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First, secret santa! We all made wishlists of course, but I didn't really want anything so I made a list of fetch quests instead. I tried my best to come up with inconvenient chores, but in short I asked for a cool rock, a handmade item from a local artist, a food-stained t-shirt, a sentimental item more than 15 years old, and a library book with a love letter or airplane ticket left inside. There were more detailed instructions and I also asked for a photo for proof, because I knew they'd try to find loopholes to make it less of an annoyance. But my santa complied beautifully and give me a the most ergonomic rock I've ever held, and oolong tea he got from Taiwan. It's so good! I'm struggling between drinking it all in one day or saving it for special occasions. I really hope there's an easier way to get more than flying across the globe!

For my birthday, me and my friends just wasted time in the city window-shopping. We also went to a vegetarian restaurant, and even though I'm the only meat hater, they all ate their veggies with me! Our waitress asked us why we were so quiet for a birthday party, but the truth is we were getting yelled at and accosted all day. So easy to get picked on when you're a large group of approachable individuals... But it didn't ruin the day for me because the encounters were brief and just something you get used to in an urban environment. But once again I will reiterate that I'm ready to leave this horrid place.

For birthday gifts, my friends actually did my entire list of fetch quests and I was very touched! Well, they couldn't find a love note in a library book so instead I received The Complete Book of Cat Names with a birthday card in it. Cute, right?! It sounded like they had fun completing all of the tasks, which was my goal.

I also got more Instax film because I love taking photos on our outings, and a set of Pentel Mattenhop. I think these are my favorite photo pens, second only to pastel Sakura Decorese, mostly for the colors. I think this line was discontinued at some point, which is a real shame. But I like the Mattenhops because they dry fast! No more leaving my journal open for hours only to accidentally smudge the pen anyway! I hope they come out with a pastel line!

I also received some wonderful art from Arachne, Mima and hat, which is uploaded here. Thank you again!!!

Overall, things are going well for me for the time being! I've been a DAD participant lately, and it's nice to have an excuse to draw. Or rather, time set aside for a daily activity. I don't know how long I'll keep it up since I'm only a little over a week in, but I would like to get better at drawing. About 6 or 7 years ago, I didn't want to draw anymore. I'd only do a quick sketch or doodle every couple of months, angry at myself for not spending more time learning and practicing so I'd be better at art already, which would make me not want to draw! A horrible self perpetuating cycle flanked by the tallest walls of the mind. But now it doesn't matter if I wake up and decide I don't want to draw today! because I have to so I'm going to. Who knew a countdown clock works just as well as a gun to my head!

No but I actually really enjoy going on an journey of self improvement with my friends even though I fully intended on putting it off until I had the proper time for it. It was actually really easy to just make time for it, and I wish I started a little sooner. I think all my most worthwhile decisions have been ones made belatedly though lol

Lastly, I've been tinkering around with the website layout (again) (as I always do) because I want it to be lots of things and because it's fun. It's kind of almost sort of half-finished but we'll see where I end up leaving it.