So I Actually Went Out

Out side of going to work, I haven't left my house to anything since I started going to work again.

I want to say that I've very much a home body, but I do remember times when I would be out a lot. But back then I had time, a cam an less aches and pains.

Well I have the time, but that is almost crossed off by the aches and pains. But I now have a cam, and I renewed presence on DA that is waiting for me to post some new and good pics.

So, it sucks that now I need my old memory card from my last cam, I can't find it. So I will have to go out, just to get one. Well, that, and to do some laundry. I would say visit the DMV, but that is an all day thing and I need to wash some things more than get a new ID.

But before I talk about what tomorrow might look like, there was today.

I was up way too late last night. So late I saw the sunrise before I went to bed. So there was no way I was going to have and early start to a day that I said I was going to find outside of the apt.

I changed the alarm on my phone twice before I finally got up at 2pm. I think. By three, I was walking towards the post office with two boxes that I've had ready for months now to send to my friend in PA. The total was $30+ in the end. But she said that she would help pay if I asked, so no big.

After I shipped those two things off, I first headed for the light rail down on 22nd street. But realized that I could get some medial things cleared up. That didn't go the way I expected, but I got some more information to try and do it myself next week. I don't think public health insurance offices are open on the weekend.

So after that little detour, me and my pained knee walk our way to the light rail. That lead me into a new part of Bayonne. I've only used the 34th street station until that day. I walked unto the side I was suppose to, to wait for the train, but it had my headset on and missed the fact that it was switching tracks. So I missed it but waited there for the next one.

As I'm looking out the window, it then occurred to me that if I didn't know better I would think I wasn't in the middle of the city. I took a pic to prove it.

So went to Newport, went inside the mall to get a Jamba Juice to find out that they were still closed. So I decided to spend some money at Bath and Body Works. I lost some more time there, not just looking at what I could get from what they had, but because I had to stand in line to get into the store.

Then on my way out I stopped to get a fruit smoothie from a kiosk that I've gotten something from before.

While I was waiting I decided to see how long it would get me to the BestBuy and when they would be closing. I had about 28 minutes before they closed and the map app was saying that it was going to take me 15 minutes to walk there. Yeah, 15 minutes when I was 15. So yeah. I tried to get there as quickly as I could and I made it. I actually got there with 9 minutes to spear. So I went right to an employee and asked him one question at a time. There were a few things that I was there to try and get.

First, a tv that was 4k because my sister was going to upgrade our tv package. Two, a wifi extender so the tv in the kitchen and actually use the internet. Three, a point and shoot cam.

The tv I wanted wasn't there. In fact, they will no longer be made because the company was bought out. So I considered that a loss until I called my sister. All wifi extenders and boosters were out of stock too. So I then looked a new cam. I was going to get something after what I did to get there. So thinking it was going to be my only purchase I ended up picking the $299 one.

 Pretty right? So while he was off fetching it for me, I called my sister to teller that the tvs we have are the last of their kind and she tells me to get the other tv anyway. I said ok once he came back and we found out the price for that one.

FYI, my cam cost more than the tv. How??? He said that, despite the size, 4K HD was old tech now.

So, the guy was all set to help me load it into a car that I didn't own. 😊 So once I set him straight we set up delivery. But I got one more hiccup. The delivery day is Tuesday and I have work on Tuesday.

I'm going to have to switch days with someone. I just have to. I've covered for enough people at this point to have someone switch with me. If not straight out cover for me.

So, my way back was a little different. I walked back to the light rail. I got there like 30 seconds before it showed up. When it came to a stop I realized that I got on the wrong one. I wasn't aware that there was one that went to West Side anymore. It then turned out that I was dropped off next to the 80 bus that crossed paths with the 119 and 10 bus routes. So I waited around for 6 minutes. Rode it for about 9 stops then got off to wait another 9 minutes for the 119 bus to take me home.

My feet were killing me when I got home and I was so hungry. I went to make one thing, and my sister made suggestions and everything ended up being on the salty side for me. I should have gotten a sandwich from subway on my home after all. I ate the last of my party mix that had some sweet things in to take care of the salt I felt I just had too much of.

I'm looking at danish now, but I'm just waiting for bit so it doesn't upset my stomach.

Other than watching X-men: Days of Future Past I uploaded the few pics I took from my phone today into drop box.

