No True Pair: Crossover Mini Event
Jul. 21st, 2025 07:06 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
senmutSeeking Knowledge (500 words) by Sharpest_Asp
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Dragonlance, The Lord of the Rings - Peter Jackson movies
Rating: General Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Characters: Tanis Half-Elven [Dragonlance], Aragorn II Elessar
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Fusion
Summary:
Despite his office in life, sometimes Aragorn felt the need to be Strider. In such times, Arwen would cover his absences with typical elven political excuses, well-able to lead the minor matters in her own right. No one expected the king in well-worn clothes of an adventurer to wander between places, seeking inns and taverns to listen to the people.
On this particular wandering, he found himself staring at a man of medium frame and a bit tall, his hair and beard quite red like the tales of Maedhros spoke of. A bow and quiver were visible against the wall behind the man's chair. Aragorn was all but certain he had heard a tale of this man, and observed more details. Something about foreign lands plagued by dragons, another offshoot — or more — of Elves. It was likely something Faramir had mentioned to him in correspondence, now that he considered it.
Yes, the weave of cloth, the crafting of tools and leather all had a different appearance than items made in Aragorn's extensive roving. The red hair and beard finally sparked the final piece of Faramir's descriptions, and Aragorn realized he was looking at another noble hiding among commoners. Granted, the man was from far enough away that he had a much easier time just wandering anonymously.
He finished appraising everything from the bar he'd stopped at, took the mug of ale he'd asked for and headed straight for the man's small table.
"Greetings, Far-Traveler," Aragorn said with a disarming smile. "What brings a leader of the people of Krynn so far from his lands?"
The man studied Aragorn for a moment, then leaned on his arms against the table to be closer. "For you to know such, I think I may have found the one I seek. I have heard that a mighty ranger had traded in his cloak for a crown, but perhaps the gods are guiding me fairly.
"Tanis Half-Elven."
"You may have indeed been guided well," Aragorn said, though he did wonder at gods meddling so. "What could the purpose be?"
"To learn, if in all the travels this man had, he ever encountered a shrine to one not of these lands, with rumors of an artifact buried near it," Tanis said. "There is trouble stirring in Krynn once more, and it is hoped that the Tears of Shinare can help bring some peace, or at least breathing room."
"Ahh, well, I see why you would consider a ranger the kind of man that might have stumbled over this," Aragorn said. "It is not, however, specific enough for my memory to aid you. Perhaps you would see your way to traveling with me, to where better memories and resources exist?"
Tanis sized him up again, then gave a nod. "You seem as the tales I heard, so I agree."
"And you meet the one I was given as well," Aragorn agreed. "We shall do all we can to help your lands survive the coming storms of danger."
Or read the community
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Dragonlance, The Lord of the Rings - Peter Jackson movies
Rating: General Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Characters: Tanis Half-Elven [Dragonlance], Aragorn II Elessar
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Fusion
Summary:
Sometimes Aragon wanders and meets interesting people.
Seeking Knowledge
Despite his office in life, sometimes Aragorn felt the need to be Strider. In such times, Arwen would cover his absences with typical elven political excuses, well-able to lead the minor matters in her own right. No one expected the king in well-worn clothes of an adventurer to wander between places, seeking inns and taverns to listen to the people.
On this particular wandering, he found himself staring at a man of medium frame and a bit tall, his hair and beard quite red like the tales of Maedhros spoke of. A bow and quiver were visible against the wall behind the man's chair. Aragorn was all but certain he had heard a tale of this man, and observed more details. Something about foreign lands plagued by dragons, another offshoot — or more — of Elves. It was likely something Faramir had mentioned to him in correspondence, now that he considered it.
Yes, the weave of cloth, the crafting of tools and leather all had a different appearance than items made in Aragorn's extensive roving. The red hair and beard finally sparked the final piece of Faramir's descriptions, and Aragorn realized he was looking at another noble hiding among commoners. Granted, the man was from far enough away that he had a much easier time just wandering anonymously.
He finished appraising everything from the bar he'd stopped at, took the mug of ale he'd asked for and headed straight for the man's small table.
"Greetings, Far-Traveler," Aragorn said with a disarming smile. "What brings a leader of the people of Krynn so far from his lands?"
