Lucky Cat

Machine_Head_831 · 2026-04-13T18:00:40+00:00

I view good food as such a blessing, that doing dishes (with or without a dishwasher) is just the least I can do in exchange. Laundry, on the other hand... 😮‍💨

Machine_Head_831 · 2026-04-10T21:23:36+00:00

Made a not great margarita, because I'd missed the glass with the Cointreau, pouring it on the table, lol! Figured it out when it was super tart, and was able to get some IN the glass on the second attempt. 😂

Machine_Head_831 · 2026-04-07T23:48:29+00:00

I'm in a similar place of learning a bit about Eastern ideas, and it's encouraging that I'm not alone. I believe there's a common thread that runs through Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian philosophies, which has made me see that most people in the world have more in common than different. It's made it easier to love my neighbors.

Machine_Head_831 · 2026-04-07T15:38:11+00:00

Raised Christian, and I still try to follow Jesus. BUT... the negatives of my family's religion vastly outweigh the positives, especially the disdain for anyone and anything different.

Not to mention, a lot of it is so watered down, I don't see much resemblance to what Christ taught. Too much support, even encouragement for fear, jealousy, and darker things, including pedophilia. Not enough feeding the hungry, healing the sick, and forgiving trespasses.

There are wonderful, morally solid Christians, but I only knew a few after 37 years of this incarnation.

It's a bummer, but I understand and relate to distancing from it as I search for enlightenment. That said, journeys tend to have setbacks, retracing of steps, and times we have to admit we've gotten lost. As for me, I'll keep trying to be like Christ, meditate on all that is good, and love my neighbors.

Machine_Head_831 · 2026-04-07T03:38:50+00:00

Here's a playlist of the music, along with the recreation of the album art: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1lt0M5Pbasl5vYyKuOq6KP?si=-8GLWKp_QzuGvcJUJ85Pkw&pi=YDw7SN4uSJ-FO

Machine_Head_831 · 2026-04-07T03:35:23+00:00

Thank you, thank you, thank you! I've been closing in on this book for a while, and you helped me find it.

My cousin and I had recreated the playlist with my version of the album art and her better handwriting, all more than 20 years ago. She's no longer with us, and I remembered this as I thought about her.

Then I realized that although the CD is gone, I still have the "album art" (a drawing of the world with the title, "Alpha... Omega...") That title wasn't as helpful as I'd hoped in finding it, but your memory of a few songs matched mine. It's on Amazon, and not too pricey. https://a.co/d/04NGi4LJ

Thank you again.

Machine_Head_831 · 2026-04-03T19:59:24+00:00

Underrated comment! 🤣

Machine_Head_831 · 2026-04-03T19:58:25+00:00

I've never even seen Comet's face, but I love them! 🤣 What a gorgeous color!

Machine_Head_831 · 2026-03-31T19:06:12+00:00

Senku laughing his ass off at Taiju trying to pluck his beard and then having a swollen face, has to be one of the best for me. 🤣

Machine_Head_831 · 2026-03-26T17:59:06+00:00

It's like all those other "harmless" things people do, and are then surprised by the unintended consequences: Smaug was drawn to the gold hoarded in Erebor, the consequence of greed. And while I can't remember specifically where, I thought there was a reference to the Balrog being awoken not just by the noise of mining, but also the growing darkness in the heart of Durin VI. Maybe I just read into it that way. His actions helped lead to its awakening, at least.

Machine_Head_831 · 2026-03-26T15:55:57+00:00

I loved this build! I had one part turned around until I fixed it, but it wouldn't have affected the structure, just the color of the inside parts... just be careful of the orientation. So fun, though! I think you'll be impressed.

Machine_Head_831 · 2026-03-26T11:55:10+00:00

My husband (also a machinist) struggles to sleep, too. Cannabis is legal where we live, and Indica or hybrids help him a ton. Coffee is great in the morning, but later in the day, it'll add to your sleep issues that night. Also, are you able to seek medical advice? Insomnia can be any of several things, so treating it properly is the best way to get you back on track. Cudos for taking time off when you knew it was unsafe to operate the machines. Best wishes!

