Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Life and Other Stuff

Up at 5 a.m.  Trouble breathing, left arm/hand/fingers kind of numb.  Psychologist who did neuropsych evaluation a couple weeks ago to check my memory issues said my mind is great but my fine motor skills are the pits.  Didn't bother to do any tests for my lousy balance but suggested that my ever more frequent episodes of numbness/tingling/weakness in said arm/hand/fingers are probably due to a pinched nerve in my neck, quickly adding "of course I'm not a doctor."  I get to visit a neurologist next Monday to talk about these things, then a GYN the following week (upper body issues), then a vascular surgeon (bad leg issues), & hopefully I'll get a rheumatologist referral as well (lupus & arthritis issues).  What fun!

Last Monday I called the pharmacy to refill my heart medication.  They said I had no more refills, they needed to contact my cardiologist for authorization, & the med should be ready on Wednesday.  On Wednesday I received an automated phone call from the pharmacy telling me my prescription was ready to be picked up.  I was in no rush ... I still had a few days worth of pills left.  Yesterday John went to get the prescription.  The one he brought home was not the one I was expecting.  I called the pharmacy & asked about it.  The pharmacist said they never received a response from the doctor's office.  I told her I now had no pills at all & without them I would be in the ER within 48 hours.  She said she would fax another request to the doctor & she could give me a few loaner pills if I needed them. If I needed them?  I ignored the stupidity of that remark & instead thanked her profusely. I then decided to be on the safe side & call the cardiologist's office to ask why they had not provided the requested prescription & remind them that I needed to have these pills or the doctor would soon receive a phone call from the ER to come visit me there.  The receptionist seemed very concerned.  She took down all my information & said she'd call me back after she spoke with the doctor.  She never called me back.  A while later I called the pharmacy to make sure the loaners were ready.  The pharmacist who answered the phone (a different one than I had spoken with earlier) said she would check & if they weren't ready, she would get them ready. She also confirmed that the first pharmacist had faxed another prescription request to my doctor's office.  I thanked her & told her I would be leaving soon to get the loaners. When I got to the pharmacy, no one knew what was going on but thankfully the now third pharmacist went back & threw a few loaners in a bottle & handed it to me.  She then asked if I wanted her to fax another request to my doctor's office.  I told her yes ... bombard them with requests.  I wonder if the pharmacy will receive my prescription by the time my loaners are gone?  This is not the first time my cardiologist's office has not provided a prescription when they've been asked for one.  The doctor's nurse is very rude & likes to tell you that you've said things or done things that you've never said or done.  I think I need to go shopping for a new cardiologist. 

Our riding mower has died once again.  This is a least the 8th time this has happened in the almost 3 years we've had it (3 years on the 19th of this month).  We thank God that we paid extra to Lowes for an extended warranty plan.  Last Thursday I called Lowes to let them know the mower needed servicing again.  They said they would alert the company they contract with for repairs in this area.  This company is in Lexington, an hour away.  I then immediately received an email saying that contact had been made & the company would be calling me the following day (Friday) to schedule pickup.  At 3 p.m. the following day they still had not called me.  I called Lowes & voiced my concern.  Kelly said "Oh, you are supposed to call them yourself to schedule pickup!"  I thanked her & called the company, Lexington Outdoor Power & Supply (hereinafter referred to as "LOPS").  The LOPS person, Margaret, said she was waiting to receive the repair authorization from Lowes & she would call me when she received it. Yesterday morning I called Lowes again.  Joe told me the authorization had been sent.  I thanked him & called LOPS.  Margaret said she had the paperwork on her desk but not the authorization & she was just getting ready to call Lowes to ask them about it. She said she would call me after she had spoken with them.  She never called.

This past weekend I finally decided to talk with a professional about selling our house. The house & gardens are by no means ready, & nothing here is ever going to be "staged," but it's clean & neat & what more could a person ask for?  At least I won't be leaving the new owner 2-1/2 years of grease to scrape off the kitchen cabinets, piles of crumbs & other assorted filth behind drawers, black crud in the shower, etc.  This, & more, is what I found when I moved here. Anyway, I spent a lot of time Saturday morning researching realtors & finally found one with great reviews on Angie's List.  I was rather surprised that AL was referring me to a realtor in Lexington (again an hour away) but I figured he must work here.  I sent him an email which he answered almost immediately.  He said he does not work here but he does have a branch office in this area & he would refer me to someone at this office.  Within half an hour or so I received another email from him saying he had tried to contact someone but they did not answer their phone which meant they were "with clients."  He said he left a message.  A couple hours later I received another email.  The agent he was trying to contact returned his call, telling him that he had been on his way back from Florida & that is why he didn't return the call right away.  He said this agent would be in touch with me.  No contact from said agent on Saturday, no contact on Sunday, & no contact yesterday.

