#koala keeper

[chasing-asterion]

It's so hot I had to bring the fan in to cook. I'm trying to work on taking better care of myself, and that means real food not just instant meals (when able of course.)

I mean I know it's not much, the potatoes are the microwave steam kind and I bought a packet of slow cooked beef, but that's three times what I normally do. I'm trying to work out spoonie cooking - simple recipes and assembly - so that I'm not completely reliant on instant or no meals.

I used to cook a lot but with my ex it became a horrible chore and demand so I grew to hate it. When it was just me I didn't bother until I realised that yknow I deserve to eat and I'm allowed to do nice things for myself.

I still don't like cooking but I'm trying, especially since my girlfriend will be moving here this year. It won't be just me anymore and I need to pick up my share of the cooking.

[lovefrommelrose]

Of all the animals I work with, koalas seem to touch my heart the most. I'm not sure if it's because of the horrible fight they are facing against becoming extinct... or if it's just because they are so damn fluffy. Whatever it is, I'm thankful for every moment I get to spend helping educate guests about our little aussie icon.

[chasing-asterion]

It's my girlfriend's birthday, go show her some love!

@blueyedthiefling and I have been together for about two and a half years and every day without fail I know how lucky I am to be with her.

Mag you are the strongest, bravest, most insightful, and compassionate person I have ever met and had the blessing to love. Every day we've been together has been beautiful, and I can't wait for all the ones ahead of us.

- Pete

[chasing-asterion]

What a day to remember that my girlfriend has been a beautiful force of good in my life. She’s:

Helped me gain confidence post-abuse when I was scared of my own shadow

Supported me through my transition

Showed me love and compassion with my disability

Flew across the planet to be with me for our one year

Has never raised her voice at me, called me names, or bullied me (I know the bar is super low there but the bar my ex set was a root) 

Encouraged my art and writing every step of the way

Showed me that it’s both healthy and okay for your partner to be your best friend without being their only friend

Proved to me that ‘no’ means ‘no’ and not ‘convince me’ or ‘I said you can say ‘no’ but I’ll guilt you if you do’

Genuinely supports me, not just for woke points or bragging rights

Helped me quit smoking

Helped me with my claustrophobia and OCD

Has listened to me every step about boundaries I initially put up after my ex, letting me work through them in my own time

Supported and helped my friends if I’ve asked (she’s religious, I’m not, so she’s stepped in to help some of my queer-religious friends bc I couldn’t relate) 

Helped me keep my eating disorder in check with compliments and understanding 

Has fully accepted that I’m not religious with no efforts of conversion, allowing me to set my comfort level after past experiences

Pushed my chair all over a wildlife park so we could enjoy it together

Lets me use her as a leaning post when I’m tired

Has taught me love can be beautiful, that it isn’t measured by how much pain you can take and still stay

[chasing-asterion]

Things I have actually said to my girlfriend:

"I don't have a dowry but I'm building a nest."

[chasing-asterion]

Took about three days to complete but it turned out pretty well. 

[chasing-asterion]

Since you were so kind to leave a lovely message in my asks, I shall leave one in yours but with desserts. If you were desserts, you'd be strawberry ice cream and Dutch apple pie. 😎

I love strawberry ice cream! How does Dutch apple pie differ from generic?

Side note apricot danish is one of my great loves in life. In Poland my girlfriend showed me these apricot cheese ones, and if customs would've let me I'd have left my clothes behind and filled my suitcase with them.

[chasing-asterion]

This is Muszka (”Moosh-Ka”), my girlfriend’s cat. They call her Musz Kusz (”Moosh-Kush.”)

In trying to say that when extremely tired, what came out of my mouth was “Moosh Moosh.” So now she’s Moosh Moosh. I pick her up and scritch her butt - “Moosh Koosh Moosh Tush” - and squeeze and kiss her little face - “Smoosh Moosh Moosh.” 

I’m pretty sure my girlfriend’s family thinks I’m slow, some strange stray Australian their daughter brought home that’s sitting on the floor snuggling the cat and babbling at her. 

Even when I’m in a lot of pain, I share my heat packs with Moosh Moosh.