It's the most convoluted explanation I could find.
Just got back from the grocery store. Mint was on my shopping list (mojitos!)
In the herb section, there were two options for mint. Regular mint sprigs, in a bunch, and the store brand “organic” mint. Same price per unit. The regular stuff was bound with an ordinary rubber band. The “organic” stuff came in a little plastic box. Organic plastic maybe?
Being chronically underassigned for work is much more stressful than being chronically overassigned.
I’m giving up on the radiology clinic recommended by my doctor. Their appointment desk doesn’t seem to be staffed, ever. Good thing (blah blah, Soviet Russia, blah blah).
Just got back from a day trip to Yosemite. Knee pain is indeed still there.
Finally managed to secure an appointment with an orthopedic specialist. The first opening is in June, two weeks hence.
So, one week to wait for the authorization and two weeks for an appointment makes three weeks of waiting to see a doctor. (I missed the first scheduling window and had to wait an extra week, but that part is my fault.) I guess I can try to squeeze these X-rays in before I get there; it would suck to be turned out for that and wait another 2-3 weeks to get back in. Sure am glad I live in a land o’ plenty with lots of fast, efficient providers jostling for my business. Not like those European suckers who have to wait for days or even weeks to see a doctor.
A totally plausible doomsday scenario came to me on the way home yesterday.
1. Obama wins the nomination.
2. Clinton announces her entry into the race as an Independent.
Allergy season, that is. Hasn’t been too bad this year, but every little heat wave comes with an allergy attack. Waking up in the middle of the night, the tiny itch behind my eyeballs warning of an imminent attack. Soaking in a hot shower for a few minutes of respite. The same patterns over a lifetime of practice.
I don’t get this fascination people have with propping doors and windows open during heat waves. (Our building is climate controlled.) No, you can’t cure my allergies by exposing me to more pollen. No, it’s not psychological. Yes, “airing out” the building will bring in more pollen. Yes, I am allergic to pollen. No, it’s not because I don’t get outside enough. No, changing my diet and will not help. No, bringing in more pollen will not help me get over it. No, I can’t just blow my nose. Little arguments like this over and over.
When I was in elementary school, some kids had to wear leg braces, or left class every day to get shots or take pills or do speech therapy or whatever. Then there were the other kids who thought: “Lucky… wish I was sick…” I think the people I argue with are the same jealous kids. At least I don’t have peanut allergies…
I think blind adherence to a subculture is a bad thing. Yes, there are crazy goths, as well as hippies, fundies, and whatever else. But blind adherence to cynicism is bad, too. You miss out on a lot of fun. Okay, fine, maybe steampunk’s not your style of fun. Move on. There is no greater sin in this world than to deny someone their bit of whatever little fun they’ve found, just so you can get your momentary buzz of kill-joy.
-Eideteker
From this post on the death of Steampunk, over at Metafilter.
Bonus points for “steamfunk” and “steamcrunk.”
Woot, consult approved.
I think.
I got a letter in the mail. Actually more like a prescription slip. There’s a phone number on it and something about “3 visits approved, expires 10/2008.” I can probably do a reverse phone lookup to figure out the name of the clinic, or doctor, or whatever.
I think it must be some kind of game. To schedule an appointment, I have to mail in a bus token, a piece of twine, two pigeon feathers, and the little dog from a Monopoly set.
This is a hell of a lot more fun than what I’d see in Canada with “Eh, go oover to the orthopedic department and see if Ralph can get you set up, eh?” Though I suppose they’re so backwards that they would just prescribe amputation, eh?
Am I overconsuming yet?
Update: There is no update. I guess waiting a few days for nothing in a free market is better than waiting a few days for The Glorious People’s State Plan to give me something. In the meantime, I hope to schedule an appointment at a radiology clinic that’s approved by my health plan. Would that be under “X” in the yellow pages for “X-Rays,” or “R” for “Radiology?”
My manager is covered by two health plans. Once at our company, and secondary coverage through her husband’s company. Both have denied her coverage for a recurring sinus condition that’s kept her out of work for at least 6 days over the past month. Infection? Allergic reaction? Who knows? They won’t approve tests. Whatever. At least I’m not paying for it. Or, rather, I *am* paying for it (we’re paying into the same plan, remember?), but it’s better than communism or something.
More as more happens.