Saved Thoughts—a blog site

We pulled into Portland and within minutes things were going to get complicated. Prior to leaving on my trip, I called Amtrak to make sure I could check my one piece of luggage to the different destinations where I would be travelling. We discussed each city where I would need my luggage and I was assured there would be no problem. When I arrived at the first station, I again asked about my luggage and was told I could check it to Portland and then to Lincoln, NE. This turned out not to be true. At Portland baggage claim, Chris was extremely rude, not even listening to what I needed. When he finally did stop talking, he insisted I could not check my suitcase to Lincoln, Nebraska, even though Amtrak states it can be checked to your final destination. I then asked about my return trip, and a woman behind the counter looked up Rome, NY and informed me I could not check my baggage to there. I could not believe Amtrak put me into this position. It was going to cost me additional money to recheck my bag once I swapped around the contents between my suitcases. Looking ahead, I was going to have more trouble once I was headed to New York. That was just the beginning of my problem in Portland. I went to the ticket counter and received my seat ticket as instructed. She told me at 10:00 go to Gate 5, to board the train to Sacramento. Around 9:50 AM, I walked over to Gate 5 to wait. A woman in a white Amtrak shirt asked me where I was going and when I told her Sacramento, she told me to wait in the lobby. I complied. As I was walking up the ramp to the lobby, the lady from baggage spoke to the woman in the white shirt and said, "She is ____" but I didn't hear the last word.s The white shirt employee said, "I could tell immediately" and the baggage lady replied, "that's why I stopped" They both had a good laugh at my expense. I stood in the lobby, near the gate, waiting for a signal to start boarding. Despite this issue, I made some nice connections on the way to Sacramento! I had a cooler, a suitcase, and a carry on bag. The stairs on the train are really narrow, and I was slated for an upstairs seat. There is also limited space for luggage at the bottom of the stairs, and I was undecided where I should stow the 22" piece. A nice gentleman wanted to help, and I needed help, but I was indecisive and I may have given off the wrong message through facial expressions to the man with the Spanish accent that said, "I don't speak English." I struggled up the steps, and he helped by lifting and pushing my luggage up the stairs. Not only are the narrow, the stairs are steep and winding! During the trip, it was bothering me so I wrote, " Gracias por ayudarme con mi bolsa. No estaba segura de lo que quería hacer con ellas, pero de verdad agradezco mucho tu ayuda." (Thank you for helping me with my bag. I wasn't sure what I wanted to do with them, but I truly appreciate your help.) and let him read it. He nodded with praying hands and a smile. It was a warm moment. Sometime later, he wrote a message in English. "Apologies if I did anything wrong. I was only trying to be a gentleman." This type of kindness is everywhere, you just have to be open to accept it. I sat in the seat that was assigned to me, and a short time later a woman flopped down in the aisle seat beside me, but she was not happy. She immediately tried to move to another seat, but the train attendant told her she had to return to her assigned seat or go to the observation car. This is when the attendant pointed out that a dog had vomited on the floor just opposite our seats. I fully expected it would be cleaned up before we left or en route, so I didn't say anything. We were in the very last car, and the woman, without saying a word, moved her bags to the space near the door and headed to the observation car. A while later she came back to get all of her bags. I mustered up all the courage I could and asked if I had done something wrong. Suddenly she smiled and said not at all. She just wanted more room for both of us! She told me her name was Deb and she found another open seat. Later in the night, I would find her back in our set of seats sleeping, but I didn't plan to stay. I had briefly met Jay on the previous train, but I didn't ask his name. He asked me a question about where he should get off the train. A short time later, I offered him a bottle of water and that was the extent of our contact, until this train. I noticed he was sitting in the seat in front of me, but then he disappeared. I went outside during a fresh air break and initiated contact again. He asked me if I wanted to go to the observation car and hang out since it was already quiet time. I gladly followed him through the next car and we found a nice place to sit. Jay was 37 years old and headed to Sacramento to board a bus to Stockton. He was expected to turn himself in for a 16 month stint in prison. He told me the circumstances, and I really felt bad that he was doing this alone without any support. He made some poor choices, and I am not sure prison will help him get his life on a good track. As we were chatting, a girl name Christine joined us. Christine was 27 and showed a lot of ambition through the stories she told. Currently she works for a PE and Music program. She also speaks Chinese, and we opened Duolingo for her to give it a go. She tried to teach me how to say, "Hey everybody," but I am really bad at mimicking sounds. Around midnight, we decided it was time to sleep. I went back to my seat and grabbed my blanket. Jay and I found some vacant seats in another car. After setting some boundaries, we said goodnight and drifted off to sleep. The train attendant, Juan, did not like that we were in those seats. Instead of rewriting everything that transpired, I will just paste the actual letter I sent to Amtrak concerning the vomit. To Whom It May Concern, I was on Train 11, which departed Portland at 2:22 PM on May 11, 2025, headed to Sacramento. I was seated in Coach, seats 5/6. Across from me, seats 7/8 were marked out of service due to a dog vomiting there. The vomit remained on the floor in plain view for the entire trip, despite staff clearly being aware of it. There is absolutely no reason this should have been left on the floor or, at the very least, not covered to reduce discomfort to nearby passengers. Passengers were told repeatedly to stay in their assigned seats because the train was full. That meant I had to either sit directly across from an unsanitary scene or leave my seat and go to the observation car. As someone with severe anxiety disorder, this created