solivini | Reading

Got up somewhat after 10:00, and had breakfast and coffee. Heard from

mashfanficchick that ze didn't need me to go to zer place today after all, so that freed me up for wrapping. And that's what I did.

I put Pandora on the computer and put on Christmas music, had an awful time with the computer, restarted it twice, and finally got it going good.

Then I first wrapped all

mashfanficchick's presents, and then the Kid's boyfriend's, and finally the Kid's. And that is a lot of stuff. There's still three things to wrap, I may have to get more paper. Maybe not, we'll see.

After that I lay in the bedroom and played solitaire. Then at 6:00 I came out and puttered on the computer. My psychiatrist called for a session, and that was good. I realized I am feeling pretty good this holiday season, have most of the stuff I need to do for the holiday done early.

Got a call from

mashfanficchick about plans for tomorrow. We're going into the city to shop, though I have pretty much everything for Christmas.

Then at 7:00 I Teamed the FWiB and we talked until 8:00 when it was time for my gaming session.

The computer was awful. Discord kept freezing up, the audio wouldn't work, I kept switching over to using my phone, and I was almost out of battery. I plugged it in to the computer and that didn't charge it.

Finally I plugged it in to the extension cord powering the Christmas tree, and sat on the floor to play. And the worst thing is that right at the end of the game, the audio topped working so I missed the end.

mashfanficchick texted me to ask me to call, so I did and we made more plans for tomorrow. I'm going to spend the night tomorrow and we're going to watch Heated Rivalry.

So then I fed the pets and made dinner, and here I am.

Gratitude List:

1. The FWiB.

2. My wrapping almost done.

3. My psychiatrist.

4. My gaming group.

5. I was able to use my phone for Discord.

6. Plans for tomorrow.

Current Mood: drained

tcpip

The next leg of this tour was Lima, capital of Peru, and named after the pre-Incan civilisation that inhabited the place from 100 to 650CE. A desert and coastal city of some 11 million people, it is understandably the political, financial, and historical centre of the country, but is also notable for its
urban segregation between wealthy barrios and poor suburbs. We ended up at the Hotel Jose Antonio Lima in the Miraflores District, which certainly sits in the former category, bustling with commercial energy and entertainment, whilst also relaxed with plenty of pleasant coastal parklands. Two particular locations in Miraflores are especially worth mentioning. One is the Park Kennedy, named after JFK, which is better known as "Cat Park" after the dozens of collectively-domesticated cats present, and is everything like it sounds. The other is Huaca Pucllana, an extraordinary 1500-year-old adobe pyramid and grounds designed for managing water resources and religious ceremonies. By pure chance, we also stumbled on an exhibition for two great Peruvian artists, Fernando de Szyszlo Valdemor and David Herskovitz, both broadly belonging to the neo-expressionist school. I especially liked the former's representations from "Don Quixote de la Mancha".

Another significant cultural area of Lima is, of course, the "Centro Historico de Lima", a UNESCO World Heritage site and for good reason. Here is a very fine collection of colonial and Republican-era buildings from the Plaza de Armas and surrounds, including the Government Palace, the Cathedral of Lima, the Archbishop’s Palace of Lima, the Municipal Palace and the Palace of the Union. A visit to the "Museo Convento San Francisco y Catacumbas" was absolutely necessary. Dating from the 17th century, it includes the remains of some 70,000 people. There is also the El Convento de Santo Domingo, which has a very impressive old library. Nearby is the "Basílica Catedral de Lima", which houses the tomb of the conquistador Francisco Pizarro, who conquered Peru for the crown of Castille (awkwardly, the church proclaimed the wrong body as Pizarro's until the real one was discovered in 1977). With superior technology, he led an ambush at the the Battle of Cajamarca where less than 200 Spaniards defeated and massacred several thousand Incan imperial guards and thousands of attendants. The military acumen is impressive, utter lust for blood and treasure despicable. Appropriately, the next stop in the journey is Cuzco, the ancient capital of the Incan Empire.

Current Mood: busy
Current Location: Cusco, Peru
Current Music: Do You Believer in the Westworld?, Theatre of Hate

silver_chipmunk

Got up at 10:00 and had breakfast and coffee. Then before I did anything else I got out a light bulb and my ladder and changed the dead bulb in the living room light. That is always scary and dangerous, and I really shouldn't do it alone, but with

mashfanficchick in Ohio, and Oldest Brother gone, there was no option.

After that I showered and dressed, and played on my phone a few minutes, about 12:20. Then I left for my doctor's appointment.

