tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33096690860764243942024-03-04T23:31:22.638-05:00KISSimpleKeep it Simple, Simple...Spirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753080208860349159noreply@blogger.comBlogger203125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309669086076424394.post-85712366871358056792023-01-25T15:47:00.002-05:002023-01-25T15:47:47.936-05:00Changing of the Guard - Senior Status<p>My mother passed away in 2018. So did both of my in-laws who were like a second set of parents to me. I also lost my dear aunt, my father's sister who kept him alive after his death.</p><p>Now it's 2023 and the weight of all that loss is heavy upon me.</p><p>I think this is coming about because I'm finally aware what this means for me. I'm now in the outer band where the senior members of the family orbit. This outer band is where things move more slowly -- it takes longer to complete a full rotation, after all. That is how this new reality seems to me.</p><p>And while a full rotation takes longer, the number of trips you have left are fewer... as if the energy it takes to continue is greater, so your battery drains faster. Or, it could be we're recharging mechanisms and spinning faster toward the center keeps you fully charged. </p><p>The vacuum left by my elders passing has sucked me up to the outer band and I'm trying to figure out the impacts.</p><p>Of course, the most immediate change is there's nobody to ask questions about family history. At least once each week I need some tidbit of information and only my mother would know the answer. I mentioned this to my remaining aunt, her sister, who said that happens to her also all the time. I don't know if we should have asked more questions while Mom was with us or if Mom kept all this info to herself to make her more valuable to us. Either way, we're having to go without knowing the answers.</p><p>Another annoyance I've uncovered is it turns out my mother-in-law was the glue that held the family together -- immediate and extended. Now that she's no longer filling this need, I am at a loss to know what is happening with other family members. My two sisters-in-law were never much interested in the family matters and aren't stepping up. So if I want to know, I need to make it my business to keep in touch. Same goes for my own distant relatives. So, my Christmas card list has tripled as I try to maintain a connection with my mothers cousins and their children.</p><p>The most troublesome part of rising into the outer band is how it affects you bodily. It must be the atmosphere up there that causes joints to start aching and backs to get stooped, because none of that was noticed while enjoying life closer to the center.</p><p>Alas, it's time to acknowledge and try to embrace life as a senior player on the team. That will be my journey into the next calendar and chronological new year.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY9KxkCtZsWmQJzGa9x4vtvFa1llZPwmX9cWyONOEJ5PI02OCmvBv-AgDLGdgJRK6duyg2X2H6ecKHcx7ufU2eXNI_pOGOKdoCAMOQPHon3o_F_gUZfzV49sRCF1ca36ugXkcISjRFtyrqaJLj5WV8wwJR-d_x1cydNHLIAl9Dw-aXfxGashBPl7Y_/s820/Winding-road-through-upland-landscape-Credit-Free-Photos-Pixabay-sized.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="820" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY9KxkCtZsWmQJzGa9x4vtvFa1llZPwmX9cWyONOEJ5PI02OCmvBv-AgDLGdgJRK6duyg2X2H6ecKHcx7ufU2eXNI_pOGOKdoCAMOQPHon3o_F_gUZfzV49sRCF1ca36ugXkcISjRFtyrqaJLj5WV8wwJR-d_x1cydNHLIAl9Dw-aXfxGashBPl7Y_/s320/Winding-road-through-upland-landscape-Credit-Free-Photos-Pixabay-sized.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Spirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753080208860349159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309669086076424394.post-15995380130498535112022-10-25T19:59:00.001-04:002022-10-25T19:59:51.030-04:00The Holidays are Coming - Oh No! I Need to Change.<p> The holidays are coming, the holidays are coming... fast!</p><p>I feel the need to start preparing even though it's still October. I hate the holiday rush, so that's why I need to start early.</p><p>I'd hoped to celebrate these holidays in a new place, in a new house and start making new memories. It didn't happen... but there was positive forward movement, so that's a plus and a type of win.</p><p>Maybe I can introduce some new things into our family traditions to keep this momentum going...</p><p>What could that be I wonder... After all, it's the excitement of doing something new that I need right now.</p><p>In thinking about this further, I see there are guardrails set in which I must proceed.</p><p>Frist, we will need to celebrate in our house. This is the home where our children grew up. This is truly not all that important to me, but it is to my spouse. So I must respect this requirement.</p><p>(Side note: My husband has a Christmas tradition of deep cleaning the entire house in preparation for the holidays. He says he likes to start the new church and calendar years with a clean home. I know this is aweful sounding, but I hate when he disrupts everything for weeks to get this done. When he finishes around December 20, it's a huge rush on me to decorate, wrap gifts, bake cookies, etc. because I can't do these things while he has moved everything around and has dragged cleaning gear up from the basement -- I'm talking mops, pails, bottles and sprayers, towels and rags... you get the picture. Oh, and not only does he move every piece of furniture to treat our hardwood floors, I have to help with all this rearranging because it's not a one person job. Argh! Why can't we just go away and enjoy being together!! Okay, I'm done whining... I think.)</p><p>We had a nice tradition of having our parents all together on Christmas Eve, when we prepared a feast of things we normally wouldn't eat. We had many years together doing this and it was exciting to dream up and plan those meals. Four years ago, we lost all the grandparents and our uncle. So, we started a new tradition built upon our ethic background -- meatless Christmas Eve meals. So this too will be a requirement. But one where I've had less engagement in planning as it's become the thing my husband and daughter enjoy preparing.</p><p>A family tradition from my side of the family is making my Grandmother's German Christmas cookies using her recipes from the old country. These are not simple to make, and each recipe takes two days to complete. I work hard on these cookies and mail them to my out-of-state brother and aunt, who appreciate having a reminder of Grandma during the holidays. However, when I state I need time to make these cookies (instead of moving furniture around from room to room), I'm told to not bother making the cookies because nobody likes them anyway! Well, I like them a lot and I get pleasure from sharing them with far-away relatives, so it seems I'm putting pressure on myself - or so I'm told. </p><p>Another family tradition is to not open gifts until Christmas morning. Even though my children are grown now, no gifts are placed beneath the tree as they retire on Christmas Eve to bed. But, like a miracle all the gifts have appeared under the tree when everyone wakes up the next morning. To be honest, this tradition started to wan last year as my "kids" stated it wasn't necessary to wait until they'd gone to bed to bring out the presents. So, scratch off that requirement.</p><p>Stockings, another family tradition and yes, hung over the fireplace stuffed with candies and fun little gifts. Again, last year, I was told it wasn't necessary to do stockings anymore. What? I always have so much fun finding those trinkets and watching them played with before we dove into the gift pile beneath the tree. Oh well, there goes another requirement.</p><p>As I write this (so cathartic) I realize now why I feel the joy has left in my Christmas prep... I've lost the things I enjoyed doing for my family that I equate with preparing for the holidays.</p><p>What to do?</p><p>Clearly I need to adjust my expectations based on realizing I was doing all these things for me, not for them. I can chose to continue and just don't expect to get different results. I can make peace with the fact that I'm doing this for myself if I choose to continue.</p><p>Well, since it hasn't been working, I need to change my expectations since that's all I can control.</p><p>I haven't yet figured out what form this will take... maybe the simplest thing is to just go along with what the rest of the family thinks is great and enjoy it!</p><p>(Sorry for the whine, but this was helpful self-exploration... nobody reads this stuff anyway!)