I was lying on my bed reading my kindle when the notification pinged through on my phone. For some reason I instinctively rushed downstairs and Hayley had already put the BBC News channel on the television – Boris Johnson had been moved into intensive care. It was such a weird feeling because I obviously have no personal connection to him but I somehow felt upset and worried, like it was happening to a member of my own family. Love him or loathe him (I hover somewhere between the two), this man is leading us through a global pandemic and doing his best to save lives. I know plenty of people disagree with his politics but right now we should all be rooting for his success as the decisions he is making on a daily basis could be the difference between life and death for thousands of us. Inevitably there has been endless vitriol online wishing him the worst but this isn’t the time for politics. Boris has a family, a partner with a baby on the way and, everything else aside, he’s a human being just like the rest of us. I sincerely hope he makes a full recovery.

My fucking tooth has come out again. I was cycling through Rolleston and, as I tried to take a sip from my water bottle, I accidentally bashed it into my tooth, causing my filling to come out. I only had the bastarding thing done in August, although it has still lasted longer than some of the fillings I’ve had done previously. Unfortunately, because of the ongoing national lockdown, dentists aren’t even offering emergency appointments so, because I’m not actually in pain, I’ve got to walk around looking like a total bellend for the next few weeks (yes I know I already did ha bloody ha). I think it’s finally time I get some money together and get myself some veneers. Or just get another credit card out. 

I was hoping some of you might be able to offer me some advice. Now that the University of Hull has implemented a no detriment policy, as long as I pass my last few modules and bash out a decent dissertation I am guaranteed an upper second class degree. Because I know I only have to get a pass, I find myself totally unable to get any work done. It just seems totally pointless and terrifyingly mundane. For example, the first essay I’ve started is on the subject of identity politics. How am I supposed to write three thousand words on a subject so painfully boring? I struggle to motivate myself at the best of times but knowing I only have to get 40% has made it infinitely more difficult. Any tips or advice you could offer would be greatly appreciated. 

I miss you Sam. I hope we’ll be reunited soon. Stay safe.