Today I spent a few hours at an allergy clinic, then a few at work, and then a short time at the off-leash dog park in Northeast Minneapolis. At the clinic, which was shared with a bone marrow transplant clinic and adjacent to a hospital, there were a lot of old people and people who have trouble getting around without the assistance of a device or another person. The staff and doctors were all very friendly and caring. The place had an air of routine business and people going about their daily lives. I couldn't help but feel sympathy for the people I saw who were in a lot of pain or discomfort.

At work, there was the usual mix of mistrust, people taking themselves too seriously, and people acting as caricatures of themselves. They all want to be good people and do good work, but they are ill-equipped and ill-supported by their superiors. I find it unfortunate that people must resort to suspicion and backstabbing because they feel threatened in their jobs, and it all ultimately is the fault of the leadership. The boss doesn't know how to deal with the problems so it creates more stress for everyone.

The people at the dog park are a more humble lot. They smile a lot and they love their dogs. They have nothing to give or lose. One does not see the stress of a job or a strained relationship in their expressions. The park is a stop along the way to their other things to do and they get along just fine.

Work people, meet hospital people, and try to be a little more like park people over there.