I got the 44 to start, but when we got to Main and 39th there was a fare inspection, and there was supposed to be a change of drivers too, but the new driver was late, so after we waited quite awhile they told us there was another 44 behind us and we should get on that. So I did, and it was crowded. Luckily I got a seat.

Got to Union Turnpike, transferred to the 46 with no problem. But I'd lost so much time to the 44 that I was really afraid I'd be late, despite leaving quite early!

I got off the 46 and walked to my doctor's as fast as possible, and was just barely on time. Then I waited well over half an hour to be seen! Closer to an hour I think.

But the news was good, I am doing fine, and although he doesn't think I really need it, he put me on a glp 1 drug to help me lose weight. But he said if my insurance didn't cover it, don't worry, do without it, because I have been losing weight, though slowly. I go back in three months.

I texted the Kid to tell her about the glp 1 (her idea) and she was pleased.

I walked back towards the bus, resisting with difficulty the lure of Barnes and Noble, and went to Target for a bag of bows. Got that, and went back to wait for the bus.

And waited. And waited. The crowd grew bigger, and one bus never showed at all. Finally one showed, jam packed of course, and I couldn't get a seat.

Eventually, just before my stop, I got one, and it's a good thing because it took us forever to get from the stop before mine, to mine. It turned out that there was a terrible traffic tie up because Con Ed was doing emergency street work and the Con Ed flag man was directing traffic.

Finally I got off the bus and went to wait for the 20 or 44. The 20 got there first, and although it was full, I did get a seat and made it back to my stop, and got off and walked home.

When I got home, the door has NOT been fixed. I am really annoyed.

In my mail I found that the card I sent to my ex-sister-in-law had been returned addressee unknown, which I don't understand. I got it off anywho and it was absolutely her. Maybe she moved and this is new residents, I don't know. Well, I tried. No new Christmas cards for me.

I got here eventually at 6:30, just had time to get a glass of eggnog and set up the computer before the FWiB Teamed. We talked til it was time for my meeting.

The meeting was very good, M and S were both there.

Then I had dinner, and went to the bedroom to play solitaire until pet feeding time.

I had been hoping to be home by 5:00 and get some wrapping done, but no such luck. Maybe I can fit some in tomorrow.

Gratitude List:

1. The FWiB.

2. Got the light bulb safely changed.

3. Good report from the doctor.

4. Glp 1.

5. My meetings and the people there.

6. The Kid.

Current Mood: calm

silver_chipmunk

Got up this morning at 10:30, had breakfast and coffee, showered and dressed. I got a phone call from Middle Brother's group home about some paperwork I had to take care of, and she told me how well he was doing.

The mail came early today, so I got it and got three Christmas cards, two of them being from people that I was pretty sure were going to send me cards but whose addresses I didn't have to send them cards first. And one I wasn't expecting at all but was delighted to get, from

lauramcewan. Thank you!

Then I went out to Flushing to Duane Reade and got wrapping paper, which I was out of, and package labels, and something for Middle Brother's stocking.

Then I came back and made out those three cards, and I got Elissa's address from

mashfanficchick so I got her card made out too. And that finishes my Christmas cards unless I get another unexpected one.

I got a load of cardboard recycling together, and took it out and went around the block and mailed the cards. So that's taken care of. And they were working on the front door lock!! So maybe it's finally gonna' be fixed, after all my complaints.

Then I set down to wrapping. I got all of Middle Brother's things wrapped, and a few others as well. I also got all the presents sorted out and in separate bags so I can know how much there is for everyone.

Then I puttered online for awhile and then went into the bedroom and played solitaire for awhile, until it was time to Team the FWiB. But we had to wait awhile because he hadn't charged his earphones, so while he did that I used the private messaging on Ship-of-fools to send a message to Croesos, just to keep in touch. Hope he answers.

Teamed the FWiB for an hour and a half, then had dinner, and went to the bedroom to lie down til pet feeding time. Came out then and fed the pets.

The one downer of the day, discovered that a lightbulb in my living room ceiling light has blown out. It's dim in here now. Have to replace it tomorrow, not fun. Really miss Oldest Brother helping me with that.

But anyway, that was the day.

Gratitude List:

1. The FWiB.

2. Got Christmas cards.

3. Maybe the door's going to be fixed.

4. Some wrapping done.

5. My cards are all sent.

6. Nice warm apartment.

Current Mood: good

silver_chipmunk

Slept until 11:00, then got up because the wristband on my Fitbit came off. I was fortunately able to reattach it without too much trouble. Then I went and had breakfast and coffee.

I puttered online until 1:30 when I went to the Starsky and Hutch Creative Work session. It was very nice, there were five of us there, and we had some good conversation. Didn't get any writing done though, sadly.

