![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
shadowkatThey are predicting storms tomorrow, and rain throughout Saturday, with temperatures diving into the 50s and low 60s, then rising to 73 for Memorial Day. After being in the 80s and 90s periodically for the past two weeks. This looks like a topsy turvy summer, just saying.
I don't mind the lower temperatures.
Mother felt the need to regale my brother with my menopause woes.
Mother: I told your brother about the issues you are having with menopause, and told him that you wouldn't be happy that I was telling him this.
ME: no. (Also somewhat amused that you are informing me of this. And I'd have loved to be a fly on the wallpaper during this discussion.)
Mother: He said that he wasn't particularly thrilled about it either and wished I wouldn't too. Then I talked about his wife's issues..and he got quiet.
Me: Yep. Probably not happy about that either. But you went there anyhow.
[I'd feel embarrassed or sorry for him, but mainly I'm just amused.]
Mother doesn't understand why people have troubles talking about natural bodily functions. She had no difficulty with the sex talk, or discussing periods or anything else. From mother's point of view, people are weird about these things, and need to get over themselves. It would be better if we could discuss them normally like adults.
My grandmother thought mother missed her calling as nurse. Or a sex ed teacher.
Mother also informed me that niece on the way back from visiting with her in South Carolina, while be dropped off in DC - to stay with her boyfriend and his family in Virginia.
Me: Uhm, okay. I guess that's better than wandering about DC and staying with him in a hotel.
Mother: Well, I questioned the two couples going to the Cape together.
Me: I thought it was a group of friends?
Mother: No. Two couples.
Me: Okay.
Mother: They appear to be loosening restrictions, since she's almost an adult now and pushing the boundaries.
Well, my brother and his wife did that when they were 17. She'd come and visit him. And they met at an art summer school in Providence, RI.
I just didn't do it. I did go to France for two months by myself at 16, and kind of got kissed by a French boy. But that's about it.
Crazy workplace is making everyone crazy.
Governor was bragging today about all the projects crazy workplace has in the works and is about to complete. And how these projects were put on hold forever because of the bureaucracy, but he cut through it. No. He just bullied people in cutting corners, and ignoring regulations that he and the legislature put in place. Also, he's managed in his tenure to create more bureaucracy, more levels of unnecessary management, and more bottlenecks than we had before. I got tired of the bragging after a bit and tuned out.
Regarding crazy workplace? We received a Return to the Office Policy today informing us all - not to worry, we'd move back into the workplace gradually at 30% capacity, then 50% capacity, with people working either three days or two days in the office each week, rotating schedules determined by each department. Subject to change. It was very confusing and somewhat stress-inducing. Also, not clear what effect if any it has on the Union.
I wish they'd come up with a consistent and clear plan on this - not a haphazard plan that they keep changing every couple of weeks with little notice.
Also, they state if you have symptoms stay home or leave immediately. What about allergies? I mean I have allergies and do cough, runny eyes, nose, sneezing - due to the dust and mold. Do I have to go home?
And do I have to wear a mask in my cubicle - even though I'm fully vaccinated?
The problem is - it's not consistent across the board. Which makes it anxiety inducing.
Gabe sent the whole thing to the Union and asked if it applied to the Union members. Smart move. God knows. I bet the A/B schedule bit doesn't.
Wales has been working full time in the office for the most part since 2020, since she freaked out working remotely. They'd provided her with a lap-top. Also she's a legal secretary - so that may have been part of it? I don't know.
Although to NY's credit : As of 11am this morning, 64.4 percent of adult New Yorkers have completed at least one vaccine dose. Over the past 24 hours, 87,791 total doses have been administered. To date, New York administered 18,715,969 total doses with 55.8 percent of adult New Yorkers completing their vaccine series. [Source New York State Department of Health, via Governor's email and briefing.]
I told this to mother who advised that it was better than most places.
We also only had 10 people die of it today, so that's declining at least.
And my area's infection rate is .56%, it's been wavering between 0.56% and 0.46%, with 23,000 tested, and about 126 infected. How reliable that is, I don't know.
The Governor has gone from being adamant about getting tested, to being adamant about getting the vaccine - which it turns out may be more effective than we thought. But honestly, who knows at this point.
The above picture is of the rose bushes planted in front of the fruit and vegetable store - that I walked to post laundry, and post talk to mother. I've been talking to mother more this year than last year - but that's mainly because father isn't at home, and we're both lonely.
I've decided I just need to be patient for a while longer. And ignore the folks frolicking about. I talked to mother about this tonight, as I'd come to an epiphany of sorts earlier today. It's not that I'm envious or jealous of the people visiting their family, so much as I'm reminded of the fact that I can't right now. It hurts to be reminded of what you can't currently do - but really want to do. Best to just ignore it, or let the words float on by. Just pretty pictures floating down the river or like clouds across the sky. Years of meditation taught me how to do that - it's a lovely thing.
