topic Re: I have to laugh at myself sometimes in Community Chat

I have to laugh at myself sometimes

Goodie2shoes — Tue, 02 Mar 2021 01:17:11 GMT

This covid mess has me so paranoid ! I don't know if anyone else is this bad but admit it, this virus makes some of us do weird stuff just to stay safe. So here's my story. I live in an apartment building, only go out into the hallway with my mask on and gloves to check my mailbox, then I disinfect my keys when I come back in (the mailbox has a key to get in) I then disinfect my door handles and lock. I don't open my mail immediately, I let it sit until the next day but I wipe the envelopes with a disinfectant wipe. Any boxes that I recieve in the mail or from UPS are sprayed with disinfectant and left overnight before I open them. I wash everything I order before I try it on, wipe down all groceries with a disinfectant wipe before putting them away. If my door is opened I spray the room with Lysol immediately when I close it. I don't even carry a purse anymore, I just take my credit card and drivers license in a sandwich bag and wipe them down with a disinfectant wipe after I use them. I have had both vaccines , last shot 1 week ago this Wednesday. Maybe I will be able to relax a little better but will still wear my mask, wash my hands etc. Anyone else ready to admit they are over the top and can laugh about it ? We need a little humor

Re: I have to laugh at myself sometimes

MW in Iowa — Tue, 02 Mar 2021 01:28:39 GMT

It sounds like a lot , but i imagine there are a lot just like you , i am glad you got your vaccines , and after a little time passes , you will be able to relax a little. I don't go any place right now , but , but i know i don't want to take a chance when i start going. I did unfornutely have to go for medical appts , because i didn't have any choice, Got my haircut 1 year ago this month.

Re: I have to laugh at myself sometimes

manny2 — Tue, 02 Mar 2021 01:29:06 GMT

I don't carry a purse anymore either. I put sanitizer in one pocket, and my debt card in the other pocket. I wear a mask and gloves. I change gloves for every stop I make. I take them off before getting into my car then follow with the sanitizer.

I wipe everything down with disinfectant when I come home. Everything I bought, and my keys, debt card, and sanitizer bottle. I don't touch mail for a few days.

I am not eligible for the shot yet, so I am waiting patiently.

Re: I have to laugh at myself sometimes

Kachina624 — Tue, 02 Mar 2021 01:29:25 GMT

@Goodie2shoes. I think you're overdoing it just a wee bit, like 95%. Scientists say its not necessary to wipe down packages, mail, keys or groceries as covid is airborne and that how it's likely contracted. You could save yourself a lot of worry by doing a little online research

Re: I have to laugh at myself sometimes

on the bay — Tue, 02 Mar 2021 01:30:18 GMT

@Goodie2shoes -

I admire you for keeping that all up!

I used to do most of that but then when"they" said that the virus is not really spread through touching things,

I stopped lysoling my food lol!

That was exhausting. I do open the mailbox with a stick and wash my hands really well after most things, esp groceries.

I will never forget when I was at my daughters helping with her new born and left to leave, a neighbor was coming out at the same time. I hadn't been near a stranger in so long, I felt like I was seeing an alien. It was the weirdest feeling and that was one big moment I realized how much this virus had changed our experiences

just being human beings together.

Re: I have to laugh at myself sometimes

proudlyfromNJ — Tue, 02 Mar 2021 01:32:19 GMT

You sure wouldn’t like being around me. I read your post quickly, but I don’t think I do anything that you do.

Re: I have to laugh at myself sometimes

Janey2 — Tue, 02 Mar 2021 01:39:35 GMT

I say do whatever makes you feel comfortable. You are not asking anyone to do it for you. I would just suggest that you wipe food down with soap/water, not disinfectant which you do not want to get into your food.

Re: I have to laugh at myself sometimes

fthunt — Tue, 02 Mar 2021 01:43:39 GMT

I'm truly sorry you're living with such fear. I do NOTHING except wear a mask when out shopping - and I go everywhere.

Hair tomorrow - dentist soon - food shopping at Wegmans - fill car w/gas and open mail / packageS immediately. Yes, I do wash my hands when back home.

Other than wearing of a mask - I really don't think about it - in fact went in a store last week without mask cuz I forgot it. It hit me as I left - oops said to myself.

