Fifteen Minutes of Scrawl

Happy Halloween! For those of you that don't know, I'm a big fan of Halloween. I'm not sure if I've always been a big fan of Halloween or if it's a love that developed later. I remember that as a kid I liked dressing up as a black cat, pig, or witch. I think I alternated between those costumes for a few years. One notable year, my dad helped me make a real chicken bone necklace to wear with my witch's costume. I got lots of compliments on how realistic it looked to which I would (probably creepily) reply, "It IS real." I also remember decorating our front yard area with my brother and having a good time doing that. Even as a teen, I would get dressed up and go trick-or-treating with friends. We also developed strategies for this. Like many neighborhoods, mine has a block that goes HARD for Halloween and has EPIC decorations. No joke, one year I remember there being like part of a pirate ship in the street and there were wrestlers. However, this fantast...

Just finished today! SPOILERS ABOUND! I started out rooting for some couples, but stopped rooting for any long before the altar The bachelor/ette parties were so boring The basketball at the reunion was so boring, pointless, and, at times, uncomfy While I didn't think any couple SHOULD get married, it was still a bummer that 0 couples got married I found it interesting that, once it came to the altar breakups, it was the women who said no Joe's reunion mustache was terrible The ghostings were wild And the producers were dicks about it Some of them at least seemed genuinely apologetic at the reunion I'm glad that we didn't see Luca on camera The chicken smoothie thing is one of the worst parts of the season I was hoping both of the ghosters would be at the reunion in a meaningful way Overall, not the best season Admittedly, I only half paid attention while watching the show I wonder if the show is going to continue (Prompt by me) Love is Blind , Netflix Promotional image...

Time for some family-related drama? Lol have we seen this shot of Manon and Anthony in berets before? Okay, Anthony is trying, Manon So, Chloe, why is this Keyner's fault? Wow Chloe is admitting pretty quickly to the spying What are micronutrients, Dylan? Okay, you should discuss kids with your partner, Greta Ho boy are Pattiya and Dylan's mom uncomfy Well...Chloe and Jonathan should break up Next time Madelein is still hearing Luke out??? Next time Chloe's mom comes to visit Next time Chloe's mom judges and cuts Chloe off Next time Manon confronts her aunt Next time Manon wants to go back to LA Next time looks interesting Can't wait! (Prompt by me) 90 Day Fiancé: The Other Way , TLC  Promotional image source

Just a fun list (in no particular order). South Side Pie Challenge Halloween Christmas My Favorite Murder  live Looking for a condo A friend visiting me in November More D&D Padma Lakshmi at the Chicago Humanities Festival Angst and Alibis New Year's Eve Winter Recess My birthday My friend secret gift giving C2E2 2026 (in March!) Hopefully practicing driving (Prompt by me)

Time for adventures! Matt, stop calling your baby "it" Matt is not the wisest I mean, yes, Gino, you should get a divorce So, Gino, why did you divorce your first wife again? (He then explains that they just grew apart, but forgive me if I don't believe that) Gino, you know she's pregnant and you still want her deported? Aha Julia and Brandon seem to be having fun on their adventures I hope the order that they show the countries Julia and Brandon visited is not the actual order they went to countries in because that'd be wild Wait, why didn't they sell Julia's apartment? What is this robe Brandon is wearing? Loren, it does say "Do Not Disturb" Matt seems to be getting more aware? Yikes Darcey and Georgi are toxic af I'm actually glad that I know that Julia and Brandon have had their baby otherwise I would've been a lot more tense during this part of the season Wait, has Matt told his family about Jasmine and the baby yet? Or is Jasmine go...

I saw this about a week ago, but I think it's not too late to write about! Overall, a hilariously good time After the audience member took one of the shots randomly, I do think that the actor took at least three shots at the beginning of the show Some solid local jokes I thought one audience member was a plant by the troupe because he kept getting up to propose to one of the actors, but I did see someone come over to him eventually and tell him to not get up again I thought it was a good mix of silly and direct quotes from Dracula I'm not sure how much of it was improvised (e.g. the Dracula actor would call "Point of Order!" to introduce a new rule), but, ultimately, it was fun, so who cares? The venue had the best Halloweeny vibes The costumes, while not overly elaborate, were effective I regret not trying a drink from the bar I was glad we got a discount from Hot Tix for our tickets as otherwise I think the price might've been too much for a 90ish minute show Al...

