Just T
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,884 
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Post by Just T on Dec 18, 2021 19:08:06 GMT
I have sort of been living my normal life, but I didn't do much before the pandemic as far as theater, concerts, amusement parks, etc, so I don't now. I do eat in restaurants, mostly on patios unless it's too cold. I have gotten to where I enjoy that so much, and so many places have outdoor heaters and fire pits now.
I did some traveling this year--went to the beach in Florida in July, I have been to visit family in Atlanta. All of those trips, I drove. I just went to Colorado over Thanksgiving to celebrate my son's wedding, and I flew there. I was a bit nervous on the plane as it was packed full.
I have had two vaccines, am eligible for the booster at the end of December. At first, I stopped wearing a mask, but I have started wearing one again as Covid is increasing rapidly. There has never been a mask mandate where I live, and I honestly think people could be dying in the streets and our governor would not issue a mandate. I am starting to see more and more people wearing masks.
I don't think any of what I do is living in fear, as I am pretty much carrying on with life. But, I think it is really shitty and cavalier to have the attitudes that some are showing here on this thread. Just because it hasn't personally affected you, it seems very insensitive to make the comments some are making. I do have a family member who died from Covid recently, and many others who have had it. My son in Colorado has had it twice--once last winter before he could get the vaccine, and once this fall after being fully vaccinated. The second time, he said he only felt bad for one day and got over it much faster. For me, that makes it worth getting the vaccine--if I get Covid, I hope it's not that bad. I am pretty sure I had it in February 2020 before any testing was being done. I got really sick on my last day of a trip to Vegas, and I was miserable for weeks after that. I did lose my sense of taste, but back then, I didn't even know that was a symptom.
All that to say...I'm with those who say that just because they are living life differently, that doesn't mean we are living in fear, rather we are living in reality.
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Just T
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,884
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Post by Just T on Dec 18, 2021 19:11:43 GMT
When did wearing a mask mean you are living in fear. That's a huge Republican phrase/talking point. It drives me nuts when people act like those who wear masks are idiots. Someone told me in the grocery store a few weeks ago that I need to take my mask off and stop watching CNN. I looked him right in the eye and asked him why he cared, how did my wearing a mask have anything to do with him. |
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Post by voltagain on Dec 18, 2021 19:14:54 GMT
I live my life in a way I am mentally comfortable which means I am content, not stressed or filled with anxiety. For me that means staying isolated, wearing a mask when I have to go out, limiting in person contact, and avoiding unmasked crowds. This does not feel like fear to me. It is simply a matter of good self care to me. I don't care what other people do or don't do. The only issue I have is things like my boss wanting me to be in the office full time and see international students who aren't eligible to be vaxxed in their home countries to see me in my 7x7 foot office after they have been on an international flight in the prior week. I did my job for 14 months without stepping in our office suit. No reason I HAVE to be in the office other than he doesn't want me to telework any more.
eta: I am in Oklahoma which has been much like Texas and Florida in the way the OK governor has handled covid. I am fine with the government policies. I just wish businesses were more flexible about employee work conditions.
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PLurker
Prolific Pea
Posts: 9,840
Location: Behind the Cheddar Curtain
Jun 28, 2014 3:48:49 GMT
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Post by PLurker on Dec 18, 2021 19:15:47 GMT
no it isn't necessarily living in fear. It's being aware that we are living through a global pandemic and unless people vaccinate and test and quit spreading Covid around, we're going to continue to be in a pandemic and new variants are going to continue to evolve - and there's no guarantee that the next one won't be more deadly. During a bad flu season - I ALSO stay away from crowded places, avoid hugging/handshakes, and stay home if I'm unwell or someone in the household is. I don't see why doing the same plus a mask is living in fear To me, that would be cutting out everything I enjoy or care about in my life, so I just don’t see the point. Not doing things because you’re afraid equals living in fear. I’ve never done anything different in flu season. Not to pick on you directly but this to me sounds like " I do me and to hell with how it affects other's." You don't have to be "living in fear" to be aware of the 800,O00+ dead and not wanting to contribute to increasing those numbers, or the long term effects it's having on people. Or the healthcare system that is being taxed to the point of possible failure. Empathy, caring about others and willing to adjust your own behavior just a bit to help the greater good isn't living in fear, it's giving a damn about those outside your personal orbit. If slight inconvenience to yourself, like wearing a mask and getting vaxxed is too much of a sacrifice to help others, well I don't get your world either. You can go on living your life damn near the same and still contribute in those small ways to help everyone else. "that would be cutting out everything I enjoy or care about in my life so I just don't see the point." suggests strongly that you care only for you and yours and don't see the point of giving a damn about others. IMO |
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Post by leslie132 on Dec 18, 2021 19:18:55 GMT
This discussion is going nowhere. You have one minority side claiming it's fear vs freedom of mind (and of bottom half of the face) that won't budge (spoiler: because they can't - they are incapable of seeing issues beyond their own everyday life). The other side is mostly filled with people who have a sense of solidarity and social concern. At no point have I read anything regarding the wellbeing of the health system in general or any concern for the mental (and physical) health of the care personnel from those in this discussion (and in other threads in NSBR). That says it all. You can't convince someone who's stuck in their POV and believe others are of no matter except when it is to bring up their mask-wearing and social-distancing measures. We are just gossip fodder and outlets for their need to judge from an extremely limited viewpoint. They need to "ask" just so they can feel superior, better than the rest. They are free, they are not afraid, everything is ok but hey ho, why are we being so crazy? We need to chill and "live". It's very interesting to come back to NSBR after weeks (months?) away and notice the pattern