“Bah Humbug”

Well…what can I say? There is not much to say is there. The last few days have been really rubbish and I feel so sorry for anyone who resides in a tier 4 area.

However, I am rather angry with various people. First of all I am annoyed with the government and the way they continue to handle the pandemic among other things.

My issue is not related to the guidelines and restrictions. I understand that they are necessary and I respect the restrictions and guidelines that have been issued. I would also like to add that I do not blame the Prime Minister for the pandemic.

However, what is winding me up is this. I feel that the way the government and Boris have approached and treated us, the general public, is disgraceful. Not only have members of his own team and family failed at times, since March, to comply with the guidelines that were put in place without suffering any obvious consequence but it seems to me that they cannot treat us with the common decency!

Personally, I find the briefings themselves confusing. They seem to go round and in circles so much that I end up feeling dizzy and I still don’t have a clue what is going on. I have struggled and continue to struggle to keep up with all the changes that have happened throughout. Some of the briefings have been so contradictory that they have become memes.

The other element I do not fully understand is why they issue timelines for when any new restrictions are going to come in to force. I assume it is to give people notice so that they have time to make any necessary arrangements regarding work etc.

Maybe I am wrong. Maybe the governments intention is to provide people with a deadline to enable them to escape or have a flash sale of alcohol/stock which, in turn, leads to scenes that we have seen or heard about over the past few days potentially spreading the virus further putting other areas of the country at risk.

Nice one! Now instead of feeling safe I get to sit inside my home worrying. What if I go to my local shops and become infected with the mutated coronavirus regardless of the rules and guidelines that I continue to follow.

It sucks that the planned Christmas has been ripped away from us in one way or another regardless of where you live. I’m not going to lie, I am not a huge fan of Christmas. I am a fan of the sentiment and good will but I am not a fan of the commercialism that is involved now.

My favourite Christmas film/story is A Christmas Carol. It has been since I saw Gonzo catching Rizzo the Rat’s tail on fire while trying to lamp a gas lamp as a child. What appeals to me about the story is, of course, Ebeneezer Scrooge. This selfish ignorant man who sees the error of his ways and makes a difference to those less fortunate than he is and does all he can for the good of his fellow man.

It is a sentiment that I fear has been lost, largely due to the advancement in technology and the power of money. There seems to be a large number of people who only think of themselves rather than the impact that they have on the lives of other people. Of course, this takes shape in many forms whether that be online bullying, abuse of any kind or ignoring regulations and guidance that have been put in place to protect as many people as possible.

I know that you are tired and I know that you are frustrated because I feel the same. I cannot see a light at the end of the tunnel yet but it took the Navvies nearly three years to complete Brunel’s Box Tunnel and I understand that you can only see the light at the end twice a year. So even though we cannot see it at the moment, it doesn’t mean the end isn’t there.

So lets keep going, lets do what we can to help and protect those around us so that we can find a way, as a society, of accepting that this virus is going to be around for a long time and will mutate and change as all viruses do. I feel that we need to find a way to live with this threat that means we can stay safe and fulfil our needs without believing that the government can fix the situation followed by moaning all the time when they fail. The cycle is getting boring now.

I know we are British but its exhausting being angry about things that we have no control over. This past weekend has highlighted this and unfortunately, despite our best efforts, events will continue to be cancelled, travel is going to be difficult and the government will continue to provide what is, effectively, false hope. Eventually we will stop hoping because then it cannot be snatched away.

One thing that has kept me going through the past year has been the ingenuity that we all possess as human beings. This quality in human nature enables us to overcome obstacles in our paths. Just because we cannot physically be with the people that we love does not mean that we cannot see it speak to them. It won’t be the same but it’s a damn sight better than nothing at all.

Today has been a challenging day for some people that I know. In fact, I would imagine, it has been unbearable for some and my thoughts are with you and I apologise for ranting. That being said, out of their heartbreak, a remarkable and much valued service has grown which has made a difference to a lot of people. If you have read my previous posts you will know that I am referring to #Brocheck. If not then please feel free to check out the page on Facebook to learn more.

I mention this as an example of what can be created when people look out for each other and help each other rather than trampling others to get ahead and get what you want for yourself. I think we need to stand together and support each other more than ever, especially at this time of year.

It is easy to lose hope at the present time, as well as for the future and we could get lost in our memories of our past. Maybe we could all do with taking a leave out of this Dickens Christmas ghost storyand do all three. After all, nothing is permanent. As Scrooge said “I will live in the Past, Present and the Future. The Spirits of all three shall strive within me. I will not shut out the lessons that they teach.” and nor should we.