I haven’t participated in a Wordless Wednesday link-up for ages, so figured the time was ripe. Or perhaps overly-ripe… But here I am nonetheless.
And I thought I’d share some of the coping mechanisms I’ve been employing to keep me sane. I’ve posted some personal stuff recently which has probably given you the impression I’m teetering on the edge. Well, thankfully I’m not that bad (at least during the day 😉 ) but I’ve developed a few interesting crutches.
1. Taipei
My father loved Taipei (or Mahjong) back when games first became available on desktop computers. I wasn’t much into it at the time, but I downloaded it onto my iPhone and now find myself playing it several times a day—when I’m stressed, frustrated, depressed, bored etc. Bizarrely I really love it when I don’t get it out first time and I have to backtrack or start the same game again using different and more deliberate moves. In fact I’m pretty sure Mensa or some government agency with an acronym (monitoring our internet usage) will be knocking on my door soon, seeking my superior problem solving skills to consult on national security issues.
2. 7 Little Words
Yes, another game. These are the only two I play. I avoid Facebbok games like the plague but a couple of months ago I discovered 7 Little Words releases a new game every day. It means the insomniac in me has something to look forward to when midnight ticks over into a new day. I’m usually bored and frustrated by my inability to sleep and this way I can pick up my phone, diverting my busy (ADD) mind to… finding 7 little words.
3. Masterchef Australia
I’ve often proudly boasted that I’ve never fallen prey to any cooking, home renovation or dating reality TV shows. However I’ll need to take that fun fact off my resume because I’ve become addicted to the latest season of Masterchef. I don’t know how or why it happened but I (accidentally) watched part of it once and now I’m taping it nightly. I’ve never heard of half of the dishes or ingredients and don’t eat much of what they cook, but I’m loving it. Incidentally, go #Georgia and / or #Reynold!
4. Dr Sandra Lee (aka Dr Pimple Popper)
Even more embarrassing than Masterchef is this site I came across on Instagram. I gather Dr Lee is vaguely famous and is (or was) a television regular. She seems fond of fame and I’ve never seen so many purposeful selfies and gratuitous outfit pics on an Instagram feed EVER. However she’s also a dermatologist and posts pics and videos of her work.
I gather people are either pimple-poppers or not. Sadly (as one can tell from my scarring) I’m prone to squeezing. Now I don’t find any OTT pleasure in watching blackheads and cysts ooze gruesome stuff…. But it is strangely satisfying. I’m kinda horrified and delighted (in equal parts) at some of her exorcisms extractions, the worst of which I watch through squinted eyes. Dr Lee’s videos are hugely popular and you can check her out on Instagram as DrSandraLee or DrPimplePopper. She also has a YouTube channel for your extended viewing pleasure. Warning – some of the stuff in our bodies is truly gross. #beware #sorrynotsorry
So there you have it—some of the weird and wonderful things I’ve been employing to help ME cope. And of course there’s the usual stuff as well, reading, junk food, diet coke, wine and so forth. But I’m fairly sure they’re not quite as interesting.
Do you have any usual crutches or habits to help you cope?
Are you a pimple popper? Or are you grossed-out?
I’m linking up with Trish and My Little Drummer Boys today.
June 24, 2015
Reading, Writing abd Blogging for me 🙂 that is my hobby and stress relief therapy hence the name of my blog 🙂 there is also swimming and movies 🙂
June 24, 2015
They’re biggies for me too – I find writing very cathartic. At the moment I only read at night (arbitrary rule I’ve got) but yesterday I discovered I have almost 100 draft blog posts. I suspect many are the type that I’ve written on a whim and never finished or posted! (And most probably should never see the light of day!)
June 24, 2015
that is amazing, though Deb! 100! 🙂 when I consider myself productive I have about 5 🙂
June 24, 2015
I’d be lucky if there were 5 good ones amongst my 100!
June 24, 2015
I have no idea how to play mahjong, am downloading 7 little words now, am also addicted to Masterchef & as for pimple popper? Ummmm eeeeeeeuwwwww….
June 24, 2015
I played all 50 free games of 7 Little Words a few years ago and then completely forgot about it until recently. I opened it one night when I couldn’t sleep and discovered the ‘free new game every day’ thing. The only thing that frustrates me is some hints / words are very American and mean nothing to me.
June 24, 2015
You had to put that up there. I can’t see Mahjong without trying to solve it…I might now be addicted again.
I’ve also been recording Masterchef but I’m 15+ episodes behind, I figure I’ll catch up at some stage. I love the recipes and the ideas, not so excited by the competition part of it.
June 24, 2015
Oh yes, like I said… I prefer it when I don’t get it out quickly (I hate it when I do). I often pick up my phone to play it when I need to occupy my mind, so finishing it too quickly is just WRONG and for some reason I won’t start a second game after finishing the first. So NOT getting it out and having to back-track or starting the game again is my preference. I most love those games which seem IMPOSSIBLE and I have to play again and again to get it out. I’ve got a crappy memory so if it takes a few sittings or days it’s a challenge to remember my previous ‘mistakes’ (ie. a set of tiles I’ve paired which have rendered the second pairing impossible)
June 24, 2015
I must say, I’m a fan of Masterchef too, I love seeing those guys create such masterpieces, keeps me in awe. I’ve never tried Mahjong, I must put that on my list to try, thanks Deborah. x
June 24, 2015
I can’t believe ‘home’ cooks have such amazing abilities and repertoires. (Unlike other shows where they get to cook things in their comfort zone!)
June 24, 2015
I have never played Mahjong, but might give it a go… and the “Pimple Popper”? who knew ?