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA1DwYSa9Enc1qk1IzS7tgN5s-zo3ySZvsJ3bMCZ10Qs_yj0Yb2xqjBF4bqWjM8hegaGQgAkfUBx0-txNB9fmi-LuaCrawz9yfTi67eJs6T3K3J09Tj0ivkgUKNc7U5ETewteWYTrBLc-GE9Yn46pltwHuJUDpIXe79MsrZ8rZuwUIU8T0Y5y35eQR/s3264/IMG_3772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA1DwYSa9Enc1qk1IzS7tgN5s-zo3ySZvsJ3bMCZ10Qs_yj0Yb2xqjBF4bqWjM8hegaGQgAkfUBx0-txNB9fmi-LuaCrawz9yfTi67eJs6T3K3J09Tj0ivkgUKNc7U5ETewteWYTrBLc-GE9Yn46pltwHuJUDpIXe79MsrZ8rZuwUIU8T0Y5y35eQR/s320/IMG_3772.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Spirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753080208860349159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309669086076424394.post-69244867682080592442021-11-22T20:11:00.004-05:002021-11-22T20:11:47.010-05:00Why Do This?<p> I love to write, to express myself in words, to capture my emotions on paper.</p><p>My goal when I began Kissimple was to write daily, the "for fun" type writing, I mean. I write daily in my professional life, but that type writing actually stifles my creativity. Business and technical writing I do well, very well. What I want to do well is creative writing. And, I know that takes daily work/practice.</p><p>These entries are mostly just for me -- which is good because I think I'm the only person reading them. There have been posts were I've stretched and others were I've just let the juices flow.</p><p>Even though I say I'm writing these posts for little old me, I'd love to find a medium where I would get feedback on the things I write so I can use it to improve. (I hear someone out there saying, "go take a class.") I got my undergraduate degree in English and took freelance writing classes to no avail. I'm happy as long as my writing keeps improving... even if its just for me, myself and I.</p><p>I recently applied for a paid writer position. I didn't have a fancy portfolio of references and publications. I have my business/technical writing, Linkedin articles and this blog -- not exactly the mark of a professional. I knew it when I applied, but I hoped my enthusiasm and promise would appeal to them. </p><p>One positive from that experience is I got a human to email me about not making the cut... a rarity in this time of bots. I wrote her back and thanked her very much for letting me know, that it was much appreciated.</p><p>smile</p><p><br /></p>Spirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753080208860349159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309669086076424394.post-18976219482952806052021-11-03T09:28:00.001-04:002021-11-03T09:29:12.297-04:00Stay Positive<p><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;">Being positive is my natural state. Which leads to me share an observation. People are more drawn more to negative news, complaining, creating and joining in the drama of every day life. I think it's because these negative voices are louder, they attract more attention and they illicite consolation. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;">You don't get the same type response when you're sending out positive messages. And yet, being positive has so many rewards. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;">The health rewards of a positive attitude include: </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Increased life span.</span><br /></span><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Lower rates of depression.</span><br /></span><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Lower levels of distress.</span><br /></span><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Greater resistance to the common cold and other sicknesses.</span><br /></span><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Better psychological and physical well-being.</span><br /><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Better cardiovascular health and reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease.</span></span><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote></blockquote><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;">As if these weren't enough reasons, here are the <b>top five benefits of positive thinking:</b></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Better stress-coping mechanisms. <br /></span></span><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Better mental health. <br /></span></span><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Better physical health. <br /></span></span><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Better social life. <br /></span></span><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">More success.</span></span></span></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;"> My goal in life is to be happy. With this one guiding principle, everything else falls into place. These rules work for me, so I'm sharing.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Worrying doesn't help, it only makes you crazy.</span></span><div><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Stick with positive people and avoid the negative ones.</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Misery does indeed love company, so don't get dragged into negativity.</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Complaining makes you feel bad and can cause others to avoid you.</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Complaining never fixes anything, instead take positive action.</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Find and focus on the positive - it's there if you look for it.</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Know you can't change other people, only yourself.</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">You are responsible for your own happiness!</span></span></div><div><b style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Here are some practices to think positive thoughts</span></b></div><div><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Focus on the good things. Challenging situations and obstacles are a part of life.</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Practice gratitude.</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Keep a gratitude journal.</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Open yourself up to humor and be able to laugh at yourself,</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Spend time with positive people.</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Practice positive self-talk.</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Identify your areas of negativity.</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Start every day on a positive note.</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Given the choice of walking through each day in sunshine vs. darkness, I'll chose sunshine very time. Let's all get happier and spread this brightness around. It will make a huge difference.</span></span><div class="RqBzHd" style="font-size: 16px; padding: 0px 20px;"><p style="background-color: white; color: #202124;"></p></div></div>Spirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753080208860349159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309669086076424394.post-3572552238634717822021-10-28T09:30:00.000-04:002021-10-28T09:30:05.882-04:00The New Professionalism<p><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;">I just read an article on Linkedin and it made me stop and think. It's about the standards of professionalism and what that means today vs. in the past. </span><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">A social media executive, says needing to act "professional" is simply outdated.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;">In reading the article and the comments it elicited, I quickly realized the main point was about the image you project, specifically focused on individual style choices and behavior (i.e., "I'm bubbly and chatty.") </span></p><p><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;">I've worked for a silicon valley high tech firm that disdained the "dress for success" attitude. In fact, we had suits on the wall with banned symbols across them. I completely enjoyed dressing how I was comfortable while in the office. But, when I made sales calls it was a different matter. It was important for me to not push too hard against the client culture because I needed people to listen to what I was saying and not be distracted by what I was wearing.