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Showing posts from October, 2023

15 Halloween-y things you can do today

I realize not all are feasible, but here are some ideas!  Eat candy Watch a spoopy or spooky movie Get in costume Listen to spoopy or spooky songs Carve a pumpkin Go trick-or-treating (if you don't have kids, see if you can tag along with friends who do) Give out candy (if you're in an apartment, maybe just set out some candy) Decorate! It's not too late! Put on spoopy or spooky makeup (or hey, even face paint) Cook with pumpkin Tell a ghost story Read something spoopy or spooky Play a spoopy or spooky game Dress in Halloween-y colors Use a Ouija board (Prompt by me) "Halloween-GraphicsFairy-768x484" by Liz Liz  

Thoughts on 90 Day Fiance season 10, episode 4

Time to meet a new couple!  Wait didn't Gino say Jasmine spent $10k (not $4k) on the implants? Oy, Jasmine, Dane paying for the implants is a lot Oop Rob and Sophie are having the kids conversation in front of his sister Igor/Justin vs. the tree is hilarious Nikki, you can you look over the top and be super hot Ashley, you gotta warn people about smoke Ho boy Ashley and Manuel can't handle small frustrations Ah another Devin dating a South Korean man Devin is not chubby...like at all Nick...it depends on where you go in the US to see how people feel about chicken feet Okay, Rob, what do you mean even  Jay-Z and Beyoncé have kids? I do agree that if Nikki wants to look a certain way, that she should style herself that way Okay it's not a red flag that Manuel has family in NYC Oof Jasmine has deep insecurities Okay, why is it bad that Manuel could leave if he wanted to? Have I said how wild Nikki and Igor/Justin's title card is? Is Nikki wearing doll heads as earrings? Ok

15 favorite candies

It's almost Halloween! Time to think about candy! These are in no particular order. Gummy brains Dark chocolate Kit-Kat Dark chocolate Twix (seriously, if these can still be found lemme know) Milkway Midnight Airheads Laffy Taffy Milkduds Nerds rope Haribo gummies  Starburst Twizzlers 3 Musketeers Flavored Tootsie Rolls (vanilla is a top pick, fight me) Skittles Whoppers (Prompt by me) "Halloween Candy" by Bill Charbonnet

A letter to my future self

Dear Future Holly,  How is it going? I hope better than now. I don't imagine perfect, but that would be pretty crazy. I hope taking a look back is somehow validating or healing or at least something positive (even if it's mixed with sadness). Right now, you are struggling with a lot. Everyone has their own struggles, but you have been dealing with more than is normal for your age (31) or so it feels. Your body image issues are at their worst and you weight the most you've ever weighed (that's just the truth). You avoid even thinking about your body so that you don't get upset. You're working on it though. I hope you've continued to work on it. But I understand if it's still a struggle, your issues are very deep. Know that I love you, no matter how you look. Looks aren't what's most important anyways, right? Your dad is very sick. There is nothing you could've done about this that you didn't already do. I know it doesn't always feel th

15 biographies and memoirs I'd recommend

I'm sure there are more!  The Woman Who Would Be King: Hatshepsut's Rise to Power in Ancient Egypt by Kara Cooney Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World by Jack Weatherford Rosemary: The Hidden Kennedy Daughter by Kate Clifford Larson  Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow The Princess Diaris t by Carrie Fisher Short Nights of the Shadow Catcher: The Epic Life and Immortal Photographs of Edward Curtis by Timothy Egan I Want to Be Where the Normal People Are by Rachel Bloom The Black Prince of Florence: The Spectacular Life and Treacherous World of Alessandro de' Medici by Catherine Fletcher Code Talker: The First and Only Memoir By One of the Original Navajo Code Talkers of WWII by Chester Nez The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot I am Spock  by Leonard Nimoy Elizabeth of York: A Tudor Queen and Her World by Alison Weir Geronimo’s Story of His Life by Geronimo Yes Please  by Amy Poehler Neither Wolf nor Dog: On Forgotten Roads with an Indian E