The man studied Aragorn for a moment, then leaned on his arms against the table to be closer. "For you to know such, I think I may have found the one I seek. I have heard that a mighty ranger had traded in his cloak for a crown, but perhaps the gods are guiding me fairly.
"Tanis Half-Elven."
"You may have indeed been guided well," Aragorn said, though he did wonder at gods meddling so. "What could the purpose be?"
"To learn, if in all the travels this man had, he ever encountered a shrine to one not of these lands, with rumors of an artifact buried near it," Tanis said. "There is trouble stirring in Krynn once more, and it is hoped that the Tears of Shinare can help bring some peace, or at least breathing room."
"Ahh, well, I see why you would consider a ranger the kind of man that might have stumbled over this," Aragorn said. "It is not, however, specific enough for my memory to aid you. Perhaps you would see your way to traveling with me, to where better memories and resources exist?"
Tanis sized him up again, then gave a nod. "You seem as the tales I heard, so I agree."
"And you meet the one I was given as well," Aragorn agreed. "We shall do all we can to help your lands survive the coming storms of danger."
Or read the community
Rain, rain, go away...
Jul. 21st, 2025 07:22 pmsettiaiFor over a week straight, the DC kept being hit by storms in the late afternoon, and it's been absolutely killing my head. I've always been sensitive to weather fronts moving through, and the older I get the worse it seems to be getting. (Although there's a definite possibility that some of that might be stress related too, considering the current state of everything.)
There were so many things that I needed to get done this past week that just didn't happen because I got off work and immediately curled up in bed for several hours until the storm had passed through. And by that point it was late enough in the evening that I didn't have time to get everything I needed to do done (or it was too late to start it because of noise-related reasons).
Theoretically the rain is supposed to finally be gone, so we'll see if this week goes better than last week on that front. 🤞🏻
There were so many things that I needed to get done this past week that just didn't happen because I got off work and immediately curled up in bed for several hours until the storm had passed through. And by that point it was late enough in the evening that I didn't have time to get everything I needed to do done (or it was too late to start it because of noise-related reasons).
Theoretically the rain is supposed to finally be gone, so we'll see if this week goes better than last week on that front. 🤞🏻
Tall Ships
Jul. 21st, 2025 10:39 amurbanoceanixWatching the tall ships aberdeen instagram stories is making me want to reread copperbadge's tall ships focused shivadh story Pirates of the Riviera - a kid on the story just said he’s volunteering aboard as part of his schooling and made me think of noah? Actually I might just settle in and reread the whole thing. Words: 561,081. Works: 19
Daily Happiness
Jul. 20th, 2025 08:40 pmtorachan1. We got fancy bagels for breakfast again. This time managed to get up to the shop around nine or so, so there was hardly any crowd yet.
2. I thought the limited edition chamoy Kettle Chips were all sold out for good as we hadn't seen them in a while, but they got restocked, so we snagged another couple bags.
3. Chloe is such a cutie.
2. I thought the limited edition chamoy Kettle Chips were all sold out for good as we hadn't seen them in a while, but they got restocked, so we snagged another couple bags.
3. Chloe is such a cutie.
Weekly Reading
Jul. 20th, 2025 08:14 pmtorachanCurrently Reading
Nikhil Out Loud
10%. Middle grade book about a teen voice actor who moves from LA to Ohio with his mom when his grandfather gets sick. This is by Maulik Pancholy, whose Murder at the Patel Motel I recently enjoyed a lot. Since I liked his narration of the other book, I decided to do this as an audiobook, too. I'm enjoying it so far.
The War on Alcohol: Prohibition and the Rise of the American State
6%.
Kill Her Twice
33%.
Just Happy to Be Here
58%.
Sister Outsider
60%.
Recently Finished
A Slash of Emerald
I enjoyed this. Looking forward to more in the series.
A Deadly Night at the Theatre
The new Dahlia Lively mystery came out just as I was finishing up A Slash of Emerald. Perfect timing. I like this series a lot.
The Nice House by the Sea vol. 1
I knew this was associated with Nice House on the Lake (obviously) but since the name is different, I didn't realize it was the direct continuation. So I read it, but I didn't remember enough about The Nice House on the Lake, so then I had to reread those first two volumes as well (not a hardship as it's a great series). There are too many characters and too many things going on and I am almost certainly going to have to reread things before the next volume comes out, too...
