Fifteen Minutes of Scrawl

Ring. "I'm glad you called. Though I'm not sure how you did." "Does it matter?" "I suppose not, if it's really you." "What proof would you have beyond that of your own senses?" "Are you really quoting A Christmas Carol ?" "You used to love that book when you were a kid." "Ghosts aren't my favorite topic these days." "And yet..." "And yet." "So, why do you suppose I've called?" "I figured that was for you to tell me." "You have no questions for me?" "I have plenty, but how much time do we have?" "Enough." "Great." "So, ask." "Are you okay?" "That's a kind question." "Am I mean to be unkind to you?" "I was to you." "At times, yes." "At times." "Are you going to answer?" "I am all right." "What's something I don't kn...

It's in a month! Crazy! Take a class at Chicago Aerial Arts (could be fun to try, and while this studio is far from me, it doesn't have a weight limit) Dye my hair something fun Have my hair professionally styled Engage a professional makeup artist to do my makeup Buy a Walter Payton jersey Purchase a nice new blue dress Bake my own/have a friend bake my cake (so I can be sure it has 0 soy in it) Hire a professional cleaner so my apartment is spotless Get a mani/pedi Pay for a massage Organize trivia for my party Come up with other activities for my party Create a playlist of just songs I like for my party Treat myself to a full spa day List some hopes for this next year of life (Prompt by me) "My birthday cake" by Wez . Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic .

Here are some short pieces based on things that have happened in my life recently.  New Dog Bed So Hoban (my dog) kinda messed up his old dog bed. After he and I stayed in the living room while we had a house guest, he began to hump his dog bed. He had never done this before, but it continued even after we moved back into staying in my bedroom. Mostly, this humping was just a bit annoying, but sometimes it made me laugh. So, ultimately, I didn't care too much that he was doing it. But, recently, his nails got sharp enough or he got persistent enough (or both) that he started to rip the cover until part of the pillow inside it came out. I did what anyone would do, I ordered him a new bed. It arrived a few days ago, but somehow still took me a minute to take it out of its packaging. Not sure why. Maybe I liked the idea that he'd perhaps be incentivized to cuddle with me more (but, when he wanted space, he still went on the couch, so not sure this did anything). I think it was mor...

I watched  Heated Rivalry recently and chatted about it with great friends--some of the thoughts may be borrowed from them! SPOILERS ABOUND! I MUST read the books written Rachel Reid (at least some of them as I think they're like 7?) One of the reasons I want to read some of the books is I want to know more about what was happening during the chunks of time the show skips over The lead actors have amazing chemistry (and I love that they're also close off-screen) It is too funny to me that the Canada Media Fund contributed $3.1 million to the series and that, in addition to the federal funding, the series received tax credits ( "Not to make a joke, but we got a lot of bang for our buck," - Canada's Culture Minister Marc Miller ) This show portrays yearning so convincingly Even though this is fully fictional, I still felt sad at the time Ilya and Shane lost by hiding from their feelings Also, even though it's fictional, it has been so heartwarming to see the re...

Time for part 2 of the tell-all!  Of course Manon came back Hell yeah, I love Pattiya giving an erotic dance lesson I love that Shawn asked about Madelein's dogs Yes, I love that there are "poopies" on the way Aha Madelein got a K-1 Dylan, go away I honestly don't care about Luke's friend's opinions Chloe, yes, Madelein throwing cake isn't a solution, but Luke treats her quite poorly I do not appreciate Luke's bud referring to the stripper as "it" Oof, Luke's pal owes him $100k and the two were robbed and lost $2.1 million (and the friend was kidnapped?!) I mean Madelein and Luke should not be together, but it does seem like Chloe and Greta are flirting with Luke and that's just wild OMG Pattiya, leave this man I am confused about whose perception of Dylan and his mom's relationship is more accurate (I am, however, 100% certain that no one's perception is 100% accurate) Yes, Sumit, I do believe Jenny is making a threat Yeah I ...

These are a range of prices, but are just some things that I thought would be fun for either a platonic or romantic gift. You can read my first 15 ideas in my "15 ideas for Valentine's Day gifts in 2026" post. Underground Donut Tour , "Delve into some of the best donut shops, bakeries, and restaurants in the city! With a dedicated guide, you'll uncover hidden gems and sample new flavors most people miss." (in Chicago, at least, it's on the more expensive side, could angle platonic or romantic) The Orchid Show , "Rewind to the ‘60s and ‘70s at the Orchid Show: Feelin’ Groovy where 10,000 vibrant orchids are the hottest thing since bell bottoms" (on the cheaper end, more romantic, but could be platonic) Gwen's Winter Curl & Chill , "Challenge your friends to curling, then warm up fireside with indulgent à la carte drinks and seasonal bites" (mid, could angle platonic or romantic) Improv I Class , "Through group exercises a...