Deadlines. We all have them and we all need them. Whether self imposed or imposed upon us by others. How we deal with them makes all of the difference — from feeling in control to feeling overwhelmed.I try to plan and anticipate deadlines. Sometimes successfully and sometimes less so.So, I ask, how do you handle deadlines?
It was the beautiful chirping sounds of birds that woke me the other morning. A symphonic cacophony. It is that special time of year here on Long Island when you can leave your windows open at night and enjoy the cool night air… and the birds as the sun rises.I admit that they wake me a bit earlier than I might prefer, but I really can’t blame the …
Recently, I had a massage and I learned a lesson. The massage was nice. The message was significant.As the massage started, I found myself thinking about what the therapist would do next. Expectations took over my thoughts….until I realized that I wasn’t enjoying the massage and that, perhaps, I should let go and allow the therapist to do her thing …
About once a week I receive a copy of the Vineyard Gazette in the mail. It’s the local newspaper from Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts.We’ve been visiting the Vineyard for years and, for the limited time we spend there, we consider it one of our homes away from home. We always read the Gazette when we are on the Vineyard. Many years ago I felt it w …
The other day a guided meditation asked me to consider the teachers in my life.As I focused on my breathing, I searched for the single person who stood out in my mind as being nurturing, encouraging and a guide on my journey.I searched my memory bank and one of my college professors came through clearly. But I couldn’t think of anyone from earlier …
We approached the door to leave the store as a young man and woman were entering.He held the door for his friend as she entered and then motioned for us to come through the door as he held it open. As I said thank you for his courtesy, I noticed the “Wrestling” on his T Shirt and asked him where he wrestled.He wrestled for the local high school and …
There’s an expression in Yiddish to the effect that “ Man plans and God laughs”. In these times, I think the expression could be “Man plans and Covid laughs”.And so it was as our extended family planned for the return to the traditional in person Seder that had been so evasive over the last two years. All vaxxed and ready to test.And there was a di …
The other day, we were out doing some gardening. It was 7 p.m. and the sun was still shining with glorious light before sunset.I was thinking how nice it was to have that time in daylight, after coming home from the office to be outside.And I thought about the current discussions about making “Daylight Savings” permanent.How nice, I thought. Then I …
We’ve done some traveling recently. Traveling by plane twice.We’ve made it a practice to take a Covid test two days after our return.We also test before family events and visiting our unvaccinated grandchildren.We test even if we’re feeling fine. We test for others. To protect them. Just to be sure. Testing......the new normal.
Last weekend we were having dinner at one of our favorite restaurants in the City. It was good to be back.At the table next to us were a man and woman. But there was something wrong. They didn’t speak to each other and made no eye contact. The woman couldn’t avoid looking in my direction and I caught a few weird glances from her. But the man only c …
The first days of Spring.....If I had decided when the new year should begin, I would have chosen the first days of Spring. As nature emerges from the sleep of winter, there is so much to look forward to. (Of course, those in the Southern Hemisphere might see things differently.)I’ve thought about threeNew Year possibilities for the start of the ne …
Two weeks ago, this blog was about not looking over at a women on line next to me playing Wordle. A glance and unfair advantage? Cheating?The other evening I was waiting patiently for the curtain to go up at a show we were seeing. As I waited, I was playing Wordle.As I completed a line, a voice next to me cried out “No”.Someone was looking over my …
We were in Aruba last week where mask mandates have been relaxed — leaving decisions to each establishment and individuals. I noticed two signs on entrances: “Masks Requested” and “Masks Required”. “Requested” and “Required” - Two similar words differentiated by a few letters but with such different meaning - literally and philosop …
I am waiting on line for a bagel and coffee. It’s a wait. The woman next to me is engaged with her cellphone.In the corner of my eye I see the familiar grid and colors of the ubiquitous game Wordle.I haven’t played today’s game yet.An existential dilemma. To glance or not to glance?It took a conscious effort to glance ahead and only ahead.
As I take a break from packing for our upcoming return to the Happy Island of Aruba, I thought it appropriate to repost my blog from March 5, 2020 -- 722 days ago. Last Sunday, we took a flight back to New York from the happy island of Aruba (that’s the subject of another blog). I had given some thought to the usual concerns associated …