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;">This points out how you cannot make a blatant statement about professionalism being outdated. It depends on your role in the company. If you are customer-facing, it could not be entirely up to you. In the tech firm I just mentioned, company leaders showed up at customer meetings looking like they were important people with critical things to impart. They understood how one appears can distract attention away from what needs to get done.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;">In the tech world, work environments tend to be tightly configured in large open spaces. Voices carry and there are few workspaces set aside to hold personal conversations. As for how you act in the office, being bubbly and chatty is fine, but don't do it where you can distract people who are working. That's not being unprofessional, it's just plain being disrespectful of your colleagues. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;">Younger workers think they are breaking down outmoded morays but it really depends... if you're an inside the company worker who never deals with clients it's a different ballgame. It's up to company leadership to decide how they want to present their company to clients visiting for meetings and demos. Busily working people looks good no matter how they are dressed. But, chatty folks congregating instead of working will have the opposite impact. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;">There has to be some standard for the office since we all need to be there together and coexist.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>https://www.linkedin.com/news/story/dont-hide-your-true-self-in-a-suit-4573857/</p><p><br /></p>Spirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753080208860349159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309669086076424394.post-11951377112808870362021-10-27T10:34:00.000-04:002021-10-27T10:34:00.872-04:00When You're Jack<p><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;">I'm a Jack of all trades sort of person. My various roles have taught me a lot which I'm able to apply to virtually any situation. Being this type was once really valuable, but is it holding true today?</span></p><p><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;">Of course, nothing beats experience!</span></p><p><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;">However, as I've become one of the older folks in the room I started noticing my input being dismissed "because things have changed." Yes, and the more things change, the more they stay the same is my reply.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;">I'm a problem solver. In order to fix a problem, you need to really understand the problem and look at it from all angles. How do you know you really have a problem? Is there a deviation from expectation? What's the proof that the problem is real? Why do we care about fixing this problem, what are its impacts and on whom? What are the causes, what's driving the problem? </span></p><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;">No problem is unique, even though everyone thinks their problem is. This is why having seen a lot of problems in many different environments and situations makes being Jack a really valuable thing. I have history, examples with solutions, credibility and expertise at solving similar problems. This skillset only comes with years of experience, you can't learn it in a classroom.<br /></span><div><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;">I'm proud of my battle scars. </span></div><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></p>Spirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753080208860349159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309669086076424394.post-7659210739854142982021-10-26T09:55:00.009-04:002021-10-26T14:19:58.473-04:00Valuable Commodity<p>Common Sense is what I'm talking about today. Common sense helps us make smarter choices. In order to reflect on the choices before you, you need
to pause and think before you act! I think this is the root cause of many of
our troubles today. People aren't taking time to consider choices before them
and the consequences of their actions. But then, I may be giving people credit
for caring about more than themselves. But let's assume people generally do
care about others and that they do want to avoid problems.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This is where common sense comes in.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">If you just react without taking time to consider conditions
and think through the ramifications of all possible actions you could take,
then you are basically throwing caution to the wind. Or are you? There are
people who have developed strong intuition based on their life experience. For
those who have this, I'd say that's common sense. It's everyone else to whom I
say, please slow down and think about what you're about to do.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Acting is making a commitment to the result.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">If you are prepared to take responsibility for the result,
go for it! But, if you're not, who do you think will help you out if that
action was ultimately a bad one?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I think, as a society, we've lost our ability to proactively
consider the consequences of our actions. I learned in my life lessons that
there is always a counteraction for every action. I've learned to think before
I act to avoid bad things happening. This is an important life skill. One, I
think too many people have been sheltered from learning by overprotective
parents, overworked teachers, and over glorified role models whose hard work to
get to where they are is never talked about.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Growing up I was told life is hard. It can be, especially if
you don't have any common sense.<o:p></o:p></p>Spirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753080208860349159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309669086076424394.post-50731682448606401002021-10-04T14:51:00.064-04:002021-10-04T15:16:12.080-04:00Technology Promises <p><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;">I have spent my career working in the technology field.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;">I've written code, I've managed technology projects and nationwide IT programs, I have developed and implemented emerging technology and now I work in technology sales. Yet I often wonder if the promise that technology would improve our life and make living easier has come true.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;">Let's take a look...</span></p><p><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;">I always expected technology would be part of my life. Science fiction presented a future of flying cars, moving sidewalks, bionic implants, information at my fingertips and on my wrist, as well as instant access to virtual worlds to explore and learn how to create a brighter future for Mankind. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;">Blind spot detection is a great example of technology we use and often take for granted. And something that didn't exist until just a few years ago. Blind spot detection provides 360 degrees of electronic coverage around your car, whether you are at speed or moving slowly. This "circle of safety" also includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, rear and front parking sonar, the rear traffic alert, and parking cameras (ranging from rear-only through four cameras providing a birds-eye view of the car as you snake into and out of tight spaces). Some driver’s aids make you safer, especially late on a long drive, and some earn back their cost when you don’t crumple a fender or worse. </span><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;">Today, driving is much more dangerous as roads carry increased traffic and drivers are more distracted while behind the wheel. Clearly, tech is helping keep us safer. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;">Science fiction also warned about the dark side of technology, and sadly those predictions are also being realized.</span></p><p class="p p-first" id="__p1" style="margin: 0.6923em 0px; text-align: right;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;">“These days we have Smartphones, Smart cars, Smartboards, Smart everything, but consider this: if the technology is getting smarter, does that mean humans are getting dumber?”