Marking Time: "Wake me up when it's all over!" vs. "OMG, I have more I want to do!" As the current pandemic has progressed, I have been witness to a range of responses from people as to how they have coped with the uncertainties associated with the virus and recommended safeguards (hence, "Viral Vicissitudes"), as well as with the quarantine dimension in particular. Especially after the first few weeks, many of you began complaining of boredom, finding yourselves sleeping excessive amounts while not feeling rested, and otherwise bewildered. Which brings to mind the story a distant relative(?), Washington Irving, wrote about a fictional character, Rip Van Winkle. Partly an attempt to 'distance' from an annoying spouse, he wandered off and fell into a deep sleep under a tree, waking twenty years later, only to discover he missed the American Revolution, among other personal milestones. On the other hand, I have also talked with many who have expressed apprehension that the 'restrictions' would actually end prematurely, as they have numerous ideas and goals they still want to engage ("Bored?! You gotta be kidding!"). Personally, I find it a frustrating experience to open my "Outside" magazine, as I want to pursue everything featured while lacking the time to do so. While we probably won't have to formally account for how spent our time during the "Great Quarantine of 2020", if someone does ask you in twenty years, how will you respond? If you have to choose between two basic options, would you rather run out of time or ideas? Your choice!

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