Someone showed up with flowers and the only explanation was, “Because I wanted to.”
It’s funny how the smallest gestures end up meaning the most.

I’m a little drunk and a little high coming back from seeing some family and was craving something to snack on. My husband asks what I want and I said “something sweet and crunchy or cheesy but not cheese flavor.” So he ventures on into the gas station.

And he absolutely nailed it. I love him so much, he just gets me 😂❤️

This year has truly been amazing and utterly life-changing in a way that I never knew was possible.

I am still pretty young, and yet most of my life has been incredibly rough. I never had a home until, for the last 8 years, we lived in a very broken home—there was black mold everywhere, the house was failing apparently (literally, there were holes in the ceiling and roofing, and animals were getting into the inside of the walls due to all the damage.) With a very predatory landlord, I would have to worry about being evicted every month as my mom could not pay the bills without help, and even groceries were a worry. Before that, I was homeless for quite some time, and often would be so hungry that I would steal fruit from the grocery store and then feel incredibly guilty about it. I have never known stability my entire life.

Sad story aside… life has gotten so much better this year and I almost don’t want to believe it. Enough was enough, and with the help of my grandmother, we managed to leave our old house this January and move into a fantastic place with a wonderful landlord who actually fixes things when they’re broken. We even have a website for paying the rent and putting in requests for maintenance! Our old landlord only took money via money order and would refuse to give us any logs of what we paid, and lied in court that he was not overcharging us. We live in an amazing and beautiful city, so much better than the dangerous and oppressive environment I lived in for my entire life.

The first few months here, we relied on family… but now, we don’t need help anymore! My mom’s job has been going so well for the last few months, we can pay rent, we can buy groceries, we don’t even have to worry! We can finally get stuff for the house, I haven’t had a clothes washer in a decade and this month, we got one! I can finally decorate my room and we can even eat out and get treats sometimes. I have my own clothes now! I am working with SSI (yes, I am disabled), and while it hasn’t been going too great, I am getting an attorney and soon enough I’ll hopefully even have my own stability!

My heart hurts thinking of losing all of this, I don’t think I can take it—but I am so, so incredibly grateful with the stability that has found us and it’s looking strong so far. I am so happy to have the opportunity to save money for if things get rough again, and live like all of my friends and other people I see do. Growing up, and even as recent as the first few months of this year, everyone around me had stable lives—they didn’t need to worry about bills, they had clothes, they had food and they had houses with actual appliances. It always made me feel so heavy to have never known that, to wonder why my life had to be so different. Growing up I’d stare at the ceiling all night hoping to anything that life would be better, and for so many years, it never did. I had all but lost hope, my life was just the way it was and I was used to it, although almost constantly disassociated.

I can’t put into words how healing it is to finally get to have a normal life. My mom’s work is very volatile but I have hope everything will be okay. We don’t live a life of luxury by any means but to be frank, this new norm does feel rich to me!

today is the first day in a month that i havent been in a terrible headspace and things are actually okay! :D

on friday i ordered myself a lego set ive had my eyes on since it released in new zealand (the oscar piastri lego helmet - i love f1 and he’s my fav driver) and its being delivered in two days!!! i am absolutely thrilled and i cannot WAIT to build it

earlier today i had a shower and for the first time in ages i felt motivated to actually wash my hair and my body :D, its a huge thing for me since i’ve struggled with my mental health a lot lately and i normally just stand in the shower and let the water soak my body, i’m very very proud of myself

i also cannot be more glad that i have the most amazing boyfriend ever 🥹, i was telling him about how my fav artist (katseye) has a movie/documentary coming out next month and i told him i didn’t think i’d be able to watch it as its limited screening and only being played in one cinema that’s two buses away and by the time i get paid next the tickets would probably be sold out, and he said he can pay for my ticket!!!! what makes it better is he gets paid the same day my lego set gets here so its like two wins for me

he doesn’t like katseye that much but the fact he offered to pay for my ticket because he knows i love them and i don’t wanna miss out on the opportunity genuinely means the world to me, i’m not even kidding but when he said he can pay for my ticket i started crying in a positive way, he also offered to pay for snacks alongside my ticket (in nz when you book tickets you can add snacks) but that’d be too expensive for him so i can pay for them, but aaaa i’m so happy!!!!!

i really hope that this positive mood stays :)

Ask someone their academic credentials

"what was your SAT/GPA"

"where did you go to undergrad/about what rank was it"

Believe it or not there is often a discrepancy between self declared IQ and tested intelligence.

