OT: General OT Thread [NO POLITICS, RACE OR RELIGION]

[trwi7]

AQI at my location is 304. Do I win?

[humanrefutation]

229 in Madison. Driving to work today, and the Capitol was barely visible behind the haze.

No post-work bike ride today.

[TroyD92]

According to this its 258 lol

https://www.airnow.gov/?city=Chicago&state=IL&country=USA

[trwi7]

Read on Twitter

[buckboy]

It looks like Ozaukee County is on fire. Absolutely crazy.

[buckboy]

AQI at my location is 304. Do I win?

An iron lung?

[stellation]

The summer (over here) leading into Covid was when we had the crazy bushfires around Australia, where I live was particularly badly hit and we had months of fires around us- the air quality was horrible.

That year for Christmas we upgraded our kid's hoop to a relatively fancy, big backboard/clear perspex etc. one- the air quality stayed so bad that despite the initial excitement of how cool it was I don't think it actually got used until some time in February (or even March).

It was quite the surreal time, we kind of didn't travel far from home (in case a fire jumped containment lines and we needed to get animals out) and generally were stuck inside a lot because of smoke. We became quite the shut ins, "can't wait until this little period of weirdness is over" we said as we headed into early 2020.

[Packbuckman]

AQI at my location is 304. Do I win?

382 by me that’s crazy!!

[MikeIsGood]

AQI at my location is 304. Do I win?

Congrats! I'll gladly take the L on this one.

[MartyConlonOnTheRun]

Read on Twitter

Honestly it's at the point where where I feel it's so bad but no one is making as big of a deal about as we should because we don't really have any good options besides stay inside. Like I guess you can wear masks and do HEPA filters inside but this just sucks.

[Ill-yasova]

For people like me who hate being outside in the summer my lifestyle has not changed at all.

[trwi7]

For people like me who hate being outside in the summer my lifestyle has not changed at all.

I don’t like going outside in summer either but at summer camp it’s not easy explaining to almost 20 4 year olds why they can’t go outside because of the weather and they look outside and say why not, it’s not raining.

[MikeIsGood]

For people like me who hate being outside in the summer my lifestyle has not changed at all.

I don’t like going outside in summer either but at summer camp it’s not easy explaining to almost 20 4 year olds why they can’t go outside because of the weather and they look outside and say why not, it’s not raining.

God bless ya twirl, this is like nightmare fuel for me

[Iheartfootball]

We are in town and touring UW with my daughter and looks like we brought that NorCal smoke with us. You’re welcome everybody!

[MissKhriddleton]

Work has me traveling internationally now which is super cool as I’ve never really gotten paid to travel before. I am going to Buenos Aires this fall and would have the opportunity to take some vacation time after my work is done. However, I feel a little apprehensive about doing so which I’m not sure if it’s anxiety or a normal feeling when traveling by yourself. Mostly worried about getting bored being by myself and not having anyone to lean on if something goes wrong. Any thoughts?

[jschligs]

Work has me traveling internationally now which is super cool as I’ve never really gotten paid to travel before. I am going to Buenos Aires this fall and would have the opportunity to take some vacation time after my work is done. However, I feel a little apprehensive about doing so which I’m not sure if it’s anxiety or a normal feeling when traveling by yourself. Mostly worried about getting bored being by myself and not having anyone to lean on if something goes wrong. Any thoughts?

As someone who traveled alone frequently when I was younger, I loved it. Everything was on my time. Tired? Go back to the hotel. Want comfort food, go find a fast food place you want. Want to tour “boring” museums or places others might not like? Go for it. I’ve never been to Buenos Aires so I can’t speak to that. But traveling own and only having to worry about yourself is liberating. 100% take the opportunity to do extra time there, just be smart. Don’t go to questionable places and you’ll be fine. And try not to look like a sore thumb tourist.

[Iheartfootball]

Work has me traveling internationally now which is super cool as I’ve never really gotten paid to travel before. I am going to Buenos Aires this fall and would have the opportunity to take some vacation time after my work is done. However, I feel a little apprehensive about doing so which I’m not sure if it’s anxiety or a normal feeling when traveling by yourself. Mostly worried about getting bored being by myself and not having anyone to lean on if something goes wrong. Any thoughts?

Why not both? Do you feel anxious somewhere in your body? Do you have diagnosed GAD? Are you ruminating? If so, what are the thoughts? Where do they come from? Take any meds? Have a therapist? Need more information.

Brief short term therapy such as CBT can be helpful, however, the only drawback to CBT is that it doesn’t address the feelings/somatic body sensations.

Feeling a little uncomfortable can spark growth. Too
much can be debilitating. It sounds like you’re excited at the prospect of exploring another country and culture but fear the unknown or that something could go wrong. Is that correct?

Noodle on that.

[MartyConlonOnTheRun]

Work has me traveling internationally now which is super cool as I’ve never really gotten paid to travel before. I am going to Buenos Aires this fall and would have the opportunity to take some vacation time after my work is done. However, I feel a little apprehensive about doing so which I’m not sure if it’s anxiety or a normal feeling when traveling by yourself. Mostly worried about getting bored being by myself and not having anyone to lean on if something goes wrong. Any thoughts?

Normal feeling, but traveling alone is amazing at the time and 10x the luxury after having kids.

Granted I was younger, but I always loved doing 'free' walking tours. The 'free' tends to attract more open and friendly people and less established groups. You learn about the city and don't feel you are wandering alone. Typically there are other solo travelers who want to talk to someone else, especially from a different country. Just be approachable/smile and say hi and where they are from walking site to site. (Even people non-solo travelers are sick of their travel partners so will talk to you instead for some variety). After the tour, I may ask some people "Hey, I'm by myself for work. Anyone interested in lunch or drinks later." By the end of the walking tour you pretty much know who you are compatible with and even if they end up being a jerk at lunch so what. Single serving friends are the best. Had some great conversations with people from around the world.

Also, get whatsapp if you dont have it. That is used a ton in foreign countries.

[humanrefutation]

Work has me traveling internationally now which is super cool as I’ve never really gotten paid to travel before. I am going to Buenos Aires this fall and would have the opportunity to take some vacation time after my work is done. However, I feel a little apprehensive about doing so which I’m not sure if it’s anxiety or a normal feeling when traveling by yourself. Mostly worried about getting bored being by myself and not having anyone to lean on if something goes wrong. Any thoughts?

Take a look at Trip Advisor - lots of good recommendations for things to do and places to avoid. Don't be afraid to ask your hotel staff for recommendations. And just keep an eye on your pockets, as pick pockets are always a concern when traveling abroad. They love targeting phones sticking out of back pockets.

Remember that Buenos Aires is not some remote village. It's got millions of people and gets plenty of tourists. Don't worry too much about findings things to do and getting around. As long as you have a phone (with data), you'll be able to find things to do and figure out how to get around. Have fun!

[crkone]

Here's my dog. He's 5.5 months. He's a Giant Schnauzer. His name is Augie. He's a good boy.