Small Talk: The Prayer Closet

[Scarlett45]

Just now, SunnyBeBe said:

Those flowers are lovely Scarlett45!  

Thank you!

[doodlebug]

3 hours ago, sixlets said:

Thanks so much for all the replies!  I'm going to give them a call today and find out what exactly is going on.  This office is through a major medical center, and their website is stating all routine appointments are being rescheduled/canceled for the time being.  One thing I wanted to clear up is I won't be getting any infusion at this appointment.  It would be blood work to get some initial numbers, and the rest of the workup is sent to an outside lab.  I do see the doctor, but it's brief.  I have to make an appointment with my primary for the month of June, and I could have all the blood work done then.  I'm due for my 6 month labs with her anyway to test vitamin D level, cholesterol, etc.  The iron checks can be added to the list.  It just means more blood will be taken, which I'm cool with.  Thank you all again for the outside perspectives.  Hope you all have a good day! 

I think it is quite possible that your doctor would be able to conduct a virtual visit over Skype or other platform or even just a phone consult.  You could ask about that.  Your doctor could order your regular bloodwork, you can pop into the lab and get it done and then touch base electronically to minimize the amount of time and number of people you are in contact with.

In my job, we are doing most pre and postop visits as well as discussions of results and planning for future care via virtual visit.  This both prevents our patients from being potentially exposed in our office and helps keep the waiting area clear enough for social distancing guidelines to be followed.  We have had an overwhelmingly positive response from patients about it.  My employer has had a virtual platform for years but we hadn't used it much because many patients were resistant.  If nothing else, this COVID crisis has caused a lot of people to re-think their position on e-visits and I think they are here to stay.

My associates who do OB care even do virtual visits for prenatal care, usually every other visit for low risk patients in the second/early third trimester.  Everyone gets an electronic BP cuff and a Doppler to hear the baby's heartbeat and is shown how to use them.  Patients take their BP and check the baby's heart rate 15 minutes before the scheduled appointment and write them down so we can record them in the chart.  Then, the doctor calls into the platform and the visit happens.  Very convenient, especially for experienced moms who aren't having any major problems.  I think this is probably the future for OB care and I'd be surprised if we go back to all office visits for prenatal care even when COVID is gone.

Edited May 18, 2020 by doodlebug

[crazycatlady58]

It would be nice if we could do virtual visits. Not for every thing of course but at 63 I know what's wrong with me most of the time. I sometimes joke with my Dr. that I should get a discount if I diagnose myself correctly. !y insurance does have the ability to do an office visit by phone. I prefer that if it is something simple.

[sixlets]

I just love this community we've created.  I truly feel the love!! 

I called the office after my last post, and turns out, my decision was made for me!  He is not seeing patients in the office, and I will have a televisit.  He's supposed to call around the time of my scheduled appointment.  I'm curious to see how this will go, but I'm relieved.  And since it's just over the phone, I can still wear my jammies!

[latetotheparty]

1 hour ago, crazycatlady58 said:

It would be nice if we could do virtual visits. Not for every thing of course but at 63 I know what's wrong with me most of the time. I sometimes joke with my Dr. that I should get a discount if I diagnose myself correctly. !y insurance does have the ability to do an office visit by phone. I prefer that if it is something simple.

My old doc of 27 years I could just email her and say:  Need prednisone and cough syrup, no antibiotic yet but will let you know if that changes. We had a deal that if things got to a certain stage I would come in. I really appreciated the trust. Also her office building was difficult for me to negotiate so not having to go in was a HUGE plus. 

9 hours ago, Scarlett45 said:

 Any excuse to wear fandom things you know- given the job I have an the fact that I have the worlds highest pitched voice and baby face I never wear fandom things outside of theme parks because I want people to know I’m an adult- WFH is a fun time to wear all the Baby Yoda and Disney gear I want. 
 

This is one of the best things about retirement: band shirts every day!

[Zella]

12 minutes ago, sixlets said:

I just love this community we've created.  I truly feel the love!! 

I called the office after my last post, and turns out, my decision was made for me!  He is not seeing patients in the office, and I will have a televisit.  He's supposed to call around the time of my scheduled appointment.  I'm curious to see how this will go, but I'm relieved.  And since it's just over the phone, I can still wear my jammies!

That's great! 🙂 

[Nysha]

A lot of the clinics in my area were doing drive-in blood work. They'd come out to your car and poke you. The few that allowed people inside had you wait in your car until it was your turn and then you would get escorted in and escorted out. In both cases they gave you a mask to wear while they were drawing blood. 

[jcbrown]

On 5/15/2020 at 11:24 AM, Zella said:

Join us! I don't have the MLS despite nearly 12 years of library work, but I have lived in more than one trailer, so we would balance each other out nicely. 😂

Can I join, too? I'm not a librarian but I am a refugee from an English PhD program and I grew up in a trailer for the first 14 years of my life.

