Come for the politics, stay for the snark.

If senate republicans had any shame, they’d die of it.

Sitting here in limbo waiting for the dice to roll

Just because you believe it, that doesn’t make it true.

Perhaps you mistook them for somebody who gives a damn.

Authoritarian republicans are opposed to freedom for the rest of us.

“But what about the lurkers?”

You cannot shame the shameless.

Infrastructure week. at last.

A last alliance of elves and men. also pet photos.

Peak wingnut was a lie.

Our job is not to persuade republicans but to defeat them.

The party of Reagan has become the party of Putin.

Red lights blinking on democracy’s dashboard

When someone says they “love freedom”, rest assured they don’t mean yours.

If you are still in the GOP, you are an extremist.

Wow, you are pre-disappointed. How surprising.

A Senator Walker would also be an insult to reason, rationality, and decency.

Why did Dr. Oz lose? well, according to the exit polls, it’s because Fetterman won.

Today’s GOP: why go just far enough when too far is right there?

Eh, that’s media spin. biden’s health is fine and he’s doing a good job.

Make the republican party small enough to drown in a bathtub.

Accused of treason; bitches about the ratings. I am in awe.

A Senator Walker would be an insult to the state and the nation.

When do we start airlifting the women and children out of Texas?

You are here: Home / Open Threads / Something good today

Something good today

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Let’s celebrate something good this week. It could be small. It could be big. Just make sure it is something good.

For me, I’ve become an uncle again. I have two absolutely amazing new nephews. Their big brother is adjusting to the trauma of not being an only child. If everything works out well, I’ll see them all this spring after the grandparents and other, far more, helpful relatives get out of my brother and sister-in law’s way.

So tell me something good about your week!

Reader Interactions

125Comments

  1. 1.

    Skyweaver

    Hi! I don’t post often but I consider a lot of you distant friends of sorts because I read a lot of the threads. My good thing is that it’s snowing today and I am home from work. It’s small but nice and thought I’d use it as an excuse to say hello

  5. 5.

    Baud

    Congrats to you, uncle^2.

    I wish I could to into details, but I’ve had something good happen to me recently. I’ve been in kind of a bad way since the 2016 election, not only because of our national malignancy but also because of issues I’ve been dealing with of a personal nature (that have been going on for a while, but had gotten really serious over the last couple of years). Anyway, my personal trauma has finally been resolved and I’ve finally got something to be hopeful about for the first time in a long time. (Kind of like the 2018 election has given us all a new hope). Sorry for being so vague, but I thought I’d share given how often we feel like there’s no light at the end of the tunnel.

  6. 6.

    LeonS

    I got a new Job. Not only that but after meeting with the government contractors my new employers are working for they offered me an early position on a special project (the job was not supposed to begin for several more weeks).

  7. 7.

    geg6

    It is good that my John’s stroke was quite minor, the damage was minimal and eminently repairable and he was discharged last evening. We are watching the snow pile up and feeling lucky and grateful. Thankful for all the good jackal thoughts.

  9. 9.

    Brachiator

    I enjoyed seeing once again how technology can enhance living. One of the regulars on my commute is a woman who is deaf. She was using Face Time, Skype or some other app to have a very animated phone conversation with a friend or family member. She would hold the phone in one hand and sign with the other.

    I also recently listened to a tech podcast where a blind guest talked about how he uses a smartphone when he travels. Once he is in his hotel room, he fires up Face Time and has a friend describe what is in the room and where it is, so that the blind person can navigate through the room better during his stay.

    Little things like this make me happy.

  12. 12.

    satby

    Congrats to the new uncle of (I assume) twins! Double fun.
    @Skyweaver: hi Skyweaver! Glad you’re here.
    @Baud: Happy to see this too. Good news is good.
    @geg6: risking FYWP’s wrath to say that I’m very relieved to hear that too.

  16. 16.

    A Ghost To Most

    @Baud: Things are looking up! I’m glad to hear this includes you. Also, the CO mountains continue to get pounded with snow.

    I still believe T will be gone by Noxin Day (9-AUG-2019), so I got that going for me. Or not.

  17. 17.

    Chris

    As with several others already: snow day.

    The current job I’m in has been getting more miserable since the beginning of a year, so I don’t think I’ve enjoyed snow days this much since middle/high school. This will, at worst, be a three-day week – and then the first weekend in months that I won’t have to work Saturday morning.

    Plans for the day: finish season 3 of “Black Sails.” Finish this delicious kiche my landlady made. Generally lie in bed being unproductive.

    I’ve definitely had worse days. Also, I’m far from convinced that DC’s inability to handle snow is an uncomplicated evil. After all, it makes it easy to give snow days.

