Nationalized is a short fiction work about the possible outcomes of nationalized healthcare. Generation Joshua has linked to it on their Facebook page, and I also encourage you to read it! I think it may be a great tool for encouraging awareness and involvement on this all-important issue.
Having had a lot of contact with the current private healthcare system, I will be the first to admit that it is by no means perfect, however I cringe to think what I and my family may have to go through if it were nationalized. The world of medicine is not cut-and-dried. It is not a world of if 'A' then 'B' - it is a world of "what is 'A', and what should 'B' look like". Any non-traditional illness needs to receive non-traditional treatments, and there are very large concerns that anything non-traditional may indeed be significantly limited - and you wouldn't believe how many people need that sort of help!
Anyhow, enough of my pontification, go and read the story, and I hope you think about it.
Showing posts with label Health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Health. Show all posts
May 4, 2009
April 3, 2009
The ACT and Other News
I know it's been terribly long since I posted something that wasn't a video or political commentary, but I really have been doing a lot lately.
First, I completed geometry! Yay!
The amazing part is that I started it on February 4th, and then finished it on March 4th! I honestly don't understand how I did that, except that all of a sudden, just after finishing the Chaparral Cleanse that I think I mentioned, my brain "turned on" as I call it. I was able to do math better than I have literally in years.
That means, (drum roll) that I have actually finished all my high school coursework!!! I.E. I have graduated high school but haven't "walked" yet!!
That left me with exactly one month to study for that dreaded, avoided and generally feared ACT. I have now been studying for that month, and will be taking it tomorrow. I was doing quite well on the practice tests until yesterday, when I suddenly got a 19 (on a scale of 1-36 with 36 high) on the READING section of all things! I've been getting scores in reading between 30 and 34 or so, and then all of a sudden I got 19? It doesn't make sense. But, I think it may have something to do with the form of the test, that was the first one I did online. With the online tests, it scores for you and everything, but it also gives you much smaller type and you have to scroll through the text that you're reading, which I think makes it much harder to reference while asking the questions, so I was going far more by memory. (SAT people, on the ACT you can reference the passages as often as you like while answering the questions, and that includes the writing prompt).
Anyhow, I've been turning my clock around in preparation for this, and have been getting up consistently at 6:20am - an amazing feat for me! But, this morning and yesterday, I've been waking up at around 5:30, and having trouble getting back to sleep. That's hard, because I'm losing a bunch of sleep that I really need.
I could really use prayer about the ACT, that I'm not nervous, and that my brain doesn't just decide to quit on me and go to sleep, and also that I'm able to rest well today and tonight.
On another front, we have finally decided on a Church - send up a flare! It certainly took us long enough - 7 months since we moved here. It's a small congregation about 10-15 minutes from us, which is very nice, and we really like it. At the end of it all, we were deciding between that church, which we'd been visiting off and on for a few months now, and another that was down on the west side of the city. It was a hard choice! But, even though we picked the one closer up here, I'm actually getting involved in a group from the one further down in the city.
Actually, I'm scaring myself, because the group I've started attending is, get this, the college and career group! AHHHHH!!!!! It's just that I felt like it would be silly to join a youth group for 2 months until I had gone through a graduation ceremony just to leave and join the college group. And, since I've never been in a youth group, I didn't really think this was the time to start. So, I am now attending this group, and I have enjoyed the two weeks I've been to - there would have been more, but I had to skip a week, long story.
Oh, and really funny, Dad, my father, who is technologically advanced, but perhaps not so much on the Internet until recently, got a Face book! So, if you've got one, send him an friend invitation for me.
January 29, 2009
John Piper Takes On Obama's Abortion Stance
I can't preface this, because John Piper says it all...
Pray. Without Ceasing. Pray.
Pray. Without Ceasing. Pray.
January 12, 2009
Chaparral Cleanse
Ever heard of this? Well, some people have been trying to convince me to do this for a few years. I was actually planning to do it in November, but never did.
