Month: October 2020

Yesterday, I asked the question, “What do you do?”  As I age, the what do you do question seems to be the center point of my life.  In my youth and young adulthood, I never asked that question.  I simply did!  At each subsequent stage of life, my path was clear.

Go to bed.  Get up, shower and dress.  Eat breakfast. Go to the hospital, then to the office.  Care for my patients, then their charts.  Go home and eat dinner.  Play with the kids.  Play with Renee.  Go to bed.  Do over again.

One day it all changed.  I went from work-a-holic doctor to patient with Parkinson’s and a very bad back.  I had surgery and went to inpatient rehab.  Still, my path was clear only, instead of going to the hospital, I was a patient in the hospital.  The routine was eat, sleep and rehab.  Surely, I would recover and return to my old routine.

I did not return to the office.  Instead, I went home, disabled and, for the first time, I asked, “What do I do?”  There was outpatient rehab to occupy my days.  There were friends to visit with, dinners to go to, and travel to look forward to.  Then came Covid-19 and social distancing.  Travel became risky.  Dinners out became risky.

It soon became evident that I was permanently retired.  While I advised my patients not to retire, to keep a door opened so that if they wanted to go back to work they could, my doors slammed shut.  For the first time I asked, “What do I do?”

The answer was surprisingly clear.  I became my parents.  I feel all of their concerns and fears.  I’m mostly my mother.  I worry about money.  I worry about the children.  I can’t find a place for myself.  I worry Renee.  Worst of all, I shop at 3 supermarkets!  I eat, cook and gain weight.  I’m really good at gaining weight.  I complain about my hands, my back, my gait: my life.

I shouldn’t.  I have a good life, good children and grandchildren but, at 3 am, the only thing to do is ask questions.  Worry and complaining take the place of going to the office.  Shopping takes up some of my time but is not intellectually stimulating.  “What do I do?”

I scour the internet for work.  I consider starting a Podcast, but I don’t.  I’ve started my book 10 times and 10 times fail to impress myself.  I want to teach but am too outdated to get a position.  I want to be a patient advocate/coordinator, but my reputation and credentials are in Illinois and do not hold any weight in North Carolina.  What do I do?

I may not know what to do but I know what I don’t do.  I don’t give up!  I’ll keep searching for an answer.  In the meantime, I work on dieting, exercising, wear my mask, keep a 10-foot free zone around me and wash my hands. I surround myself with friends and family.

Most of all, I try not to stress Renee.  I do as much for myself as I can, recognizing that the day is coming when she’ll have to do it all.  She is the love of my life.  What do I do?  For sure, I tell her how much I love her morning, noon and night.

Here is your music and a joke. 

Knock, knock. Who’s there? Olive. Olive, who? Olive you, and I don’t care who knows it.

When is it okay to Love thy neighbor? When her husband is away on business! 

Posted on Face Book today.

Take my hand and come with me,

I want to teach you about ADHD.

I need you to know, I want to explain,

I have a very different brain.

Sights, sounds, and thoughts collide.

What to do first? I can’t decide.

Please understand I’m not to blame,

I just can’t process things the same.

Take my hand and walk with me,

Let me show you about ADHD.

I try to behave, I want to be good,

But I sometimes forget to do as I should.

Walk with me and wear my shoes,

You’ll see its not the way I’d choose.

I do know what I’m supposed to do,

But my brain is slow getting the message through.

Take my hand and talk with me,

I want to tell you about ADHD.

I rarely think before I talk,

I often run when I should walk.

It’s hard to get my school work done,

My thoughts are outside having fun.

I never know just where to start,

I think with my feelings and see with my heart.

Take my hand and stand by me,

I need you to know about ADHD.

It’s hard to explain but I want you to know,

I can’t help letting my feelings show.

Sometimes I’m angry, jealous, or sad,

I feel overwhelmed, frustrated, and mad.

I can’t concentrate and I lose all my stuff.

I try really hard but it’s never enough.

Take my hand and learn with me,

We need to know more about ADHD.

