Military (Socialized) Medicine

Rebecca is here, and Chris is slowly making his way home! I thought I would take a moment to reflect on my doctor's appointment yesterday.

I laugh when I hear Democrats advocate for socialized healthcare. The military healthcare system is exactly that - and I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. There were approximately five years there where I was not a military dependent, and I cherished the healthcare I received in the real world.

So, yesterday I was ushered back to a room so that the (very young) med tech could ask me the usual general questions before the doctor came in. You know the ones: Do you drink alcohol, etc.

At one point he mumbles to me something that sounded like, "Do you say no to tobacco?" I thought I had heard him wrong, since that was horribly cheesy, so I said, "Excuse me?" Well, I had heard him correctly! "You know, do you smoke?"

So, I explain to him the reason for my visit - my throat is in complete pain, and I have a history of strep throat. I just want to feel better, since my friend was coming in that night. So, we get down to the throat culture, and he can't do it. His hands were shaking, and I am not sure if he was nervous, or what. At first, he looked into the back of my throat and said something about swabbing my tonsils. I pointed out that I don't have tonsils, as they were removed about eight years ago.

So, he actually asks me, "So, do I do a regular throat culture then?" I don't know!!

Finally, we get to doing the actual throat culture (he consulted with someone to get his answer), and he just couldn't get it. So, I had to do it!!

Manic Monday

Wow, I really haven't posted in awhile. That tells you how exciting my life has been.

Actually, it's getting rather exciting today. Chris is on his way back from Rwanda (although, he's not exactly sure when he will be home), my friend Rebecca is getting here tonight, and I think I have strep throat! Don't worry, I'm on my way to the doctor, where I will hopefully get some great meds. When it rains, it pours.

I will probably post again this week, as I have some exciting times with Rebecca coming up, as well as a haircut where I might put in bangs. I know, exciting life! And, Mom, if you are reading this, don't worry - I remember your warning that my forehead is too small for normal bangs - they will be sweeping if I do decide to get them.

Good Day!

Yesterday was a fantastic day! I started out by going with some friends to a spa to get a facial. And, yes, I finally found a place that does a good one! The only European spas that I had been to have been in Italy and Slovenia - and none of them really went the extra mile to do anything worthy of the euros that I was paying them.

Last night was the Officers' Spouses Club's annual Crystal Bingo. It was awesome! I broke my losing slump, and went home with some pretty crystal bookends and a book on cultural tours of Italy. Last year, I was the only person at my table to go home with nothing, so this year I made up for it.

I wish every day could be so great! Chris comes back from Poland tonight, and then leaves again for his big trip sometime this weekend. Although he will be gone, and I will miss him, Rebecca is coming to visit!! We are going to have lots of fun.

Exactly...

If you know me, you know that I have always been very steadfast and active in the Republican Party. As of late, I have less and less been referring to myself as a Republican, and simply a conservative. Here's my favorite quote that I have seen today:

"John McCain may become the de facto leader of the Republican Party if he's the nominee and the leader of the country if he's the President, but no matter how many times he calls himself a 'conservative leader,' the Right will accept him as the leader of the conservative movement about 5 minutes after hell freezes over and
reopens as a ski lodge." -- John Hawkins

Enough said.

Venezia

Well, I accomplished some of my to-do list. I got to sip a bellini, eat a great meal (I found a place that served a Greek Salad!), and I bought a super cute lace baby bonnet and matching booties for a friend from my favorite lace shop in Venice. It was a slightly rainy day, but there was a lot of celebrating in Venice. The city was, naturally, packed full of people. I went with a group of friends, and had a lovely day.

What happens in Venice very literally stays in Venice, right ladies? There were beautiful costumes all over the place and people going crazy in celebration. Our goals of being back in our area by 9:30 went completely out the window when we found a cool little jazz bar, so we were all a little tired today in church. We ended up staying longer than we thought, and then when our train got to our stop, the doors would not open for us. We ended up riding to the next stop and taking a cab back to our cars. That was the only real hiccup of the trip, which was great considering that the train rides and streets could have been miserably jammed with people.

I am so glad that I got to go! The only downside was that Chris couldn't come with me. But, there's always next year. And, next year I want to rent costumes. We shall see.

I Spoke Too Soon!

I am going to Venice this afternoon with some friends! Thank goodness I checked Michelle's comment!! More later...

Carnevale, Part II

I had a really great to-do list for today. Want to hear it?

1. Take the train to Venice.
2. Wander to our new favorite mask store. Buy some unique, cool masks for Carnevale.
3. Find our favorite restaurant to eat a good lunch, and sip a Bellini.
4. Head to my favorite lace store at the foot of the Rialto to buy a baby gift.
5. Maybe buy a Venetian glass watch, similar to one I bought my mom for Christmas.
6. Go to St. Mark's for Carnevale celebration. Maybe go into St. Mark's (one of my favorite cathedrals).

Sounds great, right? Well, the Air Force had other plans for Chris and his squadronmates today. Even though they've been working till late in the night for the past week (at least), they were mandated to come in all this weekend. They are preparing for something, but we spouses are not allowed to know for what.

I do know that Chris is leaving on Monday to go to Poland for a week to a conference, and then I'm assuming will join up with his squadron in some fun part of the world for some fun shenanigans for a time. What amount of time? Who knows.

I want so badly to still have some Carnevale time! If anyone reading this wants to go with me on Tuesday, let me know. I'm open to skipping the AOCSC Board meeting for some Carnevale fun!