I think that's the understatement of the year. The Coronavirus is a bitch. Thankfully I'm not sick, nor are my parents or my partner. I think we've all been lucky so far.
But it's still impacting our lives. Shortages on items because idiots are panic buying, having to wear gloves when you go out, no more eating out at fast food places, limiting time outside, no yard sales, events, or just shopping trips. I mean it's for safety reasons, I totally get that and I'm all for stopping the spread...but I'm still annoyed.
Other then the Coronavirus, the other bad news is my partner recently had his mother pass away. She was old and she died in her sleep so...I mean I can think of worse ways to go. Still sad. I wish I had met her, she sounded like a kick ass lady.
Anyways with the Coronavirus pretty much all around us...it means my parents have taken to not going out unless its to the grocery store. So we're in self quarantine...so to speak...even though none of us are sick (I hope). As such it's been having an interesting result on my resolutions. I haven't managed to do all of them mind you...or even start on some...but I'm working my way through some.
Health:
- Watch what I'm eating: Sort of doing this. I mean I'm not eating out anymore. I'm also testing out various low fodmap products to prepare for going low fodmap...again. My G.I. pretty much said there's nothing he can do...it's down to the diet. So if low fodmaps doesn't work...I'm fucked. Anyway, cutting out fast food seems to have had an impact on my weight...I did lose a few pounds.
- Eat more salad: Still trying to do this. I found a dressing that seems to be low fodmap so I think I'm ok there. I also found a Miso Vegetable & Brown Rice Sauté Kit at Trader Joe's that I really like, so that's good.
- Drink water: This is going better then expected as I cut out every soda but Diet Dr. Pepper. So I'm drinking water more. Not as often as I should but more then I was.
- Avoid salt: Sort of? I have cut down on eating canned soups and then cutting out fast food has to have helped.
- Ride my bike/exercise: Yeah...nothing done here so far. I don't think I'll be going bike riding anytime soon actually. Indoor only. I was going to get Ring Fit Adventure for the Switch but...it sold out before I could and now it's going for WAY too much because it's out of stock everywhere.
- Work on hygiene: I am brushing my teeth more. I'm trying to remember every day to do it in the morning. I'm also brushing for 2 minutes and doing mouth wash afterwards. I just...have to do it every day. The showering thing I'm still trying to remember to do more frequently. It's going to be harder to do now that we're staying home...I would shower more often if it meant I was going out and had something to do that day...
- Sleeping issues: It's gotten worse. Much worse. I'm staying up much later then I used to and now it seems like I'm having even more trouble falling asleep.
- Mental health: I haven't done anything with this issue...and I'm probably not going to do anything until this virus fucks off.
Life:
- Cut down on computer time: I haven't done anything with this.
- Hang out with parents: Nothing here.
- Learn to cook basic things: One step done here, I did make that Miso Vegetable & Brown Rice Sauté Kit...which requires you actually sauté the veggies...in a pan...on the stove. So I did that.
- Learn to budget: A...sort of half assed attempt at this, I started thinking more about the items I want to buy...like can I put it off for next month and buy it then...which did get me in trouble with the freaking Ring Fit Adventure! But I have been managing to keep from being broke at the end of the month and not borrow money from my partner for Jan and Feb. Though I'm a bit low this month...I think I might be able to JUST squeak by with some cash left in the bank. The main spending issue is my app purchases. Specifically Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp...the bane of my existence. So many cute items...ugh. I've probably spend a few thousand on it...not even joking. So I've been really selective about what I buy if I buy from that game. I question it multiple times and I avoid buying if it's something I'm not totally crazy about. Another big money sink is Limited Run Games. I've been very good about this and I've avoided buying games from them for several weeks. Unless it's something I HAVE to have...I don't buy it.
- Sell stuff: Nothing here, and probably nothing until the virus is gone.
- Learn to sew: I did find my moms old sewing machine so that's one step there. And I might as well learn now with all the time we have.
Cleaning:
- Work on game room: Nothing here.
- Work on PC room: I did a little cleaning related to the area where I keep my mini fridge. I deiced it (that was a pain in the ass) and I cleaned off that board it's resting on, but I've since put a few things on there so yeah...I need to keep it clean or find a smaller board.
- Work on bedroom: Nothing here.
- Work on bathroom: I've done most of my cleaning in here as I thought this would be the best room to start with since it's the smallest room (though that's debatable) and it had the least amount of stuff in it. I've managed to take most of the stuff that doesn't belong out of there, there's a handful of items that are stuck in there for now since I have no place to put them. I cleaned my counter top/sink and my shower/tub (as well as unclogged the drain but the tub still won't hold water when I try to take a bath...it slowly drains, so I guess it's a seal issue?). I also cleaned off the area where I plan to shoot all my Youtube videos. I just need to get one more item for that area and I think I'm good and can start making videos again. I already have several video ideas lined up. But I'm not sure if it's going to be the best room for making videos...though I don't have any other place to make them.
- Organize or sell things: Nothing really done here, I've managed to squeeze some stuff into my bathroom cabinets but past that...I haven't done anything.
- Stick to a cleaning schedule: Yeah nothing here. There's not going to be any update here until I've cleaned my rooms to where I can actually move around in them without knocking something over.
Collecting:
- Video games: I've gotten a few more games for the Switch since Jan. Specifically Super Mario Odyssey and Animal Crossing: New Horizons (which I'm currently playing and having fun with). And since I'm watching what I'm buying...I haven't bought much from LRG...so not much to update here. Oh and for retro gaming...yeah I've only bought one or two items and that was in Feb, before the virus really broke out here.
- Toys and other nostalgic goodies: I picked up a few things from some thrift stores back in Feb, but not much. More recently...as in today...I bought some stuff from a local Instagram seller...and I bought a Polly Pocket set off of eBay not that long ago. I had two of the figurines that went to said set (they were stored in the Polly Pocket 1991 Pullout Playhouse that I got at a thrift store awhile back, along with a few other figurines) so I found someone selling the set with the only other figurine I didn't own and bought it. A plus side was the seller offered me a deal on the price of it, knocking off a few bucks because I watched it. So it was a sign to buy it lol. Glad I did since I can say I now have a complete Polly Pocket set.
- Finishing off collections: I haven't managed to do this yet, I keep looking every time I can manage to go to Half Price Books or any local book store...but they all have the Sailor Moon volumes I already own! It's painful lol.
- Vintage dishware: Nothing so far.
- Vintage cookbooks: I've bought more cookbooks...but they have no where to go so...yeah...
All in all I think I'm doing pretty well. I'm extremely lazy and unmotivated so any progress is fairly big. And all this time indoors means I'm going to have to do several of these things like cleaning my rooms and organizing items...possibly even learn to cook and sew. And it's having an impact on what I eat...possibly my health...and my money. Not going out means no going to yard sales and while the idea of that is physically painful to me...it will mean I'm not going to be spending a lot...I might spend more on online shopping though so...idk. But I think while this virus is shitty and horrible and is going to have massive lasting effects on all of our lives...I do think there is a...tiny...itty bitty...silver lining...at least for me. And it's...I'm going to be stuck at home and almost be forced to do some of these things.
I guess what I'm saying is...make the most of your time at home if you're stuck at home? Yeah. And of course, stay safe. I hope anyone who bothers reading this is ok and hasn't been impacted too hard by the virus.
2020 Resolutions
As is tradition...here's some resolutions.
Health:
- Watch what I'm eating: I don't want to say 'diet' because I freaking hate diets. However I had a bit of a health scare not to long ago where I had some intense chest pains and that...really made me think about how I haven't done all the things I want to with my life. So I really need to think about what I eat. Bonus would be to lose weight and yes, eventually that's my goal here. And to play into that...
