Sunday, March 22, 2020

She always made strength appear feminine

My all-time idol, Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis, may be a fashion icon, but to me, she's a symbol of steel and independence.  She faced adversity and scrutiny and kept going. She lived her life on her own terms and maintained her personal integrity. Others are drawn to her story for the glamor, I look to it for inspiration.

She was certainly feminine but she was never delicate. In his 2012 memoir, Mrs. Kennedy and Me, her Secret Service agent Clint Hill remembers a First Lady who was a jock. She rode horses, cycled, swam, and played tennis ... and he had a hard time keeping up with her.

She was like that throughout her life. These pix of young Jackie Bouvier -- often in action, regularly with muddy and scraped knees -- make me smile.


You go, Girl!


Wisdom from our favorite son


This is the walkway between the now shuttered Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum and Library. Take strength from Mr. Lincoln!


Sunday Stealing

 PANDORA'S CORONA VIRUS QUESTIONS

1. Has the COVID-19 affected your work environment? We no longer have a work environment. All of our offices are closed and we're all "working from home." Only I haven't heard of any real work that's been done ... yet. Just meetings. Maybe, as we along with our clients and contractors get more accustomed to wfh, we'll become more productive.

2. How are you feeling about the Coronavirus? Scared

3. Has anybody you know been tested/have you?  No

4. Do you have any friends stuck in any exotic locations? No

5. Have you changed any of your personal habits due to the pandemic? I sleep a lot more. Whenever I feel like a nap, I take one. I mean, why not?

6. What is the craziest thing you've seen or heard about the outbreak? This national toilet paper obsession.

7. Do you think our politicians are doing enough to curb the crisis? Nationally, no. Donald Trump first commented -- dismissively -- about the virus when he was in Davos in January. If only we could get those months back!

On the other hand, I've been impressed and comforted by our Gov. Pritzker during this crisis. He talks to us like adults, explaining his decisions and why/how they've been made.

8. Have you stockpiled anything because of the crisis? Not really. I have a full freezer and my cabinets are stocked, so I'm good. No need to buy more.
 
9. What do you think you will miss the most if you are subject to a lock in? I am subject to lock in. Once you get your mind around it, it's fine. I can go outside and take a walk (as I did on Saturday, to the post office). I picked up an order from my favorite coffee shop. As long as I stay healthy, I'll be fine.

10. What is the weirdest rumor you've heard about the virus? That it's a deep state Obama plot to bring down Trump. No, really. My 20-something downstairs neighbor believes that. He has family in Italy who told him so or some such nonsense. Oh, well. At least he didn't tell me Bill and Hillary are behind the corona virus deaths.
 
11. Do you have a favorite meme about the virus? I posted these two earlier in the week.



12. Has the virus made you grateful for anything? That I have a job that allows me to work from home! Restaurant workers don't have this luxury. Truck drivers, maintenance workers and grocery store staff are now our front line. And hospital workers! I am fortunate.

13. Have any of your plans been upset by the outbreak? No.

14. Are you planning do to anything different because of the COVID-19 outbreak? It feels like I'm doing everything different!

15. What do you hope to see in six months time? Baseball!

16. Has the Coronavirus upset your mental health in any way? I suppose. I'm nervous and sad and scared. But isn't everyone?