My father-in-law had surgery this week on his knee. As far as I can figure, this was the 8th surgery in 6 years. It started as a knee replacement that went horribly wrong. The first surgery gave him a staph infection, MRSA to be exact.
After several cycles of removing the artificial joint, placing a spacer, pumping him full of IV antibiotics and inserting a new joint, only to have the infection reappear -- they have basically given up. They removed the joint and fused his knee.
The husband and I are furious at the hospital and doctor. The patient doesn't seem to think it is their fault -- it just happens. Whatever. Let's hope they used good hospital disinfectant this time.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Stress Relievers
Life is life and with it brings periods of stress. I'm waist deep in what will be a flood of stress over the next few months at work, again. Same old story. Not enough money. Must cut services. Which of course equals must cut jobs.
I'm not usually the type of person directly affected by this type of stress. I have a Scarlet O'Hara attitude that saves me from fussing about things. I don't worry today about what might happen tomorrow. If it happens, I'll worry about it then.
For whatever reason, this one is affecting me more than ever before. In my position, it is important for me to keep a happy face and attitude to other staff, and I guess because I internalize it (ignore it), it is manifesting itself physically. The doctor asked "are you under more stress than normal lately?" I literally laughed, and then cried.
I'm sure he now thinks I am a nut case.
So I went online to find ways to reduce stress. This is the list that I found:
I'm not usually the type of person directly affected by this type of stress. I have a Scarlet O'Hara attitude that saves me from fussing about things. I don't worry today about what might happen tomorrow. If it happens, I'll worry about it then.
For whatever reason, this one is affecting me more than ever before. In my position, it is important for me to keep a happy face and attitude to other staff, and I guess because I internalize it (ignore it), it is manifesting itself physically. The doctor asked "are you under more stress than normal lately?" I literally laughed, and then cried.
I'm sure he now thinks I am a nut case.
So I went online to find ways to reduce stress. This is the list that I found:
- Guided Imagery
- Self-Hypnosis
- Autogenics
- Journaling
- Meditation
- Progressive Muscle Relaxation
- Yoga
- Breathing
- Playing Games
- Sex
- Laughter
- Biofeedback
- Music Therapy
- Take a Walk
- Plant a Garden
- Time Management
- Listen To Music
- Eat a Balanced Diet
- Learn Assertive Communication Skills
- Enjoy Aromatherapy
- Reduce Caffeine Intake
- Drink in Moderation
- Don’t Procrastinate
- Drink Green Tea
My observations about this list:
- Why is sex all the way down to #6 on the list?
- Drink in Moderation seems to be counterproductive.
- Drinking green tea? Give me a break.
- Reduce Caffeine Intake? It is the only thing keeping me going each day.
- Learn Assertive Communication Skills? I don't think that is the problem.
- Journaling - isn't that what I am already doing...right now?
I know I am being cynical and there are some things on the list that I know will help. And one that I am surprised is not there - exercise. I need to exhaust my body so it matches my brain.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Party Poopers
I've been on the hunt for party decorations lately. I wanted some for our Oscar party as well as for an event at work. There is a huge party supply store (two stories) here in Kentuckiana and though I found what I needed for the Oscar party, they didn't have what I needed for the Dessert Auction.
Now, if I was getting married - that is a different story. They had every conceivable wedding decorations possible.
What I wanted was a large cupcake or piece of pie that folded out honeycomb style like the traditional wedding bells, or even a pinata would work. But no luck.
Anyone have any suggestions on where I might find such a thing?
Now, if I was getting married - that is a different story. They had every conceivable wedding decorations possible.
What I wanted was a large cupcake or piece of pie that folded out honeycomb style like the traditional wedding bells, or even a pinata would work. But no luck.
Anyone have any suggestions on where I might find such a thing?
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
I'm Back
I am sorry that it has been almost two weeks since I posted. I've been busy. Let me share my life in bullets:
I promise to do better and share some photos soon.
- Celebrated my mother's birthday - this time last year we didn't know if we'd have that opportunity again.
- I became a great aunt, again. Mama and baby are good.
- Received an application on our foster dog, Paisley. Keep your fingers crossed.
- Hosted an Oscar party with about 18 guests - had a blast.
- Main floor toilet started leaking the day of the party, had to post "out of order" sign (how embarrassing) and send them down the hall. Plumber came next day and there went $300.
- Busy at day job.
- Busy at 2nd job.
- Crazy busy at writing job.
- Lots of cooking and baking in the middle of all that.
I promise to do better and share some photos soon.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Some people's ego and balls are larger than their head.
I could literally choke someone right now.
You all know my mother was in the hospital for months last year. The first doctor and first hospital very nearly killed her by doing nothing....literally nothing but discharge her home where if we hadn't been proactive and sought a second opinion, she would have died. I'm not making this up. The doctors told us that.
