I've turned off so many notifications and restricted so many permissions that my smartphone can get a little buggy, but no notifications and Do Not Disturb mode can go a long way. Now I just need to break my social media addiction, and that has proven to be a long battle.

This is what I've observed in Gen Z and younger - they just expect functional UIs, and to have pre-setup file directories and libraries, but don't actually know what those things are and what they do.

The strangest thing I hear in NY is that people want to move to TX. I came from there and keep wondering how "informed" their views are to think TX is a better choice. Upstate is conservative af in a lot of places, so I don't know what they're missing.

I was shocked to my core, angry, and fed up when everything in 2020 laid bare what our leadership truly stood for. I switched careers and went into renewable energy public policy to feel like I was doing something to curb carbon emissions. I started ebike commuting despite people wanting to run me off the road just for existing. I eliminated plastics in buying soap and all manner of cleaning products, eat mostly vegetarian, and root for the orcas. I channel that anger into motivation to educate people on my choices, and to be patient when I can't convince them all. It's exhausting, but the anger keeps me going!