Today is the day of the Spring Exquinox which means a) WE DID IT!! We made it through winter! Congrats everybody. It also means b) this is the end of the Winter of Care and Repair Challenge that I started back in December. I got quite a lot done in the time, and I'm proud of the things I've been able to achieve. I've sorted my various activities into the two categories of Care, and Repair. Let me know if you did anything similar over the winter, and how it went!
Care
- For the first time, I attended a trans social group in my area. I got to spend some time with my current friends who go there, and have the opportunity to making new ones. So far I have only been able to attend once, but it is the most trans joy i have felt in a while. I will go again as soon as time and energy line up with each other.
- Finally making those doctor appointments. We found out a source of significant and mysterious pain in body is coming from gallstones, so now I'm on a waiting list to get surgery and have my gallbladder removed. I also finally got on new medication for my migraines which has been helping quite a lot. My health is getting better…I didn't know it knew how to do that.
- Embroidery for my mom's quilt. She had some blank squares that I decorated with various little embroideries. She could have done something herself, but it's nice to be able to trade a little bit of making things with each other. I brought them to her last week, and she sent me home with more.
- I haven't figured out a schedule for my chores, but have figured out where to break tasks down so I can make chunks of progress without completely exhuasting myself. E.g. break living room up into 3 sections for vacuuming, even if I dont get all 3 sections I can usually get one and that is enough. Broke up cleaning the kitchen into steps (clear crumbs/dry mess —> wipe down with cleaner —> vacuum floor) so I have clearly defined goals and places I can take time to rest inbetween steps. It has helped these chores (the ones which are the most difficult for me) become more managable.
- Teaching myself how to paint. It's something I've always struggled to grasp. This time I'm throwing myself at watercolours and gouache. I'm not very good, but I do feel like I'm getting it. I managed to minimal buying, as well. We already had a selection of basically unopened watercolours that I started playing with first. Now that I think I'm on the right track, I can buy some good paper and a palette to store the goauche in for easy access. I 3D-printed a palatte for my watercolours initially, but wanted the goauche container to be airtight, so a purchase was necessary in that case.
Repair
- Working through the WIP/mending pile. Finished my black skirt. Cutting sleeves off clothes that dont fit. Adjustment on my linen dress (crucial for the weather warming up). Fixed pockets on black cargo pants. Finished adjusting my denim shorts.
- Sewed up the hole in the lining of my partner's coat.
- Fixed my fountain pen (with my partner's help). Turns out you really do have to clean them regularly (and maybe that's wrong with my other fountain pen, lost in the drawers somewhere…).