repeating itself incessantly: "I'm in the minority, clearly, (poor lil me) BUT everything is fine, why are you being so crazy if you're vaccinated? You don't make sense!" It's a form of gaslighting. They ignore any discussion regarding the pressure on the health system and the extreme difficulties healthcare workers have been facing for nearly two years. They're not interested in the conversation. They just need their hit. Indeed. They are literally one case away from seeing the other side. If one member of their family is suddenly seriously ill with Covid thanks to Omicron it might all make a bit more sense perhaps. Having been 'lucky so far' is a precarious place to be. You hit the nail on the head. Until someone in their family…. Or someone they love dies from it, there is no reason for them to even be concerned. Honestly I don’t even know if that would phase the one pea. She is oblivious to the real world and only worries about her entitled self. I wear a mask. I’m fully vaccinated, and my children are as well. They wear masks. No one complains as it isn’t made to be something that should be made into a big deal. It’s like grabbing a coat on the way out the door. Nothing more, nothing less. Although my one 8 year old will tell you we wear masks for “ our Aunt TT”. Aunt TT is my sister who was 60 years old and in great health. She was diagnosed at 4 in the afternoon (all because she was feeling a little off and wanted to test to be safe around her family) and at 8AM the next morning we were told she wouldn’t make it through the day. She lasted until 9 o’clock that night and died all alone. My sister would love to be here to take her small grandchildren to Disney or a concert at the park. We (her sisters and brother) are stepping in and doing things with her grandchildren. Keeping life as normal as well can, all while wearing a mask and helping keep others safe around us. Why do we (general *we*) have to make everything difficult. On Thanksgiving it was 1 year that she passed away. The night she passed the media broke out with her photo and used her as poster child for “should we mask up or not.” (She worked in a school district who was debating the mask mandate). Those reporters sent messages to my families Twitter, Instagram and FB pages….. it was sick. Covid is a treated like a political game…… a way to get people on one side verse the other. We really should all be on the same side. In all this time I’ve never posted anything pertaining to this debate. Some of these responses made me sad for the world we live in! |
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Post by cindosha on Dec 18, 2021 19:22:29 GMT
Before I was vaccinated, I was terrified. I did isolate as a fairly healthy (albeit overweight) person. After vaccination, I was less terrified. Although I still to this day mask up in public, I am not worried for myself. I’m boosted and I’ve already had Covid (a mild case, thanks to my vaccine). I teach every day. I go about my normal life (although still do not go to large indoor gatherings with unmasked strangers). I have been worried about passing it on to my immunocompromised brother. Now we have Omicron. It is NOT milder, despite media reports. If you are unvaccinated or immunocompromised, you CAN get severely sick or die, just like with alpha and delta. And it is CRAZY contagious. I fully expect that most of us WILL get it. If you’re boosted, you’ll most likely just have a flu-like case. But our hospitals will be overwhelmed like never before, and I’m not interested in making their jobs harder by being careless and spreading it, even if I am asymptomatic or have a mild case. There have been NO deaths from omicron in the USA. Eventually virtually everyone will get some form of covid. It won’t matter if you are unvaxed, vaxed, boosted or boosted 25 times. I’m choosing to live my life without fear of this illness. |
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Post by myshelly on Dec 18, 2021 19:30:12 GMT
Indeed. They are literally one case away from seeing the other side. If one member of their family is suddenly seriously ill with Covid thanks to Omicron it might all make a bit more sense perhaps. Having been 'lucky so far' is a precarious place to be. You hit the nail on the head. Until someone in their family…. Or someone they love dies from it, there is no reason for them to even be concerned. Honestly I don’t even know if that would phase the one pea. She is oblivious to the real world and only worries about her entitled self. I wear mask. I’m fully vaccinated, and my children are as well. They wear masks. No one complains as it isn’t made to be something that should be made into a big deal. It’s like grabbing a coat on the way out the door. Nothing more, nothing less. Although my one 8 year old will tell you we wear masks for “ our Aunt TT”. Aunt TT is my sister who was 60 years old and in great health. She was diagnosed at 4 in the afternoon (all because she was feeling a little off and wanted to test to be safe around her family) and at 8AM the next morning we were told she wouldn’t make it through the day. She lasted until 9 o’clock that night and died all alone. My sister would love to be here to take her small grandchildren to Disney or a concert at the park. We (her sisters and brother) are stepping in and doing things with her grandchildren. Keeping life as normal as well can, all while wearing a mask and helping keep others safe around us. Why do we (general *we*) have to make everything difficult. OnThanksgiving it was 1 year that she passed away. The night she passed the media broke out with her photo and used her as poster child for “should we mask up or not.” (She worked in a school district who was debating the mask mandate). Those reporters sent messages to my families Twitter, Instagram and FB pages….. it was sick. Covid is a treated like a political game…… a way to get people on one side verse the other. We really should all be on the same side. In all this time I’ve never posted anything pertaining to this debate. Some of these responses made me sad for the world….. Y’all keep responding as if I’m just one person obstinately refusing to follow rules. What I’m saying is, the norm in my city is NO ONE wears a mask. NO ONE asks for proof of vax. NO ONE distances. There are no rules here. The point of this thread is different norms in different areas. I’m following all the norms for where I am. This place has become a self selecting echo chamber. You’re all competing to be the biggest virtue signaling pea taking the most precautions. That’s not what most of the real world is doing. No one anywhere on this thread has argued against masks, but for some weird reason everyone wants to chime in and say how idiotic it is for people to be against masks. No one on this thread has said anything negative about people who want to get themselves vaxed. People have simply said that the norm in their area is people aren’t wearing masks anymore. |
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Post by Belia on Dec 18, 2021 19:30:35 GMT
Since reading this thread all I can think about is the phrase "living in fear." Like, that's the WORST POSSIBLE THING you could be doing. So many people are responding with all the ways they're NOT "living in fear."
