Earlier this year, I graduated from a year-long program organized by the American Leadership Forum or ALF for short (not to be confused with the 80s sitcom - Alien Life Form), designed to grow, develop, and foster leadership throughout the state (Oregon). ALF challenged me in ways I never imagined and introduced me to concepts … Continue reading The Long Road
This summer really was beginning to feel like the summers of the "before times". You know, the time when we didn't have to think about a deadly virus wiping out tens of thousands of people and the political and medical crisis that followed. This was when most of us lived carefree lives and looked forward … Continue reading COVID Confidential: #14 – Homefront
Well, it’s now been almost two months since the Oregon mask mandate has been put to rest…again. In July 2021, we here in Oregon enjoyed a brief two-week stint of mask-free living before we were begrudgingly whiplashed back into Centers for Disease Control and Prevention compliance. This time will it be any different? It really … Continue reading COVID Confidential: #13 – New Endings & Old Beginnings
I prematurely used the term “post-pandemic” in some of my previous blog posts. In my mind, when folks were getting vaccinated, I really thought we were on the road to recovery. As we drove away down this presumptive road, we’d be giving COVID the single-finger salute. But… Another series of winter holidays have come and … Continue reading COVID Confidential: #12 – Omicron Edition
The summer’s record heat here in Portland, Oregon has now given way to cooler and damper days, articulated by foliage in splendid fall hues of yellows, golds, and crimson red. I find this time of year refreshing and feel like I'm catching my breath for the first time in the past five months. Not known … Continue reading COVID Confidential: Vol #11 – Fun-employment/Unenjoyment
At first I felt naked, exposed with all my flaws visible for all to see. Some people around me sneered in jealousy and others didn’t mind at all seeing all of me. That’s what it felt like when I dared workout without my mask on for the first time at the gym. In Oregon, fully … Continue reading COVID Confidential: Vol #9 – Face Value
Happy Anniversary! Well, it’s not really a “happy” one, but it is definitely our anniversary. It’s okay if you didn’t remember a gift, I’m not bitter. I won’t even blame you for forgetting. Traditionally for the first year anniversary the gift is paper, so you can print this edition out for your keepsake! You’re welcome. … Continue reading COVID Confidential: Vol #8 – The Prick!
It’s hard to believe that after almost nine months of being in a pandemic, hope appears to be on the horizon with the Federal Drug Administration’s approval of two vaccines to battle the Coronavirus (COVID-19). This is the best present ever! It’s a one-size fits all gift idea that everyone can use, but not everybody … Continue reading COVID Confidential: Vol #6 – The Gift
I really hate this place, this space I'm in right now. I feel lost and helpless as if I'm tumbling head over foot down a never-ending bottomless pit afraid of that sudden stop. The place I’m alluding to is the dark. The dark is usually my friend. This place where I'm supposed to rest and … Continue reading The Deception of Darkness
Clad in my Golden Girls mask, I make my way to the security checkpoint at Portland International Airport (PDX) awaiting my Alaska Airlines flight to Las Vegas, NV. This was a surprise trip to celebrate my mother’s birthday. She and my older sister Sonya were flying to Vegas from Washington state and Jean (Auntie Jean), … Continue reading COVID Confidential: Vol #5
Judge Don't Judge...Much 