Weekend Update - Easter Weekend
Apr. 21st, 2025 08:45 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
brickhousewenchI’ve been feeling sort of low grade crappy ever since I came back from Texas. I wouldn’t say that I was sick, more like my body was trying not to be sick. I didn’t really have any symptoms other than feeling low energy and having one side of my nose feeling congested. But whatever was up there wasn’t moving in either direction, despite some ferocious attempts at nose blowing on my part. When I was down in South Carolina visiting my folks I finally broke down one night and went to CVS and bought a nasal decongestant inhaler (camphor and menthol, *snorts*), and then the next night I bought Nyquil and Dayquil. I should have started the Nyquil a day or two sooner, because when I drugged myself, I finally started sleeping better.
But then I didn’t keep up with the Nyquil when I got home, and the “meh” feeling just kept dragging on endlessly. I think I finally kicked it this weekend. Or at least I finally got caught up enough on my sleep that I don’t feel like Dead Woman Walking anymore.
I had vaguely considered attending one of the No King protests on Saturday. But I hadn’t had time to track down any poster board or cardboard to make a sign. And hadn’t figured out where I wanted to go. Adding in the fact that it was the 250th anniversary of Lexington and Concord meant that traffic was going to be insane everywhere. As it turns out, I didn’t set the alarm and ended up sleeping almost until noon. Yeah, I needed that. The closest local protest was from 11:00 - 1:00, and I certainly wasn’t ready to bounce out of bed and hustle over there. I wanted a slow morning. So I was slothful and spent the day reading and just generally doing nothing all day.
It was just what I needed.
Sunday I set the alarm for 8:00 and was up around 8:30, feeling decently rested. But not super motivated. I spent the day alternating reading and some slow housework. After I finished my book (I’m re-reading the Bruno Chief of Police series, turns out I was several books behind and I’m finally getting into the new ones I haven’t read yet) then I finished reading the new cookbook I bought. Facebook has been showing me various comedians on Reels, and I’ve clicked on Matteo Lane enough times to stumble across the fact that he’s written a cookbook, Your Pasta Sucks. He’s an Italian/Irish/Mexican comic, who, if you can’t tell by the cover, is also a gay man. He’s spent quite a bit of time in Italy, so I was curious about his take on Italian cooking. Plus, he’s sassy as hell. It was a fun read. I need to finish up some of my stock of pasta and sauce before I can try any of the recipes, but I’m looking forward to trying them. Once I finished reading that, I started trying to get caught up on Dreamwidth. I am So. Far. Behind. Like a month behind. But since my friends list is relatively small, I’m trying to make sure to go back and read everything I’ve missed.
In the afternoon a bunch of family traipsed into the condo to visit the next door neighbors. They’re the ones where the father is losing his hearing and uses his outdoor voice indoors. And apparently the grandchild that he likes to tease was visiting, there was lots of noise making from grandpa and that resulted in loud shrieking from said grandkinder. I really hate when I have to wear earplugs in my own home in order to enjoy a quiet holiday. GRRRRRR.
Someday I will own a house, with space between me and my neighbors. At least that’s the dream.
But then I didn’t keep up with the Nyquil when I got home, and the “meh” feeling just kept dragging on endlessly. I think I finally kicked it this weekend. Or at least I finally got caught up enough on my sleep that I don’t feel like Dead Woman Walking anymore.
I had vaguely considered attending one of the No King protests on Saturday. But I hadn’t had time to track down any poster board or cardboard to make a sign. And hadn’t figured out where I wanted to go. Adding in the fact that it was the 250th anniversary of Lexington and Concord meant that traffic was going to be insane everywhere. As it turns out, I didn’t set the alarm and ended up sleeping almost until noon. Yeah, I needed that. The closest local protest was from 11:00 - 1:00, and I certainly wasn’t ready to bounce out of bed and hustle over there. I wanted a slow morning. So I was slothful and spent the day reading and just generally doing nothing all day.
It was just what I needed.
