I have said this before, but Taki is slow. I am not sure if her brain was damaged befoe I found her in the yard and started tending to her, or if it was because of the way I tried to manage her, or the lack of social cat stimulation.
She has learned to open doors, but is still very hesitant. She climbs on furniture, and has learned to jump on furniture. She has learned to ask to be let into the house from the garage.
Tonight, I found her on the kitchen counter, eating cat greens. This is the very first time I have found her on the kitchen counter. While this may seem to be a bad thing, I hugged her and praised her. I grow the cat greens on the kitchen counter because that is the best place for them to get sunlight. I had taken to placing the mature cat greens on the floor so Taki could access them as well as Haiku and Sake. That was the right thing to do, because, of course, Taki did want to access them.
Tonight, for the first time, though, I found Taki on the kitchen counter. This is a break through!
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Cats Galore
The balance of nature has changed at my house, and I do not understand why. But Sake, who has in the past not wanted to be in the computer room, unless she was on the top of the roll top desk that allows her to look out the window, has changed. In the last couple of weeks, I have found her in the computer room, sitting, or more likely, sleeping, on one of the chairs: the desk chair or the folding lawn chair. She also climbs on the computer desk, sits on the printer, and looks out the window from the top of the computer desk. Hmmm.
Tonight, I had some outside chores to do, so after I fed the cats, I spent over an hour in the back year. When I ventured into the computer room, Sake was sleeping on the folding chair, Haiku was sleeping on the desk chair, and Taki was on the floor near the trash basket pile. Haiku let me share the chair with her for quite some time. And then, suddenly, all the cats were gone!
Well, I am not sure what that meant. But I really do enjoy having the cats gather round me, whether it is in the computer room, the living room, or the bed room. In the bedroom, Haiku often lays next to me, on my side or at my feet. Take tends to jump on the bed, and climb on me. Sake usually only comes in to pick at me and tell me to get up. But, these are generalizations. I can never know what each cat will do. I enjoy their attention, and like the surprise.
Tonight, I had some outside chores to do, so after I fed the cats, I spent over an hour in the back year. When I ventured into the computer room, Sake was sleeping on the folding chair, Haiku was sleeping on the desk chair, and Taki was on the floor near the trash basket pile. Haiku let me share the chair with her for quite some time. And then, suddenly, all the cats were gone!
Well, I am not sure what that meant. But I really do enjoy having the cats gather round me, whether it is in the computer room, the living room, or the bed room. In the bedroom, Haiku often lays next to me, on my side or at my feet. Take tends to jump on the bed, and climb on me. Sake usually only comes in to pick at me and tell me to get up. But, these are generalizations. I can never know what each cat will do. I enjoy their attention, and like the surprise.
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Being Connected
I live alone. Since I have lived in Texas, almost 37 years, I have lived alone more than I have lived with someone. When I was in a relationship, and it was going well, I did not mind living with someone. But I really like living alone. My schedule is set by work, but outside of work, my schedule is set by me.
When I had a dog, we walked regularly. Sometimes in the morning before I went to work. Always in the evening when I returned from work. I built my social life around walking the dog. And, we walked Saturdays and Sundays, usually in the morning, sometimes a second time in the evening.
I have cats now, and I feed them twice a day: in the morning before I start the rest of my day, and in the evening. I try very hard to plan my social life so I have time to feed the cats before it is too late in the evening. They may not be hungry, but I want the food to be there for them.
Other than that, I set my schedule for me. I eat when I want and what I want. I read, watch TV, am on the computer, do yard work or house work all on my own schedule. I attend activities based on what I want to do.
I have said for years that I attend activities for two reasons: 1) Because it is something I want to do or 2) to be social. I tend to attend activities because it is something I want to do more than to be social. If it is an activity that I really want to attend, I do not want to be distracted by someone who wants to visit or socialize during the activity.
I may invite others to attend the activity with me. But I will attend the activity whether or not someone joins me.
Earlier tonight, after I listened to the Lady Raider Basketball game, I was feeling I needed to connect with someone. But not strongly.
There are people I can call or reach out to if I feel the need to connect. But I did not feel that need tonight.
I have never been comfortable connecting by phone. I do not know why but I do not. I think that there are a lot of people who also feel that way, which is why texting is so popular: You can connect, but at your own time and space. It is not immediate. You control the timing.
Anyway, my sense of needing to be connected dissipated.
When I had a dog, we walked regularly. Sometimes in the morning before I went to work. Always in the evening when I returned from work. I built my social life around walking the dog. And, we walked Saturdays and Sundays, usually in the morning, sometimes a second time in the evening.
I have cats now, and I feed them twice a day: in the morning before I start the rest of my day, and in the evening. I try very hard to plan my social life so I have time to feed the cats before it is too late in the evening. They may not be hungry, but I want the food to be there for them.
Other than that, I set my schedule for me. I eat when I want and what I want. I read, watch TV, am on the computer, do yard work or house work all on my own schedule. I attend activities based on what I want to do.
I have said for years that I attend activities for two reasons: 1) Because it is something I want to do or 2) to be social. I tend to attend activities because it is something I want to do more than to be social. If it is an activity that I really want to attend, I do not want to be distracted by someone who wants to visit or socialize during the activity.
I may invite others to attend the activity with me. But I will attend the activity whether or not someone joins me.
Earlier tonight, after I listened to the Lady Raider Basketball game, I was feeling I needed to connect with someone. But not strongly.
There are people I can call or reach out to if I feel the need to connect. But I did not feel that need tonight.
I have never been comfortable connecting by phone. I do not know why but I do not. I think that there are a lot of people who also feel that way, which is why texting is so popular: You can connect, but at your own time and space. It is not immediate. You control the timing.
Anyway, my sense of needing to be connected dissipated.
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Training
I work for a large bureaucracy, and so many things do not make sense, and so often it would seem that one hand does not know what the other is doing.
So it was recently at work. My department was scheduled to attend a specialized training for 5 hours. Then, the notice came out that in addition to the specialized training, we had to attend a 2 hour mandatory general training on the same subject. That made no sense. In spite of our protests, we were told we must attend the 2 hour training.
My supervisor fought hard to resist this. To the point where she went to the first of multiple sessions of the 2 hour training and spoke to the trainer. Who told her, indeed, that the longer specialized training would include all the elements of the general 2 hour training. Yeah!
Sometimes people in bureaucracies are so literal. They understand the letter of the law but forget the spirit of the law. I am so thankful my supervisor's good sense prevailed. (And, she skipped the part of the 5 hour training that duplicated what she had already attended.)
So it was recently at work. My department was scheduled to attend a specialized training for 5 hours. Then, the notice came out that in addition to the specialized training, we had to attend a 2 hour mandatory general training on the same subject. That made no sense. In spite of our protests, we were told we must attend the 2 hour training.
My supervisor fought hard to resist this. To the point where she went to the first of multiple sessions of the 2 hour training and spoke to the trainer. Who told her, indeed, that the longer specialized training would include all the elements of the general 2 hour training. Yeah!
