Small Talk: The Prayer Closet

[Sew Sumi]

I canceled a doctor's appointment last week (when I didn't have any more attacks and thought I was getting better), and I'll be damned if I didn't get read the riot act yesterday when I called to reschedule. I gave proper notice, so I don't know what the problem is. The good doctor has a three day waiting list, so someone was happy to get my spot, I'm sure. eff that...

[emma675]

If you ever have an issue with any staff in a doctor's office, definitely tell the doc when you see him/her. They often don't have any clue what their people are doing and most want to nip that crap in the bud.

[kassygreene]

True dat.  My mother a few years ago had an event that put her in the hospital for a day, and she checked out before getting the tests her doctor wanted done because the second day was Labor Day and no one did tests then, so the doctor said she could make an appointment at his office within the week.

She called the office for the appointment, declined to be fobbed off on the Physician's Assistant, and the B*tch of an office manager made her wait for six damn weeks.  When the various people who did the tests were recommending immediate follow-up, she told them what had happened, so at least two different techs went to straighten things out and got sent back with fleas in ears.  Eventually it apparently filtered to the doctor, and we were subsequently treated well, which was a good thing, as my mother had a (damn, forgot the term) a thing which wound up being a 95% blockage of her left carotid artery.  Surgery was done, all ended well, and the doctor said she was the first patient he'd ever had with this problem who didn't have a stroke first.

Anyway, bad treatment from people who can for these actions fairly be categorized as Little Napoleons, must be challenged, especially when they are in positions that can impact life and death.

[MunichNark]

On 1.8.2016 at 4:37 PM, Happyfatchick said:

Let us know how it goes, Sew.  And @MunichNark - you hit your head hard enough you couldn't function???  Holy crap!  Your English is excellent, by the way.  Have you spent time in the states?

l

Gosh, no, it's just that Ms Nark, despite her obvious narkyness is actually a total yellow cowardy custard with anxiety disorder and thus gets very scared indeed when she hits her head. It was quite a bang though.....I'm fine now, thanks.

I've spent a significant amount of time living in both the UK and Ireland.....

I agree about the gallbladder, I had just one attack thankfully about 15 years ago and by golly, it was the most painful thing ever. Apparently I had (have?) gallstones but so far all's been well. In my case it had been the Xmas food I think and stress that brought it on. Drink plenty!

[Barb23]

Having been a medical receptionist for 25+ years,  I got to see how things work on the "other" side of the desk. I'm in no way supporting bad behavior of office staff but there are legitimate reasons why appointments are rescheduled. (And not so legitimate reasons too.) There's nothing like being screamed at by an irate patient  in front of a packed waiting room wanting to know why he's been kept waiting.  This is the same person who wouldn't dare mention it to the doctor but rather take his frustration out on the staff. We had one patient that the doctor fired because of the way he treated the staff.  He was sweet as could be when he was in with her but treated us like crap -screaming, demanding things, throwing his copay at us. Yes I mean he wadded up his $10 bill into a ball & threw it at us.)  Don't want to start a rant just want to remind everyone there are 2 sides to a story.  For those of us who deal with the general public, behavior like this has become part of the job.  

[emma675]

I just got an email saying the company I've done a phone and online interview with wants to meet with me in person next week! I'm so excited and nervous, it's been over 6 years since I've interviewed with a new company and I feel so unprepared.

[kathe5133]

13 minutes ago, emma675 said:

I just got an email saying the company I've done a phone and online interview with wants to meet with me in person next week! I'm so excited and nervous, it's been over 6 years since I've interviewed with a new company and I feel so unprepared.

With most jobs, it's personality and fit that makes the decision.  Just be yourself and try to enjoy the process.  I find it's one of the few times in life that people want to hear all about you!  If you are comfortable and they are comfortable with you that could seal the deal.  And on the other side of that, if they intimidate you or seem to delight in making you nervous, would you really want to work there?  Remember you are also interviewing them as well. 

Good luck! 

[Love2dance]

8 hours ago, emma675 said:

I just got an email saying the company I've done a phone and online interview with wants to meet with me in person next week! I'm so excited and nervous, it's been over 6 years since I've interviewed with a new company and I feel so unprepared.