Sunday I set the alarm for 8:00 and was up around 8:30, feeling decently rested. But not super motivated. I spent the day alternating reading and some slow housework. After I finished my book (I’m re-reading the Bruno Chief of Police series, turns out I was several books behind and I’m finally getting into the new ones I haven’t read yet) then I finished reading the new cookbook I bought. Facebook has been showing me various comedians on Reels, and I’ve clicked on Matteo Lane enough times to stumble across the fact that he’s written a cookbook, Your Pasta Sucks. He’s an Italian/Irish/Mexican comic, who, if you can’t tell by the cover, is also a gay man. He’s spent quite a bit of time in Italy, so I was curious about his take on Italian cooking. Plus, he’s sassy as hell. It was a fun read. I need to finish up some of my stock of pasta and sauce before I can try any of the recipes, but I’m looking forward to trying them. Once I finished reading that, I started trying to get caught up on Dreamwidth. I am So. Far. Behind. Like a month behind. But since my friends list is relatively small, I’m trying to make sure to go back and read everything I’ve missed.
In the afternoon a bunch of family traipsed into the condo to visit the next door neighbors. They’re the ones where the father is losing his hearing and uses his outdoor voice indoors. And apparently the grandchild that he likes to tease was visiting, there was lots of noise making from grandpa and that resulted in loud shrieking from said grandkinder. I really hate when I have to wear earplugs in my own home in order to enjoy a quiet holiday. GRRRRRR.
Someday I will own a house, with space between me and my neighbors. At least that’s the dream.
On being a slow gamer
Apr. 21st, 2025 05:49 amselenicseasWe're almost four entire months into the year and I still haven't finished a single video game.
For the past couple of years, I've had a goal to complete 6 new (to me) video games per year. I did and still do have a pretty big backlog to get through, so finding new games to play has never been a problem. Actually finding the time to play those games, on the other hand, is a problem more often than it isn't.
Gaming is typically the last thing on my priority list, as it typically requires more time than the rest of my other hobbies. Recently, I've been lucky to spend 1-2 hours a week on playing video games. That's not a great way to get games finished, especially not long games like Horizon Forbidden West.
I really thought I'd be done by now! I finished 8 games in 2023 and 6 in 2024, and wanted to keep a similar pace up for 2025. I'm nowhere near close to finishing Horizon Forbidden West; at this pace, I expect I'll be done by June at the earliest.
I sure hope I get to finish more than one game this year. Who knows – maybe I’ll be able to finish two. Or even three.
For the past couple of years, I've had a goal to complete 6 new (to me) video games per year. I did and still do have a pretty big backlog to get through, so finding new games to play has never been a problem. Actually finding the time to play those games, on the other hand, is a problem more often than it isn't.
Gaming is typically the last thing on my priority list, as it typically requires more time than the rest of my other hobbies. Recently, I've been lucky to spend 1-2 hours a week on playing video games. That's not a great way to get games finished, especially not long games like Horizon Forbidden West.
I really thought I'd be done by now! I finished 8 games in 2023 and 6 in 2024, and wanted to keep a similar pace up for 2025. I'm nowhere near close to finishing Horizon Forbidden West; at this pace, I expect I'll be done by June at the earliest.
I sure hope I get to finish more than one game this year. Who knows – maybe I’ll be able to finish two. Or even three.
So behind
Apr. 20th, 2025 07:17 pmbrickhousewenchFrom all the traveling I've been doing this spring I'm about three weeks behind on reading Dreamwidth. I started trying to catch up this weekend, so if you get a bunch of comments on ancient posts, that's why!