</span></p><p id="__p2" style="margin: 0.6923em 0px; text-align: right;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;">Rebecca McNutt</span></p><p id="__p2" style="margin: 0.6923em 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.2px; text-align: left;">Doomsayers decry technology as being evil and surely the downfall of modern man. Some studies have learned that excessive screen time is</span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; letter-spacing: 0.2px;"> </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; letter-spacing: 0.2px;">bad for your mental health and sleep patterns</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.2px; text-align: left;">. But, other research says cellphones are good because using them</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.2px; text-align: left;"> </span>stimulates the brain<span style="letter-spacing: 0.2px; text-align: left;">. Until recently, it’s been hard to draw concrete conclusions. </span></span></p><p id="__p2" style="margin: 0.6923em 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.2px;">The National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) conducted the first formal</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.2px;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.nber.org/papers/w28936?utm_campaign=ntwh&utm_medium=email&utm_source=ntwg20" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="box-sizing: border-box; letter-spacing: 0.2px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">study</a><span style="letter-spacing: 0.2px;"> </span></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.2px;">focused on digital addiction (<span style="text-transform: uppercase;"><b>DOI </b></span></span><span style="text-align: center;">10.3386/w28936 / </span><span class="page-header__citation-item-label" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700; text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase;">ISSUE DATE</span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><time datetime="2021-06-17T12:00:00Z" style="box-sizing: border-box; text-align: center;">June 2021</time><span style="letter-spacing: 0.2px;">.) This study explored people’s ability to maintain and reduce screen time usage to determine whether technology is indeed habit-forming. </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.2px;">People have long speculated that the internet is addictive, and this study seems to confirm those fears. “Our data is consistent with social media having characteristics of addictive goods. [Social media sites are] habit-forming and we find ourselves using them more than we’d like to,” Allcott said. “That suggests that we would be better off if there was a better way to control our use.” </span>Smartphone or Internet addiction can also negatively impact your life by increasing loneliness and depression.<span><b> </b></span></span></p><p id="__p2" style="margin: 0.6923em 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><b>The good news is there is an app to help you measure and control your screentime! </b></span></span></p><p id="__p2" style="margin: 0.6923em 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;">Technology promises great things ahead. But, humans need to apply common sense and think for themselves instead of letting our devices take control. I'm interested in hearing your thoughts on where we're heading. </span></p>Spirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753080208860349159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309669086076424394.post-3497537004551999922021-10-04T10:29:00.007-04:002021-10-04T11:33:43.871-04:00The Blessings of Growing Older<p style="text-align: left;">In our culture, youth is celebrated, desired and prolonged. Everyone wants to be young or appear younger.</p><p style="text-align: left;">To my way of thinking, each decade of my life has presented opportunities and challenges. Looking backward, I see the building blocks I put in place so I could enjoy the benefits now that I'm older.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Frequently someone posts the question, "If you could go back to [whenever] in your life, would you?"</p><p style="text-align: left;">Most people respond with an exuberant "Yes!" But, I truthfully would not want to go back. </p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Going back would mean losing the experience and wisdom I'm amassed over time. </li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Going back would mean I'd lose the wonderful relationships I now enjoy with my grown children, colleagues and friends.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Going back would mean needing to cover all the uphill progress I've made in my life so that I can now look forward to a life of relaxation and adventures.</li></ul><span style="background-color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span face="Roboto, arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">George Bernard Shaw once wrote that “</span><span face="Roboto, arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold;">Youth</span><span face="Roboto, arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"> is the most precious thing in life; it is too bad it has to be </span><span face="Roboto, arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold;">wasted</span><span face="Roboto, arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"> on </span><span face="Roboto, arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold;">young</span><span face="Roboto, arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"> folks.” If I could rephrase the question so that it asked, "If you could go back to [whenever] in your life while taking all your knowledge, learnings and earnings, would you?" I'd say "Yes, I would!" I'd love the chance for a redo knowing what I now know. Who wouldn't?</span><span face="Roboto, arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><span face="Roboto, arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">Since time travel isn't possible and this question is really annoying anyway, let's look at the blessings of growing older.</span><span face="Roboto, arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><span face="Roboto, arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">I feel I am in the perfect time of my life. Here are some reasons why.</span></span><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span face="Roboto, arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px;">My career is established and I'm recognized as a leader in my industry.</span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span face="Roboto, arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px;">I was a successful parent, having produced two outstanding young adults who are happy and able to support themselves in careers they enjoy.</span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span face="Roboto, arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px;">I have the flexibility to work from anywhere and I control my own schedule (mostly).</span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span face="Roboto, arial, sans-serif"><span style="background-color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px;">There is time in my life for hobbies and other interesting pursuits.</span></span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span face="Roboto, arial, sans-serif"><span><span style="background-color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px;">Financially, I am on solid ground thanks to careful planning and diligently saving for my future...which is now here!</span></span></span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span face="Roboto, arial, sans-serif"><span><span style="background-color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px;">I found my soul mate early on and we're still together! There's nothing better than sharing your life with someone who played a part in your history.</span></span></span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span face="Roboto, arial, sans-serif"><span><span style="background-color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px;">My health is still good! This is a significant factor in my feeling I'm blessed. Health is the one area where I'd make life changes earlier if I could travel aback in time.</span></span></span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span face="Roboto, arial, sans-serif"><span><span style="background-color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px;">I live in a safe and secure community.