to tell ya the truth...

who has two thumbs & some good to honest truths to share? this girl…right here. some are embarrassing, others just random facts. can you relate? shake your head? or just laugh? all the above would make this chick happy. indulge me…hey, it’s not political & it’s totally from the heart (hooray)!

without any more silly introduction, i’m that girl who…

adores her coffee

sometimes forgets to wash her face before bed & wakes up looking like alice cooper

has terrible morning breath

hates to pump gas

wears her heart on her sleeve

is attracted to all things shiny

always shows up if she says she will

will choose savory over sweet almost 90% of the time

suffers through killer shoes if they’re super rad

has a bazillion “next” tattoos in mind

would give someone the shirt off of her back, if need be

is definitely dramatic, but avoids drama (make sense?)

is more patient with others than with herself

would rather wait on someone as opposed to them having to wait on her

dreams of being wonder woman

is surprised when  folks who know her don’t really know her                              

was always picked last at “recess”

would live on a farm, raise animals, & make homemade everything; if she could

doesn’t keep up with the joneses; the grass may be greener, but that water bill is probably a bitch

feels the free-est when she’s singing, dancing, or laughing

believes that life is just too dang short

carries a mint, a band-aid, & an extra koozie in her purse just in case

tries to remember to be kind because you never know what someone else is going through

prefers to be over dressed than under dressed

doesn’t go anywhere without her burt’s bees

is always up for an adventure

loves eating “breakfast” for dinner

has been inspired by many a book, poem, or quote

believes in love at first sight

doesn’t mind getting dirty

plucks her eyelashes when she’s stressed

enjoys driving & isn’t a zip code friend…”if you call her…she will come”

thinks handmade whatevers are the best

will admit when she’s wrong & fight for what’s right

has a journal stashed in random places

vies for girly-ness everywhere

appreciates the little things

cleans & launders her house before a vacation

is always overwhelmed with the rocky & wonderful experiences that she has encountered & is yet to do so

welcomes all, anytime

still believes in love…always

thinks music saves souls

(with all that we know) still hopes for world peace…it comes to mind. one day?

i was a...

teenage full grown woman roller derby girl! many smiled at this & said “you’re going to do what?”…”oh, cool!” (the doubt was thicker than an august night in the south) but i had decided this, & i was going to play, come hell or high water…exclamation point. for some reason, being in my 30’s made me brave (i was never too terribly brave before) & it did something to me. if i was going to state it, i was going to stand behind it; or at least try, try, try. & roller derby was no exception. i had played basketball as a kid (9-16) & i knew i would adore the team atmosphere at the very least. but, oh crap! i couldn’t even skate (something that i should have realized before; eyes bigger than stomach scenario) the last time that i’d laced a pair on was at a 6^th grade ‘just say no’ skate night; at which time, i didn’t have a boy to couple skate with, spent shoot the duck moments at the snack bar creating awesome “suicide” drinks, & frankly, during that “all skate,” wasn’t all together steady enough to make it around without grabbing the sides or a poor friend to the floor. & did i mention that i am the most uncoordinated person alive? (this never did go away). after 6 months though, they (the “many” i mentioned above) started to believe me. that i was actually playing this intense, fast-paced, kick-booty sport, & for once (in myself) so did i!

nevermind the makeup, clothing, monikers…this isn’t staged. no choreography. this is as authentic a sport as there ever was. & the heart & soul involved is out of this world amazing! from hard core practices (ranging from 6-8 hours a week or more…year round) to monthly bouts (at home or drive a few to several hours…hurt so good for days) to extra-derby! to meetings to fundraisers to community awareness! i mean, when does a girl get to wash those stinky pads? (*grin) did i mention the outside world as well? jobs, school, family, children…really. these women can just do it all. (i never felt so organized & in charge...in my life!)

but, what i would learn (personally) throughout this whole experience would be more than i anticipated; a new family, self-worth, & confidence. insane warm fuzzies wrapped in sweat times 10. can i do absolutely anything that i put my passion to? yes, yes…i most certainly can! roller derby showed me that. & i was no gretzky meets tyson either. i definitely lived up to my (ahem) self given name “bruise” (short for bruisella)…the hell was i thinking? killer…always killer, or kill-her! *shake my head & laugh! but every KO & back at ‘em proved that i was so much stronger than i’d ever given myself credit. & what a rush!