unnecessary stress and made the trip especially uncomfortable. I expect better hygiene standards and a more responsible response to situations involving health and safety concerns.. It should have been addressed promptly. After many hours of having to look at the vomit during this trip, I found the courage to go to the observation car with the passenger sitting in front of me. Around midnight, instead of sleeping at our seats because the vomit was still there, we found two empty seats in another car. When morning came, Juan, the train attendant, admonished me for changing seats. I decided I could not be intimidated any further and told Juan that we were sleeping there because of the vomit. I also told him that he should have cleaned it up, as it was unsanitary and disgusting. He firmly stated that he was not cleaning it up and that we needed to return to our seats. I told Juan I was not discussing it with him any further, but that this was not the end of the matter I would be reporting it. I also let Juan know that three other passengers had complained to me about him, independently and without me mentioning I had a problem. About ten minutes later, Juan returned with a different attitude and said we could stay in those seats, but not to forget our luggage when we departed. When we left the train, I spoke to Juan again. Instead of a real apology, he continued making excuses. There was absolutely no excuse for the vomit not being cleaned up immediately. It also turns out the train was not full, as he had claimed. He was simply reserving seats just in case. From Portland to Sacramento has been the worst part of the trip so far. -------------------------------------------- The Amtrak employees at the station and on the train did not represent Portland very well. If I hadn't already had 90 positive hours of riding the train, this could have really swayed my decision whether or not I would ride again! I am not going to let this one segment define my trip or ruin the great experiences that are likely to follow. I could be bitter, and continue to expect problems, but everyday is a new day! To Be Continued: Headed East from Sacramento to Grand Junction

Update: USA Rail pass purchased April 18, 2025 and all 10 segments booked! I hope to be able to go on a train trip in May. The primary reason for the trip is for my grandson's 8th grade graduation. The USA Rail Pass is pretty expensive, but my son has offered to pay for it—if all goes well for him financially. I wanted to get full use of the pass, so I planned out a possible route. The pass includes ten segments. I numbered each segment which starts at 0 in order to be able to follow the route I hope to take. I will only have a small amount of money, so I won't be doing anything in the transfer cities, marked with a yellow pin, except waiting for the next train! The green pins are where I hope to stop and see family and friends. I am still uncertain about any plans in New York, but I green pinned it anyway. Ideally, having extra money and a travelling partner would make the trip perfect, but a train ride across the country is truly a dream come true. Many years ago, I had looked into this type of train trip with Amtrak, but personal circumstances changed and I had to put my dream on hold. All the white dots are train stations that the train will stop at along the route. Basically, I will be leaving from Florida, travel up the east coast through Washington DC, New York City, Upstate New York, near the Great Lakes, and transfer in Chicago, Illinois. I will continue west through the Northern States and change trains in Portland, Oregon. From Portland, I will head south to Sacramento, California where I will change trains again. I will leave California for a stop in Colorado to visit with my brother, then on to Nebraska/Kansas to see my son, daughter-in-law and grandkids. After several days with the family, I will head back to Nebraska and board the train back to Chicago. In Chicago, I will change trains headed to Syracuse, New York for another transfer before stopping in Rome, New York not far from where I grew up! This part is tentative, but I have plans in my head, just not sure I have the courage to carry them out. After a few days which will include my birthday, I will leave Rome and head to New York City. After a quick train change, I will head back home to Florida. deland fl (DLD) - portland or (PDX) segment 1 & 2 details 87h 28m - departs Wed 7 May 7:49p - arrives Sun 11 May 11:17a (segment 12-1) 37h 56m - deland fl (DLD) - chicago il (CHI) - Wed 7 May 7:49p - Fri 9 May 8:45a [transfer 6 hr 20 m -chicago il (CHI) - 8:45a - 3:05p] (segment 22-2) 46h 12m - chicago il (CHI) - portland or (PDX) - Fri 9 May 3:05p - Sun 11 May 11:17a portland or (PDX) - grand junction co (GJT) segment 3 & 4 details 43h 19m departs - Sun 11 May 2:22p - arrives Tue 13 May 9:41a (segemnt 12-3) 16h 6m - portland or (PDX) - sacramento ca (SAC) - Sun 11 May 2:22p - Mon 12 May 6:28a [transfer 3h 55m - sacramento ca (SAC) 6:28a - 10:23a] (segment 22-4) 22h 18m - sacramento ca (SAC) - grand junction co (GJT) - Mon 12 May 10:23a - Tue 13 May 9:41a grand junction co (GJT) - lincoln ne (LNK) segment 5 details (segment 11 - 5) 16h 23m - - departs Thur 15 May 9:53a - arrives Fri 16 May 3:16a lincoln ne (LNK) - chicago il (CHI) segment 6 details (segment 11 - 6) 11h 12m - departs Wed 21 May 3:27a - arrives Wed 21 May 2:39p [change train 6h 51m Lake Shore Limited chicago il (CHI) 2:39p - 9:30p] chicago il (CHI) - rome NY (ROM) segment 7 & 8 details 17h 5m - departs Wed 21 May 9:30 p - arrives Thu 22 May 3:35p (segment 12-7) 12h 58m - chicago il (CHI) - syracuse ny (SYR) - Wed 21 May 9:30p - Thu 22 May 11:28a [transfer 3h 26m syracuse ny (SYR) 11:28a - 2:54p] (segment 22-8) 0h 41m - syracuse ny (SYR) - rome NY (ROM) - Thu 22 May 2:54p - Thu 22 May 3:35p rome NY (ROM) - deland fl (DLD) segment 9 & 10 28h 5m - departs Sun 25 May 7:45a - arrives Mon 26 May 11:50a (segment 12-9) 5h 0m rome NY (ROM) - new york ny (NYP) - Sun 25 May 7:45a - Sun 25 May 12:45p [transfer 1h 45m - new york ny (NYP) 12:45 - 2:30p] (segment 22-10) 21h 20m - new york ny (NYP) - deland fl (DLD) - Sun 25 May 2:30p - Mon 26 May 11:50a The adventure is the train ride itself! A scenic trip across America and meeting people along the way. There are some things I am anxious about, so I am going to ask Amtrak for some accommodations I saw listed on their website. I think that will help the trip go smoothly for me—if I understood their website correctly! Right now, any further planning of the trip is on hold pending purchase of the USA Rail Pass from Amtrak!

