Notices by Michela Marie 🏳️‍🌈 (michelamarie@mastodon.social), page 18

"'Coal is on the way out': study finds fossil fuel now pricier than solar or wind"

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/mar/25/coal-more-expensive-wind-solar-us-energy-study

"Humans can make new brain cells into their 90s, scientists discover" . . . and, perhaps, beyond.

https://www.theguardian.com/science/2019/mar/25/humans-can-make-new-brain-cells-into-their-90s-scientists-discover

@grufwub It's cool to hear that you exercise. I find that so helpful for me in so many ways. Does working out help you feel better, even for a little while?

Whatever you do, don't give up! Life can indeed be very tiring sometimes, but it can be totally amazing too! I'm sure you know that already, but it bears repeating. :)

I would like to check in to say, "hi!," and see how you're doing tomorrow. Would you mind if I did that? 🙂

@grufwub A side-note: maybe a counsellor, rather than a psychologist, is also worth considering.

Counsellors are often more focused on helping people guide themselves on their own life journeys, and to cope with all the things life throws our way (like this very situation!), rather than treating medical conditions.

Depression can certainly be a medical condition, though a counsellor may be able to better help in this situation.

A side-note: maybe a counsellor, rather than a psychologist, is also worth considering.

Counsellors are often more focused on helping people guide themselves on their own life journeys, and to cope with all the things life throws our way (like this very situation!), rather than treating medical conditions.

Depression can certainly be a medical condition, though a counsellor may be able to better help in this situation.

@grufwub I'm really glad to hear from you.

It is a long time since you have been to your psychologist. I see my counsellor at least once every three months or so to check in and work on things. I go more frequently if I have big things going on that require attention.

Maybe a check-in would be really helpful, and not too tiring? What do you think?

@grufwub Last thing for now: if you need someone to talk to. You can talk to me as well. 🙂

Thanks for listening and take care.

@grufwub Three things have helped me a lot -- leaning on those close to me and accepting help from them, counselling with an amazing counsellor, and exercise.

I almost never see exercise recommended for depression, though it is often a literal life-saver. When I'm feeling down, anxious, frustrated, or upset, a good run always makes me feel at least a little better. 🙂

@grufwub I will ask you for one thing -- to keep working on this, to always work to feel better, and to understand your life's immense value to the universe. It is the most worthwhile endeavour you will encounter, again, because your existence matters so much.

@grufwub I don't know what else you're going through, but I've been through dysphoria, and lots of other stuff too. I know how hard it can be sometimes, but we've come a long way. Every day is a new challenge to overcome -- it is for everyone (and it is often harder for queer folks like us) -- but you will overcome it.

@grufwub Hi. You didn't say you want help, but when I see a message like this, I have to reach out my hand. You don't have to take it.

I hope you're feeling better since you posted this thread. I want you to know that what you do, and your existence, your life -- you -- are important. The world is better because you are here, and you can have a rewarding life filled with joy -- you deserve that.

@Edent haha. Yah. Give it a go and see what you think.

It might also help to know that I've run software RAID in performance-sensitive production environments with really good results. The servers are still *really* fast on software RAID. 🙂

@Edent Hardware RAID is really nice, but I don't think you'll see any difference in performance or any other significant benefits in a home server use case. Linux software RAID is really good, and pretty easy to set up.

Most of all, hardware RAID isn't as cheap (one of your preferences). Then again, it might be cheap enough if you find a used server, or buy a used RAID card (this option is probably more energy efficient). Maybe that's a good route to get what you're looking for.

Have fun! 🙂

@Edent You probably thought of this already -- how about a used small-ish form factor PC? You can buy new drives for it and easily configure software RAID for storage.

Most Dell and Lenovo PCs are likely to be very Linux friendly, and can be had for as little as $50 - $100.

@oolongstains hah. What could be better than Dude Chilling Park? Dyke Chilling Park, of course.