{{{Calli}}} Fingers crossed that the community college opportunity works out.

I don't think most people outside academia have any notion what a big and critical chunk of the economy we are. Unfortunately it looks like they're going to find out the hard way.

So far I think my job is safe (and fingers crossed it stays that way, since Dylan's job search after his layoff last fall is painfully slow--it's just not a good market for senior UX folks right now). We're definitely facing painful budget cuts, but the fact I'm in a central office rather than a department or research center heavily dependent on a handful of federal grants insulates me a bit. Still, it's just an ugly time all around right now.

I talked to Todd a few times at SF2F, and she was, indeed, a lovely woman. Unless I'm mistaken, one of the times was in DebG's kitchen. I'm sorry she's gone, and I wish we had been able to shower her with love.

Oof, that's super stressful, Calli, and I am crossing all the things for the upcoming interview.

My first and only F2F was DC. No idea what year that one was. I was pretty newly and fairly clunkily unlurked, so it was kind of like crashing a reunion where you didn't go to school? Y'all were very kind, though, retroactive thank you to all.

DH finally has an offer -- it hinges on whether a company contract gets renewed, though, so... here's hoping. He has another final interview with a big company, too, so there's that hope as well. It has been tough out there for a dude who was used to an industry that tended to move fast and a snap people up quickly. It's been since last August. All my fingers and toes are crossed for him, too, needless to say. Job ~ma D's way, Susan.

And saving the best for last...

Happy Birthday, Vortex! May your year ahead be fanfuckingtastic.

So sorry to hear that Toddson has passed away.

This is also the anniversary of the first F2F in 2002. It was an event that changed my life in many ways and brought me a group of friends I cherish dearly. (eat a muffin whitey)

Same! Also that's when my relationship with JZ moved from casual to deeper feels.

Happy birthday, Vortex!

Good look with the jobbery, Calli and JenP's DH!

I was super disciplined this morning and breakfast was one poached egg on unbuttered toast! Is there anything more strict and focused than dry toast? The commitment!

Thus inspired I went for my first run in two weeks, after three sessions of Pilates this week.

Ozempic update: I've lost about 20 lbs and dropped a pant size. Still have 30 more to go to reach my goal weight but I'm focused and motivated. Abs are definitely a lot stronger and more noticeable after a couple months of Pilates.

My first and only F2F was DC. No idea what year that one was.

2004 - JZ and I were on our honeymoon. I remember meeting you and Amy Preble and Calli on the same couch. The NC crew was strong, with Amych and Smonster too.

I think I may have gotten attached to NC by couch proximity -- which is just fine by me! But I wasn't actually of the NC group. Mores the pity.