E - Yes, he does qualify for unemployment. It is supposed to be $250 a week, we haven't begun receiving it yet. However, today the woman at the staffing agency told him that she has to report to Unemployment that he refused a job ... so who knows if this will screw him there and he will lose unemployment. Hubby is at Unemployment right now, waiting to speak to someone and explain why he turned the job down (if he took the job, with expenses like gas and child care deducted, we would actually be paying out more than he would take away for health insurance because we would then lose state benefits). Hopefully, they will understand and not penalize him. The staffing agency lady was really nasty to him (apparently this agency has a reputation for that). The problem is, this is a rural area and many of the bigger construction companies use that agency for hiring, so we are really worried that she will not recommend him for jobs anymore. He is going in today to try to smooth things over with her.

UGH... that's not good.. hopefully the EI people will hear him out and understand. They seem more reasonable here in the US than in Canada.. at least the process seems more straightforward. Hang in there girl. Hopefully there is something much much better just around the bend...

Hang in their autumn!!! Things always work out in the end.

So, my to-be sister-in-law has now changed the wedding date of 2010 to aug. 2009. She has never lived with any one else besides her parents and shes 24 years old. She said that she doesn't think it is going to be a big adjustment living with someone. She things the bigger adjustment is going to actually be the marriage (which supposedly is going to solve any problems they have right now)

She is having a $50-60,000 wedding so I'm not sure where they are going to be living afterward, but knowing her luck she will have a spectacle of a wedding and end up living in a gorgeous house.

I left home at 18 and lived on my own until about 6 months before I moved to NJ to live with my now husband. I'm also 24 and was very young to get married. After being in a 3 year long distance relationship is was the only think I could think of as the next step in our situation.

My future sis in law is still in school and talks about how "the wedding has to be next summer because I will be spending most of august getting my classroom ready.."

She does NOT have a job yet...she only talks of future jobs. In fact, at 24, all she does right now besides take two classes is being a teacher's aid which there is virtually no pay and even a kid in HS could be one.

She was telling me all this on the phone last night at 10pm when I just wanted to get some sleep. Some of us people who work REAL jobs and are always TIRED need the sleeeeep!

so my hubby's class after work ended up being about 90 minutes long and yeah they did buy pizza but it was the crappy cheap pizza from costco... geez, if they aren't going to pay them for the extra time they should at least get them good pizza...

hope your brother is ready to help her figure all this out........

What the Heck?!

yep.. that was her revelation yesterday.. I'm completely stumped as to her ability to put up with this stuff! I'd be out the door!

It's actually my brother-in-law. So I guess technically shes not my sister in law...I don't know what to call her. haah

she would still be your sister-in-law, I think...

I'd call her *crazy*

Amen to that!

so to update... the money is still on hold but the guy just emailed me and said he was going to leave me a favourable review.... the sucky thing is that once it does clear it takes another couple of days to transfer it into our bank account ..

Hey, Costco pizza is GOOD! Well, I think so anyway.

the ones they are getting is the cheap 6 dollar pizzas are something... hubby has had them before and he doesn't really like them...


the money has finally been released...

Speaking of pizza and work.

This isn't really a vent, really just an observation.

My Husband was working that contract and one day they worked late or something and so they ordered pizza for them - he was in the 3rd group to go and eat.

Now you can already guess what happened - there was not 1 piece of pizza left when his group arrived to eat.

They did order enough pizza, but for instance, one guy in one of the earlier groups took a whole pizza and everyone else was piling their plates high.

I've seen it happen before, it's happened to me!

Here is what I don't understand - why is it that some people go all kooky when someone buys them something to eat? Does it go back to the hunter/gatherer days when you didn't know where the next kill or berry was coming from??

I just don't get it, it's not like these people can't afford to buy a pizza - so buy yourself a dozen on the way home and enjoy - anyone else notice this?

Yeah, I've noticed this when we were doing event set ups with volunteers. We order in pizza and drinks for lunch for everyone and there is plenty but some people seem to 'hoarde' as if they will run out. We have had to go around and 'confiscate' extra pizzas from where people took them so that those at the end of the line can get some. We've set the rule of one piece each until everyone gets one and then you can come back for seconds - and then thirds if there is any left. Not sure that system would work for a group of unsupervised supposedly adult individuals, though. These were teenagers we were dealing with.

- so true trailmix!

A few months back we hosted some politicians and their legislative/constituency assistants. We had a small continental breakfast set up for when they arrived. This one assistant loaded her plate a mile high with carbs, and half way through the meeting clutched onto her purse near her chest and fell asleep. I'll never forget her, that's for sure!

