The week gone by — Oct. 11

Time sure flies.

Tomorrow is Columbus Day here in America, but it’s Thanksgiving Day in Canada, which reminded me of when Suzi and I were in Toronto over the holiday.

I thought it was in the general space of “a few years ago” where I put all dates I don’t exactly remember, but it was actually 11 years ago, in 2009.

My blogging buddy Vee of Millennial Life Crisis is Canadian, and she’s asking people what they’re thankful for even in horribleness that is 2020. Being from Canada is not a requirement to participate.

For me, especially after seeing my parents and my brother in person the other day for the first time since Christmas — we had seen Suzi’s parents several weeks before — the main thing I’m thankful for right now is that I believe my closest family and friends are all healthy.

Let’s hope it stays that way, and for you and yours as well.

And now, you can read the rest of this blog while I knock on every wooden and wood-like object I can find.

WHAT I WROTE

I’ve been in a bit of a rut lately, so I was happy to come up with two new pieces this week.

I like to think I’m generally a nice guy, but sometimes, I’m not, and I don’t feel any shame about it.

Rhode Island is less than two hours from my house, but going there still felt like a milestone.

WHAT I TALKED ABOUT

Get yourself some bad jokes! (And leave some, too.)

STUFF I READ

Pea Green is doing the right thing, but she still feels bad about it.

There are coincidences, and there are coincidences, as PS tells us.

I never had any great desire to see “Waitress” in the theatre, but I’m jealous of Renata, anyway.

Here are 10 things that … make Fran angry.

Rosie hopes something goes right.

Paul saw “The Goonies” for the first time. I’ve never seen it, and now, maybe I won’t.

Zoe says we should all live like her old pug. Trust me, it makes sense.

Becky’s dreams are a bit screwy these days.

Giggles got a COVID test, and now she’s waiting for the results.

TWEETS I LIKED

No … how many times do I have to say it. Switzerland is fake! Also, the conspiracy theories about Denver International Airport are nuts, but I just hate the airport.

I had no idea there was a conspiracy theory based on the idea that Finland doesn't exist. We are an extraordinary species. https://t.co/DWixMfkWif

— Jill Filipovic (@JillFilipovic) October 8, 2020

Also the walls on either side of the door if you could work it right.

Backboard? Oh, you must mean "the wall above my bedroom door." pic.twitter.com/2fqPHBqUQ2

— Super 70s Sports (@Super70sSports) October 5, 2020

When I first went to Toronto, I just about peed my pants when I saw our hotel was across the street. Unfortunately, I couldn’t get in … and I tried.

Just walkin’ by old Maple Leaf Gardens. Been 21 years since it shutdown. Cool fact : The @NHLBlackhawks defeated the @MapleLeafs 2-1 in the first game played at the Gardens, on Nov. 12, 1931. #LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/G6m9VG5zyj

— Peter Bojarinov (@russian98) October 5, 2020

We are not worthy.

hello, it is I—queen of reconfiguring an entire (messy) room a day before guests come to stay with us

— Savannah Nelson (@NelsoSav) October 8, 2020

So how is it so hard to ignore it when it calls?

This hit me. Hard. pic.twitter.com/raG2fsmQHZ

— Kim Joyce (@KBJoyce1604) October 7, 2020

Job-hunting sucks (and that was before I got flagged for a COO job that not only am I not qualified for, but at a place where my wife used to work).

https://t.co/PDIfGxoFLU

Inspired by this, and by this email, I have given my job search into government hands. A thread with pictures. pic.twitter.com/oAe85FLYFJ

— Bumbling Dad (@BumblingD) October 7, 2020

Stop making me dream about a new season.

Stop spoiling Succession Season 3. https://t.co/x9UlfxG3Hx

— Shawn Ryan (@ShawnRyanTV) October 10, 2020