So today is my big day. After god knows how long, I finally get my first vaccination. I say god knows how long, because we all know 2020 & 2021 are moving along in what feels like dog years. I think we all feel like we've aged about 15 years since this whole pandemic started. But today gives me a small glimmer of hope.

That said, there's a few things I absolutely will not do today when all is said and done. There's obviously a long way to go before everyone is pretty much all vaxxed up and ready to rock, but doing my small part in it definitely helps. Everyone doing their small part does. But again, you won't see me doing these 5 things....

1. Shame anyone not getting the vaccine. Everyone has their own reasons for not getting it, and honestly, me arguing the point is well, pointless. After a year of a raging pandemic, if you're not into it, it's your business. There's plenty of research and info available, not to mention the 100 million+ people who've gotten it. But if you're still not convinced, not my problem.

2. Engage in vaccine politics. Even the most ardent anti-vaxxer has usually done some amount of research into why they won't do vaccines. They usually won't do any of them Flu, mumps, measles, etc. But one thing I will absolutely not listen to is politics. It's like the above idea. If you don't want it, don't get it. Not my problem. But if you start giving me crap about my choices, I'll simply walk away. Ain't nobody got time for that.

3. Post a photo of my vaccination card. Sure, it's awfully tempting, but with all the scammers out there making fake vaccination cards, there's no need to give them more material to work with. We've released articles all about why you shouldn't take a photo of your card. For that matter, even a vax selfie seems odd. Who needs to see a photo of you getting your arm poked in the middle of the Cross Center?

4. I won't stop wearing a mask and social distancing. All the research points to a couple things. Sure, I might not get it once I'm fully vaxxed, but there's a chance I could before the booster, and I also could carry it even though I can't catch it. Sure, around my family, who've all been poked at this point, I'll gladly not mask and enjoy the crap out of hugging them, but the rest will have to wait their turn, for their own safety.

5. Live in fear and be pessimistic. Usually, those words are meant in a different context, and are often followed by the words "sheep" or "wake up, people", but that's not the kind of thing I'm talking about. I'm still going to take the virus seriously until none of us have to anymore, but I'm going to live my life the best way I can, and enjoy every minute of every day. The vaccine is definitely going to help make that possible.

Look, again, I get it. If the vaccine isn't for you, that's your thing. It doesn't mean we can't be friends, it doesn't mean I'm going to judge you. It just might mean we can't visit the way we used to. And that's ok too. If you do you, I'll go ahead and do my thing. Let's just keep finding ways to come together, instead of drifting further apart.

That said, I cannot wait until 12:50pm today, when they call my name and I can finally step up to the plate. Or in this case, the needle. I'll just roll up my sleeve, and let them poke Bart Simpson right in the eye!

(For those that don't know, I have a full sleeve of Simpsons characters on my arm)

LOOK: Answers to 30 common COVID-19 vaccine questions

While much is still unknown about the coronavirus and the future, what is known is that the currently available vaccines have gone through all three trial phases and are safe and effective. It will be necessary for as many Americans as possible to be vaccinated in order to finally return to some level of pre-pandemic normalcy, and hopefully these 30 answers provided here will help readers get vaccinated as soon they are able.

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