@Scarlett45 where did you find your animal print masks, if you don't mind sharing? I've gotten nice ones from https://matrushka.com/ but you don't get to pick your prints.

[Zella]

8 minutes ago, jcbrown said:

Can I join, too? I'm not a librarian but I am a refugee from an English PhD program and I grew up in a trailer for the first 14 years of my life.

@Scarlett45 where did you find your animal print masks, if you don't mind sharing? I've gotten nice ones from https://matrushka.com/ but you don't get to pick your prints.

Yes the more, the merrier! ❤

[Scarlett45]

@jcbrown the Etsy shop “BestDayEverEarsCo”- a lot of my Small Shop Disney Ear Makers have turned to making masks with their fabrics. 
 

 

[Love2dance]

I wonder if @Happyfatchick is making masks. She is a skilled upholsterer (I think that’s the right word) and sure has the equipment. Hope you are doing ok if you see this.

[lookeyloo]

21 hours ago, Scarlett45 said:

One of the many things I did this weekend was plant flowers in my outdoor pots AND get the silicone spikes put up so no more pigeons. I did feel so bad for the pigeon- it worked so hard on this nest!

Really pretty!!!!!

[frenchtoast]

So, the high school has sent out the new date for graduation and how it will proceed. It's...something. The family will be in a car and follow the student as he walks to a stage to get the diploma and get a picture taken. The stage is in a parking lot with the construction site of the new high school as a backdrop. (It's just girders at this point). Should be interesting. 

We've also been trying to figure out college. Before we were going to move, A-boy was going to take classes at the local community college. That got changed with the relocation. He applied to a state school and was accepted. But we do not qualify for even subsidized loans. And now with universities trying to figure out what classes will look like and dorm life up in the air, A-boy has decided to defer his enrollment. We'll pay the deposit so hopefully he can retain his status as in-state but he'll stay with us in TX. Perhaps he'll take classes at that community college but it really feels like the best course is to just pause until all of this is figured out.

Other good news: house went on the market Thursday lunchtime. We had 9 appts from Fri through Sunday. Sunday we had two offers, both above asking price. The house in TX is somewhat ahead of schedule. The hardest part of all this is not being able to spend time with people before the move. 

[Turquoise]

My granddaughter is due in early July, but over the weekend she thought maybe she'd like a May birthday. The doctor was able to get labor stopped, and is hopeful maybe my DIL can get to the 36 week mark. I'm heading to them to help with my grandson. My son had to go back to work this week after a 10 week furlough so the grandparents are tag-teaming it.

[SunnyBeBe]

Frenchtoast, congratulations on your house offers.  I've seen that drive-thru graduation on tv and it looked really fun.  My nephew is going to have one soon, I think.  

Turquoise,  take care on your journey.  Best wishes for your daughter and the new baby that you hope will stay put a bit longer. 

[SunnyBeBe]

I ordered a t-shirt online. It was really  inexpensive, with the coupon code only $12.00.  Something just for fun.  I did it impulsively and now think it looks cheesy.....lol.   I guess I can make masks with it, if I don't like it though.  This is it. 

https://anniecloth.com/products/casual-short-sleeve-printed-shirts-tops-7825199

I just noticed that a new version out that I like better. It has a flower and around it, it says In a world of all we can be Be Kind.  

 

[Ijustwantsomechips]

18 hours ago, Zella said:

Yes the more, the merrier! ❤

I’ll throw my hat in the ring too. Surely a Ph.D. in public policy, six years in a trailer, and several uncles who’ve fought drunk on the lawn after a Christmas party are all the qualifications I need.

[Zella]

2 minutes ago, Ijustwantsomechips said:

I’ll throw my hat in the ring too. Surely a Ph.D. in public policy, six years in a trailer, and several uncles who’ve fought drunk on the lawn after a Christmas party are all the qualifications I need.

We . . . might be related. 🤣

[Ijustwantsomechips]

3 hours ago, frenchtoast said:

 

So, the high school has sent out the new date for graduation and how it will proceed. It's...something. The family will be in a car and follow the student as he walks to a stage to get the diploma and get a picture taken. The stage is in a parking lot with the construction site of the new high school as a backdrop. (It's just girders at this point). Should be interesting. 

 

We had a similar situation right across the river. I thought this was the sweetest thing because despite high school being a small part of your entire life, walking across the stage is a milestone and rite of passage into adulthood. Turning your tassel was a big thing for me (each of the 5000 times I graduated).

https://www.wmbfnews.com/2020/05/02/school-principal-delivers-memories-by-taking-portable-stage-every-graduating-seniors-home/?outputType=amp

[Temperance]

A friend of mine called on Sunday. Apparently she had the virus and is feeling much better. She never got a positive test, but went to the hospital and the doctor treating her said it was probably a false negative. 

