Over the past few months, I’ve gotten into the routine of listening to podcasts while I’m working. I’m always on the look out for new, interesting podcasts to listen to, so I’ve found myself searching for topics and just randomly listening to some in the hopes that they will catch my interest. One of the ones I’ve recently come across has been quite entertaining. It is called Haunted AF.
Hosts Julie Fisk and Rebekah Black present real ghost stories as shared with them by their listeners. For anyone who likes a good spooky story, this is a fun podcast to check out.
While listening to the stories this morning, it had the effect of jogging my memory about a few experiences that I’ve had over the years. One in particular came to mind that I thought I would share.
It’s finally happened. After four months of physical distancing, mask wearing, hand washing, staying home and staying safe, I finally reached my breaking point.
A few days after our wedding in October 2011, my wife and I made an offer on a house. A day or two later, we had purchased the home and left for our honeymoon the following day. Two weeks later, give or take, we moved in. It was a whirlwind entry in the world of home ownership, and one that we have been very thankful for during the past eight-and-a-half years.
First time home owner!
Now, we exit the world of home ownership in the same whirlwind manner.
Over the course of the past nine weeks since we’ve begun physical distancing, Isabelle and I have continued working from home. Despite the fact that we’ve maintained a “normal” working routine, we have still found ample opportunity to relax, put up our feet and watch some movies and TV series.
Here then, is our current watchlist. Maybe it’ll give you an idea for something to watch.
I wanted to take a moment to add my name to the litany of folks who are thanking you for your efforts and positivity throughout this pandemic known as COVID-19.
Though I am known to be an emotional man, it takes something special to reduce me to a blubbering 41-year old mess once a week; and that’s precisely what you do. With every single episode of Some Good News, you have not only brought tears to my eyes, but you have brought out the full-blown waterworks. (I should specify that they are tears of joy and happiness, not of anguish and despair!)
Despite all of the panic, fear and hardship that is going on globally, you take your time and energy to highlight stories of pure love, joy and positivity. You are a true Light Worker, spreading Light and love across a global platform. And do not think that this is not without worth. I, like so many others, feed off of this love and goodness in humankind. It is sometimes difficult to have faith in humanity when you see what is going on in the world, but your weekly broadcast renews that faith in me deeply. To see so many people giving of themselves, of their time, their services, their money, their love… it fills my heart to overflowing.
So thank you, John, for your part in spreading Some Good News around the globe and being part of the Light Brigade. I truly cannot express how important what you are doing is to so many people. I look forward to seeing you grace my screen again in the near future.
Yours most sincerely,
Chris
PS. You may not have heard this song yet, but it’s by a Canadian hip-hop artist from here in the Maritimes. His name is Classified and he released a new song recently called “Good News“. That’s the link to the YouTube lyric video. I think you’d enjoy it.
For any of my readers, if you have not heard of John Krasinski’s YouTube series, Some Good News, I urge you to click on the link and check out the videos. You will be hard-pressed to find more joy-filled moments than he has brought together. Spread the love.
As coincidence would have it, if I believed in coincidences that is, I have the day off. I did not intentionally take a vacation day to celebrate Star Wars Day, but the synchronicity is not lost on me. Now I get to enjoy the day however I want (while maintaining social distancing and with most things still closed). But at least I’m not working!
If you follow my social media accounts, or have been reading my blog, then you know that I like to keep things on the positive side. I try to remain upbeat and to spread Light into the universe. That is my reason for being.
Today, I wanted to be wholly transparent on how this pandemic has been affecting me, because life isn’t always sunshine and rainbows.
While we’re in the midst of this global pandemic, I think it is very important for us to continue to support small, local establishments. At the top of that list, for me, is small independent restaurants.
I’m not going to lie and say that large corporate chains aren’t going to be hurt by this ongoing crisis, but they have a much better chance of getting through an extended period than will some of the smaller local spots. And I know I can state unequivocally that most of the small spots have better food and service than the big chains. So with that in mind, here are a few of my favourite local restaurants (that are still open and offering delivery/take out service).
For those who know me, or who have been following any of my social media posts, you know that I’m generally one to favour positivity. Even in these troubled times, I choose to put my attention and energy on optimism, positivity, gratitude and humour.
While some people may look at me and see a naive, fool-hearty fellow who thinks that meditating, thinking happy thoughts and writing gratitude lists will cure the world, know that I am not a blathering idiot. I do realize the severity and challenge that our entire planet is facing with COVID-19. The difference is that I choose not to feed the fear and panic; I choose to feed love and positivity.
The day has finally arrived! The day that introverts all around the world have been training for all their lives. Thanks to the spread of COVID-19, the world is going on lockdown. Many countries, such as my home and native land of Canada, have recommended (if not outright mandated) self isolation. And now we’re going to see how well people can adjust.
Now don’t get me wrong – I am not minimizing the seriousness of the Coronavirus. Rather, I am coping with it by means of my natural state. Humour.
