the trash compactor

In April, I had to say goodbye to my baby girl, Skyler, an 8-year-old chihuahua mix who saw me through some of the very worst days of my life. My parents adopted her from a rescue on my 12th birthday. She didn’t make it until my 20th this year. I am still completely heartbroken over losing her. I blame myself, and ask for her and whatever god is out there’s forgiveness every day.

In June, I adopted a beautiful little 8-week-old husky/black lab mix who I named Luna. She is the greatest light in my life and my parents’ life. Without her, we would have fallen apart, between the pandemic, politics, family problems, and losing Skyler. She really has been a blessing to our family.

Yes, I did finally go to Galaxy’s Edge (Annaheim) - in fact, I left there just two days before the park closed due to the pandemic. I was pretty amazed with the setting, the staff, the rides, the details and props. I wish it were more immersive, but I still had fun there with my parents. We got to ride all the rides and tried almost every food and drink item they had to offer. Unfortunately, the food and most of the drinks were total busts - don’t waste your money! I do recommend the BLUE milk, though. I bought a few things to use as cosplay props - First Order handcuffs and New Republic/Resistance rank badges. I got a mini model A-Wing that I want to repaint to match my A-Wing Pilot helmet for my cosplay that I finished last winter. The only other thing I wish I could have brought home was a loth cat, because they were so cute!

Also, don’t waste your money on the lightsabers, unless you’re only going for the experience. I didn’t get one, but saw plenty of people who did. They are insanely heavy, and the hilts are so large in diameter that you can’t spin them unless you want serious damage to the tendons in your wrist. I’m not sure if different lengths of blades are offered, but I saw way too many children and small adults trying to use a saber that would be more fitting for a 6-foot-tall+ giant. The blades are not durable either, so please don’t try to duel each other with them. The light is not that bright, either, so in the daylight they’re not very glamorous. If you want a lightsaber you can duel with, I highly recommend shopping Ultasabers and Kyberlight! They are lightweight and durable. Kyberlights are also, imo, brighter, and come with sound AND 19 different colors you can change with the touch of a button, for a lot cheaper than Ultrasabers with those kinds of capabilities.