Introduction I am going on the trip of my life—a cross-country train trip on Amtrak that will encompass 27 states and Washington DC. My son purchased the ticket for me so I can be part of the celebration for my grandson's promotion to high school. Thank you, Chris! Not wanting to waste the additional segments that the pass offered, I mapped out a route that will not only get me to Kansas, and give me the opportunity to see so much of America, but this trip will also allow me to visit my younger brother out west, and possibly some of my brothers and other people and places I used to know in New York. I will be staying with my brother for two days in Colorado. He lives near the mountains, and the scenery is beautiful. I haven't seen him in over a decade! After that part of the trip, I will be visiting with my oldest son, daughter-in-law and two grandchildren. My youngest son may also travel to Kansas from Tennessee—sadly, I don't think my other daughter-in-law and youngest grandson will be able to make the trip! I will spend about five days in Kansas celebrating my grandchildren and then I am off to Upstate New York. My current plans in New York are to take an Uber from the train station and stay at an Airbnb in a neighboring town for a few days surrounding my birthday. I was very fortunate to be able to book this highly rated place! In a town with a population somewhere around two thousand and the surrounding villages closer to a population of 500 - 1000 each, motels are virtually non-existent! Also, as of yet, I have not been able to find any affordable type of rental car that would make this part of the trip more fulfilling. It is important for me to make a stop here because it is only about 10 miles from where I spent my teenage years. Perhaps this is the closure I need. It is possible, and most probable, that I will be spending my birthday alone. There is an American Legion close by that I may walk to, so even though I am alone, I will be in a room with other people. I do not really know how all this will play out, but I am optimistic it will be worth it. During the entirety of this trip, I will be on the train for over 200 hours across a nineteen-day period. The longest segments are in the first few days, with the first leg being about 38 hours, followed by 6.5 hours at the train station, then a 46-hour ride on a westbound train. The remainder of the segments are anywhere from 12 to 24 hours at a time. I do not have any money to go to the dining car or the café, so I will be bringing food and water to sustain me on the train until I get to my son's house. Before leaving Kansas, I will refill the food and water for the return trip home including the stay in New York. In addition to nutrition, I will be bringing some personal care products to help me stay presentable, as well as a few essentials that will allow me to continue to blog and help pass the time. Some of things would be great for any vacation including camping. Most of this stuff can be used for daily life at home, as well. I provided links to everything on amazon.com , but you may be able to find them in different sizes or quantity locally, or through other retailers. I wasn't even aware that some of these supplies even existed until I started gathering what I imagined I would need for the trip! Food and Water Since my options are limited by finances, I have planned ahead to bring enough food and water to get me through each segment of the trip. I am using Food Storage Containers with 2 Compartment and Lids  to keep everything organized and protected from getting crushed. These containers are sturdy and reusable, which makes them ideal for travel. Each container will include: Three Tablespoons Jif Natural Creamy Peanut Butter in a 3.25 oz. Clear Plastic Portion Cup —A good source of protein and healthy fat. It is also easy to eat on its own or with crackers, and the portion cup helps avoid mess and rations out the jar. One small tube of RITZ Crackers —A convenient snack that pairs well with the peanut butter and does not take up much space. Two Fiber One Cinnamon Coffee Cakes —These are individually wrapped, soft, and sweet—something comforting to enjoy as breakfast or as a snack. Two Fiber One Brownies —A small treat that also provides some fiber and helps curb hunger pangs during the long hours on the train. Each food container is packed inside a Hefty one gallon Slider Freezer Storage Bag , which helps keep things clean and makes them easy to label and grab. In the same gallon bag, I will also include a few more snacks using 4 oz Reusable Plastic Containers : One container of Jet-Puffed Mini Marshmallows —Light, sweet, and easy to snack on when I just want a little something. One container of RITZ Bits Cheese Sandwich Crackers  (purchased locally in a big box)—These are a good tasty snack, easy to portion, and they hold up well in transit. To round out each bag, I have added: Two cups of Mott's Apple & Cinnamon Applesauce —These are shelf-stable, do not need refrigeration, and are cool and refreshing. Plastic disposable spoons —One each for the peanut butter and applesauce cups. I did not want to worry about cleaning utensils after each use. Some napkins—Necessary while eating and cleaning up, especially since I will not have consistent access to a sink. I used Viva paper towels , cut into small pieces. My plan is to bring one bag of food and four bottles of water for every 24-hour period I am on the train. This setup will hopefully keep me fed and hydrated throughout each day for the first half of my trip. I will pack half of the bags in checked baggage, and the other half I will store in my carry on luggage. After the first 90 hours, I will have access to my checked baggage. At that time, I can refill my carry on with the food bags and water for the next few days. My survival is really dependent on my luggage not getting lost! Thinking good positive thoughts only! I do not have a backup plan for food and water. Personal Care Since I will be on the train or in a train station for the first six days, I found some compact and convenient personal care products to bring along. Poo-Pourri Before-You-Go Toilet Spray —One cause of anxiety many people have is using restrooms away from home. This travel sized product eliminates odor and leaves the bathroom smelling fresh and clean. Great for traveling, and on-the-go. Disposable Compressed Travel Wash Cloths —Very small (2.3 x 1.37 inches) and easy to pack; expands to full size with water ( 11 x 9.5 inches) for daily freshening up. FOMIN - Antibacterial Paper Soap Sheets —Eliminates the mess of liquid soap. More effective than hand sanitizer. Dissolves quickly in water for easy hand/body washing. Batiste Dry Shampoo (I purchased a single travel size from Target)—A quick spray helps absorb oil and keep hair feeling and looking clean. Kristin Ess Reviving Dry Shampoo —Offers a different scent and texture option for refreshing hair. (I found a single trial size from Target) MIX:BAR Vanilla Bourbon Hair + Body Mist —This stuff smells so good. I may use it all up before the trip even starts! I got it free at Target with a buy three get one free deal. I have not owned any perfume for over thirty years. I think the only perfume I ever had was called Incognito back in the 1990s—I naturally smell good! TheraBreath Oral Rinse —Convenient travel size helps maintain fresh breath. I purchased a single travel size (3 oz) at Walmart for two dollars. Travel Toothbrush with Crest/Scope Toothpaste —Compact and easy to use during station stops or onboard. A convenient cover keeps the toothbrush head clean. Tech and Accessories These are a few essentials I am bringing in my personal carry on to stay connected, productive, and comfortable during my time on the train: Acer Gateway Chromebook —I found this at a very reasonable price on Amazon. I will be using it to blog, pay my monthly bills, and do general web browsing while on the train. Amtrak has Wi-Fi, but it has limited bandwidth—so no streaming of shows, movies, or Twitch. A Chromebook is really lightweight, but has limited capabilities. However, it has everything I need and is perfect for this trip for only $130. I have tested it out and it does not appear to have any of the issues as reported in reviews. 11.6" Padded Laptop Sleeve with Pocket —Will keep my new Chromebook protected during travel. The pocket is perfect to store the charger and a mouse. ZIHNIC Bluetooth Headphones (Over-Ear, Foldable Wireless)—My phone doesn’t have a headphone jack, so Bluetooth was a must. These came with a nice carrying case and were on sale for under $20. I can use them with both my phone and Chromebook. Since they are over-ear, they will also help block out noise—something that is important to me because I am highly sensitive to certain sounds. This is the first time I have truly planned and prepared for a trip in advance. In the past, I was more spontaneous—deciding to leave and being on the road within half an hour. Even with young kids in tow, we often traveled on a whim. But this time, things are different. I have taken time to organize, even down to buying colored sandwich bags so I can sort, store, and keep up with miscellaneous items more easily. Some of the supplies I already had at home, other products I will be able to use even after the trip. God provided a way for me to make these necessary purchases against all odds. The logistics alone—multiple trains and transfers—made planning this trip necessary. Not to mention I have never been on a train trip other than the trial 45 mile trip I took a month or two ago—I want to be prepared. Unfortunately, I do not have the option to buy anything extra while I am traveling, not even food or drinks. I had to make sure I packed carefully and completely. I have traveled with almost nothing over the years, sometimes with just a dollar in my pocket, but this trip is different. I do not know why it is different, just the whisper I have gotten from God tells me it is different—this trip matters. Isaiah 30:21 “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’”

