I finally realized where the privacy-focused marketing of commercial VPN services comes from.

Over 10 years ago, most of the internet used plaintext http and other unencrypted protocols. So someone yoinking your cookies on a public wi-fi hotspot was a genuine concern and a real possibility. A VPN does indeed protect against that. But with the switch to encrypted protocols, VPN services just kept their old narrative, even though it no longer makes sense technically.

“One of the great balancing acts in life is to be cautious and daring at the same time.” - James Clear

I hope my COVID updates inspire sensible caution, not paranoia.

We can all make our own decisions about everyday risks. Most of us drive, walk across streets, and take small risks. We do them because, despite the risks, they are worth doing.

Drake was right: YOLO. It's wise to live carefully; it isn't smart to live with so much fear that you miss out on what makes living worthwhile.

1/2

me: okay, brand new year, time to tackle everything I've been neglecting and stop procrastinating with pointless shit

also me:

(original by @[email protected]: https://fedi.lynnesbian.space/@lynnesbian/101418079532140692)

#calligraphy

Sketched some cuddly ponies

#mylittlepony #brony #art #MastoArt #sketch

I've reached the stage of life / online dating where I feel neither excitement when things go adequately, or sadness when I'm let down or rejected.

Sounds good in some ways, but bad in others. IDK, sometimes I just feel like giving up on dating for the simple fact that I don't have to deal with conflicting emotions all the time. Like just now, if you can't tell, I was "rejected" but I'm also relieved because I don't have to worry about it anymore?

Online dating isn't natural, like on a biological level. We're meant to spend a long time around people and develop feelings over time through shared experiences. Each year that goes by, I find myself trying to just be more socially active instead of using dating apps.

Just gotta keep hoping I find someone the organic way, I guess. But man, it's hard to find that as an adult without school or church or something. And yeah, neither of those are happening for me.