I requested my medical records be sent to an orthopedic clinic for review, and the chiropractor's office still haven't faxed them over. Every time I call it's "oh, yes, we'll do that right now!" Blarg.
Mike's birthday was Saturday (happy birthday, love!) and it sucks that I wasn't able to be in town to hang out with him. It sounded like he had a good time out with his twin and some friends though :) He had just been here visiting me, so instead of using time off now to go see him, I figured it'd be best to wait a bit.
I had an amazing time while he was here. Unfortunately, he was a day late because of an ice storm that swept through Atlanta last Wednesday morning :( It wouldn't have been safe for him to drive, so he waited until early Thursday morning to head out. He made it safe and sound in the afternoon, despite a small patch of ice on a bridge he came across during his drive. Friday was Valentine's Day, and he had special dinner plans for us :D Took me out to Flemings, a gorgeous steakhouse. They had an amuse bouche, so you know that's a fancy place! Made me feel like a real princess :D Unfortunately, I was still recovering from the flu, so I had massive nasal issues, but managed to push through and really enjoyed myself :)
That Monday morning, Mike had an interview for a local job, and it went really well! Hopefully he'll hear good things from them soon :D I figure if it's not too far off, I'll be able to come visit and help facilitate the move and everything. He then had to leave early Tuesday morning :(
We're coming up on four months now of this long distance relationship. We spend plenty of time on Skype and playing games together, but it's still no replacement for even sitting on a couch next to one another. There's so many places to see and things to do here, and I want to experience it all with him. I miss him more with every passing day.
Monday, February 24, 2014
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
The World's Revolution
Because we had a chiropractor come to the office a few weeks back, everyone who attended the lecture received a coupon for a free consultation/x-rays/adjustment. I took the doctor up on his offer, and returned to his office today to review my x-rays. Apparently, the natural curve in my neck is gone (about 75% deteriorated.) Most likely a result of my many years spent at computers/lazing on couches gaming with terribad posture. Even previous to this chiropractic consultation I had been increasingly aware of my posture, and doing my best to correct it. However, the years of damage have already taken their toll.
He called my status "phase 2 degeneration", and not only is it apparent in my neck, but my lower back as well. I had gone into the consultation noting that I have problems with my lower back, so I wasn't surprised to hear this. It's not nearly as bad as my neck, but my last two vertebrae don't move at all when I lean side-to-side.
He reassured me that this is resolvable, with time. We reviewed a 3-month regime of 3 times a week visits made up of a combination of adjustments, massage therapy, and different physical therapies that would re-teach my neck how to hold my skull properly. This would also break-up my bad scar tissues, and assist them in regrowing back the way they should. While I would only be in the program for 3 months, the process would take at least a year, with me continuing to do home exercises and whatnot. I have no issue with that, and I definitely want my neck and back to be better.
The price tag on this program is not covered by my insurance however, and would be around $3000. Even if I can get my out-of-pocket maximum for in-network, it's still $2000.
It's hard to ask myself if that's worth it because it's my health, what does money matter if I'm not healthy? But, is this the best thing I can do? More appropriately I suppose, is if this program is worth it.
I know people say bad things about chiropractors, but that's with regards (mostly) to lateral twist adjustments of the neck (which is not applicable here.) This doctor seems knowledgeable, and he didn't use lots of crazy terminology or say anything to scare or pressure me into needing to do this treatment. Nothing he said about my actual condition was a lie, I could see it on the x-rays. I guess what I'm getting at is I don't feel like I'm being scammed or anything.
Called my Mom, and she suggested I get a second opinion (good thinking!) There's an Orthopedic center down the road from my apartment, one that is in my insurance's network, so guess who I'll be calling tomorrow. Hopefully they won't need a reference from another doctor to see me. Would just like them to look at the x-rays and let me know what they think.
He called my status "phase 2 degeneration", and not only is it apparent in my neck, but my lower back as well. I had gone into the consultation noting that I have problems with my lower back, so I wasn't surprised to hear this. It's not nearly as bad as my neck, but my last two vertebrae don't move at all when I lean side-to-side.
