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Showing posts from March, 2020

Thoughts on 90 Day Fiance: Before the 90 Days season 4, episode 6

Once again, I'm watching with a dear friend. Thank you, Nicole Byer, for helping me notice that they indeed just had a guy holding a light instead of having a stand for it Who let her go talk to him alone??? Fun time to remind people that Geoffrey is still legally married Azerbaijan is kind of an odd place to meet What have you put into this relationship, like honestly, Geoffrey? You are hurting his career, Lisa Does Lisa have a wedding ring tattoo? You do not give him respect, Lisa Usman wants kids??? Tom, I don't think you love Darcey Oh my god he wrote in his WhatsApp message "regards" Do most people say "from the United Kingdom"? As a British guy, I feel like he'd say he was from England I am not buying anything Tom is saying Rose is correct in being angry at you I will say though, at least, Ed does seem like he has actual emotions (doesn't mean he doesn't suck though) Ed, you can apologize via text first cause like she does

15 things I'm going to do once gatherings can happen again

These may not all happen, but they're good to look forward to. Also, many of these came from a brainstorm with friends. Go to a Burlesque show Have an at home karaoke party Finally have my birthday party Summer Dance Ice cream making party A weekend trip to Starved Rock A trip to Cahokia A trip to Nashville See Wicked Apartment warming Dog shower (is this too much?) Murder mystery party Some kind of international trip Doggo meet-up  Go to an alpaca farm (there must be a way) (Prompt by me) Photo source

Thoughts on RuPaul's Drag Race season 12, episode 5

Gay's Anatomy! Brita, did you really think you wouldn't be in the bottom? Aiden should've been in the bottom I like seeing moments of them just goofing around Nurse first I have to say though, seeing stuff about doctors now does feel different Omg men in sexy nurse costumes...I love it Random leaders, for sure Nicky, for my team's sake, I hope you do a good job Widow...I bet you aren't going to get the role you want Wow they're just going really against queens' wishes I do like that we get to see why they made the choices they did As long as you all are better than Shakesqueer then you'll be fine Widow, get over it. You're on my team and I think very talented, but you gotta get over it "You Brita werk" Jaida isn't doing well Gigi is doing great Nicky...come ooooonnn Oh, Jackie Gosh this is some rough stuff SOMEONE HUG WIDOW "Heal and paint" I...do not know who Normani is NO CAPES I love that Jaida sai

15 things about my new doggo

New discoveries abound ad we get to know each other. She loves the sound of squeaker toys, but has no interest in playing with them She wants any and all food She loves being under blankets (I need to buy more so we can each have enough) She hates her winter coat so I bribe her with banana She has pretty much no interest in her own dog bed (unless she is hiding from me when I'm trying to put her coat on) Right when we get inside she becomes what I call a 'wiggle baby' She seems to know her new name (Velma) She loves sniffing at gum, but actually hasn't tried to eat any She will always pee in the alley She has pretty much no interest in or fear of other dogs She believes herself to be a guard dog She occasionally tries to get me to pick her up and put her on my bed even though she can hop up all on her own She whines for food even when I'm putting food in her dish She seems slightly insulted when I refill her water dish before refilling her food dish

15 more online and telephone resources

I've been hearing about more, so I wanted to share more. Resources for undocumented communities:  https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/18p9OSlLpSYanIoUC-gEbhVbRMYVUfw4wyrixa9ekGdc/htmlview?fbclid=IwAR0vbX6mpAZ9RAWRFsimZKwzlioWei46ktQY8_aCZBgNMJ5PJWvXIPiGYe8#gid=0 National Domestic Violence Hotline https://www.thehotline.org/help/ 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)  Text LOVEIS to 22522. https://www.thehotline.org/what-is-live-chat/ RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)  800.656.HOPE online.rainn.org rainn.org/es Resources of the Chinese-American community in Chicago:  https://mailchi.mp/4cf669c95cd1/cbcac-covid-19-response-3-19-2020?e=5a6e6c1911 Resources for the disabled community:  https://www.accessliving.org/our-services/covid-19-resources-for-the-disability-community/ Fund for domestic workers:  https://domesticworkers.org/coronavirus-care-fund The Illinois Prison Project has created a form where incarcerated people’s loved ones who are willing to have the

