Just got off the phone with my younger son (the one in Florida). He's given in his notice effective immediately, and his wife starts her new job in Germany in April, so they're getting out as soon as they can. They expect to fly out at the end of this coming week, leaving all accumulated stuff behind bar photos and important documents. I wasn't expecting them to go for another month or so, but he reckons the USA is turning extremely nasty on the street so the sooner the better. They're going straight to Germany but plan on coming home for a visit over next Xmas or so. I'm more than a little relieved that they're leaving the USA.
Too much has happened recently to give a comprehensive thumbnail sketch, but basically the USA is imploding. I'd continue to avoid the news if possible, unless you have friends/family over there.
Thanks. I would see some but just canโt keep up, the most recent was not allowing trans people to fly? Itโs like a gish gallop of fascist bullshit and I canโt even process.
Iโm really sorry and hope your family members make it out safe
Second day in a row I've collapsed on the bed in the afternoon and needed a nap when I normally never do. Done f all this weekend, didn't even leave the house. I feel all weird and lethargic and not good mentally and physically... at least I'll be on my feet and outside tomorrow but rn I feel so unprepared for it. I should at least drag myself to go make and eat some kind of dinner. blah
Feels. I did leave my apartment for a couple of hours but have found myself in the worst head space I've been in for a while today/tonight. Not sure what's going on.
You can buy vandal-proof garden taps at Bunnings. The tap handle is removable so passing arseholes canโt open it. (unless they happen to be plumbers with a tap handle in their toolkits)
In many ways my love for severance is about the absolutely bonkers show it is, but last ep was different.
That depiction of IVF and miscarriage. The awkwardness of the waiting room. The scene in the bathroom. The dirty grout and the fact the blood was the right colour. The lack of words. And the fact that the post episode discussion on Reddit had so many who knew this was a correct depiction and then some lovely gentle conversations and even questions about "I've also wanted to know if this is what it's like for others". It reminded me of going through that stuff and how it was so hard to be open about it but also there was this ... shared secret thing - so many women who quietly said "me too", younger family members pulling me aside quietly for advice and to share their stories.
I dunno what I even want to share here, just that it's nice when someone somewhere takes the time to depict this stuff with humanity. That's what art is for I guess.
I have just worked out I have enough sick leave available to take all of March off. Tempting to book off due to existential angst, but it's probably a better idea to just cut down on the doomscrolling.
Probably not, because at home I can break myself away to do something else when I realise I've been wallowing too much. At work I'm often stuck at my desk with not much happening and I can't do anything else much because I am "monitoring", but there's not enough to do to keep me fully occupied so I end up mindlessly scrolling reddit and things.
I don't get public holidays off, so it doesn't add anything for me to take leave then (and if I do I lose out on penalty rates, so would prefer to work anyway). I do get next year's sick leave credited mid April though, so I technically could get a much longer break by taking it then.
Also have had my first (of this round) fuck wits on marketplace. No mate, the price you saw online is American dollars, so no, I won't be selling you this thing for literally less than half price 2nd hand.
Pale Communion is my favourite of the no death growl years. The Last Will And Testament is a great blend of old and new Opeth. They're a great band with so many eras to keep you busy
Wow itโs still so warm. Iโm someone that needs a blanket though so I wish I had one of those thin cotton blankets.
I could crochet one now Iโve learned a bit but think of how long it would take and the price of the yarn. Cotton yarn does cost more than the bog standard acrylic
I love my cotton blanket. Mum has been picking them up from op shops the last few years. Heavy enough as I need to sleep with some weight but still cool enough to use in summer.
I've seen ads for those cooling blankets but haven't been game enough to make the jump.
Took myself to the movies to see the national theatre production of Macbeth (with David Tennant). They have a bunch that have been filmed while on West End and are now touring in cinemas around the place. Really enjoyed it - Macbeth, awesome stage and music design, David Tennant in all his kilted glory.
Now I am just fighting the urge to nap instead of putting the groceries away. Sigh.
15/50 and apparently that's worse than average. By which they presumably mean the average of all people doing the quiz, as its pretty standard for my own personal average.