*plus, the ladies that i work with at the library would always ask how it was going, want to see my bruises (they were plentiful & hey, i earned those bad boys), & always brought me magazine or newspaper clippings related to anything derby! (it was sweet support from a random place.)

so many personalities, backgrounds, ages, etc. all mashed into this one core team of awesomeness. whether you’re “a hope-er, a pray-er, a magic bean buyer…come in! come in!” no prerequisites were required! & these girls…these girls are the best that i’ve ever known. they do not waste time with fancy pretenses. they are about as real as they come. “island of misfit toys,” i used to kid. & it worked. it worked because we were all striving towards the same goal…together…as a team. it was magical! the sorority that i always wanted to join, but never existed in my world before then.

i love these women that i called sisters (& still do, if they’ll have this retired gal)…sisters after my own heart…my team! but most of all, i love the time of my life spent with them. who had my back on & off the track. who lovingly screamed "shut the eff up!" when i started to doubt myself. who helped with my damned butterflies before each bout. who loaned me extra deodorant before the after party (but no chapstick…ha). who put a makeshift ice pack on my ass & laughed with me through the pain. all goodness, wonderful memories for me, & i think about it every single day! it truly was an honor!

you have no idea how glad i am that i went with my gut, pulled my big girl panties on, & followed a crazy (unknown) journey like i did. i haven’t been the same since. empowering, to say the least. 

so, have you witnessed roller derby yet? or played? i encourage everyone i meet to play, even though they look at me like “yea, whatever” or “i could never do that!” hey, if i could do it, i think anybody can…coordination, remember?! just ask yourself, “do i have heart?” if yes, then go for it. if it’s something you wanted to try, but weren’t sure, start with baby steps…find a fresh meat practice to roll around in or an open practice to observe or watch from the crowd at a bout (or all the above). you’ll always wonder if you don’t…i know that i would have. don’t let others discourage you from seeing for yourself, either. ps…i have faith in you!

**my team, the richland county regulators http://www.richlandcountyregulators.com/ host their next home bout against the brrg french broads (from asheville, nc) on march 24^th. it’s definitely something you need to check out if you haven’t already…go ahead & buy your tickets now! i’m opening up a whole new addiction for you…just saying. ooh, & before i forget, there’s a men’s team, too…carolina wreckingballs!! (you’re so gonna thank me!) but, wait, there’s more…there is yet another team in the columbia area http://www.columbiaquadsquad.com/! pack those houses, people! buy those tickets! support local roller derby!

&, if you’re not in this area…no fretting! i bet if you google roller derby teams (where you live), right now (go do it), you’re gonna find a team right around the corner. trust me, it’s like that. you are bound to find a bout coming near you! (i can think of 8 teams in south carolina alone, right off the top of my head) seriously…you’re gonna be reformed!

*don’t forget the kids (family oriented sport), your merch monies for that tee/koozie/whatevers of your new fave team! or better yet, make it a “date night!” there’s also sips & noms…because, after all, it is a sport!! treat it as such…sit back (actually, you won’t want to sit) & enjoy!

"the day the music died"...

today would have been kurt cobain’s 45^th birthday, & with the latest news of the incomparable, etta james & now, pop icon, whitney houston’s passing, i’d feel remiss, being the music lover that i am, to allow february to go by without mentioning a huge homage that helped in part, form music as we appreciate it today. (it’s not a stretch…stay with me, people!)

the year (february 3^rd) 1959, 3 young stars were on their way to a show in minnesota, when their little plane crashed minutes after take off. jp “the big bopper” richardson (28), buddy holly (22), & ritchie valens (17). now, i take for granted that i am totally familiar with the hits that these talented guys generated. (i come from good, music loving parents) & especially the song famously memorializing this tragic event as “the day the music died.” (american pie by don mclean-1972) critics would also go on to say that this 8 minutes & 22 seconds long song may have saved music at a time when it was fleeting. could you imagine a world without music? omg, i could not! i actually know someone who has said that they sometimes listen to nothing in the car during their 30 minute work commute. nothing! not even npr. to which i simply reply “what the hell is wrong with you?”

