Fifteen Minutes of Scrawl

Happy New Year's Eve! I dive deeper into creative pursuits I publish something I join my local bookstores' board I travel for fun I push myself to date more I play more D&D I identify some form of physical activity I actually enjoy I do something fun with my hair I build on my job skills I establish some new traditions I get a massage I spend more time with loved ones I develop some habits more in line with my goals I discover new ways to put myself out there I find some new media that I adore (Prompt by me) Photo by BoliviaInteligente on Unsplash

Time for some parental discussions. Jenny (why have I been thinking it's Jenni?!), your clothes are everywhere because you didn't plan and you don't clean Jenny, Sumit is trying to convey that you all don't really have another living option What did Luke's dad think of Luke proposing to a teenager? Luke...you haven't priced out anything, have you? Ahhh Manon's money anxiety is deeply rooted Jonathan seemed reasonable about not wanting Chloe to be in vacation mode all of the time But now Jonathan seems to be gaslighting Chloe Jenny playing cricket is pretty funny Jenny, you NEED to learn more Hindi I wish Luke's dad was more concerned with how young Madelein is Okay, if Sumit's mom is right that she is being expected to do all of the housework, then she is justly upset Next time Pattiya enjoys some Australian wildlife Next time Dylan proposes? Next time Anthony and Manon move into their new home Next time Anthony isn't the best driver Next time Je...

These are in no particular order. And this isn't everything! Goofy Mothman mug Glass alligator ornament A Christmas Carol  scarf A Christmas Carol  pin Pasión de Las Pasiones Alpaca wool socks Mothman necklace A Short History of Canada: Seventh Edition by Desmond Morton D20 crown Tuna spaghetti dinner Jekyll & Hyde, the Musical tickets Chinese food dinner Coffee cake breakfast Watching trashy reality TV with me Watching It's a Wonderful Life  with me (Prompt by me) Photo by Tamás Tokos on Unsplash

Time for some more meetings! Lisa...maybe don't wear wigs that give you sores? Lisa...this is all such a bad plan Aha! We're meeting Jovon Okay...I don't get how Jovon and Annalyn are married but haven't met Yummers...love it So...Ziad and Emma are fine? Just like that? It's a little wild for Sheena's parents to ask Forrest to pay for staying with Sheena TLC has added in music that suggests that Forrest is being weird, but he is sweet Laura, maybe meeting Birkan might also be awkward cause there's a literal camera crew If Jovon's sister was at work...why did she answer Anna's call? Oh, so Anna isn't making this all up 100%? MOLLY IS OUT OF LINE THANK GOD FORREST SAID SOMETHING Emma, snails are tasty Emma, Ziad may genuinely mean he doesn't care about her past So far, I'm on Anna's side Jovon, if you can't afford therapy...how can you afford to support a wife? Molly straight up sucks I want Forrest to step in Lisa...I'm so worr...

Tis the season! Red Christmas ornament earrings Gaming headphones Star Trek  still Blue Whale t-shirt A Christmas Carol: A BabyLit® Colors Primer  by Jennifer Adams (Author) and Alison Oliver (Illustrator) Rat ornament The Little Engine That Could Saves Christmas by Meredith Rusu (Author) and Jill Howarth (Illustrator) Pete (an alligator picture book) Another alligator picture book I cannot remember the tile of Fandom tote bags Rock painting kit Vehicle toys Pen designing kit Silly gross candy Funny and cute earrings (Prompt by me) Photo by William Warby on Unsplash

Here are some short pieces based on things that have happened in my life recently.  Candles I was quite stressed out today. So, one of the things I did was light some scented candles. I lit a pine-scented one in the bathroom (not sure it really smells like pine, but it does smell nice at least), a Krampus-themed one in my living room (I got it at Millennium Park's holiday market), and a cookie butter eggnong one in the kitchen (this one is the strongest, but it's probably also my favorite). The scentes are calming and the soft flicker of flame reminds me of a post I once saw that candles are the ways we keep fire as pets. Scented candles are one of the ways I calm down as they introduce serene aromas and thus soften my sensory atmosphere. I get them from a variety of places. A lot come from Goose Creek (I think they're having a sale again, so I should look into what new scents they have). Every now and then I get one from Amazon, but I quite often get scented candles at mak...