Good luck, EMMA675! You can do this! ???

[Happyfatchick]

I just had a phone call this week from a scammer and it was hilarious, so I wanted to share it.   

First of all, he was SOOOO middle eastern it wasn't funny.  HORRIBLE English.  But...okaaaaaay.  (Strike one)

[NOTE:  i really do deal with IRS on a fairly regular basis, and this guy spoke THE WORST GUTTER English in the history of ever.  I've never had an irs agent who couldnt talk to me on my terms.  Additionally, he was CLEARLY sitting in an area like a phone bank, I could hear other agents having similar calls all around him.  Generally, when i must speak to an agent, I can understand them fully.n those people, that lot].

He then says, "The irs has been conducted an audit of your taxes from 2010-2015 and we've found some errors in your calculating.  Did you do this intentionally or was this an oversight?"

"Well,...Michael... I've been in business a long, long time.  you need to provide me with specifics.  Like copies of the forms you've found errors in.  It's hard for me to say you've found a mystery error and not likely I'm going to be able to remember whether I was intententionally scamming you or not without documentation.  Can you provide me with some evidence?"

We need to know if you did this intentionally, or if there was a clerical error.

Yes, I heard that part.  The IRS has been contacting me by mail for 20 years (Give or take).  This is my first phone alert in all those years....um...michael.  (Strike 2). 

Well, ma'am, your bank accounts will be frozen, your assets will be taken and this will be filed at magistrate court.  There will be a warrant out for your arrest.

"realllllly," I say.  No shit.  That's amazing...uh..."Michael"...IS  there some documentation you can provide me? 

Well, ma'am, I will get someone you can understand better, but the total you owe is $1785.  Was this intentional, because I'd like to help you.

I see...Michael..., so you aren't able to provide me with any documentation, but I need to pay you $1785 right now, to keep from being arrested.  Is this a fair assessment?  Because you're dodging the question which makes me believe you really are fishing for someone kind of stupid to pay you off.(Strike 3)

I'm trying to help you understand that your assets will be taken and your bank account frozen, and you will be served with a warrant l for your arrest.  Hold on ma'am, and I will get my supervisor who can help you understand.

Meanwhile, Sonny walks in.  I hand him the phone and explain that I owe the IRS  $1785 and that a middle eastern supervisor is coming to the phone to explain why we need to give them money immediately to keep our bank accounts from being shut down and hopefully stop the arrest proceedings.

When the supervisor comes on the line, in the same horrid accent and claiming to be."Tim"

" I hear Sonny say "can I help you?"  And the "supervisor" said to him, "I need to speak with the lady".  (Strikes 4,5 and 6).  Then I hear, "Are you there?  Hello?? 

So I wish I'd realized it was a scam before I gave him my bank account number and my SSN.  

Sent from my iPad

[Absolom]

My response to them is usually I'm dialing the FBI fraud unit on my other line ...instant click or would you please follow standard IRS procedure and mail me standard form letter....click.

[BitterApple]

At my grocery store there's a big sign at the customer service counter that says "Your grandchildren are not in a Mexican jail. DO NOT WIRE MONEY TO AN UNKNOWN PARTY."  It's sad to think of elderly people being scammed like that.

Edited August 4, 2016 by BitterApple

[scriggle]

That's why I don't answer the phone if I don't recognize the number.  I've gotten two of those "IRS" calls. The second one was a bit after midnight. As if the IRS would call at that time.  The messages they left were quite fun to listen to.

[CalicoKitty]

Whenever I get "charity" calls, I tell them that I don't respond to any phone soliciting, and to please send me something in the mail.  It is amazing how many "charities" have no brochures.  However, I have found the best way to never receive these calls.  I gave up my ATT phone line and hooked up Ooma. It is connected to my wireless modem.  They contract out with a company that blocks telemarketers and scam calls.  You can set the level of blocking you want.  I have had NO political calls, and I get a scam maybe once a month (I've had the IRS call, too).  The best thing is the price--$99 per year plus about $5 a month tax.  It is so nice not to have my phone ring all day with sales calls.  My elderly parents do not even have caller ID, and my mom keeps trying to talk to the recordings to tell them not to call.  The "grandson is in jail and needs money" really upset my mom, even though she knew it wasn't true. Their phone rings many times a day, often with no one there when the phone is answered.  But they are too old and confuse too easily to change phones on them now.  But I am enjoying my quiet phone.
 