"American Pie" rewritten to be about my body image issues

I have had this song stuck in my head so I got some feelings out by rewriting it. A long, long time ago, can't even remember When my body didn't used to make me flinch And I know if I had my chance That I would gladly go into a trance Then maybe my own stomach I wouldn't pinch But teenhood made me wince And every photo ever since Bad views in the mirror I can't see any clearer I still remember how I cried When my closest friend became a bride But something touched me deep inside The day myself I eyed So, bye, bye, the innocence of past Now occupied with wide, but the wide was passed And my good old days of sayin' it was a blast Sayin', "I'm never gonna be that vast I'm never gonna be that vast" Did I see any self-love? And does it come with a boxing glove If I myself tells me so? Do you believe in restrictions? Can diet save your predictions? And can you teach me how to see beauty? Well, I know that I loved me once 'Cause I know that I had

15 adventures I'd love to have before turning 50

I'm using "adventures" loosely. Become a mom Travel with a partner Apply for jobs that excite me Go rafting Publish a book Make a film (short or long) Get ads on a blog I run Try out a radical hairstyle Become happy with my body Have a published book review Find a new penpal Do community theatre Start a garden Volunteer for a cause I care about Cook a holiday meal (Prompt by ChatGPT) "50th Birthday Cupcakes" by Clever Cupcakes . Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic .

90 Fiance: The Other Way, season 5, episode 16

Time for some steps in the wrong direction. Oof the finances for Mary and Brandan stress me out Oof Shekinah's sister is BLUNT TJ and Kimberly's wedding is so pretty TJ: dance critic Why did Kenny and Armando tilt their heads? This is super weird I mean...are they only looking at looks? Okay, no with the three-way comment Brandan...don't prank your mom Ah so Sarper is going to post Shekinah on his main Instagram account Why does Yash get to be in the middle? Lisa is a good sport Aaaaaand they're married! Brandan's mom has reasonable fears but at the same time...Mary is already pregnant If they got a second vehicle for the suitcases, couldn't Brandan have sat down in the second one? Next time Kimberly gets to enter the kitchen Next time TJ reveals Kimberly's household duties Next time Sarper actually didn't put Shekinah on his main Insta Next time Holly is lonely Next time Brandan's mom is scared of spiders (same, girl) Next time Brandan defends his m

15 musical artists that have shaped my taste

I'm sure there are more! The Barenaked Ladies The Chicks The Beatles Taylor Swift Carlos Santana Rachel Bloom The Clash (whom I called once The Crash) Fleetwood Mac Bruce Springsteen Adele Lin Manuel Miranda Rihanna Jonathan Larson Britney Spears OneRepublic (Prompt mostly by ChatGPT) "sheet music Faded - alan walker-page-005" by Thanh Long Đặng

Thoughts on 90 Day Fiance season 10, episode 3

Time for some meet and greets? Why are we here for Sexy Nurse Jasmine? WE'RE HERE Omg the dog is there too Nikki has a beautiful cat I don't like this story of Rob and Sophie I think Rob can't afford to live in the LA area (which is fine! just means they should move) Manuel, you should've told your mom Wait I totally forgot Manuel has kids I also totally forgot Jasmine was vegan Gino, Jasmine is worrying over her kids...that's not nothing That is a huge bouquet, Igor/Justin Ashley's mom...you're not old Wait a second...how old was Sophie when she and Rob started dating? Ho boy they shouldn't get married These poor masseurs who are massaging Gino and Jasmine It was not something fast, Manuel! Wow his mom is so chill Mall-dova is hilarious, I agree, Nikki Maybe people are trying to figure out who Nikki is because there is literally a camera crew And why isn't she working, Gino? Is it because you leaked her nudes? Yes. Yes, it is. Jasmine! Dane gave you

15 tips for boosting creativity

Just some ideas! Ask friends (or ChatGPT) for prompts and just go for it Craft a parody of something (sometimes it's easier to have a base) Daydream Do a stream-of-consciousness piece Draw a portrait of someone (yourself, your pet, your imaginary friend) Go to a museum Journal about your dreams Look up inspirational quotes (by someone you admire) Meditate Read See what you can cook with what's already in your kitchen Take in some scents you love (baking, candles, flowers, etc.) Take photos Tap into all of your senses Watch something new (Prompt mostly by ChatGPT) "Untitled" posted by the Smithsonian Institution

