May the supply chain odds be ever in your favor.

Today is Thanksgiving. Compared to 2020, this year is more traditional.

While Covid19 variants are an ongoing threat, vaccines, masks, and optimal health aided with resuming in-person activity. Hallelujah!

Tomorrow is America’s favorite holiday, Black Friday. Though, the mayhem has already unleashed its wrath.

Last year, Black Friday shopping was threatened due to Covid19. This year Black Friday faces a new threat—the supply chain. Compliments of Covid19. 

Pre-pandemic, the Port of Long Beach processed approximately 15 cargo ships per day. Due to Covid19 sanitation practices, they are down to roughly 3 per day. 

While sanitation practices are necessary to fight the ongoing coronavirus, the supply chain is backed up with countless cargo ships waiting at sea.

As of November 10, 2021, there was a record-breaking 111 ships. 

The issue is wreaking havoc on the economy, causing numerous problems, from inflation to air pollution. Prices are rising on many consumer products, including fuel.

In an attempt to lower gas prices, the Department of Energy will release 50 million barrels of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. However, it may take weeks before the barrels pass into the market to effectively lower prices at the pump.

Store shelves may not be empty like they were in April 2020, but these problems are not going anywhere anytime soon. 

While it may take a million years for an online order to be delivered today, it’s a great reminder to be thankful for what truly matters. Not for what I wish I had, but for what I do have. 

My friend Riza recently had a birthday party. Friends and family from all of her networks came together to celebrate her presence in this world. 

The party theme was inspired by New Orleans, including the food, décor, and music. A live band played some of her favorite tunes, including original and cover songs.

After a challenging 18 months, attending a private party with live music was an incredible treat. The vibe was relaxed. A synchronistic combination of lively and chill. 

I knew many people but also got to meet a few new faces. Like Christine, my friend Monique’s plus one, aka her sister. 

“What is your best fart story?” Christine blurted out. 

Needless to say, she snagged the group’s attention. At first, I was at a loss. If I can “toot” my own horn, I have many great stories. However, flatulence wasn’t one of them.  

Each friend shared their harrowing tale. Christine. Monique. Leo. Mayra (though she slyly skipped.) As Ethan finished sharing his story, I remembered one from childhood. 

Sidebar!

The group turned their attention to me. It was my turn. Rather than share the “Free Brad” story, a joke registered in the chamber. 

“I got nothing,” I lied. 

“But you’re the queen of stories!” they exclaimed. 

“Well, while all you guys were talking, I farted,” I joked.  

The group erupted with laugher but broke up soon afterward. Likely fearful of a (false) silent but deadly threat. Ah, nothing like “shooting the shit” with friends.

As parties go, it was better than most. Likely because of how grateful everyone was to be there. The vibe. The smiles. The moments of levity. The pandemic robbed people of so much, including memories such as these. 

Depending on variants and vaccination rates, the World Health Organization (WHO) claims the pandemic will likely continue until the end of 2022.

Despite the health concerns, the economic challenges, and the supply chain woes, I’m hopeful the end will come sooner than later. Either way, like flatulence, this too shall pass. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

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