Happy New Year, I guess. I’m not going to ponder here the implications of starting wars in other countries to avoid discussing pedophilia in the US. It’s certainly, nonetheless, worth highlighting that military action is inherently dangerous. Everyone, regardless of political party, should be horrified by the suggestion that our troops would be placed in harm’s way for any reason without significant oversight. If it’s a valid action, there’s no reason to hide it from the members of Congress whose role it is to protect the children, siblings, parents who serve in our names.  

Moving on as I, literally, in that first paragraph, promised that I would.

Because the cognitively declining person in my community can’t drive anymore, I often shuttle them to the grocery store. Today, we went to Costco where they insist on having their own cart, which they sometimes lose and we don’t always find. We usually shop separately because they prefer to go their own way. I suspect it’s an independence thing, which is good, though their grocery selections are often impulsive and not particularly healthy. 

Today, I stopped them from buying two bottles of gummy vitamins because they already take a vitamin supplement ordered by their doctor. Next, I discouraged the purchase of three pounds of very expensive angus beef. My persuasion was not successful. The angus beef has entered their refrigerator, hopefully to be packed into smaller amounts and quickly frozen. (I’ll check in a couple days.) I did distract them from purchasing a lifetime supply of Oreos which was both sad, because who doesn’t love a sandwich cookies, and also necessary, because a single older individual should absolutely not bring three pounds of Oreos into their house. 

I always try to make sure I’m with them at checkout because they find that process challenging, often unable to find their membership or credit card in their admittedly overstuffed wallet. The staff is patient but the process is still overwhelming. We got through it today with minimal bumps and pushed our carts to the exit. This is where things became hilarious. 

Our carts are side-by-side because they want to be able to see me. They worry if I’m behind them. I worry if I’m ahead of them because sometimes they get distracted and stop. I’ve lost them before simply by turning my back for a moment. One time, they bought a second lunch at the Costco cafe, having forgotten that we ate before shopping. They were mid-pizza-slice when I found them. Too late, of course. Another time, they completely left the building and sat in the parking lot–on one of the diamond-shaped barriers. I was in SUCH A PANIC, looking for them. In hindsight, it’s a memory I can laugh about but at the time I was sick to my stomach wondering if they’d wandered away or gotten into someone else’s car (a thing they’ve tried to do). 

Anyway, as I was saying, our carts are side-by-side as we walk through the sliding doors, unfortunately blocking a couple trying to enter. I apologize and make a joke. The man says, “You’re funny. You should be on stage at the Comedy Club. It’s right over there.” That makes me snort laugh. He and his wife laugh too and we all continue on our way. The person I’m with says, “Oh, that was so nice. What a compliment.” I look at them and consider whether to explain that the comment was NOT a compliment. It was what the kids in the 20 teens would call a “sick burn.” And it was really well done. 

I received copies of the European periodical that published my article. If you want one, hit me up. They’re €8.50/$10. I wish I could give them out for free but I had to pay to ship them from Europe, which, with tariffs, cost me $200. I’m trying to make a living here, lol. 

It seems I owe my pancreas an apology. Tests suggest that it is working as expected which, while good news, does lead to more questions. In addition, although I was supposed to transition to twice yearly scans from quarterly, my oncologist has concerns regarding all the weird new blips and blobs in my organs that showed up in the December scans. That, combined with the whole “can’t digest food” thing, has resulted in continuing with quarterly scans. Whatever. I woke up this morning still alive and that’s pretty awesome.

So, again, I say: Happy New Year. Protect your peace; there are more rough days ahead. 

Much love.