</span></span></span></li></ul><span style="background-color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span face="Roboto, arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 14px;">My list could go on and on. I believe people tend to focus on what they don't have instead of what they do! Contentment is my goal at this point in life. I'm actualized! </span></span><span face="Roboto, arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"> In Maslow's hierarchy of needs, self-actualization is the highest level of psychological development, where personal potential is fully realized after basic bodily and ego needs have been fulfilled.</span><span face="Roboto, arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"> </span><span face="Roboto, arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><span face="Roboto, arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">Isn't this the real goal of life?</span><span face="Roboto, arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><span face="Roboto, arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">I think so.</span></span><p></p><p></p>Spirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753080208860349159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309669086076424394.post-43810992376760614002021-04-17T16:17:00.003-04:002021-04-17T16:17:25.799-04:00Death in the midst of new Birth<p> It's now fully spring and there's rebirth all around.</p><p>Still the pandemic rages, sending yet another new series of spikes and hospitalizations are rising again.</p><p>The irony of all this is most likely the fuel for many songs, poems and plays.</p><p>I find all I can do is try to stay calm in the realization that I alone can do nothing except take care of myself and the people I love.</p><p>We are now fully vaccinated.</p><p>It's a relief thought nothing's changed in our daily life. </p><p>We have booked our first trip since fall 2019, and that's exciting to think about. Hoping it actually happens, but that's secondary to having something to look forward to doing, replacing the nothingness that's made up the last year. It's good to have things ahead to fill the gaps when there's a lull.</p><p>I know many people who are suffering with cancer. Seems this is the age where that happens. I need to turn their suffering into motivation to be healthier. It's no longer something nice to do.</p><p>There's the feeling that not all of them are going to make it through alive.</p><p>I just lost a friend who died suddenly. He was someone I talked with only once a year, but stayed in contact with on social media. He was a person who exuded life. He'd turned his unhappiness into joy in the last few years, embracing all the goodness there was to grab.</p><p>This encourages me because that's how I want to be.</p><p>Thank you, Ted</p>Spirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753080208860349159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309669086076424394.post-75821256975981995192021-02-25T13:01:00.006-05:002021-02-25T13:04:07.113-05:00Why We Need Art<p> Our world is beautiful...</p><p>Art captures the beauty we see and hear and construct in our minds to make it shareable.</p><p>Dance frees our bodies to move in rhythm with the world to make beauty. </p><p>Words create vivid experiences to enjoy and allow us to see things we have not ourselves lived.</p><p>Though art we celebrate our humanness.</p><p>Art drives people together, to become one in our appreciation and in our desire to be exist in beauty.</p><p>Without art, what would bind us and remind us of all that we share?</p><p>We need Art...</p><p>For without art, we are reduced to being less-than-human.</p><p>It is our very humanness that gives us hope for the future.</p><p><br /></p>Spirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753080208860349159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309669086076424394.post-14591197908985262402020-11-25T14:00:00.004-05:002020-11-25T14:00:53.881-05:00Pandemic Thanksgiving <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5IIRrGAeiV4pF73tX_h-fDUERd3eb6BnvI_PTIMVJKN1SB4H-V06bRFQHOVBPG5doQjs29QiE4r51dbYHa8z5rGn3I165bXBvZ4LYDfMTlmL8ulUReGKFn2Rkq1zVUdYOV2n-ia-TNB4/s750/%252527Gratitude%252BTurns%252BWhat%252BWe%252BHave%252Binto%252BEnough%252527%252BTextual%252BArt%252Bon%252BWood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5IIRrGAeiV4pF73tX_h-fDUERd3eb6BnvI_PTIMVJKN1SB4H-V06bRFQHOVBPG5doQjs29QiE4r51dbYHa8z5rGn3I165bXBvZ4LYDfMTlmL8ulUReGKFn2Rkq1zVUdYOV2n-ia-TNB4/s320/%252527Gratitude%252BTurns%252BWhat%252BWe%252BHave%252Binto%252BEnough%252527%252BTextual%252BArt%252Bon%252BWood.jpg" /></a></div><br />The year 2020 has been very interesting.<p></p><p>Brings to mind that old Chinese curse, "May you live in interesting times!"</p><p>From my point of view, experiencing a pandemic has not been all bad. This has been the opportunity of a lifetime to put into practice the "glass half full" philosophy and take this time to make some good changes to my life.</p><p>It's now Thanksgiving, and as always its time to reflect on one's blessings. To me, 2020 embodies the KISS principles I try to espouse and follow. The only way to keep sane during this time is to keep it simple and manage expectations.</p><p>So far, I've been able to keep my expectations in check and its worked to keep me from becoming burdened about what has been taken away. Instead, I have focused on what I have...</p><p>My health - taking extra precautions to say well</p><p>My family - although we've lost two cousins to Covid-19 and know other families with loses too</p><p>My dog - a daily joy and positive influence</p><p>Enough food - trying not to succumb to the Covid-15 and mindful there are others who are hungry</p><p>My job - fortunate to work in an industry where I can continue to work from my home</p><p>All these things I do not take for granted.</p><p>I am blessed.</p><p>I hope you are too.</p><p><br /></p>Spirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753080208860349159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309669086076424394.post-76470336414489987782020-10-26T13:44:00.005-04:002020-10-26T13:58:53.184-04:00Anger Management - Saving Democracy<p>The 2020 general election will be held in a few days and people seem to be reaching the point where they are angry about everything. I recently saw someone post a question online asking why are one side's supporters so angry. I thought it was a good question and I gave it some real thought, reaching a set of conclusions I believed were factual observations and were hopefully impartial.</p><p>Ha! I'd better think again!</p><p>I received a barrage of replies about my demeaning statements. Clearly, I'd hit a nerve even thought I tried to avoid doing so. Sadly, it seems there is very little communication happening -- definitely not occurring between the two party lines and now its apparent one can't even talk about possible causes for the great divide without insulting someone.</p><p>I'm a proud Independent Voter. I prefer to chose the best candidates regardless of their party affiliation. That used to work, but in the last 20 or so years its come to voting for the least bad candidates because there aren't any best choices. How did we get into this extreme opposition situation? Obviously this is a complex and difficult question to answer. None-the-less, I'm finding the very fundamentals of what I think being an American means have been shattered and I'm questioning if it can be put back together again.</p><p>People are very angry - anger is an emotional response. Emotions blind us to thinking logically. We are on the spiral path to the bottom once anger gets to the levels we are now seeing. Consider this...</p><p>There can be no logic when there is anger. </p><p>Without logic, there can be no cooperation. </p><p>Without cooperation, there can be no compromise. </p><p>Without compromise, there can be no agreement. </p><p>Without agreement, there can be no United States of America!</p><p>I know I've over-simplified this, but that is how I see things. It's a slippery slope we're on and together we need to find the break handle and pull hard, together to stop this thing we call our country from plunging out of control. I do think it's this simple. But it will be very hard to actually do.</p><p>I'm willing. Are you?</p>Spirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753080208860349159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309669086076424394.post-23695726013476377912020-10-12T12:14:00.001-04:002020-10-12T12:14:50.278-04:00Taking Stock<p> A few months have passed and I thought it was a great time to take stock.