15 ways to stay social during self-isolation

I know I struggle with this sometimes, so please tell me of any other suggestions you have. Write letters (if you want one, please send me your address) Write letter-like emails instead of just business ones Have team video meetings that are for checking in instead of other topics. We have these and it's nice (especially as a newbie to the team) to just check in and see people's pets Have video happy hours (my team is doing them on Fridays) Teach friend's something over video. Do you know how to dance? Can you teach a cooking technique? Have a video dance party. You can even do this as a silent disco so everyone is listening to their own stuff but everyone is dancing together Be sure to smile and say hello to people you do see in person Be sure thank any people providing a service to you (you should do this anyways, but it is especially important as they are more stressed than normal now) Remote game nights. Tons of games can be played online or can be done throu

Thoughts on 90 Day Fiance: Before the 90 Days season 4 episode 5

I live watched this with a dear friend. Ash is 38??? I missed that Are we gonna put weed in this salad? Ed has done 0 research Wow Ed is one of the few people to have acknowledged there is a language barrier I got so confused at the pots metaphor at first Did he flirt with that model? The director is so uncomfortable Wow he doesn't even want credit Wait...is she 27 right now? So did you start dating her when she was 20? I'm sorry, is that a separate GPS device? You know it's Australia cause of the kangaroos "It cvs not my fault you are an American." Americans don't get to judge people for being on dating sites that they're on too David is giving some Ricky vibes Your gf is not real Okay, I agree tea without sugar is bad, but plenty of people would think that's fine so find a different metaphor You didn't expect Lisa to act this way??? Everything I know tells me she would ask this way Ash's jeans are so tight Your brother is

15 ways to find some relaxation

I'm not saying this will all work for everyone, but hopefully some of them will help people during this very stressful time. Scan your body for tension. The other day I was like "oh why do I have a headache?" and then realized I'd been clenching my jaw for who knows how long Stretch, roll your joints, this helps relieve tension Take a bath. A lot of us have the time now, so take it Give yourself a massage. For me this is often just taking the time to scratch my head a lot, but it does really help Listen to calming sounds. I use t his video of rain and Tibetan bowls all the time to help me fall asleep Allow yourself time to do nothing productive. I think a lot of people are focusing on how productive they can be now and that is great to think about, but remind yourself that you don't need to be productive every second just because you have so much more time at home now Take a nap Cuddle a pet or a loved one Journal Write letters Doodle Look up memes (

15 online or telephone resources

More important than ever! Crisis text line. Crisis Text Line is a global not-for-profit organization providing free confidential crisis intervention via SMS message. The organization's services are available 24 hours a day, every day, throughout the US, UK, and Canada and can be reached by texting HOME to 741741, 85258, or 686868 respectively. If you're an artist in need of funds, fill out the application found here:  https://www.gofundme.com/f/chicago-artists-relief-fund . Note that it's closed right now, but it will reopen. Are you a senior or do you know a senior in need? Fill out this form:  https://www.formyblock.org/viralresponse Does your local business need an employee relief fund? Add it here so people will see the fund:  https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1G7-9XGDqilIPtVYpHvZYy37lSWRMu1PKOnvvOfMB_Ys/edit?fbclid=IwAR1GguYizASJVvnsA58xK5mcVcq1tWQnJpTG8HkaLolJMiu1KVcmSburKtc#gid=1181394930 If you can afford to pay for online therapy, check out BetterHelp

15 ways to be helpful during self-isolation

It's really easy to feel helpless right now, but there are some things people can do. Foster a pet if you can! Animals need care during this time and shelters are going to be running on a smaller and smaller staff, so it would help if they had fewer animals to look after, if only temporarily Check in with people. This is good for you and them Donate to food banks, they're very important right now If you have loved ones who are a high risk group, offer to run errands for them if you can Plan virtual hang outs. They are so fun and so heartening Make things and share them. People will feel more connected and it's honestly nice to see non-news things get posted Share any online resources you know (this post is coming!) Follow all the recommendations of social distancing and hygiene. I feel like this one is obvious, but it's super important Take time to sort through your stuff and see what you don't need then figure out where to donate it. Now, some of these p