  23. 23.

    debit

    Kelpie just had her annual exam and is still cancer free after two years. Not bad for a dog that was adopted as a hospice case and not expected to live for more than six months.

  24. 24.

    J R in WV

    We went to a neighbor’s farm for dinner last night, some of our favorite people. Talked about music we love, where we hear great music, food, drank margaritas (mostly, I’m the driver so I had a beer) great food, just a wonderful evening with great people who all hate trump. So that was great!

    Rained enough over night that we have waterfalls on the hillside behind the house, where it’s steep and rocky. Supposed to be sunny and in the 50s tomorrow, so I’m putting off errands in town til tomorrow.

    Also glad baud’s personal issues are being ironed out, and that geg6’s John is doing well after his small stroke.

    Wishing the best of luck to all the Jackals!

  25. 25.

    Sister Golden Bear

    I had a really rough weekend, since it would’ve been my mother’s birthday, who died last July (this is the year of “firsts” which are always poignant.

    A co-worker saw my posts on the Book I’d Face about it, and had some beautiful flowers delivered to my desk yesterday. Definitely was a touching gesture, since she had also lost her father to pancreatic cancer around the same time last year.

  30. 30.

    trollhattan

    Shimano is replacing my commuter bike’s leaking Alfine 11-sp rear hub for free, just have to pay for installation.

    If that sounds like gibberish it’s okay–cycle geek stuff but many hundreds of dollars I won’t be spending.

  32. 32.

    Bill

    We rescued a new pup this week. Two months old and adorable. Not sure what her total mix is, but Lab is making a strong showing. I’m thinking maybe some Dane thrown in too.

    She and our 2 year old Catahoula are making each other very happy.

  33. 33.

    Butch

    My kitty “Spooky,” who was originally found wandering a trailer park, is about to turn 19. What we thought was bone cancer turned out to be a bad abscess; she’s still not a happy kitty but she’s eating and recovering.

  34. 34.

    Yarrow

    @geg6: I commented in the other thread, but so glad it’s going well. The more he does his therapy the faster and better his recovery will be.

    @zhena gogolia: It’s hilarious, isn’t it? She’s just awesome. And such good handwriting!

  38. 38.

    RoonieRoo

    I just had a fantastic training outing with my very leash reactive dog. He did absolutely amazing and was able to see and then focus on me when encountering both types of dogs that trigger him to lose his cool.

  39. 39.

    Jeffro

    Just got back from taking the wife and kids sledding down at the Capitol…SO. COOL.! Pairs of local news crews out everywhere getting footage for tonight’s broadcasts. Tons of happy kids. So pretty too!

  46. 46.

    Leto

    Good news for me: today I started using a cane to get around. I still need to use my walker for a number of things, but this is another mile marker for me. I’m not sure if any of my doctors would have thought that I would be using a cane just four months after my accident but I’m a stubborn mf’er and I want my life back.

    @trollhattan: that’s awesome! If I had the money, I’d probably have a Rohloff hub just for absolute bombproof reliability/flexibility but I’m a simple civil servant so I’ll keep dreaming :)

    @debit: I’ve thought about building my own bike (Velo Orange frame and parts) but I’m still unsure of myself when it comes to brakes and shifters. Like I know that I could assemble everything, I have the mechanical aptitude for that, but adjusting brakes and shifters is still a hit or miss for me.

  49. 49.

    Mnemosyne

    Cross your fingers, everyone: G is doing an interview RIGHT NOW for a very cool library fellowship. I was up late helping him re-do his presentation (yes, he was required to do a short presentation as part of his interview).

    Other than that, I’m in a shitty mood and verging on a migraine. Ugh.

  50. 50.

    Cermet

    @Baud: Glad to hear this as well. I have today off – yeah for a snow day; so, all in all. Thankful for that. Not even too bad, yet. waiting for possible sleet and freezing rain after the snow.

  51. 51.

    Chris

    @Amir Khalid:

    One of the biggest culture shocks of me life didn’t come from any foreign country. It was when I moved to Miami for graduate school, and somehow the topic of weather came up and the professor asked a class of forty people or so how many of them had literally never seen snow in real life. Half the class raised their hands. I was like “… well, duh, but also, holy shit!”

  53. 53.

    debit

    @Leto: Congratulations! I know recovery is still ongoing, but that’s great progress.

    I say go for it with your bike! You can always get everything installed than take it to a shop for fine tuning. What frame? I have been tempted by both the Pass Hunter and the Campeur. I see they also have a mini velo coming out that might just break my self imposed no new bike rule.

