Tomorrow is Such a Long Time

...If today was not an endless highway

If tonight was not a crooked trail

If tomorrow wasn't such a long time

Then lonesome would mean nothing to me at all...

Nickle Creek, "Tomorrow is Such a Long Time"

Only to Find

Always the dreamer
Even when I was young
With the truth right there
I would always cut and run
Afraid to face my fear

Always searching for Lancelot
Like I was Guinevere
A white knight in shining armor
Only to find
There ain't no superheros here

Makes Perfect Sense...

I work with a bunch of medical professionals and one of them emailed this to me today and now everything makes perfect sense...

MEDICAL INSURANCE EXPLAINED

Q What does HMO stand for?

A. This is actually a variation of the phrase, "HEY MOE." Its roots go back to a concept pioneered by Moe of the Three Stooges, who discovered that a patient could be made to forget the pain in his foot if he was poked hard enough in the eye.

Q. I just joined an HMO. How difficult will it be to choose the doctor I want?

A. Just slightly more difficult than choosing your parents. Your insurer will provide you with a book listing all the doctors in the plan. The doctors basically fall into two categories: those who are no longer accepting new patients, and those who will see you but are no longer participating in the plan. But don't worry, the remaining doctor who is still in the plan and accepting new patients has an office just a half-day's drive away and a diploma from a third world country.

Q. Do all diagnostic procedures require pre-certification?

A. No. Only those you need.

Q. Can I get coverage for my pre-existing conditions?

A. Certainly, as long as they don't require any treatment.

Q. What happens if I want to try alternative forms of medicine?

A. You'll need to find alternative forms of payment.

Q. My pharmacy plan only covers generic drugs, but I need the name brand. I tried the generic medication, but it gave me a stomachache. What should I do?

A. Poke yourself in the eye.

Q. What if I'm away from home and I get sick?

A. You really shouldn't do that.

Q. I think I need to see a specialist, but my doctor insists he can handle my problem. Can a general practitioner really perform a heart transplant right in his/her office?

A. Hard to say, but considering that all you're risking is the $20 co-payment, there's no harm in giving it a shot.

Q. Will health care be different in the next decade?

A. No, but if you call right now, you might get an appointment by then.

Sea of Red

AKA: my favorite place on earth...

Be Bold

Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it.
Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it.

-Johann Wolfgang van Goethe

(1749-1832)

Damn the Man!!

I got a nice letter last week from the Missouri Bureau of Taxation informing me that I had not filed a state tax return for 2003. And true enough, after going through my files, I discovered they were right. I am a tax evader and didn't even know it!!

The Man has given me until 11 September to correct this oversight, so I went to their website and filled in all the info from my 2003 W2 and discovered that I owe the state of Missouri $75. That's right, $75....which includes the penalty. Don't know how Missouri survived these past few years without my money. I feel so bad...all the problems at the KCMO school district: totally my fault. All the potholes: my fault. The delay in finishing the Light District: my fault. Not having as much money for stadium improvements: my fault. The Chiefs and the Royals threatening to leave because of the shortage: my fault.

I thought about including a note of apology for letting the city down, but instead I mailed my check yesterday with a nice post it on it that said 'Damn the Man!' Now I'll probably get audited.

Dangerously Close

Ignoring the glances from the other women in the busy airport restroom she splashed water on her face to wash away the tears. She turned off the taps and closed her eyes. Flashes of the weekend came like a kalidescope. On a shaky breath, she opened her eyes and met her own gaze in the mirror.

"Just a few more minutes," she whispered to her reflection. "You'll be fine in a few more minutes."