave her a massage and almost fucked her the first night. You know what a good massage can do to someone, and hers was only about half of what you used to let me give you. Well, four days later, her boyfriend was gone and I was in......... IN HELL!!! But that's another story and you know it I think.

You have been the only girl that I have dated since eighth grade who didn't have a boyfriend when I fell for them. Or at least I don't think you did, you never seem to tell me these things (JEFF!!!!!).For some reason I think your looks made me think you were too good for me at the start and that set up the challenge. Once I got to know you I fell for you. I still can't tell you why I fell as much as I did and that's something I really wonder about a lot. It feels like I'll never find someone else that I will feel that strongly about which is why I still haven't entirely let go five months later. I think I'll always save a little place in my heart for you that would swallow you up if you ever give it the chance and will never allow me to hate you no matter what you do or say to me. That's also why I asked if you had gotten YOUR ring back. Even if I eventually get it back, I will always associate it with you and will never let another w

Back to topic. There was this girl named Abby in high school who "fell in love" with me after being friends with me for six months. She just told me this Wednesday night over Spring break but I had figured it out in high school. The girl used to skip her classes at the end of my senior year and come to mine and give me back massages!!! It was the funniest thing. I never was interested in her but I kept her around because she was useful. She finally figured this out and started dating some guy. When I came back from Gainesville that following Thanksgiving I figured their relationship had grown strong enough so I started picking it apart. I was screwing her in the ocean at Sand Key and at a park later that same night. We had sex one other time at Christmas but we called it off because I was too far away and her boyfriend was starting to get suspicious.

The bad part is, almost every one of my relationships have ended because one of the two people move away and we then couldn't handle the long distance. Most of the time it was me who was doing the leaving and it seems like every time I have to leave again, there is someone new I'll have to hurt in the process. I left my best friend Kim the first year and we would have ended up together had I not left. We have been friends now for a very long time and have decided that it is better left at just friends as not to take the chance of ruining our friendship.

I never felt more guilty in my life than the night I left you on your doorstep as I left for college. I was leaving one of the best things that had ever happened in my life and knew deep in my heart that leaving would cause the end of us. I just never had any one person that could make me so happy by just being with them. You wouldn't believe the relief I felt when you wrote that first letter telling me how you felt and I will never regret what happened as a result of that. But I still left, and that once again ruined something perfect in my life. Bummer.

AND NOW FOR THE POINT!!!!! I bet you didn't think there was one! You asked me on the phone if it upsets me when you talk about Jeff, and you have made some other references to that before. My life revolves around listening to girls talk about their lovers as you have seen so far. I want to know what is going on and I want to hear it from you, not from Christina. That way I can rise to the challenge and know who I am up against!!! (smile) That's also a part of being friends. I don't want to hear the edited version of your life just because you think I might get upset about something. That's bullshit! I am truly interested in everything that goes on in your life and more importantly I want to hear it from you, even if it's about the guy you're dating or whatever.

As for wanting you. Christina said that you told her that I don't understand that you just want us to be friends. That's fine with me, but until I hear it from YOUR mouth I will assume nothing. I view you as a prospect. A special prospect because we are already friends, but that's not my point. I will try to hit on you as much as any other girl I like, despite what has happened to us in the past. The present is the only thing that matters and I view you as a woman who is truly worth the time and effort. You also have a lover.... how exciting!!!!! J/K!!! I've started over concerning you and want to see where life will take me in that respect. If I am wrong in thinking this way, tell me so, if not, then tell me so...

We talked about this on the phone, but..... I just hope you aren't too mad at me for my bargaining over money with you for your Daytona trip. I just wanted to see how you would react when you would have to give up something important (Jeff's ring or sex to me). You held your ground and I was very impressed and gained a higher respect for you that I had never felt before. Perhaps you really do have a moral or two buried in that gorgeous little head of yours. J/K!!! Either that or you just find me so repulsive that sex is entirely out of the picture.

Had you said yes, I would have gone as far as gotten you undressed and turned on. I then planned on dropping the money on your chest or back and then I would have walked out... very disappointed. Also, there used to be a time when you knew me well enough to know I feel about sex. It's important but never important enough to ruin a friendship (or whatever we have) over. That's why I've done so so sparingly in my life. Sadly I blew all of my morals when I kept having sex with Leigh Anne. My only reason at the time was to be able to better please you if we ever got back together. I realize how much like bullshit that may sound, but it's really not... One final thing, I just wanted to thank you for what you did and didn't choose to do with me while I was down here. However, the shower wasn't as HOT as they used to be..... (frown).

Write me soon, if this doesn't warrant a response, I give up on figuring out what does! Take care sweetheart... and smoke a big one for me!

June 13, 1993 - Sunday - Dayanara, Melissa

I had a fun little day, despite the tiredness of having spent most of my weekend working at Busch. I went to work yesterday morning at ten and was supposed to work on the kiddie rides until seven. I then worked the night function on the Python from eight until past midnight. Dayanara called in for the kiddie rides, and Tamica was training this new guy thus there was a shortage of people to work over there. Alan was thinking really hard, so Jan and I figured out that it would be easy for me to stay. I quickly figured out all of the details for them and hopefully impressed Jan a little. I did forget to remind them about giving breaks. I never got my third break for my regular shift, so they were going to let me work from four until ten without a break! Lewanda was gracious enough to give me a break at eight, however. I then had to be in at work this morning at seven thirty. I woke up late at 6:25, and was out of the house a mere ten minutes later.

I worked with Stephanie, Tamica, Stacie, and Dayanara this morning. It was fun being with a bunch of girls. They had this cool MTV dance CD playing on Kumba's stereo system and it sounded pretty awesome. I'd love to take my Garth Brooks CD in sometime and freak everybody out by blaring country. It'd be funny. Stephanie and I were fooling around right from the start. Ryan later told me to take everybody on break and then have everybody come back with squeegees. Stephanie and Stacie were up sitting in the air conditioned control booth and Stephanie laughed when I called her, because they essentially were already on break. When we returned, Ryan had us brush all of the water out of the queue. We were laughing that Ryan had all five of us doing a job that normally took maybe two people.

Dayanara and I kept having near misses when it came to splashing one another. She finally aimed right at my legs and soaked me down. I then returned the favor which started some serious horseplay. We were running all over the place chasing each other, and the others were laughing and telling us that this isn't the time for that. It was fun. Ryan then gave me the control panel first, while he went out to set up the queue extension poles. All hell broke loose. First, somebody got sick, and then the lift shut down as a coaster went through the breaks a bit too fast. I learned all about calling down the ride and will be able to do it easily next time.

I've noticed lately how `friendly a lot of the people in our area are to each other. Martin, Jennifer, and Daya come to the top of my mind. They always mess around like they're going out or are collectively sexually active. Even Dayanara and Jenni will go at it talking all cutesy to each other, sitting on each others' laps. It's really interesting. This was the other day at lunch. Jenni agreed that she is a slut because she has sex for pleasure, while Daya is a whore because she does it for money. Jenni the walked around the table kissing the three guys at the table and Daya on the cheek. I enjoyed that. I then decided that night that I want to get involved in this frolicking and did so today.

I waited around for Daya after talking with Clint for a second. We started talking and she asked me if I had to go to my locker in the lounge. I didn't need to, but I was definitely going to walk with her. I asked her how old she was because she was talking about how long she has been there earlier. She said seventeen, and then complained that I didn't remember from that day at Python. I'll admit that she got me there! I suddenly remembered that she is a Chamberlain graduate and asked her how graduation was. She said that it was a blast. I recalled how much fun it was sitting in that front corner seat... She laughed knowing that I was referring to me being valedictorian.

She told me that she is a trisexual, she'll try anything!!! That was really funny and it stuck out in our conversation. We walked into the lounge and I said hello to them. Tamica, Debbie, and Nicole were there. I realize how important touching is now in relationships so I put my hand on Nicole's shoulder as I said hello to her. Dayanara sat next to Tamica so I sat and talked to Nicole for a few minutes. Dayanara asked me a few minutes later if I was ready to go. I got up and then we put our arms around each other as she announced that I am her new boyfriend. I decided to test this by telling her to come along through the front door. I wanted to walk through the people, instead of the normal service road in the back. She paused for a second but I then told her to come on, and she did. As soon as we got to the door, she realized that I told her what to do and we laughed about it. I told her that I wanted to show her off and she liked that. Oh yea, I forgot to mention that she's Colombian.

We walked over to the office to check our schedules for tomorrow. We decided to go ride the Kumba once. It felt really good going so fast and smooth being so tired. I felt numb. I kind of just wanted Melissa to see me with Daya, to throw in that hint of possible jealousy. We then walked the back way together and through the storage station. There's a huge indoor room in there under the coaster storage area. She beat me to the door and held it open we both smiled really big at each other for a second. I was thinking about how fun it would be to have sex down there. I should have said something. We showed off our cars. She then told me that he's going to Tampa Bay Mall to buy some exercise clothes. I asked if she is going to model them for us, but she said no. I had a really fun time talking to her and think I more than tripled our relationship today. What could be better?!

