New Year's Countdown

Food.

A good sign that my mental health is improving is I've been back in the kitchen having fun again c:

I make curry fairly often, using it as a dish to throw in leftover protein and veg from the fridge. I vary on my spices too, so all my curries are a little different. Without meaning to, I probably made the best Tikka Masala I ever have by accident? My wife demanded I write down what I did this time haha.

Last week I went to a small potluck at my not-boss' house and I got to help make pasta by hand! I love every tactile hobby goddddd I love touching things. I brought zucchini gratin as a side, got nice comments about the taste and texture c:

For mom's 72nd birthday I made a generously stuffed chicken pot pie and my father who notoriously doesn't care for leftovers said he was going to eat it for lunch the next day <3 Speaking of dad, for father's day I made a small blueberry cobbler.

I have leftover chicken breast and plenty of greens, so tonight I think I'm gonna make some spring rolls.


Health.

Mostly positive updates: Went over my x-ray with my doctor and he showed me while I have some mild curving happening in my lumbar, my alignment looked great. Thankfully all my issues have been purely muscular since late April, so I'm not worried about having a disc issue anymore. Still recovering from the strain but mobility is way better and my pain has significantly reduced. I was able to take a steroid for a week to help with the last big inflammation flare up I was still having - so I'm going back to work next week.

Miss giving massage - but also need money :|; On one hand I was able to afford taking the time off but on the other I had to sweep through most of my savings due to medical bills + rising cost of Literally Everything.


Media.

Working through S1 of Interview With The Vampire and I'm obsessed with it. I've been scribbling notes/feelings while watching, so I'll transcribe them in a big post once I finish S1. Really enjoying my time with it - the tender fucked up messy queer intimacy is everything to me.

MARINA'S newest album Princess of Power was so timely for me because I was re-listening to Electra Heart and remembering how much I love her. My favorite tracks off the new album are Butterfly and Rollercoaster. Happy pride month to me, I love women so much!!!!

I played through CHP3+4 of Deltarune and am taking a break before replaying them. Toby Fox continues to consensually emotionally assault me with his music and characters. I love Susie SO MUCH. I also picked up Picross Logiart Grimoire, my first picross game in a long time. Very cute mascot character, really enjoy the puzzles and the ease of difficulty.


Hobby Life.

I joined the washi station's discord awhile back and have done some stationery trades. I'm excitedly waiting for the mail to come this afternoon because I sent a bunch of sticker sheets to a new friend who is sending me back a bunch of fountain pen ink samples *_* Can't wait to swatch and art and write.

I've been making cards for the Point of Pride charity who fundraise medical procedures for the trans community and send out free binders/shapeware. Between me and my wife, we're aiming to finish 50 between us before mailing them in.


And generally nice things that happened to me:

- My friend sent me a letter and included some adorable bear stickers with it.
- I got a fresh haircut and the back of my neck is nice and cool.
- Multiple clients reached out to see how I was doing.
- My brother bought me gelato just because.


I have been using my paper journals to deal with a lot of the hard, sharp edged feelings that life has planted in me. I think that's the way to go.

In the meantime, I have several things to look forward to over the summer including a day trip and my wedding anniversary c:

Let me know if you have any adventures or joys coming up!