Healthcare

The only reason I keep my job is b/c I need the healthcare benefits. My company pays the majority, but I still pay 397 per month for medical and 60 for dental. With dental they only pay 1000 out a year, so I am saving 240 a year IF I need dental work. But now when I need my medical the most it seems it's crappin out on me. This happened the last pregnancy. Medical had 18k worth of outstanding bills between delivery and NICU. It took me 6 months to get them to pay it. Now I am sick again and unlike last time they only cover 20 pills a month. HELLO!!! the month is 31 days long??? What the fuck do I do the other 11 days? Not to mention I am supposed to have 2 pills a day. I would say screw it and pay for it myself, but at $40 a pill..who could afford it?
So I sit and lie in bed all day and night moaning and groaning b/c I am so sick with no relief. How do insurance companies get away with medical rape? We are helpless to the machine...can't our government do anything?

And get this...if you don't have medical insurance..then hospitals will charge you double the fee they would if you HAD medical insurance..? WTF??? why different standards?

My first Kiss!

I don't know why I was thinking about this today, But for some reason I was recalling my first kiss. I wonder who's first kiss was perfect and un-awkward in every way. Let me share mine with you...

It was with Jesse, I was 14. My sister had showed me how to french kiss using the back of our hands, but I don't think it quite pre-pared me for that night. We were away at a church retreat of all places. I had been seeing Jesse off and on for a bit. One night all the kids from church got together in the boys dorm to play a good ol' game of spin the bottle. My turn, my spin lands on Jesse...and there ya have it. My first kiss was in front of a bunch of horny teenagers playing spin the bottle at a church retreat and I was so nervous I licked his face!

Anyone else want to share?

Playing hookie

I haven't been able to see much of my hubby lately and haven't played with my son because I have been so void of energy. Lately I have this yearning in my heart that seems to strike me during the middle of the day. I start to miss the men in my life so much that it brings me to tears. Yesterday, my son gave me a hug goodbye and later in the day I found the sticker I had given him had stuck to my shirt when he hugged me. I could hardly stand it! So as of right now, hubby and I have a plan.... Friday will be hookie day. I have already told my boss I am going to be sick (she got it) and hubby will be calling out Friday morning. So not only will we have some time together, but we will have a 3 day weekend as well. Although I will be competing for attention on Sunday with the television (Superbowl).

I think that playing hookie every once in a while is a nessecity. We Americans work so much of our day that we become drained and lose a ton of Family time in the process. So many other countries put the families first. Hubby thinks that the United States should enact a mandatory 2 week vacation from every employer. Hubby only gets a week out of the year. I am lucky, I acrue 3 weeks out of the year. But what are those other two weeks without my hubby? I generally save them for when my son is sick or has doc appointments or what ever else life throws at us. I think you would have a happier bunch of people if we could get back to family values and family time. It would make us feel appreciated and whole.

I think that when my kids get older that I might let them have a day from school if they really need it. As long as they commit to making up their work. My dad did it for me and I didn't abuse the system. It really was hard to skip school b/c they called your house if you weren't there. So why risk it? Just be honest... "mom / dad... I need a day"

Life is always, Work work work...busy busy busy bees...now it's time for me!

Dreaming...dreaming ... dreaming...

In connection with Nic's Post about love, I was sitting here dreaming, if only I didn't have to work and me and hubby could spend all the time in the world together and raise our children with no worries. The jackpots here go well over 205 million. Even if we saw half of that after taxes, we would be sitting pretty. What would I do with 102.5 million dollars????

1st I would have a modest house built out in the country. Then I would pay off all our debt. I would pay off our parents homes. Set up funds for our children's future and pay for my brother's college expenses. I would probably buy a small house for my step-mother and real father. I would definatly give a ton to cancer charities. I would have an art studio built for my husband. I would built a ranch on my home for misplaced animals facing death row in the local shelters. I would definately hire a maid for my modest house...(not too big of a house cuz that is a waste of space). I would buy a house in a vacation spot. I would invest a large portion of the money for our future. I would raise my children until they went to school and then either open my own restaurant or daycare. My biggest splurge...I would want a mustang (1967) and a new family vehicle, hubby would want a truck. After that ...I dunno. I have always been humble when it comes to money. I would probably set up something for my nieces and nephews.

What would you do?

Talk about some Hypersonic Beams Baby!

Hypersonic..this is for you! If those aren't some Hypersonic Beams...I don't know what is!

Just for my Canadian Sister!

cravings.....mmmm mmmmmmm

I have heard some weird cravings over the years. While in my prego classes, the instructor said that some women crave dirt???or wet clay???

