Sunday News #20

Sunday Post and Sunday Salon are blog news memes hosted at Caffeinated Reviewer and Reader Buzz, respectively. It’s a chance to share news, recap the past week on your blog, and showcase books and other things.
Feeling

I’m feeling sad and angry that we’re dealing with yet another mass shooting in an elementary school and not even a fortnight after what happened in Buffalo. I grew up around guns. My dad had a cabinet full of rifles, shotguns, revolvers, and other handguns. They were always under lock and key and I never knew where that key was. I have so many fond memories of going out shooting targets with my dad. Even though every memory of my parents is precious to me now that they’re both gone, I’d give up the memories I have of shooting with my dad if it stopped these pointless, hate-filled, violent crimes. We are a country who values our guns more than our people. It’s utterly despicable. Guns aren’t worth it.

Yes, I know regular guns aren’t the problem. It’s assault rifles and semi-automatic weapons like AR-15s. I’m just saying that I’d gladly give up every single one of my fond memories with my dad to stop these shootings. Only military should have access to semi-automatic weapons and I think that should even be limited access.

Blogging

This week on the blog:

Reading

I finally read something this week. I decided to throw out my best-laid plans for May and read something I knew would grab my attention right away–THE LOVE HYPOTHESIS by Ali Hazelwood–and I wasn’t wrong (the link to my review is above).

I started reading WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING by Delia Owens yesterday. I’d like to start reading THE MAGICIAN’S NEPHEW by CS Lewis today. Hopefully, I can finish both of those before Wednesday so they count towards May.

Listening

I’ve actually been listening to a lot of K-pop this week. It’s upbeat poppy nature is a great way to help pull me out of depression. Thanks to my friend Suey (It’s All About Books), I’ve discovered a new favorite band Onewe. My favorite of their songs I’ve listened to so far is “Montage.”

Watching

Corey and I watched the first two episodes of OBI-WAN KENOBI on Disney+ and they were amazing. The recap they did of the prequels before the first episode started gave me chills. I’m so excited to have Ewan McGregor () back as Obi-Wan and Hayden Christensen back as Darth Vader. I love them both so much!

Right after we watched the OBI-WAN KENOBI episodes, we watched the first two movies in the prequel trilogy. It was a lot of fun. We’re going to make our way through the main nine movies. Woo hoo! It’s like when I was a kid/teenager and I had Star Wars marathons every time I was sick and stayed home from school.

Loving

I love Oreo shakes with double the Oreo in them. I’m kind of obsessed with them right now. I get one at least two to three times a week. I think they’re my unhealthy way of dealing with all the stress I’m feeling.

Wanting

I wanted to drop my class this week because of anhedonia (diminished interest/pleasure in previous activities). I used the skills I learned in DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) to fight the urge to drop out. For those wondering what skills I used, I used STOP, mindful of emotions and thoughts, check the facts, turning the mind, willingness, and opposite action. Needless to say, I’m still taking the class and I finished my homework for the week.

Needing

I need to channel my stress into more healthy ways of coping so I don’t end up with diabetes or gain a ton of weight.

How was your week? Anything exciting happen?

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Sunday News #19

Sunday Post and Sunday Salon are blog news memes hosted at Caffeinated Reviewer and Reader Buzz, respectively. It’s a chance to share news, recap the past week on your blog, and showcase books and other things.
Feeling

I’ve felt a little overwhelmed from trying to transition to the next step in my DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) progression. As I stated last week, I graduated on May 12, which means I no longer go to group sessions and I only see Doug, my therapist, when I need him versus seeing him at an appointed time every week. It has triggered my fear of abandonment, which is one of the key symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). I have to keep checking the facts and reminding myself that Doug’s still available through booster sessions. It’s just different than it was before.

I also feel excited, nervous, and proud because I was interviewed by a Huffington Post reporter about how the Johnny Depp v. Amber Heard trial is affecting those with BPD. Some of you may know that Depp’s legal team has alleged that Heard has BPD, which is fine. The problem is that many of the people who believe Heard is the problem in the relationship are saying things online like, “No wonder she’s abusive. She has BPD,” implying that violence is synonymous with BPD. It’s been really hard to see those reactions, actually. BPD is already very stigmatized and this very public trial is further stigmatizing it. Anyway, the reporter sent me the link to the article on Thursday and it’s very well-researched and -written. If you take the time to read it and not just base your opinion on the title or tagline (like some have), it may help further the conversation about BPD.

