hadleyberry

[hadleyberry]

Yeah, definitely best to wait until you've officially got the place and are settled in yourself, before getting a pet that will also need to settle in. Smart thinking! And why not just combine the idea then of music studio and office space? Unless it's not that big of a space, then maybe using a vacant room in the house for the office part of it al would be better. Also, I'm so with you on the deer heads, I never understood that as a "decor" item to be honest. And putting funny hats on them does not make them cute, it's just sad!

I hadn't thought about that -- a cat might work, and I would have room for a halfway decent fish tank. I'll have to do some research, once I get the keys. I've got my eye on turning it into a music studio, but incorporating a working office space is actually a really good idea as well -- god knows I've been on enough Zoom calls with my team back in the city, a decent set up would make them a lot smoother. I haven't got any specific decor plans yet, but the deer heads currently on the walls have GOT to go -- those are going with the previous owner, thank goodness, they make my skin crawl.

[hadleyberry]

That’s fair! I can see how a busy schedule makes having a pet tricky. What about a cat? They're generally independent, you could even find a pet sitter for when you're gone too long. Or even some kind of fish! Though you’d probably have to learn a bit about tank setups. As for the barn, I'm sure you'll figure it out. Renovate it and turn it into whatever is most useful to you, some sort of big office maybe? Since you mentioned wanting to start working from home. Have you started thinking about decorating, or is that too far ahead?

Mostly because I'm the last person on earth who would have any idea what to do with a barn, ha. I kind of wish I was an animal person, but I've traveled so much for work lately that I just wouldn't have the time, energy, or space to give a pet a good home. But hey -- if you ever need someplace to let yours run around for a bit, I'll have the space! Long Island, hmmm? My folks are in Jersey, I'll be heading up that way for Christmas and Hannukkah this year myself. Most of my plans for the place will have to wait until after that, when I have time to sit down and really look at my options, but I'd like to make it so I can work mostly from home and not have to go back to the city quite as much.

[hadleyberry]

Yeah, them and pretty much any of the other breeds with those faces. Oh! I don't think I've heard much about that breed, but I did just google and wow, sounds like a few similar issues that labs generally have and some others. You're right though, they're gorgeous dogs! And so cute, I mean that's what Lady from Lady and the Tramp was! No worries, I'm always happy to help! Hmm... you know I definitely know there's quite a few that are good, I know grapes are bad and in relation to that, obviously raisins. But a quick google search is showing me that dragonfruit is a-okay! You just have to make sure to remove the skin.

I really only know about like how pugs got their squishy faces and the problems that causes, and then I think there was something about cocker spaniels? But I can't remember what their thing was, just that they have some kind of bad thing with the breed, which is so awful because they're such a pretty dog! And thank you! I've gotten so many offers for help, which is great because this is like my first official adult pet, you know? But if I think of anything, I'll let you know! Wait, could I like, ask you about what's okay to feed her? Like from human foods? I know the basics, but there's some that I'm not sure about. Like dragon fruit... is that a yay or nay for doggos?

[hadleyberry]

Sadly, I don't think I have much on my own playlist that's not too mainstream or out there, so I have bupkis for suggestions. Admittedly, I've mostly been listening to holiday music and also the Wicked soundtrack and the new Moana 2 soundtrack. Oh, wait Moana 2 is new and like not as well known right now, right? I totally suggest that, specifically Beyond and Get Lost.

Okay, so, I’ve been hunting for new music playlists lately—it's gotten to the point where I'm skipping basically every song to find whatever I'm looking for. Figured it's time for a refresh, so I'm taking suggestions! Give me all your favorite songs and artists, and bonus points if it’s something a little unexpected or outside the mainstream! I’m open to anything, from underrated indie gems to weirdly specific genres.

[hadleyberry]

Hadley: probably elf! though the santa clause movies hold a nostalgia, at least the first one does anyway. and then prancer the main character reminds me a LOT of myself. Hadley: it's really tough to pick faves. but i can watch elf on repeat i'm a sucker for zooey deschanel.

Stacey: You're like an encyclopedia for christmas movies wowzers. Which is your fave out of all those?

[hadleyberry]

Hadley: elf, noelle, family switch, christmas with the kranks, the santa clause movies, i'll be home for christmas, arthur christmas, a muppet's christmas carol, a muppet's family christmas, PRANCER! shall I go on?

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stacey: I've watched both Home Alones (the ogs not the new horrible ones), The Polar Express and both versions of the Grinch - GIMME MOVIE SUGGESTIONS PLS

[hadleyberry]

Oh, but that sounds like so much fun, why would it be the signs of an impending apocalypse? I was so excited to get my own place, I can only imagine what I'd do if I had a detached barn, too. Probably a good thing though that my place is just in town, or I'd wind up with a whole farm of my own and doing that by myself would be so much work. And that's so cool, my dads used to live in NYC! We actually have some family in Long Island, but we generally do Christmas and Hanukkah here. Do you have big plans for your new place once you close?

If anyone was wondering about any obscure signs of impending apocalypse -- this unrepentant city kid just put in an offer on a converted farmhouse with an actual detached barn, so that probably counts up there as a potential sign of the end times. I told my manager and I'm pretty sure his head exploded from the shock. If all goes well I should be able to close around the new year, assuming I can juggle that plus at least one big trip back to New York for Christmas/Hanukkah with my folks and for a bunch of boring (but necessary) meetings.

