One of my best friends turned 83 a few weeks ago. I’m 39 and we’ve been close for almost a decade. We have so much in common and it’s been such a rich and rewarding friendship! I think I’m my “most authentic” self around him. Not that I’m specifically hiding things from other friends, but we’ve had similar struggles and similar perspectives on things. It makes it easier to talk about anything and everything! It’s always funny seeing people assume I’m his biracial granddaughter. Haha!

In the next year or so, I’m moving out of the US and he’s going to move closer to family down south. It’s going to be bittersweet. But it’s heartening to know that you can make new, meaningful connections at any point.

To be fair, a lot of that feeling is due to us having more information, delivered more quickly. I watched a history video recently on the rampant corruption during Ulysses S Grant’s presidency. It led to a lot of reform to prevent it happening again.

The video used it as a silver lining to show the US can come back from the bullshit currently happening. Not sure I agree. I’ve lost my faith in not just the government, but at least half of my fellow citizens and am planning my exit. But you know, the point remains.

And here I was thinking I was bad for bringing a foil wrapped burrito. Had to time my unwrapping…

But my purse is big enough, I think I could get away with a small tray of food.

Thanks! I was also looking at this guide linked from one of the privacy communities I follow. https://www.privacyguides.org/en/mobile-phones/

I went ahead and got a pixel phone since that’s what I’ve gotten the last few years and it’s recommend. Definitely going to look into GrapheneOS. I also use my phone for work and that might have to stop soon. There’s a “wall” between my personal stuff and all the Microsoft related work apps. But I know there’s no way that’s secure.

Yes, but is it the sheriff who will pay or the tax payers? I’m guessing the latter.

I’m aware, thus my last sentence about the environmental and human impact. I try to go as long as possible between phones but issues pop up (I’m sure it’s by design) and I have to upgrade. I bought my current phone in late 2023. It shouldn’t need replacing so soon!

I need a new phone and am on Google Fi (I know…). I went to look at the phones for sale and they are touting their AI capabilities. I should find a new service and get a phone through them, but that’s research I just don’t want to spend time doing. Why are electronics so terrible when it covers to environmental and human impacts?!?

The humor has been an unexpected joy. I’m also enjoying the music!

Started Disco Elysium. I held off for so long because it seemed depressing and the art style didn’t appeal, but then it went on sale. Yes, it is pretty depressing but I’m still enjoying it so far. Trying not to look into any information about it so that I can experience it unspoiled.

The dual was sooo obnoxious. I did an embrace run and the slayer form is pretty terrible especially in comparison. I think I ended up spamming invulnerability spheres and burning through Otto’s irresistible dance scrolls.

Stressed but overall good. I started a new job at the beginning of the year and am definitely settled but now have too much going on! I’ve been mostly staying on top of all my organization strategies and nothing is falling through the cracks just yet. So that’s a win even if I’m behind on some personal deadlines.

Humans can’t even stop exploiting other humans. Bees and other animals don’t stand a chance.

I’m on console and couldn’t find the sit this one out mod, so I enabled an added difficulty one that scales automatically depending on my party size. It works but fights are probably going to get annoyingly long later on.

I’m on my third playthrough. My second was dark urge and it was a lot of fun. I’m currently playing an origin run (Wyll) and more typically good. It’s fun since I’ve modded it to have all the companions with me. I’m only rolling six deep right now, but ladders are already annoying. Haha.

Are you doing resist or embrace? I think if I do a fourth run, I’ll do a dark urge resist with a barbarian, potentially drow, because I heard those options have a lot of unique dialogue.

I’m so glad you find it helpful! This is the first time I’ve watched something from Step Back, but it was an immediate follow for me too.

Thanks for the rec! Subscribed. If you can afford it, I also recommend Nebula which specializes in more long form videos. The UI still needs some TLC compared to YouTube, but there’s a vast improvement in content quality.

A bit of a beast in terms of the amount of information communicated, but it’s the best video I’ve seen in terms of providing the historical context behind the relationship between the US and Iran. I wasn’t aware of the insider trading bits but am 0% surprised.

I’ve tried to avoid day to day news on the war for my own mental health but have found long form videos/documentaries as a good alternative to staying informed without being subjected to rage bait type content.