After the year that was 2020, I’m not sure I have a very solid grasp on the passage of time. It felt like a very, very long year. How often did someone bring up a news story or a meme, only for someone else to respond that was this year??? 2021 has all the hallmarks of starting at the same pace. It’s only three weeks old but January has felt interminable.
That’s not why I have four desk calendars, though. All four were gifts, from three friends. They didn’t give them to me because I miss dates, or lose time, though I don’t think there’s a critical value of calendars that will ever prevent me from treating deadlines like targets, to be hit squarely. That I’ve managed to submit college assignments with twenty-four hours to go is, I assure you, not characteristic.
No. The reason my friends gave me multiple calendars is much simpler. In 2019, I bought myself an ‘unspirational’ desk calendar (not a typo). It was meant to be funny and, I think, it kind of is, subverting the daily inspirational quote. The problem is, of course, that 365-odd days of mean humour does kind of grate and, if one is in anyway predisposed to taking things personally, even mass-produced calendars? Well.
Quite why I decided to buy another unspirational calendar for 2021, especially after the year that was 2020, is something even I can’t answer but it doesn’t matter: my order was cancelled because of lack of stock and my friends gave me multiple calendars that are far more interesting or uplifting. Clare gave me ‘Thoughts of a Dog’, Donya gave me a BTS calendar and Micah gave me a Washington Capitals Trivia and Facts calendar and a calendar of obscure facts, all of which make me smile on the daily.
There’s something to be said for the little things, and for avoiding cruel humour, especially and even when it is self-directed. So, I’m going to enjoy my desk calendars, not just because they’re interesting, or sweet, or funny, but because they came from friends who care for my well-being. 2021 isn’t starting superbly but I have friends who are kind and that’s far better than a mean old calendar.
whelmed.blog 