What’s top of my mind: The upcoming EHR. I think about it but don’t worry much. How it all will work will settle in time. My biggest ‘concern’ is the patient portal and what it will entail/not entail and do I or The Best Medical Assistant handle incoming messages. Meanwhile I am backing up my homemade macros lest I have to enter them by hand.
Where I’ve been: Best Buy. Our TV screen broke down some years ago. Since then we’ve had to TV. When we watch something we do so on Someone’s iPad. We decided to finally get a replacement. Our old one is a modest thing about 44 inches wide standing on short legs; it is enough. It has to be this size to fit the space. Needless to say what is available a monstrous hang-on-the-wall items. We went to Best Buy and found one that suits us. Better yet some nice young man well over four feet promises to deliver and install it and haul away the old one. It will be odd to have a working TV again.
Where I’m going: Back to The Good Dentist. Drat! Last week I went to The Good Dentist to get out the temporary crown and place the permanent one. Alas, Babylon! He put it in, held an inspection, and declared it not quite right; it needs more work. I was ready to keep it and be over with the ordeal but he convinced me to wait. Back in went the temporary and I return in early June – hopefully for the last time.
What I’m watching: Duolingo ranking status. Patience above! Thanks to my industry I have advanced into some sort of tournament. I am in the finals; if I stay in the top ten I win some sort of award or recognition. I am among sharks and possibly bots. It will take a lot of time of lessons to ‘win’. I don’t know if I really want to spend the time to do this. On the other hand I am so close to winning – if I throw myself into it. I am not sure which way to go.
What I’m reading: The loved one. Spo-fans may recall I have my high school English Teacher’s list of 37 great reads he gave us upon graduation. I found last year and was pleased as Punch to see I had read most of them. I am working on finishing the list; I have only a few more to do. One of them is ‘The loved one” by Evelyn Waugh. I forget what it is about but I am soon to find out. I read the first chapter, which ended with a plot twist surprise so it has promise.
Has anyone read this book?
What I’m listening to: Awful TV. Someone likes to binge watch series. I don’t watch them myself but I hear them. He is presently watching one of which I don’t have the details but the main character, a woman in some political position, regularly screams and cusses – think of Edina Monsoon minus the charms. I am not found of people being beastly to their underlings let alone find it entertaining. Still, I am not watching it so what do I know. I think it’s supposed to be dark humor. He tends to fall asleep in the show, and I discreetly turn it off. When he wakes he backs it up. I often hear the same shouting a few times. Oh the pain.
What I’m eating: Strawberries. Now in season and not too terribly priced, I bought some and prepared them for easy access. We have every kitchen gadget imaginable – but not the one that resembles very small tongs used to pinch off the stems, worse luck. I remember my mother used to cut the tops off using a small knife which she drew towards her through the top of the strawberry stopping when the blade touched the pad of her thumb. She could do this quickly and I don’t recall her ever cutting herself which seems a minor miracle.
Who needs a good slap: Problem patients. Some of them are being difficult. One came in the other day announcing she did NOT start the antidepressant I prescribed to her as she read online its potential side effects and possible long term risks and she wasn’t going to subject herself to that, besides, she adds, she doesn’t like having to rely on taking something on a regular basis. I pointed out she’s taking daily doses of Xanax for a long time; had she read about its potential side effects and long term risk? Well that’s different she states, she doesn’t have side effects on this one. Then she asked for a sleeping pill.
On my 1-5 scale, I give patients and people in general who pick-and-choose data to support what they want to believe rather than what they should believe two slaps. Mind! We all do this to some degree, it is called ‘confirmation bias’. All the same I didn’t appreciate her mild chastisement for suggesting to her potentially hazardous prescriptions while in the same minute she is asking for Ambien.
Who gets a fist-bump: Warrior Queen and Princess Goddess. Brother #3 took his daughter (PG) and Brother #4’s daughter (WQ) to see “Wicked”. They both adored it. I asked B#3 if the two of them were thinking of going out on Hallowe’en as Elphaba and Glenda. He said no as both identified with Elphaba and thought Glenda a wuss. Good for them!
