#Banana Print Tote Bag

[luveline]

PLS PLS PLS IM ON MY KNEES what about Remus with a sunshine reader? Like she comes around and is just so chatty and energetic and a much needed change of pace for our brooding quiet boy

Remus takes his earphones out the moment he sees you, but that's his secret alone. You barrel through the atrium to drape yourself over Sirius’ shoulder, meeting his smirk with a genuinely ecstatic smile before looking up at the others. “Hello, my favourite boys. Did you get dinner yet?” 

“No, babe, we were waiting for you. Sit down,” Sirius says. 

You beam and make directly for the chair next to Remus, though you could've sat with Sirius, or a little ways across next to the girls. “Hey,” you say, like he's the only boy you've ever wanted to speak with. James makes a knowing face behind your back. “What are you having?” 

“Remus doesn't believe in canteen food,” James says.  

“No kidding,” you say, still smiling, not even slightly put off by this nor Remus’ passive expression. It's not that he doesn't like you, the opposite, he just has a headache and he hates uni. You make it easier, a light in the dark. “What's not to like? Three quid for a slice of burnt pizza or five for a bowl of metallicy pasta. You couldn't get it any better.” 

“We'll go up to town,” Sirius suggests with a chuckle.  

“Let's order a pizza or something, they'll deliver in here, won't they?” James asks. 

You focus on Remus. “You don't like anything at all? The curry and chips is nice enough.” 

“It's not for me.” 

You nod appreciatively and let your tote bag fall from your shoulder into the crook of your arm. You rifle around and pull out a tupperware full of cut fruit, slices of banana, strawberries, blueberries, what looks like circles of pear. “We can eat this.” 

Remus could say no. He can't decide what's worse, saying yes or no, that is until you open the lid and put it between you both, offering to Sirius and James as well, and suddenly it isn't awkward at all, just something you've done. The pads of your fingers turn pink with strawberry juice as you tell him, “I was gonna put some tangerine in here but I keep getting super sour ones.” 

“They're out of season,” he says, fingers brushing yours as he takes a slice of banana. He swears, it zings. 

“I should know that. You know everything.” You leave a little strawberry print on the back of his hand, unnoticed, and he knows he's fucked when he lets it dry there in the shape of your finger. 

Somewhere between fruit slices and your chatter your chair grows closer to his, your knee pressed to knee without remorse, your elbow a whisper from his as you lean back in your chair. “So, bad day?” you ask. 

“What makes you think that?” 

You tap the space between your brows. He registers the gesture, nearly misunderstands, but eventually he relaxes the set of his brow and his tensed jaw. It's actually a relief. He hadn't realised he was doing it. 

“There,” you say, still smiling softly. “That's better. You'll get a headache, you know?” You sound genuinely worried. “It's not good to be so tense.” 

“Thank you,” he says. James and Sirius order a pizza on speaker across from you both, and, for fear you've missed it, he adds, “Thanks.” 

You needle into him with your elbow gently. “You're welcome. You're handsome when you smile.” 

“Not like you,” he says, “you're brilliant.” 

Your teeth peek out. His chest lifts, you look that happy, and when he smiles back it doesn't feel nearly as taxing as it usually does. 

[banana-zim]

👽Monthly Patreon Reminder👽

My SFW Patreon (click here), where you can grab:

WIPs found no where else

monthly sticker packs

monthly prints

monthly hand-drawn original, traditional sketches by me

monthly customized keychains, etc.

Sign up for consecutive months in 2024 to be eligible for additional SFW merch, including bigger prints, an entire collection of my 2024 art in a physical artbook, an acrylic stand, a tote bag, a coffee mug, and the Poop/Banana 2025 calendar!

My NSFW Patreon (all content features ADULT 18+ characters) (click here), where you can gain exclusive access to:

my NSFW art that I do not post anywhere else

Patreon-only NSFW Discord access,

access to voting polls on what I draw next

WIP sketches

fully colored pieces

monthly prints, etc.

Sign up for consecutive months in 2024 to be eligible for additional NSFW rewards, including bigger prints, a NSFW acrylic stand, an entire collection of my 2024 NSFW art in a physical artbook, and the Poop/Banana 2025 calendar!

