Fifteen Minutes of Scrawl

Well, it's been a weird year. The following are just some things rattling around in my head today--do not expect structure. At times, 2024 was really tough. Lots of ups and downs with my dad, but mostly downs in regards to him. I have had to be tough, to be strong, and to lean on others. But in that leaning, I saw that I have an incredible community around me. This especially was true when I was going through my egg retrievals. People supported me emotionally and, at times, practically by doing things like providing me food and Gatorade (and boy did I drink a lot of Gatorade). I am proud of taking this step towards being a parent. I lost my last grandparent this year and while I miss her, one of the things that struck me most is that now my parents are the oldest generation in my family. Perhaps this is selfish of me, but it's also the truth.  I read lots of books this year both for fun and for pay (overall the books for fun were better, but don't it always seem to go?). I ...

It's almost here!  Query literary agents Look into my insurance's gym benefits Submit short works to lit journals Fire up the dating apps again Travel to Ireland Go somewhere new Write something that I'm proud of Explore more children's books I can parody in a D&D-inspired way Plan outfits for C2E2 Throw a great birthday party for myself Buy a new coffee table Propagate more plants Continue therapy Cook something new Bake something new (Prompt by me) Photo by BoliviaInteligente on Unsplash

Time for some endings?  Wow Joe just led with anal Can Joe milk a cow? Loren, you're a creep I want good things for Vanja Wow Mr. Arc is getting explicit Sunny, it's fine to want to date a Muslim woman--but like you KNEW Veah didn't want to convert Sunny, Veah put you in no situation--you chose this situation (like, don't get me wrong, Veah isn't perfect, but she was SUPER clear about not wanting to convert for a while now) Of course Joe waited to tell Magda about Jill until after they had sex Yeah, Joe, Magda kinda just wants you to be upfront about stuff Matilda is so pretty OMG Matilda Valentine is a great name So like, I'm glad Sunny accepts Veah but it wasn't romantic to me when he was like "This is a huge sacrifice to me" I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop with Josko Yeah, Faith, dump this man YES, FAITH, KNOW YOUR WORTH! So, Sunny, I do think you should tell your family in your own time, but like you do have to tell them at some poin...

Tis almost here! Midnight toast 2024 trivia Dressing sparkly Modern Problems Require Fantasy Solutions game Temporary tattoos 2025 resolution sharing Resolution MadLibs 2024 MadLibs 2025 MadLibs NYE-themed Mafia Writing and then tearing up regrets of 2024 Prosecco tasting Chambongs Photo booth Group photo (Prompt by me) "MCU035" by Bill Masson . Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic .

Time for sex therapy.  Josh, I'm not saying Natalie was right to act the way she did, but I don't believe you Aw Julia came to help Natalie I guess Gino and Jasmine are bonding over this fight that was about other people Don't tell your wife she was dressed like a whore, Brandon Dance is different than sex, Brandon Kick Gino, Jasmine Wait does lipo affect nerves, Stacey? Ari, listen to Bini when he says "red light" Julia, seriously though, Brandon could use sunscreen WE'RE HERE Ari, Bini isn't enjoying it Natalie does need individual therapy (which, to be clear, is not a judgment thing) OH GINO, YOU'RE CONCERNED ABOUT THE PRIVACY OF PERSONAL SEXY MEDIA, HUH? Is Julia offering to be a third? Brandon is pissed Jasmine, is your MAIN issue sex? So Jasmine wants an open relationship Also, this activity was designed for drama, not healing Okay, Florian, the US cannot be the only country with open relationships Next time the couples go ATVing and Ari and Bini...

