I love being able to put books and CDs on hold at the library over the Internet. The only issue is when I am out of town and have to coordinate things. When my hold is available, I have 7 days to pick it up. If I don't pick it up, I guess the book goes back on the shelf, and I get charged a fee. I'm going to be away for about a week. Plans changed slightly and we are coming back a day early. Anyway, I went to the library yesterday to pick up one hold, saw the Michael Jackson biography that I had put on hold so I borrowed it. I was going to cancel the hold after I got home.

After I got home, that same MJ biography hold was ready for me to pick up. I didn't even have a chance to cancel it!! And then I got a couple more emails about more holds ready for pickup. The thing is...the other items -- I'm like 7 or 8 on the list! I have no idea why they've come up so quickly. So now I have to go to the library today. There are certain times of the day where I avoid the library because it's a VERY busy place. It's hard to find parking! But tonight I have to go to the real slumber party stagette and then tomorrow morning I need to get packing and on the road. So I don't have a choice. I guess I could walk over...

I'm still exhausted these days. I would really love a day to just sleep in and get unpacked. Thinking about that desire stresses me out!

Anyway, my boss sent me an email about one of the managers from my office visiting his and I was the subject of some glowing feedback! I was over the moon to read that email! He basically said I was a great asset and that if needed he would speak to upper management about keeping me!! Woo!

For the last week I've been obsessed with downloading and uploading stuff.

And then all of a sudden I was denied access while attempting to download more stuff! I have no idea what I did to make that happen, but i want to undo it.

I thought it was because I changed directory settings, so I changed them back -- nothing.

Maybe it's because I removed my torrents after they reached a ratio of at least 1.0??

Help!

Voldemort has always been afraid to be alone. That's why he married his now ex-wife. He's been on the Internet dating scene for the last little while, and he seems pretty determined in finding the next girlfriend. He says he wants to meet people, make friends, blah blah blah but every single girl he meets, he is looking for long-term potential. He hasn't said he's not looking for a relationship right now. Oh wait. he was about to have "the talk" with this girl he dated for a couple of weeks. But then she broke things off before he had his chance. He was heartbroken but then realised he didn't miss her but was just lonely. That didn't stop him from visiting her again, trying to rekindle a friendship. (When she dumped him, he had said there was no point to being friends with her.)

Maybe I just got cynical with Internet dating or maybe I gained a lot of experience -- I don't know. But people are not always honest in their profiles, and a lot of things people say are subjective. Perhaps he needs to take more with a grain of salt. People who have done their fair share of Internet dating with no goal of meeting "the one" tend to view people as expendable.

Anyway, he just sent me an email saying this his ex girlfriend from Korea called him, and he said "at least she can be my backup." Holy ...He visited her twice; the second visit taught him that they weren't compatible or perhaps the cross-cultural communication was too difficult. And the distance is still a factor. What would be the point of pursuing things?

He's not desperate yet, but I think he would benefit from spending time alone, without focusing on dating and to just enjoy his independence.

I can't help it -- I'm a planner. And I love details.

I'm going camping next week, and we're camping at the same place we went last year. I need to start printing maps and stuff and compiling a list of places I want to go while we're in the area. Anyway, I couldn't remember the name of the campsite we stayed at, and Mr. Nick says he will give me the details (with my luck, it will be the day we leave?).

It dawned on me to look at my Flickr photos because I always either add descriptions to my sets or put tags in my photos. Lo' and behold, I know what campsite we're going to be at now.

This will be my first time camping for more than 3 nights at a time. I have no idea what other clothes to bring, and I just know I have to be prepared for all sorts of weather. Even though it's been scorchingly hot and probably will be quite warm next week, the nights can get pretty chilly with the marine fog. I don't want my makeup to melt either. And what I am not looking forward to is certain monthly things going on while I'm camping!!

I'm on my strata council! I can't wait to have some say what bylaws come into effect for my strata.

I am the Secretary, but the property manager already does all the secretarial stuff. I may suggest that he not use all caps for his memos...they are so hard to read!

It was our first AGM last night. I got  to see the kind of people I am living around. Most seem to be young urban professionals. There seem to be a few who have made purchases as investments.

I am convinced someone Chinese always nitpicks about the budget at every one of these meetings. Of course last night I wasn't disappointed. "Why don't commercial owners have to pay as much maintenance fees?" Duh...those owners don't live here. They're not going to use the sauna, are they? And for some reason the property manager came across as very anti-children and anti-teenagers...I wonder if he's had a lot of bad experiences with his other buildings.