June 24, 2015
It’s very addictive – the Mahjong… and *possibly* the pimple popping thing!
June 24, 2015
Total Masterchef addict here and you’ve joined the club on a great season, these guys have serious talent. And I’m with you on Georgia or Reynold 🙂 And thanks I thought I’d kicked my mahjong habit but just the mention of it and I’m gone! I love word games too but I haven’t played that one … off to check it out HA. I used to be addicted to Candy Crush until it gave me the shits with the game always crashing.
My biggest crutch in the wee hours #insomniacsunite is pinterest. Love, love love it!!
June 24, 2015
I only play the free version of 7 Little Words Teddyree but you can get more games if you pay for them.
I used to go through Pinterest a lot at night as well but took that (and Instagram) off my devices. I’ve put Instagram back on but need to take it off again as I suffer too much from life-envy when I go through my feed!
June 24, 2015
The thought of pimple popping someone else’s zits makes me a little squeamish lol. I am interested in your other coping mechanisms though!! heheh! New games!!
June 24, 2015
Yes, I don’t think I’d be wanting to pop someone else’s pimples, but guess if you’re a dermatologist you see far worse!!!!
June 24, 2015
Ewww – the pimple popping! I used to be quite addicted to Masterchef but I’m kind of over it. (Mind you I was drawn into it a few years ago, so I have a few years on you). Also, I think it’s partly that I used to watch it with my kids, and now they aren’t here, it makes me feel a bit sad. I like chilling out with the pets, writing, blogging, reading and travelling when I can afford it!
June 24, 2015
I wonder if I’ll watch again next season. I’ve still no desire to watch any of the other shows but guess I could get into them as well. Best I not go there!
June 24, 2015
we know this.
I still use this and do this:
TRASHY TRASHY LOW INTELLECTUAL VALUE TV.
xoxo
June 24, 2015
I don’t watch TOO much of this, but guess a lot of my fave programs (even the likes of Criminal Minds, Elementary, Person of Interest) could fall in this category. I rarely (read: never) watch documentaries, for eg!
June 25, 2015
You are hilarious Deb. I developed a love for Mahjong when I was pregnant on bed rest with the twins. Also went through a sudoku phase.
June 25, 2015
I’ve never tried online sudoku, but have played the hard-copy version. Was also a crossword addict in the past (which my mother is now. She goes through over one crossword book a week and does them in the daily paper and weekly mags she gets etc!).
June 25, 2015
I should have done medicine instead of vet science, studied to be a dermatologist and spent all of my days popping pimples. It’s always been something I’ve found immensely satisfying. I’ve done it to my husband and kids but didn’t realise you could make a profession from it.
June 25, 2015
I didn’t realise you needed to do medicine to be a dermatologist… I kinda wonder if you’d get some really gruesome stuff though…
June 25, 2015
I haven’t heard of either of those games! They sound like fun. I like blogging and reading to relax me! Dr PimplePopper completely grosses me out!!!!
June 25, 2015
Ah yes, I think it’s one of those things you love (like) or hate. I can’t watch anything too gruesome or graphic and most certainly can’t watch surgeries etc. Even autopsies on TV shows freak me out a little!
June 25, 2015
Hi Deb. Just found you through yesterday’s Wordless Wednesday link up. I too am a fan of Masterchef. I love that it’s something I can watch with my kids (6 and 9 years) at that time of night. It’s so much better than a lot of the other rubbish on TV these days I reckon! My coping tools are early morning walks with a friend (good for a vent and a giggle) and getting out and socialising when I can. Working from home can be isolating otherwise. I also love my Word With Friends app on my phone. So 7 Little Words would probably suit me too!
June 25, 2015
I’ve never tried Words With Friends, but I gather it’s a competitive game, so not sure I’d want to be playing that with friends! 😉
June 26, 2015
It upset people (or sisters) if you accused them of cheating WWF
June 26, 2015
Oh yes, I can imagine!!!
June 26, 2015
Oh , my parents had real mahong and then the digital kind. It’s addictive.
June 26, 2015
I can’t actually imagine how you’d play the real thing…. Perhaps I should learn.
June 26, 2015
That pimple popping, so gross but so incredibly funny! We’re pretty similar Deb, apart from the pimple picking fetish. LOL. Like your Masterchef, I feel the same about Selling Houses Australia. I love to sit down and watch it and thankfully it’s on a few times a week on Lifestyle. There’s something soothing about repetition I think, lulls you into a comfort space. I used to love 7 Little Words, it’s so simply and highly addictive isn’t it! I love puzzle or word games. I could easily play some of them until my battery goes flat. Nice tips Deb, apart from the pimple popping site. Good grief that’s horrid! 😀 😀
June 26, 2015
🙂 I used to love Escape to the Country as well for similar reasons. So calming and cathartic!!!
June 28, 2015
I love 7 Little Words also. Do you play Moxie or Red Herring, also free by the same company? They are good, too.
June 29, 2015
No Elizabeth – I see them ‘suggested’ at the bottom but wasn’t sure what they were. Will check them out next time I’m sleepless and looking for things to occupy me!
June 29, 2015
I relax with word games sometimes. I’ve tried to stay away from them this summer; they took over my day last summer.
http://readerbuzz.blogspot.com/2015/06/sunday-salon-my-week-in-books.html
June 29, 2015
I think I try to stay away from desktop computer games for that reason. It’s probably best if I leave my desktop computer for writing, blogging and (alas) social media!
September 8, 2015
Oh my, we must have been separated at birth! It’s nice to see someone else with the same likes!