Life in the devil's playground is ... I don't even know what adjective to use.  Unimaginable, perhaps?  Unbelievable?  Unpalatable?  

On a happier note, I've started a cross stitch project.  This happy note goes hand-in-hand with a sorrowful note though.  I had to start the cross stitch project because of the miserable heat that decided to make an appearance this past weekend.  It was in the high 60s on Sunday, the mid 70s yesterday, & today it's supposed to be 80 degrees.  I just want to crawl inside a cryogenic chamber & hang a sign on it that says "Do Not Revive Until Mid October 2013."  It's much too early (per Mr. Cool) to turn on the air conditioning so sitting in my recliner with a big wool blanket spread over my lap just isn't appealing to me ... so for now the blanket is sitting in it's project bag awaiting a cool spell, man made or otherwise.

I know I promised to show a photo of my blanket progress with this post ... & you would probbly like to see a photo of my cross stitch start as well ... but I'm not going to include any photos today.  There is a method to my madness.  What method, you ask?  I'll tell you in the following paragraph.  

I am going to be celebrating my 2nd blog anniversary on May 1st.  I never thought I would have a blog. I certainly never imagined that I would have a blog that anyone would want to follow!  I also never imagined that I would make some of the very good friends I have made via blogging.  People all over the world!  People I never would have known otherwise.  It's been a good 2 years & I look forward to more of them!

As is the custom, I would like to do something special for my anniversary to show my appreciation to my followers.  I never advertise my giveaways because I don't have giveaways to attract more followers.  I'm not here to play a numbers game.  Isn't it crazy when someone is on Facebook & they brag about having 3000 friends?  Friends? Really?  I feel that if people aren't interested in my blog unless there are gifts involved, then I'm not interested in having them here.  I therefore bury my giveaway announcements in a post without any hint of them being there.  Today especially ... if you have read this far, you deserve a giveaway   : )

I have tried to think of something really nice to offer for a 2-year anniversary giveaway & I have come up with a bit of a twist. Instead of just one item, I am going to offer several items so that more than one person will win something.  I wish I could offer enough giveaway items for all of you, but that, of course, is not possible.  I will tell you what you can possibly win ... & how you can win ... in a moment.  First, the rules.  Second, what you can win.  Third, how you can win.

IMPORTANT NOTE:  This giveaway is only open to my followers as of 10 a.m. EST, 
April 9, 2013.

RULES

1.  Do not advertise this giveaway on your blog or anywhere else.
2.  Do not advertise this giveaway on your blog or anywhere else.
3.  Do not advertise this giveaway on your blog or anywhere else.

WHAT YOU CAN WIN

1.  Something cross stitch related.
2.  Something knitting related.
3.  Something crochet related.
4.  A primitive collectible or two or three.
5.  Something sheep related.
6.  Something made by me (not necessarily a cross stitched item).
7.  Gift certificate to your favorite online shop.

HOW YOU CAN WIN

Simply comment on this post & let me know the numbers of the items above that you would like to have a chance at winning.  This giveaway is open to all my followers, those in the US as well as those in other countries.  I will draw names on my anniversary date, May 1st, & contact winners that day.  If you are a no-reply blogger, make sure that I have your email address.  If I don't, I will toss your name & draw someone else's.

Good luck!!!

44 comments:

marly said...

I've been the lucky recipient of your generosity so please don't include me. I just wanted to say I hope things start getting better, but believe me when I tell you, we have the same problems in PA when it comes to customer service, doctors, and people doing their jobs. I think all the bosses are out ot lunch and no one worries about getting fired.

ricketyjo said...

Hello!!
Sounds like you've been having fun and games...I HATE when people say they will call and then they don't, it sounds like you've been very unlucky.
I'd be interested in your giveaway, I've been thinking about trying 2 and 3 but I don't really know where to start so if I win, something for a total beginner in either of those would be great if possible.
Have a wonderful week! And I hope all the things you mentioned in your post are resolved soon!

