The random thoughts thread.

[chknptpie]

Does anyone else on DTF have 'photic sneeze reflex'? Me, my youngest son, Father and one of my brothers have it. Anytime I look at or am exposed to a bright light....it'll trigger a couple sneezes. It's most prominent when walking outside from inside and getting hit with the bright sunlight....but it also happens with just bright lights in general. It's really strange. Reading up on this condition it does say it's mostly hereditary and that it affects like 20% of the population.

If I ever have a sneeze that is "stuck", I'll look at the light or sun and it helps. Dunno if thats just from putting my head up or if related to this reflex.

[IDontNotDoThings]

Does anyone else on DTF have 'photic sneeze reflex'? Me, my youngest son, Father and one of my brothers have it. Anytime I look at or am exposed to a bright light....it'll trigger a couple sneezes. It's most prominent when walking outside from inside and getting hit with the bright sunlight....but it also happens with just bright lights in general. It's really strange. Reading up on this condition it does say it's mostly hereditary and that it affects like 20% of the population.

Not me, I just hiss at sunlight in the morning

[Phoenix87x]

Yes, 100%.

If I am struggling to sneeze, I lean my head back and look at a light and it happens.

[Stadler]

Does anyone else on DTF have 'photic sneeze reflex'? Me, my youngest son, Father and one of my brothers have it. Anytime I look at or am exposed to a bright light....it'll trigger a couple sneezes. It's most prominent when walking outside from inside and getting hit with the bright sunlight....but it also happens with just bright lights in general. It's really strange. Reading up on this condition it does say it's mostly hereditary and that it affects like 20% of the population.

I've experienced that, but mostly it's going out into the sun, not light of any kind.

[Podaar]

It's all fun and games until you gag on a highlighter. Wisdom from my six-month-old granddaughter

[jingle.boy]

Oh fuck... another thread I'm bumping tonight.  At least I can spell-check myself here    And it's nice to be bumping something.

Well, FML... fuck it hard.  That's all.  That may or may not be the scotch talking.

[wolfking]

Shit dude, you alright?  Hopefully just the scotch....

[Stadler]

Oh fuck... another thread I'm bumping tonight.  At least I can spell-check myself here    And it's nice to be bumping something.

Well, FML... fuck it hard.  That's all.  That may or may not be the scotch talking.

Hang in there, brother.

[Glasser]

1) What's the deal with video games these days? I hear my 2 younger boys get completely irate like they're being tortured while playing games. I say to my wife, "aren't video games supposed to be fun?". In the past they've broken remotes and headsets over games they were so excited to get. I just don't understand. Is anything stress free anymore?

2) My two older boys over the last year started sports betting. Fanduel, DraftKings.... They're 21 and 24 and they work but it kills me.   

[Podaar]

Chad, if that's what Scotch makes you say, perhaps it's time to stop drinking Scotch.

Glasser, pick up a controller and game with the boys, you'll see. Overcoming the frustration and difficulty is one of the joys of gaming...well any endeavor that requires precision and/or speed. Like golf. Or axe throwing. 

[Cool Chris]

1) What's the deal with video games these days? I hear my 2 younger boys get completely irate like they're being tortured while playing games. I say to my wife, "aren't video games supposed to be fun?". In the past they've broken remotes and headsets over games they were so excited to get. I just don't understand. Is anything stress free anymore?

Did you never play the NES? Castlevania? Ghosts and Goblins?

[TAC]

2) My two older boys over the last year started sports betting. Fanduel, DraftKings.... They're 21 and 24 and they work but it kills me.   

This would make me incredibly nervous.

[Glasser]

2) My two older boys over the last year started sports betting. Fanduel, DraftKings.... They're 21 and 24 and they work but it kills me.   

This would make me incredibly nervous.

I am. I have talks with them on how it ruins lives.   :'(

[SoundscapeMN]

the price of an egg now at Target is over .50 cents. I was paying less for a Diabetic Test Strip, lol (before my insurance began covering it again last month).

[Glasser]

the price of an egg now at Target is over .50 cents. I was paying less for a Diabetic Test Strip, lol (before my insurance began covering it again last month).

I refuse to buy eggs anymore. It’s literally insane. I remember as a kid buying like 10 dozen to egg shit on Halloween (little juvenile I was, lol). A dozen eggs were less than a dollar then.

[Glasser]

Fun "Fogey" movie trivia. I'm watching an early 80's movie I haven't seen in a long time. Its hilarious. There's a character in this movie that curses the entire movie BUT never actually curses. Can you name the movie and character???

