Daily Happiness
Feb. 18th, 2026 09:27 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
torachan1. Despite a mixup at the airport, I arrived safely in NoCal for my first ever business trip. After I got through security this morning, an airport staff person asked me what airline I was flying on and when I said Southwest, she told me I had to go downstairs and take a shuttle to my gate. This seemed odd to me since I entered at the place at that said Southwest but there’s a lot of construction going on, so I figured maybe it had something to do with that. But when I arrived at the other terminal, it was clear I was in the wrong place, so I had to take the shuttle back. Thankfully I was at the airport with plenty of time to spare so there was still like an hour before boarding and I was able to get breakfast and get to my actual gate in plenty of time. The flight itself is short, only like an hour in the air, though we did have to circle around the airport once before landing because it was so windy they had to come in from the other direction. Amusingly there was a guy from work on my same flight, though we hadn’t realized until boarding that we were traveling together.
2. I have mostly avoided the rain today. It was raining a little traveling from the airport to the store, but I wasn’t the one driving, and it had stopped by the time I arrived. Dry throughout the day, I was able to take a walk after lunch. And my hotel is just across the street. But tonight I had to go out to buy toothpaste and toothbrush because the hotel doesn’t provide them (cheapskates) and I didn’t take my umbrella because it wasn’t supposed to rain for hours, but when I was leaving the store it was pouring, so I had to go back in and buy an umbrella. I actually have one in my suitcase! D: But now I have another one. I did get pretty soaked even with it, but I think I can manage to dry my shoes out with the hairdryer the hotel provided. Tomorrow is supposed to be no rain all day so fingers crossed.
3. There are loads of nice restaurants around and tonight I walked to a sort of food court area where I ended up getting some very tasty yuzu ramen.
Sorry, no cat pics today or tomorrow as posting is fiddle enough from my iPad. I did post on bluesky, though. I’m torachan on bluesky if you want to see cats. Otherwise I will be back to cat posting on Friday.
2. I have mostly avoided the rain today. It was raining a little traveling from the airport to the store, but I wasn’t the one driving, and it had stopped by the time I arrived. Dry throughout the day, I was able to take a walk after lunch. And my hotel is just across the street. But tonight I had to go out to buy toothpaste and toothbrush because the hotel doesn’t provide them (cheapskates) and I didn’t take my umbrella because it wasn’t supposed to rain for hours, but when I was leaving the store it was pouring, so I had to go back in and buy an umbrella. I actually have one in my suitcase! D: But now I have another one. I did get pretty soaked even with it, but I think I can manage to dry my shoes out with the hairdryer the hotel provided. Tomorrow is supposed to be no rain all day so fingers crossed.
3. There are loads of nice restaurants around and tonight I walked to a sort of food court area where I ended up getting some very tasty yuzu ramen.
Sorry, no cat pics today or tomorrow as posting is fiddle enough from my iPad. I did post on bluesky, though. I’m torachan on bluesky if you want to see cats. Otherwise I will be back to cat posting on Friday.
oops, nevermind
Feb. 18th, 2026 08:40 pmolivermossDue to a shift in strategy Babylon 5 has been pulled from youtube
So much for going through it Dracula Daily style.
So much for going through it Dracula Daily style.
Classic kidlit rereads
Feb. 18th, 2026 06:28 pmsholioIn between the other books I've been rereading, there were also a couple of rereads of older books.
Mrs. Frisby & the Rats of Nimh - I reread this one a few days ago after randomly finding it while looking for something else on my bookshelves. I still feel as I did the first time I read it, or watched the movie - whichever came first for me, I genuinely don't remember now - that this book has an absolute genius premise in how it plays around with the tropes of classic children's animal literature.
Cut for anyone who doesn't actually want to know the big spoiler in the premise (which is revealed in full about halfway through the book).
( About that book )
Anyway, I really enjoyed it! A fun quick read, a classic for a reason.
