I've been debating on opening this can of worms. There has been rife debate within my birth family regarding churches, denominations, history, communion and what not. To put it mildly, nearly everyone has come to a different place one way or another. I am not here to speak on them, rather about myself in this regard. I have not officially been part of a church family pretty much since college, so over ten years now. My mother calls it "believing without belonging". (Hi Mom!).
Since my children have been born, DH and I have been actively seeking to find a church home, for their sakes. We both agree that we want them to grow up educated and exposed to a Christian influence. Thus have I begun my career as an official church hopper. I started out attending a few Sundays at the First Presb. downtown. Then I attended with the invite of a friend First Alliance for a bit. Then I dipped my toe into the Unitarian Universalist church down the street. And I also couldn't pass up the charming Quaker church down the way either. I have also made stops at Quest and Southland. and Needless to say, I'm a bit all over the board. Each one has something very true and real about it, but at the same time each and every one has something that makes me go "AUUUUGH!!!". I am beginning to wonder if there exists a church in which I can be comfortable and not just put up with it for the sake of the kids.
Let me take a moment to clarify. I firmly believe that there is nothing wrong with my faith. I believe in the divinity of Christ, the crucifixion, resurrection and eventual return of Jesus.
There. Now that that is cleared up, I'd like to point out a few things that have bothered me. Everywhere I have gone I have directly or indirectly heard someone say something derogatory about another denomination. I shall avoid specifics, but some have even spoken these comments directly to me, not knowing anything about my history or inclination. This alone puts me on the defensive. How can a person feel welcomed as a visitor when negative things are being said about "those other guys"? Isn't that the whole point of church, to reflect the teachings of Christ through our words and actions to everyone? It seems like there is a very muddy perception of who is part of the Church and who isn't. A persons spiritual journey is a private personal thing which should only be shared at the discretion of that person, and should not be judged by another because of preconceived notions.
I guess it's confusing to me for a person to say "This is what's right, your way is wrong," It would seem that for something so integral as a persons spiritual journey perhaps one should say "This is what's right for me. I'd be happy to talk about it with you if you are interested," Otherwise, hush. And outside of my own baggage, the idea that it is acceptable to openly mock those of another denomenation during a church gathering is truly bizzarre.
And the weird thing is it keeps happening. Everywhere I have gone this has happened. I am a little aghast when it occurs and I'm not quite sure how to respond when it does.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Open letter to the rude lady at the Co-op.
To the owners of Good Foods Co-op and Café,
Today I met a friend for lunch at the Good Foods Co-op Café. She brought her young daughter and I had my 3 year old and 1 year old children with me as well. We enjoyed our lunch, bemoaning about how difficult it was to try to do anything in public with our small children. When we got up to leave things turned hectic. My friend had to run with her daughter to the restroom to avoid a mishap, and I had to wrestle my little boy into the stroller while my daughter had escaped and was running out the side door to the café. My priority at that point was to get the kids into the stroller and out the door to prevent a further scene. As we headed out, my friend and I met back up to say good bye and go our separate ways. A lady approached us and in a very confrontational tone she told us that we had forgotten to bus our table, which was policy. My friend pointed out that we had our hands full and asked if she worked there. The lady stated that she did not but that she was an owner. She had no knowledge of our owner status. At this point a manager approached us asking if there was a problem and attempted to diffuse the situation. She apologized for the woman’s actions. Oddly, the woman quickly disappeared.
It is unfortunate that this incident occurred. Whenever I go in public with my children I am constantly reminded that our mere presence is a hindrance to others. Children are usually loud, sometimes hard to handle and most of the time require a lot of attention. Yes, we did leave the table as it was, and for that I did apologize to the manager. But I was faced with the choice of letting everyone around us be witness to a set of tantrums from both my children, one of whom had just run out the door and towards the parking lot. My choices were this: Do I let my three year old run into traffic while I take the time to clean the table? Do I leave my screaming one year old unattended while I take the garbage to the trash can some ways away? Should my friend have let her potty training daughter wet herself while she tended to cleaning the table? These were the choices we were faced with and we chose to gather up our children and head out the door.