Last year I called my niece more - because she was isolated at home with her parents. This year she's out with friends, dating, and socializing up a storm. Apparently she's found this guy from Virginia who she's into. He's boarding at her school. She's going to a boarding school/college, but living at home. Next year she's going to the London School of Economics - which according to my brother is actually cheaper than the US schools she applied to. This blows my mind - the UK schools are cheaper than the US schools, and it is actually much cheaper for my niece to go to school at the London School of Economics than at Bard. Okay-dokey. Wrap your heads around that one. Assuming you've all read this far. I'm thinking of visiting her in London next year - and if possible maybe seeing British social media friends in person? Or maybe not? It's not like anyone sees me when they pop into NYC. Oh, it's also a huge accomplishment for her to get accepted to that school - since it only takes 300 out of 600 applicants per year, and most are older students. She's the only one who was accepted from her school. She had to apply to get in.
I don't think anyone dislikes my niece. I can't imagine anyone disliking her. She has the sweetest disposition. I don't know what family she came from - it certainly wasn't ours.
Anyhow, it's late and I should go to bed. Didn't sleep well last night. Was either too cold or too hot, frigging menopause. The new scrolling mechanism on DW is annoying me - I have to hit the side right or it won't scroll. Hard to explain - trust me, it's annoying.
That said, I'm in a chipper mood tonight, believe it or not. The hormones are at rest. And I feel calm and weirdly happy. Almost, not quite, carefree.
I don't mind the lower temperatures.
Mother felt the need to regale my brother with my menopause woes.
Mother: I told your brother about the issues you are having with menopause, and told him that you wouldn't be happy that I was telling him this.
ME: no. (Also somewhat amused that you are informing me of this. And I'd have loved to be a fly on the wallpaper during this discussion.)
Mother: He said that he wasn't particularly thrilled about it either and wished I wouldn't too. Then I talked about his wife's issues..and he got quiet.
Me: Yep. Probably not happy about that either. But you went there anyhow.
[I'd feel embarrassed or sorry for him, but mainly I'm just amused.]
Mother doesn't understand why people have troubles talking about natural bodily functions. She had no difficulty with the sex talk, or discussing periods or anything else. From mother's point of view, people are weird about these things, and need to get over themselves. It would be better if we could discuss them normally like adults.
My grandmother thought mother missed her calling as nurse. Or a sex ed teacher.
Mother also informed me that niece on the way back from visiting with her in South Carolina, while be dropped off in DC - to stay with her boyfriend and his family in Virginia.
Me: Uhm, okay. I guess that's better than wandering about DC and staying with him in a hotel.
Mother: Well, I questioned the two couples going to the Cape together.
Me: I thought it was a group of friends?
Mother: No. Two couples.
Me: Okay.
Mother: They appear to be loosening restrictions, since she's almost an adult now and pushing the boundaries.
Well, my brother and his wife did that when they were 17. She'd come and visit him. And they met at an art summer school in Providence, RI.
I just didn't do it. I did go to France for two months by myself at 16, and kind of got kissed by a French boy. But that's about it.
Crazy workplace is making everyone crazy.
Governor was bragging today about all the projects crazy workplace has in the works and is about to complete. And how these projects were put on hold forever because of the bureaucracy, but he cut through it. No. He just bullied people in cutting corners, and ignoring regulations that he and the legislature put in place. Also, he's managed in his tenure to create more bureaucracy, more levels of unnecessary management, and more bottlenecks than we had before. I got tired of the bragging after a bit and tuned out.
Regarding crazy workplace? We received a Return to the Office Policy today informing us all - not to worry, we'd move back into the workplace gradually at 30% capacity, then 50% capacity, with people working either three days or two days in the office each week, rotating schedules determined by each department. Subject to change. It was very confusing and somewhat stress-inducing. Also, not clear what effect if any it has on the Union.
I wish they'd come up with a consistent and clear plan on this - not a haphazard plan that they keep changing every couple of weeks with little notice.
Also, they state if you have symptoms stay home or leave immediately. What about allergies? I mean I have allergies and do cough, runny eyes, nose, sneezing - due to the dust and mold. Do I have to go home?
And do I have to wear a mask in my cubicle - even though I'm fully vaccinated?
The problem is - it's not consistent across the board. Which makes it anxiety inducing.
Gabe sent the whole thing to the Union and asked if it applied to the Union members. Smart move. God knows. I bet the A/B schedule bit doesn't.
Wales has been working full time in the office for the most part since 2020, since she freaked out working remotely. They'd provided her with a lap-top. Also she's a legal secretary - so that may have been part of it? I don't know.
Although to NY's credit : As of 11am this morning, 64.4 percent of adult New Yorkers have completed at least one vaccine dose. Over the past 24 hours, 87,791 total doses have been administered. To date, New York administered 18,715,969 total doses with 55.8 percent of adult New Yorkers completing their vaccine series. [Source New York State Department of Health, via Governor's email and briefing.]
I told this to mother who advised that it was better than most places.
