Here’s my story.
In September of 2020, six months into the pandemic, my newly-launched writing co-op was still closed to clients, and my head hurt trying to comprehend the flood of mixed messaging about COVID-19.
And so, I signed up for a month-long contact tracing class at a local community college. The 30-hour course, offered through a program approved for funding by the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA), cost me $279. I figured I’d gain some insight into the science of the outbreak, not to mention some much-needed connection, albeit electronic, to other human beings. …
A song of sorrow and strength during COVID-19.
Once again it’s 4am,
and I want to write a song.
For now, I’ll put these letters here,
‘bout days that feel so long.
Today, I think, like every day,
I want it all to end.
Not talkin’ ‘bout my life, of course,
but pain I cannot mend.
The loneliness is here for now, locking down my heart.
Deep and overwhelming, ever since the start that was
so sudden, solemn.
And took my breath away. …
Here’s how I did it.
I’ve been writing on Medium for more than two years now. In all this time, I’ve felt like the kid sister, perched at the top of the basement stairs, spying on all the older kids, trying to look chill while hoping to get noticed. And then, all that changed when I reviewed my earnings last week and realized — “Holy cow, I’ve already made 5 times what I earned last year — and it’s only November!”
We all start somewhere
A funny thing happens when you stick with something. Rather than just tell you about about my path, I’ll show you my actual numbers…
“That it didn’t work does not mean it didn’t happen.” — Ezra Klein
When I heard the news that Joe Biden had won the 2020 election, President Trump was golfing in Virginia.
Later, after watching Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris speak to the nation, I listened to a podcast episode about Joe Biden on The Ezra Klein Show. And it was only then that I realized what we’ve really just gone through — and what we just survived as a nation: a failed coup attempt.
Klein said, “So that is it. That is it. Donald Trump has lost the presidency. Joe Biden is the president-elect. I don’t know what to say about…
Last night I went out for pizza at UNION, a fantastic restaurant in my town of Evanston, Illinois. It’s known for bringing the community together.
There was an outdoor concert in full swing nearby, so finding a seat in the beer garden was pretty hard to do.
A woman apparently noticed me scanning the seat-yourself tables, then generously invited my date and me to join hers.
“We have room for you over there,” she said, pointing toward her husband.
How very much like an Evanstonian, I thought.
We joined them, though it turned out to be one of the most…
Trauma has a way of staying (& keeping us) stuck in our minds & bodies. An indepth look at how these life changing tools can help move us forward.
Two months ago, while driving on the highway, I spied an SUV five cars ahead, weaving erratically through the moderately heavy traffic. Immediately, I sensed the vehicle would crash. Ten minutes later, right in front of us, it did.
And it was in these minutes of hypervigilance — driving 75 miles-per-hour while anticipating (then finally witnessing) catastrophe — that I drew upon skills and tools I’ve learned — Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). …
Cool. Here’s your simple, step-by-step marathon walking training guide. Let’s get going!
We both know you want to do this, but you’re just not sure how to begin. Don’t worry. I’ve got you. And the best news is, you’re about to scroll through everything you need to know in the next 4 minutes.
I’m about to start training for my 4th Chicago Marathon. It’s scheduled for October 10th. I’m walking the marathon, not running. Below, I’ve included my complete training plan — including weekly mileage goals, a pacing chart, and more. …
Following a double murder in broad daylight, traumatized neighbors plead for protection, empathy and equal opportunities, urging their community to move forward together.
The two men were shot dead one week ago, on Friday, March 12th, 2021. Jose Francisco Sanchez Guerrero, 21, and Demarcus Anthony Cokley, 20, died by what police have ruled a double homicide in front of their family member’s home. An 18-year-old male, also at the scene, suffered non-life-threatening gunshot injuries.
It happened in the 1800 block of Hovland Court in Evanston, Illinois, on a leafy street where students from the nearby high school often park their cars. The time was 11:46 a.m., and the sun on that that 54-degree day was shining.
According to the Chicago Sun-Times, after an…
Take it from someone who knows.
If you’re struggling right now, I’m sorry, and I’d like to help. I’ve struggled, too, and know how dark life can sometimes feel.
My father was an alcoholic.
In the 1970s, my parents divorced.
In high school, I was sexually assaulted.
In 1993, I survived a fatal Amtrak crash.
In 1995 I lost my job.
In 2010, my father died.
In 2017, I divorced.
In 2018, my sister died. That same year, my car was stolen.
In 2019, I spent 10 days, including Christmas, in the hospital.
And in 2020, during a pandemic, I underwent major surgery.
Trust me, there’s…
In 250 words or less, share your story here. Where were you? How did you feel? What do you hope happens next? We’ll add some of your responses to this living article.
At this critical time in history, we’re collecting reactions to the Biden/Harris victory, and we’ll post some of them in this living article.
In 250 words or less, share your story in the comments section below, or enter it in this Google Doc. If you need help starting, please consider these prompts:
- Where were you?
- How did you feel?
- What do you hope happens next?
- What role did you play (if any) in the election?
- How old are you?
- What party are you affiliated with?
- What have these last 4 years meant for you?
- What kind of hope do you…
