Violet and then some

 

So my son bought Scarlet and Violet for the both of us when it came out.  I was fond of Violet, the colors, and the Legendary pokemon, Miraidon.  He loves red and was wanting Koraidon.  It worked for both of us.

I had played it hot and heavy when it first came out, then with life and other games taking priority, I shelved this.  Picking it back up, makes a nice game to play where you can be interrupted (maybe by work?) and you don't need the sounds on.  Thus my return, playing it pretty uninterrupted for the last few weeks.  I finally finished the last few Star paths I was on and I finished up the gyms.  I figured I'd as well just finish up whatever story there was, which lead to completing the story to the credits.  (No spoilers - you can find those easily enough.)  However, through the Nintendo News, I knew there were some special raids going on for a limited time that I really wanted to get.  So my push to finish the game - was a direct result of the Walking Wake/Iron Leaves raid that was introduced at the end of Feb.

I battled my way through higher-star raids.  Trying my best to learn the Pokemon specs' weaknesses and strengths and the raid battle system itself.  Finally, I was able to find the groups (random, of course) that successfully lead me to own my very own Walking Wake (Scarlet special) and Iron Leaves (Violet Special.

Walking Wake (Scarlet)

Iron Leaves (Violet)

I will say this by far has been my favorite story.  Now I've only been recently really playing Pokemon with the Switch, so that was Sward/Shield and the remake, Diamond/Pearl.  So my experience hasn't included some of the beloved classes that do exist.  But I do really enjoy this story.  I'm excited to get the DLC this fall and the other raids that are yet to come.

No spoilers, but don't forget to get your 2nd Legendary (capturable via Masterball) once you are given the Master Poke ball from the Professor!  (I accidentally found this out last night!)

Going green

 You know, I often wonder if those that cry to be more 'green' - if they truly are 'green in their everyday lives.  I am fully aware women can produce a lot of waste with tampons/pads.  I've been skipping my periods since 2016, only really having a period about 2x a year, if that.  (Mostly to see if I still have periods.)  I've spoken to my dr about this, and I got the go-ahead to do this before anyone says anything.  So my tampon waste is dramatically down.  I know there are reusable items, and I've tried using a diva cup but I am not coordinated enough to get the thing to work.  I still like wearing panty liners to protect my underpants from any accidents or leaks.  While I do have HSA and those things really don't cost me a dime, I've been wondering about reusable pads and if they work.  I found some online - you get a lot of 6 panty liners and a wet bag.  (I think you are to put the used items in the bag until you can wash them.)  I'm just storing them in there and I'll wash them in a clothes saver bag I have so I don't lose them in the wash.  While I still have some pads left, I'm going to trial-run these reusable pads to see if they will work for my needs.  Unless I'm sick, or something is wrong with me, any accidents or leaks are usually minimal.  I think these could work.  If I had a sewing machine, I'd just make my own.  But for now, I'll see if these will fit my needs and then I won't have to buy any more products - thus producing very little waste.

Couple of games down, beaten

 Earlier this week, I finished Last of Us part 1, plus the prequel story that came to PS5 here just a few months ago.  I've also been watching the Last of Us on HBO, which has been really good.  I didn't remember the ending - ending like that, but I only ever saw bits and pieces of the game when he played on his ps3.  Really good story.  Thoroughly enjoyed.  I was surprised when the PS5 tracker told me I only had a total of 15 hrs played to the game.  I thought I put in way more time than that.

The other game I just beat, was one that PS Premium had out as a free game, Star Wars The Fallen Order.  Now I have preordered Hogwarts, so I'm waiting until tomorrow to be able to play that- so I thought I'd play this in the meantime.  Very good story.  Did not expect that ending.  Now I'll be the first to admit, I'm not 100% knowledgeable about the timeline so honestly, I wasn't expecting to meet the characters I did.  Still just loved playing for the story and I know there's a sequel coming to that as well - but it's been delayed.  Just as well, because I'll be playing Hogwarts.  

Work Related Rant incoming

 So at work… which I always leave out details of where I work and specific job titles… they have shift bids for the schedule.  I’ve come to HATE/LOATHE them.  Mostly because I usually get shat on with the crappiest of schedules, hence the rant.

I love working early.  Getting off work the earlier the better.  When I came on to this department, we were given schedules: 9-6pm.  M-F.  Not the greatest, but since the department was open until 8pm, not the worst.  Bring in 2023 (which hasn’t been welcoming.  More on that in a moment)

Shift bids and despite my scores (near perfect, meeting metrics and getting covid) I get 10:30-7pm yea, lovely eh?  Essentially screwing me out of getting to YS practice or going to bible study now.  Thanks.

I’m really bitter toward work at the moment.  I’m not on any write ups so maybe I’ll explore other departments, unbeknownst to anyone in my dept.  

2023, has been shitty thus far.  3rd day in I had to drop $300 to get a new battery for a vehicle.  Not so bad, thankfully with blessings, it didn’t kill the pocketbook but it was just the idea of how and what happened.  I do have roadside assistance and I’ll be forever grateful I picked that up.  We were at a gas station when the battery decided to stop.  I called for jump, which while free, and included in my service - they took over an hour to get to us - essentially making YS unable to get to practice.  We did eventually get the jump and went straight to Autozone to get a new battery.  This ensures everyone can get to work in the morning and no further issues.

So no - 2023 has sucked so far.  I’ve not appreciated it in the least. 

Hydroponics and kitty!

 

Here is 3 weeks worth of growth.  I have already cut and dried Thai Basil 2x already.  The most recent collection was last night.  I’m going to have to look for recipes and things to use Thai Basil with.

Week 2, Day 14. Hydroponics

 So it’s been 2 weeks since my last picture.  I originally wanted to do weekly pictures to see updates, but I missed last weekend due to some family sickness.  I was asked to come to the kitchen today due to the garden alerting me for attention.  The garden will alert when it needs water, or plant food.  That’s a perfect time to update my progress.  

This is 2 weeks, to the day of the start of the garden.  Everything at this point has sprouted.  The Thai Basil has the most growth.  I’ve also discovered that my cat can remove the pods from their base.  I have made a make-shift ‘greenhouse’ with some Glade Press N’ Seal.  It keeps the cats out, and the base is enclosed in it’s own little ‘house.’

It makes it nice that this whole set up is fairly low maintenance because like this, I can just cover it and let it do it’s thing. 

Luigi's Mansion 3

 With all the Mario games available, I don't think Luigi gets enough love.  I knew I wanted to play this game, and I've seen the others on the DS, which I may purchase at some point.  I received a gift card for my birthday a while back and for the black Friday deals, this was on sale with all the DLC.

It's a very enjoyable game.  I enjoy having to complete puzzles and challenges, rather than just a straight-up tank and spank all that there is.  This has a little of both of them.  Now, again, I'm not all that familiar with the previous versions, knowing there would be the "same" thing - but for the Switch, I take it for what it is.

Currently about 3.5 hours into the game, I have completed 5 floors.  (I think?)  It's either 4-5, but I'm pretty sure it's 5.