You can also join either of these Patreons in the free tier to receive e-mails for updates on the Banana front (merch updates, convention schedules, Patreon updates, etc.). Think of them like newsletters~ :)

[kroseposh]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: NWOT Mark & Graham Martinique Banana Leaf Print Tote Bag.

[dplaugher]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: Philosophy Pencil Skirt Dot Print Stretch.

[operafloozy]

God, I missed Museum Gift Shops.

I'm in the market for a reusable tote bag that folds into an attached pouch with a carabiner clip to purchase from a museum, to replace my current reusable tote bag (with an attached pouch and a carabiner clip) from the Art Institute of Chicago, which originally replaced a tote bag (with an attached pouch and carabiner clip), purchased from the Getty. A Pattern has Been Established, and now I must do my best to follow it.

So I've been looking through various museum gift shops, and it's one of those things, you know? I've only been doing shopping online for the last couple of years, and I've been able to get most everything I think to search for, but only if I think to search for it. And museum gift shops are just filled with things that you would not expect or need to exist, but suddenly you're glad that they do. It's been nice. Fun. I don't have a clear #1 for what I'm actually looking for yet, but there's been some cool detours along the way.

The Art Institute of Chicago doesn't have the original tote I bought, but it does have a foldable backpack version.

Meanwhile, the Museum of Contemporary Art (Chicago) has a tote where the pouch is shaped like a banana - they also have orange, strawberry, and watermellon available

I was really irritated that the NYC Transit museum didn't really have much for foldable bags at all - if there was ever a time and place for having a foldable tote in a pocket - or attached with a carabiner clip! - it's while taking transit in a place like NYC! But then my husband pointed out that it looked like you could fit a medium sized dog in one of these guys, so that makes sense.

The Shedd Aquarium doesn't have much in the way of bags, but it makes up for it by having this adorable penguin mini backpack that I in no way need but oh my god.

Meanwhile, the Vancouver Acquarium has a lot of actually adorable things, but I need to point out that they also have mason jar shot glasses (and a friend, when we were looking, immediately wanted them)

I can't say too much, because I definitely want this pantone water bottle from the Walker

BART and the Capitol Corridor have their own gift shop, which includes a Capitol Corridor Train Plushie (which I don't know how I feel about yet)

Meanwhile, the london transport museum has this nice tea tin for five pounds.

I'm not actually going to pay for shipping from the Victoria and Albert museum, but they had some interesting entries (and one would expect).

And the American Swedish Institute had this moomin purse that they assure us was felted and designed in Sweden.

Anyway, all of this is to say that searching random museum gift shops is a good time, and I highly reccomend it.

[is-the-primate-vid-cute]

Since there’s a new mod here’s a very important question.

Favorite primate and do you have any merch of em.

I personally plan to get plushies of all the wildcats and other wildlife i love. Good for hugging without causing any harm to the species.

This is a very tough question! Obviously I am partial to the proboscis monkey (the reason I started @bignosebaby) but I would say that my current favourite is gibbons. I find siamangs enchanting! I would love to own monkey merch, but frankly, I am picky. A stuffed gibbon would be a real treat, but it is hard to find stuffies that are accurate to the species while still retaining their charm. Unfortunately as I don't tend to care for super stylized depictions (personal preference) I have yet to find primate merch I really love. That being said, I keep an eye on @littleguymart for stuffed primates and I adore IKEA's orangutan djungelskog and I have considered getting one. I would also love to have primate merch in the form of clothing or decor, but again my particular tastes haven't been matched yet. I have thought of making my own though, and I actually am planning on 3D printing a little gorilla to live on my desk. I also hope more conservation organizations produce merch, as I think it's a great way to promote a species, especially to children.

-Mod J

Here's a list of facilities you can support by purchasing merch

Center for Great Apes (water bottles, t shirts, calendar, coffee)

Primarily Primates (monkey art, t shirts, banana party, and more!)

Born Free ( t shirts, books, bowties and more!)

**this shop supports the entire Born Free USA campaign and is not specifically meant for proceeds to go directly to the primate sanctuary

IPPL (t shirts, lanyard, tote bags)

Chimp Haven (coffee mugs, fanny packs, shirts, and much more)

Save the Chimps is opening a merch store soon!

Primate Rescue Center (mugs, hats, calendar, shirts)

Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest (shirts and hoodies)

Plus check out the gift shop of your local zoo or aquarium- just remember to look into the standard of care before supporting any animal facility.

