kidsmoke

https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/cancun-concerts-wilco-dmb-omicron-1281187/amp/ Rolling Stone article on the debacle unfolding in Mexico with these festivals. Cloud9 has really dug in their heels.

That's sobering. I'm going to get my hair done tomorrow and just dug out one of my few and precious N95 masks. Then realized the 2 over-the-back-of-the-head straps wouldn't work for getting my hair done. So I practiced a bit with the elastic straps and discovered you can wrap one around each ear and the mask still fits well & snug. So, I may look ridiculous but hopefully I'll get my hair done without getting covid. It's raging in this area. My DIL works processing test samples so I've been very aware, through her, of the climbing positivity rates in the past weeks. Now it's flu also..

Sandoz & Boss_Tweedy, ugh, I'm so sorry you're both going through this! Boss_Tweedy, the tendency to respiratory complications sounds just like me. I think I might have an equally hard time with it. I hope your symptoms fade quickly. Sandoz, this variant is so damned catchy that I don't think people get it. With previous variants a little caution and masking and distancing were enough. It isn't that simple with Omicron. Even brief interactions are said to be enough. I'm so sorry. I hope your daughter doesn't catch it. 💖

Yep, they cancelled. Many festivalgoers had already arrived! What a mess.

Sorry for my slow response Judy...it's been so hard making this decision, but I'm almost certainly out. Things aren't trending in the right direction. Airlines aren't keeping up with covid staff shortages, testing facilities are also struggling with covid related staffing shortages... so many issues at once, not even counting Covid itself. Common sense says don't travel. Amazing that none of us had even heard the word "omicron" until maybe 6 weeks ago.

Thanks for your empathy, Jon! I hope all your symptoms are mild.

Too late Chez, I've already messaged her to try to unload my half-a-room. Boy is my roommate going to be surprised when Monica shows up instead of me.😄 Shhhh, it's a secret.😏

What a horrible bunch of circumstances, Jeff! I'm so sorry. I missed the first SBS because one of our dogs had a terminal cancer and had to be put down during that time. Of course you don't want to be away. I hope your insurance will cover you. You certainly seem to meet the criteria.

It's so good to see you, Rei! Someday I will get to visit Japan & meet you in person!

...all I've come up with so far is, "I really need to vacuum more, with all these shedding pets." What do YOU plan to do more or less of, in 2022?

In my case, when I went to buy their "Cancel for Any Reason" insurance I discovered that I had missed their very brief window to purchase it. I looked elsewhere for CfAR insurance but found it prohibitively expensive and you only recover up to 75% with a claim. I wound up getting very good insurance via AAA's advice, at Allianz. But while they cover me, or a family member, getting Covid, what they don't cover is the terror (however valid) of getting Covid and being stuck in a Mexican quarantine hotel for as much as 2 more weeks. Although the "trip interruption" coverage would probably

That's kind of how I'm thinking. Here's the link for any of you wishing to sign the petition to allow refunds for those who want them. https://chng.it/Zf9BYDpLK8 Even if you are fine with the event going on, and you still plan to attend, it would be compassionate of you to sign this petition so that others who don't feel safe going have an option to withdraw. Thanks. Edit: just noticed that jff already posted that link. Follow it, folks!

Let's hope we get offered that option, if they don't see fit to postpone.

I'm feeling seriously depressed at the thought that the penalty for 6 days of fun in Mexico may be...could very likely be!...being stuck in a Mexican Residence Inn for 10 days! With covid, and no particular help if I got quite sick. Never mind the original expense, which on my budget was tough in the first place. But if I opt not to go for my own wellbeing, I stand to simply lose about $3000. Nobody is buying up these packages now, with good reason. With Omicron raging, it's time to pull the plug and postpone to a safer time. I'm really sad about it all.

I think we are ready for Christmas shenanigans now.

To everyone reading this, I wish deeply for you to have the most beautiful, peaceful Christmas. The past couple of years have been flat-out HARD for almost everyone, so if you can carve out an island of calm and love and laughter in the middle of it, and celebrate your loved ones and their health, I'm all for it. Be happy today, and know that your loved ones, your tribe, are enough. Bask in it. Merry Christmas, with love to all of you. And on to make a better 2022!

I'm going to need some inspiring pictures here, to get me through this last round of slapping bows on presents. Would it help if I gave y'all cookies?

These had to be hard decisions, but I respect the band for placing everyone's health first.

Here comes Santa Claus He's vaccinated and masked Santa's no dummy

So I have finally gotten my tree decorated. Just needs the tree skirt now & we're ready for Santa! Well, as soon as I make cookies tomorrow.

My current state of mind: FAMILY Family is the Heart of Christmas, except when They are being jerks. And: PRESENTS The presents won't be Wrapping themselves now will they? Obnoxious presents And similarly, TREE The tree's not gonna Decorate itself, so that Pretty much leaves me.

Can't disagree.

That's right, I want you to get creative and entertain me with your cleverness! It's the most stressful time of the year, and we all could use some creative venting, right? I didn't write this one, but it was my inspiration for this topic. This is a haiku They don't have to rhyme, Karen Jesus fucking christ Ok, let's see what you've got in your squirrelly little brains. Holiday themes or other frustrations welcome.

Thinking of poor Kentucky after these horrific tornadoes...and the surrounding states also affected. I hope our members haven't been directly impacted. Those in the areas struck, please check in as you are able. It looks like GA and AL are still under dangerous warnings. Be careful, everyone. We love you.

I'll be there too Dan, hope to see you! Come say hi if you see me! Love that Tweedy band!