Merry Christmas to all!

Health care bill passes the Senate

For what it's worth, the Senate version of the health care reform bill passed last night with not one Republican vote [unless you count Lieberman]. Stripped of all the important portions that meant anything to me, I'm not sure I would call it a victory for anyone but the insurance companies. Without a public option or the expansion of Medicare to those 55 years old and older, I can't be happy with it in its present form and I am disappointed in President Obama's leadership to say the least.
It has to be sent back to the House for reconciliation with their version and already there are threats that if it's changed in any way, the two holdouts who decimated the Senate version will not vote for the final version.
While some are hailing this bill as historic, I merely call it eye-opening to see how low this government has sunk. It has become obvious how selfish some Senators have become, how some individuals will put party above their job and responsibility to their constituents who voted them in, how lobbyists with money can buy what they want and how powerless this democracy really is.

Lieberman = Dems selling us out

I am so disappointed in Congress, and in this Administration. I never thought these words would come but I am truly disappointed in President Obama. I had high hopes just a year ago. I thought this country was finally on the right track, that the Republicans were no longer going to run this country into the ground and what do I see? More of the same.
How can one man hold this country hostage? Why is Lieberman allowed to bully and get his way? Why is he allowed to keep his Chairmanship when he is clearly a Republican in Independent's clothing? He campaigned for McCain. He coached Palin for her debate. Can it be any clearer where his loyalties lie?
Why can't the Democrats grow a backbone? Strip him of his chairmanship if he votes for a filibuster. Hit him where it hurts. But don't cave on health care reform. That is why we voted the Dems in in. Do they honestly think they are going to keep their majority after this debacle?
And where is Obama while all of this is going on?

Health care

I have been watching the health care debates in Congress very closely. Now it seems Joe Lieberman is threatening to filibuster the entire process if his demands aren't met. I am tired of the Republicans [Joe may say he is an Independent but he acts like a Republican] doing whatever they can to obstruct what is best for the American people. Who do they think sent them there?

The Shift

If you get the chance, please give yourself a treat and see Wayne Dyer's new movie The Shift. It speaks to all of us Boomers and what many of us are probably feeling - a change in priorities, feeling a need to do more, be useful, switch gears, be finally fulfilled, have sense of purpose.
I have seen it twice so far and each time I heard something new that touched me deeply.
Through simple story-telling set against the backdrop of a documentary being made about Wayne, the films shows how our values and needs change as we enter this next phase of our life. I think it is impossible to watch this film and not feel touched by it. You will come away with a deep sense of having learned something about yourself but also a sense of finally being able to name that stirring within you.
I plan on watching it again and again. It's the perfect film for our generation.

The President and the Afghan war

I can't begin to say whether or not I think the surge is a good idea. I am not a war general or the Commander-in-Chief. All I know is I would love some peace for all of us. If this works, fine. But that region has been lost so many times it's hard to see any victory in sight. My heart goes out to the men and women who will be in harm's way and their families who will worry about them. God bless all of them and watch over them.

Happy Thanksgiving!

We all have so much to be thankful for today. Despite the many problems that we have in this country, at least we have the wherewithal to attack the problems and come up with a solution. No matter what, I am still grateful to be a citizen of this country. But more than that, I am grateful for family and friends. I truly count myself as blessed and I wish everyone a happy and blessed day!

I have GOT to stop reading the news services

Dr. Andrew Weil suggests going on a news "fast" for increasing positive energy in your life. I have been doing that but I admit I have cheated - by reading MSNBC.com and The Huffington Post. Man, the world gets me riled up sometimes. I have to learn to let it go.
Hubby and I watched a great film last night The Shift by Wayne Dyer. I highly recommend it. It is worth the time to watch it several times actually. There is so much there, it's hard to take it in all at once.
But I feel called to follow what he talks about: to take stock, to give back, to look within and see what really matters, not be driven by outside forces.

Releasing negative energy

The older I get, the less tolerant I am of the negative energy of others. Maybe intolerant is not the exact word to use. Less willing to place myself in its presence. That sounds better. :>)
Regardless, why put up with that? People are certainly free to be as negative as they want. I am just as free to remove myself from it. I find myself with less friends and fewer relatives but the ones who remain, I cherish. We are of the same mind. It's OK to bless the ones who are left behind, wish them well, and move on.

Feeling down

Must be a wrinkle in the vortex or something. People are showing their ugly side lately.

Trust

Trust - it's an elusive thing and once broken, hard to fix. Friends are hard to come by and to be treasured.

Sandwich generation

Going to visit MotherInLaw next week because she has been ill recently. Luckily, she has recovered but we still want to see her for ourselves, make sure she is OK, and spend some time with her. It also brings home the fact that as we are aging, so our our parents and it becomes more and more important to make sure they have all they need. As their children, we owe them that much. It's very hard when there is a physical distance between parent and child. In the old days, children tended to settle near where they grew up. But nowadays with jobs, careers, marriage, etc, everyone is flung far and wide. I don't have the answers. But we Boomers are in a unique position - dealing with our own aging, something we never ever imagined and helping our parents face theirs.
Remember "never trust anyone over 30"? Thirty? What's that? A number in the distant past.

We need health care reform

and we need it now.
And our elected Democrats need to work for their constituents who elected them.
If they stand with Republicans on this and obstruct they need to know there will be consequences.
If you agree, please go to this site and sign the petition telling them so.

