Fifteen Minutes of Scrawl

Reunion part 2. Oop Andy called them all (including himself) narcissists I don't know why I'm always on Noella's side I wouldn't call it pornography Detox your body by having a liver Aw Heather is proud of Shannon Jimmy Fallon, really? God I forgot Jen was engaged 7 times Poor Noella I'm glad I wasn't the only one who thought Noella was Prince Aw I like this being nice exercise (Prompt by me) The Real Housewives of Orange Country  Bravo Promotional image source

So I shuffled the few songs I have on my phone (the original prompt said "(on phone, spotify, whatever)") and the song that came up is "My Best Friend's Wedding" by the Chicks (on their  Gaslighter  album). You can find the full lyrics here and listen to the song here . I really like this song. It tells a story of heartbreak and rising from the ashes to be more powerful. I assume it is based on one or more of the Chicks' marriages (perhaps one of them is the narrator of the song (or whatever you call it) and one is the mentioned best friend who marries and then remarries in the song).  Now I've never been divorced or even married, but my heart has been hurt before (that's for another blog post though I think) so I do like this whole "I'm better off without you" vibe that the song gives off at times. I do also like that it acknowledges, if briefly, that there was some magic, even if it was false, in the beginning of the relationship. It...

Original prompt: If you were to create a reality TV show, what would it be? Definitely cast dramatic people Travel during the show Goofy challenges Possibility of romance Diverse cast (in more ways than one) Diverse crew (in more ways than one) Theme parties Cast must produce a song and dance number Cast can bring their pets Celebrity guests Outfits provided by the production Allow the cast to have some distractions from home Fabulous food Fabulous drinks available (but not pressured to drink) Behind-the-scenes snippets (Prompt by Kimisha Cassidy) "The Reality of Reality TV" by idccollage .  Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.0) .

I think there are many reasons that produce as vehicles are a thing. The first is the same reason why I think we refer to objects by what size of produce it is similar to: produce is familiar. We can all picture a watermelon or an apple or a carrot. If someone refers to an unfamiliar object by comparing it to produce, we have a pretty good feel for it. Making a magical object a piece of produce helps ground it in reality and makes it still somewhat familiar and not totally foreign (which it would be if it was a magical vehicle with no groundingin reality). I also think taking the familiar and giving it a twist feels somewhat magical. Peaches, I'm sure, can be larger than your average peach, but they certainly don't get to be vehicle sized (a tree would snap surely from the weight). Twisting the familiar is whimsical and makes us look at ordinary objects with a new magic. I think that new magic is also part of it. If we take ordinary objects and make them extraordinary, couldn...

Time to bring capes back. It's windy out and you want a dramatic walk You have become a superhero You were bitten by a vampire You want to cover your face with something fabulous You desire another accessory You love a swirl You want to cosplay a wizard (or actually are a wizard) It's chilly out and you want a different way to stay warm You're headed to the opera (I have an opera cloak so why not an opera cape?) You find yourself in a fairy tale You have a bat or flying squirrel alter ego You are fashion forward You want to set a new trend You have a dramatic fashion reveal You are an historical reenactor Original prompt: What are circumstances in which one might wear a cape? (Prompt by Kimisha Cassidy) "cape" by Agnes Happen

New couples? Bilal sucks Bilal, aren't you a religious man and already married in the eyes of God? I hate it when people are like "finally, I can smell her" Demon eyed photo Cristo is a cutie Sanky panky? (ah Kara explains) Guillermo doesn't like the teasing and jokes Yvette seems like a good mom Yvette is dating someone 23 years younger... Oop Jibri has gotten into fights with his bestie? Is it a popular band, David? Emily is horny Emily, hasn't Kobe met a bit of the new you via video calls? The reaction that Shaeeda gave you was about the trash in the car Why is the table set, Bilal? Bilal, you have money, right? Why is the paint peeling here? Jibri...if Miona hates it...why are you doing it? Jibri wants to be a pink flamingo Does Emily's shirt say "back grew"? Emily...you've seen him on video chat...are you surprised by the hair? Okay so Emily doesn't mind that Kobe commented on her weight Ha I remember what pulpo means 90 Day Bae  pointed...