Sometimes people in bureaucracies are so literal. They understand the letter of the law but forget the spirit of the law. I am so thankful my supervisor's good sense prevailed. (And, she skipped the part of the 5 hour training that duplicated what she had already attended.)
The Waste Paper Basket
Literally, I have a waste paper basket in the computer room. I line it with a plastic bag, and put the trash in the plastic bag inside the basket. I do not know why but Taki likes to pull the plastic bag out of the basket. It does not matter if there is no trash in the basket, or if it is full. She likes to pull the plastic bag out of the basket.
The regular reader will know that there are so many things about the cats that I do not understand. This is one. Hmmm.
The regular reader will know that there are so many things about the cats that I do not understand. This is one. Hmmm.
I Am So Proud of Taki
My three cats like to be in the garage at various times. It seems that Sake likes to be in the garage if she thinks there will be some kind of food out there. There generally never is.
I do not feed the cats in the garage. I am not sure where this thought from Sake comes from. Sake is very good about letting me know when it is time to return to the house proper. She bangs the door, jumps on the screen on the garage door window, or wails very loudly. Sometimes, Sake has spent the night in the garage. I always wonder why: Did I not hear her requests to come back into the house, or did I ignore such a request. Or did she not make a request.
Haiku also does okay about returning to the house proper from the garage. She may cry, or scratch the garage door, or at the most desperate, climb the screen on the door. The door has a screen part way up, and when the cats climb it, the noise is very loud.
Yesterday, Taki was in the garage. As is usual when the cats are in the garage, I tried to check on her regularly. But not regularly enough. She scratched at the door and returned into the house, when the door to the garage was opened.
This was the first time that Taki made her wishes known to return to the house from the garage. I am so proud of her.
Taki does not always get it. Unlike Sake or Haiku, she does not know how to open cupboards, or drawers. She can push her way into the bathroom, but unless the door has a large opening, she is unable to pull open the door to leave from the bathroom.
So asking to leave from the garage is a great development. Good for Taki!
I do not feed the cats in the garage. I am not sure where this thought from Sake comes from. Sake is very good about letting me know when it is time to return to the house proper. She bangs the door, jumps on the screen on the garage door window, or wails very loudly. Sometimes, Sake has spent the night in the garage. I always wonder why: Did I not hear her requests to come back into the house, or did I ignore such a request. Or did she not make a request.
Haiku also does okay about returning to the house proper from the garage. She may cry, or scratch the garage door, or at the most desperate, climb the screen on the door. The door has a screen part way up, and when the cats climb it, the noise is very loud.
Yesterday, Taki was in the garage. As is usual when the cats are in the garage, I tried to check on her regularly. But not regularly enough. She scratched at the door and returned into the house, when the door to the garage was opened.
This was the first time that Taki made her wishes known to return to the house from the garage. I am so proud of her.
Taki does not always get it. Unlike Sake or Haiku, she does not know how to open cupboards, or drawers. She can push her way into the bathroom, but unless the door has a large opening, she is unable to pull open the door to leave from the bathroom.
So asking to leave from the garage is a great development. Good for Taki!
Sunday, February 23, 2014
The 2014 Olympics
My attention to the Olympics waxes and wanes. I cannot say why, but that is true. I realize that a lot of things wax and wane in my life. Well, so be it.
This year, I had a hard time being interested in the Olympics. I tried to watch the opening ceremony but lost interest after the parade of nations. Extravaganza shows hold little interest for me. I tried to watch the nightly sports, but found I did not care. I dislike the extreme sports: I am always afraid of seeing someone make a major gaff and land in such a way as to break a neck. I do not want to see that. I like figure skating, no matter what country the skater is from, but am tired of the judging "drama." I won't call it controversy: I remember the same types of drama in the past when the judges were known, there were no replays, and national judges obviously showed national bias.
I do not care for sports like speed skating, decathlons, and I have never really gotten into hockey, which is weird, given the fact that I grew up in a part of the world where hockey is very big.
During the last Olympics, I really started to learn about curling. It became more interesting to me when they miked the participants. So, I tried to watch some of that. But, I could never figure out the coverage. So, it was difficult to be motivated to watch something I could not figure out when it was on air.
So now the Olympics have ended. I was tired of the medal count. That becomes an international competition. I understand that the Olympics are about competitive sports, but I think it should not be a medals competition. But, it seems that is what many people think the Olympics are: a medal count. So sad.
This year, I had a hard time being interested in the Olympics. I tried to watch the opening ceremony but lost interest after the parade of nations. Extravaganza shows hold little interest for me. I tried to watch the nightly sports, but found I did not care. I dislike the extreme sports: I am always afraid of seeing someone make a major gaff and land in such a way as to break a neck. I do not want to see that. I like figure skating, no matter what country the skater is from, but am tired of the judging "drama." I won't call it controversy: I remember the same types of drama in the past when the judges were known, there were no replays, and national judges obviously showed national bias.
I do not care for sports like speed skating, decathlons, and I have never really gotten into hockey, which is weird, given the fact that I grew up in a part of the world where hockey is very big.
During the last Olympics, I really started to learn about curling. It became more interesting to me when they miked the participants. So, I tried to watch some of that. But, I could never figure out the coverage. So, it was difficult to be motivated to watch something I could not figure out when it was on air.
So now the Olympics have ended. I was tired of the medal count. That becomes an international competition. I understand that the Olympics are about competitive sports, but I think it should not be a medals competition. But, it seems that is what many people think the Olympics are: a medal count. So sad.
Saturday, February 22, 2014
An At Ease Saturday
I had not planned to clean house today, as I usually do on Saturday, because I thought I would spend my day with Texas Tech basketball, men's and women's. Well, I realized that the women's game was not until Sunday afternoon. But, I got wound up in the book I was reading, so except for doing the grocery shopping and a couple other brief errands this morning, I have spent the better part of my day reading. It was pretty out, and I sat in the sun for a while. And put out food for Sake several times, but did not get it right until I last can of food I opened.
Sake likes me to sit in the living room, and tells me so. Sometimes she sits near me on the sofa, sometimes she sits away from me on the sofa. And sometimes she sits elsewhere in the living room. But she prefers that to my being in the computer room. And she did that today.
I have had the radio and TV on for various specific shows today, but have not even had music on. The quiet is good for my ears. And my ease.
Sake likes me to sit in the living room, and tells me so. Sometimes she sits near me on the sofa, sometimes she sits away from me on the sofa. And sometimes she sits elsewhere in the living room. But she prefers that to my being in the computer room. And she did that today.
I have had the radio and TV on for various specific shows today, but have not even had music on. The quiet is good for my ears. And my ease.
Friday, February 21, 2014
Budgets Really Do Have Political Bases
I work in a psychiatric prison hospital. When we opened, staff were encouraged to get the Hepatitis B vaccine. So, I did. This was an expensive vaccine, and after a while, we did not received that encouragement. We were also told we had to get a TB test every year, and were encouraged to do that during our birthday month, an easy way to remember. So, most years I did that. Until it became non-mandatory. And it was interesting how it became non-mandatory.