"American Pie" rewritten to be about my father

I have had this song stuck in my head so I got some feelings out by rewriting it. Not that long long ago, I can still remember How his cooking used to make me smile Now I know if I had my chance That I would take a second glance And maybe we'd be happy for a while But all the bottles made me shiver With every hit to his own liver Bad news in the foreground I had to fall to the ground I can't remember if I cried When I learned about his shattered pride But something touched me deep inside The day my father lied So, bye, bye, my faith in him Not that it was grandiose, but least it was slim And them hard old days of drinkin' up to the rim Sayin', "This'll be my one true hymn This'll be my one true hymn" Did you read the book of hook? And did you see how your hands shook If a doctor told you so? Do you believe in some amends? Can someone else be the love that lends? And can you teach me how to deal with ends? Well, I know that you loved me once 'Cause

15 valuable life skills I've gained through hobbies

There are probably others! Cooking: Plants Expressing myself: Writing Finding beauty in the world: Photography Finding calm: Painting rocks, reading, writing, and more Finding comedic relief: D&D and MadLibs Finding creative outlets: D&D, writing, painting rocks, and more Keeping in the holiday spirit: Hosting Keeping in touch: D&D and writing letters Reflecting: Writing Scheduling: D&D Staying organized: D&D and plants Storytelling: D&D and other games Thinking critically: D&D, reading, writing, and more Thinking critically about what I've read: Book reviews Thinking critically about what I've seen: Blogging (Prompt by ChatGPT) "Telling Tommies' tales" posted by The National Archives UK

90 Fiance: The Other Way, season 5, episode 15

Time for some family drama? Omg Shekinah's sister flew to Turkey for a weekend? Shekinah...don't you see how Sarper has a bunch of red flags? Kimberly, I get that you're overwhelmed, but I don't think it's a reflection of people not caring Hannah asking about the dogs is adorable I think adopting an older kid also makes sense Okay, don't say that she'll always be your favorite Mary, Brandan, I believe, can only change with some serious therapy (which you also need!) Boy oh boy should Yohan and Daniele shouldn't be married I believe Daniele said something like that sarcastically Wait...did I miss things getting resolved? So I do think Kimberly should've done some research, but also TJ could've explained things a bit more first Wow Sarper on his best behavior says in front of Shekinah's sister that Shekinah acts like a bitch and a slut Next time Kimberly and TJ are still getting married Next time Kimberly is horny Next time Kenny and Armando ha

15 paintings that resonate with me

There are certainly more!  "At the Moulin Rouge" by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec "The Kiss" by Gustav Klimt "Sky Above Clouds IV" by Georgia O'Keeffe "Two Sisters (On the Terrace)" by Pierre-Auguste Renoir "Starry Night Over Rhone" by Vincent Van Gogh "Thinking About Death" by Frida Kahlo "Houses of Parliament, London" by Claude Monet "Apparition of Face and Fruit Dish on a Beach" by Salvador Dalí "The Child’s Bath" by Mary Cassatt "Girl Reading a Letter at an Open Window" by Johannes Vermeer "The Night Watch" by Rembrandt van Rijn "Self-portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird" by Frida Kahlo "Girl Before a Mirror" by Pablo Picasso "Sueño de una Tarde Dominical en la Alameda Central" by Diego Rivera "Spring" by Georgia O'Keeffe (Prompt inspired by ChatGPT) ""Paysage idéal avec scène de danse antique", dit "Da