Tis important to treat yourself! Blobfish ornament Hippo ornament New holly garlands Snowflake table runners Holly tablecloth Two Christkindlmarket mugs Small, light-up Christmas tree Penny ornament Christmas alligator earrings Christmas tree earrings Christmas heated blanket Pine-scented bath products Tons of Christmas-y and/or wintry candles Hot chocolate sauces Christmas-y throw blanket (Prompt by me) Photo by Tijana Drndarski on Unsplash

Time for some discussions on staying together (or not). I mean, Dylan, Pattiya did move across the world for you, I don't think it's so out there that Pattiya wants to get married Dylan, sorry dude, but I don't buy that you actually love Pattiya I feel bad for Madelein Okay, I know I'm not 23 like Chloe, but is "Meatball Night" really a thing? Wait, are Greta and Matthew really done? Phew! I'm so glad Madelein is not pregnant (at least yet) Luke, you're falling even lower in my esteem So, Dylan, what do you expect Pattiya to do for money? Wow...has Jonathan really cheated EVERY week? Next time Manon's mother gives Manon harsh motherly advice Next time Luke's dad meets Madelein and has doubts Next time Chloe's friend confronts Jonathan about (at least) messaging other women Next time Jenni and Sumit's mom have tension Next time looks great! Can't wait! (Prompt by me) 90 Day Fiancé: The Other Way , TLC  Promotional image source

Despite my deep love for the McElory family, this is my first time watching their candlenights show! I truly love this family of goobers These goobus brothers sure did marry amazing women The Haunted Doll Watch was epic At times, I definitely felt like I was having a fever dream The celebrity videos were fun, but I didn't full get Weird Al's I cackled at the family recognition challenge The carolers were super fun Sydnee could totally write Christmas movies I literally said "Oh my goodness," outloud when Justin and Sydnee's kids came on stage The meaning of Candlenights bits were hilarious Justin's holiday sweater was my favorite Omg it was delightful to see all of the kiddos Ending with "Take Me Home, Country Roads" was so heartfelt I believe you can still get VOD tickets until January 4th I plan to buy a ticket again next year (Prompt by me) Candlenights 2025: Faster than Cheer , The McElroy Family Promotional image source

Time to meet a new couple and for other couples to meet! Laura's mom is intense Lisa is taking her daughter to pick out condoms? Ha! How big is he in kilometers?! Okay, I do agree that Daniel is super hot, but I wonder if Lisa knows about sexualities that aren't homosexual or heterosexual I would've encouraged Lisa to do condom research online before going to the store Okay, Lisa, sounds like Daniel is not the guy for you So far, I like Stig Oh dear, I'm really hoping for Sheena and Forrest to work out My god, I'd be so stressed out if I were Forrest Seems like Rick can hold his own Rick, I feel like you can still find a way to have sex with Trisha even after the market Wow, this is a gorgeous view Rick does seem fun so far (but I think he did cheat on Trisha) Okay, Lisa, you could a) do your own research online about Nigeria or, b) ask Daniel some questions or for some resources? Simultaneously borrowing money from a friend and lending a boyfriend money is pretty w...

Watched  Single All the Way  on Saturday with great friends--some of the thoughts may be borrowed from them! SPOILERS ABOUND! Nick is hotter than Peter (though this is acknowledged in the movie haha) I wish the movie had done a little more to build up the romantic story of Nick and Peter before they go to Peter's hometown because it felt (at times) like the movie was relying on us having read the summary of the plot to get behind this couple I loved the excessive amount of signs Christmas Carole had up Peter's teen nieces (whose names I 100% do not remember ever being spoken) were hilarious I want a sequel where we see the plant store (which had better have a punny name) and also James get his happy ending Peter and Nick sure did kinda go 0 to 100 in their relationship (from kissing to oh we're moving across the country together), but I can buy in The B-plot of the pageant was pretty funny I want to know more about Peter's sisters' romance stories I'm not sure w...

