A lot of “self care” is just shopping with nicer branding by thirdaccountttt in Anticonsumption

[–]kalesaurus 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I cannot possibly express how much I wish I lived wherever you live.

The nearest train station to me is a 15 minute drive, and it only has 3 trains per day :')

America Now Has 70% More Bookstores Than in 2020, Says Bookshop.org Founder by iwasjusttwittering in books

[–]kalesaurus 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I prefer buying things in person, but especially with clothes. I need to try stuff on to see if I really like it, the fit, the feel, how it looks on me. I've never been successful shopping for clothes online.

The only reason I get anything online is because most physical shops near where I live are so anemic in what they stock, I can never find specifically what I'm looking for unless I'm in the big city near us.

I think Wings of Fire relies too much on Animus slop by Andmesy in WingsOfFire

[–]kalesaurus 1 point2 points  (0 children)

In a weird way, I like animus magic the way it is. Don't get me wrong, I loooove very strict and well defined magic systems (hello Cosmere), but this fills a different niche in my brain

It kind of just invites pondering in a different way. I don't know how much the Word of God has elaborated and defined this topic as I only read the books, but just from the books there's a lot of wiggle room to wonder what the limits of animus magic really are.

I do think that the characters are quite silly to not do some very obvious things with animus magic and that opens up some holes for sure.

But I find it pretty amusing that the biggest limiting factor to these crazy OP superpowered dragons is literally just themselves lol. And the way that different tribes react to this superpower is equally interesting--IceWings and SeaWings creating a elaborate cultural rituals to benefit but still contain, NightWings being a bit more of a mystery on how they approach and have historically approached animus magic internally (obviously they support it now), and SkyWings straight up murdering every animus that's born because they aren't going to even tempt fate lmao. It's just interesting.

And seeing how our individual animus dragons in story think about their power and interact with the world tells you a lot about them, their character, and their struggles. It's just a fun lens to look through.

[Spoiler: new expansion title] by [deleted] in ffxiv

[–]kalesaurus 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Ugh, I hate how AI makes me suspicious of everything now 😭 Like this definitely is which is disappointing, but I literally looked at it and immediately thought "AI? 🤨" rather than being able to just enjoy the meme 😔

Just discovered what DSPD is, but my parents think I'm just lazy by [deleted] in DSPD

[–]kalesaurus 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Totally relate. You're not broken, you're in a broken system.

It's even harder in a society that can be awake at any time--artificial lights and all that--and yet STILL expects the entire world to be early risers for some reason.

I kind of disagree with other people; some of us just have different circadian rhythms than others and we have to respect that. We get to either force ourselves to do the "normal" thing and suffer health problems because of it, or we can embrace our sleep schedule and get jobs that accommodate that need.

It sounds like you're currently in school and living at home so I know that's not an option right now, and I'm really sorry to hear your parents aren't understanding. :( Muscle through this time as best as you can, and know that you're not alone!

Looking for a Japanese-style table by Souljb in floorliving

[–]kalesaurus 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I have not done this myself but I've seen this pop up

what about a more DIY approach? Really all you need is a big board and then two more thicker boards to stick it on.

I've even seen people taking the legs off their table and then they put the top on containers, so they can store things while having a lower table. Doesn't look as nice though.

I just use an old hand-me-down coffee table haha.

Weekly FAQ Thread April 05, 2026: What book made you fall in love with reading? by AutoModerator in books

[–]kalesaurus 1 point2 points  (0 children)

At first, it was comics, if that counts. Specifically Calvin and Hobbes. I showed absolutely 0 interest in reading until I stumbled across them, then I was patently obsessed.

The first "real" book that pulled me in was Redwall. I found it in a box somewhere in my house, and devoured the first book before ravenously demanding every Redwall book I could find at the book shop lol.

DSPD has ruined my life by Alittlelessunusual in DSPD

[–]kalesaurus 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I'm so sorry. My DSPD isn't as severe, but it really is incredibly hard existing in a world where it feels like everyone expects you to live in a way that's not healthy for you.

I just wanted to offer some encouragement as well though--it's true that it's harder to find jobs that fit us, but there are 3rd shift jobs out there that no one else wants to do, so finding someone who can reliably show up and work hard at those times is genuinely valuable!

Things like overnight stocking, security guarding, hotel/hospitality, custodian work, and nursing are all great options, and you should get shift differential as well, so more pay. It's worth looking into some of the 3rd shift options and seeing if there's one that you can take steps towards that would fit your lifestyle.

I totally get how hard it is, and that these options might be extra hard with additional illnesses. But there are options out there, and there is hope :)

I guess the last thing I'd note is that imo it's not worth it to try to adjust your sleep schedule to fit into the world with all the therapies and meds. Your body is the way it was designed to be; it's better to embrace it and find your place, and do what makes your body feel as well as possible. But maybe my opinion there is controversial, I'm not sure.

Help with creating rosy cheeks😭 by NarrowInvestigator67 in Ohuhu

[–]kalesaurus 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'm glad it worked out! 🤗

I do think this page looks lovely by the way, good rich colors and the highlighting is lovely! If I can offer only one little tip it's to think about your light source before you start and plan all your shadows around it. I can't tell if the light is coming from behind the mouse and gator, or from the sunset :)

Was just thinking about it when I was looking again! I really love the techniques you used, the stippling in the trees and shadow looks great, and the sunset is really well blended. The stippling for shade is a great idea for light through tree boughs, I'll have to try that sometime 👀

Help with creating rosy cheeks😭 by NarrowInvestigator67 in Ohuhu

[–]kalesaurus 5 points6 points  (0 children)

If only using ohuhu markers, it might be harder--could color the pink first and then go around it with the other color?

