In celebration of the anything-but-ordinary citizen data analysts and righteous parents who helped better inform the public and turn the tide against the worst of social contagion.
Alex, your writing is an absolute delight and I was really very humbled to see this come across my inbox today. I got a little misty-eyed because you captured how bizarrely satisfying and humanizing the past year or two has been.
Truth be told, I have every intention of returning to twitter, likely in a few weeks. I needed a breather for my sanity and in order to stay within myself.
Even though COVID-related-insanity seems to be wrapping up, I found myself scrolling twitter just as much, if not more than before, except this time it wasn't to present data or comment on anything of substance. I was mostly logging on to be a dick to the remaining COVID enthusiasts and get some "likes", for doing it. This is pretty outside my character, and really not something that I ever wanted to become. (I do not, however, regret trying to debate Bill Comeau. That windbag needs a good dressing-down.)
Also, announcing my temporary departure felt like it was just asking for pats on the back or kind words. Kind of like a certain Toronto doc that always announces his intent to leave but can never quite seem to pull it off. I am more the kind of guy at the party who, at 11pm, slips out early so he can get a good night's sleep in my own bed.
Anyway, hoping to refresh myself with a break, and come back to feeling more like the guy you describe in this very kind and flattering piece.
See ya in a few weeks.
BTW, definitely going to print this out and show my kids when they're older. It may even make them proud of their dad. Many thanks for that.
Alex, your writing is an absolute delight and I was really very humbled to see this come across my inbox today. I got a little misty-eyed because you captured how bizarrely satisfying and humanizing the past year or two has been.
Truth be told, I have every intention of returning to twitter, likely in a few weeks. I needed a breather for my sanity and in order to stay within myself.
Even though COVID-related-insanity seems to be wrapping up, I found myself scrolling twitter just as much, if not more than before, except this time it wasn't to present data or comment on anything of substance. I was mostly logging on to be a dick to the remaining COVID enthusiasts and get some "likes", for doing it. This is pretty outside my character, and really not something that I ever wanted to become. (I do not, however, regret trying to debate Bill Comeau. That windbag needs a good dressing-down.)
Also, announcing my temporary departure felt like it was just asking for pats on the back or kind words. Kind of like a certain Toronto doc that always announces his intent to leave but can never quite seem to pull it off. I am more the kind of guy at the party who, at 11pm, slips out early so he can get a good night's sleep in my own bed.
Anyway, hoping to refresh myself with a break, and come back to feeling more like the guy you describe in this very kind and flattering piece.
See ya in a few weeks.
BTW, definitely going to print this out and show my kids when they're older. It may even make them proud of their dad. Many thanks for that.