Musing on integrity, ethics, and cultural values in a confusing world.
Breaking the Rules
Occasionally breaking the rules is one thing. A pattern of disregard, something else.
When Beliefs Are Broken
When belief systems are broken, then what?
Weepy
Good things are happening. Some I’ve written about, and others, I haven’t. I’m trying to process them, to manage them, to make adjustments. Some days I think I’m doing okay. Other days, not so much. Most of the time I have the sensation of treading water, sliding beneath the surface, gasping for air, then forcing […]
Playing by the Rules
I find myself sitting in traffic. It’s a dangerous intersection of off-ramps and commercial roadways, with a confusing tangle of turns and lights. But it’s past rush hour and before lunch. Not too bad, I think. I’ll make it through in five or six minutes. Most of the drivers are waiting patiently. Inching forward as […]
Looking forward
I am looking forward to having food in my fridge and a filled pantry. It’s been nine days since I last shopped; I’m down to one Lean Cuisine, one frozen pork chop, four microwaveable soups, and two yogurts long past their expiration dates. I am not looking forward to visiting the supermarket this morning. It […]
Can We Ever “Set the Record Straight?”
Those who provide the comforting advice that “one day, your kids will know what you gave up for them” are well-intentioned, and even kind. What parent doesn’t want to believe that appreciation will come for all our efforts, at some point in the future? But I question the premise, the concept of eventual “justice” when […]
Bad Mood? Let’s Bitch!!
There is always another side. Another story. On the other end of the phone line or behind the deli counter. The sullen neighbor, taking out his garbage can. Or the truth behind the man or woman who disappears from your life without explanation. There are overworked employees at the big company who screw up. Maybe […]
I did what I was told
Whatever it was, I did what I was told, the quintessential good girl following the rules: I studied, I smiled, I won awards, I did not rebel, I lived with secrets. I followed the rules and did not cheat though I saw others do so and prosper; I followed the rules and did not lie […]
The Fairness Doctrine
Life isn’t fair On a rainy afternoon three years ago, my elder son and I were in a car accident. He was driving. My son was unhurt as was the other driver, but I sustained minor injuries and the car was totaled. I was without regular employment at the time, and therefore without disability insurance […]