Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Rock on Hillary!
Dude, Hillary....Holy Crap! Good work! I'm not easily moved by Politicians and speeches. Michelle Obama's speech at DNC '08 last night was very good, but Hillary tonight was magic. She hit all the right points and I actually cried...at a speech...by a politician. That kids, does not happen! My friend Politichica is in Denver and texted to tell me she was there in the auditorium and for once I am very jealous that she got to be there in person. Hard to tell what the overall impact of her speech will be with angry Hillary Supporting Dems, but she certainly gave a pretty sweet speech. Now I need to turn off the pundits before the dissect the speech to the point where it looses all meaning.
What I Did on My Summer Vacation!
In honor of school starting here in MD I figure the old stand-by start of school theme was appropriate. I took a weeks vacation to visit home to see family and relax a bit before all of my move into DC, new job and general life craziness kicked in. It was busy, but a nice way to wind down after weeks that had a mixture of anxiety, sickness, happiness and all the other emotions transition creates. So with no further rambling ado:
1.) I ran the 2 mile portion of a charity walk run AND came in 2nd for my age group! Hopefully next year if I'm home at the right time I may be in good enough shape to run the 5 mile race, but the 2 mile length was just perfect this summer! I even averaged the 10 min miles that had eluded me on my other training runs. Very fun!
2.) Attended the 26th annual Thresheree (think antique farm equipment, small town fair vibe) and went to the horse pull. I've been going to the Thresheree with my parents since they discovered it and the horse pull is the highlight. Gorgeous Belgian draft horses pulling weighted sleds. Now, this is not something that holds my attention the whole time, but it is fun to observe. I also got to see the Door County local color, eat some good food and got a sunburn...I could have lived without the sunburn.
3.) Got to spend lots of quality time with my family, especially my ever growing niece and nephew. My nephew at 12 is becoming a gigantaur having attained 5'9" and still growing, which gives him 3 inches on Auntie Froggergirl. Along with Mom (Grandma to the young'uns) Frogger we got to have ice cream, see a movie, visit Bay Beach (I even braved motion sickness to ride the Scat) and in general got some good quality time. I also got to see Sister Flickey (their Mom) and my Grandma Frogger who at almost 98 is still kicking and living in her home like the tiny dynamo she always has been.
4.) I got to eat all of my favorite things (and fear not, I kept up my running to counter act the high calorie goodness) like ice cream, the good stuff you only get in WI, which I ate a few times twice in a day. Most critical good food: Cheese Curds! I swear that is the hardest thing about living here in the Swamp, no cheese curds, no squeaky goodness when fresh, no cheese goo when fried. I could happily go my whole life never eating a crab again (the Mid-Atlantic fixture) but the thought of no cheese curds ever again would make me cry!
There were other sundries of fun while I was home, but I hit the big stuff. It was a wonderful time, and while I was home my official Govt Agency job offer came through. I could share that happiness with family and it felt great! Now I get to re-shift, finish packing/moving and all that other good stuff!
1.) I ran the 2 mile portion of a charity walk run AND came in 2nd for my age group! Hopefully next year if I'm home at the right time I may be in good enough shape to run the 5 mile race, but the 2 mile length was just perfect this summer! I even averaged the 10 min miles that had eluded me on my other training runs. Very fun!
2.) Attended the 26th annual Thresheree (think antique farm equipment, small town fair vibe) and went to the horse pull. I've been going to the Thresheree with my parents since they discovered it and the horse pull is the highlight. Gorgeous Belgian draft horses pulling weighted sleds. Now, this is not something that holds my attention the whole time, but it is fun to observe. I also got to see the Door County local color, eat some good food and got a sunburn...I could have lived without the sunburn.
3.) Got to spend lots of quality time with my family, especially my ever growing niece and nephew. My nephew at 12 is becoming a gigantaur having attained 5'9" and still growing, which gives him 3 inches on Auntie Froggergirl. Along with Mom (Grandma to the young'uns) Frogger we got to have ice cream, see a movie, visit Bay Beach (I even braved motion sickness to ride the Scat) and in general got some good quality time. I also got to see Sister Flickey (their Mom) and my Grandma Frogger who at almost 98 is still kicking and living in her home like the tiny dynamo she always has been.
