ettykay | Reading

Welcome to T's short week! Sadly, Monday and Tuesday are not two of the short days. I'm sure it's going to be bugfuck, being the Monday after a long weekened. I'm not looking forward to it. I could use another hour of naptime, since Boodle kindly started waking me up at 4am. Little fucker. I rudely picked her up and put her off the bed, multiple times, because I was not ready to get up. Last I saw her, she was sulking over the 5am round wherne I nudged her off me yet again. I am a little bit yawn-y. Oh well. It'll improve soon.

Yesterday was a fun day. First up, we had game with

coyotegestalt during which I inadvertently changed the entire course of the game, because DM's are chaos muppets every time. It may end up TPKing the party, but whatever, it was hilarious.

After a little while, I went to the pool for a little while and did some swimming. Of course, I realized while I was swimming that I forgot to wear sunscreen, so I cut that trip short, but it was still fun.

Then, we had some quiet time, and then I DMed for the homebrew. It went well, though we didn't get into it as far as we could have. It's a fairly large group, and the battle took a little longer than I'd planned on.

This week will be very busy. But first two days of normal work. Then the beat drops, and we get ready to go forth and get our ears blown out. (not really, we have earplugs.) I really love Ghost, but I'm not willing to lose hearing over them. But, I'm really looking forward to it. I'm just hoping there's no visa problems for the band. We'll see. We're going to take a sedan car down, because I don't feel like fighting traffic on he way down or the parking garage on the way out.

I got all my clothes and washed them, so I'm ready for Friday. I've got all my good stuff. A nice teal blouse, a pencil skirt, nice shoes, and some nice copper colored nail polish coming that will look striking against the shirt, and match the eye makeup I'm going to use. Fingers crossed that everything goes well.

And on that note,I'm going to hop off and get myself together, maybe lay down for another half hour. Everyone have the very best Monday!

beanside

I am up super early after another late night. There were still fuckers playing with fireworks last ngiht, and the dog was flipping out. We're going to have to take him to the vet and get his shots, and get some better anti anxiety meds, because the Prozac isn't doing shit.

He's been just a ball of stress the last four or five days, between the beeping and now the fireworks. Just Jebus on a pogo stick, it's sucked. I was in tears listening to him cry last night and scratch the door.

Aside from that, it was an okay day. We had a nice lunch. Were not able to get the cat's ashes. Apparently the director's son is in the hospital, and things are backed up. It would have been super helpful to to know that before I wasted the gas to go down there, but it's okay. I 100% understand that life gets in the way.

Jess had a game last night, here Strixhaven game which sounded fun. Though, there was some mumbling about "here comes the consequences of my own actions," which always sounds delightful.

Today, we have a game in the morning, run by

coyotegestalt and then we're restarting a former game, with me dming. This is another one of my homebrew worlds, which I'm nervous about, but also excited.

I'm almost done with the game, simply need to make one more character and I will be ready to go. I'm nervous, because this is all homebrew, so I'm very much hoping that they like it. The other server really enjoyed it, so the pressure is on to make this as engaging.

On that note, I'm going to go put on some clothes and consider breakfast. Everyone have an amazing Sunday!

turps

I had such a good time at Hamilton last night. We had really good seats, and I was caught up for the whole performance. Just, wow. It's a show I'd watch again for sure.

I did have a tall guy sitting directly in front of me, but as I had a centre aisle seat it was easy enough to see past him. But what did have the potential to spoil things was the woman sitting directly behind me. She obviously loved Hamilton, knew all the words, but had also obviously been drinking before arriving. She wasn't aggressive or anything, but when she lost her vape caused a fuss and was being really loud about finding it, then was extra loud and OTT, saying she wanted to wed him when a man in the row behind her actually did find it.

She kept kicking my seat, and singing along with the show, until one of the ushers had to come to tell her to quieten down as people wanted to hear the performers not her. She was quiet then, but then had to be warned again in the second half, this time being asked to come have a word away from the seats, and that time didn't come back.

Challenge #2

Tunnel of Love
Journaling: The romance of summer! What do you love? Write about anything you feel sentimental about or that gets your heart pumping.
Creative: Write a love poem to anyone or anything you like

Post your answer to today’s challenge in your own space and leave a comment in this post saying you did it. Include a link to your post if you feel comfortable doing so.

