After months of making a case for rejecting it, I could not continue to ignore the statistical evidence to get it. My initial concern for not getting the shot was because I didn’t want a repeat of my ER stay after receiving the 2019 seasonal flu shot. In March 2021, I got both shots with little negative reaction other than the typical side-effects. Disregarding the euphoria of being saved by the vaccine at that time, I knew then that it wasn’t going to be a “one and done” vaccine, so when the idea of a booster started floating around, I knew it was imminent. Whether I choose to get was another thing. Through the summer I contemplated a booster but started siding a bit with those reluctant for more shots. I believed in its effectiveness but also started worrying more about the possibility of putting flu cocktails in my arm like I was hearing about. Mixing and matching Pfizer, Moderna & J&J as well as mixing that choice with the seasonal flu shot had me running for cover. Fast forward late 2021 and the explosion of new cases caused me pause. I could see that those vaccinated were better off and those with the booster even better yet than those unvaccinated. My final epiphany came before the holidays when two couples we know well were exposed to covid. All had been vaccinated but only the male spouse had received the booster and consequentially only the wives fell ill. Both couples were slightly younger than my wife and I and in good health. This info plus the fact that people were catching covid in record numbers had caused me to reassess my reluctance to decline getting the booster. The reality was it would be the same product as my initial shot (Pfizer) and would not be mixed with anything else. I also recognize that we need to keep the 93-year old under our care as safe as possible. I also acknowledge the likelihood booster “#2” will be in my future. I will cross that bridge when it comes. So how was it? It kicked my ass! I slept for 17 hours and afterwards, I felt like I was reliving a twenty-something hangover. Glad it is done. Side note: I find when I’m in that mental state; groggy, joint & body aches (no nausea though) and semi-lethargic that I day dream of outdoor adventure. I kept craving western movies. My last recollection of this mental/physical state was when I suffered through kidney stones and I remember bingeing on fly fishing videos on Youtube… go figure.

Just write it down for starters.

I spent too much of the week between the Holidays, including New Year’s Day, feeling sorry for myself for a variety of reasons. Along with having a very supportive (and patient) wife, I have found journaling can be helpful to navigate this brain minefield. I can spend as much time and throw-up as many words as necessary to work through an issue. Often, after I write and rewrite something, rather than striking me as profound, I can see how mundane it really is. I am continually amazed how resilient the human brain is, but mostly grateful for still having the capacity to wrestle with mental issues without the severe depression so many face. Sometimes it is more complex, which requires more action than just writing it down, but at least it starts the process.

2022 Wishlist

• Maybe this could be considered resolutions, but I prefer to think of them as adjustment in my approach to navigating life moving forward.
  • Tolerance. I can’t change someones past, but can change how I react to their present.
  • Listen. How can I understand what you are trying to say if I never stop talking?
  • Worry less. This could be the most difficult one.
  • Fix it. Whether it is an item or a relationship, if it’s important and broken, do it.
  • Focus. It’s OK to admire shiny objects, just don’t chase all of them.
  • Health. Diet, exercise & meditate. The older I get the more important this really is.
  • Clean car. It just makes me feel better.
  • Appreciate the 70’s more. Silly I know, but at this point it really doesn’t look so bad.