Doesn't it just figure???

I put a few items on my am.a.zon wish list for my upcoming birthday. Apparently they are now no longer on sale. (Saw this not because I'm checking to see if something's been bought, but because I use the wish list to save books I'm interested in and needed the title of one!)

Blast it all. I knew I should have just bought them myself. Sigh. The one that really gets me is the dog clipper. It was at $99, and now it's at $115.00. Can't decide what to do. Only one more week, so I guess I can wait. But it just irks. If I'd bought when I saw it, it could have gotten the comb attachments as well for almost what it'll cost to buy just the clipper now. Figures! Oh well.

Apparently I'm a bit cranky today. [g]  At some point yesterday I had a very good blog post formulated in my mind. Probably while trying to go to sleep. I really need to write this stuff down at the time. Because I can't remember it now. Or maybe I just dreamt it. My dreams are so vivid it's hard sometimes. Especially if the dream is about work or family or something like a blog post. Frustrating.

Anyway. Good news. My Little Sister became an aunt yesterday. Her brother's first child was born a healthy 7 lbs 1 oz. Very fast labor & delivery. Too fast, says the new Mom, because she didn't have time to get any drugs!!! I've seen pics, she's very cute in that wrinkly little newborn way!

Quirks

Sitrep: Walk - 15 minutes. Very brisk.

That's quirks, not quarks. The one I have, the other has to do with physics (I think).

Whenever I buy a coffee or hot chocolate in one of those disposable cups with lids, I always make sure the opening to drink from is opposite the seam that runs down the side of the cup. Dunno why, but it drives me batty if I don't. I like to feel the ridge under my fingers as I pick the cup up to drink. Maybe it's because this assures me I've got the opening aimed in the right direction. Since usually I am only drinking from this type of cup in the car or at work, where I'm highly distracted, this could explain it.

But it's odd. Like the fact that putting the little and big spoons together and the little and big forks together in the silverware drawer drives me batty.

Another quirk I've noticed is that I. Read. Everything.

Even the backs of cereal boxes or milk cartons (every single morning, even though they never change!) If it's got letters, I'm subconsciously trying to figure it out. It's kinda like my Little Sister's mom and numbers. She counts steps, etc.

But the big thing that made me realize that I read everything has to do with work. I organize adult ed classes. Because someone complained about an extra fee once to a state regulatory official, I have to go out of my way to clarify some pretty basic stuff. So I attach to the front of each manual on BRIGHT PINK PAPER the requirements to get their certificate. It's pretty simple. Goes something like this:

1) It takes XX amount of weeks to get your certificate. After XXX weeks, go to xxxxxx to download your certificate.
2) You can get it quicker for $XX.
3) Make the check payable to XXXX. or Put your credit card info on the form.
4) TELL THE INSTRUCTOR.

The instructor even goes over this at the begining of class. Yet a large majority just don't get this. I think it's because they don't read the announcement.

It boggles me, because I read everything. When I'm driving, walking, whatever. If it has letters/words, I'm reading it. I've also noticed my dreams contain alot of words. Very verbal. That'a fairly new realization for me. Last night I was dreaming in Spanish.

All About the Ds

Exercise Sitrep: beyond depressing.
Weekly goal: Gym 2x, PerfectCardio workout 1x

So I went to the movies Saturday to see "Alice in Wonderland" in 3-D. I have to admit, I probably would have enjoyed the movie more in 2-D. Had a minor tension-type headache by the time it was over. Not sure if that was because I had a migraine most of the week (love those coworkers that marinate in perfume!), or if it was the 3-D. It didn't seem to add much to the story line to me. But I'm used to 2-D movies. And perhaps this wasn't the best picture for 3-D. The affects seemed to me to be added just because, not to move the storyline along. I guess I should also mention I'm not big on huge special effects. I prefer things to be very subtle and realistic. Not overwhelming and punching out at me from the screen. Found the glasses to be fuzzy around the edges. That could just be my eyesite and the fact I wear contacts.

The movie itself was enjoyable. A nice trip back to "Wonderland". Although I have to admit I remember it as more cheerful and colorful. But then again, the original Alice movie by Disn.e.y wasn't one of my favorites as a child. So my memories are pretty sparse and faded.

Which brings me to my second "D" of this post. Which I'm afraid I've forgotten. I had it all planned out on the drive to work this morning, and thought it was rather clever of me to connect two topics with the "D". Oh well. Let's just call it a Monday, and leave it at that!

Back Home Again

So I've been missing in action a bit...Been visiting my sister and her family since the 12th, and had a fabulous time. It was hard to leave and come home. If I didn't dislike where they live so much and love where I live so much, I'd have to move there. ;) The girls are fabulous, loving, fun. Just like all my nieces/nephew. :) What can I say. My siblings have great kids. :)

I'll try to blog more later, but am at work and have tons to catch up on. First thing to report about trip:

My sister surprised me with tickets to see the musical "Wicked". FABULOUS. I've been wanting to see this since it originally came out. Definitely worth it. Run, don't walk to this musical if you have a chance. It was funny as all get out, and very well done. We actually got a performance with no understudies and it was flawless. To my ears, anyway. I'm thrilled to have seen it, and been able to spend that time with my sister. We used to go to shows all the time before "growing up" and getting out of school, working, etc. :)

Here we go

Philadelphia's mayor is proposing a 2cent per ounce tax on sweetened drinks to fill their budget gap and combat obesity. Think on it. That's 32 cents for a 16 ounce soda. Almost a dollar and a half for a 2-liter bottle. Yikes. And it applies to all drinks that have sugar added - not just soda. Sports drinks, chocolate milk... Yet they don't want to tax artifically sweetened drinks? Give me a break. I think artificial sweeteners are worse for us than sugar.

Did you know that Chicago already has this kind of tax? I didn't until just now. I wonder if anyone has actually studied what impact that has had on obesity & spending on beverages. Their tax includes artificially sweetened drinks as well.

If this spreads (and you know it will) they're going to start taxing anything considered not healthy. Watch out. The power of the dollar is going to buy even less. :(

Another Good Book Weekend

Exercise Sitrep: Don't make me laugh. ;)

Read another good book last weekend. Picked it up on Friday, but didn't really get a chance to start on it until Saturday. Little Sis and her cousin ended up staying overnight Saturday, and I pretty much read through their visit. Only surfaced to separate them when the computer squabling managed to get through to me. :) Share and share alike when it comes to computer time. After 3 hours I kicked them off it. Enough is enough. Then they played the Wii for a bit.

I took the book to my bedroom intending to read, but decided it was better to sleep as I'd already stopped to get ready for bed. Stayed up to 12:30am, which is rare for me! When I woke up (early, thanks to the dogs who must eat by 7am), instead of going back to sleep (my usual tendency) I started reading again. Read the rest of the day after stopping for a shower and breakfast. Kicked the girls out - made them take Leia to the park. Didn't even turn the tv on.

So what's the book? The Day the Falls Stood Still by Cathy Marie Buchanan. Very well written for her first novel. It's general fiction, I guess you'd say. Or historical fiction? I enjoyed it though, and will keep an eye out for her future books. Normally I don't like first person viewpoint, but the last two books have been that way, and I've enjoyed them immensely. The writing styles couldn't be more different. This one wasn't as lyrical, but still captivating. She very skillfully wove historical fact about the place with fiction and folklore.

I really liked how the first person view really was first person. You don't get into the heads of the other characters at all, unless it's through the observations of Bess, the narrator/main character. It makes it more narrow, but as an outsider, you observe beyond her narrow interpretations. If that makes any sense. I like how the book dealt with the issues of war/grief/depression/shell shock/faith. Not what I was expecting, but I liked it. Don't read on if you don't like spoilers.

Alice I Have Been

Weekly Goal: Exercise 30 minutes 2x
Sitrep: 20 minute training walk w/Leia

Had a nice weekend. Got to talk with my oldest niece for the second week in a row. I always like that; don't know why I don't call more often. :) I feel bad I got her birthday present to her too late. And just in time for her cell phone to break, making the present moot...Ah well.

Read a good book this weekend. "Alice I Have Been" by Melanie Benjamin. I saw it at the bookstore, and was pleasantly surprised to see it at our library. Picked it up Friday after work and finished it by Saturday evening. When I finished it, I thought to myself "I need to read that again." It was a moving book.

The story is a fictionalized account of the real-life girl that inspired the Lewis Carroll "Alice" books. I usually don't like this type, prefering biographies. But I thought it was a totally fictional book until I got to the afterword. There really was an "Alice" that inspired Carroll. Benjamin took the few known facts of the real Alice's life and spun a pretty good tale. The writing was great, kept me enthralled. It flowed really well. Dare I say it was almost poetic? And the parts of the story that were from the seven and then ten and eleven year old's point of view were crafted nicely. It read like the voice of a child at that age. Thinking, actions, etc.

Note: There are some parts that, while merely alluded too, can be very disturbing. Especially, I would think, to parents.

Overall, I recommend this book. Extremely well written for her first time in historical fiction. I give it an A. I'm planning to look for the contemporary fiction she wrote under another name.

Don't Tread On Me

Goal: Exercise 2x (30 min each)
Sitrep: Sun - 30 min swimming, Tues - 40 min treadmill, 20 min abs/thighs. Thurs - 30 min treadmill.

While a great slogan from the revolutionary war, "Don't Tread On Me" was the perfect motto for me last night at the gym.

There's a rule at my gym that you sign up for the treadmills and cross trainers, and limit yourself to 30 minutes, during the busiest times of the day. Well, 7pm at my gym is not the busy time. There's usually a handful of people working out. If that.