4.) I got to eat all of my favorite things (and fear not, I kept up my running to counter act the high calorie goodness) like ice cream, the good stuff you only get in WI, which I ate a few times twice in a day. Most critical good food: Cheese Curds! I swear that is the hardest thing about living here in the Swamp, no cheese curds, no squeaky goodness when fresh, no cheese goo when fried. I could happily go my whole life never eating a crab again (the Mid-Atlantic fixture) but the thought of no cheese curds ever again would make me cry!
There were other sundries of fun while I was home, but I hit the big stuff. It was a wonderful time, and while I was home my official Govt Agency job offer came through. I could share that happiness with family and it felt great! Now I get to re-shift, finish packing/moving and all that other good stuff!
Monday, August 11, 2008
Chronicle of the Underinsured
I have lamented this before, but until my new job starts I am among the millions of under-insured Americans. When I lost my job the whole $275+ a month to keep my insurance under COBRA seemed so insane and I'd had almost a full year of great health, so I went another route. I knew Government Agency job was lining up, so I decided on a mid-grade deductible on a short term policy, not cheap, but affordable. Now, that $250 a month seems like such a good idea. Doctor visits covered and prescription plan, that just seems like bliss to me!
In the last 2 1/2 weeks I have had to go to the Doctor twice and both times resulted in prescriptions, because I am a lucky, lucky adult who gets ear infections. I have never had a sinus infection, UTI...heck most of the normal adult health gripes I have avoided, yet I get an ailment that little kids get. Seriously, I'm almost 30 and I get ear infections? Urgh!
Two weeks ago I went to the Doctor and once she confirmed the oh so fun diagnosis of infected ears, we went to the next phase: prescriptions! Thanks to overuse of Amoxicillin in my youth, it now does nothing for me. This fact I have told my Doc almost every time antibiotics come up for discussion. What is the most common treatment for ear infections? Amoxicillin. So this time I reminder her, "Do you remember my bronchitis that turned into an ear infection and how useless Amoxicillin was?" She did and so she prescribed Augmentin, whose primary ingredient I come to find out is....Amoxicillin. Now I like my Doc, she is normally so good and cautious with antibiotics (which I totally appreciate) so I figure she prescribed it for a reason, yet I knew within 3 days of finishing the course of drugs that something was still not right.
Cut to today. I'm stuck at this useless mandatory training so I can keep my unemployment, I'm in pain and when I call the Doc's office I find out she is out. "Never fear" I'm told, her partner can see me. Now, Doc 2 is qualified, but he is very difficult to understand. His accent is very thick and he is much slower in the exam than my Doc. There was also the fun moment when he jabbed the lovely ear looking devise so far in my ear I shouted out from pain and pulled back. He attributed this to my ear infection, I attributed it with his trying to pierce my eardrum on the stupid ear looker! Not cool!
Now I have the very expensive, but very effective antibiotics, that cost twice as much as the last one (thank you no prescription coverage!) and now for the first time ever, Ear Drops! I fly home to WI for a quick visit this weekend and I knew if I didn't fix this ear thing I would be a screaming mess on the plane....and there is also that whole ear infections can lead to hearing loss thing. I shall happily take my antibiotics and put drops (ewwww....the worst feeling ever) in my ears all in an effort to fix the issue. Now comes the effort to stay healthy until job starts, insurance gets upgraded and I can confidently get meds and care without feeling worse with fear about the bill! Fun, fun!!
In the last 2 1/2 weeks I have had to go to the Doctor twice and both times resulted in prescriptions, because I am a lucky, lucky adult who gets ear infections. I have never had a sinus infection, UTI...heck most of the normal adult health gripes I have avoided, yet I get an ailment that little kids get. Seriously, I'm almost 30 and I get ear infections? Urgh!