Earlene said...

congrats on your 2 years! Please sign me up..and come on over to my blog cause I am having a giveaway to I posted this morning.
Yes you need to find a new cardiologist, and I would report how rude the nurse is. Maybe it is the doctors wife and that is why nothing is done.
Prayers you get well.
oxox
Earlene

Cole said...

So frustrating when people don't follow through, promising calls back & responses and then there are none! Grrrr!

Southpaw Stitcher said...

Sorry to hear that you are having such scary health issues--and problems with folks who don't return phone calls. Maybe it is time for you to find a new cardiologist.

Wow! Thanks, Shirlee, for having such a generous giveaway! Please enter me for a chance to win prizes 1, 3 and 6. I'm a follower, and my lips are sealed!

Adrienne said...

I'm sorry you are having so much trouble getting people to respond to your calls and requests. I can imagine how infuriating that must be.

On a happier note -- congratulations on your 2nd blogiversary!!

I;d be interested in being entered in your giveaway for numbers: 1, 3, & 7.

Cheers!

chickenchupacabra said...

Ya made me laugh again! Your insurance dilemma sounds so familiar - I'm dealing with mine . . . again . . . today over a medication coverage or should I say "non-coverage". Anyway, please enter me in your generous give-away. I would enjoy winning #1, #4, #6 or #7. Hope your prescription gets filled asap - that sounded very nerve wracking.

village folk art said...

Mornin' Shirlee,
WOW ... Congratulations on your outstanding 2nd "Blogaversary"! It is a 'Joy' to follow you and I look forward to all your new updates.

I would be delighted to win anything you have to offer ... but #4, #5, or %6 would be among my favorite choices.

Peace & Blessings to you and yours,
Barb

geeky Heather said...

LOL at the rules!!! Goodness gracious, I am sorry you are having such a time! Sometimes I wonder how anyone can claim to work in a "service" industry anymore!!! I hope you get the prescription cleared up especially! The last three times I have had to had a prescription filled, there were issues transmitting it to the pharmacy. Aren't thing supposed to be more convenient now?? I think I'll just ask for a paper prescription from now on.

Congratulations on two years of blogging! I'd be thrilled to win 1, 2, especially 6, or 7!

Dawn said...

OHHH my goodness Shirlee, I do hope that agent comes through for you, I would want to leave KY as fast as I can with all you've been through. Cincy is just up the road from you....:) I've already recevied a RAK from you so I won't be signing up for your giveaway but I like your way of thinking ;)

cucki said...

hello dear,
me so happy to hear from you..
it is a very sweet giveaway,.
please count me in for no 1,4,5,7
thank you..
love xxx

sheravery said...

Holy Hannah! That is just terrible about your meds! Your cardiologist and his employees should be given a good tongue lashing. Your need sounds imperative and that's nothing to mess around with. I, personally, will keep my fingers crossed that that is a situation quickly remedied. Good luck.

-Sherry-

tangerinedream73 said...
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Kielrain said...

Ugh. Call backs. I hate them. May you start getting some responses.

I'd be happy to have my name in any of the numbers. heh

Vickie said...

Hi Shirlee! I am still at the library. =(
1,6 & 7 for me! What a neat giveaway.

I sure do hope you get the meds sorted out. If you need them! ;)

~Sara said...

So sorry to her about all of the stress. Sending happy spring thoughts your way. I would love to
entered in your generous giveaway. How nice to think of others when your world seems in chaos. I guess that is the way to go about changing our lives, putting others first. Blessings to you!! I love anything that you create, sheep, I would love to learn to cross stitch(hard on the eyes?), I am mot really into crocheting or knotting, I never got the knack of that :(. Some things that I should have learned from my grandmother and never did. Wishing you a wonderful spring day! ~Sara

jennifer768 said...

Hi Shirlee,so sorry that you are having so many issues! I will continue to lift you up in my prayers.You probably will want to hide out tomorrow as it is supposedly going to hit the 80 degree mark.Congrats on the success of your blog,I so enjoy it!I would love to be entered in your drawing for anything except #2 0r 3.Such a sweet giveaway you are offering.Hope that things improve soon for you.Hugs,Jen

Jodi S said...

Wow you have a lot going on. I hope things calm down for you and soon! Congrats on your blogoversary! I enjoy following you and hope to continue to see you posting. You can consider me for anything in your giveaway. That is very kind of you!