[kathe5133]

13 hours ago, Happyfatchick said:

So I wish I'd realized it was a scam before I gave him my bank account number and my SSN. 

You were joking, right?

[Happyfatchick]

Yes, joking.  Or outright lying, depending upon your perspective.   Has anyone ever listened to the Tom Mabe calls?

[Sew Sumi]

My MIL got a call a couple of weeks ago, ostensibly from "AT&T" telling her that there was trouble on her line. She can't hear well, but she really thought someone was going to come to "fix" her phone (that has nothing wrong with it). I told her flat out to hang up when "AT&T" or the IRS calls. I had to flat out tell her that they prey on seniors. I had to reiterate that she is not to give out sensitive information to ANYONE unless she either knows the entity on the phone or physically hands someone her DL/Medicare etc. She pretty much knows this, but it never hurts to remind her. 

Requisite Health Alert part of post: Back from the doctor. She agrees that I probably have gallstones, but nothing acute that requires surgery. She went ahead and ordered  bloodwork and an ultrasound to verify her suspicions and rule out (or confirm) other issues it could be (she briefly mentioned pancreatitis). I'm glad she did it without me having to ask. I've been eating a fairly normal diet without much fat restriction (I don't eat that much to begin with) and haven't had an attack since Saturday. By this time next week, I'll have the final verdict (I hope). 

[Love2dance]

4 hours ago, Sew Sumi said:

Requisite Health Alert part of post: Back from the doctor. She agrees that I probably have gallstones, but nothing acute that requires surgery. She went ahead and ordered  bloodwork and an ultrasound to verify her suspicions and rule out (or confirm) other issues it could be (she briefly mentioned pancreatitis). I'm glad she did it without me having to ask. I've been eating a fairly normal diet without much fat restriction (I don't eat that much to begin with) and haven't had an attack since Saturday. By this time next week, I'll have the final verdict (I hope). 

Sounds like you are getting great care, SEW SUMI. Hope the tests bring you good news.

[MunichNark]

On 3.8.2016 at 8:09 PM, emma675 said:

I just got an email saying the company I've done a phone and online interview with wants to meet with me in person next week! I'm so excited and nervous, it's been over 6 years since I've interviewed with a new company and I feel so unprepared.

Good luck Emma! Don't be too nervous, they are interested enough in you to ask you for an interview. Think positive, you'll do it!

[Lemur]

21 hours ago, Absolom said:

My response to them is usually I'm dialing the FBI fraud unit on my other line ...instant click or would you please follow standard IRS procedure and mail me standard form letter....click.

Whoever had my cell number before was apparently quite fond of taking out payday loans (I don't judge - we all run short some times).  So I'm continually getting calls from one "mediator" or "collections agency".  It changes monthly.  One of them called the other day and asked for me, which was odd, said I'd taken out a loan in 2010 (nope), and said they were going to have me arrested.  I told them good luck with that, this is America, we don't arrest people for debt in states outside of Louisiana and Texas, you'd need to sue me in small claims court - which would cost you more than the loan I'd never taken out was worth, and that would be *after* you get through dealing with the Federal Trade Commission, the South Carolina Secretary of State's Office, and my state's Attorney General.  Surprisingly they haven't called since then. 

[emma675]

I've been getting a lot of "we can help you lower your credit card debt" calls lately. Which is funny since I don't carry a balance on my card. I listened to the first one and all he needed was for me to give him my card number and PIN and everything would be fabulous. He wasn't thrilled when I started laughing at him and hung up on me. Now I never answer any call where I don't recognize the number and have gotten quite good at blocking numbers. But the bastards change the numbers constantly. It's so annoying.

Thanks for the positive comments about my job interview! I'm just waiting to hear the day and time and trying to fend off meeting requests at my current job so they don't interfere, lol.