Why? Why would that be such a bad thing?
You're GD right I'm afraid of Covid. I don't want any part of it. I've read about what it does to the body, and the awful suffering it causes. Of course I'm terrified of dying from it, but I'm equally scared of surviving and having to deal with long term symptoms. Covid is scary as hell and you betcha. I am afraid of catching it or bringing it home to my family.
So freaking what? Maybe if more people felt the way I do, we would already be at a reasonable level of herd immunity and it wouldn't still be impacting our daily lives so much.
I am triple vaxxed and my family is at the max number of vaccinations they can have for their respective ages. I am so thankful I live in a state that has treated Covid as real and dangerous this entire time. Our schools have a 100% mask mandate (I work in a school and have 2 kids) and all of our public transportation also requires a mask (DH rides the train into the city every day.) I've worn a mask indoors 100% of the time in public spaces. Last night I went to a family Christmas party and didn't do hugs because I didn't know the status of everyone there and nobody tested first. I wear a mask outdoors when I'm in a crowd of people (like, school pick up for my youngest). I've only eaten at a restaurant maybe 3-4 times and was uncomfortable pretty much the entire time. I am not ready to go back to movie theaters or anything like that.
HELL YES I'M AFRAID. Covid looks like it suuuuuuucks. If you want to judge me for "living in fear," have at it. Think whatever you want. As a family we've adapted to the fact that we're in the middle of a global pandemic and that's just how it is. Our life looks a little different than it did 2 years ago, but we are doing just fine.
And again, I can't help but think that if more people were willing to "live in fear" this whole thing would be over (or more manageable) MUCH sooner.
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Post by epeanymous on Dec 18, 2021 19:30:37 GMT
It’s unclear to me from some of the posts whether being fully vaxxed and masked is an acceptable amount of consideration for others, or if we’re also supposed to stay home full time now too. I truly don’t mean that in any snarky way. Where is the line between totally inconsiderate and respectful of healthcare workers? I think things are different based on a number of factors, like — what is the vaccination rate in your community? To what extent has your community put into place mitigation measures like mask requirements? What is the vaccination level and who is required to be vaccinated? How much COVID is in your community right now? I am triple-vaccinated and live in places with a mask requirement for indoor spaces and a vax requirement for restaurants/gyms/theater/bars. I have been going to indoor venues but am keeping an eye on the rates here to see if I need to adjust. I would behave differently if I lived in a place that didn’t do those things and had a lot of COVID right now (or had trouble last time we had a big wave). |
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Post by myshelly on Dec 18, 2021 19:32:37 GMT
Since reading this thread all I can think about is the phrase "living in fear." Like, that's the WORST POSSIBLE THING you could be doing. So many people are responding with all the ways they're NOT "living in fear." Why? Why would that be such a bad thing? You're GD right I'm afraid of Covid. I don't want any part of it. I've read about what it does to the body, and the awful suffering it causes. Of course I'm terrified of dying from it, but I'm equally scared of surviving and having to deal with long term symptoms. Covid is scary as hell and you betcha. I am afraid of catching it or bringing it home to my family. So freaking what? Maybe if more people felt the way I do, we would already be at a reasonable level of herd immunity and it wouldn't still be impacting our daily lives so much. I am triple vaxxed and my family is at the max number of vaccinations they can have for their respective ages. I am so thankful I live in a state that has treated Covid as real and dangerous this entire time. Our schools have a 100% mask mandate (I work in a school and have 2 kids) and all of our public transportation also requires a mask (DH rides the train into the city every day.) I've worn a mask indoors 100% of the time in public spaces. Last night I went to a family Christmas party and didn't do hugs because I didn't know the status of everyone there and nobody tested first. I wear a mask outdoors when I'm in a crowd of people (like, school pick up for my youngest). I've only eaten at a restaurant maybe 3-4 times and was uncomfortable pretty much the entire time. I am not ready to go back to movie theaters or anything like that. HELL YES I'M AFRAID. Covid looks like it suuuuuuucks. If you want to judge me for "living in fear," have at it. Think whatever you want. As a family we've adapted to the fact that we're in the middle of a global pandemic and that's just how it is. Our life looks a little different than it did 2 years ago, but we are doing just fine. And again, I can't help but think that if more people were willing to "live in fear" this whole thing would be over (or more manageable) MUCH sooner. It’s not impacting my daily life at all, though. I’m pretty sure that was the point of the OP. |
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Post by Belia on Dec 18, 2021 19:44:01 GMT
It’s not impacting my daily life at all, though. I’m pretty sure that was the point of the OP. Shouldn't it, though? I mean, if numbers are rising and hospitals are reaching capacity, shouldn't everyone be doing what they can to mitigate this thing? |
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Post by leslie132 on Dec 18, 2021 19:49:03 GMT
