Top 5 Things About 2022

by | Dec 30, 2022 | Goals, Lists | 0 comments

This year was for sucking out the poison.

I was able to realize how much the abusive relationship I was in put a hiatus on everything in my world. Every single time I’ve tried to find an answer for why did this pattern stop, where did this go off the rails, or why isn’t this farther along than it could be at this point? I’ve been able to trace it back to that specific part of my life.

As a result, I had to decide if I was going to say that’s what happened and I’m forever behind, friendless, and fucked up, or am I going to try to fix it with what’s left? So I took a breathe after a lot of screaming, crying, and flashbacks and started to suck out the poison and my pride.

I went on an apology tour. I reached out to as many people as I could who I felt I had hurt in my haze, even if I didn’t want to necessarily rekindle the relationship. I was humbled by how many of my friends were simply there waiting for me.

When you’re in an abusive relationship, it is really hard to get through to the person being abused. If they could see clearly, it wouldn’t be happening in the first place. And as much as you love them, after a while, it becomes really frustrating to hear the same shit over and over again. So often they end up becoming isolated and being loved from afar, which is ultimately what the abuser wants in the first place so they can dig their talons in even deeper. And truly an intervention really doesn’t work most times anyway. The same with drugs. Because of the resentment and relapse. It’s so sticky and complicated.

I can only speak from my own experience, but people stop abusing themselves and letting themselves being abused when they’re ready. There was no amount of coercing or intervening that would have changed my actions at the time. It had to come from me. And finally something snapped in me. I wish it hadn’t taken years. But it did.

And I am so grateful that my friends and family were waiting for me on the other side.

I’ve realized my health, business, friendships, and really every aspect of my life maxed out in that relationship and then began to deteriorate. So this year I’ve accepted that fact and been willing to continue moving forward, one step a day, both with it and in spite of it.

It’s not fucking easy, but it’s happening. And I feel more set up for success than I have in a long time. I forgot myself. I forgot a lot. And I’m ready to remember as much as I can.

I’m not picking a word for 2023. I’m letting life pick me. I’m just here to become myself again. To remember me. To become more childlike. To become more Uncustomary.

  • If you’re interested in reflecting on this year, envisioning your next one, and even planning a magical New Year’s Eve, check out the Merry New Year Workshop.

Merry New Year Workbook

 

Uncustomary’s Top 5 Things Lists For 2022

TV Shows

1. Review
2. The Sopranos
3. Younger
4. The State
5. Reno 911: Defunded

Movies

1. Everything, Everywhere All At Once
2. Delivery Man
3. The Intern
4. Who Framed Roger Rabbit
5. Big Business

Stand Up Specials

1. Christopher Titus – Norman Rockwell Is Bleeding
2. Kurt Braunohler – Perfectly Stupid
3. Russell Howard – Lubricant
4. Neal Brennan – Blocks
5. Bill Burr – Live At Red Rocks

Musical Artists

1. Misterwives
2. Frightened Rabbit
3. Bad Bad Hats
4. With Confidence
5. Halsey

Songs

1. “I Am Not A Woman I’m A God” – Halsey
2. “The End” – Misterwives
3. “Ooh La La” – Faces
4. “You Can’t Look Back” – Taking Back Sunday
5. “Stoned At The Nail Salon” – Lorde

Albums

1. Dancing With The Devil…The Art Of Starting Over – Demi Lovato
2. Attention – Miley Cyrus
3. Midnights – Taylor Swift
4. Love Sux – Avril Lavigne
5. Tickets To My Downfall – Machine Gun Kelly

Books

1. 4 Hour Workweek – Tim Ferriss
2. Dare To Lead – Brene Brown
3. You Can Heal Your Life – Lousie Hay
4. Venus Codes – Gala Darling
5. Merriment Making – Mary England

