Merry Christmas everyone!
Hope you are all having a great day!
Cat
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Tuesday, December 07, 2010
Tax compromise
Did anybody watch President Obama's speech regarding the tax-cut "compromise"? He clearly looked anguished and unhappy about it, but I don't think he had much choice. Not only because the Republicans vowed to block passage of the bill unless/until they got their way, but because they also vowed to block ALL other legislation until this issue was settled (in their favor, of course).
And there are very important bills that need to be voted on and passed. The START treaty, Medicare payments to doctors (due to be cut by 25% in January), DADT, and more.
So, it was important to get the tax-cut issue settled so that this other important work could get done, instead of everyone just sitting around while the Republicans stomped their feet like children.
I feel bad that people are saying that President Obama "caved" or that he "has no backbone". I think that he was backed into a corner and he did the best with what he had. To stupidly hold out for something that is never going to happen just for political reasons would have been worse. When all the people who are criticizing him for compromising saw their taxes go up in January, they would have been complaining about him at that time instead, for breaking his campaign promise not to raise taxes on the middle class. He couldn't win either way, so he agreed to extend the cuts only for two years and he at least got a 13 month extension of unemployment benefits added to the bill, among other things. I believe he tried to do what he thought was best, given the circumstances.
For the record, I am part of the 14% of Americans who think all of the tax cuts should just expire. The only reason we even had the tax-cuts is because Bush entered office with a massive surplus, and instead of paying down some of our debt, decided to give the money back to the people via tax-cuts. They were so unpopular with Congress at the time that they were passed via **GASP** reconciliation and were given a set expiration date for that reason. Now that we have a huge deficit, taxes should go back up again. But, that's just my opinion. Obviously the majority of Americans don't agree with me. Oh, well. It isn't the first time I've held an unpopular opinion.
Now let's hope that the Republicans keep their promise, and vote to pass the compromise that they agreed on.
Cat
And there are very important bills that need to be voted on and passed. The START treaty, Medicare payments to doctors (due to be cut by 25% in January), DADT, and more.
So, it was important to get the tax-cut issue settled so that this other important work could get done, instead of everyone just sitting around while the Republicans stomped their feet like children.
I feel bad that people are saying that President Obama "caved" or that he "has no backbone". I think that he was backed into a corner and he did the best with what he had. To stupidly hold out for something that is never going to happen just for political reasons would have been worse. When all the people who are criticizing him for compromising saw their taxes go up in January, they would have been complaining about him at that time instead, for breaking his campaign promise not to raise taxes on the middle class. He couldn't win either way, so he agreed to extend the cuts only for two years and he at least got a 13 month extension of unemployment benefits added to the bill, among other things. I believe he tried to do what he thought was best, given the circumstances.
For the record, I am part of the 14% of Americans who think all of the tax cuts should just expire. The only reason we even had the tax-cuts is because Bush entered office with a massive surplus, and instead of paying down some of our debt, decided to give the money back to the people via tax-cuts. They were so unpopular with Congress at the time that they were passed via **GASP** reconciliation and were given a set expiration date for that reason. Now that we have a huge deficit, taxes should go back up again. But, that's just my opinion. Obviously the majority of Americans don't agree with me. Oh, well. It isn't the first time I've held an unpopular opinion.
Now let's hope that the Republicans keep their promise, and vote to pass the compromise that they agreed on.
Cat
Thursday, December 02, 2010
You Fix The Budget
Think you can do a better job than our lawmakers at reducing our federal budget deficit? The NY Times offers you a chance to try. It's not as easy as it would seem.
I was able to bring us back in balance by 2015, with a mix of 33% spending cuts and 67% tax increases (I brought back a hefty estate tax and taxes on capital gains), but I was unable to keep that balance through 2030.
I'm sure there are many other choices than this exercise gives, but it's still a fun way to see how your choices would affect the budget. I tried to think of unintended consequences as well. Would reducing federal aid to states by 5% force the states to work more efficiently, or would it cause them to lay off workers or cut social entitlement programs? I chose to think it would force them to work more efficiently.
Try it yourself, here. Let us know how you did!
Cat
I was able to bring us back in balance by 2015, with a mix of 33% spending cuts and 67% tax increases (I brought back a hefty estate tax and taxes on capital gains), but I was unable to keep that balance through 2030.
I'm sure there are many other choices than this exercise gives, but it's still a fun way to see how your choices would affect the budget. I tried to think of unintended consequences as well. Would reducing federal aid to states by 5% force the states to work more efficiently, or would it cause them to lay off workers or cut social entitlement programs? I chose to think it would force them to work more efficiently.
Try it yourself, here. Let us know how you did!
Cat
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
How many people have your name?
I found this kind-of cool website, where you can put in your name and it tells you how many people in the U.S. have the same name as you. I tried my current name and my maiden name, and here are the results.
