Healing, Fallout, holidays, trauma, sobriety, and the slow work of learning how to exist after abuse. This is what being “functional” looks like right now.
Healing, Fallout, holidays, trauma, sobriety, and the slow work of learning how to exist after abuse. This is what being “functional” looks like right now.
A candid reflection on substance use, stigma, sobriety, and the quiet losses that come with recovery—and why silence can hurt more than judgment.
A candid reflection on substance use, stigma, sobriety, and the quiet losses that come with recovery—and why silence can hurt more than judgment.
Why do some people hear “gay” and immediately imagine sex? Here’s a blunt look at the obsession, the ignorance, and the humanity they keep missing.
Why do some people hear “gay” and immediately imagine sex? Here’s a blunt look at the obsession, the ignorance, and the humanity they keep missing.
A reflective look back at the unglamorous, unseen work of nursing — and the quiet pride of walking away with dignity, humor, and a lifetime of stories.
A reflective look back at the unglamorous, unseen work of nursing — and the quiet pride of walking away with dignity, humor, and a lifetime of stories.
A quiet Thanksgiving weekend leads to reflections on loneliness, the feeling of being “optional,” and why the wasteland of Fallout sometimes feels more comforting than real life. Surgery recovery, complicated emotions, and a glitchy new update all blend into…
A quiet Thanksgiving weekend leads to reflections on loneliness, the feeling of being “optional,” and why the wasteland of Fallout sometimes feels more comforting than real life. Surgery recovery, complicated emotions, and a glitchy new update all blend into…
A frustrated, profanity-tinged rant about the deliberate dismantling of American healthcare, the rise of medical conspiracy theories, and the dangerous political decisions putting millions at risk.
A frustrated, profanity-tinged rant about the deliberate dismantling of American healthcare, the rise of medical conspiracy theories, and the dangerous political decisions putting millions at risk.
A reflective piece about grief, memory, and the strange comfort of feeling a loved one’s presence long after they’re gone—told through a weekend of reflection, a glowing acrylic heart, and the quiet ways a mother’s love…
A reflective piece about grief, memory, and the strange comfort of feeling a loved one’s presence long after they’re gone—told through a weekend of reflection, a glowing acrylic heart, and the quiet ways a mother’s love…
A weekend trip to a Fallout gathering in Goodsprings, Nevada turned into a reminder of why the game has been my refuge, my metaphor, and sometimes my lifeline.
A weekend trip to a Fallout gathering in Goodsprings, Nevada turned into a reminder of why the game has been my refuge, my metaphor, and sometimes my lifeline.
A 3:30 a.m. flare-up turns into an unexpected lesson in empathy, pain management, and the strange parallels between real-life recovery and surviving the Wasteland. Sometimes even nurses need a refresher in giving a damn.
A 3:30 a.m. flare-up turns into an unexpected lesson in empathy, pain management, and the strange parallels between real-life recovery and surviving the Wasteland. Sometimes even nurses need a refresher in giving a damn.
Even in the Fallout universe, the monsters are easier to deal with than the ones outside your front door. A veteran’s reflection on civility, escapism, and the urge to leave the nursery behind.
Even in the Fallout universe, the monsters are easier to deal with than the ones outside your front door. A veteran’s reflection on civility, escapism, and the urge to leave the nursery behind.
A shared post worth stealing: a veteran’s reflection that captures everything from bad coffee to unbreakable bonds. Sometimes the words that hit hardest aren’t your own—they just remind you who you are.
A shared post worth stealing: a veteran’s reflection that captures everything from bad coffee to unbreakable bonds. Sometimes the words that hit hardest aren’t your own—they just remind you who you are.
A reflection on service, pride, and brotherhood—from silent years of hiding who I was to finding strength in the bond that veterans share. This Veteran’s Day, I remember why we served, why we still stand, and why it still matters.
A reflection on service, pride, and brotherhood—from silent years of hiding who I was to finding strength in the bond that veterans share. This Veteran’s Day, I remember why we served, why we still stand, and why it still matters.
Getting older means realizing death is no longer something that happens to “other people.” After surgery and reflection, I find myself thinking about mortality, regret, and the strange comfort of finally being honest about what hurts — and what doesn’t.
Getting older means realizing death is no longer something that happens to “other people.” After surgery and reflection, I find myself thinking about mortality, regret, and the strange comfort of finally being honest about what hurts — and what doesn’t.
