Our First Dose

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When my husband and I realized early on that COVID-19 was going to be a big deal, we decided to limit going out and about as of 2 February 2020. We knew everything the former guy was saying was complete bullshit so we ignored everything he said, aside from numerous Twitter rants and comments, and hunkered down over a year ago.

When we kicked the former guy to the curb and elected a guy with experience who could actually handle the job, we knew the end was in sight and we waited in complete anticipation and hope. The day was coming when we could finally see our kids and our grandkids again.

When we were notified last week that it was time to schedule my husband’s vaccine appointment, I confess to hoping that, by some miracle, I would receive my own notification as well. And then Monday, the email arrived and I was able to schedule my appointment for the same day, albeit at different times. He was scheduled for today at 11 am while my appointment wasn’t until 1:15.

The appointments were at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds and I have to say, it was run so well I almost can’t believe it. Signs were in place prior to the turnoff at the Fairgrounds. Redmond put in the new Fairgrounds some years ago and the whole area is really nice. When we arrived, the driveway was cordoned off and the flow of cars moved quickly.

We were told where to park and where to go from there. Signs pointed us to a kiosk where we checked in. And the best thing happened! I was told that I would likely receive my vaccine at the same time as my husband! So, we headed over to the building where the vaccines were being administered and got into a swiftly moving line where I filled out our paperwork.

When we reached the end of that area, we were sent over to a table in the vaccine area where we completed our check-in process. It was then that we were sent to a very nice woman who administered our vaccines.

We never got lost. We never were concerned about anything because there were people everywhere to keep us on track. And the other best part, aside from not having to wait until 1:15 for my vaccine? After both of us received our vaccination, we were sent to another table where a very nice National Guard soldier gave us our appointment for our second shot.

From there, we were directed to a big arrow on the floor and onto another big observation room where we had to wait for fifteen minutes to be sure we weren’t going to have any initial reaction from the vaccine. Chairs were spaced at least six feet apart (or more) and after fifteen minutes, we got up and left.

I have to say, the only issue I had was not knowing what was going to happen, but the online sign-up was a breeze and the process itself was so well-done that I don’t really know how it could have been improved. As of this writing, we’re both doing fine and my husband is currently outside digging cattails out of one of our ponds while I just got done doing 30 minutes on my recumbent bike.

So, thanks to everyone who voted to kick the former guy to the curb, as well as to the scientists who have moved heaven and earth to ready the vaccines. There’s something incredible about being part of a world-wide endeavor to overcome a new virus that has caused so much devastation, even as others can’t seem to understand the simple fact that wearing a mask will prevent the virus’s spread. And I feel honored to stand with all those who are committed to science and the truth.

April 14th, and our second dose, cannot come soon enough!

Blessings to all!