I am sickened by some of the attitudes of people in this country

Well, we lost the bid to have the 2016 Olympics in Chicago. Oh, well, it would have been nice and the people who tried to get it for us did a good job, I thought. Be sad, move on.
Unless you're in the GOP.
Then, it's use it as a means to denigrate Pre Obama. In fact, cheer when you hear the news. Because after all, it was about him, wasn't it? It wasn't about our country, it wasn't about the potential for a financial boost to Chicago, it wasn't about national pride.
No, it was all about wanting a President to fail.
If you don't believe me, look here and then tell me this doesn't make you ill.

New outlook on life

I've been reading some very good books lately on outlook [no, not the email service :>)], and while I know I knew this already, it has confirmed for me that I need to be more conscious of my thoughts and my outlook on life.
Feel positive and you see positive. Feel negative and that's what you'll find. In fact, that's what you'll attract.
I have been trying to meditate in the mornings to start my day on the right track. Haven't always been successful at it - I find it hard to settle my mind but I'm getting better. Practice makes perfect. A little every day.
And I am accepting that it's a journey that I will probably never be perfect and that's all right. The fact that I am trying is all that's necessary.
The joy is in the effort.

Rest in peace, Mary Travers

Monday morning blahs

It's so hard to be optimistic sometimes and today is one of those times.
News is awful, as usual.
Lawmakers are bickering, as usual.
Celebrities are making idiots of themselves, as usual.
I no longer feel that I am capable of caring, let alone making a difference. Maybe the trick is not to take it to heart so much. People are going to do what they are going to do. All I can worry about is my own little sphere of influence.
So, for today, I am going to smile, pet the cats, pat the dogs, love my hubby, do a good job, write some pages, and let everything else handle itself.
World, you're on your own.

The President's Speech to Schoolchildren

Can someone explain to me what all the fuss is about?

I didn't vote for Bush and I basically considered him a person I was not proud of but I still thought he deserved respect because of the office he held. He was the PRESIDENT of our country regardless. I certainly wouldn't have objected to him speaking to my child in school.

I am really worried about the fringe element in this country that is no longer a "fringe".

I also hate to say this but I think there is an element of race. I really think there are some people who just can't stomach the fact that a black man is POTUS. I don't think I have ever seen this level of hatred and disrespect for our leader before. Frankly, it concerns me.

I also don't understand why it is allowed to go on without being called for what it is, why some of these guys are allowed to spew this hate [Beck, Limbuagh] unchecked. We have one pastor of a church here in AZ who says from the pulpit that he wants to see Pres Obama dead. And there are people parading in front of this idiot's church with signs supporting him. That's hate speech.They should be ashamed.

Health Care Reform

Why do I feel like reform and "change" that we voted for is being hijacked? I hope the President puts Congress in its place next week when he addresses them. They are acting like a bunch of unruly children. It's time for the gloves to come off. Bipartisan is a nice idea but I don't see it working.
Now is the time to give directives. We sent a message on Election Day. It's time the message was heard.
We need a public option. Without it we are at the mercy of the health insurance companies and it sends them a message that they can lobby and buy their way into the government. Enough of that! We've had it and it doesn't work.
Our congressman have no incentive to vote for change because change in health care won't affect them. They already have excellent health care. The only way to get their attention is to threaten them with the loss of their jobs. If they don't vote for health care reform with a public option, we won't vote for them come election day.

Un-birthday

Feeling a little overwhelmed today.
No, that's the wrong word. Introspective is more like it.
My un-birthday is coming up - September 1 is the day that marks the halfway mark between my last birthday and my next. After that I will be closer to being one year older. It always gives me pause, more so than even my real birthday.
In the past few months, a dear friend has died, another diagnosed with a serious illness, a loved one was hospitalized with a serious condition necessitating surgery - all of it pointing out how precious life is and how we have to seize the day; no, seize the moment.
It is pointless to assume we have tomorrow, next week, next year.
Not to be maudlin but why wait?
Time will not necessarily make it easier or more feasible.
If it's good enough for later, it's good enough for now.
Read that book, see that movie, write that best seller.
Hug that loved one, make that phone call, watch that sunrise.
Adopt that dog, make that move, go through the clutter.
A very merry un-birthday!

The Obamas visited our state - AZ

The Obamas just completed a short tour of the great wonders that we have out here in the West - Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon. I was pleased to have our state host The First Family for a couple of days. I enjoyed the videos and the pictures and the articles.
But I can best relate to the picture posted this morning on Huffington Post when the girls were greeted and welcomed home by Bo, the First Dog.
When my husband and I go on vacation, the best part is coming home to "the girls". There is nothing like a happy wagging tail to make you feel like you are the best person in the world. After all the controversy that Mr. Obama had to endure as he tried to push his health care agenda while he was here, I'm sure a slobbering kiss from Bo made him feel a little bit better.

The health care reform debacle

Not not the proposed legislation which is still in the formative stage. The debacle I reference is the shenanigans going on at the town hall meetings. The orchestrated disruption being fanned by the right wing groups who are set against the reform we desperately need.
Night after night we're subjected to scenes of crowds shouting down those who are trying to give explanations about what our government is trying to do. Instead of respectful attention and thoughtfully raised questions, they are being subjected to angry citizens who resemble the pitchfork wielding lynch mobs from the black and white movie days.
And why? Because these people are shouting they don't want the government running their health care. Really? Who do they think is running it now? If they are on Medicare or Medicaid? The government. If they are on VA benefits? The government. If they are on Tricare? The government.
And if they are on the so-called private insurance provided by their employer [that just about everyone has to contribute to now - nothing is for free], the insurance companies are running their health care. And those are the people I don't trust. I used to work for insurance companies determining how it was doled out. How it was denied.
These people need to take a step back and realize how they are being manipulated by well-paid talk show hosts who don't care what happens to them; by people in Congress who do not have a vested interest in what happens to health care because they are on a government sponsored program that provides for them very well.
This country is on the brink of a disaster and needs to wake up. If you can't be a part of the solution at least have the decency to shut up and not add to the problem.

