Day 195: The Cat Returns

I received this as a gift years ago but I never got around to watching it. This is a little strange since it is the sequel to one of my favorite Miyazaki movies - Whispers of the Heart (Mimi wo Sumaseba). I think it is because I'm not a fan of anthropomorphized animals. There is one glaring exception: pugs look freaking adorable in little outfits.

The family pug, Beaumont, after making off with my sister's rose

Status: Dibbed

Day 194: Found II

Friends of mine started a group to play a monthly game of the popular dice game Bunco. I won this book as a prize for getting the most Buncos. It's a great chance to see my friends but unfortunately I don't care for the game much. It's entirely based on luck. I know this appeals to some people because it levels the playing field but it also means you can't improve your game.

I've been wanting to start a ladies poker group if I can get enough interest. I am not much of a gambler but I feel comfortable with tournament style because I know exactly how much money I can lose throughout the evening. I used to be obsessed with the World Poker Tour and I love playing Texas Hold 'Em, Omaha Hi-Lo, and 7 Card Stud.

I've found that poker is a great way to bond with people while traveling. The photos below are from a coffee shop in Amsterdam. My (now ex) boyfriend and I wandered in to this cafe on our first night and noticed these guys playing cards. They were on a soccer team in Marseilles together and were heading back to France the next day for a big game. They invited us to join them and I took their pretend money. Granted, I had an advantage since I didn't partake.

In Cusco, Peru last year, some guys were running a game in the hostel. Twenty soles buy-in, me and ten Israeli guys. I made some new friends and took their money.

(Top) French Footballers (Bottom) Ex-bf, French Footballer

Status: Dibbed

Day 193: Ordeal by Innocence

I started babysitting when I was eleven but I consider my first job to have been taking care of an elderly lady down the street. I was twelve or thirteen at the time and I spent five hours at her house every Monday. I was paid ten dollars an hour which seemed like a fortune at the time. My duties included: microwaving her a frozen dinner, making tea, watching Roseanne, changing her diaper, and eventually emptying her catheter. I am pretty impressed with my thirteen year old self; I performed these undesirable tasks remarkably well.

Status: Dibbed

Day 192: Shadow of Destiny

The concept of this game was really cool - the first scene when you start the game is your own character being murdered. You are given a special power that allows you to go back in time to prevent your own death. The murderer doesn't give up so you are constantly watching your back and going further back in time while learning about your past. I didn't get very far because it was slooow and I have a difficult time with slow paced games.

Status: Dibbed

Day 191: Dominion Conflict issues

These aren't mine but they were lent to me about ten years ago by someone I probably won't see again. Loaner items are such tricky things. I feel guilty for never returning them but after this much time it's pointless to hold on to these any longer.

Status: Recycled

Day 190: Dress from Effie's Heart

I like this dress but it's a little too big for me. I am getting rid of it so I'll stop wearing it out. I want to get my wardrobe pared down to things I really love, plus the basics of course.

Size Medium

Status: Dibbed

Day 189: Dress from Red Doll

(Pictured without tie that goes around the waist)

My sense of style has greatly improved since I was younger but I still make some mistakes when buying myself clothes. Mainly I buy things that my younger self would have enjoyed wearing. I still think this dress is super cute but I feel strange wearing it. I've linked to the Etsy listing so you can get an idea of the size and what it actually looks like on a person.

http://www.etsy.com/transaction/21247154

Status: Dibbed