I saw this challenge last night and had been thinking what to reply, because I love lots of things. My husband, my son, my family and friends, cats, the beach, the theatre, the cinema, over priced coffees,Christmas films, the list goes on. Then I got a comment about an old fic and I realised what I could focus on, especially as it nails the sentimental part.

The comment was about my Nsync fic, What It Says On the Can, and therefore, my answer will be popslash. ( read more )

turps

We ran out of yoghurt this morning, so instead of our usual Sunday morning, be there for opening, visit to Company Shop we went earlier. Only to be quickly reminded of previous vows to myself not to shop there on a Saturday at prime time. So many people in a relatively small place, and they didn't even have any good bargains to show for it. Well, not until we were at the checkout, when one of the ladies we know came out pushing four crates of frozen Magnum lollies. She stopped to talk to James, he asked how much the lollies were, and when told 6 for £1 he asked if he could have six. So, she left the crates next to us, which was great at we got our lollies. But not so great that we almost got trampled by all the other people zooming in for the goodies.

The h/c exchange stories have gone live and I need to check out the archive and see what's there.

It was a Bodhisitting day yesterday, the first long one I've had for a while. It also included watching the new kittens, who have now changed names because it turns out one of the girls is actually a boy. So, Millie and Mollie are now Aslan and Panda. They are adorable though, and spent the day causing havoc, then sleeping, causing more havoc, sleeping, the pattern went on.

That's them with Miah, who now thinks she's a mama cat. Megan meanwhile, just growls and keeps out of the way

Everything in the garden is growing nicely, and I've been picking fresh strawberries and raspberries already. Turns out the courgette I've been carefully tending in the greenhouse is actually a cucumber, though. How that happened I really don't know as I can't remember planting cucumber seeds. That also means I have no courgette plants at all this year.

I watched the season finale of Taskmaster and was pleased with the winner. I've enjoyed this season a lot, and of course was eager to see who is appearing next season. Out of everyone on there I only really know Maisie Adam, but that's the case most times, and I usually end up enjoying them all by the end.

We're off to the theatre tonight to see Hamilton, so I should get off my backside and get changed soon. Normally we'd go for a meal beforehand but it's just drinks tonight, still, I'm looking forward to the show.

beanside

I am not really awake yet this morning. It's almost 8, but it feels very early. I couldn't sleep any longer, but I kinda wish I could.

Yesterday was a mostly relaxed day, aside from a trip to Sam's Club. I want to make French Onion soup tonight, so I needed thyme and gruyere cheese.

I am very irritable this morning. I need my morning pills to kick in so that I can stand people. I should have gotten up earlier so I had some quiet time. Now I've got my sister, and I'm really not ready for that.

I've got to follow her over to take her car for an oil change, and I need to be less ready to scream by then. After that, we're going to be picking up our old cat's ashes. (He died like a decade ago, but we didn't have the funds to get him cremated, we did have an empty freezer.)

Then, we have all day to ourselves. We're going to grab lunch, and probably not do much else, though I'd like to get some dry sherry for the soup. Also for sugar cookies. We haven't decided on where we're going for lunch, so I should start thinking about that.

The noise continues, so we had to drive Yoda up to the school to do his business. I'm calling the office today, so hopefully it's something that they can fix.

We had a good game last night, and I had a lot of fun with it.

Short one today, since we need to take Yoda to the school and then go get the cat. Everyone have an excellent Saturday!

beanside

I am very sore today. We got a new vacuum and it's a bit heavier than the stick vacuum that we had, and I may have overdid it. (I know, me?) And now, my back is seriously pissed off. Today will be a day for mostly sitting still, I think. I was considering going to the pool, but I think that'll wait til tomorrow or Sunday. I'm hoping it clears up by tomorrow, since I have shit to get done.

One of the empty apartments or something has a smoke alarm that's on battery low, and it's chirping loudly, which is freaking out Yoda. He hasn't been on a full walk since yesterday morning, and it's stressing us all out. Jess is taking him now, so hopefully he actually does some business. Addendum, nope. No business was done. We'll try driving him somewhere and see if helps.

Yesterday felt like a long day at work. We were surprisingly busy, and I just was not feeling it. I persevered and got shit done, but it was a lot. I don't have to work this weekend, so I have a glorious three days off. Then a 3 day week next week! (one day off, and 2 half days.)

