4th week for me. Work is going well. I couldn't have asked for a better person to work with. Jacque is smart, driven, and responsible. But also fun and cool. She just got married too, and I love weddings and everything that has to do with them, so I've enjoyed looking at her photos, hearing about her planning, etc. Office life is going well.
I feel a little bit in limbo. Manolis won't be visiting until late December (as in after Christmas) at the earliest. I have started my routine and what not but haven't really gotten into the groove quite yet. Getting my first paycheck was a delight, for certain. I'm looking forward to really getting into the flow of my days and having a life on top of just work.
But that is all contingent upon my health. Let's be honest. Without that, there's nothing. I can't really do much other than work and sleep or I'm totally run down and incapable of accomplishing even those tasks.
The nest step is IV antibiotics, which need to be approved by my insurance company to pay. Insurance companies are inherently evil, however, and so this is a difficult and time consuming process. The plan is to go ahead with the procedure (inserting the PICC line and beginning to administer the drugs) in November. Keeping my fingers crossed for a number of things. Perhaps when all is said and done I will be symptom free and cured for the new year. The idea of living without pain is nearly foreign to me now. I'm really, really hopeful for this next move.
In one of the more annoying occurances in my life recently, my Paypal account was hacked into (well, according to Paypal this is impossible and what actually happened was this mystery asshole had my password, but whatever). I woke up to an email from them entitled "Your Paypal Receipt for..." I thought this was odd since I hadn't purchased anything with Paypal in months. So, I check it out and see that yes, in fact, my Paypal account was used to buy $164 in website software. Bullshit. Call Paypal and get a very unsympathetic woman who was subsequently made to feel bad about herself by yours truly. At my insistence I was transferred to someone with knowledge and give-a-fuckness who said he would freeze my account and contact the website the item was purchased from. However, even though no money had actually been deducted from my account yet, he could not stop the amount from being paid out to Paypal. Now, he could stop it there and then after some arbitrary wait period I could deposit it back into my account. But, the point is, they couldn't just stop it, and I didn't have the funds in my account to cover that (or any) payment at the time. In which case I would have been responsible for overdraft fees, which is total bs. Now, fortunately, my bank is cool and just had me sign a form saying "pay nothing to Paypal" and, given the circumstances, waved the fee. But, it just all really made me think twice about all online anything. Because, you're not really protected. And these people don't really care.
So, that's my blather for today. Forget you, Paypal. Forget you.
Showing posts with label health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label health. Show all posts
Monday, October 4, 2010
Friday, April 2, 2010
Jobs, schmobs
As per Amanda's request =), a new post. There's really not a whole lot to say right now. Hence the lack of post-age? But I am in the midst of training for a job that I really want (and have not gotten yet). I'm trying to be an instructor for the Princeton Review. They do SAT (and various other standardized test nightmares) prep courses. I really want this job. I think I would enjoy it as I loved teaching at Colorado. It also pays really well and is totally flexible. Plus, there's an opportunity to train to teach for other tests. So, the way I see it, in a little while if I decide I would like to go to law school I could train to teach the LSAT and then kick its ass (hopefully). I don't really have a great desire to go to law school. In fact, one of the best parts about my life is that, even though I'm struggling to get it together right now, I still would rather be doing this than school. My MA program was one of the most miserable things I've ever been through. However, given my financial strife, if I could get a phenom score on the LSAT and go to a school that would guarantee firms fighting over me when I got out, I would totally do that.
Whatever, we'll see.
Right now I'm just focusing on getting the job. And it's not easy. I'm learning the actual skills the prep courses teach at the same time I'm learning how to teach them. I'm just praying I get hired. I really need the job along with wanting it.
In addition to trying to do the homework and teaching prep for that, I'm also still on the Camel job and working at the coffee shop. Several coffee shops actually. I've been bouncing around to the Crazy Mochas that need me as of late. Hey, I'll take the money.
Health is going sooooo much better. I still have some rougher days. But the bad days now are better than the good days before. It's hard to imagine that only a couple of months ago I was having trouble walking and washing my face.
And, with that in mind, I registered for a bike ride through Yellowstone with Amanda, her boy friend, and her mom. It's not until September so I am hoping I am feeling up to it. I had to register for it now though because there are limited spots available. How awesome will a road bike ride through Yellowstone be?! I can't wait.
Right now I'm buried in errands and paperwork and phone calls to this and that institution. Deferring student loans, getting reimbursed for medical costs, dealing with my screwed up taxes (yeah, not one but two of my employers sent my local income tax to Pittsburgh, even though it says right on the damn form that my address is Ambridge. lame.) I do love crossing things off the to-do list though. At least I get to feel productive.
