My husband doesn’t answer our home phone unless he is positive I am physically unable to do so, meaning I am not home. He insists it is never for him, so why should he disrupt what he is doing to answer the phone – even if all he is doing is sleeping and watching television – something he mastered years ago. I know he is multitasking because if I turn off the TV, he immediately tells me to turn it back on.
Anyway, if I am physically unable to pick up the phone and he recognizes the caller, he will pick up the phone and hand it to me. Heaven forbid he should say “Hello.” However, if the caller ID only flashes a number or, even worse, “unknown name, unknown number,” he will turn and ask me, “Who is it?”
By the time I explain that I am not clairvoyant, either our machine picks up or the caller hangs up. The latter really infuriates me because then I never know if the “unknown name , unknown caller” was someone intending to bestow a million dollars on me because I answered my phone. The only phone calls Hubby answers ASAP are those on his cell phone. He says that if it is his phone, the call is for him.
The other day I had friends over for our weekly game of Mah Jongg. Hubby was in his home office. Our phone rang. There is an extension on his desk. I assumed he would answer it. He did not. My friends and I laughed at how our husbands all dislike answering the phone. Is it because when they worked, their secretaries censored their calls? Do they think of their wives as their secretaries?
Anyway, I found a solution to my problem. Now when I am busy, I use call forwarding and forward our home phone calls to his cell phone.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Drug Plans
About thirty years ago, all of my peers would become irritable when our children’s science fair projects were due. Constructing the display board was not an easy job unless you were a skilled carpenter. The three-sided display board didn’t come onto the market until our kids were in college.
The annual stress of yesteryear's science project has been replaced by today’s mandatory yearly reevaluating of my friends and my Medicare Part D coverage. We need to make sure our current carrier of Medicare Part D – the drug prescription program – meets our current needs. You see, individual carriers change their rules and prices every year.
When the program first started, all I had to do was call 1-800- Medicare, and a nice person took all my information – meaning all the drugs hubby and I take on a regular basis – and magically told me what carrier was best for each of us. And, what was most amazing for a government agency, they were right. This year that has changed. Every time I’ve called, the person on the phone told me something else or gave me misinformation.
To show you how this is wearing me down, yesterday when I called a carrier to verify the information the government gave me, I asked the man on the phone if GPS was one of the local pharmacies on the plan. After several minutes, the person said, “Miss, I can’t find any pharmacy by that name.”
Then I realized what I asked him and laughed. That night, while I packed for Thanksgiving in New York, hubby handed me his favorite navigational device. “Oh, the CVS,” I said.
He looked at me as if I was nuts. I wasn’t. Just tired and I still haven’t figured which plan is best!
The annual stress of yesteryear's science project has been replaced by today’s mandatory yearly reevaluating of my friends and my Medicare Part D coverage. We need to make sure our current carrier of Medicare Part D – the drug prescription program – meets our current needs. You see, individual carriers change their rules and prices every year.
When the program first started, all I had to do was call 1-800- Medicare, and a nice person took all my information – meaning all the drugs hubby and I take on a regular basis – and magically told me what carrier was best for each of us. And, what was most amazing for a government agency, they were right. This year that has changed. Every time I’ve called, the person on the phone told me something else or gave me misinformation.
To show you how this is wearing me down, yesterday when I called a carrier to verify the information the government gave me, I asked the man on the phone if GPS was one of the local pharmacies on the plan. After several minutes, the person said, “Miss, I can’t find any pharmacy by that name.”
Then I realized what I asked him and laughed. That night, while I packed for Thanksgiving in New York, hubby handed me his favorite navigational device. “Oh, the CVS,” I said.
He looked at me as if I was nuts. I wasn’t. Just tired and I still haven’t figured which plan is best!
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Hot Air Cruise
The election is over and my prediction about Florida going to goof again was wrong. I am now a strong proponent of early voting. It worked out the snags and prevented my fellow Floridians from looking foolish.
Sadly, even though the election is over, the negative talking heads on radio and television haven’t given up. If I knew them, I would call them. I would tell them if they truly loved America, they all should take a six-month cruise – with each other. The only passengers on the ship should be those that work for the talking heads. Communication with civilization would be prohibited. That is the only way these talking heads and their listeners can have a real time-out.
I propose that Rush Limbaugh and Keith Olbermann should be the co-captains. They would be good at steering ships in storms, especially if a lot of hot wind is around. Bill O’Reilly and Rachel Maddow can be co-social directors with Hannity and Combs being their assistants. Hannity would be great at picking questions for trivia pursuit while Combs can lead ballroom dancing. The ship should only stop at ports that have no communication with the rest of the world.
With the talking heads gone, I think our country would have a better chance of letting election wounds heal quickly. Without daily inflammatory information vomiting over the airwaves, people would go back to listening to music while driving or, if they don’t like that, they can listen to books on tape. Instead of watching cable news, situation comedies will once again be in vogue – the kind that leaves audiences with smiles on their faces instead of twists in their guts. Families and friends who were on different political teams hopefully will end their heated dinner table arguments. Discussions will be based on pure facts, not quotes taken out of context.
