Writer's block is the worst. I know two tricks for academic paper writing. First, imagine you had to explain your topic to your best friend. What would you say? Second, do not worry about sounding stupid or being perfect, just sit down and write for twenty minutes. Or five minutes, whatever you can manage. Just get…

I don't know if anyone here follows the awesome tumblr medievalpoc, but I can't deal with the horrible, violent reaction someone had to this post. Horrible racist reaction to Disney criticism. I just can't.

Does you guys have any suggestions for products that will get rid of dark spots and acne scars? I know Clinique has something but it's pretty expensive and the reviews on Sephora.com aren't great. Any other ones that have worked for you?

Yes, open thread. I've been waiting for this! So, as many people here know my relationship with my boyfriend of six years has been slowly and very painfully coming apart over the past few months. I'm finally getting to a place where I can recognize that this might really be the end. As in over for good, never see him…

Code breaking is the coolest. I like making up codes for my son and his cousins to break. My niece (the youngest of the three) is the best at it. When she was five and the boys were eight, I set up a puzzle with a cipher wheel at our local garden. She was busting those codes faster than the boys and then she got bored…

*trigger warning* (non-descriptive mention of sexual assault)

Mr. Catasstrophy had a job interview this week—for the job he's wanted for a looong time. Circumstances finally fell into place where the job was open and he was qualified for it. We were supposed to hear back about their decision (between him and some other guy) yesterday. No word yet. Have to wait until Monday.

My therapist is leaving town. I am happy for her (she's doing awesome things) but also really sad. She is absolutely amazing, and helped me so much, even though I think I have more work to do. I crochet, and I am planning on crocheting her a blanket (she is always cold, and has multiple blankets in her office, and…

*shifty eyes right*

I'm thinking of getting the iPhone 5c instead of the 5s. Does anyone have a 5c? Are you madly in love with it or is it a lukewarm relationship? What did you upgrade from? For the Android phones out there, I like you, but I'm just not into you.

Just finished watching Blancanieves--you know, the silent, black-and-white Spanish retelling of Snow White as a bullfighter? And I just can't. It was SO GODDAMN SAD. This is the second time in as many days when I've tried to watch something that I thought was going to be whimsical and charming and instead just kicked…

Hey Jezzies! I'm inspired by the holiday gift post, but I want to turn it around.

:/ sad because I can't sew clothes for myself, and can't find ethical fashion in my size (it's over 20, even at my thinnest and most active.) Going to try learning to sew again (have tried before) and get active in some ethical fashion campaigns so I'll know I have done as much as a I can. Anyone else in similar…

I have three classes, one test, and two assignments before I can go home for Thanksgiving and I'm currently working my way through a Ghirardelli dark chocolate, caramel, and sea salt bar and watching Doctor Who instead. Yay Saturday night!

Hair care question! I have very long, very thick hair that in the past year or so has become very finicky about shampoos. After washing my hair with most mainstream shampoos, I find that my hair still feels gross, heavy and almost oily like I never even washed it! I read that this can be caused by product build up,…

Phd applications due in only a couple of weeks you guys? I applying for Economics and I am particularly interested in labor economics (particularly with a focus on gender, but for sure I am not saying THAT to an admission committee). Anyone else?

It's my birthday today—(and I'm working a double-shift with a cold.) Anyone want to celebrate with me?

So I'm thinking of cutting ties with my family. We all got Whatsapp and started a group chat, but it's turned into them making racist jokes, saying they would kill black people if they got the chance, and even worse things I dare not say on the Internet. When I made a comment like "Cool your jets, George Zimmerman"…

So what are we drinking tonight ladies? I'm doing beer tonight.

I'll be traveling from Maine to Alabama with Mini-Pie early in December. She'll be 6 months old and it'll be her first flight. Any tips? She's a breastfed baby so at least I don't have to worry about carrying/mixing bottles but if anyone else has any helpful tips, things you wished you knew, etc that would be awesome!