Well, my name is Holly...so I had to write a parody. Bail on winter, though I'm Holly, Fa la la la la, la la la la. Tis the the time to go to Bali, Fa la la la la, la la la la. Don we now our hot apparel, Fa la la la la, la la la la. I will travel and go feral, Fa la la la la, la la la la. See the blazing sun above us, Fa la la la la, la la la la. Slathe the sunscreen and don't fuss. Fa la la la la, la la la la. Follow me to warmer weather, Fa la la la la, la la la la. So you don't have to wear leather, Fa la la la la, la la la la. Fast away the old year passes, Fa la la la la, la la la la. Hail the new, year with sunglasses, Fa la la la la, la la la la. Sing we relaxed, all together, Fa la la la la, la la la la. Feeling light as though a feather, Fa la la la la, la la la la. (Prompt by me) Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Yes, it's possible these have existed/currently exist, but c'est la vie. Alligators sticking their noses out of frozen bodies of water Ice sculptures in the shape of stamps Krampus Holiday markets around the world Latkes Snoopy on his decorated dog house Alapacas in scarves Penguins with scientists who study them All birds from "The 12 Days of Christmas" (btw, I've read that there is a theory that everything is birds ) Sufganiyot Menorahs with different amounts of candles lit Holly and ivy Sun wheel St. Lucia crown Bah, humbug (Prompt by me) "img050" posted by Arnie Kim . Attribution 2.0 Generic .

This was inspired by a joke my stepdad made. [Verse 1: Soloist] Have yourself a decent little Christmas Let your heart be 'kay From now on, our troubles will be shades of gray [Verse 2: Soloist & Choir] Have yourself a decent little Christmas (Decent little Christmas) Make the Yuletide mid (Make the Yuletide mid) From now on, our troubles we'll live amid [Pre-Chorus: Soloist] Here we are as in so-so days Middling to low days of yore Humdrum buds who are known to us Come and drone to us once more [Chorus: Soloist] Through the years, we all are stuck together If the fates foretell Hear a dimming strike upon the dullest bell And have yourself a decent little Christmas knell [Pre-Chorus: Choir] Here we are as in so-so days Middling to low days of yore Humdrum buds who are known to us Come and drone to us once more [Chorus: Soloist] Through the years, we all are stuck together If the fates foretell Hear a dimming strike upon the dullest bell And have yourself a decent little Chr...

So, if you don't know, I LOVE A Christmas Carol . For this post, I had to do some digging, but I was confident that there have been at least 15 movie versions of this holiday classic (and I definitely found a list of 73 of them, but it's important to note that one of those 73 was Winnie the Pooh: Springtime with Roo ). The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)--I have seen this one and I love it--"The Muppets put their spin on the tale of an elder, Christmas-hating miser who is visited by spirits who foretell his future and share secrets from his past and present, which helps change his view on life." Scrooged  (1988)--I haven't seen this one, but looks fun--"A selfish, cynical television executive is haunted by three spirits bearing lessons on Christmas Eve." It's Christmas, Carol! (2012)--This one is a new one to me, but it sounds like a good romp AND it's set in Chicago--"On Christmas Eve in Chicago, heartless publishing-exec tyrant Carol is h...

Time for some family-related drama. Great, Manon, lying is always a good plan Yeah, I think Anthony being upset is quite fair Dammit, Madelein is pregnant with Luke's baby, right? So, I do like that Luke knows what makes Madelein feel better, but it's wild that he hasn't already thought she might be pregnant Madelein, it does seem like Luke bought lemons JENNY! HOW ARE YOU THIS BAD AT CHANGE? Jenni, you can't take ANY feedback?! Matthew, what are you basing this assessment of Greta on? Like, it could be legit, idk, but I'd like to know a little bit more as to why this is your impression Matthew, I do think it's kinda odd that you're asking your dad to talk to Greta, but maybe it shows you know that she was kinda engaged to you because it was a chance to be a part of a loving family (that's my read anyways)? I am worried for Madelein Manon and Anthony cannot communicate kindly So Madelein has an important text? Next time Dylan and Pattiya go to a strip cl...

Also, I know a lot of these are being sold by not great companies, but that doesn't mean I don't still covet them! Stoneware Christmas Gingerbread Nutcracker Man Mug (Target) Christmas Figural Dog Mug with Scarf (Target) Christmas Earthenware Figural Polar Bear Mug (Target) Christmas Earthenware Figural Mini Mug (Target) Christmas Stoneware Ornament Figural Lid Coaster Mug (Target) Christmas Earthenware Figural Stocking Mug (Target) Dolomite Coffee Cup with Handle, Festive Holiday Tableware Featuring Winter House Design (Target) Christmas Earthenware Figural Snowman Mug (Target) 'Filled with Love This Hanukkah' Stoneware Mug (Target) Mr. Christmas 16 oz. Nostalgic Ceramic Tree Lidded Mug (Target) A Christmas Carol Charles Dickens Wordie Mug, Featuring Mini Illustrations and Handwritten Quotes (Etsy, although it's sold) Cute Mugs Christmas Coffee Mug, Tea Cup, Milk Cup Glasses Double Wall Insulated Glasses Espresso Cup, Best Christmas for Women,Men,Kid, Office and Pe...