Back to Melissa. I was at height stick when she came in, We smiled really big and said hello, reaching out our hands and holding on to one another for a second before she left. I was talking to this older man who turned out to be really interesting. He has been coming to Busch Gardens since it opened in 1959 and we were talking about all kinds of events and things that have happened at the park. We were talking about Treetops, the train station out on the veldt that they took down many years ago. I really think that they should rebuild something out there and he agrees that Busch's focus needs to be turned towards animals again for a while. We talked for a long time and swapped a lot of stories. I took a break right next to Mike Penton, Rusty's assistant, and another high up guy. I was talking to Jacqueline but she had to go back. I was facing away from them but decided to eavesdrop. They were talking about a meeting they were at and about the new things that Joe Fincher and Rusty want to do. I thought I heard something about a Skyride extension!

I later got to work with my good friend, Melissa for the last forty-five minutes as loader and unloader at the front of the coaster. We started talking right away and were having a good time. I know that she is learning sign language and was asking her about it. I just found out that Chrissy knows the alphabet the other night. melissa taught me how to sign my name. Stephanie and the lady from the photo shop, Laurie, were talking at the far end. We all talk all of the time. I looked up once and they were looking at me. I made an inquisitive look and they laughed. I don't know what they were saying about me. Anyway, I really enjoyed talking to Melissa. She seemed to be enjoying herself, too, which is really good. She really seems to enjoy talking to me. I'm glad I broke through her bitchy shell so quickly and gained her friendship. I stopped to say goodbye before I left. I asked her if she works tomorrow. She does, but she didn't' know when. We really seem to smile a lot when we're talking to each other. I don't give a damn what he others say about her.

December 15, 1992 - Tuesday - Melissa!!!, Wendy's

December 15, 1992 - Tuesday
I just got back from a really hot date! Actually, it was just dinner with Melissa, but hell, that's awesome in itself! We both had a really good time.

That deep dark feeling of rejection had started swirling within me last night, when Melissa still hadn't called me. I had asked her to call me when she got back from Tallahassee to tell me what is up. I wanted this week to be personal with her, not just another business as usual week where the only time we see each other is class related. I did realize that perhaps she stayed longer because she doesn't have any exams until Tuesday night, but I didn't remember if she did or not. Chris has told me not to keep attaching myself to her deeper because she will be gone soon. I told him that I realize that, but hopefully I will get to keep in touch with her after she leaves. I was so in to my studying and everything else this weekend, that I was almost completely distracted from my memory of Melissa. I realized a couple of times that this is what it will be like next semester when she isn't here. I also realized that I have taken all of this quite maturely, and will be able to handle myself when she leaves although I will definitely miss her.

It did bother me when she hadn't called me by Tuesday morning though. I was out of underwear and socks so I washed a load of whites. I kept seeing and flirting with cute girls everywhere, so I new it would be a good day. Both Ed and Chris left the toaster plugged in instead of the answering machine this morning and that pissed me off. I plugged it back in and then Jon, who was leaving, and I went downstairs. I just had to throw my clothes into the dryer. When I got back upstairs a couple minutes later, we had two messages! The second was from Melissa!!! She said:

'Hi Dan, this is Melissa... um... I just gut back in town, it's around noon I think... and I'd still like to walk over.. with you to the test.. because I never really found out where it was... um... so... um I'll be around today studying and what not so you can call if you'd like... otherwise I'll see you around five... all right... Bye bye.'

She sounds so cute!!! I waited until my clothes were done and put away before I called her. I didn't want to call right away, but I also didn't want to make her wait. When I called I first got her answering machine but she called me right back. She told me that her grandfather is out of his coma but he isn't himself at all. He was yelling and cussing at her and her grandmother, although he never normally would do that. She asked me if I had studied much, because she hadn't at all over the weekend. I told her that I didn't want to keep her too long so that she could get some work done and she agreed. I was all elated that I got to talk to my favourite female again. I was just thinking how she rarely ever lets me down, what a friend... She did however accidentally start playing her answering machine and the first message was some guy. Oh well.

After I finally got settled down, I started reviewing my German again for a little while. An hour later Melissa called me back. She asked me if I wanted to go out to dinner after the exam. I said definitely! We didn't decide then where we were going to go. She did say that she needed something to look forward to. It's amazing because she's not getting anything beneficial out of our relationship except for my friendship. Unlike some little bitches (Tama)!

Speaking of Tama, she did call me a little while later and ask about studying for the computer exam. I told her that I don't really care, because I don't have to read a single thing to pass the exam. She is however going to take me to lunch Thursday so that I'll be gaining something as well. Just fuck me bitch! Ha ha! Oh well, we did actually talk for a little while. That was surprising.

At 3:45 I decided that I needed a half hour nap, followed by a twenty minute shower. I was supposed to be at Melissa's at five. When I came out of the shower, Jon told me that he thinks Melissa just called, but she said she'd call back. When I got down to her dorm, she said that she hadn't called. I wonder who did. Since we were supposed to go out to eat, I dressed up a little nicer than I had planned. I wore my good cuffed jean shorts and my black button up shirt. I also carried my leather jacket. We had to cross Thirteenth Street to get to Norman Hall where the exam was. As we walked into the tunnel, Pong came running up to walk with us. He asked me if I had shaved and I said yes, and asked why. I had cut my chin and have a slight scar and thought he might be referring to that. He said that I looked spiffy. That was cool, and I'm grateful that he said that in front of Melissa. Thanks man! We talked until we got up to Norman and went in. Melissa told me that Norman is her grandfather's name!

I grabbed the door, and we went in. There were all of the little German one people sitting on the floor in the hallway studying. I finished up my Pepsi as we sat down next to Fran‡oise and talked for a second. Melissa and I then went over a few things in her book. Our favorite friend Steve came and sat next to her and she made her hand into a gun and shot him when he was looking the other way. We reconfirmed her hatred towards him later. We soon went inside and got us some seats towards the middle of the auditorium. I knew that we'd have to sit in alternating seats, but I sat next to her in the meantime. We talked until Elaine and the other teachers finally decided to give us the exam. I did look over and see Nicole from Beaty East, and Derek Maddux! He saw me, but we never did get a chance to talk. I also saw Cynthia and Nicole from class, but I wouldn't dare talk to them over Melissa.

The exam ended up be pretty easy, but I'm sure it was hard for all of those poor souls who barely studied. There was one translation where we had to write out the time 10:15. In German you either say 'ten before ten' for 9:50 or 'ten after ten' for 10:10. We always say 'zwanzig vor elf' for 10:40 at the beginning of class when she would ask what time it was. But I couldn't remember how to say 'after' for the life in me. Thus I wrote 'fnfundvierzig vor elf' which means 'forty-five before eleven' or 10:15. It's right although very awkward. I thought it was funny, and drew a little smiley face after it. Melissa couldn't quite think up the translation either, and when she heard my solution she cracked up and gently punched me on the shoulder. She said that it was a great idea and was really good. It was pretty funny!

We both walked up and turned our papers in at the same time, said goodbye to Elaine, and took off. She had an idea about where to eat. It's a little restaurant crammed between a bike shop on University and Barnett Bank where Jon always goes. It's called Fahrer's or something. She said that I definitely need to go there sometime if we don't go. SHe then came up with a great idea that I never would have thought of, Wendy's! I knew it was there, but never really thought about it. That'll be a good place for Tama and I to go on Thursday. She charged her's, like everything she'd bought lately, although I did offer to treat. She has a blue Pontiac Grand Am and drives almost like I do. I told her that I'd like to see her behind a Mustang and she agreed that she likes to drive hard.

We ordered our food and then we went outside and sat on one of the little orange and blue picnic tables out in front. It is a really nice night outside, even though it is the middle of December. From the condiment counter she looked back at me and sighed saying that they're out of ketchup. I went back and asked the guy for some, and he gave me a handful of packets. She thought that was sweet. We reflected back about our entire German semester. We brought up 'dunklebunt' again and she told me that it was hilarious and that it definitely brightened up her day many times. I was glad. We also talked a lot about her. She was talking about her grandparents and parents and I was looking at her very compassionately. I did notice a glisten in her eyes. Poor girl! We laughed and joked a lot as well and had much more fun than the last time we went to dinner. We did try and agree that we wouldn't speak German any more! She was sarcastically yelling at me, 'Speak English dammit!' That was a little joke of ours back in class.