</p><p>In these months of being shutdown, wearing a mask and adhering to social distancing mandates, I feel just fine. I've altered my life to fit the circumstances. And, it was not all that difficult to do. Granted...</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>I do not have school-aged children to care for while working from home.</li><li>My elder parents passed in 2018, so those concerns were no longer present.</li><li>The company I work for has promised to let us work remotely until this pandemic has ceased.</li><li>My customers are also working remotely, so there's no pressure to make in-person calls in their workplace.</li><li>I live in a neighborhood where we have plenty of open space and can walk safely.</li><li>My house is on a wooded lot, so I can enjoy nature without dealing with other people.</li><li>I have a great life mate who takes good care of me (does the shopping!)</li></ul><p></p><p>In other words, I am very fortunate!</p><p>This pandemic has given us the opportunity of a lifetime to reexamine our lives and the choices we make. Because of the shutdown, we have more time to reflect and yes, deal with the impacts this situation has forced upon us. I feel for the small business owners who are struggling to stay in business and am so sad for those who lost the battle. I am grateful to the people working in health care who are on the front line helping the sick and for those who are working to keep the rest of us healthy. I am amazed at the fortitude of parents and teachers embracing change to make learning work for our children while keeping them safe. </p><p>On the other hand, I am dismayed by our national response. As Americans I would have thought we'd pull together to deal with these difficult and life-threatening circumstances, finding ways to make things safer and even better when we emerge from the pandemic. I always believed what made our democracy the model for the world was how much we cared about each other and how we found ways to work together. Sadly, this threat has only proved we are not the people I thought we were.</p><p>I have no answers except one... Vote! </p><p>If you are unhappy with how things are today, you have the power to change them! And, the chance to do so is less than a month away. Anyone who choses to not vote has forfeited their right to complain.</p><p>I don't know how things will turn out, but I do know it all depends on how many people turnout!</p>Spirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753080208860349159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309669086076424394.post-68400450316647125952020-07-27T18:34:00.000-04:002020-07-27T18:34:58.989-04:00Pandemics Bring ChangeAfter every pandemic, human life changes... usually for the better.<div><br /></div><div>Sickness and the threat of widespread death drives people to embrace changes they normally wouldn’t make. The biggest change so far in the Covid-19 era is making teleworking the new normal.</div><div><br /></div><div>I just spoke with a high ranking government official who said before Covid-19 struck, he was not in favor of letting people work from home. Now, his opinion has undergone a radical change in a mere few months. He says once everyone learned how to telework and was equipped with the right infrastructure to effectively connection and work remotely, he’s become a big fan!</div><div><br /></div><div>Teleworking has leveled the playing field so to speak.</div><div><br /></div><div>Before the pandemic, some offices allowed people to telework while others didn’t. And, even those that did had different policies so the adoption was uneven. And, this unevenness created friction within the organization.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now that everyone is working remotely, people are effectively collaborating and sharing information! People are more available and respond more quickly to requests and queries. There are huge savings looming as the federal, state and local governments shutdown physical offices in favor of working from home. Even customer service has improved because more people are reachable using the telework platforms.</div><div><br /></div><div>I know there is another market that will take a hit if all this office space suddenly is unrented. This problem goes even further and wider as one looks at shopping being done more online because of the pandemic. Suddenly, brick and mortar stores aren’t needed. I wonder, can thes buildings be turned into living and recreational spaces?</div><div><br /></div><div>Big change is upon us!</div><div><br /></div><div>What will our near-term and long-term future look like? I can’t wait to find out!</div>Spirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753080208860349159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309669086076424394.post-6872512644209388792020-06-21T12:42:00.006-04:002020-06-21T12:47:22.422-04:00Teleworking is the Great EqualizerLike many, I’m working from home these days due to the Coronavirus pandemic. During the shutdown order, I started working a new job. so, six weeks into the new job, I've gotten to know my colleagues only via teleconference. And yesterday, I had a realization...<div><br /></div><div>Teleconferencing is the great equalizer!</div><div><br /></div><div>I've never met anyone in my new company in person, so my perception of them is what I see on the screen. Everyone is pretty much the same on the screen. I can't tell if they are tall or short, fat or skinny (because of camera angles, it's easy to set up the most flattering view). Of course, I can tell if they are young or old, but even that is subject to how the person wants to convey their image... and some folks don't bother to turn on their camera, so they remain a black screen with initials showing.</div><div><br /></div><div>Even race is downplayed on a teleconference because we are so focused on the work at hand, we are sharing a common goal of getting the job done.</div><div><br /></div><div>I know for certain my new colleagues most likely think I'm younger than my chronological age because even in person I project a younger image. I'm not very photogenic, but for some reason video likes me so that's a real plus too.</div><div><br /></div><div>Even the background in our screen shot can be changed so you can hide the cubby hole you're using to setup your impromptu work from home space. </div><div><br /></div><div>Experts foresee teleconferencing and working remotely taking hold and replacing many office jobs. I'm fine with this becoming our new normal. I know employers are getting more work hours out of us since we're online instead of commuting. And, I am loving staying out of the horrendous traffic we have in our area. It's so much better for the environment too.</div><div><br /></div><div>There is also a down side to teleworking, which you'd think is missing interactions with real people. But, I feel I'm getting plenty of people-time via our videoconferencing. It's not that. It's that not everyone has good network connectivity nor knows how to use the tools well.</div><div><br /></div><div>I recently interviewed and hired multiple people for open positions. Most handled their video interview just fine, but some didn't. One person had such a weak connection, the session kept freezing-up and we had to reboot multiple times. This was very disruptive and to be honest, it left a negative feeling about this person's preparedness - they should have setup in a place with good Internet access. We gave this person the benefit of the doubt and setup a second interview, and it was the same situation. Because I work in IT, this showed we couldn't depend on this person to do this job..</div><div><br /></div><div>Another interviewee projected on the screen sideways and the image was heavily pixelated. I could not actually see what this person looked like, but looks were not what I needed to know. But again, not being able to properly use the teleconferencing tool made it clear this person was not technically savvy enough for the job.</div><div><br /></div><div>It's a whole new way of working and I think it's going to be just fine. When the pandemic is past us and we're able to resume in-person meetings, I now I'll have no need to rush into the office.</div><div><br /></div><div>But, I do plan a team luncheon so we can actually meet in person... I bet there will be some real surprises in store for us. :)</div>Spirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753080208860349159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309669086076424394.post-29216490710237094752020-05-24T22:52:00.001-04:002020-05-24T22:52:07.682-04:00For Pat CarriereSuddenly, my good friend Pat was gone. On May 20th, she didn’t feel good and passed away enroute to the hospital. I don’t know the cause and it doesn’t really matter. I know she was very cautious about staying inside and being safe from Covid-19, but still I wonder...<br />