Relax and enjoy life and............. have some FAITH

Re: I have to laugh at myself sometimes

Goodie2shoes — Tue, 02 Mar 2021 01:45:21 GMT

Yes I have read that it's not necessary to wipe down packages etc but it will take some time for me to recover !

Re: I have to laugh at myself sometimes

Goodie2shoes — Tue, 02 Mar 2021 01:51:35 GMT

@on the bay wrote I

admire you for keeping that all up!

I used to do most of that but then when"they" said that the virus is not really spread through touching things,

I stopped lysoling my food lol!

That was exhausting. I do open the mailbox with a stick and wash my hands really well after most things, esp groceries.

just being human beings together.

Thanks, glad to see someone else was doing similar things ! I haven't been out since my second covid shot last Wednesday but I am going to the store tomorrow ! I have to get out of here. Haven't put gas in my car for a month filled it up and still have 3/4 of a tank !

Re: I have to laugh at myself sometimes

CatsyCline — Tue, 02 Mar 2021 01:53:57 GMT

i wear a mask and i use hand sanitizer after packing my groceries in my car. i do use wipes on shopping cart handles.

never wipe down any grocery items or mail. if it's a package like a shipping box i leave it on the screened porch and remove the items i've ordered.

this is exactly what we have been doing for a year now. no idea when we'll get to have the vaxx. our state is last in the nation for getting the shots in arms.

Re: I have to laugh at myself sometimes

1Snickers — Tue, 02 Mar 2021 02:01:41 GMT

@Goodie2shoes I've been doing similar to the way you have. I found a clear crossbody small vinyl slim holder for a credit card, reading glasses, coupons, etc I can find things easily and cards can be scanned through the vinyl.
I still use wipes on all grocery boxes cans, etc but wash fruits and vegetables. With mail I open it in the garage and throw the envelopes away.
If any repairmen have to come inside after they leave I immediately clean anything they've touched and sanitize rooms with uv light.
I'm accustomed to doing it now and even though I've had both shots due to the new variants I'll continue sanitizing.

Re: I have to laugh at myself sometimes

on the bay — Tue, 02 Mar 2021 02:03:49 GMT

@Goodie2shoes -

I'm glad to see its not just me too. I'm sure there are a lot of us that way.

I hadn't used my car in a few weeks and the battery wouldn't start!

Once I went to the store a few months ago and it was so scary but exciting! I felt like a kid in the candy store! It doesn't take much!

I hope you have a good experience at the store tomorrow!

Oh and I don't carry a purse now-stick clorox wipes, gloves, phone and card in my pocket.

Re: I have to laugh at myself sometimes

jannabelle1 — Tue, 02 Mar 2021 02:11:37 GMT

Oh dear, you are paranoid. And no, I'm not over the top! I wear a mask when I go weekly to the grocery store, Walgreens, etc....sanitize my hands when I leave the stores and wash my hands when I get home. That's all I do. I won't live my life in fear. I wish the best for you.

Re: I have to laugh at myself sometimes

Goodie2shoes — Tue, 02 Mar 2021 02:14:25 GMT

@on the baywrote: Oh and I don't carry a purse now-stick clorox wipes, gloves, phone and card in my pocket.

That's exactly what I do ! I have dooneys, vince camuto and even Isaac's bags, don't carry them. I just don't want more stuff to sanitize when I get back home.

Re: I have to laugh at myself sometimes

Desert Lily — Tue, 02 Mar 2021 02:28:41 GMT

@Goodie2shoes I've had my first vaccine. I was sick with the virus early last year for 5 weeks and 2 more weeks before I felt my full thinking & most of my energy returned. I had gone to a doctor's appointment due to an injury before the virus prevention protocols were put in place. There was a very ill man in the waiting room. I hadn't been out of the house for 2 weeks prior due to my injury. 4 days after my appointment, I got sick with the virus. I've never been that sick, and I never want to be that sick again. I do many of the same routine precautions that you have listed & probably some others of my own.