We had a very efficient and diligent communicable disease nurse who would set up in the lobby a few days a month to catch people and ask them if they were due for their TB test. She was told to stop this, because it was costing the agency too much money. Which sent the message that although we were told to get TB tests, there was an implicit expectation that people would not bother, at a cost saving to the agency.
Well TB has increased, and it is now politically correct for the agency to offer TB testing. To the point that it is now mandatory, and every employee is required to get a TB test during the month of February. Even if you had a test as recently as November or December. People who tested in January this year got a bye, but will be expected to get a test next February.
It will be interesting to me to see if next February TB testing is mandatory. Hmmmm.
We had a very efficient and diligent communicable disease nurse who would set up in the lobby a few days a month to catch people and ask them if they were due for their TB test. She was told to stop this, because it was costing the agency too much money. Which sent the message that although we were told to get TB tests, there was an implicit expectation that people would not bother, at a cost saving to the agency.
Well TB has increased, and it is now politically correct for the agency to offer TB testing. To the point that it is now mandatory, and every employee is required to get a TB test during the month of February. Even if you had a test as recently as November or December. People who tested in January this year got a bye, but will be expected to get a test next February.
It will be interesting to me to see if next February TB testing is mandatory. Hmmmm.
Energy at the End of the Day
For years, I suffered from sciatic pain, and stubbornly refused to do anything about it. Due to circumstances that resulted in my being at the doctor's office last fall, I decided that I might as well do something, if I am going to be at the doctor's office anyway. So we started with celebrex, added physical therapy, and then went on to pain management.
The celebrex offered me some immediate relief, and I could do more, but I tended to over do it. PT did not offer me extended relief, although one series of exercises would allow me temporary relief. Well, so wouldn't sitting down, or driving in the Vue. Hence the move to pain management.
And, treatment included a cortisone injection. I was very concerned about doing this, and not sure it would help. I had the procedure done on a Wednesday, and it was Saturday before I felt relief, about on schedule. And the progression of relief continued. By the time I had my two week follow up, I was really experiencing good relief. I still have some twinges in my back, and "a foot drop" in my right foot when I do a lot of walking. I am doing foot strengthening exercises from the PT which seems to be helping. I am unsteady of gait sometimes, especially on uneven territory. As when I am walking on the track around the park. But, I am walking, which amazes me.
I think the most amazing thing to me is that I am not exhausted at the end of the work day. I did not realize how much the pain was sapping my strength and endurance. And how tired I was at the end of the day, so how little interest I had in doing much, except playing on the computer or reading.
Wow, I have cooked, cleaned house, gone out and run errands, and even gone for a walk after work, since I have been feeling better. Things I had to "psyche" myself to do. I had stopped running spontaneous errands, having to plan things around my energy level, or work myself up to do it.
Wednesday night, I stopped at the store to pick up a few items, and cash a check. I had not thought about early voting, but I thought I might as well since I was there. I few weeks ago, if I had not "psyched" myself, I would not have added that task to the list.
At the bank, I told the teller how I was feeling energetic even at the end of the work day. I explained I had suffered from sciatica and had had pain management treatment. He asked what I did and I told him nothing in particular, it was due to poor posture, poor lifting procedures and general wear and tear and age, things I knew better but ignored. He told me his grandmother was always lecturing him about those things, and he would have to go home and tell her I told him the same thing! What a light moment and pleasant inter-change. I hope, mostly, that he was serious about paying more attention to the things he needs to pay attention, unlike me.
I had not realized how introverted I had become, not feeling like using the energy to interchange with people.
I am glad for energy at the end of the day.
The celebrex offered me some immediate relief, and I could do more, but I tended to over do it. PT did not offer me extended relief, although one series of exercises would allow me temporary relief. Well, so wouldn't sitting down, or driving in the Vue. Hence the move to pain management.
And, treatment included a cortisone injection. I was very concerned about doing this, and not sure it would help. I had the procedure done on a Wednesday, and it was Saturday before I felt relief, about on schedule. And the progression of relief continued. By the time I had my two week follow up, I was really experiencing good relief. I still have some twinges in my back, and "a foot drop" in my right foot when I do a lot of walking. I am doing foot strengthening exercises from the PT which seems to be helping. I am unsteady of gait sometimes, especially on uneven territory. As when I am walking on the track around the park. But, I am walking, which amazes me.
I think the most amazing thing to me is that I am not exhausted at the end of the work day. I did not realize how much the pain was sapping my strength and endurance. And how tired I was at the end of the day, so how little interest I had in doing much, except playing on the computer or reading.
Wow, I have cooked, cleaned house, gone out and run errands, and even gone for a walk after work, since I have been feeling better. Things I had to "psyche" myself to do. I had stopped running spontaneous errands, having to plan things around my energy level, or work myself up to do it.
Wednesday night, I stopped at the store to pick up a few items, and cash a check. I had not thought about early voting, but I thought I might as well since I was there. I few weeks ago, if I had not "psyched" myself, I would not have added that task to the list.
At the bank, I told the teller how I was feeling energetic even at the end of the work day. I explained I had suffered from sciatica and had had pain management treatment. He asked what I did and I told him nothing in particular, it was due to poor posture, poor lifting procedures and general wear and tear and age, things I knew better but ignored. He told me his grandmother was always lecturing him about those things, and he would have to go home and tell her I told him the same thing! What a light moment and pleasant inter-change. I hope, mostly, that he was serious about paying more attention to the things he needs to pay attention, unlike me.
I had not realized how introverted I had become, not feeling like using the energy to interchange with people.
I am glad for energy at the end of the day.
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
The Harry Bosch Mysteries
I was recently turned onto the mystery author Michael Connelly. I read the first of the Terry McCaleb mysteries. I was going to read the second of this series, but I realized that it is also a Harry Bosch mystery, and well into the series. So, I returned it to the library today, and picked up several of the earlier Harry Bosch mysteries so I can read them in order.
I like to read mysteries and I like to read mystery series. But, I want to read the mysteries series in order. I suspect I have mentioned this before, but to assist with this, I use the website Fantastic Fiction http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/.
So, later tonight, I will start the Harry Bosch mysteries. Right now, I am watching the Texas Tech Red Raiders play the Kansas Jayhawks.
I like to read mysteries and I like to read mystery series. But, I want to read the mysteries series in order. I suspect I have mentioned this before, but to assist with this, I use the website Fantastic Fiction http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/.
So, later tonight, I will start the Harry Bosch mysteries. Right now, I am watching the Texas Tech Red Raiders play the Kansas Jayhawks.
Plumbing Done
I am so glad I called a second plumber, Discount or Reese Plumbing. They do not have a home page. They were able to get to me about 3 hours after I called. I ended up taking the day off. I did not mean to, but by the time the plumber left and I cleaned up the mess, it was about 3 PM. I had not even taken a shower.
I try to use Lowery Plumbing http://www.trustlowery.com/ because they are the ones who replaced the sewer line, and because they off a lower rate for drain clean outs. I suspect drain clean outs are at the bottom of their list of service calls. There was no reason for me to wait as long as I did to hear from Lowery. I called them and said to take me off their list. I should have waited to see if they ever even called me.