We just did Hoopla in South Morang. It's a good play centre. Plenty going on and enough to keep the kids busy.
We'll have to go again because their ticketing isn't very clear and I bought tickets for ourselves as well. They credited back the difference so that's a free trip
If you don't feel you can enjoy a street party without money that is an indictment on society, not you. These sorts of events should be a community celebration that everyone can be a part of, and in the past they were. Buying things used to be an extra option, not the core part of festivities, but our society has moved more and more towards making everything about just shopping in slightly different ways. As a society we seem to have lost any ability to have social connections without spending money - we meet in shops and restaurants, and more and more often we are expected to pay for "experiences", whereas once we would have met in people's homes and experiences were just things that happened to us, not something to buy.
110 Comments
Gibsonhasafluffybutt@aussie.zone · 19 pts · 1y
10 years sober tomorrow. A day of reflection today.
CEOofmyhouse56@aussie.zone · 7 pts · 1y
Well done, mate!
useless_modern_god@aussie.zone · 6 pts · 1y
๐
Seagoon_@aussie.zone · 6 pts · 1y
Happy you are doing so well. ๐
imoldgreeeg@aussie.zone · 5 pts · 1y
Yeeaaah boi! That's hard work.
melbaboutown@aussie.zone · 5 pts · 1y
๐ฅ๐
anotherspringchicken@aussie.zone · 5 pts · 1y
Thatโs a massive achievement! Iโm so pleased for you! ๐ฅณ
Bottom_racer@aussie.zone · 4 pts · 1y
Congrats man!
Not an easy thing.
PeelerSheila@aussie.zone · 3 pts · 1y
๐ช๐ผ ๐ค๐ผ๐ค๐ผ Well done mate, very well done!
TheWitchofThornbury@aussie.zone · 14 pts · 1y
Just got off the phone with my younger son (the one in Florida). He's given in his notice effective immediately, and his wife starts her new job in Germany in April, so they're getting out as soon as they can. They expect to fly out at the end of this coming week, leaving all accumulated stuff behind bar photos and important documents. I wasn't expecting them to go for another month or so, but he reckons the USA is turning extremely nasty on the street so the sooner the better. They're going straight to Germany but plan on coming home for a visit over next Xmas or so. I'm more than a little relieved that they're leaving the USA.
Bottom_racer@aussie.zone · 11 pts · 1y
This whole thing is so ominous.
TheWitchofThornbury@aussie.zone · 8 pts · 1y
He describes the situation as a powderkeg. He's pretty good at reading the room too. So is his wife, who is a very sharp observer indeed.
melbaboutown@aussie.zone · 3 pts · 1y
What happened? Iโve been trying to avoid the news.
I really hope they get out safely
TheWitchofThornbury@aussie.zone · 5 pts · 1y
Too much has happened recently to give a comprehensive thumbnail sketch, but basically the USA is imploding. I'd continue to avoid the news if possible, unless you have friends/family over there.
Seagoon_@aussie.zone · 3 pts · 1y
there's a lot of talk by Trump
I'm not sure what has actually happened other than hasty job cuts and some foreign policy missteps
melbaboutown@aussie.zone · 3 pts · 1y
Thanks. I would see some but just canโt keep up, the most recent was not allowing trans people to fly? Itโs like a gish gallop of fascist bullshit and I canโt even process.
Iโm really sorry and hope your family members make it out safe
Seagoon_@aussie.zone · 5 pts · 1y
My Canadian son in law is frightened, n/k, and the Young Seagoons are staying in NZ and then Australia as long as they can.
TheWitchofThornbury@aussie.zone · 4 pts · 1y
They're smart people.
underwatermagpies@aussie.zone · 5 pts · 1y
Great news. I'm sure it'll be a big relief once they're actually out.
TheWitchofThornbury@aussie.zone · 5 pts · 1y
Counting the days.
melbaboutown@aussie.zone · 12 pts · 1y
Melbcat is so cute. Sheโs doing so well for her age and I wish she could stick around forever.
Iโm not sure what the future is going to bring but if I can sort out my health and maybe move to a better area Iโd love to foster cats.