Michael Vick and the NFL

Sounds like the title of a children's book, doesn't it? Little Michael amuses himself and his little friends by forcing dogs to fight each other and brutally treating the ones who don't live up to their expectations.
Unfortunately, this is a true story and now Vick is out of jail after "paying his debt" and wants to play football again. He has been conditionally cleared to do so as long as a team will have him and his behavior passes some vague muster. Rumor has it there is some interest among some teams.
As Dana Carvey used to say as Church Lady "Isn't that special?"
And this is the type of person the NFL expects people to pay money to watch play? Sponsors are going to pay top dollar running their commercials during games this man plays in? Our children are supposed to look up to this man as a role model?
This disgusts me.
But I guess money is more important than a good value system. I appreciate the fact that Vick has served his sentence. I believe in second chances if the person asking for the chance is sincere. I haven't seen that yet. All we have is Vick's word that he's changed. I think more time is needed. If that means his time to play passes him by, so be it. He has perpetrated a grave wrong and I don't think 18 months in jail is enough. Let him do some charitable work, some community service. Show his sincerity.
Then we can revisit his chance to play for millions of dollars. Until then, no deal.

The birther people

I posted a comment on my Facebook page yesterday referencing the Republican senators and other assorted people who are running around Washington claiming that President Obama has no right to be President because he is not a natural born citizen and apparently I struck a nerve with one of my "friends". She wrote asking me not to post anything controversial on my own page! I reminded her of my free speech option and never heard anything back.
But the problem is still there. Not the FB issue - the issue of people claiming that Pres O shouldn't be where he is because they don't believe all the verification presented nullifying their complaint of Obama's birth location.
Really?
Is this all they have to do? Shouldn't we be spending energy where it's needed? Are they so threatened by this man or maybe, more to the point, are they that overcome by the thought of a black man occupying our highest office that they have to stoop to these allegations?
Yes, I am raising the issue of race. Why else would this be an issue? And a stupid one at that? Did anyone ask for Bush's documentation? Or Clinton's? Or McCain's? McCain wasn't even born in this country but his parents are citizens so that makes him one. Obama was born in Hawaii. Last time I looked that was a state of our union.
Come on, people, get over it. Move on. Pick another battle.
Like health care.
Oh, wait, there are Republicans trying to block that, too.
You know, when Bush was elected, Democrats cried foul but then moved on to the business of trying to run this country. Republicans don't seem to have that much class. They would rather complain themselves into oblivion. That would be okay with me if they weren't trying to drag the country along with them.
Complain in a corner all you want. Just stop trying to grind this country to a halt while you do your silly bickering.

Health care reform

I don't claim to know all there is to know about the ever-emerging problem. But I can attest to the fact that we need something done and soon.
People are complaining about the risk of rising taxes. But where is the money supposed to come from? If the healthcare system collapses, won't we all suffer? And wouldn't it be better to pay a little more in taxes if we will wind up with a program that offers healthcare to all in a more affordable option rather than running the risk of bankruptcy if a catastrophic illness strikes?
For too long we have coasted along allowing insurance companies and pharmaceutical firms to run the healthcare industry. It's about time we took it back.
And we as a nation need to take more responsibility for our actions. We have to be aggressive in our health wellness, not demanding to be taken care of when we fall victim to ilnesses we ourselves have contributed to. Yes, I mean obesity and diabetes, for starters. Smoking for another. We can't have it both ways. We can't demand better care and then sit on our [ever-widening] asses and not do something to help ourselves.
We need to wake up before it's too late.

Wise Italiana woman

So, today we head back into another day of hearings in the appointment of Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court.
How many more times are the white Republican men going to badger her about her "wise Latina" remark?
Do they not hear themselves? How threatened they must truly be by a - gasp!- woman and a -double gasp!! - non-white woman.
The good ole boy bunch is being turned on its collective ear and they aren't even aware of how ridiculous they sound, they are so hell bent on preserving their position. I am almost embarrassed for them.
But this wise Italian woman is very happy to see Ms. Sotomayor's responses to them. She is patient, she is deferential. She is making them look even worse by her total command of herself. While they sputter and climb all over each other attempting to show their superiority and preserve their gonads, she is showing the world what a wise woman can do in the face of adversity.
And that is exactly what we need on the bench.

Can we please move on?

I am so sick and tired of hearing and reading about speculation regarding Palin's decision to abdicate her elected position of the governorship of Alaska. Who cares? She probably did them a favor. We aren't going to know the real reason by wondering anyway. If there is something brewing, we'll find out soon enough. If she plans on throwing her hat in the ring for President in 2012 we'll be able to laugh about that when the time comes. In the meantime, we need to learn a lesson from this and then move on.
The lesson? It's a waste of time for us to go on and on about a woman who has brought the term word salad to an art form. Nothing is to be gained from it.
Our country has important issues to tackle and speculating about the soon-to-be ex-governor of Alaska who has not contributed very much to the political scene is a big waste of time.