A Wrinkle in Time - I had pulled out this one and several others in the series to reread around the time I did my Dark Is Rising reread a couple of years ago, and finally got around to it. I remember a lot of this book really well - I must have reread it a ton as a kid, because I remember the broad shape of the plot as well as, in vivid detail, a number of images from the book, like the kids all bouncing their balls in unison, the disembodied brain, or Meg starting to pass out and dipping her head to inhale from the oxygen flower. What I didn't remember is how it all connected together, how it ended (I can see why), or how absolutely batshit insane this book is.
( A little more about this one )
Mrs. Frisby & the Rats of Nimh - I reread this one a few days ago after randomly finding it while looking for something else on my bookshelves. I still feel as I did the first time I read it, or watched the movie - whichever came first for me, I genuinely don't remember now - that this book has an absolute genius premise in how it plays around with the tropes of classic children's animal literature.
Cut for anyone who doesn't actually want to know the big spoiler in the premise (which is revealed in full about halfway through the book).
( About that book )
Anyway, I really enjoyed it! A fun quick read, a classic for a reason.
A Wrinkle in Time - I had pulled out this one and several others in the series to reread around the time I did my Dark Is Rising reread a couple of years ago, and finally got around to it. I remember a lot of this book really well - I must have reread it a ton as a kid, because I remember the broad shape of the plot as well as, in vivid detail, a number of images from the book, like the kids all bouncing their balls in unison, the disembodied brain, or Meg starting to pass out and dipping her head to inhale from the oxygen flower. What I didn't remember is how it all connected together, how it ended (I can see why), or how absolutely batshit insane this book is.
( A little more about this one )
Photos: Flowerbeds
Feb. 18th, 2026 07:56 pmysabetwordsmith posting in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
common_natureThe first crocuses are blooming! I just had to take pictures when I spotted them this morning. Yesterday they were just buds.
( Walk with me ... )
( Walk with me ... )
Book 15, 2026
Feb. 18th, 2026 07:11 pmchez_jae
Break-ins and Bloodshed by Danielle CollinsMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
View all my reviews
I finished reading Break-Ins and Bloodshed last night. It’s the second book in the “Hearts Grove” series of cozy mysteries by Danielle Collins. The main character is Henrietta Hewitt, who owns H H Antiques.
Henrietta is busy with her store and getting ready for a local festival when her friend, Ralph, asks her to help him investigate a string of recent break-ins. Ralph is a licensed PI, and he values Henrietta’s keen eye for detail. When Henrietta sees a pattern, she goes to check out the neighborhood on her own, but what she finds is a dead body. While the police investigate this new situation, Henrietta and Ralph continue looking into the burglaries. As the clues and evidence come together, Henrietta realizes the culprit may be closer than she thinks.
I enjoyed the story. It was refreshing to read a cozy mystery that involved break-ins moreso than murder. Henrietta is a likable character who makes good use of her own common sense. The plot was quick, although I would have liked to see Henrietta at work and home more. Most of the narrative involved the investigation.
Favorite line: “I got free ice cream out of it, so I think it was worth it.”
Charming—four stars
Daily Check-In
Feb. 18th, 2026 06:03 pmstarwatcher posting in fandom_checkinThis is your check-in post for today. The poll will be open from midnight Universal or Zulu Time (8pm Eastern Time) on Wednesday, February 18, to midnight on Thursday, February 19. (8pm Eastern Time).
Poll #34241 Daily Check-in
Open to: Access List, detailed results viewable to: Access List, participants: 16
How are you doing?
I am OK.
10 (62.5%)
I am not OK, but don't need help right now.
6 (37.5%)
I could use some help.
0 (0.0%)
How many other humans live with you?
I am living single.
7 (43.8%)
One other person.
6 (37.5%)
More than one other person.
3 (18.8%)
Please, talk about how things are going for you in the comments, ask for advice or help if you need it, or just discuss whatever you feel like.
My Condolences to your TBRs
Feb. 18th, 2026 05:02 pmolivermoss* Terry Pratchett Discworld Humble Indie Bundle. 16 bucks for over 35 books, $401 value.