On the way home we listened to They Might Be Giants on a tape of hers. Some of their songs are really funny and we were laughing pretty hard. We were listening to The Doors on the way over, and I actually kept catching myself enjoying them. When we got back to her dorm we talked outside for a bit longer. She said that she still definitely wants to come down to Tampa over the break. She said that she has nothing else to do. She was asking me what I am doing over the break for Christmas. I asked her what she would ride on if we went, just to get an idea. She said that she'd definitely go on everything! I like this girl a lot!!! She then said that maybe she'll see me on Saturday. I pouted and said is that all I get for staying for graduation and laughed. I think she was sort of joking. I mentioned that everyone else is leaving and I'll be here all by my lonesome. She said that she doesn't know what I'll be doing, but to definitely give her a call if I wanted to do something with her, like maybe Wendy's again. I joked and asked if she didn't mean 'Vendy's' pronouncing Wendy's in German. We laughed and talked a bit longer before saying bye.

It worked out so amazingly well... I love you Melissa!!!!!

December 10, 1992 - Thursday - Melissa Aubin!!!

Damn, I'm having a shitload of good luck since Girish's decision last night. Mainly, because my world is revolving around Melissa right now.

I had a Physics quiz this morning in third period, which starts at 9:35, and was then supposed to meet Cynthia and Melissa at Melissa's room at ten to go over our dialogue. I had forgotten about the quiz when we made the plans, but didn't really care to change it. I figured I'd just do as much of the quiz as I could in the time I had, and then take off. I usually finish way early anyway. here's a really good system to taking the quizzes and tests in Physics. If you copy down the sample problems in the chapter onto your cheat sheet, there will be many problems that are almost identical. Along with my background from high school, I can do really well very easily. That happened on this quiz. It was exactly like a sample problem. It took only five minutes to finish and I'm almost positive that it will be my first ten out of ten. That's awesome. Plus I made it to Yulee five minutes before ten. What luck!

After I locked my bike on the rack, I walked over to the double doors where Melissa always meets me. I told Cindy where that was yesterday in class because Yulee is a pretty big place. Melissa walked out just as I got there. We talked for a few minutes, and I told her about what happened in computer. We then went walking around looking for Cindy just to make sure she wasn't lost. We ended up walking back to the doors, and she came up just as we did. I wore one of the new shirts that Jonny gave me over Thanksgiving. It's a brand new thick canvas shirt with red, green, black, and white stripes running up and down. Mema had just bought it for him and it still had the tags on it. It's really nice and I was going to save it for possibly a date, but it looked so festive that I decided to wear it sort of for our dialogue.

We went up to Melissa's room and did our dialogue a couple of times. We kept screwing up and laughing. Melissa asks for popcorn in the skit, so I had her pop a bag. It was mainly since I didn't have any breakfast, because I figured that we wouldn't use it in the dialogue anyway. It was good. I then said that one of us would probably end up choking on popcorn as we tried to speak our lines. The three of us ended up walking down to the little store and buying Cokes before class. We kept doing our dialogue as we were walking around. We were being pretty loud, and it would have looked like we were actually having a real conversation to the many people walking around us. It was funny.

In class, Elaine actually brought us doughnut holes and Nicole brought some kind of drink. Elaine was speaking in German about having a party and us bringing food. At least that's what I picked up. I knew that mostly everybody wasn't sure what she was talking about. I told Melissa that I thought she was just rambling again and she laughed. We had our drinks and popcorn to eat as well. I told Elaine that we were going first, and she said OK. A few minutes later, after all of the groups had written their new words on the board, Fran‡oise's group got up and started getting ready. We looked at each other and said oh well, but then Melissa and I half-jokingly complained to Elaine that we were going first. I stood up and told Fran‡oise to sit down, and they actually did. It was funny, but we did get to go first. I did get a bit nervous, my lower lip was quivering, but as Melissa and I put it, we kicked the dialogues ass!!! I made no mistakes and was loud. We did awesome!

It was fun the rest of the period because we didn't have any time to get nervous and we just got to sit there and eat and watch the other dialogues. I believe that ours had the least mistakes, if any. Elaine said that we did very well when we asked at the end of the class. Melissa gave me the bag of popcorn, and I kept the two of them well fed. After a while, I sat the bag in my lap, and Melissa continued to stick her hand in getting popcorn. It might not of looked to good on her part, but I liked having her hand where it was. I know for a fact that some of the guts across the room noticed. I quite often catch them looking at her, and am glad that I'm the one she sits with. I love being the guy with the cute girls in that class. All but Nicole, who I could have easily had if I had only tried, but I quite possibly could have forfeited Melissa, so I'm glad that I didn't!

Our exam is Tuesday night at 5:30, and I asked if we are going to walk over together. She said sure, and to come over at five. I started getting sentimental at the end, and joked with Melissa about it. We also talked with Pong and Fran‡oise about how it was a great class and we're definitely going to miss it. I definitely am.

Melissa had to go to the computer lab after class, but first had to go back to her room to get her disk. I decided to go with her just to be with her. I used the excuse that I wanted to print something up anyway.

Then came the clincher. Her grandfather was on his motorcycle yesterday when a seventeen year old kid in a Cherokee hit him. Her grandfather is now in a coma, and has a large blood clot in his brain as well as internal hemorrhaging. She loves him like a father, she had told me this before as well. Now she's going back to Tallahassee over the weekend to see them. She won't be allowed into the intensive care unit, but she's worried about her grandmother as well. She showed me a picture of them on her TV before we left. She told me that I am the first person she has told this to. I told her to make sure and call me when she gets back and tell me what's going on. I also told her to make sure that she drives carefully. She said that she will on both accounts. She told me how her father called last night. She said that he never calls her at the University, so she asked him what he wanted. The way he told her is that he guessed her grandfather is cured of his little motorcycle habit. That pissed her off. It did me, too. I want to know what this guy's problem is? She did also tell me that she realizes that once an old person goes through something like this, he won't ever be the same.

She has been keeping a good outlook though, and has been pretty jovial. She continued on this way the entire time I was with her. We tried finding her a computer but couldn't. She told me that she was just going to wait in the room until one became free. I then went and printed up a couple of things on a vax machine, and then returned to her. I told her that my stuff is printing out. Even if it was ready in five minutes, I was in no hurry whatsoever. A computer soon became available and she got on it. I pulled up another chair. We talked about a lot of things while we were there. She had to print forty pages so we had plenty of time. It wouldn't start printing because the online button wasn't pushed. When it didn't start printing she asked me what's wrong. Instead of her having to go ask a circa worker how to fix it, I just leaned over and fixed in no time. It was good to feel useful by her.

We looked at her thesis for a few minutes. She had an appendix with many classical Greek names in it. She told me to imagine naming my kids any of these. We were then going through them picking out names that would sound cool for a kid to have. It was funny. We were also talking about dreaming again. She said that her dream really did scare her enough that she needed to call me and talk to me about it. She was in my dreams last night. I told her that, but I didn't tell her that she had a new boyfriend in my dream and was kissing him in front of me. After a while she told me that I don't need to stay with her if I don't want to. She already knew that I have the rest of the day off, so I told her that I could either go home and dream about her, or stay and actually talk to her, and I vote for the later. It was funny.

I was then looking in my notebook. I had taken all of the stuff that I might want to show Melissa and had stuck it in. I let her and Cindy read my article that I wrote for the Tampa Tribune. I also showed her my little pen pal stuff and she liked those. I asked her if she will write to me as soon as she gets settled in over in London. She said definitely, that she really likes to write. I said that I do, too. She also asked me if I wanted anything from London. I first asked her to bring me my pen pal, that I'd like to meet her, but then said that I'd worship anything English that she sent me. I wrote down both my address here and my permanent down in Tampa. I also gave her the phone number for each. She later did the same for me.

She also asked me about my wanting to go to Mannheim. She said that if it's this summer while she's in Athens, then we should definitely get together sometime in Europe. That blew my mind, it would be unbelievable!!!!!

We were also talking about graduation. When she found out that I'm really staying, she seemed somewhat happier. She was telling me about the really nice dress she has along with a pair of platform shoes. She joked that she will be the only girl up there in platform shoes. She mentioned about how now her grandparents won't be here for graduation, so now it's only a formality. I told her that still I'd have to take a picture or two and mail it to her in London. She laughed and said no. I then joked that she'll have to smile really big and poof out her hair. She laughed and said, 'Say dunkelbunt!' and we both cracked up. She also turned to me and said that she really does like my shirt. I had told her about Jonny's accident and all, and told her that it was my birthday present from him.

I also asked about Busch Gardens and she said that she still definitely wants to go. She said that she's wide open all of Christmas break. Any other girl and I would have made a perverted joke but I held back. That's another reason why we have each others' phone numbers. I asked her how we are going to do this, and she said that she'd drive down. That will make it better. I don't want her to have to drive that far by herself, but there aren't many other options. It will be fun though. Possibly it will turn out that she spends the night at our house. Hmm. She is truly my best friend right now!