Blogging

This week on the blog:

Reading

I didn’t read anything AGAIN this week. I’m just so stressed with everything going on–selling our place, new semester starting, graduating from therapy, etc.–that I can’t seem to sit down and read. I’m feeling too anxious. Maybe, I should’ve put that up in the “Feeling” section. I’m hoping as I get more and more used to my new schedule, I’ll be able to relax a little bit and read again.

Listening

To help calm my nerves, I’ve been listening to a lot of Enya, specifically her A DAY WITHOUT RAIN album. My favorite song on that album is “Only Time.” A lot of people know this song from the Charlize Theron and Keanu Reeves movie SWEET NOVEMBER.

Watching

Corey and I are still really enjoying the new STAR TREK: STRANGE NEW WORLDS TV show on Paramount+. I really love Anson Mount as Pike and Ethan Peck as Spock. I especially love Mount’s hair. Ha! I’ve told my husband he needs to grow his hair out and style it like Pike. It reminds me, though not quite the same, of Ewan McGregor’s hair in JACK AND THE GIANT SLAYER. (Maybe, I should’ve put this in the “Loving” section. )

I also watched TOP GUN for the first time ever. I know, right? Anyway, am I the only one who thinks Kelly McGillis and Tom Cruise don’t go together, like at all? I thought she was fine in WITNESS with Harrison Ford, but opposite Tom Cruise? Really? She would’ve worked way better opposite Val Kilmer, IMHO.

Loving

I love my Nintendo Switch. I also love Animal Crossing: New Horizons (ACNH). When the pandemic first started, I wasn’t in DBT yet and I had a hard time regulating my anxiety. The way I got through 2020 was by playing ACNH for anywhere from six to 12 straight hours each day for almost a year. I’ve clocked 1600+ hours on the game according to Nintendo. Anyway, to help calm my nerves this week, I’ve broken out ACNH for a couple of hours for a couple of days. It’s been nice to ignore everything.

Wanting

I want to get LASIK. Distance seeing and reading have become a huge problem for me. I have progressive lenses and I still take my glasses off more than I use them when I read or take notes. It’s a problem with school because I need my glasses to see the board. I can’t keep taking off and putting on my glasses while I’m in class or doing homework. Not only is it annoying and impossible to actually do anything productive, it also gives me very painful headaches.

Needing

I need our place to sell quickly. Every time we have a showing or open house, it’s very stressful and scary for our cats. I feel bad that they’re so scared.

How was your week? Anything exciting happen?

So I’m not accused of defending Heard’s behavior, I think Depp’s in the right in this instance. I don’t condone Heard’s behavior at all. AND, just because someone has BPD doesn’t mean they’re violent. I don’t have a violent bone in my body.

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Sunday News #18

Sunday Post and Sunday Salon are blog news memes hosted at Caffeinated Reviewer and Reader Buzz, respectively. It’s a chance to share news, recap the past week on your blog, and showcase books and other things.
Feeling

I’ve felt a bit overwhelmed this week. Corey and I’ve been packing up a storm to get our place ready for pictures so we can put it on the market. We barely made it yesterday. We’re both so worn out and tired from all the packing and cleaning.

I’m also feeling proud. I got my grades for last semester and I got A’s in both my Japanese and trigonometry classes. I knew I was going to fail my computer programming class because I got behind when I got sick. Instead of giving me an F, my teacher gave me a UW (unofficial withdrawal) and I’m okay with that.

I started a new iteration of the computer programming class this week and I feel so much better about it already. Since it’s the only class I’m taking during the summer, I’ll be able to devote plenty of time to learning the concepts.

I’m also feeling proud because I graduated from DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) on Thursday. I actually shared my experience on Twitter in a thread about having Borderline Personality Disorder and graduating from therapy. Here’s the first tweet if you want to read the thread. (There’s a trigger warning for suicide.)

Blogging

This week on the blog:

Reading

I didn’t read anything this week either. It’s just been so crazy around here. Hopefully, today I can get some reading in. I want to focus on starting the read-alongs I’m supposed to be participating in for Wyrd & Wonder and my IRL book club’s May book, which are:

  • THE SUMMER TREE by Guy Gavriel Kay
  • THE DARKEST PART OF THE FOREST by Holly Black
  • CARVE THE MARK by Veronica Roth (book club book)

I need to make CARVE THE MARK my priority, though, because our book club meeting is this coming Wednesday. Wish me luck.

