One Millionth of Infinity

Asexual genderqueer 30something, cat person, bibliophile, sci-fi geek with a fondness for avengers, and various other fandoms. Alignment: Chaotic Good. About Messaging: Feel free to message me, but I may not respond immediately.

[transgenderization]

hope tumblr lasts another 20 years so i can liveblog my midlife crisis

[hawthorn-and-ivy]

Posted in 2021.

Dear the Youths-

I have been on this godforsaken hellsite long enough that I am now live-blogging my midlife crisis. I hope we keep this sacred shit posting space long enough for you to join us in this rite of passage.

[hollenix]

for the good of all mankind

[anne-jordan]

I'm a Batlantern shipper to my core, but I hate when in fanfictions with this pairing I see the "Hal Jordan would be terrified of the Batkids, they would scare him so bad ahaha" trope.

Scared? Hal Jordan? Hal "middle child of three boys raised by a single mother" Jordan? The man that has such a difficult relationship with his family that he has been blamed for the death of his mother by his older brother? That has been having screaming matches with his siblings so loud they could destroy walls? And that's all without mentioning the Green Lantern gig and all that came with it. Yeah no, Hal will not be intimidated by emo kids with daddy issues.

He will not "try to impress them" and convince them that he's good for their father. He's stepping into the manor, looking them in the eye one by one and going: "supper time spanky".

He's the dad that stepped up, but also, he will be unhinged. A kid goes to him saying "he called me an asshole!" and he responds with "So? tell him that at least your asshole isn't in constant danger of carrying an STD because of irresponsible use".

He will buy everyone food if they are hungry, but he'll also fight ferociously for the last pizza slice in the box. He's not above biting either.

Two of the kids are fighting? he offers himself as referee so they don't end up killing eachother and lets them fight it out, Jessica Jordan style.

He doesn't mind being stalked, he has nothing to hide. But also, he likes to use the ring to become invisible and then slowly float behind whoever is following him and whisper "booo" in their ears. He has made more than one batkid jump from a ledge with that one.

He's also not above using his green lantern powers on them, the kids will be put in air jail if the situation calls for it.

Also, he has a thick as fuck skin when it comes to cruelty. He has heard so many degrading things coming his way, for his life decisions, for his queerness, for the mistakes he has made and the lives he has let slip between his fingers, he can take anything. Let the kids throw their very worst at him and see how he tanks it, stares at them till they are hollowed out of their anger and then go "did it help? screaming it out? does it make you feel better, hurting someone else just like you hurt? Did inflicting pain on someone else suddenly made yours go away?". Argument ended instantly.

The Batkids would learn to both love him and fear him in equal measure.

[friend-crow]

I am burning the candle at ends I didn't previously know existed.

[coinandcandle]

This shit's like a hydra, every time I burn an end, two more grow.

[stagkingswife]

This candle has more ends than angels have eyes. And they are all burning at once.

I am a fire hazard.

[wizardbloggin]

This candle has become some indescribable horror, a visage so far beyond comprehension that I am frothing at the mouth whenever I dare utter its description. A vile conscience that has awoken to discover an insect dares to contain it via metaphor into a constraint it does not desire and it has begun to *thrash*

[aesethewitch]

I fear the discovery that this candle is me, I am this candle, and with each burning another piece is forever lost as vapor into some empty space beyond my reach, and with each click of the lighter something primordial in the weave of this thread-thin wick flinches

But it's, like, whatever. I got shit to do. Fuckin' light the whole lump of wax, let's go

[friend-crow]

What the fuck have you people done to my candelabra?

[traegorn]

I mean, if you just keep going it will eventually be a sphere and it's fine.

[draconym]

[xiaq]

[so-i-did-this-thing]

I’m thinking about getting into hiking after living as a housebound recluse for 20 years. I seem to remember you used to be a park ranger (apologies if I’m mis-remembering). Do you have any recommendations on resources for learning how to hike safely - basic safety, navigation, common pitfalls, or anything else you think is particularly important to know while hiking? Thanks in advance!

Not a ranger, I just hike a lot and end up having to rescue lost people regularly. 😅 (More common in Florida than New England, which is interesting.)

Your best bet is to see if there are any local groups where you can get accustomed to your local environment. Your parks' rangers may have events like birding hikes, etc.

Also, start off during your region's mildest months. I really don't recommend people start a hiking hobby solo, tbh.