I think most people should scan the room to see how much food there is, and how many people are there. That is how you should make the decision on how much food to take.

But you're right, people do seem to gorge out when someone else is paying. Its so strange.

They haven't watched Sesame Street.
The skits on sharing.

I honestly can't say I've ever seen that happen. Maybe I just blocked it. LOL

Ya i have noticed others "stocking" up at those types of buffets!! I might have done that as a kid (rarely), but not as an adult, and I LOVE pizza,lol I guess its on the upbringing, my parents would never stand for that. And yes I am one of those people that would remind others, that their are others that still have to eat,lol but some still don't care!!

I would never do that with pizza.. no no

but garlic fingers & donair sauce I would probably be one of those taking a whole box and sitting in a corner inhaling every single piece.

Ok...healthcare vent:

http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/09/18/ep.co...cine/index.html

ATLANTA, Georgia (CNN) -- Two friends of mine recently received the same letter in the mail from their internists: Fork over $1,500 or you're out of my practice.

Make sure you know what you're getting for your money if your doctor practices boutique medicine.

Of course, they didn't say it quite that way. The doctors said they'd be cutting their practices down from around 2,500 patients to 600 patients. Those willing to pay the annual fee were promised primo service in return: The doctor's cell phone and/or pager number; "same day or next day appointments that start on time and last as long as needed" and a "full, thorough, comprehensive physical examination that is typically not given in most traditional primary care practices."

"Is it worth it?" my friends asked. "Should I spend the extra money, or should I go find myself another doctor?"

"Get prepared to receive this letter," says Dr. John Santa, director of the Consumer Reports health ratings center. "You can absolutely count on more internists and family doctors doing what these folks are doing."

Virtually unknown 10 years ago, in 2005 there were 500 doctors practicing what's referred to as concierge medicine. Now there are 5,000, according to the Society for Innovative Medical Practice Design, a professional society of concierge physicians.

As with any business deal where you're being asked to pay hard, cold cash for an intangible service, the buyer should beware. "Just because they charge a fee and behave exclusively does not make them good," warns bioethicist Art Caplan.

So, if you're thinking about becoming a patient in a concierge practice, here are the right questions to ask:

1. Specifically, what services will I get for my money?

Don't accept vague promises that with a reduced patient load the doctor will be able to provide better service, advises John Rother, executive vice president of policy for the American Association of Retired Persons. Instead, ask specific questions, such as:

• How long will it take you to return phone calls?

• How often will you check e-mails?

• Am I guaranteed same-day appointments, or are you just promising to try to get me in the same day?

• What's the after-hours plan? If I get sick in the middle of the night, will you come to my house? Meet me in your office? Meet me in the emergency room?

2. When I get sick, will I see you, or another doctor?

The big selling point for concierge medicine is access to the doctor. But when you get sick, will you really get to see your own doctor, or one of his partners?

If your doctor practices alone (and many concierge doctors do), ask what will happen if you need her and she's busy tending to another patient. After all, concierge doctors promise care that's not rushed, so if you're getting un-rushed care, so are the doctor's other 599 patients. "There's no way one doctor can be three places at once," says Rother.

3. What capital investments will you be making to improve service?

Maybe the reduced patient load will solve all the problems in your doctor's office, but maybe not. Electronic medical records, more staff, or training for current staff could improve patient service. Ask whether your doctor plans on making any of those investments, advises Santa.

4. How will you save me money?

Given that you'll be spending $1,500 you hadn't planned on, ask whether the doctor can save you money in other places, Santa says. For example, your doctor could suggest less expensive alternatives to drugs you're taking or devices you're using.

The fee is generally considered payment for an in-depth wellness exam not covered by insurance. Most doctors in these practices work with your existing insurance for coverage of office visits, hospital stays and visits to specialists.

5. Ask yourself if money will make your doctor better.

"In the past, has this doctor ever done anything that struck you as extra, as special?" Santa asks. "Have they ever gone out of their way for you? If they haven't, I'd be skeptical. Fifteen-hundred dollars isn't going to convert a doctor. They have to be that kind of person to begin with.

======================================================================


Boutique medicine??? Gawd, is this what this nation is coming to? Has anyone gotten one of these letters?

Wow - Karen thanks for posting that. That's unbelievable!