Last night I was about fifteen minutes into my planned 30, and I noticed this couple come upstairs. I paid them no mind. Until about five minutes had passed and I realized the guy was standing nearby staring at me. Then he walked up to me. So I took off one of my ear pieces. He asked if I was almost through. I said no, I was doing 30 minutes and had 10 more to go. He then said he had that treadmill reserved for 7:30pm. Well, I hadn't signed up when I got there, because there was nobody using any of the treadmills. Now there were 2 others in use. But there were 5 free treadmills. I looked around to be sure, and then said to the guy that there were five others free. He just looked at me like I was nuts. And said "This one is faster." Excuse me? There were three other treadmills the exact same model not being used. I just said I would be done in a few minutes, and put my headphones back on.

After a minute, he walked away and got on one of the bicycles. Five minutes after that he was back, wanting to know how much longer I was going to be. Becaue he had that treadmill reserved. Now, if there were no other treadmills available, I would have gotten off at 7:30pm. Granted, if it had been that busy I would have signed up on the log to start with. But seriously. I told him I just had 2 minutes left and I'd be done. He then said I could finish on one of the other treadmills. To which I replied he could start on one of the other treadmills. Then I repeated I'd be done in 2 minutes, and went back to listening to my iPod. He walked off and then stood there staring at me. He walked back and stood there for the last 30 seconds of my workout. Wouldn't even let me wipe down the machine when I was through. What an idiot. The whole time I was watching my heart rate keep climbing and climbing...

Anyway. Totally spoiled the good vibe I usually have after working out. Jerk. Little Sis picked up on that fact when we were in the locker room changing to leave. I told her what happened and this other lady that had come in as we were talking spoke up and said he never would have done that to a man. Which is probably true. She told me she was glad I'd stood up to the guy. Anyway. Little Sis and I had a good laugh over it. Even her mom thought it was funny. Said he sounds like her clients (she manages a group home for developmentally disabled adults!) who can't handle change. Have to sit in same chair, etc., or they freak out. But this guy seriously didn't know what to do when I wouldn't get off that particular treadmill. His girlfriend, on the other hand, had hopped onto one of the other treadmills as soon as she got there. [rolling my eyes].

Moral of the story: don't interrupt my time on the treadmill if there are other treadmills free!

Finally Cool

Weekly goal: exercise 2x (30 min each)
Sitrep: 1x Gym (40 min treadmill, 20 min Abs/Thighs); 1x Gym (30 min swimming)

I got my fancy new iP.od last week. I've never been a fan of touch screens. Until now. The Bla.ck.berr.y my boss has sucks, big time. I never could get it to work. Very frustrating. But this. This is a work of art.

Little Sis approves whole-heartedly. The first time she played with it, we were on the way to the gym. She was flipping through the menus, etc, and she made this sound I have never heard her make before. You know the feeling. The one where you've just discovered something so cool, so unexpected, so wonderful, so unusual, so indescribable, the wonder escapes in sound.

Kinda reminded me of that xmas several years ago when my brother was playing a new game on the W.i.i, one of those first-person shooters, and discovered he could switch weapons. He was so thrilled I thought he might pee himself. [g] (Sorry if I'm sharing too much, bro!)

But that noise my little sis made. Ahh, yes. I am definitely sitting with the "cool" people. ;) Especially when I pointed out to her that she can earn enough to buy one of these gadgets with 4 baby-sitting jobs. (She watches several kids on Saturdays, all day, out at the fair-grounds during some roping classes for the parents).

Yawn.

Weekly Goal: Exercise 2x (30 mins each)
Sitrep:  Sun - Swimming (30 min, treading water mostly)
            Tues - Treadmill (40 min, 2 mi), Abs & Inner/Outer thighs (20 mins)

I'm exhausted today. Partly the workout, partly the weather, mostly Max. Just about every night he sneaks up onto my pillow. Normally I don't realize it until the alarm goes off in the morning. Except for the nights he and Leia decide they both want my pillow, and the "silent battle" forces me off the pillow - and awake. And yes, I put an extra pillow on the bed. They don't want that one. It has to be the one my head is currently on.]

Unfortunately for Max (and me), he is wearing the "cone of shame" for the next two weeks. So when he tries to sneak onto my pillow, that darn cone smacks into me and wakes me up. Fun. I tried getting the inflatable donut collar. Yeah, that didn't work too well. He needs a small, which they didn't have in stock. The medium is actually the perfect width to keep him from his back legs, but it's super heavy. And awkward for him to lay down in. Too much "pillow" under his chin. So. Back it goes. The small will most likely be too narrow to keep him from the back legs. Which many reviewers of the product pointed out, which is why I went with medium. Oh well. The plastic cone from the vet it is.

Max is doing well. He pulled out one staple right before the bandages came off. Vet put that back in. He walks funnier now than before, because he doesn't know to bend his knees. So having the knee caps staying in place is causing him to walk stiff-legged. And side-ways. (But that last might be the cone around his head. Hard to see through.) No physical therapy for two weeks. Staples come out Thursday next week. He looks pretty funny. My scrawny-chicken-legged-naked-butt dog. ;) I definitely need to get some pics.

Too Far?

Last Week's Exercise Report: 1x Perfect Cardio (warmup, abs), 1x Treadmill (60 mins, 4 running - ok. Running for me. And not all 4 minutes together.)

It was bad enough when they came out with a report recently that exercising might not do anything...for a select few because of genetics. (Gotta read that fine print. But that's not what they led with, and probably not what everyone heard. I had to go looking for the details.)

Then it was you can be obese at your natural weight.

Now it's babies at 3 or 4 months old. Really. Really?

How insane is this? I knew as a culture we were totally obsessed with body image and weight. But seriously. I was skinny my entire life. All the way to college. My issues with weight didn't start until second/third year of college. And even that wasn't too bad. It got worse when I returned from the Peace Corps and had access to all this food I didn't for two years. The readjustment period sparked self-esteem and body image issues that I'd already had. But we ate well growing up. I was active, so to speak, until junior high. Until playing tag and riding bikes, etc, became a not-cool thing to do. Actually, until I learned to drive.

Most doctors would now classify me as obese. Not morbidly (like the images we see on tv when discussing this.) But obese. I'm 40 pounds heavier than I think I should be. Sixty heavier than the docs prefer. (I've been that weight and looked like crap.) I think our views of what is healthy are seriously skewed. But it was my lifestyle and mentality and personality as an adult on my own that caused my weight issues. Not what my parents fed me at 3 months. Sheesh.

Yes, being overweight and obese is an issue. But looking at chubby 3 and 4 month old babies and thinking "obese" is insane.

Why don't we just try making our lifestyles as a whole for all ages healthier? Try making eating green, fresh, more affordable. Because seriously. I've tried eating healthy. Buying from the health food store or even shopping only the "perimeter" of the grocery store (ie, where the freshest foods are) is too expensive. It doubles my food budget. And I make a pretty decent living for where I work. Not poor, but I'm not middle class, either. And then there is the factor of time. I'm single with no kids. And it's still time-consuming to eat this way; to always be preparing meals. Doable, though, if the money was there.

What about nobody knowing how to cook anymore? How many people actually, honest-to-goodness, could do the kind of shopping and cooking needed to eat "healthy"? Not very many, I don't think. I grew up eating fairly decently. Although I've never like veggies. Well, not since I was a toddler. Up until then my mom says I ate anything. Learned to cook early on. But my recipes are limited.

But who has the money or time to take cooking classes? Not very many of us. I think these are some valuable life skills we just don't have anymore. Why not teach this in school? Make nutrition part of English, Math, Science curriculums, through all the grades. Link it all together. Make it easy. Make it part of every day life. Make it so natural it's like breathing.

How about dealing with those food packaging issues? You know, like realistic portion sizes and understandable labels. Although if we can tie in food and what it's made of into school, we'd know what those ingredients are. Or be able to figure it out. We'd realize that ingredients ending in "ose" just might be sugar. We'd get the fact that high fructose corn syrup might be okay in moderation, but we can't get it in moderation because it's in everything!!!!! Even bread. Has anyone ever taken a look at the ingredient list for, oh, say, yogurt? Supposedly healthy. Yeah, right. What about all those juices that are "better" than soda. Absolutely ridiculous.

And there's hardly any Phys Ed in school any more. No time, no money. Not that I was a fan of Phys Ed growing up. I suck at all sports. No exaggeration. I so dreaded those classes. It's hard to come up with free activities to keep moving and healthy. Especially in winter. I try with my little sister. It costs money. Everything costs money. It's hard when you don't have any, which is where I see her family at. Granted, they can do alot better with what they have. But who ever taught them? No one. They are clueless about food, money, budgets. The parents too. The kids, not so much now due to my lecturing. The 22 year old is very overweight and bounces from fad diet to fad diet. The 19 year old has decided to become a vegetarian, and thinks all she has to do is just eat veggies.

It's a struggle for my 14 yr old Little because in spite of the fact that she has some phys ed at school, and we are back to rock-climbing 2x week, her mom still does fast food for most dinners (cheap & easy). Even when they cook at home, it's not low cal, low fat by any means. Because the lean, healthy foods cost twice as much.

Frankly, it isn't going away. We have a mobile, fast-paced, instant-gratification, think now not later mentality. And I don't see how that will really change. Not until enough of us have died. Really. We don't change easily.

But starting to look at babies that young and think in terms of obesity...I can see how we're going to have a generation of kids with self-esteem issues tied to body image and weight by the time they're in kindergarten. Not to mention the health issues from being underfed, undernourished. Too many parents don't know how to eat healthy for themselves, much less for their young kids. Give me a break. This is why we have this problem to begin with in my opinion!