<br />
Let me tell you about my friend Pat.<br />
<br />
Pat was an authentic person with a huge heart and a longing to give that love to everyone she met. Pat chose to become a nurse and help people who were sick and suffering. In the second part of her career, Pat went to work for the National Archives as thir health unit nurse. Last year, she retired and went on the trip she had so looked forward to taking to cruse around South America. This she thought would be the first of many such trips with her group of friends that loved to travel together.<br />
<br />
The long flight back to the US from Buenos Ares stressed her body and Pat developed blood clots in her lungs. She nearly died, but fought to hold onto life, working hard in rehab. to recover and resume her independent life in the condo she called home for 30 years, where she lived with her cat of 21 years. Over the years, Pat worked hard to overcome obesity, losing more than 100 pounds through sheer determination. Thankfully, being in better physical condition helped her survive this ordeal with the blood clots and before the Covid-19 pandemic hit in February, she was once again volunteering at the church thrift store and helping her nieces with babysitting and doing other things to help them deal with work and children. She loved being Aunt Pat and talked endlessly about her wonderful nieces and nephews and their young children.<br />
<br />
Perhaps the thing about Pat that I’ll miss the most is she was my one connection with my mother who passed away in 2018. Pat and my mother were nurses together and also good friends. Pat was the only person left who had heard stories about me from my mother and could share those. Pat loved my mother and I relished hearing her version of events I’d only heard from Mom.<br />
<br />
Pat was also the big sister of my school-age best friend, with whom I am estranged for many years. Thought Pat I kept current on events in the Carriere family with whom I’d grown-up.<br />
<br />
Mostly, I loved Pat for her big heart. I never ever heard her say an bad thing about anyone. She was such a loving person who you could count on for a shoulder and the truth.<br />
<br />
Pat never married and that was a subject about which I only know little. I am pertty sure she had someone who cared for her in her life, but from what she’d told me the last time we spoke — a month ago — he was working out of state and while they talked often, he wasn’t around. It makes me sad that Pat left this life with so many plans and hopes for the future. We never know when our time will come and we are taken to the next existence. But when a beloved person goes without warning so suddenly, we who are left behind are helpless and looking to rationalize this empty feeling.<br />
<br />
Pat, I know you and your fatith was very strong. I believe you are soring in the bright light of our creator’s love, free of your eathly cares and woes. Fly high and be free as you’ve alway tried to be.<br />
<br />
I’ll miss you!Spirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753080208860349159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309669086076424394.post-71906499773444307872020-04-29T13:25:00.001-04:002020-04-29T13:25:50.892-04:00Nature is Our MotherWho would have thought the Earth would start to heal if humans stayed inside their houses!<br />
<br />
I’ve always thought humans would drive nature to do something dramatic to save itself, and now we have a global health crisis!<br />
<br />
For years humans have ignored scientists warnings about overpopulation. As our numbers sored, humanity’s need for more food, more homes, more highways and roads, and more stuff pilphered the Earth’s natural resources and put the planet on the brink of disaster.<br />
<br />
But, today the Earth seems to be showing us it can repair itself if humans allow it to happen.<br />
<br />
I have no faith in human beings to do this.<br />
<br />
However, I wish we would.<br />
<br />
Sadly people are dying from the virus and there is no cure available for awhile to come. I am praying we give our planet enough time to make corrections we need to survive — not just this pandemic, but keeping the environment human-friendly.<br />
<br />Spirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753080208860349159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309669086076424394.post-36779146126670148832020-04-29T13:01:00.001-04:002020-04-29T13:19:28.616-04:00The New NormalAs this pandemic continues, I see positive and negative stemming from the experience.<br />
<br />
The negatives include the following:<br />
<ul>
<li>People not be allowed to be with their loved ones. Either out of precaution or because they are sick with the virus.</li>
<li>Isolation-related disorders on the rise. </li>
<li>Panic buying of food and household items.</li>
<li>Increasing the divide in our country.</li>
</ul>
<div>
However, there is also the counter-balance positives happening, such as:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>People adjusting to using social media and collaboration tools to connect. So many people are getting creative and are using their imaginations to be together. </li>
<ul>
<li>For example, my colleague who has a toddler told me about her plan for her daughter’s 3rd birthday party coming up this weekend. She has invited the neighborhood friends to the virtual birthday party and dropped off gift packages at each house with things the kids will be making together as a party activity. The party theme is Princes and Knights. After the items are made, the parents will parade the party goers around the neighborhood — keeping appropriate social distancing — wearing what they make. She will drop off cupcakes and favor bags the morning of the party for each kid. Sounds like its going to be fun despite the circumstances.</li>
<li>I attended a virtual funeral via Zoom for my second cousin who died in NYC of the virus. The only people attending in person were his wife, daughter and the officiate and a helper. It was a moving experience and providing a zoom enabled me to attend — along with 250 others — something I probably wouldn’t have been able to do in person since the trip each way would be 5 hours.</li>
<li>I have participated in a Passover Seder via Zoom with my Jewish relatives who live in another state. Holding this virtualluy ensured I could attend. And so did my brother who lives even further away and never gets to join us.</li>
<li>I’ve been included in several virtual happy hours with friends whom I’ve been trying to get together with for a couple years, but our schedules never worked out!</li>
</ul>
<li>My daughter is a Clincial Psychologist working with trauma victims. She tells me they have continued to provide counseling sessions remotely and are even adding new patients as the need for support rises. (The down side is she’s working even more hours given there’s no need to commute!)</li>
<li>Ample supplies have been available from Amazon and other providers who deliver to the house.</li>
<li>Senior hours have been established at grocery and warehouse stores when extra measures are being taken to santize carts and enforce social distancing while giving the older and at risk populations first access to food and other supplies. I hope this practice continues as our new normal since its much better for seniors.</li>
</ul>
<div>
As for the great American divide, I think the political atmosphere has opened the eyes of some people as the response to this pandemic becomes more obvious. I’ll leave with this though, as our nation longed for leadership, some have stepped up in our time of need. It’s tragic and unforgiveable that people died because mistakes were made. Some would have, but perhaps not this many. Our numbers continue to grow and yesterday the number of Americans who have died from the Corona virus surpassed the number killed in the Vietnam war... </div>
</div>
Spirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753080208860349159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309669086076424394.post-38534158332874249072020-04-23T10:59:00.003-04:002020-04-23T10:59:57.522-04:00Two More Covid-19 DeathsIt seems with every passing day, I learn of more Covid-19 deaths. Yesterday, we learned that my husband’s first cousin passed away from the virus, and a friend of mine’s father also died.<br />
