The following post was written deep in the COVID-19 pandemic. When I re-read it now it makes me a bit uncomfortable remembering those days. I've considered removing it but it seems that we, all of us, are quick to forget what those days in the pandemic were like. I get it. The memories and not pleasant and the thought of facing more such events is scary. Maybe that's why I leave it here; to keep me--us--from forgetting.
Well, here we are again. Another bright, beautiful day in the Bull City. That's not to say that nothing's changed. The virus is here, of course, and it seems that everything has changed. Would you have believed, just a few weeks ago, that life could change so quickly?
Here in Durham, as in most cities around the country, people my age are asked to stay indoors and not take up valuable public space that could be better used for other purposes. A couple weeks ago, if asked how I'd react to that, I would have replied,
"You'll not see the Genome lying around the house when there's opportunity to be had underneath the wide, wild, wind-blown blue."
My ancestors got the hell out of Tuscany after Florence burned but we haven't forgotten the good life--nope, not a bit. And yet... here I am watching videos of Arnold Schwarzenegger telling everyone to stay inside. And he isn't simply recommending that we stay in for our best health. He's saying our former life is gone. He says, "That's over. No more. No more restaurants, no more coffee shops. No more. It's over."
Oh, my sainted aunt!
Maybe for you, Arnold, but not for this Viking. I have the blood of the Florentine Gherardinis running through these veins. I have the genes of the Jarls of Denmark encoded in this DNA. I have the heart of Rhys ap Tewdwr of Wales burning in this breast and the spirit of the Rain Crows of North Carolina sustaining me. I'll never be defeated.
That attitude helped me defeat drug addiction. That attitude keeps me grounded through the emotional quakes and tsunamis of manic depression. And that attitude will keep me safe and sane through the current trial or tribulation or whatever it is. I get those two confused.
Yes, I will survive and life will go on and it will go on for you too if you know what's good for you. You have your own set of ancestral gifts. Now, I realize that you may have some anxiety and whatnot. Understandable, of course. Quite natural. But you don't need to let it get the better of you.
I have the solution.
Get yourself a cat. If you already have one, get another. They work their magic best in pairs. If you already have two, get another. I once had six cats and I was immensely better for it. I have three now and they make it enjoyable to stay home even when I'm home for more than the recommended dose for the average adult.
Of course, they sleep until 2:00 in the afternoon and I'm forced to find other ways to be entertained, like writing blog posts for example. I haven't posted anything on this blog in months and the cats have just about had it with me. They inspire me!
Now, I know what you're thinking, and you can't be blamed for that, but consider this...it could be a lot worse.