A Dispensing Fee?

This is a bit annoying. One medication that our local pharmacy had been filling was costing us our typical $10 copay. We had had this refilled there once or twice when, we happened upon the fact that the prescription, when not run through our insurance plan would cost us about $4 at a number of other pharmacies! Now, I don't want to nitpick, but this is a problem. How can our pharmacy, a national chain, charge us double for meds by submitting it to our insurance company? Naturally, I was curious so I asked the pharmacist tonight when I was getting a more expensive prescription filled there. He explained to me that there is a $10.99 dispensing fee! I thought that's what a pharmacist does. He's a salaried employee and I don't suspect he sees a dime for all of his dispensing efforts. So no matter how little the prescription costs, we would be charged a minimum of $10. It's ridiculous, and the pharmacist thought so too. So now we have moved the prescriptions elsewhere and will consider taking some other meds to the new pharmacy as well. I won't reveal the pharmacy, but you Could Venture to Surmise which chain it is.

What kind of parent am I?

So this week, my oldest son has "Spirit Week" at his school. Monday was Martin Luther King Day so there wasn't school, but each day after has a theme:

• Tuesday was "Geek Day." Considering I'm in I.T. you'd think we'd have something for him to wear in order to come across as a geek. Well, first we forgo, But even if we did remember, the only thing I could think of doing would be for him to somehow emulate me, but considering this is the same person who may someday pick out my nursing home, that just wouldn't be right.
• Today is Superhero day. Well, my son may know who Superman or Spider-Man is, but that's it. He has never seen either show or movie. We were stuck, but my wife thought up a quick cowboy outfit. I think we're going for the Lone Ranger, but frankly, I haven't seen a Lone Ranger show or movie myself, so I'm doubting any8 year-old would know much about them either.
• Tomorrow is pajama day. We dress our son in sweat pants and a t-shirt for bed. We really don't have acceptable pajamas.
• Friday is the pep rally and the kids should be in school colors. OK! This we can do! We have a "spirit" t-shirt and a pair of jeans laying around.

The pressure to conform is great! I figure if we get him to school and be sure his homework is done, we're on the right track. But NOOOO! You have to have Spirit Week! So, if you thought us not doing Santa Claus is bad, as well as my desire to tone down Christmas, I can only imagine what you might think of me now. But really, I love kids. They're wonderful. I just don't want them to have any fun. ;-)

Weekend Purchases

So this past weekend we went out and found a few bargains. My wife found on Craig's List, a four in one cordless tool set which she bought for some of her household projects. On Sunday, she needed one more power tool, so we went out and got another bargain at the Black and Decker outlet. While we were there, I also found some nice fleece gloves that match my coat.

So to recap the weekend: My wife bought five power tools and I bought a nice pair of gloves and made us a nice dinner on Saturday evening. I don't know whether to consider myself one of the luckiest husbands in the world or question my own masculinity. :-)

Attention: cooks and critics!

When the weather is cold and I have the time, I love to find a recipe online and cook. If you find a recipe online and want to do it, that's great. If it's online and has some really good reviews, then you're off to a good start. I have frequently tried a recipe, and liked it. I go back to the reviews which I normally read before I even started it, and usually add my own comment and rating to the recipe. Most of the reviews you read are good. Why would you try the recipe if it didn't have majority of good marks? However some comments are quite interesting:

Example 1:(2 stars) "I tried this recipe and was quite disappointed and it should probably be removed from this website. It came out dry and I'm not quite sure I even liked the flavor. I substituted powdered sugar for the baking powder and since I was out of cocoa, I used allspice. The cake came out dense, dry and I couldn't even taste the chocolate! I do not recommend this recipe!!!"

What do we learn?
Do not rate any recipe where you have adjusted the recipe significantly. This example is an exaggeration, but there are plenty of actual reviews that look like this. Long lists of recipe adjustments and then a bad rating. These people do not get that if you want to rate someone else's recipe, then you need to follow it. My wife and I have completely different takes on how to cook. I baseline every recipe I do. The first time with a recipe, you follow it to a tee!!! Well, at least I do. My wife doesn't but it's good anyhow, and she doesn't write reviews of recipes online.

Example 2:(1 Star) "This recipe was horrible. I have been making meatloaf for years now and when I tried this it was a waste of time. The loaf fell apart and the texture was extremely mushy. I would not recommend this recipe to anyone. My recipe is ten times better than this one."