I leave tomorrow for tomorrow.

Later.

7 face mask myths debunked: What to know about coverings, COVID-19 and your health

I can't just say that people are wearing stuff wrong without saying 'this is why I'm saying that'. So here is someone who did a bit more research then I did on the whole mask thing.

If you want to see this on the site I got it from, here is the link.

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Don't fall for false or inaccurate information about face masks and the coronavirus that's being spread on social media.

Katie Conner July 23, 2020 9:48 a.m. PT

Even if you aren't sick, you should still be wearing a face mask.

Sarah Tew/CNET

For the most up-to-date news and information about the coronavirus pandemic, visit the WHO website.

In order to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus, many states across the US have mandated that face masks be worn in public or in areas where social distancing isn't possible, as per guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Even President Donald Trump, who has long declined to wear one, tweeted a photo of himself with a face mask on, calling mask wearing a "patriotic act." And on July 10, the president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, Robert Kaplan, said mask wearing will help the economy rebound faster.

Though there's still much about the coronavirus that's unknown, misinformation about face coverings is circulating. CNET's Science Editor, Jackson Ryan, who holds a Ph.D. in Medical Clinical Sciences, called antivaccine conspiracies "dangerous and ill-informed." 

For example, some people who are opposed to mask wearing have begun donning mesh masks that "cover" their nose and mouth but still allow through the kinds of droplets known to transmit the virus. And others believe they don't need to wear a mask if they're not experiencing symptoms -- that's a myth that isn't supported by leading health experts, doctors, scientists or national and international recommendations.

Here are seven myths about wearing face masks during the pandemic. This story updates frequently with new information and draws recommendations from the CDC, the World Health Organization, and other health care institutions. It's intended for informational purposes, and isn't medical advice. If you think you have the coronavirus, follow these steps.

Myth: The coronavirus isn't real, so masking isn't necessary

More than 15.2 million confirmed cases and nearly 624,000 deaths caused by the coronavirus across the globe have been reported. Yet some people still believe the virus is either a hoax or overblown. The United States alone has had over 4 million confirmed cases and more than 145,000 deaths. Marketwatch reported that around one in three Americans believe the coronavirus hasn't killed as many people as reported.

Many believe that a 26-minute video touting conspiracy theories, called Plandemic, and its subsequent distribution through social media, is in part responsible for spreading COVID untruths. These falsehoods have been repeatedly debunked across the medical and scientific communities.

If you're going out in public or around people who aren't in your household, wear a face mask to protect yourself and others. You or the other person could be sick without your knowledge, either because you're asymptomatic, presymptomatic or mistake mild symptoms for other causes, e.g. allergies. People who are mildly affected can spread the virus to other populations, including loved ones who are at higher risk for developing severe forms of COVID-19.

Myth: Masks can be made of any material as long as your face is covered

With a subset of people against the idea of wearing face masks ("anti-maskers"), several sellers online are offering mesh and lace masks for purchase. The vendors make the claim that the masks are more breathable. But an open weave doesn't fulfill the function of trapping large respiratory droplets -- from talking, coughing and sneezing -- that could contain the coronavirus.

The best masks feature a tight-knit material and/or a filter pocket to help prevent respiratory droplets from passing through the mask. The most protective masks, N95 respirators, block 95% of tiny particles, including viruses, but during the pandemic they've been hard to come by and organizations have said medical and health care workers should be given first dibs.

A study (PDF) from the University of Arizona found that wearing a face covering slashed the risk of infection by 24 percent for a simple cotton covering and up to 99 percent for a professional, medical-grade filtration mask. The researchers also rank-ordered face mask material from most to least effective in their testing.

Myth: Only sick people need to wear face masks

Just because you're not experiencing COVID-19 symptoms doesn't mean you're not sick. The CDC cites more than a dozen studies that show asymptomatic or presymptomatic people can still spread the coronavirus, even if they're not aware they're sick.

The earliest recommendations from the WHO supported the stance that healthy people didn't need to wear masks, but after more evidence emerged, the organization updated its official recommendation.

To prevent transmitting the virus to others, it's safest to wear a mask any time you're around someone who isn't in your household. It'll help lower the risk of spreading respiratory droplets from talking, coughing, and sneezing.

