Headlines From the Raven's Nest

Good evening to you all.

New domain, new year apparently, new me.
I can’t believe that it has bene an entire year since I last updated this thing that I call a journal. Where has the time gone? It doesn’t seem that long at all but apparently it has been. So much has happened and I don’t know where to begin, tomorrow when I’m not so sleepy I’ll do a much longer entry.

Three positives for September 14th
1. Cuddling with Luna and Freya.
2. I did a bit of housework that needed to be done.
3. Talking to friends on the phone.

I’m going to try to do this daily, write down three things that were positive during my day. I want this thing to be mostly positive. Yes there will undoubtedly be times where negatives will be here but I’m going to try to put a ton of positives.

Well, I’m getting stupid tired because everything’s funny at the present moment, so I’m headed off for the land of pillows, blankets and dreams.

Stay tuned for the next headline!
Take care all.

Much love from the Raven

QUOTE OF THE DAY: If you try anything, if you try to lose weight, or to improve yourself, or to love, or to make the world a better place, you have already achieved something wonderful, before you even begin. Forget failure. If things don’t work out the way you want, hold your head up high and be proud. And try again. And again. And again!
Sarah Dessen
MOOD: Extremely excited
CURRENTLY INVADING MY EARS: Judge Judy on TV
WHERE I AM: The fox den

Greetings from a happy, bouncy, excited, tired but hyper nothing can break my mood kitten!

Yes, I’m so happy! I’m excited! I’m bouncy! Yes yes yes!

• Moving day is upon us!

You read that right, moving day is indeed upon us. WE finally got the news we have so patiently been waiting for! WE! GOT! THE! APARTMENT! Wahoo! At the end of this next month we are out of this hell and into a new place. We go on August ninth to sign our lease, what an awesome birthday present for me as that is the day or should I say night I made my way into the world. Next month will also be spent packing up everything, it will be incredibly busy. We can’t wait!

• Baby Layla Marie

Yesterday I received my early birthday present from Flint and Kaylie, it was a reborn girl that I have decided to name Layla Marie.
Baby Layla’s Details:
Kit: 3 month Joseph
Weight: 11 LBS
Length: 23 Inches
Eyes: acrylic, blue
Hair: painted, light brown
She has full limbs and a cloth body, she’s a little chunk.
I never thought I’d want a baby with painted hair but I like hats so I can get her some little cute bonnets and things like that. I love her, she’s so precious.

• Returning to the air

Beginning in August I will be returning to broadcasting, I think I just needed to take a bit of a brake. Mentally and physically I’ve not been myself for a while now.
I’m really sorry to all of my listeners for being MIA for the last long while.
The same apologies go to XTFM as well for not being there, I’ve missed doing shows and am ready to come back better than ever.
Thanks to you all for your understanding, I know it has been frustrating especially for XTFM. See you all in August!

Well, that’s all I’ve got for now.

Take care and have a wonderful rest of your day/evening/night/morning.

QUOTE OF THE DAY: Each of us has been put on earth with the ability to do something well. We cheat ourselves and the world if we don’t use that ability as best we can.
Gracie Allen
MOOD: Feeling pretty good.
LISTENING TO: Nora Jones – Don’t Know Why.
WHERE AM I? The Fox Den.

Greetings Friends and Family.

Things are looking up!
Yes, things are definitely looking up. I’m so hyper and it feels grate to feel like me again at least for the moment. I’m hoping this feeling lasts a while now, I don’t like when I’m down and sad. I don’t like the negative feelings I’ve had as of late.

• A Million Foxes

Now you may be asking: What’s A Million Foxes? What is she on about? WTF? Who or what is she talking about? There are a number of ways to ask that question, I’m going to explain it for you now.
A Million Foxes is the name of our new band. Kaylie, Flint and myself are starting a band and we have our first gig on the 27th of August, we are so excited to see where this goes. We’ll be performing right after the Action Club Theater of Mankato’s play which we are all three in. Two more gigs have also been scheduled for us as well but right now I’m not sure which dates they are. I’ll let you know once I know more. Wish us luck!
This is why I have posted the quote that I decided to use. Flint plays piano/keyboards well, Kaylie plays guitar well and me? Well, I’m the lead vocalist I suppose, at least that’s what I’m told my job is. Personally you all know what I think of my singing ability so I won’t rehash it suffice it to say I’m nervous but still very excited. I believe that as I perform more live that my confidence will build and I won’t feel so badly about my gift. I do appreciate those who have heard me sing and enjoy listening to me.

