Freaky Friday Rants and Raves 12/10/04
 

Hello friends_

Rant: No hot coffee this morning, contraption is broken
Rave: We'll go out for breakfast

Rant: Christmas is almost here.
Rave: Christmas is almost here.

Egads, it wasn't even midnight. Will people 'freak out'? You're a brave woman, Mrs. Bucket.

it is always within an hour of midnite somewhere, dear. The states do not have a monopoly on the time. Think G.M.T.!

Rave: after a couple of months of pure hell with my mother being "kicked" out of her independant living facility, she is now safely and happily in a newer assited living facility and has been doing very well, include all signs of confusion and anxiety gone.

Rant: Although Medicaid approved her to stay permanently in a skilled nursing facility and they foot all the bill except her monthly income (about $5000 per month total it cost Medicaid), because we felt it was better for her to be in just an assisted living facility and helping herself as much as possible, they won't pay as much. Now it will cost me several hundred a month over her full income before Medicaid will kick in to pay about $500 a month. Tell me how they can justify being happy to pay $5000 a month for care that a person doesn't need, but isn't willing to pay a fifth of that when the family tries to do what is right for the patient? No wonder so many families choose to keep their loved ones in full nursing homes instead of keeping them more independent. Sad!!

Rant: Was in a car accident in Huntongton last night while driving BF's car!! Damn pouring rain and hydroplaning!!

Rant: The hood needs to be replaced (there's a gash in it) and the headlights are scratched. We were both fine, thank God, but he doesn't want to go through insurance and my boyfriend does.

Rave: My BF was more concerned about my well being than the car. That and the air bags didn't inflate, so that's less money to pay.

Rave: Doctor says I don't need to have my gallbladder removed....at least not anytime soon.

Rave: My BF will be back tonight after training for a week in Newark. I missed him anyway!

Rave: I only have 2 gifts left to buy for X-mas. Took advantage of tax free shopping in NH!

Rave: It's Friday!!

Rant: It's still raining!!

Rant: Why does everyplace charge $200 and up per couple for New Years even if the place is a dump??

Rave: leaving in a few hours for a weekend in Dallas.

Rave: Christmas shopping is almost done.

Rant: destructive trolls on the Europe board.

Rave: Bought brand new big honkin' pillow top mattress and box springs and outfitted it with the best linens I could find! Found Frette flat sheets, fitted sheets, and pillow cases in the same neutral color at Tuesday Morning! Whoopeee!

Rant: Patrick, sorry about your mom being one of those that slip through the cracks so to speak. At least, and I'm one to always look at the cup being half full, you are able to help her out.

Rave: That your mom is in a good place!

Thanks gotravel.

Two more unrelated ones:

Rant: I hate New Years Eve and was dreading what plans to make or what dull party to accept.

Rave: Two of my best friends living together for 16 years have decided to get married. They're doing it on a boat New Year's Eve followed by a party at their house. The first New Year's Eve in years I've looked forward to.

Rant: the reason they're getting married is they are moving to Maryland. They both work for the post office and it will pay for the move plus transfer him at a big increase in salary and benefits -- only if they are married. She is going to be "postmaster" of a town there, and they get double benefits and bonuses from her salary too only "if" they are married. Sad, isn't it?

RAVE: Lost that 29th pound! Yee-HAWWWWWWWWWW! :-d

RAVE: Almost all my Christmas shopping done! ;;)

RANT: Now I have to wrap it! :-(

RANT: The system that is giving Patrick such a problem! I know it well....... Glad your Mom is doing well, though, Patrick!

RAVE: All the beautiful Christmas music we're hearing!

RAVE: Missjanna is okay, despite her accident!

RAVE: ACC basketball... UNC Tar Heels are 6-1, ranked 8th both major polls! Go Tar Heels! :-)

Happy weekend, fellow Fodorites!!!

RAVE: All my family members, including me, are healthy and wise.
RANT: Notice I left out wealthy

Meant to type Huntington in my post, not Huntongton!! Damn is the day over yet?

