[ now – 10/2024 ]

Well, well, well. October was... something.

I'm writing this while sick. I spent Halloween with my nieces and nephews, and, surprise, they were little contagious monsters who passed along a stomach bug. I’ve been puking for a couple of days now and can’t seem to keep anything down except crackers and a bite of banana here and there.

I’m also writing this the day after the US election. Well, fuck. I was really rooting for Kamala. I just can’t handle another four years of having that orange thing on the news every day.

Anyway, onto October.

First, the hard stuff: my cat passed away. She’d been living with my parents for over a decade, as she was happiest with her outdoor freedom—something my little flat here in Vienna couldn’t offer her. Sixteen good years of rat-hunting, lounging in sunbeams, and general cat debauchery. She passed quietly in the neighbour's garden, just trying to make it back home. Rest well, Bukowski. (Yeah, yeah, I know, don't @ me about the name.)

On a brighter note, Mum came to stay for a few days. There’s a turning point in adulthood when you start to see your parents as people, not just "Mum and Dad." We’ve been in that phase for a while now, and it’s been great. During her stay, she opened up in a way I hadn’t experienced before, and I feel like I got to know her all over again.

I’ve turned into a bit of a hermit. Alright, more than a bit—full-on hermit status here. I love my time alone, but it’s gotten to the point where even I realised I could use a touch more social contact. So, I’ve made an effort to reach out and set up a few get-togethers. Managed to catch one last warm patio brunch with Maria at one of our favourite cafés, had Edina over for coffee, cinnamon rolls, and chats, and went on long dog walks with friends. Small steps, but it’s been good to reconnect.
‍

Memorable reads:

• Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore: This was a re-read, and the only book I read in October. Still loved it!
  ‍

Memorable watches:

• Agatha All Along: How good was this show? I'm still flabbergasted. One of my all-time favourite MCU projects. The whole cast was phenomenal, the set fantastic, the practical effects even better.

‍

Some other things:

• I bought and returned so many winter coats, but finally managed to find one that I like and that'll keep me warm.
• Worked a lot—again. But this was my last month of work for the year. If you don't know, I'm usually working pretty much non-stop from January to October and then take the rest of the year off.
• My Hashimoto's flare-up is on its last leg. Finally!
• Have been rewatching Supernatural.