Spencer Reid’s Blog

[spencerneedscoffee]

“The more I learn, the more I realize how much I don’t know.”

-Albert Einstein

I’m not entirely sure why I’m doing this. My friend Garcia says I need a hobby that doesn’t involve chasing serial killers or collecting 18th-century medical journals. So here we are.

This is a space for thoughts I have when I should be sleeping, books I’m reading for the fourth time, and the occasional photo of my desk looking like an explosion at a paper factory.

I hope you enjoy.

[spencerneedscoffee]

I think if everything goes right today, and by everything, I mean about eleven separate variables, I might get home by 9pm. Which feels almost mythical at this point.

Apologies for the temporary blog silence. Things are hectic, schedules are full, and I’ve eaten…an unreasonable amount of vending machine pretzels. Hopefully I’ll be back to yelling about books and socks and 18th century composers very soon.

In the meantime, if anything strange or oddly beautiful happened to you today, please tell me. I need to live vicariously through calmer lives.

-SR

[spencerneedscoffee]

Any idea what you'll dress up as for Halloween?

Yes actually!! I think I’ve finally settled on Pierrot this year, like the sad little French clown from commedia dell’arte. He first appeared in the late 17th century and became this symbol of unrequited love and poetic melancholy (which I think is very in theme for me lately). He’s usually depicted in loose white clothing with a ruffled collar and tear streaked face paint, and he’s painfully earnest.

I have…a lot of feelings about Pierrot.

-SR

[spencerneedscoffee]

when you have a moment, this is my first official attempt to solicit trivia. Subject matter is dealer’s choice :)

Since I was recently at the cinema for the new Chopin film, and because the Chopin Competition is happening right now your request for trivia comes at a suspiciously perfect time.

So here’s a Chopin fact. He hated performing in big venues. Actively avoided them. He played fewer than 30 public concerts in his whole life. Preferred dimly lit salons, small audiences, and apparently, intense emotional suffering (but maybe that part’s just me projecting).

-SR

[spencerneedscoffee]

youve effected my everyday life. everytime i do something i think to myself "how would Spencer Reid ract to this?"....how do you feel about this information.

That’s a lot of responsibility to suddenly find out I have. I think? I’m flattered, slightly alarmed, but mostly curious about what situations are making you think of me.

For the record, I do like reacting to things so if there’s something specific I should weigh in on, please let me know. I can provide confusion, concern, or unsolicited trivia on command.

-SR

[spencerneedscoffee]

hello dr. reid! just out of curiosity, what is your favorite part of the halloween season or the holiday itself?

Hello! Oh, Halloween. I actually get a little too excited about Halloween every year. I think my favorite part is the general suspension of disbelief. It's this one time of year where everyone agrees to lean into the weird and the uncanny.

You can walk around dressed as a ghost and no one asks questions. That's incredible.

I also love the history of it, how it's this strange blend of Samhain traditions, Christian holidays, harvest rituals, and pop culture. It's fascinating!!!

Also...candy! And little kids in dinosaur costumes. And the crisp weather. And the decorations. And people embracing their inner oddness. I could go on but I'll stop myself here.

-SR

[spencerneedscoffee]

Thank you all for the birthday wishes. Despite being what can only be described as a Victorian child recovering from consumption, I’m spending the day with friends (from a reasonable distance, don’t worry).

There is soup. There is tea. There is cake that I’m pretty sure was baked out of pity. I’ve been banned from blowing out candles.

Anyway, thanks. I’m genuinely very touched (not physically. Again, sick).

-SR

[spencerneedscoffee]

I’m sick. Horribly, pathetically sick. My head hurts, my throat feels like I swallowed sandpaper, and I’m pretty sure even my hair aches. I’ve been drinking tea and whining in intervals, and somehow that hasn’t cured me yet. Tragic, really.

Every time I try to stand up, I immediately regret it. I think this might be the end. Please remember me fondly, preferably wrapped in a blanket and surrounded by empty tea mugs.

-SR

[spencerneedscoffee]

What’s your favorite Disney princess and why?

Belle. She reads constantly, values curiosity over appearances, and somehow manages to fall in love with someone based on shared intellectual connection. I respect that.

Also, she reads while walking, which is either brave or foolish, probably both.

-SR

[spencerneedscoffee]

I have this theory that everyone has a corresponding dog breed. Not in a scientific sense, more like an instinctive categorization. After some consideration, I think mine is a Borzoi. Tall, a little too angular, vaguely nervous at all times. The resemblance is unfortunately uncanny. If you don’t know yours, comment here and I’ll assign you one.

-SR

[spencerneedscoffee]

do you ever feel like a plastic bag

Only when I’m tired, directionless, metaphorically blowing into traffic, and wondering how I ended up here. So…yes. Frequently.

-SR

[spencerneedscoffee]

Day two of feeling…off. Not „call a doctor” sick, just the fun combo of ache everywhere and brain made of oatmeal. Still went to work today, probably will tomorrow because I apparently don’t value my own well being. Very eager to find out what life throws in next. Nose falls off? Random Victorian fainting spell? Stay tuned.

-SR

[spencerneedscoffee]

Today I was struck by how strange and amazing it is that we each carry a whole universe around in our own heads. I can think about anything, equations, novels, the etymology of a word, whenever I want to. It’s endless and completely my own. That thought makes me really happy.

-SR

[spencerneedscoffee]

The fact you said youd post once a day, then promptly fell off the curvature of the earth, is so funny to me.

No pressure though. I hope you're alright.

You’re right, I did say that. And then, predictably, life spiraled into what can only be described as an obstacle course designed specifically to derail me. I promise I didn’t mean to vanish, I kept thinking, „I’ll post tonight, after I finish this one thing,” and then suddenly it was a week later and I was buried under books, case files, and my own sleep schedule (or lack thereof).

So, yes, apologies. I’m alright, just not particularly skilled at time management outside of work.

Also if there are specific things you’d like me to post about, I’d honestly be grateful to know. Sometimes I sit here staring at the screen with no idea what anyone might actually want to read.

-SR

[spencerneedscoffee]

Not much to report today, I accidentally took an 11 hour nap. That’s…basically the whole day gone. I’m still deciding if I feel rested or just confused.

-SR

[spencerneedscoffee]

Sorry for not posting lately, life got the better of me. To make sure I don’t disappear again, I’ve decided to write at least one thing here every day. Almost like a journal. Anyone’s welcome to share about their day in the comments too.

Today was busy and stressful, but I’m finally home. I found myself thinking about how people often say they’re not the same person they were “a year ago.” I don’t really feel that way. Even when I was a kid, I still felt like me. My opinions have shifted, of course, but my perspective has always been mine. I’m not sure if this makes sense, but it’s comforting to know I’ll always be myself.

-SR

[spencerneedscoffee]

Do you ever have to share hotel rooms on cases? Who's your favourite to bunk with?

Yes, we share hotel rooms sometimes. Right now I’m with Garcia. Her version of winding down is narrating every detail of the day like it’s a podcast. Mine is sitting in absolute silence like a victorian ghost. Somehow it balances out, she’s still the most calming person to be around, even when she’s talking enough for both of us.

-SR