Listening

This week, I’ve been listening to “Something in the Way” by Nirvana thanks to watching The Batman. I actually forgot about this song. I love Nirvana, but I normally listen to “Smells Like Team Spirit” and “Come as You Are” in my Faves playlist.

Watching

Corey and I finally watched The Batman. It’s on HBO Max and I’ve been wanting to see it ever since the reviews said it was the best Batman movie yet. Corey’s not a DC fan. At. All. I don’t mind some of DC’s stuff. I like Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy and I Shazam! Superman’s one of my favorite superheroes and I liked the first movie with Henry Cavill, but once Ben Affleck shows up as Batman I start to lose interest. I liked both Wonder Woman movies all right, except I always say this: the first Wonder Woman movie is just Captain America: the First Avenger set in WWI with Wonder Woman as the superhero instead of Steve Rogers.

Anyway, back to The Batman. I thought it was fantastic. Robert Pattinson did a phenomenal job as Bruce Wayne/Batman. I had my doubts and he crushed it. The rest of the cast was amazing too. The movie and story are very dark, but what else is new; it’s DC. I loved that the story focuses on Batman’s detective nature. Nirvana’s “Something in the Way” was perfect for the movie. It gave me chills. If you haven’t seen it and you like superhero movies, you should give it a go. If you’re a ginormous Batman fan, I’m not sure what you’ll think.

Loving

I love how clean and empty my house feels right now. We decluttered it for the pictures and while we show it to potential buyers. I think Corey and I are going to throw out a lot stuff. Everything feels so open and roomy. I miss my library, though. That will be the first thing I unpack after we move.

Wanting

I want to get my nails done. They’re way too long right now. I might have time at some point in the near future to get a manicure. #firstworldproblems

Needing

I need to find my mom and dad’s death certificates. My siblings and I were each given one after both of my parents passed away. I put them in a safe place. However, as I was packing this week, I realized they’re not there anymore. I’m sure they’ve just been misplaced from the last time I used them. I just want to make sure I know where they are.

How was your week? Anything exciting happen?

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Sunday News #17

Sunday Post and Sunday Salon are blog news memes hosted at Caffeinated Reviewer and Reader Buzz, respectively. It’s a chance to share news, recap the past week on your blog, and showcase books and other things.
Feeling

I’m feeling many things. Today is Mother’s Day in the US and it’s a hard day for me. This Mother’s Day marks the 9th anniversary of when I last spoke to my mom. A week later, she passed away. As you can imagine, I’m feeling a bit sad as I remember her. I miss her so much.

I’m feeling thankful because as I remember my mom, I remember all the things she did for me. When I was in high school, she’d make sure I had a hot breakfast before I left for school. She always took care of me when I was sick or not feeling well. She gave me hugs whenever I asked for them. I could talk to her about almost anything. I always felt loved.

I’m feeling proud of myself for finishing this semester. It was much more difficult emotionally and physically than last semester and I didn’t give up. I’m glad it’s over and I’m excited to find out what my grades are later this week.

Finally, I’m feeling a bit nervous because I start a new semester on Wednesday. I’m only taking one class, though, since it’s summer. I’m actually retaking my computer programming class from this semester since I couldn’t get caught up after getting so sick in March. Wish me luck!

Blogging

It has been quite the week! I blogged almost every day this past week. This week on the blog:

Reading

I haven’t read a single thing this week. It has been such a crazy week. I’m going to try to get caught up on the read-alongs I’m participating in for Wyrd & Wonder. I’ll focus on THE SUMMER TREE by Guy Gavriel Kay and THE DARKEST PART OF THE FOREST by Holly Black. I’d also really like to read my IRL book club’s May book CARVE THE MARK by Veronica Roth, but I don’t know if I’ll have time.

Listening

In honor of Star Wars Day on May 4, I thought I’d share my favorite Star Wars music written by the fabulous John Williams, of course. The track’s called, “The Hologram/Binary Sunset.”

For those of you who aren’t as big into Star Wars as I am, it takes place in Episode IV: A New Hope when Luke looks into the sunset just after R2-D2 escapes, looking for Obi-Wan Kenobi on Princess Leia’s orders.

May the 4th be with you!