He reassured me that this is resolvable, with time. We reviewed a 3-month regime of 3 times a week visits made up of a combination of adjustments, massage therapy, and different physical therapies that would re-teach my neck how to hold my skull properly. This would also break-up my bad scar tissues, and assist them in regrowing back the way they should. While I would only be in the program for 3 months, the process would take at least a year, with me continuing to do home exercises and whatnot. I have no issue with that, and I definitely want my neck and back to be better.
The price tag on this program is not covered by my insurance however, and would be around $3000. Even if I can get my out-of-pocket maximum for in-network, it's still $2000.
It's hard to ask myself if that's worth it because it's my health, what does money matter if I'm not healthy? But, is this the best thing I can do? More appropriately I suppose, is if this program is worth it.
I know people say bad things about chiropractors, but that's with regards (mostly) to lateral twist adjustments of the neck (which is not applicable here.) This doctor seems knowledgeable, and he didn't use lots of crazy terminology or say anything to scare or pressure me into needing to do this treatment. Nothing he said about my actual condition was a lie, I could see it on the x-rays. I guess what I'm getting at is I don't feel like I'm being scammed or anything.
Called my Mom, and she suggested I get a second opinion (good thinking!) There's an Orthopedic center down the road from my apartment, one that is in my insurance's network, so guess who I'll be calling tomorrow. Hopefully they won't need a reference from another doctor to see me. Would just like them to look at the x-rays and let me know what they think.
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Flu You
Noooooo. I always ask for snow, I dream of snow, and then when Mother Nature decides to grant my wish, it's the night Mike is supposed to be driving up to visit :( If it were just a little bit of snow, it wouldn't be a big deal, but apparently there's some crazy ice storm going through Georgia. As much as I want him to be here, I'd rather he be safe. Which means he'll most likely not be leaving until tomorrow morning. Sigh.
Something of his arrived for me today though- flowers! :D A whole bouquet of tulips. He's so sweet!
My fever has dissipated, however the sore throat has set in alongside my terrible sinus pressure/stuffiness. My boss and several of my coworkers have been awesome- checking up on me and seeing if I need anything, even offering to pick up stuff for me or drive me to a clinic (before when I had a fever.) I love working as a part of this team :D
Something of his arrived for me today though- flowers! :D A whole bouquet of tulips. He's so sweet!
My fever has dissipated, however the sore throat has set in alongside my terrible sinus pressure/stuffiness. My boss and several of my coworkers have been awesome- checking up on me and seeing if I need anything, even offering to pick up stuff for me or drive me to a clinic (before when I had a fever.) I love working as a part of this team :D
A woosh and a twinkle
Ugh sick and awake way too early.
A local chiropractor came to the office a couple weeks back to do a presentation on sitting properly. As a result, I decided to take am active approach and get myself into a better posture. I began sitting up straight at work, where normally I have to have my legs up in some fashion. Also, I purchased an exercise ball to (mostly) replace my computer chair at home. At first I could only sit on it for a half hour or so at a time, now I could sit on it for hours with no issue. Does a wonder on my sinuses while I'm sick, too!
At the end of his presentation, he handed out coupons for a free consultation, x-rays, and an adjustment if needed. I took him up on this offer this past week. I've always had issues with my lower back. Whenever I would get a massage it would feel as thought something needed to pop, but never would. It just feels like a rock. He concurred, but also said my shoulders are super tense, probably more so than my back, although I've never really noticed. After a couple x-rays he adjusted my spine, which was really scary at first (I don't like even cracking my knuckles), but it was fine. He said I did a good job of relaxing despite my initial fear, so I guess that's good.