There's growing evidence that the coronavirus may be airborne, meaning it could linger in the air long enough for someone to breathe it in and become infected. Wearing a mask forms a barrier that traps virus-containing droplets emitted by the wearer. In other words, if you're not wearing a mask and you breathe in the same air as an infected person who also isn't wearing a mask, your risk of acquiring the coronavirus increases. 

Myth: Wearing a medical mask causes you to breathe in more carbon dioxide

When worn properly, masks cover the bridge of the nose (above the nostrils) and extend below the chin without gaps on the sides, completely covering your nose and mouth. 

Some people suggest that medical masks (also known as surgical masks) trap exhaled carbon dioxide and cause you to breathe in more CO2. The WHO says the prolonged use of surgical masks doesn't lead to CO2 intoxication or lack of oxygen. 

Masks are only one step to preventing the spread of coronavirus.

Anne Dujmovic/CNET

Myth: You don't have to social distance if you're wearing a mask

People wear masks to reduce their chance of getting or spreading the coronavirus, like if they're in a crowded market, at the pool or lake or walking downtown. However, the WHO says the use of masks alone isn't enough to provide a sufficient amount of protection. Unlike with N95 masks, which undergo a certification process, there's no regulatory body governing the materials or processes that go into the face masks you buy or make at home. 

For example, a cloth mask with only one layer of fabric isn't considered as robust as a cloth mask with three layers and a filter. Meanwhile, N95 masks are certified, but after a critical shortage put frontline workers at risk, organizations have said they should be left for health care workers.

Along with mask use, you should continue to practice physical distancing, wash your hands frequently, and avoid touching your face. 

Myth: Masks will weaken your immune system

This myth stems from the idea that the human immune system is strengthened by exposure to bacteria and other pathogens.

The American Lung Association says there's no scientific evidence that wearing a mask weakens the immune system. However, there's evidence young, healthy people without preexisting conditions can and do become severely ill or account for the spread of COVID-19. For example, in California as of July 15, the age group with the highest number of reported cases was 18-34, according to the California Department of Public Health.

Washing your hands and wearing a mask won't negatively impact your immune system, especially in adults who already have developed immune systems, according to Beaumont Health. If you're concerned about having a weakened constitution, here are five ways to strengthen your immune system.

Myth: Cloth masks offer no protection from COVID-19

At the beginning of the pandemic, the coronavirus was so new that doctors were unsure of the extent to which wearing cloth face coverings or homemade masks -- compared with medical-grade surgical or N95 masks -- would help prevent the virus from spreading. 

However, studies have since suggested that a mask over the nose and mouth works as a physical barrier against respiratory droplets that can carry and spread the coronavirus. Though a cloth covering alone may not be able to completely prevent someone from acquiring the coronavirus, CDC Director Robert Redfield said on July 14 that if everyone wore a mask, the COVID spread would be possible to contain.

Other countries that required the use of masks early on in the pandemic have seen the spread of coronavirus slow down, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Need more information about face masks? Here's where you can buy one online, how to make your face mask more comfortable and the best and worst materials for protecting against coronavirus.

First published on July 22, 2020 at 2:05 p.m. PT.

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.

149

That was the largest number I rang up for someone today.

149 pieces of clothing with a price tag of $2500+. I don't remember the exact amount. And then they were members of the club, so that coupon took off a good chunk of the amount.

I filled 6 large bags full of shirts. Yeah, I'm pretty sure all they bought were shirts. Polos to be exact. I think they are either $17 or $20 at the moment. I didn't get to spend much time on the floor. I was suppose to be in men's department today, but I kept being called to register. And when I was ringing them up, I was just trying to get it done as quickly as possible, so I just checked to make sure that it didn't lock up on me each time I stopped to load up a bag. So annoying.

Either way.

Other than that, I did get to fill a few items. We got some new shorts. And we are full of swim shorts now. Still not a lot of draggers aka sandals aka flip flops. As soon as we get any, they are gone, so we seem to always only have a handful on the floor.

Personally I wouldn't call them sandals, but a guy came in on Monday and he called them sandals. 🤷‍♀️

My knee bugged me a bit today. It's been three weeks since I kinda twisted it and it's still bugging me. 😒 I'm never happy going up on the ladder, but I really wasn't happy to up there on bum knee that could have gone out on me.

