The day has come at last, guys and gals, when lockdown comes to an end. More or less. On June 29th, virtually everything will cease to be virtual, and hairdressers, salons, cinemas, and restaurants will be allowed to open. There's always the lingering threat that a second lockdown will be sprung upon us, should the cases and deaths experience a resurgence, but I am spurred on by the promising success that Ireland, nay, Europe, has had thus far.

Sure, when everything opens, it won't be exactly the same (there'll be a strict "no small talk" rule in place, they say), and dining out may not be the most relaxing activity, given the time limit. But it's a darn sight closer to a well-groomed, well-fed world than we've had in months. And hey, I've expressed my hatred for hairdresser-small talk on numerous occasions, so I'm glad to see that blight wiped out, even temporarily. 

• Reading. My mission, because I've chosen to accept it, is to make my way through Sarah's list of thesis novels in the next few months (and one short story collection, I believe). Beginning with Zone One (2011), a post-apocalyptic novel by Colson Whitehead, and wrapping up with, let's say The Mandibles (2016), by the controversial Lionel Shriver, I hope to bring a significant amount of "required reading" to bear on any corrections I provide. Also reading Total Film, Pokémon Adventures. I also reread Stephen King's On Writing (2000), which I highly recommend if you're looking to reignite your creative streak. It's extremely eloquent, clear, and memorable

• Gaming. I'm not a huge fan of driving games, but there was something about the sunny, feel-good appeal of Burnout: Paradise Remastered (2020) that made me want to purchase it this week. Something I've read about in reviews of the game, and which holds true upon playing it for myself, is the sheer wealth of content: it's jam-packed with cars, events, and secrets. The soundtrack is also a delightful mish-mash of incongruous tunes, such as Debussy's "Clair De Lune" (1905) and Avril Lavigne's "Girlfriend" (2007). Fun fact: the former almost always makes me well up. I've also been playing Final Fantasy VII (2020), which I'm loving as well: the music, storytelling, and battle system are top-notch

• Films/TV. Mostly continuing my watchthrough of Frasier (1993-2004). I did get Iron Man 3 (2013) and Tomb Raider (2018) on Blu-ray though. I like Shane Black's second sequel: it's fun and surprising. Tomb Raider isn't an outstanding movie, but I find myself thinking rather well of it, with distance

• Work. Mostly customer service at the moment, due to the high volume of orders Zazzle have been receiving

• People. Everyone's well at home, at work, and in college, it seems. If you're not, feel free to reach out. In about an hour, I'll be on the way to see Natalie for the day: another socially distanced excursion into town might be in order, and fun will certainly be had.