I had a follow-up appointment for Monday to review the x-rays that I ended up having to move because Sunday was my onset of a minor flu bug. I say minor because I feel like 2012 flu was worse, but it could have been partially because I was entirely unprepared for how it was going to feel and how I was supposed to react. As soon as I felt symptoms coming on I started flooding my body with fluids, and during my vertigo episodes I would just lay on the floor wherever I was. Got through the first night with little issue, although it was still shit. Never really knew why people who lived in houses with stairs before complained that it was no fun when you're sick, until Sunday night. To get to water or juice required me to literally drag myself down and up stairs, which made me very thankful that I have a mini fridge upstairs so I only had to make that trip once.
Monday was spent in bed watching movies on a laptop (I usually can't sleep while sick.) Yesterday I managed to work from bed for a full day, however how good my code was our how productive I may have been may be questionable :P Today, I originally planned to go into the office for at least the morning half, but with the foretold onset of snow starting around 9am I think I shall once again remain at home. Lest I be stranded sick at work.
Besides, I can barely breathe right now, I probably shouldn't be out in freezing weather.
Mike is supposed to be heading out today after he gets off from work, which is when is supposed to start raining in Florida. Rain and snow the whole drive :/ I'm really worried, I hope he stays super safe.
Thursday, February 6, 2014
Quarian Coding
Been too long since I've written o.O Although I don't have a crazy amount of stuff going on. Been overly busy with work. There were a couple of weeks/weekends there that I was working 10-12 hours every day. Finally was given my first days off last week (Tues/Wed) and it was wonderful! I hadn't been playing games too much with all of the craziness going on, so it was super awesome to relax for a "weekend", even if it was mid-week.
One benefit of all the work I've been doing, is everything I've been learning. I never really understood some of the core concepts of OOP from the little I've read out of programming books. But now, putting what coding I do know to use, making myself figure it out, and asking Kevin a few questions, I feel like I have unlocked a whole world that never made sense to me before (and I thought it never would.) It's really amazing, and I'm excited to keep learning more! :D
I am a little disappointed because of work currently for a different reason, though (the long hours don't really bother me much.) When I was hired on, I was told I'd be sponsored for a security clearance (as a direct result of the first project I'd be assigned to) and given a raise 6 months post hire. The first project came and went (and is now back again for its next phase), and there was no discussion of my sponsorship. I figured that there was just too much going on, so I gave it until a few weeks ago before I brought it up to my boss. She said she would speak with the project manager regarding it, because as far as she knew I was supposed to be sponsored.
A week went by, no answer. Asked her again, and she told me to talk to the PM myself. I did, and she had no idea I was supposed to be on the list for sponsorship, and that she didn't think it was necessary. She resolved to speak with my boss. Tuesday this week I sat down with my boss and asked her about it. She told me that under the project contract everyone (including the primary developer- me) would be sponsored, and that it was the PM who apparently changed her mind. She said she'd sit down with her boss and the PM to get to the bottom of it.
I also asked her about my potential raise in (now) 3 months. I was concerned, because one month earlier my boss, Daniel, Chris, and I were having a meeting at which the yearly company raises were mentioned. It was mentioned I wouldn't be getting one since I had only been working here just under 2 months (which is totally understandable.) But it was also expressed that my boss doesn't really have control over when employees get raises, let alone how much. I didn't think much of it then, but I sat on it awhile and realized that she probably wouldn't have control of it in May either. She conceded and did say it wasn't really her decision, but that she was glad I brought it up now. It wasn't ultimately her decision, but she would do her best to make it happen in May, and that we can have a more formal discussion then.
The experience I've gotten thus far and will continue to get has definitely been a fantastic career booster for me, so that's absolutely an upside. But it just feels like 2 of the convincing reasons I took this job aren't going to actualize :/
Time to lighten the mood!
Been getting really into FTL, even though it can be rough just on easy o.O Randomness begets frustration! Was gifted a copy of The Ship by Max, but I still haven't given it a shot. (Shout out to him and his new fiancée, by the way!!) I'll get to playing it soon! :) Cook, Serve, Delicious! is still entertaining. Although I feel like the 20 day requirement for progression from a 1-star to a 2-star restaurant is kind of annoying :P Still playing a play-by-mail game of Civ V with Dwyer, and we just hit turn 50 today. Woo!
