Monday, May 12, 2008
Friday, April 18, 2008
Enough with the rain already!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm really sick of it. It has been raining for weeks here. I realized that I'm not turning gray, it's just mold growing on my head.
And let me tell you about the leeches! Yuck. Last week, Tim took the dogs for an hour long bush walk. It wasn't raining at the time, but it has been raining as I mentioned. When he came home, I noticed a couple of leeches that had dropped off the dogs. They weren't engorged - meaning they hadn't yet feasted on my dogs' tasty blood - but still skinny stretching slinky alien lifeforms. It's hard to like a leech. Anyway, I thought I might rub the dogs with some special doggy insecticide I have to encourage any "hangers-on" to exodus my doggys' bodies. We've had leeches before, but I still wasn't prepared for the plethora of squiggly critters to jump ship (I mean, dog). I must have picked up 20-30 leeches! Now ask me, did I flush the leeches down the toilet?
Funny you should ask....
The last time a leech dropped off one of the dogs, Tim flushed it down the toilet. Jumping ahead (no pun intended - :) ) 20 minutes, I had just finished relieving myself and turned to flush. Have you ever had the experience of something you just deposited in the toilet coming back atcha? Well, you might have guessed what my first impression was, but it actually was the "flushed" (and may I say very good swimmer) leech! It had crawled up the inside of the toilet and was stretching its disgusting self toward where my very "personal" self was just exposed. Are you getting the picture here?
I know that some celebrities, with way too much money and time, actually pay to have leeches placed on their bodies. I know that surgeons use leeches in lifesaving heart surgery. But wouldn't a leech be the epitome of a hemophilia's nightmare?
Personally, I don't like 'em, but if you want to learn more, try here.
-Judi
And let me tell you about the leeches! Yuck. Last week, Tim took the dogs for an hour long bush walk. It wasn't raining at the time, but it has been raining as I mentioned. When he came home, I noticed a couple of leeches that had dropped off the dogs. They weren't engorged - meaning they hadn't yet feasted on my dogs' tasty blood - but still skinny stretching slinky alien lifeforms. It's hard to like a leech. Anyway, I thought I might rub the dogs with some special doggy insecticide I have to encourage any "hangers-on" to exodus my doggys' bodies. We've had leeches before, but I still wasn't prepared for the plethora of squiggly critters to jump ship (I mean, dog). I must have picked up 20-30 leeches! Now ask me, did I flush the leeches down the toilet?
Funny you should ask....
The last time a leech dropped off one of the dogs, Tim flushed it down the toilet. Jumping ahead (no pun intended - :) ) 20 minutes, I had just finished relieving myself and turned to flush. Have you ever had the experience of something you just deposited in the toilet coming back atcha? Well, you might have guessed what my first impression was, but it actually was the "flushed" (and may I say very good swimmer) leech! It had crawled up the inside of the toilet and was stretching its disgusting self toward where my very "personal" self was just exposed. Are you getting the picture here?
I know that some celebrities, with way too much money and time, actually pay to have leeches placed on their bodies. I know that surgeons use leeches in lifesaving heart surgery. But wouldn't a leech be the epitome of a hemophilia's nightmare?
Personally, I don't like 'em, but if you want to learn more, try here.
-Judi
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Australian Private Health Insurance
Tim and I took out private health insurance here in Australia. We became eligible for Medicare - Australia's public health insurance - in October. Even with the public health program, many people who can afford it, take out private insurance as well. For one reason, there is a tax rebate for people with private health insurance. I assume the reason is that private healthcare relieves some of the stress on the public system.
There is a general rule here, that if you have had hospital coverage prior to enrolling in a new program, that your benefits will continue if you enroll within two months of terminating your last insurance (hence no 2-month waiting period or pre-existing condition clauses). There is some question whether our expatriate coverage that was provided through CSIRO (until Medicare became effective by becoming permanent residents) is eligible for this 2-month continuation rule. The interesting item here, is that our new health insurer is helping us get that continuation of coverage - i.e., save us money which could potentially cost them money!
