Support your local charities

I have decided to start venturing out and visit customers I haven’t seen since mid-March. Things seem to be calming down and feel less threatning even though infections are still rising. Social Distancing and masks add to an eerie sense of make believe well-being. I thought I would start by “sticking my head in the door” and gauge the reception. If a business acts or looks concerned I will move on, but I truly don’t expect this to happen. Since hearing the Governor outline his plans for a May 1st reopening, it makes me feel a little more comfortable moving forward. The sales part of me wants to check on opportunity for new business the other wants to see who might not survive. I fear for so many businesses rooted in hospitality and the necessary restrictions they face to reopen and appreciate that is not my livelihood. I know our world will be hugely different, to what degree is anyones guess.

I watched a new video presented by the University of Utah Executive Education department regarding non-profits navigating the COVID-19 world. I figured, from a business perspective at least, who better suited to fight through having little or no money. I mean they are always on the brink so this is nothing new to them and I could gain some insight adapting to this new normal. What I didn’t realize or understand were how many of them feed children. Even before the pandemic there was a need to provide for these children daily, but now with schools closed and many parents out of work that need is more acute than ever. I love the arts & culture aspect of many charities and see the importance of providing a space for these artists to work and perform benefits all of us on some level and I appreciate that. The fact we have so many children depending on their support completely escaped me. You see what you want to see I suppose.

Is there a point that you feel your age? By feel, I should also include “act” your age. Starting out in business I always tried to appear more mature hoping to project a more experienced demeanor and alleviate any fear my customers may have with a “new” salesman. Now days I find myself moving about without realizing I act like I always have, a kid. Bouncing about or rocking back and forth from my heels to the balls of my feet to accentuate a point I am making. It feels and seems perfectly normal to me, that is until I see many men my age and how they navigate-slow and steady. Why do they dress the way they do? Beige or plaid something in a polyester blend with heavy soled white athletic shoes and possibly a trucker hat. I’m not suggesting dressing like Steven Tyler, but try not to look so obviously old.

Statistically 14% of those nearing retirement plan on delaying that decision because of COVID-19; at least that’s what the news said and I have no reason to doubt it. I have a little less than a year before it becomes an option for me and honestly I don’t know what I’ll do. My greatest fear is where will the money come from when it is my turn? My eyes water when I see how much money is in the various stimulus packages and hope our printing machines don’t break. I’m sure at some point Social Security will be radically devalued or at least the allowances to earn additional income will change dramatically; or maybe both. As long as Boomer’s vote and Millennial’s remain apathetic my retirement is safe, because ours will still be the dominant voice. This is so sad; we need change and to accomplish that American’s need to vote, every damn one of us. I will work as long as I can; partly because I love to work and increasingly because I fear I’ll have to.

This week’s restaurant was Yellowfin. It is a Japanese / sushi menu that was highly recommended by my youngest son. It must have sounded good to our condo neighbors because my wife ended up ordering 15 meals which excited the restaurant. The food was good and the portions more than generous. The only issue is a reoccurring one; no restaurant seems to have the ability to document and package an order so it is simple to distribute. The biggest pain is getting home and looking forward to your dinner and then having to spend 30 minutes sorting it out. C’mon people, we are trying to support you so help us out ok?