We chatted til a little after 6:00. Didn't do much of anything, though I texted with

mashfanficchick, until 7:00 when I Teamed the FWiB. Again there were technical difficulties but again, we finally got through.

At 8:30 I called Middle Brother. He is fine, and unsurprisingly, really looking forward to Christmas and Christmas Eve.

Talked with the FWiB a bit longer, then got off and had dinner.

Then went to the bedroom and played solitaire.

Fed the pets at 10:00, and started here.

Gratitude List:

1. The FWiB.

2. The Starsky and Hutch fandom.

3. Warm cozy apartment.

4. My pets.

5. Didn't have to go out today.

6. Middle Brother is happy.

Current Mood: good

tcpip

Kate R and I have boarded the big silver bird to travel to South America and Antarctica, the first stop being Santiago de Chile. The flight was twelve hours, and due to the peculiarities of time zones, we arrived two hours before we left. Our stay was in the CBD, NH Collection Plaza, quite upmarket with nice features and next to the World Trade Centre. The afternoon arrival provided the opportunity for a walk through the local "Parque de las Esculturas", then a hike up the famous Cerro San Cristóbal parkland to catch the sunset and return - a round trip of about five hours. It was sufficiently impressive that we returned the following day and took the ascent via teleferico (with the oversized statue of Mary that looks over the city) and descended by funicular to viist the nearby "Casa Museo La Chascona", home of the Nobel Prize winning poet, politician, and diplomat, Pablo Neruda, a person who was certainly not without significant flaws as well as greateness.

This would be the start of en epic walking trip through Santiago that would be measured at 45km for the day (yes really), which would include a visit to the beautiful Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, the Catedral Metropolitana with it's overwhelming baroque features, past the ridiculous over-sized flag at the Palacio de La Moneda, then to the Museo de la Solidaridad Salvador Allende and, on return, to the remarkable collection in the El Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino and the "Horizonte Antártico" exhibit at La Biblioteca del Congreso Nacional. El Museo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos, which was high on the agenda, was unfortunately closed for renovations.

Whilst far from the most visually spectacular part of the trip, the Salvador Allende museum was definitely the most emotionally significant location for me. The Allende events were utterly critical in the formation of my own political opinions when I became aware of them in my early teens. Helped by the film, "Missing", I became a voracious reader of the history. For those who don't know, the summary is that a socialist president was elected supported by a left-wing alliance and implemented a programme of nationalisation of resource industries, land redistribution, significant health and education welfare improvements, and the remarkable economic and logistics computer system, Project Cybersyn. Allende was dedicated to the idea that socialism could be achieved through parliamentary democracy; but ultimately the military disagreed (unsurprisingly supported by the United States) disagreed. A coup and the installation of the Pinochet regime resulted in years of torture and deaths of thousands of democratic activists. The Allende events is tragic and utopian, providing insights on the nature of the capitalist State, and has a lasting impact on history.

Current Mood: tired
Current Location: Lima
Current Music: Hawkwind, Space Ritual

silver_chipmunk

Got up at 9:00 after a sort of broken night's sleep and had breakfast and coffee, then showered, dressed, and went to my Al-anon meeting.

The meeting was very good. Afterward I got a ride to the diner with S. Today I broke with my usual and had cream of Turkey soup and hot tea. Very yummy. Then L got a slice of cake for S's birthday, and we sang Happy Birthday and shared one slice of cake between us all because S didn't want more than a taste. So that was very nice.

Then I took the bus home, and went to the Starsky and Hutch chat, I missed the episode of course but the chat was fun.

We chatted until a little after 6:00, then ended. At 7:00 the FWiB and I attempted to Team. I had serious technical problems, had to restart the computer twice. Finally it worked though.

mashfanficchick texted to ask me as a favor to go over to zer apartment Wednesday to check on something that should be delivered, of course I said yes.

After the FWiB and I finished I had dinner, then went to the bedroom to play solitaire on my phone.

Then it was pet feeding time so I came out and fed the pets, then started here.

Gratitude List:

1. The FWiB.

2. My meetings and the people there.

3. The Starsky and hutch chat.

4. Warm and dry inside.

5. Friends.

6. Bed soon.

Current Mood: cheerful

silver_chipmunk

Got up this morning after sleeping very badly, probably because of the caramel latte I had with Chris last night. No breakfast or coffee because of fasting blood tests.

I killed a little time online, then showered and dressed, and took an Uber over to Quest Diagnostics. I got there quite early, and they took me immediately so I was out very quickly, and much earlier than I expected.