You hit the nail on the head. Until someone in their family…. Or someone they love dies from it, there is no reason for them to even be concerned. Honestly I don’t even know if that would phase the one pea. She is oblivious to the real world and only worries about her entitled self. I wear mask. I’m fully vaccinated, and my children are as well. They wear masks. No one complains as it isn’t made to be something that should be made into a big deal. It’s like grabbing a coat on the way out the door. Nothing more, nothing less. Although my one 8 year old will tell you we wear masks for “ our Aunt TT”. Aunt TT is my sister who was 60 years old and in great health. She was diagnosed at 4 in the afternoon (all because she was feeling a little off and wanted to test to be safe around her family) and at 8AM the next morning we were told she wouldn’t make it through the day. She lasted until 9 o’clock that night and died all alone. My sister would love to be here to take her small grandchildren to Disney or a concert at the park. We (her sisters and brother) are stepping in and doing things with her grandchildren. Keeping life as normal as well can, all while wearing a mask and helping keep others safe around us. Why do we (general *we*) have to make everything difficult. OnThanksgiving it was 1 year that she passed away. The night she passed the media broke out with her photo and used her as poster child for “should we mask up or not.” (She worked in a school district who was debating the mask mandate). Those reporters sent messages to my families Twitter, Instagram and FB pages….. it was sick. Covid is a treated like a political game…… a way to get people on one side verse the other. We really should all be on the same side. In all this time I’ve never posted anything pertaining to this debate. Some of these responses made me sad for the world….. Y’all keep responding as if I’m just one person obstinately refusing to follow rules. What I’m saying is, the norm in my city is NO ONE wears a mask. NO ONE asks for proof of vax. NO ONE distances. There are no rules here. The point of this thread is different norms in different areas. I’m following all the norms for where I am. This place has become a self selecting echo chamber. You’re all competing to be the biggest virtue signaling pea taking the most precautions. That’s not what most of the real world is doing. No one anywhere on this thread has argued against masks, but for some weird reason everyone wants to chime in and say how idiotic it is for people to be against masks. No one on this thread has said anything negative about people who want to get themselves vaxed. People have simply said that the norm in their area is people aren’t wearing masks anymore. I never said a name to the pea who is self absorbed. The fact that you think it’s you speaks volumes. It is you…..but I never said it. “Never said anything negative” is apart of your reply. . Please. Just because you throw a Y’all in front of a sentence doesn’t take the jab out of your words. I will say this……. I never share harsh words. To some these words aren’t harsh, they are just my opinion clearly stated. I didn’t like posting it, but the way you so callously said we are all going to die just pushed me past a point that I had to reply. Death is natural, nothing about Covid is. It hits everyone differently, I’m glad that you haven’t been touched by it in a way that effects you. Maybe you need to sit back and give those people it did effect just a smidgen of grace. Y’all know it won’t kill you to be sympathetic. |
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kibblesandbits
Pearl Clutcher
At the corner of Awesome and Bombdiggity
Posts: 3,305
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Post by kibblesandbits on Dec 18, 2021 19:50:54 GMT
You hit the nail on the head. Until someone in their family…. Or someone they love dies from it, there is no reason for them to even be concerned. Honestly I don’t even know if that would phase the one pea. She is oblivious to the real world and only worries about her entitled self. I wear mask. I’m fully vaccinated, and my children are as well. They wear masks. No one complains as it isn’t made to be something that should be made into a big deal. It’s like grabbing a coat on the way out the door. Nothing more, nothing less. Although my one 8 year old will tell you we wear masks for “ our Aunt TT”. Aunt TT is my sister who was 60 years old and in great health. She was diagnosed at 4 in the afternoon (all because she was feeling a little off and wanted to test to be safe around her family) and at 8AM the next morning we were told she wouldn’t make it through the day. She lasted until 9 o’clock that night and died all alone. My sister would love to be here to take her small grandchildren to Disney or a concert at the park. We (her sisters and brother) are stepping in and doing things with her grandchildren. Keeping life as normal as well can, all while wearing a mask and helping keep others safe around us. Why do we (general *we*) have to make everything difficult. OnThanksgiving it was 1 year that she passed away. The night she passed the media broke out with her photo and used her as poster child for “should we mask up or not.” (She worked in a school district who was debating the mask mandate). Those reporters sent messages to my families Twitter, Instagram and FB pages….. it was sick. Covid is a treated like a political game…… a way to get people on one side verse the other. We really should all be on the same side. In all this time I’ve never posted anything pertaining to this debate. Some of these responses made me sad for the world….. Y’all keep responding as if I’m just one person obstinately refusing to follow rules. What I’m saying is, the norm in my city is NO ONE wears a mask. NO ONE asks for proof of vax. NO ONE distances. There are no rules here. The point of this thread is different norms in different areas. I’m following all the norms for where I am. This place has become a self selecting echo chamber. You’re all competing to be the biggest virtue signaling pea taking the most precautions. That’s not what most of the real world is doing. No one anywhere on this thread has argued against masks, but for some weird reason everyone wants to chime in and say how idiotic it is for people to be against masks. No one on this thread has said anything negative about people who want to get themselves vaxed. People have simply said that the norm in their area is people aren’t wearing masks anymore.  |
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Post by myshelly on Dec 18, 2021 19:52:34 GMT