I had many discussions with the hospital administration last year after filing official complaints. Eventually they saw the wisdom in writing off the small balance left after Medicare and private insurance. Everyone, including her current physician, tell us we should take legal action. We've considered it, but I really don't want to spend months or years with lawyers or in court. We'd rather spend it with her.
What we want is to forget about it and move on.
Well, the physician continued to bill Mom the remainder of his bill - $46.18. Seriously. After all that, he still wanted his $46.18.
As a matter of principle, we refuse to pay it. Mom called and told the office manager this last fall, but the bills continue to come and became more threatening. So last week I wrote an official certified letter to the doctor briefly reminding him of why we weren't paying. But if he insisted, we'd be happy to get a lawyer and that we wouldn't be stopping at just this bill.
This week she got a certified letter from the doctor stating that he was discharging her as a patient and would no longer be treating her. Oh. no. he. didn't.
We fired you first asshole. Who are you to refuse her treatment NOW? Since the day she was released from that hospital you have never, ever called to follow-up and inquire as to why she never made another appointment. Her husband, the heart patient -- your patient -- never came back for another appointment. Did you call? Did you care?
Who the hell does he think he is? I am steaming mad.
You all know my mother was in the hospital for months last year. The first doctor and first hospital very nearly killed her by doing nothing....literally nothing but discharge her home where if we hadn't been proactive and sought a second opinion, she would have died. I'm not making this up. The doctors told us that.
I had many discussions with the hospital administration last year after filing official complaints. Eventually they saw the wisdom in writing off the small balance left after Medicare and private insurance. Everyone, including her current physician, tell us we should take legal action. We've considered it, but I really don't want to spend months or years with lawyers or in court. We'd rather spend it with her.
What we want is to forget about it and move on.
Well, the physician continued to bill Mom the remainder of his bill - $46.18. Seriously. After all that, he still wanted his $46.18.
As a matter of principle, we refuse to pay it. Mom called and told the office manager this last fall, but the bills continue to come and became more threatening. So last week I wrote an official certified letter to the doctor briefly reminding him of why we weren't paying. But if he insisted, we'd be happy to get a lawyer and that we wouldn't be stopping at just this bill.
This week she got a certified letter from the doctor stating that he was discharging her as a patient and would no longer be treating her. Oh. no. he. didn't.
We fired you first asshole. Who are you to refuse her treatment NOW? Since the day she was released from that hospital you have never, ever called to follow-up and inquire as to why she never made another appointment. Her husband, the heart patient -- your patient -- never came back for another appointment. Did you call? Did you care?
Who the hell does he think he is? I am steaming mad.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
My Bad
I've been absent from the blog world. I've been busy...busy cooking (yes I cooked), busy writing (freelance job are growing by the day), and busy, well....with stuff.
We are going north to Mom's this weekend for her birthday. We have much to celebrate. A year ago she was in the hospital.
Paisley is still with us. She is such a lap dog. Between obedience class, home training and more socialization she is growing up into a great dog. Someone will be happy to have her. Is that you?
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Here We Go
Okay, I am getting ready to go down that road of new insurance companies and getting home insurance quotes as well as auto. Do any of you have any recommendations of a good company that has stood by you for years?
I realize agents make a huge difference, but I'm just looking for a starting point. I'm so dreading this process. I guess that is what they are counting on.
I realize agents make a huge difference, but I'm just looking for a starting point. I'm so dreading this process. I guess that is what they are counting on.
Vision
I read this in an article recently and it struck a chord with me. I find it so sad and so true, especially with where I work.
Vision is the lifeblood of any organization. It is what keeps it moving forward. It provides meaning to the day-to-day challenges and setbacks that make up the rumble and tumble of real life.
In a down economy—particularly one that has taken most of us by surprise—things get very tactical. We are just trying to survive. What worked yesterday does not necessarily work today. What works today may not necessarily work tomorrow. Decisions become pragmatic.
But after awhile this wears on people. They don’t know why their efforts matter. They cannot connect their actions to a larger story. Their work becomes a matter of just going through the motions, living from weekend to weekend, paycheck to paycheck.
This is where great leadership makes all the difference. Leadership is more than influence. It is about reminding people of what it is we are trying to build—and why it matters. It is about painting a picture of a better future. It comes down to pointing the way and saying, “C’mon. We can do this!”
When times are tough, vision is the first causality.
Before conditions can improve, it is the first thing we must recover.
Vision is the lifeblood of any organization. It is what keeps it moving forward. It provides meaning to the day-to-day challenges and setbacks that make up the rumble and tumble of real life.
In a down economy—particularly one that has taken most of us by surprise—things get very tactical. We are just trying to survive. What worked yesterday does not necessarily work today. What works today may not necessarily work tomorrow. Decisions become pragmatic.
But after awhile this wears on people. They don’t know why their efforts matter. They cannot connect their actions to a larger story. Their work becomes a matter of just going through the motions, living from weekend to weekend, paycheck to paycheck.