Two weeks ago I went to the Doctor and once she confirmed the oh so fun diagnosis of infected ears, we went to the next phase: prescriptions! Thanks to overuse of Amoxicillin in my youth, it now does nothing for me. This fact I have told my Doc almost every time antibiotics come up for discussion. What is the most common treatment for ear infections? Amoxicillin. So this time I reminder her, "Do you remember my bronchitis that turned into an ear infection and how useless Amoxicillin was?" She did and so she prescribed Augmentin, whose primary ingredient I come to find out is....Amoxicillin. Now I like my Doc, she is normally so good and cautious with antibiotics (which I totally appreciate) so I figure she prescribed it for a reason, yet I knew within 3 days of finishing the course of drugs that something was still not right.
Cut to today. I'm stuck at this useless mandatory training so I can keep my unemployment, I'm in pain and when I call the Doc's office I find out she is out. "Never fear" I'm told, her partner can see me. Now, Doc 2 is qualified, but he is very difficult to understand. His accent is very thick and he is much slower in the exam than my Doc. There was also the fun moment when he jabbed the lovely ear looking devise so far in my ear I shouted out from pain and pulled back. He attributed this to my ear infection, I attributed it with his trying to pierce my eardrum on the stupid ear looker! Not cool!
Now I have the very expensive, but very effective antibiotics, that cost twice as much as the last one (thank you no prescription coverage!) and now for the first time ever, Ear Drops! I fly home to WI for a quick visit this weekend and I knew if I didn't fix this ear thing I would be a screaming mess on the plane....and there is also that whole ear infections can lead to hearing loss thing. I shall happily take my antibiotics and put drops (ewwww....the worst feeling ever) in my ears all in an effort to fix the issue. Now comes the effort to stay healthy until job starts, insurance gets upgraded and I can confidently get meds and care without feeling worse with fear about the bill! Fun, fun!!
Friday, August 8, 2008
Olympic Crossroads
I love the Olympics, every 4 (now really 2) years there was the big international spectacle of global unity mixed with competition to watch and enjoy. Always some inspiring story and great feat of physical achievement to view and remember. A event meant to bring hope and peace into an often tense and dangerous world.
I realized last night that 4 years ago when the Athens Summer Games opening ceremonies were on TV, I was busy assembling IKEA furniture in my new apartment. I had just made the big move after Grad School down to the burbs of DC. I was about to start a new job, freaking out after the whole move process as I tried to get organized and adjusted... In general it felt like a major crossroads in my life. I didn't feel confident in myself, I hated the idea of my new job, but wanted to pay the bills and the crossroads made me very uneasy. However, the path I was treading wasn't all bad, just not as direct or clear as I would have liked. Lots of opportunities came and went and adventures were had, but it was so very strange. Now, 4 years later, it's a bit of history repeating itself.
The Olympics will start this evening and before they are over my life will have changed again. After a few months of crazy and the last four years spent trying to be an adult and building towards the better job and life choices, things are finally falling into place. Before the end of the month I will be moving again, this time into DC to be closer to friends and more connected to life, work and in general a better place for me right now. I'm in the final stages of being employed again, this time in a job that fits my interests and education, a first since moving to DC. I'm 29 and it feels like I'm finally entering adulthood. This time my crossroads doesn't seem so scary and awful. No matter what I'm heading in a better direction. I've learned and grown in the last few years and I finally feel like my life is getting itself ordered and on the right track. My confidence is back and after weathering this phase of upheaval and unemployment, I feel stronger and better than I have in years. Physically, I'm better and making my health and physique a priority so that I can build the long life full of vitality and strength that I want for myself. 30 will be here before I know it, and even that doesn't scare me because it's a number I can't avoid and it will be wonderful too, so long as I make it that way!