Comparing this to our experience with Cigna - well, in fact there is no comparison! I had to fight Cigna for almost every claim I ever made, which usually meant dealing with some very unpleasant (read: rude and abusive) Cigna employees.
I know that the USA doesn't have public health - unfortunately - but why can't US insurance companies be less adversarial? Why can't they pay claims without going through all the games of denial - so that only the most persistent of people get reimbursed?
I am not afraid to talk to people who work for our new health insurance. In fact, the people I have dealt with are absolutely lovely. One woman has been trying different avenues to allow us to get the continuation - going out of her way to help us! I have never had that happen to me in the United States - in dealing with health insurers. I actually dread every time I have to speak with Cigna, because I know it will be stressful, and it usually means more of my time to "justify" to them why they should pay my claim.
I have been reading about Cigna, which includes Cigna forums online. Apparently, the morale at Cigna is at an all-time low. Several employees said they have to perform the jobs of 2 or more people. One person said their insurance benefits were poor. It doesn't seem surprising to me that employees would have low morale - for all the reasons stated and because they are encouraged to hang up their ethics before entering the place of work. How satisfying can it be to constantly say "no" to people - which possibly means going against their own better judgment or nature? The more you deny claims the more you advance in the organization... does this sound right, moral or good?
The Health Insurance industry in the US needs an overhaul. Perhaps they could learn something from Australian insurers?
There is a general rule here, that if you have had hospital coverage prior to enrolling in a new program, that your benefits will continue if you enroll within two months of terminating your last insurance (hence no 2-month waiting period or pre-existing condition clauses). There is some question whether our expatriate coverage that was provided through CSIRO (until Medicare became effective by becoming permanent residents) is eligible for this 2-month continuation rule. The interesting item here, is that our new health insurer is helping us get that continuation of coverage - i.e., save us money which could potentially cost them money!
Comparing this to our experience with Cigna - well, in fact there is no comparison! I had to fight Cigna for almost every claim I ever made, which usually meant dealing with some very unpleasant (read: rude and abusive) Cigna employees.
I know that the USA doesn't have public health - unfortunately - but why can't US insurance companies be less adversarial? Why can't they pay claims without going through all the games of denial - so that only the most persistent of people get reimbursed?
I am not afraid to talk to people who work for our new health insurance. In fact, the people I have dealt with are absolutely lovely. One woman has been trying different avenues to allow us to get the continuation - going out of her way to help us! I have never had that happen to me in the United States - in dealing with health insurers. I actually dread every time I have to speak with Cigna, because I know it will be stressful, and it usually means more of my time to "justify" to them why they should pay my claim.
I have been reading about Cigna, which includes Cigna forums online. Apparently, the morale at Cigna is at an all-time low. Several employees said they have to perform the jobs of 2 or more people. One person said their insurance benefits were poor. It doesn't seem surprising to me that employees would have low morale - for all the reasons stated and because they are encouraged to hang up their ethics before entering the place of work. How satisfying can it be to constantly say "no" to people - which possibly means going against their own better judgment or nature? The more you deny claims the more you advance in the organization... does this sound right, moral or good?
The Health Insurance industry in the US needs an overhaul. Perhaps they could learn something from Australian insurers?
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
CIGNA and Catch 22
There was only one catch and that was Catch-22, which specified that a concern for one's own safety in the face of dangers that were real and immediate was the process of a rational mind. Orr was crazy and could be grounded. All he had to do was ask; and as soon as he did, he would no longer be crazy and would have to fly more missions. Orr would be crazy to fly more missions and sane if he didn't, but if he was sane he had to fly them. If he flew them he was crazy and didn't have to; but if he didn't want to he was sane and had to. Yossarian was moved very deeply by the absolute simplicity of this clause of Catch-22 and let out a respectful whistle.
"That's some catch, that catch-22," he observed.