ahh, music & those amazing entities that made us sing along, run away from home to follow, squeal at the tv when they performed! poof, gone in a flash. many before my time, which is a testament to what an impact they made. the music lives on. there’s a game that one could play at a turning 30 party; it’s kind of a sad game (if you stopped & really thought about it), but a game, nonetheless. the object…you have a star on your back who never saw the age of 30 & you run around giving clues to who each other is…like charades. these people may include janis joplin, jimi hendrix, jim morrison…& hell, i guess now, amy winehouse (who i love still). & really, i guess these folks were actually all around 27! sid vicious of the sex pistols was only 21; “soul legend” otis redding was 26; jim croce & andy gibb were 30; karen carpenter & john bonham (led zeppelin) were 32; the beautiful michael hutchence, 37; the man who made an impression on me at 5 (& always), john lennon, 40; & my ultimate rock god love, freddie mercury was 45. & i still catch myself having that awesome marvin gaye groove going, when it hits me…dang, he’s gone too (45).

some were self-induced…drugs, suicide. & then there are the horrible crashes, illnesses, murders (lennon & gaye). but, there are like a bazillion more like this. i will remember a ton that i, personally love & missed tomorrow, but, the key is, we will always have the music! & how fantastic is that?

when one person…one…can reach so many others through a lyric or a stage presence, it’s truly inspiring to me. just look at jerry garcia! when he had a heart attack at 53, people were just beside themselves (& there was no flag flown at half mast), but his spirit & whole aura just remains the same…it’s crazy! (in a great way!)

you know, the hubs & i saw ray charles a couple of years before he passed at a music festival in pennsylvania. in the pouring down rain, in a wonderful outside venue, we stood from of our seats, sang out loud & danced around (okay, so probably mostly me…ha) & he just continued to play an entire set…plus, came back on stage for more. the weather did not stop the man or his audience! (the piano was totally safe, of course.) & it.was.amazing!! i remember hearing the news of his death in 2004, & i was saddened, but so happy that i had gotten to see a living legend. a man who had “seen” so many changes, ups & downs, heard new voices/types of music, prompted so many to follow their dreams in a most dangerous time of adversity. i mean, what a pioneer of music…incredible! (he was  73)

so, yea, anytime someone passes it is sad…especially when it’s before their time & when we’re all wondering what could have been. i think that we tend to put certain “stars” on a pedestal because we love them; they touch us, reach us. but, they die. that’s it. they’re not superhuman. they are…human. & fortunately, for us (the masses), they have either paved the way or will forever have that legacy for all to enjoy. pretty cool, i think. 

**& dear goddess/supreme being/what have you…please, for the sake of my soul, don’t ever let music die! i wouldn’t be able to function…seriously. & i sound like a broken record (no pun intended & don’t ask me “what’s a record?” google it!! unless you’re 7 like my monkey) music is literally what keeps me going. 80% of my being, maybe. it’s true!

"i'm afraid of americans"...

i want to live in a just world. i want to raise my child in a safe, cultured place where people aren’t sickened, threatened, or hateful of others with different backgrounds, languages, or religious beliefs. i would love to see “public service” workers make eye contact with a tattooed &/or pierced, un-khaki’d dressed public; not following them, snickering, or armed with criminal accusations. i would like to think that if a pedestrian  is hurt or bleeding in the street that someone would stop & give aid; not caring what color, age, or sex they were or what “unfortunate” area of town they were traveling. i shouldn’t feel like i can’t support my friends openly (i do anyhow, dammit!); male/female, gay/straight/bi/transgender, white/black/indian/hispanic, christian/jewish/hindu/atheist/agnostic/etc, meat eater/non, ditch digger/phd! i’ve always known these things. i’ve always felt this way. i have never, in my whole life, felt so freaking irate (with the urge to scream) about the complete bs to human appreciation, stability, clout, & worth, in general, as i do right this second!

now, i am not a super savvy political mind. but, i do my homework, people! anymore; this day & age, you absolutely have to pay attention to what is going on. do you want others to tell you (what they think) is right or wrong with your family…how to fix it? i don’t. i mean, it sucks…it’s scary, but we are all entitled to a say, & it’s best to be affective; you have to be up to par on the topics that are going to rock our own backyards, if we allow our legislature to DICTATE our nation’s well-being! seriously.

rants: (in no particular order…i am so shaking mad right now…it’s all coming out!)