Tomorrow I will watch the opening ceremonies of the Olympics and do it with a smile. It's a nice bookend, the Olympics were a backdrop when I first started my DC adventure and now they will mark the next phase of the journey. This phase will be even more exciting than the last. Even with a world full of uncertainty I feel hopeful. There may be war and pain in the world, but there is also peace and unity, so I'll focus on those happier ideals as the fuel for the hope I need to keep moving forward. So hope, don't fail me now because there is still a lot to do and I need you more than ever!
I realized last night that 4 years ago when the Athens Summer Games opening ceremonies were on TV, I was busy assembling IKEA furniture in my new apartment. I had just made the big move after Grad School down to the burbs of DC. I was about to start a new job, freaking out after the whole move process as I tried to get organized and adjusted... In general it felt like a major crossroads in my life. I didn't feel confident in myself, I hated the idea of my new job, but wanted to pay the bills and the crossroads made me very uneasy. However, the path I was treading wasn't all bad, just not as direct or clear as I would have liked. Lots of opportunities came and went and adventures were had, but it was so very strange. Now, 4 years later, it's a bit of history repeating itself.
The Olympics will start this evening and before they are over my life will have changed again. After a few months of crazy and the last four years spent trying to be an adult and building towards the better job and life choices, things are finally falling into place. Before the end of the month I will be moving again, this time into DC to be closer to friends and more connected to life, work and in general a better place for me right now. I'm in the final stages of being employed again, this time in a job that fits my interests and education, a first since moving to DC. I'm 29 and it feels like I'm finally entering adulthood. This time my crossroads doesn't seem so scary and awful. No matter what I'm heading in a better direction. I've learned and grown in the last few years and I finally feel like my life is getting itself ordered and on the right track. My confidence is back and after weathering this phase of upheaval and unemployment, I feel stronger and better than I have in years. Physically, I'm better and making my health and physique a priority so that I can build the long life full of vitality and strength that I want for myself. 30 will be here before I know it, and even that doesn't scare me because it's a number I can't avoid and it will be wonderful too, so long as I make it that way!
Tomorrow I will watch the opening ceremonies of the Olympics and do it with a smile. It's a nice bookend, the Olympics were a backdrop when I first started my DC adventure and now they will mark the next phase of the journey. This phase will be even more exciting than the last. Even with a world full of uncertainty I feel hopeful. There may be war and pain in the world, but there is also peace and unity, so I'll focus on those happier ideals as the fuel for the hope I need to keep moving forward. So hope, don't fail me now because there is still a lot to do and I need you more than ever!
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Favre: No, you do not get a do over!
Ummm, Brett Favre all I can say to you is, "What the hell?" Dude you retired! Don't you remember? The tearful press conference, the goodbye to Green Bay? You actually made grown men (and of course women) of WI and all other Packer lovers cry for you! They were happy to see you go so that you can retire and our team can move on. Don't you remember? Your old, have some lingering injuries, and despite your boffo performance last year, you are often a hit or miss guy. So you retired of your own free will, and now you want a do over? Really? I mean, your a good guy, and you'd probably get a street in Green Bay named after you if you stayed retired, but come on!
I'm not the biggest football fan ever, but I love and will forever be a fan of the Packers. Mama and Papa Frogger gifting the Frogger Kids with Packer Stock back when Lambeau was being improved and while my stock is symbolic at best, it still makes me linked to the team and it's a nice feeling. Favre, you are making me feel not so nice. You had your time in the sun, and it was great! Now, you just seem like a spoilsport who dragged your team and fans through the wringer for nothing. I mean geez!
I kind of wish I knew some good sports cliches to wrap this up...so in stead I shall give a virtual raspberry to Brett. :-p "Pthppppppppppppppp!!!!" I know, I'm super mature. ;-)
I'm not the biggest football fan ever, but I love and will forever be a fan of the Packers. Mama and Papa Frogger gifting the Frogger Kids with Packer Stock back when Lambeau was being improved and while my stock is symbolic at best, it still makes me linked to the team and it's a nice feeling. Favre, you are making me feel not so nice. You had your time in the sun, and it was great! Now, you just seem like a spoilsport who dragged your team and fans through the wringer for nothing. I mean geez!
