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prfsnl_gmr wrote:

REPO Man wrote::shock: Over 100 sales at Duck Donuts today. Damn near twice as many as yesterday! It's officially tourist season, I guess. Time to wear my ass out working two jobs!

And hopefully moving to NYC this fall.

I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed for you REPO!

For me to wear my ass out? Okay... good for you.

But seriously thanks.

Also anyone else give The Criterion Channel a try? I haven't had time to, though I've got a charter subscription ($90/year). But I've checked out some of the shorter videos, like one about their Mildred Pierce restoration. Looks like it'll be worth the cash. If anyone has any recommendations I'd love to hear them.

Got to visit a bunch of college friends.

But it's always bittersweet. It'll probably be 6 months old more before I can see them again, and even this time I felt so behind on what everyone was doing. T o of them are graduating, with one talking about moving out of state, and that just stresses me out. Plus, at this point I'm literally the only single one which makes me feel so awkward...

Thanks so much for the well-wishes, everybody -- and sorry it took so long for me to say so! It was really moving to see all that happiness for my happiness.

Things are continuing to roll along excellently with my health. There's more and more proof every day, every week. Yesterday Nathaniel and I dyed eggs for fun. Do you know how many years in a row we kept a Paas kit around in the hopes that one year I'd feel good enough to invest the energy into it? At least three. You heard right: sitting upright at a table to put tablets in vinegar and swoosh eggs around was once too much of an energy investment for me. But not this year!

And guess who else had a miraculous health surge? Our cat! Venus has had a nailbed infection we've been trying to control for about six months now, and yesterday I discovered it was almost totally gone. Just, poof! Is it the steroids she's on? Maybe a missing allergen in the new apartment? Who knows! But she is ridiculously content and relaxed here. She just sits in the sun and rotisseries herself throughout the afternoon, and at night she sniffs the ocean breeze.

Other fantastic things that have happened recently: I discovered the glory of the Impossible Burger; I met up with a bunch of podcasting buds in DC; one of my best friends since kindergarten got married; I stayed at my mom's for a few days and we watched Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy every night; I put my foot down regarding a toxic family member and feel so free; and Bogus is finally getting a PS4 and we'll be able to play No Man's Sky together soon!!

Forlorn, my condolences on your loss. The only good advice I ever got regarding handling grief was, "One day at a time." I wish your family the best in making your way through this.

REPO, I hope this is the year you get out to NYC!

Key, have I ever told you that your friendship is more than us ugly mugs deserve? Glad you're doing well.

I put my foot down regarding a toxic family member and feel so free

This is great to hear. I've seen too many friends let a toxic family member drain them for far too long.

Ack wrote:Key, have I ever told you that your friendship is more than us ugly mugs deserve? Glad you're doing well.

Agreed. Great to hear from you, Key!

Key-Glyph wrote:Thanks so much for the well-wishes, everybody -- and sorry it took so long for me to say so! It was really moving to see all that happiness for my happiness.

Things are continuing to roll along excellently with my health. There's more and more proof every day, every week. Yesterday Nathaniel and I dyed eggs for fun. Do you know how many years in a row we kept a Paas kit around in the hopes that one year I'd feel good enough to invest the energy into it? At least three. You heard right: sitting upright at a table to put tablets in vinegar and swoosh eggs around was once too much of an energy investment for me. But not this year!

I’m so happy for you, Key!

Back in December I posted about my job interviews in this thread. I also mentioned that my landlord had sold the apartment, and I had to move out before the first of the year. I haven’t taken the time to write up the whole experience because I’ve barely had time to catch my breath.

Long story short: I got the job. I’ve been busting my but trying to hustle up side gigs in graphic design for years. I can proudly say that I’m a full-time professional graphic designer now. It’s been a long road, but I’m finally getting there!

I moved from Richmond, Virginia to Newport News. I absolutely flipping love it out here. Newport News is a Penninsula between the mouths of two large Rivers on the Inland side of the Chesapeake bay. There are little beaches in every direction. The weather is sunny and mild.

I found an adorable old cottage for rent. I think it was built by the railroad about eighty-five years ago when they needed housing for all the workers laying track. I’m growing a garden. In the front yard. I’ve been having such a nice time that I haven’t even unboxed most of my video game collection.

I’m typing this message sitting on my front porch on a pleasant evening. My faithful old border collie is laying by my side. The Amtrak is lumbering slowly down the train tracks at the end of my block. I can hear the crickets starting to chirp.

I’m loving my life. I haven’t let myself say this until now. Maybe it’s because I’m so used to “just getting by” that actually living feels foreign to me. I feel a strange trepidation... like I’m waiting for the other shoe to fall. Can my life really be so good?

Here’s hoping!

You guys continue to be too cute. Thanks for the continued support.

samsonlonghair wrote:I found an adorable old cottage for rent. I think it was built by the railroad about eighty-five years ago when they needed housing for all the workers laying track. I’m growing a garden. In the front yard. I’ve been having such a nice time that I haven’t even unboxed most of my video game collection.

I’m typing this message sitting on my front porch on a pleasant evening. My faithful old border collie is laying by my side. The Amtrak is lumbering slowly down the train tracks at the end of my block. I can hear the crickets starting to chirp.

I’m loving my life. I haven’t let myself say this until now. Maybe it’s because I’m so used to “just getting by” that actually living feels foreign to me. I feel a strange trepidation... like I’m waiting for the other shoe to fall. Can my life really be so good?

Here’s hoping!

Samson... I raise my glass of tea in your direction and let out a barbaric yawp. This is fantastic news. Isn't it amazing how the simplest things -- tending a garden, watching a train, listening to crickets -- can mean the world when you're happy and healthy? Qapla', my friend!

P.S.: As I imagined you on your porch, this Gillian Welch tune came to mind. It might not be anything like the actual vibe you're feeling, but it certainly captures what was in my mind's eye.

Key, so happy to hear good things. I am glad things are looking up. Yay!

Awesome news, Samson! I am very happy to hear you are doing so well.