FIVE THINGS KEEPING ME SANE October 25, 2024
With the presidential election 11 days out, if you’re not going a little crazy, you’re not trying. Me? I rely on five ways to stay (somewhat) balanced.
• My morning routine. After breakfast with the San Francisco Chronicle sports section, I walk a mile or more. Returning home, I enjoy coffee watching CNN and reading the rest of the Chron. The news and commentary can drive you nuts, but the Chron’s comics make me laugh. Then I read the New York Times. I’m addicted to Wordle.
• Writing. I’m working on the first draft of a new novel, “Ride the Tyger: The Lost, Unauthorized Oral Biography of Madison Hadder.” I spent seven months researching and outlining in detail. Then there’s this weekly post. My readers span the globe. Most popular post ever: “Street Games of the ’50s.” Second place: “’The Mandalorian and the Jews.”
• Reading and TV. Re books, my good friend Dan recommended “Fire Weather” by John Vaillant. It details some of the earth’s biggest recent wildfires and the petroleum industry’s role in climate change. Previously, I re-read “Hollaran’s World War,” a 1985 novel by old friend Tim Mahoney. As to TV, Carolyn and I completed “Slow Horses” starring Gary Oldman and based on the British-intelligence novels by Mick Herron. Humorous thrillers set in London and environs. We’re now into “Bad Monkey” (starring Vince Vaughn), based on the Florida writer Carl Hiaasen’s hilarious novel. Next: “Only Murders in the Building” with Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez.
• Judaism. I read part of the weekly Torah portion each morning. I also lead a small Saturday-morning Torah study session on Zoom. For this, I prepare a four-page study sheet on the week’s portion with selected text and commentary. Friday nights, I welcome Shabbat at Congregation Sherith Israel. When I return home, Carolyn and I light candles followed by the blessings for wine (Kiddush) and challah (Motzi). We eat dinner with—yes—the news, followed by an episode or two of whatever TV show we’re streaming.
• Snugging with Carolyn. How lucky I am to be married to a wonderful woman (the same one) for 55 years. Most mornings, if one of us doesn’t have to get up early, we snuggle under the covers. Basic human contact is so important. Thankfully, it can be enjoyed in many ways: Sharing coffee/tea or a meal with friends. Calling or Facetiming someone. Texting or emailing. Being involved in a group activity live or online. Having or knowing a dog (we have two grand-dogs) or cat or any animal.
My crystal ball now eternally out of business, I have no clue who will win the presidential election. The polls are shockingly close—another way to say nerve-wracking. Granted, they’re also not terribly reliable. I’ll watch the returns on Election Day night, understanding that the winner may not be declared for days. Or longer. I’ll take cheer in pizza (pesto) and a brew (Kona Longboard).
America may be in for a tough ride. Finding ways for we-the-people to keep our balance is imperative. This doesn’t mean burying our heads in the sand. Rather, I follow British government advice during World War Two: “Keep calm and carry on.”
Easy? No. Necessary for me, you and the good of the country? Absolutely!
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I wish I had your equanimity, my friend,
Thanks, Jean. I hope I’m not delusional.
Ellen and I are pretty serious politics junkies. How serious? When we first got to Jakarta in 2004, there were the runoff elections for president. We sat in the ballroom of the hotel where were living watching the returns for an election we knew nothing about in a language we didn’t understand. It was Indonesia’s first popular presidential election and therefore fascinating even through our ignorance.
Having said that, electoral politics can drive you nuts. Your advice is great — I particularly approve of reading sports and funnies before the news. And snuggling? Of course, and you and I share the good fortune of long and loving relationships.
But there is one more thing to do. Rather than looking for ways to simply lean away from the chaos, we also have to lean into it. Write a check, make some calls, walk some precincts, vote and encourage others to vote. If there’s a very close race someplace you could have taken action, you don’t want to wonder whether people sitting on the sidelines made the difference. I was calling yesterday for a razor-thin congressional race in Arizona and had some lovely conversations with about a dozen people. It definitely calmed my nerves — a bit. I know the constant pitches to donate and volunteer get wearisome, but the response can be to sign up for one or two and then guiltlessly ignore the rest.
Respond, then refresh. Rinse and repeat.
Great advice, David.