- Eat more salad: I started eating salads a few months ago...finally found something I like that isn't loaded with fatty dressing and toppings. And I can make it at home too. So yeah, I need to stick to eating salad.
- Drink water: I don't drink enough water...hell I don't drink it at all unless I have to. So I need to experiment with flavoring water to get myself to drink it.
- Avoid salt: Since I have a tendency to develop kidney stones...I need to really cut the salt intake. No more rushing to the ER and having to wait three hours before I get relief.
- Ride my bike/exercise: Living in the Evergreen state...you have to deal with a lot of rainy days. So when those days happen, or I can't go bike riding for whatever reason...I need to find an indoor exercise that actually burns some calories and won't put stress on my back and heels (two problem points for me). I would like to ride my bike more though...but that requires some fixing on it...
- Work on hygiene: So I'm forgetful/lazy and I often skip brushing my teeth (or do a half ass job), brushing my hair and taking a shower. Yeah kinda gross I know. But when you have depression and you don't have to go outside...at all...days blur together and what you thought was just one or two days turns into half a week. I've thankfully found a comb that gets through my thick hair to really get all the nasty knots out so even if I don't take a shower for a bit...I can still always untangle my hair. It's been a godsend, honestly. But with my recent teeth issues...I want to take care of my teeth...because holy fuck teeth cost a lot to take care of and they can cause an amazing amount of pain. And that just goes hand in hand with just keeping up on my hygiene. I've always hated baths/showers even as a kid so it's been a life long issue.
- Sleeping issues: I have a lot of sleep issues. I'm always tired/never feel rested. I need to have a nap/sleep in every day or I feel like a train wreck. When I do go to bed I can lay there tossing and turning for a good hour or two before I fall asleep. It's just bad. I also stay up till 4 AM+...
- Mental health: So this is a big thing. My issues are complicated and often control my life. So if I'm really going to do any of these resolutions...it needs to start with my mental health. I need to start going to a therapist again...it's been too long and I think I've stalled in any progress I've made. Seeing a therapist DID help. I'm able to talk to people, to go to places by myself, to even talk on the phone if I have to. NONE of that was possible before I went to a therapist. So I want to start up again and keep "leveling up" in life. I did see an occupational therapist because I heard people with Aspergers had good results from them...I didn't. idk if it was her lack of skills or what but...yeah it was a bit of a waste of time. idk if I want to start up with her again (we sort of dropped it because my parents kept needing me to go work on the rental house so we couldn't keep appointments) or if I want to go another route and stick with traditional therapy and see what that person thinks.
Life:
- Cut down on computer time: This is a big one for me...I'm pretty much attached to my PC. It's the only source of entertainment for me right now. I do have a TV and multiple game consoles but I never use them because of my addiction to my PC. But honestly it's a lot of web surfing. So I need to cut down. I think I'll start small. When I wake up I won't jump on my PC first thing. So I'll give myself 1-2 hours off of it. I want to eventually cut my PC time down to just during the nighttime. Or at least late afternoon into nighttime as I want to fix my sleeping issues which means I can't pull all nighters online.
- Hang out with parents: I hate thinking about it but they're not going to be around forever. I need to spend what time I have left with them. I hope I have many MANY more years with them left. In any case...if I'm not spending time on my PC, I can start spending time with my parents. They want me to start watching TV shows with them so...I suppose that's a start.
- Learn to cook basic things: I can't cook or bake. Everything I make turns out to have an issue. I'd love to learn how to cook some Japanese dishes since I love Japanese food but as my mom doesn't know how to cook those things...I'll have to learn the basics and then venture out on my own.
- Learn to budget!: This is a constant issue for me. I have to keep borrowing money from my parents and it's just...a pain. I have a lot of things I want and the things I want are EXPENSIVE. But I need to learn how to manage my money better so I don't end up at the end of the month with nothing in the bank...that's happened more then once.
- Sell stuff!: This ties into the budgeting thing...if I was to make some money on the side here and there, it would help like when yard sale season starts up again. So I really want to start selling stuff locally. I would sell on eBay but it's just a mess on there. I might sell some stuff to other collectors on a collectors forum I'm part of...idk.
- Learn to sew?: Nothing fancy honestly. I just want to learn how to make curtains...and then maybe move on from there.
Cleaning:
- Work on game room: So my game room needs a lot of work. I have to finish clearing it out of everything so me and dad can fix one of the windows in it. I also need everything out to put shelves up and because most of the stuff won't fit in the damn room! I'm going to have to just deal with the fact I can't find a good CRT TV and use the one I have too. I need to install some curtain rods for all those windows since I'm going to use blackout curtains (which is why I want to sew, I have some Mario blankets I got from a thrift store I want to sew onto some blackout curtains to make it more...gamey). I need to find some wall sconces I like. I need to get a dehumidifier/heater/ac unit for that room. Eventually I'd like to change the carpet in that room as well.
- Work on PC room: This room needs not as much work...still needs some work though. I'd like to clean out a spot next to my PC desk for my desktop CRT and a few consoles to use as a testing station for games I want to clean up and sell. Right now it's not the easiest thing to test cartridges...even harder if I want to test actual consoles. There's a desk next to me that I use for piling up junk lol...so I need to clean it off and the area in front of it so I have room to slide my chair over when I want to test things. I want to work on my mini fridge as well. I'd like to chip out all the ice build up in there and I want to move it to a smaller platform. I basically just grabbed a scrap piece of plywood dad wasn't using and stuck it on top of a fallout shelter water barrel I got at a reuse store and made a table for the fridge. I want to try to find a smaller piece of wood...or cut this one down to size. It's in the way and it's just a platform for catching junk at this point. I want to take out all my pre PS2/Gamecube/Xbox era games/consoles and put them in my game room...leaving this room for all the newer games/consoles. And to that end I need to find some better ways to store the games. Right now I have those cube shelves with cloth bins you pull out and it's a pain in the ass to dig through those looking for a certain game. I like the look of the shelves but...they're not ideal. I also need a better way to store my newer handheld games like DS/3DS/PSP/Vita. My one shelf is completely full and overflowing with games. I also have a lot of special edition Vita games I need to display or put somewhere safe. I also want to reorganize my figure/toy display shelf as there are some shelves that are too empty and ones that are too full. It's a cool shelving unit but damn if it's not annoying to display stuff on.
- Work on my bedroom: My bedroom is a major problem. I'd say it's worse then my game room...simply because it's acting as overflow for my game room and it has it's own collections I display in there since I don't have anywhere else to display them. I have a shit ton of books so I really need to either cut down on them (which I already did once) or I need more bookcases. I have a fairly large Blu Ray collection and am currently in the process of getting rid of my old DVD collection since it's time to upgrade. I have to finish going through the DVDs, sort out which ones still don't have a BR release, keep those and sell the rest (getting some of them on Blu Ray if I really liked them). And then those will all need a shelving unit to live on. Then there's just the random collections I have that need somewhere to live. Like my Fallout collection, or my Sailor Moon collection, or just various knick knacks. And then...my clothes. I'm not big into clothing but I have quite a lot of clothes I've gotten over the years. I think I need to Konmari them all honestly. Get rid of the old, worn out, doesn't fit, always hated it clothing...and keep the rest. But I also need a bigger dresser too. So I need a lot of new furniture...and I need to get rid of the old furniture.
