It’s those kinds of things that keep me sane.

That’s good to hear, Tep

I’m sorry you’re in that situation, brenda

I am so relieved that I work for a Catholic organization, so we're 'safe' until they decide to come for the Catholics. (Oh, they'll get around to it, if they keep going, but the Holy Roman Church is way down on the list of priorities.)

Never thought I'd write the first sentence above, but here we are.

Sophia, that sounds like the way yearly reviews are supposed to be (supportive, recognizing your past accomplishments and helping you build towards future goals), but so rarely are. I like the sound of your manager. (Also, I think we have similar jobs.)

I’m at a private university, and my unit still has an active DEIA group. Right now we’re more concerned about NIH funding than anything, but I expect the Eye of Orange Sauron will eventually turn there.

I have to go get an EMG this morning for what is 99% likely to be carpal tunnel syndrome in my right hand (numbness, tingling). I just hope it can be treated with something easy like a cortisone shot rather than surgery (although I know carpal tunnel surgery is pretty simple). And honestly, I can't see my insurance approving surgery without a cortisone shot being tried first.

Maintenance on this crumbling human shell is a pain in the butt, man.

Sophia! So lovely to read about your recognition and improved work comfort. Work takes up so much of our lives that appreciation is vital.

Brenda, it is walking a tightrope you shouldn't have to navigate, and I am sure your team appreciates your efforts.

Good to hear, Teppy. Go, AMA! eta: I hope your crumbling shell is easily fixed.

I am so relieved that I work for a Catholic organization, so we're 'safe' until they decide to come for the Catholics.

My Mom was Catholic and my step-dad converted for her so she would marry him. His born-again sister considered Catholics as only Christian-adjacent or something.

Last night at book club we got to what one of my fellows calls the 'organ section' where groups of an age start talking about their various procedures and conditions. It was pretty funny. One of the guys, who is in pretty remarkable shape and jogs multiple miles a day and stuff, was telling us about his routines. He lost 90 pounds doing a one meal a day, massive amounts of fiber, type diet. Over 100mg per day. He absolutely agrees that diets are what works for the person deals, but he swore his energy, vitality and lack of joint pain was due to Niagen. There was also massive agreement that Ozempic is a damn miracle and insurance companies should embrace it for all the preventative value. It was interesting. They didn't talk me into the Ozempic, but I did order the Niagen, because I could use some of that vitality stuff.

I tell you what, the miracle of Ozempic for me is what meara said months and months ago when she was in the trial -- the reduction of the "food noise" in the brain. It tastes like fucking freedom.

I did lose 27 pounds over a year, and I'd like to do that again this year, but even without that, the relief from the grip of constantly thinking about and wanting food is miraculous. I can completely believe the headline or two I've seen about Ozemempic WRT to helping with addiction. (It also helps my particular situation with slowing down how fast my stomach empties. Anything that keeps food in my system longer is a plus .)

OK, ad over.

Today I must focus on the work I need to do for the NP I work-ish for. One email and the web copy re-write. If you see me in here, ask me if I'm getting anything done, please!

I think I must have only thought and not typed, so - Sophia, so glad that you are seen!

Guess who needs carpal tunnel surgery on her right hand? (Shockingly it is not Tim, who has been the only surgery-haver in the house since 2020.) Apparently the carpal tunnel syndrome in my right hand is considered severe and a cortisone shot wouldn't do much. There was one test that involved an electrical current through an acupuncture needle in the meaty part of the thumb muscle, and it hurt like hell in my left hand... and I didn't even feel it in my right. "That's bad, isn't it?" I asked the doctor. He said "Let's just say it's a very strong diagnostic indicator."

I do apparently have some carpal tunnel issues in my left hand, too, which I hadn't even noticed. They're minor, so the doctor doesn't recommend surgery unless the symptoms get worse, but he said I may want a cortisone injection for that hand.

Damn this crumbling human shell.

Anyway, the carpal tunnel surgery is supposed to be super easy and the recovery time is short, so I say bring it on.

Well, I'm glad it's an easier surgery with a short recovery time, but I'm sorry you have to have it at all.

The crumbling shell plan is just not a good one. May the next iteration of the Universe come up with something better.

Oh, shit. I'm here, and I have been completely not doing what I need to be. Dammit. OK, next time I post here, I better be able to say, "Email done."