Fifteen Minutes of Scrawl

I find many folks struggle with what to talk about on dates. This list is questions I'd like to be asked on a first or early date. Do you still have any toys or games form childhood? What are they? If you could travel anywhere in the world without having to worry about cost, logistics, etc., where would it be? What are some creative things you like to do? When you and your friends get together, what do you all like to do? Where is your favorite place you've traveled to? Do you have a dream job? What is it? If you could go on any kind of date without having to worry about cost, logistics, etc., what would you want to do? What is your top love language? When you visit somewhere new, do you like getting souvenirs? If so, what do you like to get? Where is somewhere you loved as a kid? Do you prefer texting, calls, or messaging? If you could safely domesticate any animal and keep them as a pet, without having to worry about cost, logistics, etc., which animal would you pick? What i...

Time for some fun as well as unfun dates. I love that Jamal is down for Kim marrying someone if he has a castle Kim is so real Wayne is so sweet for getting Kim flowers and Jamal a hat I'm so sorry for Kim that no one else (besides Jamal) has ever gotten her flowers Cortney, I do love the literary reference, but I'd love it more if you just weren't picking Colt up See, Colt? Isn't it nice when someone picks you up at the airport with flowers? Appreciation was definitely part of the problem, Colt Bryan is hot Sophie, there is no problem with you doing the single thing, but like then don't date Pedro cause that's not what he's looking for Hey, Gino, Natalie caring about her daughter's opinion of you is actually super valid Ah, Gino is dumping Natalie You do deserve better than Gino, Natalie Vanja, genuinely, what do you like about Tony? Wayne is hot Kim, not many boats have wheels This is, admittedly, a pretty awesome date Cortney, how does Colt have money...

I hope to get back to traveling more soon, so let's get some ideas down! This is a non-exhaustive list. Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia Belmopan, Belize New Orleans, USA Donegal, Ireland Marrakesh, Morocco Douglas, Isle of Man Glasgow, Scotland Mumbles, Wales Wadi Musa, Jordan Porto, Portugal Athens, Greece Florence, Italy Istanbul, Turkey Cairo, Egypt Cape Town, South Africa (Prompt by Eleanor Pratt) Photo by Alexander Popovkin on Unsplash

Time for part 1 of the tell-all! Okay that random Moroccan guy who said hi to Emma was definitely a producer plant Okay, not sure all of these intros are needed Elise is READY to chuck Emma right under that bus Wait are both Elise and Forrest 6'3"? Oh Emma doesn't like lying, does she? Elise, Michal has rejected Laura so like them not being together isn't a result of her "not picking" him LISA HAS DEMON BLUE CONTACTS IN Wow Lisa is straight up telling Elise that she's going to be a bitch to her because Elise triggers her insecurities by just existing Hey, Rick, being selfish is a "reason" Laura, the "splash pad" is the thing you're going after Rick for? Like yeah, that wasn't awesome, but he did SO much worse TBH, I'm surprised Jovon is back in the Philippines Ziad, what are you talking with these folks about? Ziad, you kinda volunteered to give up some privacy for this show Aw I'm glad Forrest got a job where he likes ...

Recently, my friend Sonia wrote an incredible list of men she'd dated since her first boyfriend entitled "The one...". Her list was so insightfully written that I got inspired, so here's my take on that idea: "15 things I learned from 15 different first dates" From the man who mentioned in motley ways his family's impressive cumulative cop count, I learned that I do not like men propositioning me for a second date on the first (they usually pick up on this eventually) From the man who was a costumed blind date, I learned that my self-cherishment can be easily crumpled (friends always help iron it out though) From the man who drove in from the suburbs to grab a generic chain-brand coffee with me, I learned that sometimes men are actually better looking than their profiles would suggest (this is not a guarantee) From the man who only walked with me in a park, I learned that men really do think negging will work (it will not) From the man who thought he was...

Okay, I've finally started writing the novel that I did some stream of consciousness posts about ( "Stream of consciousness about a novel idea I have, part 1" , "Stream of consciousness about a novel idea I have, part 2" , and "Stream of consciousness about a novel idea I have, part 3" ). Now, I want to keep it unpublished, but I also want credit for working on it (lol). So, with that in mind, I'll do a post like this when I've worked on it for a bit, and you can shoot me a message if you'd like access to the Google doc. NB: While there will be multiple posts in this vein, I will not link them to each other because the text will remain the same, so linking to part 1 from part 2 (etc.) won't yield any new information. Photo by Bernd 📷 Dittrich on Unsplash