[hadleyberry]

Hadley: umm...is it bad that i totally feel like i know seth so little? Hadley: also wait why will amber be there? Hadley: as for your dad... ummm... oh! what about one of those neck massage things like on the tiktok shop but i've seen them at walmart and on amazon too! or this other thing i saw that's like a huge heating pad for your shoulders and back!

text 📲 @hadleyberry

Ana: so, um Ana: i haven't started holiday shopping yet 🙈 Ana: i'm the worst, i know! Ana: any chance you can help me brainstorm ideas for seth and dad? because i'm like completely clueless this year. Ana: oh, and i guess i should get something for amber, right? since she's probably going to be here this year Ana: or is that weird?

[hadleyberry]

Oh, I know what you mean! I'm totally a victim of looking at pet stores when I was younger. Then when I started volunteering and later on working the reception desk at the vet's office, I learned about how so many of those breeds were bred to end up being super unhealthy. Which in turn, makes them super high maintenance. It's like when I found out hermit crabs and goldfish actually need a lot more care than just a tiny container. But at least we learned and know better now, and I just do what I can to help the rescues! And OMG that's so great that you adopted Poppy! I knew with how sweet she was that she wouldn't be stuck there for long, I'm so glad someone I know adopted her! If you need anything at all, let me know, I'm always here to help!

Not gonna lie, I've stopped into puppy stores before, even thought about getting one from there! And like, you know those pet shops they had in the malls once upon a time? I used to beg my mom for one of those every time we went. And like, I don't know all the icky stuff behind them, but I'm glad I didn't go to one. I didn't have a specific breed in mind, so there was no point going to a place where you need to have that in mind. Plus, like you said, there's plenty of pets in the shelters -- and I found one! A cute little fox terrier named Poppy. She's officially moved in as of today, so she's still a little shy and getting used to her new surroundings but so far it's been great! She's such a sweet little pup.

[hadleyberry]

Do you have any traditions for this time of the year?

Getting gifts for all the animals at the shelter and grabbing a tag for the "adopt a family" that the theater does.

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[hadleyberry]

Is there something you used to do during this time of year when you were younger that you miss doing now?

Hmm... I can't say there's anything that I really miss I guess? I don't write letters to Santa anymore, but I've traded that with doing the "adopt a family" kind of thing each year. And this will be the first year I'm not waking up at my dads' house on Christmas morning, unless I decide to stay over on Christmas Eve, which I could do. And I'll be having to go over to their place each night for Hanukkah. I don't know, I guess not really because things haven't really changed so much, more they've just evolved and grown to different things as I've gotten older.

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[hadleyberry]

How many layers of blankets do you sleep under?

It depends on how warm or cold it is, plus the amount of animals I usually am sharing the bed with. Usually I only need one fuzzy blanket, but if it's especially cold then I also will sleep under my comforter. But Roscoe and Freya are usually crowded around me, so that doesn't happen often that I need more than one.

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[hadleyberry]

Exactly, plus pets are family, not accessories. And while designer breeds absolutely deserve better than the awful conditions of puppy mills where so many of them come from, it's always better to adopt than shop. There are so many amazing dogs waiting for a second chance at life. And hopefully one day the all the puppy mills and the backyard breeders will finally just be shut down so that every animal can have a happy, healthy life with people who genuinely care for them. You’re going to make one pup incredibly lucky! I can't wait to see who you end up with!

I'm totally opting for the shelter, as cute as like getting those designer breeds are, they're not always the greatest pet. And mostly that's what I want, a pet. Not an accessory. I'm gonna try to make it down to the shelter to meet the pups this weekend, but we'll see how it goes!

[hadleyberry]

Oh my gosh, this is so exciting! Though, I wouldn't necessarily call getting a puppy a trend, it's definitely a commitment and saying trend could have people thinking you're going to get rid of it when it's no longer a puppy. But I know you're totally not like that so I say yes! Go for it! There's so many at the shelter and they all really deserve a loving home, to know that you're giving a pup that cozy furever home is such a great feeling!

So I've been scrolling through social media, and I swear, every other person is getting a puppy. I might just need to join the trend. But just a cute, little puppy, you know? It'd be kind of nice coming home to a sweet little face after work.

[hadleyberry]

Oh my gosh, I totally get what you mean. I mean! First there's Thanksgiving break, which with Thanksgiving being so late this year, it'll be only a short amount of time between that and Christmas/Winter break. Did you have a fun Halloween? Get many trick or treaters?

Now that Halloween's over, the countdown to Christmas break is on. I already know that the days are going to fly by. It doesn't even seem like it should be November yet. Where are the days even going though?

[hadleyberry]

Hadley was sitting at one of the tables with a plate full of snacks, making sure that she was staying energized for the night. Her Molly doll sat in the chair to the left of her, she was contemplating taking off the clown nose to make eating easier when Matt had come over and she'd only just registered the jacket on one of the other chairs. "Oh sorry, was this table spoken for already? There wasn't anyone sitting here and I didn't notice someone's stuff there until now." She was fully prepared to jump up and move to another spot if need be. At his question though she nodded enthusiastically. "Oh for sure, I was already out there for that song from Wednesday where she does the dance. Just getting some nutrients to keep me going, right now. Definitely don't have that never-ending energy anymore like I did back in high school for those dances," she added with a chuckle.

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It doesn’t matter Matt’s well into his 30s (😫) he’ll forever act a giant kid when it comes to Halloween. He gets it not everyone’s jam, as some prefer Mariah Carey’s anthem over the Monster Mash. Buuuuuuuut Matt’s gonna live it up tonight and decided to make good use of the dance floor. The lead pipe was in one hand as he bopped and grooved to a tune, uncaring he looked a fool while doing so. At the end of the song he went to the chair which he slung his purple suit jacket on. “If they play some Tina Turner later, you can bet my ass will be back on that floor.” He laughed. “Think I’ll catch you out there at some point?”

[hadleyberry]