- Work on bathroom: This thankfully doesn't need much work. I just need to clear out the stuff that doesn't belong (like overflow from my bedroom), get a bigger shelf unit thingy that holds all my soaps and washcloths/towels. Fix my bath (it slowly drains and won't hold water), fix my sink (it drips and the doors for the cupboard under my sink are broken/missing), and fix my toilet (the seat is loose).
- Organize or sell things: So at the end of the day...the main issue I have is too many items, not enough space. My space is limited to a bathroom, a bedroom and two smaller rooms that were going to be a large walk in closet but I decided I would get more use out of a PC room and at the time a porch (which we later enclosed and turned into my game room). Now my parents would say I have a lot of room...and I would disagree as they have a whole house but then it's their house and blah blah blah. So it's not like I can take over another room and use it. I've already taken over most of my mom's closet (which was just storage she never used anyways) and I STILL need room. Now yes we have a basement I could totally load up with stuff put into storage...except it's nasty, damp and rats/bugs live down there so yeah...no. I've had things get ruined that way, I learned my lesson. So I either need to totally, magically, reorganize my stuff or sell stuff. Some things I can sell/get rid of...others...too attached, won't do it. A lot of stuff I'm too attached to...so idk how that's going to work out. Maybe get better shelving units in my bedroom so I can store more stuff in there instead of in my mom's closet?
- Stick to a cleaning schedule: Once these rooms are all cleaned out and organized...they need to stay that way. Right now it's...bad. It's not as bad as say like...one of those places you see on a hoarding show but...yeah it's probably starting to be that way. My rooms are all filled with stuff, stacked and in piles and you only have a small path to walk through to the various rooms. I personally don't mind a bit of mess, but when it gets to the point where I have to move piles to get to something specific...it's too much. So it needs to be controlled. I also think cleaning would cut down on some of the dust issues I have. So I need to find a cleaning schedule that I can stick to. I need to be able to keep my bathroom, bedroom, PC room and game room clean. Some of those rooms have carpet so vacuuming (which I hate.). My bathroom involves water and cleaning so it needs it's own special cleaning situation. And specifically in my PC room I need to cut down on the dust (maybe get a better air purifier? The one I have is old and clunky) and I need to clean my computer at least once a month...I'm really bad at this...I haven't cleaned this one once since I've gotten it...so it's been...half a year or longer! Yikes. I know you don't have to clean them too often but I have dust issues and so I need to clean it at least once a month to be safe I think.
Now the fun stuff, collecting (because yes...I should totally get more stuff when I have an issue with having too many things...):
- Video games: I think this year I want to really focus on the Switch. I've just ordered a Switch and it'll be here in a few days so I really need to start collecting for it. I already have a few games for it so that's a good start but, yeah...more is better! I'm still going to collect for other systems (specifically older systems) but I want to turn my attention onto the Switch. Which will be hard since I have to still collect Vita and PS4 games when Limited Run Games comes out with new ones! But Playstation did stop making Vita cartridges so when the cartridge supply finally runs dry...LRG will stop making Vita games at least, so that's one less system I have to buy for. Which is great because buying for three systems from them is what's getting me into money issues! Anyways...so yeah, focus on the Switch...unless something exciting catches my fancy.
- Toys and other nostalgic goodies: My second biggest collection, after video games. I'm still going hardcore for this stuff. It's the main reason why I'm running out of space. So it's a huge focus right now. I don't have any plans to stop per say but I might want to focus my collecting. Sort of like how I focused my game collection from "every game under the sun" to "a select list of games". So some of the less loved items might be getting the boot, to make room for those special treasures I love. idk yet. I have mixed feelings about it but...space is a huge issue...so I might need to cut down on what I get, cut some of the things I have and hope I can contain my collection to my rooms.
- Finishing off collections: So specifically like manga series or anime series. Specifically Sailor Moon. I've been lucky and I found several volumes of the original manga series this past year. I really want to finish off my collection finally and then reread it all lol. I also want to get the whole original anime on Blu Ray. I'm not thrilled with Crystal so I think I can skip that one. But I would like the original movies and anime series.
- Vintage dishware: This is a tricky one because these things are breakable. So hard to display. I think the best route is to get a china hutch or something with glass doors on it so I can display the items. I also think it needs to be downstairs in the kitchen. As much as I would love to have it upstairs in my room...I have no space for such a thing. Plus it sort of...belongs with a kitchen...right?
- Vintage cookbooks: Also something tricky. I don't cook...as I've said...so these are more just fun for me to look at. I could just have a bookcase dedicated to vintage cookbooks...that would be sweet. I might just do that.
So that was a shit ton of resolutions...there might be more honestly but it's 6:16 AM and I haven't gone to bed yet soooo...I think I need to call it. A lot of these have been on my mind for awhile now...and I kept thinking I'd do them but...I'm just so fucking lazy that I never got around to them...or other issues have popped up...mainly its just me being lazy. But after that chest pain scare...I really realized, I don't have all the time in the world. I need to take control of my life and do something with it...even if it's just baby steps. It's all in the right direction. Eventually I need to learn to be a full blown adult and have a job and do all that garbage. Fend for myself. So...a late start at 28...but...better late then too late. Anyways this really is more of a to do list for me...I'm going to try my hardest to stick with it.
Health:
- Watch what I'm eating: I don't want to say 'diet' because I freaking hate diets. However I had a bit of a health scare not to long ago where I had some intense chest pains and that...really made me think about how I haven't done all the things I want to with my life. So I really need to think about what I eat. Bonus would be to lose weight and yes, eventually that's my goal here. And to play into that...
- Eat more salad: I started eating salads a few months ago...finally found something I like that isn't loaded with fatty dressing and toppings. And I can make it at home too. So yeah, I need to stick to eating salad.
- Drink water: I don't drink enough water...hell I don't drink it at all unless I have to. So I need to experiment with flavoring water to get myself to drink it.
- Avoid salt: Since I have a tendency to develop kidney stones...I need to really cut the salt intake. No more rushing to the ER and having to wait three hours before I get relief.
- Ride my bike/exercise: Living in the Evergreen state...you have to deal with a lot of rainy days. So when those days happen, or I can't go bike riding for whatever reason...I need to find an indoor exercise that actually burns some calories and won't put stress on my back and heels (two problem points for me). I would like to ride my bike more though...but that requires some fixing on it...
- Work on hygiene: So I'm forgetful/lazy and I often skip brushing my teeth (or do a half ass job), brushing my hair and taking a shower. Yeah kinda gross I know. But when you have depression and you don't have to go outside...at all...days blur together and what you thought was just one or two days turns into half a week. I've thankfully found a comb that gets through my thick hair to really get all the nasty knots out so even if I don't take a shower for a bit...I can still always untangle my hair. It's been a godsend, honestly. But with my recent teeth issues...I want to take care of my teeth...because holy fuck teeth cost a lot to take care of and they can cause an amazing amount of pain. And that just goes hand in hand with just keeping up on my hygiene. I've always hated baths/showers even as a kid so it's been a life long issue.
- Sleeping issues: I have a lot of sleep issues. I'm always tired/never feel rested. I need to have a nap/sleep in every day or I feel like a train wreck. When I do go to bed I can lay there tossing and turning for a good hour or two before I fall asleep. It's just bad. I also stay up till 4 AM+...