Seagoon_@aussie.zone · 8 pts · 1y
so many hugs
StudChud@aussie.zone · 12 pts · 1y
Seagoon_@aussie.zone · 7 pts · 1y
Or your brain might be sensible not wanting you to be exposed to more of the same.
LowExperience2368@aussie.zone · 6 pts · 1y
Gibsonhasafluffybutt@aussie.zone · 5 pts · 1y
Feel better soon :)
Gibsonhasafluffybutt@aussie.zone · 12 pts · 1y
Alrighty. Going to Adelaide to see my friend in a couple of weeks!!!!
Fuck it'll be good to see someone from my tribe. I've spent so much time meeting new people which is great.
But it will be nice to see someone I haven't seen for a decade that knows me back to front, even to this day.
Seagoon_@aussie.zone · 11 pts · 1y
yay, every single room and cupboard is sorted and ready to pack except my husband's office.
Now I have to list what kind of boxes I need and how many, then order, then start packing.
I get the new keys on Friday. ๐
imoldgreeeg@aussie.zone · 3 pts · 1y
That is so exciting! Hope it's all smooth.
Seagoon_@aussie.zone · 2 pts · 1y
for once I'm leaving a place, not going to
so it's more relief than anything
just_kitten@aussie.zone · 11 pts · 1y
Second day in a row I've collapsed on the bed in the afternoon and needed a nap when I normally never do. Done f all this weekend, didn't even leave the house. I feel all weird and lethargic and not good mentally and physically... at least I'll be on my feet and outside tomorrow but rn I feel so unprepared for it. I should at least drag myself to go make and eat some kind of dinner. blah
Grackle@aussie.zone · 7 pts · 1y
Feels. I did leave my apartment for a couple of hours but have found myself in the worst head space I've been in for a while today/tonight. Not sure what's going on.
melbaboutown@aussie.zone · 3 pts · 1y
I feel like itโs going around
Seagoon_@aussie.zone · 11 pts · 1y
late last night someone opened the garden taps full on, the noise woke me up, had to go out and switch them off, the courtyard was flooded
now the neighbour is using power tools again
none of these things is dangerous or stressful if it was an isolated event but when shit like this happens everyday it wears you down
I'm looking forward to some peace and quiet
Bottom_racer@aussie.zone · 8 pts · 1y
ohh jeez. I my water paranoid self feels this.
melbaboutown@aussie.zone · 3 pts · 1y
Thatโs bizarre. Were they trespassing? That would absolutely stress me out
SituationCake@aussie.zone · 2 pts · 1y
You can buy vandal-proof garden taps at Bunnings. The tap handle is removable so passing arseholes canโt open it. (unless they happen to be plumbers with a tap handle in their toolkits)
Duenan@aussie.zone · 10 pts · 1y
Bah. Iโm still sick. Runny/blocked nose with it dropping down into my throat.
Donโt like this :/
Gibsonhasafluffybutt@aussie.zone · 6 pts · 1y
Sick leave!
Gibsonhasafluffybutt@aussie.zone · 9 pts · 1y
Thanks everyone for the kind words โค๏ธ
I've decided to take most of tomorrow off (I have 1 meeting I need to attend) and spend the day just relaxing.
Time flies, and life changes so gradually that sometimes you don't notice how different a person you've become.
Goodnight from me and Nest Cat โค๏ธ
CEOofmyhouse56@aussie.zone · 9 pts · 1y
I'm going through my shirts drawers and I'm singing Am I Ever Gonna Wear This Thing Again. No Way........you can guess the rest.
Seagoon_@aussie.zone · 6 pts · 1y
I've been doing that. I now have few clothes and shoes.
melbaboutown@aussie.zone · 5 pts · 1y
I need to do this. The difficulty is finding comfortable replacements
CEOofmyhouse56@aussie.zone · 4 pts · 1y
Very true
imoldgreeeg@aussie.zone · 9 pts · 1y
::: spoiler severance spoilers and health issues
In many ways my love for severance is about the absolutely bonkers show it is, but last ep was different.