Happy 4th of July!

Happy Independence Day!
Despite the shortcomings and the weirdness that is our brand of politics sometimes, this is still the greatest country in the world [I think] and I am so happy to be privileged to live here.

I'm baffled

Michael Jackson died a few days ago. It's tragic. It's sad. It's unfortunate. It's all those things and maybe more. But does it warrant coverage and speculation on so many TV channels 24/7? Is this what we are reduced to - making a reality show out of someone's death? He was singer, an entertainer. Yes, he broke some barriers and left a legacy but he wasn't President of the United States or the Pope. He was a troubled man who was into some weird things and made a lot of money for himself and those around him.
It's time to attend to things that are worthy of this kind of attention.
Like maybe the running of this country. Maybe if people were as interested in the inner workings of our country - or the world, for that matter - our planet wouldn't be in the shape it's in.
We have global warming, world hunger, countries in turmoil - and CNN et al are running non-stop coverage of the death of a singer. And one who hasn't even produced anything but litigation for the most part in recent years.
Don't get me wrong. I enjoyed Michael Jackson as much as anyone. His music was in the background to my early adult years.
But it's time to put things in perspective. And move on.

To Michael

Rest in peace

Why we need healthcare reform

Do you know your health care coverage can be rescinded and your bills go unpaid even after a procedure or treatment has been approved by your insurance company? Think this can't happen? Think again.
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-rescind17-2009jun17,0,3508020,full.story
In a government meeting recently to discuss health care insurance practices and possible solutions, all three insurance companies represented refused to agree that they would not rescind care previously approved for any reason other than fraud. In fact, it was discovered that employees were rewarded when they rescinded the care of policy holders.
If this isn't an outrage, I don't know what is.

It happens again

A GOP staffer working in the office of TN State Senator Black sent out a racist picture via email depicting President Obama as a spook http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/06/16/tennessee-gop-staffer-ema_n_216085.html. I just sent an email to the Senator condemning this action and calling for the firing of the woman who did this. The staffer's "apology"? She sent the picture to the "wrong address". TN must be so proud.
Below is my email:
Dear Senator Black,
I read today that Sherri Goforth, your executive assistant sent around a racist photo thinking she was making a joke.
Her only "apology" was that she hit the wrong button; she didn't mean to send it to everyone.
Are you kidding me? The fact that she considered it okay to send at all speaks volumes.
Your office needs to make a statement about this condemning this action and firing this woman for committing this despicable act.
Our President deserves respect. Yes, we are free in this country to express our viewpoint but not from a public office. If she harbors those kinds of feelings she needs to keep them to herself - as well as grow up and join the 21st century.
I think I will write about this in my blog today so others will know as well. Yesterday I commented on the Republican from SC who made a comment about Mrs. Obama. Your office now joins the ranks of one harboring clueless individuals as well.
joy
Email the Senator with your own thoughts at: sen.diane.black@capitol.tn.gov
This is not okay. I am sick over this.

Just when I thought I had heard it all

Rusty DePass, a SC Republican activist and former chairman of the state elections commission recently made a comment that an escaped gorilla was an "ancestor" of Michelle Obama. Don't believe me? Check here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/06/14/rusty-depass-south-caroli_n_215439.html. He later "apologized" by saying he didn't mean to offend anyone, his remark was in jest. JEST? Are you kidding me?
When did this become acceptable for supposedly respected officials to talk this way about fellow human beings? Worse yet, the wife of our elected leader? I don't recall this kind of trash talking when Bush was in power. Is President Obama and his family fair game because he's black? Am I implying the dreaded racist word? Yes.
President Barack Obama is black. His family is black. So what? Get over it. Don't like it. Leave.
It is not all right to speak about the man who is our PRESIDENT [or his family] like that.
More and more, I am hearing rhetoric that tells me that President Obama is not respected as our past presidents have been and this greatly disturbs me. I thought when President Obama was elected it meant a huge turning point for this country.
I guess I was wrong. Republicans seem to take every opportunity to talk badly about the Administration http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/republican-step-up-the-anti-obama-speak-2009-06-14.html. They rally around talk show hosts and former elected officials and show time and again that they have nothing to offer but negativity. Our only hope is to show all of them the door.

Human rights - a vanishing breed?

I was so saddened to learn this morning that the two journalists were sentenced to 12 years' hard labor in North Korea.
I am holding on to the belief that they will still be released and NK is using this to their advantage right now.
But the fact remains that they were sentenced and have been held all this time.
It boggles the mind that this still goes on in this day and age when simple human kindness seems to be non-existent.
Our country is reporting all the sadness and outrage at this event. I sympathize. But then I think of Gitmo and all the stories that are coming out of there. And some past leaders trying to justify the use of torture. Are we any better? How can we criticize unless we clean up our own backyard?

Health for Boomers over 60

60 is now the new 50.
But we Boomers have to continue to work at this. Now that the words Social Security and Medicare have crept into our vocabulary, we can no longer deny the inevitable. Despite our philosophy of refusing to age, the reality is we are. But it doesn't have to be an end. Instead, like everything else we have touched as we have gone from birth to now, we will change the face of aging forever. Healthy diet, exercise, and a good attitude toward life are all we need. We can do this.

Judge Sotomayor

Pres. Obama chose federal appeals Judge Sonia Sotomayor as his choice to replace Justice Souter when he retires this fall. Already, the Repubs are mounting their attack.
When does the partisanship end and the plan for taking care of this country begin?