• So much closer now to the big move!
It’s the waiting game, we got everything turned in to the apartment manager and so we wait to hear yes or no, it totally depends on what their criteria is for new tenants. Hopefully it’s yes but you never know. Not being negative about it, just realistic. Yes, there is a difference.

• No luck with job search
Just like it says, I’ve had no luck with the hunt for my second job. My job coach has a couple of e-mails to send out to companies and we will meet again next week. Still not giving up, the search continues.

• New reborn for me!
Happy birthday to me! My birthday is less than a month away and I’m getting another reborn to add to my babies. I know it’s early but when you want a reborn you have to adopt it pretty much right away or else you might not get it when you go back for it. Thank you Flint and Kaylie for my new baby boy or girl, I’m not telling yet what it is or the name. Yes, I do know what it is going to be and I even have the name picked out. Man! Waiting is so hard when you are excited about something. I almost feel like a kid again. LOL!
Mom is going to kill me though, she’ has been trying to get me to pack up all my baby things and put the babies in storage until we find a new home. Yeah right, I refused. Not putting my kids in a box until I have to move, not happening. Putting my kids in a box, that sounds so wrong. Anyway, I’ll give all the baby details when I receive my new little one.

• Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo!
I find this article extremely interesting. Not everyone is going to agree with Disney’s decision but personally I’m glad they are doing this. Inclusion is good.

Disney has replaced the title of “fairy godmothers” for gender-neutral “apprentices” at dress-up boutiques at its U.S. theme parks in an effort to be inclusive, according to the parks’ websites. https://nbcnews.to/3IVXohO

The times are changing and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with places or things making changes to include everyone no matter what their gender, race, religion, disability, sexual orientation may be. All people should be accepted for who they are, not left out or feeling ridiculed so thank you Disney for making this change.

Well, that’s it from here for the moment. It’s time to take my slow moving butt to get ready for my appointment at 3:00. I know it’s just a bit after 1:00 but I’m in pain so it might take me a bit to get going. Stupid sciatic nerve!

You all take care of yourselves.

Quote Of The Day: Listen to your inner voice for it is a deep and powerful source of wisdom, beauty and truth, ever flowing through you. Learn to trust it, trust your intuition, and in good time, answers to all you seek to know will come, and the path will open before you.
Caroline Joy Adams
Mood: Hopeful
What’s In My Ears: Some woman on TV attempting to be funny.
Where I Am: The fox den.

Ello ello.

I’m sorry I haven’t written but I’ve bene binge watching things again. I finished Heartland and am waiting for season fifteen to arrive on Netflix. Currently I’m watching a series called Sex Education, it’s a teen comedy/drama that takes place in the UK. As of now there are only three seasons but season four will be out in 2023 they reckon.

So, I’ve got some possible exciting news! WE FOUND AN APARTMENT!!! Yes, you read that correctly, we found an apartment. I worked on the application for it today and it’s a bit inaccessible, so I need to get a bit of help from a human with working eyeballs to help with part of it. It’s a two bedroom in a secure building so we have to okay people to come in when they come calling. It has all new appliances, stainless steel even with granite counter tops. The master bedroom has a ginormous walk-in closet with the room itself being very spacious. It seems so open and light where here seems so closed and dark. Maybe it’s everything that has gone on here, but the new apartment just feels like home. Kaylie is already thinking of ways to decorate and arrange the furniture in it. The kitchen is a bit small and has a gas stove, but we can get passed that. It has a dining room as well and a dishwasher which makes Kaylie happy. The one thing we will miss about not being here anymore is the place we are hoping to get into doesn’t have a washer and dryer in unit. That’s alright too though, we don’t mind sharing. Oh it’s going to be wonderful! I haven’t seen Kaylie this happy in a while, she seems to be her bouncy self again. She says she feels like there’s hope and that she will be happy to get out of here too. Central heat and air are another part of what we like about this dwelling. Here’s hoping we get accepted and that we will be moving very, very soon. Wish us luck!