15 ways to stay active during self-solation

I know I have really let my activity slide. Take a dog for a walk. Don't have one? As your friend who does if you can take their dog for a walk Do work out videos at home. There are so many! Play a workout game. This idea is like a drinking game but instead of doing a shot, you do five push ups. Make up your own or, ask me and I'll make up one for you Clean. Now maybe this is just me, but I find cleaning works up a sweat Rearrange your furniture. You have the time! Try finding a new way to lay out everything in your apartment Do lifts with your pet or baby. How many squats can you do while holding your little loved one? They will probably think of this as a game and then you can get some exercise Have a dance party. You can do this by yourself or video chat with a friend and do it that way Stretch! You may be more sedentary these days and it is super important to stretch so you stay comfortable Try to learn a dance through videos or from a friend over video chat Mak

15 ways to keep your brain active during self-solation

It can be easy to get bored when days start to blend into one, so here are some suggestions for keeping your brain active when not a lot is changing day to day. Do some crosswords! There are plenty online Go on a tour of museums. Click here for a list of some Check out e-books or audiobooks from your library. For Chicago, I know you can use Hoopla and Libby Read or listen to things in the public domain. For reading, you can find a lot by googling, but Project Gutenberg also has a lot on it. Librivox also has a ton of free audiobooks from the public domain Record a book in the public domain. I'm doing this for fun right now and adding in commentary, but Librivox also needs readers Take an online course. There are tons you can pay for, but you can also find a ton of free ones on edX Do a game of exquisite corpse. Set up a group of people to pass one sentence along to. Once the chain is complete, you can put it all together and see what story you made Do some doodling. Dood

Thoughts on RuPaul's Drag Race season 24, episode 4

Time for a ball! Wow lipstick messages start off pretty generic Crystal, that isn't light makeup My god what a weird challenge Yeah pretty sure they just edit it so the winner is the last one we see Donating to bees? Okay A ball ball. Meta Oh no, Heidi, you're so charming I want you to stay Popcorn balls are a choice... I can't wait for all the ball puns Cosplay techniques ftw Gigi, your base does look great, but yeah that's not the challenge Do you have a bottom, Aiden? Pretty sure my girls are safe cause they haven't gotten screen time Leslie Jones!!! Nicky you look amazing!!! Rock M. Sakura, the tetherball thing is amazing Jantasy, love it Widow, you look fabulous They all look so much like Real Housewives Brita, I do like you but that that dress does not look expensive Aiden, I think you're gonna be in trouble I really like Rock M.'s look, but they're probably gonna say it's too much Jaiden, it does look like you ran out

Thoughts on 90 Day Fiance: Before the 90 Days season 4, episode 4

Hm, sit on a comfy chair but not be able to sit next to my dog or sit on the floor next to my dog? Floor :) Usman says he wants to sleep like they didn't full on call a camera crew to be here 70%...let' see how Lisa feels about that when she sees it Why are condoms so weird? I can't wait to meet his dramatic mom who thinks Lisa wants a slave Saint Basil's Cathedral does look awesome! God I'm so in pandemic mindset that when she kissed his cheek I wanted to shout "Social distancing!" "Innuendos of true love" OH I WONDER WHY SHE DOESN'T TRUST YOU Geoffrey is such a creep I feel like aspects of Paul got split between several of the guys this season I think you're weird, but, to be fair, she could've brought her own pajamas They're so proud of that "landed" shot Ash is not smokin' hot She sounds stuffed up Did...did he just bite her lip? It's their first kiss...and they're in public NEW COUPLE

15 ways I'm going to try and fight isolation

Hey all, to be clear I don't mean going against recommendations of social distancing. I'm just trying to brainstorm some ways to make myself (and others) feel less alone during this time. Cuddle my doggo. I know that I have a need for physical contact so I'm so glad I have a dog now. If you can and want to foster an animal, I know PAWS is looking for fosters! Record videos of me reading stories. I did this once for a friend and I think it helped her when she was feeling lonely. I also think I would find this rewarding. Playing games online with friends. It's still a way to interact with people. Write letters. I think I can still pop over to a mailbox and be okay Try to play a board game over video chat. I think Mysterium could work pretty well for this actually. Schedule virtual lunch dates. I usually eat with people at lunch so it will be good to keep that up. Put out requests for things that make me happy when I need them. Have pet and baby pictures at the re