Y’all keep responding as if I’m just one person obstinately refusing to follow rules. What I’m saying is, the norm in my city is NO ONE wears a mask. NO ONE asks for proof of vax. NO ONE distances. There are no rules here. The point of this thread is different norms in different areas. I’m following all the norms for where I am. This place has become a self selecting echo chamber. You’re all competing to be the biggest virtue signaling pea taking the most precautions. That’s not what most of the real world is doing. No one anywhere on this thread has argued against masks, but for some weird reason everyone wants to chime in and say how idiotic it is for people to be against masks. No one on this thread has said anything negative about people who want to get themselves vaxed. People have simply said that the norm in their area is people aren’t wearing masks anymore. I never said a name to the pea who is self absorbed. The fact that you think it’s you speaks volumes. It is you…..but I never said it. “Never said anything negative” is apart of your reply. . Please. Just because you throw a Y’all in front of a sentence doesn’t take the jab out of your words. I will say this……. I never share harsh words. To some these words aren’t harsh, they are just my opinion clearly stated. I didn’t like posting it, but the way you so callously said we are all going to die just pushed me past a point that I had to reply. Death is natural, nothing about Covid is. It hits everyone differently, I’m glad that you haven’t been touched by it in a way that effects you. Maybe you need to sit back and give those people it did effect just a smidgen of grace. Y’all know it won’t kill you to be sympathetic. What have I ever said that was negative about people who want to get vaxed themselves? |
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kibblesandbits
Pearl Clutcher
At the corner of Awesome and Bombdiggity
Posts: 3,305
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Post by kibblesandbits on Dec 18, 2021 19:54:05 GMT
Y’all keep responding as if I’m just one person obstinately refusing to follow rules. What I’m saying is, the norm in my city is NO ONE wears a mask. NO ONE asks for proof of vax. NO ONE distances. There are no rules here. The point of this thread is different norms in different areas. I’m following all the norms for where I am. This place has become a self selecting echo chamber. You’re all competing to be the biggest virtue signaling pea taking the most precautions. That’s not what most of the real world is doing. No one anywhere on this thread has argued against masks, but for some weird reason everyone wants to chime in and say how idiotic it is for people to be against masks. No one on this thread has said anything negative about people who want to get themselves vaxed. People have simply said that the norm in their area is people aren’t wearing masks anymore. I never said a name to the pea who is self absorbed. The fact that you think it’s you speaks volumes. It is you…..but I never said it. “Never said anything negative” is apart of your reply. . Please. Just because you throw a Y’all in front of a sentence doesn’t take the jab out of your words. I will say this……. I never share harsh words. To some these words aren’t harsh, they are just my opinion clearly stated. I didn’t like posting it, but the way you so callously said we are all going to die just pushed me past a point that I had to reply. Death is natural, nothing about Covid is. It hits everyone differently, I’m glad that you haven’t been touched by it in a way that effects you. Maybe you need to sit back and give those people it did effect just a smidgen of grace. Y’all know it won’t kill you to be sympathetic. you are completely missing the point she's trying to make, in your efforts to be one of the cool kids. In this vast United States of America, responses to Covid vary widely. That's what this thread is about. She is sharing what it is like in her area. Because it doesn't mesh with your reality does not mean that it is not hers. |
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Post by withapea on Dec 18, 2021 19:56:50 GMT
Since reading this thread all I can think about is the phrase "living in fear." Like, that's the WORST POSSIBLE THING you could be doing. So many people are responding with all the ways they're NOT "living in fear." Why? Why would that be such a bad thing? You're GD right I'm afraid of Covid. I don't want any part of it. I've read about what it does to the body, and the awful suffering it causes. Of course I'm terrified of dying from it, but I'm equally scared of surviving and having to deal with long term symptoms. Covid is scary as hell and you betcha. I am afraid of catching it or bringing it home to my family. So freaking what? Maybe if more people felt the way I do, we would already be at a reasonable level of herd immunity and it wouldn't still be impacting our daily lives so much. I am triple vaxxed and my family is at the max number of vaccinations they can have for their respective ages. I am so thankful I live in a state that has treated Covid as real and dangerous this entire time. Our schools have a 100% mask mandate (I work in a school and have 2 kids) and all of our public transportation also requires a mask (DH rides the train into the city every day.) I've worn a mask indoors 100% of the time in public spaces. Last night I went to a family Christmas party and didn't do hugs because I didn't know the status of everyone there and nobody tested first. I wear a mask outdoors when I'm in a crowd of people (like, school pick up for my youngest). I've only eaten at a restaurant maybe 3-4 times and was uncomfortable pretty much the entire time. I am not ready to go back to movie theaters or anything like that. HELL YES I'M AFRAID. Covid looks like it suuuuuuucks. If you want to judge me for "living in fear," have at it. Think whatever you want. As a family we've adapted to the fact that we're in the middle of a global pandemic and that's just how it is. Our life looks a little different than it did 2 years ago, but we are doing just fine. And again, I can't help but think that if more people were willing to "live in fear" this whole thing would be over (or more manageable) MUCH sooner. It’s not impacting my daily life at all, though. I’m pretty sure that was the point of the OP. It’s not affecting you because TX has NO MITIGATION. ( and you aren’t concerned for other people ). We should be wearing a mask in stores and populated areas, and only attending large events where masks/negative test/vaccinations are required to keep ourselves and others safe. You aren’t because it’s not REQUIRED, regardless of what’s happening with the virus. |
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Post by myshelly on Dec 18, 2021 19:58:00 GMT