What other benefits can you think of if the instigators of divisiveness leave the country for six months? And, if America gets used to no toxic programs influencing their lives, will they revert to old habits when the toxic talking heads return from their cruise to nowhere?
Sadly, even though the election is over, the negative talking heads on radio and television haven’t given up. If I knew them, I would call them. I would tell them if they truly loved America, they all should take a six-month cruise – with each other. The only passengers on the ship should be those that work for the talking heads. Communication with civilization would be prohibited. That is the only way these talking heads and their listeners can have a real time-out.
I propose that Rush Limbaugh and Keith Olbermann should be the co-captains. They would be good at steering ships in storms, especially if a lot of hot wind is around. Bill O’Reilly and Rachel Maddow can be co-social directors with Hannity and Combs being their assistants. Hannity would be great at picking questions for trivia pursuit while Combs can lead ballroom dancing. The ship should only stop at ports that have no communication with the rest of the world.
With the talking heads gone, I think our country would have a better chance of letting election wounds heal quickly. Without daily inflammatory information vomiting over the airwaves, people would go back to listening to music while driving or, if they don’t like that, they can listen to books on tape. Instead of watching cable news, situation comedies will once again be in vogue – the kind that leaves audiences with smiles on their faces instead of twists in their guts. Families and friends who were on different political teams hopefully will end their heated dinner table arguments. Discussions will be based on pure facts, not quotes taken out of context.
What other benefits can you think of if the instigators of divisiveness leave the country for six months? And, if America gets used to no toxic programs influencing their lives, will they revert to old habits when the toxic talking heads return from their cruise to nowhere?
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Florida Votes - Nothing's Changed
“Can’t you Floridians learn how to vote?” a Northern friend teased when she called me the other day.
She was referring to the fact that our hour’s long wait to vote early had made national news. Since hubby and I had voted that afternoon, I confidently replied, “No.”
There was only one reason for the wait: the length of the ballot. The poll workers were friendly and efficient and doing their best to make lemonade out of a lemon. They even had chairs available for those who could not stand. After our almost two-hour wait, it took another half-hour to “bubble-in” the bubbles on both sides of the five pages – and we had “cheat” sheets on how we wanted to vote for all the amendments, judges, etc. When done with step one, we then had to scan our five answer sheets into the scanner. My poor husband bubbled out of the oval in one spot, so the scanner refused one page of his ballot! His choice was to return to “go” and start the process again or not vote for some of the amendments. At that point, sadly, neither of us cared about the amendments and we left.
I miss the old pushpin ballots. People with minor tremors in their hands didn’t have them rejected because they “bubbled out of the lines.” The “hanging chads” did that method of voting in. I miss the computer touch and vote machines that replaced them. Both systems allowed voters to select their language and not be confused once the actual voting process began. However, orders were given to the powers in charge of elections to come up with a system that had a paper trail. The solution is the present ballot written in three languages. Does it sound confusing? Believe me, it is.
Okay, America, Broward County supposedly now has a foolproof voting system, and according to one poll worker, “It is perfect unless someone misplaces the boxes with the ballots.”
If I were a betting person, I would make a wager that we’ll be up late next Tuesday because people will still be on line in Broward waiting to vote. In fact, I predict we’ll still be voting long after California will close their polls. Hopefully, since I don’t like to be teased about my home state, I won’t win my bet!
She was referring to the fact that our hour’s long wait to vote early had made national news. Since hubby and I had voted that afternoon, I confidently replied, “No.”
There was only one reason for the wait: the length of the ballot. The poll workers were friendly and efficient and doing their best to make lemonade out of a lemon. They even had chairs available for those who could not stand. After our almost two-hour wait, it took another half-hour to “bubble-in” the bubbles on both sides of the five pages – and we had “cheat” sheets on how we wanted to vote for all the amendments, judges, etc. When done with step one, we then had to scan our five answer sheets into the scanner. My poor husband bubbled out of the oval in one spot, so the scanner refused one page of his ballot! His choice was to return to “go” and start the process again or not vote for some of the amendments. At that point, sadly, neither of us cared about the amendments and we left.
I miss the old pushpin ballots. People with minor tremors in their hands didn’t have them rejected because they “bubbled out of the lines.” The “hanging chads” did that method of voting in. I miss the computer touch and vote machines that replaced them. Both systems allowed voters to select their language and not be confused once the actual voting process began. However, orders were given to the powers in charge of elections to come up with a system that had a paper trail. The solution is the present ballot written in three languages. Does it sound confusing? Believe me, it is.
Okay, America, Broward County supposedly now has a foolproof voting system, and according to one poll worker, “It is perfect unless someone misplaces the boxes with the ballots.”
If I were a betting person, I would make a wager that we’ll be up late next Tuesday because people will still be on line in Broward waiting to vote. In fact, I predict we’ll still be voting long after California will close their polls. Hopefully, since I don’t like to be teased about my home state, I won’t win my bet!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
My (Election) Wish List
I wish the election were over tomorrow, so everyone would stop being so angry at his or her friends and relatives who disagree with them.
