You own my heart!
Sincerely,
Katherine
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Sunday, February 10, 2013
The Bank Incident
Justin and I both bank at the same national bank chain. There is a branch near our house, which makes things very easy. Visiting the ATM is incredibly convenient!
I recently deposited a check in my savings account at the ATM. Mistake #1. I decided to transfer some funds from my account to Justin's. Mistake #2. I received a letter from my bank stating the funds were on hold while the check cleared, but per the letter and the online banking portal, the funds were released and were now available for my use.
I've transferred money from my account to Justin's before and had to speak with a banker, not a teller. All of these branches have someone directing people who visit the inside of the bank to the appropriate person. I told the lady what I needed and said I had to speak with a banker the last time. She said, "Oh, a teller can help you with that!" We waited in the teller line.
When we reached the window, we were given forms to complete, which we did and then got back in line. I should mention there wasn't really a line. I think there may have been one person in line other than us. We handed the forms to the teller and she said, "You'll need to speak with a banker. I'll let one know you're waiting." I smiled and thanked her before Justin and I headed to the waiting area.
We got periodic updates, but after an hour, Justin and I were both very tired of waiting. What we were being told was they were having to call the "back office" to get approval. I argued a little with them but was very polite the entire time. We finally said we would change the amount to something that was in my account prior to the ATM check being deposited. That took about twenty minutes. I finally walked to the counter and told the ladies assisting us to just stop and give me my ATM card and ID. We would try this again another day. I was not happy. Neither was Justin.
We went home and I called customer service. I was told there was no reason for the delay because the funds were released several days before. Before we left the bank, one of the ladies suggested we call customer service to get the money transferred. Justin and I both said that wouldn't work because of the dollar amount limits placed on phone transactions. The man on the phone was very nice, but wasn't able to help us.
We left the house and went to another branch. I planned to close my accounts. While driving there, I decided to give them one more chance. We walked in and spoke with the lady directing people to the appropriate department. I told her what we had been through and what I wanted. I went on to say if they couldn't help me in ten minutes, I was closing my accounts. The lady sprang into action and grabbed the branch manager. He said he had actually been communicating with the other branch since he used to be the branch manager there. He said he would be able to assist us and to sit tight. We were out of there in about ten minutes, which is what should have happened at the other branch. This location was awesome!
Before we left, they gave us the card of a private banker and suggested we contact her. They said that's a service they offer and our account balances qualified us for that service. I don't think I'll need it, but it's really nice to have that option.
As I said, everyone was very nice the entire time, but it was so frustrating I couldn't access my money. I told the second branch I would continue using them for any transactions needing a banker. They were fantastic!
I recently deposited a check in my savings account at the ATM. Mistake #1. I decided to transfer some funds from my account to Justin's. Mistake #2. I received a letter from my bank stating the funds were on hold while the check cleared, but per the letter and the online banking portal, the funds were released and were now available for my use.
I've transferred money from my account to Justin's before and had to speak with a banker, not a teller. All of these branches have someone directing people who visit the inside of the bank to the appropriate person. I told the lady what I needed and said I had to speak with a banker the last time. She said, "Oh, a teller can help you with that!" We waited in the teller line.
When we reached the window, we were given forms to complete, which we did and then got back in line. I should mention there wasn't really a line. I think there may have been one person in line other than us. We handed the forms to the teller and she said, "You'll need to speak with a banker. I'll let one know you're waiting." I smiled and thanked her before Justin and I headed to the waiting area.
We got periodic updates, but after an hour, Justin and I were both very tired of waiting. What we were being told was they were having to call the "back office" to get approval. I argued a little with them but was very polite the entire time. We finally said we would change the amount to something that was in my account prior to the ATM check being deposited. That took about twenty minutes. I finally walked to the counter and told the ladies assisting us to just stop and give me my ATM card and ID. We would try this again another day. I was not happy. Neither was Justin.
We went home and I called customer service. I was told there was no reason for the delay because the funds were released several days before. Before we left the bank, one of the ladies suggested we call customer service to get the money transferred. Justin and I both said that wouldn't work because of the dollar amount limits placed on phone transactions. The man on the phone was very nice, but wasn't able to help us.