President Obama and ASU

I watched President Obama give the commencement address to the graduating class of 2009 last night. Was that the greatest speech ever? The ideas were wonderful, but probably not something that hasn't been uttered before to a graduating class.
No, what was great was that he addressed head on the thought that was on every one's mind [that ASU had refused to honor him with an honorary degree] and made it into the theme of his speech, turning it into the most positive, most eloquent, and most gracious speech I have heard in a long time. The crux of it was that we are never "finished', that we must always strive to do more, to be better individuals, and to leave a lasting legacy.
I felt proud, inspired, and happy to be able to call this man our leader.

Arlen Specter - new clothes, same old tired ideas

I have to admit I was at first heartened to hear of Arlen Specter's defection from the Republican party and his new affiliation as a Democrat. Then I watched him vote. What I interpreted is that he changed parties solely to win the Senate seat in PA when it comes up for re-election. He claimed to be more in line with the Democrat's agenda but so far I'm not seeing it.
To vote against the changes in the bankruptcy law was a big give away to me. He is just a Republican in Democrat clothing and I think it's time he retired. We already have one Joe Lieberman. We don't need another.

Bea Arthur

I was so saddened to learn of Bea Arthur's passing yesterday. This was an actress at the cutting edge. Her Maude and Dorothy characters did so much for television and her generations - and mine. Boomers all over the world owe her a debt of gratitude as they march into their "golden" years.
Rest in peace.

The Notre Dame fuss

Last I heard, Bishop John D’Arcy was still refusing to attend Notre Dame's commencement because President Obama was speaking at their commencement. How childish!
He is offended because President Obama doesn't hold his same value system in all areas and if that is the case, he will not be attending the graduation of a prestigious university in his diocese. Is this what Christians do? Do they say that unless you believe as I do I can have nothing to do with you? Is that what Christ did? Didn't Christ sit down with tax collectors and prostitutes? Even - gasp! - Roman centurions? Who are we to act differently? Is this how one proposes to bring others into the fold by sticking our fingers in our ears or threatening to take all our marbles and going home when no one wants to play by only our rules?
I don't think so. This is our President. I think any school is lucky to have him speak at their commencement. People stood in line in the cold for hours on Inauguration day and Notre Dame attendees get to sit comfortably in good weather to hear one of the greatest men of our time.
And apparently, this bishop is not alone in his thinking. I don't understand the logic of anyone who condemns a peaceful man like President Obama but thinks a man who kills under false assumptions and allows torture is OK because he professes to be a conservative.

ASU still clueless

Apparently, now, in an attempt to show good will, ASU has announced it will name [or was it rename] a scholarship in President Obama's name to show honor instead of awarding him their honorary degree when he speaks at their commencement in May.
Sorry, ASU. That won't cut it. You still look like idiots, as far as I'm concerned. Now you have compounded it. You just don't get it, do you? Not only are you insulting our President, you are also insulting all of us. This is the President of the United States. He is everyone's president, Democrat and Republican. By refusing to correct your mistake in the only way acceptable [giving him the damn degree, already], you are insulting the whole country. Our President isn't good enough for you?
ASU will forever be known as the university that couldn't. Questions will always arise as to what motivated this huge gaffe. Was it racial? Was it political? Was it just plain stupidity from a second rate school?
I'm sure there were people before this error who had never heard of ASU and that was OK. Now ASU [and by association, Arizona] will always be known to one and all as the school who dissed the 44th President of the United States. Don't you know this will be on national news all over again when he speaks there on that day? Nice going.

ASU refused to give President Obama an honorary degree

President Obama will be speaking at commencement for Arizona State University next month. Usually when people speak at these occasions, they are honored with an honorary degree from the school. Not this time. ASU has refused to do so.
What the hell were they thinking? Or maybe they weren't. It's all over the news feeds. I am so embarrassed by this. Their reasoning was that he hadn't accumulated a big enough body of work yet to deserve that honor.
Really? Being president of the United states of America wasn't good enough for them? How many people do they actually know who have done that? Is there something else he should have included in his resume?
Like maybe being a best-selling author? Because he did that.
Being a Senator? He did that.
Graduate from Harvard with a law degree? He did that.
Be the first African–American editor of the Harvard Law Review. Oh, wait, he did that.
Be the first African -American to become President? Seems to me he did that, too.
What did he leave out?
I'd like to know. Maybe he should refuse the great honor of speaking at a school known mostly for partying so he can stay at home and see if maybe he can add to his paltry list of accomplishments so that the great ASU will deign to honor him with their honorary degree.
I'm glad I never attended ASU. I would be tempted to send my degree back.

Nursing shortage cools

Looks like the recession is hitting the nursing market as well, especially for new grads. Hospitals in their wisdom are treating health care like just any other business and cutting wherever they can.
I'm sorry, I know they have to be profitable but a hospital, or any place that takes care of patients, is NOT like any other business. We are not moving cars along an assembly line. These are people. The wrong paint color on a car doesn't really matter in the scheme of things. The wrong medication or a delay in treatment can be life-threatening. There is a big difference. We need people who know medicine in charge of the big decisions. People who aren't trying to please those higher up or who aren't grovelling in an effort to keep their own job. People who have the gumption to put a stop to pinching pennies when it endangers lives.
President Obama said he likes and admires nurses. When he overhauls the healthcare system, I hope he looks at how the money is being spent there just as he is doing in other areas. Being efficient won't matter if patients suffer because of it.

