Laura Blegen
@laurablegen.bsky.social
Writer.
Part-Time Bookkeeper
Part-Time Introvert.
Full-Time Goofball
laurablegen.com
Part-Time Bookkeeper
Part-Time Introvert.
Full-Time Goofball
laurablegen.com
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Laura Blegen
@laurablegen.bsky.social
· Aug 20
One of my fundamental beliefs is that very few human beings are evil.
Which doesn't mean we're not all (yes, all) capable of evil, but most of us have to be driven by tremendous fear or desperation before we will deliberately hurt people.
Unfortunately, fear is easy to manufacture.
Which doesn't mean we're not all (yes, all) capable of evil, but most of us have to be driven by tremendous fear or desperation before we will deliberately hurt people.
Unfortunately, fear is easy to manufacture.
Why yes, I did "self care" my way out of a pre-holiday stress-attack.
How? My definition of self care includes saying "Maybe Later" to goals that were too ambitious, being compassionate about my limitations, and rearranging my plans to make sure I keep my body moving.
How? My definition of self care includes saying "Maybe Later" to goals that were too ambitious, being compassionate about my limitations, and rearranging my plans to make sure I keep my body moving.
November 26, 2025 at 9:21 PM
Why yes, I did "self care" my way out of a pre-holiday stress-attack.
How? My definition of self care includes saying "Maybe Later" to goals that were too ambitious, being compassionate about my limitations, and rearranging my plans to make sure I keep my body moving.
How? My definition of self care includes saying "Maybe Later" to goals that were too ambitious, being compassionate about my limitations, and rearranging my plans to make sure I keep my body moving.
It's 6:30.
I've been awake for 3 hours already, for no reason other than the fact that my brain is sometimes an asshole.
Ugh.
I've been awake for 3 hours already, for no reason other than the fact that my brain is sometimes an asshole.
Ugh.
November 25, 2025 at 1:39 PM
It's 6:30.
I've been awake for 3 hours already, for no reason other than the fact that my brain is sometimes an asshole.
Ugh.
I've been awake for 3 hours already, for no reason other than the fact that my brain is sometimes an asshole.
Ugh.
My little corner of the U.S. treats Thanksgiving like it's a full week-long holiday, and I find that very strange.
(Most employers don't, actually, but all the schools are out all week, so people *act* like it's abnormal to keep working)
(Most employers don't, actually, but all the schools are out all week, so people *act* like it's abnormal to keep working)
November 24, 2025 at 9:49 PM
My little corner of the U.S. treats Thanksgiving like it's a full week-long holiday, and I find that very strange.
(Most employers don't, actually, but all the schools are out all week, so people *act* like it's abnormal to keep working)
(Most employers don't, actually, but all the schools are out all week, so people *act* like it's abnormal to keep working)
Reposted by Laura Blegen
Now taking bets on whether Bezos is in the files.
The Washington Post editorial board decided the Epstein files have “no public interest” before even seeing them. That’s a stunning position for any newsroom to take. Praising Clay Higgins as the lone ‘no’ vote, too? No wonder no one trusts legacy media. Absolutely disgusting.
November 22, 2025 at 7:41 PM
Now taking bets on whether Bezos is in the files.
Every once in a while, someone that I knew in an earlier moment of my life has a standout success that hits the news.
It often triggers some "what might have been" thinking, but it's impossible to trace all the choices I've made since then, so I always come back to loving my life now, instead.
It often triggers some "what might have been" thinking, but it's impossible to trace all the choices I've made since then, so I always come back to loving my life now, instead.
November 21, 2025 at 10:16 PM
Every once in a while, someone that I knew in an earlier moment of my life has a standout success that hits the news.
It often triggers some "what might have been" thinking, but it's impossible to trace all the choices I've made since then, so I always come back to loving my life now, instead.
It often triggers some "what might have been" thinking, but it's impossible to trace all the choices I've made since then, so I always come back to loving my life now, instead.