I took the bus home, dropped off Chris's Christmas card in the mailbox, and walked to Dunkin' Donuts where I had the $6 meal deal. That was bacon, egg, and cheese on a croissant, hash browns, and a hazelnut coffee. Then I went home and put in a Shipt order.

While I waited for it I did some tidying up, and found the Rice's address, so I made a Christmas card out for them too. I also put some things for RK in an Amazon cart, but I can't afford them yet.

The Shipt order was delivered around 4:00, so I put that away, and then flaked out on the couch for about a half hour til it was time to leave for my Al-anon meeting in the Bronx. I mailed the card to the Rice's on the way.

Had pizza first of course, which was tasty as always, then went to the meeting which was quite good.

We finished at 8:30 so I stayed in the church warm til 8:50 when I waked to the bus stop. Got the 50 almost immediately and the 25 came very quickly too (I've also realized I can take the 61 as well as the 25, which is good) so I got home fast.

The beer brewing thing I ordered for the Kid's boyfriend for Christmas arrived while I was out, so I got that into the apartment and texted the Kid and

mashfanficchick that it got here.

Teamed the FWiB, nice as always, and then fed the pets, and now here I am.

Gratitude List:

1. The FWiB.

2. Got through the blood tests quickly.

3. The beer thing got here.

4. My meetings and the people there.

5. Got home fast.

6. Bed soon.

Current Mood: tired

comet_scout posting in

addme

Me:

Comet, or Ju, 27, Brazilian, but I only post in English.

I mostly post about:

I like posting about things I may be into at the moment, like a game I played or something I’ve found interesting, and some basic thoughts about them. Mostly I have been logging in my Solo TTRPG plays, my Doronai Nui adventures mainly. Sometimes a post about real life, but not much. The plan is to just blog about anything I feel like sharing.

My hobbies are:

I play video games, I solo TTRPGs, I draw, I drabble, some fandoming, and some light toy collecting. Want to read more.

My fandoms are:

My main fandoms are Bionicle (G1) and Transformers (G1, Beast Wars, Skybound, Prime, and some IDW), I also like No Man’s sky, and have been getting into The Dark Crystal. And a little bit of many things. I have been playing a lot of Vintage Story.

My posting schedule tends to be:

Sporadic. I’ve made an effort to post more frequently, but it’s more interesting when I actually have something that has been on my mind.

I'm looking to meet people who:

Post similar things or may like similar things. I’m not around all the time, and I’m a bit quiet, so I don’t mind people who are similar.

silver_chipmunk

I got up at 10:00 and started breakfast only to discover that the milk had gone disgustingly sour. I threw everything out, and made coffee (I Use sugar free creamer not milk in it) and then showered and dressed.

Then I went out and had breakfast at the bagel shop, a bacon egg and cheese on a roll with orange juice.

Then I got the bus and went into Flushing, made a stop at the bank, and then took the 7 train into the city. There was some jerk on the train playing loud Michael Jackson music on his phone with an external speaker, and I was so annoyed that I missed my stop, had to get off at 5th ave and turn around and got back to Grand Central where I took the 6 train to Union Square and their Holiday Market.

mashfanficchick had called me while I was underground and left a message so I called back. Then I shopped through the Market. I got something for Middle Brother, and nothing else though. I did get food. Hot chocolate, a steamed roast pork bun, and a beef and cheese empanada. That was lunch.

Then I started out for the Strand. I wasn't sure how to get there, so I used Google Maps which took me a long way around. Good for strops though.

I shopped in the Strand for a long time. I got books for the Kid, for her boyfriend, and for

mashfanficchick, as well as two half price paperbacks for me.

Finally I headed for Barnes and Noble. I was going to shohp there, but I was too tired, I just sat in the cafe and ok=layed on my phone. I didn't buy anything because it's a Starbucks and no buying from them until the strike is settled.

So I played on my phone til Chris got there. Then we briefly discussed where to eat, an decided on a sushi place a little way away.

We both got the three roll for $23 deal, and he got a dragon roll for us to split. It was very good though truthfully I have had better. But it was very nice and he paid for it.

So I suggested we go for coffee and that I'd pay so we found a coffee shop nearby and did that. It was lovely lattes, better than Starbusck actually, so there!

Then he went with me on the 6 train to Grand Central where we said goodbye and I took the 7 train and 44 bus home. I got my first Christmas card, from Liz and Frank, very nice.

Then I Teamed the FWiB, but not for long as it was late.

Now time for bed. I have blood tests tomorrow so no breakfast or food after 12.

But I had a lovely day today.