I never said a name to the pea who is self absorbed. The fact that you think it’s you speaks volumes. It is you…..but I never said it. “Never said anything negative” is apart of your reply. . Please. Just because you throw a Y’all in front of a sentence doesn’t take the jab out of your words. I will say this……. I never share harsh words. To some these words aren’t harsh, they are just my opinion clearly stated. I didn’t like posting it, but the way you so callously said we are all going to die just pushed me past a point that I had to reply. Death is natural, nothing about Covid is. It hits everyone differently, I’m glad that you haven’t been touched by it in a way that effects you. Maybe you need to sit back and give those people it did effect just a smidgen of grace. Y’all know it won’t kill you to be sympathetic. you are completely missing the point she's trying to make, in your efforts to be one of the cool kids. In this vast United States of America, responses to Covid vary widely. That's what this thread is about. She is sharing what it is like in her area. Because it doesn't mesh with your reality does not mean that it is not hers. Exactly. Some peas have trouble following the topic. We decided to see the country and we’ve visited 25 states in 2020 and 2021. The majority of the peas is not very representative of the majority of the country. |
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Post by myshelly on Dec 18, 2021 19:58:27 GMT
It’s not impacting my daily life at all, though. I’m pretty sure that was the point of the OP. It’s not affecting you because TX has NO MITIGATION. ( and you aren’t concerned for other people ). We should be wearing a mask in stores and populated areas, and only attending large events where masks/negative test/vaccinations are required to keep ourselves and others safe. You aren’t because it’s not REQUIRED, regardless of what’s happening with the virus. God Bless Texas! |
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sassyangel
Drama Llama
Posts: 7,456
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Post by sassyangel on Dec 18, 2021 20:02:43 GMT
I just don’t get all these feelings of should I go/is this ok/I’m scared. And then people claim they aren’t living in fear, but they’re cancelling vacations and worried about attending milestones and visiting family…umm, that’s living in fear, y’all. no it isn't necessarily living in fear. It's being aware that we are living through a global pandemic and unless people vaccinate and test and quit spreading Covid around, we're going to continue to be in a pandemic and new variants are going to continue to evolve - and there's no guarantee that the next one won't be more deadly. During a bad flu season - I ALSO stay away from crowded places, avoid hugging/handshakes, and stay home if I'm unwell or someone in the household is. I don't see why doing the same plus a mask is living in fear Telling people they’re living in fear is equally fucking sanctimonious. I have a healthy respect for this virus. There is a difference. |
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Post by elaine on Dec 18, 2021 20:19:10 GMT
When did wearing a mask mean you are living in fear. That's a huge Republican phrase/talking point. It drives me nuts when people act like those who wear masks are idiots. Someone told me in the grocery store a few weeks ago that I need to take my mask off and stop watching CNN. I looked him right in the eye and asked him why he cared, how did my wearing a mask have anything to do with him. It would take all my self-restraint not to threaten to call store security to ask him to stop harassing me. You, by wearing your mask, were protecting him, while he may have been putting you and everyone else he came in contact with at risk. I seriously think that people who don’t get vaccinated (and don’t have a medical reason) to be as short-sighted as flat-earthers. No joke. Seriously challenged. They choose to believe Fox News and other right wing news sources above science. They take antibiotics when they have strep throat or an ear infection. They take aspirin and/or ibuprofen and/or Tylenol for pain or fevers. They put neosporin on cuts. The only reason they don’t get the COVID vaccine is because they listen to Fox News or the various anti-vaxx woo-woo sites. If you (general you) believe in medical science enough to take antibiotics, or pain relievers, or erectile dysfunction meds, or BP medication, or birth control, or…or…or…, then don’t cherry pick because the idiots at Fox News - following Trump’s lead - decided to make this political. Your stupid choice doesn’t affect just you, unless you don’t leave your house, it affects me and my children and my spouse and my mother. I am willing to bet a million dollars that if Trump and Fox News framed it from the beginning that if “patriots” did their duty, loved their country, they would get the vaccine, that those covidiots would get the vaccine, and our vaccination rate as a nation would approach the 95% needed for herd immunity. Because, unfortunately, those people choose to believe a senile old man and Fox News above science. |
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PLurker
Prolific Pea
Posts: 9,840
Location: Behind the Cheddar Curtain
Jun 28, 2014 3:48:49 GMT
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Post by PLurker on Dec 18, 2021 20:29:58 GMT
When did wearing a mask mean you are living in fear. That's a huge Republican phrase/talking point. It drives me nuts when people act like those who wear masks are idiots. Someone told me in the grocery store a few weeks ago that I need to take my mask off and stop watching CNN. I looked him right in the eye and asked him why he cared, how did my wearing a mask have anything to do with him. Make a comment like I did once to the effect of "oh, I didn't know that. I'll have to tell my transplant team and disregard what they have told me because you say so" They usually then apologize and suddenly understand how I could be the exception. Which in turn IMO is a self-own on their part. The same "rules" should apply to everyone they don't know the circumstances of. Science doesn't give a damn what CNN FOX or some rando in public say. |
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pyccku
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,817
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Post by pyccku on Dec 18, 2021 20:38:29 GMT
A while back, I remember hearing an interview with an expert on infectious diseases. He said that there are two ends to every pandemic - the social end and the medical end.
