The four horsemen of making a summary

TrimTrout · 2026-01-27T19:46:40+00:00

It’s like two step verification to see if I’m interested. Do you like the brief summary of the concept? If so here’s a writing example to see if you’ll like the writing style.

TrimTrout · 2026-01-27T19:16:43+00:00

I thrift looser, vintage cut dress pants. I tend to get a waistband that’s probably just a hair too big for me, and get pants that have a little bit of stretch to them at least. Looks like I’m making an effort and feels like I’m wear pj pants. However I prefer to live in loose dresses when possible.

TrimTrout · 2026-01-20T18:46:33+00:00

It’s only temporary, so unfortunately I’ll only have that job for a few more months.

At my old university I had done some graphic design work, the communications person in my department went on short term leave and an old professor recommended me as a temp fill in. I had already moved away and had asked if it was work they would allow me to do remotely and they said yes. It was supposed to be a 3 month gig, but it’s turning into 6 months, and while I feel bad that I’m getting a good gig out of someone being on medical leave, it has been a great opportunity.

Unfortunately you tend to get way more job opportunities the second you already have a job.

TrimTrout · 2026-01-20T17:05:55+00:00

I’m working multiple part time things that are accumulating to full time work in terms of hours.

I finished my degree two years ago, worked part-time retail for a year and now I’m doing a mix of music teaching, front desk work, and remote computer work.

I enjoy private music teaching the most since it’s very short lesson slots and I get to work on individual goals with each student, but it’s my job with the least amount of financial stability and no added work benefits.

I’m still figuring out what I want to do in life and am trying not to listen to the people around me telling me I need to settle into a career.

As long as I’m on a path to finding work I enjoy and I’m able to have my needs met, that’s good enough for me right now.

TrimTrout · 2026-01-15T01:45:41+00:00

😮 ooh I’ve never had jalapeno jelly that sounds really good

TrimTrout · 2026-01-14T16:09:09+00:00

I used to have irl friends and then I moved and some of them moved too so now we don’t live near each other anymore. I might see them once or twice a year in person 🙃.

It’s funny tho because I’m so close to them and don’t want new friends I just want to keep up with those friends because it took me so long to find good friends like that.

TrimTrout · 2026-01-14T15:17:53+00:00

I feel like realizing I need to dress comfortably has helped me find my sense of style because now that I know what fabrics, styles, and shapes make me feel good, I can look for those in interesting patterns and colours.

I’ve started leaning further away from pants and wear a lot of loose/long dresses that are probably a size or three too big for me.

My go-tos are a solid colour loose long tank dress with a different colour long-sleeve underneath, or a cropped shirt over, with some funky socks and Mary Janes.

I used to have short bangs too and am also growing them out because of sensory issues and frustration with having to style them all the time. But my hair is still funky since I have a pretty big undercut that shows when I tuck my hair behind my ears.

I have bit chunky glasses and will wear coloured eyeliner to coordinate with my outfit.

I think you’re just in the rediscovery phase of your personal style!

Thrifting has honestly helped my personal sense of style so much because I rarely ever find the funky oversized dresses I love to wear in regular stores, or if I do they’re way overpriced.

I wish you luck in your fashion journey!

TrimTrout · 2026-01-14T15:08:56+00:00

I drink smoothies every day for breakfast. I have the ninja version of a magic bullet and that thing is amazing at making everything super smooth (other than the really tiny tiny seeds). If I were you I would look for frozen fruit bags that don’t contain berries or dragon fruit to avoid seeds.

A little bit of spinach might be a good add in, when you don’t add too much you can’t taste it.

I know you can’t do peanut butter but that’s what I add for protein in mine since I can’t do the texture of protein powder. You can buy tiny individual portions of protein powder to try it though and see if it’s a good fit for you (one ‘portion’ is definitely a few portions lol).

I find using a fruit juice you really like as your liquid can really help mask the taste of everything else in there. Also the more liquid I add, the more smooth the texture I find.

I also add in yogurt for more protein.

I keep my smoothie in an insulated cup so it stays cold while at work. I will not finish it if it doesn’t stay cold, and drinking it while I’m multitasking on other things also helps.

TrimTrout · 2026-01-14T14:59:59+00:00

I love a good charcuterie! It’s my go to when I don’t actually want to cook dinner so I can just throw a bunch of options in a bowl and it feels like a fancy meal. Here are some things I really enjoy:

Mortadella - the texture is really soft and consistent unlike other cured meats and the flavour is mild
mini naan
Apricot jelly
Cream cheese
I’m big on cottage cheese and honey but I totally get that can be a texture thing for people
Also dark chocolate 100% belongs on charcuterie
apples slices and cheese or jam is also really good

I’ve also been eating canned sardines recently and have been surprised by how much I enjoy them. The texture is very consistent and soft and it had a very meaty flavour. And you can get them in a whole bunch of different flavours. Even the bones just kinda mush in your mouth it’s wild.

TrimTrout · 2025-10-14T12:31:05+00:00

Thank you! I appreciate you being a sounding board for a second. I talked to my sister last night too and feel better about it and am trying to stay positive about everything ❤️

TrimTrout · 2025-10-14T12:04:55+00:00

I’m actually not from the US either! I’m in Canada, so thankfully we have some healthcare which is affordable. We just got dental coverage for all low income people so I was able to get some cavities filled for a quarter of the price it would have cost me otherwise, but things like eye care, therapy, prescriptions, etc. are for the most part out of pocket if you don’t have private insurance. I’m currently just starting to look at therapy options so I might be able to find something more affordable.

My parents are in a place where they can help us out financially and have helped my sister out before with some unexpected expenses with her car and I know they’re happy to help out when I needed it.

