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
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
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
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
This post is snapshot of the BLM movement in Portland. The city isn't a battleground as the media portrays.
This piece is dedicated to a December without 31 days, a Major without a squadron, and a Doctor who doesn't practice medicine. For those of us with different names, these designations are real conversation starters! What’s in a name? A question penned long ago for the romantic tale Romeo and Juliet written by William Shakespeare. … Continue reading What’s in a Name?
On March 15th of this year, the country of New Zealand experienced an event that we here in the United States are sadly all too familiar with, a mass shooting. I work for a small nonprofit in Portland, Oregon. Our staff meets weekly to discuss projects and regular work business. Recently, the topic of ways … Continue reading Pulse Check
Assembly definitely required I hate my heart. Not the physical blood-surging-life-giving muscle we all need to efficiently function, but the symbolic love-giving vessel that connects with our brains. To my surprise, I have grown into a sensitive flower. When I open my heart to allow people in, they don’t realize how fragile it is. As … Continue reading Heartache, Heartbreak, and Healing
Judge Don't Judge...Much 