What are you waiting for?

*** UPDATED AS OF JULY 25TH ***

Have you been vaccinated?

- Yes (1 out of 2 shots)

Are you going to get the vaccine?

- See answer above

Why now?

- The ache to travel back to Canada is greater than the risk(s) of a vaccination

Did your decision to stay unvaccinated have something to do with the fact that you have had the illness?

- No one can say for sure how long the antibodies are present/active. Besides, taking the antibody test costs $40, getting the vaccine was free.

Do you believe the vaccine is effective?

- Yes, I have no doubt that the vaccine is doing its job but I do not feel it has had enough time in its testing phase. I think it was rolled out too quickly (for fair reasons) and now we are among the millions of test subjects

Do you believe in any conspiracy theories surrounding COVID-19?

- No, not in the sense of some super global takeover but I also don't believe everything is as it is presented. The classic ice berg effect, most of what's going on is underwater, all we can see is the snowy peak. Yesterday, while I was at the local pharmacy (waiting on Kevin who was getting a DOT physical), a friendly older gentleman struck up a conversation with me and one other lady in the sitting area. In the course of 5mins, he said "no offense" 4 times, "Chinese virus" 3 times and "bid farewell to Biden" twice. The topic of the discussion was his step-daughter visiting from Germany at the end of the month 🤦🏽‍♀️

How do you feel about the face mask rule being removed for most businesses or for only those who are vaccinated?

- I feel as if the virus was real enough to cause every nation to fall to its knees and since the vaccine is only 95% effective at best, I find it hard to reconcile removing a simple act like wearing a face covering. In all honesty, social distancing and face masks in large groups should still be required as part of public safety. It just feels like we're flirting with the unknown and risking the progress thus far for some relief from face coverings, doesn't make much sense to me

Aside from the virus/vaccine numbers, there has been mention of a fuel shortage in your area, how is that coming along?

- Gas crisis averted, its pricey and it's readily available, no more panic buying (not at $2.80/gallon)

*** I wanted to update this post because Kevin and I did get our 1st shot on Friday July 23rd. I chose Moderna and maybe that was the wrong choice because we are both sore as hell and feeling super crappy. I told myself to suck it up yesterday morning, literally saying to myself "it's just a bruise, get over it, you big baby", this was while I getting dressed in the spare bedroom. Kevin found me laying half naked on the bed, ready to pass out. I was running a bit of a temperature yesterday and Kevin can't describe his symptoms but he is not well either. (Fun Fact: that is Kevin's Achilles Heel... he can tell you, in detail, what's wrong with your car, or your treadmill; he can even profess his love and adoration for me verbally and in writing, but when it comes to being sick, his only explanation is 'ugh'). I have typed this post mostly one handed, luckily we both got the shot in our left arm so my dominant arm is alive and well, and I have only had 2 hours of sleep. I am not looking forward to August 20th... that second shot has me thinking it might be a good idea to retire my passport 🤔