Holy cow. And I was thinking something similar. You would think that being on staff at the campus with the best medical centre in the NorthWest we would have super treatment options, right?
Think again: not only does it take FOREVER to see someone, but the University of Washington charges you DOUBLE THE FEES: for the doctor's appointment, PLUS "use of facilities". They svck.

That made me snort!

WTF Karen!? That is rrrrrridiculous.

arrrggghhh... money and family should never mix

hubby has a cell phone that for some reason in his brother's name but we pay the bill and yes our finances were tight so we didn't pay him for a few months... but he never said a thing.. and then a few months ago we payed him all that we owed him plus I payed him for that current month... well, now he is saying that we owe him for 2 months when we only owe him for September...

so I sent him a detailed email about what I had deposited and why etc.... I had done this last month when we had the same disagreement but my hubby just talked to him today and he doesn't believe that we payed him for that one month

Ugh Marilyn, I agree, money and family is a sticky situation. Hope it works out.

I am STILL fricking sick. I've been sick for 6 days already, have had a fever for all 6 days. Saw the doc on Wednesday and he told me it was acute bronchitis, viral, so he could only treat the symptoms. My fever has been generally between 102 and 103, after taking Tylenol, it goes down to 100 or 101, only to rise again in an hour or two. Having such extreme chills that I was wearing sweatpants, socks, a nightgown and a sweater, under 3 comforters, with the heat on 80, and I was shaking uncontrollably. I talked to the on call, after hours doc and she echoed that it sounded viral and I just have to wait it out. I am just feeling no signs of getting better and don't know how long I have to "wait". I've been nauseous and vomiting too and the doc prescribed meds for that. Well, tonight, I re-read the side effects list that I probably didn't pay too much attention too earlier, and a rare side effect is fever with chills. So I have no idea if the fever is because of the bronchitis or because of the meds. I stopped the meds and will call the doc tomorrow AM. A funny thing about the meds, usually I have been prescribed fenegren for nausea. This time, it was a generic for THORAZINE!!! Yes, I know that it does treat nausea too, but I have such memories of my internship on the psych. unit, with the poor patients doing the Thorazine shuffle At least, the voices in my head were silenced for a bit (LOL, just kidding!). Remember, I am probably a bit delirious from fever too.

my "helpful" husband threw out all the k-1 visa docs including the translations of his birth certificate and said " we're already married baby, i didn't need it anymore i already have my wife"

yay we get to pay $150+ for a new translation when the original was only about $28USD.

Autumnchik.. that sounds horrendous.. Oh my nerves.. I HATE it when a Dr. just says to "wait".. gah.. chills are terrible, hopefully they will either stop now that you've stopped taking the meds, or the Dr's do something more proactive.. gah..!!

Dear Autumnchik,

I have this book.
It is on metaphysical reasons for ailments, and such.
There is a basis of truth to her "theories".
She is Louise L. Hay
The book is Heal Your Body.

Please read her take on having a fever:

FEVER:
Anger.
Burning up.

Affirmation:
I am the cool, calm expression of peace and love.


VIRAL INFECTIONS:
Lack of joy flowing through life.
Bitterness.

Affirmation:
I lovingly allow joy to flow freely in my life. I love me.


What do you have to lose if you consider the possibility?
Try the affirmations; oh, and do drink lots of water.

Thanks Spirit, I will try the affirmations

E, I know, the chills are the worst. Haven't had one since last night so {crossing fingers}

so last week Hubby asked for Friday off.. he filled out the vacation request form and everything and he got the day off and today he finds out that he won't get paid for that day because he doesn't get paid vacation till after a year and then it is only 5 days....

when hubby was interviewed they told him that vacation started after 3 months and it was 2 weeks

what really makes me mad is that they should have told him last week that he wouldn't get paid if he took the day off...

oh and to top things off hubby is only getting paid for 2 hours today because there is no work....

Did he get an offer letter when he started the job? HR should have given him an offer letter so that he had his salary, vacation and benefits in writing. Then he should've signed the letter and had a witness sign it so that there is no discrepancy. I have done this at every single one of my jobs. if he doesnt have something, he should get something in writing.

that is part of the problem, the company doesn't have an HR department.. it seems that the secretary handles everything and she doesn't seem to be on top of things...

GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
I'm almost done this stupid AOS crap and the last thing I have to do is print off the G325A...well we all know it has 4 pages.....
The first page prints out fine but the next one the bottom is cut off by just a BIT but it's enough that you can't see what page it is!!
I have a mac and I don't know if it has anything to do with it but...GRR!!