It is a shame that we live in a society where young parents are unable to enjoy a lunch outing without feeling the scrutiny of others. Parenting is hard, harder than most jobs and most of the time thankless to many degrees. This woman who confronted us did so as an owner of the co-op. This makes me sad, not only for the reasons stated above but also because I believe in the co-op and have been a faithful patron for some time. My husband and I strive to teach our children sustainability and a connectedness with the world. Good Foods has been a business which we can respect and patronize often, but any business is comprised of its people and can only be as strong as is given with the quality of its people.
If this woman stands alone in shaming us for our decision to tend to our children’s needs rather than cleaning off a table then the other owners of the co-op need to be aware of her actions. I also feel it is important to point out that having a Master’s degree in Marketing has not only made me a much more conscientious consumer, but has taught me that the most powerful form of advertising is word of mouth. Plus, a negative experience with a business is talked about ten times more often then a positive experience. The owners need to keep each other accountable in regards to how customers are treated at this place of business.
Thank you for taking the time to address this concern. I may or may not return as a customer, but I will certainly be quite vocal regarding this incident.
Sincerely,
Rebecca G. Westerman
Today I met a friend for lunch at the Good Foods Co-op Café. She brought her young daughter and I had my 3 year old and 1 year old children with me as well. We enjoyed our lunch, bemoaning about how difficult it was to try to do anything in public with our small children. When we got up to leave things turned hectic. My friend had to run with her daughter to the restroom to avoid a mishap, and I had to wrestle my little boy into the stroller while my daughter had escaped and was running out the side door to the café. My priority at that point was to get the kids into the stroller and out the door to prevent a further scene. As we headed out, my friend and I met back up to say good bye and go our separate ways. A lady approached us and in a very confrontational tone she told us that we had forgotten to bus our table, which was policy. My friend pointed out that we had our hands full and asked if she worked there. The lady stated that she did not but that she was an owner. She had no knowledge of our owner status. At this point a manager approached us asking if there was a problem and attempted to diffuse the situation. She apologized for the woman’s actions. Oddly, the woman quickly disappeared.
It is unfortunate that this incident occurred. Whenever I go in public with my children I am constantly reminded that our mere presence is a hindrance to others. Children are usually loud, sometimes hard to handle and most of the time require a lot of attention. Yes, we did leave the table as it was, and for that I did apologize to the manager. But I was faced with the choice of letting everyone around us be witness to a set of tantrums from both my children, one of whom had just run out the door and towards the parking lot. My choices were this: Do I let my three year old run into traffic while I take the time to clean the table? Do I leave my screaming one year old unattended while I take the garbage to the trash can some ways away? Should my friend have let her potty training daughter wet herself while she tended to cleaning the table? These were the choices we were faced with and we chose to gather up our children and head out the door.
It is a shame that we live in a society where young parents are unable to enjoy a lunch outing without feeling the scrutiny of others. Parenting is hard, harder than most jobs and most of the time thankless to many degrees. This woman who confronted us did so as an owner of the co-op. This makes me sad, not only for the reasons stated above but also because I believe in the co-op and have been a faithful patron for some time. My husband and I strive to teach our children sustainability and a connectedness with the world. Good Foods has been a business which we can respect and patronize often, but any business is comprised of its people and can only be as strong as is given with the quality of its people.
If this woman stands alone in shaming us for our decision to tend to our children’s needs rather than cleaning off a table then the other owners of the co-op need to be aware of her actions. I also feel it is important to point out that having a Master’s degree in Marketing has not only made me a much more conscientious consumer, but has taught me that the most powerful form of advertising is word of mouth. Plus, a negative experience with a business is talked about ten times more often then a positive experience. The owners need to keep each other accountable in regards to how customers are treated at this place of business.
Thank you for taking the time to address this concern. I may or may not return as a customer, but I will certainly be quite vocal regarding this incident.
Sincerely,
Rebecca G. Westerman
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Natural beauty.
Excellent essay on the state of things here. I have always wondered about this myself.
I've got them!!
I now have all four books in the Twilight Saga, so once I'm done with my school I can start analyzing the text. Yippee!!
Monday, March 22, 2010
This IS America!
I have made no secret that I am in favor of Universal Healthcare. I have no fear that the country is going to slide into Socialism, or that Obama is going to take away our guns or anything like that. What I do know is that we VOTED these people into office. This is a democracy. We the people... VOTED for our congressmen, and our senators, and our President. He ran his campaign speaking healthcare reform and he was VOTED into office by a huge margin. And the congressmen who VOTED on this bill are the same people that we lowly citizens VOTED into office. And the same congressmen who represent us, we the people... So if the country is indeed headed to Helena, Handbasket then... guess what! We VOTED for us to go there.... We the people, the majority, the democratic majority.