1.  mr. whomever (you think) you are…i would appreciate very much if you would stop putting your laws on my body. i’m pretty sure we dealt with “the pill” back when loretta lynn had already made her stay known in country music (1975) “this incubator is overused because you`ve kept it filled. the feeling good comes easy now since i`ve got the pill” creating both controversy & praise from country area physicians, who acknowledged help for reaching the masses of rural woman who “weren’t reached by medical advice & written literature.” so, are we there? 1975 again? or worse…way back yonder? i suddenly have like ‘little house on the prairie’ images (love you ms wilder), where it was absurd to even suggest contraception of any kind? saloon girls & painted ladies when the little wife was in the “family way?” you know, women are criticized by having multiple children, unless they are white, christian women who, then usually homeschool. (this is not a stereotype made by me. this is an observation, yes, but i have-once again-done my homework). women are also criticized for being career minded & planning children; whether it’s 1, 2, 3, or more. so, even now, it’s damned if you do & damned if you don’t. the signals are constantly mixed, but the bottom line is this…i have a choice! i…me! it is my body, my life, my child(ren)! really, should it be any more complex than that? the hubs & i are more than capable of figuring out what is best for our household…that’s it! & no, there is nothing wrong with my ovaries. i choose to have one child! perhaps, instead of suggesting that i “put an aspirin between my legs” tonight mr friess, en lieu of using birth control, (because i am so sex driven & have no clue what’s going on with the rest of the world!) let me give you a pill of your own to swallow…will this ease my mind about possible polyps that may form around my cervix? or maybe it will help the uncomfortable feeling after a mammogram, as i wait for the results (having a familial history of cancer)? or knowing that stupid “birth control” could decrease my risk of other (multiple) cancers, debilitating health problems, or general road rage? i would like to know your initial take on that. nevermind, i don’t. when you grow a uterus, maybe we can have that chat! i’ll bring my bottle of bayer.

2.  prop 8…really? where did you come from? what individual was so insecure that…ugh, this has grated on my nerves & broken my heart for years now! i know, the bible, blah blah blah…well, i was raised in a very christian oriented methodist home where we celebrated people, love, & “made a joyful noise!” there was no doom & gloom when it came to the bible or service on sundays. oh, & i have read it (the b-i-b-l-e), both as a child & a literary student. i know the text. i have never felt that two human beings that felt love in their heart for one another was a sin…period. in my adult life, it has become even more apparent that “love,” in general, is a rare & sacred thing. the hubs & i have been married for 12 years (together for 17). in that time, we have “straight” friends who have met, married, & divorced. sanctity of what? family values who? not dogging on these couples/friends in any way; things happen, people grow apart, situations are unresolvable…it happens, sure…i'm making my point on “human” behavior. but, the total of (personally) couples we know is 7 (like we’ve been to/been in their weddings). meanwhile, over where the “cool sinners” hang out…i have super awesome friends who have been with the same partner for hubs & my span & then some. so, why are they unable to shout to the world “i do!” have the same benefits (health, etc) as i have. that security that if someone is hurt or sick, they can go right in the hospital icu because they’re the spouse? family? so, “prop 8  got glittered bombed” last week per kathy griffin (love her!), but we are far from done. & yes, i say “we!” i am a friend, an advocate, & an excellent poster maker!! my friends are my friends…end of story! please refrain from acting as if my friends are second class citizens. stop teaching hate in a world that needs kindness more than ever!

3. i remember when politicians (in a primary, electoral, what have you) did not use religion as a platform to show how they were fit to govern this great nation. maybe i was spoiled. my very first oober political involvement came about when it was clinton/gore ’92. (“happy days are here again…”) sorry, where was i? oh, yea, candidates were still decent guys. sure, there were heated debates, but the absolute mud-slinging came years later. i just remember hearing why a certain person was good for the job, & not why someone else wasn’t. was this all a dream?  maybe the fascination with tabloids & feeling like a rock star meshed badly with a “holier than thou” attitude, came into play (can’t have both, guys). the candidates now are a mix between a really awkward grecian hair for men commercial & a what would jesus do mentality. i’m no theologian, (& do not ever profess to be) but here’s my take on jesus (no puns included): the prophet that i have read about loved all men, women, children; made friends with debtors, prostitutes, & lowly/banished folk. he associated with lepers (dangerously contagious people…could you imagine, candidates?), taught people skills (unemployed, even…yikes). i could go on, but you get my point?! let’s say what we mean & mean what we say. i’m not even a religious person (organized, rather), but even i don’t rearrange common practices &/or beliefs to read the way i need them to on certain days, in certain situations. it makes me sigh…hard!

