Brian Collins

I may joke about it from time to time. “Good luck, don’t fall in lol.” But really, I don’t truly believe in luck. To offer someone luck is to say they need an extra little something due to lack of skill or ability. I believe in people, especially my friends, more than that. They don’t need luck.

Sometimes it feels like people think I’m a superhero or something when I’m actually barely holding it together.

I zone out often & I think about the choices I’ve made. I feel like I’ve done well for myself, but I also get caught up in thinking about how much more/better I could’ve done had I made different choices. Or what if I didn’t struggle with the anxieties that I do? Oh, the changes I’d likely make. . .

Just had four wisdom teeth removed. While it was very quick and easy, surgeries are one of my worst fears. That’s why they took all four. No way in hell I’m done this more than once. Hopefully recovery is fast….

Phone tag is my least favorite game. Just send an email, instant message, text message, etc. I can almost promise that will be quicker and/or more convenient for both of us.

Starting a new Tales game with @stravinskow.bsky.social 💙

Excited to see Hokus Pokus Live l with @stravinskow.bsky.social tonight!

I support other reasons to not use ChatGPT such as high energy consumption, carbon emissions, and the amount of water it takes to keep it running. Hopefully these things will become better with time. But many people still drive cars that have a negative environmental impact, which is also improving.

You can dislike it, but you can’t stop technological advancement. Google uses AI. ChatGPT isn’t a source, but can reformat information into a more digestible format. ChatGPT can compare the information in documents like any plagiarism tool you already use. Take the time to learn to use it properly.

If you’re an employer scheduling phone interviews with candidates, please make sure it’s *actually* a phone interview and not a Zoom interview. I just had to recover from my first embarrassing experience in an interview because I showed up late due to waiting for a phone call that would never come.

I can finally say we’ve gone to a football game in Spartan Stadium (without being in the opposing marching band). As a Chip, it was still pretty satisfying seeing the Broncos get smashed by another team. 🤷‍♂️

I’m glad I started seeing a doctor to get my mental health more under control. I like to think I do really well with managing my performance anxiety, thanks to being a musician. But having to do it all day, every day was so exhausting. And my round two job interview last week would have been hell.

In addition to having an awesome week away at band camp, I also came home to a surprise. @stravinskow.bsky.social had brought home a kitten earlier that day, before I got home. He’s the sweetest little guy and I love him with all my heart. Everybody, meet my new little man, Salem. 🖤

Yesterday was the end of another fantastic band camp with the Lapeer Lightning Bands! This was my second summer working with this wonderful group of young musicians and leaders, and an amazing set of educators on staff. I can’t wait to see what will be accomplished for the rest of the season!

This morning is my ideal kind of morning. It’s a bit cooler outside than usual, windows can be open, birds are chatting it up, our cats are hanging out in their catio, and I can just sit around without much worry about anything. It’s reminiscent of camping trips I used to go on when I was younger.

Mom and I made a trip back to the cemetery to arrange a couple final things for Dad. We also visited a couple other family members who are important to my life, despite not getting to share as much time (or any time at all) on this Earth.

Then, of course, we went out for a mother/son lunch date. 💙

Another biennium is in the books. I’m glad I was able to make it to the 2025 ΚΚΨ & ΤΒΣ National Convention in Lexington, Kentucky. Thanks for everything, NatCon2025. I’m recharged and ready for another successful biennium! But for now, it’s time for NapCon. 😂😇😅😴

On our way to ΚΚΨ/ΤΒΣ NatCon 2025! AEA 💙🤍

Mom and I briefly got to visit my grandparents today. It’s been way too long. . . I’m sorry I haven’t come to visit as often as I should have, and I promise I’ll try to do better. But I’ll be back for another visit soon, with Dad next time. Love you both, always and forever. 💙

It was great to hang out with friends at Lansing Pride and/or our own after party shenanigans. Happy Pride! 🏳️‍🌈

Also, enjoy the bonus kitty picture from yesterday morning. 🥰

Was passed up for another job this morning where they had not one, but THREE open positions. I had truly positive feelings about how the interview went. I’m trying not to be frustrated, but I didn’t get many job offers in my previous career path either. Makes me feel like something’s wrong with me.

Dad loved hummingbirds apparently. So Mom wants to keep this hummingbird feeder around and refilled it recently. This little birb appreciated it too. I also love hummingbirds and I’m glad they’ll keep coming around. 💙

Obituary information for Robert "Bob" Ray Collins View Robert "Bob" Ray Collins's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

Dad. . . I can’t remember a time when you weren’t a pain in the ass. I also can’t remember a time when you didn’t care and you didn’t try. I love you.

What better way to spend a sunny Saturday afternoon than protesting the terrible state our country is in because of the terrible people trying to control it. #NoKings

Today I walked in my first ever Pride parade at Motor City Pride! We had the opportunity to support the LGBTQ+ community (and Tracy Watson-Thompson with her awesome shirt design) by walking with AAA Life Insurance Company.

Does anybody else still get those rare anxiety dreams where you miss (or are about to miss) a big assignment deadline, or forget to attend the class for the entire semester and somehow have to pass a final exam? Because I definitely still do. . .

I love that Microsoft can basically lock me out of my entire computer on a whim. I especially love that they chose to do just that this morning when I was trying to log on for my job interview. I ended up having to call the employer and figure out another way to make the interview happen.

🏳️‍🌈Happy Pride Month!🏳️‍🌈 After @stravinskow.bsky.social and I turned in our apartment keys yesterday,we spent the rest of the day hanging out at Ferndale Pride. And I got a couple cute new friends for my office. 🥰

Today @stravinskow.bsky.social and I finished up cleaning and brought back one more car load of stuff to East Lansing. With that, we turned in our keys and are officially fully out of Willow Ridge 203. Thanks for the memories, Ypsi. We’re looking forward to creating even more memories here in EL.

@stravinskow.bsky.social and I are getting ready to move apartments and Frisco is clearly loving every second of it. Hopefully he still feels the same way tomorrow when we’re actually driving to the new apartment. . .