Rant/Rave: I might be with child, waiting until this weekend to find out for sure....

hope everyone is dry this friday!!

rave: concert and dinner/beer tonight in new york! ((8))

rave: holidays are here! only a little more shopping to do. ((Y))

rave: new years at the house in vermont! i'm excited, it's been to long.
:-"

rave: got free tickets on frontier airlines to use by march, and i'm planning on santa fe! ;;)

rave: patrick...congrats to your friends. sounds great. and bonnie! my gosh! your a new you!

rave: i so look forward to these freaky fridays!! 8-}

etc: my mom's doing o.k since grandma died. her usual strong self. it's a testament to how people should live their lives they way they want to, not according to what anyone else thinks.

:D

Rant-Daughter has been home all week with the latest virus going around school. Have taken her to the doctor 2x and he keeps calling it adenoiditis, no antibiotics. IMO, it's the flu.

Rave-Daughter's first grade class made her a card and are praying for her.

Rant-Took father in law to the heart doctor. He is seeing 2 specialists, plus his heart doctor and you can't get a straight answer out of any of them.

Rave-Despite father in laws health problems he still has his sense of humor.

Rant-Shooting at concert here in Columbus left 5 dead.

Rave-missjana is ok. And congratulations maybe??

Patrick-Glad your Mom is in a better place. I agree about Medicaid. Don't even get me started on pre-need funerals...Go Travel-Enjoy your new bed ensemble.

My rant is people who come to work sick with a cold and spread their germs to the rest of us. My rave is a happy and healthy holiday season for everyone!

Yes, congratulations MissJana!
Patrick, your mother is lucky to have a son who cares.

And Buckeyemom - better health to all.

rave, the holidays are coming and that means more cheer and kindness.

rant, none.

Happy holiday and a Prosperous 2005 to one and all!

Rave: great weather for Dallas White Rock this weekend!

more raves:
missjanna - glad you are fine.
bonnie you are an inspiration - here's to hitting 30lbs soon
Patrick, no matter what the system does your mum has a great son!

MissJanna - Your boyfriend is a keeper, worried about you and not the car. A true test. My BIL is a policeman in Huntington, and he worked last night. Wonder if he came to your rescue.

Rant: It's Friday and raining again
Rant: I'm back to work after my glorious
Rave: Weekend in Paris with DH. Last weekend, it was absolutely divine!
Rave: My holiday cocktail party is in 1 week
Rant: Same as above, I have so much to do.
Rave: NYC is a great place to be around Christmas!

Rave: people like Patrick, trying to take care of his mom despite an uncaring system
Rant: the uncaring system
Rave: Christmas is coming
Rant: If I don't get some shopping done SOON, there are going to be problems!
Have a great weekend, everybody.

Hey Bucket Woman, so quit posting on the UNITED STATES board at 11:30 pm Our Time and start posting YOUR OWN FFR&R on the EUROPE board where you can bragg all you want about it being morning....where it really is morning. Now go and bother your neighbor and chase the post man away you old bag.

Rant: the weather in L.A. earlier this week with the "polar express". Doesn't inch down to the 30's that often here!

Rave: the weather this weekend -- sunny and supposedly in the '80's -- and DRY!!!

missjanna: "Damn pouring rain and hydroplaning!"

Rave: First, I'm glad you were not hurt. Second, what follows is not intended as a flame but just practical advice to everyone as they drive in rain, snow, slush, or whatever.

Rant (in the Dennis Miller sense of the word): Please slow down. Cars hydroplane for only one reason - speed too high for prevailing conditions. Hydroplaning (where your tires are skimming on surface water) is similar to driving on glare ice and the speed at which any car will hydroplae is a function of the amount of moisture, the type and condition of the road, the tread type and depth on your tires, and your speed. I cannot count the number of serious injuries and fatalities I have investigated simply because the driver did not slow down enough in these kinds of conditions.

