Pandemic
Human Error Water
For a change of pace, just to break up the consequences from natural disasters, Austinites underwent a water boil restriction because someone did something wrong. If I hadn’t been under a pandemic quarantine for nearly two years, then I would have immediately entered Peace Corps mode and boiled water as soon as my roommate had … Continue reading
Parking Lot Lake
If one natural disaster doesn’t get me, there’s always another around the corner. On Monday, the sustained heavy rains created miracle lakes everywhere. Miracles because after all this time, money and enthusiastic construction, it is truly a miracle that no one can build things in a way that doesn’t collect water in all the wrong … Continue reading
Stage 5 Navigation
Even after two vaccinations and a booster, I still won’t eat indoors at restaurants. Thanks to global warming, this mild winter means that I can occasionally meet a friend or two at a restaurant for outdoor dining. Of course, there are heating lamps for when it actually feels like winter. Nonetheless, the African dance troupe … Continue reading
2021 Thanksgiving
For the first time in my life, I only had one day off for Thanksgiving. Not really too much of a problem since my present job is super chill and there’s no such thing as a destination vacation for me during a pandemic. Even if I had the time, I don’t have the money. My … Continue reading
How Corona Measures Up
The physical appearance of this on-going pandemic has manifested all over my body: 147 lbs, 35″ bust, 35″ waist, 41.5″ hips, and 23.25″ thigh. Never in life have I ever summarized myself in such numeric terms besides age, but I recently joined a “life improvement” challenge. Granted, the point is both physical and mental improvement. … Continue reading
What Would It Take
The saddest biographies I’ve read lately are the deathbed confessions from formerly staunch anti-vaxxers. They had a cornucopia of reasons for not wearing masks nor getting vaccinated. As illness ravaged away their political opposition to fighting a virus, they expressed regret and urged loved ones to get vaccinated. At least those who lingered long enough … Continue reading
The Happiest Hour
Double vaxxed and ready to chillax…with a couple of friends who also believe in science, drinking and lively conversation. Double vaxxed and ready to chillax…with a couple of friends who also believe in science, drinking and lively conversation. Although we were all board members of a nonprofit organization, no business (OK, not a lot of … Continue reading
Navigating through the Employment Jungle
Years ago, I declared being over updating my resume and all other such hoop jumping, which is why last week saw me doing that and so much more in search of gainful employment. With the new reality of near post-COVID-19, applying for a job means not only looking at online job listings, but maneuvering through … Continue reading
Second Time Around
I canceled the appointment for my second COVID-19 vaccination with Austin Public Health (APH). Not because of any hesitancy. I just didn’t want to lose any math tutoring money. After all, I only had 12 days of that gig. Besides, APH had scheduled the appointment for the middle of the week. I’d heard many reports … Continue reading
Not Ready for the World
I’ve changed. More positive and sexy to say, “I’ve evolved.” Either way, I’m not quite ready to leave home, get out there, press palms, laugh out loud in a crowd of other people laughing out loud and swap germs like I used to do. Just seems more reckless than necessary. Especially when I’ve been underemployed … Continue reading