"Mighty" Max Surgery Update

Weekly goal: exercise 2x
Status: 1x Perfect Cardio - warm up & abs

Max went in for his knee surgery today. He is out of surgery and doing well. Dr. T says the knees had definitely gotten worse since I first brought him in in November. The knee caps wouldn't stay in place at all. Which I was suspecting. That's why I moved up the surgery date. Poor little Max. No wonder he would refuse to walk during obedience training.

So they had to do more during the operation than planned. I was half expecting that from some of the research I've done on Luxating Patella. In addition to the Trochleoplasty, Dr T performed a Tibial Crest Transposition (see 3rd set of pictures here http://www.vetsurgerycentral.com/patella.htm):

...The groove at the base of the femur may be surgically deepened to better contain the knee cap. This procedure is known as a trochlear modification [or Trochleoplasty]...The bony protuberance at the site of the attachment of the quadriceps tendon on the tibia may be cut off and then re-attached in a more lateral position. This is termed a tibial crest transposition. (http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+1569&aid=457)

I'm relieved he's doing well. Bummed he has to stay overnight at the vet. I get to pick him up tomorrow morning at 11:30. The vet will explain everything needed then as far as what Max can and can't do. They didn't do post-op x-rays today because Max' body temp was getting too low from the anesthesia. They're going to do those in the morning before I come pick him up.

I wonder how Leia is going to do tonight without Max. She's been alone for the day before, but I've always come back with Max. Wonder how she's going to act? Hopefully better than Tuesday (with Max in the house!). She finished off a bag of dog treats and nibbled on the corner of a paperback book I just bought. I hope Max was able to get a few of the treats...Ahhh, the joys of puppyhood!

Monday Morning

Oh boy, it's only 10:30 am and I'm ready for bed. Did not sleep well last night. Woke up about 3 or 4 am singing "John Jacob Jingleheimer Smith". I so do not want to know what I was dreaming about. Went back to a fitful sleep where I dreamed a combo of "Emma" (watched last hour on PBS before bed) and a hurricane and a crime show. Holy smokes. So should not have had that ice cream last night. :(

Have a board meeting this afternoon. It's via conference call, which I hate because I have a hard time hearing and making out voices. Makes it difficult to take proper notes. Although maybe I can get our new secretary/treasurer to do this. Last one wouldn't....I'm nervous about it because while we did okay overall, we did lose money on a few classes. I've stream-lined the classes we were losing money on, but we're packing so many new things into the schedule (at the demand of the boss) I'm worried about the impact on attendance. It's a tough economy, agencies are being stricter on what they'll pay for, and so on. There're also a few areas I just can't seem to make progress on and it's frustrating. But overall I think the meeting should be positive.

Max goes in for surgery on Thursday. Trochlear Modification is what he's having done:

The patella rides in a groove at the bottom of the femur (thigh bone). In toy breed dogs this groove is shallow, which allows the patella to slip. If the groove is deepened, the patella stays where it belongs. The normal groove in the femur is lined by slippery lubricated cartilage, called hyaline cartilage. This cartilage is peeled or cut away, the bone underneath is sliced out to form a deeper groove, and the cartilage is replaced. Techniques that do not preserve the original cartilage are no longer recommended. (http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=2448)

The quoted cost is about $1200 total for having both legs done at same time. It includes the surgery & miscellaneous stuff surgeries require, pre- post- surgery x-rays, follow up/recheck visit, rehab evaluation and visit, post-op meds, stitches removal, etc. Not too bad.

I moved the surgery up after talking to the doc, because Max seems to be having more weakness in the hind legs. I've removed the box spring and frame from my bed, and now sleep on a mattress on the floor. Less stress on his legs. He's fast, and just so darn hard to keep from jumping on/off things. He's also walking a bit more bow-legged to my eyes. So I talked to the vet. I'll just have to be very careful to keep his bandages and the incision as dry as possible. (Easier said than done...still have 6+ inches of snow on the ground, more in forecast!) Rehab exercises can be done indoors as he is so small.

Of course, this means he won't get to finish obedience training. But we've made it to the halfway point (this week), and I'll finish with Leia so at least I can continue his training on my own later.

Leia is doing great with training. We walked to the post office on Saturday and she did fabulous heeling and ignored some big barking dogs that we passed. Ones that used to make her refuse to walk further. She does "sit" and "down" like a pro. We're still working on her understanding of "stand". And she doesn't like to have me stand too close to her. It's hard to get her to sit right next to my leg and look forward. She wants to sit angled so she can keep an eye on me. We're working on that...

Leaving On A Jet Plane, 2010 Style

Whoo-hoo! Booked my ticket this morning to go visit my sis in March. Only going to be able to go for just over a week. (Due to some changes in how we accrue sick/vacation time at work. Will now be getting half what I got before. Which bites.)

But I'm excited. Haven't seen my sis since last June, and haven't seen my new niece in person ever. :) Of course, this means I won't be able to do a trip home this summer, but...

Not too much else going on. Little sis and her cousin stayed with me last night; which means I was responsible for getting them to school this morning. I forgot her cousin is at the high school, while little sis is in her last year at the middle school. Luckily the schools aren't too far apart. Although Cousin A was a little offended I thought she went to middle school. [rolling my eyes] When I turned on to the road to the high school and asked if it was an okay spot to drop her off (really, they can be so particular!!!) she sniffed and said "Just don't drop me off at the daycare." [g] (There's one across the street).

And of course, little sis forgot to tell me until the last minute she wasn't being dropped off at her school today. She needed to go to a different location for her gifted/talented program. Special presentation today, and there's a dinner tonight I get to go to. Yippeee. Good thing I prefer to be early, as I got the two of them to school and myself to work only 4 minutes late. ;)

I just want to know how I, the parentless one, got all these school responsibilities?

"Turkeys Voting For Christmas"

Interesting article with some fun lines about why people "vote against their own interest". I have to admit, it's something that has often puzzled me. And makes some (preliminary) sense on why facts seemed to get lost in the furor last summer.

Best line in the article:

"It's like a French Revolution in reverse in which the workers come pouring down the street screaming more power to the aristocracy." Thomas Frank (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8474611.stm)

And it gave me a few more books to add to my library list. ;)

Positive News Day

As hard as it is to believe, it's a positive news day. At least, from my perspective.

Heard on NPR this morning that the US is changing our policy on family planning abroad. I know Ob.am.a moved on this last year, but it's nice to have H. Clin.ton reinforcing it through the state department. Yay! I'm not talking about ab.or.t.ion here. I'm talking about birth control, HIV education, the ability to work with organizations that do provide abo.rt.ion resources. And yes, even abstinence. Allowing US funds to go to organizations working with others already on the ground that provide abo.rt.ion services isn't harmful. It allows people to coordinate resources better, educate better. Be more effective.

Frankly, in countries as poor as Africa (an example) I think birth control needs to be an option. Women need to be educated, have it made accessible. Although there are a whole host of logistical problems with taking daily BC pills, or monthly, it needs to be an option. It can only enable women to gain better health, have healthier children, and become more active in their communities.  Especially when you consider that with immunizations, etc, more children are living longer. I know, it's harsh of me, but seriously. In poor lands, how can we justify consigning these women to having more and more children when there are ways they can choose for themselves to change this? By all means, let's have tons of children, keep them alive and "healthy" and living in a poor country with inadequate food or water or education or work or....

I'm all for the ABCs (abstinence/birth control/condoms) to be taught. I'm also a believer that they should have access to abor.t.ions and make their own choices...but that's a whole different post.

Second bit of good news is the move to eliminate "Don't Ask Don't Tell". About darn time! There's a good article on the BBC today about what happened when the UK was forced by the EU to change their rules. Guess what? The doomsday predictions didn't happen. ;) Go figure.

Giggles

Exercise report for last week: 60 minutes @ the gym. Only 1x, but at least it was 60 minutes!
Goal for this week: Exercise 2x, at least 30 minutes each time.

So my horoscope made me giggle this morning:

Your actions may be touched by a very fanciful frame of mind today, dear Aries. Be careful about indulging in recreational substances that take you out of reality for a while. Your tendency will be to want to escape into the cosmos, but sooner or later, you will have to come down. Deal with your issues now before you become even more clouded than you were before. Take action with a clear and sober mind.

Fanciful frame of mind; I can do that. It's what won me the i.P.od To.uch. But the recreational substances is a hoot. Unless you can count Suda.fed and migraine meds...because I "indulged" in spaghetti w/tomato sauce this weekend and ended up with a mirgraine yesterday. Alas. It's a travesty for tomato to be linked with migraines. It's just not right.

Anyway. I don't need recreational substances to take me out of reality. Day-dreaming has always been easy for me. And a good book transports me "into the cosmos" better than anything. Good thing Nalini Singh has a new book coming out tomorrow. Second in the archangels series. [g]

It's nice to start off the day like today: phone call with my sis last night has me planning a visit for March, new pics of my youngest nieces in my email first thing, it's 9:30 am and I've crossed several items off my work to-do list, and now a laugh from my horoscope. A fine beginning to a fine week. :)

Today it should be "Cranky"

Oh, how quickly the changes come! Actually, I'm not really that cranky. Just a little motivated when talking to my boss first thing this morning. Poor man. Went to get my taxes done last night. For the second year in a row, my W-2 is incorrect. Ackkk. Last year was minor; this year the problem is enough that we had to stop doing my taxes.

We entered everything in, and were reviewing the figures when my tax guy said to me "Is there some reason your Federal wages are more than your state wages?" Ummm, I don't know. That's why I go to him. I don't understand most of the tax rules, etc. "And why are the Federal wages more than the Social Security wages? They should be the same, or the Federal should be less if I have pre-tax deductions...."