Also...it doesn't auto-fill so I have to type in each of the 4 pages separately! GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

Now I'll have to go somewhere to fill it in and print if off!!! What a kick in the pants!

I have FRICKING PNEUMONIA!!!! Had a chest x ray yesterday which confirmed this. Either the bronchitis turned into this or I was misdiagnosed. At least now the doc prescribed an antibiotic, so hopefully I will feel better soon. The worst part is missing work. By the time I go back, it will be 2 weeks off without pay, not too good now since hubby does not yet have a job.

AW. What a pain. Sorry L.

Autumn!! Poor sick girl!! Hope those drugs kick in quickly!!

I'm sorry - pneumonia sucks - and being sick sucks - and having to miss work sucks. I hope you have a speedy recovery and feel better soon.

Get better hon!!!!!

Awwww sorry to hear that autumnchick! What a bummer! Hope you're feeling better soon.

Whatttt??? oh man.. so glad that you are on some good drugs now Autumnchik.. bah!!!!

Yikes! That sucks Autumn. I hope it goes away ASAP and I'm glad they caught that because that can make a turn for the worst if left untreated.

So I finally went to go see a doctor about my headaches. Appt. was set up for yesterday. I leave work early and get there and NO ONE IS THERE!!! I call the number and they proceed to tell me that she only works at "that" office in the mornings and that she is at her other office in the afternoons so if I could drive up there now. The other office is at least 30 minutes away from the one I was standing at! I told her no, and that at the time of the appointment I was not told there were TWO offices and she basically told me it was my fault for not asking?

Uhhhh. I just want my headaches gone!

Trying to get rid of a headache and the doctor goes and causes you more.

Thats irony for ya. Stupid doctors.

So, in the apartment we live in they are supposed to do the yard work on Monday and Tuesday - I guess no one told them it's Thursday.

Noise, noise, noise - leaf blowers, trimmers, industrial mowers - i'm getting fed up.

Then to top it all off, there is a guy up front right now 'trimming' (read totally screwing up) the ferns in front of the patio - they had just started to recover from the 'trimming' they had 2-3 weeks ago. What they do is stand in the middle of the ferns - which crushes all of the ones in the middle (but probably can't be seen from the parking lot) then they proceed to blunt cut all of them to about 2 feet tall.

It looks horrible.

Picture to follow.

The first picture doesn't do it justice....the second one, which is a picture of the plants on the side, that completely covered that middle area yesterday - does!

reminds me of the people who mow the lawns here... in the back there is a narrow strip of grass and I use the term grass loosely as it is mainly dirt with patches of grass.. anyways they use the weed-eater to cut that "grass" and it spits up all the the dirt and stuff under the fence and onto our little "patio" area...

Ok this really ticked me off (so much in fact I just wrote to the ticked off column in the newspaper)

Here in Lake Mary (some) home and apartment owners who are renting out their properties are taking blatant cash grabs by requesting non-refundable pet deposits.

We just went to look at a 2 bedroom unit, in the same complex we live in now. We go over there and the agent says that there is a $ 200 refundable pet deposit PLUS a $ 200 non-refundable deposit.

This is obviously their way of getting peoples money for NOTHING. If they were normal, thinking people and not just being greedy they would simply ask for a refundable deposit - no damage from the animal - deposit refunded. Some people.

Oh and there is another thing they do here for some places - a NON-REFUNDABLE application fee! So for example they ask for $ 50 for each person that applies and if they don't rent the place to you, too bad - you are out $ 100. I imagine they use this for admin fees, or to check on the people, whatever - should the property owner not being paying that as the price of doing business??

/rant

Stupid bloody Social Security Administration!!!!!!!!!!!



They give us all this false hope that we're going to get a SSN, then today we get a letter saying that weve been rejected - not because we don't deserve it and/or aren't entitled to it, oh no - it's because hubby's I-94 is about to expire!! What the &$^%!@*$#)?????

This is so completely unfair!!!

I can't put my husband on our lease, or as the benificiary of my life insurance or investments. I can't put his car under my insurance, nor can he even get a bloody driver's license which he now has to cancel before his Quebec one expires in less than a month!

AAARRRGGGHHHH!!!!!

This whole system is so $%#&@%ed up!!!!



I'd like to see some of these bleeding desk jockeys try to go without the person they love for God knows how long, then rush to plan a wedding and get all this freaking paperwork done in the space of about a month - all while being treated like a freaking criminal!!!

I bet if our last name was Gonzales or something, they'd all be bending over backwards to help us out....