clockwork_octopus

Not from Minneapolis but I did just read this article So how’s the occupation going for you?

While I’m a bit skeptical about your memories of learning to crawl, I’ll accept those pre-speaking memories, because I have those too. My two earliest memories I wasn’t speaking real words yet, just babbling, and I remember the frustration; both with being understood as well as with anyone actually trying to figure out what the hell I was saying. I remember it was especially frustrating as I could understand others around me, I just couldn’t be understood myself.

I also remember how big I was; in the one memory I was standing beside a chair, and it was the perfect height for me to lay my head down in the seat while standing up. So, standing but not yet talking. That would put me in the range of 10-14 months old, give or take

My 90yo grandmother tells me stories of her childhood all the time. Her earliest memories are of when she was around 2-3yo, and she absolutely hasn’t lost her sense of self at all. She’s sharp as a tack, honestly. I think it just really depends on the person

although the ceremony cancellations have been in direct response to the National Guard shooting, he believes the new restrictions have “nothing to do with the shooting,” and more to do with the expressed denaturalization priorities of the Administration

Seriously, this

I feel this daily

German and Spanish. It’s ok, though every time I think I have an alright though basic understanding, someone starts speaking way too quickly and it all just falls apart. Also, speaking is difficult, and reaching for the correct words in the correct language is even harder. Many times I want to answer in German if someone asks me something in Spanish, and vice versa

Blue and white gaffer tape would be even quicker

What My Bones Know by Stephanie Foo

This one checks all your boxes. Except for maybe the bullying in school? I can’t remember if that was a theme or not. Fantastic read, though.

As a kid, I spoke with my mom all the time. That frequency dropped drastically the older I got, though. She’s got a personality disorder and I tried with her, I swear I tried so fucking hard, but I finally gave up. Now she doesn’t talk to me at all, which is far less a hardship than she imagines it is.

I had a great relationship with my dad, when he was around. He was my respite from my mother, but his relationship with her left its scars on him, too. They almost split up for a while, and I’ve never seen him happier. But now, for some unfathomable reason, they’re back together, he's back to drinking, and he’s sided with my mom and is also not speaking with me. Unlike with her, I’m actually sad to not have him around, but trying to reason with alcoholic logic isn’t helpful (or a good time) for anyone.

So yeah, I think there's far more to being close with your parents than simply the frequency of conversations, though maybe that plays a role.

Re. Dropping your tank, you could always add some grip stickers. I put them on my work coffee cups (I have some contigo cups that are tall and slippery when carried with wet hands) and they work great! They come in different patterns, I got hexagons and placed them sort of staggered but honeycomb-like and I think they look kinda neat. They’ve stayed in place since I put them on a few years back, just handwash instead of dishwasher. I dunno what you do with your tank, if it’s a dishwasher kind of thing or not, but yeah, they may be an option for you.

It’s a free ride when you’ve already paid

Adoption is a great option, but ONLY if you really want a kid.

Remember, adoption is traumatic, and kids aren’t returnable.