The most common pitfalls I have encountered are:

not being able to read a map & compass or blazes/cairns

going off-trail

not knowing what the local landmarks are

hiking solo without telling someone of your plans

hiking without a phone and without a backup battery

not knowing when/where it is hunting season

not respecting the wildlife

not being aware of what kind of wildlife to encounter

an over-reliance on apps like All Trails (which are frequently wrong)

getting on a service road by mistake

improper footwear

no first aid kit

insufficient water

not knowing your limits

general hubris

My general advice:

Hubris really cannot be overstated as a risk. If you ever follow me on bluesky when I live post my hikes, there will be frequent times when I talk plainly about shortening a hike because I feel it is too risky. And there has been the odd time when I get caught off-guard because I grew complacent about checking my map.

Also, if you are already a neighborhood walker/jogger/runner, don't immediately shoot for trails that match your current mileage. Elevation and terrain are going to exercise new muscles and will slow down your pace. Even flat regions like Florida have rough terrain like sugar sand that is exhausting to hike on.

Join an aforementioned group. There are also groups that do rubbish cleanup and other trail maintenance you could look into.

Don't run multiple GPS apps at a time, and turn off Bluetooth/wireless to save phone battery

Solar panels for your phone usually need direct sunlight and like an hour or more to charge. Pack if you want to, but unless you are in the open on a sunny day, don't expect to hang them on your pack to charge your phone while you walk. Better to have a powerbank.

Get one of those "top [x] hikes in [your area]" books, as current a publish date as you can. It will have a lot more tips.

Start with hikes that have minimal elevation and are mostly paved or boardwalk. Start with under 2 miles.

An hour a mile is a good rule of thumb for newbies when making scheduling decisions.

Stick to blazed trails at first. You should be able to stand at a blaze (usually paint on a tree or rock) and see the next one. Get in the habit of always looking for the next blaze.

Over pack for your first few years of hikes. Shed gear (and buy expensive gear) as you gain experience.

Hiking poles are amazing, even if you don't have much elevation to contend with. Get a set of two.

Always wear a hat and sunscreen.

Pack an emergency whistle

Pack an extra pair of socks

You can treat your hiking clothes with tick spray for added protection.

Shop for hiking boots in person and at the end of the day when your feet are swollen

Digitally scout the trail before you hike and have a paper backup

Identify landmarks like power lines, streams, towers, etc, that can orient you in case you get lost

If something feels risky, turn around and leave

Take a Stop the Bleed course and carry a small trauma kit, including a tourniquet

Pack an ankle brace - newbies trip often and you may roll your ankle

Always stay on the trail.

Learn how to identify dangerous animals/plants and what you should do if you encounter one.

Pack extra water - you will be shocked at how much you'll need to drink.

Learning how to use an STP (stand to pee) device is useful for those equipped with such a need

Don't hike when it's over 80 degrees out, even on a short trail. If you're in a humid place, you may need to duck out in the upper 70s. Learn the signs of heat stroke.

Keep a fresh shirt in your car to change into - this is especially welcome in the winter when your sweat can suddenly chill you.

Do not ford a stream that is deeper than your ankles, especially if it has a fast current. People severely underestimate the power of water. I have been knocked down by water that only went to my shins.

While All Trails maps can be dodgy (I still run the app when hiking, but compare it to the trailhead map + current blazes), the comments are a great resource -- read them right before you hike to see trail conditions

Always make sure people know when and where you plan to hike

What I would buy for a newbie:

Hat (hunter orange or with an orange headband), sunglasses, long-sleeved shirt and pants, other clothes as per the weather.

Also get an orange vest if you might be hiking during hunting season.

Ankle-high hiking boots

Set of hiking poles

Backpack (also hunter orange) with camelback bladder (I keep in the freezer between hikes to prevent mold) and room for 2 extra bottles of water

Bugspray and sunscreen

Tick removal kit

Trauma kit + basic first aid kit, mainly focused on blisters and small cuts

Ankle brace

Compass and paper map/trail book

Poncho

Emergency whistle

Power bars and fruit/sausage for a picnic

Other snacks that are easy to eat while walking and easy to pack out the waste

Utility knife

Potty stuff - trowel to dig a poop ditch, wipes, toilet paper roll (remove the cardboard tube and squish it down), STP (if needed), plastic bags for trash

Cell phone and power bank, the latter kept in a dry bag (waterproof)

A dedicated camera, if you expect to be a shutterbug - your phone is a major survival tool and needs the battery life

Pen and notepad to write down ranger numbers

Extra socks and a hand towel

Headlamp and extra batteries (just in case you get caught after dark)

Trail GPS app of choice

There's lots more I am missing, but most of hiking success is developing good situational awareness and risk assessment. That comes with practice, but will be safer if you initially hike with other people.

