Staying Apart, Together: The vaccine is finally becoming real

When the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines were first approved by the FDA in December, it was a wonderful feeling, but amid the winter surge in COVID cases and the scarce availability of the shots, it didn't necessarily feel like the vaccine was real for me. It was something far away, given to nurses by other nurses on TV. More cherished than gold or jewels. 

I had a few friends and family members who work in healthcare who got early doses: a friend in his medical residency, a cousin who works in a hospital. I was so happy for them, but I still felt like my dose was far, far away. 

Now I think I can see the light. My parents are fully vaccinated, and ready to go visit their grandchildren. Friends are getting their first shots and sharing deliriously happy Instagram posts. In clinical trials, the vaccines are being tested in children, the final hurdle on our pursuit of herd immunity. 

With more states opening up eligibility, it finally feels like the vaccine is here, not just in hospitals and news footage. And slowly, my cynical pandemic brain is starting to learn how to hope again. 

Today's silver lining

The pandemic took so much this past year – more than we are capable of grasping, let alone tallying. It took jobs and experiences, weddings and graduations, safety and certainty. It took the ground below our feet. It took many people we love.

But the pandemic gave, too. It granted time, and many people relished it. People found new hobbies, new perspectives, new connections. Some people found themselves.

Health and wellness reporter Alia Dastagir heard from more than a dozen people who said even among the horror and loss, they felt grateful for the pandemic's unexpected gifts. The smallest joys, they said, had a big impact. Here is a sample from her wonderful story:

Michael Weinberg, 21, is a junior at the University of Florida, but like so many college students during the pandemic, he's returned home. He lives in Pembroke Pines, Florida, with his mother, father and 23-year-old sister. 

Withdrawal from college life has meant more time to explore solitary activities, including art. Weinberg always enjoyed drawing but didn't think he had much skill. Last year, he decided it didn't matter.

"I don't need to be good," he said. "I can just do it and have it be fulfilling." 

Read the full story here. 

Today's at home celebration: St. Patrick's Day

Over a year into pandemic life, we're now faced with the reality of celebrating holidays at home all over again.

And because enjoying St. Patty's at home is the safest option in 2021, our friends at the Asbury Park Press rounded up a list of ways to celebrate this year. Here are a few of their suggestions:

• Drink a fancy craft beer. If you're not paying bar prices for your beer, why choose the cheap stuff? From Irish inspired beers to local favorites, it's a way to make your night at home a little more special. 
• Livestream a concert. Irish American rockers and road warriors Flogging Molly have partnered with Bushmills Irish Whiskey to present a live-streamed concert direct from Dublin airing at 3 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, March 17. And they're not the only ones. 
• Watch some Irish TV. A longtime fan of Netflix's "Derry Girls," set in Northern Ireland during the 1990s, I am happy to recommend it as a St. Patty's activity. Although I recommend  using the subtitles. 

Check out the full list here. 

Today's reads

• Miss the Oscar nominations yesterday? My Paste BN Movies colleagues have you covered with everything you need to know (and what movies you can watch right now!) 
• Sober living for everyone is rising in popularity as Chrissy Teigen, more ditch drinking. My coworker Erin Jensen reports. 
• College students who are skipping spring break because of COVID express frustration that the party is going on for some. 
• Important dog pupdate: French bulldogs are now the second most popular US dog. 

Today's pet

If this cat fits, she definitely sits. 

"We got a quarantine cat!" say Todd and Amy Ofenbeck. "(She's) named Annika after (golfer) Annika Sorenstam. She gets along great with our shepherd Hubbard and golden Miles! This is our first cat and she’s great!"

All Annika needs is a small bowl and she's ready to party. 

That's it for this Tuesday. Thank you so much for reading. The newsletter will be back on Saturday (helmed by Sara Moniuszko once again!), but in the meantime please keep sending pet pictures, coping tips, vaccine stories and more to stayingaparttogether@usatoday.com. 

All my very best,

Kelly Lawler