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Six feet apart…in the station, that is. (Photo by Roz Warren.)

Does an Amtrak trip between Philly and New York feel Covid-safe?

The almost post-pandemic rails

Roz Warren was vaccinated and ready to take her first jaunt to New York City in over a year. Does she recommend Amtrak?

Roz Warren

Jun 08, 2021 Essays 6 minute read

For the past year, some of our most high-stress encounters have been at the grocery store. (Photo by Alaina Johns.)

Good afternoon, shoppers: The pandemic is no excuse to be rude

Gimme some space (please)

We’re all navigating a weird and troubled pandemic world. Roz Warren says we don’t have to be rude on top of everything else.

Roz Warren

May 04, 2021 Essays 3 minute read

Is a thump-and-swish wake-up what everybody wants? (Image via PxHere.)

Stuck between a good neighbor and a noisy neighbor at seven in the morning

I only have ears for you

Especially when many of us are spending extra time at home, what does being a good neighbor really mean? Roz Warren listens in.

Roz Warren

Mar 09, 2021 Essays 5 minute read

A popular title. (Image courtesy of the author.)

What happens when bringing up the truth just gets you blocked?

Trashed on Twitter for something I didn’t do

Twenty-one years ago, Roz Warren edited a book called ‘Eat, Drink and Remarry.’ Seven years ago, another author published a novel by the same title. So why did she accuse Roz of theft?

Roz Warren

Jan 18, 2021 Essays 4 minute read

What did it mean when library patrons saw the yellow van? (Photo by dave_7 via Wikimedia Commons.)

The man in the yellow van

Who belongs at the library?

Patrons at a suburban library complained to the staff about who was allowed in the door. Librarian Roz Warren always had the same answer.

Roz Warren

Dec 22, 2020 Essays 5 minute read

Can you cut the cake and still get your money back? (Photo by Ali Eminov, via Flickr.)

Are you displacing your rage in the age of COVID?

The great crooked cake crisis

For some, pandemic life brings out extra kindness and patience. But as Roz Warren tells it, others are looking for a target for their anger.

Roz Warren

Oct 05, 2020 Essays 4 minute read

It’s not what she expected, but Roz is raising a mug to retirement. (Image courtesy of the author.)

I lost my library job because I refused to work with the public in the pandemic

Grab your books and go

After decades behind the circulation desk, Roz Warren didn’t feel safe going back to work in the pandemic.

Roz Warren

Sep 08, 2020 Essays 4 minute read

I’m one of those people who’s making more money now that I’m unemployed

You got a problem with that?

Roz Warren is grateful for her CARES Act-boosted unemployment check since she was furloughed from her job at her local library. But there’s something else she wants even more.

Roz Warren

Jun 01, 2020 Essays 3 minute read

An open letter to unmasked runners and bikers who won’t stay six feet away

Behold the Distance Noodle

When you push by Roz Warren without a mask on during your workout, she's tempted to trip you. But she's decided on something a little safer.

Roz Warren

May 10, 2020 Essays 3 minute read

What was it like to fly to California and back during the coronapocalypse?

Braving essential travel

The CDC guideline was clear: no nonessential air travel. But Roz Warren didn't have a choice when she got the call from California.

Roz Warren

Apr 17, 2020 Essays 5 minute read

How about not? (Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash.)

Thank you for not hugging me— now or ever

No contact before it was cool

Everybody loves a hug! It's good for you! No so fast. Some folks, like Roz Warren, have been dodging hugs since long before it was the health directive du jour.

Roz Warren

Mar 17, 2020 Essays 3 minute read