Here are some short pieces based on things that have happened in my life recently. Dream Drinking I had another dream about my dad last night. Somehow, he had made a miraculous recovery from his dementia and was living in his own apartment again. But, while his mind was more healed, he still had cirrhosis. He had gone to pick up dinner for him, my brother, and me. As he was taking the take out out of the bag and putting it on the table, I looked at the discarded paper bag. It had a receipt attached to it. There was one for the food and then another stapled to the back of the bag. It was for a bottle of wine. I asked him if he was still drinking, and he tried to deflect the question. But, ultimately, he confessed. I confronted him about having cirrhosis and how the drinking could ultimately kill him. And didn't he remember being in a care facility? That could happen again! He kind of stared blankly at me. And I woke up. Free Boxed Lunch Today, I got a free boxed lunch. I feel a bit ...

I'm sure I'm missing some, but here we go! These are in no particular order.  Mysterium Dixit Venns with Benefits Clue Firefly: The Game BANG! Betrayal at House on the Hill Codenames Red Flags Trivial Pursuit 7 Wonders Red Shirts Charty Party Let's Get Deep Guess Who? (Prompt by Dante Gonzalez) Photo by Thomas Buchholz on Unsplash

Time for some (poorly thought-out) plans? Pattiya, you've been with Dylan for like 12 years and you've me this mom once? Ah Dylan's mom wants grandkids Madelein, I do think you're going to end up marrying Luke, but I hope you don't Oop Sumit's mom thinks Jenny and Sumit are gaining weight I'd totally forgotten about "Cowgirl Helper" and the string through the nose Ah...poop yoga...sure But first...laughing yoga "Happy pooping, baby" Okay, the caption did say "Anthony speaking Hindi" Anthony should've also taken French lessons long ago So Manon wants to start a business Chloe, you are so sus Okay, we have to stop with this dental floss thing Chloe, do you literally have binoculars? Doggy kisses form Pattiya...sure So far, Dylan is being cute Okay, minor point, Jerry is an odd name for a plush kangaroo Luke, you just said it...you ALMOST walked out Yeah, Luke, that's touching Are Luke and Madelein actually done?! Next time...

I'm sure I'm missing some, but here we go! These are in no particular order.  Fiddler on the Roof Hamilton Six Wicked Rent A Midsummer Night's Dream The Crucible Ruined A Raisin in the Sun Twelve Angry Men The Lion King Chicago The Producers Hairspray Guys and Dolls (Prompt by Dante Gonzalez) Photo by Wesley Pribadi on Unsplash

Time for some gossip. Coco is adorable Matt, maybe talk ot Jasmine about plans? Wait, Matt, I thought you moved to Florida for work? Oop Libby spilled the beans to Yara I'm excited to see Darcey and Stacey in the fashion show Julia's security system is hilarious I want Jasmine to be happy Lol Yara etc. do shotskis Are the 70s back, Darcey? Okay the "please exit" sign off was creepy Lol Jasmine is telling Coco to set a good example for the unborn baby Telling her mom has to be so difficult fo rJasmine Wow Andrei is apologizing to Loren Yikes Darcey and Georgi just cannot communicate I love that Jasmine has an alligator plushie Matt, you could try a little bit more I think Loren is telling the truth when she says she's jealous of Yara Next time Julia and Brandon go adventuring Next time Yara, Jovi, Loren, Alexie, Libby, and Andrei go Bigfoot hunting Next time Stacey yells that she's got Darcey as Darcey cries Next time Jasmine goes into labor Next time Gino lear...

I'm sure I'm missing some, but here we go! Also, I said "some of" because some of these shows have an immense back catalog. These are in no particular order.  The Simpsons Firefly Modern Family Friends Saturday Night Live I Love Lucy Reservation Dogs Parks and Recreation The Good Place Buffy the Vampire Slayer Sesame Street The Office Avatar the Last Airbender Bojack Horseman Arthur (Prompt by Dante Gonzalez) Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash

Here are some short pieces based on things that have happened in my life recently. Doomscroll Is it still doomscrolling if I just scroll and it's not doom? Yes, I probably am scrolling because of the sense of doom that I feel and I just want to do something mindless, but I guess I never really learned the definition of doomscrolling. I could look it up, but I guess I don't feel the need to. I know that I'm mindlessly scrolling because I don't feel able to do more. I know that, on occasion, I will find something in that scroll that is worth seeing and/or reading and I guess that feels like enough. I forced myself to stop scrolling to start doing this post, so that's probably a good thing. Creativity, however limited, is good to express. Flip Flops I have been wearing flip flops for months now and they're so easy. I love wearing flip flops. I can just slip them on and go. Right now, the weather is still nice enough that I can do this, but I know this nice weather ...

