Monstro,
So sorry to hear about your diagnosis. You’re a familiar name I enjoy reading and that news was a gut punch. I wish you well in managing this new chapter.
Thank you so much for the reminder about wearing masks. It is so disheartening that some people only care about their own feelings on matters and ignore how their choices can potentially affect others.
LH
Then there are the people who actively shame mask wearing and demand that others, especially employees, take off the masks they’re wearing…
Hugs Monstro, sorry for your diagnosis and the shitty timing. A couple of suggestions, 1st, I’d think about getting the antibody test, imperfect though it might be it will give you and your oncology team some reassurance, 2nd, make sure your fully informed about droplet precautions, you can still reduce your risk even if others are jerks.
Good analogy, thanks. I’ll think about getting one for next time I have to go into a crowded shop.
I fully endorse this rant.
Stay safe, monstro, and best wishes for your surgery and recovery to go smoothly.
This shit is bigger than any disagreements we’ve had.
Thanks for that, RTFirefly.
A few weeks ago I saw a definite increase in the number of people wearing masks while out and about here in Arkansas. But this week, the number of people I see wearing them varies widely depending on where I am. I went to Moe’s the other day to pick up dinner and most everyone had masks on. Last night I went to Harp’s grocery store and while standing in line saw that I was the only one wearing a mask. Not counting the employees, all of whom wore masks. Most businesses here are not requiring everyone to wear a mask. The only one I can think of is Fresh Market.
Thanks!
One other thing that gets my goat is the recent outrage about pool opening guidelines. In my area, a lot of the parents are just enraged at the mere thought of wearing a mask if they aren’t in the pool. I don’t get it. You’re at the damn pool. In a public place. Yep, it’s hot, which is probably why you’re at a fucking pool in the first place.
It’s not a plot by the CDC to get the pools to stay closed, it’s what the CDC recommends so you or your loved ones don’t get sick and spread virus all over creation while still getting to enjoy the outdoors. I can’t tell you how many people are shrieking, “This is just TOO MUCH! Think of the children and their destroyed summer!” Christ on a cracker, their summer will be way shittier if you let them go into a public place only to have them put on a vent two weeks later. Or maybe they’ll make five other people’s summer shittier by having them get terribly ill. Get over yourselves and wear the fucking mask or don’t go to the pool.
When I gaze into my crystal ball and look 6 months into the future, I think it looks a lot like old photos from 1918: people going about more or less normal activities, but everyone’s wearing a mask. So…folks better get used to it.
I am so sorry about your diagnosis and want to join with everyone else in sending well wishes.
I do have to say that pro-mask folks are focusing on the wrong things. Seriously, the whole “wearing one might be hot and uncomfortable, but they protect everyone” discussion won’t change anyone minds. You gotta focus on the important things…
I LOVE my masks!!! I have a black rhinestone one that looks fabulous with my little black dress, I have a black, studded Mad Max one for when I’m being biker chick, I have several Cthulhu ones cause I’m such a geek and I just got a cat face one…so gonna wear green eye shadow with gold liner for that one.
And, speaking of makeup, I don’t have to waste money and time on foundation and stuff because the entire bottom half of my face is covered. I’m saving money and looking amazing!!!
monstro, I wish the best to you and your loved ones. Good vibes from Canada.
I’m actually pleased at the use of masks for self-expression.
I’ve had several customers with various words across their masks, from a crass version of “keep your six foot social distance” to ones with animals, or interest themes (I have a Doctor Who TARDIS pattern and another with knitting needles and skeins of yarn, I’ve see others with comic book themes, movie references, Harry Potter, and others), one of the gals in the deli at work has a collection of faux animal fur prints, and so one. And, of course, American flag variations.
If we gotta wear them why not get creative and express ourselves with them?
You’ll “think about it”? Huh? 
What am I missing?
My gf’s advertising agency had everyone’s pictures taken and they’re designing personal masks that have each person’s smiling face on them. She says they’re creepy af.
Yeah totally! My masks are Super Mario, dogs, Star Wars and Cleveland Indians (sans Chief Wahoo). And I’ve got some plain ones.
I think masks are going to become the next graphic tees when it comes to wearing self expression!
So sorry to hear about your diagnosis, Monstro. Hope it goes well for you.
And thanks so much to everyone who wears a mask. You’re wearing it for ME, since I’m at very high risk. The more I read about this virus, the more scared shitless I am.
Ha! I’ve never liked my nose, and my eyes are my best facial feature, so I think I look awesome in my masks!
I have dachshund print masks, of course.
I dibs Alfred E. Newman.
Powerpuff Girls, if I can find such. Buttercup.