Six Smaller Thought Exercises

This month, I’ve tried to start several different writings, but I haven’t been able to form a fully thought out piece. I thought rather than trying to put together one big poem that I would offer up the six smaller thought exercises that I did do instead. Please take care of yourselves because there is so much going on that’s trying to break our spirits. We still have each other though, and that’s more than enough.

-David

—

I hope I never get a serious illness because this cold has me acting like such a baby.
I thought about going to the doctor, but I didn’t know how much the bill for urgent care would be in a couple months.
I guess I’ll just stay miserable and self medicate with chicken noodle soup, ibuprofen, and nasal spray.
I’ve been bed rotting on the couch all weekend and sleeping 12 hours each night.
I feel lucky to have a relatively safe place to lay my head down every night.
Today was the first day I didn't take a decongestant.
I can finally breathe.

—

I love when people describe their workplaces as if everything in their workplace is unique to them.
“We love to speak in acronyms here.”
“We’re a different type of company.”
Speaking the language.
In-group and out-group.
But you’re still generating wealth for the shareholders and owners.
Unionize your workplace.
Also, don't make busy your entire personality.

—

I’ve been in virtual lines the last two days trying to get Hilary Duff pre-sale tickets.
She’s performing the day before my 40th birthday.
She’s asking $500-800 for a single pre-sale ticket.
I think that’s obscene!
Dare I say even a recession indicator.
This is not what dreams are made of.
General admission tickets go on sale tomorrow.
Fingers crossed there’s something within my budget.

—

I finally had to order a new modem and router for my internet.
The ones I’ve used for 15 years will no longer receive updates.
I imagine I’ll notice an increase in speed.
At least that’s my hope.
But the new device was expensive.
Everything is so expensive, and it’s become so incredibly quickly.
I have to remind myself that they're just numbers.

—

Lately I’ve been feeling like an occupier.
I don't like this feeling.
My ancestors who came to what we now call the United States likely were conquerors.
Gross.
Tonight I heard Luis Valdez say “liberation lives in each one of us.”
I agree.
We only need to hold power over ourselves.
I only need to hold power over myself.

—

Phoebe is going to the vet in a couple weeks for her annual wellness visit.
She’s 13.5 years old.
I think she’s still in pretty good shape.
She’s lost about eight pounds (on purpose) in the last two years.
She had lost six pounds last year at our visit, and we were still shamed.
I guess it wasn't enough even though we exceeded the initial goal of four pounds.
I explicitly requested a different doctor.
No one fat shames my daughter.
We both deserve some praise.