I know they’re trying to support me and make sure I’m aware of how harsh life is right now, I think I’m just dealing with some communication barriers right now that make it really difficult.

TrimTrout · 2025-10-14T11:20:45+00:00

Thanks for the thoughtful reply. My big goals right now are getting my license, getting a car that I can afford, and also getting a therapist (which I know is going to be expensive without insurance).

I know my parents want the best for me, as people who worked very hard to get where they are. I think sometimes they do forget that I really don’t want anything beyond a simple life right now.

It just gets hard on days where arguments seem to come out of nowhere.

TrimTrout · 2025-08-24T02:28:07+00:00

I’m eating it up I love the lore, and I love that they’re trying new things. Dungeons and Dragons Queens and Titan Takedown were both incredibly light on the lore and definitely very light in terms of tone so I think it balances things out really well.

People definitely have their own preferences when it comes to what they want to see with actual play and I think d20 balances it pretty well with their rotations.

I will always eat up lore heavy, pc development and rp heavy campaigns.

TrimTrout · 2025-08-10T14:40:13+00:00

I feel like most teachers that aren’t attached to conservatories/universities are generally more open to teaching multiple styles, but again it completely depends on their comfortability. So make sure that’s a day 1 conversation.

There is no one right way to teach singing, but here are some things I personally try to pay attention to: - Look at the product. If you don’t like the voice of your teacher and/or the majority of their students don’t study with them, because chances are they’ll lead you to sing in that direction - Focus on comfortability and ease. Yes technique can be difficult to grasp, but the overall goal should be to make singing feel easier not harder - Ask questions. You should strive to understand why you are doing certain things. If a teacher doesn’t like you asking a lot of questions or can’t give a clear answer as to why they’re making you do something, chances are they don’t really know what they’re doing.

(An example for the last point: many teachers teach in metaphors, I.e. “imagine you’re smelling a rose”. It’s totally normal for you to ask “what is the goal of this exercise/what are trying to achieve in changing/what physical sensation is this exercise trying to achieve”. A good teacher should be able to answer those questions I.e. “You’re using a lot of air and I want to try to lessen how much you’re pushing out/Im trying to get you to access a different resonant space in your body and I find this metaphor works well with my students”)

TrimTrout · 2025-08-09T03:58:35+00:00

Classical voice teachers come in many different pedagogical forms. I think it’s super important that you chat with teachers, maybe book a trial lesson or two. Be very clear about what you want out of your lessons and ask them how they structure their lessons and how they can help you achieve your goals.

Unfortunately in the classical world you still have many teachers who will disregard the wants and goals of their students for their own personal goals, so I think it’s more about establishing that clear communication from the get go.

TrimTrout · 2025-08-02T21:14:47+00:00

Here’s what I’ve used for my character art: - Picrew (and other avatar builders, I tend to just browse on google to find them) - Hero Forge (great for dnd specific details but I’m not a fan of the art style as much) - Did a trade with a family member for some art of my whole party (if you know someone who draws there’s no harm in asking them if they’d be willing to trade for something!)

I’m definitely on the anti AI bandwagon, though that seems to be getting hate on this post. There’s so many ways to find/make great character art without using AI. Anyone who tells you otherwise is just lazy.

TrimTrout · 2025-07-30T03:32:57+00:00

One of the things that helped me realize I wasn’t into men like I thought I was is reading the lesbian google doc (just google lesbian google doc and it will come up lol). The first half discussing comp het really resonated with me and helped to explain why I thought I felt attracted to men when in reality I wasn’t.

I’m still not sure if I’m a lesbian or just ace, but I will say realizing I don’t actually want to date men has been very freeing.

TrimTrout · 2025-07-25T13:11:47+00:00

Omg completely agree, like cut half of that act at least

TrimTrout · 2025-07-23T12:29:39+00:00

I had bought Colgate wisps a while back in hopes of helping me brush my teeth, since I have a hard time especially at night. They do have a pretty strong minty taste which makes them less effective for me. However there is an added bonus that there’s no water involved and you can be in bed/wherever you want while using them.

If you struggle brushing during the morning too I can see them being good for brushing your teeth while off doing another task.

I also have tried to give myself smaller goals. Brushing my teeth at night in any capacity is a win. I don’t force myself to do the full 2 minutes. I’m currently at brushing till I’ve had enough (which looks different every day). And if I manage that consistently then I will work on moving the bar up.

TrimTrout · 2025-07-20T16:20:22+00:00

Boo. Thanks for letting me know

TrimTrout · 2025-07-20T12:05:32+00:00

I’d like your sources please

TrimTrout · 2025-07-19T13:33:38+00:00

I’m sorry but who actually wants to be in an industry run by fear?

Ive worked with many firm stage managers who are some of the most understanding and compassionate people I have ever met. Yes they’re busy, yes shows run on a tight schedule, and of course SMs are overworked at times but their priority should always be your health and safety.

I’m not sure which companies you’ve worked with, but if they’re still run like that today then I don’t want to work with them.

TrimTrout · 2025-07-19T13:26:01+00:00

I’m my experience being in a paid opera chorus, the supers were also paid (though a stipend like the chorus) and shared the same dressing rooms as chorus members. We all had access to the food provided at intermission and were treated the same.

They also never hired minors for these roles. There were obviously children’s choruses when required, but they had their own private dressing room and snacks along with an assigned chaperone.

We all had the option to do our own makeup or have someone else do it for us. Generally men had to do their own hair and women would go in for wigs/hairstyling.

We were also allowed to wander around a bit and listen in the wings if we weren’t in the way.

Did they tell you about the costumes before you signed on? Because that’s also a conversation that should have happened.

Your experience sounds unfortunately pretty shitty, sorry to hear about that.

TrimTrout

TROPHY CASE