The world has always been divided into the Haves and the Have Nots. The levels of separation vary depending on the environment but class separation is obvious everywhere in the world. Natural socioeconomic principles in action, the wealthy prefer to live near and associate with other wealthy individuals, or at…

The CARES Act was a welcome lifeline for vulnerable families caught in the destruction of a worldwide pandemic. I know this because we are one of the families. I am also aware not everyone who received Federal Pandemic Assistance from the CARES Act and PPP loans has acted ethically in…

Throughout this story, I discuss my travels, foreign countries, and the beach. I feel it necessary to clarify, the beach does not equal paradise. Unfortunately, we cannot afford paradise at this time. We are currently in a foreign country solely for work purposes, all travel is discounted and work-related, and…

Tee was 6 months pregnant and sitting on a big purple exercise ball when I opened the door to our small studio. Exhausted from the overnight trip, as soon as I saw Tee in all her pregnant glory, even without the pandemic I knew I had taken my last trip…

Thanksgiving Day reservations irrelevant, the Irish Pub, slash restaurant was standing room only. Dad and I waded through the sea of expatriates and tourists as they waited to sit down for some resemblance of an American holiday. I watched a tab being paid at the bar as we slowly made…

An email reading “Notice of Eligibility”, description displaying “This notice informs you that due to action by the Governor, you are eligible for a one-time return-to-work bonus of $1,200 IF:”. What feels like a cruel joke directed towards my family is nothing more than an automatically generated email. I know…

I have recently received some criticism from concerned citizens voicing the opinion I should be receiving Pandemic Assistance from someplace other than Montana. I am happy to engage in this debate with anyone who approaches me respectfully, and like an adult. Much like the rest of the world, My family…

The first month of what was supposed to be a month-long expedition went perfectly. Danny and I initially met with our mutual friend, Michael, in the mountains of Santander. Santander produced a couple of small connections for Danny, but the week was unfortunately fruitless for me. However, you can never…

Due to unexpected circumstances, Tee and I had recently moved. The new apartment was close enough for our stray dog, Donna to happily move with us. Although the apartment was new, my big black travel bag was not and Donna recognized it as soon as it landed on the porch…