President Obama's European trip

I just watched some video of President and Mrs. Obama leaving for the European summit. I certainly can't claim to know all there is to know about his agenda for the next few days although I know it's weighty and important and I wish him well.
That wasn't what struck me as I watched them board Air Force One. No, what caught my attention was the obvious love these two people showed toward each other just in their body language. It's so nice to see them interact and know they are representing us to the world.
Everything about them is classy.
I feel confident and proud as they go forth. I haven't felt this way in - oh, about eight years.

More thoughts on our health care mis-treatment

The more I discuss the [lack of] treatment my family member received recently, the more I am being told to follow through with my complaints. It seems we were not the only people to experience the same non-caring callous treatment from this particular group. Even our family doctor informed us he had heard similar complaints. It is time we as consumers no longer accept the status quo as being all there is and adopt a "what can we do about it?" attitude. I myself might have fallen into that group before but no more. This could have had tragic consequences. Years ago, I might have thought twice about complaining and demanding attention. But being older has it's advantages. I remember in the midst of my tirade thinking I no longer cared what others thought of me. Gone was the polite little girl who wouldn't have said "Boo".
If we all voice our complaints to the proper people and in a non-emotional way, our voices will be heard. Doctors and hospital personnel are not gods. They do not know it all. In fact, sometimes they don't know at all. I've been there. I've seen it with my own eyes. First as a nurse and now as a family member. Take it from me, there is no reason not to question when you don't understand or when you think you are being given the wrong information.
In our case, we were flat out lied to. More than once. Don't be afraid to question and be persistent when you feel you are not getting the care you deserve. You could be avoiding something far worse.

Still traumatized

I am still reeling from my recent health care [or lack thereof] experience. The more we looked into it, the more obvious it became that disaster was probably just hours away. I am angry and frustrated. Things like that should not be happening in this country. Despite our current problems, this is still an advanced country with some of the best minds and facilities. There is no excuse for poor care under these circumstances.

Patient Advocate

This past week has been a bit traumatic. Without going into all the details, suffice it to say that I had to raise hell to get care for a family member at a local hospital when it should have been something that automatically happened.
I shudder to think what would have happened if I hadn't persisted in taking my cause up the chain of command until I got someone to pay attention and see that the proper care was delivered in a timely manner. Yes, I know I'm being vague but I am protecting the patient. Believe me, anyway, when I tell you the situation was dire and it was only by making a royal pain out of myself that a potential disaster was avoided.
It was something I should not have had to do. Is health care that bad? This particular hospital is a good one but the problems I saw was a doctor who overbooked procedures either from a lack of staff/facilities or greed, and staff [nursing, administration] who did not advocate for the patient, who thought that by merely acknowledging a problem, writing up a report, documenting in notes, that their job was done.
NO!
They have an obligation to take the problem up the ladder until a satisfactory solution is reached. In our particular case, a medical device needed to be inserted in a timely manner. But the patient was put off for days. The patient was admitted on Sunday afternoon and we were told on Tuesday morning that it was scheduled for Wednesday despite the patient's deteriorating condition. Instead of the procedure [which took all of an hour], medication was being given [which caused other side effects] and the emergency cart was placed outside the patient's door in case it was needed.
Unacceptable to me! And believe me when I tell you they heard about it.
We were lucky. The procedure was done on Tuesday morning and the patient is doing well.
But I have to wonder how many other patients are compromised on a daily basis by hospitals and doctors and staff across this country who do less than what is best for their patients. And families accept their behavior because they don't know any better and they mistakenly believe their family member is getting the best care available.
I think the time has come to take the system to task.
What Jon Stewart is doing to financial advisors, we need to do to healthcare.

Overhauling our healthcare system

Today in Washington, President Obama will hear the voices of doctors, patients, business owners, and insurers [why aren't nurses mentioned? Don't they have a say in this too?] in order to formulate a plan to revamp our health care delivery system. Reportedly, our country spends $2.4 trillion a year on health care. Yet, I understand that an estimated 48 million [that's million] Americans still don't have basic coverage. The goal is for coverage for everyone in some form.
A lofty goal, indeed, but one whose time has come.

Today is my birthday

I am a year older and I would like to think a year wiser but that might be pushing it. Suffice it to say, I am aware of my limitations - maybe.
Today is more of a New Year to me than New Year's Day. As I look back and look forward, I can't help but notice the things I still want to accomplish, the milestones I still want to reach, the opportunities missed but still reachable. I am blessed to have many friends I love and who love me as well as precious family. I haven't yet put my first million in the bank but I don't measure success with dollar signs [not that I would refuse them]. There truly are some things more important than money and unable to be valued in that context. Life is good and that is all that really matters.

Thank you, President Obama

Like many Americans last night, I tuned in to President Obama's address to both houses of Congress. I had high hopes for that speech and I wasn't disappointed.
As I expected it would be, the speech was filled with hope and promise, encouragement and comfort, but also a call to our better selves. The President not only laid out a plan for him and our leaders but called to each American to do their part. When was the last time you heard your President ask parents to pay attention to their children? It's been a long time coming.
I was also interested, as a nurse and as a consumer, to hear what plans he had for the health care industry. I think his plans are good [streamlining health records by taking them into the digital age, curing cancer, etc].
Addressing education will also help healthcare because some of our problem lies not with a lack of health care students but with a lack of health care teachers.
Targeting the high cost of health care will also be a big boon to the economy because that is something that is going to get worse fast if we are not proactive. The Boomers are going to need lots of care very soon and it's not free. Whether it's private insurance, Medicare, or out of pocket, someone is going to have to pay for it.
All in all, the President nailed it with his Address.
As for the Republicans, what can I say? Same old, same old. They really need to buy a clue.

