1. Have you ever gone skinny-dipping? In the pool I had in Texas, when I was a kid. Dad even took a video LOL
2. When you're home alone, do you strip down to get comfortable? Do you ever go out without underwear (bra and/or panties) because it's more comfortable? I get into my PJs in the evening when I'm at home alone, but I definitely don't go without the other two in public, my boobs are way too big for that haha!
3. Have you ever/Do you use the bathroom with the door open? Are you comfortable using public facilities? Ooof, this Friday five is making me super uncomfortable LOL (I'm a little famous at work for not liking bathroom talk LOL). Only when I'm home in my apartment. I really don't like public bathrooms, but sometimes there just isn't another choice, so I cringe and get done as soon as possible haha
4. When getting intimate with your significant other, lights on or off? I'm single
5. How comfortable are you with body exposure/nudity of others? Group shower rooms?, topless/nude beaches?, breastfeeding in public? Being asexual, I'd rather not see excessive nudity..I feel like it should be private, shared with a significant other (Vicki is not asexual, but she told me she feels the same way). I don't know how actors/actresses can film nude scenes in movies, I'd be horrified! I don't mind breastfeeding though, of course your baby has to eat!

This week at the bookstore everyone's been busy, selling books (everything was 50% off this week), packing up books, etc. We've been open til 8, and all of us have said that during our turn working late that it was pretty much dead after 5:30, our normal closing time..seemed kinda pointless to be open that late then! We definitely sold a lot, but there are still SO many books left! Today was supposed to be the store's last sale day in its current spot, but Shelby texted everyone this morning, saying not to come in because something came up. I was imagining awful things, like a break in or murder! Later Lucie texted me and my other coworker (Bill), saying she wanted us to go to the new building and sort books. Mom was in town, so I was able to get a ride from her. When both of us arrived, Lucie said someone moved a shelf and found a silverfish infestation, so she had to call an exterminator before the movers would move anything. Phew, I'm glad it wasn't anything worse! Bill and I set up tables and sorted books (fiction, nonfiction, kids) for about 3-4 hours (those books had been in our storage unit for years because we didn't have enough space at the store). There were some cool books I'd never seen before! After 3 1/2 hours the tables were getting super overloaded and I was getting tired, and luckily Lucie stopped by again to check on us, who said we could go home and she'd still pay us for another hour..cool! I'm definitely tired of this move and being exhausted when I go home, I'm so glad I'm going to Santa Fe next week! Just two more workdays left lol (Lucie said a lot of customers kept showing up, wanting to get last-minute deals, and were sad to be turned away..awww :(). Lucie took this picture of me and Bill:

Lots of books!! We need more tables until the shelves are set up lol

Curti can now jump up on the counter..I'd rather not have paws up there that have been in the litterbox lol, but he doesn't want to take "no" for an answer. :P Dad had been out of town since I got Curti until last weekend, and of course dad loves him and likes to take him outside with him. He's a spoiled kitty hehe

( may 3-9 )

A highly anticipated read of 2025: Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins (Mar 30-Apr 2). SO GOOOD! Very sad though, wow. Basically as soon as it came out I saw that it's going to be adapted into a movie haha. I hope it's as good as The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes!

A book rated less than three stars on Goodreads: Wild Animus by Rich Shapero (Apr 3-7). 1.90 stars on Goodreads! (The reviews are hilarious. :P) Yeah, this book was..weird. The main character gets obsessed with rams, drags his girlfriend to Washington and Alaska, gets a ram costume (and says "golden eyes, know. Golden horns, grow" when he puts it on), and takes acid and runs all over Mt. Wrangell while avoiding wolves. He is convinced the god Animus lives in the mountain, and hurts himself and presses the wound to the ice so he can feel the god in him. Only his girlfriend seems worried, and even when he got naked in the hospital no one seemed to care. He literally dies by throwing himself into lava and getting attacked by the wolves at the same time (wearing his costume, of course). Wow. O_o Note to self: never do acid lol

A book with silver on the cover or in the title: Prime Deceptions by Valerie Valdes (Apr 7-14). Yay, more psychic cats in space!! This was even better than the first one, partly because the cats had more of a role in the plot (the main character was wearing a silver outfit on the cover)

A book containing magical creatures that aren't dragons: Fault Tolerance by Valerie Valdes (Apr 15-21). The cats had an even bigger role in this one, which I LOVED, and the ending was one of my favorite endings in a book. I wish there were more books in this series, I miss the cats!

