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FreeWill Gets Under My Skin
Mar. 5th, 2014 06:12 pmSagittarius Horoscope for week of March 6, 2014
For the itch you are experiencing, neither chamomile nor aloe vera will bring you relief. Nor would over-the-counter medications like calamine lotion. No, Sagittarius. Your itch isn't caused by something as tangible as a rash or hives, and can't be soothed by any obvious healing agent. It is, shall we say, more in the realm of a soul itch -- a prickly tickle that is hard to diagnose, let alone treat. I'm guessing that there may be just one effective cure: Become as still and quiet and empty as you possibly can, and then invite your Future Self to scratch it for you.
My brother is talking vacation...if his travelling bone is in need of exercize, then so is mine.
Speechless In Knoxville
Feb. 12th, 2014 02:49 pmI've had laryngitis for the last some days, and I wonder how long I will need to endure the condition.
I've even thought very seriously about the possibility of permanent speech loss and what that might do to what's left of my working life.
It's not like anybody's ever complimented me about my voice, or invited me to speak just to hear me talk. No, more often than not I'll be interrupted or cut off before I complete my trains of thought.
Why I'm Not Posting Often
Oct. 21st, 2012 11:44 pm1) Last week I went to a science-fiction convention, where I did all the volunteer work for a scale model competition that only had three entries. As a result...
2) I caught Con Crud, which has been particularly intractable this time around. Luckily, I'm not too demoralized about that because...
3) Amazon.com has just started their "win your Wishlist" contest for the season. So I've been poking all over the Internet looking for Stuff I Want(TM). Between that and my usual Research Addiction(TM), I've been fruitlessly busy. Just the same...
4) My Internet connectivity has been its usual flaky, unreliable self.
2) I caught Con Crud, which has been particularly intractable this time around. Luckily, I'm not too demoralized about that because...
3) Amazon.com has just started their "win your Wishlist" contest for the season. So I've been poking all over the Internet looking for Stuff I Want(TM). Between that and my usual Research Addiction(TM), I've been fruitlessly busy. Just the same...
4) My Internet connectivity has been its usual flaky, unreliable self.
Tags:
Sagittarius Horoscope for week of August 16, 2012
"Whatever I take, I take too much or too little; I do not take the exact amount," wrote poet Antonio Porchia. "The exact amount is no use to me." I suggest you try adopting that bad-ass attitude in the coming days, Sagittarius. Be a bit contrarian, but with humor and style. Doing so would, I think, put you in sweet alignment with the impish nature of the vibes swirling in your vicinity. If you summon just the right amount of devil-may-care jauntiness, you'll be likely to get the most out of the cosmic jokes that will unfold.
The Chill Pills have been hard to swallow of late. Maybe the problem is that there is only the one of me. That's got to be either too much or too little.
"Whatever I take, I take too much or too little; I do not take the exact amount," wrote poet Antonio Porchia. "The exact amount is no use to me." I suggest you try adopting that bad-ass attitude in the coming days, Sagittarius. Be a bit contrarian, but with humor and style. Doing so would, I think, put you in sweet alignment with the impish nature of the vibes swirling in your vicinity. If you summon just the right amount of devil-may-care jauntiness, you'll be likely to get the most out of the cosmic jokes that will unfold.
The Chill Pills have been hard to swallow of late. Maybe the problem is that there is only the one of me. That's got to be either too much or too little.
You may want to skip this entry if you have an aversion to TMI.
When my Mom had to choose a Medicare health plan, she picked Cariten because she didn't want to belong to Humana as she saw Humana being nothing but trouble. Soon after, Humana took over Cariten's business in Tennessee and it has proved to be just as troublesome as she imagined.
When she went through her terminal health emergency she was at a specialty clinic (covered by Humana) that had been prescribed by her surgeon (covered by Humana) who in turn had been referred by her Humana primary care doctor. The doctor in charge of the clinic determined that Mum's condition was so critical that either he or his staff arranged an ambulance to take her to the nearest hospital (also covered by Humana). Neither Dad, nor I, had anything to do with this choice.
Now Humana wants us to pay up for her ambulance ride, with their excuses being 1) the company operating the ambulance was "out of their network" (?!) and 2) her primary care doctor (who wasn't available!) had to approve or endorse the decision to transport her by ambulance.
No matter that Medicare should be covering this transportation, because the circumstances fit the Medicare rules and requirements on the matter.
We're looking at a bill in excess of $500, and paying it would hurt us. Dad's trying to challenge the charge, but the Humana lawyers are giving him the runaround.
Meanwhile, Humana's marketing division is still sending Mum junk mail asking her to expand her coverage to include dental care and other specialty services. What stupidity!