I worry a lot about getting things wrong,

Everything I do takes twice as long.

Everyday is exhausting for me…

Looking through the fog of ADHD.

I’m often so misunderstood,

I would change in a heartbeat if I could.

Take my hand and listen to me,

I want to share a secret about ADHD.

I want you to know there is more to me.

I’m not defined by it, you see.

I’m sensitive, kind and lots of fun.

I’m blamed for things I haven’t done.

I’m the loyalist friend you’ll ever know,

I just need a chance to let it show.

Take my hand and look at me,

Just forget about the ADHD.

I have real feelings just like you.

The love in my heart is just as true.

I may have a brain that can never rest,

But please understand I’m trying my best.

I want you to know, I need you to see,

I’m more than the label, I am still me!!!!

~Author Unknown

What do you do?  You’re my age, so you are old.  Since you’re old, you are at high risk for an adverse outcome from Covid-19.  You also have loved ones and friends who are in the high-risk group as well.  You want to see them.  You need to see them but you’re afraid to see them for a multitude of reasons.

What do you do?  Your mom lives alone in Florida.  You’re old, she’s ancient!  While she’s in good health now, life is always precarious when you’re in your nineties.  You’re afraid to fly.  Airports freak you.  Planes are tin boxes stuffed with humans breathing your air.  You’re afraid to drive as you’ll have to make it a multiday trip, stay in hotels and hope your car makes it.  You’ll need to stop for gas, food and toileting; and you’re afraid you’ll get infected and then give the bug to your mom.

What do I do?  I have two uncles living in Norfolk.  Both are in their 90’s.  They’re the last of a generation and it’s been too long since I’ve seen them.  I’m faced with the same dilemma.  While I can make the drive in one day, going on the road carries some risk.  I’ve just returned from Hilton Head.  I was impressed by how prepared the Marriott was; their staff was masked and sprayed disinfectant on everything (including me). However, while filling up my gas tank in South Carolina, an unmasked and coughing male pulled up next to me and started filling up his car.  I was masked so I left the gas hose in my tank and sat in the car.  

So, what do we do?  We go about our lives, taking appropriate precautions where necessary.  One of my favorite authors is Tom Clancy. His hero, Jack Ryan, finds himself in danger frequently.  To stay alive, Jack is always on high alert, scanning his surroundings constantly and ready to respond.  We need to take a lesson from Jack.  Wear your mask, maintain social distances and be prepared to react.  If you’re in the grocery store and you want something on aisle 6, wait till aisle 6 is vacant, then retrieve the product you want.  If you’re on vacation and the pool is crowded, don’t go in.    

What else can we do?  Certainly, washing your hands frequently is a good idea.  If you’re religious, say a prayer for you and your loved ones.  If you’re anxious, recognize that anxiety is your body’s burglar alarm.  Pay attention to your surroundings and be prepared.  If you are exposed to the virus, isolate yourself for 14 days.

Things are really screwed up and it’s up to us to unscrew them.  Be careful that social distancing does not become social isolation and you will be well on your way to normalizing your life.

Here’s your music and a joke.

 A couple of women were playing golf one sunny Saturday morning. The first of the twosome teed off and watched in horror as her ball headed directly toward a foursome of men playing the next hole. Indeed, the ball hit one of the men, and he immediately clasped his hands together at his crotch, fell to the ground and proceeded to roll around in evident agony.
The woman rushed down to the man and immediately began to apologize. She said, “Please allow me to help. I’m a physical therapist and I know I could relieve your pain if you’d allow.”
“Ummph, oooh, nnooo, I’ll be all right…I’ll be fine in a few minutes,” he replied breathlessly as he remained in the fetal position still clasping his hands together at his crotch.
But she persisted, and he finally allowed her to help him. She gently took his hands away and laid them to the side, she loosened his pants, and she put her hands inside. She began to massage him. She then asked him, “How does that feel?”
To which he replied, “It feels great, but my thumb still hurts like hell.”