This is where great leadership makes all the difference. Leadership is more than influence. It is about reminding people of what it is we are trying to build—and why it matters. It is about painting a picture of a better future. It comes down to pointing the way and saying, “C’mon. We can do this!”
When times are tough, vision is the first causality.
Before conditions can improve, it is the first thing we must recover.
In Disguise
Ever since Bear got groomed a couple weeks ago, Paisley has been acting odd around him. She won't lay next to him on the bed and if he jumps up on the couch -- not touching her, just on the same couch -- she gets down in a huff.
I wonder if she doesn't recognize him. He does look different without all his fluffy hair and that really highlights how he managed to lose weight. But I thought dogs were scent animals? Maybe he smells better and doesn't stink as bad so she doesn't know who he is?
I wonder if she doesn't recognize him. He does look different without all his fluffy hair and that really highlights how he managed to lose weight. But I thought dogs were scent animals? Maybe he smells better and doesn't stink as bad so she doesn't know who he is?
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Bucket List
You may have seen this going around Facebook or email, but I thought I'd post mine here. Feel free to copy and play.
THE BUCKET LIST
Place an X by all the things you've done during your lifetime
( X) Gone on a blind date
( X) Skipped school
( ) Watched someone die
( X) Been to Canada
( X) Been to Mexico
( X) Been to Florida
( ) Been to Hawaii
( X) Been on a plane
( ) Been lost
( ) Gone to Washington
( X) Swam in the ocean
( X) Cried yourself to sleep
( X) Played cops and robbers
( ) Recently colored with crayons
( X) Sang Karaoke
( ) Paid for a meal with coins only
( X) Been to the St. Louis Arch
( X) Done something you told yourself you wouldn't
( X) Made prank phone calls
( X) Been down Bourbon Street in New Orleans
( X) Laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose and elsewhere
( X) Caught a snowflake on your tongue
( ) Danced in the rain
( X) Written a letter to Santa Claus
( X) Been kissed under the mistletoe
( X) Watched the sunrise with someone
( X) Blown bubbles
( X) Gone ice-skating
( X) Been skinny dipping outdoors
( X) Gone to the movies
( ) Been deep sea fishing
( ) Driven across the United States
( ) Been in a hot air balloon
( ) Been sky diving
( ) Gone snowmobiling
( ) Lived in more than one country
( X) Laid outside at night and admired the stars while listening to the crickets
( X) Seen a falling star and made a wish
( ) Enjoyed the beauty of Ole Faithful Geyser
( X) Seen the Statue of Liberty
( ) Gone to the top of Seattle Space Needle
( ) Been on a cruise
( ) Traveled by train
( ) Traveled by motorcycle
( X) Been horseback riding
( ) Ridden on a San Francisco Trolley
( X) Been to Disneyland or Disney world
( ) Been to the top of an active volcano and seen hot lava
( ) Been in a rain forest
( ) Seen whales in the ocean
( ) Been to Niagara Falls
( ) Swam with dolphins
( X) Been para sailing
( X) Been on television
THE BUCKET LIST
Place an X by all the things you've done during your lifetime
( X) Gone on a blind date
( X) Skipped school
( ) Watched someone die
( X) Been to Canada
( X) Been to Mexico
( X) Been to Florida
( ) Been to Hawaii
( X) Been on a plane
( ) Been lost
( ) Gone to Washington
( X) Swam in the ocean
( X) Cried yourself to sleep
( X) Played cops and robbers
( ) Recently colored with crayons
( X) Sang Karaoke
( ) Paid for a meal with coins only
( X) Been to the St. Louis Arch
( X) Done something you told yourself you wouldn't
( X) Made prank phone calls
( X) Been down Bourbon Street in New Orleans
( X) Laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose and elsewhere
( X) Caught a snowflake on your tongue
( ) Danced in the rain
( X) Written a letter to Santa Claus
( X) Been kissed under the mistletoe
( X) Watched the sunrise with someone
( X) Blown bubbles
( X) Gone ice-skating
( X) Been skinny dipping outdoors
( X) Gone to the movies
( ) Been deep sea fishing
( ) Driven across the United States
( ) Been in a hot air balloon
( ) Been sky diving
( ) Gone snowmobiling
( ) Lived in more than one country
( X) Laid outside at night and admired the stars while listening to the crickets
( X) Seen a falling star and made a wish
( ) Enjoyed the beauty of Ole Faithful Geyser
( X) Seen the Statue of Liberty
( ) Gone to the top of Seattle Space Needle
( ) Been on a cruise
( ) Traveled by train
( ) Traveled by motorcycle
( X) Been horseback riding
( ) Ridden on a San Francisco Trolley
( X) Been to Disneyland or Disney world
( ) Been to the top of an active volcano and seen hot lava
( ) Been in a rain forest
( ) Seen whales in the ocean
( ) Been to Niagara Falls
( ) Swam with dolphins
( X) Been para sailing
( X) Been on television
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