And so it begins! I woke up Wednesday morning just after midnight. I was not too bothered because I figured I could get to sleep by 6:00 am, sleep for my typical four hours, and still have plenty of time to mow, clean the house, do laundry, pack, eat, and shower. It didn't exactly work out that way! When six came, I was not sleepy at all! I decided I could sleep later in the day! I started off with washing my blankets for the train ride! By 8:00 am it had already started heating up outside, so I decided to mow the lawn and get that out of the way. I already had all of my clothes from the laundry the day before sitting nicely on the bed waiting for me to decide their fate. There were a lot of decisions to be made concerning the clothes. What was I going to wear and when was I going to wear it. Was I going to put outfits together or just wing it when the time came, and which suitcase were they going to go in-a lot of decisions. At this time, I was not even sure if I was going to check a bag or carry them on- I just didn't know! I decided to pack my food first which would help me decide which bags I need to carry on. Once the food and water was all packed, I tackled the items slated for my personal bag. Chromebook, purse, first night's food, chargers, and a few miscellaneous things. I was ready to sort out the clothes situation! It was very hot out, but the train has a/c, and it is going to be around 50 degrees in Chicago. Did I want to wear shorts and change before I got to Chicago or just wear pants? Would jeans be too uncomfortable or should I wear leggings? The other issue is that I have been losing weight so I had to try on all my pants to see which fit. I started putting outfits together with an idea when I would wear them. Before I knew it I had all the clothes either in the closet, in the red checked bag, or in the purple carry-on! I also had decided on which clothes to wear for the first leg of the trip! I decided I would go outside and complete part of my daily walk! Fifteen to twenty minutes after I started, I decided the plant with thorns on the side of my house needed to be trimmed which led to all the hedges being trimmed! It was around 10 am when I finished. I made a quick trip to the bank to withdraw the funds for my ride to the train station. I had previously hired Mary Lou, once to go to the airport and another time to take me to the hospital. On the airport trip, I forgot the money, and helped her set up Zelle in order to pay her! I didn't want to make that mistake again! I realized I needed to bring some type of jacket. I spent time trying on sweaters, hoodies, and light coats. I finally settled on one, but had to throw it in the wash first. I put one of the pork meals in the microwave, and remembered I wanted to look for a small compact mirror I got years ago from JC Penney. I searched in several boxes, even emptying them, but to no avail. However, I did find something for my son that I am bringing with me-so that's fun! I picked up a little mirror I had on my bookshelf, and found the perfect case to protect it and into the suitcase it went!! It was around one pm and I was finally packed!-except for all of the other things I kept finding to bring. I was still thinking I was going to get at least a few hours sleep before my five o'clock departure-I was wrong! I don't know what I did besides a quick tidy up, watering two plants, and washing the dishes. It was about this time, I remembered I put food in the microwave. I quickly ate it, and sat down to do one Duolingo lesson to extend my streak. It was four o'clock and I knew I had to take a shower, but intrusive thoughts tried to convince me otherwise! In the end, I got squeaky clean and finished on time! I didn't get any sleep, but I figured there would be plenty of time on the train to sleep! Once my ride arrived, we loaded the suitcases and backed out of the driveway! To be continued - Headed North

We backed out of the driveway, and we realized we were not thinking about the same train station! Thankfully, we sorted that out quickly! It was about an hour drive. I wasn't expecting it, but she brought her adult son with her on the drive. It was a pleasant drive, and I overshared again! The topic of conversation just seems to drift into parts of my life that I don't mind talking about even though they can be troubling for others to hear. I always feel the need to explain the circumstance because without the narrative, the other person may assume a scenario one way-the wrong way! Anyway, we arrived at the train station and unloaded the suitcases. As I was headed up the walkway, the son handed me back a $20, I declined but he insisted! I gratefully accepted the bill, and went into the station. When the agent checked the weight of my checked bag, it was over by about 1.6 lbs. Then she asked if there was food in the bag which there was food for the 11th - 16th! I misunderstood that food could not be in the checked back, and I wasn't sure I had any room in the carry on! I removed my blanket, and the food fit perfectly! Crisis averted! After all the baggage was labeled and my ticket printed and discussed, I noticed I had a phone call o n the blog line. It was Mary Lou explaining why she gave me the $20 back. She was very generous, and told me she would wait for a bit at the train station. I gave her a call back, and thanked her again for her generosity! I am very humbled that a stranger offered to help me out of the goodness of their heart. The train was nearly an hour late. During this delay, I met a 76 year old man going to Las Vegas in a sleeper car. He highly recommended a sleeper car and suggested I go upgrade. Unfortunately, the USA Rail Pass cannot be upgraded! A man named Preston, around Kevin's age, was headed home to see his Mother for Mother's Day! Very thoughtful! I also told him I had an extra bedroom close to The Villages when he expressed interest in living there, but was too young.! There was a family headed to Chicago with three kids, The youngest sadly said, "I miss Grandma." It made me wonder if I will have that impression on my own Grandchildren. Once boarded, I sat in my assigned seat next to a man that was looking at his phone. I bothered him long enough to tell him to tell me to be quiet if I bother him too much. Vince and I started chatting closer to his stop. He was on the train for a work related reason. It was really a pleasant conversation that I hated to see end when we pulled into the station! I got off the train and stretched a bit until all the new passengers boarded. I went back to my seat, and realized time was going by very quickly! I didn't have a seatmate for some time, so I ate my Wednesday rations, and contemplated what I should do. next. I jumped off the train right quick at the last stop. Chatted with Preston, the guy I met at the first station for a few. I learned a little bit more about him, and that he has a passion for sky diving. When I re-boarded the train, a seatmate had arrived! Emma is a college Junior majoring in Elementary Education. She was really nice and appears really talented and ambitious! I think she will be amazing in any field life takes her. I decided it was time to write, so here I am typing away. As of this writing, I have been on the train for about 10 hours-away from home about 14 hours. I have also now been awake for 31 hours and the darkness has faded as the sun rose! I do not know who or what the next 24 hours will bring, but I am ready to find out! To be continued: On Route to Chicago!