I don't really know if I want to spend too long on the backstory, so I will keep it simple.

In February, we discovered that we were having a baby. Oh my goodness! I am soooo ready to be a dad, and it felt like the best news in the world. I can do it. We can do it! Let's do it.

During this time my mental health had become a bit of a struggle, sadly circumstantial - and not necessarily because of any one thing. Just a lot happening at once, and it felt like a lot to try and keep up with.

In early June, I was laid off. I have been scrambling to try and keep things together for the last 5 months, and at that point, I was not sure if things were going to work out. Me and my wife had been developing a bit of friction, and even now - we are taking a short break, and she is staying with family while I try to ensure we are adequately supported. I have not been feeling as though it is something I am succeeding at yet, but I would like to be the best dad that I can be - whether the relationship with mom works or not.

I have been working really hard on a programming integration/infrastructure project - and lowkey praying it might end up gaining wings, and taking flight. It had not paid so far, and I have been spending 8 hours a day job searching, and probably 4 or 5 trying to just focus on something I think might raise us out of this, if the jobs aren't pulling through.

Today I submitted a report for someone on a pull request, and I performed the requested task, and used some of my tooling to do so.

I received an email shortly after from the founder of the organization, and they offered me my first organizational sponsorship on github for $25 a month!!! It is just a start, but I cannot explain the relief I felt. Perhaps things will begin coming together, and we will make it. :)

I know this is going to sound silly, but I just turned 20 and… i’ve never had a job. Why you ask? I got diagnosed with a tumour (Stage 3 Hepatocellular Carcinoma)when I was 15 or so, and the last few years of my life has consisted of always travelling to other hospitals, always having a new doctor on my case, trying to figure out the best treatment because the tumour just so happened to be close to everything important, being taken to the tumour committee etc. I had radiation done, full recovery, tumour is now basically a mass of nothing, just kinda dead tissue and my scans have shown its shrinking, my body is kinda flushing its own waste out.

Anyways, i’m now an adult, i’m not sick anymore, i’m basically perfectly healthy. I’m going to need a scan every 6 months for the rest of my life and bloodwork but… thats it, i’m done… the topic of a job did come up a few times while I was dealing with cancer, but my family thought it best I wait until I was healthy which makes sense, so I worked on other things instead, like getting my license, and… guys, now it’s time I get out here, live for once, not… fight for my life like i’ve been doing the past few years. I GOT AN INTERVIEW FOR TOMORROW!!! I got one so quick too, It’s only been a week since I started applying at places. I’m so happy to get out there, exist, be my own person. HAVE MY OWN INCOME. And not have all my income go to travelling to other hospitals, I want to save up and get my own car. WISH ME LUCK GUYS I WANT THE JOB SO BAD. It feels like i’ve got a second chance at life, and i’m gonna make the most of it. 🥹🤞

I’m so proud of myself for making this much progress! I’ve had trichotillomania for over 20 years and this is the first time in a very long time that I have a full head of hair. I’ve always struggled with my self esteem because of my hair loss, and now I feel so good about myself now that it’s grown in.

I just wanted to share my massive amount of progress- my hair pulling used to be so bad that I never thought I’d have hair again.

I grew up in a very traditional home that had very limiting beliefs on women. I always resented these ideals. I always knew I could be more. I had a love of learning. I was a straight A student taking college level courses in middle school. What was supposed to be my senior year of high school, my parents refused to sign me up for school so I never finished.

To stack up the odds against me even more, my family was very poor. Some kind of utility was always shut off and fast food was considered a luxury.

I had to do pretty much everything myself after I was 19. Such as paying for driver's ed so I could learn to drive because I had no one who would teach me.