Oh, bother (as Eyeore would say). So we couldn't file last night. With the corrected figures I owe $100 less than with the wrong figures. And my state refund more than covers it, so no money out of my pocket.

And I'm miffed - again - at all the witholding table manipulations. I never seem to see huge increases or decreases in my pay check, but if they hadn't implemented the $400 making work pay tax credit, I'd've owed another $400. WTF? And that's with having enough medical expenses to just exceed the 7.5% of adjusted gross income. So there was a few hundred more I could itemize this year. My pay didn't increase that much this year.

I have my withholding set so I don't get huge returns, but this is ridiculous. They don't really cut taxes; just manipulate things so we get more in our paychecks, but then owe more at the end of the year. That tax credit is only good for 2009 & 2010. So after that I'm owing at least that much at the end of the year (if not more because I won't have medical expenses to itemize). I wonder how many people out there are going to get screwed? It kind of forces you to have the maximum taken out so they get free loans. Argghhh. It's too damn complicated.

How am I supposed to keep up and understand these changes throughout the year so I can make sure my withholdings are correct? What happens when the Bush tax cuts expire? (Not that that showed up in my paycheck as extra money then - it didn't - but what do you want to bet it does when it expires and they take more taxes?)

I was cranky enough last night I didn't watch the State of the Union. I'll watch it online at some later time. I just need to keep focusing on my new iPod. And figure out what to get with that Amaz.on gift card. Oh, the choices!!!

Change my name to "Lucky"

Exercise Goal Status: 60 mins @ Gym = 1.14 miles on treadmill, 1 mile walking the track

I did win an iP.od. Actually, I won an 8GB i.P.od Touch. Whoo-hoo. And I got a compliment.

They said they picked my essay comment because it was "insightful and witty" and that they "loved" my opening line. (This was an IT professionals survey about my company's top business and technology concerns for the next twelve to twenty-four months. I'd made some crack about my ability to perform miracles being a concern. You know how it goes - do more with less, etc.)

I also received a $50 Am.a.z.on gift card yesterday for doing a live demo of a product I was already interested in demo-ing for work.

Double Whoo-hoo. I must have done something really, really good. Or I'm dreaming. Nobody pinch me. I don't want to wake up.

Weirdness Factor

Goal Report for Last Week: Helped move two bedrooms (teenage girl bedrooms - oh, the clothes - the furniture - the stuff!!!); dog training - heeling.

Today is going to be some kind of day, I think. Some moron called me at 1am for a prank/crank call. Did I mention he's a moron? Wish I'd been awake enough to give a more pithy reply than hanging up. But I never did think well on my feet. The moron couldn't even say my name correctly. Was my first clue it wasn't someone I knew, but it's also why I stayed on the phone longer than a minute. One a.m. phone calls aren't usually good news, so I thought it might be a cop or some other official, ya know?  Anyway. Once I'm jarred out of a sound sleep like that, it takes ages to get back to sleep. :( And the dogs were awakened and decided since I was up, it must be breakfast & outside time. [snort] Last time I checked the clock it was 2am.

I would have gotten coffee on the way to work, but it's the anniversary of a coworker (3 years here for her). They usually treat us to coffee. Only my coworker wants bagels instead since she stopped for coffee on the way in. Same with the other person in the office today. Not normal for this place; we're coffee fiends. So we're getting bagels instead. Not bad, but I really wanted coffee. :( Guess I'll have to settle for store brand brew in the coffee pot.

Oh, and I may (or may not) have won an iPod. Not sure what kind; probably a shuffle. But I might not be the one that won it. The winners were announced in a professinoal newsletter I get, and it's my first initial & last name exactly as I used them for this particular site. What are the odds there's someone else out of 600 entries with my first initial and last name and they used exactly that for the entry? I haven't received an email confirmation yet. 

It's just starting out as a weird day today.

Beeing Me

I guess I’m having a hard time being positive today. Although I’m sure if you look back at my entries that’s not a new trend. Sometimes I feel like I’m excessively negative/down. Oh well.

The last eight days have been rough. Bad dreams/nightmares every night. Hard to get away from the Haiti earthquake, politics, and so on. Dreamt last night I was turned into a bee (trying to hide from someone or some group that was chasing me), then stung someone and was dying. But we (?) pulled the stinger out of the hand of the person I stung. It turned into some kind of tiny rock (looked like lava hardened in the ocean - ever seen that??) that was really my heart, and we went racing off to find the magician/wizard who turned me back into a person. Bee-zarre. (groan)

Most of my current angst has to do (you guessed it) with politics. I'm just so incredibly frustrated with the politics in this country. I know (and how!) that it can be – and often is – much worse in other countries. It’s just that I live here and what I see happening just drives me batty.

I’ve tried not to be too negative about the Republicans, because not everyone in my life believes as I do. But for Pete’s Sake. The past year has just seemed to me to be more of a churlish second-grade playground loser attitude of “I’m just going to make your life difficult” because I don’t like you. I hate to use the phrase, but “the party of no” seems to fit. From my perspective, if feels like the Reps in congress are obstructionist and blocking anything from moving forward just because they lost the election and don’t like not having control. Even the things experts for both sides agree on.

It’s petty, pandering to a select few, short-term personally motivated, and party thinking that’s just screwing us up over and over again.

Yes, the Dems are messing up. Maybe the prez should have been more forceful to start with. But considering he ran on the message of ending Dems Vs Reps, how could he do otherwise? The miscalculation was in thinking the other party would be grown-ups and come to the table.

The Dems aren’t perfect, I don’t agree with them 100%, but at least they are trying to do something. The Reps had eight years under Bush to address health care (including 6 with control of Congress). Yet they didn’t . And they blocked it under Clinton. I’m not saying that his was a good or bad plan. Just pointing out that when it comes to health care reform over the last 17 years they’ve shown no initiative other than to say “no”. They’ve had control of both houses of Congress from 1994-2006 (with the exception of the Senate 2001-2002), and the White House from 2001-2008.

When is it time to say enough is enough? To accept that not everything has a business free-market solution to it? Because free-market does not equal equality or fair access. Access to basic and preventative health care should not be based on income or luck of birth. It should not be a commodity with profitability as a factor.

I know; drastic words from someone with an economics degree and normally libertarian leanings. And it’s not like I’d be all that thrilled with our government running a program. But frankly, that has more to do with the way our society thinks/acts as a whole when it comes to money. We’ve been living on this spend more than we have mentality for decades and decades. It’s been a big driver of our economy, consumer spending. But we can only spend so much.

Anyway. I’d better stop this rant now before a blood vessel bursts in my head.

Geek Day

No surprise I've been reading up on techonology gadgets, what with the Consumer Electronics Show last week.

I have to admit I really want one of those tablet PCs. (They're calling them "slates" now.) Actually, I want a full-scale (not a netbook) laptop with tablet capabilities. I'd already have one if only they'd come out (in my price range) a little earlier. By the time I could afford one, I'd already replaced my desktop with my current laptop. And now it's at the point I hate getting on the computer at home because the thing is so darn slow it's painful.

But I digress. As usual. Besides the coolness factor of a laptop screen that rotates and closes with the screen facing out, I love the ability to "write" on the screen. It must be even better now with the new touch-screen technologies. I've been wanting to start keeping a journal again for a long time now. The drawback for me has been not wanting to have volumes of paper around. I already have a ton from when I started journaling at age twelve all the way through my Peace Corps years after college. They're hard to read as the ink is fading, etc.

I've tried keeping a journal on the computer, but don't get the same satisfaction as I do from the feeling of moving my hand with that pen across a clean page. I realized that when I wrote several letters a few months back. Yes, real letters with pen and paper that went through the postal service (gasp).

Anyway. My next laptop is going to have to do alot of things. Along with the Tablet function, I really want it to be a hard core media center. I've got to figure out how to work that one into the budget. ;) But I've already been pricing them. Maybe I should do a two-fer. A media center PC and a netbook slate/tablet. Small enough I can carry with me for reading ebooks? Some of the ones at CES looked pretty small. Hmmm. Now there's a dangerous thought...

Back Door Tax Increase?

So I got my first paycheck of the year and it's about $4.00 less than it should be. I know, I know, $4 isn't alot. Totals about $96.00 over the year. But that's $96.00 I had plans for...I'm a serious budgeter, and have every penny I earn allocated. It's the only way I can keep a handle on debt, saving for retirement, and saving a "rainy day" fund.

Apparently there's been a big change in the 2010 Witholding Tables. Changes across the board. Not a nice litte surprise this morning. From what I've been reading, I've been affected the least. It appears some people will be affected to the tune of several hundred dollars a month. Yikes. I feel for them.

I'm now bringing home less than I was before my most recent miniscule pay raise, although I'm in the same tax bracket.

It would have been nice of our CPA to let us know this prior to January 1. Like when I was in her office in late December going over the impact to my bottom line with various changes to my Flex plan witholding eff Jan 2010. She acts like it's out of her control; how is she supposed to know? Frankly, it's on the IRS website. She should know this, and I think she should tell us this. She should have been using the updated tables when calculating for 2010.
The group of us were talking, and I mentioned how it's frustrating & it just would have been nice to know (not meaning from her, from the media, from the pols) so I could adjust my flex/budget accordingly and not be surprised, she snarled "I'll give you four dollars". What a bitch. Not all of us make her near 6 figures, and not all of us have investment banker sons that pay our mortgage and finance all our home remodels and any other whim of ours. I should have said "Great, thanks, that's $96 for the year." Wonder what she would have said then?