1 year and counting
Apr. 19th, 2025 01:12 ampavlovdogSo today was my boyfriend and I’s one year anniversary, and i couldn’t be happier with him. I never thought id make it this far with someone. But im counting on many more years to come with his ass.
the day started out good, though I woke up later than I wanted to. I planned on making breakfast and all, but didn’t get up until 1 pm :’]. woke up to a text from my new job for a food safety test I had to complete, which took 3 hours just to watch the videos :’) though like an hour of that 3 was me procrastinating to play Minecraft, w h i c h , me and my bf have been playing a lot recently. I wish I could show yall my world, it’s super super cute. We built our base in a lush cave and it’s sooo cute.
anywho, me and him started with getting lunch, which was absolutely abysmal, mind you. Food was cold, way too salty, and his chicken sandwich was PINK. So we told the manager, which I felt bad about. Because I’m not the one to complain usually, but it was just horrible, and they gave us like half off I think? It was originally 39 and it went down to 12, but 20 in total for the tip, the waitress as amazing and I told her and the manager it’s not their fault, but whoever is in the kitchen. I was super anxious but it had to be done. After all that nonsense, we went shopping, bought each other some gifts. Me , he got me perfume, lotion and a plushie. And I got him a remote car and (mistakenly) an airsoft gun. It’s fun, and I do want to buy my own. But he’s reckless lol. Came home, we had Easter early since weather is gonna be bed. Saw my family for a bit and then played some mc until I did my test.
in other news. I went to my Dr appointment. Got tested on my thyroid and testosterone, next week I have an ultrasound on my uterus to see if I possibly have pcos. Since it’s always been a concern of mine, because of my weight issues and my excessive hair growth. I got back on medication for my GERD, and new depression medication. Obviously super scared to try it, but fuck it. It has to be done. Might start it next week when I have days off, I got back to work tomorrow and I’d rather not die and be sent home. I’m getting pestered about money from who I live with. I wish I could just quit.
Trying to get better at skincare and whatnot, also trying to get into drawing. But again, I’ll start for not even a minute before I’m sick of it and want to doom scroll. It’s ruined my life I think. Genuinely. I can’t enjoy things anymore , before dropping them and wanting to just watch TikTok and instagram all day. But I did finish a new game w my bf the other day, we played gears of war 4. My friend told me it’s trash and I lowkey agree, I need to play the other ones, I enjoyed the 4th for it being my first introduction to the series, but I don’t doubt the other ones are miles better, it’s usually how it goes. I also started these olly gummies and I hope it helps for what it’s for, I need to try and remind myself to take them every, supposed to take 2, but starting with 1 a day.
anyway, waiting on my package I ordered, gonna give myself more piercings :P, I’m excited about so many things except having to go to work tomorrow.
Update on my increased writing goal
Apr. 18th, 2025 05:33 amselenicseasIt's been a month since I decided I'd write 1000 words each weekend, in addition to the 270-280 each weekday. In that time, I've written way more than I expected to. Not only am I meeting my minimum goal each day, I'm usually exceeding it. I wrote 1,985 "extra" words in March, and I've already written 717 "extra" words in April.
What's helped the most is that I'm committed to hitting my minimum each day, regardless if I'm ahead or not. My April weekday goal is 280 words. If I write 500 words one day, that doesn't mean I get to write 60 words the next – I'm writing a minimum of 280.
I'm now 4,797 words behind where I should be, which is 29,960 words. On the 17th of March, I was 8,065 words behind. It will still likely be a few months until I'm fully caught up, but I did not expect to make this much progress this quickly.
What's helped the most is that I'm committed to hitting my minimum each day, regardless if I'm ahead or not. My April weekday goal is 280 words. If I write 500 words one day, that doesn't mean I get to write 60 words the next – I'm writing a minimum of 280.
I'm now 4,797 words behind where I should be, which is 29,960 words. On the 17th of March, I was 8,065 words behind. It will still likely be a few months until I'm fully caught up, but I did not expect to make this much progress this quickly.
TIL - Mudlarking
Apr. 16th, 2025 09:11 pmbrickhousewenchI've known about mudlarking for a while now. There's a Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/LondonMudlark) that gets shared pretty often on the Elizabethan Costuming FB group.
But today I learned that "Mudlarking is illegal without a valid permit from the Port of London Authority."
