I have a few friends who work for the federal government. I've asked them all, "Why are you still working without pay?" And the responses I've gotten are: "It's easier to just keep working than play catch up when we start getting paid again." "I have a tenuous grasp on a GS-14 position, if I stop working then I'll lose it."

I got back to lifting yesterday after 7 weeks laying off due to being injured in a motor vehicle accident. I also picked Hans H. Ørberg back up after neglecting my Latin for a couple of years. I feel good things are afoot. #nalc