The Aging Boomers and Health Trends

Health care has been in the news a lot lately. President Obama had made it one of the rallying cries during his campaign and we are poised, it seems, to tackle that issue very soon now that the stimulus bill has passed. Tomorrow, he will address both houses of Congress and I will bet you that health care will be high on the list of the things he talks about.
Why is health care such a hot potato? Because it is a large part of the nation's budget and it's a large part of every household budget. And it promises to get bigger. Not only are we faced with dealing with people who currently have no insurance because of the job market, but the health demographics of this nation are about to change in ways we have never seen before.
Like it or not [and they don't], the Baby Boomers are aging. They are approaching retirement and that phase of life when health costs increase. Couple that with a system that no longer works and we have a problem that definitely needs to be addressed.
President Obama wants to computerize medical records in an effort to drive down costs and make health information more useable, decrease errors, and improve care.
That's a good start but I think we need to do more. Life expectancy is going to go up. The looming nursing shortage has to be tackled - now, before we're in trouble, not after. We need to encourage doctors to specialize in the field of geriatrics [The Gerontological Society of America (2008, April 25). Baby Boomer Health Care Crisis ]. But the need goes beyond that - nursing assistants, social workers, nursing homes, assisted living centers, agencies that offer oversight for meals and care - all of this needs to be revamped as the largest generation ever seen marches slowly into older life. It might seem to be an overwhelming problem but not if we start now.

Bob Madigan

I got an e-mail last night that has sent me spinning.
A friend of mine back in PA has died. Bob Madigan was a very nice man, kind, soft-spoken. He had some cardiac problems and underwent bypass surgery last Friday. He was conversing with his love just fifteen minutes before he died. He just went to sleep and didn't wake up. He wasn't that old, probably only a few years older than I am. They are thinking he had a blood clot that went to his lungs.
I hadn't seen him in a few years but we corresponded off and on via e-mail.
I just can't wrap my mind around the fact that he's gone.
Life is so precious. Hug those you love today.
Rest in peace, dear Bob.

Welcome to The Age of Aquarius!

According to some configurations, The Age of Aquarius dawned this morning at 0725. http://www.greatdreams.com/aquarius.htm
The Moon is in the seventh house and Jupiter and Mars have aligned as predicted in the song by the Fifth Dimension years ago.
When the Moon is in the seventh house
and Jupiter aligns with Mars.
Then love will rule the planets
and peace will steer the stars

Let's hope the wish for peace and love will be as true.
Happy Valentine's Day!

The GA peanut factory responsible for the salmonella outbreak knowlingly shipped bad product

Apparently problems with this plant are not new.
My question is where was the oversight? Why was this plant allowed to continue operation?
What liability will there be now? What punishment will there be for the deaths they caused?
And how will this be prevented from happening again? Not only at that facility but in all the other facilities who process and prepare our food?
When you can't trust the food you eat, what can be done?

Doctor shortage in Japan caused a death

A man in Japan was injured in an accident and died while waiting for paramedics tried to find a hospital that would accept him. Their reason for refusal? They did not have the doctor staff to take care of him.
Could that happen elsewhere?
Could there conceivably be other reasons for refusal in days to come?
Is this an unusual case or a portend of things to come?
I don't know. I certainly don't have the answers to that but it definitely concerns me.
Our generation is aging. More health concerns and problems are going to crop up. More hospital days are going to be needed.
Who is going to be there to deliver the care?
I think a far more vexing problem, at least for this country, is not so much a doctor shortage as a nursing shortage. And the nursing shortage is not so much a function of a lack of people wanting to become nurses but a lack of people to teach them.
Nursing programs are feeling a crunch for lack of teachers. Lack of teachers translates into low student enrollment. Low student enrollment translates into a nursing shortage.
Do you see the problem here?

Evaluating Nursing Homes

Finding a nursing home for a loved one or [gasp!] for ourselves, should that day ever arrive, is a daunting task.
How do you rate them? How do youknow what to believe, what constitutes a "good" place froma "bad" one or even a so-so one.
Now there is a handy guide to help you. Medicare has a page chock full of information, including a rating system that allows you to look up any nursing home and see how they stacked up based on a 5 star system. You can search by many different methods.
There are also many valuable articles located here to assit you in this matter.
Arriving at the decision to place someone in a nursing home is an emotional experience, full of many conflicting thoughts. While it's probably never going to be an easy decision, it's nice to know there is information out there that will help you to make the decision. While it will still not probably be easier, at least you will be more confident of your decision.

Getting older is not for the faint of heart

I recently had a minor health issue that warranted a trip to the family doctor.
Turned out to be something, while not major, required some medication, some blood work, a trip to a specialist, and some follow up to be done next week.
Seemed like a lot to me just for one simple complaint/symptom.
And the exam I got [kudos to the doc, by the way] was quite thorough. She looked at all aspects of potential diagnoses and probably some that might have been obscure.
Why?
Because I am at "that age".
That age when things may start to break down.
That age when words like vascular problems, and stroke and cardiac disease get thrown around. Not for my situation, thank goodness, but I was painfully aware that had I been a few [OK, many] years younger, some of those thoughts wouldn't have entered her head.
It's not the doctor's fault.
But it was sobering to me to come face to face with the reality that we don't live forever.
Woodstock seems so far away.

