text;

[phdmotherfucker]

Is it common to have the most terrible migraine after the event? And if so, does it happen every time? The IBA should seriously consider handing out Excedrin with their business cards. Maybe a pamphlet of common side effects. Something more tangibly useful than their mission statement.

(( This is essentially the same network prompt as used on the TDM. Happy to transfer threads over or start fresh. ))

Comments

[traceofeffort]

Perhaps! I know some of us have seen things that have changed how we think of our other selves. Or, well, it could double down and you'll have a very firm idea of who not to be.

We're not entirely sure what triggers them, although they do seem to come with time. I've had a fair few now, but I don't feel like there's a link between timing or anything. Maybe right before or as crazy stuff happens, but that's not a strong theory. And that's one of the reasons I'm not crazy about the support group, incidentally. It doesn't do all the jobs I need it to do.

[phdmotherfucker]

I didn't get a very good idea of WHO that woman is, so much as what happened to her.

I know what you mean about the support group. I added the meetings to my schedule but it just feels a bit like going through the motions. What do you wish you could get from it?

[traceofeffort]

Ah. That sounds a little rough. If it helps, nothing about what we are says you can't pop a few Advil. And hopefully you learn a little more about what makes her tick - context can make a world of difference to what you're seeing.

It's... They're fine as a place to get together and work through our new memories, but they don't necessarily help me feel CALM about everything, or give me ideas on how to handle all the new stuff. I can't pass off some of the stuff from my memories as being my own ideas forever, and learning a new instrument in a matter of a week or three isn't exactly normal either.

[phdmotherfucker]

It sounds like you would benefit more from individual counseling to learn coping skills, but it would be hard to find one you can trust to talk about ... All this stuff.

At least knowing a lot of instruments is cool. You sound extremely cool.

[traceofeffort]

Boy, that's the understatement of the year. Yeah, I don't know if the Bureau has counselors on the inside, and I don't really want to ask? I don't know if confidentiality will really apply when they're working for the organization that only grudgingly tolerates you.

I'm... trying to be cool? I don't know that I do a very good job of it in reality, but I'm working on it. The more people I hear it from, the better it sticks, though, so. Thanks.

[phdmotherfucker]

Do you play professionally?

[traceofeffort]

No, I just play

[She hits the send button by accident instead of backspace, hissing under her breath before sighing and starting again.]

Speaking of mental health. Bleh. Anyway, yes, what I do counts, I think! I mostly play small venues - the bars around the city, little clubs, whatever will take me. I have played at least one bigger show, though, and that was the time of my life even if I didn't fill the seats.

[phdmotherfucker]

When do you play next? I'd love to go.

[traceofeffort]

We'll see if you still say that on the other side - most of my sets are your everyday country, light pop and rock, nice and inoffensive. But, uh. Lemme look...

[She responds after a moment with a date and an address, and a Facebook link.]

I don't really have a regular schedule - it really is just whenever I can find a spot. Thankfully, given where we are, there's plenty of those.

[phdmotherfucker]

[ She adds it to her calendar. ]

I don't know much about music, but I'm looking forward to it.

[traceofeffort]

I'm glad to hear it! Even if you don't end up being a fan, it makes me really happy to have more people at my shows. It makes me feel like none of this was a waste.

You know, I was going to thank you for wanting to come, and I realized I never asked your name. I am so bad at this some days, oops. And I'm Lisa.

[phdmotherfucker]

I'm Harleen. Nice to meet you.