- Mental health: So this is a big thing. My issues are complicated and often control my life. So if I'm really going to do any of these resolutions...it needs to start with my mental health. I need to start going to a therapist again...it's been too long and I think I've stalled in any progress I've made. Seeing a therapist DID help. I'm able to talk to people, to go to places by myself, to even talk on the phone if I have to. NONE of that was possible before I went to a therapist. So I want to start up again and keep "leveling up" in life. I did see an occupational therapist because I heard people with Aspergers had good results from them...I didn't. idk if it was her lack of skills or what but...yeah it was a bit of a waste of time. idk if I want to start up with her again (we sort of dropped it because my parents kept needing me to go work on the rental house so we couldn't keep appointments) or if I want to go another route and stick with traditional therapy and see what that person thinks.
Life:
- Cut down on computer time: This is a big one for me...I'm pretty much attached to my PC. It's the only source of entertainment for me right now. I do have a TV and multiple game consoles but I never use them because of my addiction to my PC. But honestly it's a lot of web surfing. So I need to cut down. I think I'll start small. When I wake up I won't jump on my PC first thing. So I'll give myself 1-2 hours off of it. I want to eventually cut my PC time down to just during the nighttime. Or at least late afternoon into nighttime as I want to fix my sleeping issues which means I can't pull all nighters online.
- Hang out with parents: I hate thinking about it but they're not going to be around forever. I need to spend what time I have left with them. I hope I have many MANY more years with them left. In any case...if I'm not spending time on my PC, I can start spending time with my parents. They want me to start watching TV shows with them so...I suppose that's a start.
- Learn to cook basic things: I can't cook or bake. Everything I make turns out to have an issue. I'd love to learn how to cook some Japanese dishes since I love Japanese food but as my mom doesn't know how to cook those things...I'll have to learn the basics and then venture out on my own.
- Learn to budget!: This is a constant issue for me. I have to keep borrowing money from my parents and it's just...a pain. I have a lot of things I want and the things I want are EXPENSIVE. But I need to learn how to manage my money better so I don't end up at the end of the month with nothing in the bank...that's happened more then once.
- Sell stuff!: This ties into the budgeting thing...if I was to make some money on the side here and there, it would help like when yard sale season starts up again. So I really want to start selling stuff locally. I would sell on eBay but it's just a mess on there. I might sell some stuff to other collectors on a collectors forum I'm part of...idk.
- Learn to sew?: Nothing fancy honestly. I just want to learn how to make curtains...and then maybe move on from there.
Cleaning:
- Work on game room: So my game room needs a lot of work. I have to finish clearing it out of everything so me and dad can fix one of the windows in it. I also need everything out to put shelves up and because most of the stuff won't fit in the damn room! I'm going to have to just deal with the fact I can't find a good CRT TV and use the one I have too. I need to install some curtain rods for all those windows since I'm going to use blackout curtains (which is why I want to sew, I have some Mario blankets I got from a thrift store I want to sew onto some blackout curtains to make it more...gamey). I need to find some wall sconces I like. I need to get a dehumidifier/heater/ac unit for that room. Eventually I'd like to change the carpet in that room as well.
- Work on PC room: This room needs not as much work...still needs some work though. I'd like to clean out a spot next to my PC desk for my desktop CRT and a few consoles to use as a testing station for games I want to clean up and sell. Right now it's not the easiest thing to test cartridges...even harder if I want to test actual consoles. There's a desk next to me that I use for piling up junk lol...so I need to clean it off and the area in front of it so I have room to slide my chair over when I want to test things. I want to work on my mini fridge as well. I'd like to chip out all the ice build up in there and I want to move it to a smaller platform. I basically just grabbed a scrap piece of plywood dad wasn't using and stuck it on top of a fallout shelter water barrel I got at a reuse store and made a table for the fridge. I want to try to find a smaller piece of wood...or cut this one down to size. It's in the way and it's just a platform for catching junk at this point. I want to take out all my pre PS2/Gamecube/Xbox era games/consoles and put them in my game room...leaving this room for all the newer games/consoles. And to that end I need to find some better ways to store the games. Right now I have those cube shelves with cloth bins you pull out and it's a pain in the ass to dig through those looking for a certain game. I like the look of the shelves but...they're not ideal. I also need a better way to store my newer handheld games like DS/3DS/PSP/Vita. My one shelf is completely full and overflowing with games. I also have a lot of special edition Vita games I need to display or put somewhere safe. I also want to reorganize my figure/toy display shelf as there are some shelves that are too empty and ones that are too full. It's a cool shelving unit but damn if it's not annoying to display stuff on.
- Work on my bedroom: My bedroom is a major problem. I'd say it's worse then my game room...simply because it's acting as overflow for my game room and it has it's own collections I display in there since I don't have anywhere else to display them. I have a shit ton of books so I really need to either cut down on them (which I already did once) or I need more bookcases. I have a fairly large Blu Ray collection and am currently in the process of getting rid of my old DVD collection since it's time to upgrade. I have to finish going through the DVDs, sort out which ones still don't have a BR release, keep those and sell the rest (getting some of them on Blu Ray if I really liked them). And then those will all need a shelving unit to live on. Then there's just the random collections I have that need somewhere to live. Like my Fallout collection, or my Sailor Moon collection, or just various knick knacks. And then...my clothes. I'm not big into clothing but I have quite a lot of clothes I've gotten over the years. I think I need to Konmari them all honestly. Get rid of the old, worn out, doesn't fit, always hated it clothing...and keep the rest. But I also need a bigger dresser too. So I need a lot of new furniture...and I need to get rid of the old furniture.
- Work on bathroom: This thankfully doesn't need much work. I just need to clear out the stuff that doesn't belong (like overflow from my bedroom), get a bigger shelf unit thingy that holds all my soaps and washcloths/towels. Fix my bath (it slowly drains and won't hold water), fix my sink (it drips and the doors for the cupboard under my sink are broken/missing), and fix my toilet (the seat is loose).
- Organize or sell things: So at the end of the day...the main issue I have is too many items, not enough space. My space is limited to a bathroom, a bedroom and two smaller rooms that were going to be a large walk in closet but I decided I would get more use out of a PC room and at the time a porch (which we later enclosed and turned into my game room). Now my parents would say I have a lot of room...and I would disagree as they have a whole house but then it's their house and blah blah blah. So it's not like I can take over another room and use it. I've already taken over most of my mom's closet (which was just storage she never used anyways) and I STILL need room. Now yes we have a basement I could totally load up with stuff put into storage...except it's nasty, damp and rats/bugs live down there so yeah...no. I've had things get ruined that way, I learned my lesson. So I either need to totally, magically, reorganize my stuff or sell stuff. Some things I can sell/get rid of...others...too attached, won't do it. A lot of stuff I'm too attached to...so idk how that's going to work out. Maybe get better shelving units in my bedroom so I can store more stuff in there instead of in my mom's closet?
- Stick to a cleaning schedule: Once these rooms are all cleaned out and organized...they need to stay that way. Right now it's...bad. It's not as bad as say like...one of those places you see on a hoarding show but...yeah it's probably starting to be that way. My rooms are all filled with stuff, stacked and in piles and you only have a small path to walk through to the various rooms. I personally don't mind a bit of mess, but when it gets to the point where I have to move piles to get to something specific...it's too much. So it needs to be controlled. I also think cleaning would cut down on some of the dust issues I have. So I need to find a cleaning schedule that I can stick to. I need to be able to keep my bathroom, bedroom, PC room and game room clean. Some of those rooms have carpet so vacuuming (which I hate.). My bathroom involves water and cleaning so it needs it's own special cleaning situation. And specifically in my PC room I need to cut down on the dust (maybe get a better air purifier? The one I have is old and clunky) and I need to clean my computer at least once a month...I'm really bad at this...I haven't cleaned this one once since I've gotten it...so it's been...half a year or longer! Yikes. I know you don't have to clean them too often but I have dust issues and so I need to clean it at least once a month to be safe I think.