It is going to awesome knowing what is going on where I live, and I look forward to hearing the ridiculous complaints and requests!!

My old high school principal also moving into one of the buildings today. Lovely.

What a relief! The portion I attended wasn't that bad. I almost wish I could have been there in the evening.

So, I took the bride out for breakfast, and we were going to hang out at TV Baker's place until it was time to go. Unfortunately, breakfast took longer than anticipated (and I was running late :-p), so we called TV Baker and Bridezilla on the way to see if they still wanted to hang. They decided to wait downstairs for us instead. So I show up in my hatchback, and we wait. They come down with a full suitcase, a carry on suitcase, and a couple of bags of edibles for the spa. I'm like "thanks for warning me about all the stuff." "Oh we can just put stuff on our laps."

The spa was an okay experience. The place only looked a little ghetto. They were wires running around all over the place because they used desk lamps at the pedicure stations. The estheticians moved the lamps to the manicure stations when they were needed. I was afraid of sloshing water or spilling something on those wires -- or tripping for that matter.

TV Baker and Bridezilla split the cost for the bride's services, which were her shower gift. To me, that is cheap. Happy bridal shower! Your gift is your stagette!

After spending 3 hours at the spa, we went for dinner at 3pm. Bridezilla suggested we eat a full meal since that was our dinner. Who eats dinner at 3 pm??! At least I was home before 6. I would have loved to see everyone squish into Testorone Girl's car when they went from the pub to the hotel. I think her car has 5 seatbelts. She was not able to fit everyone's luggage into the trunk when we went to the pub. I guess the bride might have had to hold on to her own suitcase in the car?

Although we could have brought food to the spa, TV Baker and Bridezilla supplied a small fruit tray and chocolate covered almonds. Afterwards, they joked that was lunch.  It sounds like it was an okay night for the bride. They went swimming and to the lounge. Unfortunately, most of the girls did not want to dance. And the bride got the impression that they organizers didn't want to pay for much. They allowed the bride to pay for everyone's breakfast the next day. I know I wouldn't have.

Oh, I am in love with HD TV. I can't stop staring! I think when my free trial is over, I will subscribe to HBO Canada. I just started watching Hung. And I have gotten addicted to downloading TV shows to my computer, too!!

I let TV Baker that I would pick her up and Bridezilla for the stagette after I picked up the bride at 11:30 am. This is what she said to me:

Thanks Rosie 11:30 sounds great. The spa appointment is for noon so I guess we will have a enough time to get there from my place right? Are you coming to the pub after the spa?

1. Why is she asking me if we have enough time to get to the appointment from her place when nobody has told me where we're going? "Oh, we want it to be a surprise."

2. All I had said was that I wasn't staying over night with them at the hotel. Why is she, for the second time, suggesting I not participate in everything but the spa? If they weren't going to be stuck with a non-refundable service, they'd probably be asking me if I was still coming on Saturday.

I cut down on sugar a lot last year and I've let it back in my life. I'm not proud, but it sure is tasty.

There is a really great chocolate shop that I like. I haven't bought any of their bonbons or chocolate bars, but they have delicious chocolate beverages. They also always give you a piece of chocolate when you buy a beverage, too. Right now I am thinking about their iced chocolates...they're thick and creamy and delicious. Even though I prefer eating milk chocolate, I prefer dark chocolate beverages.

I like the dark hot chocolate from this place, too. In the winter, I was going regularly for their sweetened green tea lattes. They were the closest thing to my beloved Asian Starbucks green tea lattes. Blenz' beverages are good and not as pricey as the 'bucks. I only like their Asian green tea lattes/fraps and their orange mango banana Vivannos.

What is on my mind most is that I would really like to sell my oak and rent out my condo. I would really, really, really like that for that to happen!!!!

TV Baker sent me an email about this Saturday's stagette (names have been changed to protect the not so innocent):

Hey Rosie,
 
I just wanted to see if you would mind driving the bride, Bridezilla and I to the spa from my place on Sat? Kelly is going to probably pick up Lezbot and meet us at the spa. After the spa Testosterone Girl said she could drive the rest of us to dinner and the hotel so if you are not coming for dinner and heading home after the spa that is fine.
 
Thanks Rosie!