What I’m planning: A parade of repairmen.* Besides the TV man, we are finally getting around to a consultation on the roof and I need to find someone to inspect the hot tub. Last time I tried turning it on there was a ominous smell of something burning emanating from below. That ain’t good.
What’s making me smile: A raise and it’s a big one. A couple of months ago The House Manager gave me a modest raise ‘just because”. It wasn’t much but any raise is a good thing no? especially when I had fears of the place folding. Last week she came to my office and closed the door to tell me starting August I am getting a salary change. Now that I work for The Overlords, based on my role or age or years or good looks who knows what exactly I am going to be paid on par with my peers. My eyes widened at the new salary – not only at the guaranteed amount but the potential I could earn if I tried. I kept asking her for assurance is this real and how is this possible? The amount is almost obscene. She assured me it was real. I’ve been comfortable and content working as I do and I’ve never felt underpaid. She stated in hindsight I was; the previous owners were lucky to have had me as I could have gotten a much larger salary if I had gone elsewhere.
It feels like winning the lottery.
*What does one call a group of repairmen I wonder? A team? A gaggle? The mind boggles. Does anyone know?
45 comments
May 29, 2024 at 3:04 AM
Moving with Mitchell
congratulations on the big raise!
May 29, 2024 at 6:43 AM
Urspo
Thank you it feels unreal and I still want to see it ho ho ho
May 29, 2024 at 3:11 AM
Ron
Believe it or not I have a sixty year plus copy of “The Lived One” which I read years ago. I think it’s a satirical about our unique American custom of obscenely expensive funerals. It is a short book not only in size (paperback) but in length. I still have it (of course). Enjoy, it was quite good and on point.
May 29, 2024 at 6:44 AM
Urspo
It looks to be a short read. The other one on the list is “The French Lieutenants Woman” which doesn’t look so easy reading
May 29, 2024 at 3:46 AM
J Barlow
Wow! Congratulations on the new salary! Wowza!
May 29, 2024 at 6:44 AM
Urspo
Wowzai indeed!
Let us hope it happens.
May 29, 2024 at 3:47 AM
Michael
Congratulations on your raise! Yay! I have been studying Italian on Duolingo for about two months. I keep moving up to the “diamond league” then getting demoted. The one thing that I don’t like about Duolingo is that grammar rules are never explained. I like to try and understand what I am doing in the context of grammar.
May 29, 2024 at 6:46 AM
Urspo
I am reviewing German on it. I already know the rules especially the awful der die des dem den etc. If I hadn’t know this already I would be lost. Duo just puts it there and expects you to catch on.
May 29, 2024 at 7:39 AM
Michael
I guess that they are trying to emulate how little ones learn the language with no thought to specific grammar rules. But as an adult, it frustrates me!
May 29, 2024 at 3:55 AM
Anonymous
Yesterday was the third anniversary of the death of Anne Marie from Philly an extremely wonderful woman much missed. The TV seems surreal . The salary well deserved. It’s how I retired . Strawberries are ripe in late winter here in places like Frost Proof and Plant City . Big Name Country Stars come there or used to for a Knock Down Drag out STRAWBERRY Festival . Over time Reba McEntire and such. My mother marinated them in Orange Juice (the berries) and would bake a shortcake. I like Best Buy and their extended warranties . Both out TVs came from there and are approaching ten years old and working well. Difficult people are never rewarded as they should be . I’ll say no more. DwightW.
May 29, 2024 at 6:47 AM
Urspo
Oh but I miss AM Warrior Queen. She’s given me some things over the years, so I have them to remind me of her.
May 29, 2024 at 4:05 AM
loriahawkins
Congratulations on the raise. Long term employees are typically underpaid as they bring in new people starting at the same or even more. It sounds like you are actually working for a good company for them to come in and make things right.
