via [Spongebob Image Generator](https://spongebob.gavinr.com/)

914 Days Later — My Journey Off Klonopin

This is a significant accomplishment for me. I’m taking a moment to celebrate it while at the same time trying to warn others about the highly addictive drug, Klonopin (clonazepam). Mental healthcare in the United States can be great, once you figure out how to get it. It’s not talked about enough, it’s stigmatized, and it requires incredible courage to take the first step. But, it’s 200% worth it. However, some doctors may not be keeping up with the latest knowledge about which drugs are effective for specific symptoms as new ones emerge and the industry replaces older ones. It happens. I knew this going in. But, I made one critical mistake that I want to highlight: I didn’t ask enough questions before my doctor prescribed it. ...

July 20, 2025 · Chris Short
Happy 10th Birthday, Kubernetes | Photo from Kubernetes Contributor Summit San Diego 2019

Kubernetes Likely Saved My Life

Kubernetes and I share something: We were born on June 6th (I didn’t pick the date; I probably would’ve though to take more attention away from me). I’ve contributed to Kubernetes for 70% of its life. Today, Kubernetes turns 10. There are many things I could write about to commemorate this day. It has improved my life (like every other open source project I have worked on) by giving me desirable skills in an emerging space. It also allowed me to lead again (I’m a co-lead of the Kubernetes Contributor Comms subproject). Today, however, I’m writing about a personal story that would not be befitting of Kubernetes’ websites (K8s.io and K8s.dev). As it’s personal and my life is eventful, there’s been a lot of twists and turns ...

June 6, 2024 · Chris Short

burnout++

Abstract Burnout can happen at any point in everyone’s career. But, what happens when burnout is taking place amongst other things? Your s/o having a miscarriage? Veteran dealing with time in service and injuries from it? Becoming unemployed? Let’s discuss realizing you’re approaching or are burned out, the why behind that, and coping mechanisms. ...

April 10, 2023 · Chris Short

My Disability

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor. This is not health advice. Work with your doctors to determine what works best for you would be best. I’m Chris Short, and I am a disabled veteran. On October 12, 2003, during a military hurricane evacuation exercise at Avon Park Air Force Range, I managed to permanently damage my LTN, leading to the winging of my right scapula. Continued service and aging have led to multiple issues from top to bottom of my spine. All three levels of my spine have numerous problems. ...

January 17, 2023 · Chris Short