Brain Dump_Welfare X Other Thoughts

Alright, so weโ€™re back at it. Iโ€™m cozied up on the couch watching Cops, a show that often highlights the complexities and challenges law enforcement faces. Meanwhile, Iโ€™m knitting away, my fingers deftly maneuvering the yarn as I let my thoughts drift. I find this mix of activity quite satisfying.

Recently, I did a minor restock of certain yarns after discovering some hidden gems in my end-of-unit stash that turned out to be of decent quality. Additionally, I wanted to take advantage of some sales and liquidation events from other peopleโ€™s collections. Iโ€™ve noticed that some yarns are significantly overpriced, which isnโ€™t surprising given the current market dynamics. For instance, I just purchased one skein of yarn for $10 plus $5 shipping. I assumed from the advertisement that it was a multiple pack, but when it arrived, I found it was just one unit. Whether that was a blunder on my part or a savvy purchase depends on how you look at it. Luckily, I have another skein of the same colorway on the way, so Iโ€™ll end up with three of this shade, which comes from the Halloween Big Twist collection.

Unfortunately, we all know that Joann is going out of business, which leaves us with a limited window until the end of May to purchase, collect, or rescue yarn, fabric, notions, and more from their stores. Thankfully, Iโ€™ve organized my materials into 36 storage cubes, so I donโ€™t feel the urge to panic buy. However, I can empathize with small business owners who might be consuming their resources out of fear of supply shortages. Personally, though I take on some commissioned work, I primarily consider myself a donation artist, creating pieces for various charitable causes.

Currently, Iโ€™m working on a vibrant purple project using some Premier Yarns. Iโ€™m also somewhat looking forward to stepping out tomorrow, although itโ€™s for a dental appointment, which isn’t my favorite outing. Despite my dental health improving over the years, my anxiety surrounding dental visits remains. Iโ€™m writing this post ahead of my appointment, which also means I can schedule my next post about my day tomorrow.

As the weather warms upโ€”today itโ€™s just under 60ยฐFโ€”things are looking up. My apartment feels warm and inviting, a comforting change from the bitter cold of winter. Last night, I was tuning into a public safety radio channel, trying to identify which region I was monitoring.

This got me pondering some serious questions: Why do officers often appear so nonchalant during welfare checks? Itโ€™s concerning that friends or family sometimes wait weeksโ€”or even monthsโ€”before reaching out to check on a loved one who has gone silent. If you live in a neighboring town or even just a short drive away, why not take the initiative to investigate? Although I understand that not everyone can be there physically, a family member or friend could provide insight and support that the police simply can’t match. They have keys to the home and a personal connection that enables them to offer direct help. While law enforcement does their best to ensure safety, they are limited in their ability to act without explicit consent or evidence of distress. It just makes you wonder about the balance of personal responsibility and community support when it comes to the well-being of those we care about.

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