Time for the finale! June looks fabulous I love Alyssa's look and the money thing was funny Kornbread is fantastic I like Orion's fur Maddy looks good Kerri looks beautiful (no surprise) Jasmine's wig is perfection DeJa's look is so fun Jorgeous is adorable Angeria is a WOW Bosco's look is great, but hard to follow Angeria Daya looks so good Lady is funny Willow's look is cool Of course Ru makes an entrance with an array of chocolate bars Michelle looks so short Yay for RuPaul day! Angeria is so charming Angeria was clearly having the time of her life Bosco had a good Ruveal Bosco's boyfriend seems nice, but not very enthused Daya's outfit is awesome Who are singing all of these songs? Lady's performance was so fun I love that Lady has her mom and drag mom  Willow had a nice first Ruveal and a great second Ruveal Kornbread still loves Willow "Mental illness and rhinestones" Oop Willow didn't dance with the back up dancers Gotta love pro...

Reunion part 1. Lol Shannon called the wrong Rachel Shannon didn't find her own dress? I do not like Jen's dress I did like Heather with her kids this season I forgot about Noella describing her now ex-husband as sweet and authentic Emily is spinning stories (don't think she's being creepy though) Wow a business is quite a gift Shannon, you are yelling So how does Heather know that Shannon knew? Jen...are you a great expert witness? I hope Emily can make amends with her father I don't know how Gina moved forward with her ex (in my opinion, she shouldn't've) Shannon...you don't even communicate about your kids? Andy's kid seems sweet Next time the reunion concludes (Prompt by me) The Real Housewives of Orange Country  Bravo Promotional image source

Add yours! Toast Go out to a nice meal Take a photo Kiss Hug Share the news Jump up and down Yell out in delight Throw a party Treat yourself to something nice Put off hard things for a moment Focus on the good news Smile High five Have a spa day (Prompt by Kimisha Cassidy) "Young couple celebrating at the Bellevue Hotel, Brisbane, 1940" by the State Library of Queensland

So I delayed doing this prompt for a while because it's actually a personal answer. Wondering what was behind a closed door is one of the things that helped me realize my anxiety was out of control. If reading about anxiety is going to be triggering for you, then please stop reading now (and trust me,I will understand). Back in my previous job, my cubicle was right by my boss's office. Now, overall, this was nice and convenient. I could easily pop over with a question and vice versa. It also facilitated casual chatting. However, it also facilitated my anxiety brain running amok. Mostly, my boss had his door open--even when he was on a phone call. So when he closed his door, I knew he really needed privacy. So why would my boss need privacy? Especially from me? Now, my medicated brain can rattle off a bunch of reasons including he's on a personal phone call, he's on a medical call, and he simply wanted some peace and quiet. However, it was my unmedicated brain at work. S...

If I could talk to an inanimate object in my apartment, it would probably be my TV. I would like to ask it if I watch it too much. Does it get enough rest? Does it like being used so often? I watch TV a fair bit or, at least, have it on as background a fair bit. I've even left a relaxing video on for Hoban when I go out for hours on end. If it was animated and had feelings, I would like to be sure I'm treating it well. But I don't know if it prefers to rest or if it prefers to be useful. I often wonder that same thing about myself to be honest, so why wouldn't my TV? I'd also like to know if it like to watch somethings more than others? Does it find the relaxing videos I play for Hoban relaxing? They are often hours long so perhaps it's a zen meditation for my TV, but perhaps it's just a snooze fest. Or perhaps, being a piece of technology, it enjoys depicting the outdoors. Or maybe it thinks it's super ironic to mimic the outdoors on a TV.  Does it like...