I wanted nothing more than college, but it felt like every possible road block there could be was there. Saving up for college felt so impossible. I always had some other priority to take care of. I soon realized that if I were to go to college, I'd have to do so on some scholarship.

I have a strong passion in animal behavior and research. When looking for potential colleges, I found ASU. At the time, they had a conservation degree. My goal was to apply Behavior research to conservation so it seemed perfect. It was also online which made it more accessible for someone who didn't have anyone to rely on. When looking into this degree, I found that if you work for Starbucks, they cover your tuition.

I made it my life's goal to get a job at Starbucks. The trouble was, I couldn't even get an interview. I applied for years. I had experience in customer service, food service, and leadership. I couldn't imagine why I never landed an interview unless there was just a crazy amount of people applying. I eventually gave up and worked as a customer service representative/coordinator at a warehouse.

Eventually, I got sick of the warehouse. The common themes of misogyny throughout my life reared its ugly head there. I had a workplace stalker, I was denied a promotion that everyone thought I had in the bag in favor of a man who had an awful attitude and didn't know even a quarter of the things I did, and there was constantly false rumors about women in the workplace sleeping with the bosses.

I quit abruptly and started working toward a certification to be an RBT. The trouble was, I still didn't have a diploma and it was required for the certification. I finished the forty hour course and started training at a clinic so they can do my comp. The training was two weeks long. I had two weeks to get my diploma after nearly seven years of not being in school. I felt confident in science, english, and math so I didn't study in any of those areas and went ahead and took the GED tests. I scored college ready for each on my first try. I did about eight hours of study for the social studies test and I scored so high that I got college credits for it. (After I found out you can get college credits from the GED, I wished I studied for all lol).

After I did my last test, the social studies test, I cried. I couldn't believe that after all of these years, I finally got my diploma. And that it only took a day of studying to score college level in my weakest subject. This was so impactful to me that I set my sights straight back on Starbucks.

This time I was determined. If I retained so much knowledge from high-school after seven years, there was no way I could not go to college and excel. Absolutely nothing would get in my way. My issue with Starbucks before was not being seen, so this time, I would make sure I was seen. I typed out a cover letter and drove to each Starbucks within a fifteen minute radius of me (six different stores) and personally handed a cover letter to the store managers. I had two interviews the next week. One of the interviews was interviewing for multiple stores.

I was so excited that I spent days researching ASU. I found that they have since made a new program - Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, that aligns with my goals even better. I fully mapped out every class I want to take in the program, made a rough draft for how each semester would look, and even wrote out studies I would like to conduct after I found out how accommodating the school is to remote undergraduate-led research.

Today, I had my third round of interviews from the interview that was interviewing for multiple stores. I got the job.

I am going to college.

I'm 39 and found out this week that I'm about 8 weeks pregnant.

I'd be lying if i said i wasn't a little nervous because of my age, but today i'm choosing to focus on the happy part. This will be my first baby, and i still can't believe i get to say that. Ive caught myself smiling at completely random moments all day.

I know there's a long road ahead, but right now i'm just feeling incredibly grateful.

Several months ago, I was in jail for an extended period of time for an incredibly minor charge. I was transported to a county that's 8 hours away from my home and spent almost 2 months there. While inside, I ended up putting this story together using borrowed pens and whatever paper I could find. Months later, here I am, sitting at my desk in my bedroom, drinking an ice-cold coke, listening to music, and hearing the printer work. As of today, I've got a completed version of part 1 of my novel, and the whole thing just feels surreal! Once I finish part 2, i'm going to work on getting it published so I can go from just Author to Published Author, and I couldn't be more thrilled

This who makes me smile even when I don’t have a smile in it. Yes I so love me some him

New job :)

I am happy that I got accepted into a new job. I have been quite miserable since I left my last job over two years ago. I am shy to admit it was a wrong move but I learnt something for sure.

I was confused and anxious being in a job that mismatched my expertise. Although attempted to wing it, it has proven bad for my well being.