Events

1. April’s Dad’s 80th Birthday
2. AVAM’s Gallery Preview
3. Bubble Parade
4. Renaissance Faire
5. Libra Moon Gathering

Live Performances

1. John Mulaney
2. TJ Miller
3. Nick Kroll
4. Rocky Horror
5. Tina Turner Musical

Gifts Received

1. Balloons from Yzabelle
2. Furniture, jewelry, suitcases from Mimi
3. Dinosaur bubble gun from Matt
4. Glasses from Janice
5. People sharing photos of my decks and planners in their homes

| Uncustomary

Merry New Year Workbook

Things I Did For My Home

1. Printed photos and put in rainbow frames
2. Got actual furniture to sit/lay on
3. Cleaned the basement and kept it clean
4. Neon signs and LED candles
5. Big TV

‘Small’ Moments

1. Crying at the Van Gogh exhibit
2. Matt hanging up my paper chain and putting the star on the Christmas tree
3. Cleaning up the party with April while the DJ still played
4. Carrying Mitsy around the house in the vintage red purse
5. Dancing ring a round the rosy with Maura and a stranger in front of the museum

New Experiences

1. Held a duck
2. Went to court
3. Went caroling
4. Saw a seal resting on the beach
5. On the Today Show

External Discoveries

1. Children are pretty great (better and better every year); just not to take care of
2. The legal system is worse and more oppressive than I ever imagined
3. There is a word for my beliefs: Pantheism
4. My brother is actually really cool
5. A bunch of small businesses in Baltimore as a result from going out in the world again

Accomplishments

1. Started hosting events again (Bubble Parade, Moon Gatherings) and hired a VA
2. Finished my book, published a planner, and a deck
3. Lack of SI
4. Finished four years of backed up taxes
5. Won 2nd place in an impromptu dance contest

Self-Discoveries

1. Dressing well/bright/fun is vital for my role in this world and happiness
2. I have Autism and it’s not only the end of me but the center of me
3. Almost everything I’m scared of is just logistics, and logistics are actually easy
4. I need way more outside and art
5. Everything is magic and nothing is magic

What about you? What did you love about this year or learn about life and yourself? Share below!

In Columbia, Maryland, there’s a former grocery store that has been transformed into a department store for mythical creatures, time travelers, and intergalactic tourists.

It’s called DoodleHATCH.

You can groom a unicorn, visit an intergalactic space station, climb onto a giant’s bed, meet guinea pigs, explore an artist’s studio, and discover approximately a million other things that somebody actually sat down and made.

It’s a nonprofit interactive art museum, a community project, an educational resource, and one of my favorite places I’ve ever discovered.

And it could be demolished as part of a proposed redevelopment of the Long Reach Village Center.

But there’s still an opportunity to help.

You don’t need to donate money. You don’t need to live in Maryland. And you don’t need to know anything about zoning laws.

You can start by writing an email.

🚨 Here's what's happening

Developer Columbia Concepts has proposed redeveloping the Long Reach Village Center in Columbia, Maryland.

The proposal would replace existing buildings with new housing, recreational facilities, and other development.

Unfortunately, that puts a whole collection of existing community resources at risk of being demolished, including:

  • DoodleHATCH Interactive Art Museum
  • Maryland Fashion Institute
  • A makerspace used for community education
  • Local restaurants, shops, and service businesses
  • Early childhood education and community programs
  • A 140-foot-long mural created by approximately 100 community members

This isn’t just about losing a fabulous museum. It’s about losing an entire collection of places that people have built, supported, and relied on.

And there’s another possibility!

🌈 Meet The REALM

Lee Andersen, the founder of DoodleHATCH, and her nonprofit ManneqART want to preserve the existing community resources and transform the village center into an arts and culture destination called The REALM.

Imagine a place where artists have studios, children have room to explore, students can learn creative skills, people can attend performances, and local businesses continue serving their neighbors.

There are plans for a performing arts space, more opportunities for artists, and a Witches Kitchen that might serve you a horrible-disgusting breakfast.

Which, personally, I think sounds promising.