Lately, I've seen a couple of journalists doing interesting work about people's lost trust in journalism, and how the industry could respond.
I wonder if the tech industry will ever have that awakening.
I wonder if the tech industry will ever have that awakening.
November 20, 2025 at 2:46 PM
Lately, I've seen a couple of journalists doing interesting work about people's lost trust in journalism, and how the industry could respond.
I wonder if the tech industry will ever have that awakening.
I wonder if the tech industry will ever have that awakening.
It's been a long time since I've taken on a random baking project. So, I find myself wondering what I could bake this weekend.
Does it make any difference whatsoever that next week is Thanksgiving, and that "Holiday Treat" season will be well underway?
It should, but it doesn't.
Does it make any difference whatsoever that next week is Thanksgiving, and that "Holiday Treat" season will be well underway?
It should, but it doesn't.
November 19, 2025 at 11:00 PM
It's been a long time since I've taken on a random baking project. So, I find myself wondering what I could bake this weekend.
Does it make any difference whatsoever that next week is Thanksgiving, and that "Holiday Treat" season will be well underway?
It should, but it doesn't.
Does it make any difference whatsoever that next week is Thanksgiving, and that "Holiday Treat" season will be well underway?
It should, but it doesn't.
Someone posts about experiencing vertigo.
Cue: somebody else recommending the epley maneuver without being asked for advice.
Honestly, all the "medical experts" on the internet make me real tired.
Cue: somebody else recommending the epley maneuver without being asked for advice.
Honestly, all the "medical experts" on the internet make me real tired.
November 18, 2025 at 5:41 PM
Someone posts about experiencing vertigo.
Cue: somebody else recommending the epley maneuver without being asked for advice.
Honestly, all the "medical experts" on the internet make me real tired.
Cue: somebody else recommending the epley maneuver without being asked for advice.
Honestly, all the "medical experts" on the internet make me real tired.
Update: Two concerts. Both went well *for the choir*.
I barely remember the first one, because my adult angst and my college angst mixed together into one heck of an adrenaline cocktail.
The second one was fun, though. I'll figure this out.
I barely remember the first one, because my adult angst and my college angst mixed together into one heck of an adrenaline cocktail.
The second one was fun, though. I'll figure this out.
Tomorrow night, I'm singing in a choir concert for the first time since I graduated from college 25 years ago.
I'm weirdly nervous. It's like all of my college angst came out of the box as fresh as when I put it away, and it is now mixing in with all my adult angst.
It's uncomfortable. But fun?
I'm weirdly nervous. It's like all of my college angst came out of the box as fresh as when I put it away, and it is now mixing in with all my adult angst.
It's uncomfortable. But fun?
November 17, 2025 at 9:52 PM
Update: Two concerts. Both went well *for the choir*.
I barely remember the first one, because my adult angst and my college angst mixed together into one heck of an adrenaline cocktail.
The second one was fun, though. I'll figure this out.
I barely remember the first one, because my adult angst and my college angst mixed together into one heck of an adrenaline cocktail.
The second one was fun, though. I'll figure this out.
Malcolm has always been good at posing, like he's having his 18th century portrait painted.
November 14, 2025 at 5:17 PM
Malcolm has always been good at posing, like he's having his 18th century portrait painted.
Tomorrow night, I'm singing in a choir concert for the first time since I graduated from college 25 years ago.
I'm weirdly nervous. It's like all of my college angst came out of the box as fresh as when I put it away, and it is now mixing in with all my adult angst.
It's uncomfortable. But fun?
I'm weirdly nervous. It's like all of my college angst came out of the box as fresh as when I put it away, and it is now mixing in with all my adult angst.
It's uncomfortable. But fun?
November 13, 2025 at 11:37 PM
Tomorrow night, I'm singing in a choir concert for the first time since I graduated from college 25 years ago.
I'm weirdly nervous. It's like all of my college angst came out of the box as fresh as when I put it away, and it is now mixing in with all my adult angst.