"It's the best there is," Doc Daneeka agreed.
CIGNA has its own Catch 22. Leaving aside a lot of extraneous, distracting, and basically irrelevant stuff, CIGNA's case against Judi is that it doesn't believe her doctor's statement that Judi is not able to work. The only way to prove that she can't work is to try to. If she tried to work and then got sick, she would have already lost her coverage by CIGNA anyway because she would no longer be eligible because she is working! It's as beautiful (and obscene) as Catch 22.
Tim
"That's some catch, that catch-22," he observed.
"It's the best there is," Doc Daneeka agreed.
CIGNA has its own Catch 22. Leaving aside a lot of extraneous, distracting, and basically irrelevant stuff, CIGNA's case against Judi is that it doesn't believe her doctor's statement that Judi is not able to work. The only way to prove that she can't work is to try to. If she tried to work and then got sick, she would have already lost her coverage by CIGNA anyway because she would no longer be eligible because she is working! It's as beautiful (and obscene) as Catch 22.
Tim
Monday, March 10, 2008
CIGNA and morality
Judi's post says a number of things that need to be said about her specific case. Driving back tonight, I was pondering how to communicate the true awfulness of CIGNA's actions in her case. CIGNA benefits from hiding in plain sight - there are so many cases of this sort that only the most egregious get the deserved attention from the media. I'd like all CIGNA case workers to act as though each case would be on the front page of the New York Times. It's a variant of the old adage that one should act as if the whole world is watching. I think CIGNA's actions in her case fail this test.
We are in the process of appealing (again).
Tim
We are in the process of appealing (again).
Tim
U.S. INSURANCE COMPANIES SHOULD BE ASHAMED
I feel a need to talk about private (or company-sponsored) disability insurance. Disability insurance is something an individual signs up and pays for, with the understanding that if they become disabled, i.e., unable to work, then their insurance provider will pay a percentage of their salary at disability until they are able to work again. Most people depend upon this income, and the income they receive from SSDI (social security) to live.
I went on disability in the summer of 1998. Not working was incredibly difficult for me, because I enjoyed work and I derived self-esteem and a sense of identity from my job. It is obvious to Tim and I that I cannot work - my mental health won't allow for it. In past posts, I have discussed my MPD/DID and some of the symptoms I get. Some of my symptoms I prefer not to talk about here because they are of a more private and sensitive nature. However, some of my symptoms are consistent with most “mentally ill” people, e.g., difficulty concentrating, problems with interpersonal relationships, the inability to deal with various environmental stimulants (noise, talking, music, heat, crowds, etc.). With trauma survivors, there is also the chance of becoming triggered by an event or a person. When triggered, a person could have any type of originally adaptive, but possibly, negative response (e.g., crying, hiding, dissociating (spacing out), anger, hostility, etc.).
Since I was diagnosed in 1997, my life has changed. I had already suffered from depression, so I was used to the excessive sleeping and isolation. At one point, I tried to do too much and ended up in the hospital from a “breakdown” of sorts. What occurred is that one of my child alters attempted suicide by overdosing on prescription medicine (with a wine chaser). This might seem unbelievable to most readers of this blog, but I still have the note written in a child's hand saying “Judi go bye bye”. Even more strangely, I watched this event from somewhere up by my dining room's ceiling. Fortunately, I had helper parts of me who thought to call my psychiatrist, and an ambulance arrived at my door. I hardly remember the stomach pumping at the hospital, but I recall enough to know that I don't want to ever experience it again. As I write this, my mind darts to all the things that need more explanation, but I am not inclined to get into that much detail here.
Returning to the purpose of this entry, disability insurance in the United States is a huge and corrupt scam. I read an excellent article recently:
“Practices in Health care and Disability Insurance: Delay, Diminish, Deny, Blame”
by Peter Phillips and Bridget Thornton
(I can send you a pdf copy by email if you'd like to read this article.)
