Monday, April 07, 2014
Drive-By Blogging
I ran out of room on the 60" circular needle, so I have declared the 2014 Hexagon Scrapghan to be finished. Point to point, it is 72" across and odds and ends of all sorts of animal fibers.
It's a wonderfully snuggly blankie. (See comments at the end.)
And a special request from the Baby Grands (Tiny Prince Original, Tiny Prince Two/Too, and Purple Warrior Princess): Basic slippers, ala Minions!
These will go in the mail tomorrow or the next day (see below).
BELOW: I have been nursing what was thought to be Give It Time and It will Go Away Sciatica which Did Not Go Away.
Last Tuesday, I was scheduled for back surgery (simple, outpatient, an hour, tops) that turned into an overnight stay in the hospital on multiple monitors with dual (dueling) IVs and postponement due to heart issues (serious, non-life threatening).
Postponed surgery is now scheduled for tomorrow (time TBA) and I will probably be stuck overnight again for "observation.
The prognosis for my back and legs is good. I have been told that the relief (pain) will be almost immediate and that the strength will return to my legs, probably the right before the left.
I am not inclined to request prayers (that just isn't who I am), but if you could keep a good though for me, I would appreciate it.
On a happy note, I have crossed two off my Bucket List: ride in an ambulance and inject drugs. I will no longer need to contemplate again doing either! But I really had hoped to sit in the front and work the siren.
Labels: children's things, current events, life, minor rants, scrapghans
Friday, January 03, 2014
Cold Turkey
No, not talking about leftovers.
Two days ago, I decided that Farmville was sucking way too much of my time.
So I quit.
I am not even twitching.
Two days ago, I decided that Farmville was sucking way too much of my time.
So I quit.
I am not even twitching.
Labels: minor rants, silliness
Sunday, October 25, 2009
In Which I Ponder Annoyance
I've been thinking about the comments that I got to my post yesterday about telemarketing calls, and frankly, I don't think I am wrong.
While I appreciate what Jeanne said, and fully understand that telemarketers are just trying to support themselves, when you take a job that by its very nature annoys the customer (me on the other end on the line), you should expect them to be annoyed!
For the record, I was not rude to the sweet, determined young thing on the other end. I informed her that we are on the DNC list. In my mind, the only appropriate response to that comment is "I'm sorry, I'll make a note of that," or something along those lines. Arguing that "I'm allowed" is not only princess-like (and not the Disney variety) but annoying.
So. Don't. Call. Me!
While I appreciate what Jeanne said, and fully understand that telemarketers are just trying to support themselves, when you take a job that by its very nature annoys the customer (me on the other end on the line), you should expect them to be annoyed!
For the record, I was not rude to the sweet, determined young thing on the other end. I informed her that we are on the DNC list. In my mind, the only appropriate response to that comment is "I'm sorry, I'll make a note of that," or something along those lines. Arguing that "I'm allowed" is not only princess-like (and not the Disney variety) but annoying.
So. Don't. Call. Me!
Labels: minor rants
Saturday, October 24, 2009
If You Want My Support
Yesterday afternoon, shortly after I got home, the phone rang (knocking me off-line, but I digress) for the Other Half.
He wasn't home, so I asked politely (yes, I can!), "May I ask who's calling?"
Seems it was some sweet and earnest young thing from Mumble Mumble, etc. When she said she would call back, I asked her not to and said that we are on the National Do Not Call list and that we don't wish to be solicited by phone.
That was when she informed me that "political calls are exempt from that law." Well, yes, they are (though I don't think they should be).
And so, I told her that an organization hoping for support (monetary or otherwise) should respect the wishes of the people it's soliciting. How in the holy hell can they expect to win over people who don't want their day disturbed by phone calls by calling them?
So there!
I don't respond to phone solicitations. Ever!
And on a knitterly note:
I am ready to start the sleeves of the Other Half's Christmas Wallaby. Yes, I started it in March (I think). What's the problem?
It will be done by Christmas!
It's been my Waiting Knitting for the past week and I've made some nice progress. I'm past the point of fusing the pouch.
Time to start the sleeves.
I have a couple of other projects on the needles as well, including a scrap blankie (or laprobe, as the case might be) and Hey, Teach (for me).
The weather is supposed to be pissy (technical term) all weekend, and there's a football game on this afternoon. I should make some headway on the projects that are started and might even start a new one!
He wasn't home, so I asked politely (yes, I can!), "May I ask who's calling?"
Seems it was some sweet and earnest young thing from Mumble Mumble, etc. When she said she would call back, I asked her not to and said that we are on the National Do Not Call list and that we don't wish to be solicited by phone.
That was when she informed me that "political calls are exempt from that law." Well, yes, they are (though I don't think they should be).
And so, I told her that an organization hoping for support (monetary or otherwise) should respect the wishes of the people it's soliciting. How in the holy hell can they expect to win over people who don't want their day disturbed by phone calls by calling them?
So there!
I don't respond to phone solicitations. Ever!
And on a knitterly note:
I am ready to start the sleeves of the Other Half's Christmas Wallaby. Yes, I started it in March (I think). What's the problem?
It will be done by Christmas!
It's been my Waiting Knitting for the past week and I've made some nice progress. I'm past the point of fusing the pouch.
Time to start the sleeves.
I have a couple of other projects on the needles as well, including a scrap blankie (or laprobe, as the case might be) and Hey, Teach (for me).
The weather is supposed to be pissy (technical term) all weekend, and there's a football game on this afternoon. I should make some headway on the projects that are started and might even start a new one!
Labels: big people clothes, minor rants
Friday, October 16, 2009
Explanation of Benefits
Let me just start by saying that I will look at EOB (the form the insurance company sends to say what they were billed by your doctor and what they paid, and also, what you might still owe) to see if/what we owe after insurance does its thing.
