Updated September 21, 2022 from Austin, TX.

Work

I started with Camunda in June as the Technical Community Builder, and it’s been truly such a good fit! My team is smart and lovely and I’m so interested in the work I’m doing. I’ve learned so much already.

Right now, my main projects are auditing and revising the Camunda Community Hub, improving our overall contributor experience, helping with the forum experience, and planning for Hacktoberfest.

I’ve got two events coming up — CamundaCon in Berlin, where I’ll be moderating a track! and All Things Open in Raleigh, NC. I’m nervous/excited! Travel is still something I’m cautious about, so I’m trying to choose my opportunities wisely and carefully.

Feelings

Brain stuff

I started medication (specifically Adderall) for my recently-diagnosed ADHD and wow, if this is what neurotypicals experience, the universe owes me 30 years of life.

It’s taken time and tweaking, but I think we’re at a comfortable dose, I’ve lowered my other mental health med dose, and I’m shocked at how different I feel.

It’s hard to describe, it’s less like my mood is better and more like invisible obstacles have been removed. It’s like I’m not fighting my brain anymore for every tiny thing.

I truly think I was misdiagnosed with depression and anxiety, because my symptoms are almost completely gone on Adderall. It’s something I’m trying not to be too resentful at, because even if I knew I had ADHD as a child, it still likely would have been downplayed or undermedicated due to stigma. But it’s wild to think that I’ve been in mental health treatment for 15+ years for the wrong issue.

I might write a whole blog post on getting diagnosed and what that’s changed for me. It’s a lot more than I can fit in this space!

Fun stuff

Concerts

Liz and I saw Lady Gaga’s Chromatica Ball, which felt like a true culmination of our friendship since we originally bonded over Lady Gaga when we first met over 10 years ago. I am a long-time Gaga stan and hadn’t seen her perform since the Born This Way Ball. It was so lovely to see queer people living their best lives, and the fashion was incredible. It was really emotional getting to go, especially since we have both been super cautious during the pandemic and haven’t done many indoor activities. (We wore KN95 masks the entire time and didn’t end up with COVID, for what it’s worth.)

Lewks

I’ve gotten two tattoos since I last updated (actually, maybe three?) with one more planned. Liz and I have been talking on the podcast and otherwise about tattoos as self-care and a gender-affirming experience. Those conversations, along with dressing up for concerts and streaming, have really made me realize how important self-expression is for me. It feels like I haven’t been confident of my style since pre-pandemic and especially pre-baby. I find it hard to get dressed up when all I’m doing is working from home (blame the ADHD for this one). Having excuses to experiment a little and find things that make me feel euphoric and confident has been a delight.

Projects

• Liz and I started up our podcast, Fake Goth Girls, again! It’s been so nice having fun and interesting conversations, even if we’re a little rusty at podcasting.

• I’ve started streaming on Twitch again! Currently, I’m streaming a freeCodeCamp JavaScript bootcamp on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

• I published 8 Travel Tips for Developer Advocates (and Other Tech Roles).

(Wow, seeing all this written down makes me think the Adderall is really working, haha.)