Y2/D273 - Scored Rapid Home COVID Tests..
Dec. 15th, 2021 08:23 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
shadowkatAfter deciding to maybe just register for a PCR test at work, I scored a Rapid Home Antigen COVID Test via the pharmacy. Bought two boxes of BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen Self Test for Infection Detection. It cost $23.99 per box. It states that you should test yourself twice, or test again within 2-3 days of the first test. It's not 100% accurate, but about 95% accurate.
Co-workers have been using them to see if they can visit family. The thing is, I don't know what I'll do if it comes out negative. I've no symptoms of anything at the moment. Outside of hot flashes. Mother apparently has a cold or allergies.
NYC has pretty much fully masked up again, not that we ever stopped wearing masks. I told a co-worker today that I'd oddly gotten used to wearing the masks. And I never thought I would - it's surprising the things I'll adapt to over time. Also the amount of change the entire world has gone through in a short period of time is kind of impossible to process - on multiple levels.
Brooklyn's COVID infection rate has risen to 3.75% for the first time since the late spring, I think. Not a good sign. Hence the reason for more people wearing masks. Also since it's cold outside, more people are wearing them outside as well - I know I am, in lieu of a scarf.
I was speculating with one of my project managers (the one who collects comics and had survived pancreatic cancer this spring) whether we'd end up being sent back out of the office again. Or back to remote work. He desperately wants to go back to the office - but his oncologist won't let him - it's not the office the oncologist doesn't want him in, it's the trains. (The trains aren't that bad. I've weirdly adapted.)
Just in time for me to take my trip - the US is increasing in cases again. I should have gone in the spring, but alas, I couldn't because mother was immobile and dealing with her "POD". Mother misses her "POD" - she let them go about three weeks ago. She'd become friendly with the ladies in her "POD" and their company kept her sane. My family is rather resilient, in case you've not figured that out on your own yet?
One of the things meditation has taught me, and my father prior, is don't sweat the uncontrollables. Or things out of ones control. I can't control the car service. I looked at all the avenues, and the car service is the best route, and I've used this particular service for the past six-seven years with no incident. I also can't control the airport, the plane, etc.
I can schedule the time - and I've picked as early as possible. Pack ahead of time. Test myself for COVID. Etc. What I can't control is what is in other people's hands. I just have to trust them.
Trust is hard. It's hard to give other people one's trust. But I'm constantly doing it. Living in a city requires placing one's trust in total strangers and acquaintances on a daily basis. And the fact that it has worked out for me as long as it has - proves that the human race is far kinder and far more trustworthy than we think it is.
****
Meeting with BYT Manager went well. I've decided I can work with her. Actually I think I may work better with her than with Jay or Boss. Mainly because I understand how she thinks, and we've had a meeting of the minds. We're both somewhat methodical. And we both were taught by the same people.
Also I'm adaptable.
It was rather refreshing. And I've more work now, and more challenging work, so that at least is reassuring. I've gotten stuff done, quickly, and cleared my plate prior to the holidays - so no one has to cover for me. The outstanding stuff can be taken care of when I get back.
Tomorrow I've a multi-million dollar contract negotiation via Teams regarding a Station Accessibility Design Contract, we do everything via Teams now. Time was we met for these negotiations or did it over the phone. I much prefer Teams - it's easier. And I can do it with earphones. Also BYT isn't all that fond of the week staff meetings from doom and is cancelling them, now that she has the power to do so. They really were BOSS's gig more than hers. I think she's getting used to my off-color sense of humor.
I also helped Chidi and AA, and Chidi told me that I was a great asset to the group, and very good at my job. He likes to flatter folks. But it is nice to hear, all the same.
***
Almost rained on the way home or sprinkled. But wandered through a lovely sunrise on the commute to work. Sky dappled in pinks and reds, and in Fort Green, the buildings were dappled with pink, while the sky was streaked with it. Two days in a row. The day before, it was in the morning and evening. While the super managed to put up the Christmas Lights - they went all out again this year, even have an inflated and lit up snowman. Inside is a huge Christmas tree, and a fireplace set with various Santa Clauses, and decorative presents. They were hosting Santa today for the kids and pets in the building.
