Go to main contentsGo to main menu
Friday, October 2, 2026 at 5:32 PM

The Inside Veer - The straw that breaks the camel’s back

The Inside Veer - The straw that breaks the camel’s back

By necessity, I think I’ve gotten pretty good at multi-tasking. That’s not to say that I do things well when I'm multi-tasking. What I mean is I’ve gotten pretty good at the mechanics of doing more than one thing at the same time, even though none of them end up being done as well as they might if I was able to focus on them individually.

But sometimes a little is too much, like the metaphorical straw that broke the camel’s back. It’s never straw that breaks the camel’s back, it’s whatever else has been piled on there before that was already just the weight of a straw away from the breaking point.

That’s how it works. You can adeptly handle one crisis after another, absorb blow after blow, and start feeling invincible. Then a little annoyance that you probably wouldn’t even otherwise notice becomes too much.

At least in my case, that’s because the big stuff commands all the attention. That’s the stuff that requires a plan, or at least provides a warning. But the next thing you know, some unexpected little detail, or task, or notification pops up. The annoyance, the frustration is usually not because of the issue itself, but because of the surprise.

When you’re trying to protect yourself from a big punch, you don’t brace for a tap on the shoulder, but that’s the one that knocks you down.

That’s what breaks the camel’s back.

Stay current with all the local news from Fernley and receive our weekly newsletter updates along with breaking news alerts by signing up here: put me on the mailing list!

Subscribe today – online or print. Get the paper mailed to you once a week or read the online version every day. Subscribe here.


Share
Rate

Comment

Comments

COMMENTS
Comment author: PFB Comment text: Why can't you guys find competent contractors.. For a large municipal facility like the indoor-outdoor Fernley Swimming Pool located at 300 Cottonwood Lane, a complete ground-up commercial build or major structural renovation typically spans 6 to 12 months or longer when factoring in large-scale engineering, public municipal permitting, specialized commercial HVAC/roofing, and health department inspections. The current renovation has been- The Fernley Swimming Pool has been closed for approximately six to seven months since late February 2026 for a major roof replacement and facility renovation. Now you sat October. Soooo 8 months for a new roof. The picture shows no other renovations. Comment publication date: 9/17/26, 7:14 PM Comment source: Electrical problem delays Fernley pool opening Comment author: P Comment text: Relative of the Mayor is to over see this site. Anyone who knows Fernley KNOWS this is more of the who you are related to and know business in this town. VOTE THEM ALL OUT AND THE CALIFORNIA TRANSPLANTS. Comment publication date: 9/16/26, 10:31 PM Comment source: Lift Station Failure Released Untreated Sewage Comment author: Christopher Walsh Comment text: Could you look into the strong recurring smell around Fernley? It smells like sewage and it can be bad enough that people don’t want to be outside or open their windows. It would be helpful to get an investigative journalist help the Fernley residents get a clear answer from the City, NDEP, and any involved facilities. I was really disappointed that the smell was not disclosed by my realtor when I moved here. I enjoy Fernley and am seeing the improvements that are being made. With Appreciation Comment publication date: 9/12/26, 2:49 PM Comment source: Sewage spill near City of Fernley Municipal Well 9 Comment author: Alicia Euresti Comment text: We are all so blessed to have Pastor Matt and Mrs. Regina in this town. They have become a major part of pur family and our children adore them. Thank you both for all you do for qll of us. We love you!!!! Comment publication date: 9/6/26, 9:24 PM Comment source: Fascinating Fernley: Meet Your Neighbors at Living Faith Food Pantry Comment author: R Conley Comment text: Is the deputy receiving any additional training or reinforcing prior training? Comment publication date: 9/5/26, 10:08 AM Comment source: Inmate escapes from Fernley substation Comment author: Kayla Allen Comment text: Suzie was a wonderful woman. I was pleased to call her my "godmother" as she helped me to become a better version of myself. I think about her a lot. Comment publication date: 7/10/26, 8:31 PM Comment source: Susanne Lynn Foster