my favorite american

this is Kyle (at his fancy job). he lives in Seattle. if he did not have to worry about money, he would be content with never leaving the house. when at home he enjoys drawing, reading, watching TV, thinking (meanwhile stepping out for soda and cigarettes when needed).

communicating during conflict

went to YMCA staff training yesterday, and the first workshop was on communicating effectively during conflict. here are a few useful things I have retained:

-the relationship comes first, not the conflict

-the person and the problem are two separate things

-listen, then paraphrase or validate what the other person is feeling/expressing, ex- "it sounds like this is really bothering/stressing/hurting you"

-words that should not be used: always, never

-instead of using "you" sentences, start with "I" sentences, ex- "I feel sad when... " instead of "you make me feel sad"

I am impressed

link stolen from JohnBaku's twitter.

in reference to 'musics'

ok so maybe the new TBS album is not that great,

just sayin'

but I still love them

fun couch!

I bought this couch today for our new apartment, it has a built-in mini bar, nbd