My skirts are coming on Tuesday, so I'm looking forward to that. I'm cutting it a bit close, because if I need to go shopping, I've only got a couple of hours on Wednesday and the afternoon and evening on Thursday. I'm going to be up at ass o'clock for that meeting, since I need to get downtown. I don't know what time the meeting starts, so I can't really plot yet. I'm supposed to get an invite next week. If it starts at 9, which is what I'm hoping, I'll leave at 7:15, so I can get down, and go to pick up my badge. I should get a lanyard, in case they don't give me one. It might be an alligator clip, I have no idea.

We definitely will need to do some wash on Thursday, either before or after game. I am going to be stinky as fuck after Ghost. I figure shower first thing in the morning, because we'll be sneaking in. Then we can wash all the dirty clothes, and be ready for the meeting on Friday.

Today, though, I'm going to go put on clothes and see if the dog will go for a ride. or a walk. I'm not picky. Everyone have an amazing Fourth!

beanside

Last day of work for the week. Yesterday we put up the second half of our pantry unit, which is shelves. I'm slowly starting to move things over there, and figuring out where everything needs to go. I love feeling organized and having my counter space.

CONfab is virtual this year, and Programming submissions are open!!. If you have a panel you want to see or that you want to run, go put it in! I had a lot of fun with the con last year, and I'll almost certainly be DMing a one shot at some point during the weekend!

I saw an info graphic that July 2 is the halfway point of 2025. Which means that today we're closer to 2050 than 2000. I dried up like the crypt keeper and felt ancient for a while.

Last night, we had hot pot. I bought a hot pot container that has two compartments, and then went on Weee! and bough the meats to cook. It's super fun, and I highly recommend doing it. Grab a few sauces and go for it. Fair warning, wear a shirt you don't like, because shit will get dropped on it.

Then, we had a game, Blades in the Dark, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I'm tying in a little bit of backstory, which is alway fun. Tomorrow we have Frostmaiden, which will also be cool.

Sunday, I'm beginning a new game, which is always nervewracking. It's fully homebrew which is doubly nervewracking. I think it'll go well, but I always worry.

My new clothes for next week should come on Monday, but of course, the blazer that I wasn't even sure I wanted is coming today. The skirts and blouse are coming on Monday.

Okay, time to go forth and get myself together. Everyone have an amazing Thursday!

turps

Pauline asked if we wanted to go out for lunch yesterday, and as it was James' day off, we both went, along with Pauline and her daughter. Pauline had a voucher for a restaurant for 40% off, so as she'd asked us, said she'd pay. Only to find out the voucher terms were a bit misleading and it was 20% off food and 20% off drinks. So, the bill was a bit more than she expected. Which I felt bad about but she refused to budge that it was her treat.

But, despite that, the food was good and the company excellent, so it was a nice time out.

Today it was the first weight management class at the new time and length. I was a bit worried about the doubling of the exercise time, but it all worked out nicely. The extra hour meant the talk part could last longer, and wander more without cutting into the physical part of the class, and while there was more exercise there was still time to finish at leisure before the next class started.

Quite a few regulars were missing, though, which was a shame. I hope it was just one off's, and they come back, and not that the time doesn't suit.

I'm going to try to do this challenge, so off we go.

Challenge #1

Journaling Prompt: Light up your journal with activity this month. Talk about your goals for July or for the second half of 2025.
Creative Prompt: Shine a light on your own creativity. Create anything you want (an image, an icon, a story, a poem, or a craft) and share it with your community.. Post your answer to today’s challenge in your own space and leave a comment in this post saying you did it. Include a link to your post if you feel comfortable doing so.

My main goal for this month is to go to the gym at least once a week, ideally twice. Then, with class on Wednesday, that should be an achievable amount of activity.

I was actually at the gym on Monday. Yes, it was another really hot day, but the gym has air con, so it was lovely and cool in there. Bonus, I learned how to actually track the machines I used via the gym app, so now have actual proof of what I did and for how long.

I also spotted they still have the leg press machine I used to enjoy, but it's now hidden away in the free weights section, along with some other machines I hadn't noticed before. Actually, I guess that can be another goal, stop being so intimidated by the people doing free weights and just walk around that corner.

And a final goal, to do at least one creative prompt from this challenge. So, fingers crossed for all of those.

beanside

We are officially halfway through this short week. Two more days to go of work, then off three days.

Next week is likewise shortened for a couple of reasons. First up, we have our first Ghost concert on Wednesday. So I took half a day for that, and then the day after off.