What do we learn?
You see this comment more often than you'd expect. If you have an excellent recipe, then why are you trying another one? You should be posting yours. I suppose there are some other folks who think of their kitchen as a "test kitchen," but I suspect this isn't the case for most folks. This also brings me to one of the more amusing things about cooking: have you ever noticed how many people think they're good cooks? I think this number is probably inflated (mostly by ego). If you don't believe me, look at example 3.

Example 3:(2 stars)"This casserole was not very good. I followed the recipe exactly how it's written and my spouse, three kids and I did not like it. It was quite disappointing."

What do we learn?
This one is pretty simple. If you see 150 reviews averaging four and a half stars, and no one in your family likes it, well do the math. Since the ratings are high, the problem is not likely the recipe. To use the humorous IT analysis, the problem lies somewhere between the recipe and the diner's taste buds.

I guess by now you're wondering why I'm blogging this, and I'm not sure I have a good answer. Mostly to share the amusement I get from reading the reviews. Whenever I do this, I find it quite funny, and like with any review/opinion, you learn more about those who opine than the topic they are discussing. Similar to what you're probably doing to me about now. (You can write your own comments below and I will be sure to draw conclusions about you too). :-)

Pair o' Dime Props: Snow Days!!

I work on a college campus, which for many appears to be a utopia. It's not. But it's still really great. It's nice walking across campus for meetings, and having doors and windows near my desk. I'm a state employee too (read: pretty good job security), so that's a plus. And I definitely can't complain about the 7 figure salary.*

In Charlotte, North Carolina we get a plethora of blue sky days, and wonderful springs and falls. But also when it snows 2 inches, I don't have to go to work! The university was closed today. Now for us "Yankees" it's hard to understand this, but we'll take it! It's like being a kid again. We got up and ran outside. My wife built a snowman with the boys (although they got cold and ran in and she had to put on the finishing touches herself), and I made pancakes and hot chocolate. The boys loved the snow and we all enjoyed the time together. Sadly, my oldest son's school was smart enough to realize that two inches would not bring the sky crashing down on all of us and he only got a two hour delay. A good call for them, but the self-imposed guilt we had because we got to stay home wasn't welcome. Oh well, I'm sure he'll be smarter because of it. Honestly though, anyone who grew up in the deep south and didn't have the anticipation and joy of school being canceled in the middle of a hard winter do not know what they are missing. Thankfully we're not in the deep south, so we get to live vicariously through our kids.

*Yeah, you read that right. Seven figures, baby! And that includes a decimal point too! Eat your heart out! :-)

Writer's Strike: The "Plight" Continues

Some of you may know that the Golden Globes were suppose to be last night. Sadly, since millionaires are withholding money from other rich people, (as a sports fan this is nothing new to me), and other rich people, actors, in a statement of solidarity with the writers, chose not to attend an awards ceremony, they were canceled. I know I've written about this before, but again I can't emphasize enough how this is shaking our society! With the absence of good television, (some would say that's been the case for years, and others would say "good television" is an oxymoron), I spent my time in a quiet house reading, blogging, and (GASP!) having quality time conversing with my wife. You know, if this continues, my mental, relational, and physical health may all "suffer."

A One Point Sermon

I've mentioned before that my capacity during a sermon is often much less than what is offered. A 3, 4, 5, or 'n' point sermon (where 'n'>1) is usually more than I can retain. I can tell you about the other points today, but I can tell you today which point I might still have a week from now.

Such was the case this morning, as we continued going through Isaiah in my church. The first 12 verses of chapter 58 was very interesting. Essentially, God tells Isaiah that the people are praying and fasting for the wrong reasons. Essentially in some way of hoping that God will do for them what they want him to do. One of the points that was made is that we often will go through our acts of worship, prayer, ritual, giving, etc. in hopes of a favorable return from God. God is saying this is wrong, and then goes on to outline what it is these people SHOULD be doing. Verses 6-9 in The Message paraphrase reads like this:

"This is the kind of fast day I'm after:
to break the chains of injustice,
get rid of exploitation in the workplace,
free the oppressed, cancel debts.
What I'm interested in seeing you do is:
sharing your food with the hungry,
inviting the homeless poor into your homes,
putting clothes on the shivering ill-clad,
being available to your own families.
Do this and the lights will turn on,
and your lives will turn around at once.
Your righteousness will pave your way.
The God of glory will secure your passage.
Then when you pray, God will answer.
You'll call out for help and I'll say, 'Here I am.'

