Things & Stuff ~ 003
What have I been up to?
The biggest update: I’m fully employed!
So, no more nonsense, or like, less nonsense or whatever.
Through both intention and necessity, I am limiting my social media use. Intention, because I very much hate that my phone is a constant. I want it to be a tool, and for the internet to be a place again, not an extension of my arm. Necessity because my phone is a few years old and just can’t handle having more than the bare minimum and most essential apps anymore - and Instagram and TikTok just do not make the cut as “essential”. Those places are relegated to a browser tab now - and life is better for it.
One of the most beautiful things to come of this, is that in just a few weeks I’m already feeling noticeably different. I have more time (shocker). I feel more present. Which isn’t surprising given it’s a fact that just having your phone nearby takes a toll on your ability to think clearly. So, I’m trying my best to keep my phone as a tool for communication, for playing music, for use as a calculator and weather checker, and as a wordle/crossword player - but not as an internet machine.
Some things I’ve been doing without my phone:
I’ve been walking so much, and it makes me so happy to live somewhere relatively walkable finally. This is, technically speaking, my first autumn and I am enjoying it thoroughly so far.
I’m making progress on two knitting projects. This sweater for myself and this sweater for the pup.
I’ve been hosting virtual craft hangs with friends and it’s truly been joyful.
Eating & Drinking
I made this banana bread recently, and had to double check that I hadn’t accidentally purchased regular flour. This did not taste GF. It fooled my gluten-consuming partner. It was that good.
The Art of Gluten Free Bread by Aran Goyoaga came out recently. I am honestly so overwhelmed and excited by the options! I tend to have bad luck with brioche, and I did again trying this recipe (it’s me, I’m the problem, I kill the yeast!). But I successfully made Challah and it is delicious! Why I can handle yeast in water-based breads but not milk-based breads is a mystery I’m trying to unravel, but my best guess is I’m overheating the milk.
Watching
Follow your tools, Hank Green…
This was kind of cathartic for me. I have learned over the years to follow my skills - even if that takes me away from what I thought I’d dreamt of - and so far it’s only brought me new skills, new opportunities, and more happiness in my workand in my hobbies. A nice perspective - especially for those of us with varied interests and skills.
I’ve made it through S2 of Dimension 20 Fantasy High, and I can’t believe it took me so long to get into D20. It just makes me hope that someday I will find a D&D group that actually stays together.
I’ve been watching horror movies. I’m always watching horror movies, but I’m watching MORE horror movies now because I want to watch 31 in October.
Deep Red (1975): Only my second Argento. Which is wild considering the fact that Suspiria is one of my favorite films. Deep Red delivered, but was also a bit goofy. Which I can appreciate in a horror film.
Ginger Snaps (2000): The fact that teenage me didn’t see this is criminal - but also likely for the best. Teen Amy would have love Ginger Snaps, adult Amy loved Ginger Snaps.
Splinter (2008): This watch was for a horror club I’m in. Not my usual horror pick, and tbh not that great a move in my opinion. There was a lot of promise in the premise - but it failed to deliver.
Gaming
Little Witch in the Woods full release came out! I’ve been playing for a few years via the early access version of the game, but decided to start over when the full game was released. I’m super glad I did. So many improvements and changes that it truly feels like playing a new game. It’s a great October play if anyone is looking for something cozy to play this Autumn.
Playing Fire Emblem again for the umpteenth time.
Sims - but EA as always is being a pain and I had to uninstall my game… hoping that when I reinstall it works again. Guess I’m starting fresh.
Other Stuff…
In the wake of, well, everything, I’m trying to be even more diligent about my media consumption. So, I’m once again sharing my personal News Literacy Resource Guide (recently updated).
How are all of you? How do you plan to welcome the fall season?
There is not a day that goes by that the people of Palestine are not on my mind. Please consider joining me in supporting the Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF) who help Palestinian children access healthcare - as well as Doctors Without Borders and the International Rescue Committee who help Palestinians and other peoples affected by war and conflict around the world. Keep Speaking Up.
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Trying (very slowly and gradually lol) to do the same thing. I want to build the habit of grabbing a book anytime I feel like doomscrolling.