The above list are all facilities I personally support.

-mod E

[jeezumcrowvintage]

Fruit of the Vine!

Vintage Vinyl Laminated Tote Bag with Fruit Motif, circa 1980s. Perfect tropical print for the beach! Link to purchase above.

[yeocult]

ATEEZ as aesthetics

HONGJOONG: film cameras, piercings, painted nails, paint, berets, record players, classic movie posters, hair dye, honey, thrift stores, bold, fashion statements, never sleeping, primary colours, art museum, matching tattoos, poetry, messy handwriting, soft laughter, painting on mirrors, vintage, playlist for each mood, drawing on walls, tie-dye shirts

SEONGHWA: bullet journals, lofi music, turtlenecks, cafes, Uniqlo, back hugs,  silk, boy next door, berry picking, pillowtalks, long showers, dog walks, humidifier, strawberry macaroons, soft whispers, nude tones, roses, crime documentaries, homemade food, picnic dates, hand kisses, study inspo notes, intertwined hands, pearls, breakfast in bed

YUNHO: soft hair, honey skin, movie jumping, banana milk, unmatching socks, Harry Potter movies, stripped shirts, Uno games, spontaneous road trips,  fake plants, sweater paws, baked cookies, adventurous, blue sky, Converse sneakers, denim jacket, friendship bracelets, sharing milkshakes, ferris wheel kiss, sunflower, love letters, giggles, garden, keychains, love at first sight

YEOSANG: Dr Martens, spray paint, bulky sweaters, skate park, stacked silver rings, pinky promises, horror films, tangled headphones, Thrasher hoodies, night walks, face masks, keyboard smashes, honesty, pale skin, conspiracy theories, Hot Topic, sharing headphones, doodles on notes, beanies, running away, rooftop, bruised knees, soft eyes, graphic tees

SAN: lavender, polaroids, mixed soda drinks, gold jewelry, collarbones, tote bags, coffee shop, plushies, mukbangs, neck freckles, snatched waist, astrology, shiba inu, action films, dimples, late-night conversation, animal prints, golden hour, holding hands, lace, stargazing, connecting moles, cardigans, cactus, the colour purple, Netflix and Chill

MINGI: music blasting through headphones, trespassing, ripped jeans, night owl, energy drink, pants chains, creased black Nike Air Force, dancing in the rain, bomber jackets, messy hair, piggyback ride, cracked phone, badass with a cute smile, graffiti, wild heart, midnight adventures, Soundcloud rapper

WOOYOUNG: sun-kissed skin, oversized hoodie, fairy lights, hands out the window, phone always at low battery, talks throughout lessons, fake glasses, sleeping in, bubble tea, comedy shows, beer pong, coconut body wash, skipping classes, fast text replies, convenience store snacks, arcade games, snapbacks, neon lights, childhood best friend

JONGHO: ballads, water fountain, black coffee, latest iphone model, loyalty, matching tracksuit, stud earrings, leather, morning jogs, Versace, doodles on steamed up mirror, beach dates, cologne, promise rings, expensive sneakers, fresh air, sunrise, fluffy blankets, bear hugs, diary, theatre shows, perfect handwriting, guitars

[pvxie]

being a girl is like wellbutrin susan sontag lady bird mitski holly warburton glossier printed tote bag richard siken sylvia plath phoebe bridgers donna tartt mary oliver lorde hayao miyazaki taylor swift. it’s like the magnus archives hannibal the x files supernatural killing eve pinterest moodboard wattpad perfume genius banana yoshimoto clairo little women

[banana-zim]

👽Monthly Patreon Reminder👽

My SFW Patreon (click here), where you can grab:

WIPs found no where else

monthly sticker packs

monthly prints

monthly hand-drawn original, traditional sketchesby me

monthly customized keychains, etc.

Sign up for consecutive months in 2024 to be eligible for additional SFW merch, including bigger prints, an entire collection of my 2024 art in a physical artbook, an acrylic stand, a tote bag, a coffee mug, and the Poop/Banana 2025 calendar!

My NSFW Patreon (all content features ADULT 18+ characters) (click here), where you can gain exclusive access to:

my NSFW art that I do not post anywhere else

Patreon-only NSFW Discord access,

access to voting polls on what I draw next

WIP sketches

fully colored pieces

monthly prints, etc.

