Bored? Isolated? Well check out how the other half is living, or should I say living it up? Spring break may be over but covid break is on. My husband took me to Ft. Lauderdale last weekend and I couldn’t believe my eyes. Happy, smiling, partying faces everywhere. I wasn’t dismayed, I was delighted. No one was singing happy birthday twice while washing hands or wiping door knobs. They were dancing in the pool with frothy drinks and living out loud. Jet skiis hummed, boats roared, bachlorettes and birthdays partied and I thought I was on another planet. People dying for vacation for a year, now vaxed will not be dying from vacation. If having fun is in your DNA, take your life back.

Maris just wants to see her grandson play ball, probably for the last year. Jim has been called back to work and even with my release from cancer perspective, can’t go with two children remote learning. One year in a young life is forever- we need to get back. Docs are saying stop the regulations smothering our children.

Even New York is ready to put on the show- a surprise to everyone! You do not have to dance to the DJ to participate. Look for opportunities to tip toe out the door. You may also be surprised what you find. Have faith in the vaccine.* It is a life changer. All mandates are off in Florida. Is the virus different here? Surprise to everyone that cases are not increasing. It was fascinating for me to see people expressing their rights and making their own choices. The quick visit looked like another world and inspires hope. It was as different as a foreign country. You can find freedom if you choose.

I met a young Canadian living with friends at the hotel, working remote for the past nine months. They are so thrilled with how their experience of the pandemic is wildly different from what could have been. Get ready. If NY is pushing back, it will happen quickly. Make plans to dig out those party shoes or swim trunks.

Navigating cancer and covid has made for a crushing year. When Beverly finished her journey and rang the bell this week, we both giggled as I said three words: “Now get out!”

*CDC: of 92 million fully vaccinated the infection rate is .0001%