We are a commune of inquiring, skeptical, politically centrist, capitalist, anglophile, traditionalist New England Yankee humans, humanoids, and animals with many interests beyond and above politics. Each of us has had a high-school education (or GED), but all had ADD so didn't pay attention very well, especially the dogs. Each one of us does "try my best to be just like I am," and none of us enjoys working for others, including for Maggie, from whom we receive neither a nickel nor a dime. Freedom from nags, cranks, government, do-gooders, control-freaks and idiots is all that we ask for.
The blame instinct makes us exaggerate the importance of individuals or of particular groups. This instinct to find a guilty party derails our ability to develop a true, fact-based understanding of the world: it steals our focus as we obsess about someone to blame, then blocks our learning because one we have decided who to punch in the face we stop looking for explanations elsewhere.~Hans Rosling
One of the weird things about a layoff is extraction. I have a long runway before I'm actually no longer with the company. I'm still working, mainly with the people who I have to complete projects with or transition those projects to. I'm never a fan of companies that show people the door the minute they are let go, unless it is for cause or if that person works in a particularly sensitive area. Giving people time allows them to prepare, and help the people they are leaving prepare. It's easy to be bitter and say "I'm giving them nothing" but that's counterproductive. Best to leave on a high note and focus on the future.
In the meantime, I'm not really working as much as I had been. I was literally told I can do whatever I want and handle it all as I see fit. So I'm doing what's right for myself while doing what's right for the people I worked with and respect.
Over the last few months, I've been posting less than I have in the past. There have been a variety of reasons for this, but the primary one is the work-from-home environment is a difficult one for what I do. I could delve into the details of the last 9 months, but it's not worthwhile. Let it suffice to say it's been a slog, and getting covid in April didn't help.
My job simply became exponentially more difficult. One would think work-from-home would improve things. I thought it may, and in some ways it did. But mostly it made my job more of a job. Much of what I do requires interacting with people, getting responses, creating policy and making sure that information is shared properly. Zoom, Slack, texts, - these tools don't make up for walking into an office and having a conversation. Not to mention, the primary thing work-from-home has done is to increase the number of meetings everyone has, so free time to chat is rare. I found myself working earlier in the morning and later in the evening. My 24/7 job became 24/7.
Despite this, I felt good. Early complications eventually led to a point where things were starting to make sense again, there was a light at the end of the tunnel. All that ended last week when I became part of a company-wide layoff due to covid. I know this is a happy holidays wish. Bear with me. I'll get to that
I'm just one of millions without a job. But there are so many others without so much more. I'm just a statistic.
A good friend of mine died of pancreatic cancer 2 months ago. His family is working, they were prepared and well-enough off, but they will be spending their first Christmas without their father/husband/brother/son. He was the most optimistic person I knew, even as the end approached, he had a smile and kind word for everyone. I'm sure he was scared, but he did not show that side to anyone. I choose to honor his legacy by being more like him in that regard. I have worked hard to keep the smile on and be positive. The stories of his final days were so uplifting, but so in character for him. While the sense of loss is great, in some ways that may have prepared me for what was to come. In a good way.
Another close friend lost his son. He died recently due to a drug overdose. The story, as in other cases like this, is long, complex and fraught with ups and downs. Mrs. Bulldog lost her brother 22 years ago before the holidays and while it's never easy to lose someone close, the holidays amplify the sense of loss. I have spoken with my friend and was pleased to hear how well he was doing. He is working. He is positive about his and his family's future. While the loss is still unreal to him, he remains committed to creating something positive. My friends and I are also doing some other things so we can leave a legacy of hope and solace in his son's name.
Long before I lost my job I'd say to anyone I spoke with that I have a feeling something really good is going to happen. The loss of the job isn't it, though one could probably make a case for it being a happy situation. I know something better is right around the corner. I have prospects, I have resources. So my loss, unlike millions of others through this covid disaster, is not completely unfortunate. There are so many others worse off. Mine are first world problems. I'll constantly remind myself of this, and keep looking out for others, and helping where I can. We all need a little bit of George Bailey in us.
Giving to the food bank, a kind word, a helping hand, whatever is needed. We tend to do these during the holiday season. That's not the only time we should. I told my friend that after his son's death I called my boys to tell them I loved them. Like holiday giving, these are not one-time things. These are things we need to do more often. But reminders are useful and provide kickstarts when we forget, fall behind, or get distracted.
In spite of my 'bad' news, I'm keeping things in perspective and realizing I have it pretty good. It's been a rough year, a strange year, but I'm convinced better times are ahead. Optimism is a force multiplier. Look out for those who need assistance, and do what we can for them. I hope all of you are doing well and have a great holiday and that 2021 is a prosperous one for all of you and your families.
2021 can, and will, be a year of peace and renewed prosperity if we choose it to be so.