Not sure what to expect as we only got a season preview last episode! Wow! Trisha has a real job (why would she leave it for Rick?) Yeah, I thought this last time, but Rick definitely cheated, right? Aw Forrest and Sheena seem sweet so far Uh oh...I might be eating my words Oh wow, Spring (great name), lived in Belize before (though she found out he cheated the most recent time cause he got arrested on TV with another woman) Ah Spring has heard of Stig Yikes, Emma, get a hotel room of your own Yeah, Ziad, she doesn't know what the car looks like, which is why you should've been leading the way Rick, shouldn't flights be pretty cold because of how high up you are? I'd be concerned if a flight was hot... Trisha does seem genuinely excited to see Rick (she left her damn shoes behind) Forrest, this is a pretty big lie that Sheena told Aw I'm glad that Forrest has a good relationship with his stepdad, Dev Dev's first flight is a long international one?! Yeah, Ziad, I...

Yes, plenty of these probably exist, but I'd still enjoy them! Christmas gators Variety of nutcrackers Christmas alpacas Photorealistic holly A Christmas Carol  in its entirety... ...or, perhaps, just the opening line ("Marley was dead: to begin with.") The lyrics to "Carol of the Bells" All of the gifts from "The 12 Days of Christmas" Potato latkes Figgy pudding Hot Frosty  stars/characters The Muppets Christmas Carol  characters The Nightmare Before Christmas  song lyrics Mothman Variety of cryptids (Prompt by me) Photo by Cody Chan on Unsplash

Here are some short pieces based on things that have happened in my life recently.  Bitter Cold This weekend it's going to get bitterly cold. Now, it won't be the coldest Chicago will get (or has gotten) by far. But! It will be the coldest it's been in a while. It's looking like some sub-zero temperatures. Now, yes, I've survived many a day with sub-zero temps, but I don't relish them. I'm glad to be dogsitting this weekend so that I can just let the dogs in the yard. They can do their business quickly and then run back inside where we can all cuddle (even by a fireplace if we desire). But, I'm surprised to find that the oncoming cold is enough to discourage me from making plans. Usually, I'm like, "Cold, be damned! I'm going to see my friends!" But, now, I'm more like, "Oooh...what if...stay with me...I just stayed under a blanket all day?" I think I'm losing my Chicago-winter-cred. Anyone else feel this way? Cheese a...

Pretty sure I brainstormed some of these with friends, so it's possible not all are my ideas! If you're curious, you can find the full list of current and past Real Housewives locations on this Wiki  page . Monaco (I don't know enough about Monaco to pick a particular city) Nashville, TN Paris, France (yes, there was  Les Vraies Housewives , but that took place in Beverly Hills) Milan, Italy Berlin, Germany Seattle, WA Boston, MA Chicago, IL (I've heard a rumor that Bravo tried to cast this one, but failed) San Francisco, CA Houston, TX Switzerland (I don't know enough about Switzerland to pick a particular city) Singapore (I don't know enough about Singapore to pick a particular city) Beijing, China Tokyo, Japan Spain (I'm torn about which city) (Prompt by me) The Real Housewives , Bravo Logo source

Time for some painful conversations. Pattiya, why did you think saying your debt is (at least in part) Dylan's responsibility to Dylan's mom would help smoothe things over between the two of you? PATTIYA! YOU CAN'T TELL DYLAN'S MOM THAT SHE'S NEEDY! Ah, Anthony, that was a jerk move, but like pretty much you and Manon are just super incompatible Manon is seriously spiraling Did Chloe think a coconut leaf was a dog?! Why do people on this show (so often) NOT consult a lawyer BEFORE making a move SHOCKER! Jonathan and Chloe were wrong in their immigration assumptions Aw I hate seeing Greta so sad Matthew makes a fair guess about the cameras affecting things Wow it's so rough watching this break up Wow Manon gives Anthony an OUNCE of credit It is refreshing to see Anthony and Manon have fun, but like, maybe we should leave? Chloe, you two didn't "see that one coming" BECAUSE YOU DID NO RESEARCH Jonathan, you are not sure if you want to marry Chloe (wh...

