What I've Been Up to Lately
It's been a while since I've just written randomly and stream-of-consciously about my life. So, what have I been up to lately?
Twitch Streaming
I mentioned this in a small post recently, but I've been pretty focused on streaming video games on Twitch lately. You can find my channel over at crimsonlea. I've had some technical hiccups, and getting into the flow of streaming has been a bit challenging, but I'm loving it. I have a few regular viewers who make each stream an absolute delight, and I'm super grateful for the small community I've built there. I reached Affiliate level with their help, and it's been so much fun getting emotes and sub badges and things set up. I can only hope to continue to make each stream as engaging as possible for viewers while doing the thing I love most in the world. I have an exciting event coming up that I can't wait to share with everyone, but more on that later!
Still Vegan
I've been vegan for almost two months, which is hands down one of the best decisions I've ever made. I feel so much better since starting this diet, and I've discovered some new favorite foods and recipes. To name just a few: falafel, tofu curry, vegan chili, garlic sesame tofu with rice, MorningStar Farms chik'n nuggets, oatmeal with fruit, and avocado tacos. Danny has been very accommodating as well. He still eats meat, but he often cooks vegan meals for both of us, which I appreciate so much. He's a better cook than me, but I do try my hand at some meals as well, and I'm proud of the things I've accomplished in the kitchen since going vegan, like my garlic sesame tofu!
Ranni
Ranni turns 9 months next week, and I'm amazed at how much she's grown! It's been an absolute joy watching her grow and seeing her personality come through more and more. She's super athletic and smart. She can run the entire agility course at the dog park, and she catches tennis balls in mid-air. She loves going on adventures to hiking trails and parks. She's our little girl, she makes every day brighter, and we love her so much.
Getting By
It's hard not to mention the political climate here in the US. It seems like every day brings a new horror from the current administration, and it weighs heavy on my mind, to the point where sometimes all I want to do is sleep. I know I can't, though. There are people who are dealing with much worse situations than I am, and it's up to me to help fight for them. I've called and emailed the offices of my state representatives, but even that feels futile when you live in a red state where your reps seem to do everything they can to let you know that they don't care about you. Some days feel hopeless, but I'm trying to find solace in family and community, and I'm trying to contribute to local mutual aid groups as much as I can, which I'm afraid will become more and more crucial as federal funding continues to be cut.
I've never felt particularly patriotic, but I do love this country. I've traveled to so many great places here. I've seen the most beautiful landscapes here and met the most amazing people, and it breaks my heart to know that those in charge want to destroy it all for the sake of lining their own pockets. I stand with my trans and immigrant brothers and sisters, with those who are speaking out against genocide and being unjustly punished for it, and with anyone whose basic human rights and needs are being trampled on by this hellish administration.