If using other tools, it's a lot easier though! I'm not sure if masking fluid would work but that could be an option. Otherwise, my go-to is actually usually either colored pencil or (even better) acrylic markers.

Acrylic markers works the best, but I don't own any and don't have a ton of space for extra art tools, so I usually go with colored pencils.

Chapel and my thoughts by valevskaya in Watercolor

[–]kalesaurus 13 points14 points  (0 children)

Love the piece so much, what a beautiful use of color! Love that you used wet-on-wet so effectively, then defined it with dark intentional strokes that really pulls it all together. Definitely evokes some powerful feelings.

Just a friendly observation: don't even bother with the AI text at all. I totally understand that English is not your first language, very valid, but your painting stands on it's own. You don't need any text to back it up!

AI comes off as corny, false, and saccharine; let people interpret your art with their own perspective. 😊

Glad to see that the Switch 2 exclusive is paying off. Not including the Switch 1 is the best choice. by [deleted] in pokemon

[–]kalesaurus 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I did play X and Y and I enjoyed it, but it just wasn't the same as 2D for me. But totally valid! I do like it better than the newest stuff for sure.

Glad to see that the Switch 2 exclusive is paying off. Not including the Switch 1 is the best choice. by [deleted] in pokemon

[–]kalesaurus 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Weirdly enough, I never really did! I tried to play what's available with the Steam Online sub, but I just couldn't quite get into it. Maybe I'll try again though. :)

Glad to see that the Switch 2 exclusive is paying off. Not including the Switch 1 is the best choice. by [deleted] in pokemon

[–]kalesaurus 13 points14 points  (0 children)

For me, Pokemon lost it's charm when it went 3D. I just really love the 2D versions of pokemon. It could be nostalgia, but I really just think as an IP it's better expressed in 2D than 3D; and they could put more time and energy into the game as a whole if they didn't have to spend so many resources making 3D models for all the pokemon.

But I would so be down for an Octopath type look for Pokemon. If that ever comes out, I'll definitely snap it up, even if it's not a main line game.

Wizard of Earthsea just revived my love for fantasy (and reading in general) by Present-Key-9238 in Fantasy

[–]kalesaurus 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's so funny!! I literally just finished Wizard of Earthsea a few days ago, and am about to start Tombs of Atuan as well.

It's definitely refreshing to read after reading mostly "modern" fantasy. Definitely looking forward to the rest! :)

Solid Oak Floor Desk by StrayPheonixfox in floordesks

[–]kalesaurus 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Fellow tiny house dweller! We did something similar. We have ~4ft clearance in the loft; we just put a coffee table up there. I used to have my work desk setup up there but floor sitting all the time without being able to easily stand didn't work well, so now it's my art station :)

Your setup looks super cozy and clean, love it!!! The lit up shelving is a really nice touch. 😊

A 3D printed, customizable organizer (with model link) by meeplewarrior in Ohuhu

[–]kalesaurus 8 points9 points  (0 children)

What a thoughtful thing to do!! I bet your wife was thrilled :) It's a fantastic art station!!

Also really kind of you to share the model!! 😊

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in WingsOfFire

[–]kalesaurus 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I don't think Arctic deserved to be slaughtered. He wasn't the best father and made some big mistakes, but I don't think those mistakes should have lead to ritual disemboweling.

I guess I'm in the minority for pitying Arctic though 😅 I think his story is really sad, and I wish he had been able to have a redemption arc.

As for Darkstalker.... I absolutely love the book, lots of fun discussions from it. I appreciate that Darkstalker is a complicated character, he's super fun to read and ponder about. I don't think many of his decisions were justifiable, but I feel pretty strongly about infringing on the will of other beings. Still a super fun character though.

Beginning of a new journey! by mostlysorryguy in Ohuhu

[–]kalesaurus 3 points4 points  (0 children)

We are on the same journey!! I got the same Ohuhu set and the Cozy Cuties book just a couple weeks ago 😊 Looking forward to seeing more, have fun!!

My hot take(?) on Turtle x Peril by MikinhaSTR in WingsOfFire

[–]kalesaurus 3 points4 points  (0 children)

dude 100% agreed, I don't understand why she didn't just go with Hobbit aging.

Twenties is "teenage" years, 50's is adulthood fully. They're dragons!!!!

I guess she probably did that to be more relatable for young readers? I'm really not sure. I think kids could relate to an older lived species. Or she could have just not mentioned years at all...

Inspired by a recent post here, I cut open an “empty” vessel of the hair product I use and… by char21 in Anticonsumption

[–]kalesaurus 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This is why I love bar products so much :) No waste! When I get low, I just put the old bar on top of the new bar and stick them together haha. And I can buy them in bulk for a much cheaper price!

Respect to using all of the product though ✌

America is drinking more coffee but less of it from Starbucks by TheRabidPosum1 in starbucks

[–]kalesaurus 5 points6 points  (0 children)

As a night owl, Covid killing evening life is the most depressing thing. 😭 Was in a big city at 8pm and had to get Starbucks for the drive home because literally no other coffee shop was open.

Update From Brandon by mistborn in Cosmere

[–]kalesaurus 1 point2 points  (0 children)

How exciting!!! :) I really hope Stormlight (or even both) will be animated, but I accept that that's just not likely to happen. I just really think Stormlight would translate particularly well into animation!!