[bigskygirl]

I got fed up one day when they call to say I owed money to the IRS, and I had a warrant out for my arrest. I told the caller I was a police department volunteer and to come to my house to collect the money and hang up. I was in bad mood at the time. I guess they have been calling law enforcement agencies, law enforcement officers and even detention centers. I guess they do not check who they are calling. *lol* One sheriff actually got the call and told them he was a sheriff and do not call again and harass citizens because his department will come looking for the callers. I love our law enforcements officers.

[crazycatlady58]

4 hours ago, Lemur said:

Whoever had my cell number before was apparently quite fond of taking out payday loans (I don't judge - we all run short some times).  So I'm continually getting calls from one "mediator" or "collections agency".  It changes monthly.  One of them called the other day and asked for me, which was odd, said I'd taken out a loan in 2010 (nope), and said they were going to have me arrested.  I told them good luck with that, this is America, we don't arrest people for debt in states outside of Louisiana and Texas, you'd need to sue me in small claims court - which would cost you more than the loan I'd never taken out was worth, and that would be *after* you get through dealing with the Federal Trade Commission, the South Carolina Secretary of State's Office, and my state's Attorney General.  Surprisingly they haven't called since then. 

They do not arrest you for debt in Texas either.

[bigskygirl]

They do not arrest in Montana either, but they will sue you and take money out of your paychecks and tax returns refunds.

[Lemur]

41 minutes ago, crazycatlady58 said:

They do not arrest you for debt in Texas either.

Yes, hence the joke.

(There was actually a story, convoluted and blown out of proportion, about this earlier this year.)

[bigskygirl]

There were local radio ads featuring a guy who was getting these types of calls. It was so funny because he would turn on the caller by starting interesting conversations about his rash and other medical problems or kept asking the caller questions to throw off or confused the caller. I have not heard the ads in a long time, but they were popular with the listeners.

[Aja]

If any of my forum peeps can spare a thought/positive energy for Aja this weekend: My mamma is in town, which is distressing enough on its own, but additionally, I've started dating a woman who has become very, very important to me. Long story short, Mamma is less than enthusiastic about her big gay daughter (although she doesn't record robo-calls or anything like that), so she's never met any of my paramours. But tomorrow, she will be meeting my girlfriend. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go clutch my stomach and make distressed whimpering sounds.

[emma675]

Hang in there, Aja, and congrats on the new relationship!

[jcbrown]

Best of luck, Aja! Positive energy coming your direction.

[Sew Sumi]

@Aja A few glugs of your favorite cocktail can never hurt! Best of luck with the mother. ((((hugs))))

[lookeyloo]

Sending positive thoughts, @AJA - congrats on relationship and here's hoping mamma is receptive.  I am the mother of a gay son and when he came out it was no big deal.  I am sending those inclusive thoughts to your mom.  

[Love2dance]

4 hours ago, Aja said:

If any of my forum peeps can spare a thought/positive energy for Aja this weekend: My mamma is in town, which is distressing enough on its own, but additionally, I've started dating a woman who has become very, very important to me. Long story short, Mamma is less than enthusiastic about her big gay daughter (although she doesn't record robo-calls or anything like that), so she's never met any of my paramours. But tomorrow, she will be meeting my girlfriend. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go clutch my stomach and make distressed whimpering sounds.

Oh AJA, you've got my positive wishes and thoughts for sure!  I really hope the meeting goes well, but enjoy your new relationship no matter what. Such a fun, romantic time in life!

[CherryMalotte]

Having some good thoughts for you Aja!

[Arwen Evenstar]

Good luck with your mom...So happy, Aja, to know you've found a very special person!

[Minivanessa]

Wishing you the best, Aja. 

[Westiepeach]

So happy for you, Aja! Enjoy your relationship, and good luck with mom. But most of all, enjoy your relationship! You have whole team of cyber friends wishing you well! Let us know how it turns out!

[Jynnan tonnix]

2 hours ago, Westiepeach said:

So happy for you, Aja! Enjoy your relationship, and good luck with mom. But most of all, enjoy your relationship! You have whole team of cyber friends wishing you well! Let us know how it turns out!

