Hello to all our Petals. With all the talk about new outbreaks of CoVid and new strains of CoVid it is becoming clear, at least to me, that the numbers should reflect the number of people getting this after taking the vaccine. Not all immune systems can handle what was thrown in the mix to make this vaccine. NO, I am not saying you shouldn’t get the vaccine. I’m saying do your research. Find out what is in the vaccine you’re being given. I personally cannot take the Flu Vaccine. I had it once and was so incredibly sick for 2 weeks that I decided never again. That is my right. I can refuse medications if I want to. That having been said, if you feel strongly that you are a good candidate for the CoVid vaccine you should get it.
I have resurrected this Food for Thought from last year because it is still relevant.
We have all been chomping at the bit to get out, be sociable and to be, somewhat, normal again. The good news is that businesses are reopening, people can go out and soak up some sun, we all need vitamin D, and parks and trails are starting to open up again. So, we feel like things are getting back to normal. Or are they?
There have been reports of new outbreaks of CoVid-19 all over the world. The bad news is that if we do not continue to follow the guidelines to protect ourselves and those we come in contact with, it can cause everything to have to shut down again. Social Distancing is not what humans are accustomed to unless it was a life choice. Covering our mouths with masks so we cannot put words to eyes for full comprehension is not what we are used to. Being forced to stay home is not what we are used to. So, is this the new “Normal”? I, personally, hope it is not.
I am one of the millions of people with an “at risk” status. I have respiratory problems, I am over the age of 65, I have allergies and some arthritis. The point is, I, myself personally, follow the guidelines but with an alternate meaning.
I do not recommend this approach for anyone. I just chose to allow my common sense to guide me.
First please note Guideline 1: Stay at Home. Simple directive but some people seem to take it literally. Stay at home does not imprison you IN your home. You have the ability to step outside. If have a back yard, it is a safe little sanctuary to get you away from the four walls of your house. If you live in an Apartment, it is okay to take a walk around the block. Simply wear your mask.
Guideline 2: Wear a Mask when in Public. Another simple directive. Doing this, you are protecting others as well as yourself. No one will be spitting on you when they sneeze or cough. And vise-versa. That being said, if you are in your backyard with your family, and were exposed, your family has already been exposed by you. So, a mask would be a redundant gesture. I, personally, do not care how good they say the masks are, I just cannot get enough air through them to function. I always feel like I am suffocating but I digress. I will add more on that later.
Guideline 3: Observe Social Distancing. If you are in your home, social distancing is ridiculous. It’s difficult to comfort frightened children from 6’ away. They need a hug. Unless your mad at your spouse, it’s difficult to stay 6’ away when going to bed. And I apologize to whomever this offends but, I am not wearing a mask to bed.
Guideline 4: Sanitize your hands. Avoid touching your face. This is an oxymoron because you have to touch your face to adjust the mask every few minutes. But you must wash your hands regularly. Another oxymoron since washing your hands defeats the purpose of using the sanitizer.
So, the problem I have with masks is that I am constantly adjusting them to stop them from shifting. I sympathize with all the people who wear glasses. The mask directs the warm exhalations up and fogs your glasses, so you have to touch your face more often to keep your glasses clear of fog. And then you have to readjust the mask and the cycle continues. It becomes incredibly frustrating. But, for however long this lasts, we are to follow the safety protocols set out by governments to protect ourselves and everyone we have contact with.
On the lighter side, I have found that, if you want to see a Mountaineer lose their mind, tell them that they have to stay home, observe social distancing, wear a mask, and then tell them all the sporting events have been cancelled. Now they have lost the will to live. A cold beer and nachos just are not the same without the game. And then there is the continual presence of the mask. It has to be removed to take a drink of the beer or to munch on the nachos. THIS is why there are so many speeding projectiles flying through the living room. I hope one is the mask!!
Moral of the story is: If we do not keep our sense of humor alive during all this, we will quickly forget that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
Be safe, stay healthy and try to remember “This Too Will Pass”.
Think about it and Feed your mind with positive thoughts.
