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Happy Valentine's day
Chatterbox: Chirp at Cricket
Happy Valentine's day
Happy Valentine's day!
Hi everyone, I hope you've all been doing well. I almost forgot about today; I'm glad I didn't. I hope some other older CBers show up :P
I'm getting ready for graduation--this is my last semester of high school--and have been enjoying the last few months of it while it lasts. I still don't know what I want to do for a career--"writer" vs vet/something similar--but at least I've narrowed my college selection down to 2 really awesome colleges.
I had my 18th birthday in January, so that was exciting. For those of you who are still young and wondering what growing up is like, or how grownups survive, or what the secret enlightenment is that comes with age--the secret is, there isn't one. When I was little I used to think I'd completely change when I became a grownup, but I'm learning now that no, that's not the case--you're always going to be the same person, just under a different set of circumstances. You have to learn to be mature and responsible yourself, but it's comforting to know that every other adult went through the same stressful time of change that you're going through, and they made it out alive--so you can too.
Also some more advice, which is unfortunately rather difficult in practice: be in command of yourself. And by this I mean, liberty is not doing whatever you want. When you cave in to every one of your desires, you start to lose command of yourself. Online videos (aka procrastination) are a big one for me--it is hard to resist the urge to just watch one quick video. And another, and another. Instead of denying myself that comfort, I get lazy. And that's not how a person grows. Don't let your desires control you; don't get lost in the self-love movement. It's as simple as just saying no and stepping away from the distraction/irresponsible activity. Discipline doesn't feel good, but when you get strong enough to put aside the addicting "junk foods" of life, you will be set for success!
I've recently gotten into the hobby of ant keeping...Think of it like the land equivalent of keeping fish, haha. I was considering being an entomologist for a while, but I decided I just enjoy bugs as a hobby. I think it's just the coolest thing to catch queens and watch them raise their colonies...I caught mine over the winter while they were hibernating under rocks. I have carpenter ants, acrobat ants, and a couple other genera. Does anyone else like keeping bugs?
This year our flock of sheep had 7 lambs, and they are the cutest! We got some really unusual colors this time--a brown one, a brown speckled one, and even a black and white one.
It actually hasn't been too long since I've seen some of you on YWP. I was sorry to hear about the classrooms. They've never done that sort of thing before, until now. I think something bad must have happened elsewhere on the site. The moderators even deleted my school's creative writing club classroom, and my teacher wasn't breaking any rules.
And to those who don't know me, greetings and hello! My name is Micearenice. I joined the CB in October 2015 and left in August 2019. (Though I stuck around on Kyngdom until a few months ago.) I was twelve back when I first joined, and my favorite activities were ski lodges, roleplays, and games. Today I'm hoping to see some familiar faces from back then :)
It's good to hear from you, Micearenice! I, too, am hoping we hear from more Chatterbox alums today! You're the first.
Best wishes,
Admin
submitted by Micearenice, age 18
(February 14, 2021 - 11:46 am)
(February 14, 2021 - 11:46 am)
Hey Ruby! Long time no see indeed- I missed you! It has to be upwards of five or six years, right? I'm afraid I wasn't in the best place mentally or circumstantially when you knew me last, so I let so many friendships fall to the wayside that I now regret.
As for how I've been- it would be too hard to sum up so many years in a few sentences, so instead I'll talk about where I am now. I am halfway through a degree in interior design with the lofty hopes of someday working on sustainable commerical/educational infrastructure. I'm working in design as well, with internships and freelance work, and pursuing illustration and writing on the side. Basically, I'm being a boring adult. But I echo your statement in your own post: I am, for the first time, actually happy. It's funny how that happens: I always imagined it so quick when I was younger, some big change that revolves everything around to be better as you grow up. Instead, I think I've settled on happiness being a day-by-day thing. So much less glorious then I imagined it, but at the same time much better.
How have you been? I would love to stay in touch now, in whatever form that takes.
(February 15, 2021 - 1:02 am)
Oh thank goodness, it is you! I was going to feel so embarrassed if I had accidentally confused you with someone else.
No need to regret losing contact. You had limited energy available to yourself, so something had to be left by the roadside. Believe me, I was not in a good place either when I knew you last, but I am very glad to hear that your circumstances have improved since.
Sustainable infrastructure is a very important goal indeed! Kudos to you for embarking down this route that is so very necessary for the future of our world. It sounds like you are also very busy with a variety of different projects. That's absolutely amazing. What sort of illustration and writing do you do?
