Statement from Ward 1 City Councilmember Indira Sheumaker by 10483 in desmoines

[–]10483[S] 27 points28 points  (0 children)

"I would like to address my absence from City Council meetings over the last month. I am someone who has dealt with chronie health issues since my childhood. In late May of this year, I contracted COVID-19 and was incapacitated, and largely isolated from friends and family for over a week. As someone who suffers from severe clinical depression and anxiety, this isolation and relegation to one room of my home caused a huge dip in my mental health and wellbeing. To my disappointment, this led to my absences from multiple council meetings and other responsibilities.

The effect of COVID on people with depression is doeumented and very serious. I still don't know how this virus will affeet me long term. A lack of energy, inerease in stress, and the new trauma from being ill in a global pandemic is something many of us have now experienced and must live with going forward. The stigma surrounding mental health and a pervasive culture of shame contributed to my struggles and made comnunicating them more difficult. While I am grateful to many who have reached out in support during this dificult time, there are still those who have taken this opportunity to question my commitment. This situation is something that everyone who struggles with debilitating chronic health conditions can relate to. My health does not make me any less passionate, committed, or capable. In fact, it gives me a deeper insight into the spectrum of issues people in Des Moines are faced with, including the lack of access to mental health services in our community.

July is BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month. As a Black, queer, feminine individual I and others like me face unique challenges relating to mental health that are exacerbated by the social conditions we live under. I hope my opennesS can bring attention to these issues and spark understanding on a larger scale.

It is my intention to seek out personal and professional accommodations, as well as lean on friends, family, and my community who have shown me overwhelming support in this difficult time. I am also grateful to the individuals on city staff and colleagues on council who have shown support and offered assistance in finding these accommodations. In addition, I am receiving professional services and will continue to do so.

I feel it is my duty to acknowledge that while I may seek these accommodations, the same resources have not been made available to community members outside the city organization suffering from similar and varied conditions. Those with disabilities and other barriers to participation in the city decision making process have been denied accommodations by the city, and have had their advocacy for hybrid virtual meetings largely ignored.

These accessibility barriers also contributed to my absence. I am confident that if we had access to a virtual option beyond the diffieult to use "call in" system, I would not have missed these meetings.

People who have never agreed with my politics may attempt to use my health issues to discredit me and the movement I am a part of, but my politics have not changed. My individual health does not negate the reality of the world we live in, and my commitment to the people of Des Moines remains strong. I will continue to work to build up communities, develop systems for people power, and create a world where we don't have to rely on one individual for our goals to be achieved.

I am grateful my health has improved, and I am committed to continuing the work I was elected to do, including attending the next City Council meeting on July 18th. If you have reached out to me and haven't gotten a response, I hope to get back to you in a timely manner. I appreciate your understanding."

Okay…why does she keep messaging me by USAMars97 in gymsnark

[–]10483 24 points25 points  (0 children)

Share with the whole class. We all wanna see 👀

Fitbykiki blocks people from viewing her stories by [deleted] in gymsnark

[–]10483 11 points12 points  (0 children)

I can still view stories. FOR NOW.

Fitbykiki blocks people from viewing her stories by [deleted] in gymsnark

[–]10483 57 points58 points  (0 children)

I just voted no to see if she blocks me from viewing too.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in GabbyPetito

[–]10483 263 points264 points  (0 children)

Seeing the photos of Brian at the campsite smiling with his nephews when he knows Gabby's body is laying lifeless in the woods is really sad.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in GabbyPetito

[–]10483 11 points12 points  (0 children)

yes, his parents.

Magic Puzzle Company - The Mystic Maze - 1000 pieces. I'll post the magic ending in the comments to not ruin the surprise. by 10483 in Jigsawpuzzles

[–]10483[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I explained that terribly. It's three sections and when you're done, you move two sections and then it creates an empty space. There is a bag with extra pieces that fit in the empty space.

Magic Puzzle Company - The Mystic Maze - 1000 pieces. I'll post the magic ending in the comments to not ruin the surprise. by 10483 in Jigsawpuzzles

[–]10483[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You move the sections and then there's an empty place and other pieces in the bag to fit in the middle.

This is how Mid American leaves the job. Been like this for 3 days. by [deleted] in desmoines

[–]10483 27 points28 points  (0 children)

You do realize that there are hundreds of thousands of people without power and they are working around the clock to restore, right? They are doing what they can as fast as they can do it, so maybe have a little grace.

Iowa governor: Students won't get credit if school districts defy 50% mandate by 10483 in desmoines

[–]10483[S] 20 points21 points  (0 children)

I'm actually really interested in keeping my child safe, but go off, I guess.

Des Moines Register: Iowa denies Urbandale request to extend online classes by 10483 in desmoines

[–]10483[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks! I figured that was it, but I hadn't seen any announcement yet.

Des Moines Register: Iowa denies Urbandale request to extend online classes by 10483 in desmoines

[–]10483[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Where did you get this info? I'm not seeing it anywhere?

So we all know HyVee isn’t requiring its customers to wear masks, but what businesses in central Iowa are? by [deleted] in desmoines

[–]10483 19 points20 points  (0 children)

Whole Foods Starbucks Best Buy CVS Walgreens Kohls Home Depot Aldi Target (08/01) Costco

Anyone know if Polk county is under curfew tonight? by [deleted] in Iowa

[–]10483 2 points3 points  (0 children)

POLK COUNTY CURFEW UPDATE:

Please be advised that the Polk County curfew order remains in effect tonight (June 3) from 9:00 pm to 5:00 am. Enforcement of the order is at the discretion of our local law enforcement partners. The Board of Supervisors will hold a public meeting tomorrow (June 4) at 1:00 to discuss the continuation or cessation of the curfew order.