  57. 57.

    trollhattan

    @debit:
    Wheel-building seems like a dark art. I’ve re-laced worn out wheels and can do a crude tension and truing, but am in awe of somebody who can build a wheel from scratch that stands up to heavy use needing little maintenance.

  60. 60.

    trollhattan

    @Chris:
    Went to university in California’s hot Central Valley so it was practically a level-red terrorist alert when it snowed one day. The sheer number of students seeing snow fall and even touching for the first time was astonishing. Not so much the ones from the Middle East and Africa, but the rest of the lot….

  61. 61.

    Kelly

    Great xc ski day yesterday. Temps in the mid 20’s, an inch or two of new snow. Very low overcast. Kind of a monochrome day. Windy up in the treetops but mostly sheltered on the trail. Only one other group of skiers on the trails.

  62. 62.

    Leto

    @zhena gogolia: Thanks! Same to you!

    @Cermet: Absolutely. Doing my best to never visit another hospital again! :)

    @debit: Thanks! I like both of those frames! I’d like something that I can take on the road, on gravel trails, as well as put racks on so I can carry stuff. That can accommodate huge tires and fenders. I just want a good all round bike. I haven’t seen the mini-Velo but Avalune and I both own Brampton’s so I feel like my mini bike is covered :)

  63. 63.

    Gin & Tonic

    Seeing talk of snow, I just got back from a wonderful extended weekend in Quebec City, where in the days preceding my arrival they’d had 75 centimeters of snow. Life goes on, everything functions. It’s the -5 F mornings that are more of a challenge.

    Yeah, it’s not a “good thing today” but a good time we had in the prior days. Sue me.

  65. 65.

    debit

    @trollhattan: I wanted a 3 speed with a drum brake for winter commuting and there was nothing ready made, so I took the class and never looked back. Sounds like you already have a good base; you should give it a shot.

  67. 67.

    Ruckus

    @geg6:
    Your John is my good news for today.
    Otherwise I’m pretty much out of positive energy today. I am moving this week and that’s good for me, but, my new place got burgled and I am out a 35+ year old Colnago racing bicycle that was my dad’s plus the hassle of the entire process. Of course I got to meet some of my new neighbors, so there is that.

  70. 70.

    MomSense

    @Leto:

    I remember when I went from a walker to a cane (I used one of my walking poles) and it was such a great feeling. Don’t push yourself too hard- listen to your body and don’t over do it. Speaking from experience. Wishing recovery and freedom for you!!

  73. 73.

    cynthia ackerman

    About two months ago, on a lark, I answered a help wanted ad posted by a neighbor within walking distance whom I knew casually.

    He was looking for someone to help for a few hours per week, taking care of his 44-YO son who was born with cerebral palsy and profound developmental delays.

    If you’d asked me an hour earlier whether I’d consider changing a grown man’s diaper for pay, I would have laughed.

    I thought I had nothing to lose by having a meeting, and I had a hunch that helping a close neighbor in this way was worth taking the next steps.

    The dad and I talked at length, and both of us agreed to give it a try, and to be blunt with each other if we felt or spotted problems.

    As it turns out, two months later I am digging the hell out of this.

    At the end of the day, I feel great that I’ve helped a sweet, challenging, cypher of a human who needs absolutely everything done for him except breathing, swallowing, and kicking himself around in his wheelchair a bit with his right foot.

    He is vocal but nonverbal, alert and oriented, can gesture a tiny bit with one hand in ways that can be cryptic, has a wide range of emotions and loves close-up attention and sensory stimulation.

    He is mischievous as hell and can wreak havoc if left alone for five seconds, so attending him means staying right with him as he shuffles around the house (which is purpose-built for his needs). He also spends many hours per day during the week out of the house in structured activities. But I’m his caregiver on weekend mornings, when he has no set schedule.

    I do not want a career in personal service work. But ten hours a week turns out to be a profoundly rewarding experience in this one case. Making an intimate connection with someone a lot of us might see as frightening has been one of the best things I’ve done in years.

  78. 78.

    Nelle

    We have a new granddaughter, as of a week ago. I really hadn’t expected to know any grandchildren…I come from a line of big generation gaps. My grandfather was born in 1863, my father in 1912, me in 1951, and my son in 1990. But he’s breaking the pattern and he and DIL have had two in 19 months. What a delight.! We’ll move to Iowa to be near them when my husband retires…he’s only 75 and didn’t want to rush it, but these two little girls are influential.

  79. 79.

    JPL

    This is my good news…the grandbaby is two weeks today!!!! I’ve been helping out, but today the DIL’s mother is there.
    Yesterday while driving home, I was behind a car that had a bumper sticker that said CATS in large letters and next to it in smaller text it said because humans suck. I thought of John.