December 9, 1992 - Wednesday - Cheating!, Tama, Melissa

I learned a very valuable and scary lesson this week. It scared the shit out of me for a while. When Tama and I looked at the scores file, we saw that we had zeros on assignment four, and so did Bryan. I knew that we sent it correctly. Tama set up for us to go talk to Girish on Tuesday and take in our printouts of both assignments two and four. We had never turned in number two after we sent it incorrectly. I had a strange fear that maybe Girish pulled our programs and was going to accuse us of cheating, and I joked about that. Tama said that it probably isn't. We worked on assignment six which counts as ten percent of our final grade. She had to take her cat to the vet at five thirty, and I figured on maybe meeting Melissa if she came down to work on her thesis, so I stayed and told Tama that we'd come back later that night to work on the programs. When she left, we were both finished except for some small typing errors that still had to be worked out. This time around, I had a really fun idea on how to write this program, which made it completely different than the way that I would help Tama write hers. Bryan finished this program earlier, and gave me the printout that someone had given him. There was a really simple version of a sort, that Girish had written on the board in class. Instead of fixing Tama's, I just stuck in Girish's little sort which ended up making all three of our final programs entirely different. This ended up saving my life!

When we went up to his office, and asked about the zeros, he pulled out our three assignments and said that Jeff, the grader found them to be too similar to each other. He wouldn't let me look at the programs, which ended up being a fairly straightforward one that didn't have many ways to write it differently. Since I have basically taught Tama and Bryan any of the special conventions that they know, it would only stand to reason that their style would be similar to mine. That would have been my argument if I needed one. He then said something about how Bryan's and my answers were also similar on the tests (perhaps he meant quizzes). This really pissed me off because we have never really been anywhere near each other, and right then I knew he was full of bullshit! Bryan is a good programmer and could definitely come up with the same stuff I do. I could only imagine if there were any more smart people in the class. Girish would freak.

I have never been more pissed off before in my life. At the end of our little meeting, Girish said that he would speak with his superiors on the matter of a grade. The realization that I should have taken the paper, and the zero soon set in, because this, even so small, could be a serious problem even to the extreme of being kicked out of college. I was in a very violent mood, and would have killed the bastard if that would have happened. Jeff too. I later figured that I wouldn't kill him because I wanted to leave him in incredible pain for the rest of his life! I was VERY PISSED!!! If my German dialogue would have been today, I'm sure I would have fucked up, just because of the stress and worry.

We went to class today, and stayed the entire two hours. We reviewed sample tests from before, and I took a very active part. To speed things along, I would pop out with answers and solutions to the problems right away, that would have normally taken the class forever to figure out. I was laughing and being very 'friendly.' I also was having fun with Tama. We were writing notes on her paper. I kept writing little sentences in German. She was writing all kinds of cutdowns about Girish. She wrote that she was bored and then wrote, 'I need something fun to do!.' She was writing everything in bubble letters so it took her a while. I was making jokes about what she needs, and then said if she isn't shy, we could go out right now and I'd give her something fun to do. We laughed.

The other day, when we were talking about her having sex with her theater TA for a grade, I told her that she can go ahead and sleep with Girish as well and leave me out of it. We laughed and she said that there's no way in hell, that she definitely has her limits. She then said that she'd sleep with me if I'd take her final. I pondered it for a second, and then asked if that would really be a reward. My usual sarcastic self. I was pissed off later for not saying anything beneficial. This was Monday. When we decided to go back at nine, I had actually already sent her program and mine as well, but I wanted to spend more time with her. I told her that I was thinking about our little deal in the shower, and figured out a foolproof way to take her exam for her. She laughed and was a bit interested in the fact that I was thinking about her in the shower. My idea was for me to take two exams as Girish passes them out, and her take one, and then just take the both of them. It would have worked, if we hadn't of gotten busted now. I'M VERY SERIOUSLY GLAD THAT WE DID, BECAUSE IF WE HAD GOTTEN CAUGHT ON THE FINAL: IMMEDIATE EXPULSION!!!!! I won't do anything like this again, or at least I will be much more careful.

Anyway, on the way to the lab Monday night, I said something about how I wouldn't even have to think twice about taking a chance like that if I got to sleep with her. It wasn't quite like that, much more fluent. She actually thought it was sweet, and I thought it was funny. I complained today that I'm losing out the most on the whole deal, and she said not to worry, it's not over yet! I'd enjoy fucking her! We talked about Basic Instinct after seeing it Sunday night. The sex was a very interesting conversation piece.

After class today, we had to fill out more evaluations on the class, and he was leaving so that we could. Tama and I got up and chased him to the back door. Two other people came to ask him questions as well. I told them to go ahead, as did Girish. Tama was intent on getting credit, but I realized that whatever he says now will be what stands, else we could be in serious shit. I was ready to grab her shoulder and pull her away if she even objected the slightest bit. Girish told us that if he did what his supervisor suggested, we would be in a very bad situation, but he wasn't going to. Right then we were interrupted by this fat bitch and he told her to hurry up and ask what she needed to ask. He then told us again how bad off we'd be, but that he is only going to take twenty points off and give us eighty out of a hundred on the assignment. I immediately thanked him very gratefully as the whole world was removed from my shoulders and I realized the extent of what he had done. I was ready to deck tama if she said anything, but this was too good to believe. We both thanked him again and he left. I filled out an evaluation, rating Girish with straight perfects! I almost could have kissed him! He was my favorite teacher for the moment!

Tama and I were talking later about how I'd bet money that Girish reviewed our latest assignment for similarities, and when he found none, he mad his decision. I'm so glad something told me to make them completely different. We almost danced in each others arms, I was so relieved, because I was scared shitless. She said that she knew that I was and put her arm around my shoulder as we walking down the hall, rubbing my back, telling me that she knew it'd be OK. I had my arm around her as well for a moment. I thought about last night as I got on the elevator, and two of Tama's roommates were in there. They asked me if I got screwed as well in the class, and when I said yes, they told me to make sure that I got the credit no matter what the cost is to Tama, since I did the work. I thought it was funny. But I fully agreed.

Monday night on the way home from class, the night we had been talking about sex, we were walking along the sidewalk back to Beaty. Many of Beaty's windows have Christmas lights in them and it looks pretty. We were commenting about how it doesn't feel like Christmas at all though. I mean, it's warm enough for shorts and a T-shirt. Anyway, it was already past ten and was pretty dark. There were these two girls in the field with four bull terriers. The two big ones came running at us growling and snapping. Tama let out a slight shriek and grabbed on to my shoulder. I stopped and the dogs barked at us but didn't mess with us. We started walking again, and the others were on the sidewalk ahead of us fighting. I put my hands on Tama and slowly glided her off of the sidewalk around the dogs. I believe my right hand was accidentally on her tit, but oh well. She sort of jokingly yelled at me for trying to make her walk where the dogs just took a crap. It was funny.

Well, enough about Tama, how about the greatest love of my life! Melissa! We've been hitting it off very well this week. She mailed me a graduation announcement form all of the way across the street. It looks really nice. I thought it was funny that she mailed it, but I liked it a lot. In the paper, there was a little advertisement for a get together for Eta Sigma Phi, her classical honor society. It said, 'Socializing Greek style is the key to eternal happiness...' Chris found it first and asked me if I had seen Melissa's name in the paper. Today in class I asked her if she is eternally happy yet and we joked around about it. She wore a white and red blouse today that was very revealing in the front. She seemed to be showing off to me and I liked what I saw very very much! We were also talking about going to Busch Gardens again. She's so fun.

As we walked out of class today, I said something in response to her that ended up not sounding to funny. She didn't hear me so she said, 'What?' I just shrugged, said, 'nothing,' and sort of smiled. She made a pouting noise and I laughed and said, 'What?' sort of complaining that she was whining. She actually mocked me and shrugged saying, 'Nothing,' in a really cutesie voice. It was really funny! I like her so much!!! Elaine asked me again today if I wanted to dress up as Santa Claus, because the language department has an outfit. I said that I'd take the hat if she can find it.

I had a lot of fun as class started today. Nicole came early and we actually started talking a lot. I was happy that she and I were actually talking for a change. I was really hyper and was pacing around. Cynthia noticed it, and made fun of me. I was also talking to her before class, and then to Fran‡oise for a while. I then even talked to Nicole some more. I was happy. Stud me! I can't wait until the new semester. I'm going to study hard, and make as many new girlfriends as possible. As soon as Melissa came in, I went straight for her and we talked. Yesterday, she received the proofs from her graduation pictures. She didn't really like the that much. I asked to see them, and she didn't want me to, so I practically raped her until she let me see them. Class had already started, and Elaine was walking around asking questions, but she left us alone as I coaxed Melissa into giving me the pictures, and as I looked at them. There were some pretty good ones, but some were made pretty airheaded like with a big fake smile and her hair all poofed out. She was in the newspaper today with a really good picture of her. I bragged to everyone I that I could. It congratulated her for being an outstanding four year scholar, one of three, and listed her many societies and activities. I was extremely impressed. Go Melissa. I'm really going to miss her.