I then had to take three buses home. By the time I got out of work today, I missed the #2 bus so I took the #129 to Union City since I didn't feel like waiting an hour for the next bus. I also thought that I might have been able to get something from Chicken and Waffle over there, but they closed early. 😒

I was so hungry when I got home. I'm about to go back for seconds.

But I did eat as I posted my fractal today over at DA. It's one of my faves. Most of the fractals I do in Jux are my faves these days.

I think I'll leave on that good note.

http://fav.me/de1wejn

BTW, you can buy a print of this and with a frame too if you want.

Later

Wow... It's been a while.

Yeah.

A little over a year I think.

Bullet points ok?

The mouse problem took a long time to kinda be fixed, but not. The mice just ate through this spray foam thing that they moved our stove to put down after weeks of complaining.

Found a new bus to take me home with less than a year left at that place.

We moved in January. Again. I now live in Bayonne, NJ.

I lost my wardrobe because I once again, after listing everything that needed to be moved, they under estimated me. Again. Since a bunch of stuff ended up in bags and they packed first, they ran out of room for some of our stuff that I had to once again call for someone else to finish move all of that. Which was mostly my room minus my wardrobe and a metal self that my sister forgot came apart.

The new place isn't bad outside of how long it now takes me to get to work. Before it was like an hour, maybe an hour fifteen minutes. Now I'm starting at an hour and half and it goes up to two hours depending on the day, and the traffic that changes with the time of day.

Then March 15th came and we closed down the store due to Covid 19. We were told that we would be opening back up in two weeks. We knew nothing. Thinking back now, I don't understand how we thought that it would just be those two weeks. I want to say someone lied to someone, but I think no one had a real clue what we were in for and just shutting down was big deal.

I was lucky to still get a pay check until the 18th of the next month. I was going to tell you why, but I don't know if I'm really allowed to, so I'll just leave it at me being lucky to get something for that time.

I then tried to file for unemployment. Actually, I started back in Feb to file for part time unemployment, but I didn't understand that I would be sent a link to finish the process. So when it wouldn't let me continue I didn't try again until the 18th. I still got error once I was able to pick a password and gives answers to all the questions and such. so I sent a complaint and I got some automated thing saying that my complaint was received. Then nothing. I kept checking my mail and after a few weeks I tried again. Then over two or three days I realized an account was made for me after like the fourth error message, but now it's saying that the only password I came up with, and wrote down, was incorrect. Fine. Reset it. No, I can't do that either. My answers to the security quest were wrong. Wrong? How? They were even stored in the browser from when I was trying to make the account.

Another complaint. No human got back to me.

My sister on the other hand, filed for unemployment in NY since she works and pays the taxes there and nothing. Smooth as glass for her. She gets everything.

Speaking of nothing. I didn't get the stimulus checks either. Since I started working again, I've been filing as a dependent except last year that was a mistake. So this year I filed early and myself and then I find out that my sister didn't clam me this year. Did she tell me this? No. So I have to do an amendment to my taxes so I could get the checks. But get this. It takes 13 weeks normally. So I will be getting nothing.

I don't know if it makes it better or worst that I'm not the only one sitting in this ditch. Millions haven't gotten their unemployment money and they were able to file. And another set of millions didn't get their stimulus check.

So were are we now? Oh, I missed something.

During that first two weeks off, I had a cold, or the flu or Covid 19. I haven't a clue. I'm just happy I was over it in a week and there was nothing really abnormal about it.

So I'm working again. I was lucky that I didn't have to pay for the bus until the start of July. So I've been back at work now for a month and a half. Public transit is back to asking for payment, and some people are playing dumb and trying to get on without paying. I'm amazed it went on as long as it did and I got my month pass so I would be ready for when they started up again. Some people rather argue then just pay. I get that alot of people may not have the money they use to, but they should have the two dollars on them in case it was needed. I say two dollars, but I'm sure it's less. I have pass, so I don't really know and don't have to.

So the store. You have to wear a mask to enter the store. Like of course. But you don't understand how cavalier some people can be about their health until they are told to do something. Just riding the bus is starting to freak me out these days. You also have to wear a mask to ride the bus, but some people put it on to get on the bus, then take it off once they are seated. Then there are those people who wear a mask and it doesn't cover their nose at all. They do not understand why they are wearing a mask at all.