I kind of wish I knew some good sports cliches to wrap this up...so in stead I shall give a virtual raspberry to Brett. :-p "Pthppppppppppppppp!!!!" I know, I'm super mature. ;-)
Back on Track? Geting there....I think...
I've had a kind of nutty week (and some change) since my last post. I fell like I'm switching to the right track after a month of upheaval, and that is a nice feeling, but also a bit odd.
Last Thursday I made a bit of an ass of myself after being given not quite official notice that I (probably) got my Government job. When my friend Defence Guru passed on the good word I started to jump around like a total idiot on the sidewalks of Mt. Pleasant, getting me more than a few looks that clearly said, "What the hell is she doing?". All I can say in my defense is, I have been watching a lot of The Price is Right and finding out job news was kind of like winning the always popular new car. The only down side to all of this was is I still have to wait for my official notice and it is just killing me! I want to be able to take a jump back to the old Wisconsin Lillypad for a visit before I start working and the sooner my notice comes the better. I haven't seen any Frogger Family in 6 months so a quick visit before the rest of my month goes crazy would be nice.
Adding to my nuttiness is that after my looking at places in DC and starting to feel a bit overwhelmed, I had success. In fact, in less than 24 hours I applied to a new apartment, was approved, gave my notice on my current place, booked the truck to move (over Labor Day Weekend, blah!) and sent out the call for moving help. The building is great, my dear friend the Princezz O'Phun lives there and it will be very convenient for work, friends and DC city life. Again, there is the downside of having to pack/move. I really hate the moving process, but after 4 years of living in the burbs it's time to make the change. This weekend I already made some progress in the organizing/purging process and I have plenty of time to pack and prep for the move.
In general this feels like a very strange, but good time. I've been a bit better at creating structure and feeling productive. Today I restarted Week 6 of my running program (again) and it felt so good to be back running. I hit Whole Foods for a tasty salad and picked up yummy desert too as a reward for my hard work lately. I've lost over 15 lbs since June and I feel great! Despite all of the craziness, things are coming together the way they are supposed to. It makes me feel like the Little Engine That Could getting over the hill and starting the next phase of my journey ready adn willing to face what's coming and knowing things will work out, someway or another!
Last Thursday I made a bit of an ass of myself after being given not quite official notice that I (probably) got my Government job. When my friend Defence Guru passed on the good word I started to jump around like a total idiot on the sidewalks of Mt. Pleasant, getting me more than a few looks that clearly said, "What the hell is she doing?". All I can say in my defense is, I have been watching a lot of The Price is Right and finding out job news was kind of like winning the always popular new car. The only down side to all of this was is I still have to wait for my official notice and it is just killing me! I want to be able to take a jump back to the old Wisconsin Lillypad for a visit before I start working and the sooner my notice comes the better. I haven't seen any Frogger Family in 6 months so a quick visit before the rest of my month goes crazy would be nice.
Adding to my nuttiness is that after my looking at places in DC and starting to feel a bit overwhelmed, I had success. In fact, in less than 24 hours I applied to a new apartment, was approved, gave my notice on my current place, booked the truck to move (over Labor Day Weekend, blah!) and sent out the call for moving help. The building is great, my dear friend the Princezz O'Phun lives there and it will be very convenient for work, friends and DC city life. Again, there is the downside of having to pack/move. I really hate the moving process, but after 4 years of living in the burbs it's time to make the change. This weekend I already made some progress in the organizing/purging process and I have plenty of time to pack and prep for the move.
In general this feels like a very strange, but good time. I've been a bit better at creating structure and feeling productive. Today I restarted Week 6 of my running program (again) and it felt so good to be back running. I hit Whole Foods for a tasty salad and picked up yummy desert too as a reward for my hard work lately. I've lost over 15 lbs since June and I feel great! Despite all of the craziness, things are coming together the way they are supposed to. It makes me feel like the Little Engine That Could getting over the hill and starting the next phase of my journey ready adn willing to face what's coming and knowing things will work out, someway or another!
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