Good thing I found out before I went to London again.
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/history-hunting-mudlarks-scour-londons-shores-to-uncover-the-citys-rich-archaeological-treasures-180986374/
But today I learned that "Mudlarking is illegal without a valid permit from the Port of London Authority."
Good thing I found out before I went to London again.
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/history-hunting-mudlarks-scour-londons-shores-to-uncover-the-citys-rich-archaeological-treasures-180986374/
I need more sleep
Apr. 16th, 2025 10:21 ambrickhousewenchI am cranky this morning.
I need about a week of sleep.
I'm probably not going to get it. =P
I need about a week of sleep.
I'm probably not going to get it. =P
Taxes done
Apr. 15th, 2025 10:24 pmbrickhousewenchGot my taxes done.
Why do I always wait until the very last minute? *le sigh*
Welp, at least that's done for another year. =P
Why do I always wait until the very last minute? *le sigh*
Welp, at least that's done for another year. =P
Outline progress and the summer slowdown
Apr. 14th, 2025 05:40 amselenicseasEvery month this year, I've thought "I'm going to finish the outline for Selegesine's Shadow". Every month, it hasn't happened. It's not just because I decided to revise the plot a bit. It's also because the story has become much longer than I thought it would be. I assumed it would end up at 50 chapters or less. Now I think I will be lucky if it ends up at 65.
I'm about one-third to one-half of the way through outlining Act 4. Act 4 is looking to be another long act akin to Act 3, and I'm struggling with it. Outlining has become a slog at the moment, to the point that I'm procrastinating by working on other stuff instead…which isn't great, because it just means that this outline will take even longer to complete.
Once I get done with Act 4, I think things will improve. Act 5 is the conclusion of the story; there's no reason for it to last longer than five chapters. Of course, I didn't think Act 3 and Act 4 would be as long as they are, so there's a possibility Act 5 will end up being longer than I'm envisioning right now.
I've already started thinking about what I'll do once I'm finished with the outline. The original plan was to jump right into writing; at this time, I have no plans to do that. I intend to take a break.
Summer has just started here, and with summers here are so brutal that they cause a kind of seasonal depression that includes a fair bit of lethargy. I'm already burnt out on outlining, and I'm not even done on the outline. If I start writing once I'm done, I'll run out of steam quickly and end up quitting. What I'm going to do is put Selegesine's Shadow to the side for a few months – maybe the entire summer – and work on other things that will hopefully give me some of my energy back. Once fall starts, I'll pick it back up again…provided I haven't started working full-time on something else. That could always end up happening.
I'm about one-third to one-half of the way through outlining Act 4. Act 4 is looking to be another long act akin to Act 3, and I'm struggling with it. Outlining has become a slog at the moment, to the point that I'm procrastinating by working on other stuff instead…which isn't great, because it just means that this outline will take even longer to complete.
Once I get done with Act 4, I think things will improve. Act 5 is the conclusion of the story; there's no reason for it to last longer than five chapters. Of course, I didn't think Act 3 and Act 4 would be as long as they are, so there's a possibility Act 5 will end up being longer than I'm envisioning right now.
I've already started thinking about what I'll do once I'm finished with the outline. The original plan was to jump right into writing; at this time, I have no plans to do that. I intend to take a break.
Summer has just started here, and with summers here are so brutal that they cause a kind of seasonal depression that includes a fair bit of lethargy. I'm already burnt out on outlining, and I'm not even done on the outline. If I start writing once I'm done, I'll run out of steam quickly and end up quitting. What I'm going to do is put Selegesine's Shadow to the side for a few months – maybe the entire summer – and work on other things that will hopefully give me some of my energy back. Once fall starts, I'll pick it back up again…provided I haven't started working full-time on something else. That could always end up happening.
Weeping Willow
Apr. 13th, 2025 05:21 pmselenicseas
Thought I might as well redraw one of my old pieces, this time in pixel art format. This took about 1.5 hours.
