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I have a whole lot of complex feelings about my alma mater re: my master's degree. I am proud of the work I did and adore some of my former instructors. HOWEVER, I was very poorly treated by the school from well before I even got accepted all the way passed my graduation.

Highlights:

( Cut for bitching and light discussion of current events, so pass if you are In No Mood )

Anyway, I'm just going to sit over here and give a sensible chuckle.

When I say the Covid booster kicked my ass, I mean that I had a 2-day migraine so bad my vision got fuzzy for a bit there. I also spent the last three days (give or take) napping and cuddling with my cats while listening to an audiobook through earplugs. Sounds weird, but it works for me, so.

I've also had a dip in appetite, which is weirdly nice? I got used to not being hungry for like two years and the change in meds I made last year turned it back on. That's been weird and also a huge head trip re: weight/food/mental health. Anyway, I made myself go buy Wink's meds yesterday (girlfriend was out for two days and the vomiting was starting to come back) and got a smoothie. I desperately love Tropical Smoothie Cafe's tropical greens detox because it's basically kale, spinach, a banana, a bunch of ginger, and some pineapple. I get it with chia seeds and a probiotic because I never remember to buy those at home. I also only get one very rarely because they're $10 goddamn dollars and I can make one at home for considerably less than that.

BUT. I went because I still felt ass and there was a Filipino bakery that opened next to the one on Foster. Unsurprising as Seafood City is in the same parking lot. BUT. I picked up some snacks for my coworkers. I tried a bibinka croissant and was mildly salty it was $6, but then could only finish half of it because it was so rich. Well played, bakery. Also, the mini ube rolls were excellent and even my picky (but trying!) student enjoyed them. I'm very proud of that student for doing their best to try stuff. Texture and food issues are a pain and they're interested in trying new foods but are pretty upfront on their challenges. From what they've said, they had a pretty limited diet by both choice and availability when they were growing up, and I had something similar so know it can be a challenge to even know where to maybe start.

Honestly, I am kind of proud of myself and how I've fostered my own interest in food. I had an interest, even as a tiny kid and I'm proud of myself for the work I've done to try things. There are definite areas I could expand, but I'm going to give myself the grace and space I deserve to eat what I like. I have the privilege to do so when others don't and I will respect that and honor it by trying stuff and making it easier for others to as well in a safe and comfortable way. I'm going to try and continue to yes, and my way through food.

In other news, I finished the four books I was making! I do like the larger page size, plus there's less cutting I have to do for the signatures. However, I need to be a little more observant on the cover board cutting. I accidentally cut them to narrow this time. It's fine as they're for me to read and it's good information for future work. I also got a bit better labeling the spines with a paint pen and a stencil. I really have to figure out a better thing, but the numbering bit worked out well!

On a side note, I'm vaguely glad for Oliver Stark from 9-1-1 because his weird gym thirst traps have introduced me to several new dad rock artists and I'm having a good time.