Volunteer Explorer

It started out as such a fun night. Stacy and I parked behind Tear-EZ around 7:00 and had one drink in the bar. Then we walked up Main Street to the Civic Theater. It’s probably not even half a mile, but any distance feels like an accomplishment with Stacy. Her stamina for physical activity is seriously low after a year and a half of chemo, steroids, radiation and wasting away on the couch. Some days, though, she seems quite energetic. This was one of those days. The walk was pleasant though slow, and we arrived just in time to miss the crowds but still get good seats. We were seeing Susan Westenhoefer, a lesbian comedienne that Stacy had seen before. They had the audience seated on the stage, making the already interesting venue seem intimate and cozy. Though we arrived mere minutes before the general-admission show started, an usher took us right up to a pair of seats in the center of the second row. So many times, it seems, when I’m with Stacy we get rock-star treatment: gr...

I’ve had a lot of time away from the office these past couple of weeks. The holidays falling on Mondays made for long weekends, and I capitalized on that as much as possible. I find that my attitude at work is, shall we say, less eager of late. My new editor and I are getting along very well. We discuss strategies for future stories, and she asks my opinion on treatments and angles. We’ve read and edited each other’s work by now, as well, so we understand each other’s skill level much better. As great as that is, I am acutely aware of the precarious nature of print publication in terms of economic viability. I realize that I cannot depend on that job for long-term security. So I don’t. The freelance work is really ramping up. If the flow continues as it has, I could make the transition to full-time freelancing — which would support at least considering letting the office job go. That will be a difficult decision, but I need to leave some mental space for it. After all, l...

2017 has been a year of new: new apartment, new relationships, new attitude. It was also a year of firsts: first dates, first bus trips, first experiences alone, first attempts at independence. 2018 promises to be just as exciting and terrifying in its own way. After jumping feet first into the deep end of the unknown, I have surfaced and learned to swim. I practice honesty and self-care, I don’t deny myself pleasure, and I’m beginning to believe that I really do deserve ice cream, sex and happiness. This year feels like another clean slate. Turning the page on the calendar brings an opportunity to start fresh and embrace change. I don’t make new year’s resolutions, but I believe in the power of accountability. The future tense always implies a promise: I will. It’s a pledge to fulfill the promise of one’s words. This year, I will be my best self, living my best life. I will be honest with myself and others; I will be kind to myself and others; I will see the beauty and jo...