Something Is Killing the Children vol. 8
I hadn't realized this was out. It's just a collection of stand-alones set at various times in the series rather than being a new arc.
The Deviant vol. 2
I liked this series a lot, but was a little disappointed in the ending as I thought we would get to find out who had really committed the first string of murders as well. ( spoilers )
Nikhil Out Loud
10%. Middle grade book about a teen voice actor who moves from LA to Ohio with his mom when his grandfather gets sick. This is by Maulik Pancholy, whose Murder at the Patel Motel I recently enjoyed a lot. Since I liked his narration of the other book, I decided to do this as an audiobook, too. I'm enjoying it so far.
The War on Alcohol: Prohibition and the Rise of the American State
6%.
Kill Her Twice
33%.
Just Happy to Be Here
58%.
Sister Outsider
60%.
Recently Finished
A Slash of Emerald
I enjoyed this. Looking forward to more in the series.
A Deadly Night at the Theatre
The new Dahlia Lively mystery came out just as I was finishing up A Slash of Emerald. Perfect timing. I like this series a lot.
The Nice House by the Sea vol. 1
I knew this was associated with Nice House on the Lake (obviously) but since the name is different, I didn't realize it was the direct continuation. So I read it, but I didn't remember enough about The Nice House on the Lake, so then I had to reread those first two volumes as well (not a hardship as it's a great series). There are too many characters and too many things going on and I am almost certainly going to have to reread things before the next volume comes out, too...
Something Is Killing the Children vol. 8
I hadn't realized this was out. It's just a collection of stand-alones set at various times in the series rather than being a new arc.
The Deviant vol. 2
I liked this series a lot, but was a little disappointed in the ending as I thought we would get to find out who had really committed the first string of murders as well. ( spoilers )
new writers comm fan_writers!
Jul. 20th, 2025 05:35 pmesteefee![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
fan_writers comm - for meta about writing
so excite! a comm for writers, moderated by two of my favorite long time fan creators,
mific and china_shop.
A good grade
Jul. 20th, 2025 04:16 pmazurelunaticOne of the LED bulbs in the bathroom vanity developed a distracting (which is code for sensory nope) flicker. Since the porch fixture takes the same bulb, I proposed that the ailing bulb become a public nuisance rather than a private one.
One of my oncologists (I believe I have dubbed her Dr. Bitsblobs, the oncology gynecologist) is retiring soon. So she has been bidding her patients farewell. Apparently I am a "gold star" patient in terms of trying my best to comply with medical advice, and for self-advocacy. A good grade in cancer, something that is normal to want and possible to achieve.
One of my oncologists (I believe I have dubbed her Dr. Bitsblobs, the oncology gynecologist) is retiring soon. So she has been bidding her patients farewell. Apparently I am a "gold star" patient in terms of trying my best to comply with medical advice, and for self-advocacy. A good grade in cancer, something that is normal to want and possible to achieve.
[Vorkosigan] Six Sentence Sunday
Jul. 20th, 2025 04:57 pmlannamichaelsI've picked up Isekai Cordelia again, which is great fun, taking it from ~11K to ~18K.
My sheer glee and joy in this fic may require a bit of backstory. The first fic I ever did anything with, I submitted to Star Wars Chicks, they were having some kind of competition or submittal or something, this was back when you got there via IP address and not a domain name. Obviously my fic did not win whatever it was, as you would expect. There was another fic that was submitted during that time, it was about an OFC, who Luke falls in love with, and I loved her and the descriptions of her dress at the end, and I will never find this fic again, I am aware of that, and it was probably meant to be a 1/?, and who knows. But it was so great.
There are problems dating this story. My FFN join date was Oct 1998. Star Wars Chicks, according to fanlore, didn't exist until March 1999. I distinctly recall already being head-deep into OT Star Wars, especially the Luke side of things, in 1998-1999. I think I think this story happens a lot earlier in 1999 than it probably did. I used to write fic in notepad and save as .txt, despite many computer changes since then, the earlist date modified on a txt file in my old Star Wars folder is July 1999. There are also problems with that. Also on this deep dive I discovered some school assignments from 1997 and also what might be the address list for invitations to my bat mitzvah, I can think of no other reason for me to have this list of names and addresses, nor why I have it even with that reason for me to have it. At one point, I think around 2003/2004, I had a massive computer failure and had to get everything out through DOS and so that capped file names to be like "ALITTL~1.DOC" and no I never renamed any of them back to their full names, so this is a journey of discovery. -- okay I've got some Q-the-star-wars-character in my homework folder, last modified date December 1998, yeah, who the hell knows. But this does work, I know I was heavily on StarTrek.com and various Star Trek sites before I got into Star Wars.