Edgar said...

Happy Blogaversary!!! What a super way to have a gift-a-way drawing!!

Linda said...

Happy early Blogoversary Shirlee. I have been a follower of your blog for a while. I would love to be entered in your giveaway and would be very happy to win any of them.

Linda

Carol said...

Gosh, Shirlee--so many, many doctor's appts!! I hate going to the doctor--and my dad was a doctor! I always imagine the worst so I put off making appointments... Sure glad to read you don't have any memory issues at least :)

Sounds like a good decision on putting up the house for sale--I'm surprised a realtor isn't hungry enough for a sale and hasn't rushed right over to meet with you already!

Oh, has it been two years already--please throw my name in the hat for your giveaway. I'd love to enter for numbers 1, 5, 6, or 7 :) Thanks for the chance--looks like you'll have several happy winners!

Hang in there with the heat--it was 78 here today! More like July...

Trace4J said...

Oh my girlfriend you have had a time and a half.
Praying for you.
My tractor is down too. I am not happy as this girl likes to sing and drive.
Please enter me in your giveaway.
So happy you started blogging and we became friends.
You always make me laugh.
I would love to win anything you make.
Love your cross stitching.
Woolie Hugs

Shebafudge said...

Oh crikey Shirlee what a lot of running round after all the different people who are supposed to be doing something. I hope by the time you blog next they are all sorted out and doing what they should be!

Maybe you should move over here as we are definitely not getting warm weather, in fact I heard the words 'hill snow' mentioned on the weather tonight :)

I would love to enter your giveaway please. I would be happy to enter the drawer for anything but as I can't knit or crochet perhaps they would be best skipped.

Take care xx

CalamityJr said...

Sorry things aren't going smoothly for you. I'll keep prayers and good thoughts going for you! Please include me in your drawings for #s 1, 5, 6, & 7. Happy blogoversary!

Maggee said...

You know, I go through 'stuff' like that every single day and it is quite frustrating!! Ugh! Finally starting to stitch again--good news! And more good news--at least YOU made the first move to list your house. Stoopid Realtors! In my business, they lost my vote! Congrats on your upcoming anniversary. Blogging is a great way to share our favorite things! My picks for your Giveaway are: 6, 7, 1,4 or 5! So many choices! I agree about the rules and caveats you mentioned. I have learned to keep it low key or RAK instead! Hugs!

Marie said...

I can't believe it...My DH has been for neuro-psychological testing, seen a neurologist, and is going to a Orthopedic doctor to check his back/spine on Thursday. He too has tingling ND numbness in extremities! He also has a memory issue that has yet to be resolved. I will keep you posted on what we find.

So sorry that you have been having some health issues and hope that things get better soon!

Good luck with the home sale, have you decided where you want to move to? I still think VT would be nice ~ just stay inside and avoid the bugs up here (there really are not that many).

As for your giveaway, #6 is what I would be hoping for if I were to win. :D

Glad to hear that you are cross stitching again!

Hope you have less stressful days ahead.

capecodgirl565 said...

It sure sounds like you have had a time of it lately! Sincerely hope things improve for you very, very soon. I would love a chance of winning any of your lovely, I am sure, offerings, but I would really be partial to numbers 1,4,6 or 7. Good luck to everyone, but I am hoping being first to comment brings me luck!!!

Pam in IL said...

Whew, there's alot going on! Your prescription woes sound just like what I go through with my mom's meds and Walgreens. I'm told that it's just my local Walgreeens that is impossible to deal with, but I have family and friends all over the country that seem to have the same issues with Walgreens.

Love your idea for the giveaway. I'd be happy and honored to receive any gift from you.

Congrats on 2 years of blogging!

Teresa S. said...

Hi Shirlee-
I loved your post and had no idea that you would talk about a giveaway at the end. Next year I think I'll copy your idea of burying it at the end of a long post with NO pics. That will really tell us who is reading.

Most interesting to me is the real estate agent's response/non-response as I am one in the Seattle area. And struggling to find homes for my buyers in an area that gets 8-10 offers on every home under $200K.

AND the doctor's office shenanigans they put you thru. My friend's husband has been diagnosed with dementia recently. She is having these same types of issues with the doctor's office/insurance company-unbelieveable! Unfortunately I don't see it getting better, only worse.