I love shopping for gifts.  Dice sword Flip-a-Gator by Sara Ball RHOC-inspired candle Footie pajamas Lava lamp Hello Kitty and Friends Mini backpack hair accessories Kid's bracelet-making kit Totodile plush Reusable sticker book  HIMYM  ornament Flower mug Frog and Toad  necklace Alcohol smoking kit Photo mugs Positive potato (Prompt by me) "Christmas poster featuring a koala dressed in Santa hat and boots 1920" posted by the State Library of Queensland

Hot Frosty  just demands a forth installment. Please enjoy my pitch for  Hot Dog .  Title: Hot Dog Tagline: When the parents say no, the kids make a dog out of snow Key characters with some ideas for casting if not already cast: Holly Noel Snowman Girl actor who resembles the parent actors Ginger Gingerbreadman Redheaded girl actor (Googling child actors was too difficult) who resembles the parent actors Fritz Stahlbaum Boy actor who resembles who resembles the parent actors Dr. Dottie Stahlbaum (I added the last name of Stahlbaum since it's Clara's last name in  The Nutcracker ) Already cast as Katy Mixon Greer  Peter Nutcracker (I literally Googled "hot male ballet dancers") Please see "Hot Frosty 3 aka Hot Nutcracker" for casting ideas Rowan Gingerbreadman Please see  "Hot Frosty 2 aka Hot Ginger"  for casting ideas Nicole Singh (I added the last name of Singh based on the actress being Guyanese-Canadian) Already cast as Sarah D...

In November of last year, I wrote "15 Christmas ornaments I'd like" . But there are more! Alpaca Christmas Ornament - Unique Gift for Llama Lovers - Boho Holiday + Farmhouse Tiered Tray Decor - Super Curly Alpaca Fiber (Fawn, Wreath only) Christmas Carol Inspired Clothespin Ornaments/Figures (set of 5) Christmas ornament- stocking tag, 3d laser cut (with my name) Charlie Christmas tree decoration, Holiday ornament, 3" natural wood slice Chicago Illinois Map Small Paper Flower Pomander Ornament - First Paper Anniversary, Teacher Appreciation Gift, Christmas Exchange Herr Drosselmeyer Christmas Ornament, Clothespin Ornament, Nutcracker ballet, Clothespin Doll, Ornament Exchange, Nutcracker collector (without doll stand) Alligator Holiday Ornament, Quality Florida Christmas, Surreal Vintage Christmas, Quirky Gators Ornaments, Tampa Miami Gainesville FL Star Trek The Trouble With Tribbles Christmas Ornament Scooby Doo ornament Loch Ness Monster Themed "Wee Nessie...

Time for some last straws? Vanja just jumping right into the celibacy conversation I am happy for Vanja "She likes Italian things, that's a good start,"--Joe Oop Magda's mom is not happy But Veah, why  do you think Sunny is whom you're meant to be with? Sunny, honestly, why are you dating Veah if you want to be dating a Muslim? The lawyer won't tell you to commit visa fraud, Loren Wow good job, Loren, you didn't even get the country right Well, too bad, Loren Oop Adnan just thought Tigerlily would be chill with him having more than one wife (even though it seems like Adnan himself wasn't chill with his dad having more than one wife) Joe, testing out a translator app BEFORE going to Poland would've been a good plan Oof that's rough that Vanja had to lose that bond Vanja, you don't need to take on the kid just yet...you just met Josko Does one of the dancers Sunny and Veah are seeing have a plush monkey on his back? Wait does Sunny want to wa...

Yes, I do love A Christmas Carol . Funko Pop! Movies: Christmas Carol - Ghost A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens Scarf/Shawl The Muppet Christmas Carol Ornament | 2024 | Wherever You Find Love It Feels Like Christmas Ornament, Laser Engraved (FREE SHIPPING) MNIGIU Carol Musical Tote Bag Carol Musical Inspired Gift Broadway Musical Theater Fans Gift A Christmas Carol Door Knocker Enamel Pin Charles Dickens: A Christmas Carol Deluxe Note Card Set (With Keepsake Book Box) Fezziwig's Fest A Christmas Carol (Reissue) - Abridged narrated by Patrick Stewart Dickens Christmas Carol Ornament from original artwork, choose from 12 characters, Scrooge, Tint Tim, Victorian Christmas, (CHRISTMAS PRESENT, red) Christmas Carol: A Faithful Reproduction of the Original First Edition A Christmas Carol Charles Dickens Wordie Mug, Featuring Mini Illustrations and Handwritten Quotes A Christmas Carol Ebenezer Scrooge and Jacob Marley Street Address Sign Ornament A Christmas Carol - Vintage Book Orname...