* I do not have time or space in my life to rewatch B5, but if they really are going to do the whole series weekly I might do that. Could be interesting, as it's doing a weekly watch along. I was originally not going to consider it, but after having rewatched a few eps I keep thinking about one scene.
There is an episode where each race has to do a demonstration of their dominant religion. It's not just what Sinclair chooses for Humans, it's how strongly the show's production committed to the scene, especially with the shoe-string budget.
* If I do a lot of sporadic posting today it's because of milk. I've been so hardline about my diet for so long, I've often wondered if my system is really that sensitive to certain things after so many years of controlling my IBS symptoms.. as much as I enjoy working at Dragonfly Cafe they have a bad cross-contamination problem with drinks that need any kind of stirring or steaming and yes, holy shit, milk protein fucks me up. As sick as I am right now, this should mostly clear up quickly. I'll get to 85% better soon and then that last 15% will linger for a bit.
* I did make myself go and do some pre-possible-snow shopping. I have extra food, and also some shelf stable options in case of power outage.
* I do not have time or space in my life to rewatch B5, but if they really are going to do the whole series weekly I might do that. Could be interesting, as it's doing a weekly watch along. I was originally not going to consider it, but after having rewatched a few eps I keep thinking about one scene.
There is an episode where each race has to do a demonstration of their dominant religion. It's not just what Sinclair chooses for Humans, it's how strongly the show's production committed to the scene, especially with the shoe-string budget.
* If I do a lot of sporadic posting today it's because of milk. I've been so hardline about my diet for so long, I've often wondered if my system is really that sensitive to certain things after so many years of controlling my IBS symptoms.. as much as I enjoy working at Dragonfly Cafe they have a bad cross-contamination problem with drinks that need any kind of stirring or steaming and yes, holy shit, milk protein fucks me up. As sick as I am right now, this should mostly clear up quickly. I'll get to 85% better soon and then that last 15% will linger for a bit.
* I did make myself go and do some pre-possible-snow shopping. I have extra food, and also some shelf stable options in case of power outage.
[ SECRET POST #6984 ]
Feb. 18th, 2026 07:51 pmcase posting in fandomsecrets⌈ Secret Post #6984 ⌋
Warning: Some secrets are NOT worksafe and may contain SPOILERS.
01.
( More! )
Notes:
Secrets Left to Post: 01 pages, 13 secrets from Secret Submission Post #997.
Secrets Not Posted: [ 0 - broken links ], [ 0 - not!secrets ], [ 0 - not!fandom ], [ 0 - too big ], [ 0 - repeat ].
Current Secret Submissions Post: here.
Suggestions, comments, and concerns should go here.
Vid rec: Buckle (Heated Rivalry)
Feb. 19th, 2026 10:56 amout_thereSometimes, you want a happy vid. Sometimes you want a vid to delicately shatter your heart into pieces. This is the latter, but it's still so lovely:
Buckle (16 words) by sisabet
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Heated Rivalry (TV)
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Shane Hollander/Ilya Rozanov
Characters: Ilya Rozanov, Shane Hollander, Svetlana Vetrova
Additional Tags: POV Ilya Rozanov, Angst, Depressed Ilya Rozanov, Fanvids
Summary:
Buckle (16 words) by sisabet
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Heated Rivalry (TV)
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Shane Hollander/Ilya Rozanov
Characters: Ilya Rozanov, Shane Hollander, Svetlana Vetrova
Additional Tags: POV Ilya Rozanov, Angst, Depressed Ilya Rozanov, Fanvids
Summary:
I made a thousand people love me, now I'm all alone
World's Finest #48 - Dark Mirror - Well, that answers that question I guess....
Feb. 18th, 2026 09:43 pmicon_uk posting in scans_dailyWe're at the start of a new arc in World's Finest, and this one is going to feature Earth-3
( So it's topsy-turvy time... but a GRIM sort of topsy-turvy )( So it's topsy-turvy time... but a GRIM sort of topsy-turvy )
( So it's topsy-turvy time... but a GRIM sort of topsy-turvy )( So it's topsy-turvy time... but a GRIM sort of topsy-turvy )
i have scaled these city walls
Feb. 18th, 2026 06:36 pmmusesfoolSome things make a post, right?
