Born on This Day: Hans Christian Anderson

Hans Christian Andersen (1805-1875) was a prolific Danish author of fairy tales. I still have my much-loved copy of tales from my childhood. Many hours were spent losing myself in his marvelous stories.

In Minot's Scandinavian Heritage Park, there is a wonderful sit-by statue that I think really captures the whimsey of Andersen.

My favorite fairy tale was always The Snow Queen. What was yours?

A Rant on Medicaid

The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not. ~Thomas Jefferson

For those of you who either work with me, or who are subjected to my militant rants regarding the passing out of Medicaid in this state as if it were Halloween candy, bear with me. For the other two of you...read on.

I can only speak for the state of Washington, because that is where I see abuse firsthand, every day. Our Medicaid system is broken, seriously broken, yet our governor wants to expand the program and hand out free health care at an even faster rate.

Let me interrupt here and point out that I am not against helping those who need it. Welfare as a concept was designed for either those truly unable to work, or as a short-term solution; not a lifestyle. I believe that if children need medical attention, they should get it. I also believe that their parents should bear some of that responsibility for their care, in the way of co-pays. And if the elderly need assistance, I'm all for it. Truly, I'm not a heartless wretch.

However, here's what I see every day in the emergency room. The key word is emergency. Off the top of my head, without exaggeration, I would estimate that 60-70% of our patients in the ER are receiving Medicaid assistance. They come to the ER for coughs, colds, ear aches, slight fevers, sprains, etc. They come without having tried Tylenol and rest. And they come without co-pays, without any attempt at home remedies that take time, effort, or out of pocket expense. And they certainly don't want to go to the walk-in clinics. The number one reason given? They don't think they should have to wait. Seriously. This is the biggest frustration that I hear from staff. We have patients that we see...wait for it...3 or 4 times a week. For the flu, for back pain, for that persistant cough. This is in the ER.

So how to fix the problem? It seems simple. If you are unwilling to work, we are unwilling to spend tax dollars on you. Period. If you are down on your luck, and need temporary assistance, fine. Let's set a limit. But when you go to the ER, it will cost you $20. No more going in for free Tylenol. If you need that, go to Walgreens. It's $5. That's what I do.

Welcome

I am looking forward to diving in here. I have found that I am missing the creative process of thinking of (what I think are) interesting and amusing things to write about. Of course, if no one reads this, it still will have accomplished the simple act of generating a bit of thought for my tired brain.

Expect to see me much more often here.

I Love Craigslist

I love selling stuff on Craigslist. Of course, I am only selling so that I have $ to pay for my loveseat that I want to get for my new apartment (whenever that happens!). Here's the loveseat I want. It's from IKEA. I love them too. When mom comes later this month, we will make one of our legendary treks down there, where I will proceed to drool over everything in the store, and end up leaving having spent fewer than $40. Until I have my new apartment.

Then. I. Am. Buying. A. White. Loveseat.

Which I never would do unless I were single!

While I am not looking forward to the added expenses of an apartment, I am looking forward to taking all of my decor out of the boxes and actually having some "me" in the place. It will be like Christmas!

Now, If only I could find this loveseat on Craigslist...

The Latest at Work

We've had a little upheaval lately at work. The hospital, like many other businesses in the area, is having a hiring freeze...and a budget crisis. The joy of working for a non-profit hospital, is that as more and more people lose their health care, more and more come in for "charity" care. Which means our numbers go up, as does the work load. The flip side is that income is down, which means budget cuts.

It seems as though my job is safe. Relatively. But we will also be "bidding" for shifts based on seniority after the schedule is streamlined and reconfigured. And my schedule will look different. I'm actually excited, as this might be my chance to get to swings. We shall see, and I should know something by the end of the month.

All in all, I am just so thankful to be in health care right now. And to have my job!

Living in Washington

There are many things I love about living in Washington. When the sun is shining, there are few places more beautiful. After work today, on the way home, I took a trip down to the beach. (With a quick stop at Whidbey Coffee in downtown Mukilteo, where they make the best 16 ounce triple Americano ever.) It was just over 50 degrees outside, but you would have thought it was the middle of summer. Families were there, on the playground, collecting shells, skipping stones, and eating ice cream. Northwesterners, more than anywhere I have lived, have a real appreciation for the outdoors, rain or shine, but especially on days like today.

It's Tax Time Again

I just wonder...does seeing someone standing on the side of the road in a doofy costume make you want to have that business prepare something as important as your taxes?

One very important thing is accomplished, however...I am more and more thankful for my job!

Quote of the Day: Louis Pasteur

Let me tell you the secret that has led me to my goal: my strength lies solely in my tenacity.
~Louis Pasteur (1822-1895)

The Beach Last Evening

It was terribly windy last night. Still is, for that matter. But the clouds were just lovely.

It's so loud down with the wind howling and the waves hitting by that you don't hear any civilization. And if you look in just the right direction and squint a bit...you can miss the houses and imagine how awe-inspiring the Pacific must have been to Lewis and Clark when they first saw it.

Note to Self

Dear Self: Don't leave home without your camera. That's when you will find the perfect photo opportunity and the light will be spectacular. That's when the sun will be shining on the water, the animals in the fields (I was driving through a rural area) will be posing near the fences, and the old barns will be beautifully backlit.