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.

I think pay day loans should be illegal. They are so predatory! But I also understand the desperation. If we had a better social support system, it wouldn’t be an issue. But then people wouldn’t be making as much money. Can’t have that.

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.

I read a book last year on homelessness and one focus was on extended stay hotels. In my own ignorance, I hadn’t thought about them being used in place of regular housing. Because people can’t qualify for mortgages or pull together a deposit for an apartment, they end up spending so much more paying week to week while having less rights and a less stable community.

After finishing the book, I remember thinking how the US is just perfectly set up to profit from desperate people. I’m really lucky and escaped poverty, but I remember my mom taking payday loans, just the overwhelming worry that came from barely having enough, and the panic attacks I had each semester of college as I cobbled together a means to pay tuition.

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.