[Stadler]

Fun "Fogey" movie trivia. I'm watching an early 80's movie I haven't seen in a long time. Its hilarious. There's a character in this movie that curses the entire movie BUT never actually curses. Can you name the movie and character???

Johnny Dangerously.   I can't remember the name of the character, but he was a farging icehole. 

[Glasser]

Fun "Fogey" movie trivia. I'm watching an early 80's movie I haven't seen in a long time. Its hilarious. There's a character in this movie that curses the entire movie BUT never actually curses. Can you name the movie and character???

Johnny Dangerously.   I can't remember the name of the character, but he was a farging icehole. 

Bingo!!!!! Maroni.   

[KevShmev]

"I am going to cut off your bells and shove 'em up you icehole!!"

Love Johnny Dangerously.

[pg1067]

1) What's the deal with video games these days? I hear my 2 younger boys get completely irate like they're being tortured while playing games. I say to my wife, "aren't video games supposed to be fun?". In the past they've broken remotes and headsets over games they were so excited to get. I just don't understand. Is anything stress free anymore?

2) My two older boys over the last year started sports betting. Fanduel, DraftKings.... They're 21 and 24 and they work but it kills me.   

Your kids sound like my son (20).  He's been screaming at his games for several years.  We actually put up acoustic squares on his bedroom wall.  I can't tell you how many controllers he's been through, and he destroyed a desktop.  He actually bought a really expensive computer desk, and part of the reasoning was that he couldn't possibly damage it.  I saw that he downloaded one of the betting apps.  I don't know that he's really made any bets, but I doubt it's a coincidence that this was the first season he really started following football.

[Glasser]

"I am going to cut off your bells and shove 'em up you icehole!!"

Love Johnny Dangerously.

Total classic for sure! 

[Glasser]

1) What's the deal with video games these days? I hear my 2 younger boys get completely irate like they're being tortured while playing games. I say to my wife, "aren't video games supposed to be fun?". In the past they've broken remotes and headsets over games they were so excited to get. I just don't understand. Is anything stress free anymore?

2) My two older boys over the last year started sports betting. Fanduel, DraftKings.... They're 21 and 24 and they work but it kills me.   

Your kids sound like my son (20).  He's been screaming at his games for several years.  We actually put up acoustic squares on his bedroom wall.  I can't tell you how many controllers he's been through, and he destroyed a desktop.  He actually bought a really expensive computer desk, and part of the reasoning was that he couldn't possibly damage it.  I saw that he downloaded one of the betting apps.  I don't know that he's really made any bets, but I doubt it's a coincidence that this was the first season he really started following football.

I'm handcuffed on this and they make it too easy. These apps give them " free money" to bet with. I tell them nothing Is free and the "house" always wins. It sucks!

[Podaar]

No one told me that when one gets over the hill, it's fuckin' steep on the other side.

[Glasser]

Do Bearded Clams still exist? (Most likely a fogey random thought) 

[Phoenix87x]

I love Root beer floats, and I just had one 

[Glasser]

I'm scared and waiting to die. I'm 53 in May, still grieving both of my parents and the fact that my only sibling and I don't speak since losing my father AND, here it comes....... People that are anti vax are telling me I'm going to die because I'm vaxxed. I didn't want the vaccine but I was also afraid of Covid. I'm very vulnerable and trust no one. Its sad and very unsettling.

[wolfking]

I'm scared and waiting to die. I'm 53 in May, still grieving both of my parents and the fact that my only sibling and I don't speak since losing my father AND, here it comes....... People that are anti vax are telling me I'm going to die because I'm vaxxed. I didn't want the vaccine but I was also afraid of Covid. I'm very vulnerable and trust no one. Its sad and very unsettling.

Tom, what are you scared of exactly?

How many people have told you that you are going to die because you are vaxxed?  I've never heard that.  I'm not vaxxed at all and would never have that opinion, that's just crazy. 

Anti vaxxers are a strange breed.  I'm not vaxxed but I'm not anti, don't listen to the negativity of these people.

We are all going to die, but death I believe is nothing to be afraid of.

Much love brother.  Hang in there. 

[Glasser]

I'm scared and waiting to die. I'm 53 in May, still grieving both of my parents and the fact that my only sibling and I don't speak since losing my father AND, here it comes....... People that are anti vax are telling me I'm going to die because I'm vaxxed. I didn't want the vaccine but I was also afraid of Covid. I'm very vulnerable and trust no one. Its sad and very unsettling.