Kiva.org

Many years ago, I read Gail Sheehy's Passages , a book that profoundly affected me. I was in the beginning stages of the groups she covered in her book and I wondered if life would evolve for me as it had for the people she studied. So far, she is right 100%. I have now thankfully evolved from a self-centered young person into [I hope] a more centered, more accepting, more involved, more peaceful older person.
It actually gives me plessure to reach out.
If you find yourself in the same place, I urge you to check out Kiva. I first heard of Kiva when I read Bill Clinton's book Giving. Kiva is an organization that lends money to entrepreneurs - with micro loans- all over the world. That's what's so unique about it. You and I can make a difference in someone's life by just loaning something as little as $25. It's a great example how a bunch of little acts can do great things.

God Bless President Obama

I spent all day yesterday glued to the television. I haven't been this interested in an inauguration since President Clinton and even then not to this magnitude. I am so proud of our country, so proud of all of us. I know I am joined by so many fellow Americans as I look to the future with hope once again. But I too feel called to serve in some way. This President has inspired me in a way I have never felt before. Maybe it's because he makes us feel involved and that he will truly listen. I no longer feel used and abused, lied to and kept in the dark. It's as if all the windows in our country have been opened and fresh air is streaming in once again.
God bless President Obama and God bless all of us.

Some marketing advice from a Boomer

Do NOT call me a Senior.
Let me rephrase that - DO NOT CALL ME A SENIOR!
I know I am a Baby Boomer. I know I am at the forefront of the Baby Boomers in terms of age. I get that and I am trying to deal with that in my own way [denial is helping a lot].
I get that marketing groups see my generation and they get dollar signs where their pupils used to be. Here we are 73 million strong marching forward to that final finishing line and we all need hormone pills, and antacids, and larger print, and scooter chairs, and lower cholesterol, and heart pills, and on and on.
But if you are going to get my attention, don't do it by addressing me as a Senior. I will put my fingers in my ears, sing "La La La, I can't hear you!" and move on.
Case in point - I got a robo call today. First clue, caller ID said "Name Unavailable". I shouldn't have picked up but curiosity got me and I did and said "Hello". There was a moment's hesitation [a sure sign it was a recording] and then the dreaded words "Hello, Senior".
Click.
I didn't hear any more and I don't care to.
Ever.
If you didn't get the memo - we Baby Boomers are not our parents. We are the same as we were in the 60's, with only slight changes, barely noticeable. If you want to sell to us, show us how it will make our lives better and more fun, how it will let us keep doing what we are still thinking we are capable of doing but don't imply it's because we can't. Tricky? Maybe. But that's your job to figure out. You're the marketing gurus.
And so far you are way off mark.

I heard the most heartwarming story last night

I accidentally caught the last few minutes of CBS News last night [remember I am on a news fast]. But I'm so glad I did.
There is a little drummer marching band out of Liberty Corner NJ that will be performing in the Inaugural Parade next week. Their story is worth reading. They are probably the most unlikely group to be in the parade but their story will warm your heart as you go about your day. It's truly a testament to the adage that if you believe, it will happen.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/01/14/eveningnews/main4722300.shtml

Hope and Peace

My husband and I have been on a news fast for over a year. Of course, with the recent election we did fall off the wagon a bit. I admit I was the greatest offender. There were days I just couldn't get enough about the campaign. But for the most part, we refused to watch the evening news. What little news I got was from reading on the web and there I could pick and choose what I exposed myself to. Sometimes, all I read was the headline just to make sure I didn't need to head down to some undisclosed location because all mayhem had broken out.
I can't tell you what a difference it has made in our life. We are one of those couples who have opted to have a TV in the bedroom even though it's frowned upon. We enjoy watching TV in there and even have a DVD player. But we watch movies from Spiritual Cinema Circle not blood and gore R-rated movies.
Our life is now one of hope and peace rather than the fear-mongering that the MSM likes to offer up. Who decided gloom and doom was the way to get ratings?
I propose that we all try to look on the bright side of things and as a country refrain from the constant hand-wringing. It won't accomplsh anything. The more energy we give to the negative, the more negative we will get.
We have a new President taking office in less than two weeks. The bad days are behind us. We have nothing but good in front of us. Let's remember the slogan that got him into the White House in the first place "Yes, we can!".
I will be glued to my TV on January 20, 2009. It's a great day for all of us. 2009 is going to be a great year.

Happy New Year!

Welcome to 2009.
Amen and halleluia!
Even though as I get older, time seems to be speeding up and I don't usually like to wish things away, I am, for the most part, glad to see 2008 go.
It was a tough year for many of us, made worse by the fact that many of the bad things that happened were not of our making, unless you consider the fact that when we as a nation should have spoken up, we didn't.
But the past is past.
It's a new year and a new President. When it mattered, we did speak up and, to paraphrase, "Yes we did!" [that's not original, I saw it on a bumper sticker and I congratulate whoever came up with it].
Now, we need to roll up our collective sleeves and get to work behind our new President and fix this country, get it back on the right track. January 20 can't come soon enough.
But in the meantime, let's celebrate the hope that is in all our hearts. Let's confront those who would destroy this country with their fear mongering and their bias [I am shocked over that Republican who gave out that abhorrent CD - and the Republicans wonder why they lost?]. There is no place for pessimism now. It IS going to be a good year. We believe so. We will make it so. We will live long and prosper!