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Things and stuff from last week's algorithm

Hello Friends,

December has arrived, and it's no secret that it's my favorite month of the year. This is the time when I fully embrace the art of relaxation, indulge in some less-than-healthy but oh-so-delicious comfort foods (tater tot hotdish!), and immerse myself in the smarmy world of Christmas music and movies. The nostalgia that accompanies this season is like a time machine, transporting me back to the days when my grandmother's house in New Orleans served as the welcoming hub for family gatherings.

However, the contrast between those days in NOLA’s 7th ward and my current surroundings in exurban Minnesota is stark. While the snow blankets the landscape, I find calm in the wintry scene. I need it so badly. This year has been so demanding, pushing me to the brink of exhaustion. The shifting tides of politics, evolving friendships, changing funding landscapes, and the transformation of my organization have at times left me feeling untethered, like I was floating outside of myself.