This article explains how the insurance industry has become so corrupt and why the disabled population - people who have the least energy or ability, but often the greatest need - are put through hell in attempts to get what is rightfully owed to them. Cigna Healthcare terminated my disability insurance benefits effective last summer. Since that time, Tim and I have been appealing their decision, currently working on a new appeal since the last appeal was denied. My doctor has stated that I am unable to work and why. Cigna, however, has chosen to follow the assessment of two doctors who do not know me, and are obviously quite ignorant about DID. Cigna is also basing most of its decision to terminate my insurance on this blog! For example, because they read that I was able to attend and enjoy an opera with Zoe and Tim, that I must be able to have sustained concentration over a period of time. An opera? I'd bet that any number of mental hospitals would love to have opera available to their patients to enjoy and relax with. So a three hour light opera proves that I am able to work - what are they thinking? This is just one small and silly example of their reasoning.... it goes on and on.
I heard that Cigna, among other insurance companies, was mentioned in Michael Moore's film, Sicko. Apparently, the staff who pay claims are awarded for how many claims they deny. The more claims denied, the better the advancement and compensation. I know this has to be true, because as a former HR professional and on behalf of employees, I had to fight Cigna on several occasions to get claims paid that should never have been denied in the first place. Now, since I have been sick, I have had to do the same for my own claims. I still haven't been paid for my last claim submissions, and it has been months. The last Explanation of Benefits I received was ridiculous. They denied most of my doctor visits because my provider's number was not listed (or something like that). Well, duhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, she's here in Australia! Wouldn't you expect the international claims people to figure out that the provider numbers might be different in a country other than the US? I am certain that they just made up ridiculous reasons to deny my claims, hoping that I would get tired of fighting them. Unfortunately, that's what many people do. They give up and give in to the insurance companies - mostly because they are intimidated by insurance or rude and abusive claims people, or they are too sick or tired (or tired of caring for a sick loved one), to keep fighting.
Something has to change. I am tired of fighting, but I also can't give in because I really can't work now and I am entitled to the insurance payments.
I want to work. I like work. I would like the better income that work provides me.
Since Cigna has been monitoring this blog, they will probably say that what I have just written indicates my ability for sustained and coherent thought thereby proving that I am capable of maintaining employment. I never said I was stupid, I just told them that some days I can't go outside, talk to other people, or answer the telephone. Hmmmmm, why would that interfere with a job do you think?
Hopefully more ranting and raving to come....
Judi
I went on disability in the summer of 1998. Not working was incredibly difficult for me, because I enjoyed work and I derived self-esteem and a sense of identity from my job. It is obvious to Tim and I that I cannot work - my mental health won't allow for it. In past posts, I have discussed my MPD/DID and some of the symptoms I get. Some of my symptoms I prefer not to talk about here because they are of a more private and sensitive nature. However, some of my symptoms are consistent with most “mentally ill” people, e.g., difficulty concentrating, problems with interpersonal relationships, the inability to deal with various environmental stimulants (noise, talking, music, heat, crowds, etc.). With trauma survivors, there is also the chance of becoming triggered by an event or a person. When triggered, a person could have any type of originally adaptive, but possibly, negative response (e.g., crying, hiding, dissociating (spacing out), anger, hostility, etc.).
Since I was diagnosed in 1997, my life has changed. I had already suffered from depression, so I was used to the excessive sleeping and isolation. At one point, I tried to do too much and ended up in the hospital from a “breakdown” of sorts. What occurred is that one of my child alters attempted suicide by overdosing on prescription medicine (with a wine chaser). This might seem unbelievable to most readers of this blog, but I still have the note written in a child's hand saying “Judi go bye bye”. Even more strangely, I watched this event from somewhere up by my dining room's ceiling. Fortunately, I had helper parts of me who thought to call my psychiatrist, and an ambulance arrived at my door. I hardly remember the stomach pumping at the hospital, but I recall enough to know that I don't want to ever experience it again. As I write this, my mind darts to all the things that need more explanation, but I am not inclined to get into that much detail here.
