Back In Cali

So, the fella and I took off to CT for a few days to celebrate my FFIL's (Fututre Father-in-Law) 60th birthday. It was nice to see old friends, chat with my future family and breathe air that did not contain dense smog. I also bought the new Harry Potter book while there and finished it just today. The book was an enjoyable read, but I must say that I am sad that I will no longer be involved in Harry's life. :(

Before school, it is my duty to look at apartments, wedding sites and dresses. We are scheduled to look at an apartment in downtown SJ on Saturday. If it meets our needs, we may be out of this shithole by the end of next month.

I wish I could download the proof, but the Weinermobile was parked across the street from my apartment this morning...

Something's Missing...

A "dear" friend of mine from college called me a week or so ago to play catch-up. We were having a pleasant conversation, when all of the sudden she exclaims, "Mandy, why are you such a loser? You still haven't sent me a picture of your ring!!"

Ouch!

She's right. I've let it go too long. It's so weird having a piece of jewelry that you never take off. Once you forget it once, you feel like a part of you is missing...and I don't mean that in a sentimental way. I mean it more in a way that it almost feels like you-left-the-house-without-your-bra-on, missing.

Unemployment

So, I am entering the last three days of work at my current job. It has been a decent experience. I've become more comfortable around a variety of people. My last job had me staring/talking to a sewing maching 10+ hours/day, so being exposed to a new person every second was good for me. Even if they were crazy.

Gotta love the crazies.

The Search is On, Part 2

I've only just begun looking for a wedding dress online. You would think for a person who used to make wedding dresses, clothes, costumes, etc... that I would have some sort of idea what I should get.

Yeah, not so much.

There are a million and one places in the Bay Area that sell wedding gowns. I've decided to nix the ones that do not have a website, or whose store-front is a neon sign. For the time being, I've decided on one boutique that sells unique yet pricey dresses, and a store that sells run of the mill dresses. Most wedding gowns these days are of the strapless variety, and my fella already told me that was the only type of dress he didn't want to see me in. For me, strapless is too much trouble. I don't want to futz with it or worry about showing my ta tas to my new family. I don't do poofy/cinderella, bussles, rhinestones, beading or shiny satins. I definitely do not do cheap fabric. So, I know what I don't want.

Oh, shit. I'm becoming one of those brides.

Politicians talk Farmin'

There is nothing like a bunch of Ivy-League educated pricks talkin' agricultural reform.

Recent Events

I am feeling the need to tie up some loose ends to some of the previous posts, so here we go...

Pots and pans: I decided to bow down to tradition and purchase the stainless steel 3-ply copperclad Revereware set. Our first meal was perogies with caramelized onions. It was an amazing experience to have food cook evenly and not worry about burning the outside of the dumplings while the inside stayed frozen. No, I did not make homemade perogies. I'm not that good, people. I love my new set; however, I will definitely need to purchase a 12" skillet for larger meals.

Insurance: I'm still fighting them. They are still assholes. Nothing new here.

Ring: As soon as I remember to buy batteries for my camera, I will post a picture of my ring so everyone won't have to wait a year or so to see the ring in person.

I Should Have Known

Silly me. I thought I could leave the movie theatre yesterday after seeing "Sicko" in a good mood. Not so, my friends. Very much not so.

As I waited for the movie to start, I noticed that the wheelchair aisle filled up rather quickly. No surprise, really. Everyone there was clearly there for emotional reasons. Even me.

I have had individual health insurance from Blue Cross of California for over a year now. Typically, I go to the doctor once a year for a check-up and no more. Since I am allergic to most medication, I tend to take vitamins and herbal products. Luckily, I am blessed with good health and a strong immune system. A couple of months ago, I decided to use my insurance for the first time due to a pain in my neck. I saw my doc twice and a specialist twice and have felt well enough not to need an MRI or surgery since receiving free PT from my work.

On my birthday, I received a notice that a package had arrived for me in the mail. "Presents!" I thought, "Yeah!"

Enter BX of California to piss on my parade: It was a packet explaining that they were going to begin investigating me for insurance fraud. Apparently, anyone with an ache or pain who receives any medical treatment is run through the ringer and called a liar.

My feelings were hurt. And they ruined my birthday.

It has been a month and they have every piece of medical history from me for the past five years. They will be unimpressed, but will probably find a way to screw me somehow. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I will be able to keep my insurance, but will live in fear that if I ever get seriously ill/injured that they will find a way to get out of paying the bill.

There are far worse insurance horror stories out there. Some of my family members have endured years of debt due to the power insurance companies have over our health.

To the three of you who read my blog: Sorry about the darkness of this post, but I had a lot to get off my chest.