And this member of the majority is quite frankly, thrilled that the bill went through. I can rest a little easier knowing that my daughter will not be denied coverage for her preexisting condition. Now the insurance companies will have to find some other reason to try and deny her coverage. A good deal of the opposition is saying that our taxes are going to go up.
Again with the money.... WHO CARES ABOUT MONEY!!! I guess I can say that since I don't really have any. But ultimately is it right for me to look at my daughter and say "The country you live in does not think your life is worth saving because it would cost too much," To me that is what is being said. Who cares if someone is dying or suffering, as long as our taxes aren't too high. The cheeseburger brigade can gather their torches and pitchforks and rally all they want, because it seems wildly obvious that the majority VOTE has chosen this path for the country. I know my VOTE did. So let's strap up the caravan, do another potty run before we hit the road, polish off our sign reading "Helena, Handbasket or Bust" and let's go. Because at long last, some of us might remain healthy enough to get there.
And this member of the majority is quite frankly, thrilled that the bill went through. I can rest a little easier knowing that my daughter will not be denied coverage for her preexisting condition. Now the insurance companies will have to find some other reason to try and deny her coverage. A good deal of the opposition is saying that our taxes are going to go up.
Again with the money.... WHO CARES ABOUT MONEY!!! I guess I can say that since I don't really have any. But ultimately is it right for me to look at my daughter and say "The country you live in does not think your life is worth saving because it would cost too much," To me that is what is being said. Who cares if someone is dying or suffering, as long as our taxes aren't too high. The cheeseburger brigade can gather their torches and pitchforks and rally all they want, because it seems wildly obvious that the majority VOTE has chosen this path for the country. I know my VOTE did. So let's strap up the caravan, do another potty run before we hit the road, polish off our sign reading "Helena, Handbasket or Bust" and let's go. Because at long last, some of us might remain healthy enough to get there.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Crock Pot, Part II
So it turned out okay, I suppose. It made for a good hearty dinner. Truthfully, it was a little bland, which is easy to remedy. Next time I'll add a bay leaf or two, some sea salt and black pepper. That might do the trick. Of course with our teensy weensy family we have LOADS of leftovers which is never bad. As it was cooked in the crock pot, the meat turned out really super tender and the potatoes were exactly right. G gobbled everything up, but M turned her nose up at the pork. She thought she was holding out for ice cream, but at our house the rule is "If you don't eat your meat, you can't have any pudding. How can you have any pudding if you don't eat your meat." So she did not get any ice cream, and we now can have lots of pork sandwiches.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
What's in the Crock Pot?
About 8 Fingerling potatoes
About 4 Boiler Onions, peeled
1 Shallot, peeled and cut into chunks
1 Pork Tenderloin cut
1 Peeled whole apple
A sprinkling of Mrs. Dash, grill flavor
Arrange the ingredients in order, with the meat on top. Sort of nestle the apple in the middle with the meat wrapped around it. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
I don't know how it's going to turn out, because its cooking right now. I'll post an update.
About 4 Boiler Onions, peeled
1 Shallot, peeled and cut into chunks
1 Pork Tenderloin cut
1 Peeled whole apple
A sprinkling of Mrs. Dash, grill flavor
Arrange the ingredients in order, with the meat on top. Sort of nestle the apple in the middle with the meat wrapped around it. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
I don't know how it's going to turn out, because its cooking right now. I'll post an update.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
The Coffee Party
Last Saturday I attended the first meeting of the local chapter of the Coffee Party. I signed the mailing list paper, so technically I am a newly minted member of the Coffee Party. So what does this mean to me? It means I want to find other Americans who are in my situation, who have been directly affected by the current Healthcare situation and economy. When we went around and introduced ourselves, everyone there seemed very involved. As in watching the news, following the webpages and headlines, collecting soundbites from Glenn Beck, Hannity and Limbaugh, passing them around and rolling eyes. Sure there was definitely an undercurrent of dissatisfaction at our current situation, but as far as I could tell I was the only one there representing a true and tangeable product of the system. I do not disparage any one for where they are, but I do wonder where are the others like me. Where are the people who have been wronged by the healthcare system? Where are the folks who can't find work because they are over qualified or under degreed? Where are they?
