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.
ClimaChristmas: 
A short 
Gifts that don't work this year, at least in most of the USA:
The story of his red-diaper upbringing, his involvement with radical action, and his ultimate change of mental frame. 
A New Look Inside the Most Extravagant Apartment Building in NYC. 
Every