Returning to the purpose of this entry, disability insurance in the United States is a huge and corrupt scam. I read an excellent article recently:
“Practices in Health care and Disability Insurance: Delay, Diminish, Deny, Blame”
by Peter Phillips and Bridget Thornton
(I can send you a pdf copy by email if you'd like to read this article.)
This article explains how the insurance industry has become so corrupt and why the disabled population - people who have the least energy or ability, but often the greatest need - are put through hell in attempts to get what is rightfully owed to them. Cigna Healthcare terminated my disability insurance benefits effective last summer. Since that time, Tim and I have been appealing their decision, currently working on a new appeal since the last appeal was denied. My doctor has stated that I am unable to work and why. Cigna, however, has chosen to follow the assessment of two doctors who do not know me, and are obviously quite ignorant about DID. Cigna is also basing most of its decision to terminate my insurance on this blog! For example, because they read that I was able to attend and enjoy an opera with Zoe and Tim, that I must be able to have sustained concentration over a period of time. An opera? I'd bet that any number of mental hospitals would love to have opera available to their patients to enjoy and relax with. So a three hour light opera proves that I am able to work - what are they thinking? This is just one small and silly example of their reasoning.... it goes on and on.
I heard that Cigna, among other insurance companies, was mentioned in Michael Moore's film, Sicko. Apparently, the staff who pay claims are awarded for how many claims they deny. The more claims denied, the better the advancement and compensation. I know this has to be true, because as a former HR professional and on behalf of employees, I had to fight Cigna on several occasions to get claims paid that should never have been denied in the first place. Now, since I have been sick, I have had to do the same for my own claims. I still haven't been paid for my last claim submissions, and it has been months. The last Explanation of Benefits I received was ridiculous. They denied most of my doctor visits because my provider's number was not listed (or something like that). Well, duhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, she's here in Australia! Wouldn't you expect the international claims people to figure out that the provider numbers might be different in a country other than the US? I am certain that they just made up ridiculous reasons to deny my claims, hoping that I would get tired of fighting them. Unfortunately, that's what many people do. They give up and give in to the insurance companies - mostly because they are intimidated by insurance or rude and abusive claims people, or they are too sick or tired (or tired of caring for a sick loved one), to keep fighting.
Something has to change. I am tired of fighting, but I also can't give in because I really can't work now and I am entitled to the insurance payments.
I want to work. I like work. I would like the better income that work provides me.
Since Cigna has been monitoring this blog, they will probably say that what I have just written indicates my ability for sustained and coherent thought thereby proving that I am capable of maintaining employment. I never said I was stupid, I just told them that some days I can't go outside, talk to other people, or answer the telephone. Hmmmmm, why would that interfere with a job do you think?
Hopefully more ranting and raving to come....
Judi
Friday, January 4, 2008
Monday, December 24, 2007
Sammy closeup
Sometimes it's hard to make out Sammy's face (or much of anything beyond a mass of black) in photos. Here's a nice closeup, taken at the Bayview leash free area.
Friday, December 21, 2007
Monday, December 17, 2007
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
A Gum Tree Fell Onto Our Neighbors House!
Really. We were in the way of a bad hailstorm last Sunday. Fortunately, our damage was minimal except for some dings on my car. In nearby suburbs, the hailstones were as big as cricket balls - ours were not quite that big.
The speck of blue in there is our very nice neighbor, David. (Pronounced with a spanish accent because he's from Chile.)
I say "our" damage, because "our" gigantic tree fell onto "our" neighbor's roof. As I speak, it is still resting on their roof and a huge branch of it is resting on our carport roof. The emergency services guys came to check it out after the storm and said they would have to get a crane to remove it. We sort of thought that might be done on Monday, but.... I guess there are a lot of big trees to move after that storm. Tim was at home when the tree fell, but didn't hear it. He said the wind and sound of the hail was so noisy that it was all he could hear. Our theory is that one particularly forceful gust of wind knocked over the tree at the base - no roots at all! It was growing among some large boulders, so I don't think the root system was at all extensive.
