Heading Back into Lockdown

With cases surpassing 2,000 a day, Ontario has announced a renewed lockdown starting Boxing Day.  This will last four weeks.  Middle of winter, too.  It should be fun!  Although Ottawa itself has relatively few cases (30-ish for a population of 1MM), the fear is that people from Quebec and other parts of Ontario might come into Ottawa if we don't also lockdown.  So, here we go again!

Overall it doesn't really matter much to me, other than minor inconveniences like perhaps longer lines at supermarkets, no haircut, etc.  I have stopped going to the gym since the first lockdown anyway, and have not really returned.  And I don't go into malls in the best of times.  But it's the unavailability of it all, you know?

I don't know how things are where you live.  Actually, on a population of over 15MM in Ontario, 2,000 new cases a day is bad, but really rather good compared to many other jurisdictions (like Maryland, Wisconsin, or most US States for that matter).  Still, it's not a good trend.  Back in the summer we had it down to 1,000 a day or so.  Where is this all going to take us?

Folks, 2020 is a crap year.  I am happy to see it go to the dustbins of history.  But it's also unwarranted optimism that most of us have about 2021.  What makes me think that it will be any better, and not worse?  That optimism is probably more wishful thinking than anything else.  As I have frequently maintained, life sucks and then you die.  Well, at my age, as long it comes fast and painless, I really don't mind.  Bring me Soylent Green!

My exams are done now.  Semester is over.  And the new one is coming in a few weeks.  Already one of the profs has sent out his syllabus etc.  Oh well, another course with a 40% final exam and a 50% term paper.  Gonna fun :)

Wherever, and whoever, you are, I wish you all the best for the new year, and a happy (all things considered) holiday season.  Make the best of it, eh?  As they say, when life gives you lemons, make Whiskey Sour.

More Power to the Student Union!

The UOttawa Student Union announced today that the university has agreed to allow students to choose one course this semester (and next) to be graded Pass/Fail.  This is a departure from official UO grading policy that does not allow P/F grading even for electives.

In its efforts, the Student Union garnered over 5,000 signatures from students, and presented some 300 stories of student hardship etc due to Covid.  More power to them.  It's a lot of work, and I am very glad that the union took the initiative to care for their fellow students.  And more power to the university for relaxing their stringent grading policy during these difficult times.

While the change in policy doesn't really affect me, I was for it and signed the petition.  Never give up my right to vote in any context.  I know many students are suffering from mental and physical stress, as well as financial strain, due to the virus situation.  This must be a good bit of news for many, to help relieve them of some stress.

I know this doesn't matter to any of you, but I am so happy about it that I just HAD to share it with you.  This Student Union is a new one, replacing the previous one that students were unhappy with.  All newly elected executives too.  They have done well so far.

Prolonged Absence

It's been a while since my last post, but I've been lazy and also I really didn't have anything new to report.  The semester is almost done, with finals coming up next week.  So it's down to reviewing for the finals and stuff, and the fun begins again in January!

Well, here's a bit of news.  I applied to both a second undergrad degree (this time in social science) and to an MA in sociology.  Just heard from the undergrad that I've been accepted, so I'm waiting word from the MA to see if I get in.  If I do, then I will have a decision to make.  I know I've been through this numerous times, but both have things I like (and dislike) that makes the decision not quite so easy.  I guess I will just have to wait and see what the MA people say.  I will keep you posted.

Winter is here, sort of.  For Ottawa, things will no doubt get a lot nastier in terms of temperatures.  We haven't had anything below -10 yet, which is actually unusual for Ottawa.  Usually by now we are talking -10 or -15 during the day everyday.  I don't mind.  And I certainly don't miss the ice on the sidewalks.  But I know too that this mild spell won't last...

Rucking gets harder in the winter.  When it snows, walking is much harder because it takes much more effort.  And if there's ice, well, I'd rather not go at all.  And when you start, it's cold, so you're dressed for that, but half an hour in, you're sweating profusely.  So you need layers and waterproof layers.  Because if the sweat gets through, and then the wind blows, it's a sure way to catch pneumonia or bronchitis.  Anyway, no more super long rucks for me now.  Besides, I don't have time because I have classes and stuff.  About two hours is as much as I do these days.  Quite a drop from the crazy 12 mile rucks I did in the summer.

With the holidays coming, I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas season.  And the best to everyone for a much better 2021.  I really can't wait to see the last of 2020.  Hope we will somehow be rid of this Covid next year.

Stay healthy, stay safe.  And always remember, just be glad you weren't born in Syria or something.  Things could always be much worse.