Almost Turned In Early.

Hello there.

I closed windows, turned off lights and I was heading to bed when I remembered that not only did I have this to write up, I had a photo to post over at DA.

So, some of my good luck lasted until today. I feel good when I catch my buses and get to work a little early. If I miss my first bus, then I end up paying Uber to get to work, and lately it's anywhere between $15 and $38. I get paid $11.04 an hour. You do the math.

So yeah. I got my buses and was happy about it. Speaking of buses, I was checking the calendar and realized that to go to work on Sunday I'll have to buy a new monthly pass. That will set me back $78. 

So work. I got off the bus with almost 30 minutes left until I had to clock in. I walked down to the food truck and ordered something for lunch. I ended up getting a platter. I haven't gotten that in a while. It just means that I got a closed container for my egg sandwich with fries and I get some macaroni salad as a side. 

I was hoping to get somewhere with a project that no one really cares about because they have bigger things to deal with. So I tried to put out some pants to the men's department, but like always, I was constantly called to register. Before this whole outbreak, we had walkies that had ear pieces so the whole store wouldn't hear us calling across the store for the register to be maned when someone was ready to pay among other things. 

But when we came back, the ear pieces were out. Considering the masks. But we still tried to use the walkies, but now everyone can hear. But slowly more and more of them became broken or weren't being charged or that was the part that was broken. So today, everyone was calling out loud for me to come to register. I'm amazed that I was able to put away the one table of pants that I was given when I first came onto the floor at the start of my shift. I was there for 7 hours. Well, 6 1/2. I had half and hour for lunch. 

So, day was busy, got some stuff done in the end and I actually touched the underwear in the men's department. I'm kinda, loosely, 'in charge' of that. Well all of accessories really. But I haven't been given rank or anything on paper either. I was just told that they wanted me to take care of it last year. In passing. 

So during the last hour of the day, as I was getting some shorts up on hooks, my boss asked if I needed or wanted more hours. Now that answer to that is always yes. The reason I stood that thinking about it long enough for her to ask the other girl, had the other girl say yes and then come back to me is every ache and pain that owned my body. 

I was already looking forward to not waking up, early, tomorrow, so I had to mentally work myself up, and prepare myself to come into work along with the aches I was going to get. But honestly, I need the money. All $70 and I could have gone to the DMV or Costco/ShopRite to spend money I don't really have since I had to give almost all of it to help with rent. I'm very, very grateful that I get paid Friday night. 

So the end of the day comes and for once, once, we aren't attacked by a small mob 30 minutes before closing and upturning everything we have fixed. Because no showed up, I was able to, as I said before, I got to touch the underwear in the men's department. I was able to sort everything back to the way it was before and pull out the few that clearance. Maybe tomorrow, I'll be able to fill the discounted set.

Since we weren't stormed, two of us got to leave a little early since we caught the bus to get home. As I neared my transfer point I realized that I should have gotten out earlier to get some stuff from the open supermarket. So now I'm trying to see about getting to another one before arriving home. 

So instead of getting on the 2 or 119 bus, I waited for the 33, but ended up getting on the 80 since I didn't think the 33 was still running. When I got off, I ended up going into a Walgreens. Where I didn't want to go, but didn't have a choice anymore. I was hoping to find so deal in there, and I kinda did. Then I walked out and got my home. 

And now I'm here telling you. I have about 30 mins left to now post my photo and get back into bed. I need a bit more sleep then I've gotten for the last two days. 

So, see you later. Oh, I don't have time to proof read this, so forgive my mistakes. :) I'll read this over later.   

Let's Make This Quick

This will be short.

Hi. :)

Well, keeping my fingers crossed seemed to have helped. I just, just, got to my first bus to get to work today. The second bus speeded along nicely. I didn't have to rush when I got there. I was one of two cashiers for most of the shift/day. They got to leave an hour before we closed, but he was there an hour before me. So it was even time.

We didn't have many customers, which I was grateful for. It helped with keeping the sales floor in a less chaotic state than it can normally be found in, which was a good thing since I was mostly at the register.

I got a little lift to the other bus stop since I missed my bus by the time we left the store. I was the only there to put right what was upturned by customers, so I couldn't leave a little early to catch my bus at the stop across the street.

But it was no long wait. Just 9 or so minutes. I read most of the way home. I'm reading a time traveling drama. When I'm done, I'll tell you what it is and point you in the direction of it and my review.

I try to leave reviews for most of the books I've read.

So on my way down the block, as I slowly walked home, if not stopping outright to take pics with my new cam. The sun was setting so I got maybe two shots of houses splashed with orange light.

I tried to repeat some of the close up shots I tried to take before on my phone. The menu for the Canon cams has really changed. I'm going to actually have to read the manual. Oh well.

So now I'm home. I'm going to steal some of my sister's pizza since she didn't buy me anything to eat and I tried to get something for both of us before I came home. The only bad luck of the day. The corner store was closed.