The people behind DoodleHATCH are gathering support to oppose the developer’s zoning proposal and advocate for The REALM.

And they’d love your help.

💌 How to help in about two minutes

If you live in Howard County, Maryland

If you’re 18 or older, DoodleHATCH is asking eligible county residents to visit the museum and sign their petition in person.

📍DoodleHATCH Interactive Art Museum

8775 Cloudleap Court, Unit 101
Columbia, MD 21045

⏱️ Museum hours: Friday–Sunday, 10 AM–5 PM.

And while you’re there, I highly recommend exploring the museum. Bring someone who needs a reminder that being an adult doesn’t mean you have to stop enjoying ridiculous things.

If you don't live in Howard County

You can still help!

DoodleHATCH is collecting emails from people who oppose the proposed Columbia Concepts redevelopment and support preserving the existing arts and community resources through The REALM.

Send your email to: Lilou@DoodleHATCH.com

Suggested subject: Support The REALM | Oppose Columbia Concepts Zoning Proposal ZB 1132M

You can write your own message or use one of the templates below.

You don’t need to write an essay. A short, genuine message explaining what you support and why is enough to participate in this email campaign.

✍️ What should your email say?

To make your position clear, include these three things:

1. Say what you’re opposing.

State that you oppose the proposed Columbia Concepts redevelopment and zoning amendment for the Long Reach Village Center, case ZB 1132M.

2. Say what you’re supporting.

Express your support for preserving DoodleHATCH, the Maryland Fashion Institute, existing community resources, and the proposed arts and culture center called The REALM.

3. Explain why you care.

This is the part that makes your email yours.

Maybe you’ve visited DoodleHATCH. Maybe you’re a parent who wants more creative places for children. Maybe you’re an artist, an educator, or someone who thinks it’s important to protect the few spaces where people can explore and make things without needing to buy something.

Maybe you live across the country and just learned that there’s a department store for mythical creatures in Maryland, and you think the world would be a little less interesting without it.

That’s a perfectly good reason to care.

Automatically Build Your Email!

💌 Email templates you can copy

Option 1: Short, simple, and effective

Subject: Support The REALM | Oppose ZB 1132M

Hello,

I’m writing to express my opposition to the proposed Columbia Concepts zoning amendment and redevelopment of the Long Reach Village Center (ZB 1132M).

I support preserving DoodleHATCH, the Maryland Fashion Institute, and the existing community services and small businesses, as well as the proposal to create The REALM arts and culture center.

Creative and educational spaces like these provide valuable opportunities for families, artists, students, and the wider community. I believe they deserve to be protected.

Please include my email with the messages of support being collected for DoodleHATCH and The REALM.

Thank you,

[Your Name]
[Your City/State]

Option 2: For artists, creatives, and fellow merriment makers

Subject: Please Protect DoodleHATCH and Support The REALM

Hello,

I’m writing in opposition to Columbia Concepts’ proposed redevelopment and zoning amendment for the Long Reach Village Center (ZB 1132M), and in support of The REALM.

I believe communities need places where creativity, imagination, and play are actively encouraged.

DoodleHATCH is an extraordinary example of what can happen when artists and community members are given room to create something that doesn’t fit into an ordinary commercial space.

Places like this are rare. They encourage people of all ages to experiment, learn, explore, and connect with one another.

I support preserving DoodleHATCH, the Maryland Fashion Institute, the existing community resources, and the vision for The REALM.

Thank you for collecting these messages and advocating for the creative community.

[Your Name]
[Your City/State]

Option 3: For people who've visited DoodleHATCH

Subject: Please Save DoodleHATCH | Oppose ZB 1132M

Hello,

I’m writing to express my opposition to the proposed Columbia Concepts redevelopment and zoning amendment for the Long Reach Village Center (ZB 1132M), and my support for The REALM.

I’ve personally visited DoodleHATCH, and I want to share why I believe it’s worth preserving.

