1. I did not know what a lock-down would look like, except in prison movies. Now I know.
2. I am older than I realize, as my body reminds me of my age especially during working outs. I ache after each workout. I am an at-risk person, so the vaccine data says. I hate vulnerability.
3. I like social media. It has kept me sane, Keeping in-touch on facebook has been good. Twitter has been my political and academic sanity. I freely speak my mind on the issues of our times and continue in academic theological discussions.
4. Who I am, and who I am always becoming are centered through my family. Marriage is good, but tough – love truly conquers all. Like cream it always rises to the top. I adore my grandchildren.
5. I miss my siblings; I miss my parents; I miss coffee with my friends; I miss meeting strangers. (I miss the yoga studio].
6. There is no more hiding who I am. I am a liberal Catholic and a Moderate Democrat. Patience is a virtue in both endeavors.
7. I am a privileged individual, and still don’t know what to do with that knowledge.
8. It is easier to hate than to love.
9. I believe there is a basic moral fight in the U.S. asking, what is our unified understanding of the relationship between humans flourishing and a robust economy. The question that rolls inside of me is age old: Will we finally address the injustices in our country as we espouse personal freedom, but systematically continue to oppress and marginalize segments of the populace?
10. I do not consider wearing outer garments in public an infringement on my liberty. “No shirt, no shoes, no service”, has long been a sign in many public merchant establishments, not a liberty issue. The addition of “masks are required” is the same sort of rule to me. It is temporary, but not an infringement, I hope.

I am originally from New Orleans; this one is Lagniappe!

“Holy Distance” to avoid someone I dislike is still unacceptable to me. But social healthy distance is good in these COVID times.