Later on, I discovered that kind of fic was disparaged as being a Mary Sue, and one of the reasons I was never too het up about Mary Sues is whenever someone would complain about it, I'd be like "you mean that fic I loved?"
So writing an OFC transmigrates into a sci-fi series and fixes everything -- the kind of fic that would get mocked as being Mary Sue -- is so satisfying.
So the next time I'm in the district, I track down Vasily Petrov at a warehouse right outside of Hassadar. There are machines in there that simulate a ski environment. There are Space TV Screens on the wall that show scenic scenery. There are--
--a fully created, fully funded business plan for opening a ski resort in the Dendarii Mountains, which will employ only people who have lived on the mountain since the Cetagandans left.
"I told you to leave it to me," Vasily says, smiling.
Hotel Life: Once more on the power front...
Jul. 20th, 2025 03:52 pmsettiaiThe power went off again for a bit but, once it turned back on, everything was working correctly again.
Well, mostly. My AC was still making the odd grinding sound, but I did some googling and opened it up, and I was able to get it fixed. The sudden power outage while it was turned on basically knocked a couple of things loose, but I was able to get them all screwed back in properly so that it's working properly again.
We'll see if it lasts?
ETA: The power went out for another half hour around 7pm, with the fire alarm going off when it went out and again when it came back on. Our guess is that the fire alarm is being triggered for some reason when it transfers to the emergency back-up battery and back. No updates from Pepco about what's actually causing the outages (which is par for the course for Pepco), so everyone is assuming it's because the network is so overloaded from everyone using the AC 24/7.
Well, mostly. My AC was still making the odd grinding sound, but I did some googling and opened it up, and I was able to get it fixed. The sudden power outage while it was turned on basically knocked a couple of things loose, but I was able to get them all screwed back in properly so that it's working properly again.
We'll see if it lasts?
ETA: The power went out for another half hour around 7pm, with the fire alarm going off when it went out and again when it came back on. Our guess is that the fire alarm is being triggered for some reason when it transfers to the emergency back-up battery and back. No updates from Pepco about what's actually causing the outages (which is par for the course for Pepco), so everyone is assuming it's because the network is so overloaded from everyone using the AC 24/7.
No True Pair: Crossover mini-event
Jul. 20th, 2025 02:46 pmsenmutA Needed Ally (400 words) by Sharpest_Asp
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: The Legend of Drizzt Series - R. A. Salvatore, Sword-Dancer Saga - Jennifer Roberson
Rating: General Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Characters: Catti-brie [Dungeons & Dragons], Delilah [Sword-Dancer Saga]
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Fusion
Summary:
Catti-brie would have given a lot of treasure to never see a desert again, but here she was in one that made Calimshan look civilized. The next time she was offered 'something different, something new, just track this wee artifact down' by ANY Harper, she would remember to say 'no'.
About the second time she broke a man's wrist for trying to touch her in brutish ways, she heard a 'ssstt' from one side and a welcome, if unexpected face peered at her, all pale in a sea of darker shades.
"Del?" Catti asked as she made it through the throng to the woman.
"You're a long way from where we met," the elder woman said. "Why are you in the Southron lands?"
"Looking for a trinket that supposedly got traded down here. Care to help me out?"
"Call the debt for the Moonshaes closed, and you have my aid. Possibly my partner's."
Catti-brie wrinkled her nose. "Ne'er counted a debt on helping ye. But if'n it means ye can help me before I have tae kill a man, done!"
"Kill one, ten more will appear," Del answered with a sigh.
"Glad as I met up with ye," Catti-brie said.
"You might not be if Tiger's still addled with liquor." Del's wry smile made her look a little younger, and Catti was glad to see it on her. She'd found the woman very driven, hard-pressed by her past, and too rare in her smiles.
"Dwarf-raised. Can deal with the hangover," Catti told her with a grin.