A book where an adult character changes careers: Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-Reum (Apr 22-25). It started fine and then it got boring..I don't want to read about existential hard stuff when I'm reading lol *yawns*

A book that fills a 2024 prompt you'd like to do over (or try out): A book that takes place over the course of 24 hours: Worst Case Scenario by T.J. Newman (Apr 25-28). Accurate title is accurate..the amount of bad things happening in this book was kind of ridiculous and over the top, but it was still a pretty good read (definitely better than Orbit in 2024's challenge). I hope a plane never crashes into a nuclear power plant D:

A book about a food truck: The Full Moon Coffee Shop by Mai Mochizuki (Apr 29-30). A mobile coffee truck run by cats! I thought all the astrological stuff (Aquarius in the house of..something and "natal charts"..meh), but it wasn't too bad..cats make everything better lol (I seem to be reading more Asian literature this year..how can I not, when they write about books and cats?? Haha)

( the topics )

Everyone at work has been working hard getting as many books out as possible, and we're letting customers shop in the back too. It's honestly been slow the past couple weeks, but picked up some today. Saturday is when everything starts being 50% off, so it'll probably be busy then..buy lots of books please, so we have less to move!! Haha

I can't believe it's May already!

30. What's something you disagree with about the way you were raised? I always wanted to stay up late and watch TV with my parents haha, I remember thinking "it's only 9 PM, it's still early!" Early or not, I was always tired when I had to wake up for school..I remember trying to go back to sleep on the shower floor haha! Definitely not a morning person :P

May 1: If you could have dinner with anyone who has passed away, who would you choose? Cherry! I've always felt that we'd get along well lol

The Biz Bee on Friday went well, though the Literacy Council got out on the fourth round by leaving out the first L in "ophthalmologist" (I spelled it wrong too lol.) I feel like Denise was the reason we were in the top 3 so many times, so she was definitely missed haha. The first few rounds had some great words, like "drumlin" (a hill formed by the movement of a glacier. Wisconsin has lots of those!) and "internecine" (conflict within a group or organization. I saw it in a book years ago and thought it was cool, so I've always remembered it). By the end though the words were so impossible sounding that I just gave up haha (I was very tired too). The last two teams battled for awhile, and the "AHHkword Bees" (I can't remember the organization they were with) won on "theopunistic" (something about deities. Google doesn't even show it as a word!). For the audience spelling words, there were words like "smithereens", "lumbago" and "indict," and I was very excited when the last one was "tintinnabulation"! I first saw it in The Bells by Edgar Allan Poe in high school (I think) and I thought it was SO cool I've always remembered it. I helped grade the sheets at intermission, and everyone left out the third "N"..I felt like I knew a special secret for knowing how to spell it lol. There were only twelve teams this year, which definitely is down from previous years, but a lot of people are probably struggling with the economy right now..sad :(

Speaking of work, the other programs (except for heavy furniture) have moved to their new building..it was SO weird seeing all the dividers down. The bookstore is going to fill that area with books now, so we can sell as much as possible..we start moving the books to the new building on May 10, coming up fast! I feel like it'll be chaotic with lots of volunteers and staff helping pack boxes, but hopefully it'll go well!

Curti hopped in a bag!

O hai! A very curious little guy :P


He has such an interesting face! He has both black and white whiskers, and his eyes change from brown to green, depending on the light (don't worry, mom took the bag off of him after she took the pictures). Ryan calls him "Dukie," because "he's the duke of Dusty Paws Manor," aka the litterbox. I have no idea how he came up with that name, but I love it haha, so creative!

( april 26-27 )

Today mom and I saw The Fourposter!

I was disappointed the bed didn't have a canopy lol, but it was still pretty good! I think that's the only play I've seen with just two people in it. In the movie the couple died, but in the play they moved away..a nicer ending, I think. I thought about taking a picture with the couple, but I was too shy lol

Here's the whole stage (which of course changed throughout the play)

So cool that Fairbanks did this play!! Since taking tech theater in high school, I always wonder what it looks like behind the scenes though..that's where I would be, opening and closing the curtains LOL

Speaking of four-posters, I've been watching The Penguin (one of the main characters stutters), and the mansion one of the families lives in has four-posters! I love seeing them unexpectedly, so exciting haha. There weren't any curtains though, which is just so wrong..the bed is naked and sad!! Haha

Curti met Sid for the first time today, and the poor kitty was terrified..it was the first time I'd seen a cat drool from fear..poor guy. :( He doesn't seem to mind other cats, but he's definitely not a dog kitty so far (Abby tolerated Sid, though she would growl if he got too close)

( april 19-20 )

1. If you could retroactively erase one TV show from the history of entertainment, which one would you choose? Arrested Development..ugh, SO annoying :/
2. Are you more like your mother or your father? Hmm..maybe mom, but I'm probably a mix of both
3. If you could take a year-long vacation, what would you do? Go to Antarctica, Iceland, etc
4. Can you think of a reason not to answer this question? It's not about cats :P
5. What's the nicest thing you've ever done for someone? Been there when they've needed it most (she literally became more confident and changed right before my eyes! It was cool to see lol), given food to a homeless person on the street in Puerto Rico, taken mom to dinner, etc

A couple days ago I thought "hmm, I haven't looked for "new" pictures of Cherry in awhile!," so I did, and found this!