When I read this, I think "okay, I won't go to dinner either then." All I had ever said was that I wasn't staying over night at the hotel. Wouldn't it be safe to presume that I would be participating in all the other activities until they decide the night is over and are going to sleep?

TV Baker and Bridezilla apparently planned this event, but it doesn't seem like they have done a whole lot of planning. Who's driving people home in the morning? To be honest, I do sort of mind driving all of them. Driving them isn't a huge deal, but she hasn't told us where we're going. I'd rather tell them no...I'd pick up the bride and meet you at the spa. And whatever happened to getting the mobile spa? If they don't want to drive, take a cab.

I don't know what I am going to say in my reply. Maybe I will play the passive-aggressive game, too, and just not reply at all! I can stoop to their level!!

Trader Joe's natural turkey jerky is delicious!!! Well, the teriyaki flavour is. I'm in dire need of protein and that was one of the few things I had at home. I was all set to cook up some turkey sausages I defrosted on the weekend, but they smelled a little off so I threw them out :-(

It's Mr. Nick's niece's 10th birthday today. I got her a diary with a lock on it. I hope she likes it. I'm going to try to find some sparkly gel pens on my lunch break. Shopping for preteens can be so difficult! That and I didn't want to spend more than $20.

I put my oak bedframe and night stand on craiglist for $250. A lady asked me if I would be willing to sell her just the bed. I said yes, and now she is asking if I would be willing to sell it for $150. Should I go for it? Oak isn't a hot commodity and I haven't gotten a lot of calls for my stuff! I do want to get rid of it to make way for a new bed!

I'm about to send an email to TV Baker to let her know that I am not going to stay overnight for stagette #1. I am not going to say why. This isn't an easy email for me send. I did clear it with the bride and asked her what she thought about me not staying. I'm going to be hanging out with them, but only for who knows how long. I have no idea what time the stagette is going to start.

The stagette is next weekend, and there still have been no details sent out. I don't know if they just want to hang out at the pool or what. All I know is that there is going to be a spa service and we'll be at the hotel all day and night?! Who knows. With all the other stagettes I've been invited to, people are able to choose what parts of the day they want to be part of. This one feels like it's all or nothing.

There is going to be a slumber party for stagette #2 hosted by the bride the following week, so there is already an overnighter. And I don't want to pay to sleep in a hotel. If it's like last time, I'll be stuck on the hideaway. No, thanks. And the cost of the shower is going up, too. So...if I can spend less than $100 next weekend for the stagette, I will be happy!

I've watched the first two episodes of Big Brother 11, and I am SO excited about that show.

I think it appeals to the sociologist in me. I am going to watch the rest of the episodes that I have recorded this weekend!!! I cannot wait to spend some time at home this weekend and alone, to boot! YEAH!

Nonetheless, it's the bridal shower this weekend. I have a lot of prep to do tonight and tomorrow. I am also thinking of not spending the night for stagette #1. Bridezilla and TV Baker haven't told us anything about cost or times, and stagette #1 is next weekend.

I wish I had another composite cable so I can test out watching my iPod on my TV!!

Are memes out of style now?

1. Kissed anyone of your Facebook friends? Yes

2. Been arrested? No

3. Kissed someone you didn't like? Yes

4. Slept in until 5 PM? Don't think so

5. Fallen asleep at work/school? Yes

6. Held a snake? Yes, if trouser snakes count.

7. Ran a red light? Yes

8. Been suspended from school? No

9. Totaled your car/motorbike in an accident? No

10. Been fired from a job? Yes

11. Sang karaoke? Yes

12. Done something you told yourself you wouldn't? Yes

13. Laughed until something you were drinking came out your nose? No

14. Caught a snowflake on your tongue? Yes

15. Kissed in the rain/shower? Yes

16. Sang in the shower? Yes

17. Sat on a rooftop? No

18. Been pushed into a pool with all your clothes? No

19. Broken a bone? Just a fracture.

20. Shaved your head? No

21. Blacked out from drinking? No

22. Played a prank on someone? Yes

23. Felt like killing someone? No

24. Made your girlfriend/boyfriend cry? Yes

25. Had Mexican jumping beans for pets? No

26. Been in a band? Yes

27. Shot a gun? Watergun, yes.

28. Tripped on mushrooms? No

29. Donated Blood? No...tried to but my iron levels were too low!

30. Eaten alligator meat? No

31. Eaten cheesecake? Yes

32. Still love someone you shouldn't? No

33. Think about the future? Yes

34. Believe in love? Yes

35. Question why you answered this? No

I have a pendulum and I love it. When I first got it, I used it a lot. Mine is a rose quartz on a chain.