We also only had 10 people die of it today, so that's declining at least.
And my area's infection rate is .56%, it's been wavering between 0.56% and 0.46%, with 23,000 tested, and about 126 infected. How reliable that is, I don't know.
The Governor has gone from being adamant about getting tested, to being adamant about getting the vaccine - which it turns out may be more effective than we thought. But honestly, who knows at this point.
The above picture is of the rose bushes planted in front of the fruit and vegetable store - that I walked to post laundry, and post talk to mother. I've been talking to mother more this year than last year - but that's mainly because father isn't at home, and we're both lonely.
I've decided I just need to be patient for a while longer. And ignore the folks frolicking about. I talked to mother about this tonight, as I'd come to an epiphany of sorts earlier today. It's not that I'm envious or jealous of the people visiting their family, so much as I'm reminded of the fact that I can't right now. It hurts to be reminded of what you can't currently do - but really want to do. Best to just ignore it, or let the words float on by. Just pretty pictures floating down the river or like clouds across the sky. Years of meditation taught me how to do that - it's a lovely thing.
Last year I called my niece more - because she was isolated at home with her parents. This year she's out with friends, dating, and socializing up a storm. Apparently she's found this guy from Virginia who she's into. He's boarding at her school. She's going to a boarding school/college, but living at home. Next year she's going to the London School of Economics - which according to my brother is actually cheaper than the US schools she applied to. This blows my mind - the UK schools are cheaper than the US schools, and it is actually much cheaper for my niece to go to school at the London School of Economics than at Bard. Okay-dokey. Wrap your heads around that one. Assuming you've all read this far. I'm thinking of visiting her in London next year - and if possible maybe seeing British social media friends in person? Or maybe not? It's not like anyone sees me when they pop into NYC. Oh, it's also a huge accomplishment for her to get accepted to that school - since it only takes 300 out of 600 applicants per year, and most are older students. She's the only one who was accepted from her school. She had to apply to get in.
I don't think anyone dislikes my niece. I can't imagine anyone disliking her. She has the sweetest disposition. I don't know what family she came from - it certainly wasn't ours.
Anyhow, it's late and I should go to bed. Didn't sleep well last night. Was either too cold or too hot, frigging menopause. The new scrolling mechanism on DW is annoying me - I have to hit the side right or it won't scroll. Hard to explain - trust me, it's annoying.
That said, I'm in a chipper mood tonight, believe it or not. The hormones are at rest. And I feel calm and weirdly happy. Almost, not quite, carefree.
no subject
Date: 2021-05-28 02:17 pm (UTC)The fees will look outrageous to Brits, because they charge a *lot* more for non-Brits, but I gather they are still cheaper than US places of similar prestige. We always seem to have a bunch of Americans doing postgrad studies at the Shakespeare Institute.
My offer of being a point of contact over here still stands. And if you do come over, I can provide a fairly nifty personal tour of Shakespeare Country!
I wish they'd come up with a consistent and clear plan on this - not a haphazard plan that they keep changing every couple of weeks with little notice. We have a national government which seems to operate on deliberate chaos, so I very much feel your pain. Things will improve, though.
no subject
Date: 2021-05-28 03:25 pm (UTC)I may take you up on that. We're all playing things by ear at the moment. Although niece isn't she fully intends on leaving boyfriend behind and going to LSE in the fall. LOL!
Ah, to be 17 and carefree.
The fees will look outrageous to Brits, because they charge a *lot* more for non-Brits, but I gather they are still cheaper than US places of similar prestige. We always seem to have a bunch of Americans doing postgrad studies at the Shakespeare Institute.
It may be the exchange rate? I don't know. I know she's sticking with the Simon Rock through Bard foreign exchange program, because cheaper. So it's a year at LSE, with an intensive internship, and a focus on human rights courses or sociology. She has an internship this summer in NYC with a friend of her mother's - who works for a Native American Social Justice Agency. (I don't know the name of it - I got this from my mother.) She'll be staying in the city with them. (Which means I may get to see her this summer - without having to haul myself up to Kinderhook (it's about four hours from me). )
The fees over here? Well, NYU is over $52,000 a year, and it may have gone up to $62,000. Bard is slightly over $57,000 for returning off-campus students. And I just looked up London School of Economics for International Students - the pound to US dollar - it's $31,803.38 (in dollars, about 22,430 in pounds.) So yes, it's a lot cheaper. I mean they are saving about $20,000 or so. LOL!
ETA: We have a national government which seems to operate on deliberate chaos, so I very much feel your pain. Things will improve, though.
Oh god. I hope they do. I honestly think this pandemic blind-sighted everyone. It shouldn't have - there were plenty of warning signs. But people, especially leaders, tend to get caught up in their own stuff. We had stuff in place - but we did away with all the protocols in 2016 for reasons I do not quite understand.
Our national government has gotten better. It's far from great, but it's better - then again after the last administration - the only place to go was up. We'd hit rock bottom in January 2021.