(February 15, 2021 - 10:47 pm)
It is me indeed, no need for embarassment!
That's true! I don't think we can blame our younger selves for the things we had to juggle.
Thank you! There's a lot to be done in terms of sustainablity (or what we call "climate positive" buildings), and its actual application. The more i learn in school about the actual way things are regulated, the more I want to work on. There's so much to be done.
As for illustration: I dabble in pretty much everything when it comes to art, but I far perfer environments to animate objects. I know that's a rarity, but I fall in love with the details. I'm mainly a traditional artist simply by virtue of years of practice, and my favourite medium is gouache. Within the last few years I've been slowly teaching myself digital and, with it, simple animation. I'm not nearly good enough yet, but someday I hope to freelance in illustration in some capacity. And for writing: I've fallen out of habit with longer-form writing as I had less time to pursue it, but I still have some projects on the back-burner. Lately I've just been writing poetry, and this winter I got a few published, which was validating to say the least. Have you pursued writing to any extent?
(February 16, 2021 - 1:05 am)
Hi Mice! I'm not sure if you remember me from the nano classroom, but you've always seemed super nice and mature! I used to keep ants when I was younger, but I haven't in years. I think bugs are pretty cool, though! Your lambs sound adorable! My family doesn't keep any big animals like that, but I do have some chickens. I hope your last semester goes well! I'm going into highschool next year and graduating seems very far away for me. I feel like it'll go quickly, though. Anyways, it's really good to see you again!
(February 14, 2021 - 8:37 pm)
Hey! It hit me this evening that it's Valentine's Day, which means old CBers must be coming back.
I'm Ruby, known for being one of the few active guys here around 2012 - 2015; starting the Ski Lodge style games; championing my best friend in the whole wide world, Red; and (probably) being a real pain for the admins, haha. Thank you very much, admins - you deserve a medal for putting up with preteen and teenage me. I admire your patience and the choices that you made for CBer safety.
I work in education now as a math teacher while pursuing a degree in computer science and training to become a professional translator. I also do advocacy work and participate in research to help prevent children with severe mental disabilities sharing the same painful upbringing I had. I feel like these are very boring adult things... But much more importantly, I am happy for the first time in my life.
The CB is a much different place since I left it, and I'm delighted to see how much it has changed for the better, and yet at the same time, I see that it is much the same place as it always was - a safe and friendly forum for very talented and creative kids to work together and play together. Thank you, each and every one of you, for keeping the spirit of the CB alive and enriching it with your presences and energy.
I recognize a few people here from the tail end of my time on the CB, but I don't think most of you know me or were close to me. Still, don't be shy to say hi. It's good to see others grown up and matured.
Ruby, it's so good to hear from you! I remember you well. Thank you for remembering CB reuinion day, stopping in, and telling us what important, meaningful things you are doing today. You are making a postivie difference in many lives.
Best wishes,
Admin
(February 14, 2021 - 11:20 pm)
RUBY!! I remember fondly how I loved looking at your old posts.... most likely you have NO idea who I am, but I’m one of your biggest fans! *sees your age bar now* wow it’s hard to imagine that you’ve grown up!!
Mice, your Art was my d r e am. Do you still draw?? Also, I think I showed up right on the tail end of when you left. I’d like to know if you remember me :)
Hey, if any of you alums are still hanging around, would anybody like to give me advice on growing up? I’m almost a teen, and honestly I’m scared.
(February 15, 2021 - 8:50 am)
Hello, it's very nice to meet you.
Advice on growing up for a soon to be teenager... Hm.
Being a teenager can be frightening, because it's a time period marked by many changes. Your body begins to change in dramatic ways, your teachers and parents start to expect more from you, and your classmates start to act in baffling ways you can't always comprehend. You will also find that who you are as a person will start shifting as well, and it's okay to find this a bit scary. However, try to capitalize on this opportunity for change by becoming the very best person you can be. You may find that some aspects of who you were as a child were not as considerate or as kind as they could have been. It is okay to reject those aspects and pick up others. You can experiment in finding yourself. Treat yourself and others with as much compassion as you can, as that is the quality the greatest people in the world have in abundance.