I'm sure I'm missing some, but here we go! These are in no particular order.  1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus Let This Radicalize You An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States:  ReVisioning American History They Called Us Enemy The Woman Who Would Be King: Hatshepsut's Rise to Power in Ancient Egypt Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World Hidden Figures Bad Feminist The Body Is Not an Apology: The Power of Radical Self-Love What We Don't Talk About When We Talk About Fat King Leopold's Ghost The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks Cleopatra: A Life Men Explain Things to Me Plundered Skulls and Stolen Spirits: Inside the Fight to Reclaim Native America's Culture (Prompt by Dante Gonzalez) Photo by Jan Mellström on Unsplash

I have been sitting here (the day before this is posted) trying to think of something to write and I'm just not thinking of anything. I try to do work and my brain just goes "nope" and bails out.  I pick up a book, open it, and close it again. So, I deided to write just about an empty mind. Perhaps that's odd, but, c'est la vie, this will be a an odd post. I have to fight clicking away to other tabs to just check if there are notifications in case there is something to distract me (hey, message or text me!). Okay, admittedly I am clicking away, but I try hard to click back and keep going. Suddenly I feel a bit nauseated (dunno why, but this happens to me sometimes). I'm trying to fight through it because I hate throwing up. But I don't always succeed in this endeavor. I hope people like the photo I chose for this post. I thought it was appropriate because the pecans look like they're brains, but they're not brains--which is how my brain currently f...

I'm sure I'm missing some, but here we go! These are in no particular order.  A Christmas Carol Red, White, and Royal Blue The Hallowed Ones Carmilla Children of Blood and Bone There, There To Kill a Mockingbird Smoke The Name of the Wind Murder on the Orient Express Frankenstein Never Whistle at Night: An Indigenous Dark Fiction Anthology Anne of Green Gables Kindred The Golden Compass (Prompt by Dante Gonzalez) Photo by Robert Anasch on Unsplash

Time for a new couple! Oh dear, Greta doesn't have enough room for her clothes So, we're marrying Matthew for his parents, yes? Greta is being clear and I think Matthew is trying, but it's coming off dismissive Madelein, don't forgive Luke so quickly Yeah Madelein is gonna be pissed That is a waste of cake Well I wonder how much more of Sumit's family we'll see this season Pattiya's i ntro is great Girl, a 37-year career is impressive Dylan is older than I assumed I love that both Dylan and Pattiya are strippers Wow! Together for 12 years?! Wait, if living together didn't work the first time...why will it work now, Pattiya? Ho boy Greta and Matthew did not talk about finances... So why didn't Matthew move to the US again? Pattiya, y'all have broken up 20 times?! Madelein snapping at Luke is a mood Next time Jenny drinks something gross for "poop yoga"? Next time Pattiya leaves for Tasmania Next time Manon has a business plan and Anthony...

I'm sure I'm missing some, but here we go! These are in no particular order. Little Miss Sunshine The original Star Wars  trilogy The Nightmare Before Christmas The Blair Witch Project Rear Window Gaslight Mulan  (the animated one) Fiddler on the Roof Rent Wicked 12 Angry Men The Lord of the Rings  trilogy The  Toy Story  series Shrek Get Out (Prompt by Dante Gonzalez) Photo by Merch HÜSEY on Unsplash

Time for some parental overstepping? I'm so uncomfy watching Darcey and Georgi Matt, comfort her! Michelle is so level-headed I feel so bad for Jasmine Andrei is correct that Yara is out of Jovi's league Classic 90 Day , Brandon and Julia are leaving in a few days and only telling his folks now Matt is fair to ask that Jasmine should ask about getting divorced, but I hope he knows how complicated it is Stepdaddy is gross, Darcey Wait, why is there pork in the pancake, Darcey? Darcey's dad is not having it Andrei and Libby have matching shiny PJs This lawyer is very good at keeping a straight face when hearing Jasmine's story Parental laws are wild Wait is Darcey and Stacey's dad married (he has a ring on)? Yes, Darcey is too old to be using her daddy as a threat Yara is so funny Matt is really showing a human side Oop Georgi said he was wasting his good years Calm down, Betty and Don (Ron?) Brandon's parents are SO mature Brandon, you shouldn't feel like you...

