Two of the best things I've seen in 2021

On the light side, this video of a lawyer who inadvertently placed a cat filter on himself while on Zoom with a judge. I nearly peed in my pants watching, not least when he says, “I’m here live, I’m not a cat.”

On the powerful side, my Congressman, Rep Raskin in closing for the Dems today as the impeachment trial commenced. This is unbelievably powerful, right, moving, and unforgettable. It’s a must-watch.

47 weeks

So, we’ve been at home for just over 47 weeks. It’s getting extremely long in the tooth. Quarantine humor and family projects and such have largely given way to resignation, limping through each day, and profound disdain for cooking another meal. I am telling y’all the truth- if schools are going to stay closed, they need to start sending our kids lunch. Well, the private schools do. I have one child in private and one in public, and I really think that since we have gotten zero tuition reduction, they could send Oliver lunch once a week. Good god, I am sick of the kitchen. Starting to avoid it all costs.

Meanwhile, I’m becoming a lunatic cross stitcher and embroiderer. I have mild feelings of panic about this when considered in concert with my cat, Zillow, and pajama-like clothing obsessions. Speaking of Zillow, did you all catch this SNL skit? As Joy Reid tweeted, “this hit a bit too close to home.” Lol.

Do y’all agree that the Bernie mitten memes provided such true and delightful spots of joy when they were churning through the internet?

Thank gawd for hilarious, clever people.

Well, that’s all I have for you. I’m peevish, restless, and so sick of parenting. I bet you are, too. But I’m thankful for all I do have, including supportive parents who have each gotten one dose of the Covid vaccine. Be kind, please get vaccinated when you can, and send me funny stuff when you come across treasures like the above.

A new era dawns: Biden/Harris

Oh, boy, what is this lightness? A good and decent human is president and he is supported and surrounded by good and decent others. Biden’s speech today was perfect, and Harris’s constant smile was such a joy. A young poet shared a stunning poem she wrote for today. If you missed it, watch Amanda Gorman’s radiant genius here.

Mom, Dad, the boys and I watched for hours. A horrible gray day of “American Carnage” was replaced by a happy, sunny day of hope, diversity, inclusion, and sincere calls for unity, though not without accountability. Amen!

Yesterday, Mom got her first dose of the Covid vaccine, and today America got a shot of hope. So many truly bad people have left town, my city, my home. A home I love but that has been so tense and tough for four long years. Despite my disgust at McConnell and McCarthy carrying on today about unity and welcome, at Cruz sitting like a smug member at the inauguration, at lunatic Boebert’s empty seat, today marks the dawn of a new era. I hope it does at least. If American democracy slips so close to the precipice again, I’m not sure we’ll make it back. So, I am looking forward, with my fingers crossed, ready to work. And I am thrilled AF about all the incredible women Biden has put into tremendous positions of power and influence. It’s about damn time. Thank you, Joe!

I am smiling, and I feel satisfied. At my first Women’s March, I vowed to work for this country so that when we got another chance at a future, I wouldn’t be able to say anything except that I truly gave it my all. And I did. I did my part. So many did. And that is the real lesson today. Democracy requires active, fact-based participation. It takes daily effort, constant toil. We all must continue doing our part, in big ways and small. The 2022 midterms are closer than they feel. They are crucial. Find a candidate or two that you believe in, and go volunteer on their behalf. If you have great representation, as I do in Maryland, look beyond state lines. I’ve already joined Team Fetterman (current Lt Gov of PA, John Fetterman; he’s probably going to run for Senate) and will work my tail off for him. Local and state legislatures and positions are critical, too, so find a place that meets your needs and jump in.

I hope to never hear or even really speak about Cheeto Satan again, unless it’s to find out he’s going to jail or receiving some other very deserved consequence, but for now I leave you with just a few delicious bits of Goodbye, Satan humor.

Be well, all. Get vaccinated as soon as you can. Here’s to 2021!