I'm sure I wouldn't be able to convey how this hit me, or how it was even delivered here, but I have to say I as a Christian need to take a hold of this. It is my experience that many Christians, myself included seem to forget about our obligations to the less fortunate, regardless of what their circumstances are. This is what God is calling us to. Not a public display of piety, but a human effort to help those who need help. An unconditional pursuit of expressions of love, charity and the like. It's quite the challenge, and I've got a long way to go. And this post is just me preaching to me and sharing it with whoever is intrigued enough to read it.

Apologies

Today, due to circumstances, I have become fascinated with apologies. The complexities of conflict and resolution can be very revealing about both parties. I for one believe I'm pretty good at being willing to apologize. If anything, I err on the side of throwing them out too often and potentially not standing up for my actions.

Other person: "Rus, the other day, when you turned around, I noticed that your left shoulder dipped in a real quirky way. It really annoyed me."

Me: "I'm sorry, I did not intend for that to annoy you. Will you forgive me?"

Yeah, that's me. And I'm not even sure I'm exaggerating in this example. Many would say I'm a pushover. And if they tell me I am, I'm likely to apologize about it. Just ask my siblings. They told me when I was young that I used to apologize for apologizing too much. My first homecoming date told me to stop apologizing during dinner. I eventually got my "sorrys" under control, and then she told me I was allowed to apologize when I dropped my sour cream-covered knife on her dress. There was just no winning in this case.

All of this to say that I think an apology for a legitimate wrong, when delivered correctly, will say more about the recipient than the giver. Such was the case today. The person I needed to acknowledge my mistake to had essentially two options: High Road or Low Road. Now in this case, he head-faked the high one and then went low. It's fascinating really. Exhausting, annoying, humiliating and enraging too. But when someone acknowledges a fault. The relationship is strengthened by a gracious acceptance of the apology. Or the relationship begins (or continues) it's trip south by some sort of patronizing, arrogant, superior response to ensure that the giver is raked over the coals.

Oh well. I apologized and meant it. His reactions I can't control. My perceptions of him, I can.

Swift Kids for Truth

One of my coworkers just sent me to a website called 23/6. I haven't looked at the site too closely, but he showed me this video which was absolutely hilarious! So when you have a minute, check out the video below. Perhaps one of the main reasons I will not vote for the junior senator "from" New York!

I'm a GREAT person!

Well, actually a great uncle for the second time, but I like the title above for shock value. :-)

My nephew, Adam, has become a father! I don't know all the specifics, but I do know the baby's grandma has checked out this site, so maybe she can fill in the specs.

I'm not too sure I like this "great uncle" thing. I'm 40 and that's too young. The first time it happened, I think I was about 35! I actually have a "great nephew" that is older than my own son. Such is the life of being the youngest of five siblings I guess.

Anyhow, Congratulations to Adam and his family! And to Grandma Karen too!

Wardrobe Choices for Sports Fans

Today, I'm wearing gray pants and a scarlet (read: red) shirt. Tonight the Buckeyes play for the National Championship. I live in North Carolina. Why do I do this? Are there any ball players or coaches wandering around the campus? Do I think I will inspire them?

In the fall I wear OSU T-shirts and sweatshirts on Saturday, and the same for the Bengals on Sunday. Again, I live in North Carolina. I don't go to games or even sports bars, and yet I wear them. Nobody really sees them during the games except my family, who's wearing the same. Are we inspired by each other? If so, does our collective and mutual inspiration somehow translate into a better team? Nevertheless, tonight I will come home from work, change out of my scarlet and gray work clothes and into my Ohio State T-shirt. I might even wear a hat. (I won't paint my face, though...that's just ridiculous). Tomorrow, if they win, I will opt for another red shirt and a gray sweater vest. Sort of a tacit "I told you so" for anyone noticing my wardrobe two days in a row. If they lose, I will wear my typical clothes and hope no one noticed my clothes from the day before. I will probably leave my OSU flag on my house flying regardless...unless it's a blowout like last year. :-)

Why do we do this? I know it's not just me. I really need to know! It's a sociological emergency!!! (Now where have you seen that last sentence typed anywhere before?)

UPDATE: Oh the humanity! Another year of hearing those around me saying the SEC is dominant. It's ok if it's true...I can deal with that. It's just the arrogance!

