Work.

I’m working about 2-3 jobs these days, and none of them play to my strengths. You’d think I’d be able to make ends meet by working 60+ hours and living with roommates.

I’m also working on a side-project startup so I won’t have to work everyday and I can actually–you know–have a life…and friends.

Agree, it’s like it’s just intense enough to pretend that it’s doing something without actually doing anything. And then you sense when it’s coming to your calves and you just pray that it gets off your calves quickly!

As a Christian, I can completely relate to your sentiment. I’ve found Christians to be the most closed-off, narrow-minded group of people, distrusting and even downright antagonistic of anything that sounds “non-Chiristian.”

As a Christian, I’m sorry you’ve been hurt. It’s not right.

Yeah, I’ve accidentally walked into a seedy massage once or twice…I mean, if you’ve got pain you want got rid of and you see a sign that says, “walk-ins welcome,” you ignore a lot of warning signs. Even though it soon became obvious that I wasn’t their typical clientele, I appreciate how they just get in there and do the job. It seems most legit places are afraid to do anything–which I guess makes sense since massage therapy can sometimes result in sexual harassment suits.

But, yeah, no more Asian massages. Sadly, there don’t seem to be any legit ones, which is a shame because you have shady businesses ruining it for immigrants who legitimately want to provide a good massage.

Walking into an IKEA store.

It was a sensory nightmare.

I’ve only been flying as an adult once, during the pandemic when I could finally afford it (long story). But I loved everything about it, even what most people would consider an “inconvenience.” (didn’t have a seat-kicker, thankfully). I’m always seeking adventure and love new experiences, so I loved it!

Unfortunately can’t afford it again. Don’t you love our upside-down economy?

IME one of my all-time favorite shows. While, yeah, there were some questionable artistic choices sometimes (let’s face it…every show has 'em) all around the show creators seemed to know their audience was intelligent and could handle a complex political drama. I never felt like the plot was spoon-fed to me. All the characters had depth, which allowed for rich interpersonal conflicts to drive the plot.

I also like how they weren’t afraid to go dark, to add twists that were so gut-wretchingly tragic you didn’t know how they’d go on.

But, of course, I also loved how BSG was mainly a mirror about us…from the birds-eye view, the Cylons were a lot more ethical and moral than humans.

A show way ahead of its time. TBF I think it would be way ahead of its time if it was released today, too. Haha.

It’s been going on for over a decade, so I’m pretty much used to it by now. Whether it’s a Republican or Democrat, a racist homophobe, or an anti-business bureaucrat who believes in taxing the hell out of everyone, every politician is a rich elite that ignores the will of the people and completely mucks up everything. I just accept it. I accept that they’re not the King. They’re subject to the Sovereign King, God, and will eventually answer to him, just like I will have to.

Also, I’ve had my own share of issues just finding steady work, so politics is just a background noise when it’s shaky where my next meal is coming from.

This is sad. As a man, if I go on a date, I’m very curious who my date is. I ask loads of questions. In fact, on one date, I noticed my date was starting to get uncomfortable. I noticed I was just asking questions. So I decided to talk about myself. She seemed to calm down a bit.

Yeah, most online stores don’t accept gift cards, unfortunately. 🙁 Especially Amazon…tried to order some much needed products with Amazon cards, and they require a bank card.

IME, (on Amazon at least…and a few others I’ve tried) masked cards are usually accepted as bank cards. Gift cards are not.

I’d love to build myself a privacy-respecting online store that accepts everything from Monero to cash to Apple pay (for the general populous that doesn’t care), but I sort of lack the capital. 😅

I mean, yeah, it would be great if Amazon took Monero, but I don’t see them ever even considering that.

They also make filling up your gas tank an even more unbearable experience.

I always called it a sweat jacket.

Yes! Thank you! That’s what i was looking for.

Although, yeah, Ramsey definitely has had his share of controversy, so I listen to the episodes with a grain of salt.

Yeah, I tried a few episodes. Couldn’t really get into it for some reason. Maybe I’ll try again.

I currently can only read free books (open for recommendations, although I think I wrung the classics dry for all their worth), but I found a book in one of those mobile libraries that does actually have me hooked: The Innocent by Harlan Coben.

It’s not even close to being the best book I ever read. But it’s well written enough and well plotted enough to keep me hooked. Probably my biggest gripe is the author’s description of the women is how attractive they are. Even when he’s describing the protagonists’ wife, he only describes how much the main character thinks she’s hot. Not a complete turn-off, but still a gripe. 😅

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

It wasn’t terrible by any means. But I kept being told how-fast paced and gripping it was.

The fastest the pace went was the main character ducking behind a barrier in a very brief firefight.

I’m not one of those action junkies, but I was kind of expecting more.

I was living at or below the poverty line for years before COVID. As a senior developer, I wasn’t finding any work. Then when COVID hit, I wasn’t able to keep up with the work. I was finally earning 6 figures. I was able to travel (like in a jet, legitimate travel) for the first time–just because. It was amazing. I was able to network with people and provide value for people. I felt like my career was suddenly moving!

Then around 2021-2022 all my clients abandoned me, my network ghosted me, and I was back to square one. That’s where I am today.

I’m working on having a breakthrough because someone college-educated with a GitHub profile should not be standing at food bank lines every month.

True, and thanks.