So, I enjoyed the rest of the day. I did some yard work, went to the library and went for a walk. Now I am watching the Red Raiders play against the Kansas Jayhawks at Lubbock.
I have plenty of leave, so that is not a concern. I just hate being out unscheduled.
I try to use Lowery Plumbing http://www.trustlowery.com/ because they are the ones who replaced the sewer line, and because they off a lower rate for drain clean outs. I suspect drain clean outs are at the bottom of their list of service calls. There was no reason for me to wait as long as I did to hear from Lowery. I called them and said to take me off their list. I should have waited to see if they ever even called me.
So, I enjoyed the rest of the day. I did some yard work, went to the library and went for a walk. Now I am watching the Red Raiders play against the Kansas Jayhawks at Lubbock.
I have plenty of leave, so that is not a concern. I just hate being out unscheduled.
Waiting for the Plumber
I need some plumbing work done, and called yesterday afternoon to set an appointment for today. I had hoped I would be early on the list, as it is difficult to get called at work to get home to meet a service repair man. Well, no such luck. I have called to check twice and they are not even trying to give me a time. I called another place and they said they could get to me before 5 PM today.
I called into work at noon and told my boss what the situation was. She is very understanding. I did not have a lot of outstanding work to do today, so the timing is okay as far as that goes.
I am just not a good waiter. I have been reading. I ran a quick errand but had the cell phone with me, thinking for sure I would get called while I was away from home. Not so.
I am back to waiting. It is pretty out and I am going to take myself outside.
I called into work at noon and told my boss what the situation was. She is very understanding. I did not have a lot of outstanding work to do today, so the timing is okay as far as that goes.
I am just not a good waiter. I have been reading. I ran a quick errand but had the cell phone with me, thinking for sure I would get called while I was away from home. Not so.
I am back to waiting. It is pretty out and I am going to take myself outside.
The Joy of Walking
I went for a walk after work last night. It was a very pretty day, but it was starting to cool off as I set out. I have not walked much in years do to sciatic pain, but recently have received treatment and can start walking again. When I started off last night, I had hoped to do the entire circuit, but I opted to shorten the walk, until I build up to it. But I went further last night that I did on Saturday.
What I really enjoyed was the feel of the crisp air on my skin. I was walking quickly, and could feel my body getting warm and sweating. It was really exhilarating to feel the cool air on my warm skin. I had not felt that in some time. That is one of the joys of walking.
What I really enjoyed was the feel of the crisp air on my skin. I was walking quickly, and could feel my body getting warm and sweating. It was really exhilarating to feel the cool air on my warm skin. I had not felt that in some time. That is one of the joys of walking.
Sunday, February 16, 2014
Life Without a Computer
I am really addicted to the computer. This past week, when the computer was being repaired, there were two nights that I did not have a computer. I felt a little lost: I use the computer for entertainment, news, communication. And, those two evenings, I did not have access to such.
The first night I was a little lost. Really. What to do. Of course, I had plenty to do: I spent the evening cooking and cleaning the kitchen. But that was strange for me.
I have several routines at night, and spending time on the computer is the most extensive one. Hmmm. I think I need to get a life!
The first night I was a little lost. Really. What to do. Of course, I had plenty to do: I spent the evening cooking and cleaning the kitchen. But that was strange for me.
I have several routines at night, and spending time on the computer is the most extensive one. Hmmm. I think I need to get a life!
Saturday, February 15, 2014
Valentine's Day
So, I am well advanced in age, and have spent many of my years single, not in a relationship. So Valentine's Day has variable meanings for me, but mostly it means that there are people in my life about whom I care, but not necessarily romantically.
Someone I know posted on Facebook about Valentine's Day that people who are single should not feel like they are failures. Well, thank you, but until I read this post, I would never have thought that being a single was a failure. And frankly, I do not believe that being a single is a failure. I believe the person who posted this was well meaning, but she had no idea what an insult she was perpetrating by implying singles are failures.
Valentine's Day is a nice commercial artifice. But it is not a commentary on the worth of individuals.
Someone I know posted on Facebook about Valentine's Day that people who are single should not feel like they are failures. Well, thank you, but until I read this post, I would never have thought that being a single was a failure. And frankly, I do not believe that being a single is a failure. I believe the person who posted this was well meaning, but she had no idea what an insult she was perpetrating by implying singles are failures.
Valentine's Day is a nice commercial artifice. But it is not a commentary on the worth of individuals.
The Strange Little Man at the Gas Pump
So, when I approached the gas pumps this morning, they were all full, but I chose to pull up behind a man who was already well into the act of filling his Hyundai. Or, so I thought. As I sat there, watching him fill the gas tank, he stood there and stopped and started the gas pump. Over and over and over again. Until it became comical. But so it continued, and continued, and continued. Until, finally he was using his hip to bump the car. I can only speculate that he thought that the more he bumped his car, the more the gasoline settled, and he could load more. When I went up to the pump to fuel my vehicle, it was interesting: he paid $25.01 for gasoline.
NASCAR
I almost missed the fact that the NASCAR season is starting: It was not on any of the newspaper services I access online. I do not get a daily newspaper. And, the TV and Internet sports are overwhelmed by the Olympics. But, NASCAR starts http://www.nascar.com/en_us/sprint-cup-series.html with the Sprint Unlimited race this weekend. This is a non-points race but is a bragging rights race.
I am glad to be able to watch the race.
I am glad to be able to watch the race.
I Did Something Today I Have Not Done in A Long Time
Okay, so for years I was a walker. I mean, for years. As a teenager, I loved to go for a walk. I had a dog that liked to walk, and I took him for walks regularly. As a teenager and a young adult, I went for a walk almost every evening, in my town. There were lots of directions and paths for walks.
I remember as a teen, arguing with my mother because my dog would cry and cry because he wanted to go for a walk, even late at night in cold weather. But, eventually, she believed me, and a 10 minute walk around the block settled the dog so he would sleep at night. And, it was good for me, too.
Some of my walks took my by my grandmother's house, so on my way home, I would stop in to visit.
When I was in junior high, and high school, my sister and friends would walk the few miles to my uncle's country home, to the state highway just to collect trash, to hike various trails. I hiked many trails in the area of my home town. I just loved to walk. And, I still do.
On December 31, 2004, I joined a group of several women who made a 10 mile hike at Caprock Canyon State Park.
I live in a neighborhood that is not especially conducive to walking: there are sidewalks going east and west but not north and south. But I used to walk in the neighborhood anyway. I live near a park, and the walk around the park is great. There is a playa lake in the park, so it is also good for bird watching.
However, the good thing about the neighborhood is the accessibility to services within walking distance. I could take my car in for service, and although they would offer to drive me home and pick me up, I could take the walk. And, when my dog was alive,we walked it together. I could walk to the post office, the office supply store, the supermarket if I needed minor things, the hardware store if I did not need heavy things, the discount store. And, I did all of those walks, and more.
I loved to walk, so I might go to a city park to make the walk for whatever reason: birdwatching, flower looking, visiting with a friend, general exercise. I used to go the Lubbock Lake Landmark to walk. I just loved to walk.
