So, we march on, figuratively, through 2020. I'm just at a loss seeing all the media coverage of covidiocracy and racism and just downright nastiness. I never really thought people were as evil and/or stupid as they seem to be this year.
Is it the way the government is being led that is allowing people to show their 'true colors'? Do they feel safe exposing their true thoughts during this time? Was this stuff going on for years now---and it's just now that everyone has a camera that it's being brought to light?
I know I don't have any answers---just a lot of questions.
And the topics people are stuck on----taking a knee. In light of all the media coverage of mistreatment of black citizens, I understand why Colin did it. All the athletes that kneel for the national anthem are doing it to show support for "Black Lives Matter." Until all people in our country are given equal treatment, are we really a land of the free?
I know I never had to sit my son down and speak to him about how to act around police officers or what to do if he was pulled over by a policeman. Personally, I have never been profiled and followed around a store while I was shopping or questioned about my presence in any location.
Racism is very real and still exists today. I mean, in our lifetime, we had to pass an Equal Opportunity Act to stop people/companies from discriminating against people that are different from them. This was passed in 1972! I really wish some of these racist individuals could switch places with a black man or woman and walk a mile in their shoes.
Not really looking for comments or to cause controversy. This is just my take on the situation. If you don't share my view, that is fine!
The other thing that is dividing our country is mask wearing. I never thought this would be an issue--right hand up to God. There is a pandemic happening now. If you wear a mask, you protect me. When I wear a mask I protect you. Simple. Again, I naively believed that most people are kind and care about others. And again, people proved me wrong. It is not a violation of your freedom. Seat belts are mandatory and most people put one on because they save lives without uttering "my rights are being violated." What about wearing a life jacket? How many people are screaming about that? No smoking in the majority of places......I could continue. But, these are things we do every day in our life that we could do years ago and now can't. How is mask wearing any different?
Are your rights going to be violated when they stick a vent tube down your throat to save your life?
Why aren't people getting angry and acting out at the number of people that have died from Covid-19? (Over 163 thousand deaths) Or at the fact that the US has more than 5 million cases? That's 5,000,000 cases!!!
OK. I'm done. If you are still reading, I am onto lighter material here. I just had to write that and get it out of my system.
In really different, other news..........the work on the house continues. I am trying to use this time as I continue to stay home, to my advantage. I bought these new lights for my newly painted foyer and soon to be painted bedroom. I love them. I am going for calm sanctuary vibe here. The paint is helping, and the new lights give me a sense of calm and elegance. I know they are not everyone's cup of tea, but they work for me.
I am also having a small patio put in off my lanai, out back. It will be 6' x 12'. I can only go out 6 feet from my house and then I am in the common area so that is what I have to work with. My goal is to eventually make the area the entire length of my house. I am very excited about this. It will be nice to sit outside when it cools off in the evening and enjoy an adult beverage or two and watch the night sky for meteors! And, my friends, this is the month for the Perseid Meteor shower. It is peaking on the 11th! But meteors will be visible for another 2 weeks after that!
Has anyone else gained weight during this pandemic? I have the Covid-5 working right now. I am back on the straight and narrow and eating clean and not drinking. But sheesh. The carb cravings never go away. If someone put a fresh loaf of crusty Italian bread in front of me, I would devour it in minutes. I love bread. I miss bread. But bread is kind of evil on WW. I know, I know, I can have a piece of garlic bread---but I don't want just one piece, I would be hateful having to limit myself so I don't eat it at all. (Honestly, how can anyone have just 1 piece of warm, crusty bread? It's unnatural not to want more! And if you can, please don't tell me, I do NOT need that kind of negativity in my life!)
I was going to go on a road trip north this month, but that didn't work out time wise. I may still do it. My friends, in Hooterville, offered up their house so I could quarantine there and still work. Then I would have the weekends to see my family (who I miss a LOT) and not have to take vacation days. But complications arose and the trip is being postponed. Maybe October--who knows. Sigh.
I planned on driving up--going a different route to avoid I95 from Richmond on--shooting over to Knoxville and picking up I81. For the trip home, I planned on taking the Auto Train. I hope this trip still takes place. I'd love to get out of my house and see my family and friends---even if at a distance!
I do have a cruise booked, leaving Ft. Lauderdale for a week at the end of March. I hope we have some semblance of 'normal' in our country and are free to move about---even wearing masks! I am excited about that. I haven't seen any cruise cancellations for dates in 2021---yet. Trying to be hopeful!
No trips to Phoenix planned in the immediate future. My daughter is still living out there (my son returned to Central PA) and they are strictly quarantining. I really miss her. I haven't seen her since last Thanksgiving. Facetime is great and all, but not even a close second to hugging her in person.
So, that's the news (or lack of) for now.
Stay safe and masked!
jilly