I should be happy, but it's left me more worried. I never knew she was sick. She was so sick she went to hospital although she didn't need a ventilator.  Of course I won't be able to see her (in person) for a long time. She's had a tough life and she's a real survivor type. I'm naturally an anxious person. 

I hope everyone here is doing well. I know other people are dealing with much worse effects of the virus, especially Chicricket who lost her nephew. I believe GeeGolly also knows some people who had it.  Stay safe everyone, this is no joke!

[latetotheparty]

1 hour ago, SunnyBeBe said:

I ordered a t-shirt online. It was really  inexpensive, with the coupon code only $12.00.  Something just for fun.  I did it impulsively and now think it looks cheesy.....lol.   I guess I can make masks with it, if I don't like it though.  This is it. 

https://anniecloth.com/products/casual-short-sleeve-printed-shirts-tops-7825199

I just noticed that a new version out that I like better. It has a flower and around it, it says In a world of all we can be Be Kind.  

 

It’s a great sentiment. I just ordered a shirt that says Keep the immigrants, Deport the Racists. Yours is more polite. 😁

[Ohiopirate02]

The high schools in my area have been given the ok to have modified outdoor ceremonies.  I know a few kids getting ready to graduate, I wish we lived in Carrabus county--

https://www.charlottemotorspeedway.com/media/news/charlotte-motor-speedway-host-drive-drive-through-graduation-ceremonies-for-cabarrus-county-high-schools-june.html

[latetotheparty]

In all honesty, high school graduation was something to endure. I got no pleasure from it. Pretty much from the time I got accepted to college (November of my senior year) I was ready to be done. I loved the “schooly” part of school but socially? I was graduating from 13 years of daily bullying. I was ready to be gone.

But I cried like a baby graduating from Senior Scouts. These were my people. My family. And, yeah, I was the kid who cried every year at the end of camp. Still would be and wish I could. 

[galaxychaser]

Identical quads. Hudson, Hardy, Harrison and Henry Marr. Very cool!

 

https://people.com/human-interest/mom-gives-birth-identical-quadruplets-amid-coronavirus/

Edited May 19, 2020 by galaxychaser

[Temperance]

Someone I know  just died.  She's been sick a long time (before 2020). I didn't think she would die soon. I'm very surprised. If you could pray or send good vibes to her husband and her daughter, her stepdaughter and all of her friends and family that would be appreciated. 

[Oldernowiser]

I’m so sorry, Temperance...

[andromeda331]

I'm sorry @Temperance.

[Love2dance]

@Temperance, so sorry to hear about your loss.

[GeeGolly]

So sorry @Temperance.

[crazycatlady58]

11 hours ago, Temperance said:

Someone I know  just died.  She's been sick a long time (before 2020). I didn't think she would die soon. I'm very surprised. If you could pray or send good vibes to her husband and her daughter, her stepdaughter and all of her friends and family that would be appreciated. 

May her memory be eternal.

[Scarlett45]

14 hours ago, galaxychaser said:

Identical quads. Hudson, Hardy, Harrison and Henry Marr. Very cool!

 

https://people.com/human-interest/mom-gives-birth-identical-quadruplets-amid-coronavirus/

I saw. I hope they do okay- the smallest was only 1lbs 15oz.
 

Only 70 sets of identical quads in the entire world!

[galaxychaser]

I’m sorry @Temperance my deepest condolences.

[Scarlett45]

This has been A MORNING OMG  

 

Smoke alarm started going off, battery had to be changed. 
 

Had to wake up early for a stupid call at work. 

I think a scratched my eye in my sleep a few days ago so I’ve been wearing my glasses the last two days and they fell apart- I had the screw and thank goodness for small fingers so I could put them back together with my finger nail and beauty scissors. 
 

During lunch today I’m making cookies. Fuck man. 
 

 

[Oldernowiser]

Cookies make everything better.

[emma675]

Scarlett45, some days I make cookies for breakfast. You gotta do what you have to, to make it through the day sometimes. 

[galaxychaser]

What kind of cookies?

I had donuts and iced coffee for breakfast. Mmm yes it was good.

[Scarlett45]

24 minutes ago, galaxychaser said:

What kind of cookies?

I had donuts and iced coffee for breakfast. Mmm yes it was good.

Oatmeal chocolate chip

[jjane]

I'm so upset. We went for the hearing about getting permanent custody  of my niece and the judge just basically said he was not inclined to give us custody because we could  not prove the abuse and since she was diagnosed as bipolar they couldn't believe anything she said. Can you imagine saying that in this day and age?

