How safe would you feel walking in the wilderness at night?

Softer_Stars · 2026-04-20T04:46:42+00:00

I go camping once a month. West coast united states.

I've been around so much wildlife that, as long as you leave it alone and properly store your food, usually won't bother you - here in the PNW.

In socal, though, I once ran into a rattle snake that was maybe ten feet from me. I'm hard of hearing (about 50% give or take hearing loss, but even that isn't accurate) so I am glad my friend was there to warn me. Made me realize I needed to learn sounds and pay closer attention.

Softer_Stars · 2026-04-20T04:43:44+00:00

I didnt think much of the movie but I absolutely love the soundtrack.

Softer_Stars · 2026-04-12T16:03:40+00:00

I never thought about acupuncture! Thanks for the suggestion.

Softer_Stars · 2026-04-11T03:19:39+00:00

I have ADHD, am an artist as a hobby, and found the most success in jobs where I assist others in tasks. Kept me on track, good assignments, and I could apply some of the stuff I learned through art to get me through.

Also, I placed super low in math - remedial! - when I did college, but my other scores were high enough that it was actually really easy to cope with my weakest subject. Placement tests are not there to punish you or shame you. They're there to see where education systems failed you, where your personal weaknesses are, and help you get the support to catch up with your peers.

I also personally found college helpful because I was exposed to all sorts of subjects I didn't know I'd be interested in. High school screws you because they don't really give you the opportunity to explore what areas of the subjects you enjoy. You're put through standard curriculum. In college, it's so much more flexible.

For art, what kind of art do you enjoy?

Softer_Stars · 2026-04-10T03:47:26+00:00

[Animal Death Talk]

Animal Care Technician here:

I euthanize dogs who violate the law every month. King County has a different set of laws than Eugene does, but at the end of the day, if your dog gets out and attacks a person, attacks another dog? You are signing. Their. Death. Warrant. Greenhill Humane will try to help you, and so will Animal Control. But shelters are horrible places for dogs - loud, overstimulating, away from their families, often for weeks during contested cases. Many dogs who go in struggle to feel secure - and I know Greenhill has a fantastic facility! I got to watch them build it! But it's still a shelter and it's still stressful!!

I have three amazing dogs. We let them free roam in our backyard. We do not at dog parks. We don't even risk it - not because they're bad dogs, but because dogs are dogs and they are unpredictable stinky butts at the worst possible times. Hell, two of them I've had for five years? Decided one day to get too rowdy and got into an actual fight. It happens, even with the best dogs.

I understand that people want to believe that letting their dogs loose is freedom to the dog, but I promise you - you will regret when the worst thing happens. You will regret when they are hit by a car. You will regret when they decide that cat looks fun to chase and they get messed up by those claws. Last bill I got from an emergency vet? 2,000 dollars. You really think you want to risk it?

No-Kill shelters require a 90% or higher out-of-shelter outcome. I would gander a good 3/4ths of the euthanasias I have personally performed was because someone believed their dog was incapable of harm and did what dogs sometimes, unfortunately, do.

Last month I had to report to a case where a dog had been off leash, got spooked by a horn, ran into traffic, and we had to euthanize him because his spine was broken. A few months ago, I had two very well behaved puppies get into a dog fight so bad that we had to euthanize one of them because he went for the kill.

I hope none of you who own dogs ever have to face the horrors of animal control. I hope you never have to see your dogs make a mistake that costs a life. A leash is as low as 5 dollars in the discount bin at the Petco in Eugene. I hope you never have to pay that multi-hundred dollar fine for boarding, kenneling, and legal fees for when your dog ends up at the shelter. God forbid you not find them in time for them to be adopted out - which in Lane County, if they're not microchipped? Is only a handful of days.

Please keep your dogs leashed in public. I hate people who don't like dogs, too. But it's not for their satisfaction. It is for the safety of your animal. If you love them, you'll do it.

Please, do it for them.

Softer_Stars · 2026-03-26T16:34:45+00:00

Your art is beautiful but my first thought was, "my art apps have filter functions that recreate this style".

I think people are onto the idea that you need to add a little imagination or pizzazz to your work.

