These are trying times to say the least. Times that force many to resort to finding ways to cope. Times when some of us frequently find ourselves asking, often rhetorically, "Who needs a drink?" This becomes problematic for me as I'm not much of a drinker. A while back, when I'd go out with folks after work, instead of getting a drink, I'd order some chicken wings and waffle fries. Food became my equivalent to alcohol. Unfortunately, my belt only has so many notches, and I've had to find another way of coping with the challenges the world throws at me. That way is laughter.
A while back I found this video of two hamsters on a wheel. It's one of the funniest videos I've ever seen (don't worry; the hamsters are fine). Give it a watch; see what you think. Every time I watch it, I laugh. Even if it's several consecutive time, as it has been lately, it always cheers me up. I feel better.
So now, when I read that a high school in Georgia sent students back for full, in-person classes, I watch the hamsters. When I find out that the school suspended the the girl who posted the pictures of mask-less students in overcrowded hallways (because yeah, she's the issue), I watch the hamsters.
When I read that a Florida county sheriff has banned anyone - staff or civilian - from wearing masks in the sheriff's office, I watch the hamsters. When I find out that the mayor of that city vetoed a city council emergency mask order, I watch the hamsters.
When I read that a Georgia congressional district (Come on, Georgia, what's with you? We already have Florida) nominated a QAnon following, anti-Semitic, anti-Muslim, racist woman. I watch the hamsters. When I read that Trump called her a future star, I watch the hamsters.
When I post a survey in my town's Facebook group asking who will get the COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available, and ~40% say no, I watch the hamsters.
When I watch Trump tell a reporter that Trump has done more for Black people than anyone else, I watch the hamsters. Sometimes, though, even the hamsters aren't enough. And that's okay. They don't need this kind of pressure. On occasion I give the hamsters a break, so when I see that Trump's comment about doing more for Black people than anyone is in response to a question about John Lewis (you know, the guy who had his skull cracked open when marching for civil rights), I give the hamsters the day off. And I look at the horse cookie.
I love these hamsters, and can totally see them as a coping mechanism. My most effective one is A. Ham, with which I am obsessed!. Whenever I am pissed, sad, annoyed, angry, frustrated, I find a quote that suits, which calms me right the f*ck down... <3
ReplyDeletethere’s a million things I haven’t done
But just you wait, just you wait
I’m young, scrappy, and hungry
And I’m not throwing away my shot
Raise a glass to freedom
Look around, look around at how
Lucky we are to be alive right now
Dying is easy, young man. Living is harder
And when you said “Hi,” I forgot my dang name
How does a ragtag volunteer army in need of a shower
Somehow defeat a global superpower?
Who lives, who dies, who tells your story
Awesome… wow
Why do you write like you’re running out of time?
Immigrants: We get the job done
History has its eyes on you.
Talk less! Smile more!
Don’t let them know what you’re against or what you’re for!
Rise up!
(and of course there are a bazillion more. Hang in there... <3 )