Count me in on that sentiment! Meant to just "like" it but accidentally pressed "quote" instead, and this site never does want to let go of those until you have actually written something.

Speaking of which, I started responding to a post in one of the threads (Smuggar, maybe?), but ended up not finishing it right away, losing my train of thought, and eventually deleting, but the post I had quoted had a link to Sting's "Fortress around Your Heart" (or whatever the actual title is, I'm not sure). That was weeks ago and the song still plays every time I open the thread.

Edited August 6, 2016 by Jynnan tonnix

[frenchtoast]

Good luck, Aja! Report back please! As Dumbledore said, the world needs more love. So glad you have someone special.

*Puts mod cap on* Recently, I've noticed some comments about deleting quotes in a post. It was a bit tricky when the first upgrade and I had quite the learning curve. First, I'm on desktop (my laptop specifically) so phone/tablet users may be see it differently. But the main idea is in order to get rid of the quote box, hover the mouse around in the quote and a little box with four way appears. Click on that and the outline will be a solid blue if you move your mouse away from the box. Then press the delete button on your keyboard and it will remove the box and all it's contents. 

I just tried on my Samsung (so Android) and when I tap the left corner of a quote box, the blue outline appears and I use the backspace on the virtual keyboard and it goes away. I should note that I use Chrome on my phone and it's probably set up to look like desktop. 

I will also say that there have been times where it seems like the dang box won't go away. So I go to another forum and then I go back and then I can delete it. And yes, if you start typing a reply in a topic and go away from the box without posting or removing text, it will be there when you go back to reply in the same topic. 

Anyway, hope this helps.

[crazycatlady58]

On 8/5/2016 at 2:33 PM, Lemur said:

 

Aja, I hope things go well with mom. Sometimes  mothers  can suprise you. However  she reacts I am glad you found  someone  to love. Love is always  good. I tried to get rid of where I was going  to quote  Lemur and changed my mind  and it did do work out. Sorry  if this reads funny , I did not know how to fix it.

Edited August 6, 2016 by crazycatlady58

[kaleidoscope]

2 hours ago, frenchtoast said:

Good luck, Aja! Report back please! As Dumbledore said, the world needs more love. So glad you have someone special.

 

Aja, sending {{{HUGS}}} and good thoughts your way ♥    Hopefully your mom will "see" with her heart and love that you are happy ♥

[Arwen Evenstar]

Sew, sorry to hear you're dealing with more health stuff.

Emma, so glad I hear that you've had some nibbles and gave had good feedback in your job search.

Got called back on a temp basis to one of my former jobs, so I'm quite thankful for that.

Has anyone had any personal experience with EVLT? I'm having a procedure Tuesday to shut down an incompetent vein. I hear it's not a big deal and they've greatly improved the technique and the comfort of the procedure, but since they're doing from the knee upwards, I'm sort of dreading the numbing part..even though I've been told it's not that bad...but ewwwww I hate needles and it's more than one.. Yes I'm a big, big baby!!

The thing that really is going to bother me is the idea of wearing compression stockings up to my thigh...knee highs and socks  have often been more than I can deal with and panty hose cut and bind the tops of my legs.  I've inherited my grandmothers French bread legs. I'm short, so even though plus size hose is more comfortable than regular...I'm forever pulling them up.  I'm too "fat" for regular but just too small for plus size.  I wear a 14 for my French bread legs...my waist gapes several inches. Hormonal inflammation hasn't helped either. I healize I need them to support my legs as I heal..

The other thing that annoys me is why "they only do this procedure on Tuesdays"... Just got back to work so I'd like not to have to miss more than a day. Even if that's the case, hoping I will be able to make myself comfortable enough to be productive.  I'll have to get thru 3 days before I get weekend convalescence. 

Keep telling myself that the reward is going to be that I can get back my figure at last now that I can finally get some relief..it's def contributed to my inactivity enough to be a quality of life issue. Wish me luck...good vibes...caring...and prayers are all welcome and will be appreciated.

