bird

Generally, I find fulfilment in doing things that are enjoyable which also have positive results. Work pays for stuff but I hate it, so it's not fulfilling.

Some current things in my life:

Studying something I love even if it's terrible for jobs.

Somewhat finding my groove in music making, making it feel less like pulling teeth.

Learning to drive in my stupid car that I love.

FYI the requirements differ by state/territory.

In Tasmania you do a free short course and theory test (can be done online) to get your learner license (small fee, <AU$50) and L plates.

L-platers then need 80 hours of logbook driving including 15 at night. A driving school isn't required but some participating schools can get you double hours (1 hour lesson = 2 hours in logbook, up to 10 hours).

After this you do your P1 test and a hazard perception test and go from your L plates to P1 plates on passing.

You hold the P1 for 12 months then it's upgraded to P2.

Under 23s have to hold the P2 for two years before it's upgraded to the full license. If you're 23-25 you hold it for 12 months or until you're 25. Older than 25 = 12 months.

The path was changed in 2020 from L1 -> L2 -> P1 -> P2 -> full by merging L1 and L2 to L and changing logbook requirements (I think from 100 hours).

L-platers can't go more than 90kmh anywhere, P1 more than 100kmh, P2s can go as fast as allowed.

Of course you have to display the appropriate plates showing your level on the front and back of the car. Here it's not required for the plates to be on the outside of the car (heard that differs in other states).

If you go the whole way without any offences you get a free 3-year full license.

Oh, should have clarified: they thought the tip jar was a glass for their beer. When I'd already asked them if they wanted a glass.

So, so many; I have spent far too long in hospitality.

A relatively benign one: At a small coffeeshop. Found a quirky little hat behind the counter - a tweed fedora thing with a rakish orange feather in it. Full of youthful high spirits and caffeine, I proceeded to lark around the shop in the hat (yes I wish I still had that much energy), much to the amusement of my coworkers. A lady walks in, interrupting us. She'd left her hat.

At a bar: A nonzero amount of customers buying a bottle of beer and then pouring it into the tip jar (edited to add: thinking it a glass for their beer). Some version of "how was I supposed to know?!", repeatedly. I don't know, maybe the fact it was covered in chalk pen, contained money, and was very, very ugly?

At a pub: boomer getting very angry at me because he'd asked for a spiced rum and coke and I'd offered Sailor Jerry's (cheapest). Apparently that was a wussy drink. No, he clarified, a girly drink. He chose some other rum with coke. Yeah drink your sugar water old man.

Is it in reaction to everything getting scary? It's such a seductive alternative to accepting that we're fucked - just put your faith in someone who says it's all untrue. A cartoon parent figure to comfort you as the word burns.

I can't put into words what I think about people who even doubt climate change, let alone deny its existence. I just... if the data isn't enough, I honestly don't know what to say.

This works so well. I use it when I get neuroma twinges or insect bites.

Definitely saved my sleep/sanity a few times.

This is a good one! That mixture of orange street lamps and night clouds.

aeiou

Is that Aphex Twin

That's fascinating and terrifying. There's a creepypasta in there for sure.

Yeah, I thought that's what you were insinuating with the /s

Yeah, they'll be in wild animals and nonhuman fetuses too FFS