All of us here in Fodorville are too valuable to have our lifes ruined or ended because we or someone else were in too much of a hurry.

Rave: Patrick's mom is in a better place. It's just so unfortunate the way the system works, however.

Rave: MissJana is ok after her accident, and she might have something to celebrate soon!

Rave: Enjoy the "Big D," Joceylyn, and I hope you don't run into xbt while you are there. :;

Rave: Bonnie's successes. Keep up the good work, girl.

Rave: Getting some well needed rain my way. I knew we would once I started putting up Christmas lights outside. Happens every year. :)

Rave: It's Friday and I got off work early today.

No rants this week.

Have a great weekend everyone! :)

Rave: Going to the Christmas lights display at our local zoo tonight. Carriage rides, hot cider, lights, and Santa with two of his reindeer!

Rant: I have found Bonniebroad's pounds that she lost!

Rave: Christmas Spirit!

Rave: Big thanks to hsv, slotowner, moneygril, tracy2cents and all of the others that gave me Santa Barbara advice, our trip was a HUGE success and we had the perfect trip!!

Rave: Beach cottage is booking quickly for the summer already!!!

Rave: Our gorgeous Christmas tree is decorated with lots of ornaments from all of our travels!!

Rave: Only 2 Christmas trees left on our lot. The kids did very well with that business venture!!

Rant: Our doggies ate all of my Godiva candy I was planning on giving out for Christmas! :(

Rave: Dolphins, palm trees, excellent meals, the Harbor View Inn, Stearn's Wharf in glorious Santa Barbara!

Rave: Lots of snowboarding, 2 new feet of snow in the mountains!! We're headed up to our condo this weekend. Brrrr!!!

Rave: Our navigation system on our new SUV was invaluable in Santa Barbara, took us everywhere we wanted to go and we never got lost once!!

Rave: The holidays!!! Love everything about them!! Happy Holidays to all!! ***kim*** ((l))

Rave: MissJanna's accident wasn't more serious, and now she and her b/f may have something special to look forward to!

Rave: Patrick's caring nature despite the financial and emotional toll caring for his mom brings.

Rave: Bonnie's down 29!

Rave: Only 5 more days til Winter Holidays and two weeks off.

Rave: I made it to 11am w/o thinking about losing the baby or getting teary eyed. That's a first for me in 7wks. Maybe I'm starting to heal.

Rave: MY MIL is getting out of the rehab center today. She was in there for over 3 wks, following back surgery.

Rant: It was a Medicaid facility so she probably should've been out of there sooner--had they given her more OT and PT

Rant: I need to cook a bunch of meals for the MIL and she complains about everything anyone does for her.

Rave: My husband and I are teen-sitting for his nephew while my BIL and SIL are out of town. Jordan is a great kid and we enjoy spending time with him.

Rave: It finally stopped raining here in Atlanta and the sun's out.

Have a good weekend, everyone!

Rave: Jor what happened? That was a rant and a half((6)) A giant thanks to Jor for starting the R & R tradition, even if it is a little early:)((l))

Rave: off to the Mexican Riviera on a cruise ship this evening

Rant: did not lose my "precruise" desired weight. That means I will be walking doubletime.

Rave: Almost all of my Christmas shopping is done!

Missjana, may all your dreams come true...:p

Bonniebroad, again, a giant congrats are in order((*))

Happy holidays to all travelers((r))

Rave Bright and clear here this morning. A bit chilly but pleasant.

Patrick: Glad that you got your Mom situated. As a physician you have now worked both sidesof the street.

EVERYONE,HAVE A GREAT HOLIDAY :-B

Rant - rain rain rain drippy rain

Rave - NC Fodorites I've met via email! That really adds to my desire to move there!

Rant - drip drip drip more rain

Rave - I finished all but a couple of "special" Christmas cards last night!

Rant - it's hard to write anymore, putting a pen to paper, when I use a keyboard for everything else all the time! My writing looks like an MD's on an Rx!

