2021 Planning

I made a goal of getting back into sewing in 2021, at some point during the quarantine. A bit later I dug out my old machine and tested it to see if it worked, because I vaguely remember there being a problem. And I was right. I couldn’t get the needle and bobbin to do their thing.

I set it aside and ordered some oil and new needles as well as more bobbins with the plans of tinkering with it to see if I could get it to work. That was weeks ago and it’s all just sort of sat in my living room waiting on me since. I was afraid to try and fix it, because I was afraid of failing.

Anyway, I finally sat down with it this weekend and I managed to get it working which means I’m on track for my 2021 goal of getting back into sewing.

I am going to wait until 2021 to really start because I’m crowd sourcing getting my bills paid at the moment and there just isn’t any allowance for me to go and buy fabric. Hopefully by January I’ll have steady income again and can go to the fabric store without guilt.

My first project will be a couple of pairs of flannel sleep shorts for Sammy. I’ll get an extra half yard of flannel to remind myself how to do the thing (it’s been 18 years) but then I’ll go to town on shorts for her. Flannel is easy to work with and shorts are a simple enough project. This will help me getting into the swing of using the machine. Plus what little gorl doesn’t like flannel sleep shorts, espcially if she picks out the fabric herself?

Once I’ve mastered flannel I’ll get a pattern for a decent a-line skirt and some decent linen or whatever and start making myself skirts. I’ll be using more expensive fabric, but will have the skill needed to treat it right. A good linen in forgiving and sturdy as hell. It’s also priced with the idea that my great-grandchildren will be able to wear these shirts, in mind. So expensive, but worth it. I will not be working with polyester. Polyester is plastic. So 100% cotten, linen, wool, silk, etc only.

Once I’ve masters that, it’s over for you bitches, and I’m moving on to cotton dresses in my favorite 1950s cut and style. I love dresses like this:

So the thought of making my own out of cute cottons is giving me life.

I can also make my own flannel shirts and not be limited to plaid flannel (Not that there is anything wrong with a standard plaid flannel. But…)

I will have the power to do what I want, and no laws of fashion can stop me!

Anyway, I’m too broke to fabric shop right now which is OK since getting back into sewing was my 2021 goal. But in the meantime the machine is working, so assuming I’m working too, there is nothing holding me back come the new year.

I’ve Been Writing

I’d never written fanfiction before. Hell, I only rarely even read it. But I got a story idea that just wouldn’t go away so I sat down eariler this past week and wrote my first and last fanfiction. It is a 1300 word one shot focused on a confession immediately taking place where the show leaves off. I’ve been told it’s sweet and wholesome.

A Thousand Kisses from You (1328 words) by madhattermax
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Good Omens – Neil Gaiman & Terry Pratchett, Good Omens (TV)
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Characters: Crowley (Good Omens), Aziraphale (Good Omens)
Additional Tags: Ineffable Husbands (Good Omens), Asexual Relationship, Asexual Aziraphale (Good Omens), Asexual Crowley (Good Omens), Soft Crowley (Good Omens), Soft Aziraphale (Good Omens), Fluff
Summary:
The kiss was as tender as only 6000 years of pining could achieve. However, that’s not where this journey begins. That’s where this journey leads. In the beginning, there was a quiet walk to the bookstore from the Ritz, the day after the aborted Armageddon.

Then I started getting kudos and comments and realized that writing things like this and putting them out there was a hell of a high and maybe if I came up with another plot idea, I’d go ahead a write it. I figured that’d be months away, but I was open to the idea.

An Aura of Demonic Love (1100 words) by madhattermax
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Good Omens – Neil Gaiman & Terry Pratchett, Good Omens (TV)
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Aziraphale/Crowley (Good Omens), Aziraphale & Crowley (Good Omens)
Characters: Aziraphale (Good Omens), Crowley (Good Omens)
Additional Tags: Soft Crowley (Good Omens), Soft Aziraphale/Crowley (Good Omens), Soft Aziraphale (Good Omens), Fluff, aziraphale takes the lead
Summary:
Aziraphale takes a sip of wine, his eyes not wavering from Crowley’s. “I can sense love, you know. Are you ready to talk about it? It’s been over 6000 years, so I am.”

Surely that was it though? I’d written two short and sweet confession pieces. Purely wholesome. Sweet as sugar. I was done.

But, I’d been receiving good reviews on writing them ace. But I had only ever implied they were ace, mostly by dropping it in the notes, and by omitting lemons. What if they blatantly stated they were ace and didn’t even kiss, but still showed affection because they are in love? I was asking the important questions. I was also learning you have to sometimes write the representation you wish to see in the world.