The medical end is when people are no longer getting sick because it has run its course. Hospitals aren't full and no precautions are necessary because nobody is spreading the virus.
The social end is when people just decide that they are done with precautions, and they aren't doing anything they wouldn't normally do.
We reached the social end among a certain segment of the population and in certain areas a while back. We still have not reached the medical end.
Those who recognize that the medical end is not yet here will continue to social distance, wear masks, and avoid large crowds. Those who choose to ignore that fact will continue to take their chances. Some will be on the lucky end of things, others will not. Some will recover and have an uneventful bout with the virus. Some will die. And there will be hundreds of thousands who are somewhere in between - not dead, but never 100% recovered to what they were before. Some will have lungs that are permanently scarred. Some will have damaged organs. Some will lose limbs due to clots. Some will have brain damage due to going without oxygen. Many will be financially damaged due to the medical bills, or an inability to work once they recover. The virus doesn't really care if you were "done" with the pandemic last summer. It's going to keep doing what viruses do - reproducing and spreading in the most efficient way possible, until a new variant comes along that spreads a little bit more efficiently.
The only way those who are done with the pandemic will change their ways is if it gets impossible to ignore the issue. If the schools close again because teachers and kids are sick/dead, if the stores are empty because the factories and distribution networks are unable to work, if the hospitals are so full that nobody considers going there for their heart attack/stroke/broken leg/kidney stone because there is nothing to be done anyway - if we ever get to this point, it will be impossible to continue with regular life.
We don't yet know exactly how bad Omicron is. We know it spreads much more quickly - but will it be just as dangerous as Delta? We won't know for sure for another few weeks. Luckily, there is a realllllly large group of people in our country that is ready and willing to be the control group to help our scientists and medical workers find out.
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Post by Merge on Dec 18, 2021 20:40:42 GMT
It’s not impacting my daily life at all, though. I’m pretty sure that was the point of the OP. It’s not affecting you because TX has NO MITIGATION. ( and you aren’t concerned for other people ). We should be wearing a mask in stores and populated areas, and only attending large events where masks/negative test/vaccinations are required to keep ourselves and others safe. You aren’t because it’s not REQUIRED, regardless of what’s happening with the virus. Some parts of Texas have or have had mitigation. Dallas County - next door to our friend here who supposedly never sees anyone in a mask - still has a mask mandate as far as I know. I see lots of people wearing masks here in Harris County. Fact is we all tend to hang around with and go places where there are people who think like us. And we see what we want to see. It’s a form of confirmation bias. |
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pyccku
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,817
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Post by pyccku on Dec 18, 2021 20:40:54 GMT
Make a comment like I did once to the effect of "oh, I didn't know that. I'll have to tell my transplant team and disregard what they have told me because you say so" My response to the one guy who said something about me wearing a mask was "Oh, the nice nurse lady at the testing facility told me I should wear it until I get the results. But since you're OK with me taking it off, I'd be happy to do so." All of a sudden he didn't want me to take it off any more. I knew that I was not infected (I had only tested because I needed proof of a negative test for an event) but it's just weird how many total strangers think that they know better about someone else's health issues. |
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Post by mags243 on Dec 18, 2021 20:44:18 GMT
I'm in healthcare, although not on the front lines. We are all exhausted. For the past month or so we have been on bypass and have now cancelled all elective surgeries. There are no beds anywhere in our state. You know who is taking those beds and overwhelming our ER? Unvaccinated Covid patients.
Quite frankly I think they are the ones who should be turned out to go home and try whatever wackadoodle remedy that seems to be the party line. Don't want to choose science? Then go live your life, figure it out on your own and stay the hell out of my hospital. Any hospital. I also really hope insurance companies and hospitals start to put the full cost of Covid treatment on the patient if they chose to not get vaccinated. Let me hear you complain about socialism once you actually have to pay your own bills. Assholes.
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Loydene
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,639
Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
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Post by Loydene on Dec 18, 2021 20:59:56 GMT
The original post POed me so much that I wasn't going to say anything. But -- here I am
1. Our human species is built on fear -- we used to be PREY ... so our reptilian brains are still fear based.
2. Do I "live in fear" because I wear a seatbelt in my car -- because I made my child wear a helmet on his bicycle. We - social we - do a lot of things "based on fear" because we are soft with bones that break and we can easily die.
