This Is So True

The Republicans had better start focusing on the issues at hand and now worry so much about spending time with Donald Trump. This race could very easily slip more on the entertainment side of things rather than a serious look at this Nation’s issues and the path we need to take to make it right.

Borger Opinion

HEALTHCARE GONE AWRY

You really want know what’s wrong with our healthcare system and why there really needs to be reformed? Do ya? Well, it needs reforming because of some serious lapse in expedient care. Hospitals see that you have insurance and then keep your ass as long as they can in order to rack up the bill.

Case in point, my wife had a piece of food lodged in her throat early Sunday morning (3 am) and could not hold anything down, liquid or solids. Around noon Sunday she told me that perhaps she should go to the hospital to get it removed. We arrived at the emergency room at 1:15 pm and were put in an examining room. We sat there until around 4 pm when they took her for an x-ray. Nothing showed, but she was still unable to hold anything down and even had to gag herself in order to spit up the mucous down her throat. Not pretty to see or hear. Anyway, the ER doctor said that in order for the GI (gastro-intestinal) doctor to see her, they would need to do a cat-scan. They did around 6 pm and shortly thereafter said that the GI doctor would be doing a scope of her throat that night. So we wait and wait. Finally about 9 pm they come in to say that the doctor decided that since my wife was not in distress, it would wait till Monday morning. So they admitted her and she spent the night in the hospital.

I had a payroll to run for about 100 people so I went home, but woke at 5:45 to head in early to get it done so I could be here as early as possible for her procedure. I arrive at the hospital around 8:20 or so and she hasn’t seen the doctor or anyone other than the nurse. So we wait and wait, and even wait more. Finally around 1 pm I ask the nurse if she had a clue as to a ballpark time when the procedure would be done. Of course she didn’t. She did know that the GI doctor was at the hospital earlier, but left. What the shit was that about? He couldn’t even come and give a quick check on her and give some time reference for the procedure?  I tell her that if we can’t get this thing going soon, my wife would drink some water (which would negate the procedure) and we were walking out.  They really perked up then and said they went and called the doctor.

Around 2:45 pm (this Monday, remember) they finally come and get her. They tell me I can come to the waiting room and wait there. So we go and we sit and wait some more till around 3:30 they finally take her for the procedure. The nurse tells me that they should be back in 15-20 minutes. It was actually quick and she came back around 19 minutes.

Within 5 minutes we came back to her original room and are told discharge would be coming soon. Mind you this 4:15 pm. We both can’t wait. It has been a long 36 hours and we just want to go home let alone get something to eat( remember she hasn’t eaten since 3 am Sunday).

Well guess what? It is currently 6 pm and we have not been discharged yet!!!

A 20 minute procedure has turned into an almost 48 HOUR ORDEAL!

OUR SYSTEM OF HEALTHCARE REALLY DOES NEED TO BE FIXED!!

My Hunting Buddy

If you are a squirrel lover, click the back or home button now.

Our dog Honey, a dachshund, is one bad ass squirrel hunter. She alerts me anytime there’s one in our single pecan tree. I loathe squirrels because they rob my nuts and I don’t want them around my eaves. They can get into my attic and cause a lot of havoc.

Anyways, after alerting me, I take my pellet gun outside and she goes crazy. She tries to climb the tree and will patiently wait till I drop one down. She then shakes the dead squirrel around proudly.

I just love that dog!!

Wonderful Way To Start The Day

The wife and I took the new boat out this morning. The water was extraordinarily low, but it was so smooth and calm. The sky had a few clouds and I snapped this photo while sitting out reading the paper. So nice to start the day with your loved one relaxing.

Those That Serve

Our daughter’s boyfriend, Paul Boyer, just left for Afghanistan after a two week R&R. He was deployed to Afghanistan last May and will serve there until April of 2012.

We are so very proud of not only Paul, but his twin brother Kenny, who was just deployed to Iraq. These young men and women deserve our respect and admiration. They leave their loved ones behind so that they can serve their country.

My daughter Faith is understandably shaken at his departure and she remains always committed to him. I hope that she finds some peace in the days to come.

God bless our troops and their families and friends.

Family Tree Info – Geni.Com

Tried out a new genealogy site today (www.geni.com). It is a pretty cool place to start and share your family’s past. I am providing a link to my family tree. Take a look and if you’re family and are interested in helping fill in your part, shoot me an email @ jimblas@gmail.com and make the request.

My family tree @ geni.com

It’s Been Awhile

Haven’t had the opportunity to blog much. It’s been a hectic year at work and home life has had its’ stress points at times. Nelda and I will celebrate our 24th wedding anniversary this August 1st. Hard to believe it’s been that long.

Our son Nicholas has moved to Harligen to accept a job as a speech therapist assistant. While the location is something less desirable, the opportunity for him was too good to pass up.

Our oldest daughter Faith graduated from high school this past May and will be attending a local jr college this fall. We are so very proud of her and have great confidence she will do well in her studies.

Our youngest, Claire, will be a sophomore at Refugio High School. She is a very bright individual who really hasn’t taken full advantage of that yet. (but she will)!!

School starts back up in about a mont and a seek or so. Not really ready, but what is one to do. This year will bring a new set of challenges for us. I’m sure we will meet them head on and do what is necessary.

ttyl

I’m As Sensitive as the Next Guy, But Come On!!!

If you haven’t heard yet, but pretty sure you have, there is a professor of English that has just released a ‘clean’ version of Huckleberry Finn. So as not to offend ANYONE, he has taken out the n-word and replaced it with the word slave. While I understand the need for added sensitivity these days, this great piece of American literature was written at a time when the issue of slavery and ethnic slurs were bountiful. It puts our history in perspective and reminds us that we’ve come a long way, but still have a very long way to go.

Would it not be the same thing if we were to change all lyrics from all rappers in the recent past that use the n-word and also restrict the use of such language in all future songs? I don’t see someone pressing forward with that notion.

Christmas 2010

What a year 2010 has been and what a quick year it has been. The family has seen some great and some not so good times during this year.

Nick graduated and is working in his chosen field. He realizes he must get a masters to make some serious money, but it is a tremendous feeling to have knowing a child of yours has grown into a fine young person and is able to take care of themselves.

Faith turned 8 during December and will graduate high school this May. She has become such an amazing young lady and I just know life has such possibilities ready for her.

Claire is a freshman in high school and has really adjusted to being at a new school. She has so much potential and I just pray that she realizes it early on.

Nelda and I are doing great and while 2011 may find some trying times for our employment status, we know that we will persevere and be better for it.

Wonderful Family Getaway

If any of you are looking for a great family adventure, then the zipline tour in Wimberley TX is for you. Eight ziplines of fun. We took the tour today, and even though it was hot at noon, we all had a blast. As you can see from the family photo, they all loved it. One piece of advice though; don’t drink heavily the night before, that only adds to all the sweat pouring out of you.