Fauci, by Michael Specter, is well worth reading.  We’ve all seen Dr. Anthony Fauci on the 6 o’clock news and, personally, I’ve grown to admire the man and his grip on the pandemic.  I’ve looked forward to his reports, opinions and predictions. 

Fauci, the book, tells the story of Dr. Fauci from childhood to his current position.  Knowing his background and understanding the story of viral infections should be instrumental in getting you to wear your masks, wash your hands frequently and maintain social distancing. 

Covid-19 should convince you that our nation needs an emergency preparedness plan to prevent future pandemics and, when necessary, treat those who are unfortunate enough to be infected.   Your task is to convince our government that they need to establish that plan and not simply tell us to relax and not to worry.

WARNING – For those of you with anxiety disorders, expect that reading this book initially may actually increase your anxiety.  Hopefully, the knowledge you gain while reading this book will, in the end, be worth the increased anxiety it provokes.  It is truly eye opening and that’s a good thing.  Better to know the enemy is coming and prepare tha;n live in the dark.

Here’s your song and a joke.

Two grandmothers were bragging about their precious darlings. One of them says to the other, “Mine are so good at social distancing, they won’t even call me.”

For the first time in a long time, I agree with President Trump.  Relax and don’t let Covid-19 ruin your day.  After all, it’s no big deal.  Let me explain myself.  Covid-19 is no big deal if you compare it to The Holocaust.  Hitler was a much more efficient killer.  Really, Hitler killed millions while Covid-19 has only taken a few hundred thousand, just in the United States.  So why worry?  Our President doesn’t think you should.  

Our President scoffs at wearing masks.  After all, he got Covid-19, was treated and “feels better than ever!”  So, getting Covid-19 is no big deal.  If you get it, he’ll send a helicopter to fly you to Walter Reed Hospital where you’ll receive the best experimental medicine available in the world.  You won’t have to worry about getting insurance coverage or prior authorization.  The government will pick up the tab, won’t they?  So, relax, take it easy and don’t let the virus ruin your day.

Should you worry and take precautions?  No!  Either you’re going to get sick or you’re not, so why fret!  If you get sick, not only will you get a thrilling helicopter ride but you’ll feel better than ever; unless, of course, you die.  It is your God given right to die, isn’t it?  Stand up for your right to die.  Don’t let the government take away your rights.  Screw wearing a mask.

While you’re standing up for your right to die, shouldn’t you have the right to infect your family, friends and co-workers?  Apparently, the President thinks you should.  President Trump is fighting for your rights and to prove his point he’s nailed his wife (can you blame him, most men I know would like to nail her) and others in government.  Support your President.  Take off your mask and nail your wife, your neighbor’s wife and those close to you.  Treat them to a helicopter ride, a steroid high and a chance to meet the Lord.

No other President in our country’s history has been so selfless and reassuring so why are so many people attacking him?  It’s those damn Democrats and their insistence on following the science that is behind this smear campaign.  

Stand up and be counted.  Number 211,668 step up to the pearly gates and pick up your mask.  The winner of this week’s “most infected contacts” contest will get a free trip to hell.

Here’s your music and a joke.  

People are making end of the world jokes, like there’s no tomorrow.

Looks like the end of the world…

Is also made in China.

“Life sucks!”  I can’t tell you how often I hear that expression.  I hear it from both young and old.  I hear it from the rich and the poor, the employed and the unemployed.  “Life sucks!”  

How can life suck?  Life, itself, is a gift.  Life carries with it limitless potential.  Every day you are alive is a day in which you may find success, happiness, love and wealth.  Happiness is a choice!  You can choose to concentrate on the good things in your life or ignore all that you have and concentrate on what you don’t have.

There are multiple articles on this blog aimed at helping you find health and happiness.  “Blessings List” is still my favorite.  Do you have a Blessings List?  You should.  You should accept every day as a gift from God and be thankful for what you have even if the only thing you have is life itself.  If all you have is your life, you are rich with potential!

