When I got out of bed on Tuesday the room was spinning. At first, I hoped it was simply vertigo from jumping up too quickly or sleepiness from being woken by my dog half a dozen times during the night. But it wasn’t. This happened to me last year and took me out for a…
Author: Steve Ainslie
Unhoused Persons
Does calling someone an unhoused person instead of homeless make a difference to that person? Given this latest naming sophistry that has been popularized by people online, the media, advocacy groups and government you might think calling people “unhoused” changes the reality for homeless people. It wouldn’t change a thing for me. When I lived…
2022 The Year Of Excuses
Exactly one year ago, in Happy Freaking New Year, I wrote, “2021 can go f*** itself. Here’s to a better 2022.” What a year 2022 has been. It was better than 2021, for me. As I reflect back on it, I had a pretty fantastic year with a few challenges that have all been resolved….
Conversation Enervation
Despite a lifetime spent honing my skills as a reclusive introvert, people like talking to me. I, on the other hand, appreciate silence punctuated by occasional deep meaningful conversations with people I know well. Over the Christmas Holiday, I’ve been worn out from talking. A neighbor asked me to drop in for a visit. I…
Drip Drip
I heard a strange sound of running water yesterday. When I went to investigate, I discovered that my toilet was running. The flapper looked like it was in the right position, but clearly the tank was not filling. So I jiggled the handle, the tank refilled and all was well. Or so I thought, until…
Cheap Thrills
I sent some of my comics to my friend yesterday. His response was more positive than I expected. He said, “You’re right. You‘re not funny. But I like your comics. They are weird.” Then he said my drawings reminded him of Picasso, which made me chuckle. Then when he clarified, “I didn’t mean your artwork…
Talk Therapy
After pondering about the reasons behind his recent break-up and speculating on his ex’s psychological issues, my friend proclaimed, “I think everyone needs to be in continuous therapy working on their issues.” I’ve heard similar sentiments echoed on podcasts, in the news, on online dating profiles and in random conversations with others. I disagree. Vehemently….
This Is Friendship
“I need help” was what I said when my friend answered his phone on Christmas Eve. Without skipping a beat, he replied, “OK. What can I do?“ I had spent the night tossing and turning in my sleep. We were at the start of a three day record cold snap that was blasting across the…
Not For Sale
When I first began painting a few years ago, my neighbor stopped by and said, “You should sell your paintings!” She explained how her friend worked to get her paintings into a local gallery and was able to make a few hundred bucks from each sale. I responded that there was no way I was…
Breaking Up With Netflix…Again
After dinner at night, I like to shut my brain off. Sometimes I’ll read. But usually I’ll watch a TV show or video because I can do this paying half attention while making dinner, cleaning up, brushing my teeth and preparing for bed. Amazon Video is my go to streaming service since it’s included with…