Another question that came to mind while I was there and which was raised by others present, is this: Since when is it considered subversive to engage in civil discussion? Why can't we ask questions and expect those questions to be answered in a civil and logical manner, rather than an emotional free for all that usually accompanies certain buzz words. Words like Universalized Healthcare, for example. What's the big deal? Why is it such a gasp-inducer to use this phrase? But it's SOCIALISM!! some would say. To paraphrase the woman at the meeting who harkened from Poland, "Unless someone has actually lived under socialism, they have no business calling anything by that name,"
To the best of my understanding, universal healthcare means nothing more or less than a tax supported system which everyone pays into and gets to take part in. How is that different from, say, the postal system or the highway system for that matter? If I am missing something, then by all means enlighten me. Please. I am angry, yes, but I am here for the conversation. I want to know what you think.
So lets do coffee.
http://www.coffeepartyusa.com/
Another question that came to mind while I was there and which was raised by others present, is this: Since when is it considered subversive to engage in civil discussion? Why can't we ask questions and expect those questions to be answered in a civil and logical manner, rather than an emotional free for all that usually accompanies certain buzz words. Words like Universalized Healthcare, for example. What's the big deal? Why is it such a gasp-inducer to use this phrase? But it's SOCIALISM!! some would say. To paraphrase the woman at the meeting who harkened from Poland, "Unless someone has actually lived under socialism, they have no business calling anything by that name,"
To the best of my understanding, universal healthcare means nothing more or less than a tax supported system which everyone pays into and gets to take part in. How is that different from, say, the postal system or the highway system for that matter? If I am missing something, then by all means enlighten me. Please. I am angry, yes, but I am here for the conversation. I want to know what you think.
So lets do coffee.
http://www.coffeepartyusa.com/
Friday, March 12, 2010
On Being Poor
There is a difference, I have always believed, between struggling paycheck to paycheck, and being poor. Truly poor; worried about meals poor, Le Miz poor. Luckily, (or Blessedly depending on your mindset) I have never been in this category. Oh, we are skating perilously close to the edge these days but we still have a place to live, and thanks to the American taxpayers we still have food to eat. Once we were technically homeless for about a day, after an accepted job offer turned sour and we were road tripping back from New York City to Lexington, KY, without a thought of what we were going to do once we got back. The sunsets in Pennsylvania are truly breathtaking, and we discovered a cute little town called Fairmont, West Virginia where we bought a tire and ate breakfast. Imagine that wierd town that Ewan McGregor visited in "Big Fish" except with shoes and more teenagers working at the Seveneleven.
In my twenties, my peers and I would compare prices of outfits and relish in whoever had found the better deal.
"Cute top!"
"Thanks, Goodwill for five bucks."
"No way, that's awesome!"
We claimed Bohemian status and flaunted our 'artsy' abilities to develope our own personal style with nothing more than some second hand clothes and a big heap of imagination.
These days things are different. During the time that I have been in school and had children, I have made use of some of the programs for which I have become eligible. It started out with occasional visits to the local food bank and has since progressed to WIC and a generous food stamp grocery card. I personally feel very little shame at making use of these programs. They are in place for a reason, and my household has two very active reasons, ages one and three. And God-willing, this is a temporary season.
But upon entering this season, I have noticed a very distinct and markedly different manner of treatment towards me by those who have first hand knowledge of our state. I'll be standing in line at the grocery store, watching the cashier smiling and bantering with the person in front of me. Nothing major, just the weather or the price of peas, or whatever. Then I step forward, pay for the shampoo and hand lotion the normal way. They greet me with a smile and start to ring up my items. When I start to ring up the Juicy Juice apple juice, Cheerios, milk and eggs, I lean forward and say "These are going to be on WIC," And that's when it happens. The reactional shift has ranged from a glazed over, nearly hostile gaze without another word until the end of the transaction, to challenges on what items I have chosen. "You can't get this brand," one woman said of the jar of peanut butter I had chosen.
"Oh," I said "I've gotten it before. Have they changed it?" I said trying my best to sound sincere and apologetic.
"I'm not trying to make trouble," she said still sounding rather challenging, "I'm just telling you what I know,"
Turns out she was wrong. I did have the right brand. But I simpered and apologized none-the-less. For some reason I don't like being challenged, even when I'm right. But that's an issue for another blog.