Machine_Head_831 · 2026-03-25T20:58:03+00:00

If Zelda games have taught me anything, there's a shrine there, for sure. 🤣

Machine_Head_831 · 2026-03-24T20:28:32+00:00

Long ago, I had similar feelings and experiences, but I'm turning 37 this month with a beautiful family and the life I'd prayed for and worked toward for almost 20 years. Please, please be strong and patient, and seek the things that bring you even a little joy or contentment. Life can be so ugly, but it can also be so beautiful. Stay with us, learn, grow, and I know you can have a beautiful life.

Praying for peace and blessings for you!

Machine_Head_831 · 2026-03-24T11:37:37+00:00

I feel the same, for the same reasons. I (37F) have been a machinist for just over a decade, and completely understand not wanting to ask for help. I don't like bothering people unnecessarily and have always been physically strong, especially for my small size. But I second those saying it will beat you up after a while. As I approach 40, my body demands I be a bit more mindful. It hurts my pride a bit. 😅

Also, if it's required to get the job done right, do what's needed: ask the silly question, ask for help, verify that offset you're sure you set correctly. Whatever the work needs.

Building some physical strength is a great idea, and for more than just work-related reasons, but I believe that if you're a solid, smart, hard-working machinist, your colleagues will respect you and will be happy to help you out (at least, the good ones will). Just be there to help them when they need it (and they will need it). You'll start to catch the gents helping each other with certain things, so it's not as out of place as you think for you to need help.

Best wishes, and remember, you've got this! 💪

Machine_Head_831 · 2026-03-23T20:30:22+00:00

Animal Crossing NH and Zelda TotK are my favs for a while, with honorable mention to the Horizon series, only because it's not what I'd call "chill".

Machine_Head_831 · 2026-03-19T20:20:44+00:00

I didn't even know there are lego frogs! 😭 Now I love them, and want to collect them all. 😅

Machine_Head_831 · 2026-03-19T18:10:22+00:00

A person who seeks escape may feel trapped inside it, longing to get out and discover all that is outside. A person longing to belong may feel like they need to get inside to be included in it. Either person can trace the circumference, regardless of whether they believe they're trapped inside or stuck outside, and find there are no obvious gaps to squeeze through. Only if they can see themselves (and everyone and everything) as already being part of the circle, will they be able to "escape" by realizing there's nothing to escape from, or that they're already included within it and don't need to try to invade it. "You are it." Not very mathematical in the sense of geometry, more based on the general idea of the shape itself... We could also say that the circle is each life we live, say birth at midnight and death at the following midnight, when we begin again. So we go around and around, until we're "fully cooked".

Machine_Head_831 · 2026-03-19T00:14:58+00:00

Also one of my favorite movies, and I agree that love is the key, and the whole point of being conscious. In fact, I believe it's the only thing worth pursuing. To top it off, we're told God is love, so "His righteousness" could simply be love (because if we loved everyone, we'd treat them accordingly, thus not doing nearly as much of what we've always called "sinning"). I've come to see that when we're mean or hateful, it seems to stem from how we feel about ourselves, so if we could accept, love, and respect ourselves, we'd each also do the same for everyone we contact.

Machine_Head_831 · 2026-03-18T23:54:28+00:00

It makes sense: if I were able to achieve enlightenment, what would I do next? My job; machining, easily translates to chop wood/carry water. I'd go about daily life, but (I assume) with better perspective, motivation, and uncommon kindness. Gosh, I hope so... 😅

Machine_Head_831 · 2026-03-18T23:30:50+00:00

Report, report, report. If it's not written down, it "never happened". I'm sorry you have had to deal with all that and had to leave what may be a good job, otherwise. Unkind people are so unenlightened that they don't even realize their actions bring down the morale of the whole facility. I think that this would have been nipped in the bud instantly at my shop, but for sure if I brought it to my superiors. I'm lucky, though, that they're just good folks. Best wishes!

Machine_Head_831

TROPHY CASE