Friday 5 | Week 7

1. Had another pretty chill weekend. Hung out with friends, enjoyed some crepes, played some games, and enjoyed some nice weather.
2. On Saturday we walked around the mall for a bit. I’ve been on the lookout for a lightweight jacket and was so excited when I found a Rogue One jacket that wasn’t too overtly branded and in my size. To make this better, the store had a sale so I finally got a Hufflepuff cardigan to rock my house pride.
3. I picked up a new cookbook, Plenty by Yotam Ottolenghi. I was expecting there to be a few recipes that I felt a bit ehh about, so it was a nice surprise when every recipe was something that I’d consider trying at least once. I made the mushroom and herb polenta for dinner on Saturday (pictured above) and Ryan demolished a plate. Definitely going to add that into our dinner rotation and I think I’m going to try out an eggplant recipe this weekend so I’ll let you know how that goes.
4. For the fifth year, we continued our Valentine’s Day tradition of wine, pizza, and action movies. I’ve never been big into observing Valentine’s Day in the more traditional flowers, fancy dinner at a restaurant, greeting card kind of way. Our chill tradition is just perfect. Don’t have to stress about getting all dressed up, instead we cuddle up on the couch and watch some things blow up while chowing down on pizza.
5. Very interesting article Nice Girls v. Kind Women. Goes along with another concept I heard Tessa Violet discuss (I think it was in that video) about how being kind does not mean never giving criticism or telling someone something they may not want to hear. It’s about your intent and that you are telling them in the kindest way you can in hopes it will help them.

Food in RPGs & Baking Banana Bread

Friday 5 | Week 6

1. After several weeks of having busy weekends, we finally just had a chill weekend in and running errands. I was so serious about doing nothing that I wasn’t even aware it was Superbowl weekend until Friday as I was leaving work and a coworker made a comment about the game. My response was “Oh, right. That’s happening.” Can you tell I’m not a big football fan? But oh, a chill weekend was just what I needed.
2. We had a fantastic session of 7th Sea on Sunday. We’re gaming with 5 different people spread across 3 states thanks to the magic of video chat. Isn’t technology great!
3. I have started using a new moisturizer, it’s the Beauty Sleep Accelerator from Soap and Glory. Wow, this stuff is great! It really hydrates and the smell is amazing. After a few days, I mentioned it to Ryan and he replied something along the lines of: oh, that’s why your face has smelled really good the last few days.
4. I made banana bread for the first time. Ryan is a big fan and we had a few overripe bananas that I didn’t want to just throw out. For years I didn’t like banana bread and so I was surprised when I tried a bite that I really liked it. Guess my tastes have changed since I last had some. If you’re curious, here’s the recipe I used.
5. Almost everything about Elizabeth Warren being silenced in the Senate enraged me. What gives me hope is how many people are turning around McConnell’s words and using them as a rallying cry. My favorite I’ve see so far is a shirt by Contessa, and the proceeds go to help them get to Gen Con to run diverse games.

2017 Goals: One Month In

It’s been about a month since I shared with you my goals for 2017, so I thought I’d check back in and fill you in on my progress. Here we go!

January Book Wrap Up

Friday 5 | Week 4 & 5

Week 4

1. Things got a bit away from me last week and I found myself in a bit of a haze and forgot to post last week’s Friday 5. I need to keep some of the self-care advise in this article in mind in the weeks, months, years ahead. Sometimes it’s best to just walk away.
2. Last Friday night I went to see Streetcar Named Desire and the reopening of The Wells Theater. Being back in that building brought back so many memories, both good and bad, and it was wonderful seeing and catching up with old friends.
3. The Woman’s March in Norfolk was uplifting. Seeing that many people standing and walking together made me remember that I’m not alone. Which is what I needed last week.
4. I started listening to Invisibilia last week while I was scanning a giant stack of paperwork. The episode about clothing was fascinating and kept me sane while I stood over the scanner for an hour. Definitely adding it to my podcast subscriptions.
5. We had a few friends over for a day of board games and hot dogs. It was pretty low-key and chill, which is just the kind of day I needed.

Week 5

1. They have started trimming away some of the shrubs on the empty lot next door. While I’m going to miss the privacy I’m temporarily enjoying our slightly better view of the marsh.
2. Our review of Kettou was well received and it looks like we might be reviewing another new game in the near future so stay tuned.
3. My dad had surgery this week. Everything went well, he is home recovering and has already started PT. I’m so amazed and grateful for the advancements in medicine that allow someone to have a hip replaced and be home walking (with a little help) by the next day.
4. Had a lovely time at a friend’s going away party. Stayed out way too late and I’m grateful we could laze around most of Sunday.
5. Our FLCBS had it’s first Ladies Night, there were soooo many people there which was amazing and also a little overwhelming for those of us introverts. I stayed for a bit, chatted with a few folks and picked up two new books, Something New by Lucy Knisley and Fun Home by Alison Bechdel. Ryan started reading Somthing New over breakfast this morning by the amount of giggling and outright laughter I heard I know I’m going to enjoy reading it.