15 things I forgot I owned

Honestly, moving is a trip. My graduation robe Masterpiece A cup with a seahorse handle A cup I got from the circus as a kid that has a clown on it A dollhouse broom Marilyn Monroe plates One very tiny cocktail glass of some kind My Pisces mug that I got freshman year of college (so sturdy) Geek Out The Simpsons trivia game A bagel slicer Firefly  clue Cards with cats on them A lilac and lavender candle An unused power strip (Prompt by me) Masterpiece, Hasbro Photo source

Thoughts on RuPaul's Drag Race season 12, episode 3

I'm gonna stop mentioning that queen's name and just call her Cherry if I need to. Aw I like that the queens are nice to each other The first half of the queens have bonded together and are not sharing their tensions...let's see if that lasts I mean everyone should be unbothered cause these rankings are based on almost nothing I do enjoy improve challenges Four teams feels like a lot Heidi is charming Changing rolls late doesn't work out for both people They don't look old enough... Was the decision to have one sister be dead their choice or scripted? Ornacia is amazing I feel like the bus stop was a reference to Roxy's story and that isn't great Y'all gotta stop saying no during improv Dahlia, the goal isn't to look polished...it's to be the worst I thought they did well...why are they tearing her down? Dahlia you and your brother are like the hottest twins Twin drag queens! Widow, you're on my team, but I"m not sure h

A hollette on panic

The creak of panic eeks through me echoing through crevices that I didn't know were empty, cavernous. Delicately, severely, stressing panes that look out onto the facade of calm that enshrouds the world, daring it to crack and burst outward in shards of slicing and lonely hysterics. (Prompt by me) Photo source

Thoughts on the second half of The Bachelor finale

Did I intentionally wake up early to watch part of this before work? No. But did I take having a nightmare and waking up early as a sign that I should just get up and watch it? Yes. I'm glad Chris is in on the fun of him always saying things are the most dramatic Okay...I don't think no one knows what's gonna happen...that's just a lie "Love rises above all" feels like a theme You don't have true love with Hannah Ann I don't believe you're in love with Hannah Ann YOU'RE NOT REALLY CHOOSING HER Five rings doesn't feel like enough to pick from...just saying Pretty sure you said these same things about Madison Oh man he's asking the dad...that's so rude Lack of music always tells you it's dramatic Wait so Hannah Ann is bailing? I did not expect that, but it does show me that Hannah Ann may be more perceptive than I thought Saying Madison left could imply you sent her home, but she left Hannah Ann doesn't seem th

Thoughts on the first half of The Bachelor finale

I've been told I will be shooketh. [I'll be adding in comments about commercials like this] I wonder if his parents are wondering why his first impression rose receiver wasn't the one he brought to their vow renewal. Wow what a thing to explain to your parents. The scar is the real star of the season God I don't like him calling Hannah Ann as innocent I'm sorry...Peter is the symbol of innocence? Chris, you do know how this part ends...you were there... [Are fans of Cheers really the target audience for Domino's and watchers of The Bachelor ?] [I need to know more about the new spinoff] Hannah Ann does have really pretty eyes God Hannah Ann does kinda look like his mom might've when she was young At this point, I think Peter's mom is going to be crying about "the right woman" and not one woman in particular What if Hannah came back...I'd be about that Of course it was a big relief that she accepted the rose otherwise it would

Thoughts on the second half of 90 Day Fiance Before the 90 Days season 4, episode 3

Let's see how this plays out. I hope you and your daughter go to England and just have a fun time jsut the two of you I think Williams might be a woman The Williams is so much I really don't like seeing Yolanda sad HE CHANGED THE NAME He also didn't block her which is not smooth in terms of catfishing It makes me so sad that she still thinks he's like real The show must've known he was fake beforehand, right? Like they must've tried to contact him for, if nothing else, permission to record his voice and show his face Okay, given this severe health condition...you shouldn't travel...she should come visit you here and like she lives in Australia so I don't think it would be hard for her to come here Let's see how Lisa takes that description of her Usman... That baby's face looks somehow olders This stock footage and music is insane I actually don't find Ash that attractive Ooh if we see Sian in pictures that means she's gonna

Thoughts on the first half of 90 Day Fiance Before the 90 Days season 4, episode 3