I haven't been blessed with those types of cravings (thank God). With my first pregnancy I crave clemetines, watermelon, spagetti, and cherries. All of which had to be fresh. I remember bringing in half a watermelon to share with everyone at work one day. When Maryellen asked where it was...I licked my fingers and said "huh..what watermelon" tee hee hee. The weirdest craving I had though was for sour pops. Not just any kind. Only the kind you could find in the summer. They come in a box and you freeze em yourself. They are the most disgusting things I have ever eaten, but for some reason..I couldn't get enough. My hubby went to just about every grocery store in two counties and couldn't find them. Finally I got in touch with the maker and they sent me a box of 400.! I think I was held over.

Now ..in the dead of winter... I am craving watermelon. I just found the freshest watermelon and am chowing it down while my spagetti heats up in the microwave...mmm what a combo!

What were your cravings...or your wife's ..guys don't be shy!

No peace for for the God Father

Due to arguing in the family about property, money and burial grounds, James Brown has still not been buried. He died December 25, 2006. The family has been building a mausoleum for James, but it won't be done for at least another month. Right now the Godfather of Soul remains at his home in a temperature controlled room.

Ummmm....eww! When will this man be able to rest in peace?

Hold your wee for a Nintendo Wii

Woman dies after water-drinking contest

So in Sacramento California the radio station KDND 107.9 decided to hold a water drinking contest. Contestants that got shitty gifts for Christmas went on the show to see who could drink the most water without throwing up or peeing. Jennifer Strange, 28, mother of three, was one of those contestants. Dj's made all contestants sign a waiver but it is unclear if the waiver stated they could possibly die from this event. Listeners kept calling the station warning the Dj's of a condition called water intoxification and warned that the contestants could die. They didn't listen and went on with the contest. Jennifer was one of two left standing and decided to quit b/c of nausia and severe headache. She walked into the radio's studio after the contest was over and all the dj's commented how she looked pregnant, just because of how much water was in her body. And they laughed She was found dead in her home later that evening. Cause of death, water intoxification.

This story really saddens me. I hope that the Dj's and the radio station heads are held responsible for this woman's death. She has 3 small children at home with no mother now. Did they do their research before this stupid stunt. All personnel that were apart of the show were fired, but I don't think it should stop there. I am really curious to see how this one will pan out.

click here to listen to the radio show's contest featuring Jennifer

click here for a new related article

click here for the radio stations webpage. Not much of an exuse here

Housebreaking is a bitch!

Okay... this is Daisy.
Daisy just turned 1.
Daisy is cute, but evil... we call her the rat, napolean, and gremlin. She is a loveable dog that likes to curl up at your feet and nap, attack the bigger dogs at the ankles, play chase with my son, oh yeah and pee and poop anywhere she feels like it.

We have tried everything. The dog will not hold her bladder or her sphinxter. Any suggestions?

Baby Watch

So I went to the docs yesterday. I have been feeling awful icky, but I hope it will pass soon. My nights end around 8pm and begin again at 7. Baby is fine, we had another sonogram and whoa do they grow fast! They have pushed up my due date to August 24th. And have since reviewed my file from my previous birth. They have decided that I am not a canidate for natural delivery. They also informed me that 2nd time babies tend to be bigger. Tyler was 8lbs 4 oz and 22 inches long...BIGGER???? I almost shat myself but that would have been gross.
Hubby was with me, he got to see the baby for the first time. Didn't hear the heart beat yet, but saw it beating, which was neato. I haven't gained any weight since the last 5 pounds I lost, but I guess that is better than losing. All in All... everything went good. I will give ya an update in 4 weeks!

Your Perceptions

So I was on one of Jay's threads and it had prompted me to ask the question:

What are your perceptions about the United States? So many times I watch our President on TV spitting off at the mouth about whatever and listening to the decisions he has made for our country and I wonder, what does the news say in other countries? What are Canadians, English, Japanese, Italians, Mexicans, Spaniards, thinking about our country right now?

We are one of the biggest world powers and I wonder if it will stay that way. You hear so many Americans say they went to France and were treated like poo and the French snickered about them while visiting thier country. Apparently the decisions our leaders make for us, define what the world thinks about us.

Even if you are in the US, I would like to hear your thoughts.

Oh baby it's cold out there

Nic said:

Damn!!! Ellie, everytime I click over and see those S'toon berries, it makes me miss summer even more!!!

Got me thinking. What is it about summer? So many people in the summer around here say they can't wait for snow in the winter. Me...I hate snow. I tolorate it now b/c I like to see my son go outside in it. We haven't been fortunate enough to see snow yet this year, but it is a cool 30 degrees out. Nic made me flash back...summer.

When I think summer, I can't wait to take my son to the waterpark. He loves the slides. I love eating outside with my family with the porch lights on and the smell of the grill going. I love sitting my pitcher outside with some tea and fresh mint so it will brew in the sun. I do love the beach but when it's not too hot out. I love playing fetch with my pups, going to the zoo, visiting the harbor in Baltimore and going shopping. I like the frequest get togethers with family. And the nice vacation to where ever every year. This year we will look forward to baby #2.