Gratitude List:

1. The FWiB.

2. Seeing Chris.

3. Think my Christmas shopping is finally done.

4. The book I ordered for Middle Brother came.

5. The Strand.

6. Heard from Liz and Frank.

Current Mood: happy

cemetaries posting in

addme

Hey everyone! My name is Leslie but I'm usually called Lilith online. Either works. I used to be on LiveJournal for years then fell away once Facebook became a thing. I am venturing back to LJ and I will also be posting here as well. I remember having really great connections on LJ and I am hoping to find that again.

Name:

Leslie aka Lilith. Either is fine.

Age:

45. I've always been an old soul and now my body is catching up.

I mostly post about:

I don't know yet. I think it's going to be mostly a diary kind of thing where I talk about my life and thoughts and dreams and goals and the nice stuff and the bad stuff. A little bit of everything that makes me ... me.

My hobbies are:

theater, acting, directing, doing tech, art, singing, writing, photography, anything NASA (I go to the Space Center a lot), thrifting, true crime, documentaries

My fandoms are:

Anything Broadway, Marvel, Wicked, paranormal shows, Star Wars, Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, Taylor Swift, etc

I'm looking to meet people who:

Are chill. Some things should be serious about some things, but also a sense of humor is great. I am very "woke" though. Please be aware I am "woke". I am also disabled and will talk about my illness and disability issues. And I am mom of an nonverbal son who is autistic and those subjects will come up. I am adult too so I'll bring up adult issues as well, like sex.

My posting schedule tends to be: daily/weekly/monthly/sporadic/etc

My goal is to post at least weekly, maybe twice a week. My illness can throw me for a loop and suddenly I can't sit up some days. So, it depends on my spoons.

When I add people, my dealbreakers are:

If you are conservative. We just won't connect or agree on things, and I am at the point in my life that I want peace. It's better to just move along. I'm also not Christian but I do have Christian friends, but I am not into Christian Nationalism. If you are, we won't be a good fit. I identify as pagan/witch. I'm also LGBTQIA+ and have a trans son.

Before adding me, you should know: I am unapologetically myself. I can be a strong personality and I will always say if I disagree with someone, but I won't be rude about it unless I am needing to match energy being thrown at me.

silver_chipmunk

And finished.

I got up at 11:30 and had breakfast and coffee. Then I put on Christmas music, on Pandora on the computer, and started decorating again. And I did it! I got everything on, except the candy canes, I will put a few of them on later.

And that was what I did most of the day. It took hours. When I finished, I sent a picture to the FWiB, and to the Kid, and to

mashfanficchick

And then I puttered online, and played solitaire, and waste time, until 7:00. Though there was one thing I did, I found a book someone was looking for on Facebook, Mr. Twigg's Mistake. I knew what he was looking for and after searching my memory, I came up with the title, then looked it up online. To my surprise, it's by Robert Lawson, which I had forgotten. I am currently reading Rabbit Hill by Robert Lawson, so it was a bit of a coincidence.

Anyway, at 7:00 I Teamed the FWiB, and we talked til 8:00.

Then I had my gaming session. Discord sort of worked, better than some nights, not as good as the last time. It kept muting me randomly, and freezing up. But it worked well enough for me to play, and we had a good game. Still Monster of the Week.

We ended a bit early, and I caught up online, then fed the pets at 10:00. Then I had my own dinner. and here I am.

Gratitude List:

1. The FWiB.

2. The tree is done!

3. My gaming group.

4. Eggnog.

5. Was able to remember that title.

6. Christmas coming soon.

Current Mood: cheerful

ladyunicorn22 posting in

addme

Hi folks, I hope you all are doing well. Not good at doing these intro things, but I'll give it a try. I'm Lesley. I'm in my late thirties, happily married and I have one cat child. I love books of all types, I'm currently making my way through the Dungeon Crawler Carl books, Tv shows including The Golden girls, How I met your Mother, Grace and Frankie and others. I love all kinds of music, and I enjoy baking. I welcome people of all backgrounds and stuff, I'm a Christian myself. as for what I write about in here, To be honest, there's only one entry in here, but I plan on changing that. I will most likely write about daily life things, and sometimes about what I'm watching/reading/listening to as well as mental and physical health stuff. I am totally blind, so sometimes I will write about that. If there is anything else you wanna know, feel free to take a peak at the profile. I will be writing in here probably every few days to every week. Depends on the mood I'm in. I hope all of you have a good day, and if you celebrate them, happy holidays

Current Mood: awake
Current Location: The sofa
Current Music: A very large fan

dandylover1 posting in

addme

Name: Georgiana or Georgie. Neither is my legal name, but they are what I use here and in most situations.

Age: Forty-two.

