Daydreamer Diaries: 10/13/20

Musings

With less than a month until election day and with everything that’s happened in the past 4 years, I spend a lot of my current free time hoping that Americans do the right thing on November 3rd. So many lives are at risk if Trump stays in office. Vote early if you can!

In other news, I’ve been loving the fall vibes so far–it’s been a minute since I’ve experienced autumn! Last week I went on a hike hoping to see some foliage, but it was a bit too early. Still pretty though 🙂

Currently Watching

Lately I’ve been more into YouTube than ever before, ironically right as recent documentaries are bringing to light the dangers and addiction potential of social media, including YouTube. It seems like the Social Dilemma on Netflix is what everyone is talking about right now, so I gave it a watch too (after binging literally hours of videos on YouTube haha).

The Social Dilemma

I definitely think this is worth watching to gain a basic understanding of how social media affects the mind and how humans are being sold as “the product” to ad companies. I learned new information for sure, but not as much as I was expecting considering the reaction and hype surrounding this documentary. It was pretty crazy to hear a former industry leader say his short term fear if nothing changes is civil war… and that’s just a short term fear. He also won’t let his kids use any devices or apps, and that says a lot about how harmful he finds technology as it stands today.

I guess the reason I wasn’t more “shocked” was because I was aware of a lot of what was touched upon. I already know how Facebook and Instagram can affect your mood and how much time they can suck from your day. I try to keep the list of people I follow short, and I never allow notifications. I also never click on any suggested pages or videos. If I click on something, it’s because I personally searched for it.

I don’t feel too bad about the way I use social media in my own life, but I do worry about the impact it will have on younger generations who don’t know life without it. Changes definitely need to be made and tech companies need to be held responsible and forced into more ethical practices moving forward. I do recommend watching this documentary, just so you know what you’re up against when you use all these platforms.

Allie Glines

Her make up tutorials have been such an unexpected slice of joy to me for the past month. I’ve never been into make up videos before and I don’t wear a lot of make up in my day-to-day life, but a friend highly recommended her channel for a couple different reasons. I’ve been hooked ever since and have spent hours in a rabbit hole watching way too many of her videos. She’s just so sweet and creates beautiful looks–it’s mesmerizing to watch… you almost can get into a trance (like watching Bob Ross paint).

I haven’t bought new make up for probably a decade, so I did buy new products based on some of her recommendations. That’s 100% the definition of being “influenced” and probably what they’re trying to warn you about in The Social Dilemma. BUT… I wanted to update my make up and wouldn’t have known where to start on my own. I always go to the internet for inspiration when it comes to fashion or travel or stuff like that. I’m just not lucky enough to have that creative flare for make up or outfits on my own.

So did I really get influenced into doing something I didn’t want to do? I also have grown to like her channel and the content she’s producing, so if I make a purchase that supports her career is that really a bad thing? This is where the water gets a bit muddy. I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Some videos of her’s that I really love:

I recreated the look she did above because I have the exact eye pallet she used (Persona Cosmetics Identity Pallet). Here’s how it turned out! Not as good as her, but not bad for like my 2nd time following one of her tutorials. My eyes are so red because somehow I was brushing eye shadow directly onto my eyeballs haha–make up really is an art form and my skills need improvement for sure.

If you need a laugh, you have to watch the video above of her husband following one of her tutorials. I was CRYING it was so funny!

Damon Dominique

This is a new discovery for me as well that I started watching based off another friend recommendation (note how none of these channels were found from clicking on a video suggested by YouTube). Damon is a multilingual, gay man from Indiana living in Paris. He has so much swag, his videos are so entertaining, and his knack for learning languages is so cool to watch! I’ll link some of my favorites from his channel below.

Call Me By Your Name is one of my favorite movies, and I was supposed to be in Italy this past summer living this exact video! Jealous.

Triumphs

Hmmm… I’m not sure this is actually a triumph, more so just something that kind of happened without being planned: I haven’t had any alcohol in over 13 weeks. I had spent months of quarantine drinking almost every day (one or two drinks each night but it adds up) basically because I could. It seemed acceptable because there was a new pandemic to deal with, and everyone was drinking their way through lock down. This coming off of months of traveling where drinking more often than not was the norm. Anyways, I was ready for a break from alcohol.

I read a book called Sober Curious: The Blissful Sleep, Greater Focus, Limitless Presence, and Deep Connection Awaiting Us All on the Other Side of Alcohol during my first week of not drinking, just to help me stay motivated. I actually learned a lot more than I thought I would, and the information must have been effective because it’s now been 13 weeks without a drink! And I honestly don’t miss it. I think it’s interesting how acceptable/encouraged drinking is in modern society, and it’s something I’ve always joined in on without questioning–until now. If you’ve been wanting to cut back, I highly recommend reading that book for some inspiration. I don’t foresee myself never drinking again, but I will definitely be more mindful going forward and this unexpected sober stint has been great.

Challenges

Hmmm once again not sure this was a challenge per se, more so just an annoyance. Last month I had to lease a car, and after hours of negotiation I was finally signing papers in the finance office. Who honestly wants to spend hours of their day trying to not get screwed over at a car dealership? I must not have seemed too enthusiastic about my new purchase because the guy asked me if I was excited. I answered monotonously, “I guess.” And he made some comment like, “I’m gonna need you to start doing kart wheels or something soon.”

I was so annoyed. First of all, I’m sorry I’m not thrilled about having to get a car to go to a job that I need because now I have to pay for the car to get me to the job. And second of all, I couldn’t help but feel that his comment was sexist. Would he have made the same remarks to a man? Ask a guy to do kart wheels in his office? I was wearing a mask and he couldn’t tell if I was smiling or not, so he needed me to prove my happiness another way? Is it because I’m female that my presence needs to be pleasant? It really irked me.

In Case You Missed It

I finally got around to writing about some of my travels at the start of the year (still need to write about India, Scotland, and Costa Rica). I’ll link those newish posts below 🙂

4 Nights in Belfast, Northern Ireland

Solo Female Travel in Western Europe

What’s Next

I’ve got lots to keep me busy these days, and I’m actually looking for a graphic designer to help with a creative project in the works. If you’re a graphic designer or know one, please message me for details!

I’m also wanting to plan a semi-local getaway in early November. Something within 6 hours or so of the Chicago area. Anybody have any recommendations?!