The most exciting thing in the immediate (or relatively immediate) future is my weekend trip to NYC for Justin's birthday party extravaganza. And it will be an extravaganza, make no mistake. Playing Assassin in Queens dressed as super-sexy, head-to-toe black and fishnet sporting, well, assassins. Yeah, can't wait. =)
In the meantime it's all about landing this job (can you tell I'm fixated on it?). I'll keep you posted on the progress. ;)
Whatever, we'll see.
Right now I'm just focusing on getting the job. And it's not easy. I'm learning the actual skills the prep courses teach at the same time I'm learning how to teach them. I'm just praying I get hired. I really need the job along with wanting it.
In addition to trying to do the homework and teaching prep for that, I'm also still on the Camel job and working at the coffee shop. Several coffee shops actually. I've been bouncing around to the Crazy Mochas that need me as of late. Hey, I'll take the money.
Health is going sooooo much better. I still have some rougher days. But the bad days now are better than the good days before. It's hard to imagine that only a couple of months ago I was having trouble walking and washing my face.
And, with that in mind, I registered for a bike ride through Yellowstone with Amanda, her boy friend, and her mom. It's not until September so I am hoping I am feeling up to it. I had to register for it now though because there are limited spots available. How awesome will a road bike ride through Yellowstone be?! I can't wait.
Right now I'm buried in errands and paperwork and phone calls to this and that institution. Deferring student loans, getting reimbursed for medical costs, dealing with my screwed up taxes (yeah, not one but two of my employers sent my local income tax to Pittsburgh, even though it says right on the damn form that my address is Ambridge. lame.) I do love crossing things off the to-do list though. At least I get to feel productive.
The most exciting thing in the immediate (or relatively immediate) future is my weekend trip to NYC for Justin's birthday party extravaganza. And it will be an extravaganza, make no mistake. Playing Assassin in Queens dressed as super-sexy, head-to-toe black and fishnet sporting, well, assassins. Yeah, can't wait. =)
In the meantime it's all about landing this job (can you tell I'm fixated on it?). I'll keep you posted on the progress. ;)
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Keepin' It Real
I feel an apology for my extended absence would serve no real purpose as my posts have become seemingly more and more infrequent, and--let's be honest--no one is exactly salivating in anticipation for the next daily vanity installment.
So here I am, two full months into a new year and a new decade with a lot more promise than the last (year, at least). With a diagnosis of my illness came new found hope and a reenergization that was greatly needed to say the least. Under treatment, my pain has largely subsided, and even though two months in there continue to be good and bad days, I am thankful for being able to get out of bed in the morning tear free. The promise of a full recovery is there. It can't come fast enough.
Partial reason for the lack of postings has been health (specifically blah) related, but there's some fun excuses too, like the fact that Manolis has been spending the past three weeks with me! I've barely parted from him enough to make a phone call or update the facebook. The only reason I'm finding myself with time to fill right now is that I'm working at the Cranberry Crazy Mocha and he's hijacked my car to watch the Arsenal (his football club) at Piper's Pub in the South Side. He departs Tuesday and even though I am sad to see him go, especially because the dates of my next visit to see him are up in the air, there is some comfort in the knowledge that with better health comes greater responsibility and expectation. I need to use this time to get into gear, bust ass, and land a decent paying job.
The job search is so depressing. Apply, apply, apply and not even so much as a rejection. Did you get my resume? Apparently you do need to hire someone since you don't even have enough manpower to forward a prepared rejection notice. Fuck.
I really have a lot to be thankful for, though, even in the employment department. You see, I'm on a very strict budget and I need to make a specific (and somewhat astronomical given the circumstances) amount of cash a month to keep the bill collectors at bay. Between the student loans rollin' in (and f u Sallie Mae), the car payment skyrocketing after that major repair resulting in me taking out a greater loan, and the debt of good times past, I'm barely making it by the skin of my teeth. That said, the moment my hours get cut at my good paying job, the lesser gig steps up and needs me working more hours. I'm not cruising comfortably in the search for a career, but I am making it. And that's saying a lot.