I was thinking about my experience when I was using it to find my box of kitchen stuff. During my move, I thought I lost a whole box of kitchen utensils and mixing bowls. I asked my pendulum where it was, and it kept pointing behind me. I looked at my boxes, all labeled "L" for the living room. I thought maybe the box was there, so I kept looking for a box labeled with "K" -- nothing! But my box was mislabeled...My pendulum was right!!

This morning, I asked which personal trainer I should hire. I was originally going to contact one because of his location, but my pendulum pointed to the other one. I am going to give her a call! My pendulum hasn't let me down!

I got a letter yesterday from the BBB. I had filed a complaint about the Gold's Gym. They sent me Gold's Gym response. I am surprised Gold's had a response.

Anyway, I got a copy of the letter that Victor, the president had sent to the BBB. He showed proof that they sent me a cheque. Fair enough.

But then he had to try to come across looking like a saint...said that it was an accounting error which has led to the accountant's dismissal.

There was no accounting error. As also shown on the cheque stub, it was ready for signing on May 20. And the accountant is still there. And I absolutely HATE it when higher ups try to make themselves and their company look better by making their employees look bad. I don't think it works. Your accountant didn't get one cheque to you to sign so you fired her? Mmhmm.

But I hope the accountant didn't lose her job by doing the right thing for the clients. I'm sure Victor wasn't pleased to have to deal with this kind of stuff.

One thing is for sure though -- I will never, ever, ever sign up for a Gold's Gym membership (again).

I've delayed my personal deadline of getting my place unpacked, etc. because I am getting to stressed out about it all! A couple weeks ago, I saw this great wardrobe at Home Depot, but they were sold out. They've been sold out in the store closest to me for ages, so I've had to resort to other cities. I asked to have the last one put on hold, and I am going to go pick it up tonight! Then I can start putting clothes in my room! How fabulous is that?! Most of my clothes are in garbage bags still.

And then the carpet guy is coming today to finish up some less than stellar work. Once he's done I can put another wardrobe into the corner! Right now it's just in the middle of the room, waiting to be filled up. Once I have some time to actually put things away, I will be happy!

I will have a bit of time this weekend! YEAH!

Tonight is graduation from my Cornerstone seminar. I don't really want to go because I don't think I will get anything out of it. But attending graduation was part of our agreement. Boo.

Does anyone out here attend personal development or leadership training? I'd love to talk to people who've done it. I keep hearing about PSI.

This whole weekend I was at personal development seminar called Cornerstone. It was about 30 hours long over the course of 3 days/nights. The first night, I didn't have a clue what the guy was talking about and was wondering what signed myself up for. But then Saturday was a big day. It was a lot more interactive, and I learned A LOT about myself and how I have been living my life.

I started feeling like I needed to take action after my dad died. I reflected on how he felt about his life, and decided that when I die, I don't want a big list of regrets. I don't want my life to end on a note of sadness and a feeling of being unfulfilled.

Then I did my YOU Journey seminar. It wasn't called that at the time, but that's what it is. Here's a link . (I don't like the website. It doesn't look professional and I think the seminars sound hokey, like it's promising the world or something. In reality, the seminars promise you nothing because it's really all up to you.) I started doing more thinking when I went through that seminar. Aside from learning about myself, I started thinking more about what I want in life.

Cornerstone would have been good to take before Journey, but no matter. Journey had a spiritual element, and Cornerstone did not.

Quick frankly, I've finished the Cornerstone feeling freaked out as heck. I realised I've been living my life in fear and apathy despite that I am fully aware of things. I have been going through the experience if life but not really experiencing it. When I did the pole dancing competition, I didn't plan to win. When I was in the pageant, I didn't plan to win. I told myself that I just wanted the experience. But striving to win would have allowed me to truly experience the experience.

I've learned that my reluctance to show vulnerability really shuts people out. Lots of people at the seminar were brave enough to go up to the front of the room to be open and honest about their experiences. I was too paralyzed with fear to share. I've also learned that by allowing myself to feel unpleasant things allows me to feel pleasant things better.