3. I am being sensibly cautious about life right now (I really don't characterize that as "living in fear")-- because a whole bunch of stupid people just couldn't be sensible. When they finally die off -- because it is a VIRUS that is looking to replicate -- those of us remaining will all be better off. Until then, I'll get every recommended booster, wear a mask when I'm out among the idiots, stay away from them and go about my life -- I'm going to the stores, I'm going to movie theaters, I'm going to University theater, I just returned from NYC ---
I'm not "living in fear" -- I am protecting myself from the stupid.
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moodyblue
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,276
Location: Western Illinois
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Jun 26, 2014 21:07:23 GMT
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Post by moodyblue on Dec 18, 2021 21:02:47 GMT
It’s not affecting you because TX has NO MITIGATION. ( and you aren’t concerned for other people ). We should be wearing a mask in stores and populated areas, and only attending large events where masks/negative test/vaccinations are required to keep ourselves and others safe. You aren’t because it’s not REQUIRED, regardless of what’s happening with the virus. God Bless Texas! And this is why, in my opinion, people react so negatively to your posts and your position. You don’t WANT there to be any mitigation, because that affects how you get to live life the way you prefer. Other people want reasonable requirements/restrictions in order to get this pandemic under control. I have a very healthy respect for what this disease can do to people. I do not want to die, and I don’t want to survive but with major damage to my health. And because I’m kind of an info junkie, I have read a lot about what it can do to even formerly super healthy people. I don’t live in denial or ignorance of the reality. I also don’t blithely say that people are dying anyway, or dismiss deaths from COVID, as some people do, by saying that they must have been old, sick or fat already, as if those people don’t matter. There are millions of people living with chronic health conditions - LIVING with those conditions. Many died, who would probably still be alive, living and managing their conditions, if they had not gotten COVID. I am so tired of people using the phrases “living in fear” and “afraid” and “cowering in a corner.” That’s dismissive, demeaning and maybe says more about the one critiquing than the one they are talking about. And it seems that usually the ones who proudly proclaim they aren’t living in fear are also focused only on themselves, and living THEIR lives the way they want, without any concern for others around them, or other people in general. I have nurses in my family and I hear about what’s going on in hospitals and infusion centers. I have loved ones who are immune compromised and have to time when they can get their vaccinations because of how they interact with the immune-suppressing drugs that keep them going. And they don’t know if the vax even works for them, but still get it hoping it keeps them from getting super sick or dying. And if those people are burned out, or afraid of getting sick/dying, the cavalier ones among us say they should just stay home. I’d like ALL of us to be able to live our lives to the best of our ability, not just the ones who (think they) are healthy enough to easily survive COVID if they get it. Yes, people accuse some of us of virtue signaling when we talk about doing what’s best for everyone, not just ourselves. I can live with that. |
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Post by claudia123 on Dec 18, 2021 21:16:11 GMT
I agree with the OP, I'm vaccinated and will wear a mask if required but catching Covid is not even in my top 10 concerns and I've mentally moved on. We can't control everything and I think we have to acknowledge that sometimes there are no good options and accept the limits of what we can do.
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melissa
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,912
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Post by melissa on Dec 18, 2021 21:20:40 GMT
Frankly, you sound incredibly ignorant.
If you call it fear, you are a fool who doesn't care about anyone other than themselves.
I always find it ironic that it is usually people who consider themselves Christians who say this sort of thing. It's a complete lack of understanding of public health which prioritizes the safety of the community as a whole over the individual. Once again, I am seeing what is happening in NYC and aware that this is what is going to hit the rest of the country next. Omicron is only milder for the fully vaccinated and boosted. Not so benign for the unvaccinated. Survival of the fittest aka those that believe in logic and have an understanding of science and basic public health principles.
You, the OP, are being foolish with this post. It's not about lock downs. It's about functioning appropriately with an infectious disease that is currently a pandemic. Hope neither you nor your loved ones are in need of a hospital bed anytime soon. I am sure we can find the stories for you because you seem to have forgotten about the people who actually died from things other than Covid and it's repercussions because no one had a bed available. Or the people with cancer who had to wait for surgeries, wondering if it spread.
Seriously, the ignorance is unreal.
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Post by aj2hall on Dec 18, 2021 21:22:50 GMT
Y’all keep responding as if I’m just one person obstinately refusing to follow rules. What I’m saying is, the norm in my city is NO ONE wears a mask. NO ONE asks for proof of vax. NO ONE distances. There are no rules here. The point of this thread is different norms in different areas. I’m following all the norms for where I am. This place has become a self selecting echo chamber. You’re all competing to be the biggest virtue signaling pea taking the most precautions. That’s not what most of the real world is doing. No one anywhere on this thread has argued against masks, but for some weird reason everyone wants to chime in and say how idiotic it is for people to be against masks. No one on this thread has said anything negative about people who want to get themselves vaxed. People have simply said that the norm in their area is people aren’t wearing masks anymore. I think most of the peas are aware that different parts of the country responded to covid in significantly different ways. We recognize the rules in your area are different, your neighbors and community are not wearing masks, there are no rules requiring them in schools, restaurants etc. However, it's not just about rules, laws, government regulation etc. You have the ability to choose to be responsible and wear masks, socialize outdoors, avoid crowded places etc. Most of the peas are making those choices because we care about our communities and because we're concerned about overloading the health care system, regardless of the rules or laws. You've made your choices clear and obviously there's nothing anyone can say to change your mind. I hope that works out for you. |
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