Tom, what are you scared of exactly?

How many people have told you that you are going to die because you are vaxxed?  I've never heard that.  I'm not vaxxed at all and would never have that opinion, that's just crazy. 

Anti vaxxers are a strange breed.  I'm not vaxxed but I'm not anti, don't listen to the negativity of these people.

We are all going to die, but death I believe is nothing to be afraid of.

Much love brother.  Hang in there. 

I suffer severe anxiety and PTSD. You want truth? I'm scared to admit that I don't want to be here anymore. That doesn't mean I would take my own life, I would never. But the feeling is unbearable.

[wolfking]

I'm scared and waiting to die. I'm 53 in May, still grieving both of my parents and the fact that my only sibling and I don't speak since losing my father AND, here it comes....... People that are anti vax are telling me I'm going to die because I'm vaxxed. I didn't want the vaccine but I was also afraid of Covid. I'm very vulnerable and trust no one. Its sad and very unsettling.

Tom, what are you scared of exactly?

How many people have told you that you are going to die because you are vaxxed?  I've never heard that.  I'm not vaxxed at all and would never have that opinion, that's just crazy. 

Anti vaxxers are a strange breed.  I'm not vaxxed but I'm not anti, don't listen to the negativity of these people.

We are all going to die, but death I believe is nothing to be afraid of.

Much love brother.  Hang in there. 

I suffer severe anxiety and PTSD. You want truth? I'm scared to admit that I don't want to be here anymore. That doesn't mean I would take my own life, I would never. But the feeling is unbearable.

Mate, Im gonna be perfectly honest with you.  Over the course of the last year, I've had a lot of those days.  Same thing, I would never do anything silly, but some days are hard and life seems meaningless.

I'm not sure what your PTSD is from and I'm not one to talk but have you ever had professional help?  I've steered clear of that but doesn't mean I never will.

Those days, I just tell myself that they will pass.  We all go through times times but they don't last forever.  When they mount up its tricky but know you have a family that loves you and needs you mate.  You are here for them, they love you and need you.  You have a purpose.  It's sad about your parents but we will all go through that at some point.  That's life, unfortunately.

[wolfking]

Also, admitting and accepting you feel that way sometimes makes things easier to cope with, for me anyway.  Being scared about your emotions is just wasted time and energy IMO.

[Glasser]

Also, admitting and accepting you feel that way sometimes makes things easier to cope with, for me anyway.  Being scared about your emotions is just wasted time and energy IMO.

Thanks Kade, yes I have been in therapy for over 15 years and it makes a difference but when you have children that suffer hard its unbearable. One of my boys almost died from open heart surgery and has never been the same since. My PTSD is from being abused, I'll just say that. I live in the moment and stay positive but some things are too intense. 

[Stadler]

I'm scared and waiting to die. I'm 53 in May, still grieving both of my parents and the fact that my only sibling and I don't speak since losing my father AND, here it comes....... People that are anti vax are telling me I'm going to die because I'm vaxxed. I didn't want the vaccine but I was also afraid of Covid. I'm very vulnerable and trust no one. Its sad and very unsettling.

Tom, what are you scared of exactly?

How many people have told you that you are going to die because you are vaxxed?  I've never heard that.  I'm not vaxxed at all and would never have that opinion, that's just crazy. 

Anti vaxxers are a strange breed.  I'm not vaxxed but I'm not anti, don't listen to the negativity of these people.

We are all going to die, but death I believe is nothing to be afraid of.

Much love brother.  Hang in there. 

I suffer severe anxiety and PTSD. You want truth? I'm scared to admit that I don't want to be here anymore. That doesn't mean I would take my own life, I would never. But the feeling is unbearable.

Mate, Im gonna be perfectly honest with you.  Over the course of the last year, I've had a lot of those days.  Same thing, I would never do anything silly, but some days are hard and life seems meaningless.

I'm not sure what your PTSD is from and I'm not one to talk but have you ever had professional help?  I've steered clear of that but doesn't mean I never will.

Those days, I just tell myself that they will pass.  We all go through times times but they don't last forever.  When they mount up its tricky but know you have a family that loves you and needs you mate.  You are here for them, they love you and need you.  You have a purpose.  It's sad about your parents but we will all go through that at some point.  That's life, unfortunately.

