In which priorities are clarified

2026 has been a year of reflection & introspection.

From the unexpected loss of my grandma in February,
to the global rise of fascism, the wars waged on my
people, and unrelenting onslaught of hazardous slop
pushed by rapacious psychopaths who leave a wake of
destruction in the communities whose resources they
gleefully pillaged and ravaged (and continue to) to
manufacture said slop, to the Debian project's vote
last month about the consumption and propagation of
such piles of shit onto Debian users, it's been one
of those years - and the hellish cacophony does not
seem to be going to stop just yet.

In times like these, it may be tempting - certainly
easier - to throw one's hands in the air and saying
to hell with it all.  But I'm not giving up without
a fight.  Pondering these issues and working toward
understanding the thoughts and feelings I've had in
the recent months, acknowledging my limits and what
I cannot possibly change has been immensely helpful
and empowering.  It's allowed me to avoid Sisyphean
struggles, and direct my focus and energy to things
that I *can* do with my limited time and resources.

Going forward, my priorities are to live a healthy,
fulfilling life and help my loved ones do the same.
The communities that I'd like to participate in and
contribute to are those that similarly value people
and their lives.  I will continue striving to build
more resilience in myself and my communities needed
to weather the rough seas ahead.

If you think similarly - and especially if we might
have shared interests or passions - I would love to
hear from you.

Take care, and so long for now.

  Typed out in the backyard,
  nestled among white birch,
  this beautiful autumn day.

  bandali@kelar.org
  30 September 2026