"You haven't met Tiger yet," Del warned. "Good thing you wear your blade at the hip; over the shoulder is a definite mark of a sword-dancer, and you'd be challenged to prove you can use them."
"I think I'd prove capable," Catti-brie answered with justifiable pride in her skill. After all, Drizzt had been her teacher.
"Yes, but it brings even more attention than just your looks."
"I should nae ask how many ye had to prove your skill to?"
"I lost count," Del said blandly, leading up a narrow alley before getting them inside a cooler building. Both took in the small space, lacking any person at all. "Hmm, maybe he didn't make it back this morning.
"So tell me about the trinket, while we have peace from Tiger's belly-aching."
Catti-brie settled to do just that, eager to be done with this quest.
Or read at the community
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: The Legend of Drizzt Series - R. A. Salvatore, Sword-Dancer Saga - Jennifer Roberson
Rating: General Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Characters: Catti-brie [Dungeons & Dragons], Delilah [Sword-Dancer Saga]
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Fusion
Summary:
Catti runs into an ally
A Needed Ally
Catti-brie would have given a lot of treasure to never see a desert again, but here she was in one that made Calimshan look civilized. The next time she was offered 'something different, something new, just track this wee artifact down' by ANY Harper, she would remember to say 'no'.
About the second time she broke a man's wrist for trying to touch her in brutish ways, she heard a 'ssstt' from one side and a welcome, if unexpected face peered at her, all pale in a sea of darker shades.
"Del?" Catti asked as she made it through the throng to the woman.
"You're a long way from where we met," the elder woman said. "Why are you in the Southron lands?"
"Looking for a trinket that supposedly got traded down here. Care to help me out?"
"Call the debt for the Moonshaes closed, and you have my aid. Possibly my partner's."
Catti-brie wrinkled her nose. "Ne'er counted a debt on helping ye. But if'n it means ye can help me before I have tae kill a man, done!"
"Kill one, ten more will appear," Del answered with a sigh.
"Glad as I met up with ye," Catti-brie said.
"You might not be if Tiger's still addled with liquor." Del's wry smile made her look a little younger, and Catti was glad to see it on her. She'd found the woman very driven, hard-pressed by her past, and too rare in her smiles.
"Dwarf-raised. Can deal with the hangover," Catti told her with a grin.
"You haven't met Tiger yet," Del warned. "Good thing you wear your blade at the hip; over the shoulder is a definite mark of a sword-dancer, and you'd be challenged to prove you can use them."
"I think I'd prove capable," Catti-brie answered with justifiable pride in her skill. After all, Drizzt had been her teacher.
"Yes, but it brings even more attention than just your looks."
"I should nae ask how many ye had to prove your skill to?"
"I lost count," Del said blandly, leading up a narrow alley before getting them inside a cooler building. Both took in the small space, lacking any person at all. "Hmm, maybe he didn't make it back this morning.
"So tell me about the trinket, while we have peace from Tiger's belly-aching."
Catti-brie settled to do just that, eager to be done with this quest.
Or read at the community
Hotel Life: Power Update
Jul. 20th, 2025 02:15 pmsettiaiOkay, so apparently the sister hotel and the 7-Eleven next door are having the same issue where about half the lights/plugs in the building are working and the other half aren't. So it looks like it might actually be an issue with the power company rather than some of the wires specifically in this hotel getting fried like we were initially suspecting might be the case.
My AC still won't cool, but I have managed to get it to at least have a weak fan blowing which is better than nothing. And the AC in the hallway just outside my room is working, which is helping a little with keeping the temperature from going up too quickly in here.
Both the power company and the fire department are wandering around trying to figure out what the fuck is going on, especially since two extended stay hotels full of people without working AC (in some rooms, not all - the AC is working fine for some people, although most of the rooms with working AC don't have working lights) in 90+ degree weather is... not great.
The temperature in my room is slowly edging upwards, but it's not too bad yet at least. When the power went out at 11am, it was about 68°F in my room as I turn the AC down low at night to sleep so it hadn't had a chance to start warming back up yet at that point. A little over three hours later, with no AC that entire time, it's gone up to 74°F, so it's averaging about 2° an hour. Which, you know, could be worse.
Now, if they don't get it fixed within the next few hours, it's going to start being a problem. My fingers are desperately crossed that they'll figure it out before then, though.
