A 92-year-old gets a Zoom birthday.

I’m not generally prone to wild mood swings but this week was difficult. I have been able to insulate myself away from much of the virus chaos by continually reminding myself how fortunate we are. Our income has been effected no doubt but we still have enough coming in to stay even I keep reminding myself. Talking to customers snaps me back to reality and I realize how dire things are and not likely to improve anytime soon. It is like an obscene game of dominos; you see one tile fall, then another and another until they all lay flat in complete disarray, each one representing a closed company. Another way I look at the economy and how everything is connected is like the story “Six degrees of Bacon” which shows everyone being connected to actor Kevin Bacon within six acquaintances. I argue that every job is linked within those same six degrees, so even though you don’t travel on a cruise-line or fly to Phoenix for business the ripple effect of its demise will ultimately get you. I’m 65 so it is not the first time facing an economic rodeo, but it is the first time facing it at 65 and wonder out loud if I still have the fight in me…

Even as challenging as things are I am reminded by those affected the most how they find time for themselves that isn’t completely dominated by work. At some point there is nothing more you can do, about, or with your work-life so rather than “beating a dead horse” take a break. I am not naive enough to think that someone with school loans that has lost both part-time restaurants jobs can just take off and go fishing, but maybe they should it they are able; possibly clear their head and focus on something positive even if for a brief time. Easier said than done; I have tried to follow this example for most of my adult life with minimal success. I’m sure it would help my mental well-being and possibly make me a more interesting fellow at the same time-what a concept!

I was having a conversation with my 92 years-young (her birthday is this Wednesday by the way) mom about current events after watching the news and she asked a question. “Why aren’t these people more interested in their health than their job?” she asked. I tried explaining that many have few if any options to provide food & lodging for themselves and others so they really need to work. Our talks are generally quite light on the economy; only enough to keep her informed but not enough to burden her with the possible direction our economy and country could go if things don’t turn around. She would worry about us, her grandchildren and her entire family for what purpose? There isn’t one. I continued explaining that many didn’t have an older parent they were caring for so the argument was moot for them. She then asked if she weren’t living with us would her daughter and I be less concerned and I answered “Yes.” “We would still be vigilant in taking necessary precautions to stay safe but not to the degree we are now” I said. I continued with “That’s why everyone keeps their distance from our home because they love you and don’t want to lose you.” At that point she clasped her hands in front of her and bowed her head because she now understood the difference.

I read that cities will see a large outward migration of those wanting to escape them for reasons all related to COVID-19. I’m sure many cities will be effected and to what extent will be years in the making. I admit it would take some getting use to for me to live in a city as dense as New York City after living in Salt Lake City. I have lived in Miami and Seattle though and loved it so time and economics will tell. If everything that is a city; museums, theatre, restuarants and shopping go away then there could be an exodus but I hope not.

The restaurant this past week was Thai Archer. They were one of the few that were able to keep the orders straight which was a welcome change. I like Thai and this was “OK” but not a favorite. My mom didn’t like it and couldn’t understand why it was chosen. I explained it was one of the residents favorites and is the reason for its selection. That wasn’t a good enough reason and continued to complain. I smiled and said we were supporting local restaurants which also allowed us to try cuisine from places other than our usual haunts. We continued back and forth until she finally said she really wanted to be more diplomatic like me, to which I said “Great, and you don’t have to eat there ever again.” pe