Kevin came to visit from Philly last Thursday night, and stayed until Tuesday morning. We definitely had a good time going out to different bars and eating a ton of awesome (mostly Asian) food! He was sick for all of Saturday though :/ We picked up a Civ game of our own, that I kept getting screwed in. While he was sick, he logged into his Steam account for me so I could play some Starbound :D It's pretty fun! Similar to Terraria, but still not like Terraria... I need to get it :o
Mike will be here next week!! :D Only for the weekend, but still!
/* Begin WoW talk */
Mike and I have been at "end game" WoW for several weeks now. It's different than it was before, but still not entirely palatable. At first, the "new" tool Looking For Raid was pretty handy. We didn't have to look for guilds or random PUGs to raid with, the game could do that for us. For the raids that have been around since MoP came out, and the first few patch ones, this was great. Everyone else was already fairly well-geared so the fact that we were just starting out wasn't much of a hindrance. But now that we're at the Siege of Orgrimmar level, it's gotten rather tiresome.
I've been on my Warrior, Mike on his Rogue. I go for the tank role whenever possible, but for high-item-level purposes I got a DPS gear/talent set. I figured I wouldn't have good enough gear to tank affectively, so I didn't want to drag the raid down. Instead, apparently my DPS isn't good enough, so I've since been booted by 2 different raids. The first was understandable, I didn't have DPS gear yet, but the most recent was because I was killing adds instead of the boss (General Nazgrim), and wasn't padding my DPS while he was in protection stance.
As a result, I've decided if I'm not tanking, I'm not raiding. I've never been a DPS fan anyway; I was always the healer or the tank. I've always been more interested in the non-raiding aspects of the game, too, but it's not the same without the Banned/No Life community I used to have :(
I'll just keep leveling up different characters with Mike and never raid! XD
Bah, Azeroth problems! XP
/* End WoW talk... phew */
So, if I'm not mistaken, the Ren Faire of Gainesville should be coming up soon (unless my memory is really that bad) and it's made me want to find one here to go to! Sadly, there's only one in Tennessee, and it's just South of Nashville in May. Not so far away, it could be like a little weekend trip! I'm definitely planning on going :D Maybe I'll have my motorcycle by then and I can ride out there...
I want to pick up a programming book and go through it now that I have a better idea of what everything is and how it all works together. Maybe I'll get back into building WoW mods XD Or maybe make an app! I really want to get into the Razer Nabu development (http://www.razerzone.com/nabu). I have a couple of ideas, but I don't know if I really have the coding know-how. We shall see!
One benefit of all the work I've been doing, is everything I've been learning. I never really understood some of the core concepts of OOP from the little I've read out of programming books. But now, putting what coding I do know to use, making myself figure it out, and asking Kevin a few questions, I feel like I have unlocked a whole world that never made sense to me before (and I thought it never would.) It's really amazing, and I'm excited to keep learning more! :D
I am a little disappointed because of work currently for a different reason, though (the long hours don't really bother me much.) When I was hired on, I was told I'd be sponsored for a security clearance (as a direct result of the first project I'd be assigned to) and given a raise 6 months post hire. The first project came and went (and is now back again for its next phase), and there was no discussion of my sponsorship. I figured that there was just too much going on, so I gave it until a few weeks ago before I brought it up to my boss. She said she would speak with the project manager regarding it, because as far as she knew I was supposed to be sponsored.
A week went by, no answer. Asked her again, and she told me to talk to the PM myself. I did, and she had no idea I was supposed to be on the list for sponsorship, and that she didn't think it was necessary. She resolved to speak with my boss. Tuesday this week I sat down with my boss and asked her about it. She told me that under the project contract everyone (including the primary developer- me) would be sponsored, and that it was the PM who apparently changed her mind. She said she'd sit down with her boss and the PM to get to the bottom of it.