**
I missed Bible Study - due to after work errands, and nightly call to mother. It was easier to make Bible Study when I was working remotely.
Also, it's not quite working for me at the moment.
Mother and I discussed my father's Alzheimer's and how it began a good ten years ago. It started slowly, but we began to pick up on it. Little things here and there. He'd say things at times - that usually he didn't or would have questioned. Also he became less and less sure of himself, and more vulnerable in certain ways. He did fight it though, and did all the things you are supposed to do to ward it off. There's nothing we could do about it, even if we'd caught it earlier. There's no pill to take, and no cure.
And it is in my opinion the worst ailment to watch a loved one endure. I honestly would rather die of anything else, and feel much the same about my loved ones.
My mother worries about my niece who is pursuing human rights advocacy, mainly because I did and got burned out on it. You are constantly bashing your head up against a wall, and change is tediously slow and in increments. I think it may be less painful for her - since she has a stable peer support group, and that's about 90% of it. You can't do it by yourself. And part of the reason I've backed away from my church is it has become so politicized, and I just can't - I work in a highly politicized environment. I need a break from it. And I wish my church focused a bit more on spirituality, and a bit less on politics, even if I'm agree with their politics.
***
Three more days before my trip to see my parents. Then I go on hiatus or this journal most likely will unless I figure out how to get on my mother's ancient laptop that's not been used in over a year. I'm not taking my laptop with me. I want to leave it behind. Get away from it for a bit. Take a vacation from it. And from my workplace, which also now lives on it.
Workplace will follow me on my phone - but not entirely, the next two weeks tend to be slow - which is why I like to take them off.
Random Picture of the Night...
Co-workers have been using them to see if they can visit family. The thing is, I don't know what I'll do if it comes out negative. I've no symptoms of anything at the moment. Outside of hot flashes. Mother apparently has a cold or allergies.
NYC has pretty much fully masked up again, not that we ever stopped wearing masks. I told a co-worker today that I'd oddly gotten used to wearing the masks. And I never thought I would - it's surprising the things I'll adapt to over time. Also the amount of change the entire world has gone through in a short period of time is kind of impossible to process - on multiple levels.
Brooklyn's COVID infection rate has risen to 3.75% for the first time since the late spring, I think. Not a good sign. Hence the reason for more people wearing masks. Also since it's cold outside, more people are wearing them outside as well - I know I am, in lieu of a scarf.
I was speculating with one of my project managers (the one who collects comics and had survived pancreatic cancer this spring) whether we'd end up being sent back out of the office again. Or back to remote work. He desperately wants to go back to the office - but his oncologist won't let him - it's not the office the oncologist doesn't want him in, it's the trains. (The trains aren't that bad. I've weirdly adapted.)
Just in time for me to take my trip - the US is increasing in cases again. I should have gone in the spring, but alas, I couldn't because mother was immobile and dealing with her "POD". Mother misses her "POD" - she let them go about three weeks ago. She'd become friendly with the ladies in her "POD" and their company kept her sane. My family is rather resilient, in case you've not figured that out on your own yet?
One of the things meditation has taught me, and my father prior, is don't sweat the uncontrollables. Or things out of ones control. I can't control the car service. I looked at all the avenues, and the car service is the best route, and I've used this particular service for the past six-seven years with no incident. I also can't control the airport, the plane, etc.
I can schedule the time - and I've picked as early as possible. Pack ahead of time. Test myself for COVID. Etc. What I can't control is what is in other people's hands. I just have to trust them.
Trust is hard. It's hard to give other people one's trust. But I'm constantly doing it. Living in a city requires placing one's trust in total strangers and acquaintances on a daily basis. And the fact that it has worked out for me as long as it has - proves that the human race is far kinder and far more trustworthy than we think it is.
