​Weathering the Storm with the WP#46

Well, the week of Christmas has arrived and with this weekend’s snowfall here in New England, it has a feeling of a winter wonderland and for those who will celebrate this coming Saturday, I am quite sure they are most pleased. When I have worked at the store, there is a feeling, and the chaos of the season is in full swing. And, while I do not personally celebrate the holiday, I have most definitely, fallen into the spirit of what it means and the importance relative to current situation here in America and around the world. 
I have spoken about the possibilities, the connections and everything in between about my personal and professional life when I started writing these blogs at the beginning of this year and I have a true appreciation that you are reading what I have to say. I don’t hold things back and say what is on my mind. I have always done this and having this forum is a nice way to put my thoughts and feelings out there. Sometimes I have said some, perhaps, controversial things, sometimes, it is just about the passion about what I do professionally and expressing my desire to see the world, after nearly two years get back to normal, or as many have said, learn to live with the virus. I have been vaccinated and I have been boosted and even though at the store they have now said it is my choice to wear a mask, I still do for the most part, for me and my safety and for those around me. I am used to it, and it does not bother me and frankly, my livelihood depends on it. 

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This newest variant is again causing chaos in the world and lockdowns, quarantines, and other measures are back in play for the season. I am quite sure the world hoped that by now, we would be out of it and this Christmas season would look like Christmas’ past (or should I have said BC, before Covid), but in several places and counting, it is a repeat of last year. We should have been out of it by now or perhaps much closer, but due to the continual political makeup of the pandemic and the unwillingness of some to just do it, sorry Nike, we are, while not back at square one, not moving forward as fast as we should, but stalling and Omicron is not helping. People are realistically scared, but we have the tools, unlike this time last year. This will continue evolving and who knows where we will be this time next year. I hope not in the same situation as now or last year, this time. 
The Spanish Flu from a century ago lasted, according to historians 2 years, maybe even longer, and there may have been 4 waves, but eventually it died down and we moved on, without the technology and science of today. I hope that we can get past all the rhetoric, politics, and other barriers to getting past this pandemic. I am exhausted from this like everyone else, and while I do not follow blindly all the latest trends, I did what I felt was right and will continue to do so. This pandemic almost destroyed my passion, the planning and execution of travel for my valued clients around the world. I don’t want that to end as the passion is there and stronger than ever. Especially when I was able to cross the pond several times this year and being vaccinated and boosted and testing constantly allowed me to do this. Would I like it over and we don’t have to deal with it anymore? Sure, but it will be with us, and we will live with it or die. I know my choice. 
Oh, and by the way, I received an early Christmas gift!!! She is coming to America in February, unless politics and the virus get in the way. I keep my fingers crossed that she arrives here safely. To all who celebrate, have a very safe and Merry Christmas and holiday season!!! And from those famous words of Hill Street Blues, for those of you who had ever watched that show, be careful out there!!!
As always, I am interested in your thoughts, comments, questions and adding to the discourse is always appreciated be in on the site itself or on Facebook, Twitter or wherever you read this. Thank you for your support of this small business and it is truly appreciated!!!