Giving Up Before Getting Started, Getting Erased, Living in a Much Slower Time, The American Way

"This fall I think you're riding for—it's a special kind of fall, a horrible kind. The man falling isn't permitted to feel or hear himself hit bottom. He just keeps falling and falling. The whole arrangement's designed for men who, at some time or other in their lives, were looking for something their own environment couldn't supply them with. Or they thought their own environment couldn't supply them with. So they gave up looking. They gave it up before they ever really even got started."
— J.D. Salinger

Good morning. Today, this morning's soup is sponsored by Death Wish Coffee, the world's most robust coffee. I would be remiss if I didn't mention its sister brand Liquid Death Water, combine the two and change your life. We had our good friend Paul over for some chili and cards. My wife cooked, we played some Gin and caught up. He's a wonderful man who will probably have his hip replaced. We will help him navigate that time.

I had a dream last night that was a little scary. I was in a store, and two men approached me and asked me to meet them outside; outside, they handed me a bag and in the bag was my phone, wallet, iPad, earbuds. They advised they had been wiped and I would not retrieve my data. So I went to an office and began trying to find my information. All social media was deleted, all contacts were gone, I had not been canceled, I had been erased.

I am starting to wise up to my dreaming self; if something is overly complicated, it's probably a dream. Every time I would type or try to type the word restore, the "s" in the word would become a different carrier. The thieves of my data were so creative they eliminated any opportunity to return my data. I woke up and was thankful my fully loaded phone was on my nightstand. In the dream, I noticed that my earbuds had been replaced and were someone else's, they still worked, but I found that small item weird.

I have a runny nose, no sore throat, but I have something. I'm to get on a plane at two today to head to Florida. I'll wear a mask, and I'm sure I'm not the only one on the aircraft that will have a runny nose. It is cold and flu season. Are we at a time where we can learn to live again with a runny nose? Or am I selfish for wanting to head south for a few days with my wife?

Let's check in on the news; what do we have going on today? First, there is a story about the ten-year treasury yield being flat due to Omicron. Then, the Capitol Hill Riot and "attempted coup" attempt on January 6th and how it turned congress toxic. Finally, a couple of articles about Desmond TuTu and some fear porn about how the virus is causing havoc on travel.

I just checked our 2:20 Southwest flight is on-time; interestingly, some airlines are doing better than others navigating the pandemic. We learned many lessons these past 20  months; I can't remember a time that condensed so much change. Before we heard the words COVID, I was driving 30 hours a week, flying one day a week between Denver and Indy; life was hectic.

Today, I feel like we are living in a much slower time.   People give grace, you no longer need to meet face to face, but there is an added appreciation for in-person visits when you do. In addition, we learned we could hire people worldwide to help us complete our tasks. As a result, our talent pool grew to billions from a few hundred.

The pandemic had or maybe has a way of showing one's true colors. Although I witnessed a few friends lose their shit this past few months, a physical health crisis showed the importance of mental health. I have viewed many clips online of people losing their minds when people wear a mask or maybe don't, depending on which side they fall. I'm agnostic on the mask, you do you, and I'll do me. However, as an American, I don't think it wise to tell others how to live.  

It's interesting how different countries navigated these times; I thank something bigger than myself; I am not Australian. History will show the correct amount of control and direction; I think many tried to control the freedoms of others; remember when it was encouraged to have a vigorous discussion about the issues, and every voice was heard. We live in a time where your voice is subdued if you think a certain way.

Well, I need to pack and take Parker Van Halen over to our kids' house for a few days. She and her brother Griffy will play and tire themselves out, as will my wife and I in the sun. I hope these words find you in an excellent physical and mental space. If you are struggling, get help, there is nothing wrong with seeking out another human to help you navigate this particular time we are navigating.

"This fall I think you're riding for—it's a special kind of fall, a horrible kind. The man falling isn't permitted to feel or hear himself hit bottom. He just keeps falling and falling. The whole arrangement's designed for men who, at some time or other in their lives, were looking for something their own environment couldn't supply them with. Or they thought their own environment couldn't supply them with. So they gave up looking. They gave it up before they ever really even got started."
— J.D. Salinger