Sign up for consecutive months in 2024 to be eligible for additional NSFW rewards, including bigger prints, a NSFW acrylic stand, an entire collection of my 2024 NSFW art in a physical artbook, and the Poop/Banana 2025 calendar!

You can also join either of these Patreons in the free tier to receive e-mails for updates on the Banana front (merch updates, convention schedules, Patreon updates, etc.). Think of them like newsletters~ :)

[outerbanksfashionblog]

Outer Banks 1.03 “The Forbidden Zone”

[POSSIBLE MATCH] Sarah Cameron carries a bag similar to the EcoBugBags Banana Print Cotton Tote ($20.90) in season 1 episode 3 “The Forbidden Zone”

Worn With:  C&C Alphabet Necklace, Snaffle Bit Co. Star Choker, Steve Madden Bardo Shoes, H&M White Bikini Top, Brand 47 Baseball Hat, Roxy Rum Cay Short

[fashionofquinnfabray]

Where to Buy (Season 1)

Here are all available listings for Quinn’s Outfits and Accessories that aren’t already posted that are featured in Season 1 Coats: Yoana Baraschi Love Story Trench Coat - Size 6 [Worn in: Hairography (1x11), Comeback (2x13), and Heart (3x13)] Banana Republic Wool Coat in Robin’s Egg - XS (1), XS (2), XS (3), XS (4), S (1), S (2), S (3), M, L (1), L (2) [Worn in Sectionals (1x13)]

Jackets: H&M Military Jacket - Size 6 [Worn in: Funk (1x21)] Cardigans: J. Crew Featherweight Merino Glass-Button Cardigan in Blue - XXS (1), XXS (2), XXS (3), XXS (4), XS (1), XS (2), S (1), S (2), S (3), M (1), M (2), L (1), L (2) [Worn in: Mash Up (1x08), Wheels (1x09), Laryngitis (1x18), and Rumours (2x19)] Kenar Teal Heather Cashmere Button Front 3/4 Length Sleeve Sweater Cardigan - M (1), M (2), Size 8, Size 10 [Worn in: Hairography (1x11)] J. Crew Periwinkle/Cornflower Blue Cardigan -  XXS, S [Worn in: Mattress (1x12)] J.JILL Women’s Purple Cotton/Acrylic Cable Knit Shawl Collar Cardigan - M [Worn in: Mattress (1x12)] Anthropologie Daisy-Duo Cardigan - S, XL [Worn in: Hell-O (1x14)] Anthropologie Vines & Buds Cardigan - S (1), S (2) [Worn in: Hell-O (1x14) and Bad Reputation (1x17)] Anthropologie Bubbling Up Sweater - S (1), S (2),  M (1), M (2)  [Worn in Hell-O (1x14)] Anthropologie Twined Branches Cardigan - S (1), S (2), S (3), S (4), S (5), S (6), M (1), M (2), M (3), L [Worn in: Bad Reputation (1x17)] Babydoll Striped Free People Button Cardigan - S [Worn in: Dream On (1x19)] Dresses: Calvin Klein Ruched Dot Dress - Size 4, Size 6, Size 10, Medium (8-10) [Worn in: Vitamin