A Pandemic Project

 We are all experiencing some cabin fever during this pandemic. I think The Colonel's cabin fever manifests itself through the creation of DIY projects (from the crowds at The Home Depot, I think many people feel the same way).

One of his latest projects involved revamping my end table in the living room. He made me the table a long time ago and said it was time to "beef up" the legs, give it another coat of paint and maybe add some color to the interior. Sure, why not. I had some time on my hands too.

This is what the old spindly legs looked like and the interior was plain white (I had removed the top, an old six-paned window frame before I took the photograph).

 

Not only did The Colonel add more substantial legs, he also added some storage (a place for headphones, cables and cords) and a power bar to the underside of the table. 

I painted the interior of the end table a beautiful, blue, chalk paint.

I also repainted the outside, legs and window pane a bright white.

I am glad The Colonel suggested the end table revamp. It has turned out beautifully. I love the new blue interior, it makes the displayed items inside pop.

We have more pandemic projects in the works. Stay tuned!

My Brush (or Swab) With Pandemic Procedure

Image from the Internet

 

That looks uncomfortable doesn't it? THAT'S BECAUSE IT IS!

The image above is depicting the act of a Nasopharyngeal (NP) swab. It is what you have to have done for a COVID-19 test.

I was hoping I would never have to have one of these tests but I had my first (and hopefully last) one done on Wednesday, August 12. I had to have the test as part of my pre-op work-up for my gallbladder surgery on the 20th.

The test would be administered while I remained in our vehicle. The Colonel drove to the testing site (a covered area on the side of the hospital...their signage was less than helpful in locating the testing site) and a nurse came out within a couple of minutes. Once she determined who I was and that my name appeared on her list, she told me I would be having the "regular" test and a MRSA test. I also was to get a small bottle of soap that I was to use for my shower before I had my surgery. She went back inside the building.

The Colonel said having the "regular" test was good, as it supposedly shows less false positives. That made me feel a bit better about having to have this test.

The nurse came back to the vehicle's window and began her first swabbing. It was for the MRSA test. She had two long Q-tips that were attached to one another on one end, like a pair of disposable, wooden chopsticks. She gently spread the two swab ends apart, just enough to fit one end in each of my nostrils simultaneously. She then moved the swab ends around the inside of my nostrils. That was painless and quick.

Next came the much maligned (and rightfully so) NP swab. The nurse then took out one very long Q-tip and stuck it in one of my nostrils. She kept inserting it until she reached the dark line on the swab's shaft that indicated how far the swab needed to penetrate one's nasal cavity. 

As the swab was moving along its predetermined path (which felt like its destination would be beyond my Cerebellum), I felt a burning sensation in my nose and eyes. It felt similar to getting your nose hit or bumped hard. We all know that feeling. I also experienced a metallic/chemical taste that stayed with me for about twenty minutes. Now I knew what to expect and what all the hype was about. I had one more nostril to go. Thank goodness the nurse was experienced and her movements were swift and economical (and that I did not have to pay for the testing...at least not monetarily...as my Econ teacher taught...nothing is ever free...I paid with my time and pain).  

I do not know when I will hear the results of my testing, but I certainly hope they will return negative so that I can proceed with my gallbladder surgery next week.

I have been hearing that some people go and have the COVID-19 tests voluntarily...must be gluttons for punishment.

NOTE: Both tests were negative and my gallbladder surgery took place and went well.