Sometimes I am amazed at the sheer amount of thinking the human mind can accommodate. Between worrying about my health and just remembering all of the things I have to do related to it (don't even get me started on insurance companies), finances, job search, relationships, etc., I still find the time to reflect on my age and the passing seasons of one's life. Yeah, you're right, cut through the bs. What I'm saying is all my friends and family are getting married and having babies--all of them. And it's not freaking me out, and it's not making me feel like that's what I need to be doing. But it is making me think. A lot. And about a lot of things. The passing of time is relentless; all succumb to its power. I just hope I'm doing the best with what I've got because one thing is for sure, there are no sure things. And there's especially no second chance for your use of time. I worry about being caught up in the minor details that are practically designed to suck the life out of you. It's a shame things are the way that they are. We really do work so hard and certainly not only professionally. I just hope there's a good return...
So here I am, two full months into a new year and a new decade with a lot more promise than the last (year, at least). With a diagnosis of my illness came new found hope and a reenergization that was greatly needed to say the least. Under treatment, my pain has largely subsided, and even though two months in there continue to be good and bad days, I am thankful for being able to get out of bed in the morning tear free. The promise of a full recovery is there. It can't come fast enough.
Partial reason for the lack of postings has been health (specifically blah) related, but there's some fun excuses too, like the fact that Manolis has been spending the past three weeks with me! I've barely parted from him enough to make a phone call or update the facebook. The only reason I'm finding myself with time to fill right now is that I'm working at the Cranberry Crazy Mocha and he's hijacked my car to watch the Arsenal (his football club) at Piper's Pub in the South Side. He departs Tuesday and even though I am sad to see him go, especially because the dates of my next visit to see him are up in the air, there is some comfort in the knowledge that with better health comes greater responsibility and expectation. I need to use this time to get into gear, bust ass, and land a decent paying job.
The job search is so depressing. Apply, apply, apply and not even so much as a rejection. Did you get my resume? Apparently you do need to hire someone since you don't even have enough manpower to forward a prepared rejection notice. Fuck.
I really have a lot to be thankful for, though, even in the employment department. You see, I'm on a very strict budget and I need to make a specific (and somewhat astronomical given the circumstances) amount of cash a month to keep the bill collectors at bay. Between the student loans rollin' in (and f u Sallie Mae), the car payment skyrocketing after that major repair resulting in me taking out a greater loan, and the debt of good times past, I'm barely making it by the skin of my teeth. That said, the moment my hours get cut at my good paying job, the lesser gig steps up and needs me working more hours. I'm not cruising comfortably in the search for a career, but I am making it. And that's saying a lot.
Sometimes I am amazed at the sheer amount of thinking the human mind can accommodate. Between worrying about my health and just remembering all of the things I have to do related to it (don't even get me started on insurance companies), finances, job search, relationships, etc., I still find the time to reflect on my age and the passing seasons of one's life. Yeah, you're right, cut through the bs. What I'm saying is all my friends and family are getting married and having babies--all of them. And it's not freaking me out, and it's not making me feel like that's what I need to be doing. But it is making me think. A lot. And about a lot of things. The passing of time is relentless; all succumb to its power. I just hope I'm doing the best with what I've got because one thing is for sure, there are no sure things. And there's especially no second chance for your use of time. I worry about being caught up in the minor details that are practically designed to suck the life out of you. It's a shame things are the way that they are. We really do work so hard and certainly not only professionally. I just hope there's a good return...
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Money, Money, Money...MONEY!
Working like crazy right now. Covering shifts for Crazy Mocha (oh yeah, I work there) and then there are the crazy shifts for the other job due to the G20 suck-it as I've taken to calling it. So, basically, here's the rundown.
Work promo gig Friday night til 1am, Crazy Mocha 8-4, promo 9-1, then again with the coffee shop today 3-9:30. After I close here I have to go somewhere (anywhere) to do yet another promo shift, and get done as soon as I get my numbers, but on a Sunday night who knows when that will be...then Crazy Mocha tomorrow and Tuesday 4-close, with promo starting again Wednesday night.
Blah, what a week.
And, even given all of that, I'll actually be making less money than usual because we're not making up all of the hours that we missed Wednesday and Thrusday due to G20. Grrrr...
So, that's what's up. I'll take it though. Honestly, when I think back to the Comm Dept at CU, I'll take working two part time jobs with a Master's Degree. Whatev. Anything's better than being out there.
That said, I do miss so many people. I can't wait for Amanda to come visit (October 16th!!), and I honestly would love to go back for a visit sometime. I'm sure Boulder could be quite enjoyable without the stress of the department. =) Would like to experience that.
Giving a lot of thought to my life and the process in general. Obviously the level of cliche-ity of the phrase "you don't know what you've got till it's gone" is off the charts. However, the accuracy of that statement is not to be messed with. I am the biggest appreciator of life ever. Hands down. But never, ever did I (nor could I) truely appreciate waking up each morning without pain. Every day is a struggle now. Simple tasks seem daunting. And even things I look forward to (going to visit Manolis in October!!! =D) are met with at least some hesitation as I wonder how well I'll be and how much I'll really be able to do "normal" things.
