So there. It's not my most flattering photo. But it's not a flattering experience. Besides, you've seen me with Bert and Ernie eyebrows.
Most of you know, I help take care of my parents. My sister and I haven't kept them alive for this long, to lose them to Covid. Most of you also follow me on social media. So you may also think "how careful is she? I mean look...she's not even wearing a mask" . Looks are always decieving. Especially with vultures and trolls all over social media, just waiting to tear you a part.
Well, to clear some things up, let me answer. I've not left my house except for emergencies, restaurant pick up, grocery shopping (just recently outside of my delivery membership), and to my parent's house. I wear a mask wherever I go. When you see me at home, with a friend or two, without one on in photos- it's because I KNOW I'm safe. We also practice LOTS of social distancing. And I also have a tank of sanitzer by my front door.
How? Simple. The friends who I've been hanging with, well, we're all broken in some which way, shape or form. From heart , asthma, cancer remission, and auto immune disorders, we're ALL super SUPER careful. AND we've all been tested. Yep, me too.
I may infact, have been the last one of them. Last week, I heard that a in-law family member of mine, and a brother of a cousin's, cousin's, cousin....got Covid-19. My sister didn't show symptoms. My brother in law didn't show symptoms. Neither did I or Michael. BUT I didn't want to chance it. SO, that being said, last week, I went to wait in a 4 hour line at the Orange County Convention Center.
At first I pulled up and didn't think it looked so bad. The lines ok. It was moving pretty swiftly. After 1 hour, I reached a sign, 'EXTREME WAIT TIME'. I looked at my WAZE app and noticed it wasn't far at all, thought, nah no big deal right? Let's just say I was alone. I had SnapChat and I had to kill 3 more hours. The process started with an person handing me a biohazard bag, a form to fill out with all of my information (no IDs were checked), and another form with the information on where to register and find my results. Moving on. The next stop, a lady took my form and put it on the bag and attached my bag to my windshield. Another hour wait. People were really courteous and patient. They've been outside all day. In the Florida heat. And still, so kind.
FINALLY, my turn. I pulled up. there were 3-4 techs at the station dressed to the T in gear, face masks and face shields. I whimpered to the lady 'I'm scared'....I was. I'm also a huge baby. She giggled and responded with 'It's going to be ok, it only feels like a fly got stuck up your nose'. She was right. She went in with a HUGE qtip into one of my nostrils, wiggled it around, pulled it out and went to the next. I did tear up a bit, it WAS uncomfortable, but extremely brief. I thanked them all so much for everything they do and for being available to our community in such a time. I said goodbye and POOF no line home.
Would I do the test again? Sure. Do I want to? No.
I can tell you over 2 months ago, I went to a bar in Cocoa on the first night they opened. I saw NUMEROUS, 18-30 year olds giggling, laughing, hugging all over each other WITHOUT MASKS. I moved to the opposite corner of the bar, to be alone with Michael, and away from them-15 minutes later I had the worst anxiety and we had to leave. I have a phobia now. I knew I was claustrophobic, but now more than ever, I DON'T feel safe in public places, IF they are confined. It makes me feel better seeing, and being around people with masks. I have no problem respecting this. If there is a place out in the open for me to run away from things, I can manage. I don't want to stop going out and doing things. I got some sun today and INSTANTLY my mood changed. So I need to change things I do and how I do them, with the most amount of caution. But NOT stop my life.
Many things will be changing. Our world will never be the same again. It's a tough adjustment, but we will adjust.
I can't be the one to force or tell you to wear a mask. I can't and won't tell you not to. I know what I do. And I do what makes me and my family feel safe. I understand it's not like that for everyone else. But please, PLEASE I can't stress this enough, don't hate people who do what they think is best, by wearing their masks. They're not minions, they're not 'sheep'. If you see someone with a mask, and you don't have one, respect their bubble. EXAMPLE - DON'T reach over them, only inches away, to open a freezer door at a grocery store, and practice social distance. And PLEASE don't call people ignorant, or names or shame them. I've seen so many adults do this, and it's just embarrassing....for anyone's age. There are ways to ask questions and/or giving knowledge without belittling someone, or in a condescending fashion. Everyone has their reason. Be kind, and respect their decisions. Kindness is free. We need that the most in the world we're living in now.
Rant over.
XOXO
Susie