  82. 82.

    trollhattan

    @Ruckus:
    Well that stinks. Have my pretty darn old (12 sp Super Record w/freewheel cogs) Colnago Superissimo in the garage just waiting for me to restore it. Mountain bike is ahead in the queue, so suck it Colnago. Kids like those steel frames.

  85. 85.

    Leto

    @JoeyJoeJoe: I want to try their meat-pocolypse burger: five different meats on a bun! But I know that will probably kill me now so a simple brisket sandwich, or just the roast beef sandwich, is pretty good. Also potato cakes are a must!

    @MomSense: Yeah, it was a pretty thrilling feeling. Especially when I could get some true locomotion going! I’m definitely listening to my body but I’m just… thrilled at this next evolving step (no pun intended).

  87. 87.

    MomSense

    I did have some very good news yesterday. A new to me and much newer Subaru than my other Subaru finally made it through probate so I was able to register it yesterday. My youngest starts driver’s ed this spring so he will have a tank to drive when he gets his license.

  88. 88.

    Leto

    @Ruckus: Man, that totally sucks! I don’t have any that old, but I’ve had bikes stolen from me before and that totally sucks. Hopefully you find a new steed soon. I also hope you have better luck in your new location.

    @trollhattan: I do love steel frames! And lugs! The more the better!

    Edit: @JPL: Haha, a bicycle! I’m good! :p But seriously, I’m like, at least, a year away from even thinking about that. My knees still won’t bend to 90 degrees, but it’s also good to have goals :)

  89. 89.

    Mnemosyne

    @?BillinGlendaleCA:

    Possibly. I was also cursing Cigna yesterday, so that probably contributed as well.

    At least I’ve figured out that sudden tooth pain is one of my migraine warning signs. Last night it suddenly hurt to chew on the entire left side of my mouth and I was like, “Oh, shit, here comes a migraine” rather than “Oh, shit, all of my teeth are going to have to be pulled.” ?

  90. 90.

    suezboo

    @Amir Khalid: I totally empathise. Skyweaver, the BJ jackals take a helluva long time to acknowledge new people. Don’t take it personally if nobody ever answers your comments. I find that helps.

  91. 91.

    Jager

    One of baby cousins has been battling cancer for almost two years. Chemo, radiation and all that BS. Janie has an incredible attitude, as in “Fuck You Cancer!” . She’s a chef and partner in a restaurant. She went in for dinner over the weekend. She put on a Marilyn Monroe style wig and a skin tight evening gown, did a kitchen inspection, sat down, drank a couple glasses of wine, ate prime rib, shot the breeze with the staff and clientele and left to a standing O. Janie told me she went home and threw up but it was worth it. Damn she’s tough.

  95. 95.

    cintibud

    My good news. I had rotator cuff repair on both shoulders, 8 weeks apart (early Oct, early Dec). It was a bigger deal than I originally realized as I was told 6 months for a full recovery. I was told skiing, even Cross Country, was out and to not expect to be back in my kayak until May.

    I did progress very quickly in my rehab however, “graduated” last week and this past weekend I went up to upper lower Michigan and XC skied 4 days in a row! Very beautiful, great friends and feeling active again.

  96. 96.

    Gin & Tonic

    @Leto: You have to have recovery goals. Mine was to ski the trail on which I fucked up my arm on the one-year anniversary, and I was able to do that. Very satisfying.

  98. 98.

    debit

    @Ruckus: Oh I am so sorry. Any other bike you could just get another, but that’s the definition of irreplaceable. There are groups of facebook (blech) devoted to reporting stolen bikes and I second the advice to keep an eye on Craiglist and ebay. Again, so sorry.

  100. 100.

    MomSense

    @Leto:

    Not sure if you’ve ever tried Nordic walking but I find it to be a great way to work more muscles when walking or hiking. My physical therapist is also a Nordic walking teacher and he showed me a bunch of exercises I can do while walking using the poles. You might want to check it out.

  101. 101.

    JustRuss

    @Ruckus: Couple years ago the commuter I had for 20 years got stolen. I’d done a lot of mods to it, losing it hurt. But I found an awesome replacement for it. But losing your dad’s bike, that sucks. Hope it turns up.

  103. 103.

    Gravenstone

    @trollhattan:

    Not so much the ones from the Middle East and Africa, but the rest of the lot….

    Reminds me of an industrial fire training class I took a couple of decades ago. Given we were in Marinette Michigan in mid-November, we unsurprisingly had a little snow. The looks on the faces of the two guys who had been sent for training from their employer in the UAE were priceless. Of course, the rest of us just grumbled a bit…

  104. 104.

