Thursday, July 2, 2020

Modern Problems



It was time for my usual trip to Trader Joe's. I wore the mask from the picture above. 

I have three masks I use regularly. (I have two others that I don't really wear. I like to be able to change things out.) They get washed after each use. 

The edges on this mask have started to fray a bit. I didn't think too much of it. 

Mistake. 

I put the mask on in the car. I walked into Trader Joe's, grabbing a cart. I had put a couple things in my cart when an inhale brought with it one of the threads from the edge of the mask. Right into my nostril. 

So, what to do? The point of the mask is to not touch one's face. (Well, among other concerns.) Do I pull the mask away from my face? Reach inside? Step outside? 

In the end, I just suffered through. And I made sure to cut those threads off as soon as I got home. (I don't wear the mask while driving--it's just me in the car--so it was only an in-the-store problem.) 

Ah, the joys of wearing a mask... 

20 comments:

  1. Ugh...

    I have four masks, all easily washable, and we have a package of disposable masks in the house. It’s become habit. Sigh.

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    1. I go out so infrequently that I have to remember to bring along the mask. So far, so good.

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  2. Lots of joys in wearing a mask. I bought one (mail order) and it doesn't fit right (too loose). Have to figure that out. A mask I really like (sewed) which was made locally (from a store since closed for the season) is starting to come about. Guess I'm going to have to learn to sew, at least enough to make repairs. You put enough work into that mask, hoping you can fix the fraying.

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  3. I've had that happen to me. I usually have to readjust them a few times when I'm going out, though. Wearing them always fogs up my glasses.

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    1. I wear glasses only when I have to read, and when I have the mask too on, I have the same problem. It's quite a bother!

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  4. My glasses get fogged *sigh* but I'd rather that than either get sick or get someone else sick. And think of surgeons who have to wear them throughout the operation no matter how long it is!

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  5. Can't tell you how many people I see driving alone wearing masks. Glad you aren't one of those!

    Betty

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  6. So far *touch wood* we haven't had to wear masks in Oz (other than in at-risk jobs). Fingers crossed we don't have to.

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  7. Admirable determination on your part to resist touching the mask or face! Good. I think that sort of discipline is needed to see this pandemic through. Stay safe.

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  8. Hi Liz - you could have used it for a test?! Glad you've sorted it though ... have a peaceful weekend - Hilary

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  9. I'd only do that if someone was being a jerk ;)

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  10. That must have itched like crazy. Would have made me sneeze! Like you, I rarely go out but way back in March (remember March?) I found a box of allergy masks in my laundry room that I'd forgotten I had. They're supposed to be disposable, but I still have plenty. To be safe, eventually I ordered cloth masks online. They're way too big for my face so I just ordered small adult/teen masks from Etsy.

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    Replies
    1. March? What's a March?

      I felt like I was going to sneeze for a bit, but then that subsided.

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  11. Yoiks!
    Hubs keeps a mask in a little nook on the motorbike, and I keep one in my bag constantly. We have spares right next to the door, just in case. No fraying yet!

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