[Love2dance]

2 hours ago, Arwen Evenstar said:

Keep telling myself that the reward is going to be that I can get back my figure at last now that I can finally get some relief..it's def contributed to my inactivity enough to be a quality of life issue. Wish me luck...good vibes...caring...and prayers are all welcome and will be appreciated.

Absolutely, ARWEN EVENSTAR, sending you good wishes and support for an easy and successful procedure. Hoping going back to work will be relatively easy for you. Hugs!!

[lookeyloo]

8 hours ago, Arwen Evenstar said:

Sew, sorry to hear you're dealing with more health stuff.

Emma, so glad I hear that you've had some nibbles and gave had good feedback in your job search.

Got called back on a temp basis to one of my former jobs, so I'm quite thankful for that.

Has anyone had any personal experience with EVLT? I'm having a procedure Tuesday to shut down an incompetent vein. I hear it's not a big deal and they've greatly improved the technique and the comfort of the procedure, but since they're doing from the knee upwards, I'm sort of dreading the numbing part..even though I've been told it's not that bad...but ewwwww I hate needles and it's more than one.. Yes I'm a big, big baby!!

The thing that really is going to bother me is the idea of wearing compression stockings up to my thigh...knee highs and socks  have often been more than I can deal with and panty hose cut and bind the tops of my legs.  I've inherited my grandmothers French bread legs. I'm short, so even though plus size hose is more comfortable than regular...I'm forever pulling them up.  I'm too "fat" for regular but just too small for plus size.  I wear a 14 for my French bread legs...my waist gapes several inches. Hormonal inflammation hasn't helped either. I healize I need them to support my legs as I heal..

The other thing that annoys me is why "they only do this procedure on Tuesdays"... Just got back to work so I'd like not to have to miss more than a day. Even if that's the case, hoping I will be able to make myself comfortable enough to be productive.  I'll have to get thru 3 days before I get weekend convalescence. 

Keep telling myself that the reward is going to be that I can get back my figure at last now that I can finally get some relief..it's def contributed to my inactivity enough to be a quality of life issue. Wish me luck...good vibes...caring...and prayers are all welcome and will be appreciated.

Sending all good healing thoughts your way.  Maybe after the first numbing shot you won't feel the rest.  I hate needles too.  After and during my recent "situation" regarding my heart, I have been stuck a lot of times.  Ask for a tiny needle and ask for someone experienced.  No trainees!!  My daughter in law had a similar procedure to what you are describing and after the initial discomfort she is back to herself.  So I am going to think you will have the same good outcome!!

[NewDigs]

Sorry to read of everyone's ills and upcoming treatments. Never fun and usually kind of scary.

Re: gallstones

I, and a number of friends/acquaintances, have had success controlling pain and symptoms using apple cider vinegar. It's kind of an acquired taste but at least one pal has averted surgery with a diet change and apple cider vinegar. Some believe it helps to dissolve the stones and have had long-term successes.

Not sure about other Top Ten ideas but can vouch for acv.

Feel better everyone! That's an order. :)

[lookeyloo]

RE: ACV, I had been having much heartburn, indigestion, etc.  All heart related things ruled out.  Took the ACV and a miracle occurred.  I only use it now on the infrequent times I have an issue.  The gastroenterologist said it works well for some people.  No harm in it, diluted of course.  Hoping it works for gallstones too.  I use Braggs Organic unfiltered.

[NewDigs]

25 minutes ago, lookeyloo said:

RE: ACV, I had been having much heartburn, indigestion, etc.  All heart related things ruled out.  Took the ACV and a miracle occurred.  I only use it now on the infrequent times I have an issue.  The gastroenterologist said it works well for some people.  No harm in it, diluted of course.  Hoping it works for gallstones too.  I use Braggs Organic unfiltered.

That's good to know! I was worried about using it when I had both a gallstone flare and indigestion. I was worried it might aggravate the latter. Overdid on vacay and thank goodness for acv.

Bragg's here too. Having a bit right now!

[Barb23]

Sending good wishes to anyone who needs them.