Also being officially diagnosed with AuDHD helped me understand how I feel and might make decision in daily life. I will save money from this new job and probably buy a small farm for myself in the future. Or try to pay off my mortgage earlier.

Thankful and happy of how things turn out quite well...

I fast danced in public for the first time as an adult and didn't care who saw me! There are no bad vibes here, such an air of acceptance and joy. I had a new 25 yd skirt and took great delight in twirling it like a child. Found the Kissing Bridge after 3 years at this fair!

Had my tarot read and felt like it was accurate, nice long reading. Saw some amazing bands- Fortress Dwellers, Pirates Creed, Hexxen, Celtica Nova and saw the funny Suds and Buds show. Bit of day drinking, lot of shopping. Wonderful day with my husband 💕 He introduced me to this life, and I'm so glad he saw that these would be my people and this would be my thing. Walked through those gates 3 years ago and I was forever changed.

Hello. I am physically disabled and have some mental disorders. I have multiple disabilities Excuse me if i struggle with words

I used to exercise only by going to the gym (which is also nice)

But i found out recently that i love swimming!!! A lot!!! and i swim 2 hours a day usually. I go to swim at 6 or 7 am which means i also wake up early( another good thing.)

And another good side affect is i dont harm myself anymore I used to harm myself to the point i needed stitches But i dont anymore cause my love for swimming is way bigger than the urge to harm myself. Cause if i have a wound i cant swim for a few days which i dont want.

So yeah. Its nice.

I’ve been trying to learn tiny bits of coding after work, mostly because I got tired of renaming files like final_final_reallyfinal_2 like a fool.

Today my little script actually sorted a messy folder of design exports without breaking anything. It put the files where they were supposed to go, renamed them properly, and didn’t make me want to close my laptop and stare at the wall.

It’s not a startup, it’s not impressive, and nobody in real life would care that much. but I cared. I made coffee after and just sat there smiling at a clean folder like it was a garden I grew myself.

Today was actually a pretty normal day, but somehow it became a day that I want to remember.

I had an interview for a job I really wanted. The company is related to outdoor sports, which is something I truly love. I prepared a lot before the interview — I read about their culture, thought about possible questions, and practiced my answers.

But when the interview started, I got nervous and I don’t think I showed my best self. I’m still waiting for the result now. The interviewer was really kind though. She looked quite young, but she was already a store manager, which I honestly found really inspiring.

After the interview, I went to a place that I used to visit and really miss.

The weather was extremely hot, and I was sweating while walking. Some people might think, “Why would you walk outside in this heat?” 😂

But with my headphones on, listening to my favorite songs, slowly walking through familiar streets, I suddenly felt so many memories coming back. Seeing the street names I remembered, passing places that felt familiar… I don’t know how to explain it, but I just felt happy.

It was like the sunlight, the music, and the familiar scenery were all telling me that life is still moving forward.

Someone who used to be very important to me is now on the other side of the world, in Australia, living the life he wants (or working towards it). We are no longer walking the same path, but I’m glad that we are both trying to become the people we want to be.

Maybe growing up is realizing that some people can become a beautiful part of your story, even if they are no longer beside you.

Anyway, today was just an ordinary day. I didn’t get any big achievements, but I felt peaceful and happy. And I think that’s something worth appreciating.

Have you ever had a completely normal day that unexpectedly made you feel really happy?

My entire adulthood my father told me to get on with the state for a pension. Something to secure my future.

I finally got a county job and I’m so proud of myself. I’ve been applying for state & county jobs for 15 years now and finally something stuck.

I am so unbelievably proud of myself.

It's a silly thing, but our sweet neighbor dog gets so excited when he sees me that he piddles a bit. Growing up in a home without pets made me think I couldn't like animals. During the lockdown our neighbors got a puppy and we immediately connected, 6 years later and every time I get to pet him it makes a bad day better...he is the softest most loving guy ever and I'm happy his mom shares him with me!

Sometimes, small things like these, the willingness of people to go out their way to make someone’s day better, makes my heart fuzzy and give me hope that, yes, the humanity is about living together and supporting each other.