Thoughts on 90 Day Fiance season 10, episode 2

Not sure what's happening in this episode cause we just saw a season preview. Okay I don't like watching Ashley freak out Manuel made it! Aw I'm glad Nikki's mom has come around Rob is cute I think Jasmine's short hair looks great Gosh, Jasmine's sister looks SO young Wow Manuel doesn't like cats So, Ashley, did you ever think that maybe Manuel wants to like...be alone with you? Oof Rob and Sophie arguing about a broken elevator is anxiety-inducing I almost did a spit take when Jasmine said no more fights Ah, Justin's friend, you just don't know you've met any trans people Ashley, I do think you should've talked about the witch thing earlier Ah Ashley, you know you're on camera not just venting to a friend, yes? Next time Jasmine is a sexy nurse Next time Manuel says he left without saying goodbye Next time Manuel meets Ashley's mom Next time Nikki arrives in Moldova Next time Justin wants to hide Nikki Next time Rob did something bad

15 apps I'd recommend

Boy, do I wish this was sponsored. Also, some of these are generic. Curb Duolingo Family Album GoodRx Honeygain Hoopla Libby Libro.fm Norton 360 Lyft Uber Your banks' (I have several) Your favorite coffee shop's (mine is Stan's) Your favorite dating apps' (I have several, but prefer Hinge) Your favorite streaming platforms' (I have several) (Prompt by me) "Droid Apps Cell Phone" by Carissa Rogers . Attribution 2.0 Generic .

Write a conversation between a superhero and their arch-nemesis during their day off

"I can't believe this."  "You? How do you think I feel?" "How is it that our kids go to the same school?" "New York College Prep is the best school in the city." "I don't disagree, but surely our values are different?" "I'm Dr. Doomsday." "And?" "Seriously? I have a doctorate!" "Huh." "Huh, what?" "I just assumed it was just a name." "You think people can just go around calling themselves doctors?" "You're a super villain! Of course, you could go around claiming that." "I have my limits." "Besides--" "Besides what?" "Super names don't have to represent who we really are. Do you think I'm really a red hawk?" "Well...no, but it could be your spirit animal or something." "That's offensive." "What?" "The whole notion of spirit animals is, for the most part, cul

15 quotes I love

I pulled from a few posts ( "15 quotes that give me comfort" ; "15 quotes/sayings to put on rocks" ; "15 RBG quotes" ).  "You’re braver than you believe and stronger and smarter than you think."—Christopher Robin, Carter Crocker "I am my own muse"—Frida Kahlo "If you're going through Hell, keep going."—Winston Churchill " Frodo : I can’t do this, Sam.                                                                                                       Sam : I know. It’s all wrong. By rights we shouldn’t even be here. But we are. It’s like in the great stories, Mr. Frodo. The ones that really mattered. Full of darkness and danger they were. And sometimes you didn’t want to know the end. Because how could the end be happy. How could the world go back to the way it was when so much bad had happened. But in the end, it’s only a passing thing, this shadow. Even darkness must pass. A new day will come. And when the sun shin

Create a character who believes they are the last human on Earth, only to discover they're not alone, alternate and expanded part 2

(I took most of the original part 2 of this story , but changed and built on it) "Oh," said the man as he began to approach her.  Fuck fight, freeze, and fawn, it was time for flight. Ivy took off running to where she'd left her car. A faint memory of her mother telling her to never drive drunk spun through her head, but who could she hurt? This one other guy? Surely she wasn't drunk enough to avoid hitting simply one person. "Hey, it's okay!" the man called after her, starting to run too. Ivy didn't like that. He should just let her go. How could the only man alive in the now still be like all the men in the before? Ivy picked up her pace. So did the man. And he was faster. "I'm just looking for people!" shouted the man. He was close now. So close that she could see his features. He had black hair, mussed and clearly self-cut. His gray-green eyes shone a bit too brightly for it being nighttime. He was miraculously clean-shaven and wore

15 foods that hold a special place in my heart

These are also just some of my favorite foods. Chocolate almond angel food cake Tuna spaghetti Mac and cheese Pesto with potatoes Sara Lee coffee cake Pumpkin pie Stuffing Stouffer's fried chicken with mashed potatoes and gravy Chocolate cake with chocolate frosting Pizza from Medici This one oniony and garlicky pasta sauce made by a friend Irish breakfast (though I don't eat pork anymore) A prosciutto pasta dish (though I don't eat pork anymore) Empanadas Chocolate chip cookies with Oreo bits in them (Prompt by ChatGPT) "Chocolate Angel Food Cake" by Emily Carlin . Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic .

90 Fiance: The Other Way, season 5, episode 14

Time for some celebrations? Oof, I do feel a bit bad for Kimberly Mary, your grandma is right...you aren't ready Kimberly got her apology TJ's cousin seems nice Kimberly...you're getting gifts...calm it down Ah yes...TJ not telling Kimberly stuff...classic Musical interlude Ho boy Daniele and Yohan should not have gotten married Okay, Yohan, you knew Daniele's age before marrying her TJ...you can't say don't tell to a camera A lot of the traditions are similar like the giving of gifts, the getting pretty together, the dancing (yes, there are differences, but I can see similarities as well) Ho boy Brandan and Mary are a mess Next time TJ and Kimberly continue to get married Next time Kimberly feels left out somehow Next time Hannah maybe doesn't want a baby Next time Daniele and Yohan meet with a life coach Next time Shekinah's sister arrives Next time Shekinah's sister is pushy Next time looks good Can't wait! (Prompt by me) 90 Fiance: The Other

15 historical figures I find interesting

Interesting doesn't necessarily mean good. Hatshepsut Chinggis Khan Pocahontas William Henry Harrison Tituba Henry VIII Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz Anne Lister aka Gentleman Jack John Snow Sacagawea John R. Brinkley Catherine de' Medici Jonas Salk Malintzin Martin A. Couney (Prompt inspired by ChatGPT) "Queen Hatshepsut Statue" by Gary Todd

Thoughts on 90 Day Fiance season 10, episode 1

New season time! Oh gosh what's going on with Ashley? So Ashley is a witch Jasmine...wasn't it a sugar baby website? Jasmine...you are kinda rude about Gino's looks So, I haven't forgotten that Jasmine has kids...are they coming to the US? Yeah Gino is one of the guys who wants a woman to look a certain way but is not willing to subsidize it GINO, SHE LOST HER JOB BECAUSE OF YOU Clubbing at 12, Sophie??? Nikki...what crime did your ex commit? Nikki...did you say you renamed your partner? I'm sorry, is Justin 36 and you met him 17 years ago? When he was 19? Rob the Knob...lol Can Rob afford to move, Sophie? Wow we're finally meeting Jasmine's kids Yeah no greeting is weird Jasmine...you could've told your son earlier I do agree that "Justin" either has to accept Nikki or get out Okay Sophie, because you've shared on camera, you do have to tell Rob I'm glad Jasmine can at least bring her dog Ashley, pull over This season Jasmine dresses u

15 things I'd love to teach my future children

Some of these are more serious than others.  How to read How to walk How to do taxes How to tell a joke How to play D&D How to find inspiration How to love themselves How to build community How to drink responsibly How to assert themselves How to make tuna spaghetti How to set healthy boundaries How to take nice and memorable photos How to find therapists and doctors on their own How to know when to ask for help (and how to ask) (Prompt by ChatGPT) "two toddler playing letter cubes" by Marisa Howenstine

Create a character who believes they are the last human on Earth, only to discover they're not alone, part 2

Read part 1 of this story here . "Oh," said the man as he began to approach her.  Fuck fight, freeze, and fawn, it was time for flight. Ivy took off running to where she'd left her car. A faint memory of her mother telling her to never drive drunk spun through her head, but who could she hurt? This one other guy? Surely she wasn't drunk enough to avoid hitting simply one person. "Hey, it's okay!" the man called after her, starting to run too. Ivy didn't like that. He should just let her go. How could the only man alive in the now still be like all the men in the before? Ivy picked up her pace. So did the man. And he was faster. "I'm just looking for people!" shouted the man. He was close now. So close that she could see his features. He had black hair, mussed and clearly self-cut. His gray-green eyes shone a bit too brightly for it being nighttime. He was miraculously clean-shaven and wore clean, or at least clean-looking, clothes. If h