Well, when I started having pain that was eventually diagnosed as siatica, I stopped walking. I was very stubborn, and did not seek treatment for the pain for about 3-5 years. So, I limited my walking, and also limited my house work, yard work, and other activities.
House work and yard work would aggrevate my pain. I work in a large complex. So, I would plan my walks to minimize the number of walks I needed to make. Walking from my office to my car would aggrevate my pain.
Celebrex helped: but after I started medication, I over did my activity, and it did not allow me more activity, just the same activity with minimal pain. Physical therapy helped: I felt stronger, more stable, had increased range of motion, but still had pain.
I finally went to pain management, and was eventually given cortisone shots. It took from Wednesday until Saturday before I felt relief, but I did feel relief. I still feel a heaviness in my hip area, sometimes, when I am engaged in activities that used to cause pain. My foot tingles, and I have a "foot drop." But, I am feeling a whole lot better.
The medical provider agreed that the foot strengthening exercises might help my foot drop. They thought that walking would be good, as tolerated for cardio-vascular exercise.
So, today, I went for a walk. I used to walk from my house, around the neighborhood park and tennis complex regularly. It is more than a mile walk. Today, I just went around part of the park. I took two rest stops. The first a preventative, the second, to recover my wind. When I arrived back home, my hip was tingling, so I sat and rested.
I hope to go for another such walk tomorrow.
I am so excited about being able to walk again. Yeah!
I remember as a teen, arguing with my mother because my dog would cry and cry because he wanted to go for a walk, even late at night in cold weather. But, eventually, she believed me, and a 10 minute walk around the block settled the dog so he would sleep at night. And, it was good for me, too.
Some of my walks took my by my grandmother's house, so on my way home, I would stop in to visit.
When I was in junior high, and high school, my sister and friends would walk the few miles to my uncle's country home, to the state highway just to collect trash, to hike various trails. I hiked many trails in the area of my home town. I just loved to walk. And, I still do.
On December 31, 2004, I joined a group of several women who made a 10 mile hike at Caprock Canyon State Park.
I live in a neighborhood that is not especially conducive to walking: there are sidewalks going east and west but not north and south. But I used to walk in the neighborhood anyway. I live near a park, and the walk around the park is great. There is a playa lake in the park, so it is also good for bird watching.
However, the good thing about the neighborhood is the accessibility to services within walking distance. I could take my car in for service, and although they would offer to drive me home and pick me up, I could take the walk. And, when my dog was alive,we walked it together. I could walk to the post office, the office supply store, the supermarket if I needed minor things, the hardware store if I did not need heavy things, the discount store. And, I did all of those walks, and more.
I loved to walk, so I might go to a city park to make the walk for whatever reason: birdwatching, flower looking, visiting with a friend, general exercise. I used to go the Lubbock Lake Landmark to walk. I just loved to walk.
Well, when I started having pain that was eventually diagnosed as siatica, I stopped walking. I was very stubborn, and did not seek treatment for the pain for about 3-5 years. So, I limited my walking, and also limited my house work, yard work, and other activities.
House work and yard work would aggrevate my pain. I work in a large complex. So, I would plan my walks to minimize the number of walks I needed to make. Walking from my office to my car would aggrevate my pain.
Celebrex helped: but after I started medication, I over did my activity, and it did not allow me more activity, just the same activity with minimal pain. Physical therapy helped: I felt stronger, more stable, had increased range of motion, but still had pain.
I finally went to pain management, and was eventually given cortisone shots. It took from Wednesday until Saturday before I felt relief, but I did feel relief. I still feel a heaviness in my hip area, sometimes, when I am engaged in activities that used to cause pain. My foot tingles, and I have a "foot drop." But, I am feeling a whole lot better.
The medical provider agreed that the foot strengthening exercises might help my foot drop. They thought that walking would be good, as tolerated for cardio-vascular exercise.
So, today, I went for a walk. I used to walk from my house, around the neighborhood park and tennis complex regularly. It is more than a mile walk. Today, I just went around part of the park. I took two rest stops. The first a preventative, the second, to recover my wind. When I arrived back home, my hip was tingling, so I sat and rested.
I hope to go for another such walk tomorrow.
I am so excited about being able to walk again. Yeah!
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Computer Frustration and Then Some
Okay, so Sunday night, as I was working on the computer, I got a pop up that told me my computer was at risk and did I want to run the virus scan. Well, I use a Microsoft anti-virus program, and it usually runs on Sunday night, and it usually asks me if I want it to run, and this looked like a Microsoft virus scan program, so I clicked on it. And it ran, then it told me I had to pay for the virus scan to complete its work. So, I knew I had been scammed, and I shut the computer down.
Monday morning, I contacted the IT help desk at Texas Tech, because as an employee, there are somethings they can do to help staff. They could not resolve my problem. However, in the course of trying to help me, the technician copied the address book addresses I needed, for NASW, in case I had to have the hard drive re-formatted.
Well, they referred me to a commercial resource who might could help me. I was impressed, because the resource said they would start on the service right away. My past experience with computer technical services is that they put you on a waiting list. It took this technical service a couple of days to fix the computer, and I did not get it back until Wednesday morning, but I was pleased to get it back and ready to use.
So tonight, I was working on some NASW stuff, and I did something, and lo and behold, a file of NASW addresses disappeared. Because the technician had saved that file, I was ultimately able to find it and import it back into the address book. I will need to ultimately refigure it, but it is useable, and I have not lost all of those addresses, as I did the last time I lost the address book. I am not sure what I did to lose this address book, as I am not sure what I did last time to lose the address book. But, at least, this time, I can recreate it, as nothing has changed since the tech saved it for me on Monday.
I am not sure why I am having all of these technical problems. I am thinking, especially, that someone younger and more technically savvy needs to be recruited to help us with our NASW computer communications.
I will continue to do what I can to help my local NASW branch with communication. I hope I am truly up to the task.
Monday morning, I contacted the IT help desk at Texas Tech, because as an employee, there are somethings they can do to help staff. They could not resolve my problem. However, in the course of trying to help me, the technician copied the address book addresses I needed, for NASW, in case I had to have the hard drive re-formatted.
Well, they referred me to a commercial resource who might could help me. I was impressed, because the resource said they would start on the service right away. My past experience with computer technical services is that they put you on a waiting list. It took this technical service a couple of days to fix the computer, and I did not get it back until Wednesday morning, but I was pleased to get it back and ready to use.
So tonight, I was working on some NASW stuff, and I did something, and lo and behold, a file of NASW addresses disappeared. Because the technician had saved that file, I was ultimately able to find it and import it back into the address book. I will need to ultimately refigure it, but it is useable, and I have not lost all of those addresses, as I did the last time I lost the address book. I am not sure what I did to lose this address book, as I am not sure what I did last time to lose the address book. But, at least, this time, I can recreate it, as nothing has changed since the tech saved it for me on Monday.
I am not sure why I am having all of these technical problems. I am thinking, especially, that someone younger and more technically savvy needs to be recruited to help us with our NASW computer communications.
I will continue to do what I can to help my local NASW branch with communication. I hope I am truly up to the task.