1. I had the dentist today, so I took the day off, because I am always so exhausted when I come back from the dentist. It's rarely bad, but trying to breathe through the cleaning is always an adventure I do not enjoy and it makes me tired. But I told them that the crown I got in December is mostly fine except if I try to eat almonds or other hard things, so the dentist did something to it "fix the bite." He also said it didn't look like anything was wrong either in the examination or on the x-ray, and to let him know if it didn't get better (or even got worse), so I guess we'll see.
1a. I arrived about 30 minutes early for my appointment - it usually takes much longer to get there so I allowed an hour - but they took me in right away since I was only scheduled to be there for a cleaning, and I was home before noon.
B. I was excited to see ZIBANEJAD score the tying goal for Sweden, but then Quinn Hughes won it for the US in overtime. I have to admit, I don't like 3-on-3 overtime (or shootouts!) for the Olympics. Just play another sudden death period.
iii. This past weekend, Baby Miss L went to her first princess tea party event at the Riverhead aquarium (or near there?) and the pictures of her holding court among the princesses are amazing, but my favorite picture is the one of her making a very excited "oh wow!" face at the plate of desserts in front of her. She was ready to dig in!
d. Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band are coming to MSG in May!!! Tickets go on sale this weekend! I will probably not try to get them, even though MSG is pretty much the 2nd most convenient venue he could play. (Forest Hills Stadium would be the most convenient for me, but would never happen.)
5. I've reached The Butcher's Masquerade in my DCC reread, and I think it might be my favorite of the books? It has a couple of my favorite scenes in it, anyway, including ( spoilers ) I definitely prefer the more open-world type floors than the stuff like the Iron Tangle (and I did find the cards so fucking tedious in book 6; otoh, ( spoilers )).
Though This Inevitable Ruin is also a strong contender, since I fucking love ( spoilers ) There's a lot in it that I enjoyed and that also makes me so curious about what happens next, both in the dungeon and outside of it. I am definitely writing up an epic post based on notes I'm taking on rereading, which will eventually get posted. I hope. *g*
*
1. I had the dentist today, so I took the day off, because I am always so exhausted when I come back from the dentist. It's rarely bad, but trying to breathe through the cleaning is always an adventure I do not enjoy and it makes me tired. But I told them that the crown I got in December is mostly fine except if I try to eat almonds or other hard things, so the dentist did something to it "fix the bite." He also said it didn't look like anything was wrong either in the examination or on the x-ray, and to let him know if it didn't get better (or even got worse), so I guess we'll see.
1a. I arrived about 30 minutes early for my appointment - it usually takes much longer to get there so I allowed an hour - but they took me in right away since I was only scheduled to be there for a cleaning, and I was home before noon.
B. I was excited to see ZIBANEJAD score the tying goal for Sweden, but then Quinn Hughes won it for the US in overtime. I have to admit, I don't like 3-on-3 overtime (or shootouts!) for the Olympics. Just play another sudden death period.
iii. This past weekend, Baby Miss L went to her first princess tea party event at the Riverhead aquarium (or near there?) and the pictures of her holding court among the princesses are amazing, but my favorite picture is the one of her making a very excited "oh wow!" face at the plate of desserts in front of her. She was ready to dig in!
d. Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band are coming to MSG in May!!! Tickets go on sale this weekend! I will probably not try to get them, even though MSG is pretty much the 2nd most convenient venue he could play. (Forest Hills Stadium would be the most convenient for me, but would never happen.)
5. I've reached The Butcher's Masquerade in my DCC reread, and I think it might be my favorite of the books? It has a couple of my favorite scenes in it, anyway, including ( spoilers ) I definitely prefer the more open-world type floors than the stuff like the Iron Tangle (and I did find the cards so fucking tedious in book 6; otoh, ( spoilers )).