Another time, after I missed an appointment for WIC (they are every six months and totally out of our routine!), I asked the lady if they ever gave reminder calls or sent out cards or anything like that. You know, like the doctor's offices do. She replied by snapping "We have over a thousand women that come through this office! Do you think we have the time for that?"
The next time I missed an appointment, I recieved a card in the mail after the fact saying "You missed your appointment. If you do not reschedule within 10 days you will be removed from the program!" So of course I wondered, if they can send me a mean note when I miss the appointment, why can't they send me a nice note to remind me of the appointment? Hm. The message seems to be that I am poor and don't deserve the edicts of social niceties. I don't deserve to be looked in the eye or spoken to with respect. When visiting the food stamp office, the case workers rush through their words, avoid eye contact and walk three or four steps ahead when walking down the hall to their office, at such a pace that forces me to nearly trot to keep up.
The last letter we received regarding our children's medical coverage had a short disclaimer that said something along the lines of "If you have any questions in this matter, contact the office within ten days of this post," Oddly enough the post date was already ten days past the day we recieved the letter.
Being poor has opened my eyes to several aspects of our society, not the least of which is that the system is BROKEN. I hear people talk about pulling oneself up by the bootstraps. Get a job, any job. When Judge Pirro is faced with a defendant claiming that no one will hire them, she reaces under he desk and thumps down a giant tome of a three ring binder with the word "JOBS" emblazoned accross the front. To which the audience applauds loudly. Surely, this ner-do-well just isn't trying hard enough.
But the truth is this. Even if one is willing to take any job, below ones abilities and education, they won't hire you. You are over qualified. One is told, we can't hire you, it would cost us too much. Work places just won't hire those with years of experience or specialized knowledge, because they would much rather wait for the next applicant who is willing to take much more for much less. The bootstraps are systematically being snipped.
So what can be done? Well, lots of things. One of which is when we see someone using a food stamp card, don't judge. If you see someone wearing an old t-shirt and five dollar sunglasses, don't judge. If you see someone filling out a WIC voucher ahead of you in line at the grocery, don't roll your eyes, sigh loudly and move your cart to a different lane. Everyone deserves a modicum of dignity regardless of their place in life, because we are human beings and we all have to live on this tiny ball of a planet together and somehow figure out how to get along.
And that's really it.
In my twenties, my peers and I would compare prices of outfits and relish in whoever had found the better deal.
"Cute top!"
"Thanks, Goodwill for five bucks."
"No way, that's awesome!"
We claimed Bohemian status and flaunted our 'artsy' abilities to develope our own personal style with nothing more than some second hand clothes and a big heap of imagination.
These days things are different. During the time that I have been in school and had children, I have made use of some of the programs for which I have become eligible. It started out with occasional visits to the local food bank and has since progressed to WIC and a generous food stamp grocery card. I personally feel very little shame at making use of these programs. They are in place for a reason, and my household has two very active reasons, ages one and three. And God-willing, this is a temporary season.
But upon entering this season, I have noticed a very distinct and markedly different manner of treatment towards me by those who have first hand knowledge of our state. I'll be standing in line at the grocery store, watching the cashier smiling and bantering with the person in front of me. Nothing major, just the weather or the price of peas, or whatever. Then I step forward, pay for the shampoo and hand lotion the normal way. They greet me with a smile and start to ring up my items. When I start to ring up the Juicy Juice apple juice, Cheerios, milk and eggs, I lean forward and say "These are going to be on WIC," And that's when it happens. The reactional shift has ranged from a glazed over, nearly hostile gaze without another word until the end of the transaction, to challenges on what items I have chosen. "You can't get this brand," one woman said of the jar of peanut butter I had chosen.
"Oh," I said "I've gotten it before. Have they changed it?" I said trying my best to sound sincere and apologetic.
"I'm not trying to make trouble," she said still sounding rather challenging, "I'm just telling you what I know,"
Turns out she was wrong. I did have the right brand. But I simpered and apologized none-the-less. For some reason I don't like being challenged, even when I'm right. But that's an issue for another blog.
Another time, after I missed an appointment for WIC (they are every six months and totally out of our routine!), I asked the lady if they ever gave reminder calls or sent out cards or anything like that. You know, like the doctor's offices do. She replied by snapping "We have over a thousand women that come through this office! Do you think we have the time for that?"