It's really discouraging to know how well I was in June and July then to totally relapse in August for seemingly no reason and with no improvement in sight. I have lost no hope. I have great resolve that I will be well again, but the daily grind can certainly get to you at times.
In the meantime, those able should come and visit me at Crazy Mocha in Cranberry! =) What in the world would you rather be doing?
Work promo gig Friday night til 1am, Crazy Mocha 8-4, promo 9-1, then again with the coffee shop today 3-9:30. After I close here I have to go somewhere (anywhere) to do yet another promo shift, and get done as soon as I get my numbers, but on a Sunday night who knows when that will be...then Crazy Mocha tomorrow and Tuesday 4-close, with promo starting again Wednesday night.
Blah, what a week.
And, even given all of that, I'll actually be making less money than usual because we're not making up all of the hours that we missed Wednesday and Thrusday due to G20. Grrrr...
So, that's what's up. I'll take it though. Honestly, when I think back to the Comm Dept at CU, I'll take working two part time jobs with a Master's Degree. Whatev. Anything's better than being out there.
That said, I do miss so many people. I can't wait for Amanda to come visit (October 16th!!), and I honestly would love to go back for a visit sometime. I'm sure Boulder could be quite enjoyable without the stress of the department. =) Would like to experience that.
Giving a lot of thought to my life and the process in general. Obviously the level of cliche-ity of the phrase "you don't know what you've got till it's gone" is off the charts. However, the accuracy of that statement is not to be messed with. I am the biggest appreciator of life ever. Hands down. But never, ever did I (nor could I) truely appreciate waking up each morning without pain. Every day is a struggle now. Simple tasks seem daunting. And even things I look forward to (going to visit Manolis in October!!! =D) are met with at least some hesitation as I wonder how well I'll be and how much I'll really be able to do "normal" things.
It's really discouraging to know how well I was in June and July then to totally relapse in August for seemingly no reason and with no improvement in sight. I have lost no hope. I have great resolve that I will be well again, but the daily grind can certainly get to you at times.
In the meantime, those able should come and visit me at Crazy Mocha in Cranberry! =) What in the world would you rather be doing?
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Typical Tuesday
It's nice out: 62 degrees, sunny of course, and not too windy (by Boudler Standards). I'm sipping a soy chai at the Starbucks on 29th and just about ready to start my workload for the day--a good amount of reading to complete before class tonight.
Having trouble concentrating, as usual. On the phone last night my fingertips went numb (as usual) but this time it was accompanied by a dramatic discoloration of the skin. It really bothered me because it looked exactly like the pictures the rheumatologist showed me online of Raynaud's Syndrome, a condition he believes I have that typically accompanies the other stuff I may or may not be dealing with (Lupus, Schleroderma, Miositis). Up until then I was pretty convinced that this could very well be just a virus that's lingering (a possibility he's hoping for as well), but as time goes on, symptoms don't improve, and more apparent ones arise I'm just started to get, well, honestly, annoyed more than anything. I want to focus on getting well, not reading and writing all of this bullshit. How is it that priorities can be so backwards?
Ultimately, I'm 100% convinced that everything is going to be fine. I'm going to graduate with my Master's in Communication from the Unversity of Colorado at Boulder on May 8th of this year. I am going to get totally well, of this I am quite sure. And I'm going to start being happy and free of stress again.
All of this in one short month. Boulder is purgatory.
Having trouble concentrating, as usual. On the phone last night my fingertips went numb (as usual) but this time it was accompanied by a dramatic discoloration of the skin. It really bothered me because it looked exactly like the pictures the rheumatologist showed me online of Raynaud's Syndrome, a condition he believes I have that typically accompanies the other stuff I may or may not be dealing with (Lupus, Schleroderma, Miositis). Up until then I was pretty convinced that this could very well be just a virus that's lingering (a possibility he's hoping for as well), but as time goes on, symptoms don't improve, and more apparent ones arise I'm just started to get, well, honestly, annoyed more than anything. I want to focus on getting well, not reading and writing all of this bullshit. How is it that priorities can be so backwards?
Ultimately, I'm 100% convinced that everything is going to be fine. I'm going to graduate with my Master's in Communication from the Unversity of Colorado at Boulder on May 8th of this year. I am going to get totally well, of this I am quite sure. And I'm going to start being happy and free of stress again.
All of this in one short month. Boulder is purgatory.
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