I mostly post about: Entries may consist of anything from short summaries of my day, to surveys, to essays on various topics, to interesting links and quotes that I find, along with my commentary on them. Lately, I have been writing reviews of opera recordings from the 1950's and earlier. I have no interest in politics and modern celebrities. I wish to keep my journal light and happy as much as possible.

My hobbies are: studying dandyism, Received Pronunciation, the Regency, and the Italian language, reading, writing, cooking, baking, playing cards and dice, and enjoying warm weather.

My Other Interests include: coffees, teas, antique menswear and accessories (usually Edwardian), chamber and classical music, old opera singers, plants and gardening, crafts, and history and nature documentaries. I love wit, wordplay, and sarcastic humour without vulgarity. I also love cats.

My fandoms are: I don't have any.

I'm looking to meet people who: are positive, who share my interests and can introduce me to some new ones, and who enjoy at least some elements of high culture. While the minimum age I will add is twenty-one, I tend to get along with those who are older than I, particularly seniors. I am also single and searching, but since this isn't a dating community, I'll just say that you can find more about that in one of the sticky entries in my journal. You can also find my Mastodon and Escargot.chat information there.

My posting schedule tends to be: It varies, from a few posts in a given week to a few in a single day. Often, I post what I call filler entries toward the end of the month. These are entries posted on one date but for another. I try to post a few entries per week.

When I add people, my dealbreakers are: minors (I prefer at least over twenty-one), depression and/or anxiety (posted regularly), bad self-esteem, life drama, recreational drugs, religion or politics (posted regularly), a lot of bad grammar and spelling (unless you're learning English), and frequent obscenities. Please note that I am totally blind, so if you mostly post images, I won't be able to comment on them, as I cannot see them.

Before adding me, you should know: I have no time for political correctness, lies, or drama. While I always try to be civil during discussions, I share my opinion without reservations. If you are easily offended, please do not add me. I have a very dry and witty sense of humour. Otherwise, feel free to read my profile and/or posts and add me if you wish. I will most likely reciprocate. I also comment when I have something to say, but there are times when I don't read my friends' page for awhile, and I am trying to change that.

silver_chipmunk

Got up at 10:00 today. While I was lying in bed deciding to get up, I got a text and then a call from

mashfanficchick. Then I did get up, had breakfast and coffee, and then took a shower, washed my hair and dressed.

Then while I was waiting for my hair to dry I worked on the decorating some more. I poured a glass of eggnog, put on Christmas music on Pandora, and put up a lot of the tree ornaments, though there's still lots more to do. I also put the star lights across the TV and plugged them in, so I have them going too, as well as the tree and the entryway lights.

Then once my hair was dry I got my sweater on and my coat and hat and took out the garbage, and walked around the block. Then while I was going around the block I detoured to the mailbox and mailed the three cards I made out yesterday.

Then I got a call from Middle Brother's group home, they wanted to get our plans for Christmas straightened out, so I did that, and it's taken care of now.

Came back in and did more tree decorating.

Finally heard back from Chris, we're going to meet up on Thursday, in Union Square at the Barnes and Noble. In the cafe, I am not going to order anything because it's Starbucks and the strike is still on, but I can sit there and meet up with him.

And then we'll have dinner somewhere I guess. So I'm not going to mail his card to him. I'm hand delivering it that night.

Anyway, I kept decorating til I got too depressed to go on, and lay down in bed until 6:30 when I came out and got ready to Team the FWiB,

We talked at 7:00 until 8:00 when I got off for my Al-anon meeting by Zoom, which was very good tonight though M wasn't there.

After the meeting I had dinner, and lay down to play solitaire until pet feeding time, when I fed the pets,

I finished Somewhere Beyond the Sea last night, not as good as The House on the Cerulean Sea, but I enjoyed it.

Tomorrow, more tree decorating, And hopefully, finally, a gaming session.

Gratitude List:

1. The FWiB.

2. Cards mailed.

3. Middle Brother's plans set.

4. Tree is getting done.

5. Eggnog.

6. Got in touch and made plans with Chris.

Current Mood: good

tcpip

Last night I hosted the annual Murdoch University Alumni meeting for Melbourne at the Arts Centre with plenty of excellent and intelligent conversation, as would be expected at such an event (well-catered too, I must add). As part of the formal proceedings, we held a panel discussion on what Murdoch University meant and how it changed us. Our panel, quite remarkably, had graduates from every decade of the university's existence, including a foundation student, Dr. Trevor Hogan, and the remarkable story from Lem Bagout, who came to Australia as a refugee from Sudan; he now teaches physics.