Arwen - Good luck on your procedure.  I'm with you about wearing compression stockings & can't stand wearing pantyhose.  I'm just not a nylon type of person whether it's hose or a blouse.  Here's something you may want to look into or see if your doctor would allow you to wear these instead of compression stockings.  They are called Medigrip tubular support bandages. Medline is the company that makes them.  They come in a roll, you cut off as much as you need & slip on like knee socks.  I have to wear them over these sores I have on my legs (once again, secondary to my RA) & they really help with swelling.  They aren't as tight as compression stockings but are much more comfortable, sort of like a stretchy Ace wrap. Even tho your doctor may not let you wear them at first if you need more compression, maybe you could graduate into wearing them. 

[Happyfatchick]

My hubs came in the other day and said he (surprise!) had a long weekend.  Want to go somewhere?  (Ummmm...YEAH!!!).  So I found a spot in the NC mountains to get away from the incredibly oppressing heat.  And here we are, been sleeping with Windows open, wearing a light sweater at night.  It.Is.HEAVEN.  The scenery is beautiful, the weather has been great.  Went for a long kayak yesterday, and today we're riding up to Mt. Airy where Andy Griffith grew up, and the town the fictional Mayberry was based on.  Yep, going to Mayberry.  

At the moment, life is GOOD.

Aja, by now, Mama has met the gf, and it's too late to wish you luck.  It doesn't matter what the persuasion, that mate meeting thing is always a gut rocking.  I hope it went well, and she charmed Mama's socks off.  And if it didn't, give it some time.  Don't stew.  But I'm sure it did go well, and life is good.  .  I wouldn't be so generous on Tuesday, when I'm back in the oven of Atlanta.

[Arwen Evenstar]

Thanks ya'll for all the good wishes and thoughts and prayers. Even with any anxiety I may have about the numbing and recovery, I know that the daily discomfort of dragging around "my gammy leg" as Monty Python would call it, is not something I'm willing to do for the remainder of my existence on this earth.  

I love to walk about and dance and do my photography (as in actually going to places and events) and play in the darkroom, all of which require me to be on my feet. Not being able to do the things I want to do. Getting 50 lbs of heft off will definitely help my veins. I already have a sit down job, so being uncomfortable already doesn't inspire me to do too much.  I really hope it gives me back my quality of life.

[NewDigs]

2 hours ago, Arwen Evenstar said:

Thanks ya'll for all the good wishes and thoughts and prayers. Even with any anxiety I may have about the numbing and recovery, I know that the daily discomfort of dragging around "my gammy leg" as Monty Python would call it, is not something I'm willing to do for the remainder of my existence on this earth.  

I love to walk about and dance and do my photography (as in actually going to places and events) and play in the darkroom, all of which require me to be on my feet. Not being able to do the things I want to do. Getting 50 lbs of heft off will definitely help my veins. I already have a sit down job, so being uncomfortable already doesn't inspire me to do too much.  I really hope it gives me back my quality of life.

A darkroom! Wow! I went digital a number of years back and look at all of my binders of negatives and miss the magic. And wonder, What the heck am I gonna do with all these? Congrats on keeping it happening. And real. Though I do love the luxury of taking a gazillion shots and deleting deleting deleting. And the almost instant gratification of a Kodak photomaker is so fun. But there's nothing like the darkroom.

I'm sure you'll do well in your recovery/rehab and get back to your active unencumbered life. You've got the spirit! 

[Arwen Evenstar]

3 hours ago, NewDigs said:

A darkroom! Wow! I went digital a number of years back and look at all of my binders of negatives and miss the magic. And wonder, What the heck am I gonna do with all these? Congrats on keeping it happening. And real. Though I do love the luxury of taking a gazillion shots and deleting deleting deleting. And the almost instant gratification of a Kodak photomaker is so fun. But there's nothing like the darkroom.

I'm sure you'll do well in your recovery/rehab and get back to your active unencumbered life. You've got the spirit! 

Canon makes a great scanner...the Canoscan 9000...you can get it for like $179 at B&H...plug and play and makes great quality scans. I scan my B/W after I develop it to make sure I really want to commit to printing it. Handy when several shots of the same thing so you can pick this very best one...