That depiction of IVF and miscarriage. The awkwardness of the waiting room. The scene in the bathroom. The dirty grout and the fact the blood was the right colour. The lack of words. And the fact that the post episode discussion on Reddit had so many who knew this was a correct depiction and then some lovely gentle conversations and even questions about "I've also wanted to know if this is what it's like for others". It reminded me of going through that stuff and how it was so hard to be open about it but also there was this ... shared secret thing - so many women who quietly said "me too", younger family members pulling me aside quietly for advice and to share their stories.
I dunno what I even want to share here, just that it's nice when someone somewhere takes the time to depict this stuff with humanity. That's what art is for I guess.
:::
Seagoon_@aussie.zone · 5 pts · 1y
::: spoiler spoiler That pained look she had was a perfect depiction. :::
LowExperience2368@aussie.zone · 4 pts · 1y
RustyRaven@aussie.zone · 9 pts · 1y
I have just worked out I have enough sick leave available to take all of March off. Tempting to book off due to existential angst, but it's probably a better idea to just cut down on the doomscrolling.
Gibsonhasafluffybutt@aussie.zone · 5 pts · 1y
Maybe take 1 week off in the 2nd half. Gives you something to look forward to!
I've stopped reading the news entirely. I understand it's a somewhat privledged position, but my mental health suffers greatly from dooms rolling.
dumblederp@aussie.zone · 4 pts · 1y
Wont time off lead to more doom scrolling?
RustyRaven@aussie.zone · 4 pts · 1y
Probably not, because at home I can break myself away to do something else when I realise I've been wallowing too much. At work I'm often stuck at my desk with not much happening and I can't do anything else much because I am "monitoring", but there's not enough to do to keep me fully occupied so I end up mindlessly scrolling reddit and things.
Catfish@aussie.zone · 3 pts · 1y
If you can wait until April stacking leave with Easter and/or ANZAC gets a longer break as a freebie (for most people).
RustyRaven@aussie.zone · 2 pts · 1y
I don't get public holidays off, so it doesn't add anything for me to take leave then (and if I do I lose out on penalty rates, so would prefer to work anyway). I do get next year's sick leave credited mid April though, so I technically could get a much longer break by taking it then.
Catfish@aussie.zone · 2 pts · 1y
Suspected that might be the case. Poot.
bacon@aussie.zone · 9 pts · 1y
Breakfast and groceries done.
Time for second sleep.
Force_majeure123@aussie.zone · 7 pts · 1y
Ty for waking up to make us breakfast chef
bacon@aussie.zone · 4 pts · 1y
The work is obvious and important.
Bottom_racer@aussie.zone · 5 pts · 1y
So hawt right now.
Gibsonhasafluffybutt@aussie.zone · 4 pts · 1y
I just woke up and 2nd sleep looks real good shortly.
melbaboutown@aussie.zone · 8 pts · 1y
Thereโs all this stuff I was going to do but Iโm so tired. I went back to bed and napped.
If I had more energy I could do stuff rather than stressing myself out on social media and doomscrolling
Gibsonhasafluffybutt@aussie.zone · 8 pts · 1y
Pre-phone call
Post phone call
Also have had my first (of this round) fuck wits on marketplace. No mate, the price you saw online is American dollars, so no, I won't be selling you this thing for literally less than half price 2nd hand.
Fuck wit.
Bottom_racer@aussie.zone · 6 pts · 1y
That is the squint of disapproval. It's a fine line.
anotherspringchicken@aussie.zone · 6 pts · 1y
You woke her up. How rude!
TheWitchofThornbury@aussie.zone · 5 pts · 1y
How dare you wake her up!
useless_modern_god@aussie.zone · 7 pts · 1y
Currently obsessed with the Heritage album by Opeth. A slab of prog rock goodness.
Gibsonhasafluffybutt@aussie.zone · 4 pts · 1y
Fuck yeah!
tombruzzo@aussie.zone · 3 pts · 1y
Pale Communion is my favourite of the no death growl years. The Last Will And Testament is a great blend of old and new Opeth. They're a great band with so many eras to keep you busy
useless_modern_god@aussie.zone · 2 pts · 1y
They really shine without the cookie monster vocals. I would love them to have a female vocalist as well.
tombruzzo@aussie.zone · 1 pts · 1y
There's a little bit of that on the Watershed album. The death growls stuff is great too if you're into that sort of thing
SpinMeAround@aussie.zone · 7 pts · 1y
Body is bruised and battered and burnt, but still managing to pull up for Sunday arvo dance party. Alfie is not a happy participant.