Chaparral is an herb, that is used to cleanse the blood of impurities (toxins, germs, microbes and all the other "gunk" that gets trapped in there, particularly when you're sick and can't process them right). The Chaparral Cleanse, is 21 days of drinking one cup of Chaparral tea a day.
So, I was planning to start it as soon as some out-of-town guests left on or about the 2nd of January. But then, I ran into getting some graduation stuff ready, which ended up taking almost all week last week. Also, Mom's been sick, and I still haven't completely recovered from the holiday's and their accompanying activities. All that to say, it took me until this morning to start it.
So, I started it. Some people actually like the stuff evidently.
I don't.
I officially think that it taste's the way Weed-B-Gon smells!! The dried Chaparral leaf kind of smells like fertilizer, so that makes sense.
All I can do is sigh. I really think this will help me, but it will make me feel very sick over the next three weeks.
So, all that to say, I'm going to probably be quite sick for a while, so please pray that I am able to get through, and that all this will be beneficial. And, they do say that the taste will "grow on you". In my opinion, fat chance, but pray that it does.
Chaparral is an herb, that is used to cleanse the blood of impurities (toxins, germs, microbes and all the other "gunk" that gets trapped in there, particularly when you're sick and can't process them right). The Chaparral Cleanse, is 21 days of drinking one cup of Chaparral tea a day.
So, I was planning to start it as soon as some out-of-town guests left on or about the 2nd of January. But then, I ran into getting some graduation stuff ready, which ended up taking almost all week last week. Also, Mom's been sick, and I still haven't completely recovered from the holiday's and their accompanying activities. All that to say, it took me until this morning to start it.
So, I started it. Some people actually like the stuff evidently.
I don't.
I officially think that it taste's the way Weed-B-Gon smells!! The dried Chaparral leaf kind of smells like fertilizer, so that makes sense.
All I can do is sigh. I really think this will help me, but it will make me feel very sick over the next three weeks.
So, all that to say, I'm going to probably be quite sick for a while, so please pray that I am able to get through, and that all this will be beneficial. And, they do say that the taste will "grow on you". In my opinion, fat chance, but pray that it does.
January 2, 2009
Post-Christmas Post
Merry Christmas! We had a very nice Christmas, just the five of us. Our Christmas Eve play and evening program went very well, Mom and Dad LOVED it! I got another book from Lamplighter Publishers. I would have read it by now, but I have 3 1/2 books sitting on my night stand that I'm reading (one of them I'm reading for the third or fourth time, hence the "1/2"). I decided I have to finish at least one of them before I start another!
It has been officially announced that I have very good taste in clothes. You see, Birdie, Buddy and I went to a mall near here to do some Christmas Shopping, and Dad tells me, "If you see a nice sweater for your mom, get it, I'm not going to have time to go out myself for that". I came home with excellent deals on two sweaters, and Although one of them just plain didn't fit Mom right, she really liked the other one! Then, a first time experience for me, Mom and I went shopping early on the day after Christmas. It was actually kind of fun, especially since I was clothes shopping for someone else who was placing her clothes choice in my hands.
I would like to note that this DOES NOT, I repeat, DOES NOT imply that I now enjoy shopping, or that I like figuring out styles and trends, or that I am now a fashion consultant/personal shopper etc. It only means that Mom and I can go shop and actually enjoy it.
Happy New Year! 
For New Year's, Aunt J and Uncle A came to visit us, arriving the evening of the day after Christmas. We did a little touring around, they did some things on their own, we had some other family from somewhat north of us come to visit, played games, watched movies (Bourne Ultimatum was excellent, even for the fourth time through) and generally visited.
This, coming on the heals of the Christmas Week preparations, really did me in. I wasn't really feeling so good before Christmas because of all the things we were doing. I made it through Christmas Eve and Day alright, just pushing through on adrenaline, but that can only last so long.
I really just need to take a month off from life, but that isn't going to happen. But, I did have a really nice time over the past weeks, even though daily naps became a necessity and all that tiredness is rather depressing.
Now, I'm dealing with the "finish" syndrome, talking about bio's and pictures for graduation (oh, the scary word), and doing my best to actually be done when graduation pronounces me so!
