Semester Ends

 Like so many fingerprints on old handrails, another semester has come and gone.  How was my first semester in the MA program?  I'd say the reviews are mixed.

I started with three classes, then dropped one because I couldn't stand the prof.  Since I am in no hurry to finish the degree (if I even do), that's fine.  But that experience left a bad aftertaste, sort of like having had some Folgers coffee.  Or worse.  Yes, you all know I am a coffee snob.

Anyhow, so I only had two classes this semester.  Amazing, because it just made the experience so much more enjoyable!  Like the feeling one might get from watching The Father over and over and over again.  Not that both classes are equally good.  The one on political sociology was fine, but I find the subject matter a bit too left wing and radical even for me.  Maybe I shouldn't say "even for me," since I am not exactly a leftie to begin with.  If you know me well, you'd know that I am maybe middle of the road with a 5% tilt to the left.  After all, I did teach business.  In political sociology, at least at uOttawa, the agenda is quite radical -- talks of decolonization (oh how I hate that whole thing), especially --- even though I don't dispute all of the stuff.  What I find most annoying is that the material is long on criticisms and grievances, but very very short on actionability.  And well, the latter is my big thing, no?  If something isn't actionable, then you are just pissing into the wind.

But the other class I simply loved!  It's medical sociology, and it really opened my eyes to so many new angles and a vast pool of knowledge.  I absolutely loved it, and not only because the prof was really cool and responsive.  We usually got our assignments graded by the next class.  Haha, does this remind you of something you perhaps know?  And she's just super nice.  If she offers another class, I'll take it with no hesitation.  Particularly during this whole covid shitshow, the class was poignant and impactful.

We didn't have exams, thank goodness.  If we did, I am sure I'd flunk political sociology, since I resisted so much of the material that I couldn't even take it in.  But in grad school, we write papers.  And I love writing papers.  I am actually quite pleased with the paper I wrote for political sociology -- and by the end of it I could almost convince myself that I felt that way!  Creative writing, indeed.

So the semester is done.  And another one starts in a few weeks.  I have yet to settle on exactly what I will take in the winter.  Nothing really catches my fancy, let me tell you.  That's not a good sign.  But I will use the Christmas holidays to figure things out.

Had my booster shot yesterday.  Now I have some muscle aches, and my left shoulder is sore.  If this is the worst then I think I'm fine.  People told me I should feel more the side effects in the afternoon.  Oh boy.  I guess for sure I won't be going to the gym today.  And since we have a freezing rain warning tomorrow, guess I'll be staying put then as well.  More cake, anyone?

Speaking of vaccination, I just found out that someone I know lost his job because he refuses to get vaccinated.  I didn't ask him why -- not my business.  I like him personally, and I feel bad for him.  But it's his choice.  And I guess we make choices and we go in with eyes wide open.  Of course I have read about these things happening, but that was the first time I actually know someone who lost his job because of not getting vaccinated.  That piece of information kind of unsettles me.  Mixed emotions, you know, like seeing your mother-in-law driving down a cliff, in your brand new car.  But seriously, if I am ever that, I don't know what is going to happen to him and his family.  And I feel sad about that.

But it's the holiday season, no?  Hell, for all we know, 2022 will never come.  Omicron will kill us all.  Did any of you SERIOUSLY think we were out of the woods?  Dream on.  I think Covid will be with us forever.  And I'd be happy if we can keep it sort of under control, like the flu etc.  That, too, may be wishful thinking.  But I doubt that we will see the day when Covid vanishes.  If we can give everyone in the world, and I mean including the poorest countries, triple doses (of the real vaccine, not that Chinese and Russian crap), maybe.  But capitalism and self-interest will see to it that only those who can afford it will get vaccinated (that's assuming they even want to).  So, there you go.  We are fucked.  Like the Omega Man.

And with that happy thought, here's to wishing you all a happy holiday season.  Hope it's not our last.  Happy Holidays!