What’s happening? I’ve been trying to stay calm; I’ve been digesting everything going on in my personal life and the world for months now, a little in shock and a little overwhelmed. Where do I start? Well…
The Invasion of Ukraine and the Potential for World War III
Ukraine has settled into a permanent space in my brain. When I read the latest news, a thrum of anxiety pulses through me at different vibrations. The video, the photos, the reports of the destruction, the murder; these people’s lives are just torn apart because Putin wants to play old-world games that can no longer happen without the entire world watching. I’m so grateful we have the technology we do so the world can use its voice to speak out against Putin’s actions.
We might end up with a World War III, but I’m hoping not every day. I’m hoping they make it, that they can push Russia out, and the world won’t give up telling Putin he can stick it. But after the last six years of chaos, living during the tyranny years of Trump, COVID-19, the Black Lives Matter protests, the rise of white supremacist groups gaining support from the GOP, the corrupt actions of the Trump and his followers to overturn the election, I wouldn’t be surprised if this is next. Suppose the world ends up going to war. If we have to unite and fight for democracy and freedom, then so be it. Even as the last veterans and people who lived during World War II pass on and we fight Nazism here in the U.S., we can’t let the war crimes of Putin go unchecked. Unfortunately, my bruises haven’t healed, and they’re still tender to the touch. I’m trying to stay positive, but now I’m planning for the worst.
Check Out These Resources to Help Support Ukraine
Ukraine Humanitarian Assistance Account
Moving on or Moving Forward with COVID-19?
Am I trying to move forward? It’s not gone, eradicated, not at all. So many have lost family and friends to the virus, and now there’s a disconnect between those still grieving and struggling to deal with what happened these last two years and those ready to live life pre-March 2020.
I’m trying to move forward, but I’m not going to forget how many died and continue to perish because of the virus. I admit I’m wearing my mask less in public spaces. One of the reasons we moved to SF in the first place is that it’s a city where most people take COVID-19 seriously. I feel safer in San Francisco with our extraordinarily high fully-vaxxed rates and the percentage of people who’ve received their boosters.
An Intermission: Where’s my Mind? In San Francisco and Beyond
It’s quiet tonight. I can hear the rhythmic buzzing of the cable car line moving on Powell Street. I gulp down lukewarm mango ginger tea and wonder if I’ll have time tomorrow to read more from The Vintage Book of Contemporary American Short Stories. There hasn’t been much time to sit and read. I attempted two days ago to sit on the rooftop patio of the apartment building and read bits of Tales of the City. I became distracted by an older couple, maybe Gen Xers, arguing and putting in my Bluetooth earbuds to blast ocean sounds on Spotify. Back in my apartment, the neighbor slams their door down the hall; the glasses in my kitchen rattle. Why does everyone in this building like to slam doors? There’s nothing wrong with peace, but this is a city, so the sound is as loud as the stench of piss in the streets. I’m used to it now, but sometimes it’s more noticeable when I’m thinking like this.
There’s a numbness that has settled into my routine. I’m trying to balance my daily life, absorbing world news, and managing my stress. What is there to be stressed out about? Too much, I guess. Maybe it’s the inflation. Perhaps it’s the consistency of hate crimes directed toward the AAPI and LGBTQIA+ community. My stomach flips as I read about Texas’ abortion law and how other red states are writing their own as fast as possible so they can reverse the rights women have fought for for generations. What the hell is going on here?
This is only the beginning. Expect to see a weekly post like this one where I dive deep into my reflections on what’s going on in the world and my life. I’m just a writer, a poet, juggling things as I go along. Want to chat? Leave a comment below or email me at alinahappyhansenwriter@gmail.com.
We all need to help each other survive these days to have safe places to live for years to come. Have resources you’d love to share to help support Ukraine, AAPI, and LGBTQIA+ communities? Please share, and I will as well.
Liked this post? Feel free to check out “Life During COVID-19 in SF: Feeling Fall, A Month of Halloween Vibes and Writing More” or maybe something a little different? Try “Summer in San Francisco: A Writer’s Second Year” ?