Well, that's the update for now, hope everyone had a nice Christmas and New Year, and God Bless America (by saving her from herself).
September 30, 2008
Prayer for... the car
We are indeed on the road on our way to the funeral for Grandpa. It is hard on everyone, of course, especially for Mom as she deals with details on that end. I'm already feeling various negative effects of the travel, and everyone is tired.
We especially need prayer for our car. We've had a number of problems with the van over the past month, but it isn't what it should be. Dad is quite concerned about the transmission... it just isn't right, and we have a significant reduction in power. Because of that, it's taking a lot of patience to get up to speed. Overall, we are simply taking longer than we ought to be. But, that isn't our biggest concern, we're just hoping we can make it in tonight.
Also, with these problems, Dad doesn't want me driving any more, so he's doing the whole day today... while working... me typing/navigating... him calling/talking/dictating... it's a busy place in the front seat!
Please pray:
That we make it, and can figure out what's wrong and get it fixed.
For energy, safety and health.
Thanks all.
We especially need prayer for our car. We've had a number of problems with the van over the past month, but it isn't what it should be. Dad is quite concerned about the transmission... it just isn't right, and we have a significant reduction in power. Because of that, it's taking a lot of patience to get up to speed. Overall, we are simply taking longer than we ought to be. But, that isn't our biggest concern, we're just hoping we can make it in tonight.
Also, with these problems, Dad doesn't want me driving any more, so he's doing the whole day today... while working... me typing/navigating... him calling/talking/dictating... it's a busy place in the front seat!
Please pray:
That we make it, and can figure out what's wrong and get it fixed.
For energy, safety and health.
Thanks all.
September 28, 2008
Prayer for the fam
Hello everyone. I've not been posting because of the busyness of moving, but also because I've been feeling pretty bad. It's a long story, but I'm taking an herbal tea every night that is killing off a lot of bacteria and stuff, and it's making me feel worse. Please pray for energy for me, and that this tea helps me in the long run.
Well, I decided to post today, because we are going to be in a tight spot soon. My Mom's Dad is dying of cancer. He isn't a Christian (we think), and we're not expecting him to last more than another couple weeks. Mom is already out there, and the remaining four of us are all getting ready to be able to leave with six hours notice. It's a bunch of early prep work right now... honestly, all our supplements are going to take me much of the afternoon to figure out, plus other stuff. Also, Dad has to work in the middle of this.
One particular fly in the ointment, is that the family relations aren't very smooth, and things may be very difficult... Mom in particular needs prayer for this.
Please pray:
- That we will all have the energy to do this trip.
- That I will be able to feel good enough to help Dad with the driving.
- That we won't take to long to recover from it.
- For the family situation to smooth out.
- For time lines, details and logistics to all fall into place easily,
- And, especially for Grandpa's salvation.
Thanks all for your prayers. I will update as I have the time.
Philippians 1:3-4
Well, I decided to post today, because we are going to be in a tight spot soon. My Mom's Dad is dying of cancer. He isn't a Christian (we think), and we're not expecting him to last more than another couple weeks. Mom is already out there, and the remaining four of us are all getting ready to be able to leave with six hours notice. It's a bunch of early prep work right now... honestly, all our supplements are going to take me much of the afternoon to figure out, plus other stuff. Also, Dad has to work in the middle of this.
One particular fly in the ointment, is that the family relations aren't very smooth, and things may be very difficult... Mom in particular needs prayer for this.
Please pray:
- That we will all have the energy to do this trip.
- That I will be able to feel good enough to help Dad with the driving.
- That we won't take to long to recover from it.
- For the family situation to smooth out.
- For time lines, details and logistics to all fall into place easily,
- And, especially for Grandpa's salvation.
Thanks all for your prayers. I will update as I have the time.
Philippians 1:3-4
February 29, 2008
Quick... Before the Lion Comes!
As they say, March comes in like a lion, so I'm quickly getting a post on here before it comes. I know it's crazy that's it's taken me two months to post anything, but oh well...