Watching

Corey and I finished watching Moon Knight on Disney+. It was awesome! Oscar Isaac was amazing. Also, I called the mid credits scene on the last episode.

We saw the new Dr. Strange movie on Thursday. I thought it was fantastic. I loved it. I enjoyed every minute of it. It’s easily one of my favorite Marvel movies. Corey, on the other hand, felt the opposite, lol.

We watched the season finale of Star Trek: Picard and I cried during a couple of scenes. I’m excited to see what season 3 brings.

Finally, we also watched the pilot of the new series Star Trek: Strange New Worlds and we both really enjoyed it. I think it’s going to be fun and I look forward to seeing how this series plays out.

Loving

I loved spending a few hours yesterday with my friends. We went out to eat for lunch. It was a lot of fun.

I also got to see some other friends yesterday. They’re more family than friends. Anyway, they came over to help Corey load a moving truck to put some of our stuff in storage. We’re in the process of “staging” our townhome so we can put it on the market next weekend. Corey really appreciated the help.

Wanting

I want our place to sell quickly. The sooner it sells, the sooner we can move into our new place and I can unpack my library. I packed up my library yesterday and I already miss sitting in my sanctuary. #firstworldproblems

Needing

I need to get used to having Twitter again. About four years ago, I deleted pretty much every single one of my social media accounts, except Instagram and Goodreads. And, I mean deleted them. I didn’t deactivate them so I could come back one day and get all my content again. I deleted my accounts. Social media was contributing to my depression and other struggles.

Last week, I decided to rejoin Twitter for Dewey’s 24-Hour Readathon because a lot of the socialization for the readathon happens on Twitter. I made a deal with myself that if Twitter starts affecting me negatively again, I’ll delete my account and not look back. And, with going through DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) this past year, I feel so much more prepared to deal with Twitter. I’m staying away from accounts and topics that I know trigger me. I’m mostly following bookish people so that it remains fun and carefree.

If you want to follow me on Twitter, my handle is @jenni_elyse.

How was your week? Anything exciting happen?

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Sunday News #16

Sunday Post and Sunday Salon are blog news memes hosted at Caffeinated Reviewer and Reader Buzz, respectively. It’s a chance to share news, recap the past week on your blog, and showcase books and other things.
Feeling

I’m feeling a bit nervous because I have my Japanese written final tomorrow and my trig final on Tuesday. Wish me luck! I’m also feeling really happy and relieved. My ex-friend and I talked this week and we settled our differences. We’re good now!

Blogging

I blogged quite a bit this past week. This next week’s going to be just as busy. This week on the blog:

Reading

I finished reading STALKING JACK THE RIPPER by Kerri Maniscalco last Sunday evening (review link above). I finished reading DEAR EMMIE BLUE by Lia Louis yesterday during the readathon. I also read and finished THE HORSE AND HIS BOY by CS Lewis during the readathon.

Today’s the first of May and the start of Wyrd & Wonder the Fifth. I’m joining both monthly read-alongs for THE SUMMER TREE by Guy Gavriel Kay and THE DARKEST PART OF THE FOREST by Holly Black. I’m very excited! I haven’t participated in a read-along in years! I’ll also be reading other books for May.

Listening

One of my friends sent me the song I’ve been listening to this week about a month ago. It’s called “You Say” by Lauren Daigle. The first time I listened to it, I knew I needed to hear its message.

Watching

Corey and I finally started watching Moon Knight on Disney+. It’s such an interesting concept and Oscar Isaac is killing it in the acting department.

Loving

I loved spending a few hours of the readathon yesterday with my friends. We went out to eat for lunch and then snuggled up in blankets and lounged around in comfy chairs reading for about four or five hours. It was a lot of fun and leveled up our readathon.

Wanting

I want to figure out my meds so I don’t always feel so tired. I take quite a few mood stabilizers that do great things for my mood and horrific things to the rest of my body. I’m constantly fighting sleepiness. It’s really hard for me to exercise because I have no energy and my appetite’s all out of whack. Just once, I’d like to have the energy and stamina to stick to something that’ll in turn help me feel better.

Needing

I need to thank my classmate who told me about the ACT dry mouth lozenges. One of my medications is giving me dry mouth something fierce. When I was at a school event last week, she told me her dad uses the lozenges. I got some this week and they’ve helped so much.

How was your week? Anything exciting happen?

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