Ability to remember the names of your friend’s best friend.
For example, Vivian, Carissa, Krystal. It took no time at all for me to think of a friend’s name then instantly remember their best friend’s name. Yet I can’t remember anything else without writing it down. Perhaps I just have short term memory issues. I blame perimenopause.
Overuse of the phrase “It’s fine” causes psychological minimization.
Admittedly, I did no research for scientific backing. This is anecdotal evidence. For women especially, the seemingly constant reliance on labeling a distressful situation, event, or person as “fine” is not fine at all. We are rewiring our brains to accept mediocrity or, worse, harmful behaviors. With every “it’s fine”, a boundary is blurred, a neuron rerouted to perceived safety, and a not fine situation cemented into our hearts. No more. Stop saying it’s fine when it isn’t. Protect your boundaries, your opinions, your feelings, and your peace.
This is more real than not.
Puzzling retains memory connections and builds coordination.
More anecdotal evidence. I’m not certain of its origins but I do recall my mother and grandparents nearly always having a puzzle at the ready. As a child, I thought it was boring, especially when there was this fabulous invention called the television! Who would want to mindlessly search for the top of a brown hat when you could mindlessly scroll through all 6 channels?! Priorities, I guess. Needless to say, so let me say it anyway, I’m a puzzle convert. I think older people are on to something.
_____________________
I ask you –
Of the three phenomenon listed, which is most likely to be considered real?
I’m hesitant to flesh out this idea, to call people out by name, or to join the political game which surrounds this issue. But here I go.
credit: unnamed news media
What happened in Kerr County, Texas, resulting in the death of dozens of innocent children and camp goers will be evaluated for years to come. My point of view originates from a benign news article indicating State Rep Virdell, (R) – Kerr County (one of 18 other representatives) voted against House Bill (HB) 13 in the recent TX legislative session which would have established a federal committee and grant program to help the state purchase early warning systems, namely outside warning systems like sirens, to prevent needless deaths along Texas river basins, namely the Guadalupe River, which often solely rely on NOAA radios and limited cell reception to inform the public of impending weather watches and warnings. This is a very long sentence to state many areas in need of outdoor warning systems do not have the system in place.
But why?
HB 13 was costly, apparently too costly to implement. I find this a little difficult to believe as Kerr County has a net position of $81.3 million. HB 13 stalled in the Senate Finance Committee, presumably due to its price tag, a hefty $500 million. Sure, even if all $81 million went toward the $500 million, there is quite a deficit. However, HB 13 proposed the roll out of grant money, but over the course of 10 years.
Did a warning system exist?
Simple answer: yes. But there are some significant limitations. The current system, only passed in 2020, utilized the free Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS), as part of the CodeRed program which relies on White Pages data for mass emergency pre-recorded emergency telephone messages. Obviously, the reliance on the data source means there could be countless numbers not included in the program. Can you tell me at this moment if your number is included in the White Pages? Exactly.
The Upper Guadalupe River Authority (UGRA) was aware of the need to incorporate a flood warning system for Kerr County. In 2018, the UGRA applied for a $1 million grant. The grant was not received. Then, in 2020, IPAWS was implemented. At some point, UGRA was invited to apply for a grant for a county wide flood warning system. However, the UGRA declined to apply due to the grant match of 5%.
Interestingly, State Rep Virdell is quoted by the Texas Tribunestating “…even if you had a warning system there, this came in so fast and early in the morning it’s very unlikely the warning system would have had much effect.”
I have some issues with this statement. 1. A statement like that will probably not get you reelected. You see, the words (paraphrased) unlikely it would have had much effect is not comforting to your constituents. If it had saved one life, one family who didn’t receive a death notice and is now planning a funeral, how do you quantify ‘effect’? If an early warning system saves one life, then it has done its job. 2. His answers, he “guessed”, had to do with how much funding was tied to HB 13. This is an unclear statement, and probably taken out of context, as we don’t know if he is referring to the grant portion or the overall cost. Maybe he is referencing how HB 13 would create a new government council and some constituents are opposed to this type of measure. 3. Did I mention State Rep Virdell represents Kerr County, the very county where this disaster happened? Granted, he was one of eighteen who voted no on HB 13. Unfortunately, as State Rep Virdell is a freshman representative, elected in Nov 2024, I fear this spells the end of his career in 2027. Ask me again in a few years. I bet he’s regretting his decision to vote against HB 13.
Anything else?
Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly, re-elected in 2022, acknowledged the lack of a warning system in the Guadalupe River basin despite the ongoing threat of dangerous floods. In a separate interview, Kelly stated taxpayers will not pay for the early warning system. Now, this is why you read RoF. As an academic scholar, I (and you, too) have access to public records which indicate what city councilors and other city representatives discuss and vote for or against. Additionally, these records often include public comments. It is time-consuming to navigate the many public records surrounding early warning systems. But I have nothing but time.
What do the records tell us?
More to come, in part 2. As I said, it is a very lengthy process to analyze all public records, especially as im seeking information and opinions of local citizens.
What’s the point?
Grief isn’t logical. Grief makes no sense. It’s human nature to want answers, to place blame. So when the proverbial waters recede, people, families, grievers will demand answers. Sometimes it is for money – funerals and recovery efforts are not cheap. Often, it is for validation and then closure. What went wrong and how do we prevent it? I’ve learned the probability of anyone accepting the reason “it was just their turn” goes well 0% of the time. Some will offer religious platitudes, but it remains most, if not all, will seek the source of failure. People are angry. People are hurt. And people do what people do.
Last but never least, I do have a vested interest in the outcome of this tragedy as I lost a friend and co-worker. She, her young daughter, and her in-laws were swept from their cabin while her husband somehow managed to hang on to a tree. He is the sole survivor in their family. As an active duty servicemember, and now a widow, he (and every person impacted) are suffering. Although it’s been months, the decisions and trauma revolving around the circumstances are still being debated. They are owed answers. And we (Texas) can do better.
_________________
I ask you –
No questions or comments.
(The post Stormy Opinions first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)
(The photos below were taken by my friend, Dan, on his recent visit to New York. Photo credit is all his.)
There’s something about traveling that makes my soul happy. New places we visit are seen from a different perspective than those who call it home. When was the last time you walked around your city and saw it with unfamiliar eyes? Try it. I’ve only seen NYC on a large scale via my window when I drove past. The sheer amount of people doesn’t interest me, but maybe to see it at 3am when fewer people are out and the buildings are lit up – that sounds nice.
The view south down 7th Ave from 51st Street.
Considered a total loss after a fire in June, the Spirit of Norfolk was a Norfolk attraction. I kept up with the story of its demise because a) I remembered seeing it when I lived in that area and b) I thought for sure they would extinguish the fire much sooner. Certainly there are some very worried people now because the ship was used for weddings and other large events. Bet they’re not pleased.
Spirit of Norfolk
Lately the only traveling I’m embarking on is from the car to whatever air-conditioned location I must be at. The average daily temperature is 108° with a heat index of 112°. I fully expect roads to start behaving like mini volcanoes. It’s a thing.
Fall can’t come soon enough. Farewell mosquitoes! Time to find some antihistamine.
Finally found – it wasn’t really lost – the 2 missing dumbbells to complete the set. Now I can begin doing a full workout in the prescribed time instead of half, then alternating sides. It was nothing more than an annoyance so no hard feelings. It’s not like I was really doing much anyway.
I vaguely recall a time where I was able to mix cardio with strength training and actually make it work. Let’s see. Circa 2018 or so. Never too late to get restarted! I’ve used running as an excuse to not lift and vice versa; whilst knowing full well the secret is their complimentary relationship. My struggle has been letting go of a number on the scale. Really need to address this. So I’m refocusing on what makes me feel best.
For some reason, thinking about the gym reminds me of an amazing woman named Geri. She was the food bank director when I worked at the gym in Oklahoma. We just clicked. She was hilarious and always had a listening ear. During one summer, she was getting ready for a female relative’s upcoming wedding, so she asked how to use the stand up tanning bed. I explained, got her set up, and went about my way. Weeks later, she told (showed) me how she was able to get the perfect tan for a backless dress (I may have the details wrong, but I know the dress was more open toward the top). Returning to the tanning story – she demonstrated how she’d use whatever top she was wearing as pants while tanning in order to prevent anything more than her ankles and top getting tanned. Not sure why this sticks in my subconscious. I recall laughing hysterically at her preciseness. She was so great. I don’t know what has become of Geri. I looked her up (stalked) her a few times, but no dice.
Credit: hardcorecomedy2.0 via Instagram
Hello, from this rabbit hole. Anyway, I think I’m probably not eating enough which is why I go through these crazy binge/restrict phases. And, once a month, my hormone swings are enough to drive anyone insane. Not so much the emotions, but the cravings and complete lack of self control. I really gotta get it together. To date, myFitnessPal is working really well though. The tracking functions are simple; I haven’t had to manually enter any foods yet either.
Has anyone seen Geri?
_____________________________
I ask you –
What size dumbbells do you own? Any missing?
Have you ever used a tanning bed?
If you were Geri, where would you be? Probably hiding from me.
Running on Fumes 
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