Usually, it's just a tiny bit (the co-pay) that is still owed.
But I look, to make sure, and sometimes, I am intrigued by what was billed vs. what was paid (and that my provider accepts as full-payment and "will not bill" me for the balance). It's a percentage (usually around 50). Is that what I would be expected to pay if I didn't have great (through the Other Half's employer) insurance? Holy cannoli!
For the first three weeks of radiation treatment, the bill was over $21,000! And there are 4 weeks left to be billed.
Who can afford to get sick?
You know where this is going, don't you?
Others are debating it far more competently than I can, so I won't, but good grief! I will just say that, though some of us ::coff::me::coff:: consider basic health care a right, not everyone does.
Did I mention that the bill is only for 3 weeks of just radiation? No surgery, no doctor visits, no mammograms, no biopsy, no MRI, no CT, no second surgery, no placement or removal of catheter (nor the cost of the device). Did I mention that it's just for the first 3 weeks?
Holy crap!
Coming tomorrow: knitting content, perhaps.
Usually, it's just a tiny bit (the co-pay) that is still owed.
But I look, to make sure, and sometimes, I am intrigued by what was billed vs. what was paid (and that my provider accepts as full-payment and "will not bill" me for the balance). It's a percentage (usually around 50). Is that what I would be expected to pay if I didn't have great (through the Other Half's employer) insurance? Holy cannoli!
For the first three weeks of radiation treatment, the bill was over $21,000! And there are 4 weeks left to be billed.
Who can afford to get sick?
You know where this is going, don't you?
Others are debating it far more competently than I can, so I won't, but good grief! I will just say that, though some of us ::coff::me::coff:: consider basic health care a right, not everyone does.
Did I mention that the bill is only for 3 weeks of just radiation? No surgery, no doctor visits, no mammograms, no biopsy, no MRI, no CT, no second surgery, no placement or removal of catheter (nor the cost of the device). Did I mention that it's just for the first 3 weeks?
Holy crap!
Coming tomorrow: knitting content, perhaps.
Labels: current events, minor rants
Friday, October 02, 2009
Shopping At Mom's
Once again, Younger Son is in need of a gift. I have nothing suitable in stock. Rather, I have nothing in stock that he can have. We call this "planned for a meal" (i.e. recipient already in mind thankyouverymuch). The recipients-to-be are two women. Not teenagers, and not "old" (which we know means My Age).
So I whipped up what All The Cool Kids are wearing.
Wristers!
First pair (and the second) are Phyllis Wharton's Scallopers' Wristers from Favorite Mittens by Robin Hansen. Great book for Mittnz knittn! I had to modify (different weight yarn) and I added ribbing at the top.
Remember the Laprobe That We All Knew Was Really A Baby Blankie and the Rambling Rows Jacket? The little person I made them for arrived at 5:40 AM. He's cute! (not unexpected). I have a picture, but I don't have permission to share, so you'll have to take my word for it.
Today was Day 15. I still feel like crap and have No Voice At All. None. I croak. And I had to croak twice at Rotary at lunch today.
I am looking forward to Two Days Off.
Oh, and while we were catching up on Netflix tonight, there was a rousing THUNK from the laundry room. The dryer managed to shake loose a HUGE jug of All Free and Clear (the size you get at Costco or BJ's or Sam's). Cursing mightily while cleaning most of it up, I offended The Other Half (who really didn't exactly do anything) by yelling at him. You know, if I had
Labels: baby things, big people clothes, current events, FOs, minor rants
Friday, July 03, 2009
Up To the Minute
Fair entry report. Okay, one isn't exactly a fair entry, but if I finish it in time, it will replace another FO that I have set to enter.
(I haven't done this in a while, but here goes.)
At the left, Hey Teach (from Knitty) in purple ("plum," actually) Moda Dea Silk 'n Wool Blend from the Dollar Tree. It's also available at Smiley's, but not in this color.
The beginning of a Red Scarf in Cervinia Genova (100%acrylic, but soft and nice, sport weight) also from Smiley's.
And the beginning of a Christmas gift/fair entry which I may or may not show in progress. This one is a combination of several similar ones, that I mushed around in my conscious mind and then cast on and had at it. If it's successful, there might be a pattern!
Can I be a little blunt? I hope you followed the Red Scarf link, because Norma tells it like it is. If you do any charity knittng, and especially if you make a Red Scarf, or you knit, sew, or crochet for The Ships Project, it's really important to keep the recipient(s) in mind. They are not "charity cases." They are, in fact, young men and women who are doing a job (yes, both the students and the troops) that is very important to their future and ours. They deserve the best.
It is, after all, All About Them!
(I haven't done this in a while, but here goes.)
At the left, Hey Teach (from Knitty) in purple ("plum," actually) Moda Dea Silk 'n Wool Blend from the Dollar Tree. It's also available at Smiley's, but not in this color.
The beginning of a Red Scarf in Cervinia Genova (100%acrylic, but soft and nice, sport weight) also from Smiley's.
And the beginning of a Christmas gift/fair entry which I may or may not show in progress. This one is a combination of several similar ones, that I mushed around in my conscious mind and then cast on and had at it. If it's successful, there might be a pattern!
Can I be a little blunt? I hope you followed the Red Scarf link, because Norma tells it like it is. If you do any charity knittng, and especially if you make a Red Scarf, or you knit, sew, or crochet for The Ships Project, it's really important to keep the recipient(s) in mind. They are not "charity cases." They are, in fact, young men and women who are doing a job (yes, both the students and the troops) that is very important to their future and ours. They deserve the best.
It is, after all, All About Them!
Labels: charity, fair entries, minor rants, WIPs
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