What's Woody Doing Now

First Rotary Club Meeting

My First IN-PERSON Rotary Club meeting of this year was on Wednesday, April 13 at noon! Our lunch menu was Tater Tots and Hamburger Sliders. They tasted and smelled great. Thanks be to God! 

Don't Lose Your Taste and Smell Because of COVID-19!

Biting My Tongue

At least once a day, I'm Biting My Tongue! Why? People in service positions are not wearing their face mask properly.

Establishments like Trader Joe's and Whole Foods Market have waiting lines of shoppers outside.  Those establishments with a smaller sqarefootage are really limited by the number of persons who can enter at one time.  Even on a rainy day, there was a line.  However, it is worth the wait.  And the checkout was really fast with an abundance of cashier open to promote social distancing. 

Prior to the pandemic, I would have never waited outside to go into a store.  Welcome to the new normal

#newnormal  

Funerals, Memorials, Celebrations of Life, Homecomings

The COVID-19 Pandemic served up a double dose of sympathy on some mourning friends and families. Many persons have died due to the pandemic. And many more died naturally or from accidents. Regardless, those mourning love ones had suffer new normals again to say their final goodbyes.

#newnormal​

When Will Starbucks Return to a New Normal

When I was not in traveling to or from Congo or working there, you could probably fine me in a Starbucks Coffee Shop somewhere.  I would typical spend at least 2-3 hours a day and 5-7 times a week.  Are you at "your office", my daughter would fondly ask.  It was my daily habit of coffee, tea, and snacks with a healthy dose of interesting people to see.

Yesterday, I returned to one of my favorite Starbucks for the first time in over a year.  In my case, the coffee, tea, or snacks were secondary for going everyday to Starbucks.  I went to sat at a table and enjoy my coffee, tea, or snacks while reading a book, listening to a podcast, or watching a video.  Going through a drive-thru is like going to a glorified vending machine.  So I have never went through a Starbucks' drive-thru.   

Before going into the store, I was a little anxious and sad.  I knew it was not going to be the same.  My friendly barristas may not be there anymore.  The table and chairs was blocked out and not useable.  

However, I chose to visit on a sunny warm day which I thought would attract people to stay awhile and sit outside.  I was thinking that would be the new normal. 

The New Norrmal Can Be Better Than The Old Normal

Do you believe the new normal can be better than the old normal? Yes, I do believe! For example, working from home can save you money. And, it save your company money, too.

#NewNormal #Savings #OldNormal #WorkingfromHome

Back to Normal

Yesterday, before a short livestream session, I talked about that the lives of my individuals and families would never return to normal after this pandemic.

There are many empty places at the family table or at family events. And there many individuals who are alive but they are still feeling the effects of the pandemic.

Then I remember how we have all the missed events like school graduations, dances, and proms. And there are missed times with school classmates.  

And then there are the missed goodbyes to love one on their sick beds.

Are You Fully Vaccinated?

The most often question that I have heard over the week was, Are You Fully Vaccinated?

Have you heard that questioned?

A Wonderful Day for Easter Community Service Project

Easter Saturday afternoon was a wonderful day to pickup trash and litter along 82nd Street between Hague Road and Clearvista Parkway. I joined about 10 others from Faith Presbyterian Church for wonderful hour and a half.  

I was amazed that most of the litter was cigarette butts. I think there was thousands of them.  

Also, I was amazed that we found to empty beer bottles.

Finally, I was amazed to find no money, coins or paper.  

Vaccination Passport

On Monday, in one week, I will go and get my Yellow Fever Vaccination. It is required for entry into the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It's even required for boarding the plane in the United States or any other country in the world, if your final destination is the Congo.  

I believe one day, if you plan to travel to another country, you may be required to show proof of a COVID vaccination. One day even the US may require a COVID vaccination for entry.

That's a new normal, that some may not like. OH WELL!