Hm, first, did I ever mention that I actually recieved my Drivers License? Well, if I didn't, I am now fully licensed and am enjoying it.
I've had quite a bit of excitement over the past week, much of it good. On thursday of last week (the 21st) I got the oppertunity (organized by Generation Joshua) to go into D.C. and lobby at the Congressional Office Buildings! It was so neat! Then, on Wednesday, Gen-J asked me to write an article about it for the monthly newsletter, which, in the end, needed to be done by 10am on friday (today)! I got it done late last night, and I'm really happy with it :-). I'm going to see if I will be allowed to post that article anywhere else. If I can I'll probably post it on Thoughts of Aspiring Future Statesmen (http://futurestatesmen.blogspot.com).
Unfourtunately, though, the day in D.C. has really put me out of things. on the day after we went down, I had a migrane, little parts of which have sort of hung on, coming and going as they will. I've been really tired, and my brain was kinda fried until tuesday. Please pray that this passes.
Also, you can pray that some new, um, what are they, suplements I guess, that we're going to try (as soon as they arrive) will work. We've given up on prescription meds right now, and these new things are hopfully going to help.
Those of you here in VA who are STILL praying that we won't leave, don't panic, my hopes are not terribly high after 15 months, but we did have a good showing last week that sounded promising. Even if it's against you inner desires, please pray that we can get out of here, having the house on the market 15 months is really pushing it, don't you think? ;-)
I'm taking an American Government class with three other girls this sememster. It's been good, although a lot of work! I'm learning a lot, and enjoying it becuase of it's connections with politics.
Speaking of American Government, that's really the reason I'm online, so I'd best get to it. Have a good last day of February!
Hm, first, did I ever mention that I actually recieved my Drivers License? Well, if I didn't, I am now fully licensed and am enjoying it.
I've had quite a bit of excitement over the past week, much of it good. On thursday of last week (the 21st) I got the oppertunity (organized by Generation Joshua) to go into D.C. and lobby at the Congressional Office Buildings! It was so neat! Then, on Wednesday, Gen-J asked me to write an article about it for the monthly newsletter, which, in the end, needed to be done by 10am on friday (today)! I got it done late last night, and I'm really happy with it :-). I'm going to see if I will be allowed to post that article anywhere else. If I can I'll probably post it on Thoughts of Aspiring Future Statesmen (http://futurestatesmen.blogspot.com).
Unfourtunately, though, the day in D.C. has really put me out of things. on the day after we went down, I had a migrane, little parts of which have sort of hung on, coming and going as they will. I've been really tired, and my brain was kinda fried until tuesday. Please pray that this passes.
Also, you can pray that some new, um, what are they, suplements I guess, that we're going to try (as soon as they arrive) will work. We've given up on prescription meds right now, and these new things are hopfully going to help.
Those of you here in VA who are STILL praying that we won't leave, don't panic, my hopes are not terribly high after 15 months, but we did have a good showing last week that sounded promising. Even if it's against you inner desires, please pray that we can get out of here, having the house on the market 15 months is really pushing it, don't you think? ;-)
I'm taking an American Government class with three other girls this sememster. It's been good, although a lot of work! I'm learning a lot, and enjoying it becuase of it's connections with politics.
Speaking of American Government, that's really the reason I'm online, so I'd best get to it. Have a good last day of February!
October 18, 2007
Knees and Bikes
Some of you know that a litle less than two months ago Dad, Buddy, Birdie and I went on a 39 mile bike ride on the path 'round here. (We headed East 20 miles and then back) If you knew that, then you also know that on mile 1 I made a really stupid mistake (that any 9 year old who's been bikeing more than a year would know not to do) and fell and skaped up my knees really bad. I then rode another 38 miles (during which I aplied anti-bactierial stuff and cleaned it numerous times).
Well, nearly two months later all I have left on my knees are some red spots that haven't aquired their usual color, but they're basically healed.
At the same time, though, for the past two months I've been having more knee pain than usual, and it feels different than it used to. I inspected my knees, and I think my knee caps have actaully moved (I already had off-set knee caps anyways, but they're in different spots now).