Anyway. It isn't her fault. It's the government. And I truly don't mind so much paying more taxes. It's just something we're going to have to do. I just want to know before hand so I can plan! I hate surprises!

On a good note, I won another contest! 3rd place in a Teleflora contest. I won a baking cookbook. Whoo-hoo. That's three wins now. Wonder if that's the end of it? Maybe I should go buy a lottery ticket...

Bits & Pieces

Goal Status: 1x Exercise (30 mins - NYC Ballet Workout 1, excercises 1-5)

My mind is jumping around like it's the star in a game of hot potato. The last two nights my dreams have been filled with natural disasters. (Thank you news media for endless coverage of the Haiti quake). I guess my brain retained enough sensory info from the 8.0 I experienced as a child in the Azores to vividly fill my night time hours.

It's also been a really busy week; the issue with my friends 15 yo relative (she has been removed from her home during CPS investigation & is now living with an aunt) taking center stage, with two nights at dog training class, and Mom having outpatient surgery on her hand, rounding it out.

Mom is doing well at last report.

Max did well at training last night, relaxing enough to take treats from me. He wouldn't do anything that required he leave my side, though. Hopefully that'll get better. By the end of the hour, he was laying on the floor with his head on my shoe, exhausted. Poor fella.

Have a bone to pick with my Dad. He got me addicted to Kell.ogg's Cra.cklin O.at Bra.n cereal. I eat this stuff like it's candy. While it makes a good snack, the way I scarf it down can't be healthy. Thanks, Dad. ;)

Tuesday I tried a new workout. New York City Ballet Workout. I saw it at Has.t.ings and it intrigued me. There are times I just feel like doing pirouettes across the room. Don't ask me why. Sometimes for no reason I'm in a good mood and just feel like doing so. Of course, it having been 25 plus years  since I took ballet lessons, I can't really remember how to do pirouettes. Interesting side note: I was in the Azores when I took ballet. Sheesh. Two reminders of the Azores in a week is a bit odd. Wonder what's up with that?

But I digress. I rented the first DVD through Ne.tfl.ix (best subscription I've ever had!). Watched it through once. Then tried the first 5 excercises. One through three are warm-ups, four is stretches and five is abdominals/leg darts. One of the reviewers on Ama.z.on said there was no cardio; don't know what DVD they did. My heart was beating pretty hard. And that was on the warmups. Guess I'm just too out of shape.

Like any workout, there's a learning curve to getting the sequence of steps right. For me, I just am not coordinated enough to watch and do arms & feet at the same time. So I go through focusing on feet first, and then once I have that down I'll figure out the arms.

I do like it. Especially being able to select from two different sound tracks: Classical or contemporary. Best workout music I've ever heard! Love that classical. Definitely felt my abs right away, and the arms/shoulders. One drawback: audio recording not balanced. Music is as loud if not louder than the narrator giving instructions.

I'm going to keep trying this one, alternating with Perfect Cardio. Should be fun. I'd like to be more graceful, like a ballerina. Maybe I'll even be able to do those pirouettes.

It's Raining Dogs and, well, Dogs

I'm sure you can guess today's post is about dogs! This week begins the 9 week dog-training classes for Leia and Max. Leia went to her first class last night. She did great. A bit overwhelmed at first, but interested in what was around us. Actively looking around. After a few minutes sitting in my lap she stopped trembling, so I put her on the floor by my feet. She moved around, looked at the other dogs. Her tail wasn't completely up, but it wasn't tucked underneath her, either.

As to the actual training, she did great considering! She distracted easily if someone got too close/walked by, or another dog barked. But overall paid attention. Loves the treats, naturally! Since we've already worked on "sit", how to walk on a leash, and she's learned I go through the door first, we were ahead in that respect. Just need some practice. We're also learning "come", "come-sit", and responding to her name.

There were 24 dogs in class (not including her.) At least half of them small dogs.

There was this one dog, very adorable. I had to ask what it was. It's a Biewer Yorkshire Terrier (or Biewer Terrier, depending on who you talk to.)

<------Here's a pic I found online. The cutest dog I think I've ever seen. The one in class is pretty similar, just has a bit longer coat. I was surprised to hear it's bred from a Yorkie...didn't look like one to me.

Anyway. Tomorrow night is Max' night. I'm a bit more nervous about how he'll do.

There Are No Words

Exercise: 45 minutes total  snow shoveling this week over 2 days.

I found out last night that someone I know has a relative being sexually molested by their stepfather. It's not my little or any of her siblings or any of my blood/marriage related family. A friend's 15 year old female relative. Someone I know, but haven't mentioned in this blog.

BEFORE ANYONE FREAKS OUT THE POLICE HAVE BEEN CALLED.

It's not sexual intercourse; not yet. It's not oral sex; not yet. But it's innapropriate touching, and innapropriate speech/attitude. The stepfather admitted to touching her, removing her bra and fondling her breasts. His fifteen year old step-daughter. And he has several daughters of his own almost her age.

A huge family meeting last night with their pastor resulted in the following:

1) The 15 year old was lectured on chastity and flirtatiousness (WTF?)
2) The step-father is accusing her of "tempting" him. (yada yada yada)
2) The 15 year old was supposedly called a "skinny minnie temptress" by her own mother (WTF?)
3) The mother supposedly stated (in an oh-woe-is-me way) that she can't compete with her daughter for her husband's affections (WTF?)
4) The 15 year old girl wasn't allowed to leave the house to go back to the relatives' she's been staying with the last few days (where she finally told what was going on).
5) The counseling session scheduled for the 15 year old has been cancelled (natch - all that mandatory reporting, don't you know!)

He has admitted it. Yet she keeps him in the house. Absolves him of the guilt and responsibility. Why the hell would anyone do that? This is an educated, employed woman. She can take care of her kids on her own. She's only been with this SOB four years or so. And he has admitted it. Does anyone else out there believe he'll stop? That it won't progress? He's basically been given the green light.

Supposedly the mother is going to quit her job (she's on night shift) so the girls won't be left alone with him at night. Yes, that's plural. There's another (younger) step-daughter in the house. And he has primary custody of his daughters. Like her being home is going to remove any chance of anything happening. For Pete's Sake.

My friend is very upset. Furious at how the girl is being treated. And terrified of what will happen next. To the girl, to the family, to his daughters (he has primary custody, fighting for sole - his ex is a drug addicted looney). She's also terrified of what will happen to her. Because the mother of this girl is her own sister. She's terrified her sister won't ever speak to her again. I told her I'd report it. Not a problem. And if they blamed her, I'd fess up and tell them I reported it. I don't care. They can't hurt me.

Well, she called me just a little while ago to let me know that she called the police. God. What a messed up situation. Something is very, very wrong in that house.

2010 is Starting Out Right

Exercise: ~30 minutes snow shoveling

In spite of suffering through the most bizarre cold/flu bug over the last days of 2009 and into the New Year (it stole my voice!), 2010 really is starting out on a really positive note. In the past 24 hours:

1. I won a gift card to B&N
2. I won a free grooming at Petco (Max goes in this morning)
3. I learned the next book in the "Deadly" series by Brenda Joyce is going to be published in 2011. In fact, the publisher wants her to write another THREE books in the series. Finally. (Guess those emails paid off!)

So really. For it barely being January 6th, this has been a really good month so far. :) It's snowing, and I love snow. Since the snowfall has been so consistent the last month or so, there might even be enough to go sledding this weekend. Whoo-hoo. Maybe I can talk Shanni into helping me make a snowman in my front yard. There's enough for that!!!

Pretty briefly, here are my New Year's Resolutions:

1. Paint laundry room & kitchen
2. Exercise 2 times a week. And by exercise, I mean at least 30 minutes of activity.  So far so good. If the snow keeps coming I'll have nothing but exercise!
3. Create a list of things I want to do this year, post it to my fridge & cross them off as I do them. You know what I mean, those things that come up in conversation with friends/family and you say "we should do that this year/summer" etc. Those things!
   

Happy Belated New Year, everyone.

The Bliss List

So I recently read this book called “Choosing Brilliant Health” by Greg Hicks and Rick Foster.

A lot of what they have to say I’ve heard already in other forms, etc. But the way they have put it together and the research they have done make it an interesting read. It’s a step beyond just saying “think positive” and has a few concrete steps you can do. I like more than just theories/ideas. Practical how-to’s are my thing. [Which is why I have a hard time implementing Cesar Milan’s dog-training, but do well with Victoria Stilwell’s advice. But that’s a post for another day.]

Alas, it was an inter-library loan, and my timing couldn’t have been worse. Not enough time to do more than a hurried read (no renewal allowed. So I don’t remember all 8 steps.

The ones that stuck with me are regarding the Bliss List and Centralizing. What I got out of it is that you should come up with things that make you happy, that you enjoy. Not just what I'm thankful for having in my life (although there's plenty of that.) But more a focus on what I like to do and have around me. Create this list and then centralize it. Focus on one or two of those things daily; make them happen.

At first I was like, “Huh? I don't know about that.” But the more I thought about it, the more it appealed to me. A bit of a challenge so-to-speak. So here’s my attempt at a bliss list, in no special order: 

• Laughter
• Reading a really good book
• Writing
• Learning (especially history, religion, culture)
• Hanging out with friends
• Family (talking with, visiting)
• Leia & Max (the new dogs)
• How I feel after working out/accomplishing workout
• Belaying for Little Sis
• Scrapbooking

I know; a lot of these things aren’t that concrete. And it doesn’t seem like a long list. But these are the thoughts that come to mind today when I focus on my “bliss” list. These are the things I enjoy, that make me feel good.

So I’m going to try to incorporate as much of this into my daily life as possible over the coming year. Let’s see how I do!

