I don’t drink at all. Might have a taste (which is quite literally a taste) of my partner’s drink if it’s something new, but that’s it. Otherwise, I have what looks and feels like an allergic reaction if I even have a mouthful.

My view on it is that as long as you’re responsible about it and aren’t causing anyone else discomfort or putting them at risk (being creepy, violent, making a mess, driving, etc.), then I’m okay with it. What you put in your body isn’t my decision and you shouldn’t let your alcohol-fueled self decide the fate of others.

As for me getting around people asking me if I want a drink, they’ve all been pretty respectful when I decline. If they pushed, they wouldn’t likely be people I surround myself with. I’m also always happy to be designated driver, so I get offered mocktails instead. 😎

Oh gods. Really, can SA have an even worse reputation than it already does. 😂😭

I don’t have a computer - I just use my phone for Samsung Dex and my tablet (which I think might actually be Linux-based or something. I’m a tech noob).

Otherwise, Windows for work.

Always results in an eyeroll and a laugh/snort/grumble about it being the stupidest joke, but I love it.

I know. What I don’t know is where that came from. I can’t read much of Reddit after they now try to force you to download their app, but an basic internet search came up with things like Atomic Bomb, AfterBirth, ABortion. ☠️

I have asked my partner to share one with me in case I don’t like it, but he doesn’t want one unless he’s been drinking. Apparently it is a late night sort of food, which might be the equivalent to KFC and Macca’s at 3AM.

Had to look that up. It actually just looks like kebab meat.

Which triggers another food item memory: the HSP. It’s called this in Victoria, but other things in other states. I’ve not had one of these yet either.

What do you call a hen that counts her own eggs? A mathemachicken.

Not a recipe, but durian. I tried it for the first time a few weeks ago fresh in Malaysia, and though the smell was enticing, the taste was not.

Haggis. Really wasn’t keen on it when I first heard about it. Went to Scotland and tried it, and enjoyed it. Would not eat more than one portion, it is incredibly rich.

Balut. Haven’t not gone to the Philippines yet, but this is something I’m not sure I’m game to try.

Sauerkraut. I never liked anything pickled when I was younger, and when I tried it, I didn’t like it. I think it was probably because it was from a jar. I really like it now.

Edit: How could I forget this one. So I worked in the West Wimmera region for a while, and then I was told about this: The florrie. It is uniquely Horsham, Victoria. My colleague is not good as describing things so it sounded worse than it is.

I have an “anxiety first aid kit” in my bag for exactly this when I can’t get out to greenspace. I have:

• menthol cough lollies (smell, taste, feel)

• headphones (hear), and earplugs (hear, for when I’m overwhelmed and need some quiet)

• hand warmers (feel, one of my first signs is cold/numb fingers)

• a nostalgic menthol rubbing oil that my mum used to use on my neck and chest whenever I was sick as a kid (smell)

• peppermint oil for when I’m nauseous (smell)

• I wear a ring (feel).

If I resort to headphones, I also use the Balance app and pick one for dealing with anxiety. It gives me something to focus on when someone is telling me what to do.

Thanks so much! I’ll definitely give it a go now.

Oh… I didn’t realise that, haha. I’ve not actively seeked out female authors, perhaps I’ve just been drawn to female leads, which I think often goes hand in hand with female authors. Either way, I have enjoyed the listed books immensely.

I haven’t read anything by Tchaikovsky, but I will soon, especially with the +1s on this thread.

My favourites so far have been Alchemised by SenLinYu, Red City by Marie Lu, and Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros. Unashamed. Just finished the two Ali Dawson books by Elly Griffiths this week. Quick and fun crime reads.

DNF The Chronicles of Narnia nor The Grace of Kings by Ken Liu. The first being children being incredibly annoying to me (didn’t grow up with it so at my age now, I’m not the target audience), and The Grace of Kings just being far too slow.

A friend gave me Children of Time by Adrian Tchaikovsky, but I haven’t opened it yet. Maybe it’s time I give it a crack.

Though next up is Mrs Sim is a Killer by Kang Jiyoung. Picked that up from the library so I’m on a time limit. Will try to start that tonight.

Oh gods.

I’ve been on the fence about kimchi. I tried so many in Canada and Australia, but I just don’t like the flavour. However, couldn’t stop eating it when I was in South Korea. Definitely the jar vs fresh thing. I find the jar stuff just too strong.

A bit of sriracha would go well, yes! And also yes, I was too excited and hungry, so I might have put a little too much pressure on the roll when cutting, haha!

Currently sitting on a step stool while out shopping with the +1 while he tries on dress shirts for a wedding he’s going to next week. I would kill to be eating this pizza right now.

I have a Garmin Fenix 5 Plus. I track my activities whether it’s a long walk, a hike, or paddle. It helps when hiking because if I get a bit lost, I can look at the map to see the trails I’ve walked, or how fast I’ve paddled/hiked/etc. It also has an emergency function so if my heart rate suddenly spikes or if I quickly drop in height (like a cliff, though it has been triggered once when I climbed down a water fall), it’ll send an emergency message to my emergency contacts with coordinates.

I have it set to remind me to move every hour if I haven’t moved from my desk. This in addition to step counts.

Sleep tracking, though Garmin is/was notorious for poor sleep tracking, so I don’t really count on it too much.

Date and time. I also have a little clock on the bottom to tell me what time it is back home so I know when to not call.

I like seeing my fitness go up on the dial. Not so much the other way around.

I also use it for my morning wake up alarm. It vibrates on my wrist instead of an audible alarm to wake up the +1. He doesn’t have a smart watch, so I wake up every morning at stupid o’clock.

Badges. I love collecting the badges.

Interesting! I have heard almost similar with eye-byoo-proh-fen instead. Wonder if it’s a regional thing or an individual thing.

That’s a good one! Maybe not quite on top, but still a good answer. I think it’d be like how they teach us directions as kids: Never Eat Shredded Wheat, Never Eat Soggy Weiners,… Just looked up how others remember this, and some of them are NSFW. 😂