The next time I missed an appointment, I recieved a card in the mail after the fact saying "You missed your appointment. If you do not reschedule within 10 days you will be removed from the program!" So of course I wondered, if they can send me a mean note when I miss the appointment, why can't they send me a nice note to remind me of the appointment? Hm. The message seems to be that I am poor and don't deserve the edicts of social niceties. I don't deserve to be looked in the eye or spoken to with respect. When visiting the food stamp office, the case workers rush through their words, avoid eye contact and walk three or four steps ahead when walking down the hall to their office, at such a pace that forces me to nearly trot to keep up.
The last letter we received regarding our children's medical coverage had a short disclaimer that said something along the lines of "If you have any questions in this matter, contact the office within ten days of this post," Oddly enough the post date was already ten days past the day we recieved the letter.
Being poor has opened my eyes to several aspects of our society, not the least of which is that the system is BROKEN. I hear people talk about pulling oneself up by the bootstraps. Get a job, any job. When Judge Pirro is faced with a defendant claiming that no one will hire them, she reaces under he desk and thumps down a giant tome of a three ring binder with the word "JOBS" emblazoned accross the front. To which the audience applauds loudly. Surely, this ner-do-well just isn't trying hard enough.
But the truth is this. Even if one is willing to take any job, below ones abilities and education, they won't hire you. You are over qualified. One is told, we can't hire you, it would cost us too much. Work places just won't hire those with years of experience or specialized knowledge, because they would much rather wait for the next applicant who is willing to take much more for much less. The bootstraps are systematically being snipped.
So what can be done? Well, lots of things. One of which is when we see someone using a food stamp card, don't judge. If you see someone wearing an old t-shirt and five dollar sunglasses, don't judge. If you see someone filling out a WIC voucher ahead of you in line at the grocery, don't roll your eyes, sigh loudly and move your cart to a different lane. Everyone deserves a modicum of dignity regardless of their place in life, because we are human beings and we all have to live on this tiny ball of a planet together and somehow figure out how to get along.
And that's really it.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
The Tooth
Today my husband made an appointment to have a tooth extracted. He broke his tooth over two years ago, biting down on something while eating, and he has lived with an exposed nerve ever since. It happened on the last day of work.
Since then we have been waiting to find a job and subsequently coverage to have anything done about it. He has had jaw pain, headaches, and difficulty eating. Other than waiting for a job or waiting for enough money to pay out of pocket he has had no other options.
Of course the commentary is obvious.
If he had continuous care he would not have had to live with pain and discomfort for over two years. How could he have continuous care? Hm. If only there was some way that Americans could have health care that was not connected to their ability to pay, or their job status. What possible solution could we come up with that might ensure basic healthcare to all Americans? Wow. It's a pickle.
Since then we have been waiting to find a job and subsequently coverage to have anything done about it. He has had jaw pain, headaches, and difficulty eating. Other than waiting for a job or waiting for enough money to pay out of pocket he has had no other options.
Of course the commentary is obvious.
If he had continuous care he would not have had to live with pain and discomfort for over two years. How could he have continuous care? Hm. If only there was some way that Americans could have health care that was not connected to their ability to pay, or their job status. What possible solution could we come up with that might ensure basic healthcare to all Americans? Wow. It's a pickle.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Like I said.
Here is another blog that I am also working on.
http://www.uninsuredinusa.blogspot.com/
I have had a few readers ask me why I call myself the "Gothgirl" as I look very much like everyone else and I don't even wear black any more. My response as I have come to realize is this. When Gothgirl's grow up they become what I am today: A socially aware housewife with multiple degrees, a laptop and a vendetta. Trust me, you don't want to get on my bad side. Ultimately, one does not need to be a fishnet prone waif dripping in eyeliner to be a true Gothgirl. If one is Goth in one's heart, then one is Goth enough...
http://www.uninsuredinusa.blogspot.com/
I have had a few readers ask me why I call myself the "Gothgirl" as I look very much like everyone else and I don't even wear black any more. My response as I have come to realize is this. When Gothgirl's grow up they become what I am today: A socially aware housewife with multiple degrees, a laptop and a vendetta. Trust me, you don't want to get on my bad side. Ultimately, one does not need to be a fishnet prone waif dripping in eyeliner to be a true Gothgirl. If one is Goth in one's heart, then one is Goth enough...