So, if you don't know, every "year, Chicagoland proves itself to be the dream destination for book lovers and readers of all ages!"  "Independent Bookstore Day (IBD) is a one-day national party celebrating indie bookstores on the last Saturday in April. Across the country, each store creates its own unique events—including guest authors, special kids’ story times, readings, contests, giveaways, sales, and more. In Chicago, we do the Chicagoland Bookstore Crawl." "This year, Chicagoland is BACK with 80+ bookstores joining the celebration with our annual Chicagoland Bookstore Crawl! Each year, independent bookstores across the greater Chicago area–from Antioch to Homewood and St. Charles to the Loop–the Chicagoland Bookstore Crawl encourages book lovers to indulge in bookstore tourism by visiting 10 or more stores in a single day." "At each bookstore you visit, you'll get a stamp! No purchase required. But, of course, showing your independent bo...

Time for some chances legitimately denied and others illegitimately given.  Natalie's brother seems cool Penny Dreadful is a fun drag name Uh, Gino, I'm 100% sure Jasmine would've taken you to a drag show if you had let her do ANYTHING Oop Natalie's brother is getting straight to the point Good question if Gino has filed for divorce! Hey, Natalie, also maybe don't bring a date to your daughter's graduation without checking with her Okay, Tony, dancing doesn't automatically lead to sex Also, you could communicate how you felt in a better way Like, giving Tony the greatest benefit of the doubt, he felt super uncomfortable about dancing and so initially said he didn't want to, but he did want to have fun with Vanya and he didn't handle it well Side note, didn't Tony go clubbing without Vanya? Like she can't dance with other guys? Tony, if Vanya had like a long term dance partner, that's one thing, but a rando she dances with for like 5 minut...

Although we're already 8 episodes in, I want to add some more complexity to my friend group's Survivor  fantasy game (hopefully before we watch tomorrow). So, here are some ideas (of course, my group has to agree): 10 points for any player who finds an idol 5 points for any player who receives an idol 15 points for any player who uses an idol in a way that it actually saves someone from being voted off 15 points for any player who uses their shot in the dark and is then declared 'SAFE' --5 points for any player who receives/earns a disadvantage (e.g. loses their vote) 10 points for any player who receives/earns an advantage that is not an idol (e.g. a 'Steal a vote') 5 points for any player whose quote becomes an episode's title 5 points for any player who gives their reward etc. to another --15 points for any player who self-eliminates for a non-urgent reason 5 points for anything we collectively deem 'epic' with a max of 15 points per team (example...

Okay, we really should be wrapping-up now.  I get Elise being upset about their last night together, but it seems like Elise did okay it at one point? Joshua's hurried apology came off as super weird to me I mean, I can believe Birkan is good at soccer but a) I can't really tell and b) I don't find it hot I wonder if Birkan is right about that connection between our ring fingers and hearts Okay, I would find this cute if I was into Birkan (I am not) Annalyn...why do you have to go to church for having had sex with your husband? So Annalyn is pregnant Jovon...you'll be back before Annalyn gives birth...you're not gonna try to get her to the states before that? Uh...Lisa...don't get those braid (and Faith gently points out why) Okay, I honestly forget, does Daniel have a job currently? It's wild that Daniel gave Lisa his email password It's also wild that Daniel has someone saved as wife It's again wild that Faith reached out to the wife contact Rick, ...

So, if you don't know, every "year, Chicagoland proves itself to be the dream destination for book lovers and readers of all ages!"  "Independent Bookstore Day (IBD) is a one-day national party celebrating indie bookstores on the last Saturday in April. Across the country, each store creates its own unique events—including guest authors, special kids’ story times, readings, contests, giveaways, sales, and more. In Chicago, we do the Chicagoland Bookstore Crawl." "This year, Chicagoland is BACK with 80+ bookstores joining the celebration with our annual Chicagoland Bookstore Crawl! Each year, independent bookstores across the greater Chicago area–from Antioch to Homewood and St. Charles to the Loop–the Chicagoland Bookstore Crawl encourages book lovers to indulge in bookstore tourism by visiting 10 or more stores in a single day." "At each bookstore you visit, you'll get a stamp! No purchase required. But, of course, showing your independent bo...

Time for the finale! DD's look is so lovely and soft and I feel like it is showing a new angle on her drag (from what we saw on the season) Mandy's hair piece and makeup are STUNNING, but hte dress isn't my favorite Briar looks incredible Ciara as a bird is regal and mesmerizing (I kind of wish she hadn't taken off her wings) Vita is a jewel (both in the literal and figurative sense) Mia is gorgeous--without a doubt, but the wig and dress don't mesh as well as I'd like Athena looks good (but I kinda hate that they only made Greek references for her description) Kenya has won this runway for me Discord's look is one I'd like to see up close because I see SO many cool details Jane looks fabulous and is making a Silence of the Lambs reference (I believe), but the skirt didn't quite fit with the rest for me Juicy looks awesome Darlene's look is as kooky as I'd expect (in a good way!) Myki's look is wild (in a good way) and I just want to keep...