New season! This season preview looks good Bilal is a handsome man Don't say you're OCD if you're not It's a good sign that Bilal is on good terms with his ex Shaeeda is beatiful and super flexible COVID-19 must've delayed so many visas Wow you're telling your ex that your fiance is coming this weekend? Like do you have the kids this weekend? So, Bilal, you're already married It does not seem safe to drive with all of those balloons, Kara (I think it's Kara at least) What languages do you speak, Kara (it is Kara)? I mean...maybe don't call the guy you're sleeping with a young boy? Guillermo's grandma says he has a sexy mouth??? Chiqui is super cute Guillermo's passport is expired? He should be worried Jibri is cute Black Serbs huh? Miona is beautiful Jibri and Miona seem bad at money Is...Miona gonna like South Dakota? Jibri's momis trying to have a serious conversation Jibri jumped onto a train? Bilal giving his kids short notice Wow...

Time for the reunion! Wow they opened for JLo? I love Kornbread's outfit Kornbread did the right thing Gotta get that product placement in I didn't think Daya was that bad Kornbread's face made me laugh out loud Kerri is so pretty I could get behind Camgeria Oop another shomance Kornbread got a Willow tattoo??? Maddy seems pretty level headed It is the season with the most trans contestants Nice fight Boot Jasmine's Glamazon look Toot DeJa's shoulder pads look Toot Bosco's tutu look Book Jorgeous's lingerie Boot Kerri's JLo look Boot June's wedding look "That is not just a garment, it's an OSHA violation" Not sure Maddy's was the worst look of the season Wow Kornbread really paid Daya Orion is struggling at the reading Here I thought Maddy was getting serious Next week is the finale! (Prompt by me) RuPaul's Drag Race  VH1 Promotional image source

Some of these rarely come up and/or are very minor. People slow walking in front of me People telling me Chicago beaches aren't beaches My computer being slow Saying itch instead of scratch Photos not being in the right order Getting caught on door handles People who don't wash their hands when they should People who cut in line The sound of forks scraping on plates Not being able to get online Losing socks in the dryer Having too many unread notifications on my phone or computer People not listening to me (especially over email) When Hoban barks too much An itch I can't reach (Prompt provided by Brianna Aaron) "Watch me dance" by Ian Livesey

Time for the finale. These poor chefs having to create a gift basket for ghosts This is a hilarious ghost gift basket More cultural appropriation Wow Gina is more emotional at this bear statue than I expected These are loud shoes Gina...is Shannon one of your core friends? "So what vintage would you suggest for misery?" really got me Glad the trip ended on a fun note Emily looks great Shane is being sweet The wedding photos are cute Oof to these voices Gotta love a theme party Can't Shannon have friends who prefer not to beon TV? Welp Noella went back on that not dating thing pretty quickly We'll see where Jen and Ryne are at I guess This performance is super fun Next week must be the reunion I hope it's good Can't wait! (Prompt by me) The Real Housewives of Orange Country  Bravo Promotional image source

Some of these pass annoyance. Not signaling Not wearing a mask Talking to me when I have headphones in and/or am reading Playing music without headphones in (on public transit) Loud muffler Speeding excessively Drinking alcohol Sitting next to me when there are seats next to no one Talking loudly on the phone (on public transit) Standing in front of an open seat Not knowing how the back doors work Pressing on the back doors while the bus is moving Not moving to the back of the bus when standing in the front of the bus is full Blasting the base Throwing trash out the window (Prompt provided by Brianna Aaron) "PSTC 20 (PCC) threading its way down single track through downtown Media, PA on Media Rail Division. Incorrect roll sign SHARON HILL. August 27, 1964" by Marty Bernard

Time for the music video! This is so many challenges in one Now I'm scared Willow or Angeria is going home I didn't even think about Daya having to hide her insulin pump Angeria has 8 drag kids? Oh Willow... Oh Lady... Oh so they just had to design the outfits, not make them? THEY'RE TAPING NOW? Angeria, Michelle even said it was a hint Daya has a thing for Lady Ru's look is a WHOA Bosco looks divine Angeria looks great Okay, but if she's a widow who killed her husband, presumably there was a prenup Daya is selling her look, but it's not my favorite Lady looks lovely I'm not a fan of Bosco's music video look I like Angeria's music video look, but I don't love it I think Daya looks great in the music video Lady's music video look is nice Willow's music video looks is great Bosco's sketch is better than her outfit I would not have called Lady's hair steampunk Yep Willow and Angeria are going to lip sync against each other, aren'...