Basically, I got a kick in the butt this weekend to actually go for the things I want. If I died tomorrow, I would feel like my life was not complete. There is no sense in putting things off for tomorrow because tomorrow might not come. For the last few months, I have really begun to evaluate my relationship closely with Mr. Nick. I don't blame him for anything because my feelings are my choice. He can't make me feel a certain way.

I have decided that what I want next in life is a supportive and understanding husband and good kids. And at this point in time, I really don't know if Mr. Nick is the one.  When we first met, I thought he was the one. But I don't know if I can be with someone anymore that waits for life to happen. I am truly tired of being the leader in the relationship. I don't enjoy it, and I usually take on the role when nobody else steps up to the plate. I am tired of being the one to choose when we see each other, what we do when see each other, when and where we go for holidays, when we have sex. I am tired of it and I think I have reached my wit's end.

I can't speak for Mr. Nick, but I think he has withdrawn because he is content for waiting for things to happen yet there is resentment. I don't feel that he and I have a connection. I don't like when he doesn't ask me to accompany him on  trip. I don't like when he doesn't tell me things that's going on in his life. I don't like that he doesn't share his experiences with me. Maybe by withholding such things from me it gives him his power back.

He said he knows he needs to be more assertive and he said he will be. Our counsellor offered to see him one-on-one about something...Probably about speaking his mind -- I don't remember. When I asked Mr. Nick what she said she would help him with, he said he couldn't remember.

I told Mr. Nick a lot of the stuff I have blogged about. Of course he took the things I said personally. He didn't have to and assumed I was somehow saying things were his fault. But I didn't. He is the way he is, and it is no longer working for me. While he hopes for a family, I know I want one. While he hopes that we can work on relationship, I don't. Nobody can change our relationship for us. It's something I can either commit to or not. Three years with somebody and having no clue where things are going just cannot work for me anymore.

There comes a time when we have to take a stand for something.

I have a habit of forgetting everything about a movie once I've seen it. Usually I'll remember if I've seen it -- that's about it!

So a couple of nights ago, I was determined to rent a Blu-Ray movie to test out my new toys. I figured X3 would be a good choice since there'd be action! As I was watching it, I kept asking myself if I'd seen the movie before. Some scenes seemed familiar yet I didn't remember watching most of it.

The movie wasn't that great.

At the end, I still wasn't sure if I'd seen it before. BWAHAHA

But I love my new TV.

The Sephora store in Vancouver is FINALLY opening tomorrow. I am off tomorrow so if I wanted to go on its opening day, I'd have to take 2.5 hours out of my day to go. I was about to seek advice about whether I should make the trip to take advantage of getting a free umbrella but when I look at it as using 2.5 hours of my day...I will pass.

I have a seminar this weekend, and I am SO excited. I was hoping to rest up for it because 30 hours in 3 days is quite intense! I am so exhausted these days but I would REALLY like to get unpacked in my home so I can enjoy it.

This weekend is the seminar. Next weekend is the bridal shower. The weekend after that is a birthday party and the overnighter stagette. The weekend after that is another stagette and getting ready to leave town!! When will I ever get to unpack?! An hour or two each night after work is basically all I have...I guess slow and steady wins the race.

Okay, I feel better now.

I've been going to this particular Greek festival annually for about the last 10 years. It's always been for the loukoumades!! This year was no different, but since it was so disappointing last year that Mr. Nick and I went on the last day not expecting much. They added chicken to the menu! And it was delicious! The loukoumades were really good this year, too. I can't wait for it to come back next year. I saw Big Mouth Boy's brother there...I hadn't seen him since Big Mouth Boy and I broke up years ago. We made eye contact. I think he recognised me but I avoided eye contact and walked away quickly, just in case it was him.

Speaking of chicken...a bunch of us went to a Southern BBQ place for dinner one night for one of Mr. Nick's friend's birthday. There was a girl there who said she didn't eat meat but chicken was okay. Why do vegetarians call themselves vegetarians or say they don't eat meat when they will eat animals with 2 legs or fewer?!

If you think it, feel it, and believe it, it will come. That's the premise of The Secret.

I was thinking about that, and how the coaches and my peers in my seminar kept telling me that I was powerful. I asked my coach what that meant, and he said that whatever I set my mind to, it happens.

I did keep all my promises to myself (i.e., reached the goals that I set for myself when the seminar started).

After I canceled my Gold's Gym membership, I assumed I would get my money back. That afternoon when I spoke to the accountant and hearing her stories about the president not signing the refund cheques and speaking to the president, I started to wonder if I would get my cheque. But the accountant called me back that afternoon to tell me that my cheque was signed.