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
When a Fan Misbehaves, Should the Athlete Pay?
It happened at the Texas Tech Men's Basketball game at the United Spirit Arena in Lubbock, Texas, in a game against Oklahoma State University. It was a full house and it was a hotly contested game. The Red Raiders won, upsetting a ranked team.
During the game the Lubbock announcers were decidedly negative about the arrogance of Marcus Smarts. However, the "unwritten rule" is that an athlete never goes after a fan, no matter what happens. The history is that Marcus Smart has had problems with his behavior in the past. But on February 8, 2014, he shoved a fan http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/eye-on-college-basketball/24437173/video-marcus-smart-shoves-fan-near-end-of-osu-loss-at-texas-tech. It is never appropriate for an athlete, amateur or professional, to go after a fan. Sometimes, it happens. And, unfortunately, the young man involved in this incident, will be suspended for the next three games his team plays. He apologized in a statement on Sunday http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/ncaab-the-dagger/marcus-smart-apologizes-altercation-accepts-three-game-suspension-234016680--ncaab.html. I say unfortunately because he is in a way paying for the inappropriate behavior of the fan, as well has his own inappropriate behavior.
The fan is Jeffery Orr, described as an "uber fan," a Texas Tech graduate who travels to all the games. And, according to the Lubbock media, has had problems as a fan in the past. The editorial comments on that http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/college/lupica-fan-smart-article-1.1608035 indicate as much.
Mike Holder, the Athletic Director for Oklahoma State University made a statement http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/10428708/marcus-smart-oklahoma-state-cowboys-suspended-3-games-shoving-fan that really indicated an awareness of the need for the young athlete to grow, not be marked for one mistake, and that more forces than a young athlete were in play in this incident.
Is this fair? We put athletes in fish-bowl pressure cookers in sporting events, expecting ultimately very mature behavior from still young people. We blame them if they are not emotionally involved enough in their sport, and castigate them if their emotions overtake them . They may be getting an education paid for but they are not other wise compensated for their hours of effort. And, they become heroes or scapegoats, depending upon their performance and the ultimate performance of their team.
This is a lot to put on a still young adult. Maybe we have some unrealistic expectations of these young people, who, on the whole, perform outstandingly in the mature behavior sportsmanship category. The consequences for negative behavior from a player can be penalties in a game, ejection from a game, very drastically, forfeiture of a game, and suspension. If serious enough, the negative behavior could affect the athlete's scholarship and academic standing. These could be life changing consequences.
And, let's face it, what are the consequences for a fan: to be walked out of a game, to be banned from games, and notoriety that they otherwise would not receive if they were well behaved. People who behave as did Orr probably eat up the notoriety. Or at least, do not let it influence or affect them negatively.
The decks are skewed, against the player, who may really not be as much to blame as the fan.
I am glad the consequences for Marcus Smart are what they are. I am sorry that there are not some criminal charges against Orr. I am not trying to be vindictive or retaliatory, but really an adult needs to be held responsible for the consequences of his behavior. The behavior of Mr. Orr could have dragged Marcus Smart into some serious, harmful behaviors, which could have scarred his future. We are grateful that it seems the consequences will not do that. Let us hope.
During the game the Lubbock announcers were decidedly negative about the arrogance of Marcus Smarts. However, the "unwritten rule" is that an athlete never goes after a fan, no matter what happens. The history is that Marcus Smart has had problems with his behavior in the past. But on February 8, 2014, he shoved a fan http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/eye-on-college-basketball/24437173/video-marcus-smart-shoves-fan-near-end-of-osu-loss-at-texas-tech. It is never appropriate for an athlete, amateur or professional, to go after a fan. Sometimes, it happens. And, unfortunately, the young man involved in this incident, will be suspended for the next three games his team plays. He apologized in a statement on Sunday http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/ncaab-the-dagger/marcus-smart-apologizes-altercation-accepts-three-game-suspension-234016680--ncaab.html. I say unfortunately because he is in a way paying for the inappropriate behavior of the fan, as well has his own inappropriate behavior.
The fan is Jeffery Orr, described as an "uber fan," a Texas Tech graduate who travels to all the games. And, according to the Lubbock media, has had problems as a fan in the past. The editorial comments on that http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/college/lupica-fan-smart-article-1.1608035 indicate as much.
Mike Holder, the Athletic Director for Oklahoma State University made a statement http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/10428708/marcus-smart-oklahoma-state-cowboys-suspended-3-games-shoving-fan that really indicated an awareness of the need for the young athlete to grow, not be marked for one mistake, and that more forces than a young athlete were in play in this incident.
Is this fair? We put athletes in fish-bowl pressure cookers in sporting events, expecting ultimately very mature behavior from still young people. We blame them if they are not emotionally involved enough in their sport, and castigate them if their emotions overtake them . They may be getting an education paid for but they are not other wise compensated for their hours of effort. And, they become heroes or scapegoats, depending upon their performance and the ultimate performance of their team.
This is a lot to put on a still young adult. Maybe we have some unrealistic expectations of these young people, who, on the whole, perform outstandingly in the mature behavior sportsmanship category. The consequences for negative behavior from a player can be penalties in a game, ejection from a game, very drastically, forfeiture of a game, and suspension. If serious enough, the negative behavior could affect the athlete's scholarship and academic standing. These could be life changing consequences.
And, let's face it, what are the consequences for a fan: to be walked out of a game, to be banned from games, and notoriety that they otherwise would not receive if they were well behaved. People who behave as did Orr probably eat up the notoriety. Or at least, do not let it influence or affect them negatively.
The decks are skewed, against the player, who may really not be as much to blame as the fan.
I am glad the consequences for Marcus Smart are what they are. I am sorry that there are not some criminal charges against Orr. I am not trying to be vindictive or retaliatory, but really an adult needs to be held responsible for the consequences of his behavior. The behavior of Mr. Orr could have dragged Marcus Smart into some serious, harmful behaviors, which could have scarred his future. We are grateful that it seems the consequences will not do that. Let us hope.
Saturday, February 8, 2014
Of Course They Meant It
A coworker told me she purchased the movie "The Butler" http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1327773/. She told me she was disappointed about the way Anglos were portrayed because not everyone was racist and tried to discriminate against Blacks. I will give her that. But then she used the example of her uncle who used "the N word" because that was the way he was raised, and even Black people referred to themselves that way, and he really did not mean it. I countered. I said people really did mean it, or why did they pass Jim Crow laws http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Crow_laws. If someone is discerning, they may have been raised a way to treat people, but they have a choice in what they do as adults.
Jim Crow laws were a deliberate, institutionalized, legalized, systematized way of discriminating against Afro-Americans. They were demeaning and dehumanizing laws. There was no intent to have "separate but equal." The intent was domination of one race by another.
We lived through the era of fighting for integration which was the law of the land long before it was practiced. How can anyone say that Anglos did not mean it. They fought tooth and nail to keep White Male Dominance. And even today, there are still undertones of White Male Dominance in our world. Things have become better, and we do have an Afro-American man elected as the President. But he is very aware he is one step away from being treated like other Afro-Americans who do not have his face and name recognition, power and influence. To my knowledge, he has only referred to that once, but he is aware of it.