For my own part (representing the 1990s graduates), I made the point that the radical parts of Murdoch's original educational objectives ("the Murdoch ethos") are now accepted and mainstream: encouraging mature-aged students and lifelong learning, allowing for part-time and external studies, encouraging interdisciplinary studies, and alternative entry based on experience. I also made a point of mentioning Bruce Tapper, who died a year ago on the day; not just because he was such a huge influence on my life, but in particular, because he was such a fierce advocate for Murdoch University's progressive education and egalitarian access.

In many ways, my alma mater sometimes stands in stark contrast with my employer, the University of Melbourne. Prestigious and conservative, the UniMelb is recognised as the top university in the country, which is really due to the excellent and well-funded research sector, standing on the shoulders of giants past. At UniMelb in the past fortnight, there have been two social occasions of note: an end-of-year potluck lunch for Research Computing Services (I brought along the Polish duck soup (Czernina), and an end-of-year social event for all of Business Services, this year held on campus at the Ernie Cropley Pavilion, a better location, and superior catering to previous years.

As another example of contrast, last Saturday I attended the Thangka Art Exhibition on Tibetan Cultural Heritage and Contemporary Development hosted by the Australian ReTeng Charity Foundation, associated with the Buddhist ReTeng Monastery in Donvale. I was somewhat surprised and impressed by the sheer number of dignitaries from the Melbourne Chinese community in attendance, and extremely impressed by the artworks on display. There was some juxtaposition of this aesthetic event, and the one attended in the evening, with Carla BL, at a little bar in Fitzroy to see a group of post-punk musicians (including my favourite local coldwave artists, Cold Regards) perform. For reasons of international travel, this is the end of EoY Melbourne activities - next stop, Santiago!

Current Mood: busy
Current Location: The Rookery

silver_chipmunk

I slept very late today, after 1:00. Then I finally got up and had breakfast and coffee.

mashfanficchick went to Ohio to see Dani and family for Hanukkah but ze texted me the addresses of two more friends I want to send cards, plus I got an email from Frank with his and Maureen's address so I made out those three cards and have them ready to mail.

I also made an appointment with Quest for my blood tests, which is on Friday.

Then I put some Christmas music on Pandora on the computer, poured a glass of eggnog, and got the Christmas tree out from behind the TV and assembled it and set it up.

I also got the three bins of decorations out from the corner where they live, and I started decorating the apartment.

The tree has the lights and garlands on it, nothing more yet. I will start putting some decorations on it later, but I may wait til

mashfanficchick gets back to finish. But there won't be a lot of time at that point so... we'll see. I won't do everything in one day, no matter what, it's just too depressing alone. Oldest Brother and I used to decorate my tree, and we had a lot of fun doing it. I miss him so much.

Anyway, aside from the tree I got the banner on the door outside, and the garland and lights on the living room entryway. And I put up some other stuff in the living room, including the stockings.

After I was done with all that I had another glass of eggnog, and it was almost time to Team the FWiB.

We talked for about an hour and a half, and then I had dinner.

After dinner I went to the bedroom and contacted the Kid who finally gave me the information I needed about the beer brewing thing for her boyfriend. So I called

mashfanficchick for a brief discussion of that, and then ordered the thing.

By the time I finished the order it was pet feeding time so I fed the pets, and started here.

I have been reminded that today is the 45th anniversary of the murder of John Lennon. I remember it so clearly. I was in college, waking with my boyfriend to the bar, when someone passed us going in the opposite direction and called out that John Lennon had been shot. We turned around and went back to my dorm, which had a TV, and listened. We heard Howard Cossell announce he was dead. Then we went down to the bar and all that was playing on the jukebox were Beetles songs. I'll never forget.

Gratitude List:

1. The FWiB.

2. Got the tree up at least and some decorations.

3. Eggnog.

4. Quest appointment was easy to make.

5. The thing for the Kid's boyfriend is ordered.

6. The life of John Lennon.

Current Mood: pensive

silver_chipmunk

Slept late at

mashfanficchick's. Finally got up and had coffee, a bit before 12:00.

Ze got up later, and while I waited I showered and dressed. Then ze got up, and we went into Flushing by the bus.because the subway had the construction meaning we'd have to take a shuttle bus between Mets/Willits Point and Main Street.

We went to the Chinese Rice Noodle place and had lunch of noodle soup. I had the mixed mushroom, which came with an interesting variety of things to add in.

After we finished eating, we went our separate way, ze to zer father's in Great Neck, me home.

Got here in time to join in the Starsky and Hutch creative work session, which started today at 3:30 rather than 1:30 as usual. So I was only about an hour late.

We had a good time chatting until 6:30ish, and then we ended.