I actually went to Calculus today, only to find out that class is canceled for today and friday. He did write that he would talk to anybody during class hours in his office. I have never talked to anyone in there before, until today. I asked him when the exam is, and then we started talking and ended up going to Robinson's office to double check the place and time. There was one other person there so we got a private little tutorial. It was neat. It was the first time I've really talked to him. I'd like to get to know my professors much earlier next semester. Anyway, it turns out that my exams are evenly spaced as to make them very easy. I have one a day until Thursday, when the second and last one is computer which will be a breeze. I also found out that the Physics is not cumulative, thank God! Neither is the Calculus! Actually there is a cumulative part, but it is optional, and would take the place of your lowest test grade. That's really cool. Robinson actually remembered that it would be my first test that I'd replace. I was impressed. I found out that he is teaching Calculus III Honors next semester, so now I really want to take it!

I also received a new pen pal today! Her name is Natalie Frank and she lives in Breman, Germany. That's awesome! Bremen is a city in northwest Germany, on the Weser River, southwest of Hamburg. It's twice as big as Tampa by population.

I recieved a letter from my family the other day. Chrissy's part was hilarious. I was cracking up as I read it:


Dear Dan,
We decorated the tree yesterday with out you. But it still looks nice anyway. I was also student of the month yesterday.
Love Cathy
Dear Dan 12-3-92
Did you find your social security card? Have you been to McDonalds? It's cold here,too.
Love, Mother
P.S. Be Sure To Study!

December 7, 1992 - Monday - Melissa, Her bad dream

How that girl invigorates me so! Even the thought of her late at night fills me with so much energy. This excess causes me not to need lots of extra sleep like I use to. She's better than a caffeine high! I laughed as I wrote that! What a parallel to love!

It's almost three o'clock and I was taking a nap before going with Tama to computer. Earlier today in German, Elaine gave back our dialogue that we turned in to her last Thursday. She made plenty of corrections and I have already typed them in and will make print outs later today on computer lab. Before I took my nap, I turned the telephone ring to high to make sure it would wake me up if I got a call. I was thinking about how if I get a phone call, that it will definitely be from tama, because nobody calls me in the middle of the day like now. I woke up once at two-thirty figuring maybe Tama was calling early. It was Chris' sister though so I took a message. About ten before three, the phone rang once, bit then it stopped. I said 'shit' to myself just thinking about another phone call that I'm not getting. Then I realized that perhaps Jon answered it, and he had, and it was for me!!! I figured it to be Tama telling me to meet her at class, because she's going somewhere else first. I was wrong. I am rambling...

It was MELISSA!!! My most favourite, most beautiful female friend ever!!! She just had a dream that we all three knew our dialogues cold, but we kept screwing up really badly, and ended up failing. It was funny. She just called me to tell me about her dream. We talked about our German a bit longer and some about her thesis. I know that she usually works on it at nights down at CSE. Since I will be down there forever working on my homework assignment with Tama tonight, I asked her if she'd be there, too. She wasn't sure at first if she'd be there, but I think she sort of changed her mind and decided that she would be there. I told her that I'd take the extra effort to look on all of the computers to see if she's there. She said that is good, and then said that she'd sit me down and let me work on her thesis. I had mentioned earlier about missing writing. We were joking about me helping her do it.

I told her that I definitely want it to be good so that I can be proud of my little Melissa as she graduates with highest honors. She said today that she will give me a graduation announcement soon. I told her that if I get to go, I will cheer and clap the loudest for her, and she said that she hopes somebody will, because her parents probably won't. I found out that it's her father who is the worst of the two. I said that I'd carry one of those screamers with me and set it off as she graduates, and she laughed and told me that they'd haul me out on my butt before I'd have any say in the matter. She then said that if she has any more dreams, then I'll be the first to know, and we said goodbye.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Of course I didn't run into her in the computer center. Nothing ever happens if I write it in my journal first. Hopefully that will soon change. Tama called me at three-thirty and asked if I'd be ready to go to class at four. We met downstairs and walked to class. We took the sidewalk in front of Yulee just for the slight chance that Melissa might be there and see me. On the way, she was telling me about her weekend, and she told me about a lingerie party at one of the fraternities this weekend. She said that she ended up running into her theater TA at the party and would do anything with him to get a bit of help on the final. It was funny.

December 3, 1992 - Thursday - Melissa, Cindy

I've gotten a whole hell of a lot done lately, and most of it is important stuff too! I continued the completion of my financial aid applications. I also got a letter in the mail today from UF's financial aid department that they have received my financial review from Princeton, which is the most important part. I wrote Tracey a letter Tuesday night and sent it out this morning. I included three of my new pictures inside. One is of Cathleen and I lying in the water at Sand Key.

Yesterday in German, Melissa, Cindy and I decided to meet in my room at seven. At seven I got their call that they were downstairs. Melissa said it in such a way that they were expecting me to be downstairs waiting for them at seven. For some reason the little pacifists waited outside and didn't walk in when any of the many people there had opened the door, despite the cold. We all crammed into the elevator and as we got off on my floor, Jen and a few other people were waiting and I said hi to them. I felt special walking in with two attractive girls by my side. Tama and I had gone to computer class earlier today and I told her that I had to make sure that I was home early, because I was having a couple of guests. She asked if they were male or female, and I said female. I also talked to Nicole for a minute while I was walking with Tama. Oh well. I hope that didn't bother her.

Anyway, we walked into my room, I showed them around, and introduced them to Chris and Jon. Chris was in my room on the computer writing a report for social problems so we went back into the other room and sat on the stools around the counter. Speaking of reports, Chris got a hundred on his rain forest report that I helped him do. That was the one that I let him use my poetry that I wrote back in AP English at the end of his paper. He said that he was letting this girl that he was sitting near read it, and she said that it is some really powerful stuff. I felt special:

The eagle, soaring high up in the sky,

And wonders why,

His homelands were gone,

And his family has died,

Now there are houses...

And he is too lost to cry.

The panther slides through the woods,

Searching for a catch,

To feed his brood.

Up ahead... a break in the trees,

The concrete is rough,

It hurts his feet.

The lights were blinding,

So very bright,

And then it was over...

Her litter will starve tonight.

Society has done it all,

Has moved in too close to nature,

And is causing its fall.

Its lands are destroyed,

And its waters polluted.

We must move to save our lands,

Get together and join our hands,

We must teach the uneducated to understand,

That our children will be the next victims,

Of the carelessness of man.

Before Cindy and Melissa came over, I changed into my light jean shorts, socks, and took off my undershirt just leaving my flannel shirt. It's a nice one that Jonny just gave me that's blue and brown. I sort of wanted to show off as much of myself that I could while still looking 'cute.' I asked them if we had decided what our dialogue was going to be about yet and Melissa seemed to already have it all planned out. She said that she and Cindy were going to take me out and manipulate me into paying both of their ways. It was funny. Of course I agreed to be manipulated by them in as many ways as possible. We had a good time writing it too. There were certain phrases that we would say that would just sound so silly that we'd start cracking up. One was the word 'spaá' which means fun but sounded really silly the way we were using it. Chris, by that time, was sitting at the counter reading a book for one of his classes. He turned around and looked at Melissa's ass, sort of motioned the shape of them with his hands in the air, and mouthed a frustrated moan like he wanted to fuck the living daylights out of her. I smiled at him and said, 'Yeah, I know. Didn't I tell you so?' He said that he guessed so I said, 'Oh, it must have been Jon that I told.' It was funny because I was saying this nice and loud in front of both of them, and they hopefully thought it was just an innocent little conversation between me and Chris. Well, if Melissa wanted to take it as a sexual compliment by me, then she's more than welcome.

It ended up that I just got off work and made a lot of money. They then ask me to the movies and make me pay, they then start asking for food, so I take them out to eat, and then we go shopping. At the end I sort of exasperately run off because they've used me for all of my money. We kept talking about French fries so much, that I pulled out my bag of curly-Q's and cooked up a big batch. Cindy said at first she didn't want any, but as soon as Melissa and I had picked one up, she dug in as well. I knew she would, so I made plenty. They turned out perfectly and tasted really good. When Elaine was talking about the dialogues in class, she said that we are welcome to use props and can make them festive. She said that for example, I would make a good Santa Claus. I looked at her and said, 'What?!' and she then said that I'm tall and skinny. She then said that we could stuff me up with lots of pillows, like she was being serious. Melissa and I agreed that it must be one of Elaine's perverted little fantasies and we laughed. We thus incorporated this into our dialogue by making my job be playing Santa Claus at the mall. That's how I made all of my money.

When we had finished, we sat around and talked for quite a while. We gossiped about practically everybody in the class. We completely tore apart Steve, poor guy. They really hate him. Melissa told me how he was trying to talk to her while she was buying breakfast the day before and she essentially told him to stop bothering her. It made me feel good that I am liked by them so much more than anyone else in the class. I had noticed just yesterday that Elaine hasn't asked Melissa any questions lately. We were talking about the questions she asks, and Melissa brought that up. I told her that I noticed that, too. She said that she's glad she isn't the only one thinking that. She thinks that Elaine hates her, I hadn't really thought about it that way, but by some of the things Elaine does, it might make sense. I told Melissa that it's because she always laughs at Elaine. Melissa jokingly argued that I am the one that usually says bad things about her. We told Cindy about our Dunklebunt joke. Dunklebunt means 'dark - multi colored' and is sort of a word I made up, but it is hilarious and Melissa and I always crack up when we use it.

