One came in this week. I actually am still processing, & can't quite believe it.

I did my thesis defense 2 weeks ago (& celebrated here).
Its been the most labor intensive year for no pay, ever. Yet I was glad i had the option of school.

Have never been laid off, and like many, I did not think that conditions in my lifetime--would predicate going months and months past the usual "save for three to six months" guideline. I know I'm fortunate I had any savings. It's been a long, sleepless, white-knuckle ride. So many times I said "i want off this ride". But have a new perspective i think. Going to try to take nothing for granted.

Add to that, hugs. Who among us ever thought hugs would be taken away? They are for all things. Frustration. Sadness. Loss. Forgiveness. Celebration. Salutations. If you've got someone to hug, do it!

I adopted a grown cat from a farm this week. Skinny, hungry guy, but a lover. (Maybe a good cat hug was the lucky charm I needed.) His name might end up being something related to luck.

The first non English song to debut @ #1 on Billboard, by BTS.
We progress in ways every day, so if the news gets you down, it's a nice story, and a feel good song.

"Life Goes On” marks the first song performed primarily in Korean to top the Hot 100 in the chart’s 62-year history, and the first non-English song in any language to debut atop the chart. The song’s accompanying album, BE, also bows atop the Billboard 200 this week, making BTS just the second artist in history behind Taylor Swift to simultaneously debut atop the Hot 100 and Billboard 200. (Swift did it earlier this year)..... Forbes article link beow video.
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The Forbes article:
[link:https://www.forbes.com/sites/bryanrolli/2020/11/30/bts-top-the-billboard-hot-100-with-life-goes-on-once-again-proving-theyre-in-a-league-of-their-own/|

For Alicia Keys short english translated clip see below She gets me in the feels just speaking.
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Finally, for anyone interested, BTS #1 from last month, a 70s inspired song played for NPR Tiny Desk Concert. 70s inspired clothing too. You can see their comraderie, and earnest nature come through. Well deserved.

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First snow in Ohio.
Every year I lose a glove. Dug around my box of gloves to clean car off, and was reminded by the lonely single gloves from years past, (optimistically believe will find their mates) that I need a string, with a mask attached too.
Last year I lost a scarf.
Between hats, scarves, gloves and masks, no way I'm coming out ok, unless i attach them together like a 5 year old.