Oh yay, time for my semi-regular bout of impostor syndrome because I've been a manager for not quite two years and I'm managing seven people holy fuck am I sure I know what I'm doing?

So that's how my day is going.

Belated happy birthday, Beverly!

Fuck yeah clear scans, Calli!

Also we have had semi house guests. M's 2 cousins basically live here part time now I guess.

Oh wow. It sounds like you really don't have any space to decompress after work and pursue your own interests, and work sounds logistically and interpersonally challenging. Is there any possibility of a different housing situation? But good on you for offering wisdom to that 22-year-old, my goodness.

holy fuck am I sure I know what I'm doing

Gonna take a wild guess and say that the people you're managing probably think you're great.

In other news.

So my Dad still isn't on oxygen, needs a sleep study to get a CPAP which may take 3 months, keeps falling asleep during the day while people are visiting and at doctor's appointments, and crashed his fucking car into a tree today when he decided could drive himself to the store. He seems to be banged up but physically okay, but his car is totaled and I seriously doubt he got checked out by a doctor after the accident. My Mom is currently sick (fingers crossed it's not COVID again!) and is struggling to deal with my Dad not being coherent and also managing his care. Currently talking with my siblings on how we can help, which we're probably limited in doing because I don't think any of us are on paperwork as power of attorney or have proxy access. And also acknowledging that loss of autonomy is scary and we don't want to do anything to make the situation worse.

I'd be happy for any advice folks want to share. Also happy for some "that's rough, buddy" hairpats.

If I had any good advice, my own aging/infirm family member situation would be much better, so in lieu of that, you're getting the hairpats.

I can only offer the hairpats. Cuz that's rough, Buddy.

I wish I had helpful advice, shrift.

shrift, that's really rough. I wish I had some useful advice. Tons of hairpats headed your way.

Shrift, that is rough. If none of the siblings are localish to your parents, that makes it even harder.

When my parents had just retired, but before they got really old, Mom used to be a driver for something called “Shepherd’s Center.” She drove people to the store, to appointments, and to social things when they couldn’t drive themselves, often for reasons like your father probably has. It’s church related, but non-denominational. [link] The one I linked to is in the town where they used to live, but several came up when I googled it. Perhaps there’s something similar near your parents? You could try to sell it as “just until the study,” or even “just until the car is replaced,” instead of your dad renting something.

Askye, I hope you feel better and have a chance to pursue your art again soon.

Oh no, shrift, that sounds terrible and scary. I'm sorry.

I keep wanting to complain because I have a cold! And then I talk to literally anyone else.

Thanks, y'all.

If none of the siblings are localish to your parents, that makes it even harder.

My siblings are local and have been going over and offering help, but the problem seems to be getting my parents to accept it. But depending on how things go, something like Shepherd’s Center could be beneficial. Thanks for sharing it!