Alamutjones@aussie.zone · 7 pts · 1y
I suppose I should get out of bed
melbaboutown@aussie.zone · 7 pts · 1y
Wow itโs still so warm. Iโm someone that needs a blanket though so I wish I had one of those thin cotton blankets.
I could crochet one now Iโve learned a bit but think of how long it would take and the price of the yarn. Cotton yarn does cost more than the bog standard acrylic
Edit: Huh. They sell literal cooling blankets
Grackle@aussie.zone · 2 pts · 1y
I love my cotton blanket. Mum has been picking them up from op shops the last few years. Heavy enough as I need to sleep with some weight but still cool enough to use in summer.
I've seen ads for those cooling blankets but haven't been game enough to make the jump.
melbaboutown@aussie.zone · 1 pts · 1y
I should really check the op shops but they havenโt had much good and I worry about secondhand bedding
imoldgreeeg@aussie.zone · 7 pts · 1y
Took myself to the movies to see the national theatre production of Macbeth (with David Tennant). They have a bunch that have been filmed while on West End and are now touring in cinemas around the place. Really enjoyed it - Macbeth, awesome stage and music design, David Tennant in all his kilted glory.
Now I am just fighting the urge to nap instead of putting the groceries away. Sigh.
Gibsonhasafluffybutt@aussie.zone · 6 pts · 1y
Gym done (2 days in a row which I'm super happy with after taking a month break, aiming for 5 in a row this week).
Shopping done
Dont have to plan for my week of work ahead.
Time to chillax.
TheWitchofThornbury@aussie.zone · 6 pts · 1y
quiz
25/50 and apparently that's better than average.
Alamutjones@aussie.zone · 5 pts · 1y
40/50, which I find myself very pleased with
Force_majeure123@aussie.zone · 3 pts · 1y
You can be on my pub quiz team
Alamutjones@aussie.zone · 4 pts · 1y
This one lives to serve
StudChud@aussie.zone · 3 pts · 1y
Force_majeure123@aussie.zone · 3 pts · 1y
You can also be on my pub quiz team
RustyRaven@aussie.zone · 5 pts · 1y
15/50 and apparently that's worse than average. By which they presumably mean the average of all people doing the quiz, as its pretty standard for my own personal average.
Eagle@aussie.zone · 5 pts · 1y
I'm glad I'm not the only 15!
Seagoon_@aussie.zone · 3 pts · 1y
25
CEOofmyhouse56@aussie.zone · 3 pts · 1y
35/50 with a few lucky guesses
anotherspringchicken@aussie.zone · 3 pts · 1y
Force_majeure123@aussie.zone · 2 pts · 1y
25 too, tough one
Catfish@aussie.zone · 6 pts · 1y
Three batches of boxes disposed of, more to come. Phew.
Gibsonhasafluffybutt@aussie.zone · 7 pts · 1y
The cats must be in heaven with all the boxes.
Catfish@aussie.zone · 8 pts · 1y
Many have the corners gnawn off. Cat confetti everywhere ๐
just_kitten@aussie.zone · 6 pts · 1y
looks at next week's forecast good old Melbourne "autumn", which really starts in late March or early April
tombruzzo@aussie.zone · 2 pts · 1y
As long as we don't get a 30 degree day in April I'm happy
tombruzzo@aussie.zone · 5 pts · 1y
We just did Hoopla in South Morang. It's a good play centre. Plenty going on and enough to keep the kids busy.
We'll have to go again because their ticketing isn't very clear and I bought tickets for ourselves as well. They credited back the difference so that's a free trip
StudChud@aussie.zone · 5 pts · 1y
RustyRaven@aussie.zone · 9 pts · 1y
If you don't feel you can enjoy a street party without money that is an indictment on society, not you. These sorts of events should be a community celebration that everyone can be a part of, and in the past they were. Buying things used to be an extra option, not the core part of festivities, but our society has moved more and more towards making everything about just shopping in slightly different ways. As a society we seem to have lost any ability to have social connections without spending money - we meet in shops and restaurants, and more and more often we are expected to pay for "experiences", whereas once we would have met in people's homes and experiences were just things that happened to us, not something to buy.
