The Blame Game, Show me YOUR PAPERS, Your Life is in Your Hands, not the Governments

“There is an expiry date on blaming your parents for steering you in the wrong direction; the moment you are old enough to take the wheel, the responsibility lies with you.”
— J.K. Rowling

Good morning, happy Tuesday. I had a good night’s sleep; I’m up with the pup, some coffee, and my trusty laptop.  The sunrise is beautiful; the smoke has started to dissipate, we can again see Denver from our home. But, there is a chill in the air; fall arrives here a little earlier than most places. 

We worked from home yesterday; I would work an hour, head to the deck to mediate, then back to work.  I’ve got a full day today; we will work here most of the day, get a nice hike in, and then hit Red Rocks with some friends to see Nathanial Ratliff and the Night Sweats.

We got notified yesterday that you had to have a negative test or your vax card to get into the venue. So here is a question, what happened to HIPPA?  That old-school idea that our health was our private business, you could get fined if you let out information about another person’s health status.  It sounds like to fly domestically; you will have to have a vac card or a negative test.  Add another layer of screening to an already overwhelmed TSA process. 

So my shot, Pfizer, got anointed safe yesterday by the FDA.  It’s like eating Fruit Loops, and there is a warning label on the box; these Fruit Loops have NOT been approved, but you eat them anyway.  Why?  There is social pressure to take one for the team.  Then, a few months later, you get a note that states, “we can now confirm, those fruit loops will not kill you.”  

Did you know that as of now, we do not have a head person at the FDA?  The new administration can’t find one single person to lead that effort.   Strange, you would think that might be one of the first positions to be filled? Speaking of the current administration, they stated without pause that there are no Americans stranded in Afghanistan. That’s very comforting. Do you believe it to be true?  

I have zero foreign policy experience, so I should keep my thoughts to myself, but I think a few errors were made in the pull-out of the 21-year war. But, of course, history will prove or disprove my thoughts. We live in some extraordinary times, the world is changing, and I’m not sure for the better.

I spoke with my father the other day; he had some health concerns. So he went to his V.A. doc, and they had a chat about some tests they ran.  The doc told my father he was in good shape, adjusted some medications, and my Dad seems in good spirits; at 82, he only walks 5 miles a day, keeps his mind sharp by doing crosswords, etc. So I think at 82, you should be able to live your life as you see fit. Also, Dad just picked up his pipe after a 20-year hiatus; good for him.

I spoke to my son and granddaughter last night; she’s getting big, a dead ringer for my son, talkative, a joyful young lady.  He’s doing some work at his house, moving walls, giving him and his wife a true master’s bathroom. I have zero skills for construction; luckily, he got some trades knowledge from my wife’s side.

My wife is up; I made her a deal last night. I would do the dishes when I got up; that’s usually her job, but I’m trying to give her as many gifts as I can these days.  Our maid starts today; we will have her weekly support our efforts to keep our house spotless.  I think I’ve shared before I vacuum every day; each has our little daily tasks.   As of today, I’ve swept over 450 pounds of dog hair, maybe not, but damn, our dog sheds a lot!

I want to remind you that you create your life, thoughts, joy, happiness, and anger.  It is up to you to craft your world in a way that brings curiosity, empathy, and wonderment.  It is not up to your spouse, kids, parents, or the government to give you things you think you need.  Through work, our lives get meaning, and when not working, we have an opportunity to impact others positively or negatively. So instead of complaining about things, find the gift and opportunity in everything. 

I am fortunate to be a part of a group back in Indy called Synergize. But, unfortunately, last Friday, we lost one of our members, a 31 year old young man who died of a peanut allergy. I had never met the man, but by all accounts, he was an amazing man.  When I asked my friend Sam about the gift and opportunity, she shared that many of the group members shared stories on Friday night; she said it was good to heal with good friends.  Even in death, there is grace, love, and appreciation for life.

I’ll leave it here; I’ve got some work to do in my kitchen, then I’ll be sweeping, and by 8:00, I’ll have my meditation done and ready to work diligently with my team and take care of our clients. So it’s what we do; what do you do to give your life value and purpose?  I lay my head on my pillow each night, recalling my accomplishments; I think it might be the reason I sleep so well; an active mind allows for long deep sleep.

“There is an expiry date on blaming your parents for steering you in the wrong direction; the moment you are old enough to take the wheel, the responsibility lies with you.”
— J.K. Rowling