It looks like it’s going to rain.
Then again, it has looked like it’s going to rain the past two days in Columbus. Most of the time it’s only a glum cloud making its way over; it will go around the city and set loose a rain shower somewhere else.
The past few days have been a time for musts–as in the things I know I have to take care of. Everything feels daunting and insurmountable to me these days, but I’m doing my damndest to find a way through doubt and reluctance.
I took my dog Mac to the vet today for his anxiety and behavior appointment. It was tough, because it’s stressful dealing with a dog that barks at a leaf when it gets blown into the air by the wind. Every girl with anxiety needs a dog with anxiety right? Or so they say in a lot of memes. He’s just a scared little boy who is still trying to figure out the world. For now, we are resting on the couch watching his favorite show (meaning there are no animals taunting him into lunging at the television) and it’s the One Piece live action series.
I love Mac so much I’m even looking at white noise machines online because the vet said it might be helpful. Imagine me having people over saying “yes, this is the white noise machine for my mentally ill dog.” She also said dog ear muffs might be worth a try, but I know I could potentially lose an arm for giving those a chance.
Cooking is something I’ve missed which also feels like a must. Working almost exclusively nights has taken a toll on my habits, including a not so great one of falling back on a diet of mostly bread and cheese. Don’t get me wrong, I love both of them, yet they give this girl tummy aches and the worst bloat in the world. It’s not fun feeling like a balloon with too much air pumped inside while people are assaulting you with questions about whether or not a cocktail is sweet sweet and asking for modifications after you sent their food order to the kitchen.
So I’ve been putting effort into going to the grocery store and finding meals I can realistically make and take to work with me. I forgot how therapeutic and rewarding it is to prepare and cook a meal.
I’ve started making it more of a priority to write lately too, whether it be sharing thoughts on here or working on creative writing projects. It feels good to share a bit with strangers and also have my physical journal for the more private moments. I’m not quite sure what I want to occupy this space so I’m feeling it out as I go along. This time around I wanted to share some “what I’m doing lately” thoughts and whatnot.
What I’m reading…
I just finished the first three volumes of the One Piece manga yesterday. They have become my go-to when trying to dig myself out of a reading slump because they’re quick and fun reads.
Having grown up being a big fan of the Fantasy genre I am finally getting around to reading The Fellowship of the Ring. I was supposed to read all three of the LOTR books for a class in college, but as an English major I learned to be okay with the fact I wasn’t going to be able to finish every book for every class. Sorry to the professor whose name I forget, but I will not forgive you for giving me a C in that class because half my group dropped out of our final project.
I now feel I need to rewatch the movies because I can already tell many things were cut out of them for the sole purpose of not making a film several hours long. I’d watch it anyway. If these books got adapted for the first time in 2024 I think they could be appropriately done with a Game of Thrones budget, though I do adore the original trilogy.
What I’m listening to…
I did a fair bit of listening to Post Sex Nachos recently.
There is also a show coming up here in Columbus for Sarah Kinsley, who I’ve apparently liked a few songs by on Spotify in the past. At the moment I’m giving more of her catalog a listen. “Oh No Darling!” and “The King” are two of her standouts in my opinion.
In the queue I have music by Bedroom, True Widow, and Cayetana to listen to eventually.
What I’m watching…
If I remember correctly I have two episodes left until I’m finished with an underwhelming second season of House of the Dragon. I still haven’t watched the second season of The Bear because I’ve heard it is mostly recycled ideas and plot points. Someone please give me a solid suggestion for a show with three seasons or less, otherwise I’m starting my Gilmore Girls rewatch early this year.
What I’m working on…
Writing and pursuing a story have always been a bit tricky for me. I think it’s mostly a wicked case of imposter syndrome and second guessing myself.
A couple weeks ago I was having a moment of “why the hell am I not doing this?” and thinking about how silly it is to not do something at all because I’ve decided it’s too difficult before I’ve even tried. My mind started to drift to my own family history in West Virginia coal mining country and a story began to come together in my mind. I gathered together some images with the help of Pinterest so I have a place to keep a visual of my inspiration. That’s all I will say about it for now as the story continues to grow and I’m working out where it will go.
The Rummy Writer 