White washing our past serves no purpose. This is what our country did. We cannot deny it. We must face facts and deal with what was and what is.
Jim Crow laws were a deliberate, institutionalized, legalized, systematized way of discriminating against Afro-Americans. They were demeaning and dehumanizing laws. There was no intent to have "separate but equal." The intent was domination of one race by another.
We lived through the era of fighting for integration which was the law of the land long before it was practiced. How can anyone say that Anglos did not mean it. They fought tooth and nail to keep White Male Dominance. And even today, there are still undertones of White Male Dominance in our world. Things have become better, and we do have an Afro-American man elected as the President. But he is very aware he is one step away from being treated like other Afro-Americans who do not have his face and name recognition, power and influence. To my knowledge, he has only referred to that once, but he is aware of it.
White washing our past serves no purpose. This is what our country did. We cannot deny it. We must face facts and deal with what was and what is.
Thursday, February 6, 2014
The Tonight Show
I really enjoyed "The Tonight Show" with Johnny Carson http://www.johnnycarson.com/. I have to say, I had occasion as I was growing up, to watch "The Tonight Show" with Jack Paar http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tonight_Starring_Jack_Paar. I was too young to watch it consistently, but did get to watch it on occasion.
When Jay Leno took over, http://www.nbc.com/the-tonight-show I enjoyed watching the show, especially on Monday nights when he did the "headlines." But I was less of a fan than I was of Johnny Carson.
I will watch his final performance tonight. I am in hopes that Jimmy Fallon http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Fallon will be as good a host as Jay, Johnny and Jack have been. He has something going for him: his name begins with J.
When Jay Leno took over, http://www.nbc.com/the-tonight-show I enjoyed watching the show, especially on Monday nights when he did the "headlines." But I was less of a fan than I was of Johnny Carson.
I will watch his final performance tonight. I am in hopes that Jimmy Fallon http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Fallon will be as good a host as Jay, Johnny and Jack have been. He has something going for him: his name begins with J.
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
It Is Bitter Cold Outside
It is bitter cold outside right now. This happens from time to time in the course of the winter season in Lubbock. I am blessed. My little house does okay. When the outside temperatures are mid -range 50° to 36° or approximately that range, my house is a little on the cold side.
But when the temperature gets bitter cold, my house is snug and warm. There are places in the house, doors and windows, where there is a draft. But the heater kicks in to keep the house warm, and that is a blessing.
I do use space heaters to enhance the comfort zones. But I do not need to use these, except I like the extra warmth.
I am blessed. I have a warm house.
But when the temperature gets bitter cold, my house is snug and warm. There are places in the house, doors and windows, where there is a draft. But the heater kicks in to keep the house warm, and that is a blessing.
I do use space heaters to enhance the comfort zones. But I do not need to use these, except I like the extra warmth.
I am blessed. I have a warm house.
Sunday, February 2, 2014
The Chair
Some years ago, Haiku decided that she liked the office chair at my computer desk. I kept a throw or afghan on it, and she was sleeping in it frequently. Sometimes, I would go into the computer room, and not realize she was on the chair, and would sit on her. She developed a self preservation skill of mewing when I came into the room.
For the longest time, I just relinquished the desk chair to Haiku. First I moved in a folding nylon lawn chair, and used that. I put a throw on that chair, too. But it was not comfortable to sit in it and use the computer. Later, I moved in a metal folding chair, the kind that might accompany a card table. I used that for a very long time, but still, it did not give me the support I needed, although it, too had a throw and a pillow for support.
Recently, I have reclaimed the office chair. I did this because I am trying to get some relief for my sciatica, and good posture and support are important. However, not only has Haiku claimed the office chair, but Sake and Taki have also taken to sitting in it, whereas before, only Haiku used it.
I have the folding nylon lawn chair in the computer room, also. If I move Haiku into that chair, she will stay there. Sometimes, Taki will use that chair. Sake does not.
We play "merry go round" with the chair, and through out the day, any cat might be in the chair, and object to being moved.
As much as I want to accommodate my cats, I have decided for my back health, I have to move the cat in the chair to a suitable other chair.
For the longest time, I just relinquished the desk chair to Haiku. First I moved in a folding nylon lawn chair, and used that. I put a throw on that chair, too. But it was not comfortable to sit in it and use the computer. Later, I moved in a metal folding chair, the kind that might accompany a card table. I used that for a very long time, but still, it did not give me the support I needed, although it, too had a throw and a pillow for support.
Recently, I have reclaimed the office chair. I did this because I am trying to get some relief for my sciatica, and good posture and support are important. However, not only has Haiku claimed the office chair, but Sake and Taki have also taken to sitting in it, whereas before, only Haiku used it.
I have the folding nylon lawn chair in the computer room, also. If I move Haiku into that chair, she will stay there. Sometimes, Taki will use that chair. Sake does not.
We play "merry go round" with the chair, and through out the day, any cat might be in the chair, and object to being moved.
As much as I want to accommodate my cats, I have decided for my back health, I have to move the cat in the chair to a suitable other chair.
Snowbound, Sort Of
The weather forecast yesterday included the possibility of light winter precipitation in Lubbock, with the heaviest amounts being to the south and east of Lubbock. The thought was the storm would hit late Sunday afternoon or even Sunday evening, Monday morning.
Well, I woke up and there was 2-3 inches of snow on the ground in Lubbock, and as of 8:25 AM, it was still snowing, although now, about 9:30 it appears to have stopped in Lubbock. True to the prediction, the amounts south and east of Lubbock are greater than the amount of snow we received in Lubbock.
The traffic is moving, and those going slow and easy will be okay, if they do not get taken out by a careless driver. There are accidents, closed roads, and air line cancellations. http://www.kcbd.com/story/11894446/area-delays-and-closings. I had a brief errand to run today, to get some things in the mail for NASW. Since the next pick up is not until Monday, anyway, I can drop off the items before I go to work in the morning.
So it is, that I can be "snowbound" and enjoy it.
I am thinking about the complaints that the Superbowl http://www.nfl.com/superbowl/48 is being held in New Jersey this year. The complaints include that that it is in an outside stadium in a part of the country that is sure to be cold, and could have snow and ice with which to contend. Well, this storm in the Southwest reminds of John Madden's http://www.biography.com/people/john-madden-9542594 comment about football "any given Sunday." Well, his comment referred to the fact that on any given Sunday, any team could beat any other team.
This snow storm reminds me that a snow storm can occur on "any given Sunday" in the South. Yet, in the South, a snow storm of just a few inches can cripple a city in the South: The South does not have the equipment to contend with a winter storm. People in the South do not always have the equipment, clothing and experience to deal with a winter storm. So, in my mind, it makes sense to consider that if the Superbowl is going to be in an outdoor stadium, there is no reason not to have it in the North, where people are accustomed to winter weather and are better equipped to deal with winter weather. Let's face it, even a Superbowl in a domed stadium in the South could face problems from winter weather. Look at what happened in Atlanta, Ga. http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/01/29/us-usa-weather-idUSBREA0Q1DK20140129 recently.