Bliss List Attempt Goes Awry

So I got up today with the intention of doing a "Bliss List" post today. But apparently I'm now in a foul mood and going to vent.

I have been trying for 2 weeks to find out if one of my meds is available under generic pricing under our new pharmacy plan. (The insurance company switched pharmacy providers on us). Our insurance company Allegiance (yes, I'm outing the SOBs) tells me to call CIGNA (ditto). CIGNA tells me to call Allegiance. Neither one will answer one freaking simple question.  ^%$%$#!%$

I've spoken with our agent twice as well. And now I've had to provide her with specifics on what prescription it is to see if she can get me an answer. Frankly, I don't like having to do that. Yes, she's our agent. But I also have to deal with her as a customer. I don't like her knowing what medications I take. It's nothing major; it's the principal. And what's the point of finding out now, since I was required by my employer and the insurance company to turn in our FLEX plan paperwork last week? That's why I needed the info. And since the insurance company takes your money if you don't spend it, I put the minimum amount in. Let's hope it's enough. (We're talking a difference of $400 here.) I told all this to my agent and both Allegiance & CIGNA. I also told all of them I'm 2 seconds away from filing a complaint with the insurance department. It really should not be this difficult to get this question answered.

Not that complaining will do any good. Their lobbyists are too powerful...hence the defeat Dec 15 of the bill attempting to get FDA approved drugs from FDA approved facilities outside of the US. Like from Canada. The way they act (lobbyists, congress), it just might kill us if we bring in drugs from Canada. Although how they survive getting their drugs from such apparently dangerous drug makers, I haven't a clue. (rolling my eyes). But what's cheaper for the consumer makes the US drug companies lose money. So the consumer - ME - gets screwed yet again.  Just take a look at what's been done to health care reform.

$%!*;%)*^# 

I need to go back to bed. Seriously. Hopefully getting that out of my system will make the rest of the day go better. I sure hope so. It's not even 9am. God.

(Did I mention my employer won't have the parking lot plowed when it snows, so the several feet we got over a week ago that keept melting and refreezing is now pretty much solid ice? My car slid into the parking lot yesterday morning. And it was worse today. A nice half-inch dusting of snow on top of the ice does wonders for traction. I slipped the second I stepped out of the car this morning. In spite of my good snow boots. Thank goodness I was being cautious...I was able to catch myself on the car. Which hurts, but at least I'm not broken. Which will most likely happen just after the new year when our deductible goes up to $2000. Yeah, yeah...I know there's work comp. But knowing my luck it wouldn't be covered....)

As a former co-worker used to say when I got all cranky "Do you need a lollipop?" Although I doubt any sugar will sweeten me up this morning. Holy smokes am I cranky or what?

Unexpected Power

This article on CNN about "The unexpected power of $10 to $20" really moved me today. So I thought it would make a great post. :)

I like the premise of this group. Pooling funds to meet some short-term money needs.

When I first realized my new dog needs a $1000 surgery, I was pretty stressed over where I'd find the money.  I researched online and there are plenty of groups offering financial aid for animals needing medical care. But the demand is so great and the money so limited, most are now limited to life-saving requests only.  Turns out I don't need help (Got that???? I have Max' surgery covered - this is not to be interpreted as a hint or any kind of request!!! We're just waiting until after obedience training before scheduling the surgery!). But it made me rethink my annual donation strategy.

Every little bit does help. And it doesn't have to be monetary, either. A condolence card in the mail from someone you least expect, someone picking up a prescription refill for you so you don't have to visit Wally World 2 days before Xmas...(hey, they were going anyway!!)...bringing someone dinner (or inviting them over to eat) when you know they're low on funds & food...basically just sharing what you have...those things can make all the difference.

And they come back on you three-fold. Good for your karma. ;)

I think I need to add this site to my "Destinations" list. Here's a direct link to Modest Needs.

Happy Belated Winter Solstice!!!

Weekend Aftermath

Yesterday was M's birthday, so the party was, naturally, at my house. I like to entertain (yes, I do, strangely enough) so it was fun. But the house needed some serious cleaning. The type of cleaning I've been delaying by piling papers and shuffling them from room to room as needed. (In other words, living room to bedroom to living room.)

I started on Saturday with the bathroom. The bolt on the toilet broke - in October - so it rocks back and forth, and lately I could sorta smell some fumes. I'd been debating for weeks about calling a plumber or fixing it myself. Being cheap, I decided to give it a try. Found easy enough instrucctions in the do-it-yourself manual given to me (thanks Janet W!!!) upon moving into the house. In the long run, it was the right decision. In the short, it stressed me out and sparked a mini-anxiety attack and pouting session. I wanted to do it myself, and ended up needing help. :(

M's husband came to my aid when the shut-off valve at the toilet caused a leak instead of shutting off the water, and I couldn't find the main shut off valve. I made a valiant effort, though. Which required 4 separate trips into the bowels under the house (shudder) trying various valves to no avail. Turns out the main water shut-off is tucked away into a corner of the basement, in the shadows, with the spider webs. No wonder I didn't see it. [g]  (It's nicely tagged now, thank you very much!!!)

Then S helped me lift the toilet off, replace the wax ring (gross x2), and realign the toilet. Good thing he was there, since I couldn't just use a bolt from the top-down. Flooring is too deep. Had to use the the bolt that looks like an upside down T. Put that in lengthwise, twist it so the t-part goes left to right and then that goes up through the base of the toilet. Don't know as I would have figured that out! Added benefit, since we had to move the tank & bowl, I was able to peel off the remaining disgusting wallpaper from behind the tank. Whoo-hoo.

While waiting for them to arrive to help, I swept, vacuumed and cleaned the kitchen. Even moved the throw rug & sofa in the living room. Thanks to Leia & her stupid mini-tennis balls, I discovered just how much dust accumulates under there. 

Sunday required an early morning dash to W.ally Wor.ld for cake fixings. I spent several hours sorting through papers and dusting and mopping the house, and straightening the living room. The lovely orange scented furniture polish proved too much and I started on a headache. Took some meds, ate a quick lunch, and started on the enchiladas. Great hit thanks to my sister's recipe (M's sister D was surprised that her husband even ate them - he's not a veggie kind of guy).

The dogs were overwhelemed by the sheer amount of people in the house, half of them kids. There were about 20 of us, I think. All inside. With the game on. Acckkk. Leia was a nervous thing moving all over the place. The kids delighted in coaxing her to their sides with dog treats. I was distracted and didn't realize how many until later when I saw the nearly empty zip-loc baggie. Max was more timid and stayed near me most of the time. Poor fella. I moved him around though, and handed him off to various people so he'd get more socialized. He stopped shaking after the first few minutes, and even stayed with one of the little kids on the sofa without me. Cool. However, both dogs must have had indigestion, because they woke me up three times between midnight and 4 am needing outside. Sigh.

Party lasted about 3 hours, and when everyone left I collapsed onto the sofa. It was 6pm and I was done. Watched the latest Star Trek movie, and was in bed by 8:30pm with a doosie of a migtraine. But hey. Party was a success, & my house is spotless (this group always cleans before leaving!). Which means it's ready for Christmas dinner Friday. Yay!!! I also have enough leftovers I don't have to fix lunch or dinner today.

But this morning I feel like I have a hangover. And I didn't even have any alcohol.

This Is Why

This is why I believe health care should no longer be considered a commodity:

We were just notified at work that our health insurance premium has increased by 23%. And that's after it went up 25% when we renewed this past January. Not only that, but they've switched to a new pharmacy. Which has a different formulary of preferred drugs. And yep. You guessed it, two of my meds are now on the third and most expensive tier.

Which means the cost for me has doubled per prescription.

And since our wondeful accountant only budgeted for an 18% increase (what planet is she on???), there's a shortfall. We had a meeting yesterday to discuss options. The boss wanted to know how we value the additional coverages added a few years back - dental & vision. And whether we'd prefer to drop that or increase our deductible.

By the end of the meeting it was basically this: dropping dental & doubling our deductible to $2000 would just cover the increase. Just.

Heaven help me if I need anything next year, because it will all be out of my pocket. There's that 80/20 split after the deductible until the maximum out of pocket is met (that will most likely increase to $2000.)

Well. The CPAP machine better not break, and hopefully my doc will call me back with some alternative meds that are more affordable. I know I need to share in the costs of my health care, but we've had an increase of  almost 50% over two years! And I can guarantee my income & my employers' income haven't increased by that much!

Turkey Tales

This was my first thanksgiving actually hosted in my own home. I was the hostess. That's not usually a problem for me. Especially as it was just Shanni's family and I've had them over a bunch of times. Wednesday work let us leave at 2:30, so I was home early. Shanni was dropped off that evening...along with the turkey. Mom M had done all the prep work. All I had to do was turn on the oven at 8am and pop in the turkey. Easy, right? Well, that part was.

Had a great evening with Shanni, went to bed at a decent hour even. Mom M called at 8am to remind me about the turkey. Got Shanni up & moving, and she was out the door to her Dad's about 10:30am. Put the potatoes and eggs on for the two dishes I was responsible for: mashed potatoes and deviled eggs.

Watched some TV, and worked on an afghan I'm crocheting as an X-mas gift for Mom M. Popped in "Rebecca" (Laurence Olivier, Joan Fontaine - great movie) and prepared the deviled eggs. All was calm, quiet, and wonderful.