I remember summers as a kid. We would always go to the same beach for vacation and meet up with the rest of the family. That part was nice. But dad always had a new car because he always bought used cars. I remember one year driving to the beach in the Green Monster , that is what my sister and I used to call it. I don't even know what type of truck it was, but it was a gas guzzling beast. My parents would roll all the windows down and mess our hair b/c there was nothing like natural ac (when the car didn't have any). If you looked down to the floor, you could see the road moving under your feet b/c of the holes the truck had in the floor. To top it off our parents would make sure when ever a cute boy drove by to honk the horn and point to their mortified girls in the back..... Oh those summer days!

What is it about summer you miss?

I don't know what it is...but

I CAN'T STAND BLUEBERRIES!

Blueberry pies, jellos, pops, yogurt...ick ick ick ick!

I love McDonalds yogurt parfaits but I sit here for about 5 minutes picking every last blueberry out of the damn thing. If I get one in my mouth I will puke it out!!!! I was born and raised country and from what I hear, my momma can make a mean blueberry pie, I don't care...I AIN'T EATIN' IT!

In the comments Nic says she loves Saskatoon Berries....um Nic...If it looks like a blue berry, smells like a blue berry, remotely tastes like a blue berry...ick!
Here is a Saskatoon Berry

See this is what I am talking about....

This is what Angelina had to say about her own daughter in the new Harper's Bazaar Mag...

"I think I feel so much more for Madd and Zee because they're survivors, they came through so much. Shiloh seemed so privileged from the moment she was born. I have less inclination to feel for her...I met my other kids when they were 6 months old, they came with a personality. A newborn really is this...Yes, a blob! But now she's starting to have a personality...I'm conscious that I have to make sure I don't ignore her needs, just because I think the others are more vulnerable"

But as the Defamer points out:
"To her credit, Jolie seems conscious of her bias against Shiloh and is taking the proper steps to correct any neglectful behavior; for example, when she hears her daughter's mewling over the baby monitor, she no longer storms into the nursery and scolds, "You think you're hungry? Don't you realize that your sister Zee never even saw food before I rescued her from that refugee camp and took her to a meal at the Four Seasons? Now stop crying and take a minute to think about how easy you've got it, you spoiled little thing."

She said what?

In the race for humanitarian of the year, Oprah Whinfrey has invested a shitload of moolaah into a school for young girls in South Africa. The school is to help raise future women leaders in Africa, it is privately funded and free to those selected to attend.

I have no problems with what Oprah did. I think that it is wonderful. It was what she said in an interview with the press. When Asked the stupid question, why the majority of the girls were black (with the exception of one girl). It wasn't the question that bothered me, it wasn't the fact that it was true that bothered me...I mean, duh, your in South Africa, The majority of english there are wealthy. It was Oprah's response..."I don't feel I need to appease the white people of this country". It is those types of typical responses from Oprah that makes me feel, I really don't like her.

Maybe this is the 'typical white' response, but this is how I feel. I don't understand why celebrities are constantly going out of the country to try to make a difference. Oprah gave everyone in her audience new cars once. Why could that money not have gone to an orphanage? Why could she not of opened a school here as well, she is rich enough? It's not like the children of our country choose to be poor. If you do some research, there are children in this country just as poor and living in dirt like the children in some 3rd world countries. I would just like the charities among celebrities to even out a little. I understand the need to do good in this world and if I had the money I would do the same, but maybe spend some here on the homefront as well.

sorry guys...

just gotta get this out...

So b4 I got preggers I was really scared. See I never lost the baby weight from the last time. So I became afraid I would look more fat than pregnant. Turns out only after 7 weeks, my belly is rounding out alittle, so it isn't as bad as I thought it would be...BUT

I also thought I had escaped the horrible morning sickness that haunted me the last time. I am talking violent! I would break blood vessels in my eyes and my face from throwing up so harshly, and to top it off, I would throw my back out. Turned out they had a miracle medicine that was $1200 a bottle that fortunatley my insurance covered. Slowly but surely morning sickness is creeping its ugly head up on me. I have been rendered helpless lying on my side on the couch watching my two year old tear apart my house. But thankfully, my husband has been my miracle. I hope that lasts. (not the sickness)

I got a new hair do, but unfortunately b/c of all the hormones, it does nothing except lay there limp and emphasize the dark circles under my eyes and increasingly bad complextion.

And boy o boy am I tired. I think I could sleep all day. Then I get to dream about delivery day.

So all this brings me to my point:

If women go through all this and more, example hemoriods, constipation, c-section, incisions down there, recouping, and so on and so forth.... why is it so hard for men to consent to a vasectomy? Nowadays aren't like they used to be. It's not like I can have my tubes tied while they are 'down there'. They make you do a separate operation now. Why should I have to go through that as well , when the snip snip for guys is so much easier and less painful!

thoughts

I feel like death...so sporadic posts here and there. I will be sure to check all my bloggies out though. I hope everyone had an eventful, but safe, new year holiday!