Hot Frosty  just demands a threequel. Please enjoy my pitch for  Hot Nutcracker (because Hot Nut and Hot Cracker  do not work). Title: Hot Nutcracker Tagline: Only he could crack her hard shell Key characters with some ideas for casting if not already cast: Dr. Dottie Stahlbaum (I added the last name of Stahlbaum since it's Clara's last name in The Nutcracker ) Already cast as Katy Mixon Greer  Peter Nutcracker (I literally Googled "hot male ballet dancers") Chun Wai Chan Kimin Kim Roberto Bolle Rowan Gingerbreadman Please see "Hot Frosty 2 aka Hot Ginger" for casting ideas Nicole Singh (I added the last name of Singh based on the actress being Guyanese-Canadian) Already cast as Sarah DeSouza-Coelho Kathy Barrett Already cast as Lacey Chabert Jack Snowman Already cast as Dustin Milligan Sheriff Nathaniel Hunter Already cast as Craig Robinson Deputy Sheriff Ed Schatz Already cast as Joe Lo Truglio Synopsis: The local school is putting on...

My name is Holly after all, so some of these I could wear year-round. Sterling Silver Holly ring, leaf and berry, stacking, Winter jewelry (size TBD) Solid 925 Sterling Silver Holly Flower Floral Pendant Sterling silver Mistletoe stud earrings, Holly berry Earrings, Christmas Jewelry / KA04 (silver) Polymer clay earrings. Pine earrings. Christmas earrings. Holiday earrings. Holiday jewelry. Winter earrings. Pine earrings. Pine cones (dark green, gold) Christmas earrings. Christmas jewelry. Women’s earrings. Polymer clay earrings. Holiday polymer clay earrings. Christmas tree earrings. Winter earrings. Holiday jewelry. Christmas earrings. Polymer clay earrings. Christmas jewelry. Lightweight earrings. White earrings. (honestly I like both the white and green) Christmas Clay Earrings| Snoopy's Doghouse Earrings| Snoopy Earrings| Christmas Snoopy Dog Earrings| Christmas Lights Earrings| Handmade (Snoopy red dangles) Christmas Winter Night Earrings Fun Festive Holiday Jewelry • Handmad...

Hot Frosty  just demands a sequel. Please enjoy my pitch for Hot Ginger . Title: Hot Ginger Tagline: A magical ginger, some holiday spice, and everything nice Key characters with some ideas for casting if not already cast: Rowan Gingerbreadman Sam Heughan Jake Austin Walker Rupert Grint Cameron Monaghan Nicole Singh (adding the last name of Singh based on the actress being Guyanese-Canadian) Already cast as Sarah DeSouza-Coelho Kathy Barrett Already cast as Lacey Chabert Jack Snowman Already cast as Dustin Milligan Chef Isaac Already cast as Bobby Daniels Sheriff Nathaniel Hunter Already cast as Craig Robinson Deputy Sheriff Ed Schatz Already cast as Joe Lo Truglio Synopsis: Kathy and Jack are ready to host a gingerbread cookie making competition. Waitress Nicole Singh really wants to win this year. After her boyfriend dumped her because he couldn't take the small-town life in Hope Springs, she has needed a win.  In search of a unique cookie cutter, she heads to...