It's uncomfortable. But fun?
I'm weirdly nervous. It's like all of my college angst came out of the box as fresh as when I put it away, and it is now mixing in with all my adult angst.
It's uncomfortable. But fun?
You can learn so much about a person from how they treat other people.
It's useful when watching how your date treats baristas and servers.
It also applies to how public figures talk about children, whether those children need food, or are being forced to attend someone's depraved private party.
It's useful when watching how your date treats baristas and servers.
It also applies to how public figures talk about children, whether those children need food, or are being forced to attend someone's depraved private party.
November 13, 2025 at 4:00 PM
You can learn so much about a person from how they treat other people.
It's useful when watching how your date treats baristas and servers.
It also applies to how public figures talk about children, whether those children need food, or are being forced to attend someone's depraved private party.
It's useful when watching how your date treats baristas and servers.
It also applies to how public figures talk about children, whether those children need food, or are being forced to attend someone's depraved private party.
Reposted by Laura Blegen
Celebrate every win!
Judge rules mandatory detention of Chicago day care teacher by ICE is illegal
Judge rules mandatory detention of Chicago day care teacher by ICE is illegal
According to the ruling, Diana Santillana will be given a bond hearing in front of an immigration judge, who could order her released while her civil deportation case proceeds.
trib.al
November 12, 2025 at 9:37 PM
Celebrate every win!
Annual mammogram this morning. The waiting room is much busier than usual, and there's a woman here with her who is both underinsured and here for some definitely non-routine care.
So lots of paperwork on top of whatever emotional strain.
It's a perspective check, that's for sure.
So lots of paperwork on top of whatever emotional strain.
It's a perspective check, that's for sure.
November 12, 2025 at 2:55 PM
Annual mammogram this morning. The waiting room is much busier than usual, and there's a woman here with her who is both underinsured and here for some definitely non-routine care.
So lots of paperwork on top of whatever emotional strain.
It's a perspective check, that's for sure.
So lots of paperwork on top of whatever emotional strain.
It's a perspective check, that's for sure.
Husband used the phrase "an oldie but a goody" last night. (Ironically - we were talking about my insomnia, which is not a "goody" by any means.)
But that got me thinking... have we ever used "goody" in that sense in any other context? Or is just that one phrase? Where did it come from?
But that got me thinking... have we ever used "goody" in that sense in any other context? Or is just that one phrase? Where did it come from?
November 10, 2025 at 9:21 PM
Husband used the phrase "an oldie but a goody" last night. (Ironically - we were talking about my insomnia, which is not a "goody" by any means.)
But that got me thinking... have we ever used "goody" in that sense in any other context? Or is just that one phrase? Where did it come from?
But that got me thinking... have we ever used "goody" in that sense in any other context? Or is just that one phrase? Where did it come from?
Every time Lauren Boebert is in the news, I realize that yes, I CAN be more embarrassed for my state.
Every time.
Every time.
November 6, 2025 at 8:54 PM
Every time Lauren Boebert is in the news, I realize that yes, I CAN be more embarrassed for my state.
Every time.
Every time.
Yesterday, I had a profound moment of going from extremely irritated with someone to peace, because I took a moment to take a deep breath, and extend that person the grace they deserved.
It felt great, and I'd recommend it. Even if you are the person needing that moment of (self-) compassion.
It felt great, and I'd recommend it. Even if you are the person needing that moment of (self-) compassion.
November 5, 2025 at 10:04 PM
Yesterday, I had a profound moment of going from extremely irritated with someone to peace, because I took a moment to take a deep breath, and extend that person the grace they deserved.
It felt great, and I'd recommend it. Even if you are the person needing that moment of (self-) compassion.
It felt great, and I'd recommend it. Even if you are the person needing that moment of (self-) compassion.
Reposted by Laura Blegen
You should vote today so you can tell your grandkids what democracy was like.