What sucks is going to the wake of a young adult.  What sucks is mourning for the recently departed.  Life doesn’t suck but some days do.  On those days, call your best friends or family and get together with them.  Your day will get better!

I need an attitude adjustment.  I bet you do as well.  In the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic crisis, it is very easy to look at the negatives and spiral into depression!  My readers know that I’ve always believed that, if you can make something good come out of something bad, the bad can’t be but so bad.

Well, making something good come out of the effects of Covid-19 turns out to be fairly difficult.  At least it was difficult until Renee and I arrived in Hilton Head and were greeted by our friends, Abe and Linda.  When we are with them, we can be content to sit around and do absolutely nothing!  Obviously, when things are shitty, part of the solution is surrounding yourself with family and old friends.  

Having a lifetime of memories to rehash brings smiles and laughter to the surface most of the time.  SEQUENCE, RUMMY Q and SORRY are our traditional games and helps occupy many evenings with friendly competition and banter.  

As always, food plays a major part in our time together.  First, we play the “What do you want for dinner?” game. Traditionally, Abe and I go down to the grills while the women prep the rest of the dinner.  While I never drink at home, when on vacation, a dirty martini or vodka and tonic is the usual libation.  I majored in drinking while at UVa.  Now, two drinks and I’m wasted.  I can’t believe how old I’ve gotten.

Unfortunately, it’s a little cloudy and cool, limiting our beach and hot tub time.  Fortunately for me, Abe has a new M series BMW convertible.  Talk about fun, sitting in the passenger seat with Abe behind the wheel, top down transports me back to when I was 19 and we were in Abe’s Camaro.  It’s nice to be 19 again, even if just for a few minutes.  I think I’ll sleep in the Beemer tonight!

Well, my attitude adjustment is complete.  I feel much better.  We have seven more days together, then it’s back to Charlotte.  We are already planning our next two trips for December and February.  I’ve got a lot to look forward to.  

Take my advice.  Surround yourselves with friends and family who have similar quarantine rules to your own.  Make something good come out of the pandemic and stay healthy.  

Here’s your music and a joke. 

A little girl and a little boy were at day care one day. The girl approaches the boy and says, “Hey, Tommy, wanna play house?” He says, “Sure! What do you want me to do?” The girl replies, “I want you to communicate your thoughts.” “Communicate my thoughts?” said a bewildered Tommy. “I have no idea what that means.” The little girl smirks and says, “Perfect. You can be the husband.”

While I’m still in the midst of a writer’s block, I’m pissed!  Well, maybe pissed is not the right description of what I’m feeling.  I’m also amazed, confused, a little scared and, at the same time, see some humor in this world!  Yes, I’m rapidly cycling all of these emotions and more because of Covid-19.

What started me down this road is my vacation to Hilton Head with my dearest friends and Renee.  Abe and I have traveled together for years.  Whenever we get together, the child in me comes out to play.  I get younger, laugh more and really enjoy life, at least for a while.

Unfortunately, this trip is different.  The President’s admission to Walter Reed Hospital should have awakened the country to the need for wearing a mask!  The President’s infection should scare the crap out of everyone.  It hasn’t.

Yesterday, Abe and I (both wearing N 95 masks) were getting on an elevator in our hotel.  Abe had a case of vodka on his shoulder.  At the far side of the elevator was a maskless man, his 3-year-old son (masked) and his wife (masked, as well). The young father told us that we needed to get off the elevator as the rule was one family at a time.  We got off.  While we could have maintained adherence to the six-foot rule, there was no reason to argue. 

In Hilton Head, South Carolina, not wearing a mask is illegal.  People still won’t wear masks.  This young father, while keeping the six-foot rule when it fit into what he was doing, obviously was not going to obey the law when it comes to wearing masks.

Given that President Trump has run his own experiment proving that even the President needs a mask and, given that in SC wearing a mask is mandated by law, and that if Mr. No Mask were to get infected his young child would be at risk, then could not wearing a mask be construed as child neglect? 