Time to go on vacation. Chicken salad conversations Oop Heather called Noella a thirsty girl Lol Noella is surprised that Heather knows what thirsty means Oop I missed Heather saying that Noella's life was karma Oof, Noella I'd try archery Kinda sounds like you want to set some boundaries with Noella (which is fine, but you should be clear about it) Mine tour! Short miners Oooh pretty creek Shannon, you calling Emily a shit stirrer, is stirring shit I'm excited for these bear costumes I always feel bad for performers and other staff on these shows Is it that deep, Gina? And we're crying again Maybe Shannon is just being nice, Gina? Next time is the season finale Next time we play dress up Next time we play music? Next time we take new wedding photos Next time Noella takes her ring off Next time Gina seems mad that she and shannon aren't closer... ...which is confusing Next time looks pretty good Can't wait! (Prompt by me) The Real Housewives of Orange Country  B...

Time for the rest of the tell all. Usman...you did talk to Zara though...we saw it Hamza gets points Shaun thinks Jamal is cute Ella...I think your friend is shitty People really ganged up on Ella This is a heartbreaking scene to rewatch Gino, man, it's hard to believe you Ben...no one asked you Though a therapist is a good idea for everyone on this show Ben...you would have pursued the relationship, don't lie Jessica, not everyone's parents have $1,000 Yas, Jasmine Jessica...you're on this show...you want some drama Shaun, I could understand them very well Jessica...why are you friends with Ben if he's fake? Mike does not have a good heart Ben, you need a wake up call Memphis...are you pregnant again? So we get just a small dose of Memphis and Hamza So Mike and Ximena are together, but she isn't in love with him Nelcy looks great So, yes, Ximena might just be with Mike for the money, but Mike is just with her cause she's hot Oop Ben is calling all of the me...

Back to back conferences! Some sang "Have a Holly Jolly Christmas" at me Someone toldme about how his grandmother got married at 13 We sold out of Radical American Partisanship  (the buyer was very excited to get it) I ran out of the editor's business cards for a time I got leftover snacks from the keg party I met a podcast host I saw wires sticking out of a toilet We sold a lot of books (our best sales day yet) Tear down took about 45 minutes I wore jewelry I got Chipotle I disappointed more than one customer by saying we didn't have bags I used our first aid kit (I got a paper cut) We forgot to pack a clipboard I'm glad to be done (Prompt by me)

Back to back conferences! I got hte free coffee We had a rush of sales I had an author come looking for their book and we didn't have it I saw so many high high heels I watched snow fall Our booth neighbors had a keg party JT was there and I missed him I watched the old man from yesterday talk to a young woman who later brought him not one, but two beers Radical American Partisanship  sold like crazy again My feet hurt I talked about first concerts with my boothmate I had "All Too Well" stuck in my head I chatted with my booth neighbors about cover designs I talked to my boothmate about how nice the bathroomsare I had a good day (Prompt by me)

Back to back conferences! There are windows in the exhibit hall! Our credit card machine struggled with the WiFi (we eventually got onto a different WiFi) I wasn't alone at the booth! Radical American Partisanship  sold quickly Our notebook swag went quickly Authors were delighted to know they got a 40% discount on Press books I saw some familiar faces I lent posterers my tape because it had a tear off thing and theirs didn't and they were struggling I found out that I don't get to go to a conference in Portugal (dang) I overheard anold man explaining to two young women that boys mature more slowly than girls I failed to bail out my colleague from a conversation with that same old man I didn't find the free coffee (this was due to my obliviousness) I got tasty free food I chatted with both of my booth neighbors Authors took photos with their books (loved this) (Prompt by me)

I had a great time! Broadway is crazy busy on a Saturday night It really is music city The Country Music Hall of Fame lacked The Chicks Moonshine is tasty Scooters are popular It's called NashVegas, Smashville, and the Athens of the South The capitol building is also a mausoleum (happy to tell you the story) They are really serious about carding for drinks For a Chicagoan, it's hilly They have great ice cream options Boy do they have troublesome presidents from there The hop on hop off tour is well worth it, but it is a little pricey It's a very popular destination for bachelorette parties They have a church with Egyptian designs I'd go back (with someone this time)! (Prompt by me)