Now for a bit of bad news…
I can’t get anymore extra hours at work for the time being. Truly though, it’s alright. I’m still searching for a second job. I’m meeting with my job coach next Tuesday, maybe we will find something I can apply for then. Still not giving up.

I’ve decided I may chop off my hair again to just below my shoulder blades. I also wish to color it lilac with frosted tips. I’m not sure how I’m going to accomplish that one because I read that those of us blessed with red hair have trouble bleaching it for the funky colors. The one time I did try this the bleach kit turned my hair strawberry blond, the lavender that I tried to do didn’t work at all. I figure if I go someplace to have it professionally done, they’ll know what they’re doing and it might actually turn out the way I want it to. I don’t know, I’ll need to think about this a bit more, the last time I chopped off my long locks I missed them. I’m so indecisive at times.

I’m considering a show change on XTFM. Right now I play rock and metal but today I was thinking as I was working on apartment things that I may want to do something different. My options are either The Women’s Circle, The Healing Circle An eighties show, an eighties/nineties show or doing a show where I choose a different theme each week. I’m not sure which I want to do, I’ll have to give it more thought.

Well, I’m a tired kitten so I’m going to head off now.
You all take care and I hope you have a good rest of your night/day. Goodnight to all. 🌝🌟🌠

Darn! Apparently emojis don’t work in word.

Quote for Today: Life is filled with so many exciting twists and turns. Hop off the straight and narrow whenever you can and take the winding paths. Experience the exhilaration of the view from the edge. “Because the moments spent there, that take your breath away, are what make you feel truly alive.” (“Its The Moments That Take Your Breath Away Quotes & Sayings”)
Stacey Charter
Mood: Indescribable
Listening to: AC/DC – Back in Blac,
Location: The Fox Den

Greetings readers.

• Last Friday.

She told me that she wished to be called Siobhan, though the little girl said she called her Annabelle, so I decided to name her Siobhan at her request.
Do I sound crazy to you? Yes, I probably do but it’s alright. I don’t mind that I’m not exactly normal.
Siobhan is a redheaded doll whose previous name was Annabelle with glass blue eyes and pale skin, she’s made of porcelain. I found her at a rummage sell last Friday while out with my Friday group and she’s absolutely gorgeous! When Chris was describing her to me, she told me that the doll looks like me which made me laugh. I’ve never been described as looking like a porcelain doll before. I’m definitely not breakable though my emotions would dictate otherwise and while porcelain dolls are very beautiful, I am not. Anyway, she only cost five dollars while Chris says she looks as if she costs about $75-100, she’s very detailed and is dressed in Victorian style clothing. I’m now on the hunt for a doll chair for her, I considered a doll stand but she doesn’t stand very well as she’s in kind of a sitting position. I figure I may find one at Hobby Lobby or somewhere like that. Maybe I’ll go this coming Friday and search for one.
I went to a play called Mary’s Fairytale, it was about a disabled woman who got taken to a state hospital when she was about ten because of her disability. Her parents didn’t really have a choice once the state decided to take her there, she lived there it sounds like until she was 21 or so. While there she met a man who she fell deeply in love with and the two made the decision to get married. Mary had to go though the state of Minnesota and jump through a ton of hoops to get her wish granted. They told her she was not able to get married because she had a disability and yet she fought for the freedom to become a wife to the man she loved so much. She dealt with lots of red tape but finally in the end her wish came true, she was so happy and today they are still together as husband and wife. After it was over there was a mock wedding reception and the audience was given cake, actual wedding cake. I didn’t stay though for that as Flint and I went out for dinner. We first tried to go to this place called Rounders Sports Bar and Grill but it was hot that day so some fuses blew out some of the equipment. We left there and ended up at Ummy’s which is another bar type restaurant thing, they have grate food.
The rest of that night was spent relaxing and unwinding, I had to work on Saturday so had to get up early.