15 travel sites/sights that have left me in awe

There are more, but these are off the top of my head!  The canals of Venice Mountains of Andorra Drombeg Stone Circle in Ireland Whales off the coast of San Francisco Tennessee capital building at night in Nashville The British Museum in London Park Güell in Barcelona Alpacas and view at Curraghduff Farm in Oughterard Midnight sunset in Reykjavík Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge in Northern Ireland Badshahi Mosque in Lahore Pyramid of the Sun in Teotihuacán Cliffs of Moher in Ireland Mount Royal in Montréal The canals of Amsterdam (Prompt mostly by ChatGPT) "Venice Canal in Golden Hour" by Irene Steeves

90 Fiance: The Other Way, season 5, episode 13

Not sure what's happening in this episode as last episode's preview was "still to come." Sarper is showing off (it isn't doing it for me, but more power to him and Shekinah I suppose) Y'all...we're here! I think getting overwhelmed on your wedding day is normal, Holly Holly broke a door Ho boy Kimberly's dad is commenting on the living situation Ho boy now he's talking to Yash Brandan...you should help out Ah I hope Mary and Brandan's store actually makes money (seems like it won't) Ah there we go, Brandan can't legally work in the Philippines Yes, the baby will be tough on your finances, but that's why you should've thought of that before trying Wow this is a bad proposal Did...did no one tell Wayne that Holly was running late? Okay did Wayne's client consent to their session being observed like this? Shekinah...you can wait Okay I don't like Sarper, but I think kissing on the cheek could easily be a cultural thing Shek

15 books I'd recommend

There are more, these are just some off the top of my head!  Meddling Kids  by Edgar Cantero Sin in the Second City: Madams, Ministers, Playboys, and the Battle for America's Soul by Karen Abbott Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee  by Dee Brown Mexican Gothic  by Silvia Moreno-Garcia Smoke by Dan Vyleta The Woman Who Would Be King: Hatshepsut's Rise to Power in Ancient Egypt by Kara Cooney 1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus by Charles C. Mann Queen Hereafter: A Novel by Isabelle Schuler Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman Men Explain Things to Me  by Rebecca Solnit Wizard's First Rule  by Terry Goodkind Reader, I Murdered Him  by Betsy Cornwell The Secret History of the Mongol Queens: How the Daughters of Genghis Khan Rescued His Empire by Jack Weatherford Red, White, and Royal Blue  by Casey McQuiston The Name of the Wind  by Patrick Rothfuss (Prompt partially by ChatGPT) "Children’s books" by Debby Hudson

Thoughts on 90 Day Fiance: Before the 90 Days season 6, episode 18

Time for more of the tell-all! I was right, Violet is no longer pregnant Violet is coming to the US? (Ah a tourist visa) I'm glad that the women of Christian's family aren't assholes Christian is clearly making this woman uncomfortable Lol to them bringing bar girl to the tell all Bar girl has a lot of opinions Christian does like to speak for Cleo So Christian popped the question and everyone is confused Sheila has a job, that's good Wait why does the marriage visa take longer? Oh I want David and Sheila to work out Thank goodness Sheila's home is fixed Oop I think I spelled Amy Aimee in a previous post Phew, I was nervous about Amy there for a second Gosh I forgot how explicit David and Sheila were I love David Did Gino just say "if we get married"? Gino is worried about getting murdered...solid Ugh do we have to relive Gino and Jasmine's sex life? Amanda and Razvan broke up, huh? Okay, Razvan isn't the bad one here (at least as far as I remember

15 things I do to maintain a healthy work-life balance

I am lucky that my job easily allows for these. I do not check work email on the weekends or after work hours I do not have work email ping my phone I take my lunch breaks I make doctor's appointments when it's convenient for me, and take the time off work to go While I save up my time off, I still use it I take breaks when I need them While maintaining deadlines, I set reasonable to-dos for the day With the exception of events, I set strict working hours I speak up if something is going to upset those strict working hours I decorate my workspace so that it isn't harsh for me to be around I voice when something is beyond me so it doesn't haunt me I go to therapy I have coworkers I can vent to I don't work when I'm sick I take mental health days when needed (Prompt by ChatGPT) "Turner Twins, acrobats, 1937 / by Sam Hood" posted by State Library of New South Wales