And the silence flies on its brief flight
Ah, good to be back! I'm an LJ addict and that was definitely not easy. But it felt good to do... something. Even if that something was nothing. ;)
In a certain ways, LJ reminds me of America. It has a lot of problems, I'd like to see a lot of things change, but dammit it's my home. I live here. I love the format, I love the people, it's familiar and user friendly, and I don't ever want to leave. I intend to stay, even though sometimes I feel ashamed to be an American because of some of the things that go on... same as with LJ, sometimes I feel like a sellout for staying where I'm comfortable. And while moving from LJ would certainly be a ton cheaper than moving out of the US, it would be just as difficult emotionally and culture shock wise and a new place will always have it's own problems. I totally respect and understand why the folks on my flist who didn't strike, didn't. They all had good reasons, and I respect that. And I appreciate that they've respected my need to feel like I'm taking some kind of action, even if it makes no difference whatsoever. Just like my letter to Senator Obama which I don't expect to be read, and that I vote even though I know my state will always pick "the other guy", it feels good to be able to say I at least tried something other than just bitching and moaning about it as per usual.
The hardcore "anti-strike" folk really caught me by surprise. I honestly expected... well, apathy to the strike. Everyone seemed to agree that it wouldn't have an impact, so why get angry and leap into the name calling? I'm really truly baffled by the vindictive and nasty tone that's been taken there to a bunch of apparent "wanking morons" having a "temper tantrum" not posting for a day. Clearly, we're not the sort of people they read or respect or probably even want on LJ, so why get so angry at having us... well, shut up? I don't get the rational for "Posting as much as I can, take that losers!" attitudes. If you think it's dumb, why spend your time obsessively opposing the futility of others? It makes no sense. It's just one day of us quietly making ourselves feel better if nothing else. Why the hate? Post all you like, it's your prerogative and I take no offense as someone who participated. Oddly, I think there's a lot of folks out there who would find this disappointing.
It was pondering this that actually lead me to the America metaphor, because I realized that I've seen this sort of nonsensical hatred before. The "love it or leave it" mentality. I think maybe it's because the "anti-strikers" are feeling defensive about our opinions? That, if we want changes and aren't happy about something we should just up and leave. It's right-wing patriotism, basically, feeling that everything is perfect the way it is? They're mad because we shut up but didn't leave, maybe? Or perhaps they feel that we're attacking and hate the LJ they so dearly love. But the thing is, those of us who did strike love LJ just as much as those who didn't. That's actually how we chose to express our love of LJ. We just want to feel safe in our own homes/blogs. I dunno what the point of "sabotaging" us is, or whatever it is they think they're doing. I suppose there isn't a point... which makes it extra silly and ironic, imho.
Of course, I never did understand the appeal of griefing, trolling, drama farming, bull-baiting, and generally actively trying to get a rise out of people. *shrugs* I dunno, weird confusing stuff.
Anyway, I'm pleased to say that the vast majority of my flist has respected each other's decisions to strike or not to strike, and all of the ugliness has mostly been in other comms. That I know so many wonderful people who respect each other is part of the beauty of LJ, and I'm glad to have steered clear of most of the vicious immature reactions to this whole thing.
Anyway, it felt good to strike and it feels good to be back. Which is something I could use right now, because I have
So, they're keeping our girl overnight but it sounds like surgery went well. And it turns out that the bump is not a tumor, but some kind of worm parasite things?? BUGS WTF! They don't know what they are, so they're sending them to university to find out. I, naturally, spazzed out at this news since we're so insanely careful and the fecals have been clean. It was explained to me then that it's not only possible but likely that she's had these things for years long before we got her, and once they know wtf these worm things are we should check out Neptune too. Since they're under the skin and not in the gut, they wouldn't show in a fecal.
If it's not one thing, it's another huh?
I am SO glad I caught this before we bred them. Thank God. This is why the Universe has been going "Not yet, not yet, not yet" on our baby VBBs. This would have been a HORRIBLE start for both the poor hatchlings and for my reputation in a business that is all about reputation. Our beauties will be healthier than they've ever been, soon as we figure out what these things are and how to get rid of them. I really feel like we were being looked out for in this. Still stressful, but I always try to keep positive and remember that things could be a lot worse. I'm so relieved it's nothing fatal. I could not deal with losing Ma-tsu, especially not now... thank God, thank God.
It's frustrating, but she should be OK. That's the important thing. Karen's response was to gawk in horrified relief; I think that about sums it up.
During the strike, I got Full Circle done and up, discovered cheap shirts (omg yay, we need), caught up on other stuff, etc and so on. Also, the bees appear to be gone now, but other bug dramas rise up in their place. It never ends.
Also, important lesson: Keeping feeder crickets outdoors?
Arizona Winter = Great idea!
Arizona Spring/Summer= D: The horror...
Yeah, we won't be doing that anymore.