Even after bariatric surgery, the hardest weight to lose isn’t physical—it’s the one that lives in your head. This reflection explores the lingering scars of body image, the echoes of past criticism, and the lifelong work of learning to see yourself with kindness.
Even after bariatric surgery, the hardest weight to lose isn’t physical—it’s the one that lives in your head. This reflection explores the lingering scars of body image, the echoes of past criticism, and the lifelong work of learning to see yourself with kindness.
Facing an upcoming shoulder replacement, I reflect on my Army days, the scars—both physical and emotional—and the strange peace that comes with surviving. I may be a little battered, but I’m still here, still writing, and still grateful for the second (or third) chances.
Facing an upcoming shoulder replacement, I reflect on my Army days, the scars—both physical and emotional—and the strange peace that comes with surviving. I may be a little battered, but I’m still here, still writing, and still grateful for the second (or third) chances.
Learning to celebrate the small victories — in the Wasteland and in life — has become my quiet mantra. Between streaming, teaching again, and finding moments of peace through PTSD, I’m beginning to see that even small steps can feel monumental.
Learning to celebrate the small victories — in the Wasteland and in life — has become my quiet mantra. Between streaming, teaching again, and finding moments of peace through PTSD, I’m beginning to see that even small steps can feel monumental.
A quiet afternoon at the opera turns into a reflection on grief, rumination, and the long shadow of regret. Sometimes, healing looks less like triumph and more like showing up for yourself one small outing at a time.
A quiet afternoon at the opera turns into a reflection on grief, rumination, and the long shadow of regret. Sometimes, healing looks less like triumph and more like showing up for yourself one small outing at a time.
A short trip to Wendover turned into a lesson in patience, service-dog etiquette, and why “no, you can’t pet her” isn’t up for debate.
A short trip to Wendover turned into a lesson in patience, service-dog etiquette, and why “no, you can’t pet her” isn’t up for debate.
It’s Halloween in the wasteland, and mischief is back on the menu. Between Fallout events, mental health reflections, and a quick trip to the Nevada border, I’m reminded that sometimes the safest bet isn’t on a slot machine — it’s on…
It’s Halloween in the wasteland, and mischief is back on the menu. Between Fallout events, mental health reflections, and a quick trip to the Nevada border, I’m reminded that sometimes the safest bet isn’t on a slot machine — it’s on…
Aging and recovery have stripped away my illusions about friendship, loyalty, and judgment. Maybe that’s what getting older really means — realizing who walks beside you, and who was only ever there for the show.
Aging and recovery have stripped away my illusions about friendship, loyalty, and judgment. Maybe that’s what getting older really means — realizing who walks beside you, and who was only ever there for the show.
A reflection on fathers, family, and how love — like the mail — always finds its way, even through decades, distance, and the occasional super mutant.
A reflection on fathers, family, and how love — like the mail — always finds its way, even through decades, distance, and the occasional super mutant.
A quiet Sunday of canning salsa, streaming from the wasteland, and reflecting on attention, grief, and connection. Sometimes the simplest days are the ones that reveal the most.
A quiet Sunday of canning salsa, streaming from the wasteland, and reflecting on attention, grief, and connection. Sometimes the simplest days are the ones that reveal the most.
A few days in the wasteland, a few sessions in therapy, and one more reminder that grief doesn’t end—it just shifts shape. Sometimes the only way to learn grace is with a 2x4 to the head.
A few days in the wasteland, a few sessions in therapy, and one more reminder that grief doesn’t end—it just shifts shape. Sometimes the only way to learn grace is with a 2x4 to the head.
Autocorrect may be funny in memes, but for me, it sometimes reopens a scar from the night everything changed. How a single misplaced word became a lasting reminder — and how I’ve learned to live with those strange, silent triggers.
Autocorrect may be funny in memes, but for me, it sometimes reopens a scar from the night everything changed. How a single misplaced word became a lasting reminder — and how I’ve learned to live with those strange, silent triggers.
Escaping into Fallout feels safer than reality these days. Between anti-science nonsense, political buffoonery, and déjà vu pandemics, the wasteland offers a strange kind of refuge
Escaping into Fallout feels safer than reality these days. Between anti-science nonsense, political buffoonery, and déjà vu pandemics, the wasteland offers a strange kind of refuge