Now, onto the good news, please enter me in your giveaway! Anything is greatly appreciated, but I especially would love a surprise from 1,4,6,or 7.

Hope the rest of this week is better than the first part.

Deborah said...

life has not been treating you well lately. You certainly do need a new cardiologist. Hopefully things will fall into place soon. 1,4 &7 would be great to win anyone of them. Be well.

Lisa said...
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Chris said...

Dear Shirlee,
I hope things ease up for you. I am so sorry that things are so difficult right now. I am wishing you all good things and for some cooler temps. 86 here yesterday...ugh.
Glad that there is some stitching going on too :)
Congratulations on your blog anniversary! I am so glad to have met you through this.
Hugs for you dear Friend!

Sally said...

Keep your chin up Shirlee. Something has to go right sooner or later- right?! Thinking of you my friend.

I would love to join in your 2 year blogoversary celebrations please. Congratulations! Please consider me for 5,6 or 7! Thank you :)

Myra said...

People who don't return calls just drive me nuts. You would think with the price you pay these "professionals" they would be a bit more professional. Shirlee, you know I would be absolutely thrilled to win anything you made as well as your other offers. So I guess my number would be 7. :o)

Simply Victoria said...
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Barbara said...

Hi Shirlee...not a follower 'cause I just happened upon your blog this evening! Love it...i agree about FB 'friends'. Tried FB, but not enjoying it nearly as much as I do an interesting blog. Love your attitude about 'give-aways', also. Will return to see how things are going with you...
Blessings...

rosek1870 said...

I so enjoy your blog. So sorry for all your challenges! Yes get a new cardiologist!! Also I get numbness and tingling in my left arm and 3 fingers of my left hand. It turned out to be stenosis in my neck. CT scan confirmed it. had to do PT and next step will be pain management when I need it.

I would love a chance at # 1,6 & 7

Thank you so much
Rose K

Nancy said...

Hi Shirlee, I was wondering if maybe your phone is not allowing incoming calls. It just seems like it since no one is calling back. Have you had any outside calls come in at all? As for your giveaway. I really can't give you a number because I would love to receive anything made by you. Whether cross stitched, knitted, crocheted even tatted would make me happy if I would be a winner. So, if I am a winner, you pick something that would make you happy to make and if that gets you too wound up to make a decision, then let me know and I will decide. If I am a winner. LOL I hope things settle down health wise for you soon!! Take care!!

Kaisievic said...

Hi Shirlee, Lovely long post and it is so frustrating when service people say that they will call back and don't! Our garage door broke down on Good Friday and two week's later we are still waiting on a repairman and in the meantime DS2 is having to valet our cars in and out of the backyard as he is the only one strong enough to lift it manually. I feel your pain and oh, Shirlee, I hope that you feel better soon.
Love the way you have buried your giveaway, I would love the chance to win either something cross-stitch related or a Gift certificate to my favourite online shop.

Love you heaps, my stitching online friend.

hugs, Kaye

Angela CG said...
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Carol B said...

Hi Shirlee, sorry to hear about the problems you're having. Hope things get better soon. As someone who was lucky enough to be one of your exchange partners, I was excited to read about your giveaway. I would love to win #1 or #7.

Catherine said...

What a time you have been having! I hope you are feeling better and things have settled down for you.
What a great way to handle a giveaway! Since I do not knit or crochet, I would be interested in all except 2&3 ~ unless of course, it is something you've made! 😉

Denise said...

Hi Shirlee, I love reading your blog, and would love to be entered into your blogoverary give away and I choose #1 something cross stitched related. I totally agree that this isn't a numbers game.
Happy Stitching
Denise

TheCrankyCrow said...

Oh my goodness....I finally make a blogland appearance and learn I have been missing out on way, way, way too much. Now you gotta know that I read through your posts....eventually....!! Sorry to hear of all your "issues" - yikes....perhaps we should swap the Devil's Playground and Nod for a few months....see how things play out on each of our ends? 80 degrees sounds like heaven as i look out my window onto yet another round of snowfall. Really? This is getting SOOO old! We haven't even come CLOSE to our "normal" temp of 50 degrees yet.... :-( As for your anniversary....YAY!!! I would love any one of any of the items you mentioned!!! But I feel guilty even signing up since I've been such a bad blogger of late. But do with me as you will...you know I'll always be here for you one way or another!! Smiles & Hugs ~ Robin