ETA: It only went up to 75°F by 3pm, so it looks like the temperature might not be rising quite as quickly as it gets warmer. We'll see what happens.
My AC still won't cool, but I have managed to get it to at least have a weak fan blowing which is better than nothing. And the AC in the hallway just outside my room is working, which is helping a little with keeping the temperature from going up too quickly in here.
Both the power company and the fire department are wandering around trying to figure out what the fuck is going on, especially since two extended stay hotels full of people without working AC (in some rooms, not all - the AC is working fine for some people, although most of the rooms with working AC don't have working lights) in 90+ degree weather is... not great.
The temperature in my room is slowly edging upwards, but it's not too bad yet at least. When the power went out at 11am, it was about 68°F in my room as I turn the AC down low at night to sleep so it hadn't had a chance to start warming back up yet at that point. A little over three hours later, with no AC that entire time, it's gone up to 74°F, so it's averaging about 2° an hour. Which, you know, could be worse.
Now, if they don't get it fixed within the next few hours, it's going to start being a problem. My fingers are desperately crossed that they'll figure it out before then, though.
ETA: It only went up to 75°F by 3pm, so it looks like the temperature might not be rising quite as quickly as it gets warmer. We'll see what happens.
Hotel Life: Happy Sunday?
Jul. 20th, 2025 12:16 pmsettiaiThe power in the hotel went out a little while ago and, while it came back on after about twenty minutes, the plugs for my fridge and microwave are dead and my AC won't blow cold air. And it's definitely not the circuit breaker, because I already checked it and tried flipping everything on/off to be certain. 🙃
While the plugs for the microwave and fridge aren't working, there are three more in the kitchen that are working fine (two on the wall over the counter and one for the oven). I was able to move the fridge to another nearby plug that was working, and I'm pretty sure that there's one close enough that I can do the same for the microwave if I need to use it. Or I can move the microwave to on top of the stove top long enough to use it if the cord won't reach.
It's not a great option, but it's at least an alternative until they can figure out what the fuck went wrong.
The temperature in the room is quickly ticking upwards a little at a time without a working AC, though, which is definitely not a plug issue since it's turning on but is just not cooling anything off. I turned the AC completely off, flipped the breaker off/on, and am letting it sit for half an hour to see if that helps. I know sometimes that can be enough to reset it, so my fingers are crossed it will work this time. Luckily, I had the room cool enough that it will take a while before it gets too hot in here, but still. It's supposed to hit 90°F today, so a working AC is kinda vital.
The lovely part is that the person at the front desk has no idea what to do, because a ton of people are having similar issues where some things came back on but not others. Half the lights in the hallway are still dead and a lot of us are having issues with some things working but not others (although it seems to vary from person to person per the person at the front desk who I spoke with), so it's gotta be some type of wiring issue where plugs that are piggybacked off the same failed wiring are the ones not coming back on for anyone. The maintenance guy doesn't even work on weekends, though, so.... yeah.
ETA: And now the fire alarm is going off, presumably due to the same wiring issue as there's definitely no fire. Today's great, y'all.
While the plugs for the microwave and fridge aren't working, there are three more in the kitchen that are working fine (two on the wall over the counter and one for the oven). I was able to move the fridge to another nearby plug that was working, and I'm pretty sure that there's one close enough that I can do the same for the microwave if I need to use it. Or I can move the microwave to on top of the stove top long enough to use it if the cord won't reach.
It's not a great option, but it's at least an alternative until they can figure out what the fuck went wrong.
The temperature in the room is quickly ticking upwards a little at a time without a working AC, though, which is definitely not a plug issue since it's turning on but is just not cooling anything off. I turned the AC completely off, flipped the breaker off/on, and am letting it sit for half an hour to see if that helps. I know sometimes that can be enough to reset it, so my fingers are crossed it will work this time. Luckily, I had the room cool enough that it will take a while before it gets too hot in here, but still. It's supposed to hit 90°F today, so a working AC is kinda vital.
The lovely part is that the person at the front desk has no idea what to do, because a ton of people are having similar issues where some things came back on but not others. Half the lights in the hallway are still dead and a lot of us are having issues with some things working but not others (although it seems to vary from person to person per the person at the front desk who I spoke with), so it's gotta be some type of wiring issue where plugs that are piggybacked off the same failed wiring are the ones not coming back on for anyone. The maintenance guy doesn't even work on weekends, though, so.... yeah.
