Work is wearing me out, but I’m still trying to address the volume of tasks thrown at me every day. Hoping to get more staff soon since we were told to expect 2 more (although 8 more would be better). Still excited for what’s to come, and who knows where we all will be in a year. I have to keep reminding myself to take it one step at a time because that’s what I have in my control. We wake up, we try our best, we rest, and then we keep trying.

Ah, I gave no context - I meant Rio Grande Valley in Texas. Turns out they are from Houston, so not too far off.

Just taking stock of what is wonderful and special about life, work, and my relationships while we move into summer.

I spent weekend free time organizing and spring cleaning, finally tacklinga few things I’ve put off for months. It was time, and I had incredible help from my partner.

Two of my closest friends went through fundamental life changes recently, and I want to continue to be there for both of them… one whose father passed after a years long battle with Parkinson’s, and another, who is a victim of some severe DV. While the pieces are picked up and rearranged, both have come to a crossroads, and I’m so lucky to be there to see the positive transformation for them. I so desperately want to be a source of help and affirmation, and just want to do a good job. They’re both far enough away that it would be a significant cost to see each of them in person, so I have to be support at a distance, which is hard cause I want to hug them both and cry with them. I’m also grateful that I have the time, energy, and mental state to be there for them.

Although work is chaotic, it’s also weirdly calm. This feels like the time for fundamental shifts, and I’m continuing to maintain radical hope that positive energy and community is growing everywhere.

Beehaw continues to be a source of encouragement and community! Thank you all! Sending you positivity as you move through your week.

Wow, this was a really fascinating and chilling glimpse into journalistic life in Cuba. The curiosity has always been there for knowing more about Cuban life, but now my interest is piqued.

Is this band from the RGV? Really neat sound.

It feels absolutely absurd to have to address any prudish or hesitant (because of worry of sexual abuse accusations or otherwise) behavior to save the life of a person, just because they have breasts. That said, I get it and I’m also glad that if this was a problem before, that it’s getting corrected now. This is your sign to get CPR/AED certified now! Link for those in the USA: https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/aed/aed-training/aed-certification

As the Grand Nagus, he’s absolutely stellar, and the reason I have grown to really enjoy every episode with the Ferengi. Iconic!

This is actually very exciting. I’m going to pile on for this revolution so we can fund our libraries and revive them as the steadfast community space they’ve always been! Thank you for this!

I can relate, and best of luck! Those personal deadlines start piling up when work gets overwhelming. Every now and then, remember to put work aside and take care of you - ya know, putting your oxygen mask on first before helping others (I’m trying to listen to my own advice here lol). I also started a new position at the same time and am settled in, but the real test begins when the next new project drops that’s due in October. You got this!

This is so exciting, and I imagine it’s going to be a huge life improvement! Looking forward to hearing about how they feel. :)

Figure 2’s legend sounds a bit like lyrics to a kid’s song. But you gotta say it fast and rhythmically.

I can get behind this mem(e)brane.

I feel like answers to make an informed decision would only take a day. The company would have this info on hand because why wouldn’t they?

1. How many jobs would actually be created for locals (excluding contacted work that is not for local businesses)?
2. How much benefit would the municipality see over x years?
3. What are the required water and electric needs, and what is the ratio of need to the need of the municipality/county/state overall?

I’m sure I’m missing a few, but these questions are pretty straightforward for discovering that that the benefit does not outweigh the cost.

Grow a spine and protect the people and the environment, or get out of office, Janet.

Great link, thanks!

Thank you!! Reading back it sounds like I’m complaining, but I’m so grateful for everything that’s happening right now because it’s making me a more resilient person with lots of potential to grow. I hope your weekend is bright and restful!

This is the time to begin learning about community gardens (or starting one!) in your area. Urban agriculture is a solution, and growing local food sources that are maintained by your neighborhood will ultimately be a necessary stop gap.

I’ve seen nonprofits successfully go to their municipalities and propose to buy a plot of land that is underutilized and turn it into a thriving garden, maintained by volunteers they manage.

It’s not a fail proof solution, but it is an adaptation that works. If we’re unable to grow due to extreme heat, or can’t ship goods due to rising costs, crop failure, or supply chain deterioration, what better way to use your free time than support a community garden!

Look here, you – I don’t know who you are, but I’m absolutely here for all these very scientific and detailed posts with high res pictures of amphibians. Please take my thanks!

My week was busy until it got supercharged with an ask from another office to drive almost 5 hours one way to emcee two different events, in two cities on the same day. I’m nervous, excited, and exhausted from having so much work already, but even though I was volun-told, this is what I signed up for. At least I had 4 days notice this time. I just wish I could travel with someone instead of alone.

My best friend’s birthday was this past week. He’s been gone for almost a year and a half now, and it’s still weird not being able to feel his energy.

And, the leader of a nation now has my cell phone number… but he asked nicely so I couldn’t deny the request. My boss said he would definitely call me, and I’m not sure how to feel about that.

Related: According to my Dad, as of April 1, dollar stores are now one of the only places aside from Walmart that take food stamps/EBT for the state AND his health insurance programs.

What I hope to do here is spread awareness and encourage you to talk to people that use this social service. Tell them to submit complaints to the programs that dictate where they can get food if it’s this restrictive because you’re not getting fresh, nutritious produce from a dollar store, and those are often the only places around for rural folks.

Also you just know that these “partnered 3rd parties” are on that list because they get kickbacks, have lobbied, or know someone who is writing the policy.

Fuuuuuuck.