About two hours after we started, we decided to wrap things up. I escorted them downstairs, still in my socks, and without a jacket. I ended up walking Melissa home. The ground was wet so I pulled off my socks, it almost seemed like it had warmed a little, but it was still freezing. We talked and joked the entire way home and left each other laughing, which put me in a very hyper, happy mood. When I got back, Chris started telling me what a gorgeous, perfect body Melissa has, and all of the things that we could do with a girl as perfect as her. He was thoroughly impressed, and I told him that's why I'm so in lust with her, and that's why I so look forward to going to German each day!

I typed our dialogue onto the computer afterwards, and then carried it down to CSE this morning to print it out. It took me a few minutes to g et their pieces of shit printers to print the special characters, but it finally worked. I also was under the impression that we might have a Physics quiz in discussion today, so I went there as well. It turns out that it's not until next Thursday, thank God. But I did see, and get to talk to Kim for a little bit before I left. Melissa, Cindy and I chatted in German during fourth period. We were studying for a quiz that we took during class. She said that she want's to look over our dialogues soon, and that she still hasn't seen anyone's yet. So we pulled out a beautiful type copy, and handed it to her. She seemed impressed. We then got to fill out evaluations for the class. I gave her a very good one, because she has been such a good teacher, and because I've had such a good time in the class. But of course, a lot of that has to do with Melissa.

After class, we headed down to the convenience store so she could get a bagel and a drink. I walked around behind her as we walked out of class. When she turned around to make sure I was with her, she didn't see me, and grabbed the door to see where I was. It was funny when she realized her mistake and saw me behind her. We then walked home. She normally would have class, but I helped convince her not to go. In front of Yulee, I told her that I found a graduation present for her. She perked up and asked me what. I told her that it would take an entire free day though between now and December 31st. Then I told her that I have a couple of Busch Gardens tickets if she would like to go with me. She really liked that and said that she definitely does. As soon as the 19th comes around, she'll have plenty. I really want to go to her graduation. We said that we'd figure out the details later. I was happy!!!

Chris and I then met out in front of GPA at noon to go to Tigert Hall to visit the Study Abroad office. I rode my bike there with Jen, and then got called by and talked to Ed for ten minutes before meeting with Chris. I picked up information on financial aid, studying in England, and an application for the summer program in Mannheim, Germany that I would love more than anything. Good luck to me!

December 1, 1992 - Tuesday - Kim A, Melissa, Tracey

December 1, 1992 - Tuesday
Oh what a month this is going to be! When even my morning Physics Lab is fun, then you know my day is going to be sweet!

I left this morning early for lab to get there before Debbie and Kim, and to make sure I knew what I was doing for the lab. I desperately need a good lab grade on this one. I got there just before Kim did, and got me a chair outside of the classroom. She smiled as she saw me from the end of the hall, and came and sat n the chair to my right. She told me that she wanted to hear all about my birthday and what I did. We talked and joked until the goofy Physics head person came and opened our door for us. I also showed her my new pictures that we picked up last night at Target. There was only one other guy there and Debbie never showed up. Actually, a lot of people never showed up. We figured they'd just use this lab as their drop. I said that I guess we'd have to work together again, for at least the fourth time. I sat up on the table and spread out to do the lab. We talked a lot the entire time.

Dave, our little faggot moron TA, told us that it is time for classroom evaluations. I was very happy and had an evil gleam in my eye. I finally had the chance to tell somebody important about what a sorry good for nothing worthless piece of shit Dave is. I was very honest, but wrote with enough taste to be taken seriously. I also criticized the entire UF Physics Department for being so lame. The labs that they make us do don't teach the students anything about Physics. Physics at Leto was much better and much much more informative. Thank you, Mr. Thomas, no matter how weird you are. I had a field day filling that evaluation out though.

Kim and I actually finished early, and did really good jobs on our labs. We were so thrilled that this is our last lab. I pretended to be pissed and I told her that I never wanted to be her lab partner again! We laughed and then picked up our things and left. She has Physics in the auditorium right after lab but we still had almost fifty minutes until class started. I did want to get to German a bit early though. I got my bike and we walked to the Hub where she bought a soft drink. We then walked back over to the front of the classroom and ended up talking for twenty more minutes. I really had a lot of fun with her today. She told me all about the food she cooked for Thanksgiving. She also told me about the times she had traveled to Europe. She says that it's a lot of fun although they did have their bad experiences. She was talking about her older sister's kids. She's 32 and has a sixteen year old son. I told Kim that hopefully she doesn't have any kids yet, and she said that she didn't, because she let her sister make all of the mistakes. She kept asking me if I am coming to the review next week in class and I said definitely. We did keep talking the entire time and never shut up once. Finally it was time for me to head over to German. It will be very stupid of me if I don't get her phone number next week so that I can talk to her later on and maybe do something.

As I was walking up the stairs in Little Hall, I ran into Fran‡oise and we talked as we walked to class. We kept joking around for a while until class had almost started. When Melissa came in we talked quite a bit. She's decided to take the rest of the day off to enjoy and rest. She said that she's not going to any of her classes this week except for German. Elaine asked me a couple of questions and I answered them pretty well. Melissa teased me that she is going to London, and I admitted to being jealous. We also were joking around during class making fun of Elaine's little visual effects to her lessons. When she'd talking about an airplane, she'll put her hands together like little wings and make an engine noise while she flies her hands around the room. It so stupid that it's funny. She'd make a really good elementary teacher. Cindy didn't show up today so we're going to wait until tomorrow to do our dialogues. I've already told Melissa that we're going to do it my room. I told her that if Cindy doesn't show up tomorrow, then oh well for her. On our walk home we were looking at the pictures. There are a few from here of us in the room and there are some really good ones from Sand Key. I'm really going to miss her a lot...

When I got home, I had another package slip in my mailbox. They usually are travel things from National Geographic, but I'm desperately waiting for something from Tracey. And today it came. She sent me a birthday present!!! She remembered!!! She doesn't hate me for waiting so long to write her, never again will I do that! It even cost her œ5.54 to mail the package!. It has a customs slip on the outside because they opened the package to check it's contents. They wrote 'Gift' on the list which sort of gave away the surprise. At least they didn't open the wrapped gift inside. It is quite funny. The pressie, as Tracey would call it, is a little men's health kit that has shower gel, facial scrub, shampoo, and aftershave balm. I didn't think the picture I sent her looked that bad! Ha ha. They are made in Nottingham, England and look like they cost her a fair amount of money. I'll definitely use them soon. She also had a big card stuffed inside that says 'It's Your 18th Birthday......With Love!' on the card. She wrote: Have a great day

with love from Tracey.

She also included a letter taped to the pressie. She writes:

Dear Dan,
Happy 18th, I hope this letter (+pressie) reaches you on time. Anyway please write and tell me all about when you can, I am dying to know how you got on. Thank you for your lovely letter + great picture. I haven't been up to much lately really, except that I have joined my school's girls football club/team. I can't wait to play a match.
I am thinking about having my hair cut short. What do you think?, will it suit me?
I hope you are enjoying yourself at university in your dorm. I also hope that you haven't been working yourself too hard at your studies.
You asked in your last letter about my holidays, well here goes, I spent 2 weeks in jolly Scotland (with kilts galore). No, really it wasn't that bad. We took the boat with us and went either skiing, doughnuting or {bananering?} whenever the weather was good (which thankfully was most days). I am at a new 'school' too. Guthlaxton Collage. it was really scary at first when I first went up, its a college you see and everybody was so, well big. I am always getting squashed and squished during changeover time between lessons, but I've worked out a great way to stop myself from getting squashed, just stand behind somebody big and in front of somebody big. the big person behind you, seeing how small you are stops everybody behind him from squashing into you and because there's a big person in front, knowbody trys to barge past him/her so you are 'safe'. Good euhh? What is the temperature like in Florida now? It's starting to get mighty chilly here now. (It was down to -3 the other day).
How long are you going to University for? (how long is your course?)
Well gotta go now. It's getting late.
Please write as soon as you can.
All my love (+ happy birthday again)
Tracey

PS Sorry for the bad handwriting (or rather lack of it).
PPS Hope you like the pressie.
{Wish I could write neat}
oh well bye again
Tracey


Sweet.

November 30, 1992 - Monday - Melissa, TurkeyDay, Jen

Well, there are only two more weeks until finals, and then the semester is over. And Melissa will be gone...