Now I'm going to work on a story and that may take a while, so I came here to post this first.

Later people. 

TV

I got up. I took a bath. Made a real breakfast of eggs with onions and mushrooms, and I still didn't go anywhere.

My laundry is going to start hating me soon. I thought about going to the DMV also, but they closed too early once I was awake and did everything else. I still think that the place will be crowded for what number is now considered crowded for them. And I still won't get my ID and I would have been waiting for 4ish hours.

So that left me with time to pull my new tv inside. Sweep the floor around my computer desk, part of the living room and in front of the table in the dinning room. We had a sudden downpour that last for about five minutes before the world acted like it didn't happen. And because of the heat, I didn't even see wet pavement outside a few hours later. 

So I worked on a different story. I finished watching Canon Buster before watching things on YouTube. I came across that lady who is somehow a doctor that thinks a lot of a insane things. Alien DNA. Demons having sex with you while you sleep and that Hydroxychloroquine is a cure for COVID-19 and that you don't need to wear a mask. That was all kinds of wack.

So my tv. It's 50 inches. It's what I switched shifts for so I would be here for it's delivery in case the front door was locked when they came to drop it off. But it wasn't. Oh well. here is a shot of it boxed.

Until now, all our tvs were the Sharp+Roku hybrids. But these guys bought out, took over, or merged with Sharp and parted from Roku in the process. 

My sister called me to find out if it came and if I was going to unbox it myself. I said I was going to wait for her to get home before touching it outside of dragging the box inside. I don't want it braking on me and I was in no rush to set it up. 

So, some how, I, as far as my sister is concerned, lost two remotes during the move here. The one for my room, which was kind broken, and the one for either the tv in the living room or the kitchen. They all look the same. So I've been using one remote for all three. Now that I'm getting a new tv, I have to get a replacement remote. I might as well get two while I'm at it. But since the person won't be coming by for my old tv for about a month, I have time to put that charge off until next month. I'm trying to keep my amazon purchases below my monthly payment to them.

So my sister gets here and once she took out the recycling that I already had tied up for her to take out, she had box cutter in hand and unboxing my tv before I could stand to help her move it to my room. If you have ever set up one of these things you know you need to lay it down on a flat surface. Either a towel over a table or a bed. 

So here is my old tv set up in my room for the last time. 

I'm going to miss that screen. 

While we were setting up the new tv, we found a slight problem. 

The legs were further apart than my old tv, which made my table too small for this tv. So my sister displaced her stuff off the side table she had in her bedroom and took the printer off the matching side table in the living room so my tv can stand on its own two feet. 

We both agree that it looks smaller than the old tv for some reason, but they are suppose to be the same size.

Once we were done setting it up and learned a few things, and I figured out how to mirror my phone so I can read in bed, I went to cook the lamp chops. I started later than I wanted, but I was hungry and figured that I could take it to work also.

They were on the thick side compared to the ones I watched being cook, and since we don't eat raw meat, they also had a small stint in the oven to make sure they were cooked through.

I had fries with one of them and packed the other up with cauliflower rice for lunch.

I don't think I really tasted the balsamic vinegar reduction, but everything tasted great to me. I only did four in case I messed up this time, so when I cook the other four, I think I got it.

My sister thought that the one she ate was a little salty. I told her that there was a mix of how I applied the seasoning to the chops. I guess she got one that was a little more salted than mine. But she really like the reduction. The thing I couldn't really taste. But it smelled great when I was making it. That last chop, which is her's is hanging out in the fridge in a ziplock bag.

Either way.

I've posted my photo for the day over at DA. I've got my lunch in the fridge for tomorrow. I have a new tv to go mess with before I have to be asleep in two hours and I'm feeling good. I kept my left knee bent under me for a bit today to stretch out my ligaments and I think it helped.

So I'm thinking good thoughts for tomorrow. Good thoughts.

Later.

Monday... a near wash out

I did next to nothing today. I didn't plan it that way, but I somehow found excuses not to do anything today other than mess with my cam a little, catch up on some news. Watch a few reviews of "The Old Guard" that I watched on Netflix.

I posted a fractal over at DA. Cleaned out my right ear. I'm fighting some kind of infection there. Watch... what did I watch? I know that I'm now watching "Cannon Busters" but I'm about to pack it in and go to bed.

I'm hoping to do better when I wake up.

At least I broke down two boxes. Tested out the Air Con. That doesn't work, and I seasoned some lamb chops to cook tomorrow. I was hoping to cook them today, but I took them out too late to defrost fully in time.

Heck, I forgot we even had lamb chops. My sister just decided to buy them on Friday. I was looking for hot dogs to make a late lunch when I found them in the freezer.

I ate too much popcorn and it's so hot here.

But at least I posted my entry for the day. As short as it is.

Later.

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.

======

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