May 29, 2024 at 6:47 AM
Urspo
I hope so. Of course they could suddenly close us down based on whims and what not, but I suppose that is true of any company, no?
May 29, 2024 at 4:12 AM
Autolycus
If you enjoy The Loved One (I know I have read it, but so long ago I’ve forgotten it), you might want to follow up with Jessica Mitford’s The American Way of Death.
PS: A toothsuck of repairmen?
May 29, 2024 at 6:48 AM
Urspo
Toothsuck sounds as good as any. Did you make that up yourself?
May 29, 2024 at 6:51 AM
Autolycus
It just came to me. I was thinking of the first reaction sound that comes before ‘Tried doing it yourself, did you?’
May 29, 2024 at 4:44 AM
Mistress Borghese
buti…butt….butt…Glenda gets to transport in a big pink bubble…and wear a pink ball gown bigger than the state of Vermont!
May 29, 2024 at 6:49 AM
Urspo
I confess I have sometimes longed to go to a party dressed as Glinda. The two nieces liked E better as she stood up to The Man didn’t suck into the system. Good for them!
May 29, 2024 at 6:05 AM
spwilcen
Most repairmen around here are called uncommunicative and late.
May 29, 2024 at 6:49 AM
Urspo
I cringe at the notion of trying to find someone reliable on time and trustworthy – unlike my men.
May 29, 2024 at 6:40 AM
Jenn
Congratulations on the new and improved money coming in!! Well deserved. I’m very happy for you! Fix your roof, and your hot tub, and heck, get a bigger tv! -Jenn
May 29, 2024 at 6:50 AM
Urspo
I hope by the end of summer we have all completed. Happily there is money to do it although it will be oh so costly.
May 29, 2024 at 6:44 AM
Old Lurker
Replacing the TV? Fixing the hole in the ceiling?? You really are putting that raise to use. Just think: with a new television you will be able to hear all the Awful TV sounds that much more clearly.
I hope the medical assistants are also getting raises. I wonder if this is one reason they kept deserting you.
I still feel that practicing Spanish is superior to Duolingo prizes, but if you keep playing in the tournament I hope you place well.
May 29, 2024 at 6:52 AM
Urspo
It will feel funny to have a working TV again – and will we (meaning I) sit still enough to watch it any?
I hope the others are getting raises too. I hope more the Overlords are looking to fill our job openings of which we have plenty.
Currently I am #9; one must be in the top 10 to win. Staying in the top 10 will require lots of lessons. It would require even more to advance to 8 or 7. Oh the pain.
May 29, 2024 at 8:15 AM
Anonymous
Yes, the medical assistants getting raises. I labored in the trenches as such for ten years and then gave it up. I was an extremely hard worker and, I believe, highly thought of employee. But the wages were crap. As an HSP, a nasty or entitled remark from a patient ruined my entire day. It would have been bearable for a decent salary.
May 29, 2024 at 8:15 AM
Anonymous
Yes, the medical assistants getting raises. I labored in the trenches as such for ten years and then gave it up. I was an extremely hard worker and, I believe, highly thought of employee. But the wages were crap. As an HSP, a nasty or entitled remark from a patient ruined my entire day. It would have been bearable for a decent salary.
May 29, 2024 at 7:56 AM
Sam
It’s sure not often we hear people get raises because their boss determined they were underpaid. Good for you. I treasure my memory of taking my daughter to Wicked in London when she was 13. She turned at intermission and exclaimed, “this is awesome!”
May 29, 2024 at 11:20 AM
Urspo
I think a lot of young girls identify with Elphaba.
I hope they also take up her courage to stand up to the Wizards in life
May 29, 2024 at 8:20 AM
Anonymous
And about the temporary cap. I recently went through two weeks of dental horror with four, I SAID FOUR, temporary bridges falling off or breaking while I waited for the permanent one to be made. Every time a new one fell off a nerve stuck up and I was in excruciating pain until I could get back into the office. It didn’t seem to be anyone’s fault, but the pain and anxiety was nightmarish. I still cringe driving through that part of town.
