A little guide to how to make your feminist friends (or members) happy

First of all, I want to say sorry to my international readers for that these comics are in German (I will provide English transcriptions underneath each comic). This is due to the fact that in the German language there (often) is a noticeable difference between masculine and feminine nouns and this is what this comic is about (partly). It is also about how embarrassingly unusual it still seems to be - even in an academic context - to include the female (identified) half of the population. And it shows that even linguistic inclusion does not always translate into actual inclusion.
Don't get me wrong. Fortunately, there are already several attempts/programs to support women's participation in so-called MINT subjects (Mathematics, Informatics, Natural Sciences, Technology). I do appreciate these efforts but I think it's equally important that these women become "visible" through an appropriate use of language. Because language is not "just words". Words do not only reflect who we are and what is important to us, they also shape our everyday reality. So let's make use of that positive feedback of words and actions - YAY!

I'm looking forward to times when I won't get all excited about something like a "progressive" folder that once doesn't forget to mention 50% of the world's population.

Translation:

Panel 1: "What's this? From the GDCh*?"

Panel 2: "Oh, an invitation... lecture... and commemorative plaque."

Panel 3: "bla... (male and female) scientists decorated in ceremonial act... WOW! How progressive..."

Panel 4: So far: (list of names)

Translation:

Panel 1: "For all non-chemists: the GDCh is the Society of German Chemists* (male form only)."

Panel 2: "Yep. Exactly. And I'm a member nonetheless."

Panel 3: "(Gender) Never has been a problem."

(* this is a direct translation. Interestingly, the English version of their website says "German Chemical Society" which is wonderfully inclusive of all genders.)

Finish!

For all of you who've been wondering about that run: I didn't manage to do any proper training before the big day (last Saturday). But I still made it. And I exceeded my boldest expectations (which were: not dying before the 10km line). Actually, I have to admit it was great fun. Exhausting, but fun. I'm so glad to have friends who inspire and motivate me and help me push my lazy ass limits. ♥ So, this comic is dedicated to you, my favorite pair of Swedish legs. ;)

Oh, yeah, there was a massage tent afterwards! I can't believe the others went straight past it. For the (promise of the) right amount of massages I'll run a marathon...

Recovery

Sorry for the infrequent updates. Unfortunately, it's not only that I'm currently busy with commission work for a project I'm really excited about (amongst other stuff), but also my SSD drive has been driving me crazy (impairing my very important work and cutting me off from the net - ARGH!!). It was (or is? I'm still regarding the present peace with suspicion...) an odyssey (at the least).
Anyways. If you've ever been in the painful position of having to recover your system using a USB surf stick as your doorway to The Amazing Internets you know what I've gone through...

Also, here's me as frustrated pony:

On the bright side of things, I got a lot done during that time of surf stick agony. For example, I sew a cover for my e-book reader, tidied up my flat, ate a lot of liquorice and finally drew some comics I've been wanting to do for a while, so be prepared and stay tuned. ;)

Wobble yoga

Thought I'd go for a wholesome fitness approach and reactivate my yoga practice (maybe it makes running easier too?). I know yoga is not all stretching and breathing, but Mr Young-Ho Kim takes it to the next level (I have to admit it wasn't entirely surprising - I've already done one of his workshops a few years ago. I love him!).

Comics and kisses

Ladies having a lovely time together (inspired by Ross Campbell's style):

And some girly queer fanart? 

(Kate Kane and Usagi Tsukino if you can't tell. Harrr. :) )

Eyeliner accident

Let me introduce to you one of my favorite heroines of comics: Kate Leth (also known as KateorDie). This pretty lady isn't only a highly talented artist. She also inspired me to purchase an eyeliner for the very first time in my life.

Unfortunately, it ended like this:

I'm serious! I had eyeliner in my eye and on my nose! I was so desperate that I searched for youtube tutorials. It looks so easy when they do it in front of the camera. I mean, there's no hope for me ever being able to hold my one eye so relaxedly closed to draw an even line on its lid. Without a (un)healthy helping of botox that is. Am I missing a gene? Oh man. How? How????!?

First round continued

Here's the (sort of) happy end of my first running experience:

I did make it up into my bed eventually. And I'd never slept as good before.

First round

I ran my first round of training yesterday evening. If you think nothing can go wrong during a (supposedly) 20 minute round - stand corrected.
I'm not proud to say this but these stories are 100% true...
(Also: do not draw tiny pictures with a brush.)

Yes, I got lost. I was so excited to get started that I completely forgot to memorize the street where I would have needed to turn right to finish the "round" and get back to my flat.
In my defense: I only recently moved to this area of the city. ^ ^° And the streets in between all those concrete slabs seriously did all have the same name! I've never seen this before but it seems to be some weird Berlin residential area thing?!

To be continued...

PS: If I'll miss my morning run tomorrow it's because I stayed up till now drawing this comic.

Run, E*phi, run!

I get too easily excited about things. And thinking decisions through has never been my strength. Two facts, leading to one problem: I'm signed up to run the Berlin Women's Run. In less than a month. Alongside a Swedish amazon of streamlined sportiness.

Also, I'm way to stubborn to back off now that common sense has kicked in (not even mentioning the fact that I already paid for my start number). I am gonna do this or at least die trying. And it's gonna be fun (just not sure yet for who - certainly for people to watch I guess ;D ).

The jeans dilemma

And this is why I hate shopping for pants. And why when I do find a fitting pair I wear it till the bitter end when it falls from my ass in rags.

(bigger view on flicker *clickclick*)

I was going to say, I'm not made to fit into jeans. But really the thing is: jeans are not made to fit my behind and my waist at the same time. Be cursed, jeans industry!
It's time for spring and skirt season.