As we approached Washington DC, I was not able to see much because it appeared we were arriving via underground tunnels. Once we stopped at the station, I crossed my fingers and said a little prayer that I would be fortunate enough to get a good seatmate. "Miss, do you mind if I sit here?" a young guy politely asked. In my usual manner, I immediately started talking with him. He was 25, had lost some friends in the recent air accident that killed many ice skaters. That is why he chose train travel instead of flying. All the recent problems with air travel swayed my decision to use Amtrak, as well. From family dynamics to how self driving cars can operate safely, the conversations with Cole really made the time pass quickly, and I hope he found the ride with me to be positive. I really enjoyed listening to everything he shared with me. I know I overshare, even though I really do try not to tell my entire life story to strangers, but it happens more times than not, I think because I can find something the other person is talking about relatable. Sadly though, most of my memories also contain trauma. Cole was amazing! His girlfriend, Maria, teaches ice skating. He is employed by a tech company works with heavy, high-tech industrial machinery. In addition, he is a materials engineer specializing in metals, a metallurgist. He has some dreams that are out of this world! When labels start featuring, Moon Made instead of Made in China, he just may have had a hand in that new reality. I hope all of his dreams come true! I was so happy to learn the process of getting to the cafe car. Cole mentioned he was going to go there, and I mustered all the courage I could find and I asked if I go with him. It was a great learning exercise that would prove useful later on in my trip. Leaving him to study in the cafe car, true to form, I walked off without my purse when I headed back to my seat. They say the best way to cement learning something new is to repeat it shortly after learning it. I got back to my seat, realized I didn't have my purse, went back to the cafe car, grabbed my purse, and then returned to my seat feeling accomplished! Not only did I learn how to travel between cars, I practiced it three times! Thank you Cole! Everyone I meet, I give them one of my blog cards. Not only does it have my name and number, in case they ever want to get in touch, the back of the card is an invitation for them to submit their own writings! I was thrilled that Cole submitted a poetic piece titled " Verse from Eleazer" based on a Bible verse. The time spent between Washington DC and Chicago, IL really helped prepare me and lessen the challenges I would face for the rest of my trip going forward. This part of my trip was incredibly special! On the route to Chicago, I also met Patty. She was headed to Chicago to visit her son and couldn't wait to see her six year old grandson! I could relate because I am excited to visit with my grandchildren, as well. We talked about the financial hardship of retiring. I really enjoyed Patty's personality that gave off wholesome, positive vibes. She also spoke about wanting to live near her children, but they all live in cold climates! I feel the same way about where my children live! I wish they could relocate to Florida where I live, or another warm area where I might be inclined to move! When we arrived at the Chicago train station, it was massive. The Great Hall is the central hub between the outside and the tracks. I had some interesting encounters that I will describe during my next post. Hopefully my internet will last! Until next time.... To be continued: In Chicago on My Way to Portland.

Chicago really blew me away! I guess that is why it is known as the windy city! The train station was huge! I had over a six hour wait for my next train, so I thought I would step outside and take in the sights and sounds of the city. It was not long when a man asked if I needed a taxi, but I didn't. I took a few photos of the high rise buildings. Not that I haven't seen any before, but I wanted some that were Chicago specific. I was just hanging out on the sidewalk when suddenly I heard a woman screaming, not in fear, but in anger and irritation. She was yelling at a man to get lost. This man talked to me. I wasn't sure what the issue was, but it seemed he may have asked her for some money. It wasn't long after the initial hellos that he asked me if I had a dollar. I would have given him one, except I didn't have one. I apologized, and he wished me a good day, and set his eyes and gait on someone else. A guy asked the lady that was yelling earlier if she had a cigarette he could buy, and she started yelling again. He walked by me, understanding I didn't have any cigarettes. Later in the trip, I would comment, "I wish I would have carried some just to sell!" It wasn't 't two minutes later and another man approached me. He started talking about how beautiful I must have been when I was younger. Then he asked if I liked dogs because there was a dog park about a block away. He then reached up towards my hair and I leaned back to avoid actual contact. I didn't want to be outright mean and tell him to get lost. Maybe he just needed someone to talk to. When he said, "I would have liked to take you to a movie" and reached out and grabbed my upper arm, I pulled away and sharply said, "Do not touch me again" About 20 seconds later he said he was going to go and walked away. I was ready to head inside. When I was in Chicago at the train station, I watched an older Korean couple while waiting in the Great Hall. They were adorable. You could tell they had been married for some time, but you could also feel the love they had for each other. When the husband got up to go somewhere, the wife waited with anticipation for his return. They softly spoke to each other as they waited for their connecting train. At one point, the wife was trying to figure out where the restroom was located, so I pointed her in the right direction. When she came out, she wasn’t sure where we had been sitting. The husband chuckled and waved at her, but she did not see him. He got up and started walking toward her just as she took out her phone to call him—it was pure love. They came back over and sat down together. A short time later, I made a visit to the ladies’ room myself. Upon exiting, I understood why the wife had been disoriented. From that perspective, our seating area looked very far away. I walked over and told her I understood her confusion. The husband laughed—not at what I said, but at the memory of rescuing his wife when she seemed lost. The wife went to use the restroom again, and I asked the husband where they were headed. They were going to Carbondale to visit their son and two granddaughters. He told me he was 83 years old and that the train ride was exhausting. They had traveled from California and intended to fly home. As we talked more—and after another “rescue” of his wife—I learned they used to live in Nashville, as I once did. His wife had worked at the United Methodist Publishing Company. Oddly enough, when my youngest son was three, his photo was used in a story published by that same company! She had also sung for the Nashville Symphony Chorus, which she misses very much. The husband was clearly very proud of her. They showed me a photo of their family reunion, which had 75 to 100 people. I believe he was a pastor, and some of the other family members were pastors as well. He pointed out his son, daughter-in-law, and two granddaughters in the photo. I half-jokingly asked if they could adopt me—I always wanted to be part of a big, loving family. I told them I had been studying Korean. The wife wanted to see the program I was using, and she approved. It was getting close to my train’s boarding time. The wife said she could teach me some words. I said I wanted to learn how to say, “Nice to meet you.” I am terrible at remembering words, even syllables. She handwrote it, and I began writing the Romanized version until they called for my train. She finished writing it out, and with help from them both, I think I finally managed to say it! 만나서 반갑습니다 Mannaseo bangapseumnida I gave them one of my cards and before I left, I asked if I could give her a hug and she said yes. I wished them safe travels and I quickly walked towards the track. I boarded the bus headed west to Portland, Oregon. I could only hope I would continue to be fortunate as far as seatmates go. The train had a double deck and I couldn't wait for the adventure to continue! By this time my trip was nearing 45 hours of pure joy! To be continued...Headed West along the Canadian border to Portland, Oregon.