But that's not all.

On Friday, I have been asked to dress up and go down to the main hospital to attend a meeting. It's ostensibly to welcome new employees, but is also a meeting of all the managers, and higher ups. My Boss has decided that I need to get more face time with the big bosses, especially the director of Radiology. I asked what they needed me to do, and was told to show up be presentable and be me.

I immediately went on Torrid and got myself a new skirt and blouse, because right now, the only thing I have that would be presentable is the dress I wore for the funeral. And that might be a bit much.

I'm very nervous about this, and am glad that I have new makeup to help boost my confidence. I have been told that the director of radiology is very "enthusiastic." So I'm planning to put on the perky mask and try to engage her. I've got the compliment in my back pocket, so that's something. She is aware of it, and her boss is aware of it, and with a little luck, the social media blurb will have come out by then.

I have discovered that I need more makeup. Right now, I have mostly purple, which is a good color for me, but I'd really like some blues and greens. We'll see. Most palettes are boring as fuck. When did Urban Decay stop selling colors other than brown? I'm going to have to check out Melt cosmetics. I really enjoy the purple marijuana themed palette I got from them. They also have one called blueprint and the original "smoke sessions," which was mostly green and gold.

Next week will be a busy week. Work Monday and Tuesday, work half a day Wednesday, then Ghost, then off on Thursday, then the meeting at the hospital for half a day. And then work Saturday for 4 hours. It'll be fun.

Okay, time for me to hop off and pay some bills. Looks like my check just landed in my account.

Everyone have an awesome Wednesday!

beanside

Yay, we survived Monday! I actually slept last night, which was nice. I had to get up to pee a couple of times, but not too bad. I know I slept hard, because I'm a little achy, which usually means that I didn't move much during the night.

Yesterday was a nice day. Work wasn't slammed (I'm assuming because of the holiday week) and I was able to fill in a pile of appointments. I also had some stupid patients who called to see if we had a cancellation for an MRI. Okay fair. We do get cancellations. But then, their insurance hadn't approved it yet, and it was a 150minute long appointment. We don't get those type of cancellations.

After that, we had Bonchon for dinner, because I really wanted fried chicken. It hit the spot.

It's funny, I spent so long thinking that I couldn't wear makeup, because it gave me a migraine, but it turns out that I can. I got tired of looking at the red blotches on my cheeks (never formally diagnosed, but probably rosacea, and a little bit of darker skin on my forehead. (Aging sucks.) So, I decided to give foundation a try. Problem was, then I looked dead. It needed some blush and lipstick. And if I'm doing all that, lets get those eyes to pop, since they disappeared behind my glasses.

Turns out, I love eyeshadow and eyeliner. I love playing with the colors. I need to get a palette with more colors, because right now, I have gold and purple with one blue. I want green and blues and oranges. I haven't tried mascara yet. I think the weight was what might have set off the migraines.

But add that to a Torrid padded plunge bra and I feel great. The hair, defintely helps too. It makes me love how I look, which is new. I haven't felt confident in my skin in a while. Its amazing how much a little bit of color helps. I said to Jess that I was annoyed that I looked amazing for the funeral, and it was wasted on their family. But on the other hand, I didn't feel like I was going to bring shame on my house.

I'm looking forward to the Ghost concert. I tested out some eyeliner. We got a black eyeliner pen with my sister's foundation order. She doesn't wear black, and gifted it to Jess. I tried it, with a gold eyeliner I got from my Ipsy bag. (Oh yeah, I signed up for that, too.) It looked pretty good, so I'm going to give it a try.

It's weird to have all this product. I need to get an organizer for our bathroom, so it's not just all laying out. I have a bag, but the one eyeshadow already cracked during travel, so I can't risk turning it upside down. Fortunately it wasn't one that I used a lot, but two of the others that I do use are loose, so I will be careful with it.

All in all, I'm really happy with it, and I'm enjoying experimenting.

And on that note, I shall go forth and get ready for work. Everyone have an amazing Tuesday!

alierak posting in

dw_maintenance

We're having to rebuild the search server again (previously, previously). It will take a few days to reindex all the content.

Meanwhile search services should be running, but probably returning no results or incomplete results for most queries.

beanside

It's pretty much going to be Ghost lyrics for subject lines for the next couple of weeks. The concert is in 10 days, and I am hyped.

