Albert Brooks was on the Sam Harris podcast recently to discuss his book “Strength to Strength”. He spoke about two different types of intelligence / strengths. He said that one type peaks for most people in their 30s-40s after which which there is an inevitable decline. I’m familiar with this phenomenon in terms of physical…
Author: Steve Ainslie
Lung Cancer
Sometime during the Covid pandemic, I learned that Kathy Griffin had lung cancer. Last week, I heard her on a podcast where she touched on her surgery and recovery briefly, before discussing politics and comedy. She said had half her lung removed – which I assume was a lobectomy like my wife had. She said…
Who Am I Kidding
Ive had quite a few moments of clarity this summer as I thought about my plans for the rest of my life. Some of these will impact my immediate future, some are midrange and others longterm. With this clarity I’ve been able to clear my head of “what ifs?”, fairy tales and fantasies about my…
Uncool Uncle
My sister and I are not close. We exchange text messages a few times a year and rarely speak on the phone. We haven’t seen each other in person for over 10 years. We like it that way. She has a son, my only nephew. I met him once when he was in diapers. A…
Unquestionable
As I mentioned before, I dated a few women before I met my wife. I met these women at school, work, dances and when hanging out with groups of friends. We always got to know each other before I’d ask a girl out. If she accepted, I never questioned whether or not she liked me…
Loner’s Club
I really am a loner. My wife’s death, followed a year later by the Covid pandemic exacerbated this. But even when I was married, I was a loner. I spent a lot of time with my wife but I also spent a lot of time apart from her. We had our own hobbies, interests and…
Mr. Unpopular
Unpopularity brings with it a sense of power, autonomy and security that people rarely discuss. Because I purposely live a small, quiet life, I get all of these benefits. Nobody wants to steal my car – and this only gets better as my car gets older and dinged up a bit. No thieves would be…
Snark Attack
I used to call myself a connoisseur of sarcasm. I thought my acerbic comments, quick wit and sharp tongue were something to take pride in. What an idiot I was. I’m grateful I learned to be less sarcastic. My wife, my mentors and life’s painful lessons helped me change. Now I am not attracted to…
Online Whining
I read and participate in a couple of online forums. Usually, I’ll do this when I am focusing on a particular project or area of my life where I need to learn. In time, when I’m immersed in the subject, this becomes entertainment. Eventually, I’ll reach a point of competancy (or boredom with the subject)…
My Little Old Lady
Snickers is now 14 years old and she’s really showing her age. According to the American Kennel Club, that equates to mid to late 70s in human years. It’s been extremely hot and humid this summer. Our temps and humidity levels are both in the 90s most days. My little puppy, who used to chase…