I am living in sacrifice. I am not just getting by. I am suffering. Every day is a struggle to survive. I stretch every dollar. I rely on prayer and faith for things most people take for granted. I have no luxuries, no cushion, and no backup plan. I do not give up on people unless God makes it clear that I did all I was able and I can leave them in His hands. I do what I can to live honestly, simply, and with integrity before God. Luke 21:1-4 “As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. ‘Truly I tell you,’ he said, ‘this poor widow has put in more than all the others.’” Not long ago, I was engaged to a man who claimed to share my faith, even though our beliefs differ. He spoke of God, commitment, and spiritual purpose. He encouraged me to start my GoFundMe campaign. I believed he was sincere. However, he never once shared it with his 1k friends list and followers. Was he embarrassed by my predicament? I believed he loved me with every promise he made. I did not know he would break those promises so easily. There were many signs and red flags I chose to ignore. Proverbs 27:6 “Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.” Recently, I saw something he posted. He bought a luxury car. A Chrysler 300C with a V8 engine. He said he wanted something luxurious to drive to conventions and family gatherings. The tone he uses is calm and justified on the surface, but the content is revealing. Saying “this is the last thing I will buy in this system” tries to make it sound spiritually grounded, yet he is clearly indulging in luxury under the guise of practicality and fellowship. Wanting a “luxury car” for conventions—religious gatherings meant to focus on humility and spiritual growth—directly contradicts biblical principles. I have no first hand knowledge of that model of car other than it is clearly not my style, and I would not want to ride in it based on its looks. It is too bulky looking for my taste., but I am sure many people enjoy the big flashy look!  His words made it clear. It was not about need. It was about appearance. He didn't say anything about safety, reliability, or function—it is clearly about image.   Within the context of a faith that emphasizes modesty and separation from worldly status, this feels performative—like he wants to be seen as successful or impressive, even in religious settings. That is  showing off, whether he admits it or not. Thank You God for continuing to show me this breakup was meant to be. 1 John 2:16 “For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.” This is a man who claims to follow a faith known for modesty and humility. Conventions are not fashion shows. Assemblies are not for showing off. But he wants to arrive in something impressive. That is not humility. That is pride. Proverbs 16:5 “The Lord detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.” God showed me this. I did not want to see it. I did not want to believe it. But He made it clear. This man was not who he presented himself to be. I see now that I was spared. God removed someone from my life who says one thing, but lives another. Earlier this year, he purchased a Harley, perhaps another example of wanting to be seen. Good for him for fulfilling a lifelong dream. Yet, he broke promise after promise about a visit because he was not able to afford it. That is the truth I live with in my heart. 2 Timothy 3:5 “Having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.” I did not lose something precious. I avoided something dangerous. I could have been tied to a life of contradiction, appearances, and empty faith. But God let it fall apart. That was not cruelty. That was protection. It is still difficult to let go, but God wants me to understand that yes, He brought us together, but not to remain together. It was a lesson. I am still suffering. But I am not deceived. I would rather have little and live in truth than have comfort built on hypocrisy. I know who I am. I know who God is. And I know He showed me what I needed to see. And even in heartbreak, that is a gift. Psalm 34:18 “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” I began to notice traits in him that reflected narcissism. There was a pattern of self-focus, defensiveness, and a need to control the narrative. When I raised concerns, they were dismissed. When I was in pain, he redirected the conversation. He needed to be admired, not understood. He wanted attention, not accountability. Proverbs 18:2 “Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions.” Even then, I stayed. I believed in forgiveness. I believed growth was possible. I was willing to walk beside him if he was willing to grow. I made space for healing. I gave him grace. I gave him love. But growth never came. What I received in return was blame, silence, and emotional distance. The names he called me still echo through my heart. Thank You God for removing this man that was destroying my self confidence instead of building me up. Romans 12:10 “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” People that show narcissistic traits thrive on control, performance and appearances. That is exactly what I see in his choices now. The car. The Harley. The public declarations. The image of a spiritual man, while living for praise and approval. The more people "like" his post, the more of a dopamine rush he feels . It is the same pattern. Nothing changed. Only I no longer have to bear the brunt of his choices. I vividly remember one conversation telling him if all he wants is a cheerleader, that is not me. He exploded. Matthew 23:27-28 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.” God revealed it while we were together, and I still tried. I loved him through it. I prayed for him. I hoped for change. I hoped he would acknowledge his behaviors. But now I see that love was not enough. Healing begins with repentance. And repentance never came. James 4:6 “But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.’” My heart is still hurting. I do not pretend that it is not. I loved deeply, and I let myself believe in something that did not last or even exist. But God has not abandoned me. He has been with me through the silence, the grief, and now the clarity. I do not know what is ahead, but I know I see him more clearly, not blinded by love. That is something I can carry with me, even if my heart is still learning to let go. Psalm 147:3 “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”

The Bible repeatedly warns you not to place too much value on worldly possessions. These scriptures teach you that material wealth is temporary, but spiritual riches last forever. Earthly things can be stolen, ruined, or lost—but treasures stored in heaven are eternal. When you chase wealth, it can pull your focus away from what really matters: a life centered on God, generosity, and compassion. Matthew 6:19–21 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." This reminds you that whatever you treasure will eventually take hold of your heart. Lasting treasure is spiritual, not material. Luke 12:15 "Then he said to them, 'Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.’" This is a clear warning to you: your life is not defined by what you own. Matthew 19:21–24 "Jesus answered, 'If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.' When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.’" Jesus does not condemn wealth itself—but if you become too attached to it, it becomes much harder for you to follow God fully. Matthew 6:24 "No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." This draws a firm line for you. You cannot divide your loyalty between God and wealth. Colossians 3:2 "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." You are called to focus on what lasts forever—not on what fades away. 1 John 3:17 "If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?" You show love by how you use what you have. If you ignore others in need, you are not walking in God’s love. 1 Timothy 6:10 "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." Money itself is not evil—but if you love it, it can destroy you from the inside out. Colossians 3:5 "Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry." Greed is not just unhealthy—it is idolatry. It takes the place of God in your life. 2 Corinthians 6:14–17 "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?... Therefore, 'Come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.’" While not directly about possessions, this reminds you that when you surround yourself with people who chase worldly things, their values can rub off on you—and draw your heart away from God. Matthew 16:26 "What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?" Ask yourself honestly: is anything you could own worth the price of your soul? In the end, worldly possessions are temporary, and chasing them can slowly replace your devotion to God. Scripture does not forbid having wealth, but it warns you not to let it control you. Your security is not in what you own—it is in who you trust. Use your time, energy, and resources to reflect eternal priorities: compassion, faithfulness, and obedience. When you stop asking what you can get and start asking how you can give, you begin to live with purpose that reaches far beyond this life.

