Hairballs, Humor, and History Lessons

Big news, everyone: my story, "Haunted by Hairballs"—a ghost tale with a distinctly feline twist—has been accepted for publication! I'll share the link here as soon as it’s live, so you, too, can revel in the terror of cats wreaking havoc on an unsuspecting poltergeist. You’re welcome.

But let’s pivot for a moment from the paranormal to something even more hair-raising: reality. Specifically, the current political situation in the U.S., which has been giving me unsettling flashbacks to my Yugoslavian roots. You see, I hail from the former Yugoslavia, where "chaotic political climate" wasn’t just a phrase—it was a lifestyle. And let me tell you, what’s brewing here feels eerily familiar. Déjà vu, but make it dystopian.

Given my prior experience with impending societal meltdowns, I’ve adopted a survival strategy that might seem radical to some: I’ve practically ghosted domestic news. Instead, I stick to foreign sources to stay informed. Why? Because I like my information served with fewer hysterics and more context. It’s like switching from cheap horror movies to an arthouse thriller—still terrifying, but less sensational.

To keep my sanity intact, I’ve also prescribed myself a daily dose of humor. If I do venture onto social media (which is becoming rarer by the day), I head straight for the jokes, memes, and comedians. It’s not about escaping reality; it’s about buffering it with laughter. Trust me, gallows humor is a life skill.

Speaking of survival skills, I’ve also resolved to help those who are already in the crosshairs. If history has taught me anything, it’s that staying silent and hoping the “rage machine” overlooks you is a fool’s bet. In the Yugoslav wars, many of us watched quietly as others were targeted, thinking we’d be spared if we didn’t rock the boat. Spoiler alert: we weren’t. The machine inevitably came for everyone, because, well, it runs out of targets eventually.

This time, I’m doing things differently. I’m standing with those who are first on the chopping block, knowing full well that my turn will come. It’s not bravery—it’s pragmatism with a side of conscience.

In the posts to come, I’ll share more about what I’m doing to prepare for hard times and tips for navigating turbulent waters with your sanity (mostly) intact. In the meantime, stay well, stay true to yourself, and, if possible, stay funny. The ghosts of your future self will thank you.