You will make mistakes, and it will very likely hurt. Yet no matter what they may be, you are not defined by your mistakes. Mistakes are first and foremost learning opportunities. Understand what caused them to happen, apologize to any parties involved (including to yourself, if need be), and make efforts to repeat them less often. There is very little that cannot be solved with honest communication and cooperation. You are not alone, and it is always okay to ask for help in any capacity.
School isn't the end-all, be-all, but it is vital for learning important skills and opening doors for more opportunities later on down the road. Therefore you should take it seriously and give it your best shot, but don't make yourself worried sick over it. You will have more opportunities in the future, and sometimes the current opportunity isn't the right time for you. Let yourself rest when you can.
Never be afraid to assert your boundaries when you are uncomfortable, and do not let anyone make you feel like you do not deserve the dignity and agency your boundaries provide you.
You are already embarking on a wonderful journey through life, and this is another step along the way. Continue growing, learning, and reading, and I am sure you will live a magnificent life you can be proud of.
(February 15, 2021 - 11:16 pm)
Hi Ruby!! I remember you but I don't remember if you were still here when I joined or if I just knew you from reading your ski lodges. You're basically a CB legend after all.
I'm glad you're doing well, and your "boring adult things" don't sound boring at all! It's awesome that you're using your experience to help other people. Thanks for stopping by! I'm not sure if you'll remember me, but it's still great to see you.
(February 15, 2021 - 12:44 pm)
Yes, I do indeed remember you! How have you been? Have you had any grand adventures over the past few years?
(February 15, 2021 - 11:18 pm)
OH MY GOSH OH MY GOSH OH MY GOSH!!!!
Hi Ruby!! You may or may not know me, I know you though, I came here around the time that you left I think? You're super cool, and wow you're 21 now?! Awesome! I think that you helping to partcipate in research helping those with severe mental disabilities. That's not boring adult things at all! Anyways, super good to see you!
(February 15, 2021 - 4:59 pm)
Hello, Joan! Yes, I do indeed remember you. How have you been? It's great to see you again.
I think the research I mentioned is much less interesting than I made it sound. Essentially I fill out questionnaires or complete interviews for university graduate students studying my particular disability. They always ask questions like, "How do you feel about this disability?" and I say, "It sucks very much", hahaha. But these studies do sometimes inform funding of state programs or medication research, so it is helpful in that sense.
(February 15, 2021 - 11:21 pm)
I've been great! Found out I'm on the spectrum for autism, which has been different but actually quite interesting and exciting to learn about a new part of who I am. :) And I'm going to college in 2 months, so I'm super excited about that too. :)
If you don't mind me asking, what disability do you have? You don't have to tell me if you feel uncomfortable doing so.
(February 16, 2021 - 7:44 pm)
OH. MY. GOSH.
my first reactions to the post:
1. MICE! HI! OMIGOSH ITS BEEN SO LONG! whoops, sorry.
2. AAAAAAH! TODAY WOULD BE THE DAY MY HIATUS WAS OVER IF I HADN'T LEFT! EEEK!
3. TODAY IS VALENTINE'S DAY?! HOW COULD I FORGET!!!
4. OMIGOSH SO MANY OTHER OLDER CBERS!!!!!
Anyways! Hi! I'm NightSky, formerly, NDF, formerly Nightfall DreamFire, formerly Nightfall, formerly Spirit. Bounjour it is, then! I have way too many AEs.
RUBY OH. MY. GOSH. HIIIIII!!!! I READ THROUGH YOUR SKI LODGES THEY'RE AMAZING-
AAAAAAAAAAAAH IM LITERALLY DYING RIGHT NOW THERE ARE SO MANY COOL OLDER CBERSSSSSSSSSSSSSS IM DYINGGG OF HAPPINESSSSS AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH
sorry. ack. im cringey sometimes.
-nightsky-
(February 15, 2021 - 12:42 am)
EEEEE It's SO cool to see all these "legendary" CBers coming back! Most of you I never knew but heard of, so it's awesome to see how y'all are doing and what you've decided to do with your lives. I definitely agree with you, Mice, about growing up, even though I'm only 14. And it's so cool that you keep ants and sheep, I love any animals really! Bye for now!
(February 15, 2021 - 8:59 am)
@Night and Aza IKR!!! I feel so babyish XD! Could someone link one of Ruby's ski lodges? I would LOVE to read one! @Mice, Corina, Joan, Ruby and everyone in between You guys are the legends of the CB and you make Valentine's Day the ultimate time of the year on the CB!
(February 15, 2021 - 10:35 am)