4.  a “lunch police” article really put me over today, as i pack a lunch daily for my monkey. to get the gist, you’d have the read the full article. i’m afraid that i’d tend to make like ‘mad libs’ & be ridiculously off track. not really, but i was beyond pissed reading this as i am possibly an overboard parent when it comes to the food groups…for reals, folks. http://www.thenewamerican.com/culture/education/10880-state-inspector-girls-sack-lunch-unhealthy-she-must-eat-cafeteria-food
oh, please, please, please say that i have something not nutritional & unfit for my child. i dare you! c’mon now, do it. you’ve got to be out of your ever loving mind!


am i done? yes, for now. i’m finally cooled down & i thank you. even if we agree to disagree, that is perfectly fine. everyone has a voice. that being said, my opinion is not the only way, but i am very passionate about my life, my loves, my environment. i still hope for a world where my child can grow & not deal with this bullshit! (but, he will, i’m sure...i’m ready…deep breath.) i will continue to guide him in a way that accepts all walks of life. i am ready to diplomatically explain differences & values & whatever rolls my way. in the in-between, i am still doing my homework! knowledge is power…duh.

i do hope to get back to the days on which this country was founded on, “life, liberty, & the pursuit of happiness” for all…i understand that correctly, right?! to not be persecuted for the way i run my life, home; keep my personal & religious convictions to myself, if i choose so. to one day, be able to see people be happy for people; let them choose their happiness. we all come from different places & have a point of view of our own. that hatred really does lead to bad stuff, but that educating oneself can alleviate it, leading to tolerance & understanding. is that too liberal…tree hugger…mother nature for you? too freaking bad!

**title thanks to the awesome david bowie tune...seemed appropriate. i'll be singing this song for days**

"and the boy was happy"...

for those who refer to my family as unconventional, thank you. i take that as a compliment. as normal & regular as i feel the running of this household is, i take (constructive & non) criticism, & smile! i don’t go out of my way to be unique or odd or whatnot. & though i appreciate the sweet face of condescension, it should be known that i, being brought up a witty, southern lady, knows well the difference between sweet & shitty. that being said, i will share the valentine that beats all!

hearts. kisses. hearts & kisses & the day that they are nationally recognized. (i sigh because i think this should be every day) it’s valentine’s day! flowers, candies, etc, right?! sure, we did the traditional cards for monkey’s classmates, of course. his choice, angry birds with stickers; so cute. no candy allowed at school though. actually, no homemade goodies at all per school-wide district policy. my heart hurts…i live for homemade yums!

but back to valentine’s gifts per the mass demand for marketing, & of course, another reason to treat my little love…my little valentine. now, some children may want toys, a special stuffed animal, or chocolates; my kiddo…a spider. yes, a spider…a real one…a tarantula one! & what a love connection was made saturday when he spotted the very (dare i say) gorgeous pink toed tarantula (pink, i can dig it). i mean love, guys! how could i say “no,” but we walked away “thinking about it” & the responsibilities & care that a fragile pet such as that would require. monkey agreed (my child is not a fusser or whiner, even when he wants something. he accepts nos & maybes without any rebuttal. which is probably why it is always a pleasure to reward him.) we stopped & looked at some adorable bunny rabbits nearby, shared an “awww,” & made our way back to the front of the flea market. when we reached our destination, his face met mine. “i liked that spider!” & i knew he did. a sudden eye contact with the hubs & then he excused himself to find a “bathroom.”

not 10 minutes passed & here comes daddy with a new family addition! that face, that smile…oh my goodness, so awesome. & it really is pretty cool. i don’t necessarily need to see the eyes or know the number of crickets since saturday (5) that have met their demise or calculate the amount of images that may/may not haunt my dreams. he’s my heart, that monkey. he loves

“spiderus” (named after ‘miss spider’s sunny patch friends’) & frankly, that’s all that matters!

ps…he’s thinking that the easter bunny will probably bring him another tarantula or perhaps an ant farm. hmm...we shall see. Ha!

new developments from yours truly...

·        if it’s spelled feb-RU-ary, why do people pronounce it feb-U-ary? this drives me crazy.