And I'd been thinking about the kind of garbage can I needed for my bathroom. I said something white and skinny and that could fit in a certain spot would be great. Well, I found it. It was the last one in the store, but it was exactly what I needed!

I mean these are little things...I'm still trying to figure out if there are such things as coincidences in life. But I recently got two small things I wanted. My coach told me to always dream big. Ah, the possibilities that I can allow into my life is mind boggling!

I'm sure the gym is great if you sign up and never leave!

I signed up and canceled my membership within 10 days. The sales guy said I could get a full refund no questions asked if I canceled within 10 days and that I would receive a cheque in the mail. Well...almost 2 months later and no cheque.

I had a lovely experience talking to everyone I needed to. The gym bounced me to accounting, and accounting gave me the president's phone number because there was nothing more she could do. The guy is simply NOT signing the cheques.

I filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. I think they are already in the system.

My complaint looks like this:

When I went in to Gold's Gym in Richmond, BC in May 2009, to ask about a trial membership, I signed up for a full membership with the promise that I could cancel the membership within 10 days and get a full refund. I decided to cancel the membership within the 10 days, and went back to the gym to sign the paperwork. I was told (as well as it states on the form) that I will get a full refund within 30 days. I have yet to receive any refund.

I called up the Gold's Gym to ask about my refund, and was given the number of accounting. I spoke to a lady there who said that a cheque for my refund was cut on May 20, 2009, but it still required the president's signature. She also mentioned that there were cheques from January that required his signature.

In order to inquire further, I telephoned the president, Victor (604-312-9800). He answered his phone, and I told him I had canceled my membership and was still waiting for my refund. He said he was "in discussion with the CEO about how to handle it" and did not offer me any other information. Then he promptly hung up.

Apparently, I will get a response from the BBB in 5 - 6 weeks. I don't think the guy will respond to anything. Victor is actually the CEO...he sounded so friendly when he answered the phone. Then he sounded angry when I said I was calling about my refund. I got to chatting with the accountant. She really wants out because of the way he is treating the clients and his employees. Her assistant quit and has also filed a complaint about him. 

I cannot believe that Gold's Gym! They have a couple of other locations, but not all Gold's Gyms are the same.

July 16, 2009: Followup post !

I'm SO excited about my home theatre that I will be setting up. I really lucked out with the sale. I bought a TV and got a surround sound system and Blu-Ray DVD player for free! From the reviews I've read, the DVD player is excellent, but the surround sound system is not that great because of the setup, visibility of the interface, and that it doesn't save your preset FM channels. Mine will work beautifully though. I just know it!

Anyway, I'm not complaining about something free that I got!

I won't be set up for high definition channels for another week and a half though...no biggie...as long as I can watch Big Brother, I'll be okay. I'm so excited about PVRing!!!!

I keep telling people that once I set up my TV and my wii, people will only be able to see me when they visit!! I'm not going to leave my home!! BWAHAHA Well, I don't have Rock Band yet. My wii won't keep me at home. I'm quite excited for Beatles for Rock Band!!! 

I hope I don't go to heck for the outburst I just had!

This friend of mine is a pretty sour guy. He's snooty, judgmental, and a self-proclaimed narcissist. He's also a really smart guy but depressed. He's not happy with his life and he says he's a hypochondriac. Anyway, he's been depressed for quite some time. I've never known what the best thing is to do for depressed people (Is narcissim a symptom of depression? Both my friend and my dad just kept repeating how unhappy they were/are.) I do not believe I can do anything for people suffering depression. My friend and my dad both poopoo(ed) any suggestions for fighting their depression. So really...what can I do? They spend so much energy and focus on being depressed that if they took that energy on getting over it, I think it would help a lot.

As much as I care for my friend, I can't deal with him anymore...again. 

When my friend told me he was a hypochondriac, I told him that was his choice. He said he didn't choose to be. I told him it may not be a conscious choice, but it is one. And then he said it was people with my kind of attitude that prevented people with mental illnesses from seeking help. Do people with mental illnesses know they are ill? After he said that, I went on a rant about my dad. Because when people are ready to seek and want help, they will do it. My belief is that everything is a choice whether you realise it or not. He doesn't agree with me, and that is okay. It's a belief that most poeple can't wrap their head around, I think.