Well, that's done. We got up at ass o'clock and slipped out of the hotel to drive from the Brighton Courtyard Marriott to the Detroit/Fort Wayne airport. It's not bad, about a forty five minute drive. Especially in our acid green car.

I really loved that car. It was super quiet and super smooth, and I never forgot which car was mine.

The handoff was super simple, and soon we were on the bus to the airport...which was packed. They were giving free trials of Clear, though, so we did that, and were through the packed security super quickly.

Our gate wasn't super far this time, so we trudged over, stopping to get my sister her requested Detroit keychain and some fudge and then continued onwards until we found a likely place for breakfast. It was solidly meh, but definitely fuel. Then, continued to the gate, and plopped our ass into the seats to wait.

The flight itself was pretty smooth and super quick. We were really lucky with flights this weekend. They left on time, they didn't have much in the way of turbulence, and they landed 20 minutes early both times.

Then, home again to decompress. Around 5pm, Shelly mentioned that she'd like to get a new key and fob for her car. I looked up and found a fairly good rated locksmith that would come to you. It was a total clusterfuck. IT took him 3 1/2 hours (most of which, I was standing out in the heat) to not be able to do the complete job. We have keys, but no keyfob, and they charged us $700 for the privilege of not getting what we wanted.

I was so disgusted when I went to bed.

Today, it's back to work. I'm not sure I'm going to be taking a ton of calls, but we'll see. I can't call out because we've got a date for Jess' top surgery and it's going to be 9/11, which means I'll need to hoard every hour of PTO that I can for the surgery, recovery and follow up visits. It'll be tight, but we'll make it.

It was a whirlwind weekend, but thankfully, it's done now, and we can get back to regular life. And now, I shall go take a nice shower. I was so disgusted by the time I was done with the locksmith that I didn't bother, but today I feel kind of gross, so off to the showers it is. I hope everyone has an awesome Monday!

beanside

Well, that was a day. That is now concluded. I'm sitting here in my comfy nightgown, relaxing before I begin going through the room like a tasmania devil, of the cleaning variety. Once I'm done that, I'll realize that I packed something I shouldn't have and will cuss and extricate it. Then, It'll be off to the rental agency to start the long trek to our gate. (We are 100% using the tram this time, now that I understand that the terminal is a big H. It's just too damn big. And last time I looked we ere at gate 74, which is kind near the end of the row. And then, we shall be flying home to the babies.

I'd like to do more of these mini trips, a quick hop up to Boston or Drive to Philly and DC, especially as it gets a bit cooler. But next up, Ghost concerts, the first of which is not this coming week, but next week on the 9th.

Yesterday was rough, y'all. 8 hour is entirely too long for a viewing/funeral thingy. IT went okay. Jess was amazing, There were a few passive aggressive look what you missed things, but never any direct bullshit. Lots of somewhat redneck stories, about this cousin's ex being a bitch, and This cousin doing this and that.

We managed, but it wasn't easy.

JEss' brother asked them to do a reading-which turned out to be their nemesis--their mother's favorite poem, "Wild geese," by Mary Olliver. Lots of cryging during their brother's speech. And then it was over and they put on some of Dale's favorite music to end the wake. And proceded to talk loudly over it, which was sensory hell.

Then, it was all over but for a nice trip to dinner with Jess' brother. It wasn't bad. We had very good bbq.

Then, it was back to the hotel for a nightcap. I am never gettign a hotel without at least a small bar or a evening reception with booze, because that was super nice. We did it noth days, and it provided a little buffer between the family and getting back to the room.

Now it's time to get myself together and start packing up what needs to be packed, and preparing for departure in just under an hour. Everyone have an excellent day!

nilchance

update: I have survived the funeral. nothing terrible happened aside from some guilt-trips. nobody made a scene. huzzah!

now I'm getting a drink in the hotel bar because fuck this day. XD

turps

James' annual leave is nearly over but we've had some good days out.

Monday was class, but we decided to go to the gym before hand, which maybe wasn't the best idea I'd ever had as by the time the end of the morning came, I looked like I'd dipped my head in a bucket of water. Which wasn't the best look as after class we were heading off to Newcastle so James could go to his appointment at the limb centre to check his false leg.

That went well, and a bonus, they've put a liner into his stump cover so he only has to wear one stump sock now, instead of two. Why they didn't do that before I have no idea as it's much cooler for him.