Now the fun stuff, collecting (because yes...I should totally get more stuff when I have an issue with having too many things...):
- Video games: I think this year I want to really focus on the Switch. I've just ordered a Switch and it'll be here in a few days so I really need to start collecting for it. I already have a few games for it so that's a good start but, yeah...more is better! I'm still going to collect for other systems (specifically older systems) but I want to turn my attention onto the Switch. Which will be hard since I have to still collect Vita and PS4 games when Limited Run Games comes out with new ones! But Playstation did stop making Vita cartridges so when the cartridge supply finally runs dry...LRG will stop making Vita games at least, so that's one less system I have to buy for. Which is great because buying for three systems from them is what's getting me into money issues! Anyways...so yeah, focus on the Switch...unless something exciting catches my fancy.
- Toys and other nostalgic goodies: My second biggest collection, after video games. I'm still going hardcore for this stuff. It's the main reason why I'm running out of space. So it's a huge focus right now. I don't have any plans to stop per say but I might want to focus my collecting. Sort of like how I focused my game collection from "every game under the sun" to "a select list of games". So some of the less loved items might be getting the boot, to make room for those special treasures I love. idk yet. I have mixed feelings about it but...space is a huge issue...so I might need to cut down on what I get, cut some of the things I have and hope I can contain my collection to my rooms.
- Finishing off collections: So specifically like manga series or anime series. Specifically Sailor Moon. I've been lucky and I found several volumes of the original manga series this past year. I really want to finish off my collection finally and then reread it all lol. I also want to get the whole original anime on Blu Ray. I'm not thrilled with Crystal so I think I can skip that one. But I would like the original movies and anime series.
- Vintage dishware: This is a tricky one because these things are breakable. So hard to display. I think the best route is to get a china hutch or something with glass doors on it so I can display the items. I also think it needs to be downstairs in the kitchen. As much as I would love to have it upstairs in my room...I have no space for such a thing. Plus it sort of...belongs with a kitchen...right?
- Vintage cookbooks: Also something tricky. I don't cook...as I've said...so these are more just fun for me to look at. I could just have a bookcase dedicated to vintage cookbooks...that would be sweet. I might just do that.
So that was a shit ton of resolutions...there might be more honestly but it's 6:16 AM and I haven't gone to bed yet soooo...I think I need to call it. A lot of these have been on my mind for awhile now...and I kept thinking I'd do them but...I'm just so fucking lazy that I never got around to them...or other issues have popped up...mainly its just me being lazy. But after that chest pain scare...I really realized, I don't have all the time in the world. I need to take control of my life and do something with it...even if it's just baby steps. It's all in the right direction. Eventually I need to learn to be a full blown adult and have a job and do all that garbage. Fend for myself. So...a late start at 28...but...better late then too late. Anyways this really is more of a to do list for me...I'm going to try my hardest to stick with it.
Youtube Future
So it's been a minute. I'm not up to date on all the COPPA stuff going on...TBH it's hard to follow/understand. What I understand...is that Youtube didn't give us a "general audience" option for our channels and that the FTC is a bit more understanding then we originally thought?
At any rate I'm still undecided on what my Youtube future will be like. I'm worried about fines! I think going forward...I will just have to watch my swearing or start stating at the beginning of all my videos that my videos are not for children. As for my old videos...idk. They contain a lot of swearing so they might be dead for good unless I get some editing software and go in and bleep every swear out. Which for right now, I'm not planning on doing. So for now those videos will stay private. Sorry anyone who cares.
I'm still active on Instagram though! I tried a little experiment with some pictures...I put hashtags in the descriptions to see if they got more likes/views...they instantly did. So my stance on hashtags has always been they are SUPER ANNOYING. More so when you have people using 50 of them on a single picture...like more hashtag then picture at that point but...hashtags work. So from now on I think I'll be using them. I'll never use 50, I'll promise you that but I will use a couple key ones that relate to my pictures. Already I have two new followers after a few minutes of using hashtags so I don't see a downside?
But on that topic...I started thinking about the quality of my pictures...if I want more followers (and who doesn't?), I need to step up my game. I'll be upgrading my phone soon, so I'll hopefully be getting a nicer phone camera. I don't think I can afford a nice real camera anytime soon, so it'll have to be cell phone only for awhile. I'll look into it. I'd like to get one for both Youtube and Instagram and really start being more serious about producing things. Maybe that can be something I work on for the new year?
Anyways, one thing I really want to do to up the quality is get better lighting/a better area to shoot in. Right now I'm using my bedroom lighting which is kinda awful and I'm using the top of my waterbed with a red sheet on top of my bedding lol. Not ideal but it's the best I've been able to come up with. My area is limited to my bedroom, bathroom, computer room and game room/storage room. I do have white walls in my bathroom and if I clean it off...a nice spot on top of some wood cabinets I could use. I might try that but lighting in there is so-so. I'll see about cleaning it off and seeing if it's worth doing.
Lifewise...nothing much has changed. Still shopping around for a cheap root canal. I've had some fillings taken care of (my insurance covers that at least!), but another issue has popped up. One of my teeth needs a crown...not a root canal, just the crown. Well the damn crown isn't cheap either! And also not covered! So I have three options, pull two teeth or try to save both or save the one with the crown. It's looking more and more like I need to just pull them both and really stick to brushing every day. I'm extremely forgetful so I do forget to brush every day. I've been better lately though. I brush in the morning for two minutes. They say two times a day at two minutes...but for now I'm trying to just do once a day, get used to it and then try two times. I really can't afford to lose any more teeth at my age! I'm only 28 and I've already had two teeth pulled...now I might get two more pulled!
I guess one thing is slightly changing...my gut seems better. I still have pain but there's some slight improvements. I hope these pills are helping...it would be nice to sort of solve my gut issues...it's been...god...10+ years of suffering? I can't even remember a time I wasn't in pain from my stomach.
The rental house is just...looming over all of us...we haven't gone back to work on it for awhile now. It's too cold and no one really wants to spend all day freezing their ass off over there. But we gotta get it done, or at least find some sort of way to pad out my parents bank account...I might need to start helping my mom with selling on eBay. She used to sell on eBay but stopped because it became too much for her. We also don't have a working camera anymore...so idk.
Life keeps going on...however miserable it may be.
At any rate I'm still undecided on what my Youtube future will be like. I'm worried about fines! I think going forward...I will just have to watch my swearing or start stating at the beginning of all my videos that my videos are not for children. As for my old videos...idk. They contain a lot of swearing so they might be dead for good unless I get some editing software and go in and bleep every swear out. Which for right now, I'm not planning on doing. So for now those videos will stay private. Sorry anyone who cares.
I'm still active on Instagram though! I tried a little experiment with some pictures...I put hashtags in the descriptions to see if they got more likes/views...they instantly did. So my stance on hashtags has always been they are SUPER ANNOYING. More so when you have people using 50 of them on a single picture...like more hashtag then picture at that point but...hashtags work. So from now on I think I'll be using them. I'll never use 50, I'll promise you that but I will use a couple key ones that relate to my pictures. Already I have two new followers after a few minutes of using hashtags so I don't see a downside?
But on that topic...I started thinking about the quality of my pictures...if I want more followers (and who doesn't?), I need to step up my game. I'll be upgrading my phone soon, so I'll hopefully be getting a nicer phone camera. I don't think I can afford a nice real camera anytime soon, so it'll have to be cell phone only for awhile. I'll look into it. I'd like to get one for both Youtube and Instagram and really start being more serious about producing things. Maybe that can be something I work on for the new year?