I'm sure I'm forgetting some, but here ya go. These are in no particular order. The Crocodile Hunter My Favorite Murder Scooby Doo Firefly Star Wars Star Trek Harry Potter The Magic Treehouse The Sword of Truth The Lord of the Rings Rent Sawbones 90 Day Fiancé The Real Housewives Buffy the Vampire Slayer (Prompt by Dante Gonzalez) Photo by National Library of Medicine on Unsplash

At the Mothman Festival, I thought of an idea. Now, to be clear, I don't think this is the case with Mothman, but what IF some people made up a cryptid?  Then I thought, why would they do that? And, because of how my brain works, I thought, well...to cover up a murder. You can read  part 1  and/or part 2 if you like, but I'm just building on it below. I only have loose ideas at this point, so here's what I got: Small town with woods nearby (also caves) Maybe about 4,000 people Supposed creature is winged humanoid Talons Very tall with a large wingspan Preternaturally silent until it shrieks Eyes like headlights The Bird (inspired by Mothman's original name) Menacing beak At least three people involved in murder Starts off with one of them watching the town set up for the annual cryptid festival and wishing she smoked Disgusted that this creature they created is now cutesified as a stuffed animal some times and a somewhat sexualized creature at other times Left town, bu...

These are in no particular order. Scooby-Doo Mystery Incorporated : Friendship! Always finding the bad guy! Plus, Star Trek  references! Gilmore Girls : A show shared with some dear friends. Friends : Also a show shared with some dear friends. Real Housewives : I guess, since I've seen it all, it's just comforting to escape my drama with familiar, removed drama. Survivor : I guess it's easy to get lost in and there is such a back catalog of it that I can just watch on end and not think about it. Say Yes to the Dress : It's simple and pretty. Sweet Magnolias : It's just so pleasant. Nailed It! : Nicole Byer is so charming, the cakes are so funny, and, mostly, it celebrates trying your best. Bridgerton : Escapist romance can carry me away. One Day at a Time : To be fair, I haven't watched this in a while, but I found the family so loving and comforting. The Try Guys : Technically, this is its own channel now, but I guess I like it all. The videos are goofy, heartf...

At the Mothman Festival, I thought of an idea. Now, to be clear, I don't think this is the case with Mothman, but what IF some people made up a cryptid?  Then I thought, why would they do that? And, because of how my brain works, I thought, well...to cover up a murder. You can read part 1 if you like, but I'm just building on it below. I only have loose ideas at this point, so here's what I got: Small town with woods nearby (also caves) Supposed creature is winged humanoid Talons Very tall Preternaturally silent Eyes like headlights The Bird (inspired by Mothman's original name) Menacing beak At least three people involved in murder Starts off with one of them watching the town set up for the annual cryptid festival and wishing she smoked Disgusted that this creature they created is now cutesified as a stuffed animal some times and a somewhat sexualized creature at other times Another runs the cryptid museum and does not drop the status of true believer (until, maybe, ...

These are in no particular order. Kate McKinnon Tamora Pierce Edgar Cantero Laura Bickle Rachel Smythe The McElroys Dan Vyleta Kumiko Suekane Casey McQuiston Grady Hendrix Terry Goodkind Garth Nix Tomi Adeyemi TJ Klune Sarah Andersen (Prompt by Eleanor Pratt)

Time for some underpreparedness.  AND WHAT HAVE YOU DONE, MATTHEW? Lol some small relative of Sumit's got SNATCHED up when he reached for the art So it's not really about Jenny's artwork then Anthony, learn French The wedding planner is right, Madelein and Luke shouldn't get married I'm always suspicous when people only vaguely want to go into "business," Chloe Ah, Jonathan's business plan is "water" Jonathan, you did kinda expect Chloe to change everything Matthew, I had hope for you when you were cleaning, but SIGH you didn't even clear out drawers for Greta Why did Sumit's aunt even come? Next time we meet a new couple Next time Matthew says he gives too much (but what has he given?) Next time Madelein and Luke get into a (food) fight (shocker) Next time looks dramatic Can't wait! (Prompt by me) 90 Day Fiancé: The Other Way , TLC  Promotional image source

I was honestly avoiding this prompt because I HOPED it'd be over, but c'est la vie. My sources include the NPR article "Here's what is being affected by the government shutdown across the country" by The NPR Network and Caitlyn Kim , the USA Facts article "Everything you need to know about a government shutdown,"  the Brookings article "What is a government shutdown?" by David Wessel , the BBC  article "Jobs, travel, national parks - what impact will US shutdown have?" by Max Matza , the USA Today article "No wonder Trump is nonchalant about shutdown. It delays Epstein files' release. | Opinion" by Chris Brennan , the ABC News  article "The US government has shut down. Here's what to know" by Justin Gomez , the CNN article "September 30 2025: Government shutdown news" by Maureen Chowdhury, Andy Rose, Haley Britzky, Casey Gannon, Samantha Waldenberg, Kevin Liptak, Tori B. Powell, Elise Hammond, ...

