Atropa, I don't want to armchair quarterback, but let me know if you'd like to hear about what I've done with various migraine specialists.

Not a very good weekend for me.

Since COVID I’ve been getting more and more introverted, and it’s only gotten worse this year. So I scheduled a series of events this fall to try to force myself out of the apartment.

On Saturday, I went to the NY Art Book Fair, which is a very crowded event. I went, walked around, bought a few books, and I did my best to try to control my anxiety. I probably stayed there a little too long.

Afterwards, I went to my regular bar to try to decompress. Back in the day, if you go to a bar in NYC at 4–5pm on a Saturday, it would always be deserted. The bars wouldn’t get crowded until after 9. You could set your watch by it.

But for Gen Z? Apparently, 5pm on a Saturday is prime time for them. The bar was absolutely slammed. And loud. So no introvert time at the bar for me.

So Sunday, I ended up not leaving my apartment at all. Maybe my plan to force myself to go out more is backfiring? I still have so much residual anxiety this morning.

Wednesday, I have a bookbinding class scheduled. It should be a lot more lowkey. Hopefully, my anxiety will have dissipated, at least a little. Friday, another book event, also hopefully a lot more lowkey.

I’m sorry, Tom. Making an effort to be social and having it turn out to be too much (especially when it’s an environment you expect to be one way and it is for some reason another) is like compound interest ime

That's tough, Tom. Points for putting yourself out there though!

Maybe go to events where you know it's going to be a manageable size. Like your bookbinding class.

Where you have more control over the environment. Or just plan to meet with one person outside where you can wander together.

But I admire that you recognized a problem and pushed out of your comfort zone to address it. Even if it was too much, the impulse is correct.

Meant to say, hope the book-related things are enjoyable!

I do not remember now how we got onto the subject, but my dad just told me that some guy he used to deliver the Oakland Tribune to when he was 12 years old still owes him $2.80. I don't think he's ever seen Better Off Dead or would particularly enjoy it, but I am finding that hilarious!

So, I, like, pretty abruptly quit my job.

I made my 10 years with the state and was going to do home health for a little more flexibility, but then DH got laid off, and then I was working full time hours plus paperwork in the evening, but due to various bullshit, getting paid less than I would working full time at the gas station down the street, plus not being able to leave work at work.

I get up to 2 weeks of Goblin Mode before I need to get my shit together.

So, go team "Not Really Okay At All"?

Oh my, Debet! Goblin Mode definitely sounds warranted. I'm so sorry you got put in that position.

Oof, Tom and Debet. I want the universe to stop messing around with Buffistas. I have a list of people that should have bad things happen to them, where can I submit that?

Would it help anyone at all to know that a new penguin species was discovered recently?