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…
I Hear Her Calling My Name
Through the magic of the Internet I was introduced to another new band – Puracane. This band falls into the Trip Hop/Electronic genre. I love the haunting vocals of the lead singer, the off beat drum patterns and the variety in their music. While working out the other day, I was listening to a long…
Not Fitting In
From 3rd grade on, I never felt like I really fit in. My parents had divorced. We left the hometown where I grew up and we moved to Pittsburgh. Other than my mother’s best friend and her kids, I didn’t know anyone in Pittsburgh. And I never really fit in with this woman nor her…