D (1x06)] Marc by Marc Jacobs Link Print Dress - Size 6, Size 10 [Worn in Mash Up (1x08)] Anthropologie Jacqueline Dress - Size 2 (1), Size 2 (2), Size 4 [Worn in: Wheels (1x09), Mattress (1x12), and Comeback (2x13)] Anthropologie Quince Petals Dress - Size 2 (1), Size 2 (2), Size 4 (1), Size 4 (2), Size 8, Size 12 (1), Size 12 (2) [Worn in: Wheels (1x09) and Sectionals (1x13)] Anthropologie Wight’s Sago Dress - Size 0, Size 2 (1), Size 2 (2), and Size 10 [Worn in: Wheels (1x09)] McGinn Peter Pan Collar Dress - XS [Worn in: Ballad (1x10 and Audition (2x01)] Anthropologie Atwitter Dress - Size 0, Size 2 (1), Size 2 (2), Size 2 (3) Size 4 (1), Size 4 (2), M, Size 6, Size 8, Size 14 [Worn in: Hairography (1x11)] Juicy Couture ‘Dreamy’ Jacquard Dress - XS, M [Worn in: Hairography (1x11) and Home (1x16)] Dillard’s Teeze Me Seersucker 3 Button Dress - 3 (Juniors), 9 (Juniors) [Worn in: Hairography (1x11)] Juicy Couture Squash Blue Linen Sundress - Size 0 [Worn in: Sectionals (1x13)] Anthropologie Betine Dress - Size 0 (1), Size 0 (2), Size 0 (3), Size 0 (4), Size 0 (5), Size 0 (6), Size 0 (7), Size 0 (8), Size 0 (9), Size 0 (10), Size 0 (11), Size 0 (12), XS (1), XS/0 (2),  Size 2 (1), Size 2 (2), Size 2 (3), Size 2 (4), Size 2 (5), Size 2 (6), Size 2 (7), Size 4 (1), Size 4 (2), Size 4 (3), Size 4 (4), Size 4 (5), Size 4 (6), Size 4 (7), Size 4 (8), Size 4 (9), Size 4 (10), Size 6 (1), Size 6 (2), Size 6 (3), Size 8 (1), Size 8 (2), Size 10 (1), Size 10 (2), Size 10 (3), Size 12 (1), Size 12 (2) [Worn in Deleted Scene from: Hello (1x14)] Urban Outfitters Kimchi Blue April Dress - M [Worn in: Bad Reputation (1x17)] Juicy Couture Dot Embroidered Cotton Dress in White - M, L [Worn in: Theatricality (1x20)] Urban Outfitters Lux Pretty Flutter Sleeve Dress - S [Worn in: Funk (1x21)] Anthropologie Floreat Grasslands Dress - Size 2 (1), Size 2 (2), Size 2 (3) Size 4 (1), Size 4 (2) Size 6 (1), Size 6 (2), Size 8 (1), Size 8 (2) [Worn in: Funk (1x21)] Free People ‘Patra’ Ruffled Tunic Dress - S (1), S (2), S (3) M (1), M (2), M (3), M (4), M (5) [Worn in: Funk (1x21)] Anthropologie Abstracted Asters Dress - XS (1), XS (2), XS (3), S (1), S (2), S (3), S (4), S (5), S (6),  M [Worn in: Funk (1x21)] Betsey Johnson Evening Goldie Strapless Dress - S, Size 4 (1), Size 4 (2), Size 4 (3), Size 8 [Worn in: Journey (1x22)] Juicy Couture Dot Embroidered Cotton Dress in Pink - Size 2, Size 10 [Worn in: Journey (1x22)]