Now, when I first put the turkey in, some of the broth or whatever spilled out and burned off the oven floor. So it got smoky. I'd just gotten the thin haze out and closed the windows when Mom M showed up. It was about 12:30, and the turkey only had 30 minutes more in the oven. Mom M decided there was too much liquid (she was the one who had me add another cup at 11am!) and Steve started taking broth out (said he needed it for the gravy & stuffing anyway).  This was when it spilled/dripped all over the oven. He then pushed the turkey back in. Sigh. Not even 5 minutes later I look back at my kitchen and it is full of smoke. No exaggeration. it was so thick it stung the throat and made the eyes water. You couldn't stay there long. At least I know the new fire alarm upstairs works. Sigh. Had to open up the entire house, even upstairs. No fun when it's maybe 40*F out. At least it wasn't snowing. We even had to go outside (with the dogs) for a few minutes. Sheesh.

They're in my house ten minutes and all heck breaks loose. I swear. Mom M is a source of chaos. It trails in her wake. 

So I got that all sorted out, and turned back to peeling the potatoes, which were cold by then. I got the mixer out to start mixing and...it looked weird. Seriously. The potatoes were gumming up and looked...mucosy. Enough to make me gag. And it broke my hand-mixer. Turns out Yukon Gold potatoes don't mash well. Who knew? Not me, that's for sure. I'd forgotten I'd switched to Yukon Gold instead of Idaho potatoes last year. Can't have those white meat potatoes, remember?

This was the point I, the non-drinker, poured a glass of wine. With a ton of milk & butter, Steve managed to rescue the potatoes. Everyone ate them, said they were good (with that much butter what wouldn't be?) I couldn't get the mucous comparison out of my mind so I passed them over.

At one point I kicked everyone out of the kitchen. Mom M announced the food was ready, but Steve hadn't even taken the turkey out of the oven to carve. Actually, about 3 other dishes were still in the oven. They mobbed the kitchen and I couldn't take it. My nerves were shot. I guess I was not prepared for chaos that day. [g]

The food was good, after a glass of wine I mellowed, and started in on the Black Friday ads. Then we got out the Wii and ended the day on a great note.

In & Out

And no, I'm not talking about the fast food joint on the west coast. Been a busy day; no time for a long post. Just got a look at my daily horoscope, and have to share this:

If you don't express yourself, illness may result.

Still laughing. I guess I don't have to worry! It ends with:

Your goal should be to be true to your inner self; that's the only way, ultimately, to be happy and healthy.

What's in a name?

Sitrep: No exercise since last Thursday. Ackk. Tonight is a gym night, though.

And PERFECT CARDIO is now launched. For those of you who've been reading my blog for awhile, this is the latest and greatest from BodyRev, the workout I've been so successful on these last years. Check out their site. http://www.perfectonline.com/store/index.php/cardio_home (Don't forget to read the testimonials.)

I'm being reminded there is quite a bit to choosing names. And that there are way too many choices. I'm having troubles choosing a name that fits my new puppy. I've been calling her Leia, but it's kind of an "eh" name for her. Not like Max, whose name came to me while I was thinking of him, and everyone agrees is his name. But Leia...eh. I'm used to calling her that. She doesn't come to it half the time. Max has come to his name from the get-go.

She is a sweet, loving thing, and looks like a little bear. So I've tried several incarnations of that. Little Bear is too long. And my neighbor's dog is Bear, so there'd be some confusion. The Spanish version is Osita, but the beginning is awkward.

I spent several hours in Barnes & Noble & Borders last week looking up names in baby name books and in pet name books (only one, but they have it!). I've also looked online. Came up with a list of names that I liked. Only they fell flat when I came home and tried them out on her. Names sure are different when you say them out loud.

Names I liked but failed: Osita (little bear), Fala (a crow in Choctaw & also the name of FDRs dog), Lucy (light), Mina (strong willed warrior, blue glass/gem, or south), Mhina (delightful), Olivia, Livvy, Trixie (bringer of joy)...

That last one almost worked. I like the meaning of the name, and it's also the heroine of one of my favorite book series as a kid "Trixie Belden Mysteries". I was going to go with Trixie Belle. Just calling her Trixie. It's still a contender, but is only just above or tied with Leia.

Here's the latest list: 

• Zoe (life)
• Sophie (wisdom)
• Bella (beautiful)
• Esme (Spanish, from Emerald)
• Michi (Guarani, means "little, small", commonly used to call cats in Paraguay).
• Flora (for flower, and for the Skunk in "Bambi". That always tickled my funny bone, and her markings are upside-down skunk; also one of the fairy godmother's in "Sleeping Beauty")

Right now I'm leaning toward Esme or Michi. Will have to try them out verbally later. What do you think?

Fait Accompli

Sitrep: 10 min bicycle, 20 min treadmill.  Edited to add: Just read yesterday's post on Charlie Mike. Ouch. Was this post spot on for me or what??? I am so glad I worked out last night.

Yay! I did not get dessert last night. Although I did have most of a 10oz steak. But I opted for the rice pilaf instead of the potatoes. Is rice better than potatoes? I thought it was. But I digress. Got back to the hotel and made myself go work out. 10 minutes on the bicycle for a warm up and then 20 minutes on the treadmill. Did a 20 minute mile. :) That's good for me!

And sheesh, just looked over the last post. Boy, was I in a bitter/cranky mood or what???? Not today. Today I get to go to the bookstore: Barnes & Noble here I come!!! Books, glorious books!

Stepping Into the Fray

Okay, you knew I would do it. I ended up checking out the news. I  just have to comment on the Stupak Ammendment to the Health Care bill.

So if I can't afford the premiums and need assistance to pay for my health plan (something that is not too far-fetched of an option for me), I can't have a plan that allows me to choose if I want to have an abortion or not. Unless I purchase a rider. Okay. A) That's assuming insurance companies are going to make these available and B) My employer will offer that and C) I'll be able to afford it. Considering I can't afford the regular plan, odds are I won't.

And there is an interesting impact - this applies if the small business you work for takes advantage of the tax credits. They won't be allowed to offer abortion as part of the plan. Even if the premium is paid for without any subsidies. And what small business won't take advantage of every tax credit they can? Again, this pushes women to have to buy separate coverage. A) Assuming insurance companies will offer it and B) Assuming the employer will offer it to their employee and C) Assuming the employee can afford it and D) Assuming there will be no fear of retribution from employers and coworkers for those employees who do opt to purchase abortion coverage.

I work in a small office. I can guarantee you, we all know who has what, does what, chooses what.

It just pisses me off. Why the hell aren't we hearing about ammendments that affect coverage for men? I know, I know, pro-choice and pro-life isn't as simple as that. But it should be. I want to be able to choose on my own. To make my own decision based on my life, my beliefs. Others want only one choice. Based on their belief. Let me choose yes or no, and you choose no. I won't force someone to have an abortion, just don't force me to go through a pregnancy. (Which has a whole set of health issues & mortality fears of its own! Something like 11-13 in every 100,000 live births results in the death of the woman in the United States. And it's most likely an under-reported figure. Race also plays a factor. African American women are 3-4 times more likely than white women to die in or because of childbirth. No one talks about that, do they?)

I'm sick and tired of having my choices limited because I'm female and not wealthy. God damn it. And you know, sometimes, there are only so many things I as a female can do not to get pregnant. Abstinence is unrealistic. And frankly, in my mind, for 100% of your life it's not healthy! Mentally or physically. Birth control is only 99% effective. It just pisses me off. It puts the burden, the onus, on women. I guess that's what pisses me off the most.

The only effect this ammendment is going to have is further restrict the ability of women to choose for themselves.

And I'm sure this post is going to anger people I know and further confirm the opinion that I'm a flaming liberal. I just am tired of it all.

From the Road

Well, my plans to workout each day while on the road, and to eat better have gone by the wayside. (sigh) Ate like a pig last night. Definitely should have said veggies and not potato, and desert should have been a "no". I'd already eaten cookies during the afternoon break. This morning - and lunch - were no different. Although I started well at lunch. It was a buffett, and I got a little bit of a few offerings. Then went back and had seconds on the spaghetti (yeah, tomato, can't resist!) and had a brownie wedge & small slice of german chocolate cake. (oink, oink). Will I do better at dinner? One can only hope. Maybe. [g]

The dogs are doing fine...Max is eating, which was a worry for me. Leia adores KT. (She's house & dog sitting for me). Monday night Leia wouldn't sit with me on the sofa. Instead she draped herself across KT's lap for hours. And I do mean "draped" and "hours". Most animals and little kids react this way to KT. I think it's because she is very calm, non-threatening, and just plain doesn't care if they like her or not. They know she won't be constantly kissing and hugging on them. Something Shanni doesn't get. Yet.

I feel bad for KT. She didn't get into the college she applied to. I was afraid she wouldn't, but hopeful if they did an interview her personality would work for her. They went strictly by grades. She's a 2.7, with a middle of the road score on the ACT. So. Poor kid is crushed. And her mom! It drives me crazy. I love Mom M, but am really irritated. KT should be okay, she should be in college. But her mom just didn't give her the attention she needed. I know, I know, she was a single mom working night shift so many of those years. But not during KT's high school years. She could - and should - have been helping her during that time. It makes me want to cry. But what can I do? I'm Shanni's big sister, and the deed is done.

Only thing I can do is encourage her, and hopfully help her get into the local technical college that has a 2-year program affiliated with one of our state universities. Then she could transfer.

I'm sure there's tons in the news I could comment on, but really. My head aches just thinking about reading any news stories, so I'll just not. [g] Give myself a break so to speak. I should get some work done, but think I'll go back into the seminar I'm running and listen. It's the biggest seminar we've held since I started at this job 8 years ago. One hundred and one participants. I'm pleased at the turn out. :) Now if I can just keep these kinds of numbers going through the next year. It's great two of my board members are attending this seminar, too. Makes me look good!!!!