Where to Start.
Two years ago the company that my husband worked for went out of business. Prior to that I never thought much about the 'health care debate'. I just figured we would always be in a place to afford insurance, or at the very least be healthy enough not to need it. We switched our children to the state health care available but my husband and I did not qualify.
Since then we have just been coasting, so to speak. We live day to day knowing that any illness, calamity, or accident would take us off the map. We don't have any way to comprehend the financial ramifications might since we are both in school seeking degrees and have no savings to speak of.
The healthcare issue came flying to the forefront of our lives in July of '08 when my daughter was hospitalized with complications arising from E. Coli. (not to mention, the state of our nations food supply, but I'll save that for another blog). We had taken her to our regular pediatrician when she was running a fever and boycotting food. The short version is that we told them both on the phone, in person and each of the five times we took her in, that our whole family had been exposed to recalled beef (thank you, Nebraska Beef! Folks, don't buy beef from them). Each time, they took her temperature, listened to her with a stethascope and sent us on our merry way, assuring us that it was nothing more than a stomach bug. I kept wondering why they were not givng her a blood test to at least rule out the possibility of E.Coli. Finally, we saught a second opinion and took her to the E.R.
We told the E.R. doctors the same story. The first thing they did was draw blood to check her electrolytes. Turns out her kidneys were in failure. We later found out that her pancreas and liver were also shutting down. Another 24 hours and it would have been too late.
Upon reflection we realized that several months earlier, we had taken her in with similar symptoms. That time she received enough tests to take up three pages in her medical records, including blood tests, a urinalysis and a stool test. That time it did turn out to be merely a stomach bug. What was the difference? That time we still had insurance.
When this situation occured our whole view point shifted regarding our nations medical system. I questioned why my daughter recieved substandard care. I have developed several theories.
Theory #1: The clinic would receive a higher kickback if they did not perform a blood test.
Theory #2: The coverage did not cover blood tests or needle sticks. (This theory has since been dissproven as we looked into the coverage,)
Theory #3: The clinic genuinely thought my daughter had a stomach bug.
I also wondered why we were not even offered the option of paying out of pocket for any testing that might have been needed.
What this blog is setting out to do is really as of yet undefined. My hope is to clarify our situation, and most importantly put a face on the state of our health care system. I represent one of many. In starting this project I also hope to come accross other blogs, articles and sources which further humanizes the health care crisis.
So who else is out there, America?
Since then we have just been coasting, so to speak. We live day to day knowing that any illness, calamity, or accident would take us off the map. We don't have any way to comprehend the financial ramifications might since we are both in school seeking degrees and have no savings to speak of.
The healthcare issue came flying to the forefront of our lives in July of '08 when my daughter was hospitalized with complications arising from E. Coli. (not to mention, the state of our nations food supply, but I'll save that for another blog). We had taken her to our regular pediatrician when she was running a fever and boycotting food. The short version is that we told them both on the phone, in person and each of the five times we took her in, that our whole family had been exposed to recalled beef (thank you, Nebraska Beef! Folks, don't buy beef from them). Each time, they took her temperature, listened to her with a stethascope and sent us on our merry way, assuring us that it was nothing more than a stomach bug. I kept wondering why they were not givng her a blood test to at least rule out the possibility of E.Coli. Finally, we saught a second opinion and took her to the E.R.
We told the E.R. doctors the same story. The first thing they did was draw blood to check her electrolytes. Turns out her kidneys were in failure. We later found out that her pancreas and liver were also shutting down. Another 24 hours and it would have been too late.
Upon reflection we realized that several months earlier, we had taken her in with similar symptoms. That time she received enough tests to take up three pages in her medical records, including blood tests, a urinalysis and a stool test. That time it did turn out to be merely a stomach bug. What was the difference? That time we still had insurance.
When this situation occured our whole view point shifted regarding our nations medical system. I questioned why my daughter recieved substandard care. I have developed several theories.
Theory #1: The clinic would receive a higher kickback if they did not perform a blood test.
Theory #2: The coverage did not cover blood tests or needle sticks. (This theory has since been dissproven as we looked into the coverage,)
Theory #3: The clinic genuinely thought my daughter had a stomach bug.
I also wondered why we were not even offered the option of paying out of pocket for any testing that might have been needed.
