What is there to say at this point? We’re in for a long haul. I was just reading an article about restaurants and the worry is that most of the business that close their doors temporarily due to COVID will not survive this in 2021 and will need to close permanently. That seems so sad to me — the idea that the neighborhood spots will disappear despite our best efforts to support them with takeout and gift cards and outdoor dining visits and 25%+ tips. The trickle down effect is that communities will be different for a long time.

I’m looking to my neighborhood and wondering what the point is really of being in this specific spot for the next couple of years if our new routine is home in the morning, home for work, and home for dinner, and out for a quick walk in the neighborhood in the evenings. My work allows me to work from home, but for how long? Other companies are diving head first into the “permanent work from home, just apply here” and I’m curious if how my company will compete with them without the kitchens and cafés and gyms and other in-person perks that used to be worthwhile.

All of these thoughts this month are played against this soundtrack. Especially the Talking Heads cover that kicks it off, which has to be one of my favorite songs of the moment — aside from the sentimental Bob Marley closer. Everything else in between is little more upbeat than I actually feel, and it’s intentional. Going into October, my littlest baby brother will turn 30 and it will likely be another lackluster celebration over FaceTime versus the party and get together he really deserves.

Boo.

Onward.

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Listen to this month’s About An Hour playlist here.
Access all the previous months in my Spotify profile.