Cheers, Judi
The speck of blue in there is our very nice neighbor, David. (Pronounced with a spanish accent because he's from Chile.)
I say "our" damage, because "our" gigantic tree fell onto "our" neighbor's roof. As I speak, it is still resting on their roof and a huge branch of it is resting on our carport roof. The emergency services guys came to check it out after the storm and said they would have to get a crane to remove it. We sort of thought that might be done on Monday, but.... I guess there are a lot of big trees to move after that storm. Tim was at home when the tree fell, but didn't hear it. He said the wind and sound of the hail was so noisy that it was all he could hear. Our theory is that one particularly forceful gust of wind knocked over the tree at the base - no roots at all! It was growing among some large boulders, so I don't think the root system was at all extensive.
Cheers, Judi
My New Pasttime (read: Therapy)
I call these things Twigs. I invented them. Most of them are either hanging or standing earrings trees, the others are mobiles. The mobiles are best seen in motion because they spin and bobble and sparkle. I'm really enjoying making these things - it's relaxing and creative and all that good stuff. They are also natural - wood, willow, cane, collected sea shells and bird feathers.
As I am writing this a huge Yellow crested Cockatoo keeps trying to raid the bird feeder on the balcony. You try not to encourage these birds because if you later stop feeding them, they will destroy your house - no kidding! This particular cockatoo is quite persistent and I'm getting pissed off! So with luck I might have a whole new stash of large white feathers for my mobiles! (Just kidding. I couldn't hurt a fly.)
Cheers, Judi
As I am writing this a huge Yellow crested Cockatoo keeps trying to raid the bird feeder on the balcony. You try not to encourage these birds because if you later stop feeding them, they will destroy your house - no kidding! This particular cockatoo is quite persistent and I'm getting pissed off! So with luck I might have a whole new stash of large white feathers for my mobiles! (Just kidding. I couldn't hurt a fly.)
Cheers, Judi
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Cranes flying over the Rio Grande
I'm in Socorro for a few days. Today the kids and I went down to the Rio Grande where I took these great pictures on my cell phone.
Cranes flying south over the Rio Grande
Doggy Heaven - where I used to take the dogs when we lived in Socorro
Cranes flying south over the Rio Grande
Doggy Heaven - where I used to take the dogs when we lived in Socorro
Zoe's first paper
Zoe is second author on a paper!
Gamma and beta neural activity evoked during a sensory gating paradigm: effects of auditory, somatosensory and cross-modal stimulation.
This was a result from her honors thesis.
Gamma and beta neural activity evoked during a sensory gating paradigm: effects of auditory, somatosensory and cross-modal stimulation.
This was a result from her honors thesis.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Gavin's introduction to his new colleagues, written by his boss
R&D
In this addition of the TrueBlue, R&D is pleased to announce the arrival of Gavin Cornwell as a Research Associate I. In a continuing effort to tip the balance of power in R&D to the Dark Side, we had to go all the way to Dallas, Texas to unearth a suitably qualified chemist. Gavin is no prairie cowpuncher with lone star tattoos though; he hails originally from New Mexico. Interestingly, he's the son of a radio astronomer, which has led some to suggest that Gavin's early life is actually based on the 1982 movie, E.T.