She is supposed to see the judge in private Friday  morning and I don't have any hope that he will listen to her and we will have to give her back to her abusive mother.

I am going to try tomorrow to find someone who can maybe intervene based on discrimination against people with mental issues. The fact is if my niece were an adult saying her boyfriend beat her up she would be listened to. Because she is a child with a mental issue she doesn't have to be. I am convinced her life is in danger if she goes back to her mother and my attorney said that multiple times to the judge but he is  not paying any attention. I promised her I will continue to fight even if she has to go back but I am afraid of what will happen and since her mother isolates her and does not let her talk to anyone I won't know until it is too late. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks and Much love, Janet

[galaxychaser]

For the first time today I was told no. .. Haha. I asked a tall teen to help me reach something on the shelf and he said I don’t work here and walked off. 

[Oldernowiser]

Does your niece have a therapist or social worker who could help her testify?  Dunno if it would help, but maybe just start making phone calls to any resources for child advocacy that you can find. If one place can’t help, ask for recommendations for who could.

One last thought...her mother may care a whole lot more about “winning” than she does about actually mothering this child. Even if she gets custody back, talk to your attorney about stalling tactics...the pandemic might actually be helpful here. If you can delay, or she keeps “running away” back to you... I don’t normally advocate this sort of thing but there’s a child being damaged here so screw the “rules.” If you can make it more trouble and expense than “winning” is worth to her mother, you may win by attrition.
 

There’s the law and then there’s enforcing it and there can be plenty of room in between. 

Wishing you ferocity and justice..,

P.S. If worse comes to worse, buy her a “burn phone” with prepaid minutes for emergencies and tell her to hide it. That way she can still call for help without her mother being aware of it.

Edited May 21, 2020 by Oldernowiser

[galaxychaser]

@jjane no advice I’m not a lawyer. I’m sorry it’s not going the way it needs to go. I hope you keep fighting for your niece.

[Oldernowiser]

One other thought...contact a Domestic Violence hotline for advice. They’re pretty familiar with the family court judges and may be able to offer suggestions. 
Make sure your niece knows their number, as well...domestic violence isn’t just between adults.

[awaken]

14 hours ago, Scarlett45 said:

 

Only 70 sets of identical quads in the entire world!

Amazingly, my son’s teacher is one of them!  

[GeeGolly]

@jjane, so sorry about this turn of events. Definitely take @Oldernowiser's advice and contact her therapist. Also contact the ADA and NAMI. Lying is not a symptom of bipolar disorder, although some manic episodes do come with with grandiose thinking. Also bipolar disorder is both under diagnosed as well as over diagnosed. With kids and teens the diagnosis is even trickier, so there's a good chance your niece doesn't even have bipolar disorder.

Does you niece have a guardian ad litem or child advocate? She should have an independent third party supporting her and her best interests.

Good luck. I hope everything gets resolved soon.

[ginger90]

5 hours ago, GeeGolly said:

Does you niece have a guardian ad litem or child advocate? She should have an independent third party supporting her and her best interests.

My thought, exactly. Was there one appointed? @jjane

[lookeyloo]

9 hours ago, ginger90 said:

My thought, exactly. Was there one appointed? @jjane

Right, I was going to say CASA

[PikaScrewChu]

I have one parent who is convinced they are going to die and the other parent who is convinced everything is cured now. And a sister who was supposed to keep the two of them in check but has decided to dump the responsibilities on me. Even though she moved in with them because I couldn't.

I'm getting more and more tempted to tell them all I'm blocking them for a week and they can sort their issues out amongst themselves and come to some sort of compromise on what they feel is an acceptable level of risk.

Yeah. This will never happen.

[jjane]

Hi guys, to answer your questions.  They apparently don't appoint guardians outside the scope of DCFS. I couldn't get them to do anything so I filed for emergency custody.  I have emailed NAMI with no results.  I did speak to the sheriff and asked why the niece had not been arrested on one of the many times she called them and lied about the great niece threatening her, they said there was no record of the great niece complaining about abuse. If court does not go well tomorrow I will tell them we need to go home and get clothes before we give her to her mother and then I will take her to the sheriff to file charges against her mother. One way or another I will get this child to safety. Wish us luck,  much love to you all. Janet

[Sew Sumi]

Hugs @jjane. I hope you meet the path of least resistance tomorrow. 

[Nysha]

11 hours ago, jjane said:

Hi guys, to answer your questions.  They apparently don't appoint guardians outside the scope of DCFS.

When I was trying to keep my grandson the first thing the judge did is appoint him a guardian ad litem. I really hope you get permanent custody of your niece. I didn't get to keep my grandson and it's been heartbreaking to see him realize that nobody will keep him safe.