By: Peter Barhydt
As we look over the next few months, I would like you to know that we have cancelled Day Light Savings this year. There is no point in giving you any more time, not even one more hour.
I plan on staying up well past midnight this New Year’s Eve. Not to welcome in the new year, but to make sure you take your leave.
Yes, there have been some silver linings to this year; after six months of talking through masks, I can finally understand what Charlie Brown’s teacher is saying.
We also got to see and truly be with our kids every day. We have the most amazing kids and they have handled their first pandemic (hopefully not of many) with far more grace and patience than I have. I am just not sure when we got the cat?
Our youngest is back in school taking Latin and learning how to read facial expressions only through people’s eyes. He still comes home and says, “Best day ever!”
BUT! I have not stood in front of a microphone and live audience in months. For someone who normally gives six or seven speeches and roasts during the spring and early summer this can be painful. I miss it, I admit it, I really, really miss it, making people laugh or at least trying to. I know, I am whining.
My Family is tired of my jokes, the dogs won’t come when I call them, and worst of all? Even I am getting tired of me! When I walk into a room and say to whichever family members are there, “Did you know….” They know a joke is coming, make up excuses and head for the door. I have never seen my daughter do laundry before, so why does she need to get it out of the dryer now?
Did you know I finished Netflix today? All of it.
Normally, I believe in living in the present, but this is too present for me. I am looking forward to mask-less smiles, hopefully before the mask acne on my face becomes a permanent feature. I am looking forward to not lurking around a door like some film noire character wondering if it’s safe to enter.
Speaking of Raymond Chandler…were we? Sure. One of his quotes has been rattling around my head lately. “The streets were dark with something more than night.” I am looking forward to a new year with abundant sunlight that we can enjoy everywhere without fear or concern, other than the normal ones. And hugs! A year with lots and lots of hugs.
I never thought the expression, “I wouldn’t touch him with a six-foot pole” would become national policy, but here we are. I think it is time to wrap this letter up. Another great Raymond Chandler quote from his book “The Long Goodbye” says it best: “You talk too damn much and too damn much of it is about you.” I think this pandemic is getting to me.
So, if we can hurry up and get to your expiration date, 2020, that would be totally awesome. Don’t worry, we won’t forget you. We will be talking about you for years to come.