The mask is there to protect your lungs first and foremost. So its suppose to cover your nose and mouth.

We have tell people in our store to pull the mask up to cover their nose if not their mouth because the pulled it down to talk. To Talk!

But there are people I can't say anything to because their mask is so loose that it's barely touching their face and it can't be pulled anywhere. I see them and try to keep my distance.

Winter is going to be fun. :D

I switched my shift with someone who asked so I've been home for two days in a row, so I watched Star Trek Continues on YouTube. Partly because the guy who plays Sulu was a guy I've known for a while, just died. You may know him from being a host on Myth Busters. Grant Imahara: 1970–2020. 

So you have just about caught up with me now.

I've started to hang out more at DA again and even customized my page again. They have a new look and I'm learning how to work my way around the place again.

I'm making fractals again and I'm realizing that I don't like Apo anymore. My photos are coming out of my iPhone at the moment. I tried doing some close up work with it and I learned something. Don't do close up work with the iPhone.

It's a little odd to see new work populating my page again.

So, the real reason why I even dragged myself into Blogger to finally type something up.

We requested permission to get a door bell from our new land-people. I may go into that later.

Anyway, they said yes, and we got it a few weeks ago and we are happy with it. Then I came home Monday night and, my ringer cloned itself. They got the same one. I stood there looking at it for bit as I understood what was going on. They have lived here for a while before we showed up, but within a month of us asking and getting one, they got the one and the same kind.

My eyebrow is raised as I look at the second floor. Yeah. They live above us.

Yeah, the little things of living.

Later.

Sorry for the last post.

Yeah, that was a mix up.

It was meant for my other blog. the NSFW one.

I hope I didn't offend any one. Sorry AM.

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I guess after a mistake like that I should do a real update hah?

Well, I've been trying to take pics again with my new iPhone. Did I tell you about that? I should have, but a quick bit about it.

I had a iPhone 6+ and I dropped it in the toilet and after a week of waiting for it turn back on, if that long, I got a new iPhone 7+. I am aware of what year this is, but I couldn't afford a more up todate phone. I paid $200 in cash and the other $200 something I had to place on my credit card. I couldn't afford apple care and I still don't have it.

Other than it being the half the size of my last one, a 32gig instead of a 64gig, I like it. The gif pics it took was bother, but I got that turned off.

I'm writing. But nothing I can post here about. I want get back to my books, but the one I want to work on seems to be stalled in my head and I can't seem to even make myself look up the draft I have for this very old story.

As for work they love the fact that I have no restrictions on my days to work. This week I was only set for three days that came up to a total of 20 hours at best, but I was expended for one day and then asked if I could in for another day. I could have said no. Any changes to your works hours during the week you were already working, once it wasn't an earmarked day to be extended, you can say no.

But 20 hours? I needed the money. Oh, I got a raise. 57 cents. Yep. I needed the hours. I have to make my part of the rent. and cover my payments for my cards. And food and bus card.

My leg still hurts. I thought it getting better about two months ago, but then I started to feel worst. I think I started to do more and it did me no favors. So I'm trying to stay off my feet when I get my days off, but don't get much done unless I have more than a day off. Three would be great, in a row, but there is that thing about earning money.

So I'm using my massage thing, taking hot showers as long as I can. The heat seems to help, so I wrap my leg in a blanket to keep it warm if not hot, while I sleep. Ibuprofen doesn't seem to work anymore. The stuff I got from a doc that I found to continue my heart med prescription with, gave me something that I don't feel at all. I got my hands on some sample of Alive and that seemed to have done something. Once. So now I'm trying Arnicare. I tried the gel and it seems to work, but I'm already really damaged so it helps, but not as much as it has for everyone else who had positive results.

But I'm going to stick with this for a while since it's suppose to actually help heal the injury and not just help with the pain.

I think I strayed a little. I was talking about how they like me at work. As always there was the thing about how I wasn't fast enough. But I've heard one of my managers tell other people to move faster too, so I don't think it's personal anymore.

Three days ago my sister had extra cupcakes so she told me to take the to work. Because they didn't devour all of them by the time work ended, she felt offended. There were only 6 of us there for the whole day. They were good. I got one without the buttercream frosting.

Ok. I have to go tend my was. Sorry I took so long.

Oh, the apt. We have mice now.