Time for some reunions. I love that Jasmine' strust in Coco extends to sharing water with Coco Okay, Jasmine, I love ya, but Matt is trying to explain what will make meeting his family easier What are Loren and Alexei doing? Jovi, just apologize (okay, he finally does...kinda) Oof and knowing that Yara's mom made fun of her looks, Jovi, you did too? Wait, Georgi wants Darcey to pay 100% for their trip to Bulgaria? Why does Darcey's "daddy" influence Georgi this much? Three days seems like a long time not to talk to your spouse, Julia Wow, Brandon already quit his job? I'm honestly shocked Maybe Andrei made them uncomfortable intentionally? Matt, Jasmine is pregnant...not sure she can hide it Jasmine...this is problematic I mean, you can get injured skiing too, Loren Matt, I hear ya, but you could address Jasmine in a kinder manner I'm so disappointed in Matt "I hate adventure"--Loren Yes, girl bonding over Jovi being a jerk Oof Darcey and Georgi ...

After a rant about James Buchanan "Bucky" Barnes, a few friends suggested I start a podcast about why you shouldn't name your kids after certain people. Season 1 would be the presidents. Here are some other possible themes for seasons.  Famous musicians Best-selling modern authors Classical authors British royals Oscar-winning actors Emmy-winning actors Marvel and DC superheroes Cartoon characters Sitcom characters Well-known news anchors Award-winning scientists YouTubers Podcasters Biblical figures Models (Prompt by me but also Kimisha Cassidy and Emily Kleeman) Photo by Tim Bish on Unsplash

At the Mothman Festival, I thought of an idea. Now, to be clear, I don't think this is the case with Mothman, but what IF some people made up a cryptid?  Then I thought, why would they do that? And, because of how my brain works, I thought, well...to cover up a murder. I only have loose ideas at this point, so here's what I got: Small town with woods nearby Supposed creature is humanoid, has claws At least three people involved in murder Starts off with one of them watching the town set up for the annual cryptid festival and wishing she smoked Disgusted that this creature they created is now cutesified as a stuffed animal some times and a somewhat sexualized creature at other times Another runs the cryptid museum and does not drop the status of true believer (until, maybe, they do?) One left town, but is back because parents are sick Maybe two were a couple? And then the other and the victim were a couple? Maybe one is starting to think they'll come clean? And then they die...

After a rant about James Buchanan "Bucky" Barnes, a few friends suggested I start a podcast about why you shouldn't name your kids after certain people. Season 1 would be the presidents. Here are some (often editorialized and varying in importance) bullet points I'd go over for the final 15 presidents. Also, I should've said this in other posts, but I'm sure I'm missing points for all presidents. Also, to be clear, this doesn't mean you shouldn't name your kid like Ronald or Reagan, but naming them Ronald, Reagan, or Ronald Reagan with the INTENT to honor a president is not advisable IMO. I also want to emphasize in this final post that I recognize that presidents also did good things, but the point of my podcast idea is to focus on the bad, so that's what I'm doing. Finally, I'm sure I forgot things for all presidents! Franklin D. Roosevelt Interned Japanese-Americans Definitely cheated on his wife (the first known one was with his wif...

Time for some incompetence.  Get your bag, Madelein Anthony, "the brunt of" is different than "all of" But yes, maybe have this discussion after you all get some sleep Chloe, you're 23 not like 10 I feel bad for Greta I still don't get Anthony and Manon's plan I'm sorry, Luke, do you ONLY have the money your dad gave you? You had no other money saved?! Oy Luke and Madelein should not get married Next time Matthew did NOT prepare for Greta Next time Manon confronts her family and Anthony worries about it Next time Chloe and Jonathan do not get along Next time Jenny meets more of Sumit's extended family Next time Madelein and Luke fight Next time looks dramatic Can't wait! (Prompt by me) 90 Day Fiancé: The Other Way , TLC  Promotional image source