·        why are animals at the flea market always being handled/sold by people with cigarettes hanging out of their mouths? nothing against smokers, it’s just weird to me to blow smoke in an animal’s face like it’s inventory & not a living thing. i want to save every bunny, parakeet, chih-shund-yorkie-llasa-poo there! (i totally made up that breed, by the way…but, if it doesn’t exist yet, it probably will soon. so sad.)

·        having recently attended a military funeral, i decided that one has to be made of absolute stone to not be moved when ‘taps’ is played.

·        “yes, monkey! i do know every song ever made.” can i earn money from this knowledge?

·        why do people feel that their time is more important than mine? or have no concept of time at all?

·        i could go for a teeny, glass bottle of coke with peanuts right about now…don’t judge me!

·        when will lawmakers stop trying to tell me what i can/should do with my body? & others what to do with their hearts?

·        why are they called “baby gates?” you know you really use it to keep the dog in/out…or is that just me?

·        i wonder how hard it is to make a hula hoop.

·        i can never seem to find what i’m looking for until about 2 weeks after the fact.

·        despite my layers & boot socks, spring will be here soon. i need to start planning out a garden before it creeps up on me.

·        i still really want chickens!!

·        why do i still get blemishes at 35? is that like some cruel joke that i’m not in on?

·        conversational hearts are cute…i wish they tasted better.

·        a chocolate fountain at a buffet restaurant just doesn’t seem appetizing…at all.

·        i wish there was like a vegetarian fast food place. i’m in a hurry too, sometimes & i could use a drive thru.

·        how come some people get bent out of shape over tiny things, but totally ignore huge (affects everyone type) issues?

·        i would like very much to be a “morning person.” maybe i just live in the wrong time zone…nah, that doesn’t make any difference, does it?!

·        while practicing reading & spelling with monkey, i have become very aware of my drawl & proper enunciation. yes, i want my 7 year old to sound educated…is that so wrong?

·        i love the word cojones.

·        i like the idea of playing the lottery for fun, but am secretly terrified to win an obscene amount of money. (i know, right?!)

·        is it silly & lame-o that i am so thankful to have adele’s music in my life? i just adore her!

·        i know more about video games & arachnids than i ever thought possible.

·        in the mood for a kevin smith movie marathon.

·        there is a team of old scholars & scientists trying to fashion the calendar in a way that a certain date would fall on the same day every year, buuut we still don’t have a cure for cancer or AIDS…this makes absolutely no sense to me! (i question the priorities of those in position to really make things happen!)

at the tone, please leave a message...

january seemed so long, & resulted in the most blogs in a single month ever (for me). meanwhile, in the last 8 days of february...nada. i have had many thoughts, activities, & randoms; they just never made it into type. nothing too terribly exciting, but proof that as i get closer to my year anniversary writing this blog, i am still here & ready to get back to business as usual. so what exactly kept me away? wonder what a week means in this average lady's life? (you know you missed my nonsense)

-work. (please hold all applause until the end)
-planning meals, clipping coupons, grocery shopping, cooking. (hits & misses)
-doing homework & studying for spelling tests with the monkey.
-emotional algebra.
-reading & being read to. (which is so cool, & includes lots of spider books)
-going through photos upon photos (hours spent) & setting up to "smash!" (stay tuned)
-being sad, nostalgic, gracious, & thankful.
-late night couch dates with the bff, sybil kitty.
-forgetting to put my sister's birthday present in the freaking mail!
-screaming at the tv. (super bowl...go giants!)
-sucking at moderation.
-trying to perfect homemade salsa. over chopping; it turns into pseudo-puree every time...ugh.
-playing with makeup...indulging in nail polishes.
-making new observations. (to be shared soon, naturally)
-practicing dance moves.
-cleaning one room at a time.
-prepping for my next mason jar share.
-having an earache for 2 weeks resulting in vertigo for one week...awesome.
-eager to start batch 2 of apple butter.
-getting valentines ready for 16 1st graders!!
-bowing to the laws of gravity.
-finding myself saying "om" a lot. (oh, & remembering to exhale...one could explode, i hear)

pretty normal, right?! but, yea, back on track with lots of notes & stories to tell scribbled down on bits of paper/in journals/etc...organized chaos? i think so!

*but always open to new suggestions, too. so, if you have any interesting topics that we should explore this year, leave me a message! beeeep...