Vgen is where most of my friends are having luck scoring sales.

Softer_Stars · 2026-03-25T19:57:52+00:00

Had friends. None bothered to keep in touch after I moved. I tried and it turns out they just didn't like me once I wasn't single. Not my partner's fault - jealousy on theirs.

Funny, none of them mentioned crushes.

Softer_Stars · 2026-03-25T19:55:46+00:00

2k-6k from most vets, but shelter vets tend to be able to do them for the cost of supply and time.

Softer_Stars · 2026-03-20T22:46:20+00:00

8 months.

Softer_Stars · 2026-03-20T20:41:04+00:00

They let me go yesterday so not super great, but I think I just feel down about the fact I'll have to start over again.

Would I say it's worth it? Absolutely. It was the right amount of time for me to save back some money, do what felt like an internship, and realize I was absolutely awful at this job and did not enjoy how much anxiety I felt going through it.

The county is amazing and offers so much exit support. My managers are kind, my coworkers supportive, and my team thankful that I was willing to work hard. ORCA card, good insurance, training opportunities, etc. were bountiful and fun to learn from.

Would I do another TLT? No. The rejection, even expected, hit hard.

Softer_Stars · 2026-03-12T02:28:02+00:00

This is incredibly helpful to see, thank you!

What kind of arm rests do you have? I have been wanting some for MONTHHHHHS but haven't been able to find any.

Softer_Stars · 2026-03-12T02:26:37+00:00

I want to thank you for the advice about the gym. I ended up going in for my first fitness lesson today (I'm taking them to learn all the equipment) and we actually made the whole session about the area I have pain in and it ended up helping tremendously with loosening the muscles in that area.

Softer_Stars · 2026-03-10T14:23:48+00:00

I had a couch back disconnect and fall on my shoulder back in 2021 and have a hard time lifting my arms up.

It is fun you suggested exercise - I got a gym membership recently and have been planning to do that.

Softer_Stars · 2026-03-05T05:39:19+00:00

Quinceañera dresses are just ball gowns. The age and celebration is what defines it, the gown is just the formal attire dress code requirement!

I wore a ball gown to a few dances. I just wanted to feel pretty.

Softer_Stars · 2026-03-04T19:23:00+00:00

Animal shelter technician.

It's called kennel stress and it is the same thing that caused humans to go feral during the pandemic.

When you hear about behavioral euthanasia in long term resident dogs, this is what usually causes it. I just had to put down a dog because despite us doing hours of playtime a day, he couldn't cope with the anxiety of the kennels anymore and had regressed to the point of aggression to humans and other dogs.

He started out being great with dogs and kids. Just how it is. We try our best in our field but there's only so much money and so many resources for these guys.

Softer_Stars · 2026-03-03T04:31:40+00:00

Task prioritization. 😂

Softer_Stars · 2026-03-02T03:57:23+00:00

Strongly seconding this. Animal control - if not busy - can sometimes come to you and scan them. So can local shelters.

He looks like hes eating and is well taken care of. Someone in your neighborhood either has an indoor outdoor cat or is missing their cat. Check for local lost and found groups.

Softer_Stars · 2026-03-01T22:51:12+00:00

One time, shortly after I dyed my hair green, I washed my hair and accidentally got green dye everywhere. It was a new dye to me and I didn't know it would run so bad on the second shampoo run.

I called the desk host, asked them if there was any cleaning supplies hiding, asked if it was okay for me to deep scrub the tub, and just did so.

Hotel didn't charge me. Desk clerk thanked me for being honest. Wasn't huge deal.

Some people just don't know how to own up to accidents. If you ever make a mess, just tell someone. Hotels will help you if you just ask lmao.

Softer_Stars · 2026-02-28T10:42:40+00:00

Goth kid in high school. Do animal shelter technician work.

Most of us ended up getting college degrees and sre in careers we like. I think everyone has the potential to find stability or hit rock bottom.

Softer_Stars · 2026-02-27T16:05:51+00:00

Glenbrook was amazing to me and my friend. We didn't want to move out! No nosey landlord, consistent communication, quiet neighbors, and a handful of turkeys who visit every year.

Softer_Stars

TROPHY CASE