November 4, 2025 at 4:53 PM
You should vote today so you can tell your grandkids what democracy was like.
I voted! This ends the thread following the progress of my mail-in ballot. (with a little color commentary along the way)
It's a great system, honestly. Every state should do this.
It's a great system, honestly. Every state should do this.
Okay, and at 5:47 pm today (Nov 3), I got the second email of this pair, indicating that my signature had been official verified, and my ballot has been counted.
I have, in fact, voted.
15/15
I have, in fact, voted.
15/15
November 4, 2025 at 1:03 AM
I voted! This ends the thread following the progress of my mail-in ballot. (with a little color commentary along the way)
It's a great system, honestly. Every state should do this.
It's a great system, honestly. Every state should do this.
I try not to be too much of a nag about this, but have you made your plan for voting yet?
As frustrated as some of us in the US may be with our national parties, they do pay attention to the numbers in off years like this. They will notice who is voting, and what they're voting for.
As frustrated as some of us in the US may be with our national parties, they do pay attention to the numbers in off years like this. They will notice who is voting, and what they're voting for.
Finally walked over to the ballot box today (Nov 2). Husband and I have a tradition of dropping off our ballots and then having dinner on the way home.
11/x
11/x
November 3, 2025 at 3:37 AM
I try not to be too much of a nag about this, but have you made your plan for voting yet?
As frustrated as some of us in the US may be with our national parties, they do pay attention to the numbers in off years like this. They will notice who is voting, and what they're voting for.
As frustrated as some of us in the US may be with our national parties, they do pay attention to the numbers in off years like this. They will notice who is voting, and what they're voting for.
Yes!! That's my congressperson right there!
October 31, 2025 at 11:19 PM
Yes!! That's my congressperson right there!
Just in time for Halloween - I've developed a strong fear of my own WIP.
October 31, 2025 at 3:37 PM
Just in time for Halloween - I've developed a strong fear of my own WIP.
I need someone to do me a favor: listen to an interview with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson without also watching it. (He was on Fresh Air last month if that's useful).
Tell me if you think he sounds like Barack Obama.
Tell me if you think he sounds like Barack Obama.
October 29, 2025 at 6:39 PM
I need someone to do me a favor: listen to an interview with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson without also watching it. (He was on Fresh Air last month if that's useful).
Tell me if you think he sounds like Barack Obama.
Tell me if you think he sounds like Barack Obama.
Reposted by Laura Blegen
I hope my fellow mayosapiens realize that any relative older than you is an aunt/uncle for a lot of folks.
But I also hope we all know that the real purpose of this “story” is to put Mamdani’s name in headlines next to the words “hijab” and “9/11” and evoke that implicit association dog whistle 👀
But I also hope we all know that the real purpose of this “story” is to put Mamdani’s name in headlines next to the words “hijab” and “9/11” and evoke that implicit association dog whistle 👀
October 28, 2025 at 10:10 PM
I hope my fellow mayosapiens realize that any relative older than you is an aunt/uncle for a lot of folks.
But I also hope we all know that the real purpose of this “story” is to put Mamdani’s name in headlines next to the words “hijab” and “9/11” and evoke that implicit association dog whistle 👀
But I also hope we all know that the real purpose of this “story” is to put Mamdani’s name in headlines next to the words “hijab” and “9/11” and evoke that implicit association dog whistle 👀
Seriously, y'all, I really miss the stickers. One of these years, I really need to fit this in...
Today (Oct 28) is early voting day, and my county is having a series of events where I could show up with my ballot and get an "I Voted" sticker!
Since my only real complaint about voting by mail is NOT getting a sticker, I really want to do this one year, but I don't have time today.
9/x
Since my only real complaint about voting by mail is NOT getting a sticker, I really want to do this one year, but I don't have time today.
9/x
October 28, 2025 at 8:39 PM
Seriously, y'all, I really miss the stickers. One of these years, I really need to fit this in...