Tuesday, we headed up north to Cragside which is a fantastic National Trust property. It was so beautiful up there and we had a lovely day exploring the house and grounds. I would have loved to check out more of the walks, but sadly, as the name suggests, a lot of the paths were very steep and rocky and no way would James have been able to manage them safely. But, we did walks to the lake and between the buildings and had a picnic in the sunshine before ending with a drive through the one-way Carriage Drive route through the grounds.

Wednesday we took my MiL out for the day. The carvery at Toby was on promotion again, so we went there for dinner before having a drive, ending up at a farm shop/cafe we like. Where there were donkeys to pet and highland cows to look at and very delicious cakes and cold drinks.

Thursday we headed a little south and ended up at Preston Park Museum and Butterfly world. I enjoyed both, and as we got there for opening managed to explore the museum while it was quiet, leading to a long talk to the man in charge of the iron mongers shop. Then a walk through the grounds to the Butterfly building where we spent a lot of time sweating in the heat and admiring loads of butterflies, and especially enjoying the meerkats who had just checked out and were basking in the heat. You can see them in my insta post here. The one in the tube still cracks me up.

Yesterday was a planned cinema day and we went to see F1: The Movie, which I enjoyed loads, even though it was nearly three hours long. Leaving there we called in to see Corey, then went on to Kayleigh's as I said I'd watch Bodhi for a bit as Kayleigh and Lucy first went grocery shopping, then picked up their new kittens, Millie and Mollie.

Today James picked up an overtime community visit shift, which means he's helping run the NE ambulance stall at Sunderland Pride. Last I heard from him he was having a great time, and sent me a picture of him beaming from behind a cut out of a rainbow decked cardboard ambulance front. Meanwhile I've been getting the house in order with Glastonbury as background viewing as I do so. So far, my favourite performance has been Lewis Capaldi, what a return.

I've also been waiting for two parcels, one of which was thrown into the back garden, which baffles me as it would have taken the delivery guy more effort to walk around the house than actually knock on the front door. While the Amazon guy knocked ridiculously hard and then was walking away before I even got to the door. Turned out he'd left the parcel on the front door step so it's good I was actually in being as I have no front garden.

During the week I also heard from Rosie and from the week coming class will be on a Wednesday at 9am, and has changed from one hour to two. She's also going to start running an exercise only evening class from August, which is great, but I must admit, I can't help be a bit intimidated from going from 30 mins exercise to 60, and with another class to come.

nilchance

on the one hand, I'm in Michigan because my brother asked me to attend our father's memorial service. so I'm in emotional shutdown survival mode and probably will be until sometime next week when this is over.

on the other hand, I got a date for top surgery! (picture me trying to coordinate with the surgical scheduler on mychart while on moving walkways in the Detroit airport yesterday, which was an EXPERIENCE.) barring insurance and hospital fuckery, it'll be September 11. 75 days left to go. \o/

beanside

Greetings from Brighton Michigan! Michigan is very pretty, much easier to drive in than Maryland, and I never would want to live here for all the money in the world.

The trip in was super smooth. The flight left on time and was smooth as hell. I think I will always go for first class if I can afford it. It was so much easier. On first, off first, bags first. We touched down in Detroit 25 minutes early.

The Detroit airport is tough. It's enormous and I am out of shape and have bad knees. I did a lot of walking. We finally found the airport shuttle for our rent a car, and headed off to their lot. I had requested a small SUV. There were a few to choose from, but I picked the neon green Hyundai Kona. I can't lose it in a parking lot for sure. It drives really nicely, too, I would definitely consider one as a future car.

After that, we drove the hour to Hartland (with a brief stop for coffee and Timbits from the Tim Hortons that we don't have near us) Then a stop at a brew pub for food. (Meh. The sandwich was okay, but nothing to go gaga over. Then, we pulled into our hotel, and found out that it's actually a motel with exterior doors.

I melted down a bit. Nowhere in the listing did it mention that. Personally, as a woman, I don't feel safe in those type of motels. I immediately hopped online and found a Marriot not too far away and booked that. It's not the best hotel--the ac isn't great, the bed is hard and the shower sucks, but our room is off an interior corridor. It means driving a bit further, but I'm not fucking around with our safety. This weekend is going to be difficult enough. I need to actually get a little sleep. Once we got back to the hotel room, I called the site and bitched until I got a refund on the sketch motel.

