“Perhaps a lunatic was simply a minority of one.” – George Orwell, 1984
When the weekend began, I had no idea that before it was over we would be living in Orwell’s dystopian 1984 2017. It began on Friday night with a couple of Perfect Manhattan’s. And, I am not just saying that…nope, it is an evidence-based conclusion, rooted in fact! And, they were the ideal way start to the weekend! We had discussed during the week that we really were feeling in a rut with our Friday night eats, so we changed it up a bit. Meatballs instead of Salami, Lobster Dip instead of Hummus…why we even added in some onion rings! Three cheers for diversity!
Saturday, we still had snow on the ground but with quickly rising temperatures, I knew it would not last for long. After all, science-based evidence is clear that warming temperatures make the snow melt. There is no changing that, no matter how much I want the snow to stay, wish cannot make it so!
I also, sadly, did not get my super-secret knitting done on Friday and I feared being vulnerable to criticism on Christmas morning if I delivered an empty box filled only with an IOU, so I managed to do some covert knitting in the light of day! I am quite certain My recipient feels no sense of entitlement, but they still are deserving of this gift – so I feverishly knit on, grabbing a row or two here and there while no one was paying attention! And, with some sneaky persistence the knitting was done and now begins the seaming. It’s a good Monday task!
We got our annual visit from Santa and the Scott Township Fire Department rolled out the red carpet firetrucks for him! It is a high point of the season and feels so “small town”. I really love this little tradition!
Sunday, it rained most of the day. Hard. The melting of the snow kind of rain. AND, Sunday was a HUGE football day! There was a game for the ages: The Steelers vs The Patriots IN PITTSBURGH, and wonder of wonders – I actually rooted for those crazy Steelers! Perhaps I am finally becoming a Yinzer, n’at! Steve wanted “football foods” for the game. You’d think it was the Super Bowl or some such thing! Ha! So there was a mini-feast with more good eats and even a beer or two! It was an incredible game, even though we lost, thanks to that incredibly bad call in that last 28 seconds (because in any other football game the ball crossing the plane of the goal would be a touchdown, but apparently not in Pittsburgh)!
Finally, we come to the last two banned words: transgender and fetus… I cannot imagine that they actually think that by not saying these words it will change how people feel about themselves, their identity, or a choice that is intensely personal.
I am reminded that every single day I must embrace all that is different. I must support those who are defenseless with words and actions, and if I don’t understand something, I need to be open to new thoughts and ideas. John Lynch said it best, “We will not agree on every issue. But let us respect those differences and respect one another…”
Make it a good Monday!
P.S. I saw this late last night The CDC Poetry Project if any of you want to try your hand at a submission!
“Don’t you see that the whole aim of Newspeak is to narrow the range of thought?” – George Orwell, 1984. I’m staying away from news this week (I don’t want to hear any tax scam gloating) and speaking these words as often as possible.
Still shaking my head . . .
Oh my, I was just asking my husband what is the point. I’m with Bonny, staying away from the news.
I’m laughing hysterically and crying at the same time at the ridiculousness of it all…I agree with Bonny, staying away from the media for awhile. Instead, I’ll join you all for knitting, classical music and tea/coffee, even if it’s in spirit!
I’m with Bonny in staying away from the media for awhile and using these words as often as possible. Our government is shameful!
No news here, either – and I LOVE your post, Kat – quite fun (and clever!) … and yet still makes a very sharp point. Thank you!
Each day our choices in EVERYTHING are becoming smaller. The white mans world would like to limit all free expression of anything that is unique or different. We must continue to be vigilant.
I think I need to reread 1984, if only to survive this administration.
Great way of using some very important words! For what it’s worth, I thought that was a bad call, too, and that sure looked like a touchdown to me. Of course, I’m glad for the win! I do think it was a dumb move to even pass the ball, they could have spiked it and taken the field goal and gone into over time. Oh well, it’s good to be a Pats fan!
I love how you did that. Hate that you had to… I haven’t sought the news in quite some time, but it has a way of finding me anyway.
Your firetruck tradition is awesome
I mostly keep up with the news (WaPo and NTY and The Guardian on my iPad before I get out of bed in the morning), but often it feels so overwhelming and hopeless. Then I remind myself that that is what *they* want us to feel.
Great post Kat. Here we are back to 1984.
you naughty girl 🙂 🙂 I read that list and rolled my eyes. Too much. I am trying bravely to breathe deeply and ignore the crazy of this admin.