I have a post series where I share random things I overhear at coffee shops, which are shops that sell coffee.

Inner monologue: Thanks Ruben, once again, your ability to deliver exquisite (and necessary) exposition remains unparalleled. I would never have guessed that an establishment referred to as a coffee shop would sell the aforementioned beverage. It is a testament to your unparalleled genius that you considered that pertinent information to share.

Can you believe some people don’t have an inner monologue? Who would they speak to when they’re by themselves?

I was about to start one of these chatter posts today, but one specific comment from a gentleman across from me has taken over my mind so completely that I can’t remember anything else. Every time one of his colleagues would say something, he’d respond with BACKALOG!! and they’d all roar with laughter.

Human units like families, offices, communities, all end up with their own folklore and nomenclature; it’s a way we bond and communicate more effectively. Evidently this term was tied to something funny in their shared experience, which is kind of fun.

I wonder what backalog means though? An OpenZFS SLOG used for backups? Cylinder-shaped baklava? Cylinder-shaped baklava eaten while configuring an OpenZFS SLOG used for backups?

Damn it, all I can think of is BACKALOG. I need to call that client today about her BACKALOG, then join that engineering meeting where we discuss BACKALOG for that BACKALOG. And don’t get me started on that VMware to Xen BACKALOG.

Why do I do this to myself?