It's been decades but Anna Karenina is still in my top five favorite books.

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.

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.

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.

*Chairdrobe.

The dual was sooo obnoxious. I did an embrace run and the slayer form is pretty terrible especially in comparison. I think I ended up spamming invulnerability spheres and burning through Otto's irresistible dance scrolls.

I have no qualms stopping the conversation and repeating my joke. Witness my pun!!

Stressed but overall good. I started a new job at the beginning of the year and am definitely settled but now have too much going on! I've been mostly staying on top of all my organization strategies and nothing is falling through the cracks just yet. So that's a win even if I'm behind on some personal deadlines.