• Last Saturday.

Work was hot! I tell you, if it weren’t for the fan we found the laundry room would have been awful. As it was, it was extremely humid and we were sweating like crazy. A ton of water with ice was had and we managed to make it through. When I got home I got cleaned up, it was time to get ready for My and Kaylie’s date.
Pizza was the choice for dinner that night, we went to a place here in town called Pagliai’s pizza. They have excellent pizza, the best in town we think anyway. Anyone who comes to visit must try their food, that is if you like pizza. They do have sandwiches as well as spaghetti and garlic bread. Both of those foods would make wonderful selections if you aren’t into pizza. On the way back home, we stopped for dessert which consisted of shakes from Burger King. Weird huh? I’m thinking now that coming home to eat strawberry shortcake would have bene much better, but it was still good.
I had to work the next day, so the rest of that night was spent relaxing.

• Last Sunday.

Work that day was much better with the temps being only in the 70s and no humidity. We kept the window open so the cool breeze could blow throughout the room, much much better. We were busy as well, but we managed to get a lot done. Ninety rooms had to be clean for a huge conference that was to be held and they’re all staying until Wednesday, I don’t work that day, but I wish I could be there to help Jerri keep up with things. That poor woman will be there alone in the laundry room. My guess is they will have her helping to clean rooms as well. She’s a busy person when she’s there and a very hard worker.
Oh, as of June 26 I have been working for the hotel for exactly one year! Pretty awesome. I’m so grateful that I was given the opportunity to work for The Country Inn and Suites. I’m very thankful I’m still there and intend to be there as long as they’ll have me.
Not much else of significance happened this day except for going to the grocery store as Flint and I seem to do every Sunday evening.

• Yesterday.

Have I ever mentioned the fact that I despise Mondays? If I haven’t I’m saying now that I absolutely, unequivocally, utterly with out a doubt despise Mondays. There, I said it.
Yesterday had to be the longest day ever as far as work goes. My Mondays usually feel long but more so yesterday than any other Monday I can remember. It was hot and my blood sugar dropped…again as it has done for the past few days. I want off these stupid meds!
After work I came home and went out with one of my AARHMS workers to Walmart, there I found a shirt, dress, and a couple pairs of leather flip flops. They’re pretty nice, one pair is white and the other black. I was needing to get both colors for the summer time and I finally found some. Everything I bought was on sale too so that was a good thing, I do try to save money where I can.
After returning home I called Flint and we ran to the Hi-vee gas station where I purchased a couple things and then to Arby’s to pick up dinner. I called my friend Marie and ended up falling asleep while talking to her on the phone. I felt just awful about that, and I did text her this morning to apologize, I’ll call her later to apologize to her by voice though.

So, now you’re up-to-date on what I’ve bene up to. I think today I’m just going to do some job searching on Indeed and maybe some apartment hunting as well. I still would like a second job and a new place to move so I don’t want to put these two things off much longer. I’ve been looking but I took a short break from both.

Before I go, I’m posting this amusing thing that happened.

BLABBERMOUTH.NET: KISS Mocked Online After Displaying Australian Flag During Concert In Austria https://blabbermouth.net/news/kiss-mocked-online-after-displaying-australian-flag-during-concert-in-austria https://twitter.com/BLABBERMOUTHNET/status/1541773300631625729/photo/1

I sure hope they don’t display the wrong flag when they perform in Australia. Those guys are getting forgetful in their old ages. LOL! It’s definitely time for them to retire, they had an awesome run for many many years.

Okay, I’m off now but I wanted to wish you all a very happy rest of your day/night/evening/afternoon where ever you are in the world. Sending out positivity and love to all.