[Write two or three sentences about your experience. What did you see? Who did you bring? What surprised you? What made you want to return?]

DoodleHATCH is more than a collection of exhibits. It’s a place where creativity is something people can actively participate in, and I believe losing it would be a tremendous loss to the community.

I support preserving the museum, the Maryland Fashion Institute, and the other existing community resources through the proposed arts and culture center, The REALM.

Please include my email with the messages of support you’re collecting.

Thank you,

[Your Name]
[Your City/State]

A few tips before you hit send

Automatically Build Your Email!

DO:

  • Use your real name.

  • Include your city and state so organizers can understand where support is coming from.

  • Clearly identify the redevelopment proposal you’re opposing.

  • Specifically mention your support for The REALM.

  • Add a personal sentence or two if you can.

  • Be respectful, even if you’re frustrated.

  • Share this page with other people who might want to help.

DON’T:

  • Pretend to be a Howard County resident if you’re not.

  • Claim to have visited DoodleHATCH if you haven’t.

  • Make up experiences or information.

  • Send threatening, insulting, or harassing messages.

  • Assume your email is the same thing as signing the official petition.

  • Worry about making your message sound impressive. Clear and genuine is better than elaborate.

💌 The Save DoodleHATCH Email Machine

A few clicks, a little personality, and an email that helps support DoodleHATCH and The REALM. No account or signup required.

What's your connection to DoodleHATCH?
Why does protecting places like this matter to you?
✨ Your email preview
To: Lilou@DoodleHATCH.com
Subject: 


✉️ Open in My Email App




Your information stays in your browser until you choose to copy or open the message. The email does not send automatically. Emails support DoodleHATCH's advocacy campaign; they are not the same as official petition signatures or zoning testimony. Please review the message before sending.
 





			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				
				
			

				
				
				
				
				
				
				

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
🐹 Wait. What exactly is DoodleHATCH?

			

				
				
				
				
				
			

				
				
				
				
				
I’m so glad you asked.


DoodleHATCH is an interactive art museum in Columbia, Maryland, created by artist, designer, and professional generator of wildly ambitious ideas, Lee Andersen.


The museum is designed as a pretend department store for mythological creatures, time travelers, and galactic tourists.


There are dozens of installations, and unlike most museums, you’re encouraged to touch things, explore, and participate.


There’s also an artist’s studio full of fabric and handmade garments, workshops, special events, birthday parties, free books, and opportunities for local artists to share their work.


The museum welcomes families and children, but adults are absolutely allowed to enjoy themselves, too.


And the woman behind it has spent decades bringing creativity into the community through fashion, festivals, education, and public art.


I discovered DoodleHATCH in 2020 and loved it so much that I started volunteering.


I’ve been back multiple times, and there are still things I haven’t seen.


That’s part of what makes it special. You can keep discovering things because people keep creating them.

			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
You don't have to live near DoodleHATCH to care about it.

			

				
				
				
				
				
There are Merriment Makers everywhere.


People turning empty buildings into art spaces. People organizing parades. People teaching kids how to sew, paint, dance, or build things. People putting enormous amounts of time into projects that make their communities more interesting.


Sometimes they’re running nonprofits. Sometimes they’re working out of their garages. Sometimes they’re making something weird in a strip mall that you might drive past a hundred times without realizing what’s inside.


I hope you’ll help protect DoodleHATCH.


And I hope you’ll look around your own community, too. Visit the strange little museum. Go to the local art show. Find the person who makes giant puppets or organizes an absurd annual festival. Spend your money at the independent shop with the handmade things.


There are people everywhere creating reasons for us to be curious about being alive.


I’d like them to be able to keep doing that.

			

				
				
				
				
				
			

				
				
				
				
				
Help save DoodleHATCH. Help protect The REALM. Help keep the world interesting.

			

				
				
				
				
				
💌 Email: Lilou@DoodleHATCH.com


🌈 Visit: DoodleHATCH.com


🦄 Share: Uncustomary.org/Doodle