Anyways, one thing I really want to do to up the quality is get better lighting/a better area to shoot in. Right now I'm using my bedroom lighting which is kinda awful and I'm using the top of my waterbed with a red sheet on top of my bedding lol. Not ideal but it's the best I've been able to come up with. My area is limited to my bedroom, bathroom, computer room and game room/storage room. I do have white walls in my bathroom and if I clean it off...a nice spot on top of some wood cabinets I could use. I might try that but lighting in there is so-so. I'll see about cleaning it off and seeing if it's worth doing.
Lifewise...nothing much has changed. Still shopping around for a cheap root canal. I've had some fillings taken care of (my insurance covers that at least!), but another issue has popped up. One of my teeth needs a crown...not a root canal, just the crown. Well the damn crown isn't cheap either! And also not covered! So I have three options, pull two teeth or try to save both or save the one with the crown. It's looking more and more like I need to just pull them both and really stick to brushing every day. I'm extremely forgetful so I do forget to brush every day. I've been better lately though. I brush in the morning for two minutes. They say two times a day at two minutes...but for now I'm trying to just do once a day, get used to it and then try two times. I really can't afford to lose any more teeth at my age! I'm only 28 and I've already had two teeth pulled...now I might get two more pulled!
I guess one thing is slightly changing...my gut seems better. I still have pain but there's some slight improvements. I hope these pills are helping...it would be nice to sort of solve my gut issues...it's been...god...10+ years of suffering? I can't even remember a time I wasn't in pain from my stomach.
The rental house is just...looming over all of us...we haven't gone back to work on it for awhile now. It's too cold and no one really wants to spend all day freezing their ass off over there. But we gotta get it done, or at least find some sort of way to pad out my parents bank account...I might need to start helping my mom with selling on eBay. She used to sell on eBay but stopped because it became too much for her. We also don't have a working camera anymore...so idk.
Life keeps going on...however miserable it may be.
COPPA and the fucking FTC
So...anyone who hasn't been sleeping under a rock probably knows about COPPA and the stupid FTC.
For those who don't know...look it up, I'm not going to explain it all.
Basically the FTC got a bunch of bitchy parents complaining about Youtube videos their kids watch (kids under 13...which BTW, per Youtube rules? Yeah you have to be older then 13 to even have a fucking account. Maybe the god damn parents should be better at monitoring their fucking kids...), so they made COPPA rules much harsher and hit Youtube with a massive fine. COPPA has been around since '98...and hasn't really been updated for modern times. And that's bad. Because the FTC doesn't understand what Youtube is and how this is going to hurt a LOT of people.
Anyways, why am I talking about it?
Well I make videos on Youtube. I thought I was safe by saying my channel ISN'T for kids...however...that's not the case now. The FTC is going to...somehow...view ALL of the videos on Youtube and...I guess manually decide if it's trying to target kids. How idk...but in COPPA, stuff like toys, junk food, unboxing videos...are things meant to target kids...because those are things only kids like...apparently. So ALL my videos would be flagged as for kids...and that in itself isn't...bad...except I swear like a sailor. That would go against COPPA. So, if I kept my videos up...every single one (I think there's 122?) would get flagged by the FTC and COPPA. And every single one...would be against COPPA...and most likely get a fine. And people have said the fines can be up to...$42,000. Yeah.
I'm disabled...I get $771 a month from the government. I don't have that kind of money. So...idk if this will save my ass but...I put all my videos as private. I labeled my whole channel as not for kids. I'm not sure what I'm going to do going forward...but this is scary.
I'd take my videos down but I don't have the storage space to save them...I don't have the original videos since my phone gets full super fast...so those are the only copies I have. Not a great idea...but it's worked for three years now.
So the future isn't looking great for Youtubers, myself included.
I had some videos planned...but right now...I don't even want to make videos.
For those who don't know...look it up, I'm not going to explain it all.
Basically the FTC got a bunch of bitchy parents complaining about Youtube videos their kids watch (kids under 13...which BTW, per Youtube rules? Yeah you have to be older then 13 to even have a fucking account. Maybe the god damn parents should be better at monitoring their fucking kids...), so they made COPPA rules much harsher and hit Youtube with a massive fine. COPPA has been around since '98...and hasn't really been updated for modern times. And that's bad. Because the FTC doesn't understand what Youtube is and how this is going to hurt a LOT of people.
Anyways, why am I talking about it?
Well I make videos on Youtube. I thought I was safe by saying my channel ISN'T for kids...however...that's not the case now. The FTC is going to...somehow...view ALL of the videos on Youtube and...I guess manually decide if it's trying to target kids. How idk...but in COPPA, stuff like toys, junk food, unboxing videos...are things meant to target kids...because those are things only kids like...apparently. So ALL my videos would be flagged as for kids...and that in itself isn't...bad...except I swear like a sailor. That would go against COPPA. So, if I kept my videos up...every single one (I think there's 122?) would get flagged by the FTC and COPPA. And every single one...would be against COPPA...and most likely get a fine. And people have said the fines can be up to...$42,000. Yeah.
I'm disabled...I get $771 a month from the government. I don't have that kind of money. So...idk if this will save my ass but...I put all my videos as private. I labeled my whole channel as not for kids. I'm not sure what I'm going to do going forward...but this is scary.
I'd take my videos down but I don't have the storage space to save them...I don't have the original videos since my phone gets full super fast...so those are the only copies I have. Not a great idea...but it's worked for three years now.
So the future isn't looking great for Youtubers, myself included.
I had some videos planned...but right now...I don't even want to make videos.
Holiday Plans
Since Halloween was such a bust for me, I've totally thrown myself into the idea of Christmas. Helps that I've finally managed to get an actual aluminum Christmas tree from the early 1960s! I've wanted one for years but finding one outside of eBay is impossible and the shipping was such a killer that I never even considered eBay. But I'd go on sometimes and still look...and that's when I found this tree. The seller is local in my area so the shipping was cheap and no one else bid on it so I managed to snag it for under $100 (and that is actually a good price...these things are expensive!). However there are some issues with it. It was damaged in shipping (since they didn't package the original box very well...) and the base or "trunk" of the tree has some damage to it making it so I can't use two of the holes where you put the branches into. I was able to get some of my money back on it however (thanks to going through eBay...I tried to talk to the sellers privately but they wouldn't accept that it was damaged...even though I provided pictures...), so it's not horrible. I think I can maybe fix the damage to the trunk with some help from my dad.
My plan is to really go all into a retro Christmas. I've collected December/Christmas editions of several magazines from the 1950s and early 1960s that have a lot of crafts and recipes. I want to try my hand at making several of the crafts and some of the recipes.
I have a few decorations that are from those eras that I can use (mainly ornaments). And I signed up for a Secret Santa through that Halloween Forum I'm part of (yes they do Christmas too!), so hopefully I'll be getting more decorations...but I also have those craft ideas to fall back on if I need to have more decorations.
Thanksgiving of course comes before Christmas and Hanukkah comes before Christmas as well. Thanksgiving is going to be much the same...helping mom cook up our favorite foods, watch a movie together...so on and so forth. Hanukkah, we don't do much other then light the candles and give gifts. We haven't since my Grandpa died. Though this year one of my cousins does want to get together and do a "brunch" for Hanukkah so...maybe we'll do that.
I'm not sure if me and my mom will have time to do any craft fairs this year...we're pretty busy and I'm still sick nearly every day so...it's iffy. I'd like to do some but...who knows.