Matcha latte
Apr. 13th, 2025 12:48 ampavlovdog Ah okay so super excited. Number one, idk if i mentioned the new job at the end of the month before, but yeah! New job at the end of the month!
I got my ride situation figured out! So my family is finally gonna start taking me to work and most likely from work, so I’m saving a little under $100 in the 3 days that I actually work , (which is insane) . Come Monday, I have plans to splurge on myself finally. I know I’m gonna hit up Marshall’s and Ross, grab some clothes along with buying this new perfume I wanted. Gonna also try and find some skincare there as well, along with trying to find a new body lotion. I’m not sure what scent I want to give off. Vanilla strawberry maybe? Like a vanilla strawberry sugar cookie. Yeah. That.
I’m also gonna take me and my bf to see the Minecraft movie! I’m so excited! Also gonna put an online order on shit I want. God it’s so nice??? I get to actually make myself happy?? Is this what it’s like to have money?? granted , ofc, I don’t make a lot of money, but still enough to buy the things I want and to be happy. (Also gonna try and remind myself to look into like, portable WiFi n shit)
In other news, I started locking in and getting a jumpstart on my health/wl journey again. Started the day with a matcha latte, and 2 English muffin breakfast sandwiches, I think I finished the day with around 1500 cals give or take? Net most likely like , 1000 considering “exercise” , really just consisting of work being fucking busy and running around. Which, is fine sometimes. I Try not to hate my job so much, but bitches really be trying me. That and the customers, Jesus Christ.
excited for my dr appointment, I have so much to talk about and get figured out. I also really want to try and get a dermatologist? My skin if you didn’t know, fucking sucks. I’m super acne prone and my skin is oily as hell. I want to invest in a bonnet and silk bedsheets so maybe it’ll stop breaking out? My issue is things constantly in my face, esp my hair. That and I just pick at it, I can’t stop lol.
I was thinking about starting up a new personal social media page where I can post my “daily life” nonsense. Yeah I have a twt acc, but I be damned if irls found it. Might start a new twt actually , like a digital diary if you will.
i don’t have shit else to talk about, might post Monday when I go shopping :) let yall in on a little haul. Gosh I’m super fckn excited!!
Dragging today
Apr. 11th, 2025 12:14 pmbrickhousewenchAfter two back-to-back weekends of travel (and travel snafus both times) I am really dragging today.
I'm so glad I don't have any plans for the weekend. Even if I did have to turn down an invitation to Passover Seder with Alena's family on Saturday. Because all I want to do is sleep in and be a couch potato this weekend.
The weather is supposed to be rainy and cold. Perfect for cuddling up under a blanket and doing NOTHING.
I'm so glad I don't have any plans for the weekend. Even if I did have to turn down an invitation to Passover Seder with Alena's family on Saturday. Because all I want to do is sleep in and be a couch potato this weekend.
The weather is supposed to be rainy and cold. Perfect for cuddling up under a blanket and doing NOTHING.
Short update on reading every day
Apr. 11th, 2025 05:35 amselenicseasIt's been a success!
Every day this week (except today, because I'm posting this before I go to work), I've been able to set aside time to read after I get home from work. There are two "chapters" left for me to read of Lost Places, one of which I'll read today and one I'll get to on Monday – if I don't decide to finish the book tomorrow.
I'm super pleased that this experience has been a success! Maybe it's too early to say that since it's only been four days, but I haven't made this much progress on a book in weeks, if not months. If I can keep this pace up, I should be able to get through another book this month.
Every day this week (except today, because I'm posting this before I go to work), I've been able to set aside time to read after I get home from work. There are two "chapters" left for me to read of Lost Places, one of which I'll read today and one I'll get to on Monday – if I don't decide to finish the book tomorrow.
I'm super pleased that this experience has been a success! Maybe it's too early to say that since it's only been four days, but I haven't made this much progress on a book in weeks, if not months. If I can keep this pace up, I should be able to get through another book this month.