<br />
The growing list of the dead in my social sphere:<br />
Irwin<br />
Jen’s Dad<br />
Nancy<br />
John<br />
Jody’s Dad<br />
<br />
Those who have tested positive for the virus - 2 people I know, mother and daughter (who is pregnant the with her second child and has a 2 year old)<br />
<br />
I write this because I feel it is important to 1) document what is happening during this pandemic and 2) Keep these families in mind and heart.<br />
<br />
As my list grows, so does my anger at the increased pressures to reopen our country.<br />
<br />
We don’t understand this sickness enough to accurately predict our future health status. Everything we’re being told turns out to be incorrect or worse, purposefully said to create a false sense of security when in truth we are only at the beginning of this.<br />
<br />
Right now the most important thing to do is stay inside, keep healthy, and stay sane!Spirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753080208860349159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309669086076424394.post-85778667479444679702020-04-19T18:27:00.002-04:002020-04-19T18:27:38.484-04:00For Nancy Duncan WohleberNancy is the 3rd victim of the cornavirus pandemic that I've known. I know three other people who have tested positive for the virus at this point in time. Nancy is the mother of one of my best friends. Nancy was a nurse and a mother -- giving of herself her entire life. Nancy was in a rehabilitation center recuperating when she contracted the virus. Nancy died a miserable death, gasping for air, alone.<br />
<br />
I plan to report the tales of this pandemic from where I live. I believe it is incredibly important to record what is happening as we go through this. I know people are finding it very difficult to shelter-in-place for these past 30 days... yes, it's only been one month so far. I appreciate for many people it feels much longer.<br />
<br />
That's where my sympathies end.<br />
<br />
Crazy people are whining about how hard this is - but imagine how easy we really have it in these days of the internet, smart phones and smart tvs, food delivery services and facetime!<br />
<br />
I know it is hard on parents to be home with their children while they are working. But heck, isn't that what all mothers throughout time have had to do?<br />
<br />
Believe, me, when you know 3 people who have died so far, this virus becomes a very real threat. I'll do whatever I must to survive it.Spirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753080208860349159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309669086076424394.post-89693739956224898022020-04-06T12:46:00.000-04:002020-04-06T12:47:24.287-04:00For Mary MillerDearest Mary,<br />
<br />
I just learned about your passing, I'd feared this was the news.<br />
<br />
I've tried to call you without success... I knew you were sad and blue.<br />
<br />
About dear Tommy's leaving you... I know you could't wait...<br />
<br />
To be with him again.<br />
<br />
To Mom and everyone you knew... You were the dearest friend.<br />
<br />
I'm sad, but know you're in great joy... Again with all you loved.<br />
<br />
God bless your soul and give you flight... That never, ever ends.<br />
<br />Spirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753080208860349159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309669086076424394.post-52346460943446520062020-04-06T12:28:00.001-04:002020-04-06T12:28:20.521-04:00Where Are the Winners?I like winners.<br />
<br />
I hate whiners!<br />
<br />
We are in a global pandemic right now and people need to get a grip! It's only been one month so far!<br />
<br />
Listening to the experts who monitor how the virus is spreading across the planet, where it is and it's impacts, this thing is not yet close to being over. And yet people are already crying about having to stay inside, put distance between them and other people, and not go out to eat.<br />
<br />
Is this what humanity has become?<br />
<br />
What happened to the strong willed and resistant people who fought and won wars to end tyranny? The self-sacrificing souls who withstood endless hardships without complaint?<br />
<br />
Seeing how badly this country is reacting puts fear in me about our ability to stand-up to attack, take-over attempts and disasters.<br />
<br />
Americans like to think of themselves as winners, but I'm seeing a lot of losers. Time to shut-up, stand-up and get our act together!<br />
<br />
We have hard times ahead of us and nobody is going to save us but ourselves!Spirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753080208860349159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309669086076424394.post-75337115408971673842020-04-04T16:27:00.003-04:002020-04-06T12:14:38.704-04:00For IrwinToday, your spirit left you,<br />
It went to soar on high.<br />
Your time on Earth was limited,<br />
And now its passed you by.<br />
<br />
I like to think you're flying free,<br />
Of all your Earthy pain.<br />
Coronavirus stripped your life,<br />
Your heart took not the strain.<br />
<br />
We'll miss your smile and funny ways,<br />
You cared beyond your means.<br />
It breaks my heart you'll never see,<br />
The woman Becca will have been.<br />
<br />
Amidst our fear and anguish,<br />
it's time to let you go.<br />
May your name become a blessing,<br />
Your love the seeds you sowed.Spirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753080208860349159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309669086076424394.post-70618671903606915552020-04-02T16:27:00.002-04:002020-04-02T16:27:52.122-04:00America the DisfunctionalThe corona virus pandemic is getting worse in the U.S. I now know several people who have contracted the virus and are hospitalized. The reality that the rest of the world has been living is now hitting home.<br />
<br />
My heart goes out to the medical care givers who are suffering because of the flood of casualties and do not have the right personal protection equipment, so they are now getting sick. My nephew is an emergency room doctor in LA and he's got two very young children whom he can't see out of fear of passing the infection to them. My daughter is a psychologist working in a Chicago hospital, but thankfully they are not seeing patients in the flesh right now... of course, this situation is exactly when people feel most traumatized and need their therapist most. My cousin's daughter is a pediatric doctor in the Bronx which is currently ground zero for the disease in the U.S. From them I'm hearing the reality of the pandemic.<br />
<br />
So, when I read about people not complying with local and state government orders to shelter in place and stay home, I'm livid. When I see kids going to beaches on spring break, I'm livid. When I see people whine on social media about being bored, I'm livid.<br />
<br />
When did people become this selfish?<br />
<br />
Today I read that Dr. Anthony Fauci who is the country's leading specialist on infectious disease is getting death threats and needed to hire security, I'm livid.<br />
<br />
When did people get to be so mean to each other?<br />
<br />
I've also seen countless acts of kindness and caring happening, and for these I'm grateful.<br />
<br />
It's very hard not to get into politics as holding some of the blame for the bad things we're experiencing. Politics is also responsible for mega trillions of dollars that will soon be going out to help people who are hurting and struggling to survive. Our current confused leadership, and I use that term lightly, is lacking in the very thing we need most right now. Someone we can believe 1) cares about all of us, 2) has the skills to move us as quickly as possible out of this crisis, and 3) shares the good stories to help us cope.<br />
<br />
People are talking about getting back to normal. But to me, the recent normal is all messed up. We are much better not returning to the highly charged divisiveness this country has been experiencing. This pandemic is exactly the type of opportunity to bring everyone together again. The gift of time we now have because we're not all running around is exactly what we need to devise a better way to live after the crisis is past.<br />
<br />
Are we smart and disciplined enough to grab these rare chances to make things better?Spirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753080208860349159noreply@blogger.com0