Feeling the need to vent

Since I got a new job in August, I also got new insurance. I'm spoiled...my previous employer had a PPO plan and I got to choose who I wanted to see whenever I wanted. My new plan is an HMO and requires a Primary Care Physician. Now most normal people probably already have one of those. Thanks to moving, I do not. I don't really remember having one main doctor I went to in Florida for everything, either.

Anyway, I did some research and chose a group close to where I live. And I was assigned a doctor from that group by my HMO provider. No problem, I was thinking. I picked the group, so I'm okay with the doctor I was given.

And then I had my first appointment with her. The office staff was very nice and professional. I was told to arrive a half hour early to get my new patient paperwork filled out. After doing so, I only waited about 5 minutes before being called back. The nurse that took my temperature, weight, blood pressure, and pulse was very nice. After these initial tests, she took me to the exam room and asked me some questions about current prescriptions. She also asked if there was anything else I wanted the doctor to address aside from the new patient check-up. I actually did have a few things, so I told her and watched as she typed the notes in my computer file. She then left me to wait.

Less than five minutes later, the doctor arrived. She introduced herself and shook my hand. Then she sat at the computer and looked over my file. She asked me the same questions about my prescriptions the nurse did. This was my first issue as she should have been able to see what the nurse had written when I’d answered the questions a few minutes earlier. But, whatever.

Then she asked me if I’d always been the weight I am. No, I’ve gained over the years, but I am trying to lose. She then proceeded to tell me that I can’t just exercise and expect to lose the weight; I have to be mindful of what I ate too. She didn’t bother to ask what I was doing to try to lose weight or if I had lost any. She just launched into her nutritionist spiel. This was “strike two”.

She then proceeded to “check” me. She looked in my ears and throat, barely. Checked my lungs and heart and then ran her hand down my throat and leg (weird). I assume her hand at my throat was to check it, but she barely did so I can’t be too sure.

And then she was heading out the door with orders to get blood work done. No mention of “is there anything else?” or the issues I’d addressed with the nurse. No questions about my medical history (which is sketchy, at best). No second glance. I was completely dumb founded.

I have to admit, in a moment of stressed out, I actually cried in my car when it was all over. I felt like I’d been run over. I was already super stressed about a new doctor (I hate going to the doctor!!), and then everything happened as quickly as you read through it. It was all little more than my emotions could handle.

While the quickness of the time the doctor was actually in the room with me should have been strike three, it was only part of it. The other part was the fact that nothing was asked about my medical history. Now, normally, that probably wouldn’t be a big deal. But, as I said, I have a bit of a sketchy medical history. When I was eleven I was hospitalized with a build-up of fluid around my heart. Every doctor I have EVER been to since then, when they see that on my information, had spent at least five minutes questioning me about it and any residual effects I may or may not be having (I’m about to be 35). I even had one doctor, five years ago, ask me to contact the hospital I had been in and see about getting the records sent over to him so he could have my file and make sure all is still well (this is the doctor I’m having to replace due to insurance changes and him selling his practice three months ago…super sad face!).

So after the initial shock of what happened wore off, I got mad and upset. I mean, what’s the point of taking 30 minutes to fill out paperwork with lists of previous surgeries and conditions and prescriptions if you’re not going to take the time to talk to me about it. And speaking of prescriptions, if you can’t find what I’m on based on my misspelling the ridiculous name the drug has, you are not be looking hard enough! I can type in a misspelled drug name and find what I’m looking for.

Anyway. After all that, it has been decided I will not go back. I’m going to change my group and doctor on my HMO information and see about getting in with another doctor here in town. 

Here’s hoping…

The Nail Files - Disney Inspired

It's been a while since I've done some nail art. But knowing we'd be going to Disneyland this past weekend, I took the opportunity on Saturday to get in the spirit.