ETA: And now the fire alarm is going off, presumably due to the same wiring issue as there's definitely no fire. Today's great, y'all.
The Eighth of the Recced Book Reviews: The Book of Koli
Jul. 20th, 2025 12:24 ambethbethbethOn May 8th, I offered to read the first five books people recced - assuming they were available (preferably from the library) - and I'd give a short review [https://bethbethbeth.dreamwidth.org/701769.html].
This is the eighth recced book review.
The Book of Koli (2020), by M.R. Carey (recced by china_shop on dreamwidth)
I'm certain I can't count the number of post-apocalyptic dystopian novels I've read in my life, but apparently there are still new & engaging ways of approaching that genre.
Here's what I'll tell you: the protagonist is a young guy, growing up in an isolated village, and...no, you know what? I'm not going to share any of the specifics. I'm glad I wasn't spoiled at all before starting to read, and I think I'm going to share the spoiler-free experience with you.
Somehow, I'd never heard of this book or its author, so I didn't know there were sequels. I literally just finished book 1 a half hour ago, but I'm already looking forward to book 2.
Note: If you want trigger warnings, feel free to message me with questions.
This is the eighth recced book review.
The Book of Koli (2020), by M.R. Carey (recced by china_shop on dreamwidth)
I'm certain I can't count the number of post-apocalyptic dystopian novels I've read in my life, but apparently there are still new & engaging ways of approaching that genre.
Here's what I'll tell you: the protagonist is a young guy, growing up in an isolated village, and...no, you know what? I'm not going to share any of the specifics. I'm glad I wasn't spoiled at all before starting to read, and I think I'm going to share the spoiler-free experience with you.
Somehow, I'd never heard of this book or its author, so I didn't know there were sequels. I literally just finished book 1 a half hour ago, but I'm already looking forward to book 2.
Note: If you want trigger warnings, feel free to message me with questions.
The last 24 hours have been a whole year
Jul. 19th, 2025 09:16 pmelf1. Chaos. Last night, the building across the street caught on fire.
Again.
It's an abandoned/defunct factory; this is the... fifth? time it's caught on fire in the last couple of years. (The owner who acquired it after the previous owner died has been trying to sell it for far more than anyone wants to pay.)
2. Discord. This morning: Skipped my GURPS game (sigh) for round 3 of 4 of the Seattle Worldcon virtual business meeting. 3.75 hours of intense Roberts Rules neepery wrapped around 16 action items. 14 passed, 2 failed. I took notes on (1) everything that happened and (2) How To Bog Down A Worldcon Business Meeting, should I ever be so inclined.
There are a substantial number of people involved for whom Roberts Rules is apparently their main fandom. The Worldcon Business Meeting is their Pennsic. Some of them get annoyed at people who aren't interested in RRONR procedures as much as they want changes to Worldcon rules.
Also I have volunteered to be on two committees; we'll see if I get accepted to either.
3. Confusion. Family birthday party. Eldest daughter came over to cook tacos yay. Much bustling around a small kitchen with people no longer used to having three butts in a one-butt sized space.
Tacos were yummy. Cake and ice cream were yummy. French-press coffee was yummy; I wound up thinking "I should do that more often" and then remembered why I don't - because the cleanup is a hassle, and also, I prefer the coffee hotter than the press makes it. (5 minutes of sitting in a glass cylinder is cooler than I prefer.) But it's nice once in a while.
4. Bureaucracy. 2 hrs of OTW Board public meeting. (The meeting is 1 hr, but I'm involved as a volunteer, so had to be there in advance.) It ran short - instead of the normal "dozen questions emailed in advance + 10-20 questions asked in session," it was "5 questions sent in advance and only 4 more asked in session." All questions answered during the meeting; none left over to get posted on the website later.
5. Aftermath. Kid the Elder has gone home with doggo via Lyft; I am trying to catch up on the several chat channels with all sorts of stuff in them. Also now trying to figure out what writing deadlines I have pressing that have been shoved aside during prep for these two meetings.
( Now what? )
Again.
It's an abandoned/defunct factory; this is the... fifth? time it's caught on fire in the last couple of years. (The owner who acquired it after the previous owner died has been trying to sell it for far more than anyone wants to pay.)