At 7:00 I tried to Team the FWiB but had some technical difficulties, but eventually we got connected.

We talked til about 8:30, when I called Middle Brother. He is fine, nothing new.

After that I put in a Shipt order. I was expecting to have to wait until tomorrow, and just wanted to make the order, but to my surprise, they said delivery between 11:00 and 12:00. They must be having holiday season hours at Target.

At 10:00 I fed the pets again (of course I fed them when I first got home) and started here.

Now I'm waiting for the delivery.

Gratitude List:

1. The FWiB.

2.

mashfanficchick

3. Chinese food in Flushing.

4. The Starsky and Hutch fandom.

5. Shipt and Target are on holiday hours so I'm getting my order.

6. Middle Brother is fine.

Current Mood: chipper

silver_chipmunk

Got up this morning at 9:00 for my Al-anon meeting. Had breakfast and coffee, showered and dressed, and headed out by bus.

The meeting was very good. I went to the diner afterward, getting a ride from S. At the diner I got my usual bacon, egg, and cheese on an English muffin and iced coffee.

I called

mashfanficchick and e decided to go see Zootopia 2. I wanted to see it for two reasons, one, because I loved the first movie, and two, because Oldest Brother loved the first movie so much I wanted to see it for his memory.

So I took th 13 bus into Flushing and the subway from there, and ogt to

mashfanficchick's and we decided to go to a 7:10 showing at Atlas park, after some weird stuff went on with trying to get tickets at a showing in a closer theater.

We took a Lyft over, and ze went and got snacks while I ewnt to the seats.

The movie was great. Oldest Brother would have loved it. I so wish he could have seen it, I hope that he can from wherever he is.

Anyway after the movie we ent to Chilies to get dinner but they weren't seating anyone, so we went to California Pizza Kitchen instead. I had the wild mushroom mac and cheese, it was delicious, but it seemed rather small. Still it was filling and I don't need any more calories.

We took a Lyft back to zer place and I'm going to spend the night. We bought the train tickets for Arisia, so that's good.

Gratitude List:

1. The FWiB.

2. My meetings and the people there.

3. Good movies.

4. Good dinner.

5. Train tickets bought.

6. The FWiB got his the Christmas card I sent today.

Current Mood: happy

silver_chipmunk

But I still have my windows open...

Didn't sleep to well last night but got up at 10:00 anyway. I had breakfast and coffee, showered and dressed, and headed over to

mashfanficchick's. On the way I sent the picture of Middle Brother and me to CVS to be printed. It was supposed to be done by 2:30.

When I got there we had lunch and then went through the stuff we brought yesterday. I took a bag with me when I went there, and I loaded it with the stuff that had to come back to my place.

Then we discussed some holiday stuff, by text with the Kid, and I texted RK. Sadly it looks like he has to work Christmas and won't be able to come to us.

Anyway, then we watched the third episode of Heated Rivalry, which focused on different characters than the first two, but which I liked better.

After that I left for my Al-anon meeting in the Bronx, stopping first at CVS to pick up the pictures. Which were not ready, and they had to print them then. But they are nice. I also bought a cheap pair of gloves which are supposed to be touch screen usable. Spoiler alert, they lied. But they were only $1.99 and they are warm so whatever.

Then I went to my meeting, and it was very good, though small. It helped me with an issue i was having since last night, so I am feeling pretty good about that.

Then I got a ride to the bus stop with M, and the bus was actually early. So I got to the 25 stop faster than usual, so I made the bus but had to wait for it. It was COLD!

Came home and it is nice and warm in here. I Teamed the FWiB, we talked a little over half an hour, since it's so late, and then I fed the pets and started here.

Oh, for anyone who missed my edit on yesterday's entry that I made this morning, I talked to Middle Brother yesterday and he is fine.

Gratitude List:

1. The FWiB.

2. Talked to the Kid about her boyfriend's Christmas present finally.

3. Warm gloves.

4. My meetings and the people there, and how they work.

5. Warm apartment.

6. Bed soon.

Current Mood: good

Everybody's trying to get into heaven..

...but nobody's dead so far

Reading

Navigation

Wrapping and stuff

South America Part II: Lima, Peru

Doctor's appointment

A good day

Simple Sunday

South America Part I: Santiago de Chile

Al-anon and chatting

Blood tests

(no subject)

Day shopping, evening with Chris

New to Dreamwidth

Christmas tree part three

What's up?

Seeking New Friends

More Christmas decorating

Murdoch Uni and Other End-of-Year Events

Christmas decorating

Slept late

Zootopia 2

It's cold out there!

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April 2017

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