Day Two of my self-imposed prompt challenge!

Remember when we saw one another in person? I do, yet two years feels like half a lifetime. It is a bittersweet thought, but I look forward to eventually finding some kind of normalcy.

Here is today’s list. If we squint, we can picture I actually posted it on February 2nd.

Idea: Murder Mystery App

We can use our phones for Jackbox Games, trivia etc.; why not mysteries? This could be browser- or app-based. Similar to Among Us, players could navigate to different spaces, take actions (e.g. murder), and potentially have a space to take notes etc. as discussion progresses.

Travel Memory: Hostels with other Assistants

The year I lived in France, several teaching assistants gathered in Budapest during one of the breaks, despite having never met. While I don’t have a long story about gathering itself, I found it a beautiful and vibrant city, despite it being bitterly cold when we visited. I hope to visit again someday, hopefully seeing it sometime that is not the dead of winter! If I was super impressed in February, I can only imagine other times.

If it matters, top things that stood out were the architecture, affordable and delicious food (e.g. goulash), vibrancy, and interesting “ruin bars”.

Life Update: UX Conference

My most recent gathering was last Wednesday at the UX Writer’s Conference. It was so encouraging to network with others working in or joining this field. Honestly, the more that I learn about the role, the more optimistic I feel in pursuing it. While the job search may take some time, I am confident I am joining a vibrant community and that my skills are well-suited for this.

Book Trope: Magical Schools

My first thought for “Gather” was magical schools, for better or worse. My next relevant to-read would be Naomi Novik’s “The Last Graduate“. I’d earlier enjoyed the first book, “A Deadly Education“. To be honest, it didn’t leave me starstruck with 5 stars, but I generally enjoy her writing and I find myself wondering what happens to the characters.

In terms of already read books, I would suggest “The Poppy War“! I put it off after hearing it was “grimdark”, and honestly… yes. If you’re feeling squeamish in any regard, I would look into the book’s triggers. It is a bit brutal. However, the writing and character development were top-notch. I’ve already picked up the second book and look forward to catching up when I have a chance.

Watch: Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-Kun

If you’ve never tried anime, I would honestly not start with this one. However, if you’re generally familiar with popular tropes, especially if you’ve enjoyed another shōjo anime like Fruits Basket, I would suggest giving this a try. The lead is trying to confess her interest in a classmate, not realize that said classmate is secretly a famous manga artist! Through a series of misunderstandings, she ends up as his assistant instead. Hijinks abound.

For a satirical rom-com with multiple couples, it is much more focused on comedy than romance, and it amused me a lot. Are all of the couples healthy, is the plot 100% unproblematic et cetera? Well, no, e.g. comedic violence as flirting is still my pet peeve, but otherwise it was a fun romp. Watchable on Crunchyroll.

Concepts: ∴

A cluster of grapes, mercifully seedless. Dust bunnies hibernating beneath a couch. Several pairs of eyes in a fox den. “Can you hear me?” “You’re muted!” Our home’s many, many throw cushions and blankets, because cozy is the way.

Musical: Matilda

I haven’t seen this in ages, but back to the school-as-gathering association, I remember being so impressed by the cast of young actors when I saw this live. I even showed a clip to a couple of my classes in France as we talked about musicals (something something, English-language cultural exposure). Seriously, though, the last time I saw live theatre feels so far. Fingers crossed for 2022.

Thanks for tuning in!