Rave - getting caught up on the news from friends who are still Luddites :)

Rave: We leave for Oaxaca 1 week from tomorrow.

Rant: Congrats to Bonnie, but I think some of those lbs you've lost have found their way to me. I am praying my summer clothes will fit for our upcoming trip!

Rave: Patrick, that is really good news about your mother. It's too bad the system is so difficult and irrational.

Rave: MissJanna, glad you and BF are OK. Hope everything else works out in the best possible way.

Thanks for the many comments.

I'm unclear. What does this mean?:

"Patrick: Glad that you got your Mom situated. As a physician you have now worked both sidesof the street."

LOL Patrick. Someone seems to think you were a physician in a former life. As I recall, that's not quite right, is it?

Patrick, your mother is definately in a better place now. I also do not understand the logic of medical retirement needs and the system. My parents have spent much time researching this stuff if/when it ever comes to that point. they are big-time planners.

uhoh_busted, the comment about the keyboard is sooooo true. My hand writing is embarrasing now.

travelinwifey, you are right. That was a rant and a half! The first part is me and the last sentence comes from the Bucket Women (Hyacinth Bucket) always interfering on 'Keeping Up Apperances'.

Rave: I got my computer back this morning from the computer hospital and it was only a nerve problem...and I didn't get charged for it. Great doc!

Rave: I am here in beautiful Ft Lauderdale after a pretty hectic move! Rave: finally got internet and cable today...what a relief!! Rave: FLL is much much better than I could have ever anticipated. Rave: I walk to the beach everyday! Rant: so many little things left to do in the house. Rave: GREAT to be with my Fodors friends...missed you all :-). Rave: good to be back!

Rave-- just got back from an incredible 5 week trip to maui
rant--had to come back from maui
rave-- got to come back to beautiful whistler from maui
rave -- 30 inches of new snow this week
rant-- slipped on the new snow last night and smacked my head on the pavement

Rant: My mother had a mild heart attack earlier this week and they had to put a stint into her heart. Due to the new privacy laws, it was damn near impossible to get any information from the nurses when I called. They told me I need a patient code. I tried repeatedly to get my stepdad on the phone to get the code, but he never seemed to have it handy and kept forgetting to call me back. It was most frustrating. If it hadn't been such a mild heart attack I would have gone to the city where she was, but the few times I was able to speak with her, she assured me it isn't necessary. Now I wish I had gone anyway, at least I would have known what was happening. I will not make that mistake again, even if she tells me not to come.

Rave: Earlier today my stepdad finally called to give me the patient code, but in the same breath told me she was being released and he was on his way to pick her up.

Rant: Gee thanks, stepdad, for that timely information. I could have used that code several days ago, but a lot of good it does me now that she's out.

Rave: Mom is feeling better and is having no complications from the stint they put into her heart, so she is happily at home. Although stepdad is a bit silly at times, he will take good care of her at home.

Rave: HA! Jor called HyacinthBucket
'Bucket Woman'. Too funny!

Rave: Free medical advice from
Dr. Patrick!

Rave: Almost time for ((D)) which is
pretty:-D and then, O-D

I thought jor was referring to me at first glance bucket-buckeye. Upon further reading I discovered much to my relief, it was hyacinthbucket. LMAO reading it. =P~

After the week I have had, I need ((D)) ((D)) ((D)) ((D))!

Think I am going to call the girls and see about going to a spa somewhere for a weekend after the first of the year....

Happy Trails to you and you your ((D)) ((D))...

RAVE: My Brooklyn friend called to tell me she'd be in Tampa and why didn't we house switch -- what a great idea! I found a great fare for all three of us, me, hubby, and the teenaged son.

RANT: The teenaged son just put the kabosh on my plans because he doesn't want to go. Lord help me. I think someone forgot to cut the darned umbilical cord. Please set me loose!

RAVE: Florida isn't the worst place to spend the Christmas holidays.