Alexis Rankin Popik's Blog, page 18

BUZZWORDS: BUZZ OFF

As readers of this blog know, buzzwords really get on my nerves.  Luckily, buzzwords fall out of favor after a year or so; unluckily, they are replaced by other annoying buzzwords.  Here is a sampling of current irritants: WOKE If … Continue reading →

SPANISH THE LONG WAY

I took my first Spanish lesson in college 53 years ago.  This past month I have been reviewing advanced beginners’ Spanish in preparation for a trip to the Amazon, still struggling with the difference between llevar and llegar.  I am … Continue reading →

Funerals and FUNERALS

There are funerals, and then there are FUNERALS.  This past week we watched two public ceremonies, both wonderful send-offs in different ways. John McCain planned every detail of his three funeral ceremonies and he must have had a hell of … Continue reading →

4 BEST THINGS A DOCTOR CAN SAY

NOTE:  In memory of John McCain, who died yesterday in the place he wanted to be, surrounded by his family.  (Originally published July 20, 2015). The four best things a doctor can say to a patient facing a health crisis, … Continue reading →

HOW TO BE A LADY

A Real Lady’s Workplace When I was growing up in the 1950’s, there was a lot of emphasis on “how to be a lady.”  This behavioral guide was drummed into my girlfriends and me at home and in Catholic school. … Continue reading →

THE WORRIED WELL

Several years ago I heard one of my doctor friends refer to “The Worried Well” and I began to, well, worry that I was one of them. I asked my personal physician about it and she told me she “didn’t … Continue reading →

GUILT GEMS*

As I get older, I have much more to look back on and feel guilty about. Yes, yes there’s no point in feeling guilty.  I could go into what has made me like this, but who cares? When I can’t … Continue reading →

DON’T TRUST ME

Do your friends trust your judgment in books?  I am often asked what I have enjoyed reading lately.  The problem is, I haven’t been enjoying many prize-winning books. I feel sad saying what no one wants to hear: “I’m reading … Continue reading →

A SUMMER SUNDAY

Some days it just isn’t possible to concentrate long enough to write a 350-word blog.  Sunday was one of those days.  However, a lot of wonderful things have been happening on the South Coast of Massachusetts and beyond that caught … Continue reading →

TIME AND TELLING YOUR STORY

July 7 was the anniversary of the unexpected death of a good friend.  Larry was killed in his bed by an enormous tree that fell on his cottage during a severe storm.  Some will say “it was his time.”  I’ve … Continue reading →