With the coming of Thy Kingdom The hills shall break into song, And the islands laugh exultant That they to God belong. And all their congregations So loud Thy praise shall sing That the farthest peoples, hearing, Shall hail Thee crowned King.

Sometimes, heartache lingers much longer than people expect. Even when life seems to keep moving on, there’s a part of you that’s still holding onto the past. It’s not easy, and it doesn’t always make sense. But the truth is, you’re not alone in this. Whether it’s been weeks, months, or even years, the pain can feel as fresh as the moment it first hit. In this Q & A, I will address some of the most common questions people have about this ongoing heartache and offer some understanding—and maybe a little comfort—along the way. Healing isn’t a race, and you don’t have to pretend everything is fine if it’s not. Sometimes, just hearing that what you’re feeling is valid can make a real difference. Q: It has been nearly two years, and I still miss him. Why do I still feel this way? Aeris: Sometimes, we hold onto someone not just because we miss them, but because they were a part of our story. When that person is no longer there, it feels like a chapter of your life has been closed too quickly. It’s natural to miss them, even if your life has moved on in other ways. Healing doesn’t follow a timeline, and there’s no set date for when those feelings should go away. If anything, still caring means you loved deeply—and that’s never a bad thing. Q: Everyone keeps telling me I should be over it by now. Aeris: The pressure people put on you to “move on” can be overwhelming, but here’s the thing: there’s no expiration date on healing. Just because someone else might be ready to move forward doesn’t mean you’re supposed to. Grief, heartache, and healing—those are personal. They take the time they need to. You’re exactly where you need to be. Q: How do I stop letting this heartache take up space in my life? Aeris: Start by recognizing that it’s okay for it to take up some space. It’s not about pushing the feelings away, but about allowing them without letting them define you. It’s about finding a balance between feeling the pain and continuing to live your life. You can’t force it to go away, but you can start building a life around it, one where it doesn’t hold all the power. Do things that make you feel good. Embrace moments of joy, even if they’re small. Gradually, the heartache will become less overwhelming. Q: Will I ever stop missing him? Aeris: It’s possible you won’t. That doesn’t mean you’re not healing or moving on. Some people leave a lasting imprint on your heart, and that’s okay. You don’t have to stop missing them to continue with your life. Sometimes, missing someone is just a sign of how much they meant to you. Over time, the pain may fade, but the memory can stay. And that’s just part of who you are now. Q: How do I stop feeling like I will always feel this heartache? Aeris: Heartache doesn’t have a “right” timeline. There’s no rule that says you have to be “over it” by a certain point. You’re human, and sometimes the heart just takes longer to heal than we expect. It’s important to allow yourself to feel whatever you’re feeling without judgment. Be kind to yourself. Q: Is it ever worth waiting, hoping for a reconciliation? Aeris:  It depends on what you're waiting for  and how it's affecting your life. Hope can be a beautiful thing, but it can also keep you stuck if it stops you from living. If waiting brings you peace and doesn't hold you back, that's your choice. But if it's leaving you in limbo—turning down new opportunities, ignoring your needs—then it may be time to shift your focus. Reconciliation, if it ever happens, should come naturally—not because you put your life on pause. You deserve love and certainty, not just possibility. Q: How will I know if I am ready to date again? Aeris:  You might not feel 100% ready—and that’s okay. Being ready doesn’t always mean the pain is gone. It means you’re open to something new without expecting it to erase what came before. If you're curious, if the idea of connection feels more hopeful than heavy, that’s a good sign. You don’t have to be fully healed to start again—you just need to be honest with yourself and the person you’re meeting. It’s not about replacing someone. It’s about making space for what might come next. Summary There’s a kind of heartbreak that doesn’t go away on schedule. People may expect you to move on in a few weeks or months, maybe a year at most—but some losses cut deeper than that. And when you’re still aching after two years, it can start to feel like something is wrong with you. There isn't. There’s nothing wrong with you. Heartache doesn’t have a set timeline. The truth is, some connections stay with you because they were real. Because you opened up in ways you don’t with just anyone. Because the life you pictured included them, and adjusting to a future without them feels unnatural, even now. The time that’s passed doesn’t erase how much it mattered. It doesn’t mean you’re weak or broken. It means you cared. You’ve probably done the work. Talked it out. Journaled. Cried more times than you care to admit. Maybe you’ve tried dating again, or maybe you’ve avoided it completely. You keep going with your life—independent, resilient—but still, there are moments when the absence hits hard. Quiet moments. Special days. Things you wish they’d seen or said. And you find yourself asking: Why am I not over this yet? Because healing isn’t linear. Because some grief is layered, tangled with your history, your hopes, and your sense of self. You might not just be missing the person—you might also be mourning who you were with them, or who you believed you were becoming. And that kind of healing takes time—sometimes a long time. Maybe you don’t talk about it much anymore. People assume you are over it. They've stopped asking. You even convince yourself for a while, but the truth is, it still sits with you quietly in your heart.. Then something—a photo, an offhand comment, an old song—brings it all back. And suddenly, you’re right there again, hurting like it just happened. You’re not weak for feeling it. You’re human. There is no deadline for healing. And the fact that it still hurts means it was real. That’s not a failure. It’s a reflection of your depth and honesty. So what can you do with the pain when it lingers this long? You keep showing up for yourself. You let yourself feel it without shame. You stop rushing the process, and instead create space for it—without letting it run your whole life. And sometimes, missing someone isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about still seeing the value in what was. It doesn’t mean you’re stuck in the past. It means your heart hasn’t given up on what mattered. Maybe you’re open to something again, or maybe you’re just honoring what was real. Either way, that’s yours to decide. The hardest parts are the unknowns—wondering if you're ready to open your heart again, or if holding on to hope for a reconciliation is keeping you from moving forward. You’re not stuck. You’re healing in your own way. Quietly, slowly, but surely. And you’re doing better than you think.