I wish the “talking heads” on radio and television that thrive on instigating hate would get permanent laryngitis.
I wish there was a law mandating a truth meter in front of politicians whenever they talk in public.
I wish there was a truth meter in front of everyone who appears on a news program be they broadcasters or commentators.
I wish that there were a law making people liable for the lies they send in emails.
I wish that people who automatically send the false emails on were subject to fines.
I wish that the election were over tomorrow. Hopefully, the losing team will not be sore losers so that this nation can heal.
I wish the “talking heads” on radio and television that thrive on instigating hate would get permanent laryngitis.
I wish there was a law mandating a truth meter in front of politicians whenever they talk in public.
I wish there was a truth meter in front of everyone who appears on a news program be they broadcasters or commentators.
I wish that there were a law making people liable for the lies they send in emails.
I wish that people who automatically send the false emails on were subject to fines.
I wish that the election were over tomorrow. Hopefully, the losing team will not be sore losers so that this nation can heal.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Innovative Ballet Slippers?
I will be attending a party in NY this December and since my one pair of “NY” winter-pumps no longer fit, I need new shoes. Thus, the articles about fashion trends in women’s shoes that appeared yesterday and today in both newspapers I receive, caught my eye. Supposedly, 6-inch spikes are the rage. The price tag on some of those shown in the newspapers cost more than a month’s worth of groceries for Hubby and me.
In my very pre-senior citizen days, I actually would have entertained the idea of buying a pair of these mini-torture chambers -- when the copies in my price range would show up in my stores. In my youth, style was more important than comfort. However, in those days spikes were a tolerable 3-inches. Now, according to one article, a person wearing 6-inch heels while walking in the streets of Manhattan took a bad spill when she attempted to cross the street. Perhaps the stores selling the shoes should offer canes or walkers to assist the purchasers – or even better – ballet lessons so the wearer can stroll around city streets while perched on the tips of their toes.
By the time I put down today’s newspaper, several thoughts crossed my mind. Will the present economy stop people who usually spend over $500 for a few ounces of leather from buying these shoes? And, if so, how long before the $500 shoes show up at greatly reduced prices on the racks in Marshalls or SteinMart? Even if they do, I still won’t buy them. With age and arthritis comes wisdom when it comes to purchasing shoes – however, I still won’t buy black velvet sneakers for the party.
In my very pre-senior citizen days, I actually would have entertained the idea of buying a pair of these mini-torture chambers -- when the copies in my price range would show up in my stores. In my youth, style was more important than comfort. However, in those days spikes were a tolerable 3-inches. Now, according to one article, a person wearing 6-inch heels while walking in the streets of Manhattan took a bad spill when she attempted to cross the street. Perhaps the stores selling the shoes should offer canes or walkers to assist the purchasers – or even better – ballet lessons so the wearer can stroll around city streets while perched on the tips of their toes.
By the time I put down today’s newspaper, several thoughts crossed my mind. Will the present economy stop people who usually spend over $500 for a few ounces of leather from buying these shoes? And, if so, how long before the $500 shoes show up at greatly reduced prices on the racks in Marshalls or SteinMart? Even if they do, I still won’t buy them. With age and arthritis comes wisdom when it comes to purchasing shoes – however, I still won’t buy black velvet sneakers for the party.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Guaranteed Recipe for Laughter
Guaranteed Recipe for Laughter – Especially for Empty Nesters!
Hubby and I have just returned from spending a week visiting our son and his family. We had a nice time, with only one frustration – which involved electronics, not family. No, not the usual GPS stuff. This time a new remote for their new TV was our undoing.
Unfortunately, when our son and his wife went out one evening, they incorrectly assumed we would be able to work their latest remote. After my husband and I both proved neither of us had the skill to turn on the television, either with or without the remote, we eventually spent the evening reading.
The next day, the other grandparents arrived. The grandpa picked up the remote after dinner. He is much more mechanically inclined than my hubby, so when after several frustrating attempts he too could not work the remote, my husband’s macho self-esteem was repaired.
The below link is mandatory reading for anyone that wants to see the cause of all of our frustrations. I just finished listening to it and laughed so hard that tears poured out of my eyes.
http://www.hulu.com/watch/36608/talkshow-with-spike-feresten-cable-psa
Hubby and I have just returned from spending a week visiting our son and his family. We had a nice time, with only one frustration – which involved electronics, not family. No, not the usual GPS stuff. This time a new remote for their new TV was our undoing.
Unfortunately, when our son and his wife went out one evening, they incorrectly assumed we would be able to work their latest remote. After my husband and I both proved neither of us had the skill to turn on the television, either with or without the remote, we eventually spent the evening reading.
The next day, the other grandparents arrived. The grandpa picked up the remote after dinner. He is much more mechanically inclined than my hubby, so when after several frustrating attempts he too could not work the remote, my husband’s macho self-esteem was repaired.
The below link is mandatory reading for anyone that wants to see the cause of all of our frustrations. I just finished listening to it and laughed so hard that tears poured out of my eyes.
http://www.hulu.com/watch/36608/talkshow-with-spike-feresten-cable-psa
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