When my Mom had to choose a Medicare health plan, she picked Cariten because she didn't want to belong to Humana as she saw Humana being nothing but trouble. Soon after, Humana took over Cariten's business in Tennessee and it has proved to be just as troublesome as she imagined.
When she went through her terminal health emergency she was at a specialty clinic (covered by Humana) that had been prescribed by her surgeon (covered by Humana) who in turn had been referred by her Humana primary care doctor. The doctor in charge of the clinic determined that Mum's condition was so critical that either he or his staff arranged an ambulance to take her to the nearest hospital (also covered by Humana). Neither Dad, nor I, had anything to do with this choice.
Now Humana wants us to pay up for her ambulance ride, with their excuses being 1) the company operating the ambulance was "out of their network" (?!) and 2) her primary care doctor (who wasn't available!) had to approve or endorse the decision to transport her by ambulance.
No matter that Medicare should be covering this transportation, because the circumstances fit the Medicare rules and requirements on the matter.
We're looking at a bill in excess of $500, and paying it would hurt us. Dad's trying to challenge the charge, but the Humana lawyers are giving him the runaround.
Meanwhile, Humana's marketing division is still sending Mum junk mail asking her to expand her coverage to include dental care and other specialty services. What stupidity!
Sagittarius Horoscope for week of May 3, 2012
Seventeenth-century physicians sometimes advised their patients to consume tobacco as a way to alleviate a number of different maladies, from toothaches to arthritis. A few doctors continued recommending cigarettes as health aids into the 1950s. This bit of history may be useful to keep in mind, Sagittarius. You're in a phase when you're likely to have success in hunting down remedies for complaints of both a physical and psychological nature. But you should be cautious about relying on conventional wisdom, just in case some of it resembles the idea that cigarettes are good for you. And always double check to make sure that the cures aren't worse than what they are supposed to fix.
Longtime readers here know I hate tobacco. And that I also hate the mass marketing of prescription drugs. I do see modern medicine through at least a little skepticism, if not cynicism.
Seventeenth-century physicians sometimes advised their patients to consume tobacco as a way to alleviate a number of different maladies, from toothaches to arthritis. A few doctors continued recommending cigarettes as health aids into the 1950s. This bit of history may be useful to keep in mind, Sagittarius. You're in a phase when you're likely to have success in hunting down remedies for complaints of both a physical and psychological nature. But you should be cautious about relying on conventional wisdom, just in case some of it resembles the idea that cigarettes are good for you. And always double check to make sure that the cures aren't worse than what they are supposed to fix.
Longtime readers here know I hate tobacco. And that I also hate the mass marketing of prescription drugs. I do see modern medicine through at least a little skepticism, if not cynicism.
This Is NOT Going To Be Easy For Me.
Apr. 22nd, 2012 04:36 pmMom passed on today just before 1PM local time. She had taken a bad turn overnight. I was with her at the end, along with a family friend who is also a retired nurse. I don't think I'll get into details here, and if I'm out of circulation for the next few days I hope you'll understand.
Dangerously Close To TMI
Apr. 21st, 2012 09:23 pmI wonder what it would indicate about a person's situational intestinal fortitute if a person has a bowel movement--and the resulting deposits completely fill the commode bowl.
In other words, my emotions through Mom's medical situation are steadier than my actual physical condition, tho' I'm doing what I can.
Her recovery is much like the economic recovery: it could use a lot of help, and while we're seeing progress, it's nowhere near a done deal.
In other words, my emotions through Mom's medical situation are steadier than my actual physical condition, tho' I'm doing what I can.
Her recovery is much like the economic recovery: it could use a lot of help, and while we're seeing progress, it's nowhere near a done deal.
Mom Update
Apr. 20th, 2012 09:28 pmShe's better today but it's a steep and unsteady climb. She'll have to stay in the ICU at least another day, more likely two, and then a regular hospital bed at least a day after that. They need to stabilize her blood pressure and bring her platelet and white blood cell counts back up before anything else can be done for her.
I'm handling this about as well as a dull wolf like myself can.
I'm handling this about as well as a dull wolf like myself can.
My mother had a medical emergency over the last thirty-six hours; she's in a hospital ICU and will have probably had a CT scan by now. This is related to her recovery from cancer surgery two years ago and subsequent complications.
I had a long day today, I'm looking at a longer day overmorrow, and probably a long lost weekend after that.
I had a long day today, I'm looking at a longer day overmorrow, and probably a long lost weekend after that.
What I WOULD Wish On My Worst Enemy
Apr. 6th, 2012 09:11 pmAt about a quarter after three this afternoon, I was at my desk about to post a link to Facebook and got up from my chair to stretch my arms like I do practically every day.
As I did a nerve in my back near my left shoulder did something I can only compare to one of Jimmy Page's theramin notes on Led Zepplin's "Whole Lotta Love". I was in superserious pain for about five minutes, and had absolutely no idea what caused it or how it could happen.