In November of 2023, I wrote "15 museum exhibits I would love to see" --but now I have more ideas! Will ICE Melt?: A history of immigration policies and their enforcement in the US Sick Chic: How being ill has be "in" from consumption to addiction and back again Let's Eat Babies: An examination of the history and relevance of satirical publications Me at the Zoo: YouTube's history from its first video onward Poisonous, Venomous, or Somehow Both?: You bite it, you die vs it bites you, you die vs any bite'll do the trick What's in a Name?: Naming regulations then and now for babies born in the US Hoarding vs Collecting: When is the accumulation of items a hoard and when is it a collection--and why does that distinction matter? Seven Bobcats? Yes! Six Rabbits? No!: Why and how exotic pet laws vary by US state--and why that matters A Raccoon Named Rebecca: The oddest and most loved US presidential pets If You Can't Make Your Own Serotonin, Store Boug...

For this piece, I had 15 minutes to write something including the five words firefighter, station, fuss, dictate, and think (which were selected by a  Random Word Generator  I found). Firefighter Max was not having a good day. First off, there was a fire. Yes, yes, yes, it was his literal job to fight fires, but usually he just got to hang around the station with his firefighter pals. They'd workout, joke, talk about weird things they'd found in wreckage, and even take turns cooking. His job was usually no fuss--even though he was a first responder. But today was not a usual day. The alarm had rung at exactly 3:33am, which Max knew because he had jolted awake and immediately checked his watch.  Trouble always comes in threes, Mike said to himself. That's what his mother used to think anyways. Not that Max let his mother dictate his thoughts. Well, not anymore. Back to the fire. It was a roaring blaze, completely engulfing what used to be a quaint green house. It wasn't ...

I have been rewatching a lot of Top Chef  lately, so here are some challenges I would give the chefs. Many of these challenges assume I am somehow the famous guest who gets to make demands on the show (hey, a girl can dream). Bulls & Cows vs. Hatchlings & Juveniles : My favorite animal is an alligator. But, I don't want you to cook me one. Instead, you will divide into two teams. One team will base their four course progressive menu on the diet of bull and cow alligators (the adults), which typically includes larger fish, turtles, snakes, birds, and deer. The other team will base their menu on the diet of hatchling and juvenile alligators, which typically includes insects, spiders, crawfish, shrimp, small fish, and frogs But Can My Dog Have Some? : As a devoted dog mom who too easily gives in to her pup's adorable begging eyes, I love to have meals that my dog can have a bite (or two) of. Your challenge today is to create a dish that both my dog and I can eat. Your budg...

Time for some meetings and people being jerks! Hey, Natalie's daughter whose name I missed, blame your mom for this...she could've said no to Gino coming Gino...did you say "leopard skin carpet"? Villa...Liz is propositioning you...and your response is "I guess"? I get why Vanya's cousin is suspicious Okay, I would like get jewelry as a gift too, but, Vanya, those gifts are like from Claire's Tony...do you know Vanya? Like this is a big part of her life I do think Vanya bringing up her boundaries is very good! Ah Kim is back to dating! Okay, if Wayne has kids and lives in the UK...what are the chances of him coming to the US? Kim comparing her height to the camera person's was quite funny Sophie...your plan is pretty wild I don't get why Natalie is taking Gino to a strip club? I'm glad Natalie asked about the dancer's boundaries before the lap dance started So, I do get that if I was Tony, I'd be a bit awkward or embarrassed, but ...

At C2E2, I had the wild realization that I can commission art of fandoms, animals, and bands I don't see represented. Here are some ideas of items I am thinking of commissioning (with artists in mind!): Leverage logo mug probably with a sand blasted design by  GinGee Girls Art on their blue mug Leverage  logo  black beanie with blue thread from Pixel That The main Leverage  trio candle by  Pop Art Saints Leverage  crew (including the Leverage: Redemption  additions) print in the style of the She/He Series by Karen Hallion Set of Leverage themed coasters from Arcanic Artistry "The rich and powerful take what they want. We steal it back for you. Sometimes bad guys make the best good guys. We provide leverage"-- Leverage  quote mug likely by Pawley Studios in their 'Starry Night' color palette "It's a very distinctive mug"--parodied Leverage  quote mug likely by  Pawley Studios  in their 'Sedona' color palette "Age of the geek, b...