Re: I have to laugh at myself sometimes

pugvette74 — Tue, 02 Mar 2021 02:31:03 GMT

@Goodie2shoes wrote:
This covid mess has me so paranoid ! I don't know if anyone else is this bad but admit it, this virus makes some of us do weird stuff just to stay safe. So here's my story. I live in an apartment building, only go out into the hallway with my mask on and gloves to check my mailbox, then I disinfect my keys when I come back in (the mailbox has a key to get in) I then disinfect my door handles and lock. I don't open my mail immediately, I let it sit until the next day but I wipe the envelopes with a disinfectant wipe. Any boxes that I recieve in the mail or from UPS are sprayed with disinfectant and left overnight before I open them. I wash everything I order before I try it on, wipe down all groceries with a disinfectant wipe before putting them away. If my door is opened I spray the room with Lysol immediately when I close it. I don't even carry a purse anymore, I just take my credit card and drivers license in a sandwich bag and wipe them down with a disinfectant wipe after I use them. I have had both vaccines , last shot 1 week ago this Wednesday. Maybe I will be able to relax a little better but will still wear my mask, wash my hands etc. Anyone else ready to admit they are over the top and can laugh about it ? We need a little humor

Do what makes you feel safe. Just don't live in fear. Remember to breathe. I know it's hard, but we will be back to normal someday. I do a lot of what you do.

Re: I have to laugh at myself sometimes

ECBG — Tue, 02 Mar 2021 02:33:21 GMT

@Goodie2shoes

Only you know your medical history. I think we all need to do what we each feel necessary.

It is now thought we have reached 55% herd immunity.

My joy is working with color and I am at work everyday except 2 a week. I wear a mask, customers have to wear a mask, and I have not had the slightest issue.

You have to do what you feel you need to. If you think you are extreme, you may want to call your doctor.

Stay safe!

Re: I have to laugh at myself sometimes

Deree — Tue, 02 Mar 2021 02:49:58 GMT

I'm in an apartment too and do a few things similarly but I'm probably 1/2 step not quite as paranoid as you. I don't laugh about it, however. I take it very seriously. I don't go out except to walk my dog twice a day and occasionally to the supermarket. Why? Because we have 25 floors in my building and I don't want to ride the elevators up and down with anyone else. I think the worst place to be is in an elevator -- that tiny square with a fan overhead blowing droplets around. Some people get annoyed when I ask them to wait for the next elevator. I don't care if they do. I bought finger cots to press elevator buttons and we also have automatic door buttons in the lobby. Knobs, buttons and door handles are probably the most contaminated surfaces.

When I go outside, I wear 2 masks plus a cotton insert inside against my face.

I don't use the carts at the supermarket. Those are way too contaminated. I use my own wagon from home with a large plastic bag insert. I haven't been buying as much fresh produce as I did pre-pandemic. I repackage as much as I can at home and if I can't, the package goes into a plastic produce bag in the fridge.

The garbage compactor room is across the hall from me. I put on a mask and glasses to throw my garbage out. I use scrap paper to turn the door knob. One thing I don't worry too much about are packages and the mail because I have a "Covid Corner" near the front door of my apartment where all potentially contaminated articles are placed. Once I open packages and mail in that area, the paper is thrown out after which I wash my hands. At the height of the pandemic back in March-May, yes I did wipe them down.

My purse is a small $8 cloth cross body bag and money is kept in a plastic bag inside. After the supermarket, I lysol everything in that bag -- readers, cell phone, keys, supermarket card.

The couple of times I've had to go to the doctor, I peeled off all my clothes as soon as I came home and put them in a bag in the corner until I did laundry. My outer coat is hung in the sun outside on my terrace.

Re: I have to laugh at myself sometimes

Lali1 — Tue, 02 Mar 2021 02:35:10 GMT

I believe you could loosen up your protocol a bit and slowly you will get more comfortable. I stay home a lot but I did before. I pickup groceries and I walk every morning without a mask. I don't wear a mask when I pick up groceries because I'm in my vehicle. I bring my stuff home unload and usually wash my hands after but sometimes I forget. I don't wipe things down and never have. I wear my mask when I do go inside a store. I get delivery of food sometimes. So far no virus or if I did get it I did not know I did. My husband moves around much more than me and is careful but not overly so. He uses hand sanitizer a lot. So far he's not had the virus either.