Sound harsh?  It is!  It’s time to get harsh and serious.  The law states you have to stop at a “stop” sign.  Running a stop sign puts you and your community at risk of harm.  Can you imagine if some drivers decided that stopping at “stop” signs was inconvenient and started running “stop” signs?  Well, as long as running a stop sign is an offense that the police will ticket you for, the vast majority of people will stop.  Until the laws governing mask are real laws and not just mandates, and until the police ticket people for not wearing a mask, there will be more Mr. No Masks.  The majority of people will get away with not wearing a mask.  Those, like our President, who get sick, will regret it!  They will infect their friends and family.  You may even see them on the news as the reporter tells you a heart wrenching story of the life and death of a young father and his child from Covid-19.

So, wear your mask, keep at least 6 feet apart, wash your hands and get your flu shot. By the way, Americans like to make up their own rules, justifying their actions based on internet garbage.  Simply put, stop it.  Follow the rules as if they were “stop” signs and maybe you’ll avoid big trouble.

Here’s your music and a joke. 

A man just back from a long trip through the tropics starts feeling very unwell. He goes to see his doctor but passes out in the office and is rushed to hospital for tests.

The man wakes up alone in a private room, feeling awful, wondering what is happening to him. Soon, a phone by his bed rings:

“This is your doctor. We have the results of your tests. You have an extremely nasty syndrome called BASE. It’s a coinfection of Bird Flu, Anthrax, SARS and Ebola.”

“Oh my god! …What’s going to happen, Doctor?”

“First we’re going to put you on a diet of pizza, Fruit Leather and wafers.”

“And that’ll help me???”

“Not really, but… it’s the only food we can fit under the door.”

“

Renee and I are binging on a Netflick series about the devil.  Lucifer, the devil, takes a vacation on earth and teams up with a homicide detective to solve various crimes and punish the bad guys.

Lucifer’s relationship with the homicide detective and later with a psychiatrist start to soften and humanize the devil.  Despite the fact that no one believes him, Lucifer, who never tells a lie, tells everyone he is the devil and often talks of his father (God) in derogatory terms.  Lucifer blames all of the world’s misery on his father.  He’s not happy with his mother either.

The show, while hysterical, is also what my friend refers to as a chick flick.  Lucifer and Detective Decker fall in love and much of the show revolves around the on-again off again relationship.  Realistically, the show is a psychodrama as the writers dissect the relationships between:

Detective Decker and Lucifer

Lucifer and his father (God)

Lucifer and his mother (Goddess)

Lucifer and his brothers (Angels)

Lucifer and his demon friend

Lucifer and his psychiatrist

God and the devil’s mother who he sent to Hell

In the last episode I watched, God visits earth and ends up in a psych ward.  Lately, with all the insanity going on in the world, I’ve postulated that God must be on vacation.  After watching Lucifer, I now wonder if God is on vacation and in a psych ward somewhere.

While the show is believable, it has one flaw.  Lucifer owns a night club.  To be more realistic, the writers should have made Lucifer an insurance executive or politician.  Of course, that would create a lot of issues with the main character as the devil takes great pride in the fact that he never lies, and we all know that politicians and insurance executives have perfected the art of lying. 

While this is not one of my better articles, I really think you ought to watch this show if for no other reason that it has a cast full of very talented and beautiful actors and actresses who will entertain you and make you think!  Wouldn’t it be nice if the Devil could be tamed?

Here’s your music and a joke.

One fine day, a priest, a rabbi, and a high priestess decide to all go fishing. They manage to get to the water, and off they go. One hour later, the high priestess says, “I think I forgot the food!” She steps off the boat, walks across the water, gets the picnic basket, and walks back! As they are eating, the priest thinks, “What a display. Jeez, where does she get off walkin’ on the water?” Right then, the rabbi says, “Oye! I forgot the drinks.” He steps right off the boat and walks across the water to get the drinks. By this time, the priest is very frustrated! He excuses himself, and as the priest steps out of the boat, he falls in the water. The high priestess turns to the rabbi and says, “You think we should have told him about the rocks?”