Time to really start the wrap-ups. Elise, you shouldn't have done that... As someone with a huge fear of heights, I do feel bad for Elise (also, like, these folks must have a plan for this--Elise can't be the first person to freak out) That said, Elise, I don't think you're getting hypothermia and you really should've read the description for this adventure BEFOREHAND OMG Joshua cares 0% I mean, Molly, obviously Forrest will live with Sheena Also, Molly, you do have to give them a chance to answer That said, I'm not sure Sheena's math is mathing But, again, Molly is being a huge jerk and doesn't seem to see that Forrest's math for bringing Sheena over also doesn't math Also, Molly, how come you get to raise your voice, swear, and pound the table, but Sheena can't cry? Jovon, why is it weird that your wife wants your vows to mean something? Laura, you're paying for that apartment...and that's your stuff...go get it! It's wild to me...

Yes, I always spend too much at C2E2 (although, in my defense, a few things on this list were free), but at least some of it is for other folks (most of those have to be kept a secret!). Anyways, here are some things I got at C2E2 2026 (you can also read "15 things I got at C2E2 2026" )!  Anne Boleyn from  Six  enamel pin (created by  Lenlencreates ,  buy any of their  Six  pins ) Poster of cryptids of North America (created by  Caitlin Alejandre ,  buy their cryptids of North America poster ) Print of a luna moth groom (created by  Scribble Creatures ,  buy their luna moth bride and groom print set ) Jeweled blue-footed booby sticker (created by  Helen Mask ,  buy their blue-footed booby sticker ) Choose Your Own Adventure Cryptid Chronicles: Mothman  (written by  Cristin Bishara , illustrated by  Sofia Cavallari , sold by  Anderson's Bookshop ,  buy the book on Bookshop.org ) Poster of ...

Time for Rupaul-a-Paruza! DD...yes...you missed it...you left first... Wait, why is Ciara dressed like this (ah she explains)? Omg Jane is hilarious OMG! BRIAR! Yeah, good call to just rest, Briar Oof, I don't really like this Jane vs. Ciara fight I love that Mia is still a Mandy stan I like Briar's stage look! So, I am torn about how the structure of this lip sync smackdown (I do like that queens are rewarded for having made it farther, but at the same time I wish some queens didn't have to fight so hard--like Mandy!) Hey, it's Asaf! So I BELIEVE Ciara's look is a reference to The Substance --regardless, it looks cool I wish there were songs other than Ru's I do love Athena's Ruveal (and Ciara struggled with hers) Athena took that for me (but Ru doesn't agree somehow?) Also, how are the queens surprised EVERY year that they have to find out who lost when they walk into the werkroom I'm so glad that Briar gets to join them on the more comfortable cou...

Yes, I always spend too much at C2E2 (although, in my defense, a few things on this list were free), but at least some of it is for other folks (most of those have to be kept a secret!). Anyways, here are some things I got at C2E2 2026! Tyler Hoechlin's autograph (written by  Tyler Hoechlin , gifted to me by friends, and written on  "Three Things That Cannot Be Long Hidden" Dictionary Fan Art of  Teen Wolf  created by Jamie of Digiarttree that I bought on Etsy  prior to C2E2) Leverage  fanart (commissioned from  Lenlencreates ) Poster of an alligator and a frog having tea along with a sticker of said alligator (both created by  RƎN ATTACK , at the moment RƎN ATTACK's shop is closed , but feel free to peruse RƎN ATTACK's website ) Poster of Lucille Ball in a Star Trek uniform (created by Sketchy Duo , buy their Lucille Ball in Star Trek uniform poster ) Three quest decks (created by Dice Dungeons , buy their quest decks , I bought The Not...

Not sure what we have in store as last week's episode ended with a season preview, not an episode one! Uh, I disagree with Julia and Sophie...many women can go on a trip together and not have huge issues Sophie...I'm not sure that you and Pedro were clear on if you'd gone back to being non-exclusive... Vanya...this man stinks Gino cannot tell when Natalie is saying she's down I'm so glad we left that scene when we did Wait, Liz, you're dating someone? What do you even care if Cortney is okay, Colt? Good on Cortney for telling Diana about what Colt was doing Okay, Colt, you seem to have identified that you wanted both women for different needs and were using them...AND YET you still are like "Well...I guess I'll take one over neither" Ah, Tony knows he has control issues, but has 0 skills to handle them Wait, Tony, it's not fair for Vanya to ask you why you were a jerk? I mean, Liz, yeah...you need to have this conversation Liz...be clear that y...