I also asked her about my potential raise in (now) 3 months. I was concerned, because one month earlier my boss, Daniel, Chris, and I were having a meeting at which the yearly company raises were mentioned. It was mentioned I wouldn't be getting one since I had only been working here just under 2 months (which is totally understandable.) But it was also expressed that my boss doesn't really have control over when employees get raises, let alone how much. I didn't think much of it then, but I sat on it awhile and realized that she probably wouldn't have control of it in May either. She conceded and did say it wasn't really her decision, but that she was glad I brought it up now. It wasn't ultimately her decision, but she would do her best to make it happen in May, and that we can have a more formal discussion then.
The experience I've gotten thus far and will continue to get has definitely been a fantastic career booster for me, so that's absolutely an upside. But it just feels like 2 of the convincing reasons I took this job aren't going to actualize :/
Time to lighten the mood!
Been getting really into FTL, even though it can be rough just on easy o.O Randomness begets frustration! Was gifted a copy of The Ship by Max, but I still haven't given it a shot. (Shout out to him and his new fiancée, by the way!!) I'll get to playing it soon! :) Cook, Serve, Delicious! is still entertaining. Although I feel like the 20 day requirement for progression from a 1-star to a 2-star restaurant is kind of annoying :P Still playing a play-by-mail game of Civ V with Dwyer, and we just hit turn 50 today. Woo!
Kevin came to visit from Philly last Thursday night, and stayed until Tuesday morning. We definitely had a good time going out to different bars and eating a ton of awesome (mostly Asian) food! He was sick for all of Saturday though :/ We picked up a Civ game of our own, that I kept getting screwed in. While he was sick, he logged into his Steam account for me so I could play some Starbound :D It's pretty fun! Similar to Terraria, but still not like Terraria... I need to get it :o
Mike will be here next week!! :D Only for the weekend, but still!
/* Begin WoW talk */
Mike and I have been at "end game" WoW for several weeks now. It's different than it was before, but still not entirely palatable. At first, the "new" tool Looking For Raid was pretty handy. We didn't have to look for guilds or random PUGs to raid with, the game could do that for us. For the raids that have been around since MoP came out, and the first few patch ones, this was great. Everyone else was already fairly well-geared so the fact that we were just starting out wasn't much of a hindrance. But now that we're at the Siege of Orgrimmar level, it's gotten rather tiresome.
I've been on my Warrior, Mike on his Rogue. I go for the tank role whenever possible, but for high-item-level purposes I got a DPS gear/talent set. I figured I wouldn't have good enough gear to tank affectively, so I didn't want to drag the raid down. Instead, apparently my DPS isn't good enough, so I've since been booted by 2 different raids. The first was understandable, I didn't have DPS gear yet, but the most recent was because I was killing adds instead of the boss (General Nazgrim), and wasn't padding my DPS while he was in protection stance.
As a result, I've decided if I'm not tanking, I'm not raiding. I've never been a DPS fan anyway; I was always the healer or the tank. I've always been more interested in the non-raiding aspects of the game, too, but it's not the same without the Banned/No Life community I used to have :(
I'll just keep leveling up different characters with Mike and never raid! XD
Bah, Azeroth problems! XP
/* End WoW talk... phew */
So, if I'm not mistaken, the Ren Faire of Gainesville should be coming up soon (unless my memory is really that bad) and it's made me want to find one here to go to! Sadly, there's only one in Tennessee, and it's just South of Nashville in May. Not so far away, it could be like a little weekend trip! I'm definitely planning on going :D Maybe I'll have my motorcycle by then and I can ride out there...
I want to pick up a programming book and go through it now that I have a better idea of what everything is and how it all works together. Maybe I'll get back into building WoW mods XD Or maybe make an app! I really want to get into the Razer Nabu development (http://www.razerzone.com/nabu). I have a couple of ideas, but I don't know if I really have the coding know-how. We shall see!
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