What this blog is setting out to do is really as of yet undefined. My hope is to clarify our situation, and most importantly put a face on the state of our health care system. I represent one of many. In starting this project I also hope to come accross other blogs, articles and sources which further humanizes the health care crisis.
So who else is out there, America?
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Salmon Patty Yumminess!!
One 6oz. package of wild caught Alaskan Salmon
3 Tblspoons Pastured Butter
One Shallot Finely diced (or chopped or whatever manner of cutting up you prefer)
One Garlic Clove Finely diced (see addendum for shallot)
One leftover biscuit, crumbled up
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice
Italian Spices, salt, pepper, etc. to taste.
Melt butter in a small frying pan on low heat.
Mix remaining ingredients and form into patties. Turn heat up to medium, no higher than that, and place patties in pan. Cook each side about 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
Serve with romaine lettuce leaves or whatever you want to make.
Mmmmmm!! Tasty, and a good source of Omega 3s!!
3 Tblspoons Pastured Butter
One Shallot Finely diced (or chopped or whatever manner of cutting up you prefer)
One Garlic Clove Finely diced (see addendum for shallot)
One leftover biscuit, crumbled up
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice
Italian Spices, salt, pepper, etc. to taste.
Melt butter in a small frying pan on low heat.
Mix remaining ingredients and form into patties. Turn heat up to medium, no higher than that, and place patties in pan. Cook each side about 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
Serve with romaine lettuce leaves or whatever you want to make.
Mmmmmm!! Tasty, and a good source of Omega 3s!!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Mulligan
So, once one gets distracted by silly things like NaNoWriMo and what not, one tends to loose one's momentum for blogging. I do so enjoy having such an online presence and folks have chided me for not updating regularly. Alas, I am in the final throws of grad school, flailing blindly towards eeking out my degree qualifications, so this time next month I should be well and truly qualified to, you know, market stuff. So if anyone is in need of some Marketing wisdom, I am the one to call.
How did my NaNo story pan out, you say? Well, the goal was 50,000 words in one month. I think I made it to 8,000. Which isn't bad in my opinion, because that is 8,000 MORE words than I would have done if I had not taken part in NaNoWriMo. My current goal is to round it out at some point and make it into a cute little short story. Currently, it is stagnating in a computer file folder somewhere, with the two main characters frozen in time in a broken down elevator hanging seventeen stories above the basement level of a prominent downtown hotel. I will eventually have to figure out what to do with them....
Today, I am hiding out at the library, truthfully getting some work done (aside from the fact that I am taking a blog break!). I am reveling a bit in the blissful pages-rustling-silence that is the atmosphere of the local library. When one is surrounded by squealing toddlers and grabby-sticky-hands, freedom takes on a whole new meaning.
So as for this give-away. I am leaning towards wristlets, either black and white striped. Or green and purple striped. What says the reading public? Either way, they will have sort of a Tim Burton/ Cat in the Hat look about them. Once they are done, I will post a picture, and on the honor system, draw a name from the current members on the facebook link. Sounds like fun to me!
I have five weeks left in school, and in the meantime I will henceforth try, try to post more blogs. Thank you all for your immense patience.
How did my NaNo story pan out, you say? Well, the goal was 50,000 words in one month. I think I made it to 8,000. Which isn't bad in my opinion, because that is 8,000 MORE words than I would have done if I had not taken part in NaNoWriMo. My current goal is to round it out at some point and make it into a cute little short story. Currently, it is stagnating in a computer file folder somewhere, with the two main characters frozen in time in a broken down elevator hanging seventeen stories above the basement level of a prominent downtown hotel. I will eventually have to figure out what to do with them....
Today, I am hiding out at the library, truthfully getting some work done (aside from the fact that I am taking a blog break!). I am reveling a bit in the blissful pages-rustling-silence that is the atmosphere of the local library. When one is surrounded by squealing toddlers and grabby-sticky-hands, freedom takes on a whole new meaning.
So as for this give-away. I am leaning towards wristlets, either black and white striped. Or green and purple striped. What says the reading public? Either way, they will have sort of a Tim Burton/ Cat in the Hat look about them. Once they are done, I will post a picture, and on the honor system, draw a name from the current members on the facebook link. Sounds like fun to me!
I have five weeks left in school, and in the meantime I will henceforth try, try to post more blogs. Thank you all for your immense patience.
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