Theory: I tore some ligaments or something when I fell, but didn't know it becuause I was in so much pain from the scrapes that I didn't notice that the actual joints were hurting.
So, if you all could please pray that they heal themselves and I don't have to take them to a doc to figuer out what needs done or not done, I'd appriciate it.
Well, nearly two months later all I have left on my knees are some red spots that haven't aquired their usual color, but they're basically healed.
At the same time, though, for the past two months I've been having more knee pain than usual, and it feels different than it used to. I inspected my knees, and I think my knee caps have actaully moved (I already had off-set knee caps anyways, but they're in different spots now).
Theory: I tore some ligaments or something when I fell, but didn't know it becuause I was in so much pain from the scrapes that I didn't notice that the actual joints were hurting.
So, if you all could please pray that they heal themselves and I don't have to take them to a doc to figuer out what needs done or not done, I'd appriciate it.
May 3, 2007
*Sigh* its been a long time
Wow, it's sure been a while.
First of all, we made it home in one piece, just so you know. (Actually, with a few extra pieces as we did have some car trouble - needed a new water pump in the middle of Nebraska of all places)
Since we got home, I've been getting back to normal life, something we (or anyhow I) haven't really had since November of '05 (Sick, debate, then sick again). We are now doing a full load of academics, and I have to admit (somewhat unwillingly) that I am enjoying it. As much as I despise math in all it's forms, it's nice to be back to algebra.
I'm reading a million books. here's the list:
Finding God Beyond Harvard
Finding God At Harvard
Understanding the Times
Original Intent
A Tale Of Two City's
as well as the next book in the G.A. Henty historical fiction series is (I just finished Orange and Green: a tale of Boyne and Limerick(sp?))
My little sis is still reading the Elsie Dinsmore series to me (we finally made it to the third book, YEAH!!!!! It's about time.)
Lot's of cooking/baking for the fam and cleaning before the Realtors show up.
Oh, and our soccer season started a few weeks ago, and I am actually making it through the practices without killing myself! We are having an optional practice today that I'll probably go to as well.
Mom decided that we are going to have Mother's day early this year because on the weekend of mother's day we are going to a homeschool convention, and she knows that she'll be tired out on Sunday. So, we are having it this Saturday. Has anyone ever made a meringue before? Mom wants me to make her a lemon meringue pie for her, and I have to admit I'm a little worried about it. any tips?
Oh, and for those of you around here, the convention we're going to is having a Generation Joshua Teen Track that I will be participating in. It looks like an absolute BLAST! They are having some great speakers on great topics and they are going to have a MOCK PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION!
First of all, we made it home in one piece, just so you know. (Actually, with a few extra pieces as we did have some car trouble - needed a new water pump in the middle of Nebraska of all places)
Since we got home, I've been getting back to normal life, something we (or anyhow I) haven't really had since November of '05 (Sick, debate, then sick again). We are now doing a full load of academics, and I have to admit (somewhat unwillingly) that I am enjoying it. As much as I despise math in all it's forms, it's nice to be back to algebra.
I'm reading a million books. here's the list:
Finding God Beyond Harvard
Finding God At Harvard
Understanding the Times
Original Intent
A Tale Of Two City's
as well as the next book in the G.A. Henty historical fiction series is (I just finished Orange and Green: a tale of Boyne and Limerick(sp?))
My little sis is still reading the Elsie Dinsmore series to me (we finally made it to the third book, YEAH!!!!! It's about time.)
Lot's of cooking/baking for the fam and cleaning before the Realtors show up.
Oh, and our soccer season started a few weeks ago, and I am actually making it through the practices without killing myself! We are having an optional practice today that I'll probably go to as well.
Mom decided that we are going to have Mother's day early this year because on the weekend of mother's day we are going to a homeschool convention, and she knows that she'll be tired out on Sunday. So, we are having it this Saturday. Has anyone ever made a meringue before? Mom wants me to make her a lemon meringue pie for her, and I have to admit I'm a little worried about it. any tips?