Have fun though, it's very rewarding!

(Other hikers welcome to chime in with tips and resources.)

[yet-another-heathen]

Don't go off the trail really can't be emphasized enough.

If you need to step off for a moment to relieve yourself:

always stop and take a good look around at your surroundings first

make sure you know what direction you're headed away from the trail (via a glance at the sun or a compass)

don't leave sight of the trail

[whumpingwithaquestionableauthor]

Not an experienced hiker but CANNOT OVERSTATE THE HUBRIS PART.

My only real (longer than like an hour) hike was on mount Olympus for six hours up and down a gorge with limited water on two bad knees with a heart condition and it was fucking miserable. In my defense we weren't given a length but I should have known better.

Do not end up in that situation!!

[so-i-did-this-thing]

This is a reminder for experienced hikers -- there are so many things you take for granted that newbies will struggle with. It could be walking on rocks, switchbacks, sand, roots, mud, heights, etc. Being acclimated to the climate is huge - there is a big difference between living in a place and being active outdoors in it.

I have overestimated newbie tolerance and it was not a fun time. Err on the side of very small hikes and get good at evaluating a trail for someone new to the hobby. Use an app to track things like elevation to better size up a trail. And remember that a mile for you may be "close", but "very far" for someone new.

Better to have a real fun single hour outdoors together vs a miserable six.

[elljayvee]

I think this advice is very, very good for people who want to get into beginning "real" day hiking, but I also think there's a bridge to this sort of hiking that is useful to consider if you are just starting out. The original asker mentions being a housebound recluse for years, and I would suggest people in that position start very very easy, on trails that can be done in regular clothes and sneakers with a 24 oz bottle of water.

CRUCIALLY, trails in this category MUST BE in parks that see heavy use, and they are WIDE, obvious trails. You cannot safely do other types of trails without a buddy, but this kind has such heavy use and obvious markers and park staff that it is safe to do so. If you go to these trails to use them you will see people on them with baby strollers and old ladies doing a daily constitutional. They will still help you build confidence and the muscles needed to handle more challenging trails, and some of them have easy access to more challenging trails via side trails that connect the big ones to each other.

An example of the kind of trail I mean is Frick Park, Pittsburgh, PA, North and South Clayton. This is a 1 mile loop trail. It is a wide, mixed use trail, NOT FLAT, mostly crushed gravel, has some side-to-side pitch. It's well-signed and I have never been alone on this trail, which used to be part of my bike commute 30 years ago. Attractive scenery, a lot of tree cover. Connects to a larger trail network in the same park which includes more challenging trails including ones you WILL want poles on and WILL want a printed map on. (Parks like this are often a really good way to build up your hiking skills because they have everything from "nice wide crushed gravel loop" to "steep singletrack with gully crossings and insane mountain bikers".) You can't get lost on this trail, people are around to help if anything happens to you, and you will find out if the very lightest of hikes like this is congenial to you. This kind of trail will challenge your balance a little tiny bit and it will be more tiring than walking paved surfaces, because it will engage a lot of muscles differently, so if you are starting from "housebound" it's about as difficult as you should attempt.

I want to re-emphasize that hiking requires safety consciousness. Not enough water, lack of map skills, improper supplies, etc. can be very dangerous. I have gotten lost on trails in this same park and was very very glad that I had poles and extra snacks and a camelbak pack, because the hike took hours longer than expected. But wide, safe, well-traveled short loop trails are, imho, a GREAT intro to hiking, and don't require investment in supplies aside from the same ones you'd want if you planned to walk the same distance on city sidewalks.

[so-i-did-this-thing]

This is an excellent add-on. Boardwalk trails, gravel trails, trails that are mostly service roads -- all of these are "legit" and great ways to build up your endurance. Start with no more than 30 min of activity if you are a true beginner to even just taking walks outside.

Look for nature education centers (usually great signage with info on the local flora and fauna) and parks, gardens, or outdoor museums that have small trails. These are usually well-maintained, have little risk of getting lost, and there's always help right around the corner.

[hellenhighwater]

In the vet waiting room, watching YouTube for cats

[hellenhighwater]

We've been home for 45 minutes and Mayhem is simply not interested in coming out of her carrier.

I wish I could say she's on drugs.