Behold:

You can't really see it in this picture, but that's another "hidden mickey" on my thumb. For those that don't know, the hidden mickey is three circles in the formation of the head and ears of Mickey Mouse. They're all over the parks, in places you may or may not think to look. For example, if you ride Pirates of the Caribbean in Disneyland in California, when you get to the end there is armor hanging on the wall to your right. One of the chest pieces has the Mickey head and ears silhouette in the center. That's a Hidden Mickey.

Anyway, these are the polishes I used:

Sally Hansen's All Fired Up on all nails, Maybelline's Onyx Rush as the dots and Hidden Mickeys, and Orly's Shine On Crazy Diamond on all nails.

Those of you that have been around my nail posts know I have an issue with polish sticking to my nails. Well, I think I've discovered the problem...I think the Julep Polish formulas are too thick, especially when added with a top coat. This manicure lasted until this morning, when I started peeling it off in the shower because it snagged in my hair (yah, weird). But here's a shot from Wednesday evening:

A big chip on my index tip, but nothing else major. And no sign of peeling. And I didn't do a top coat here. I've had the same result last week when I had an OPI polish on with no top coat (and it was two coats of polish).

As much as it pains me to say, I think the Julep polish has to go (gasp...that hurt!!). I am, however, going to wait till the May polish comes out...it being my birth month and all. And I have jules to use.

Unless, of course, you lovely ladies have another suggestion to keep the polish from peeling (and I am using a base coat, for those who don't know). I just like my manicure to last longer than two days!

Oh, and like always, I'm linking up this week:


Come check out what everyone else did this week and show off your own manicure!

Happy Friday!!

The Nail Files - Sparkling Spring

I have been MIA on the nails front lately. I blame the move. There really is no reason to get my nails all gussied up just to have boxes and furniture rip them apart (which is what happened more than once).

But, finally, we are somewhat settled in the new place, I took the time to make my nails pretty for the week...and just about killed Mr S in the process (smaller place = no designated place to do my nails where I don't irritate his asthma).

I give you Julep's Charlotte and Joelle.

Nothing fancy, but very sparkly. Joelle is a silver and holographic glitter in a clear base, and she really gives off the shine in the right sunlight (which we've had plenty of here in SoCal).

Going into the weekend and St Patrick's Day on Monday, I feel the need to green-ify my nails. I'm still working out the details on where to do this so I don't kill Mr S. But I do plan to have green nails for Monday!

Did you do anything special with your nails this week? Come share with the rest of us:




Happy Friday, Y'all!!

Valentine's Day - 2014

Mr S and I don't typically go all out for Valentine's Day. I probably has to do with the fact that our dating anniversary falls on the day before, Feb 13. And we're both usually working (unless it falls on the weekend).

This year was no different. Thursday, Feb 13 was our 5 years together mark! But, alas, Mr S is in Idaho for work. So no celebration was to be had. I, however, took myself to sushi for dinner. And Mr S was kind enough to send me a lovely boquet of my favorite flowers:  Tulips!!

Friday, however, there wasn't much hooplah. The obligatory "Happy Valentine's Day" texts, and that's about it.

However, I paid the final payment, got the keys, and did the walk through to our new place yesterday morning. And I treated myself to Chick-fil-a breakfast. But that was the extent of the celebrating.

Today, however, Mr S comes home. There will be plenty of celebrating, if you know what I mean (bow chicka wow wow!!)!!

And then back to the real world of adults, for a day at least, as we attempt to do some moving tomorrow.  Probably some of the little stuff...at least that's what Mr S says. Put in what we need first so we can see what we have left over for storage...that's my preference. Besides, the sooner we've got the big stuff there the sooner we can start "living" there. And I don't have to wake to critters over my head in the attic!

Then, Monday...oh how I can't wait for Monday!! We're heading to Disneyland! Renewing our passes (our anniversary/valentine's day gift to each other) and then spending the day in the happiest place on earth. I can't wait! This will be our anniversary/valentine's celebration.

I hope everyone had a fantastic Valentine's weekend!

The Nail Files - Valentine's Day edition

Because I found myself sitting at my desk on Saturday morning waiting in a virtual waiting room to buy tickets for Comic-Con in San Diego this year, I have two Valentine's Manicures to bring you today.