Our Christmas Tree is a museum of sentiment. Essentially no store-bought stuff except things we found on our travels that stick on a tree, and all of my small bird ornaments. We have our kids' rattles, things they made in kindergarten, things like that. It's all personal.
The BD genius was to store them all in a living room bureau. 4 steps to take 'em out, 4 steps to throw them back in. No boxes, no wrapping ornaments, no fuss, almost no hassle. Bureau is a lovely 1500s hunk of wood.
If some old things break, it's ok. Nothing material lasts but Christmas lasts. We're planning a few small get-togethers, and we are signed up for Christmas Eve service (outdoors, I think).
When grandkids, will ask them each to pick one ornament to take home for their own tree.
He feels our republic is gone, due to news/propaganda. Despite being a Leftie, Scott explains how much he "hates f-ing Biden. This doddering old fool called me a Nazi."
Our post on tipping the other day raised the issue. As Christmas season is quickly approaching, I reviewed in my mind all the people to whom I give gratuities (ie material Thank Yous) at Christmastime, and throughout the year.
- our two garbagemen - $50 each before Christmas - horrible job, hard work, - our mailman - $25 at Christmastime - our carpet-cleaners - $5-$10 to each guy when they come (I give it before the job, not after - it works well) - our doctors and dentists - we send them all a Harry&David or fancy cheesecake each holiday season - restaurants - 15%, or 20% if I mean to return - hotel room staff - leave a $20 for them on the table. It's a crappy and thankless job. - my accountant - a holiday bouquet - porters at airports and hotels - $5 - barber - $5 per haircut - family lawyer - a holiday bouquet - food delivery guys, $5 - parking garage guys - $3-5 each time - cabbies and limo drivers - 15%, unless limo tip is included in the bill - coffee shops - I always leave them a buck or 50 cents. Spread the wealth! - bartenders - around 10-20% of the total - club and golf club staff - if you don't know what to do, the club managers will make suggestions - yard helpers - once or twice a year I'll give them each a $20 - home repairmen - $10 per visit, or $20 for a big or difficult job
I believe that I am pretty much in the mainstream on this. I am missing a few on that list, can't remember them all.
1:1 The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
1:2 As it is written in the prophet Isaiah, "See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way;
1:3 the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,'"
1:4 John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
1:5 And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.
1:6 Now John was clothed with camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey.
1:7 He proclaimed, "The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals.
1:8 I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."
Democrats misbehaved for four years in trying to delegitimize Donald Trump’s 77,736-vote victory. Trump and many Republicans have been misbehaving for four weeks in trying to delegitimize Joe Biden’s 43,809-vote victory.
It is winter in California, and outside Is like the interior of a florist shop: A chilled and moisture-laden crop Of pink camellias lines the path; and what Rare roses for a banquet or a bride, So multitudinous that they seem a glut!
A line of snails crosses the golf-green lawn From the rosebushes to the ivy bed; An arsenic compound is distributed For them. The gardener will rake up the shells And leave in a corner of the patio The little mound of empty shells, like skulls.
By noon the fog is burnt off by the sun And the world's immensest sky opens a page For the exercise of a future age; Now jet planes draw straight lines, parabolas, And x's, which the wind, before they're done, Erases leisurely or pulls to fuzz.
It is winter in the valley of the vine. The vineyards crucified on stakes suggest War cemeteries, but the fruit is pressed, The redwood vats are brimming in the shed, And on the sidings stand tank cars of wine, For which bright juice a billion grapes have bled.
And skiers from the snow line driving home Descend through almond orchards, olive farms. Fig tree and palm tree - everything that warms The imagination of the wintertime. If the walls were older one would think of Rome: If the land were stonier one would think of Spain.
But this land grows the oldest living things, Trees that were young when Pharoahs ruled the world, Trees whose new leaves are only just unfurled. Beautiful they are not; they oppress the heart With gigantism and with immortal wings; And yet one feels the sumptuousness of this dirt.
It is raining in California, a straight rain Cleaning the heavy oranges on the bough, Filling the gardens till the gardens flow, Shining the olives, tiling the gleaming tile, Waxing the dark camellia leaves more green, Flooding the daylong valleys like the Nile.
For personal reasons. Bob was an old soul before he reached full adulthood. Politics cannot save any of us. We post on politics often because freedom matters. All the same, it often just feels like theater, or soap opera.
Modern Maccabees: 
A New Look Inside the Most Extravagant Apartment Building in NYC. 
Every 
COVID and NYC: 
Our Christmas Tree is a museum of sentiment. Essentially no store-bought stuff except things we found on our travels that stick on a tree, and all of my small bird ornaments. We have our kids' rattles, things they made in kindergarten, things like that. It's all personal.
Our post on tipping the other day raised the issue. As Christmas season is quickly approaching, I reviewed in my mind all the people to whom I give gratuities (ie material Thank Yous) at Christmastime, and throughout the year.
Tony Hsieh’s American Tragedy