Junk food wise, not seeing a ton of stuff that's new yet...a lot of repeats of last years items, just with a new box/package design. Which in a way is good? Less money to spend on that stuff...means more money to spend on other things!
Now for the depressing stuff.
The rental house is still a mess and my parents are digging a bigger hole for themselves...turns out one of the corners of the house is crumbling...so we have to fix that. It's a 100+ year old house after all...shit is going to be falling apart...but it's too much. Mom's had to tap into their tax money...so we're not going to pay the taxes for this year...or next year? Not sure. Just know there's only x amount left and it's not a lot...and we haven't even started to drywall yet. Both me and mom just want dad to patch up the house so it can be sold and the next owners can deal with the mess. But dad's stubborn and won't listen to us.
Health wise, I went to my gut doctor...he says my nutritionist is a quack and to stop taking the acid pills she told me to take. They're actually doing more harm then good. So I need a new nutritionist and I'm on three new pills that will...sort of help? He says I need to go on the low FODMAP diet and take the pills...see if it works. There's not much else he can do.
I still have a lot of lower back pain/hip pain that's not getting better.
But the worst pain right now is my tooth. I recently broke part of my tooth off and it's just killing me. I need a root canal but my insurance won't cover it (it's one of my back teeth and they only cover front teeth...) but I don't want to pull it because I've already had my back teeth on both sides pulled. If this one gets pulled, I'm only going to have one molar left on that side...which isn't good. But to pay out of pocket I'd need $1,800 to save the damn thing. Money I just don't have and can't get my parents to help out with either since they need every last dollar for that damn house. If they could sell it, they'd gladly pay for the root canal but they can't sell it yet so I'm screwed. I know there's no options other then pulling it...technically there is one option...to go to a dental school and get it done there at a lower price but the school won't call us back. We've tried multiple times and they just WILL NOT call us back. It's frustrating since they're the only ones around here that can do it. I guess I'm just putting off the inevitable...losing the tooth.
My plan is to really go all into a retro Christmas. I've collected December/Christmas editions of several magazines from the 1950s and early 1960s that have a lot of crafts and recipes. I want to try my hand at making several of the crafts and some of the recipes.
I have a few decorations that are from those eras that I can use (mainly ornaments). And I signed up for a Secret Santa through that Halloween Forum I'm part of (yes they do Christmas too!), so hopefully I'll be getting more decorations...but I also have those craft ideas to fall back on if I need to have more decorations.
Thanksgiving of course comes before Christmas and Hanukkah comes before Christmas as well. Thanksgiving is going to be much the same...helping mom cook up our favorite foods, watch a movie together...so on and so forth. Hanukkah, we don't do much other then light the candles and give gifts. We haven't since my Grandpa died. Though this year one of my cousins does want to get together and do a "brunch" for Hanukkah so...maybe we'll do that.
I'm not sure if me and my mom will have time to do any craft fairs this year...we're pretty busy and I'm still sick nearly every day so...it's iffy. I'd like to do some but...who knows.
Junk food wise, not seeing a ton of stuff that's new yet...a lot of repeats of last years items, just with a new box/package design. Which in a way is good? Less money to spend on that stuff...means more money to spend on other things!
Now for the depressing stuff.
The rental house is still a mess and my parents are digging a bigger hole for themselves...turns out one of the corners of the house is crumbling...so we have to fix that. It's a 100+ year old house after all...shit is going to be falling apart...but it's too much. Mom's had to tap into their tax money...so we're not going to pay the taxes for this year...or next year? Not sure. Just know there's only x amount left and it's not a lot...and we haven't even started to drywall yet. Both me and mom just want dad to patch up the house so it can be sold and the next owners can deal with the mess. But dad's stubborn and won't listen to us.
Health wise, I went to my gut doctor...he says my nutritionist is a quack and to stop taking the acid pills she told me to take. They're actually doing more harm then good. So I need a new nutritionist and I'm on three new pills that will...sort of help? He says I need to go on the low FODMAP diet and take the pills...see if it works. There's not much else he can do.
I still have a lot of lower back pain/hip pain that's not getting better.
But the worst pain right now is my tooth. I recently broke part of my tooth off and it's just killing me. I need a root canal but my insurance won't cover it (it's one of my back teeth and they only cover front teeth...) but I don't want to pull it because I've already had my back teeth on both sides pulled. If this one gets pulled, I'm only going to have one molar left on that side...which isn't good. But to pay out of pocket I'd need $1,800 to save the damn thing. Money I just don't have and can't get my parents to help out with either since they need every last dollar for that damn house. If they could sell it, they'd gladly pay for the root canal but they can't sell it yet so I'm screwed. I know there's no options other then pulling it...technically there is one option...to go to a dental school and get it done there at a lower price but the school won't call us back. We've tried multiple times and they just WILL NOT call us back. It's frustrating since they're the only ones around here that can do it. I guess I'm just putting off the inevitable...losing the tooth.
So Many Videos.
Day before Halloween, I finally remember to publish my videos...whoops. Oh well.
Enjoy, or don't...whatever. Done with Halloween this year. It's just been a total wash. I barely decorated and I wasn't in the mood at all. Didn't even watch The Shining...that was a shocker. I did manage to watch Hocus Pocus but...that's it. No horror movies at all. Some of it is from being sick every damn day...but most of it I can place on a single person and what they did.
Anyways...here's the videos...I'm totally looking forward to Christmas. I'm going to really throw myself into it.
Enjoy, or don't...whatever. Done with Halloween this year. It's just been a total wash. I barely decorated and I wasn't in the mood at all. Didn't even watch The Shining...that was a shocker. I did manage to watch Hocus Pocus but...that's it. No horror movies at all. Some of it is from being sick every damn day...but most of it I can place on a single person and what they did.
Anyways...here's the videos...I'm totally looking forward to Christmas. I'm going to really throw myself into it.
State Fair
Yesterday I finally got to go to the fair! It was the last possible day to do it so that's probably why...
We did end up going late unfortunately so I didn't get to see everything I wanted to see or ride all the rides I wanted...but it was still fun.
Me and my mom packed our cooler full of drinks (so we didn't have to pay an arm and a leg for drinks!) and then headed off. First thing we did was check out the animals, horses mainly. There were some dogs too. Not a lot of them though.
Then we wandered over to the agriculture and horticulture displays. Lots of pretty flowers! I didn't get a picture of the huge pumpkins unfortunately!
After that we went over to the artist alley, where local artist/crafters sell their wares. We like looking...hardly ever buy anything. It's usually too expensive! Then we headed upstairs to the hobby hall. This is where all the artists who make things for competitions display their things (not for sale). Lot of cool stuff. Including food? Both me and mom were surprised to see food being displayed...like baked goods. I think that might be new this year. They were competing too.
This area is also where they have collections displayed. People bring in their collections of whatever (toys mostly) and put them in locked display cabinets to compete...and to let people enjoy them. I really like seeing these displays. The Halloween decorations one was obviously my favorite! Though I did like seeing the soldier action figures...my mom wasn't sure what they were...but they were very impressive. I liked this little scene so much I took a picture! And then of course I find the only video game at the fair lol...which I actually didn't know there was a Strawberry Shortcake Atari game...
Around this time, mom was feeling a little hungry so we of course had to go get our favorite fair treat, hot scones! I should have taken a picture of them. I love these things...even more when they're piping hot and fresh. Buttery rich sweet scones with a little butter and a good heaping spoonful of raspberry jam. Mmm!