Ineffably Ace Husbands (1172 words) by madhattermax
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Good Omens – Neil Gaiman & Terry Pratchett, Good Omens (TV)
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Aziraphale/Crowley (Good Omens), Aziraphale & Crowley (Good Omens)
Characters: Aziraphale (Good Omens), Crowley (Good Omens)
Additional Tags: Ineffable Husbands (Good Omens), Asexual Relationship, Asexual Aziraphale (Good Omens), Asexual Crowley (Good Omens), Soft Crowley (Good Omens), Soft Aziraphale (Good Omens), Fluff
Summary:
Aziraphale looks down, avoiding Crowley’s eyes. “There is only one nonhuman I know of who could tempt me in that direction. Though I prefer to avoid sex altogether, if it were someone I loved, I might consider it as a sign of my affections. However, there are a million and one ways I prefer to show my feelings in place of sex.”
Crowley pauses, and studies Aziraphale’s face then breaks into a soft smile. “Yes, Angel, I do see your point. I understand humans have sex as a means of expressing affection. However, I mostly see it as a way of repopulating the earth, and I too have other ways of showing how I feel.”

I was done.

But what if…

Wild Thing, You Make My Heart Sing (1175 words) by madhattermax
Chapters: 1/?
Fandom: Good Omens – Neil Gaiman & Terry Pratchett, Good Omens (TV)
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Aziraphale/Crowley (Good Omens), Aziraphale & Crowley (Good Omens)
Characters: Aziraphale (Good Omens), Crowley (Good Omens)
Additional Tags: Femme Crowley (Good Omens), Asexual Relationship, Asexual Aziraphale (Good Omens), Established Relationship, Established Aziraphale/Crowley (Good Omens)
Summary:
She is stunning. Crowley was always a sight to behold, in Aziraphale’s opinion, but something about the long wavy hair loose, if not for the victory curls, and the fit of the dress she is wearing makes Aziraphale’s breath catch and pulse quicken. Is that a hot flash? Aziraphale is definitely having a hot flash.

Fuck. Chapters. So much for ~1200 word one shots.

Calamus Swamp and Photo Dump

I honestly thought swamps were only in the southern United States like Florida. However, a friend posted about a local swamp they went to and all the frogs they saw/heard and I was super excited. Within a week Iris, Lucas, Sammy, and I were at the swamp frog watching and hiking the trail. Then a couple of days later I went back with Robin. It was glorious. The frog songs lifted my spirits. The startled splashes as they hid from us were endless fun. We did see a few. And I got some photos. I also took photos of the flowers, greenery, and the swamp in general. I’m going to go ahead and dump them here. There are… a lot. I’d apologize but I wouldn’t mean it.

I’ve decided that once or twice a month, from now until forever, we’re going to explore Ohio. The fact that there was a swamp with frogs only 27 miles away and I didn’t know about it, is tragic. So I’m dedicating myself to exploring trails, reserves, and parks in Ohio that are outside my usual stomping ground.

Later this month we’re going to Clifton Gorge. It’s about an hour away, just to the east of Dayton. In August we’re going to take a day trip up to Lake Erie. Then in September and October, we’re going to explore a couple of caves at Hocking Hills. Next spring we’ll visit the waterfalls there.

I want to see Ohio. I love nature. I love hiking. I love bonding with my family. I can’t afford to pay admission for all of us to do things like Cedar Point. But the parks? Parks are free and amazing!

Life Goals

I’ve been doing some soul searching and big decision making. The easiest way to share this is to copy/paste a couple of Facebook posts that are about a week and a half apart.

First, some background. Sammy was playing outside barefoot and stepped on something that cut her foot open right between her toes. The cut was superficial, but with where it was located, there was a lot of blood. More than a band aid could handle so the next best bet was a lot of gauze and some tape. Only, I didn’t have any tape and only had just enough gauze. Anyway, I made do with what I had, and then started the quest of building a proper first aid kit. I had a lot of input from a lot of people as to what should go into it, and actually built two: one for the car and one for the house. I could have called it done, but the process ignited something in me. Something that realized I needed to learn how to properly use some of the things I had.

“I want to take an EMT course. I don’t want to be an EMT but I want the EMT certificate so I’m prepared for anything my kids throw at me. It’d also mean I could be a street medic at things like Pride. Finally it’d look really good on my resumé and grad school apps. The single class I need for the official certificate is 1120$ for the 7 credit hour class, plus there is a test which probably costs a few hundred. If I throw a tax return at this, this is doable. By this time 2021 I could be a fully certified EMT. (Which isn’t the same as a paramedic. Though this is the first step if I wanted to go further. I don’t.)”

I lived with that dream for about 9 days. 9 days full of soul searching.

“Wanna hear my new life plan?

So the old plan was masters then doctorate then diagnosing especially women with ADHD and autism because the system is failing them. But. I’m old, tired, neurodivergent, and in over 60k worth of debt just from the first degree. Plus the system is realizing they are failing women and it’s no longer an, “if I don’t do it no one will,” situation. By the time I get my doctorate, I’ll be late to the game. Am I capable of getting my doctorate? Yes. But at what cost? Plus to get accommodations I’d need to be officially diagnosed. And well, that affects my ability to work in the field.

Anyway.