2. Discord. This morning: Skipped my GURPS game (sigh) for round 3 of 4 of the Seattle Worldcon virtual business meeting. 3.75 hours of intense Roberts Rules neepery wrapped around 16 action items. 14 passed, 2 failed. I took notes on (1) everything that happened and (2) How To Bog Down A Worldcon Business Meeting, should I ever be so inclined.
There are a substantial number of people involved for whom Roberts Rules is apparently their main fandom. The Worldcon Business Meeting is their Pennsic. Some of them get annoyed at people who aren't interested in RRONR procedures as much as they want changes to Worldcon rules.
Also I have volunteered to be on two committees; we'll see if I get accepted to either.
3. Confusion. Family birthday party. Eldest daughter came over to cook tacos yay. Much bustling around a small kitchen with people no longer used to having three butts in a one-butt sized space.
Tacos were yummy. Cake and ice cream were yummy. French-press coffee was yummy; I wound up thinking "I should do that more often" and then remembered why I don't - because the cleanup is a hassle, and also, I prefer the coffee hotter than the press makes it. (5 minutes of sitting in a glass cylinder is cooler than I prefer.) But it's nice once in a while.
4. Bureaucracy. 2 hrs of OTW Board public meeting. (The meeting is 1 hr, but I'm involved as a volunteer, so had to be there in advance.) It ran short - instead of the normal "dozen questions emailed in advance + 10-20 questions asked in session," it was "5 questions sent in advance and only 4 more asked in session." All questions answered during the meeting; none left over to get posted on the website later.
5. Aftermath. Kid the Elder has gone home with doggo via Lyft; I am trying to catch up on the several chat channels with all sorts of stuff in them. Also now trying to figure out what writing deadlines I have pressing that have been shoved aside during prep for these two meetings.
( Now what? )
Daily Happiness
Jul. 19th, 2025 08:48 pmtorachan1. Our window for the internet upgrade was 8am to 12pm and I got a text at 7:30 saying the guy was on his way, and he arrived a little before eight. Glad we were his first stop! Since it was just an upgrade, not setting up new service, it didn't take that long. I think he was gone by 9:30 or so. Everything seems to be working well, both in terms of speed increases and, more importantly, wifi range. When Carla got her Switch 2, it wouldn't connect to the wifi if it wasn't in my room (where the router is), which is inconvenient. We hoped it was just our crappy old router affecting it and not the Switch itself, and sure enough it works fine now. Whew!
2. Since the guy finished so early, we decided to go to the farmers market and then go to Disneyland for lunch afterwards. Got two bottles of the watermelon lemonade at the farmers market, as well as some more rhubarb as Carla wants to make a rhubarb syrup to make rhubarb lemonade. We also got some delicious grapes. Carla had run to the store while the internet guy was here and I had meant to ask her to get some sort of fruit and totally forgot, so I was excited to find some really tasty grapes at the farmers market.
3. It was very sunny down in Anaheim today, though not super hot. Crowds were decent. We had a nice lunch and had a fun afternoon. Definitely felt a little wiped out from that sun afterwards, though.
4. This is what I wake up to every morning. Molly always sleeps in this spot right next to my pillow. She usually keeps me company the whole night, too.
2. Since the guy finished so early, we decided to go to the farmers market and then go to Disneyland for lunch afterwards. Got two bottles of the watermelon lemonade at the farmers market, as well as some more rhubarb as Carla wants to make a rhubarb syrup to make rhubarb lemonade. We also got some delicious grapes. Carla had run to the store while the internet guy was here and I had meant to ask her to get some sort of fruit and totally forgot, so I was excited to find some really tasty grapes at the farmers market.
3. It was very sunny down in Anaheim today, though not super hot. Crowds were decent. We had a nice lunch and had a fun afternoon. Definitely felt a little wiped out from that sun afterwards, though.
4. This is what I wake up to every morning. Molly always sleeps in this spot right next to my pillow. She usually keeps me company the whole night, too.
2025 Disneyland Trip #51 (7/19/25)
Jul. 19th, 2025 07:59 pmtorachanWe originally moved our weekend Disney trip from Saturday to Sunday because the internet guy was coming this morning, but then he ended up getting done so early that we decided to go ahead and go today for lunch and just stay home tomorrow.
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