This picture is in a copy of Worst Journey someone is selling (for thousands of dollars, of course). I hate that it's so small here, but in the bigger version I could tell he was wearing his glasses (super rare! He almost always took them off for pictures) and smiling! He looks peaceful and content, which makes me happy lol..he had a hard life after Antarctica. I definitely need to meet his uncle someday lol

After Abby died I saw on Facebook something called Cuddle Clones, where a company makes stuffed animals (and things like PJs) that look like a pet you've had. I thought it might be weird and creepy, but decided to do it anyway (other peoples' designs looked a lot like their pet!). I got mine this week and...it is 100% completely creepy. O_o It has some of Abby's features, but its face with giant eyes is SO creepy and just not that well made. How disappointing! I had to put it on the windowsill facing away from me because it weirds me out too much. They definitely could have done a better job :(

( april 10-11 )

1. After your alarm, what is the first thing you hear, most mornings upon waking? I don't use an alarm, unless Curti counts haha, so him meowing and my white noise
2. What's the greatest rock and roll love song? "Light My Fire"-The Doors, "Call Me"-Blonde, etc
3. what is the most impressive river you have seen? The Mississippi, the Yukon, the Thames, etc. I love rivers, they look so cool :D
4. What are some notable trees in your area or in your life? Black and white spruce, birches, tamaracks, etc
5. What are you feeling optimistic about, this very moment? Since I got sick my acid reflux has been really bad, but with antacids it's getting a little better, so that's made me happy today. I'm kind of excited about the bookstore moving too, even if I have to take the bus. It'll be cool making the store look nice! Most everyone else is feeling excited and positive too. Curti's adorable as always. The weather is nice and the snow is melting. I have yummy red velvet cake to eat later, and some hidden cat games to play. Wow, I could keep going on haha..so many good things!

( april 2-4 )

1. How often do you typically shower/bath? Every two or three days
2. Do you prefer showering or taking a bath? Showering
3. What's the longest you've ever gone without a shower/bath? When my depression was bad it was like four or five days..no energy for that!
4. What's your favorite personal hygiene product? Nice smelling body wash and things like that are cool..I like smelling clean and fancy LOL
5. Do you shave your legs and/or beard? If so, how often? Every 2-3 days..my legs get super uncomfortable and itchy if I don't

We got a rough schedule today at work for moving..the other programs will be moving in April. The bookstore will be having a lot of sales in April and May so we don't have so many books to move, and the last day of business at our current location will be May 24th. The 27th the bookstore will open in the new building, and in June we'll have a grand opening celebration. It'll be a crazy two months, but hopefully it'll all go well!

( march 27-28 )

1. Among the supposedly cool, convenient things your phone can do, which have you so far refused to try? Hmm..I never really use the calculator on it..
2. Among the great things your phone can do, which did you unexpectedly really like? It's cool it keeps texts messages from one person all together..when I had a flip phone, they were out of order and not really organized
3. Which of the other new electronic gadgets or services have you so far been resistant to trying or reluctant to try? Ebooks (I love the whole experience of turning the pages and smelling it LOL), iPads (a laptop is easier, for the most part), etc
4. How has some of the new technology changed the way you think about life, the universe, or everything? I like how easy it is to talk/text people, or even video chat if they're far away! I like sharing pics and stuff with my friends/family online, and I like to see what they share too
5. What percentage of the time is your phone within ten feet of you? I don't usually have it on me at work, but the rest of the time it's usually nearby

On Tuesday, walking home from work, I stepped up on the sidewalk and slipped on the ice and fell, HARD on my left side (of course there was a car about to pull out, ugh. At least they asked if I was ok by giving me a thumbs up, which I returned). It was kinda difficult getting back up, and my left side was definitely hurting.."I'll be sore tomorrow!," I thought. My left ankle kept twinging, and had to walk slower because it was painful. I was hoping sitting and resting at home would help, but no, it was definitely still sore. When I took my sock off, I saw that my ankle was swollen. I should have put ice on it, but I was still in denial I'd really hurt it LOL. The next day it was even more painful, so mom took me to the clinic. They did x-rays and found no break or fracture, so I just sprained it. The doctor told me to take the rest of the week off from work to let it heal (I'm on my feet a LOT at work). They gave me one of those giant boot things to keep my ankle protected, though it didn't help with the pain. I've been icing it, taking painkillers, etc, but it doesn't seem to have made a lot of difference..it's still pretty painful. I feel super old limping around so slowly haha. I hope it's a lot better by Monday, so I don't have to walk so slowly and will be able to do *something* at work, but I guess my body will tell me when it's ready. I'll have to glare at that ice patch next time I see it LOL. Not fun!