Despite his outwardly quiet and unassuming manner, Gavin is accomplished in Capoeira, a Brazilian martial art characterized by fluid acrobatic play, feints, subterfuge and extensive use of groundwork, as well as sweeps, kicks and headbutts. Not long after starting at KPL, he decided he wasn't getting beat up enough, and also took up Jiu-jitsu. Please don't be confused about the red welts on his neck, they're more likely from his work-out the night before rather than a chance encounter with a Rockville floozy. In two short months, Gavin has already made a significant contribution to R&D, slicing through the fluorophore conjugate project with ninja-like skill and bringing it to gate review a month ahead of schedule. Not only is his scientific sword sharp, but his razor like wit slices even Michael Federman to shreds on a daily basis. To this Gavin, KPL can simply say "Cheers!"-Seth
In this addition of the TrueBlue, R&D is pleased to announce the arrival of Gavin Cornwell as a Research Associate I. In a continuing effort to tip the balance of power in R&D to the Dark Side, we had to go all the way to Dallas, Texas to unearth a suitably qualified chemist. Gavin is no prairie cowpuncher with lone star tattoos though; he hails originally from New Mexico. Interestingly, he's the son of a radio astronomer, which has led some to suggest that Gavin's early life is actually based on the 1982 movie, E.T.
Despite his outwardly quiet and unassuming manner, Gavin is accomplished in Capoeira, a Brazilian martial art characterized by fluid acrobatic play, feints, subterfuge and extensive use of groundwork, as well as sweeps, kicks and headbutts. Not long after starting at KPL, he decided he wasn't getting beat up enough, and also took up Jiu-jitsu. Please don't be confused about the red welts on his neck, they're more likely from his work-out the night before rather than a chance encounter with a Rockville floozy. In two short months, Gavin has already made a significant contribution to R&D, slicing through the fluorophore conjugate project with ninja-like skill and bringing it to gate review a month ahead of schedule. Not only is his scientific sword sharp, but his razor like wit slices even Michael Federman to shreds on a daily basis. To this Gavin, KPL can simply say "Cheers!"-Seth
Friday, October 19, 2007
Finally, We're Permanent Residents!
Tim got the email from our immigration caseworker just last night. After several last minute requests for various missing forms or information, we were approved.
Even when your employer is requesting the permanent residency on your behalf, and the employer is CSIRO, application is still a long and arduous process - especially when you are both over 50 and one of you has a mental health problem and can't work. Tim had to get his heart checked out (I could have TOLD them he has a good heart), but would they listen to me? I had to meet with an independent psychiatrist who could verify that I was an unlikely axe-murderer, and besides, I couldn't possibly be any crazier than the "Chaser" guys are, right?
An applicant also has to prove they aren't currently married to more than one person (assuming they aren't Muslim or Fundamentalist Mormans, I guess). We had to write to the US for our divorce decrees (Tim's one decree and my two - yeah, I have a somewhat crazy past, so deal with it.) You also have to get criminal checks from your State and the US FBI.
So all in all, applying for permanent residency is an expensive and complicated and stressful process and we are really glad it's over with a positive outcome.
We're excited because we love living in Australia, and now it even feels more like "home." I'm glad they didn't deny me because I'm a somewhat crazy old person... although, from what I've heard about certain Australian politicians....
Cheers and G'Day Mate and No Worries!
Judi
Even when your employer is requesting the permanent residency on your behalf, and the employer is CSIRO, application is still a long and arduous process - especially when you are both over 50 and one of you has a mental health problem and can't work. Tim had to get his heart checked out (I could have TOLD them he has a good heart), but would they listen to me? I had to meet with an independent psychiatrist who could verify that I was an unlikely axe-murderer, and besides, I couldn't possibly be any crazier than the "Chaser" guys are, right?
An applicant also has to prove they aren't currently married to more than one person (assuming they aren't Muslim or Fundamentalist Mormans, I guess). We had to write to the US for our divorce decrees (Tim's one decree and my two - yeah, I have a somewhat crazy past, so deal with it.) You also have to get criminal checks from your State and the US FBI.
So all in all, applying for permanent residency is an expensive and complicated and stressful process and we are really glad it's over with a positive outcome.
We're excited because we love living in Australia, and now it even feels more like "home." I'm glad they didn't deny me because I'm a somewhat crazy old person... although, from what I've heard about certain Australian politicians....
Cheers and G'Day Mate and No Worries!