[danielwaldorf]

since becoming a barista i have noticed a few very distinct typologies among my customers. such as:

the woke left: young and fashionable. visible tattoos. often enjoys matcha, lavender flavoring, oat milk, and cold foam. pretty decent customers.

sweet old man: drinks very sweet iced lattes, pays in cash, puts all of his change in the tip jar. sometimes orders hot coffee and i get scared that his shaky old man hands will spill it and he'll get burned but that has not yet happened and god willing never shall.

evil old man: only wants drip coffee and declares it ridiculous that any other form of coffee exists. some variants only want americanos and these variants are even scarier. watch out.

sweet old woman: might need her daughter's help to order but is very bubbly and open to trying new things. compliments baristas freely and frequently.

evil old woman: does not want coffee and only wants sweet tea or soda. will not tip even if she spends three hours in the shop repeatedly asking baristas to fetch things for her.

errand husband: either stiltedly recites an order to you or shows you the order in their texts/notes app. needs to step out of line and make a phone call if you ask any follow-up questions.

grindset girlie: always wearing scrubs, an apron, and/or a name tag. orders the exact same thing every day and knows the exact change she'll need to pay for it. her regular order is both extremely caffeinated and extremely sweet.

#mamabear: is actively wrangling two to four children while ordering. order changes repeatedly because the children cannot decide if they want a muffin or a cookie or apple juice or chocolate milk etc. for some reason these women are always wearing an article of clothing or carrying some personalized item that says "mama" on it.

schoolchildren: band of two to eight adolescents hanging out after school. extremely indecisive but generally quite polite and tip well.

amnesiac in love: grown adult who needs their partner to tell them what they like. gets asked a question about their own preferences and turns to their partner to answer for them. generally acts like a shy child looking to their guardian for behavioral cues if you try to interact with them and only wants to talk to mommy i mean their wife.

this of course is not an exhaustive list but those are just some of the most consistent Types i get. ok bye xoxo

[spaceshipsandpurpledrank]

[punissuer]

ID / TL;DW: young Black man explains the history of voodoo dolls: they originated in England, where Black people where prohibited from learning to read or write, to help witches keep track of what ailed their patients. Eg., person goes to witch and laments headache, they treat their headache and make a small doll (called "poppet"), trying to represent them as good as possible, stick a needle in its head and put it up a shelf. When they return next week, the witch takes their poppet and asks about their headache. If it's gone, they remove the needle, otherwise they know they have to treat a rather persistent headache.

[tartrazeen]

I'm just gonna freeze-frame this for everybody:

[shytreeking]

*stares right at all the fuckers who used "voodoo dolls" pretending to be witches or for the aesthetic & other shit.* It was never real, it was never yours to use. It reeked of racism from the beginning. Even if it had been real, YOU ARE NOT WELCOME TO IT! Now you fucking learned. Stop.

I want this to trend HARD so all that stupid "voodoo" shit at stores dies forever.

[basilsart]

Btw the expert in the video is High Priest Robi from New Orleans- he has a lot of other super informative and awesome videos on YouTube

[goatmilksoda]

A question I get asked a lot while working at a public library is "how do you deal with homeless people?"

And the answer is, we don't.

The unhoused people who come here seeking refuge 99% of the time understand that they will be kicked out if they misbehave.

The people you have to watch out for are Jessica, who only came because the kid she didn't want had to visit for a homework assignment and she just *needs* to yell at her child for asking to borrow two books or stay an extra five minutes, or Michael, who came in to look at porn on our computers for whatever fucking reason, or Karen who just wanted to come by to throw a fit that the particular book she wanted was checked out and harrass our staff about our collection being too limited.

99% of the time, the people we need to ban are middle to upper-middle class white people while the homeless and mentally ill/disabled people mind their own damn business and are honestly some of the best patrons we have.

[goatmilksoda]

I bring this up because today we had a man come in. He stopped at the desk, pulled up a chair and said "I'm newly homeless and was living in my car. I'm disabled. It was impounded. It's raining. I don't have a phone and I don't know where to go tonight."

And we did what we could to help. He was incredibly kind and patient despite his obvious anxiety and stress, more than most able bodied, housed patrons are to us under much less dire conditions. I liked knowing that we were the first place he came.

We have so many people like this who come in everyday. Many are quiet and keep to themselves, but sometimes they talk to us.

They tell us about how they're taking a few courses on a scholarship they applied for from our library's computer at the local community college to get their diploma. Or ask about a manga or dvd or book we might have to help them pass the time.

One woman, who comes in daily with her tattered walker always says hello to me and likes to work on the new jigsaw puzzle with me when we set one out.

So like, treat unhoused people like people. Treat disabled people like people. I don't want my library to feel like the only safe space in the world, but I'm glad it can be one of them.