Perhaps if I had worn the facepaint it would have made a difference.

Typical Mom

Matthew 20:20-21

(v.20)Then the mother of Zebedee's sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him.

(v. 21)"What is it you want?" he asked.
She said, "Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom."

....

The passage goes on, and Jesus didn't grant the desire, but when I read it this morning I just had to laugh. Having been a teacher and currently working in a university setting where I hear plenty of stories about how parents intervene, sometimes inappropriately, I realized this isn't a new phenomena. It definitely shows the nature of a mom, and her incredible love for her children.

(Note to mom: I know you read this, but I have to say that I don't think you meddled...although you did tell me a story once about when we first moved to Fairfield and I was playing baseball. :-) I don't think that's quite the same as this. :-) )

Serious Social Issues for America

I don't know if people realize the impending ramifications the writer's strike will have on the American Public. From what I understand, it's getting to the point now where we may actually have no new shows for the second half of this television season. This is a major crisis! If the writers and producers cannot resolve this soon, their will be a major fall-off in television watching. What's worse? You've heard the adage, "An idle mind is the Devil's workshop." (This should probably be updated, to "An idle and television-deprived mind is the Devil's workshop.") With the additional free time of all of us television watchers, we may resort to socially unacceptable behavior. The cause and effect(s) of such behaviors are as follows:

• Having non-trivial conversations with our family. (We may actually have to have a decent answer for "How was your day!!")
• Back pain due to rearranging furniture so you can look at each other while talking instead of a blank TV screen.
• We may actually have to listen to the ones we love!
  
• Going to the gym
• Increasing the health/wellness of the general public will cause strain on the health care and pharmaceutical industries.
  
• People may increase their life expectancy which will cause additional strain on government programs and social security.
  
• Take walks
• Unnecessary wear on our sneakers and the shock of actually breathing fresh air from taking a walk.
• (See health/wellness statement above)
  
• Reading Books
• Unnecessary knowledge (both fiction and non-fiction) that will occupy otherwise vacant spaces in our brains.
• Additional financial strain due to the need to buy library cards and books.
  
• Doing Homework
• More Unnecessary knowledge that will occupy otherwise vacant spaces in our brains.
• Higher achievement scores on standardized tests may cause admissions standards to increase significantly in universities around the nation
• This will in turn cause the population to become higher skilled workers which will encourage more outsourcing of lower-skilled jobs.
  
• Meeting friends for coffee
• Friends? What are friends? You mean I have to go out and make friends? More effort!
  
• Volunteering to do community service
• More volunteers lead to less paying jobs which will negatively impact our economy.
• Again, this is likely to cause people to inadvertently exercise. and I've already stated where that leads.

This list only scratches the surface so you can see, this is an issue! And the writers and producers need to resolve this soon!

The only saving grace is that we can STILL surf the web and read drivel like this! :-)

Question of the Day: Capitalism

If someone says, "She's a greedy capitalist," are they being redundant in their word use or are they just jealous?

Pair o' Dime Props: Michigan Football (That's hard to type!)

Living in the south, all I seem to hear is SEC, SEC, SEC. And after Florida twice beat OSU (handily) in National Championship games in the past year, it sure was good to see the a Big Ten team squelch the arrogance of Florida. Now if OSU can do the same to LSU next week, then we will be off to a good start to 2008! Congrats to the boys from the team up north. Even though Lloyd Carr can be quite crotchety, even he seemed to be in better spirits during his halftime interview. A good send off for him as well.

Cashing in on Phrases

It has occurred to me over the past few days that if I had a penny for every time the following "other" holiday phrases were thought or uttered, I'd be a very rich man:

• What were we thinking going shopping the day after Christmas?
• What were we thinking coming to the mall on the Saturday after Christmas?
• This traffic is driving me crazy!
• All of these people are driving me crazy!
• What bowl game is on today?
• It's Christmas! We should go ahead and spend a little extra on that gift. We can pay off the bills with the tax refund. (Second sentence is optional. Some people don't think that far ahead).
• Well, if I'm not starting my diet until New Year's Day, then I may as well enjoy all of this holiday fare until then. We don't' want it sitting around here come Tuesday!
• I ate too much.
• I have heartburn.
• I drank too much.
• I have a headache.

I'm sure there are plenty more, but it's early, and I stayed up too late...hmmm, I just thought of another one!
Happy 2008!!!