My current name:
My maiden name:
I'm the only one!!!
Try it, it's fun!
Cat
My current name:
My maiden name:
I'm the only one!!!
Try it, it's fun!
Cat
Wednesday, November 03, 2010
One eye down, one to go
I had the cataract surgery on my left eye this morning. I was so nervous, but they gave me some stuff to help me relax, and the surgery went really quick and easy. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.
Now I have a patch over my left eye, They told me I can take it off at 2:30. I'm typing using my other eye and a pair of drugstore reading glasses so that I can see the computer. They said when I take the patch off I'll be able to see, but it will be blurry, and then get clearer and clearer over the days.
I wonder if it will hurt when the anesthetic wears off the left eye? I forgot to ask them that. I have three different eye drops that I have to start using on varying schedules.
I go back for a checkup tomorrow. Still have to decide if I want to do the right eye to see distance vision like I did the left, or do it for near vision so that I can see both close and near at the same time. I have always worn my contacts "mono", one for near and one for far, but I am leaning towards just getting both eyes surgically corrected for distance and then wearing glasses for close-up (reading, computer, beadwork). It seems like that would give me the least problems going forward. I wouldn't have to explain to every eye doctor I see for the rest of my life about the mono-vision, whenever I need glasses. Also the beadwork is so detailed, I think I would rather have both eyes the same.
I'll let you know how it all continues to work out.
Cat
Now I have a patch over my left eye, They told me I can take it off at 2:30. I'm typing using my other eye and a pair of drugstore reading glasses so that I can see the computer. They said when I take the patch off I'll be able to see, but it will be blurry, and then get clearer and clearer over the days.
I wonder if it will hurt when the anesthetic wears off the left eye? I forgot to ask them that. I have three different eye drops that I have to start using on varying schedules.
I go back for a checkup tomorrow. Still have to decide if I want to do the right eye to see distance vision like I did the left, or do it for near vision so that I can see both close and near at the same time. I have always worn my contacts "mono", one for near and one for far, but I am leaning towards just getting both eyes surgically corrected for distance and then wearing glasses for close-up (reading, computer, beadwork). It seems like that would give me the least problems going forward. I wouldn't have to explain to every eye doctor I see for the rest of my life about the mono-vision, whenever I need glasses. Also the beadwork is so detailed, I think I would rather have both eyes the same.
I'll let you know how it all continues to work out.
Cat
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Old? B-b-but...
I found out I have cataracts. I thought only old people get cataracts. I can't have them! Boo-hoo-hoo!
I've been having decreasing vision and seeing glare around lights at night for a while, so I figured I may as well get my eyes checked out and get new prescription. I got kind of a surprise when the eye doctor(optometrist) sent me to another eye doctor(opthamologist) and he sent me to yet another eye doctor(surgeon).
So the verdict is I have cataracts and need to have my eye lenses replaced surgically with implants. They can only do one eye at a time (in case you go blind???), so I have two surgery dates scheduled, Nov. 3 and Nov. 17. And of course, two co-pays to go along with two surgeries. By the way, my co-pays and deductibles went way up this year, did yours?
For over 5 years I have been wearing "mono-vision contacts", which means one eye corrects for near-sightedness and the other eye corrects for far-sightedness, instead of wearing bi-focals. (yeah, I know, I should have realized I was old then.) Little did I anticipate, but cataract surgery also corrects all of your vision problems, no more contacts, YAY, so I am having the lens implants done the same way, as mono-vision. My other choice would be to correct both eyes for far-sightedness, and wear glasses for reading, computer work, seeing the dashboard when I drive, and other stuff like that. Or correct both eyes for far-sightedness, but then wear a contact in one eye to turn myself back into mono-vision. Or get bi-focal lens implants, but that costs $3000 more, so you see why I couldn't go that way.
I'm very nervous about going with the "mono". I really don't know why, I've been correcting my vision like this way for 5 years and it's worked fine, but now it just seems so permanent. I mean, once I do the surgery, there is no going back and changing it if I'm not happy. The surgeon said her mom did it as mono and is very glad. I guess that is meant to reassure me that I'm making the right decision.
Do any of you wear mono contact lenses? What would you do for the surgery? I'm sooo confused, I keep changing my mind. As if I weren't already nervous enough about the prospect of somebody operating on my eye, while I'm awake! They said they'll give me something to relax, but that never really works that well on me. And of course I get local anesthesia on my eye.
At least the first eye is the one being corrected for the far-sightedness, so I'll still have time to change my mind about the second eye before Nov. 17, depending on the results. What to do, what to do????
I've been having decreasing vision and seeing glare around lights at night for a while, so I figured I may as well get my eyes checked out and get new prescription. I got kind of a surprise when the eye doctor(optometrist) sent me to another eye doctor(opthamologist) and he sent me to yet another eye doctor(surgeon).