Judi
Friday, October 12, 2007
Mica (Nee circa 1989-October 11, 2007)
One of my best girlfriends died today. She was 18. I found her at the Humane Society in 1990, and I think she was about one year old. She had been rescued while roaming the mountains east of Albuquerque, New Mexico. I think she must have been hungry when they found her, because I have never known a dog who would eat anything... well, almost anything. She used to leave the sprig of parsley on her plate.
Right after I got Mica, she developed a cough. I was worried that she was going to die and I remember asking the vet to be straight with me. I didn't want to get attached to her if she was just going to up and die right away. It turned out to be kennel cough and she recovered quickly. It was love at first sight anyway, so I had already become attached.
A couple of months later, she and I drove to Arizona and then back to Albuquerque via Bisbee and then Silver City, New Mexico. I had my new Jeep Wrangler at the time, and she used to sleep in the front seat with her head on my lap while I drove. While we drove through Silver City, I thought I was going to lose her. She was suffering from some sort of convulsive/shaking problem. As I debated on whether to find a vet to check her out, it dawned on me that she was terror stricken by the sleeting, thundering, miserable weather we were driving through. That was the first of many times she would have the same reaction. Doggie valium would have been beneficial.
Mica saw me through three hospital admissions. She actually got to visit me when I was in Charter Hospital for the depression, etc. She also kept me company after my hysterectomy, and I was lucky to have Rich Abitz, a friend from work, come by and take Mica and Buggy for a run in the foothills. I was soon on my feet from the operation, and I'm sure the twice daily dog walks hastened my recovery.
I used to go camping with Mica and Buggy (blue heeler), and I was always convinced that if I ran into trouble, that Mica would fight off anyone or thing who had evil intentions. Fortunately, I never had to find out.
In November, 2004, Tim and I decided to move to Australia. Moving to Australia with dogs is no easy task, and it became clear that Mica would not be able to travel due to her age. My friends, Robyn and Tom, offered to take her, while we would bring Sammy and Karma with us to our new home. The grief of leaving Mica behind was overwhelming. I felt such pain for months, that when we finally had to say goodbye to her, it wasn't terrible. She knew what was happening and settled herself on Robyn and Tom's porch. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect home for her.
Since the last time I saw her, the only real trauma came when she was lost for 1-2 days. She had walked 25 miles north along the highway and was rescued by a good-hearted trucker and some wonderful people from Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge. Robyn didn't tell me about the event until she was safely at home (bless her heart). A part of me was sure she was trying to find her way home (to our old house along her route), and the guilt I felt was miserable. She was an Iditarod Dog champion at heart and body (or would have been if she had been born in Alaska and not New Mexico), so for an old girl, 25 miles was a walk in the park. (Not really. Robyn said she was thirsty and exhausted when they found her.) Many of the dogs in the Iditarod look like Mica, just look here.
I lost a best friend, and I know it will be worse for Robyn and Tom, because they will keep feeling her around their house for awhile. I'm blessed to have had Mica as my friend and companion, and blessed to have Robyn and Tom be the wonderful and generous friends (and adoptive doggie parents) they are.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
On the road again
I'm traveling again after a long hiatus. In the last month, I've been to London, Manchester, and Perth. I was born near London and did my first degree at the University of Manchester so I know them well, although I hadn't visited either for many years. Manchester is much the same mucky, wreckage-of-the-industrial-revolution town, though with a new veneer. Both London and Manchester are very dirty compared to Australia cities - lots of rubbish on the street. One thing that has clearly improved is the food - I went to a number of really good restaurants.
I've not seen much of Perth. I'm staying at Scarborough in the Rendezvous which is a nice hotel. I've been walking on the beach when possible. Here's the view of the Indian Ocean from my window:
Tim
I've not seen much of Perth. I'm staying at Scarborough in the Rendezvous which is a nice hotel. I've been walking on the beach when possible. Here's the view of the Indian Ocean from my window:
Tim
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