Question? What happened to adhering to the established protocols of behavior and common courtesy that impact the greater good? The Oxford Dictionary defines rule(s) as: one of a set of explicit or understood regulations or principles governing conduct within a particular activity or sphere. In America (US) it seems like the pandemic really changed us. … Continue reading Otherly Love
The pandemic took so much from us. It took our physical freedoms and forced us to shelter in place. It robbed businesses of revenues and smashed entrepreneurial dreams. Lastly, it took the lives of over a million Americans during this global tragedy. The Greek philosopher Plato originally etched the phrase, "Our need will be our … Continue reading I Did This Thing
Like many people living in modern day cities in North America (U.S.), I live in a city that is struggling to find its groove again. In Portland, Oregon, there's not a day or night that goes by without hearing about the houseless crisis, the weather, and the gun violence that seems to be everywhere in … Continue reading Missed Opportunity
So far 2022 feels like a poorly written science fiction reality show racing toward a season finale with a cliff-hanger that has us scratching our heads and asking what the hell just happened! It's already June and according to the celestial calendars, the sun-kissed days and warm starry nights should be upon us. However in … Continue reading A Fractured Pride
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
Parting ways is one of the hardest things for me to do, especially when I am or we are defined by our attachments. Now, before any rumors get started, this story has nothing to do with Eric. Okay, well maybe a little. I'm at a crossroad. Three years ago, the world was a far different … Continue reading Parting Thoughts
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
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
Judge Don't Judge...Much 