Shirts: Anthropologie Savica Waterfall Blouse - Size 4, Size 6 [Worn in: Ballad (1x10 and Saturday Night Glee-ver (3x16)] Anthropologie Maeve Smocked Epaulet Blouse - Size 6 (1), Size 6 (2) [Worn in: Hairography (1x11)] Bobeau Gauze Red Boho Blouse Lace Hem Loose Blouse - M (1) M (2) [Worn in: Hairography (1x11)] American Apparel Women’s Margot Long Sleeve Wrap Dress - XS (1), XS (2), S (1), S (2), S (3), S (4), S (5), S (6), S (7), S (8), S (9), S (10), M (1), M (2), M (3), M (4), M (5), M (6), L [Worn in: The Power of Madonna (1x15)] Anthropologie Ice-Capped Blouse - Size 0 (1), Size 0 (2), Size 2 (1), Size 2 (2), Size 4 [Worn in: Home (1x16)] American Apparel Interlock Wrap Dress - XS (1), XS (2), XS (3), XS (4), S (1), S (2), S (3), S (4), S (5) M, L (1), L (2), L (3), L (4) [Worn in: Home (1x16)] Express Braided Short-Sleeve Shirt - Size 2, M [Worn in: Dream On (1x19)]

Pants: J. Crew Scout Chino - Size 00 (1), Size 00 (2), Size 00 (3), Size 00 (4), Size 00 (5), Size 00 (6), Size 0 (1), Size 0 (2), Size 0P, XS (Sizes 0-2), Size 2 (1), Size 2 (2), Size 2 (3), Size 2 (4), Size 2 (5), Size 2 (6), Size 4 (1), Size 4 (2), Size 4 (3), Size 4 (4), Size 4 (5), Size 4 (6), Size 4 (7), Size 4P, Size 6 (1), Size 6 (2), Size 6 (3), Size 6 (4), Size 6 (5), Size 6 (6), Size 6P, Size 6 Tall, Size 8 (1), Size 8 (2), Size 8 (3), Size 10 [Worn in: Wheels (1x09), Hairography (1x11), and Laryngitis (1x18)] Sanctuary dark olive cuffed Capri pants - S, 33″ [Worn in: Funk (1x21)]

Bags: Marc by Marc Jacobs Pretty Nylon Little Tate Tote - White (1) [Worn in: Wheels (1x09), Pot o’Gold (3x04), I Kissed a Girl (3x07), and Michael (3x11)] Shoes: GUESS ‘Lawri’ Ballet Wedges in Gold - 7.5, 8.5 [Worn in: Vitamin D (1x06)] Ralph Lauren 'Betsy' Patent Leather Ballet Flat in Red - 7.5 [Worn in: Sectionals [1x13], The Power of Madonna [1x15]. and Home [1x16]) Nine West Navy Fedra Ballet Flat - 6 (1), 6 (2),  8.5 [Worn in: Hell-O (1x14), Home (1x16), and Journey (1x22)] Tory Burch - Crushed Gold Ballet Flats - 5.5, 6, 8.5 [Worn in: Dream On (1x19)]

[afashionstylistposts]

What a Fashion Girl Needs this Season!

A TOUCH OF COLOR

Color was all over the fall/winter runways, and colorful skirt is a fab way to incorporate it into your look.

PRINTS

We predict prints and patterns will be big thing again come spring.

50S-ESQUE FLOWER PINS

Score the season’s ladylike trend by attaching a floral pin to any outfit.

TOTES WITH STYLE

There are a lot of great, stylish lines of bags that include everything from roomy totes to wallets on chains.

FRONT BUTTON MIDI SKIRTS

Front button midi skirts are back in style and look especially fresh in a color like white or beige. You can make it look funky, sexy, or more conservative.

THE SCHOOLGIRL STYLE BLAZERS

This blazer is an absolute must-have this season. The accessories you pair it with determine how racy your look will be.

PREPPY LOOK

Preppy look is back, but you don’t need to spend a bundle to get this uptown girl effect.

FOR THE BABE ON THE BUDGET

Preppy things!

And here are our new models!

Introducing: Model Amanda Lentz

Amanda is wearing: Skirt by Tibi, Blouse by Lush and bag by A.L.C

Model: Molly Manchester

Molly is wearing: Blazer by Louis Vuitton, Blouse by Banana Republic, Skirt by MSGM, Bag by Louis Vuitton, Pin: Vintage

PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOHN ROUNDS

MAKEUP BY DANIKA RHINEHART

STYLED BY A FASHION PAGE

[etsyfindoftheday]

etsyfindoftheday | 8.8.19

theme thursday: beach day!

round banana leaf fringed beach towel by moodliving

brown triangle bikini top by 05studio

leather sunglasses sleeve in black, neutral, or silver by awbyandreawong

large canvas beach tote in tropical palm print by lopasobien

this summery collection is hella beach-ready -- you’ve got your suit, your towel, your sunglasses case, and a bag to tote them all (plus a bottle of water and some snacks, of course!)

[thedreamer-gr]

The Dreamer Pastel Planet tote bag is part of the spring 2019 collection. This is an edition of 10 pieces and every piece is unique as everything is printed by hand. The colors used for the printing are ciel, banana yellow & pink.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/685324364/pastel-planet-tote-bag

[thistransient]

obligatory retrospection, 2018

2018, what a mixed bag. It feels like it lasted an eternity. Did I really go to Okinawa in February? My first months in New Zealand feel like a vague and unpleasant dream. I definitely did not cope well with leaving Taiwan, which I had come to love dearly. I had a lot of setbacks in terms of mental health, and had to stop drinking and smoking weed entirely. Even coffee was off limits as I attempted to salvage my sanity, which was probably only achieved by traveling over the summer and seeing my friends again, although that too feels like a lifetime ago now. Back in New Zealand, I waited for my road-tripping friend, and (naively? optimistically?) assured him I’d be fine after he left, hahaha. Despite living on some travel magazine’s #5 rated island in the world , I’ve managed to forge an isolated life consisting of not walking in front of a truck  to and from work, laying in bed, and occasionally buying more bananas and oatmeal. This is not ideal. I put in my notice at work today. Kickin’ off the new year by quitting my job, huzzah! This one’s gonna be bitchin’, I can tell. Anyways. I feel like 2018 was a sharp and sometimes painful thing, but in this way it also cut a path towards true desires and a way forward. Insert something regarding that Cheshire cat quote about how if you don’t know where you want to go, it doesn’t matter which path you choose. I suppose now I know which one I want. 