Get ready. I think Ed may have the same thing my grandpa had Geoffrey is a monster Usman is very attractive Wait does Usman live with another man named Usman Has he not told his friends anything aobut Lisa? He is dodging that age question so hard We're finally going to meet the queer couple! Pizza song, I love it Okay so she's on this to get more hits on her YouTube channel Pizza shirt=soulmate...sure That woman looks a fair bit like Darcey Yeah that is a pretty romantic looking photo Also, bold to just put it up on your social media Prince should not call Ed Daddy I love how up front her sister is Where is Prince's dad? Your connection has not been effortless...you broke up a ton of times (Prompt by me) 90 Day Fiance: Before the 90 Days  TLC Screenshot source

15 things I want to do this year

Some quick reflection on my 28th birthday (posted the day after...whoops). Get a dog (this is hopefully happening very soon) Put art up in frames Learn more about babies Submit more work to get published Go to a concert (likely a free one at Millennium Park) Do an active class (dancing, kick boxing, etc) Do a self-defense class Try a new craft (I think maybe making jewelry) Go swimming in the lake Try new recipes Go to a new museum Listen to a new podcast Get a plant for my desk at work Decorate my cubicle Meet new people (Prompt by me) Photo source

15 possible female dog names

So, as many of you  may know, I'm hoping to get a dog very soon, so here are some names I'm considering if I get a female dog. Velma Lyanna Mormont Spirk Brienne Gert Old Lace Kaylee General Organa Chai Trelawney Ivy Caiman Watermelon Strawberry Nina East (Prompt by me) Photo source

15 possible male dog names

So, as many of you  may know, I'm hoping to get a dog very soon, so here are some names I'm considering if I get a male dog. Hoban Spork Hardison Tryceratops Scooby Prosciutto  Beowoof Bite D. Eisenhowler Sterek Wells Kemp Macaroni Galway Zed Gator (Prompt by me) Photo source

Thoughts on RuPaul's Drag Race season 12, episode 2

Second premiere time! Okay I just saw the news about Sherrie Pie and am so not excited to see her on TV Rock M. Sakura is already a lot I hope Sherrie Pie goes home soon Can Jan Sport just not say her full name cause it's a brand> Jaida is gonna be great at sewing competitions  I actually super enjoyed the singing and lip syncing duo Aiden Zane out of drag looks like such a baby If they want the next episode to be a team challenge, it would make the most sense to get rid of one of these 6 so there is an even number next episode. Also this would force one of the first set of queens to end up on another team which could cause drama I still love Mayhem being here (maybe she'll be on the next All Stars???) Dahlia's wig and dress somehow remind me of Daphne Dahlia got her name from a famous true crime case. I think I made a good choice Jantoiette would be a hilarious name Dahlia has a ton of tattoos Jaida is stunning Oh, Dahlia...I hope you're not going

Thoughts about the Bachelor tell all episode

The finale is going to be wild Madison's dress was picked to stand out How does Hannah Ann watch this and think she is going to win? Was that actual audio of their hearts beating? I mean I'm not sad Victoria is gone, but I am surprised because it really seemed like no red flag was big enough for Peter I do not remember so many of these women Yeah, to be fair, I think it was Madison expressing a boundary, but I also think she waited a while to express it Dear god I don't want to talk about ChampagneGate any more "I'm a nanny, I know childish behavior." Love it I really hope Tammy is just playing this up for a spot on Bachelor in Paradise McKenna's Canadian accent is coming out I'm not liking this hint of questioning Victoria about breaking up marriages as the serious accusation against her. It is the cheater who breaks up the marriage, not the woman he cheated with and I'm sick of women getting blamed for the actions of men. Also though,

15 autocomplete prompts pulled from famous opening or closing lines

Honestly, I really enjoy these. The format goes: Title : opening line to type into your phone [what my phone finished] Pride and Prejudice : It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be [a little more depending on the iron throne] The Bell Jar : It was a queer, sultry summer, the summer they [were saying it was a great time to be] Life of Pi : My suffering left me [with your best pun] Moby-Dick : Call me [once home] A Tale of Two Cities : It was the best of times, it was [a great time] Anna Karenina : All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is [a good place to be] Fahrenheit 451 : It was a pleasure to [be here with some friends] Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas : We were somewhere around Barstow on the edge of the desert when [we arrive at the moment unfortunately we were made to turn around in Cannt] Gravity's Rainbow : A screaming comes across [the ocean for a bit of a good time] Necromancer : The sky above t