Though This Inevitable Ruin is also a strong contender, since I fucking love ( spoilers ) There's a lot in it that I enjoyed and that also makes me so curious about what happens next, both in the dungeon and outside of it. I am definitely writing up an epic post based on notes I'm taking on rereading, which will eventually get posted. I hope. *g*
*
(no subject)
Feb. 18th, 2026 02:46 pmolivermoss* I am hoping to watch the Olympics Women's Hockey Gold Medal game tomorrow. Sports Bra is opening early.
* Finns made it to the next round! They have a decent chance at a medal.
* Sweden starting Markstrom again. They've got both of the Wild goalies, an amazing tendie duo, but every time I look at a game it's Markstrom. And right now Markstrom has only let in 1 of 31, so maybe it's the right call.
I'd hoped to catch the Wild goalies, but they only played Gus in some early round games and Wall not at all. (Technically, they are not out yet, but they are playing the US rn so...)
Actually, the game is surprisingly close, so this is now a liveblog. ( Read more... )
* Finns made it to the next round! They have a decent chance at a medal.
* Sweden starting Markstrom again. They've got both of the Wild goalies, an amazing tendie duo, but every time I look at a game it's Markstrom. And right now Markstrom has only let in 1 of 31, so maybe it's the right call.
I'd hoped to catch the Wild goalies, but they only played Gus in some early round games and Wall not at all. (Technically, they are not out yet, but they are playing the US rn so...)
Actually, the game is surprisingly close, so this is now a liveblog. ( Read more... )
What Am I Reading Wednesday - February 18
Feb. 18th, 2026 05:17 pmlebateleurA short entry for today since I got home late from work and have to scramble to get to the next thing. Anyway, here's what I read over the last six days:
What I Finished Reading This Week
Lake of Souls - Ann Leckie
This is an excellent book (and I say this as someone who vastly prefers novels to short stories). Lake of Souls has three sections: stand-alone short stories, stories in the Imperial Radch universe, and stories in the Raven Tower universe, and they're all excellent. I enjoyed all but one of the stand-alone stories (and the sole story I didn't like, I didn't enjoy only because it's a bit of a downer. But it's also only 1.5 pages long, so hey). I'd read two of the three Imperial Radch stories prior to this anthology's publication and enjoyed them again here (I won't spoil "She Commands Me And I Obey" but IYKYK...and it's good.) The third, new-to-me story was my least favorite of the bunch, but only because it's so obviously a reskinned version of a standard folktale that didn't add much to the Radch universe or benefit from having Radch elements introduced to it. I was surprised by how much I liked the Raven Tower stories; in fact, I liked many of them more than the novel itself. The Raven Tower worldbuilding constraints just work so well in a short story format. And throughout all three sections, Leckie says a ton of incisive and so-sharp-you-won't-know-you're-cut-and-bleeding things to say about gender. This book was delightful and I will absolutely read it again.
What I Am Currently Reading
A Fate Inked in Blood – Danielle Jensen
I'm only about 50 pages into it but enjoying things so far.
The Laws of Brainjo – Josh Turknett
I'll have this one finished by next week.
What I’m Reading Next
I acquired no new books this week.
これで以上です。
What I Finished Reading This Week
Lake of Souls - Ann Leckie
This is an excellent book (and I say this as someone who vastly prefers novels to short stories). Lake of Souls has three sections: stand-alone short stories, stories in the Imperial Radch universe, and stories in the Raven Tower universe, and they're all excellent. I enjoyed all but one of the stand-alone stories (and the sole story I didn't like, I didn't enjoy only because it's a bit of a downer. But it's also only 1.5 pages long, so hey). I'd read two of the three Imperial Radch stories prior to this anthology's publication and enjoyed them again here (I won't spoil "She Commands Me And I Obey" but IYKYK...and it's good.) The third, new-to-me story was my least favorite of the bunch, but only because it's so obviously a reskinned version of a standard folktale that didn't add much to the Radch universe or benefit from having Radch elements introduced to it. I was surprised by how much I liked the Raven Tower stories; in fact, I liked many of them more than the novel itself. The Raven Tower worldbuilding constraints just work so well in a short story format. And throughout all three sections, Leckie says a ton of incisive and so-sharp-you-won't-know-you're-cut-and-bleeding things to say about gender. This book was delightful and I will absolutely read it again.