Last Wednesday I stayed in Gainesville solely for German class. Actually, I stayed to see Melissa, otherwise I think I could have found enough cause to go home early. We ended up doing these interviews where we each got a different question and had to go around and ask everybody else to answer it. Mine was something about if the person could sail by himself. It was good though because it was really social and I got to talk and mess around with Melissa and Cindy for a while. Melissa seemed to be hanging on me an awful lot, practically leaning up against me at times. You can imagine how elated that made me feel thinking about that later. Everything about her is so wonderful. After our interview, Cindy ended up sitting over in front of Melissa and I and we talked a bit. Elaine had this insane old professor evaluating her class that day and towards the end of class, somebody said something wrong, and he started cracking up. He turned bright red. He wouldn't stop, and in turn we all started laughing at him, which caused him to laugh even more. It was hilarious. Melissa said that made it worth coming today to class. I looked at Elaine and said, 'I guess you passed!' and both Melissa and Cindy really liked that one. It was fun.

I told Melissa about my little party on my birthday. She suddenly remembered the message Ed left on her machine, and said that she didn't get it until one at night. She said that she really wanted to come and was going to call me then by decided against it. She had to go talk with her thesis advisor after German or I would have taken her home to have some cake and beer.

I went and got my car, and paid my Goddamn parking ticket!!!, after class. Jon and I hurriedly packed it and were soon on our way. It was fun having someone to talk to on the way home as the trip seemed to pass by much faster. The traffic was really bad, almost stopped going the opposite direction. As we were passing the rest area before Wildwood, suddenly my gas pedal hit the floor and would no longer work! I tried pumping it but it had broken loose. I was in the left lane and was slowing down quick. I knew that I should stop as quick as possible so that we would be near the rest area in case we needed help. Jon once had a pin come out of his clutch an it did the same thing that my gas pedal was doing. I checked the pin, but it was still in. I was worried that it might have fallen out back on the road because we would have been really screwed. I then noticed that the clamp that held the cable to the throttle had slid off. I pooped off the air filter and slid the clamp back on. I was extremely relieved. Nothing was broken!!! The clamp had just slid off probably because it wasn't on completely tight in the first place. We were out of there in five minutes which seemed to be a small miracle. It was really fun getting back onto the interstate with all of the traffic.

We ended up making it to Tampa safely, without a ticket, or an accident. I dropped Jon off at his dad's job downtown. He works in the same building that Stacy's mom does. I then drove home. Mother ought expensive vanilla ice cream for me to have with the chocolate cake I baked that night. Later on Thursday we went out to Jonny's house for Thanksgiving dinner. Mema had come down about a week or two ago and had spent all day cooking. We had a big turkey, stuffing, and all the side dishes. It was only the five of us, Jon and Mema. She didn't really want to invite Larry and them. We had a really good time and spent a long time out there. Chrissy, Cathy and I went down to the lake and took some pictures. We didn't tell anybody else as to surprise them later. We also took a picture in the house. Jon gave me about five new shirts that he didn't plan on wearing. I wear a lot of his clothes now. I really like his taste in flannel shirts. I don't mind when the sleeves get too short, but he does. He also gave me a 1993 Penthouse calender to hang on the wall with the rest of my stuff. That was funny.

It was rainy and cold most of the weekend. Friday night we went shopping at Target and Walmart. WE went to the new Target out on Ehrlich and Dale Mabry. I love Targets because the store is designed to be more attractive to a younger richer crowd, even though it's just as cheap as any other major discounter. You see cute girls there everywhere. It almost seems like you have to be an attractive young female to get a job there too, most of them are that way. I love going in there and flirting.

I left for Gainesville after noon on Saturday. I wanted to miss all of the traffic and also had the intention of calling Melissa or seeing Jen. I did see Jen and talked to her for a while. I probably could have done something with her. Gainesville looked like a ghost town. I went shopping on Sunday for a while.

This morning I went to German a bit early, and Cindy was already there outside. It is really cold now up here since the front came through over the weekend. I talked to Cindy the entire time until the classroom was opened. Now that Cheryl has dropped out, Cindy sits by herself up towards the front and doesn't seem to have too much fun during class. I felt bad realizing how she must feel, not really dreading the class, but not really looking forward to it either. She's also really cute and I like her a lot. As we walked into class, I told her to come sit back by me. I even moved Steve's chair away from us.

We talked a lot until Melissa came in. then I turned and said hello. I was about ready to tell her about my car breaking down and all, and once again, she blows my pity story out of the water. She started by telling me that she though she was going crazy last night. She then told me that last night after I called her... And then I broke in and said that I didn't call her, what are you? Crazy? She then said that if I didn't want to hear her story then fine. I gave her puppy eyes and told her that I definitely want to hear her story. Last night she got a serious migraine to the point where she could barely see. She thought she was going insane. She went to the infirmary and found out that she had been walking around all day with a concussion. Saturday night when she was driving home, a guy coming onto the road in the merge lane hit the guy to her right causing her to swerve into a steep ditch. She hit her head on the side window. It's really strange imagining the incident for some reason.

She didn't want to miss German, so she had taken a Codeine earlier. She had also forgotten her book and asked to share with me. She then realized that she didn't have her interview with her, so she walked home to get it. It was already time for class to start and she didn't make it back for a good ten minutes into class. Cindy and I talked some more, and then I talked to Fran‡oise about her weekend. The little bitch went home early last Tuesday to Tampa, and said that Tuesday and Wednesday were hot, sunny,a nd perfect. She spent them at the beach and got a pretty good tan. Bitch. It was raining and cold by the time I got there. Bitch. It was funny. When Melissa came back, she didn't bring her book. I thought that was strange. It almost seemed like she wanted to pull me closer to her away from Cindy. But that sounds more like my hopes, instead of reality. She asked me if we are going to do our oral dialogue together again, and I nodded. She asked me a couple more questions about it, and I kept nodding to each of them. Towards the end of class, Cindy then asked if she could do her dialogue with us. I told her no, sarcastically a couple of times. A little while later when Melissa had gotten up to ask Elaine something, I told Cindy that she'd have to ask Melissa about working with us. When she asked her if she minds, melissa said, 'Yes, no problem...' I laughed that she did mind even though she was actually telling Cindy that she could work with us. We're getting together tomorrow night, I think I'll have them come over to my room. That might prove interesting.

Jen came over at around 10:30 and I showed her the wonderful things on my computer. I saw her again today in the CIRCA lab before class and talked with her for a while. Ed took off to study. Chris lost his Chemistry lab book. It is essential for a good grade, so he and jon drove to Jacksonville late last night to get it. They're crazy! After everybody left, Jen stayed for a while. She looked at my pictures and we listened to Garth Brooks. She sprawled out on the floor twice and I wondered if she's hinting or hoping for something. I don't know.

November 24, 1992 - Tuesday - Melissa Moosehead!, Bday

Happy birthday to me!!! I am finally a legal adult, but is that really good?!? Oh well! My most favorite person in the world pulled a little surprise on me and it worked very well in her favor. I was a bit early to German class so I walked out to the plaza in front of Little Hall just to see if anybody was out there studying for our little quiz. As I did, I saw Melissa walking out of the convenience store with her daily bagel and drink. I walked around so that we reached the stairway at the same time. When she saw me she told me happy birthday and asked me how my day was going so far. I said it was fine and, a little suspiciously asked her about hers. She did seem a little happier than usual. We then walked up to the room and she jumped in front of me and opened the door. I backed up to let her go in first, because that's the gentleman I am, and I didn't want to seem too egotistical by accepting any special treatment so graciously. We stood out there and laughingly argued each telling the other to go ahead and go in. Finally she told me that I have to go in first. I looked and only saw three people and knew there wasn't any real danger so I walked in. There on my desk was a great big present!!!!! I was very surprised and overwhelmed with joy, as I later told her.

Of course the present was a six pack of imported Moosehead Beer, only the best. You could tell that it was a six pack of something and she joked that it was Cappio for a second. We were both being really funny and were joking around a lot until we got home. I had a lot of fun with her today. Halfway through class Melissa told Elaine that today is my birthday, so she was all surprised and told the entire class. She asked me how old I am, and when I told her eighteen, she said something about how young I am. Of course, almost everything we were saying was in German. She also had some of the other people in the class ask me how old I am and had the entire class wish me Happy Birthday in German. It was funny. On the way home I brought up our joke about what good friends we really are since we give each other beer. She told me that she is giving these to me for my enjoyment, but I gave her the one because she was depressed and we laughed. We also joked about her contributing to the delinquency of a minor and all. As we were walking, I was holding my present up high and flaunting it. She joked that I shouldn't show off too much because there still is a law about a minor possessing alcohol. I told her that it's my birthday and if I want to bask in the joy of it all, then I can and we laughed. We were being very silly. As we parted I said 'Many thanks, well actually six thanks!' and she really liked that.

I was thinking about how perfectly her little surprise worked because I could have walked in while she was gone and it just wouldn't have been the same. She still doesn't know what she's doing for Thanksgiving. I told her that if it's bad weather in tampa, and I come back early, I'll give her a call and check on her well being.

