I love Rick Astley! Yesterday, when I was bored out of my mind, I poured over his music videos on YouTube. The songs helped me to momentarily return to the '80s when life was simpler, clothing styles were horrendous, and I was 20 pounds lighter. Then I read about the continued popularity of “rick-rolling”—when a seemingly innocent hyperlink to some relevant site or additional information instead leads to a link to Astley’s music video “Never Gonna Give You Up.” Suddenly, I realized that since March 2020, the whole world has been rick-rolled. Well, maybe not actually rick-rolled, but perhaps COVID-rolled. No matter where you wanted to go or what you wanted to do, an ominous, unwanted COVID-19 “link” would always pop up. A wedding? Sorry, you’ve been COVID-rolled. A birthday party? Again, COVID-rolled. How about a funeral? Family reunion? Haircut? Airline flight? An outing for groceries? Yup, COVID-rolled again. (In the interest of transparency, I might or might not have been joyously swigging after-Christmas wine while warbling along with Rick and cursing COVID.) I just wanna tell you how I’m feeling Gotta make you understand (It's) Never gonna go away Never gonna set you free Always gonna float around and infect you Always gonna make you cry Never gonna say goodbye Always gonna spread those germs that affect you.
January 7, 2021
We celebrated Christmas this week and I was at home with my family the way we always celebrate. It's almost like we could forget that the pandemic was going on. Only a few differences: instead of going to church on Christmas eve, we watched the service on the computer while sitting downstairs around the Christmas tree. Also, instead of spending time at the mall shopping for Christmas presents, most of the shopping was done online. I didn't like that part because I enjoy shopping for things in person, but it was OK for one year. I truly hope I don't have to shop this way next Christmas though. We spent the day eating, laughing, playing games, doing puzzles and enjoying family time. I am truly grateful that we got to be together after not being able to hang out all year.
December 29, 2020