Chosen Quote for Today: In case no one has told you today, you are enough. You are loved. If all you’re doing is living, it’s enough. Keep being your amazing beautiful self. -Author unknown
Mood: Tired
Music: The silence of the fox den
Location: The land of deep thoughts
Celebrating a Birthday Today: Cyndi Lauper (69), Meryl Streep(73), Tracy Pollan(62), Scritti Politti’s Green Gartside(67), INXS’ Gary Beers(65), Jimmy Somerville(61), Schooly D(56) & Clyde Drexler(60)

What’s on my mind? Way too much to even begin to get things straightened out inside my head, so for now I’m ignoring all of my racing thoughts. I wish I could shut off my brain for a bit, but I suppose that wouldn’t be such a great idea. My thoughts are not necessarily negative ones, they’re just too numerous and I want my brain to take a rest if only for a bit. Yes, that’s it, just for a bit.

I hope today’s entry finds all my readers doing well. Despite my racing mind I’m doing pretty good. I have my health, my cats, my Kaylie, my life and I woke up to breath another day which I’m grateful for.

The past two days it was hot here, temps were well into the nineties with the feel like temperature of 108 on Monday and 106 on Sunday. Tuesday wasn’t too bad with the humidity breaking and it was only about 88 for the high and today was about 84. Tomorrow is supposed to be about 94 with the humidity and dew points making a comeback, I’m not looking forward to that but with thunderstorms returning for the next few days returning it will cool things right off again. Thank goodness!

I just finished watching season ten of Heartland and I still can’t stand Lou, that woman drives me absolutely insane! My favorite character is still Amy and my favorite couple is Amy and Ty. Amy has given birth to her baby and I can’t wait to see what they name it, of course I need to find that out in season eleven. This show is so totally worth watching, it has tear jerkers and man do they know how to end episodes on cliffies. Phew! I highly recommend anyone watch if they love horses and twisted plots.

Work is thinking of extending my Saturday hours! I’m excited about the prospect, I’m hoping I’ll find out about that this weekend when I go back. I was talking to one of my bosses last Saturday and the short but awesome conversation went something like this.

Boss: You all done for the day?
Me: Yes, you know at times I don’t feel like as if my Saturdays are long enough.
Boss: Well, we can keep you longer if you like.
Me: Okay! I would be fine with this.
Boss: You looking to expand your hours on Saturday?
Me: You know? I really would not mind that at all.
Boss: Let me talk to Anna and I’ll see if that would be alright, we could really use you if she approves more hours. Our Saturdays are really busy.
Me: Awesome! Thank you so much!
Boss: Yeah, you’re welcome.
The end.
On Monday I hadn’t heard anything about it so I’m guessing she didn’t have the chance to speak with her yet. Keeping fingers crossed that it works out, I could really use the extra income.
I’m still searching for a second job, nothing has come up yet but it will. There has got to be something out there for me, I just know it.

Currently Flint and Kaylie have fallen into a zoned out state of being. Flint’s sitting on the couch and Kaylie in her computer chair. I wouldn’t be surprised if they fall asleep or have already fallen. Yup, I hear snoring coming from over on the couch. I just knew it, I so knew it. :P.

Well, I’m feeling a bit nauseous so I’m going to head off. I hope you all have a wonderful night but before I go I’ve got a recipe that sounds really good.

Crock-Pot French Toast Casserole

INGREDIENTS:

12 Slices Bread (Each Slice Cut Into Thirds)
5 Large Eggs
1 ½ Cups Milk
½ Cup Unsalted Butter (Melted)
1 Cup Brown Sugar
1 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
1 Teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
¼ Teaspoon Ground Nutmeg

DIRECTIONS:

1. Layer the bread pieces in the bottom of a 3.5 quart casserole slow cooker OR a 6 quart or larger slow cooker in a crisscross pattern.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the remaining ingredients well.
3. Pour egg mixture evenly over bread in slow cooker.
4. Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours or until the casserole is set but not soggy.
5. Serve slices drizzled topped with maple syrup or fresh fruit.

Alright, that’s all she wrote until next time…*wave*.

Quote of the Day:
“Stay positive even when it feels like your whole world is falling apart.” — Unknown
Dumb but amusing joke:
Q: What did the big chimney say to the little chimney?
A: You’re too young to smoke.

Mood: I don’t know.
Music: Cry by Faith Hill
Location: The Fox Den

Greetings Humans.