    Leto

    @Gin & Tonic: Definitely. Mine is to be able to run again. My surgeons have said I’ll be able to do that again. I bought a pair of psychedelic running shoes that are for that very purpose. Once I can run again, I’ll use those.

    @MomSense: I have! We have elliptical machines and I used to use those as my alternative to running (low impact, easy on the joints, good for recovery days). When I get a bit more flexibility in my right knee, and a bit more strength in my hips, I’ll have to use to use those again. Thanks for the reminder :)

  106. 106.

    Kenneth R Jurek

    My daughter works in the corporate offices of a major retailer. She’s heading a thousand miles away next month to work on her post graduate degree. Her company valued her so much that they will allow her to “work at home” while she’s away getting her degree for two years! Full medical and benefits. And she doesn’t have to go there and look for a job. Great news!

  108. 108.

    blackcatsrule

    @cynthia ackerman: It disappoints me how difficult I personally find it which makes my admiration of you that much stronger. And you’re dealing with a stranger, not even a family member!

  109. 109.

    Barbara

    @cynthia ackerman: My sister does this kind of work full-time — she switches jobs with some amount of frequency so she takes care of differently abled people, and she likes it a lot more than she thought she would.

    My good news, sort of, is that I made my first donation of the 2020 presidential campaign, to Kamala Harris and will be making one to Warren as well. The best way to deal with enthusiasm for candidates you don’t like is to show equal and opposite support for candidates that you do like. Harris’s next two events are in Iowa if you are interested.

  115. 115.

    Miss Bianca

    My good thing is that even tho’ Luna is still missing – eight days now, and no hint of a sighting anywhere – there’s been such care and concern in my community. From people on FB re-posting my “missing” message, to the young woman at the local paper who told me that she would keep running my “Lost Dog” ad for free, to all the people who have given me advice or encouragement. It’s all these little things that keep hope alive for me.

  116. 116.

    MomSense

    @Miss Bianca:

    I’m so sorry about Luna. Not knowing is the worst. I still wonder what happened to my sweet Merlin – I’m not sure I’ll ever get over not knowing what happened. I’m glad the people in your community are wrapping g their arms around you.

  117. 117.

    grandmaBear (fka glaukopis)

    My granddaughter, LittleBear, was just declared cancer free. Still have to go through a couple more months of chemo just to be sure. But great news!

  118. 118.

    Sab

    @grandmaBear (fka glaukopis): That is great news.

    My good news is I just sent off my first Medicare, Medicare supplemental insurance and Plan D premiums, and my overall monthly health insurance went from about $1200 a month to less than $350. Yay!

  119. 119.

    Percysowner

    My granddaughter turns 1 tomorrow. She’s walking by holding onto fingers and just about to take off without help.

  121. 121.

    hitchhiker

    Thank you for this thread! All this grandbaby news especially is making this old hitchhiker happy, b/c both of the daughter hitchhikers are making tentative moves in that direction.

    My good news, tho’, is that in a few hours I’m getting on a redeye to NYC, and when we land in the morning I’ll board a flight to Punta Cana. The beach! I’m going to the beach with my sister for a week, during which I probably won’t even read the news.

    I have novels to doze over, and pages of my own to write. I have sand to get in my hair. I have music to play.

    This will be my first time in the Caribbean — my original hitchhiking was a 4 month trip from northern lower Michigan to Florida. A few days in Miami is as close as I’ve ever been to where I’ll be tomorrow. The beach! Did I mention it? Fuck, I love the beach.

  122. 122.

    Ruckus

    @Leto:
    Just got home so I didn’t see your comment earlier, day has been hectic.
    I owned a bike shop for a while, did all the setup and mechanical work, even built frames and bike stuff is easy if you have reasonable mechanical ability. Some stuff is a bit fussy but really not much is that hard. OK welding expensive steel is but then most things have a learning curve. There are some very good books that tell and show you pretty much everything. Already packed up the best series I’ve seen but I should be moved in and unpacked within the week and I can get you the title then.

  123. 123.

    Original Lee

    We had amazing luck finding a really nice dining room set on craigslist for very cheap, and the story for why it was so cheap wasn’t even sad or pathetic.

  124. 124.

    Ruckus

    @trollhattan:
    I find wheel building to be easy. But there are a few tricks to the process. First and foremost it helps enormously if you are very methodical about it. Very methodical. You can’t rush a step if you want quality. Second, I know weight is important but if you value weight over everything else, you have to pay for the best materials. If you value strength over all else, weight is tougher to lose. As I said to Leto, I have a great book that shows what you need to know but it’s packed away currently.

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