After we ate the scones, I noticed the draft horse driving demonstration was starting in 20 minutes...and we were on the opposite side of the fair! So we hoofed it back to the barn/arena area to catch the show. We just got there in time. I recorded the whole show and it's up on my Youtube channel if you want to check it out!
Once that was over we had about an hour to kill before a Western Games show started in the same arena so we did a few things and came back...we were early so we sat and talked...and this is where the fair day was a bit spoiled. So on the fair website and app, it said the show started at 4:30...it didn't. I don't think it started till 6...yeah we waited that long. I really wanted to see it...but it turned out to just be kids/teens doing poor barrel racing on horseback. Honestly it was such a waste of time. I blame it for the reason I didn't get to go on all the rides...it ate up a LOT of time just waiting for them! Stupid me...
We only watched part of the show...it wasn't that good and we were both annoyed. So we left and got a late lunch. BBQ pulled pork sandwiches! Super good...from a local BBQ joint we've gone to a lot so we knew we'd be happy.
It was time to hit the rides after that...I know...eat food, THEN rides? I don't get sick on rides though...I don't get sick (at least that way) period...unless I'm really bad off. So I risked it. I hit five rides, a lot less then last year (where I hit several and then went on them multiple times!). But the lines were INSANE. And it was getting dark fast.
The last ride I hit was that "scary" Haunted Mansion dark ride. I did it only so I could film it lol...it's up on my Youtube channel.
After the ride, we hit up the games area. The lines were super long there and my mom was tired/not feeling well so I picked the shortest line I could (I had two free turns at any of the game booths so I wanted to use them up). It was a pop the balloon game. I popped one balloon...and missed the second...whoops. I also think I got cheated a turn...but whatever. I won the pink frog. On the way out we stopped at a Dole Whip stand so I could buy a Dole Whip (love those things...dairy free!) and then stopped at a mini crane game full of rubber ducks. I won the Dots duck.
As we left the fair, heading to the truck...we both got scared by the fireworks show! They set them off RIGHT next to the parking lot with no warning...jeez. But it was neat to see...first time me or mom has seen the fireworks at the fair. We didn't even know they had them.
All in all it was a good time. Didn't do as much and there were some flaws but...I had fun! And that's what is important.
Now for the not so good news. A few days before we went to the fair, as we were leaving the rental house...dad T-Boned a car with our truck. No one got hurt thankfully but yeah...her car is totaled and our truck had to have the bumper taken off of it. I'm questioning dad's driving ability...this isn't the first time he's done something stupid (it was his fault...he went when he couldn't see the traffic...yes there was a large van blocking the view so part of it is on the van driver...but...still) while driving.
And today I cracked my back tooth...now I have a small hole in it and I'm worried about how I'm going to get it fixed. My insurance covers dental...since free health care and all but I have trouble with my jaw...I can't keep it open for long periods of time and I can't seem to open wide enough for the dentists...so that'll be on my damn mind...
Still planning on hitting Target and 7-11 on the 27th...possibly a Dollar Tree if I can swing it. I want the buying stuff to be done so I don't have to worry and plan...
We did end up going late unfortunately so I didn't get to see everything I wanted to see or ride all the rides I wanted...but it was still fun.
Me and my mom packed our cooler full of drinks (so we didn't have to pay an arm and a leg for drinks!) and then headed off. First thing we did was check out the animals, horses mainly. There were some dogs too. Not a lot of them though.
Then we wandered over to the agriculture and horticulture displays. Lots of pretty flowers! I didn't get a picture of the huge pumpkins unfortunately!
After that we went over to the artist alley, where local artist/crafters sell their wares. We like looking...hardly ever buy anything. It's usually too expensive! Then we headed upstairs to the hobby hall. This is where all the artists who make things for competitions display their things (not for sale). Lot of cool stuff. Including food? Both me and mom were surprised to see food being displayed...like baked goods. I think that might be new this year. They were competing too.
This area is also where they have collections displayed. People bring in their collections of whatever (toys mostly) and put them in locked display cabinets to compete...and to let people enjoy them. I really like seeing these displays. The Halloween decorations one was obviously my favorite! Though I did like seeing the soldier action figures...my mom wasn't sure what they were...but they were very impressive. I liked this little scene so much I took a picture! And then of course I find the only video game at the fair lol...which I actually didn't know there was a Strawberry Shortcake Atari game...
Around this time, mom was feeling a little hungry so we of course had to go get our favorite fair treat, hot scones! I should have taken a picture of them. I love these things...even more when they're piping hot and fresh. Buttery rich sweet scones with a little butter and a good heaping spoonful of raspberry jam. Mmm!
After we ate the scones, I noticed the draft horse driving demonstration was starting in 20 minutes...and we were on the opposite side of the fair! So we hoofed it back to the barn/arena area to catch the show. We just got there in time. I recorded the whole show and it's up on my Youtube channel if you want to check it out!
Once that was over we had about an hour to kill before a Western Games show started in the same arena so we did a few things and came back...we were early so we sat and talked...and this is where the fair day was a bit spoiled. So on the fair website and app, it said the show started at 4:30...it didn't. I don't think it started till 6...yeah we waited that long. I really wanted to see it...but it turned out to just be kids/teens doing poor barrel racing on horseback. Honestly it was such a waste of time. I blame it for the reason I didn't get to go on all the rides...it ate up a LOT of time just waiting for them! Stupid me...
We only watched part of the show...it wasn't that good and we were both annoyed. So we left and got a late lunch. BBQ pulled pork sandwiches! Super good...from a local BBQ joint we've gone to a lot so we knew we'd be happy.
It was time to hit the rides after that...I know...eat food, THEN rides? I don't get sick on rides though...I don't get sick (at least that way) period...unless I'm really bad off. So I risked it. I hit five rides, a lot less then last year (where I hit several and then went on them multiple times!). But the lines were INSANE. And it was getting dark fast.
The last ride I hit was that "scary" Haunted Mansion dark ride. I did it only so I could film it lol...it's up on my Youtube channel.
After the ride, we hit up the games area. The lines were super long there and my mom was tired/not feeling well so I picked the shortest line I could (I had two free turns at any of the game booths so I wanted to use them up). It was a pop the balloon game. I popped one balloon...and missed the second...whoops. I also think I got cheated a turn...but whatever. I won the pink frog. On the way out we stopped at a Dole Whip stand so I could buy a Dole Whip (love those things...dairy free!) and then stopped at a mini crane game full of rubber ducks. I won the Dots duck.
As we left the fair, heading to the truck...we both got scared by the fireworks show! They set them off RIGHT next to the parking lot with no warning...jeez. But it was neat to see...first time me or mom has seen the fireworks at the fair. We didn't even know they had them.
All in all it was a good time. Didn't do as much and there were some flaws but...I had fun! And that's what is important.
Now for the not so good news. A few days before we went to the fair, as we were leaving the rental house...dad T-Boned a car with our truck. No one got hurt thankfully but yeah...her car is totaled and our truck had to have the bumper taken off of it. I'm questioning dad's driving ability...this isn't the first time he's done something stupid (it was his fault...he went when he couldn't see the traffic...yes there was a large van blocking the view so part of it is on the van driver...but...still) while driving.
And today I cracked my back tooth...now I have a small hole in it and I'm worried about how I'm going to get it fixed. My insurance covers dental...since free health care and all but I have trouble with my jaw...I can't keep it open for long periods of time and I can't seem to open wide enough for the dentists...so that'll be on my damn mind...
Still planning on hitting Target and 7-11 on the 27th...possibly a Dollar Tree if I can swing it. I want the buying stuff to be done so I don't have to worry and plan...
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