So the verdict is I have cataracts and need to have my eye lenses replaced surgically with implants. They can only do one eye at a time (in case you go blind???), so I have two surgery dates scheduled, Nov. 3 and Nov. 17. And of course, two co-pays to go along with two surgeries. By the way, my co-pays and deductibles went way up this year, did yours?
For over 5 years I have been wearing "mono-vision contacts", which means one eye corrects for near-sightedness and the other eye corrects for far-sightedness, instead of wearing bi-focals. (yeah, I know, I should have realized I was old then.) Little did I anticipate, but cataract surgery also corrects all of your vision problems, no more contacts, YAY, so I am having the lens implants done the same way, as mono-vision. My other choice would be to correct both eyes for far-sightedness, and wear glasses for reading, computer work, seeing the dashboard when I drive, and other stuff like that. Or correct both eyes for far-sightedness, but then wear a contact in one eye to turn myself back into mono-vision. Or get bi-focal lens implants, but that costs $3000 more, so you see why I couldn't go that way.
I'm very nervous about going with the "mono". I really don't know why, I've been correcting my vision like this way for 5 years and it's worked fine, but now it just seems so permanent. I mean, once I do the surgery, there is no going back and changing it if I'm not happy. The surgeon said her mom did it as mono and is very glad. I guess that is meant to reassure me that I'm making the right decision.
Do any of you wear mono contact lenses? What would you do for the surgery? I'm sooo confused, I keep changing my mind. As if I weren't already nervous enough about the prospect of somebody operating on my eye, while I'm awake! They said they'll give me something to relax, but that never really works that well on me. And of course I get local anesthesia on my eye.
At least the first eye is the one being corrected for the far-sightedness, so I'll still have time to change my mind about the second eye before Nov. 17, depending on the results. What to do, what to do????
Tuesday, October 05, 2010
Want to be my penpal?
All I ever get in the mail is bills, bills, and more bills. Also lots of junk mail.
I had a penpal when I was a kid, and I was always so excited to go to the mailbox and find a letter from my penpal. I'd like to be able to have a reason to look forward to checking the mail, instead of dreading it every day.
So, if anyone would like to exchange real letters with me, not e-mails, real handwritten letters mailed through the post office, please either leave a comment or email me at catnpr (@) aol.com. (leave out the parentheses, of course. I just put them in there so that I won't get lots of spam.)
I hope I hear from someone!
Cat
I had a penpal when I was a kid, and I was always so excited to go to the mailbox and find a letter from my penpal. I'd like to be able to have a reason to look forward to checking the mail, instead of dreading it every day.
So, if anyone would like to exchange real letters with me, not e-mails, real handwritten letters mailed through the post office, please either leave a comment or email me at catnpr (@) aol.com. (leave out the parentheses, of course. I just put them in there so that I won't get lots of spam.)
I hope I hear from someone!
Cat
Sunday, October 03, 2010
I don't intend to turn this into a political blog, honestly. But I just have to make some comments on the Health Care Reform Law. It needs some serious amendments.
At first I was happy we were finally getting any kind of HCR law, but the more I read about it, the less it seems like it will actually do anything to help me. Except for the pre-existing condition clause (which doesn't go into effect until 2014). But even with that, there are no price controls, so it appears to me that I will be paying out the butt to any insurance company willing to write a plan that covers all my conditions. Speaking of the butt, it also appears that I will be able to get a free colonoscopy now. Yay.
We should have had a Public Option, at least it would have helped keep insurance costs competitive. Even better, we should have gone with Single Payer, like most other developed countries. Yeah, I know, that makes me some kind of left-wing socialist. But at least I would be a left-wing socialist with free health care.
Here is a chart that shows which provisions go into into effect each year. I don't really see anything that great. I don't know what this bill looked like before, but what we ended up with after trying to compromise with the Republicans just doesn't seem to have enough of anything in it for the average American.
And those are my thoughts for the day.
Cat
At first I was happy we were finally getting any kind of HCR law, but the more I read about it, the less it seems like it will actually do anything to help me. Except for the pre-existing condition clause (which doesn't go into effect until 2014). But even with that, there are no price controls, so it appears to me that I will be paying out the butt to any insurance company willing to write a plan that covers all my conditions. Speaking of the butt, it also appears that I will be able to get a free colonoscopy now. Yay.
We should have had a Public Option, at least it would have helped keep insurance costs competitive. Even better, we should have gone with Single Payer, like most other developed countries. Yeah, I know, that makes me some kind of left-wing socialist. But at least I would be a left-wing socialist with free health care.
Here is a chart that shows which provisions go into into effect each year. I don't really see anything that great. I don't know what this bill looked like before, but what we ended up with after trying to compromise with the Republicans just doesn't seem to have enough of anything in it for the average American.