May 29, 2024 at 11:20 AM
Urspo
I too am rawther tired of ongoing dental care. Would it would stop.
May 29, 2024 at 8:29 AM
Debra She Who Seeks
Congrats on the big raise! And yes, use it to fix up your house and its contents! Now you don’t have to put things off anymore!
May 29, 2024 at 11:21 AM
Urspo
Hopefully we can stop being so cheap and get things done.
May 29, 2024 at 8:44 AM
Robzilla
Congrats on the raise! Let the dentist do the job right. When he doesn’t and you don’t let them fix it, bad things will happen down the road even if you switch dentists. That faulty crown becomes a future implant.
Depending on who made the TV, you can probably stream YouTube on it via an app. I can attest it’s lovely for motor racing.
May 29, 2024 at 11:22 AM
Urspo
That is what the Good Dentist said and I know it is the right approach.
I have never watched a car race; I will do so in your honor.
May 29, 2024 at 9:22 AM
krayolakris
congrats on the raise!
May 29, 2024 at 11:22 AM
Urspo
I thank you too !
May 29, 2024 at 12:49 PM
Anonymous
The Overlords must have used a drone and determined that Casa de Spo was resembling Grey Gardens – hence the raise so that you may entertain a walletsuck of tradesmen.
Will Jay
May 29, 2024 at 12:57 PM
Urspo
Up until now I wondered if The Overlords even knew I existed other than a name at a place of one of their recent conquests. Now that they know I am here/exist I will soon see what other changes (good and bad) occur.
May 29, 2024 at 3:41 PM
Laurel Hill
OMG, how exciting on the raise! Congratulations! It’s like Christmas in the summer.
My brother and I went to Wicked last week. I hadn’t seen it, but it was his 4th time! It was GREAT.
I need to call in the window washers and carpet cleaners. I keep putting it off because it’s such a pain in the keister, especially with a dog. Makes me want to rip it up and start over. But best to get it done.
May 29, 2024 at 4:38 PM
Anonymous
I love reading your Wednesday posts. I really LOVE that you are getting a substantial raise. I am sure it is long overdue.
May 29, 2024 at 4:42 PM
BasNoteB
Nice to read how things seem to be settling and working out with the new Overlords. They’re actually displaying many preliminary signs of a well-managed company. And, of course, congratulations on the substantial raise!
I remember my mother having one of the strawberry hulling devices you describe. Like the old hand-crank egg beaters, I haven’t seen one in >50 years. I can’t recall ever seeing it used – it was just one of those weird things in the junk drawer until someone finally threw it away one day.
May 29, 2024 at 5:31 PM
Blobby
Congrats on the monetary recognition. If Someone is watching ‘VEEP’, which he might be, yes the language is off the charts – but so his the hilarity, which is sometimes cringe-worthy.
May 29, 2024 at 8:07 PM
Parnassus
The Loved One is one of my top favorites, and is kind of odd even for Waugh. I unplugged my TV about eight years ago for the painters, and it has never been reconnected. But I do have some dvd’s that I got, so perhaps this fall I will get it set up.
–Jim
May 30, 2024 at 5:40 AM
David Godfrey
Fix the things that make home more comfortable. Sorry to hear about the crown, getting it right is a good thing in the London run. I remind myself, an hour of discomfort buys a decade of good eating. About 6 months before I retired I received one of those rather large salary adjustments – I knew I was being paid less than the person I replaced, but I hadn’t really realized by how much.
May 31, 2024 at 11:09 AM
Sassybear
Congratulations on the raise. I’ve never pouted about the minuscule raises I get every year – as you say, any raise is a better than none. I wonder what it would be like to get a sizable one. Ah well, I’ll never know. I’ll settle for retiring young 🙂