Have you ever had a day where all you feel like doing is crying with no reason as to why you want to? You have no idea why, but you can’t seem to get your traitor tears under control, today this is me. Actually, this has been me for the past couple of days. So, I suppose I could say that I have L.E.S. (Leaky eye syndrome). That’s what Kaylie says when she’s crying, she says she has leaky eyes so now I’m calling it leaky eye syndrome. The internet calls it epiphora.
Begin definition:
Watering eye, also known as epiphora or tearing, is a condition in which there is an overflow of tears onto the face, often without a clear explanation. Epiphora happens when there is either an overproduction of tears or insufficient tear film drainage from the eye or eyes.
End definition.
I realize the definition doesn’t match what I’m meaning but I’m still calling it L.E.S., I wish I knew what was wrong with me, but I don’t. I have bursts of tears falling and then I’m alright but the moment someone asks me how I’m doing they come crashing around me again. Traitor tears. I called my therapist and we’re going to have a session today so hopefully I’ll feel better after talking to her, I usually do. I don’t see as often as I used to as she told me I don’t need her much anymore, but she says that I can always call if I need to, so I did. My thoughts have become too much for me to manage on my own I suppose, you think you’re okay, but life has a way of proving that you aren’t.
I’m sorry that I haven’t been so positive in the past few days. I try to continue to be, but I haven’t been able to keep it up. I sort of feel like it’s what people expect of me so when I can’t be I feel like I’m letting everyone down. It’s like I’m supposed to be this happy go lucky girl all of the time and I just can’t be, my feelings just don’t’ allow it so I try to stay away from twitter and other social media platforms, so I don’t let you all down. So, what I’m saying is, I’m so sorry if I have been negative and haven’t felt so grate lately. I’m working on getting back to my overly cheerful self and hopefully I’ll be there again soon. Thanks for understanding. I know I’m not expected to be cheerful all the time, I just feel that way because of some comments I have gotten from certain people that are around me.

I get to meet with my job coach today so I’m pretty excited about that. I’m hoping that we will find something for me to do as a second job. More applications will have to be filled out and sent back to the businesses and I’m ready for it, one of them will hopefully like my resume and call me in for an interview.

Other than that, I’m pretty much going to be a home body as the weather isn’t playing nice. Heat and humidity make it hard to want to go outdoors. We’re supposed to have temps in the high nineties with heat indices in the low 100s, I’m so not down with this at all.
Tonight, severe thunderstorms are in the forecast, I wouldn’t be surprised if we end up in a severe thunderstorm watch before too long. Mayhap they will bring cooler temperatures and lower dew points. One can only hope.

That was written this morning.

Time: 8:05 PM.

It’s now evening here, and I’ve got an update for the day.

I spoke with my therapist like I said I was going to do, and she did help me a bit. At least I don’t feel like bursting into tears over every little thing. We have a few plans in the works now so I feel so much better than I did. I’m still feeling a bit out of sorts, but I think I’m going to be just fine now.

I did meet with my job coach, and she’s got a couple of things she’s looking into, she’s going on vacation next week, so I won’t hear from her until the week after. For my part I’m going to try and search for jobs on my own still using Indeed like always. I’m thinking between the two of us we will come up with something I can do.

See? I’m feeling more positive than I was earlier which is a very good thing.

I’m going to start recording again.
There are so many songs I want to do vocals for and I’m excited about singing again. There are two songs by an artist called Melanie Martinez, one is titled Dollhouse, and the other is called Soap. I absolutely adore these two songs, Dollhouse is kind of creepy sounding and I think that’s one of the reasons I like it so much. That song is pretty much my childhood theme song. Everyone thought we were this perfect family, but they never knew what went on behind closed doors and heaven forbid if anyone ever found out. I have a few more songs saved that I’d like to cover as well so I’m definitely chomping at the bit to get back at it.

Well, I’m going to say goodnight for now as I’m getting tired, and I still haven’t eaten my dinner. Wishing you all a wonderful rest of the evening and a restful night.
I’ll try and write again soon.