We left the house and went to another branch. I planned to close my accounts. While driving there, I decided to give them one more chance. We walked in and spoke with the lady directing people to the appropriate department. I told her what we had been through and what I wanted. I went on to say if they couldn't help me in ten minutes, I was closing my accounts. The lady sprang into action and grabbed the branch manager. He said he had actually been communicating with the other branch since he used to be the branch manager there. He said he would be able to assist us and to sit tight. We were out of there in about ten minutes, which is what should have happened at the other branch. This location was awesome!
Before we left, they gave us the card of a private banker and suggested we contact her. They said that's a service they offer and our account balances qualified us for that service. I don't think I'll need it, but it's really nice to have that option.
As I said, everyone was very nice the entire time, but it was so frustrating I couldn't access my money. I told the second branch I would continue using them for any transactions needing a banker. They were fantastic!
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Rotator Cuff Tendonitis or Subacromial Bursitis
A couple of months ago, I noticed my shoulder was uncomfortable due to a slight pain when I moved my arm in certain directions. I thought it was nothing and I just ignored it. This last week, I noticed the pain was more persistent and occuring more frequently. I decided it was time to visit my doctor.
I was able to see the physician's assistant on Tuesday morning. After a thorough exam of my righ shoulder and the movements that caused me pain, she determined I have rotator cuff tendonitis or subacromial bursitis. The treatment for both conditions is the same, so it really doesn't matter which I actually have.
I was scared I was going to have to get a shot in my shoulder, like my mother did when she was diagnosed with tendonitis in her shoulder. Luckily, I was told ibuprofen and rest should be sufficient. I'm hoping to be recovered in a couple of weeks.
I've been trying to refrain from using my right arm too much, but that's really hard since I'm right-handed. Styling my hair is pretty difficult, but I manage. Sleeping is also a slight challenge since I prefer to sleep on my right side. I'm trying to sleep on my back and left side but it's just not the same.
Julie, the PA, asked me if I remembered injuring my shoulder a couple of months ago. At the time, I couldn't remember straining or injuring myself around the time the pain started. After I left the doctor's office, I thought of what most likely caused the injury - vacation.
Justin and I took a cruise the week of Thanksgiving. When we exited the ship, we decided to carry our own luggage instead of waiting for the ship's staff to remove it. We did this so we could exit the ship first. My suitcase was heavy and I was determined to haul it off that ship so I could make it to Thanksgiving lunch with my family. I imagine that's when my shoulder was injured, but I don't really remember.
I was able to see the physician's assistant on Tuesday morning. After a thorough exam of my righ shoulder and the movements that caused me pain, she determined I have rotator cuff tendonitis or subacromial bursitis. The treatment for both conditions is the same, so it really doesn't matter which I actually have.
I was scared I was going to have to get a shot in my shoulder, like my mother did when she was diagnosed with tendonitis in her shoulder. Luckily, I was told ibuprofen and rest should be sufficient. I'm hoping to be recovered in a couple of weeks.
I've been trying to refrain from using my right arm too much, but that's really hard since I'm right-handed. Styling my hair is pretty difficult, but I manage. Sleeping is also a slight challenge since I prefer to sleep on my right side. I'm trying to sleep on my back and left side but it's just not the same.
Julie, the PA, asked me if I remembered injuring my shoulder a couple of months ago. At the time, I couldn't remember straining or injuring myself around the time the pain started. After I left the doctor's office, I thought of what most likely caused the injury - vacation.
Justin and I took a cruise the week of Thanksgiving. When we exited the ship, we decided to carry our own luggage instead of waiting for the ship's staff to remove it. We did this so we could exit the ship first. My suitcase was heavy and I was determined to haul it off that ship so I could make it to Thanksgiving lunch with my family. I imagine that's when my shoulder was injured, but I don't really remember.
Fingers-crossed everything is healed in a couple of weeks!
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Bananas
I've never been a huge fan of bananas and I don't really know why. I previously blamed it on the texture, which is my usual excuse for not eating certain foods. A couple of weeks ago at work, someone offered me half of a banana and I somewhat reluctantly accepted.
I ate it and decided I love bananas! Since then, I've kept a supply of bananas at home and work. I eat at least one per day, sometimes two. Bananas are delicious!