Yes, I do deserve this many (as do you!). Mothman print Opalish ring I Got Abducted by Aliens and Now I'm Trapped in a Rom-Com by Kimberly Lemming (preorder) New dishes New towels (including towels big enough for me!) Nutcracker Holly garland So many scented candles Body scrub Room spray Festive mugs Cross-stitched pin Some sweet treats Hot cocoa New photos for my photo walls (Prompt by me) "gifts" by Andy Thrasher

Time for a dramatic night out.  Jasmine is just ignoring Gino Jasmine, the history with Gino is bad--GIVE UP Okay, I feel like the producers prompted Julia to gather the folks for the club I agree that Natalie is focused on the wrong person Wow Julia and Ari are giving bad advice Okay complimenting earrings isn't that weird, but I get that it's not enough from Gino Oof are Julia and Brandon not a match Josh, it's fair enough that you have familial obligations, but like why are you on this show at all? Brandon, you knew Julia was a go-go dancer before marrying her Florian, your face didn't change when you did that Natalie, your eyes are so intense Okay, Natalie may be being rude to the wrong person, but like Josh is bad Josh, I don't buy your story Okay I'm glad Ari is giving Bini his passwords Natalie, not cool How did Bini get out here? Next time there is sex therapy and I will cringe so hard Next time Brandon tells Julia she "was dressed like a whore...

I watched this movie on Saturday with dear friends! Overall, I had a grand old time Isn't Jack looking at Kathy as a mom in the beginning? Who carved the Jack snowman?  How anatomically detailed was this snowman in a public square? It's pretty dark that Jack dies in police custody I thought initially we were going to find out that Kathy's first husband bailed, but instead, they went the sadder death route The sexual car scene was a lot Jack is quite veiny How is Jack going to go to Hawai'i? He needs an ID (perhaps he can learn to forge one or is that ability to learn things super quickly gone now that he's a human?) Does Jack retain the immense amount of skills he learned while a snowman? It is kinda sad that the movie is like "a man that nice has to be magic." Can't men just be nice??? Also, now that he's human, is he going to stop being nice??? So is Jack Kathy's third true love? Gotta love that the whole town just accepts that he's a sno...

Time for some bad family interactions? Brian, you stink No, Loren, no This tattoo business is making me so nervous Niles, you cannot take care of Matilda right now Of course you're spoiled, Adnan At least Tigerlily knows that the oven will be in Celsius? I do feel bad Veah was in a cult Oof, whatever happened, I'm sorry Magda Brian, I don't feel sorry for you It would be hilarious to be proposed to with a can of snakes, Loren SAY NO, FAITH Well meeting Sunny's dad is going poorly Why are we still hanging with Brian? Adnan doesn't trust his brother I guess Bonbon is a cute way to refer to a baby BOO, FAITH, WHY'D YOU SAY YES How is Loren going to afford this immigration lawyer? Niles, I worry about you It's going to take much longer than four months to get Matilda to the US I think Veah is having an anxiety attack Okay, no, I am taking Veah's side here Sunny, I judge you for keeping that you need her to convert from her Next time Adnan mentions having mor...

Yes, sometimes I wish I had a huge space and lawn for decorations! Holly wreath (perhaps like  Farmlyn Creek Artificial Christmas Wreath with Holly Berries for Front Doors (15.7 in, 1 Piece) , but a real one would be cool) Mini Squishable Festive Baby Mothman Christmas Inflatable Gator with Gift Sceen 9 Foot Wide LED Lighted Holiday Outdoor Aligator Yard Blow-Up Air-Blown Decoration - Includes Bonus Repair Patch AJY 6 Feet Inflatable Christmas Alpaca Holiday Lighted Blow up Yard Decoration Alpaca Christmas Inflatable Llama Outdoor Décor MCHIVER Funny Chritmas Alligator Cany Cane Christmas Stockings Classic Farmhouse Xmas Stocking 18inch Santa Stocking Christmas Decorations for Stairs Tree Party Fireplace Christmas Alligator Garden Flag, Green Crocodile in Red Boat Yard Decor, Double Sided Holiday Lawn Decoration, Winter Outdoor Party Decoration 12x18 Inch Bdor Alpaca Snow Globe Christmas Decoration – Musical Lighted Battery Operated Ornament with Swirling Glitter for Kids – Perfect...

