Here we go again. My birthday is tomorrow. It’s not a big one but my age will be a prime number. Last year I was anxious about buying and moving into this condo with my son, and our senior cats. Despite what has happened since, the condo turned out to be the best move for us. We’re still in the city where we can have groceries and the occasional meal delivered. But it’s not a very densely populated part. There’s plenty of nearby green space for walks. We have high speed internet. I could never have predicted what 2020 would bring. Including headlines like:
- Barcelona Opera Reopens With An Audience Of Plants
- NASCAR bans Confederate flag, but plane flies one over the speedway
- Governments urge singles to find a ‘cuddle buddy’ or ‘support bubble’ during pandemic
- The battle over masks in a pandemic: An all-American story. The stupidity is just too much.
So much facepalming. But I did sign off on last year’s post with “I’ve got to keep my chin up and find joy where I can.” That’s never been more true. Some things that have been bringing me joy lately:
- The best PSA in the history of PSAs from one of the best countries on the planet. Thank you for everything, New Zealand. “New Zealand Releases Humorous Commercial To Encourage Parents To Discuss The Difference Between Adult Videos And Real Life With Their Children“
- Americans, understandably, are not wanted in Europe right now but I can recreate my favorite European beverages at home beginning with the Aperol Spritz. And I’ve been drinking plenty of Gerolsteiner mineral water. Also? We have all the supplies on hand to make bubble tea.
- A book I didn’t know I needed about an alternate reality IKEA:
There isn’t a word wasted in Nino Cipri’s Finna. For a book about travelling through nightmarish labyrinths that cut and twist between worlds, it’s remarkably straightforward.
- Generally, I’m not interested in high school type shows featuring teenagers. I am a GenXer pushing 50 after all. But I Am Not Okay With This had me alternating between cringing and cackling, all with an amazing soundtrack. I look forward to Season 2.
- This easy stovetop mac & cheese recipe. Though maybe I’ve been making it too often. It is delicious.
- I haven’t been to LA in a few years but have admired Emo Nite from afar. Lately they have really stepped up, with conversations about racism in the punk/alternative scene, led by Black voices. Part 1 happened a few weeks ago and has been posted to youtube. Part 2 happened this week and has also been posted.
- 99% Invisible, forever and always, but specifically this episode featuring so many of my favorite things. Japanese mascots, Yokai and Hello Kitty. Arigato.
- With all of the confederate statues being toppled (finally) I’m seeing calls for a number of things. Like, leaving the statues with horses and just removing the riders. Not bad. But this idea is the best: West Virginians Are Campaigning to Replace Confederate Statues With Mothman
- Plants! My son has become a little concerned. I get all of our food and other household stuff delivered. But in the past few weeks I’ve made three visits to our local garden store. They are taking all precautions with masks required in-store and contactless shopping with distances maintained. Initially, it was cathartic just to be in that big space with all the plants around me. But then I kept bringing them home. But I don’t think we’re going to end up like the Barcelona Opera, as cool as that is. I can only keep plants in the places where our aging cats can’t reach.
Like many I’ve been struggling to strike a balance. Cutting down on my doom scrolling while remaining informed and actively engaged in critical conversations. It’s hard. But for tomorrow I have taken some time off from work and will enjoy myself while acknowledging the strange year I’ve just experienced. Earlier in the year we had planned a two-week trip through the Pacific Northwest for June. We were slated to be in Vancouver, British Columbia tomorrow. Instead we will wake up at home, like every other day. But this day will involve dragging the kid for a stroll around the MN Landscape Arboretum, picking up a custom vegan cheesecake order from Muddy Paws, retrieving our first CSA box of the season, and watching the new Adventure Time: Distant Lands series on HBO. Not the worst welcome to 47.
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