Then we visited with the BIL for a while, went on a drive and headed back to the hotel, stopping at cracker barrel for dinner.

Today, the funeral is sure to be a boatload of fun. The family viewing starts at 10, then the regular viewing at 11, and goes til 6pm. Apparently the funeral home serves food? So we don't even need to go get lunch. This is not something I've ever heard of before, and frankly, it's a little weird to me. I don't know if this is all in one room, or if the food is in another room? Are we just chowing down next to the coffin? Inquiring minds.

Then, there'll be some sort of after service dinner, I'm sure. At least, unlike when we came for Jess' mom's funeral, we've been assured that it's not going to be at a Golden Corral.

Okay, I am in desperate need of coffee, so I'm going to sign off for now. Everyone have an outstanding Saturday!

beanside

It's Friday and it's Flyday as well! I'm up ungodly early to get ready to fly out to Michigan for Jess' Dad's funeral. Not looking forward to it.

It's not going to be a fun weekend by any stretch, and I hate that Jess' stuck doing it. They hadn't seen their father in nearly a decade (because he was an asshole who tried to bribe them into leaving me). I was not good enough in his eyes, being lower/middle class and a woman. I was just going to bring them down. And I won't lie, we've struggled, but we struggled together and that's the important part.

I don't really think anyone is going to throw a fit at the funeral. They're too midwest for that. Might get a few backhanded pokes, but nothing more. If anyone does want to throw down, I will probably punch them in the throat, but we'll see.

Tomorrow, we have the long-ass visitation. I am as ready for it as I can be. I've got a dress, tights, shoes and a fuckton of makeup, so I look presentable. Then Sunday, we fly home. I sprung for first class tickets, so we should have priority security and boarding, which will be nice. We'll be in around noon, and home by 1pm is there are no major delays.

Yesterday was busy. I ended up cancelling our game, because there was no way we were getting everything done if we had to do that as well. I'm sorry, because that's 3 games cancelled for this, but it needed to happen. Otherwise, I'd have been rushing this morning and that's how things get forgotten.

As it is, I need to open the suitcase and pack a couple of more things. I forgot to pack my tights and I think my makeup is going in there as well. That way I have room in my bag for my kindle and the sound machine.

I had a really bad brain night last night. Just completely melted down over the state of the house. The money from the estate means that we got a lot of stuff, and a lot of it requires assembly. So we have a ton of boxes, plus the problem our normal tendency to put stuff down on every single surface and never pick it up again.

We're going to work on that when we get home. I also couldn't reach my toenail clippers, which fell behind my dresser, which is kind of what set me off. All the frustration just bubbled over.

But today, I am goal focused. We will go to the airport and park, and then we will fly out. We will get to the Best Western, and then we will go see Jess' brother for a bit, maybe dinner, and then we will go back to the Best Western and relax.

Okay, time for that shower. Do I want to put on makeup today? I might a little bit. Just a little foundation and blush, maybe eyeliner. We'll see. Definitely moisturizer.

Everyone have an excellent Friday!

beanside

It's Thursday, and I am currently trying to figure out how I'm going to get everything done before we leave tomorrow. I should have packed last ngiht, but we need to do laundry. Ugh. I'm going to be scrambling. As soon as Jess gets up, I'll start packing some stuff to go. We don't need a whole lot, just enough for Friday to Sunday. Only about 48hrs. I'm planning on at least three outfits. I'm planning to go looking like a schlub, then possibly change when we get to our hotel room to go see the BIL the night before the funeral. Then, I'll dress for the funeral. Then, probably we'll go out to dinner after the excessively long visitation/viewing. Depending on where we're going, I might change clothes then as well. Then, back in the schlub clothes for the flight back.

I might pack what I can this morning, and get some of it done. Unfortunately, we need to wash both my and Jess' fancy clothes for the funeral.

I've gone on a bit of a girly binge. I got two palettes of eyeshadows to experiment with. I love them both. The one from Ulta, called Morphe is very sparkly and light colored. Perfect for highlights and to give things a bit of pop. The other, called the "smoke sessions is all purples and blues. I'm absolutely in love with this one. It's so very pretty. I did a test for the funeral and found a color combo that will work.

It's going to be weird to be stuffing everything into the quart bag. I've got lotion, foundation, color corrector and of course color safe shampoo and conditioner, plus a tub of hair goo.