Fran‡oise even wrote me a cute little note in class that was shaped like a birthday card. On the front it said `Herzlichen Glckwunch zum Geburstag!!' and had a bunch of smiley faces, balloons, and a cake with an 18 on top. On the back it said `German is fun!' Inside she wrote:


I hope you have a
great day and get a
plethora of presents
Happy Birthday {heart}
Fran!
{smile}

November 23, 1992 - Monday - Tama, Quincy's, Jen

Well, tomorrow is my eighteenth birthday. I'll finally be legal, whatever the hell that means. I've already received birthday cards from Granny and Mema. They both put five dollars inside. For the past few years I have saved all of the money that I have received in my birthday cards, I guess the sentimental value is far greater than the monetary. There have been plenty of opportunities for me to spend Granny's five dollars this weekend, but I opted to stay home instead. Actually I let Chris pay for my weekend.

Tama left early Saturday morning to spend the entire week up in St. Louis with her family. We walked to class on Wednesday to see what was up. We were already late so we walked really slow and talked a lot on the way over. We only stayed for five minutes before taking off. Melissa had mentioned earlier that she would be in CSE typing her term paper so we looked for her before we left, but it was still to early. We sort of shuffled the entire way home and talked. As we neared Beaty, Tama joked that this is the first time it's ever taken her twenty-five minutes to walk home from CSE. I told her that it was that much longer that I got to talk to her, so I was enjoying it.

We have a quiz in computer today so she ended up having to take it on Friday. So on Thursday, after I had finished all of my exams, I went upstairs to her room for a while at about eight thirty to help her out. We didn't study for more than half an hour. I had taken a couple of my L”wenbr„u beers up with me and drank one. It was actually a lot better than I had expected, and I actually could stand it enough to half way chug the last half. We started talking and I didn't get out of there until eleven. It's amazing how well we can talk to each other. I can talk about anything with her, it's almost like we never run out of things to say. She does talk a lot, which is good because I'm a good listener, but I actually can get into deep conversation with her.

We were talking about past `lovers' and she kept implying that she is not going out with anyone now. She did tell me how she dicked this one guy over, and I asked her if I really know what I'm getting myself into. We laughed. She also showed me all around in her bedroom. That's funny, it almost sounds like she was hinting at something, but that's not quite the way it happened. there were some pictures of her on the wall from her junior year in high school. She was wearing a red prom dress, and had an awesome tan. She looked really good. She was going to cook me some food when I came up, figuring that I would be hungry after all of the hard work I had to do for my exams, but she never got to go grocery shopping. She said that she'd going to definitely take me out somewhere expensive for dinner soon on her father's credit card. She did feed me junk food though. I let her open a bag of Sun Chips and I then just looked at them so she asked if she had to feed them to me, too. I said yes so she fed me one of them but then said that I had to do the rest by myself. It was cute, though.

Tama and her two other roommates finally got rid of Kara, the one they hate. They say that she has a serious attitude problem and is very self centered. She is moving out to a room in the other Beaty Tower so Tama has to interview new roommates. I asked her if I could come up and live with her for a while. I told her that Eric probably wouldn't mind. She agreed that he probably wouldn't mind because he likes me. I was sort of curious when she talked to him about me. I mentioned something about it again a little later, and she told me that I really seemed intent on moving in with her and I agreed. We also talked about some of our plans for the future. She told me that she really thinks that she will be dating somebody seriously by the time she graduates here. She then said that she would then drag him to St. Louis with her where she would definitely have to live with him for a while before marrying him. I agreed with her about it being smart to make sure the two of you could live together before getting married. In fact, I agreed with everything she said. She was telling me earlier that I should really visit St. Louis someday, and I said that I'd like to, and we were talking about it for a while. I also just realized that she was saying something about possibly having to live apart for a year while this boyfriend finished school and how the relationship should stand the long distance. I just realized how perfectly I matched what she was saying. Since she is a sophomore, I would theoretically be here a year longer than she would. When she mentioned dragging him to St. Louis, I was going to say that I wouldn't want to live there, but I wisely held back. I also just realized that Anheuser Busch is headquartered in St. Louis. Hmmmm...

Towards the end, her two roommates came home from their sorority functions and sat down. Karen, the one with blonde hair looked pretty good. The four of us actually all started talking and were joking around. That was really good. It will possibly help me out to be accepted by Tama's friends. Just by the way we were carrying I really like the outlook. It would be nice if Tama and I got together. I was talking to Jon later about how much we talk to each other, and how it makes more sense for me to pursue Tama a bit now instead of solely focusing on Melissa. I won't have class with Tama any more after this semester so I definitely need to become good friends with her now for she will be still be here for a long time when Melissa is gone and I want to be able to spend time with her.

Jon and I were also talking about what we say about each other to our parents. I had been thinking the same thing earlier. He talks to his parents a lot, too, just like I do. He admitted wondering what I tell my parents about all of them after he thought about what he was telling his parents. It is pretty interesting to think about. I also told him about wondering what Melissa has told her good friends about me. I mean we went to dinner and stuff, she has to have told somebody something. i'm really curious. Jon quoted the Murphy's Law on the poster on the wall that you should never worry about what other people are thinking about you, because they are too busy worrying about what you think of them. I agree.

Friday night Chris, Jon, Cecil, and I went over to Salem's apartment to rent some movies. A guy from Jacksonville named Russ also was there. We ended up renting a Cheech and Chong movie called Nice Dreams. It was pretty funny. We also stopped by Hungry Howie's and ordered two four dollar pizzas. They were really good! We didn't end up getting home until about three or four in the morning so we slept until around noon. Ed, Jon, and I went grocery shopping after we all woke up and had eaten. The Florida Vanderbilt game was on the store radio and we listened to it the entire two hours we were in there. We won 41-21 and clinched the SEC Eastern Division championship! There were also some pretty good looking females in the store that I was flirting with.

Later that night, Chris, Cecil, and I went to a play in the Constans Theater called The Rainmaker. It started around eight and Cecil hadn't shown up at the room in time so Chris and I left without him. We left his ticket with Jon and he did show up a little while later. Chris and I saw some really hot chicks in the theater before the play started. We were both getting really frustrated. It's fun because we both will get to the same chauvinistic level when we are lusting over women and we get quite vulgar. There was a pretty cute girl next to me and we kept leaning towards each other. I came so damn close to saying something to her as we left, but what I might have said could have gotten me slapped, so I guess I was better off not. I was really tired when we went to the play, and it lasted about two and a half hours, so I figured that I'd probably fall asleep. The play ended up being very good, so good that it grabbed my attention and we were all laughing and even clapping at some of the witty lines. I was surprised at how good it turned out.

Afterwards, I was really tired so I went back to the dorm. Jon and karen were there so I grabbed the phone and went into my room. I talked to Valerie for a little while, and then called home. I knew that she'd think I was weird calling Saturday night, or drunk, but once she realized that I wasn't, we had our usual hour talk. Chrissy was up watching Saturday Night Live which is why they were still awake. I didn't want to have to worry about calling on Sunday because I planned on sleeping in, and besides it's cheaper later.

I was right in my assumption, because Chris and I left before seven on Sunday night to go out to eat at Quincy's. We walked to Red D and took my car and then drove to Salem's apartment. He's starting to talk to me a bit now, Chris says that he's always that way around new people. We took Salem's truck to the restaurant. Chris paid for my dinner because of my birthday. Quincy's is similar to Ponderosa, so we got to pig out at the buffet. I had two big plates full of hot stuff, and two huge salads. I also had a bowl of split pea soup and we ate two baskets of their delicious bread. I love buffets because you get to eat a large variety of things, and you don't really have to worry about not finishing something you don't like because there is always more of the stuff you do. I definitely ate more than the two of them, and they're both big Arabs. After they had finished, I was still going to the dessert bar eating bowls of ice cream, and even some good banana pudding. We spent well over two hours eating. By that time, Salem was talking a lot to me, which means I'm in to their little clique. Afterwards, we went back to Salem's and played Nintendo until after twelve. I have never even touched a Nintendo before, but creamed both Chris and Salem at Dr. Mario. I figured at least Salem would beat me since it's his. It takes a lot of good quick logical thinking which is why I'm so good at it.

Melissa asked me again today as we parted if I am going to be here on Wednesday, and I told her yes. She also asked me that last Thursday. I think it has something to do with my birthday tomorrow but I'm not sure what she has up her sleeve. I'm definitely going to stick around if Melissa is doing something for me. Jon said that he hopes that she means Wednesday morning because he wants a ride to Tampa with me for the holiday. We talked quite a bit today.

I met up with Jen again in the computer lab today before my class. Bryan then showed up and we went and took our quiz. I breezed through it in less than ten minutes. Jen was very surprised to see me back so soon. I helped her out on her program a little bit and she asked me to stay and go home with her. We talked a lot. She told me how she is staying here for the weekend all by herself.