And those are my thoughts for the day.
Cat
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
UGH. Returned to the back surgeon today, two months after my surgery (to fuse my facet bones together at L4-5 and L5/S1). It wasn't good news. Since I'm still in considerable pain, he took more x-rays.
Then he said that my L5/S1 vertabrae are "collapsed". He says I could have a complete fusion, with hardware and also some cutting away of the bone to make some space between the vertabrae. However, he also said there is no guarantee that this would stop my back pain, and there is a possibility that it could make it worse. Not good news.
He recommended that I just stay on medication management unless (until?) it gets so bad that it pinches a nerve and I start having pain in my legs. This is really a pain (no pun intended). It makes it very hard to look for a job when you have to take pain medication every day. I asked the doctor if he could reduce my medications. He had me on a fentanyl patch, which you wear all the time and change every three days, meaning you are medicated 24 hours a day. Now he reduced it to pain pills, so at least I can take them only when I am actually in more pain than I can handle. Though it sucks not having the patches, which helped a lot, I feel more in control of my medication, and if need be (like an upcoming drug test), I can choose not to take them and just be in agony for a week. I think. I've tried it before, and it's not easy being in agonizing pain when you know there's an easy solution right in your medicine cabinet. And then I didn't get the job anyway, after all that suffering. Bummer.
Oh, well. It is what it is, and I'll just have to learn to live with it for now. I'm still considering trying out the surgery, but he didn't sound very optimistic about it working, so I'm not considering it that hard, but still thinking about it.
Then he said that my L5/S1 vertabrae are "collapsed". He says I could have a complete fusion, with hardware and also some cutting away of the bone to make some space between the vertabrae. However, he also said there is no guarantee that this would stop my back pain, and there is a possibility that it could make it worse. Not good news.
He recommended that I just stay on medication management unless (until?) it gets so bad that it pinches a nerve and I start having pain in my legs. This is really a pain (no pun intended). It makes it very hard to look for a job when you have to take pain medication every day. I asked the doctor if he could reduce my medications. He had me on a fentanyl patch, which you wear all the time and change every three days, meaning you are medicated 24 hours a day. Now he reduced it to pain pills, so at least I can take them only when I am actually in more pain than I can handle. Though it sucks not having the patches, which helped a lot, I feel more in control of my medication, and if need be (like an upcoming drug test), I can choose not to take them and just be in agony for a week. I think. I've tried it before, and it's not easy being in agonizing pain when you know there's an easy solution right in your medicine cabinet. And then I didn't get the job anyway, after all that suffering. Bummer.
Oh, well. It is what it is, and I'll just have to learn to live with it for now. I'm still considering trying out the surgery, but he didn't sound very optimistic about it working, so I'm not considering it that hard, but still thinking about it.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
License renewal time
I had to renew my driver's license yesterday. UGH! Besides the 5 hour wait in the office (I'm not kidding), there is now a whole new set of rules about what documents you need to bring with you. Thanks to Homeland Security. And all the prices doubled on the first of September.
They probably could have put more people behind the empty windows to speed things up, but that would have taken a job away from the guy whose whole purpose was to walk around with a stamp in his hand, or the lady whose job it was to check the fax machine every ten minutes. I really want a job there. I even tried to find one online today, but it seems there is no place to find a list of jobs at the DMV. I guess they don't need any more people walking around holding stamps.
I had to bring my original birth certificate or passport, and my original social security card, and two pieces of mail addressed to me at my house. No post office box address allowed on your license. If my name had changed, I would need my original marriage/divorce decree/court order. Luckily I had everything, though it took me a long time to find my social security card. I mean, who uses that thing anymore?
Supposedly this paperwork requirement is supposed to keep illegal aliens from getting driver's licenses, so now I guess more of them will just drive around without licenses or insurance. So that solved that problem.
Oh, well, at least I got my license (yes, the picture is crappy) and I don't have to deal with it for another eight years.
Cat
They probably could have put more people behind the empty windows to speed things up, but that would have taken a job away from the guy whose whole purpose was to walk around with a stamp in his hand, or the lady whose job it was to check the fax machine every ten minutes. I really want a job there. I even tried to find one online today, but it seems there is no place to find a list of jobs at the DMV. I guess they don't need any more people walking around holding stamps.
I had to bring my original birth certificate or passport, and my original social security card, and two pieces of mail addressed to me at my house. No post office box address allowed on your license. If my name had changed, I would need my original marriage/divorce decree/court order. Luckily I had everything, though it took me a long time to find my social security card. I mean, who uses that thing anymore?
Supposedly this paperwork requirement is supposed to keep illegal aliens from getting driver's licenses, so now I guess more of them will just drive around without licenses or insurance. So that solved that problem.
Oh, well, at least I got my license (yes, the picture is crappy) and I don't have to deal with it for another eight years.
Cat
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