But what if I napped instead of trying to solve this gnarly coding issue?

For the first time in weeks (literally, no exaggeration) it is not raining and there's sunshine happening so I've been out for a walk. Then I made the mistake of stopping in a cafe for coffee having forgotten it's Valentine's Day but it's still been a good morning. Sunshine! Blue sky! So good!

At last, the weekend.

For everyone I've tried to incept into the B5 love, it's now free on YouTube!

#DQ11 As is my habit, I have been doing an explore of the first major location I've found (the capital city) before continuing my quest, and as a result I've found two side quests and broken lots if jars for loot. I also bullied a lot of monsters on my way there. The monster names are hilarious.

This weeks Starfleet Academy might be my favourite yet. Sam feels much more real - like the entire narrative weird thing there - and it was such a lovely tribute to DS9.

In a complete tonal shift, I have started Dragon Quest XI as my next game. So far, it's had me laughing out loud a couple of times at silly puns - it's much more light-hearted. (Obviously I managed to fall off something before my hero even left his home village.) Think this'll be a fun time.

That was such a satisfying ending 😍 #MetaphorRefantazio

Ok, this is it. I have cleared out the final dungeon. My team is well levelled. My archetypes are maxed out. I've got all the good gear. Time to confront the main bad guy for the final time and finish #MetaphorRefantazio

I'm ready for the very last dungeon of Metaphor Refantazio (for real this time, I thought the previous one was the last one and it wasn't) so I will be finishing the game and now I'm impatient to finish work so I can make a start on it. I've loved this game but I'm also very ready for a new one.

I was meant to be going on a little work outing on Friday, where us senior IT folk were going to do some planning for the next financial year over a slap up meal in an excellent pub - the boss's way of thanking us (the meal) and making it plausible for expenses (the planning). It's been canceled 😭

Is the new season of Bridgerton as good as the previous ones? Maybe not on some levels, but I'm still having a good time and it's giving me the warm fuzzy romance vibes I need right now. Sometimes it's not about critical excellence, sometimes it's just "is this what I need? Then it's great."

I am slowly crawling out of my grief hole. I miss Annie-cat so much, it still feels like something is missing at least thirty times a day, but I can think about her and take about her without bursting into tears so that's progress. She was such a good cat.

This was very much the laugh I needed today

Good luck to all my BTS friends today 🤞🤞🤞

For anyone who has missed this.

We had a good last day - lots of cuddles and treats, and Annie was having one of her better days. The vet was lovely and it was all very peaceful at the end. I miss her so much.

Annie-cat has lymphoma in addition to kidney failure. Despite everything we've done, she's fading. I'm never going to be ready to say goodbye, but a few days ago I made the decision. She'll be going to sleep tomorrow. We've had some good last days after 17 wonderful years. I won't forget her.

Took the Christmas decorations today. As usual, the house felt really bare...for about half an hour and then I started enjoying having everything back to normal and in the right place. I am such a creature of habit.

Had to be in the office today for important meetings this morning, but now I'm on my way home early so I can try to get there before today's snow can freeze and make everything worse. I'll work a bit later than normal when I get home but at least I'll be home.

I looked at the news for two minutes and spent the afternoon playing metaphor refantazio instead. I'll take fictional politics over whatever is happening out there right now, thank you. Much less distressing.

Do any of my London based knitters have suggestions?

Feeling very happy with my decision to take leave today, even though it's the first day of the new leave calendar, because I was not ready for work and I'm having a lovely lazy morning instead.

The only goal I'm setting myself for 2026 is my reading goal, which I try to make achievable by basing it on my actual total for the previous year. Last year I read 56 books from a goal of 40. It was my best reading year since 2019. It'll be tough to exceed that. So my 2026 goal is 50 books.

Also, for those interested, a bit of a review of my year in gaming: selenay.dreamwidth.org/598038.html

New fic! An actual fic in 2025 by me! For Metaphor Refantazio, a quiet moment in the strategy room featuring Hulkenberg and Strohl being friends (sort of) and possibly a crush (not on Strohl). archiveofourown.org/works/76801131

I have learned that I cannot switch Annie-cat's litter brand, not even gradually, so I need to make sure that I always have a good backlog in stock just in case my usual places are out of stock. Also found a new place that carries it if all else fails. Annie, the pickiest of princesses.

Apparently we're actually really near (10th Jan) and there's a "buy one month of the streaming service" option available 😅 Here, have my money! www.radiotimes.com/tv/drama/hea...

FSOTUS. Or Prince of England. Urgh.

I am waiting for that hockey show to come out in the UK. (Or announce that it's coming to a place I can't access even for a month so I don't feel guilty about using other means, but preferably it'll get here in a place I can give money to.) *tap tap* are we there yet?

Thanks to @bishbosh.bsky.social I have finally watched The Old Guard. Loved it. Why did I wait so long? It came out in 2020, probably that contributed. But it's very good, glad I finally got there!

Thank you for all the sympathy and good wishes. This really broke containment - so many cat lovers here. My vet has been an amazing support and we've worked out things to do and give her to make her as comfortable as possible. I'm focusing on enjoying every day with her. She's such a good cat.

I have not put this on here yet because of the timing but a few days ago the vet gave me the news I'd been half expecting for a while. Annie-cat's kidneys are failing and she only has a few months left, probably not many. My baby is finally in her little old lady era.

I have survived all the family festivities 🎉 My nephew is amazing. He built the Lego set I gave him in six hours yesterday. We all thought it would be at least two days. He loves it so much. But now it's all done and I can relax. I'll have a @bishbosh.bsky.social for a couple of days too 😊

Wishing you all the happiest of holidays, from our painted family to yours ❤️❤️ - The Expedition 33 Team!! Artwork made by Nicholas Maxson-Francombe, Art Director.

To everyone celebrating, Happy Christmas! 🎄 For everyone else, have a lovely relaxed Thursday 😊

I have wrapped all the presents. All of them. Including the chocolates and biscuits I bought for me, which are now under the tree (with no ribbons on to tempt Annie into destructive behaviour. Not sure if she's still up for that this year but still a precaution!)

Out of office on, no work until 5th January!

Only half a day of work between me and being on leave until 5th January. I can do this!

Doing a half day today so I'm done with work and heading into town did final shopping. On December 23rd. This may be a terrible idea 😅

@akadougal.bsky.social Thank for the lovely card! The tiny stocking brightened my day.

It arrived today, phew! Now just waiting for three things and really hoping they turn up this week 🤞

Aaaah!!! So happy with that result! #Strictly

#Strictly final time! I am ready 🎉

I have just worked out why I haven't received my brother in law's gift yet, despite ordering it days ago. I put it in the basket and never checked out. Fixed now, should still arrive before Christmas 🙄

I had a day off today (days that need using up!) and it's been surprisingly nice. Very gentle self-care. I've been feeling some ways and had been avoiding Christmas prep, but my sister was right. The tree and decorations are good for my mood and the living room feels so cozy today.

Well #10Dance was everything I hoped for 😁

On a train home from London (we haven't left yet but I have a seat, very important) after what is hopefully my last office day of the year. Despite there being a mandatory town hall this afternoon, the office was very empty. Tomorrow I'm having a day off, long weekend, which feels very welcome.

OMG HE'S HERE AND I NEED HIM

It's only been five years, I'm sure. But I guess I'm going to the cinema in January.