I went up to my bed and took a nap, and followed up with a tab of ibuprofen. It's mostly gone now but I feel like it could just blindside me again any second.
FP
As I did a nerve in my back near my left shoulder did something I can only compare to one of Jimmy Page's theramin notes on Led Zepplin's "Whole Lotta Love". I was in superserious pain for about five minutes, and had absolutely no idea what caused it or how it could happen.
I went up to my bed and took a nap, and followed up with a tab of ibuprofen. It's mostly gone now but I feel like it could just blindside me again any second.
FP
FreeWill: Doctor's Orders
Mar. 7th, 2012 12:13 amSagittarius Horoscope for week of March 8, 2012
I don't think you will need literal medicine this week. Your physical vigor should be good. But I'm hoping you will seek out some spirit medicine -- healing agents that fortify the secret and subtle parts of your psyche. Where do you find spirit medicine? Well, the search itself will provide the initial dose. Here are some further ideas: Expose yourself to stirring art and music and films; have conversations with empathic friends and the spirits of dead loved ones; spend time in the presence of a natural wonder; fantasize about a thrilling adventure you will have one day; and imagine who you want to be three years from now.
I kinda need that but I think more people around me need it more than I do. Maybe it should be a group therapy session or some.
I don't think you will need literal medicine this week. Your physical vigor should be good. But I'm hoping you will seek out some spirit medicine -- healing agents that fortify the secret and subtle parts of your psyche. Where do you find spirit medicine? Well, the search itself will provide the initial dose. Here are some further ideas: Expose yourself to stirring art and music and films; have conversations with empathic friends and the spirits of dead loved ones; spend time in the presence of a natural wonder; fantasize about a thrilling adventure you will have one day; and imagine who you want to be three years from now.
I kinda need that but I think more people around me need it more than I do. Maybe it should be a group therapy session or some.
Writer's Block: Fantastic plastic
Dec. 27th, 2011 12:41 pm[Error: unknown template qotd]
I'm past the age where it would really do me any good.
I'm past the age where it would really do me any good.
Writer's Block: Bless you!
Dec. 5th, 2011 04:40 pm[Error: unknown template qotd]
I don't know, and I dread finding out. I kind of have a phobia about allergies.
I don't know, and I dread finding out. I kind of have a phobia about allergies.
Writer's Block: Hand me a tissue, please.
Nov. 10th, 2011 01:25 pm[Error: unknown template qotd]
When I saw Mom in her hospital bed after her surgery last year. Tho' I have to say there have been a great many close calls since.
When I saw Mom in her hospital bed after her surgery last year. Tho' I have to say there have been a great many close calls since.
Where Is It Written? Freewill
Oct. 12th, 2011 03:39 pmSagittarius Horoscope for week of October 13, 2011
"Most people who profess a deep love of the Bible have never actually read the book," says religious writer Rami Shapiro. If they did, they'd know that Satan is not implicated as the tempter of Adam and Eve. There's no mention of three wise men coming to see baby Jesus, nor of a whale swallowing Jonah. Homilies like "This too shall pass" and "God helps those who help themselves" never appear in the scriptures. And contrary to the Ayn Rand-style self-reliance that evangelicals think is a central theme of their holy book, the Bible's predominant message is that goodness is measured by what one does for others. I bring this up as a teaching about how not to proceed in the coming weeks, Sagittarius. You really do need to know a lot about the texts and ideas and people and situations upon which you base your life.
The Good News according to Stephen R. Bierce is that Mum Jane has been officially "discharged" from her home nursing service, one year and two months after her cancer removal surgery. Her final prescription from them: "keep doing what you're doing". So life isn't set in stone for this family. We can persevere, and endure, and move on from our troubles.
"Most people who profess a deep love of the Bible have never actually read the book," says religious writer Rami Shapiro. If they did, they'd know that Satan is not implicated as the tempter of Adam and Eve. There's no mention of three wise men coming to see baby Jesus, nor of a whale swallowing Jonah. Homilies like "This too shall pass" and "God helps those who help themselves" never appear in the scriptures. And contrary to the Ayn Rand-style self-reliance that evangelicals think is a central theme of their holy book, the Bible's predominant message is that goodness is measured by what one does for others. I bring this up as a teaching about how not to proceed in the coming weeks, Sagittarius. You really do need to know a lot about the texts and ideas and people and situations upon which you base your life.
The Good News according to Stephen R. Bierce is that Mum Jane has been officially "discharged" from her home nursing service, one year and two months after her cancer removal surgery. Her final prescription from them: "keep doing what you're doing". So life isn't set in stone for this family. We can persevere, and endure, and move on from our troubles.