I can't believe I've had Curti over a week now! He's getting kinda chunky haha, but I didn't like how skinny he was before. His energy can be exhausting, but his cuteness and love makes up for it haha

( pokemon update )

15. What would you wish for with three wishes? You're not supposed to tell! Haha

16. How do you deal with anger? Try to talk it out, otherwise my anxiety gets really bad and I just feel terrible

17. Who was your best friend in elementary school? Amanda (we're still friends on Facebook!), Katie

18. Three favorite fictional characters: Aragorn, Hermione, Tyrion Lannister

19. How do you start your day? I usually read in bed and cuddle with Curtie, then if it's a workday get dressed and go online for a bit

20. A letter to help organize your thoughts: Uhhh..*lazy* :P

21. In what areas are you pessimistic? Politics, health when I feel like something's wrong with me, math haha

I've been busy looking for a new cat this week (it was killing me coming home to an empty apartment :(). I visited some massive Maine Coons (way too much cat and fur for my apartment lol); visited a cat rescue place with a very odd lady who didn't want to let me adopt anyone because I have a balcony, and the cat could "fly off the balcony" (I wouldn't let a cat jump off my balcony, if it even wanted to). She was also concerned because I go to my parents' house on the weekend, and the cat would have to get used to riding in the car and going to another house. I also visited someone who has to give his cat away because he's terminally ill. That was probably the fattest, most miserable looking cat I've seen..he had to have weighed at least 20-25 pounds. D: Poor kitty! There have been no cats at the shelter the last few days, so yesterday I looked at online ad things where people were wanting to sell their cats. One was a super cute little kitten..I wasn't sure I wanted a kitten (so much energy!), but then I realized..if the cat is young enough, it would quickly get used to riding in the car and going to a different house, and would just think it was normal. I texted the number and they told me where to meet them. Weirdly enough, the person selling the cat sometimes shops at the bookstore! Fairbanks is small haha. The tiny kitten (he was born around Christmastime) was meowing in a very squeaky voice, and seemed nervous, but as I was holding him, he snuggled in my arms and started purring. Yep, he's mine now. :P He seemed kinda nervous and restless in the car, but eventually snuggled into me and purred. He had fun exploring my apartment, and ate like he was starving. :P For such a tiny kitten, his purr is SUPER loud! I about died when he jumped off my bed, but he was fine..I'm not used to an agile cat anymore! Haha. He loves jumping playfully, and absolutely LOVES to be snuggled and pet. Mom was melting when he curled up next to her hehe. Here is what he looks like!

Snuggled in mom's arms! He LOVES kneading the air lol. After wracking my brain, I named him...Curti! Short for curtains, of course! He learned his name in about five seconds haha, so I guess he approves. :P He's been using the litterbox fine and didn't freak out overnight, which was nice lol

Today I came home during my lunch break to see how Curti was doing (I was worried he would panic and meow nonstop while I was at work), but he was just fine. He's smart and will probably learn my routines quickly. I'm not sure if he was fed much at his previous home, because he's been eating like crazy..it seems like he gained two pounds overnight! I had to take him to the vet because he had earmites..now I'm suspicious of the previous owner..did they not notice him scratching his ears?? The vet washed his ears out, with Curti purring the whole time..she was surprised, because most cats hate that. She was happy to see my new kitty, and that he's so friendly! He did better in the car this time too, yay! I hope he's still this happy and loving when he grows up lol

( more pics of him! )

8. The most disappointed you've ever been? Seeing the Colosseum in Rome (I thought it would be more intact), hating books I thought I'd like, etc

9. A place you could visit again and again: Valdez, for one..I love being surrounded by glaciers!

10. What do you consider to be your culture? Uh..American?? Haha

11. Your first week in college: Probably just going to class and learning how things worked
12. Your favorite songs: There are so many!! "Do You Hear the People Sing?," "Ghost River," "Little Talks," "It's All Coming Back to Me Now," "Only Time," "Something Just Like This," etc

13. If you could change one thing about your life, what? Hmmm..maybe weigh less, or be better at math haha

Awww yay, now Abby's pawprints will be with me forever! <3 When I got into bed last night, I thought I heard Abby meow in an annoyed way, like "don't disturb me!" Yep, her spirit is definitely still with me lol (those are my new glasses too! They kinda distort the world in a weird way O_o)

Here's a pic closer up:

I was glad the artist wanted to get details of things like her hair so he could make sure she was properly honored for me. Nice!

Grieving is very hard though..I'm tired and still recovering from the trauma of the weekend (high anxiety, for one). Prozac is probably a huge reason why I can get out of bed and go to work (work helps a LOT, it would be worse with nothing to do all day!). Hopefully it'll eventually get easier, though I will miss her forever, I'm sure. An amazing kitty <3

( 5. How do you relieve stress? )