Back to Life

[owlmoose]

The busy holiday weekend is now over, and I expect a somewhat rude re-entry into real life thanks to a dentist appointment first thing tomorrow morning (getting a cavity filled; not my favorite thing ever but not too terrifying either). And December is booking up quickly, what with social events and cultural events and a trip to Hawaii for a wedding the week after Christmas. So I want to settle in to something that feels like a normal life, but it's difficult to contemplate given the state of national events.

I had really been looking forward to the 2016 election being over. Turns out it will never really be over, but I still feel the need to draw a line under the election, accept that its happened, and move on to the work of fighting the president elect and his cronies. Reportedly, on a call with Democratic party volunteers a week or so ago, President Obama informed them that they had until Thanksgiving to mourn, and then he expected everyone to get back to work. Seems reasonable to me. So despite the specter of recounts and audits and the (extremely slim) possibility that Electoral College will pull something unexpected, I want to make some effort to get back to some semblance of normal. Not complacency, not ignoring what's going on, but finding the balance of paying attention to what's happening, and pushing back where necessary, without letting it consume my whole life. In the words of wise Tumblr poster:

We’re in this for the long haul. It’s a marathon not a sprint. It’s also a relay race not a singles event.

We need to pace ourselves and work together. And if you're ever in a place where you need to hand me the baton, just let me know.

Comments

[cafeshree]

I've been having the same thoughts. Spent this weekend trying to figure out how to balance it all.

[owlmoose]

Any conclusions? :)

I'm considering taking regular breaks from social media (by which I mean specifically Facebook and Twitter, at least to start). Maybe a Friday sabbatical or something.

[sarasa_cat]

It’s a marathon not a sprint. It’s also a relay race not a singles event.

I have a suspicion that it will be more like a relay race made up of ultra-marathons. :/

Not sure I have anything productive to say beyond cheering on everyone who decides to make December 2016 a month of escapist travel, cultural events, social events, and/or media+gaming binges, and I will do all my escapist-recharge cheering from afar while I escape too.

[sathari]

We’re in this for the long haul. It’s a marathon not a sprint. It’s also a relay race not a singles event.

I said something similar a few days ago, and I'm relieved to hear it validated by someone with more experience/expertise than I. Settling in for the long haul, here--- trying to work out a schedule of regular activism that works for me.

[umadoshi]

President Obama informed them that they had until Thanksgiving to mourn, and then he expected everyone to get back to work.

Reasonable, yeah. Also heartbreaking. Oh, world. ;_;