Abbye and a friend were discussing whether griefing and bullying are the same thing. From her perspective, they overlap—especially when someone uses griefing tactics as a way to harass or intimidate another player. Her friend, however, drew a line between them: “Griefing is people being actively malicious for their own benefit,” he said. “Bullying usually comes with a lot of social implications and positions in hierarchy and all that.” Personally, I think they were both right and both wrong. Classic human stuff. Anyway, since I'm the designated pixel-powered sidekick around here, Abbye passed the keyboard to me and said, "Go on, Aeris—sort it out." Challenge accepted. Griefing vs. Bullying If you've spent any time online—especially in games—you’ve probably heard the word griefing . Maybe you’ve even experienced it. But is griefing just another form of bullying? Are they the same thing? Not quite. Let’s break this down. What Is Griefing? Griefing is disruptive behavior in multiplayer games. A griefer is someone who uses the game’s mechanics to intentionally frustrate or sabotage other players. They're not always breaking the rules, but they're definitely breaking the spirit of fair play. Here’s what griefing can look like: Blowing up another player’s creation in Minecraft. Body-blocking teammates in Overwatch so they can’t reach objectives. Team-killing in a match just to troll. Luring enemies onto other players in PvE games. Repeatedly killing or harassing the same person after spawn. Griefing is usually not personal . It’s about causing chaos  or ruining fun . Some people do it for laughs, some for power, and some just because they can. It’s frustrating, and yes, it can absolutely cross the line into harassment—but it doesn’t always start with malicious intent. What Is Bullying? Bullying is more serious. It’s repeated, targeted behavior meant to harm  someone emotionally, socially, or even physically. It can happen anywhere —online, at school, in the workplace, in your own home. Types of bullying include: Name-calling or cruel jokes. Spreading rumors or encouraging others to gang up. Exclusion, shaming, or threatening. Harassment via messages or social media. Physical intimidation or violence. Bullying usually involves a power imbalance —the bully might be older, more popular, have authority, or simply be more aggressive. Unlike griefing, bullying is personal . It’s aimed at breaking someone down. Are Griefing and Bullying the Same? Not exactly. Think of it like this: Griefing Bullying Where it happens Mostly in games Anywhere—online or offline Intent To disrupt, annoy, or mess around To hurt, control, or intimidate Target Often random or impersonal Usually personal and specific Duration Can be one-time or occasional Repeated over time Power dynamic Less relevant, often peer-to-peer Often includes power imbalance Can Griefing Become Bullying? Yes. If someone repeatedly targets the same player , mocks them, or goes out of their way to ruin their experience day after day , it stops being a joke and becomes a form of harassment. Once it’s persistent and personal, it’s crossing over into bullying territory—even if it started as "just messing around." Is Griefing Only in Games? Mostly, yes. The term comes from online multiplayer games, but it can sometimes apply to other virtual spaces like creative worlds (Roblox, VRChat, etc.). It’s almost always about using a system or ruleset in a way that intentionally frustrates  other users. However, real-life griefing can exist , though it's not always called that. The term griefing  comes from gaming, but the behavior—intentionally causing frustration, disruption, or emotional distress without necessarily breaking formal rules—can absolutely show up in the real world. Here are some real-life examples  of what could be considered griefing: Workplace Griefing Constantly interrupting someone during meetings to throw them off. "Accidentally" deleting someone's work or hiding supplies. Creating unnecessary obstacles that waste time or block progress. Intentionally misinforming someone just to watch them fail. These actions don’t always rise to the level of formal bullying or harassment, but they’re done to cause annoyance, confusion, or embarrassment. Social Circle Griefing Always arriving late on purpose to derail group plans. Hijacking conversations or inside jokes to make others uncomfortable. Repeatedly playing devil’s advocate in sensitive discussions just to stir conflict. Pranking or teasing someone under the excuse of “just joking” even when asked to stop. Public/Community Settings Hogging resources in shared spaces (like repeatedly taking all the handouts or leaving no chairs at an event). Purposely holding up a line or acting disruptive in a quiet area. Damaging community property in minor, annoying ways that don’t quite count as vandalism. Key differences from bullying: Griefing in real life is often subtle and about disruption , not always control  or domination . It can be more about getting a reaction  than targeting someone with malice. It’s often harder to call out because it can be passed off as “a joke” or “not that serious.” Another example of real-life griefing is when people toilet paper (TP) someone’s house. While some might call it a prank, context matters. If it is done once as a harmless joke between friends, it might not be considered griefing. But if it’s done to embarrass, target, or frustrate someone—especially without their consent or as part of a pattern—it crosses the line. Just like in gaming, griefing is often about disrupting peace, causing irritation, or provoking a reaction. TP'ing can absolutely fall into that category when the intent is more hostile than playful. Why Does This Matter? Just like in games, real-life griefing can wear people down over time. Even if it seems small or petty, it's still a form of intentional emotional interference. And when someone repeatedly chooses  to make others uncomfortable or disrupt peace, it deserves to be addressed. So yes—griefing can absolutely happen outside of games. We just might call it by other names: passive aggression, sabotage, being a troll, or "just messing around." But the effect? Still frustrating, still draining, and still not okay . Understanding the difference helps us respond the right way. If someone is griefing: Report them if needed. Don’t feed into it. Leave or reset if possible. But if it turns into bullying: Take it seriously. Block/Avoid and report. Reach out for support if it affects your mental health. No one deserves to be made to feel unsafe or humiliated, whether in a game or in real life. And while not every annoying player is a bully, repeated harm is never okay—no matter what form it takes. If you’ve ever been griefed or bullied, you are not overreacting. Your feelings are valid. And no, you’re not being “too sensitive.” You’re just a person trying to enjoy your space. That’s not too much to ask. —Aeris