And tomorrow I get to go to a real bookstore. Hoo-yah. How's this for motivation: no workout tonight, no bookstore tomorrow. Deal?

Backward Steps

A local State Farm agent gave away free pedometers at my gym recently as part of the 50 million pound challenge. I managed to grab the last one, and used it for a couple of days. Until the novelty of it wore off and the itchiness of it attached to my waist band broke through.


But it got me to thinking. About how many steps forward I’ve taken over the last 3 years or so regarding health and weight loss and living a healthier lifestyle. And how in the last 7 months I’ve taken as many steps backwards.

I’m putting back on the weight, feeling sluggish, and eating poorly. It’s a vicious cycle. And while rock climbing is back on again, it’s hard to get us there every Tuesday and Thursday. Especially with being sick, my parents in town and doing home renovations, and what not.

I have GOT TO get my motivation back and start working out again. At the gym, and at home. Especially at home. Thanks to a good friend, I have an advance look at a new workout. Watched it, looks great. But even that I'm having a hard time getting motivated for!

Return of the Dark Ages?

I am flabbergasted by the news I’ve been hearing about the change in recommendations for mammograms and breast self-exams. And especially the reasoning behind it.

I’ve been reading the articles, listening to the reports, and I’m still going "What in the hell are they thinking?" The quotes that bother me the most are the ones that talk about saving women from the “endless stress” and “false positives”. Are they kidding? Really? Reading between the lines I’m hearing/seeing these two words: CUT COSTS.

Maybe it’s because a good friend of mine has a daughter in her 40’s who was diagnosed in the last two months with breast cancer – all because of her regularly scheduled mammogram. And it is advanced and fast-growing, spreading…she’s had 4 surgeries already. She does not have any of the risk factors. No history of breast cancer in the family. Yet they would have waited until she was 50.

She’d be dead. She still might be dead before then. But at least now she has a chance.

I don’t know. The reasoning seems weird to me. Especially at a time when curbing costs is so prevalent in the news.

And not encouraging women to do breast self-exams? WTF? Why not? So there’s no clear cut data either way. Yet they say unequivocally "don't do it." Does it harm to do the exam? To become familiar with the look and feel of your breasts? Logically to me I would think you would pick up on changes much more quickly. Especially now that they aren’t going to recommend the mammograms any more until women are in their 50’s.

But oh yeah. We have to save those helpless women from the stress of false positives. And those biopsies showing they don’t have cancer. Turns out they weren’t needed, so let’s not do anything that might trigger doing them.

Who cares if it does help some women stay alive? Oh, wait. That’s negligible. Have to screen another 300 women in their 40’s to save one life. Gee, I hope that one life isn’t my sister. My friend. Me.

Trying to Be Cheerful

What's that old saying? It never rains but it pours? Well, KT got in a car wreck last night on the way home from work. She's okay; very shaken but unhurt. And very, very lucky. No other vehicle involved. She says she saw something out of the corner of her eye, swerved to avoid it, then overcorrected and rolled the car. She was on cruise control at the time, so I think she didn't brake. She was driving north, the car ended up on the hood facing south. Scary. Thank goodness she was wearing her seatbelt as there were NO air bags in the car.

But her car is totaled. And they only had liability on it. (For Pete's Sake!! On a teen driver? Her dad was not thinking when he got her coverage!) At least no one was hurt, she's okay, and she has a job & few other expenses. So she might be able to get a car and make payments.

So. Focusing on the positive: I've been reading some interesting books. The first I saw in the bookstore, and got from the library after quite a wait:

The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe (hardback, 2009 release)

It was actually pretty good, for a first novel. It's set in modern day with flasbacks to the Salem Witch Trials time period. There were times the heavy wording got to me (very scholarly in parts, but then, the main characters were grad students working on theses, so...) and some aspects of the plot were too lightly/quickly developed for me while others were overdone, but overall a decent read. I do wish there had been more of the book spent on the flashbacks/historical chapters. But that's me. I like that time period. Anyway. I'll keep an eye out for future books by Katherine Howe.

Enemy Women by Paulette Jiles

I just got this at the library on Saturday after seeing it at Costco. (A good source; I browse Costco's book section, enter interesting titles into the notepad feature of my phone, and get them from the library.)

So far it's good. The story is set in the Missourri Ozarks during the Civil War. Admittedly an area of Civil War history I haven't read about. Warning: There are NO quotation marks used to indicate speech. Which is difficult for this grammar freak to deal with. So each time I pick up the book it takes me a bit to get past that and let the story take center stage. But I'm still pausing every little bit going "Wait, did she/he say that or think that?" [Almost makes me giggle, because I have a tendency to wonder that about myself. One of my little idiosyncracies from being single and having a pet!!!] But the book is interesting so far. And I am able to get past the no-quotations thing. I'll post more when I finish the book.

Define: Luxating Patella

Sitrep for Last Week:  60 mins treadmil x 2, 30 minutes weights (arms), 50 mins weights (arms & legs).

After the good news I get to keep Max, and a really great weekend that included a "Girls Day Out" along with a trip to the gym, yesterday sure was a rude awakening.

Took Max to the vet for his initial exam. Weighing in at 6.8 pounds & at least 2 years old, here's the summary:

Diagnosis: Loose and infected tooth. (No wonder I have to coax him to eat.)
Remedy: Tooth gets extracted on Thursday.

Diagnosis: Luxating Patella, Grade III (Basically means dislocated knee cap. Both rear legs.)
Remedy: Surgery.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luxating_patella
http://petsurgery.com/medialpatellarluxation.html
http://www.cpvh.com/Articles/78.html

So. Along with tooth extraction this week, they are going to do x-rays of both knees to see how bad it is and the vet can decide which type of surgery is necessary.

Max doesn't seem to be in pain, and moves around. But this could be why he's not as playful as you'd expect a 2 year old dog to be. Today at lunch Max jumped up on the sofa into my lap. I checked his knees and actually felt one pop back into place. Gross. Poor thing. Except for a flinch around the eyes, which I'd've missed if I hadn't been looking so closely, he didn't let on a bit. He's probably had this for quite awhile.

I've been gong to this vet for about 8 years now, so I don't think he's scamming me for money. Especially since Leia does that funky hop-skip with her back right leg when she's on the grass. But only on the grass. Vet says her knees check out fine; her feet are very soft so it could just be the grass tickles/pricks her feet. Makes sense as to why she only does that on the grass. And she runs like the wind, so...

I'm really bummed. I don't want to take him back to the shelter, because you know no one else will adopt him with this issue. But I'm so bummed because I thought I'd done with medical issues, and was going to get him insurance, just like Leia. But they require the initial exam, and it's now a pre-existing condition. Which basically means that even after surgery, anything that goes wrong with his legs, period, won't be covered. And while surgery very much decreases chances of arthritis and torn ligaments (both of which he'd almost certainly get without surgery), they are still a possibility. Sigh.
 
So I've had custody of the dog just over a month, been official owner for a week, and already have a vet bill nearing one grand. Good thing I got that bonus last week. And a very small payraise. Ain't life grand? [g]

Max is Mine!

Whoo-hoo. Just got the call from the shelter and Max is all cleared for adoption. What a relief. I was getting a bit worried about how attached he is to me and to Leia. Now just need to get him neutered and up to date on his shots and we'll be all set. Yippee!! :)

Upgrades

Well, it was a whirlwind two weeks with Mom & Dad. But the upstairs is finished, the bathroom looks a million times better, and the master bedroom has the needed new trim. Oh, and the garage is cleaner than when I moved in. No wonder I'm beat. [g]

They left Friday. It's always sad to see family leave, and the dogs miss them a lot. Max hardly ate Friday and Saturday! Yikes! He was finicky anyway, but this was almost reverting to the first few days I had him. Leia is a little pig. She'll eat hers and Max' if I don't watch her. [rolling eyes]

Saturday was a run-around-town day. I ended up upgrading my cell phone. With a $50 rebate and a $50 new-every-two credit, it was free. Gotta love that. But I did spring for a new case and a media card. Couldn't bear to lose the pics of Scully I had on my "old" phone. I ended up with the Samsung Alias 2. Which is the new version of the phone I have. What can I say. I really like the dual flip feature, and the QWERTY keyboard.

The Alias 2 is about a half inch longer and a quarter inch thicker, which is a bummer. I really liked the slim lines of the original. However, this negative aspect is offset by the dynamic keys. The layout of the keys switch depending on which way you open the phone, and what function you are using. There's now a power on/off button on the outside edge, and an additional button on the outside edge to go into Voice Activated Dialing. Sweet. Much better than having to feel for the key on the keypad itself. There's also a key to quickly switch to vibrate mode. Love that.

I'm sure the dynamic keys is going to kill the battery life. But the coolness factor outweighs that. For now. Although I am irked that they changed the connector type so I had to buy a new car charger. Seriously. If I'm upgrading the same phone to a newer model, could they at least keep the charger connectors the same? Is that really so hard to do????

Setting up shortcuts and programming the directional keys is still a nice feature. However, I don't like the fact that I can't set a shortcut or direction key to pull up the Tip calculator, like the previous phone. Deepest I can go is to "Tools". Bummer. But all in all those couple extra selections to get to it are a minor inconvenience.

I just wish I could keep my donwloaded ring tones, and the Crossword puzzle game I purchased and downloaded. I'm still trying to figure out how to get those. Verizon store was no help. Kept saying, well, they're copyrighted, etc, that's why. Kiss my @$$. I paid for 'em. I should be able to move them off one phone and onto another, as long as I'm still the user/owner of the phone. Geez. I'll do some research online and see what I can do.