Here are some short pieces based on things that have happened in my life recently. Arctic Blast As of me writing this, we're expecting an "arctic blast." Right now, it's not so bad out—I even see bits of blue in the sky (often a rarity this time of year). But it will soon be miserable (or so the weather fortune tellers say—yes, I did forget the words for forecast and meteorologists just there). I will probably take my dog on a short (very short, quite short) walk after work as he will still need to relieve himself, but I want to snuggle under some covers (especially my electric blanket). I also have to take him to the vet tomorrow for a nail trim (he doesn't like his paws being held and his nails being black combines to make me too nervous to cut them on my own). Now he does have an extra jacket so that should work for him, but I'm still not looking forward to it. Carols I've been listening to Christmas carols lately. Now, I'm not sure what makes somet...

Tis the season! A "Grump Tree" from Trader Joe's An Irish Santa A set of festive mugs from Target A gingerbread nutcracker A holly table runner A set of Christkindlmarket mugs A light-up holly garland A Santa ornament made out of a gourd A tiny Santa boot ornament A Christmas tree scented candle A gnome tree topper A holly pillow A set of holly and mistletoe paper napkins A string of D&D Christmas lights A Christmas cookie scented candle (Prompt by me)

Not sure what's gonna happen on this episode because the last episode ended in a season (instead of episode) preview. Okay, I can't remember if I said it last time, but the red title really doesn't work for me Lol Rob doesn't know the difference between Darcey and Stacey Oof Natalie told Josh he's too sensitive Josh, how you said that makes it sound like, in Natalie's mind, you might propose at the end of three weeks Gino likes it when Jasmine barks? Okay, don't act like Ari is perfect But like...Ari should give Bini his social media back The seating distribution in this van is madness I love that Jasmine is like, "Oh I'd cannibalize Bini first" Lol that last season, they just vacationed in Mexico (?) and now they have to do like survival activities Wait what is this lost in the wilderness story of Stacey's? So I get that Sophie lied, but is this such a big deal? Stacey looks hilarious Ari, Bini doesn't have to carry you Gino, you had t...

I just saw this yesterday! I loved the expansion of the cast There were some brief, but pretty dark moments Moana is now a demigod??? Love it Overall, the songs didn't compel me as much as those in the first While still great animation, I didn't get shivers like I did at certain moments in the first one They certainly set up a third movie which I think could be really cool as it will likely explore the larger pantheon Tamatoa did not need to make an appearance (IMO) The little sister was precious I'm such a planner/anxious person that when the whole host of people from other islands arrives at the end my first thought was "Uh, are they going to have enough food?" Eating pork jokes in front of the pig still didn't land well with me (idk it just felt weird) "Fan fic" making its way into dialogue was hilarious to me Although this movie welcomingly expanded on the Kakamora, they remain a part that felt a bit out of place to me A part of the movie made me...

Time for some bad conversations? Wow we got the cliff notes for Vanja's first date Time for Josko! I don't think that's a Speedo Oh, we're seeing Ingrid alone Rory is shockingly accommodating Magda, this boy can fold his own clothes Oof, Niles should've called his parents earlier Well that seems to have gone poorly Matilda, you should also be worried if Niles can support you in the US Ugh, dump Loren, Faith Lol Joe got 2 kilos of potatoes Ah great, penis jokes from Sunny, Veah, and Rory Veah...how did you think that was a pig? Sunny apologized to Rory...I did not see that happening Josko seems like a good guy I don't think it's too much to cover up your tattoos for Sunny's family, Veah Joe, did you really say you want to spend the rest of your life with Magda? Oof, Brian Next time Tigerlily has Thanksgiving for Adnan's family Next time Loren proposes Next time Joe wants to have sex before proposing Next time Niles confesses he doesn't have enough...