Lovely…work email is down, and I need to login to a website that has MFA and uses my email to send the code 🤦‍♂️

Going on vacay for 6 days in NYC in 2 days and feeling the overwhelm badly. Too much to do for work and to get the house in order. Still, excited for all the shows we’ll be seeing.

My executive (dys)function has been horrible lately. Can’t focus on anything.

My StoryGraph 2025 wrap-up. Would love to connect with more people on StoryGraph. #booksky app.thestorygraph.com/profile/flam...

20 books read in 2025. Mostly audiobooks. Loved every single one. #yearinbooks #booksky

So, I got a new pair of progressives with updated prescription, and I honestly don’t know if I can wear them long enough to get used to them. Wearing them for any period of time makes me queasy. I’ve been wearing progressives for a while now, but have never had this much of an issue. 🤓

Just finished Travis Baldree’s latest cozy fantasy, Brigands and Breadknives, and I loved it just as much as the other two books. The chaos goblin Zyll is my new favorite character. #booksky bookshop.org/p/books/brig...

Many Americans are hurting right now because of the shutdown, but caving to Republicans won’t end the hurt. Trump and his lapdogs continue to assert that they alone have the power to slash whatever programs they don’t like. Deals with this regime are meaningless.

Been a while since I played with chainmaille. I got some kits over 6 months ago to try out some different patterns and never touched them. Finally broke one open and finished this Helm bracelet tonight. I’m really pleased with the way it turned out. #handmade #metaljewelry #chainmaille

Just started listening to “Direct Descendant” by Tanya Huff and it has me hooked right from the beginning. Loving the characters and story. But, boy can she pack a lot of info into a short sentence. I keep having to run the audio back to catch something I missed. So good though!

Today has been a sucky day all around, and it’s my birthday. Looking forward to yummy dinner and a cocktail or two tonight.

“Fingers are a privilege, not a right.”—Seanan McGuire

Great reading and Q&A with Martha Wells, WorldCon author guest of honor. #worldcon

Read the flipping question…Thought I got 6/6 on my rom com trivia round, but failed to read the question properly so only got 5.

I really wish my body would get back to a normal sleep schedule. Stupid brain chemistry. 🥱

This should be amazing!

Good grief. Another Worldcon fiasco. I’m sort of embarrassed to be attending at this point.

Today is the Mondayist of Wednesdays. My stupid brain just does not want to operate.

I’m watching The Sandman despite having conflicted feelings about it, but one observation I’ve made is the Endless’ way of communication reminds me very much of the Trumps from Zelazney’s Amber series.

Not ready to go back to work tomorrow.

Loving “When the Tides Held the Moon” by @venessakelley.bsky.social . Listening to the amazing audiobook narrated by Michael Crouch and Christopher Salazar. Beautiful writing set in an early 1900s Coney Island side show. Love all the characters that make up this chosen family. #booksky #queersff

Soooo sleeeeepy. 🥱 I think I haven’t been sleeping well because I have the A/C set higher than usual so that our bill next month isn’t a bazillion dollars. It’s so icky outside.

Chicago, I am in you. Having lunch and a lovely aviation at Lady Gregory’s in Andersonville. I needed a drank! Next stop, one of my favorite tiny stationary shops.

I’m off the next 4 days starting tomorrow. Taking a short trip to Chicagoland to see Grace Jones and Janelle Monae. I just realized that other than Memorial Day and New Year’s Day, I haven’t had any time off work this whole year. I so desperately need it. 🤪

I’m so tired of people in positions of authority treating the underlings that do the hard work which makes *them* look good like trash. It’s been a recurring theme lately. Also, why can’t anyone own their mistakes and apologize. Ugh, people are the worst! Off to snuggle my cat now.

I saw Things Like This last night and really enjoyed it. Super cute gay rom com film with a really talented cast.

Will wonders never cease. I got a sports question correct in trivia today.

Just saw a list of queer books coming out in May. I came to this title and might have squealed in delight. Definitely adding to my want to read list.

I’m really loving the new Palladino work of art, Etoile. Same snappy, witty dialog they’re know for, with gorgeous dancing as well.

Wow, today is going to be a record day of skeets from me on the Cielo Azul. It has just occurred to me that my Surface Pro, which is perfectly fine, doesn’t have a supported processor to run Win 11 and Win 10 is going out of support in Oct.

Every year I buy a fancy Japanese planner, and I start out with good intentions about using it every day, but that lasted for all of a week and now a third of it is unused 😭.

There is a Sailor Moon concert at our local historic theater tonight where my partner is a volunteer usher. His text to me: “this place is an absolute mad house right now. these people are crazy.” Me: “Yeah…Sailor Moon fandom is…intense” 🤣

There is a new kosher, New York style, bagel place within walking distance and I’ve decided I can live on just bagels alone. Nom nom nom 😋

And to be so very clear, JKR has openly stated that the money she makes from Harry Potter (in all its forms, right now) goes directly to conservative and specifically anti-trans causes. Do not financially engage with Harry Potter. Don't even engage with it for free. It's a Faustian IP, do not.

This insomnia has got to stop. I can’t function with so little sleep. 😴🥱

Saw Shucked (the musical) last night. It was so good! Fun, silly, and sweet with smart, snappy one-liners and great music. I’m a big fan of Brandy Clark, one of the two lyricist/composers. They created an entertaining, original show with heart. Definitely a balm for these trying times.

When actual facts resemble an Onion headline, you know we are all doomed.

I swear, every new headline makes me more angry and more anxious. I want off this doomscrolling ride.

I usually like all things Lush, but the Wicked Green Elixir shower gel just smells wrong to me. I’ve never encountered a Lush fragrance that was so off putting. I almost feel like I got a bad batch or something, based on the reviews and descriptions I read. I was so excited for this one too.

Would love to connect with more people on StoryGraph. Link to my profile (flamekrafter) below. I love fantasy, sci-fi, and YA, particularly if it’s queer. #storygraph #booksky app.thestorygraph.com/profile/flam...

I’m currently reading “Sorcery and Small Magics” by @maigadoocy.bsky.social , and am absolutely loving it. Lovely writing with interesting characters and a wildly unique magic system. The audiobook is A+++. #booksky app.thestorygraph.com/books/211b45...

I’m finding it really hard to focus on work this week (more so than usual). I know I’m not alone. But, like, can’t we have a work sponsored week-long leave after fascists take over the government? Like that would be enough time anyway… 🙄

5 authors I’ve read 5+ books by: Seanan McGuire Martha Wells Mercedes Lackey Kim Harrison Patricia Briggs

I’m really having trouble wrapping my head around the fact that Christmas is in a week. Like, where did the year go???

Saw someone upbraiding someone else for having a hobby while the world is on fire, and, my friends: 1. The world is ever on fire, this is today's conflagration; 2. If you don't find time for rest and joy the fire will consume you; 3. Don't let people shame you for being an entire human.

The world is still far from being right, but looking forward to the opportunity to distract myself while learning about the latest in informatics and connecting with colleagues.

I’m halfway through the audiobook of @drslayton.bsky.social ‘s latest, Rogue Community College, and had to share how fantastic it is. It’s so fun returning to the Binder-verse, Vran, and being introduced to Isaac and the rest of the RCC students! Michael Axtell gets an A++ as narrator. #booksky

I hate my brain. Was falling asleep at 9pm watching tv. For once I decide to go to bed when I’m actually sleepy and toss and turn for 3 hours now wide awake.

Very rainy day. Not complaining, but the desire to nap is strong.