Between open carry laws that don’t require training or registration and a new law that incentives folks to turn in women or those who help them, Texas looks like it’s become quite the dangerous state. Churches and the government should establish refugee resettlement programs for any Texas women and their families that seek to leave. Texas is seeking to become a retirement only state. Warning: it’s hard to care for retirees without younger folks.

In a surprise shift in my career, my customer and employer is now supporting work from home. After a few weeks of working from home 4 days of 5, here are a few surprising reflections:

• Not commuting is wonderful!
• I can happily wear Crocs and PJs 4 days out of 5. (We have no video meetings!) That whole idea of dress for success? Doesn’t apply when you’re in the groove in code.
• Makeup is an optional thing
• Jumping out to the gym in the middle of the day means fewer people => more access to the weights. And not having to be at work (and no video meetings) means showering is a thing that can be done when the work day is done… (No, you don’t want to share a home office with me on workout days…)
  • Surprisingly, old people at the gym are the ones who are getting too close for my comfort in COVID times. Guess who’s at the gym in the middle of the day?
  • Note that me being at the gym in the middle of the day suggests the logical inference that I am old, which I attempt to avoid acknowledging…
• While there are no distractions from too loud coworkers, the puppy who wants to play can consume some significant cycles that need to be accounted for in the timesheet
• Beer can be consumed, but should only be done (1) in the evening, (2) when you’re almost done anyway, and (3) used as a stopping function. E.g., I’m on beer #2, billable time is over!