This is from Saturday and lasted till about Tuesday night.  Two coats of Julep's Helen with Missy hearts and dots. I know it's kind of hard to tell from the shiny of the silver, but they are hearts on the middle finger. I even had a hard time and I did the design!

Then, while on the phone with my parents yesterday, I did this one:

Two coats of Ulta's Total Eclips on all nails. One coat and multiple dabs of Nicole by OPI's Haley Good Lookin (from the Modern Family collection).  **Edit made to name of glitter polish after realizing from another link up poster that I had the wrong collection/color for Nicole by OPI...sorry for misinformation to those who saw it before the edit!**

If you know me in real life, I am not a pink, frilly kind of girl. In fact, there are no pick shirts in my closet. But for some reason, I find I have a lot of pink polishes.

And, since my husband doesn't come home from Idaho until tomorrow, I just couldn't do a full on "love" theme for the weekend.

Enough about my nails, what do yours look like this weekend?

And show some love to my fellow Manicure enthusiasts:




Happy Valentine's Day!!

The Nail Files - Shiny Simplicity

Due to the amount of packing I'm supposed to be doing, I've kept my nails simple since last week (hence, no post last week).

But I got my Julep box on Saturday and had to share the goods!!

I opted for my usual, Classic with a Twist and got Greta, a pink shimmer, and Octavia, a royal/navy blue creme.  As a special plus to everyone (I think), I also got a glitter polish called Love.  Gold glitter with pink flecks in a clear base. But, like my Essie's On A Silver Platter, it could easily be worn without a base color and have good coverage.

Here's what they look like (sorry for bad lighting):

One coat of Greta with one coat of Love on ring finger.

One coat of Octavia with one coat of Essie's On a Silver Platter on the ring finger.

I considered leaving my nails this way though the week...pink on one finger and blue on the other. Until I remembered I'd be with my in-laws for the Super Bowl and the last thing I needed were questions on if I was preggers or not and when (I get enough of that as it is...I don't want to rattle the cage of the beast). So I opted for Greta with Love until it peeled enough throughout the week for me to just remove it all together.

My nails have been plain since. I think they needed a break...but it won't last long, knowing me.

Happy Friday, everyone!

And, as always, come show off your manicures (and pedicures) with the rest of us polish junkies!!

Beauty in Change

With the move coming up, I've had a lot going through my mind about our new place.  If you've been following along (and if I mentioned it), we're downsizing from a 2 bed/bath to a 1 bed/bath apartment for the next 13 months.  The plan is to use the money we're saving to pay off some debt, save towards a down payment on a house, and make our credit look better for the future house hunt.

But we have a lot of stuff. And we're going from a fairly larger than normal 2 bed/bath to 725 square feet.  Yeah, tiny!  And I've been stressing a little bit (read, a lot) about where all our stuff is going to fit while we're not using it.  And it's small...did I mention it's small?

Yesterday, though, I was reminded that I need to look at the good in this (by, ironically enough, a fire truck outside).

Which leads to my first good point:

1.  We are no long located on the major road! (The complex is, obviously, but our apartment is in a row and not facing the main entrance or main road out there.)  No more road noises at all hours of the day.  No more wailing sirens at all hours of the day (Cause SoCal drivers be crazy!)!

2.  No more stairs!! We'll be in a downstairs unit.

3.  No more American Idol wannabe below us with her thumping music.

4.  A larger kitchen space.  Ironically enough, despite being a smaller size as a whole, the new place has a larger kitchen area.

5.  No more sliding glass door on the shower (I am not a fan...I prefer the normal shower curtains).

6.  Finally organizing stuff that I've needed to organize and sort though for the past two years.  Having to pack stuff up for storage has made me realize there are a lot of things I don't need to keep. I'm finally going through all the stuff I've accumulated over the past three years of being in our current place.

While I'm still nervous going into this, especially the small closet in the bedroom, I'm also very excited about this new chapter in our lives.  It will definitely be an adventure!