Discin'

Today was day two of beautiful Spring weather here in Chicago. My weather app read 63 degrees Fahrenheit, but in the sun, it felt much warmer. (I just checked again; it's almost 70. Woohoo!) I was down to workout leggings and a tee shirt by the third hole of round one at our usual disc golf course. 

As my favorite Kanye West and Fall Out Boy tunes blasted from my portable JBL, I felt as though I was in another dimension where things were normal. I could play outside, dance (awkwardly) in public and feel happy without feeling worried that I was breaking any health and safety rules. Sure, the ground was muddy and the usual angry drivers honked away, but it just felt good to be, and to be outside today, even with the plethora of pre-thaw goose poo on the ground.

It's been rough, but I'm starting to get the feeling that the payoff from all of these dark months will be sweet. Like, really sweet. I'm ready to don my cheapest, finest sun dress and park it on our rooftop with a margarita, like, 359 days ago. I'm ready for a sunburn! I'm ready to be uncomfortably warm and concerned about my body odor in public! Bring it on!

Unfortunately, I'm still waiting for my vaccine, but today was a nice confirmation that when that time comes, I might get a little bit more of a mental lift than I thought I would. I've been diligently dreaming and fantasizing about travel, lavish indoor dinners, and breathing heavily on my friends' faces again. I know we're not quite there, but I am starting to feel a pinch of hope, which isn't something I've felt in awhile.

Don't you find it funny that within a month and a half of a different administration, one that embraces science, is seeking cooperation, and finds its roots in empathy, we have a vaccine rollout plan and an end in sight? Everyone vaccinated by July? Perhaps large concerts or music festivals come late summer and fall? I don't think it is a coincidence. I like to give credit where it's due, and in the case, I can't give much credit to the former administration. It's not a partisan thing; it's again, facts, empathy, and a politician executing their duty to their constituents: service. Part of service is listening. The other part is acting in the best interest in the most amount of people. In the case of Covid, the answer should have been an easy one. I'm glad we're finally getting the solutions that are, unfortunately, overdue. I'm glad that we're getting some eco-friendly legislation passed as well. I'm glad about a lot of things that, as a citizen and not a political mastermind, seem like no-brainers in terms of treating people with basic humanity. 

I try not to make things political, but as Britney Spears said, "Oops, I Did It Again."

Anyway, back to the lovely day and some exercise. I think I've effectively tweaked something in my back from not playing for so long, but my serotonin levels are up, so I'll take it. I hope you're all feeling a bit better if you're like me, living in a more seasonal area of the country. And if not, I hope you feel better just knowing that millions of Americans are going to have protection against this virus so we can all move forward. Oh, I also look forward to getting my job back, thanks to the people who are following safety protocols, dealing with a bit more social distancing and mask wearing, and for god's sake, respecting public safety guidelines regarding travel and large gatherings. Y'all are the real heroes. 

Until tomorrow, stay safe, stay well, stay kind, and wear your damn mask!

Much Love,
Cassandra