So a few inches of snow can make me enjoy being "snowbound" for the day. If the Superbowl were to be held in the vicinity of this snow storm, there might be logistics problems involved. But no, no Superbowl in Lubbock. Just snow.
Well, I woke up and there was 2-3 inches of snow on the ground in Lubbock, and as of 8:25 AM, it was still snowing, although now, about 9:30 it appears to have stopped in Lubbock. True to the prediction, the amounts south and east of Lubbock are greater than the amount of snow we received in Lubbock.
The traffic is moving, and those going slow and easy will be okay, if they do not get taken out by a careless driver. There are accidents, closed roads, and air line cancellations. http://www.kcbd.com/story/11894446/area-delays-and-closings. I had a brief errand to run today, to get some things in the mail for NASW. Since the next pick up is not until Monday, anyway, I can drop off the items before I go to work in the morning.
So it is, that I can be "snowbound" and enjoy it.
I am thinking about the complaints that the Superbowl http://www.nfl.com/superbowl/48 is being held in New Jersey this year. The complaints include that that it is in an outside stadium in a part of the country that is sure to be cold, and could have snow and ice with which to contend. Well, this storm in the Southwest reminds of John Madden's http://www.biography.com/people/john-madden-9542594 comment about football "any given Sunday." Well, his comment referred to the fact that on any given Sunday, any team could beat any other team.
This snow storm reminds me that a snow storm can occur on "any given Sunday" in the South. Yet, in the South, a snow storm of just a few inches can cripple a city in the South: The South does not have the equipment to contend with a winter storm. People in the South do not always have the equipment, clothing and experience to deal with a winter storm. So, in my mind, it makes sense to consider that if the Superbowl is going to be in an outdoor stadium, there is no reason not to have it in the North, where people are accustomed to winter weather and are better equipped to deal with winter weather. Let's face it, even a Superbowl in a domed stadium in the South could face problems from winter weather. Look at what happened in Atlanta, Ga. http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/01/29/us-usa-weather-idUSBREA0Q1DK20140129 recently.
So a few inches of snow can make me enjoy being "snowbound" for the day. If the Superbowl were to be held in the vicinity of this snow storm, there might be logistics problems involved. But no, no Superbowl in Lubbock. Just snow.
Saturday, February 1, 2014
Health Insurance
I am an employee of the State of Texas. Until most recently, the State of Texas contracted with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas to provide health care coverage to its employees. September of 2012, that changed, and we are now covered by United Health Care. So many people say that United Health Care is an inferior health insurance provider. Especially medical providers: they negotiated lower rates of pay than many other insurance providers. But these negotiations were widely although not universally accepted. And the State of Texas changed to this insurance provider for the lowered costs.
There have been some things that for me are good about this new coverage. Wellness prevention checks are covered. For years, my major medical expense was the co-pay for my yearly gynecological exam. Now, there is no co-pay. I have had to have some x-rays this past year, and there has been no co-pay for some of these, as they were preventive, not diagnostic.
I am careful to use my insurance as I am supposed to: My primary care physician is excellent at following up on getting referrals and authorizations. I check that these have been obtained, and I try to make sure I understand what the parameters of these authorizations are.
I needed new glasses and went in for a vision exam. The optometrist discovered some problem with my left eye, and he suspected it was with the optical nerve. My PCP obtained authorization for follow up appointments, and I went to that appointment.
Recently, I received an explanation of benefits from the insurance, which indicated that the optometrist was "out of network." Well, when I checked the list of "network" optometrists, he was still listed, as he had been when I went for that appointment.
So, I called the insurance company to find out what was going on. The wonderfully understanding representative assured me that I had a valid authorization and referral. She quickly ascertained that the problem was that the optometrist billed under an ID number that was not a current provider number with the insurance. She said that if I have to have additional follow up, WE need to find me a new provider who will be covered for this problem. The insurance representative asked me if she could put me on hold, called the optometrist office, and then got back to me. She told me with whom she spoke. She said that the office person said they thought, including the optometrist thought, that he was authorized with the insurance as a provider, and that they would correct that. The insurance representative said that if they did correct that, they could retroactively submit my bill as a courtesy, so I would not have to pay the uninsured bill. She also told me to check back with the provider in a week or so, to make sure that they follow through.
I had dreaded contacting the insurance. I was pleasantly surprised by the customer service that I received. I do not know how this will be resolved. I have little faith that the optometrist and his clerical staff will do the right thing. I am sure I need to find a new optic provider: probably an opthamologist, since I know I have cataracts, and now possibly some other problems.
This was a good lesson regarding health insurance. I know no matter what authorizations there are, there are no guarantees.
I was pleasantly surprised by the help from the insurance company. I hope this can be resolved in my favor, but I am anticipating a protracted negotiation, which I hate, but which I suspect I will have to negotiate.
Well, this is true. There are no guarantees in life So why should I think there are guarantees in insurance.
There have been some things that for me are good about this new coverage. Wellness prevention checks are covered. For years, my major medical expense was the co-pay for my yearly gynecological exam. Now, there is no co-pay. I have had to have some x-rays this past year, and there has been no co-pay for some of these, as they were preventive, not diagnostic.
I am careful to use my insurance as I am supposed to: My primary care physician is excellent at following up on getting referrals and authorizations. I check that these have been obtained, and I try to make sure I understand what the parameters of these authorizations are.
I needed new glasses and went in for a vision exam. The optometrist discovered some problem with my left eye, and he suspected it was with the optical nerve. My PCP obtained authorization for follow up appointments, and I went to that appointment.
Recently, I received an explanation of benefits from the insurance, which indicated that the optometrist was "out of network." Well, when I checked the list of "network" optometrists, he was still listed, as he had been when I went for that appointment.
So, I called the insurance company to find out what was going on. The wonderfully understanding representative assured me that I had a valid authorization and referral. She quickly ascertained that the problem was that the optometrist billed under an ID number that was not a current provider number with the insurance. She said that if I have to have additional follow up, WE need to find me a new provider who will be covered for this problem. The insurance representative asked me if she could put me on hold, called the optometrist office, and then got back to me. She told me with whom she spoke. She said that the office person said they thought, including the optometrist thought, that he was authorized with the insurance as a provider, and that they would correct that. The insurance representative said that if they did correct that, they could retroactively submit my bill as a courtesy, so I would not have to pay the uninsured bill. She also told me to check back with the provider in a week or so, to make sure that they follow through.
I had dreaded contacting the insurance. I was pleasantly surprised by the customer service that I received. I do not know how this will be resolved. I have little faith that the optometrist and his clerical staff will do the right thing. I am sure I need to find a new optic provider: probably an opthamologist, since I know I have cataracts, and now possibly some other problems.
This was a good lesson regarding health insurance. I know no matter what authorizations there are, there are no guarantees.
I was pleasantly surprised by the help from the insurance company. I hope this can be resolved in my favor, but I am anticipating a protracted negotiation, which I hate, but which I suspect I will have to negotiate.
Well, this is true. There are no guarantees in life So why should I think there are guarantees in insurance.
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