Oh, and for those of you around here, the convention we're going to is having a Generation Joshua Teen Track that I will be participating in. It looks like an absolute BLAST! They are having some great speakers on great topics and they are going to have a MOCK PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION!
February 26, 2007
The First Post
Well, it took me long enough to figure this thing out, but I think I have it now. And so you all know, I have been requested (OK, required) by my mom and dad to not use my name or anyone else's name. so, if you leave a comment that has my or my fam's name in it, I am afraid I will have to moderate it out.
I have started this blog for the main purpose of having a place for people to come and see what I've been doing and how things are going.
To this end, here are some things that are going on (I sent this out in an e-mail to a bunch of people, but just for the record as they say):
Moving (Please don't cry, it'll work out by and by)
Just to review, we are doing our best to move to Colorado. Our house has been on the market since November '06 and we will be out of here six weeks after the house sells, whenever that is. We are now on our third realtor, and this one we really like. We have had quite a few people come and see it, and know that we are on the top of a number of people's lists.
Please pray that it will sell REALLY fast. We are REALLY tiered of living in an on-the-market house, and just want to get the process over with.
General life (May be more fun, but don't only read this one)
I Have been writing, cooking, writing, keeping up with flute, writing, reading, and then I go and write some more. Been writing poems, stories, and articles.
I've been doing a lot of the family's cooking, which I have enjoyed more than I thought I would. At the same time I have been teaching Birdie (Sis) the basics of cooking (chopping, browning meat, measuring, the correct order to add ingredients in different kinds of recipes, etc.), and trying ever so hard to get Buddy (Bro) to join in, with little success.
I'm also "teaching" Birdie about writing. This is a hilarious process as I thoroughly dislike grammar. Note: I have the ability to USE grammar, but could you remind me what a pronoun is? The funny thing is, she learns much the same way I do, and so we understand each other perfectly (her grammar has improved by the way).
Just in case you think Buddy fell off the face of the earth, he has been shoveling to his heart's content (he can't stand the fact that it is impossible to snow-blow ice, so he's stuck with shoveling). Also, he's been sledding, doing school with Mom, and trying to convince himself that he will like the things that I've been making for dinner. Lego's, taking apart VCR's, creating things out of random parts of the VCR's as well as other very boyish activities are also daily happenings.
I have started this blog for the main purpose of having a place for people to come and see what I've been doing and how things are going.
To this end, here are some things that are going on (I sent this out in an e-mail to a bunch of people, but just for the record as they say):
Moving (Please don't cry, it'll work out by and by)
Just to review, we are doing our best to move to Colorado. Our house has been on the market since November '06 and we will be out of here six weeks after the house sells, whenever that is. We are now on our third realtor, and this one we really like. We have had quite a few people come and see it, and know that we are on the top of a number of people's lists.
Please pray that it will sell REALLY fast. We are REALLY tiered of living in an on-the-market house, and just want to get the process over with.
General life (May be more fun, but don't only read this one)
I Have been writing, cooking, writing, keeping up with flute, writing, reading, and then I go and write some more. Been writing poems, stories, and articles.
I've been doing a lot of the family's cooking, which I have enjoyed more than I thought I would. At the same time I have been teaching Birdie (Sis) the basics of cooking (chopping, browning meat, measuring, the correct order to add ingredients in different kinds of recipes, etc.), and trying ever so hard to get Buddy (Bro) to join in, with little success.
I'm also "teaching" Birdie about writing. This is a hilarious process as I thoroughly dislike grammar. Note: I have the ability to USE grammar, but could you remind me what a pronoun is? The funny thing is, she learns much the same way I do, and so we understand each other perfectly (her grammar has improved by the way).
Just in case you think Buddy fell off the face of the earth, he has been shoveling to his heart's content (he can't stand the fact that it is impossible to snow-blow ice, so he's stuck with shoveling). Also, he's been sledding, doing school with Mom, and trying to convince himself that he will like the things that I've been making for dinner. Lego's, taking apart VCR's, creating things out of random parts of the VCR's as well as other very boyish activities are also daily happenings.