I'm so sick of hearing about how "the homeless are ruining everything" when they are some of the kindest, most respectful people here. Sometimes they mutter, might not have had a place to shower, and might need a little extra space for their backpacks but that's FINE. It Doesn't Matter Actually. None of that is a problem or any of my business to care about (unless they request help/services), and I also don't think it's any of yours.

[pusheenthenerdcat]

libraries provide vital and lifesaving services and i will die on the hill you have to let people who are mentally ill and disabled and homeless and politically disagreeable to you still access those rescourses. its simply too important to society

[isuggestusingyourlocallibrary]

I suggest using your local library!

[preserving-tiktok]

[hugintheraven]

I say this every time, but people Do Not Realize just how short the timeline has been on gay people in kids’ media. And it’s an ongoing fight, but this was 10 - 15 years ago.

[casuallyodd]

I'm not in the Steven Universe fandom. I don't really even know the show. But the story she's telling here is important to remember. What feels like small snippets of representation took a lot of fighting to get and it wasn't as long ago as you think.

[sentimentalslut]

what people dont get about divorces is the Whole Thing About Dogs

[sentimentalslut]

i have written custody plans for labrador retrievers more complex than i have for children. i went to four years of undergrad, three years of law school, and sat for the bar exam to write up custody exchange provisions for dogs with hyphonated last names

[sentimentalslut]

my clients are paying $295 an hour for me to go to court and litigate who makes veterinary decisions for Chuckles the Goldfish and theres literally nothing i can do to stop them

[sentimentalslut]

framing these tags and hanging them up in my office to remind me that it can always be worse

[sentimentalslut]

you'll never guess what i'm up to today.

[the-cheshire-cat-grin]

Lil nas x coming back during pride month to tell us hes been taking care of his physical and mental health, finishing rehab and getting treatment for bipolar disorder, and telling us that he is excited to not only make new music but also just to live his life???? And during mens mental health awareness month????? Oh i missed him bad

[comparativetarot]

Strength. Art by Summer Wagner.

[weaver-z]

Accidentally bought my cat cantrip instead of catnip and now she’s casting eldritch blast at me from the overlook of her cat tree while demanding wet food only

[sparklejamesysparkle]

“𝐎𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐬𝐚𝐲: ‘𝐎𝐡, 𝐢𝐭’𝐬 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐝𝐨𝐠 𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐬, 𝐄𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐡. 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰, 𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐩 𝐢𝐭. 𝐈𝐭’𝐥𝐥 𝐠𝐨 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲.’ 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐈 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐭𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐚𝐲: ‘𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐍𝐎𝐓 𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲, 𝐢𝐭’𝐬 𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐩𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐜!’ 𝐈 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰, 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐝𝐨𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬, 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐩𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐬. 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐈 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐑𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈 𝐬𝐚𝐰 𝐡𝐢𝐦, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈 𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐭 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐝𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝.” Elizabeth Taylor chats with Whoopi Goldberg on the debut episode of The Whoopi Goldberg Show, originally broadcast in syndication on September 14th, 1992. An early trailblazer in the fight against HIV/AIDS and a staunch and outspoken LGBTQ+ ally, Elizabeth committed her time and energy to the cause when her friend and co-star Rock Hudson was diagnosed with AIDS prior to his passing in 1985. Elizabeth went on to become a co-founder (alongside Dr. Mathilde Krim) of the first AIDS research center amfAR, and later founded her separate Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation in 1991 with the specific focus of providing nutritious meals (as well as medical and financial assistance) to people living with HIV and AIDS. She also lobbied the U.S. congress to contribute more money for AIDS research and education, devoting the last twenty-six years of her life to the cause. After Elizabeth passed away in 2011 at the age of 79, a large portion of the $156,800,000 raised at the Christie’s auction of her legendary jewelry collection was bequeathed to her charity in order to continue providing the services and assistance she believed were important in perpetuity. Still actively raising funds today, Elizabeth’s grandson Quinn Tivey is now an officer and co-trustee of her foundation. Reflecting on his grandmother’s humanitarianism and advocacy, he recently stated: “The fight against HIV/AIDS was such a vital part of her legacy, and although the fight is far from over, I’m honored to see the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation continue her work, educating legislators, raising awareness for the public, disproving myths and decreasing fear and stigma. Grandma stood up for what she believed in, living boldly and courageously. She would never buckle under pressure, and she certainly would not support the status quo if the status quo didn’t feel right.”

[madlori]

nobody better say a goddamned word against Elizabeth Taylor in front of me, is all I can say. She fought this fight before it was popular, before it was acceptable, even before people knew it WAS a fight. She didn’t care if it made people think less of her. She fought it.