It is less than a month before the presidential election and I’ve never felt so unsure about the United States. I’m eagerly checking the mail box for my ballot, as I’m ready to cast my vote. I’ve always taken my responsibility to vote seriously, but it has never felt like such a desperate and somber decision. I voted for Clinton four years ago, but to be perfectly honest, I never imagined that Trump would turn out to be such a destructive president. Other people knew and those people were out protesting in 2016. It took me a little longer to realize the severity of the situation.

Trump is not a leader. He does not care about the United States or its citizens. He only cares about winning. Last Friday, ( or earlier, who knows as the medical updates are confusing) he tested positive for Covid. I sincerely hoped that he might have a change of attitude similar to Boris Johnson. Not Trump. He reacted in the worst and most predictable way possible. He went for a photo op ride around the hospital, so that he could wave at supporters, while the endangering secret service officers that were with him in close proximity. He whipped off his mask when he returned to the White House and he reiterated his thoughts on how Covid isn’t a big deal. His behavior makes me sick.

Several people in the White House tested positive. Pence is pushing back against safety precautions for the vice-presidential debate. I think Pence is scared to debate Harris and it is his way of diverting attention. I think Trump is also causing a diversion, because he knows that he doesn’t have a clear path to victory. It doesn’t matter the reason, his actions are endangering lives and further hurting our economy.

I don’t doubt that no matter which president had been in power during Covid, that we would have lost lives and jobs. It still would have been a difficult 2020. However, if we had a true leader, I believe the losses would have been significantly less. I’m worried about these coming months.

In the last few days, I’ve heard of former coworkers/friends who have lost jobs in the theme park industry. The cuts are massive. It’s heartbreaking, because I know that this was more than simply a paycheck to them. I’ve heard of one acquaintance who has died due to Covid. This person was my age and healthy. Even though we are doing well, this weights on me. I feel tremors of stress.

The wildfires that are devastating the west coast are impacting our air quality. I know we are lucky compared to many, but when my eyes sting and my chest hurts from the smoke, I’m reminded that this year has been impossible to escape. Here is a picture of our neighborhood from a few days ago.

Our neighborhood is becoming filled with political signs. Many supporting Trump, but even more supporting Biden. On the happy side, we have more houses decorated for Halloween, than we do stating political preferences. Some of the Halloween decorates are fantastic. My favorite is a family that has a whole pirate ship with skeletons climbing on ropes and on the roof.

Other happy news… we went to Top Golf with our friend’s Julie and Ryan. It was my first time and I did okay. We had our own “bay” with plexiglass separating us from other guests, so it seemed a bit safe. We wore masks when walking through the building. I had a lot of fun and I’m eager to go back. My aunt would be so proud that I’m giving her favorite hobby a try. Next step is a real game of golf.

We also went to an outdoor gathering at a neighbors house. It was Oktoberfest themed and also a lot of fun. We met some great “new-to-us” neighbors that we really liked. Generally, it was just wonderful to socialize and laugh. Afterwards, I did feel that there was probably a bit too many people there for Covid safety, but we sat on the outskirts of the party and mostly kept our distance. We stayed outdoors, even when the temperatures dropped. It wasn’t without risk, but I think the risk was minimized.

We’ve booked the kids holiday with us for Christmas. Please send good vibes that this doesn’t get canceled and that it is safe enough to happen. We miss Zoe and Felix so much and it would be devastating to have yet another trip canceled. We haven’t seen them since the summer of 2019.

One last happy thing…we are 1/2 way though the final season of “Schitt’s Creek.” I’m going to miss the Rose family!

And finally, cute cat pictures!