****
Meeting with BYT Manager went well. I've decided I can work with her. Actually I think I may work better with her than with Jay or Boss. Mainly because I understand how she thinks, and we've had a meeting of the minds. We're both somewhat methodical. And we both were taught by the same people.
Also I'm adaptable.
It was rather refreshing. And I've more work now, and more challenging work, so that at least is reassuring. I've gotten stuff done, quickly, and cleared my plate prior to the holidays - so no one has to cover for me. The outstanding stuff can be taken care of when I get back.
Tomorrow I've a multi-million dollar contract negotiation via Teams regarding a Station Accessibility Design Contract, we do everything via Teams now. Time was we met for these negotiations or did it over the phone. I much prefer Teams - it's easier. And I can do it with earphones. Also BYT isn't all that fond of the week staff meetings from doom and is cancelling them, now that she has the power to do so. They really were BOSS's gig more than hers. I think she's getting used to my off-color sense of humor.
I also helped Chidi and AA, and Chidi told me that I was a great asset to the group, and very good at my job. He likes to flatter folks. But it is nice to hear, all the same.
***
Almost rained on the way home or sprinkled. But wandered through a lovely sunrise on the commute to work. Sky dappled in pinks and reds, and in Fort Green, the buildings were dappled with pink, while the sky was streaked with it. Two days in a row. The day before, it was in the morning and evening. While the super managed to put up the Christmas Lights - they went all out again this year, even have an inflated and lit up snowman. Inside is a huge Christmas tree, and a fireplace set with various Santa Clauses, and decorative presents. They were hosting Santa today for the kids and pets in the building.
**
I missed Bible Study - due to after work errands, and nightly call to mother. It was easier to make Bible Study when I was working remotely.
Also, it's not quite working for me at the moment.
Mother and I discussed my father's Alzheimer's and how it began a good ten years ago. It started slowly, but we began to pick up on it. Little things here and there. He'd say things at times - that usually he didn't or would have questioned. Also he became less and less sure of himself, and more vulnerable in certain ways. He did fight it though, and did all the things you are supposed to do to ward it off. There's nothing we could do about it, even if we'd caught it earlier. There's no pill to take, and no cure.
And it is in my opinion the worst ailment to watch a loved one endure. I honestly would rather die of anything else, and feel much the same about my loved ones.
My mother worries about my niece who is pursuing human rights advocacy, mainly because I did and got burned out on it. You are constantly bashing your head up against a wall, and change is tediously slow and in increments. I think it may be less painful for her - since she has a stable peer support group, and that's about 90% of it. You can't do it by yourself. And part of the reason I've backed away from my church is it has become so politicized, and I just can't - I work in a highly politicized environment. I need a break from it. And I wish my church focused a bit more on spirituality, and a bit less on politics, even if I'm agree with their politics.
***
Three more days before my trip to see my parents. Then I go on hiatus or this journal most likely will unless I figure out how to get on my mother's ancient laptop that's not been used in over a year. I'm not taking my laptop with me. I want to leave it behind. Get away from it for a bit. Take a vacation from it. And from my workplace, which also now lives on it.
Workplace will follow me on my phone - but not entirely, the next two weeks tend to be slow - which is why I like to take them off.
Random Picture of the Night...
no subject
Date: 2021-12-16 02:51 am (UTC)I'm often some reassured that, if things go wrong, I do have some resources I can fall back on. I couldn't make a habit of it but things actually go badly wrong rather rarely, even if there's often a risk of their doing so.
I can certainly understand your wishing for more spirituality than politics from your church, so much else is politicized, one doesn't need church wearing one down too. DW is about the only publicly readable place I tend to mention politics, one needs space without it too.
Thank you for letting us know that you might well be offline awhile.
no subject
Date: 2021-12-16 02:37 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2021-12-16 07:16 pm (UTC)