Shaking my fist at the sky

I know I'm not the only one to feel the rising tension in people, especially with the masks, the virus, and widespread turmoil as a result (lockdown, covid deaths, BLM protests, economic stress).

I'm not dealing with it very well. I'm quick to anger when someone cuts me off or tailgates or anything that is shows a basic civility, insofar as I'm the judge and jury. I get "it" when it happens in the city, lots of people struggling, pressure cooker but it is more infuriating when it's "out in nature".

I know it's those "city folks" that are going out there and leaving trash, parking inconsiderately, driving fast & creating clouds of dust, passing in narrow areas much too quickly, glaring back instead of returning a nod of acknowledgement.

Is it the same people that won't wear a fucking mask? or pitch a fit when kicked out (Kevin/Karen)? It's so bizarre how commonplace it is for people to drive like their in a Formula One car except it's a Subaru or F250 pickup. 10, 15 miles over the speed limit. Just begging for a head-on collision with a lazy motorist or unfortunately motorcycle rider. FFS. I need a sign on the rear "this lifted Jeep is made for off-road hugging the corners like a race car. Back .. the fuck .. off!" Isn't the point of going out to the forest to chill and enjoy the scenery. For the shells and clear cut, it's just a dirt road you go to bring trash to your favorite watering hole, shoot guns, and make fire rings. Getting from start to destination as quickly as possible.

See??, it makes me mental thinking about it my drive home 2 hrs ago. Definitely some deep anger issues that has been turned up to "11" because of this new wave of douchebaggery and authoritarianism. The sad part is that on these recent ventures I'm tense half the time. It renders me unable to enjoy my surroundings or at least takes significant effort to calm back down.

How do you get people to care about others? Less selfish? this virus would be bearable and over much more quickly if we could all get on the same page. It's so frustrating when the solution is simple and clear but you know none of it's ever going to happen because of where we are with politics and divisions. We are all doomed to the same sentence because of a small but infectious few.

But back to my original rant about being out in nature....

I knew last weekend when decided to bail on my campsite because some asshats brought a Uhaul full of stuff and were blasting music like they were at the Gorge. So much for a post-hike tranquil chill in the forest.

I thought, I need to go much further away than a short trip from a major metropolitan area. I hope my trip to Chelan next week isn't a bust with Seattle-ites. The boat is only suggesting masks. If I cancel 48 hrs before, I'll never know if it would have been an issue. If I wait until I get to the boat and bail cuz it seems like a passengers is being a selfish dick, then I forfeit a cool day trip and the cost of the boat ride. Ugh.

Time to research some places to go before and after Chelan. Too bad Americans are banned from entering Canada.

Small compliment, big effect

In a time of social distancing, limited time with friends, family, and people you haven't met yet, positive interactions carry extra special meaning.

The Fred Meyer parking lot was beginning to fill up on a Tuesday morning. The pharmacy drive-through was open and I picked up my prescriptions quickly. I drove carefully towards the parking lot exit.

While waiting for another car to ease into a tight spot, a woman walking towards the store said "I like your Jeep, baby."

I managed to mumble "Thanks, I appreciate it". The woman continued to the store and looked at her in my side mirror. I noticed my throat getting tight and I felt a tinge of emotion. A few minutes down the road, I shed a tear.

I was kind of in my own head and wasn't prepared. In the last few weeks my conversations have been limited to store clerks, delivery drivers, a few friends, social media, and, of course, my mom.

I know she was commenting on a car and not me personally but it doesn't matter. I still felt good to hear. I often think my small comments don't mean anything and usually hold my tongue. This is a reminder that I can positively impact someone with a word or phrase.

I know I might be reading more into an otherwise innocuous comment that is warranted. (Or maybe not.)

Kindness makes a difference, even if we don't see its benefits right away.

A couple of years ago while stopped at a convenience store I was approached by someone asking for help with bus fare. I fumbled in my pocket and produced some coins and a $1 bill. I offered what I had. The person was so appreciative which led to a quick embrace. I still remember that brief hug with a stranger.

I came out of a coffee shop in SE Portland and saw that someone had stalled in the road. Without thinking a couple passersby and I ran to this motorist's aid. He steered while we went to push from the back and we pushed the van to safety. The driver thanked us and we mentally high-fived and dispersed.

Premeditated kindness is good but instinctual kindness is best.

It shows you would to the right thing even when no one was looking.