I hope this is taken by both of you with the love and support with which it is intended.  If neither of you ever speak to a professional, it's your choice and I wish you the best.   BUT... (re)starting therapy in 2013 was top three greatest things I've ever done.  I talk to her weekly, and to be honest, I don't NEED it every week, but in the last year, I have needed it most weeks and she's given me a perspective, and a balance that was always struggling to get on my own. 

Despair is common; it's also something that we don't necessarily have to live with.   I knew losing my mom and dad would be rough, but I didn't know HOW rough.  We can all use a hand or an ear at times, and if you have a good therapist, these are PROFESSIONALS who have a tool box that we as individuals don't always have.

And - and bear with me for a second, this is going to sound more arrogant than I mean it - look, I was a guy that put in the work. I would contemplate, and I would self-assess.  I THOUGHT I knew myself. I THOUGHT I knew where my weaknesses and strengths were, and let me tell you, I don't have that belief anymore. I DO believe I'm getting a better read of what they are, but I don't think I'll ever delude myself again to thinking I have all the answers.  We change as people over time, based on our experiences, our environment, the people around us, and we don't always see the changes (you know how when you go get your brakes done, or you get a haircut, and you don't realize how bad your brakes/hair was until you notice the difference?  Yeah.)

Talk to someone.  If you do it right, it's free, and if not, well, you're investing in your own wellbeing.   You both deserve it.

[wolfking]

I'm sorry about your boy Tom and the open heart surgery, and I wouldn't know what its like to be abused.  I think you seem to have the right mindset about living in the moment and good to hear you are getting help.

Bill, thank you for those words too.  I know you've mentioned before about professional help and been a big advocate of it and how much your therapist has helped you.

(you know how when you go get your brakes done, or you get a haircut, and you don't realize how bad your brakes/hair was until you notice the difference?  Yeah

This is a really good analogy actually.  I'm going to ponder this.

[wolfking]

Another random thought that I struggle with and since we are getting real, I'll put it out there.  Could go in the work thread but it doesn't really matter to be fair.

Tom's post yesterday was ironic as I was having a down day myself.  I look at myself and seriously don't understand why I can't man up.  I'm talking about my job.  My job has been my life and basically what I do for 15 years.  It's been pretty ordinary for a while and the last 6 months especially have been very challenging.  I'm so over it it's not funny.  I'm stale, unmotivated and just couldn't give two fucks anymore and a job and places I put so much work and so much love into, I just hate it all now. Everything over the last year probably doesn't help but I know my time is up.

However, I'm so fucking comfortable and scared of taking that leap of faith and walking away and looking for something else.  I'm miserable and get no value or purpose out of what I do anymore and I'm just wasting my time.  I don't want to do that anymore, but I'm frightened as fuck to let go and have to start over.  I'm so established and I'd rather put myself through torment than face the unknown of something new.  Plus, it's all I know, so not working, I'd be lost, I know that.

I'm not sure what it is, but yesterday after a new two week roster comes out and again, people come back saying they can't do certain shifts, I'd just had enough.  I need to do something.  After a brutal season (which still has a few weeks to go) I will take a week or two off and re-evaluate.  After years and years, I think I've actually hit burnout.  I hate to admit it, but I think it's true.  Over the last six months, I've had probably 15 days off in that time, and half the time those days still have interruptions from work.  I literally tell myself I'm a machine and keep going.  Again, this week I'm doing 7 days as staff just go away at the drop of a hat.  All casual too, nothing I can do.  No one gives a fuck, so why have I given a fuck about my staff for so many years?  They know what I do for them and are a great team for the most part, but I'm sick of doing everything for others and hurting myself.  I'm the one getting taken advantage of, and for what?

Plus with management and their complete lack of care, value and respect for me, not to mention the target I have on my back, I'm seriously thinking of dropping all my holidays and long service at the start of next summer as a big 'fuck you' and leave them in the shit.  Spend a year off and look for something new.  As hard as it would be, change has to come at some point.  But the thought of doing that scares me, and I'm frightened I'll never take those steps to do what I have to do.  I'm still on this earth for something, but it's not to waste my days going through torment and going through the motions.

Sorry for the rant.

[Glasser]

Stadler, Excellent advice and you are 100% right. I do see someone and he gives me great coping strategies but more importantly he sees what I cannot see about myself and my situation. I'm very open minded which is critical to get the most from therapy. Thank you 

Kade, the fact that you are pouring out your soul means you truly care. If you feel its time to move on for any reason then you go for it! The fact that it scares you means you're a responsible person and that tells me you wouldn't hesitate to further yourself and take that leap of faith into uncertainty. I admire that.