Gibsonhasafluffybutt@aussie.zone · 7 pts · 1y
I was thinking about this as well. When I grew up in Brunswick circa 90's to early 2000's, it was not as commercial as it seems to be these days.
Always lots of local bands, free stuff to do, lots of stalls just to hang out and talk.
I miss the old days of Brunswick.
Seagoon_@aussie.zone · 5 pts · 1y
Playing cards used to be a big thing
Seagoon_@aussie.zone · 6 pts · 1y
self protection is not attention seeking
and there are free bands t o see at the street party, don't need money for that ๐
bacon@aussie.zone · 5 pts · 1y
new moon landing
Seagoon_@aussie.zone · 6 pts · 1y
cool
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-03-02/private-lunar-lander-blue-ghost-touches-down-on-the-moon/105000988
bacon@aussie.zone · 4 pts · 1y
Beep Beep ๐
๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ซ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ฅญ๐๐ฅฅ๐ฅฆ๐ฅ๐ซ๐๐ ๐ฅ๐ฅฌ๐ฅ๐ฝ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ ๐ซ๐ฅ๐ง ๐ฅฏ๐๐ฅ๐ฅจ๐ง๐ง๐ฅ๐ง๐ณ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅฉ๐๐๐ซ๐๐๐๐ญ๐ฅ๐ง๐ฎ๐ฏ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐๐๐ฅ๐๐ฃ๐ฑ๐ฅ๐ฆช๐ฅ๐๐๐๐ ๐ค๐ชผ๐ฆ๐ ๐๐ฅฎ๐ข๐ก๐ง๐ฐ๐ง๐ฅง๐ฆ๐จ๐๐ฎ๐ญ๐ฌ๐ซ๐ฅ๐ฐ๐ช๐ฟ๐ฏ๐ฅโ๏ธ๐ต๐บ๐ถ๐ฅค๐ง๐ง๐ฅ๐ท๐ฅ๐ธ๐น๐ง๐
TheWitchofThornbury@aussie.zone · 5 pts · 1y
Poached eggs on toast with bacon, and a nice cup of tea please chef.
bacon@aussie.zone · 2 pts · 1y
๐ฅ๐ฅ
๐ฅ๐ฅ
๐๐
โ๏ธ
just_kitten@aussie.zone · 4 pts · 1y
I want some of Force's salmon! and a big serve of broccolini.
bacon@aussie.zone · 3 pts · 1y
๐จ๐ฌ๐ฃ
๐ฅฆ
RustyRaven@aussie.zone · 4 pts · 1y
A big stack of pancakes please, drizzled with syrup and topped with a big blog of cream.
bacon@aussie.zone · 3 pts · 1y
๐ง
๐ฏ
๐ฅ
๐ฅ
๐ฅ
๐ฅ
๐ฅ
Force_majeure123@aussie.zone · 3 pts · 1y
Potato salad and some smoked salmon please
bacon@aussie.zone · 3 pts · 1y
๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฌ๐
LowExperience2368@aussie.zone · 4 pts · 1y
Seagoon_@aussie.zone · 3 pts · 1y
an important part of planning is having hopes and aims , all we can do is work toward those and if opportunity comes be ready
good luck ๐ค
melbaboutown@aussie.zone · 3 pts · 1y
Almost finished the bag, noticed I screwed it up and unraveled
Seagoon_@aussie.zone · 2 pts · 1y
( we have all done this, the public only sees the things we finish, not the ones we undid )
melbaboutown@aussie.zone · 1 pts · 1y
Iโm starting again and hopefully have more of an idea this time
Taleya@aussie.zone · 3 pts · 1y
Anyone rec a composite material post huckster in melbs? Wanna put in a tap post, leaning comp as they purty and avoid most issues.
LowExperience2368@aussie.zone · 1 pts · 1y
melbaboutown@aussie.zone · 1 pts · 1y