Goals from 2018, mostly achieved! (wow)  -Get my savings account back on track It’s not quite as much as I’d hoped but after the next couple paychecks I’ll be happy enough -Maintain if not improve my current level of Mandarin I got so many hours of listening practice watching hundreds of episodes of Chinese TV shows, my brain will never be the same. Also started reading 漫畫． -Go somewhere with great stars at night Yeah, Onetangi beach wasn’t bad -Apply for opportunities even if I’m not confident I’m qualified  I did apply to that IELTS training job in Taipei (even if they never got back to me about when to come in for the interview)...and for the NZ visa even though I did NOT have the recommended savings... -Reduce my current belongings to one duffel bag and a backpack (not one suitcase, one duffel bag, a backpack, and a tote bag full of 10 kg of books) I AM CROSSING THIS OFF BECAUSE IT WILL NEVER HAPPEN -Stop lying to myself that drinking caffeinated beverages of any kind won’t make me feel like my internal organs are home to a dozen rabid ferrets for the next 8 hours while a sense of overwhelming irrational panic washes over me on repeat I religiously drink hot chocolate at work now and everyone knows it  -Engage in more platonic physical intimacy with other humans (or at least admit I need hugs) Check. Very much a check.  -Be…open…to…romance…???…!!!…??? (clearly I’m not too sure about this one)  On one hand I backed out hard when a friend I had undecided feelings for offered to take me up the mountain at night by scooter to see the city lights our last time together in Taipei, on the other hand I have discovered that there are many ways to love and be intimate with your friends that would be considered romantic by the casual observer even if neither party involved has any plans to kiss or fuck at any point (which seems to be, in the end, the only differentiating factor).  -Go to the sauna/hot springs My Taipei hostel boss took my coworker and I to Beitou for a holiday treat. She refused to be naked in front of us, and said that if she was going to the public baths, we had to get a private room, and vice versa, so that we would not cross paths. It turned out that one person couldn’t have their own private room anyways, for safety purposes. My coworker and I ended up sharing a tub. I’m an exhibitionist, he wouldn’t take off his underwear, but it worked out. The hot spring water was divine.  -Experiment with anxiety reduction techniques/chill the fuck out a bit ~ If anything I feel like I’ve gotten less chill and become extremely anal about anything involving dishes, soap, or cleaning. I am trying to return to a center of serene, supreme apathy. It’s going to take a while. 

Goals from 2015 /2016/2017 yet to be achieved: -Travel more in Ukraine ~ it’s gonna happen this summer, I swear -Learn to white water kayak ~ ...uh...not likely in the near future -Learn A2 Arabic ~ And yet somehow I’ve started learning Russian instead? -Learn how to do graffiti/street art This one I actually did, once I toned down my ambitions from murals to hand-printed stickers, which a friend put up for me in several cities around the world, so I feel “published”, as it were! -Set up a way to distribute my zine project Okay, I’m halfway there on this, I finally paid a guy who had access to some of the hard copies (three of them are missing) to scan them for me so I have digital copies, and had an interesting chat with someone about distributing them in coffee shops (yet to be acted on since I no longer have the hard copies) -Actively work on my French speaking/listening skills ~ does being exposed to Rick & Morty in French by a bunch of obnoxious backpackers in the hostel common room count... -Go to Xinjiang ~ ...uh...nah. So close and yet so far. 

Goals for 2019 - Make it to Australia and buy a car when I get there - Turn 30 in a country I haven’t visited yet - Keep improving my Russian  - Keep improving my Chinese - Finish the stream-of-consciousness autobiographical graphic novel I’ve started drawing - Start HRT - Do more linocut printing - Share less of my precious bodily fluids with parasitic insects (goddamn these fleas)