Time to go to cry. Emily can't pronounce foliage This house is amazing I mean I would give the woman whose dad just died the nicer room IV time??? Jen...are you really asking if your husband is your emerency contact? Noella is so calm for having a spider in her hair Not a tarantula I don't like this cocktail name Engaged seven times? It shouldn't be hard to say why you married your partner, Jen Why do we have to make Shannon's comment about wanting to have more fun a thing? Oop we're calling people out now Hrm I wonder if Emily did hear the same thing Heather is leaving? This doesn't seem like enough Gina and Emily talked about Shannon's boyfriend? Oop we said shut up Emily is funny Next time we get cultural apporpriation-y Next time we dress up like a bear Next time we go in a mine Next time Noella screams Next time Shannon stirs the pot Next time we get drunk Next time looks pretty good Can't wait! (Prompt by me) The Real Housewives of Orange Country  ...

Time to head home. So apparently we're getting some tell all tonight too Mike is really upsetting these ladies Mike's crying is manipulative I like Memphis and Hamza's shirts I think Memphis and Hamza really do have feelings for each other Lol at Mahogany's "God bless you!" Ben is a creeper Gino is an attractive man? Aaand we meet Zara Usman, don't you have a girlfriend? Ben, I don't feel sorry for you I can't believe Ben didn't give up And I can't believe Mahogany responded Ben...it was never real Mike, I don't feel sorry for you MIKE Mike uses money to get Ximena but then throws it in her face Mike, you're not fighting for her, you're not respecting her boundaries Onto the tell all! Kim looks nice Oop Kim comes in swinging Ben is still concerned for Mahogany? We never got a conclusion on Ella and Johnny (in my opinion) So Ben...you're admitting that you, as a man, are a predator? Ben...would you know what to do if any anim...

Time for the roast! 1.      Jorgeous is like the audience...wondering when queens will go home 2.      Lady is adorable 3.      Walk this way was pretty funny 4.      They're doing so well at this painting challenge (except for Ru's nose) 5.      Classic show order drama 6.      Oh Willow 7.      Oy Jorgeous...phrasing 8.      Bosco did pretty well 9.      Wait...Michelle...are you saying you never had plastic surgery? 10. Jorgeous has some good jokes, but she's so nervous 11. Willow is doing pretty well 12. Angeria is doing well 13. Daya is doing okay...kinda 14. DeJa kept the bigfoot joke? 15. DeJa is not doing well 16. I did like DeJa’s “this queen needs no introduction” bit 17. Lady did well (I liked the echo jokes) 18. I love Bosco’s look 19. I like Jorgeous’s look (I wouldn’t call it edgy thoug...

 It remained an interesting place! I wished I could do a fire sale A family figured out how to release the Connect Four game pieces Someone stole a book (most likely the person whom I told they could purchase the book and pick it up today due to a communication error) An adorable little boy was running around I kept being asked if we had a deeper discount (see point #1) I kept being asked if things were free I got a tasty beyond burger I got a milkshake and dipped fries in it I bonded more with my booth neighbors I gave away two copies of journals I woke up late and had to buy coffee in the exhibit hall There was no free coffee (boo) I got an adorable picture of my dog I had some lovely chats with attendees I packed up the booth in half an hour (Prompt by me)

 It remains an interesting place! I got a tote bag There was a selfie station set up I found a book titled Useful Bullshit I discovered many books on China The morning coffee break had red velvet cake The mini beach balls were being given away I awkwardly had to explain that when I said someone could take a book away today, I meant that they could pay for it and take it away (my poor phrasing) I had to use a map to find food The Mexican restaurant was closed for lunch (but open for dinner!) I saw a lady with a mask that matched her shirt I sat by the back of a book with Trump and Putin's face staring at me I talked about dogs with my booth neighbor I got restaurant recommendations from an attendee Someone stacked the Jenga tiles wrong and it irked me The Connect Four board filled up cause no one figured out how to release the game pieces (Prompt by me)