So, last weekend’s Marscon was a reasonably successful endeavor, with us playing a couple of good shows (even if the time slots could’ve been better), the band clicking with a great energy you really want for every show, but know really only hits occasionally. We also had a couple of nice official and unofficial circles, where fun was had playing music with friends, many of whom I only see a few times a year.

That said, the general vibe of the place just wasn’t the same as it used to be, in spite of the efforts of many of the “old guard” to try and recapture some of the, I guess, magic. I’m not saying I won’t ever go back (there have been some good management changes that show promise), but it just doesn’t feel like the home it used to.

Oh well, change and all that…

Speaking of, my nearly 30 year career in the public sector is also starting to feel the effects of the unfortunate changes in D.C.; quickly and furiously, due to a couple of Executive Orders that the White House issued shortly after the Inauguration, which are raising the tension level both for me personally and across the workforce.

In cases like this (especially this one), I’m very grateful for my management chain, who from my immediate supervisor up through the Chief Information Officer, which has been very conscientious of and attuned to workforce anxiety, being as transparent as non-partisan decorum allows regarding the direction our organization is getting, and specifically calling out and offering options and resources for dealing with “elevate(d) anxiety, stress, and uncertainty.” This regular communication is very letter of the law, as they should and must be, but the genuine feelings and attitudes are unmistakable to anyone listening, and are much appreciated.

Also appreciated is the annual appraisal I received this week, which said ridiculously nice things about my contribution and effort, and included some very tangible rewards, as such things do. Who knows what it’ll look like next year, given current shifting conditions, but being recognized and assured that my place is secure in the best work team I’ve ever been a part of is always nice, and helps alleviate some of the stress.

…and none of this bullshit (and certainly not this ridiculously tailored piece of bullshit designed to apply in only one case, unless you count Grover Cleveland) is going to lower the price of eggs.

But anyway, that’s the biggest part of where my mind is now, and yes, it kind of sucks, and will give me all kinds of things to chat with the therapist about this month. This coming weekend, however, I’m going to make some music with friends (ahead of ConVivial next month where we’re looking at getting the band back together for a one-off reunion) and probably go out for a beer sometime, because that’s one other thing to do to take your mind off of how the world’s burning down.

You can also listen to music, as I’m in the habit of doing, and this is what the algorithm spit out this week; it’s really 70s classic pop/rock this time around, though the appearance of a Harrisburg staple who had a big regional hit a few years back with #5 down here in old Virginnie is a very welcome addition:

1. “Something To Talk About” – Bonnie Raitt
2. “All the Way from Memphis” – Mott The Hoople
3. “And She Was” – Talking Heads
4. “Willin'” Little Feat
5. “In Your Eyes (live)” – Jeffrey Gaines
6. “Frankenstein” – The Edgar Winter Group
7. “Strung Out” – Steve Perry
8. “Anniversary Song” – Cowboy Junkies
9. “Strange Condition” – Pete Yorn
10. “Come Dancing” – The Kinks
11. “Beautiful Wreck” – Shawn Mullins
12. “(Don’t Go Back To) Rockville” – R.E.M.
13. “Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves” – Cher