the Zelda material is super sad for me as well because my late baby sister and I bonded tightly over the Zelda games
First off, I hope you have been able to find your solace. Losing family sucks, but when it’s someone that close to you it frankly changes you. This internet stranger’s heart is with you, FWIW.
My brother and I bonded over the Zelda franchise (specifically the OoT/MM era, plus WW). We grew up rough, weren’t sure if we would even make it to our thirties, and those adventure games helped us escape from some pretty crappy experiences. To us, it’s more than a franchise: it’s a culture.
Link is (usually) never the same character in the games; they’re like reincarnations. Being a Link doesn’t mean being one singular person. To me, being a Link means being steadfast, flexible, compassionate and, above all, adventurous. Things anyone can do/be, and that’s why I think the Zelda franchise fosters some truly amazing gamers when they play those games. Although I do find myself regularly curbing the invasive thoughts to break people’s pots… small price to pay!
I digress, the explosive prevalence of the Internet has led to printed walkthrough manuals being a thing of the Early Aughts. Ahh, it’s great getting older!
This is something me and my brother always did whenever we collectively bought a new game for our N64/GameCube. I’ll never forget snapping that shrink wrap off, popping open the case, and whiffing in the wood-pulpy smell of a freshly-printed, made-with-love Wind Waker manual. It was all ogre when we bought the walkthrough manual; not even my wife smells that good.
Dude, I only have a 36" LED and budget sound bar and I still wouldn’t go to the cinema. It’s cheaper to rent the movie online, I can ensure my popcorn is perfectly buttered and not burnt (truly a game changer), and I don’t have to shush 2.5 teenagers every matinee night.
Raspberry leaf, hibiscus, and rosehips. Citrus peel instead of rosehips if you prefer a more fruity blend. Cold press with a teaspoon or two of wildflower honey, add a mint leaf for freshness and you have wonderfully refreshing summertime tea. Add boba for the kids and they don’t mind the low sugar content!
Kika meowing loudly because she “hunted” something
Our 10yo Tabby has done this since the first day I adopted her. We found it so endearing we bought her a stuffed rat that’s almost bigger than her own noggin.
In regards to sleep hygiene, that was arguably the worst decision we’ve ever made.
It’s not so much about paying more, but rather directing where my taxes go. I already pay out the ass in taxes where I live, I’d just rather see my hard-earned income spent on public comprehensive healthcare… primary and undergrad education… automating as much production as possible… universal basic income.
Not blowing people up. Not digging for oil. Not bailing out corporations. And CERTAINLY not funding police with military surplus used to oppress and murder our very own citizens.
The people using my money for those purposes, and more, can go Fuck themselves to death. Preferably in the least enjoyable way possible.
Some kid the town over from me was going max speed (~50km/h) and smoked their leg on a mailbox. Probably needed over a dozen stitches, judging by the picture.
I won’t be surprised if they get regulated to half their current speed, or even needing basic licensure and an age limit to operate one.