Wash away #2

A week of rain; the last two days have been particularly harsh and miserable.  Normally, it would probably affect a person's mood, but I've felt focused and driven - albeit physically tired, due to erratic sleep - and that's a good feeling.  Awake and working by 7 a.m. (at the least!); my health seems to be on a positive tract and the one thing I've been acutely aware of is to NOT allow myself to be sucked into the vortex of lunacy that's swept through almost everyone in this last week before the Presidential elections.  This madness/childishness/sheer idiocy is worse than the actual medical pandemic.  

My take is simple:  I'm going to my polling place on Tuesday morning to vote, as I've done every year since 1984, when I was 18 and finally able to.  That's it.  I take my responsibility as a voter seriously; however, I am not a sloganeer or jingoist; I no longer share my political views with anyone because they may not be the same as someone else's and I prefer to show respect for an opposing view - and I say that even if someone I don't agree with tries to push their agenda on me.  I allow people to say their piece, as they have a right to.  I may not share that view, but it's their right and I accept it.  The whole point being that if it's a constructive dialogue, I'm happy to listen.  I know there is a LOT of concern on what may happen afterward (I hope it's just projection and not hinting) by either side and that is troubling, but let's get to the post-election, first, before calling the charge for riots, etc.

In this time of working from home, I've found that it's been one of the best experiences of my professional life - I go to the office, once or twice a week for the basics - there's such a good balance now.  I get my work done from home without interruption and it can be done correctly and expeditiously because there are no distractions; I don't have to commute daily, which has a number of benefits there and overall, I feel like this has helped bring my stress levels to a low, which I am aware of and thankful for.  And even in this time when things have gone horribly awry, there are some minor "victories" - the normalcy of going to my regular barber (for the first time since February) and getting a great haircut and beard trim; having my preferred lunch place near the office open for business again, etc.

On the down side, I am terribly saddened that two of my long-time haunts are gone/going away.  I've gone to Astor Place Hair since 1980, on and off, and they're closing after 75 years.  And my all-time favorite restaurant, Otto, has closed without fanfare.  I will always treasure the many wonderful nights; amazing food, great drinks and perfect company - the best atmosphere I can think of in a long, long time and it's another melancholic addition to my memories - but memories that will make me smile, if I revisit them.