7/28/2004

Moe-sie, Doe-si


Moe, in her favorite spot!
Originally uploaded by gfiorillo.

Loving this new ability to upload into my blog. So I have finally become one of those people who make everyone see how cute their cat is. (When did I become this person?)

Anyway - she loves to curl up in our blanket (No, I did not tuck her in there - she does it all by herself). So isn't she just the cutest!

7/27/2004

Happier Times


balloons
Originally uploaded by gfiorillo.

My anger on healthcare has diffused, and I thought I would test out my new photo posting capabilites. Here is the fun of the balloon festival.

GF

7/26/2004

Health Insurance = HELL

I have had it! My first major rant, and I apologize. Anyone who has tried to deal with health insurance and has had a good experience, please let me know, cause I don’t believe it is actually possible.

Wisdom teeth – impacted, need to come out. So my Dr. looks at the xray and lo and behold they are sitting on top of the nerve, so a risky surgery. He writes a prescription for a 3-D CT scan of my jaw to determine the location of the nerve to the root of the impacted teeth.

Day 1 – I call my insurance to find out if it’s covered. Yes, just call the radiology scheduling line. So I do, read the prescription to the insurance person and the radiology office person while on a 3-way call, and schedule an appointment.

Day 2 – show up for my appointment. Fill out paperwork. Am told by the person at the reception that I was put down for a sinus scan, and I need a dental scan so they can’t take me that day, and I would have to pay upfront. Urrggghhh. I leave.

Day 3 – Call radiology scheduling line to reschedule. Tell them I need a dental scan and I read the prescription at least 2 times to the insurance person and the radiology office person, and explain that I already made one trip, but there was an error. At that point they inform me dental scans are not always covered – I might have to pay upfront, but check with my insurance. So I do. And yes the dental scan is covered and no, I should not have to pay up front. I confirm 3 times with her.

Day 4 – Arrive back for my appointment. Fill out paperwork again. Am told that I have to pay upfront ($650 by the way). I say my insurance told me I don’t. We argue, I get bitchy and almost leave, but then realize I just need to do it and I’ll fight with the insurance company later. I go back for the scan. This time the technician says I need a mandible scan, not a dental scan and she calls my Dr. I get a mandible scan. Does not need to be paid in advance. I leave and get a refund of $650. Front desk apologizes. I’m in no mood.

At this point I think I’m done, but NO.

Day 5 – I get a call from my Dr. Turns out when they spoke to the technician, they explained that the mandible scan would not show what they need to see, and that I need a dental scan. So turns out, they gave me a scan I didn’t need, and won’t serve the purpose that the Dr. prescribed. Great – let’s see insurance cover that one.

So now, I need to get a new prescription, make a new appointment and confirm that I’ll have it all covered. It’s a good think that I’m not in need of severe medical care, cause if this is what it takes to get wisdom teeth out, god help those who are in real heath problems.

7/25/2004

Only In NJ...

Went to the NJ Festival of Ballooning today. First off, if you haven't done it, I recommend it. Who doesn't love sausage sandwiches, funnel cake and 125 hot air balloons launching above your head. And part of the fun is people watching. Young, old, hippies and divas - they all come out for it. Even the true Jersey couples. Like my favorite.

Picture it, streaked blond hair, in a ponytail; a hot pink, skin tight, tie dye t-shirt; a brown leather mini, mini skirt; black stockings and black high healed platform leather boots. And her date - mullet man with faded, 80's band, torn t-shirt.

Gotta love jerseyans.

GF

7/16/2004

You know you're old when...

I'm listening to the classic song, Bust A Move,  (the latest in the long line of cd exchange mixes) and I realize how dated the song really is.  Besides the flashbacks of roller rinks and my junior high music teacher, I noticed that Mr. Young MC quotes "Your movie's showin, so you're going, could care less about the 5 your blowin".  I can't even remember when movies were $5.  Can you?
 
Growing up there was a great theatre by my house.  Two movies and one guy who sold tickets, made the popcorn and ran the film.  (Eric, my big ol' crush and the start of my hippie days).  Now the theatre is a CVS and you have to mortgage your home to take a family of four to the movies.
 
Of course, stadium seating has been a boon, so I guess I'll let nostalgia pass for my reclining seat.  I guess that makes me a sell-out...
 
GF

7/09/2004

Epiphanies...

Thank you to Stacey for taking me to the Sting and Annie Lennox concert with her! First, I had a great time, and learned that if you get there late enough, you can park at the entrance back to the parkway north so it only takes a minute to leave!

Second, I think it was very good for me to see a live show again. As I wrestle with my own demons of job, personal life, and the customer service people at my insurance company, touching base with one of my favorite forms of interactive entertainment gave me time to think and see a new perspective on old thoughts. I wouldn’t go as far as saying that it changed my life, but I find that it was a small moment of clarity in an otherwise cloudy and murky week.

Where has this moment of clarity led me? Who knows, maybe nowhere, maybe back to where I was before. But I like to think that each little moment plays a special part in keeping me on an interesting path with all that I need to be happy. So yipee and thank you stacey, and Sting, and to confluence of events that led to this little enjoyment!