Eep. Totally slipped my mind you are in Alabama. The state licensing board is probably not an option 
I plan on pruning my political consumption a bit during the maladministration, for what’s left of my sanity.
My daily video diet usually involves watching 15+ videos/day created by really good progressive political commentators and actual reporters, but
I’ll be metaphorically hiding behind the couch, taking peeks here and there
feeling like a frightened kid watching Doctor Who…only it’s much worse, and lots of running won’t help
My thoughts get mighty dark already, and where they might take me terrifies me as much as that [extensive exotic expletives deleted] merkin von bankrupt.
I couldn’t manage a complete media blackout, but I’ve gotta cut back.
For the last two weeks, I haven’t looked at any news, including a few topics here (Elections 2023-2024, Election Fallout) because it’s too horrible. Concentrating on hobbies, fun tv shows, chores, cats, music, etc. It’s the only way I can get by.
I’m still feeling terribly sick, as if glutened. I’ve tried to track down possible dietary triggers. I’m also trying and failing to de-stress while trying to prepare to move.
Our youngest is trans, our nephew just came out as trans. Can testify to this as fact. Even with all the privilege in our family, I hurt for them. And there are so many who don’t have that support and resources available. For anyone who needs it, we stand ready to help.
I’ve got symptoms of a cold. One COVID test is negative so far.
There’s a cold strain going around. I did not catch it but my husband has been coughing hard for a couple of weeks and he’s finally getting better. Tested twice, not Covid-19.
I swear, all the smoking his mom did while he was growing up makes every cold 10x worse for him. This is what second-hand smoking will do to your kids, people!
Hey, I’ve never smoked and am in the same boat. Almost. It’s been 10 days and no end in sight for this shitty “cold”. Doctor confirmed it’s not strep throat, probably not covid and not pneumonia. But it’s been a miserable 10 days.
Well I had a bout of either endometriosis cramps or a confluence of eating something I shouldn’t have and endo cramps.
The point being I spent a portion of the night hiding in a gas station bathroom until the Dramamine kicked in and I could be in a car the rest of the way home. White sweating gooseflesh and pain like a false labor. Shaking. Body cold and just counting breath to keep my brain reminded of voluntary muscle groups.
Thank God I have some phenergan at home but I have to find a doctor to see about this while uninsured… In this bloody red state.
I honestly feel there is no point in wasting my time and money. I can die alone for free.
Way too many wicked bugs making the rounds this year, some new ones but mostly the same old fiends. Might be worth your while to get on an elderberry daily regime as a preventative. Not perfect, but it helps.
How elderberries can help you fight the flu
Elderberry for prevention and treatment of viral respiratory illnesses: a systematic review - PubMed
Yeah, I had my fight with it last week and over the weekend. (Same thing: tested for C-19; non-reactive.) I’m past the worst of it, but still have lower energy reserves and still coughing a lot. This week has been my nesting partner’s turn for it, but luckily it seems to have not hit her as hard.
I can also attest to the second-hand smoking fall out. Both my parents were heavy smokers, so I know I started out with some issues from that, but I was also in a 13 year relationship with a smoker and that made it so much worse. At this point, I’m borderline allergic to it!
Hope we all get better soon. 
Bother, I don’t think we got more than half of them this year. Oh well, with a bit of luck elderberries are good against bird flu as well.
The household favourite is “Elderbluey Jam”, seeds of the elderberries strained out and mixed with blueberries to take the edge off. We don’t use (much) sugar in the house, so we like our jams a wee bit tart.
2nd COVID test also negative. Whew. Still have the cold though.
Elders make excellent mead as well. We share with the birds, but still get plenty.