There’s a line from the Shawshank Redemption movie where Morgan Freeman’s character says something along the lines of “get busy living or get busy dying.” It’s time to get busy living. We’ve dealt with COVID-19 for the past year. I’ve done what I was asked to do – worn a mask, kept my distance, washed my hands until they’re raw, and shown up for work every day at the germ infested waters known as my elementary school. As I listened to the CDC and Dr. Fauci offer “updated guidance” this week – which is essentially more of the same for the next several months – I realized:
I’m done.
Vaccines are available. It’s your choice whether you roll up your sleeve and take it or not. Personally, I chose to get vaccinated. As of May 1st, I will be considered fully vaccinated.
I don’t plan to go crazy, but I do intend to resume limited travel, F2F therapy dog visits and enjoy activities outdoors. People can give me all the side-eye they want, but I will not be made to feel guilty because I am OUTSIDE without a mask.
I will no longer worry about hugging students who need a hug.
I will no longer worry about teaching sewing classes or attending sewing events at my usual quilt shop without a mask.
I will continue to avoid large gatherings and will shop when stores aren’t as busy.
I will continue to observe enhanced cleaning protocols.
I will continue to observe my personal space bubble.
I will trade my mask for a decidedly more comfortable face shield while at work.
If the research confirms that the 2 shot vaccines do prevent the spread of the virus to others, then I am done with masks unless I am visiting a medical facility or am around someone who is medically fragile. Those are the folks who need to be isolated and protected, not the entire US population.
The longer this drags on and the more mixed messages we receive, the more it seems like we the people are being played.
It’s going to be really interesting to see how many remote employees balk at having to go back into the office in the coming months.
Come Stitch With Me, LLC 
The only other factor that concern me is over taxing our fragile health care system. If too many people get sick at the same time it could be horrifying for patients and nurses like it was in NY, CA, TX, etc. And not just for the covid patients but for anyone suffering other ailments like heart attacks, strokes, cancer etc.
That said, I’m totally with you. Once I’m fully vaccinated, it’s time to start living again with the considerations you mention. Have a great day 🙂