Then, I have a whole bag of cosmetics. It's strange, but I'm enjoying it.

Yesterday was busy! First we drove down to Washington DC for Jess' top surgery consult. I swear to god, I hate DC driving. I missed the exit on no less than 2 roundabouts. It sucked. We left at 6:15, made no stops, and got there around 8:30am. Traffic was horrible. But we made it in plenty of time for our appointment!

Jess' surgeon was a little ball of sunshine. She went through the process, did their exam and then she and Jess firmed up what they wanted their new chest to look like. They're going for the full masculinization, and the doctor confirmed her understanding. The coordinator will call Jess on Friday or early next week to work out a surgery date.

On the way home, we stopped at LaMadeline for some excellent lunch. Then it was home to eat said lunch and relax for a few minutes before game.

Game was awesome, and I really enjoyed it. I brought in my final player's backstory, and now everyone is traumatized. I love it.

Then, we had some time, so I went and got my emissions done. My car is 100% up to date. Yay! I need to call at some point, because it hasn't updated, but that may be a Monday thing.

We have game tonight, so I don't have long this evening to pack. Maybe I'll do some during lunchtime. It's a lot to get done. Tomorrow, we're going to need to leave no later than 6:15am, which is going to mean a 4am wakeup. Ugh.

But for today, work. Everyone have an amazing Thursday, or as we call it, Friday Eve!

beanside

It's consult day for yeeting Jess' teats, and I woke up at 4:45am. I just went ahead and got up, when it became obvious that I wasn't going back to sleep. Right now, the thing is telling me that it's 1 hr 20 min to DC. I'm expecting that to rise as the morning goes on. Hopefully we don't have any problems with traffic. We're leaving nearly 3 hours early, so I think we're all right.

Yesterday was busy at work. I took nearly 40 calls, and then did my best to fill in a couple of appointments. Didn't succeed at that one. Then, we had the meeting to show everyone how to make an outlook signature with the various templates we use for speed. (And again, I was showing people how to do witchcraft for the confusion and wonder that they showed.)

After work, I went to ulta for some nail polish and then DSW to look at their shoes, and I found a goddamn unicorn of a shoe. Wide width, flat heeled and comfy. It's a Sketchers Cleo shoe. I felt like I needed to do that because we got the obit for Jess' father, and it's going to be a 10 hour day. We need to be there at 10am for the family viewing or whatever from 10-11. Then, and this is where I wanted to punch my Brother in Law, the visitation is going to last from 11am-6pm with the funeral at 4om. This seems excessive to me. I don't really love anyone 8hours of sitting vigil. Except Jess. Which is why I'm doing this. And then, presumably, we'll be expected to go otu to dinner with everyone. By the time we get back to the hotel, we're going to be exhausted.

Once we get back from DC, probably around noon, we shall relax for a little while, then sneak in a game.

I'm debating on what to do for dinner. I'm considering Pizza delivery. It's hot, and I'm tired. We'll see.

I wanted to get a couple of frozen dinners for my sister for the weekend, so I might do that.

Okay, time for me to go get my shit together. Everyone have an outstanding Wednesday!

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ettykay

July 2025

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Page Summary

beanside - What's goin' on on the floor? I love this record, baby, but I can't see straight anymore
beanside - Like a stream that meets a boulder halfway through the wood.
turps - (no subject)
turps - (no subject)
beanside - You were the sunshine of my lifetime, what would you trade the pain for?
beanside - Now that sweet's gone sour, seeping down the cracks. Getting worse by the hours, vile rot attacks
beanside - We're hiding here inside a dream and all our doubts are now destroyed
turps - (no subject)
beanside - When I was younger, so much younger than today, I never needed anybody's help in any way
beanside - I lost a bet to a guy in a Chiffon skirt But I make these high heels work
alierak in dw_maintenance - Rebuilding journal search again
beanside - And he is insurrection, he is spite, he's the force that made me be
beanside - Sending my love from the other side of the apocalypse, and I just about snapped, don't look back.
nilchance - (no subject)
turps - (no subject)
nilchance - complicated days
beanside - Old heat of a raging fire come and light my eyes, summer's kiss through electric wire
beanside - People talking without speaking, people hearing without listening
beanside - The dawn of prosperity, a faded scar. An ended calamity, a slaughtered Tsar.
beanside - As I'm closing in,imposing on your slumber; you call on me as bells begin to chime

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