Watched Our Little Secret  on Sunday with great friends--some of the thoughts may be borrowed from them! SPOILERS ABOUND! I love Lindsay Lohan (who played Avery) However, the male lead of Logan, Ian Harding, I remember as creepy teacher who dated a student and I was supposed to like it in Pretty Little Liars , so I had difficulty not being weirded out by him Also, to be fair, Logan is introduced as a drunk asshole I think we're supposed to assume that Logan's mom's financial troubles are solved by him landing this one job? Or maybe Avery gives them money? Idk it was a bit odd not to tie up that particular bow The two featured couples were in a confusing stage in their relationships. Like how do you not know that your partner had this super long term relationship with a childhood friend that ended in a rejected proposal if you're at the stage of spending Christmas together with one of your families? Also, since Avery and Logan knew each other their entire lives, have the...

Season premiere!  Great season preview Prime creepy music to start off the Forrest and Sheena storyline I mean, this relationship would not be my vibe, but Forrest really seems happy Okay, Forrest, I'm not 100% against your mom and stepdad going to the Philippines with you, but does Sheena know they're coming? Emma! You're trying on wedding dresses at your friend's appointment? Emma, you're only 27...there is so much time for marriage How old is Izzi? (Ah, they're twins) You're both too young to be getting this much Botox (IMO) Emma, get thee to therapy (not as a slutshaming thing, as a "I fall in love right away" thing) Okay, Emma, if you even admit you've had a bad track record with guys, I think it's 100% fair that your sister is suspicious of Ziad Wow, I really don't get how a dude saying 15 minutes into a first conversation that you're his future wife is not a huge red flag So like, nothing against Morocco, I'm sure it'...

RuPaul's Drag   Race  has announced the cast for its 18th season! Here are thoughts about the 14 queens (as well as one about the season as a whole). I'm basing a lot of my thoughts off of the Variety article "‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Reveals 14 New Queens for Season 18" by Jazz Tangcay . Athena Dion : Excited to see a drag mother of previous season queens as well as a drag grandmother to a queen this season! Briar Blush : Honestly, I really love this drag name--it's so delicate and lovely, yet has a tinge of danger. Ciara Myst : Seems to have a sci-fi kind of angle to her drag and I'm here for it. Darlene Mitchell : Loving her campy vibe. DD Fuego : Definitely intrigued by her experience as "[a] former production designer for TV and off-Broadway theater". Discord Addams : The brief bio I read does not confirm this, but I wonder if she was at all inspired by The Addams Family . Jane Don’t : I laughed at this name--which is great, especially given that sh...

Here are some short pieces based on things that have happened in my life recently.  Albino Alligator So there was this albino alligator at the California Academy of Sciences named Claude. Claude passed away recently , and I shared a story about it (quick side note, the image I used for this post is NOT Claude, but another albino alligator in, I believe, Chad). It made me think about the time, years ago, that I went to San Francisco, but opted out of going to the California Academy of Sciences. This was before I knew about Claude, though he would've been there at that time. I wish I had gotten to see Claude. The photos I've seen are ensnaring. There is something so striking about an albino creature, perhaps, especially a reptile (at least to me). For those that don't know, one of my grandfathers was albino, but I didn't know this for a long time because I had never wondered as a child why my grandpa had white hair.  But there is something about all white scales that I ju...

Tis the season! Also, read my first "15 ideas for advent calendars that I'd enjoy" . Ornaments: these surely exist, but it'd be fun to get 25 small ornaments or a smaller number of ornaments that require assembly TV recommendations: I picture this one as getting 25 people in your life and/or whose taste in TV shows you admire to each write a show recommendation (festive or otherwise) Podcast recommendations: I picture this one as getting 25 people in your life and/or whose taste in podcasts you admire to each write a podcast recommendation (festive or otherwise) Fanfic recommendations: I picture this one as getting 25 people in your life and/or whose taste in fanfic you admire to each write a fanfic recommendation (festive or otherwise) Fanvid recommendations: I picture this one as getting 25 people in your life and/or whose taste in fanvid you admire to each write a fanvid recommendation (festive or otherwise) Restaurant recommendations: I picture this one as getting...