I really want to get this EMT certificate. I really want this. So I was thinking. What if I got it like planned next summer, and then contact the official PRIDE scene in Columbus and ask them if they have a use for me? If it’s just a voluntary position, I work some 9-5 and volunteer on the side. If they have a paid position, they become my 9-5 or whatever. My 9-5 can stay whatever I find next for the coming year. Or maybe I get the cert and work EMS elsewhere but not for the city. I don’t want to be a paramedic or city-based EMT. But I could work at like the zoo or something, for all I care. If I need a day job that’s not the pride scene I can do even a random office job. Then volunteer with the pride scene.

Robin is supportive as long as I’m getting a paycheck from someone. Though she is concerned I need to work on my upper body strength. I’m surprisingly strong, but I welcome the excuse to join the community center gym and lift. Also, building upper body strength will help with back pain and breast support. But I want to be buff. Just super jacked. Men fear me. Women loving women flock to me. The lesbian dream!”

Anyway, no matter what I need to find at least a temp job for the coming year or more. No matter what, I want to get my EMT certification. And I really like the idea of using that certification to help the PRIDE scene here locally. Even if that isn’t my actual career, it can still be my passion project.

The Proper Response to a Neurodivergent Person’s Special Interest

Lucas has always had a thing for birds. So when he mentioned wanting a bird feeder, I did my job.

We offer 3 suet cakes, a tray of mealworms, black oil sunflower seeds, peanuts, and a regular seed mixture. Plus water.

It goes from mostly-completely full, to almost completely empty in about 24 hours.

So we diligently go out and refill it every day. This adds up cost-wise, but we are able to do so much bird watching and my Lucas is thrilled!

Rachel bought him a really nice pair of binoculars from a thrift store, and my dad cleaned them up real nice. I bought him a Bird’s of Ohio field guide so we can all identify what we see.

I’m buying bulk seed and mealworms from the Tractor Supply store, which is really the only way to buy seed. The suet cakes you can find anywhere for about $1.00-1.50 each. This adds up, but I can buy them here and there even just from the grocery store. The peanuts (raw and unsalted) disappear fast, but I can also buy those from the grocery store. Though I do want a source to buy them in bulk. It’s probably much cheaper that way. Anyway, we’re doing our best to manage the costs, as it is worth it. However, if anyone would like to kick some cash towards Lucas and his birds, here is my Paypal.

I’m going to be honest, this is Luke’s special interest, but most of us are enjoying it! As far as I’m concerned we’re going to maintain this year-round as long as we live here and probably at our next home too.

All I Need Is A Patio Table

I have created an amazing spot to hang out in my back yard. You’ve seen bits and pieces as I’ve put it together, but now it’s 95% complete, and all that’s left to do is figure out a patio table. Maybe an umbrella.

Here is the view of my patio and porch from the back of the property.

It’s a good little spot with chairs that can all be pulled to the porch or patio as needed. If you look at the chair on the right on the porch, you’ll see a comforter that we pull out to where ever if we want to layout and sun or read or play card games.

Here is my tree at the back of the yard. I love this tree with all my heart. I love reading under it. Playing games under it. Just watching it change through the seasons.

Of course, there is the food garden. Which is lovely. The basil has mites but I know how to treat for them and will very soon. Just a little bit of dish soap in warm water. I just need to get my hands on a spray bottle.

Of course, there are Sammy’s petunias. But I’m also trying my hand at growing lavender from seed. We’ll see how that goes. I might need to send up a prayer or two.

We have a nice warm and full sun spot to brew sun tea for Robin.

My shrubs are in the ground finally!

Robin’s lilac already has some green to it. I have high hopes it’ll grow this summer and give us blossoms next summer!

It’s worth mentioning that this beauty is around the front of the house. It was the only thing I did out front, which is otherwise complete as a result of the work of former tenants.

My hibiscus is in the ground. It is small. So small. They sent me a baby but that baby has great potential! I just need to nourish it!

I laid out that mulch by myself! Mulch is in fact not expensive at all. At least not the tiny bit I needed. And the bags weren’t super heavy. So I took pride in my garden and laid the mulch myself. I also dug all the holes in the ground for the shrubs. I put a lot of sweat into this garden!

My little blueberry bush is already showing some promise. I don’t know that I’ll get a lot of fruit this year. But hopefully I can keep him alive and thriving.

My rose bush is also bare-root, just like the hibiscus. I’m paranoid it won’t grow. I gave it everything it needs, but I struggle to believe what is essentially a complicated stick will take root and flourish. I might have to send up a couple more prayers. Maybe burn a candle about it.

I also now have a little bee watering station in with the garden. I want my little space to be as bee-friendly as possible. I need the pollinators, after all!

Finally, we have the finishing touches like the citronella candles to keep mosquitoes away. And a certain 8yo enjoying a root beer under the warm sun.

Like I said, all that’s left to do it get my hands on a patio table. I may or may not get an umbrella too. With the porch right there for shade, I’m less worried about creating a shady spot on the patio portion. Though, I might see about getting a second, little table to set drinks on for the porch too. I guess we’ll just see what I can find!

My next project is setting up bird feeders for my budding bird watcher of a 12yo! I’m still collecting the supplies now.