What I Am Currently Reading
A Fate Inked in Blood – Danielle Jensen
I'm only about 50 pages into it but enjoying things so far.
The Laws of Brainjo – Josh Turknett
I'll have this one finished by next week.
What I’m Reading Next
I acquired no new books this week.
これで以上です。
Wednesday Reading Meme
Feb. 18th, 2026 05:22 pmsinealaWhat I Just Finished Reading
Nothing!
What I'm Reading Now
Comics Wednesday!
( 1776 #4, Captain America #7, Doctor Strange #3, Dungeons of Doom #2, Fantastic Four #8, New Avengers #9, Ultimate Spider-Man #24 )
What I'm Reading Next
To makelysimache happy, I have very slowly started reading Les Misérables in the original French, after learning that the Kindle can now load translating dictionaries. (My old Kindle could not, but it's like 15 years old.) I don't think I'm going to finish it ever but, hey, I'm trying.
Nothing!
What I'm Reading Now
Comics Wednesday!
( 1776 #4, Captain America #7, Doctor Strange #3, Dungeons of Doom #2, Fantastic Four #8, New Avengers #9, Ultimate Spider-Man #24 )
What I'm Reading Next
To make
lysimache happy, I have very slowly started reading Les Misérables in the original French, after learning that the Kindle can now load translating dictionaries. (My old Kindle could not, but it's like 15 years old.) I don't think I'm going to finish it ever but, hey, I'm trying.
What I'm Doing Wednesday
Feb. 18th, 2026 03:33 pmsage( books (Pratchett, Kingfisher) )
yarning
Finished a ninth balaclava. Soaked the five Icelandic wool ones in vinegar water, and then in fabric softener. Washed the 4 acrylic ones. Let them all dry. Found an extra hat for the children's shelter that I lost in my couch, oops. Finished the pink bunny. Didn't go to yarn group bc I felt rotten. Got everything in the mail. Started a new bunny for the new momcat at KA. Got a commission for 12 amigurumi carrots for someone's Easter tree and a commission for a new Rockstar Lestat art doll!
healthcrap
Still having TERRIBLE vertigo, sinusitis & a sore throat. My scalp is tingling to distraction. And my badly bitten tongue still hasn't healed. :(((
#resist
+ March 28: #50501 No Kings Protest #3
I hope you're all doing well! <333
yarning
Finished a ninth balaclava. Soaked the five Icelandic wool ones in vinegar water, and then in fabric softener. Washed the 4 acrylic ones. Let them all dry. Found an extra hat for the children's shelter that I lost in my couch, oops. Finished the pink bunny. Didn't go to yarn group bc I felt rotten. Got everything in the mail. Started a new bunny for the new momcat at KA. Got a commission for 12 amigurumi carrots for someone's Easter tree and a commission for a new Rockstar Lestat art doll!
healthcrap
Still having TERRIBLE vertigo, sinusitis & a sore throat. My scalp is tingling to distraction. And my badly bitten tongue still hasn't healed. :(((
#resist
+ March 28: #50501 No Kings Protest #3
I hope you're all doing well! <333
Dove Cameron is Promoting Her New Thriller Series in Workwear
Feb. 18th, 2026 08:00 pm![[syndicated profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/feed.png){kind=small}
go_fug_yourself_feedThe two do not seem related.
The post Dove Cameron is Promoting Her New Thriller Series in Workwear first appeared on Go Fug Yourself.
This Is An Intriguing Ensemble on Amanda Seyfried
Feb. 18th, 2026 07:00 pmgo_fug_yourself_feedA lot is happening.
The post This Is An Intriguing Ensemble on Amanda Seyfried first appeared on Go Fug Yourself.
So How Bad Was Calvin Klein, Actually?
Feb. 18th, 2026 06:00 pmgo_fug_yourself_feedAn investigation.
The post So How Bad Was Calvin Klein, Actually? first appeared on Go Fug Yourself.