My mother kept telling me my taste would change as I got older. I could see this happening but really didn't want to admit it.
Some foods I previously hated and now like are:
- bananas
- Brussels sprouts
- asparagus
- carrots
- yogurt
Justin tried to get me to eat yogurt for years and I said I didn't like the tangy taste. He didn't really eat yogurt, but thought I would/should like it. I would buy it, but never would eat it. One day about a year ago, I tried some strawberry flavored yogurt and decided it was the best stuff ever. My latest favorite is plain Greek yogurt. It tastes like thick sour cream and I love sour cream. I use it as sour cream in my Chipotle bowls.
I can't wait to see what I'll like next!
I ate it and decided I love bananas! Since then, I've kept a supply of bananas at home and work. I eat at least one per day, sometimes two. Bananas are delicious!
My mother kept telling me my taste would change as I got older. I could see this happening but really didn't want to admit it.
Some foods I previously hated and now like are:
- bananas
- Brussels sprouts
- asparagus
- carrots
- yogurt
Justin tried to get me to eat yogurt for years and I said I didn't like the tangy taste. He didn't really eat yogurt, but thought I would/should like it. I would buy it, but never would eat it. One day about a year ago, I tried some strawberry flavored yogurt and decided it was the best stuff ever. My latest favorite is plain Greek yogurt. It tastes like thick sour cream and I love sour cream. I use it as sour cream in my Chipotle bowls.
I can't wait to see what I'll like next!
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Water? Water? Who's got the water?
Around 11:30 p.m. last night, Justin and I were watching television with Chris and Allison (roomie and his fiance). I was kind of dozing off so I missed the excitement. Apparently, Justin, Chris, and Allison suddenly heard a strange suction noise coming from the front bathroom. They ran to the bathroom and turned on the lavatory (that's a sink for you non-architects/interior designers). No water. They just heard more suction noise.
Allison said it sounded like a water pipe busted under the house. She experienced this a few years ago and ended up with $2,000 of water in her front yard. Justin immediately grabbed the water meter key and headed to the water valve at the road. He turned off the water at the road and went under the house to find the broken pipe. Allison and I stayed in the house while Justin and Chris handled the crawl space activities. Occasionally, Justin would ask me to "stomp in the kitchen" or "stomp in the laundry room." He was checking the pipes at each plumbing fixture in the house. After a short while, he and Chris came inside and said it must be on the county's side of the valve because he couldn't find any water under the house.
We called the county's emergency line and explained the situation. The lady I spoke with asked if we were near a particular road and I said, "Yes, that road is in our neighborhood." She said they were doing some repair work on that road and had the water in our neighborhood turned off. I'm thinking, "It would have been nice to know this, but whatever." I thanked her and hung up.
Our neighborhood has a Facebook page, so Justin checked there and found out what really happened. A water main broke in the neighborhood, so they turned off water to make repairs. They were told the repairs should take a couple of hours.
A couple of weeks ago, a major water main broke a couple of miles from our house. It was under a major road that runs beside our house. The county has been trying to make repairs the entire time, but we've had rain for a solid week. Friday/Yesterday was the first day we saw the sun since last Saturday. Apparently, the water pipe was a thirty inch pipe. I didn't realize they made pipes that big, but according to news stories, that's the size of it. System monitors immediately notified the county of the break, but the massive gush of water destroyed a large section of road and sidewalk within minutes.
Never a dull moment.
Allison said it sounded like a water pipe busted under the house. She experienced this a few years ago and ended up with $2,000 of water in her front yard. Justin immediately grabbed the water meter key and headed to the water valve at the road. He turned off the water at the road and went under the house to find the broken pipe. Allison and I stayed in the house while Justin and Chris handled the crawl space activities. Occasionally, Justin would ask me to "stomp in the kitchen" or "stomp in the laundry room." He was checking the pipes at each plumbing fixture in the house. After a short while, he and Chris came inside and said it must be on the county's side of the valve because he couldn't find any water under the house.
We called the county's emergency line and explained the situation. The lady I spoke with asked if we were near a particular road and I said, "Yes, that road is in our neighborhood." She said they were doing some repair work on that road and had the water in our neighborhood turned off. I'm thinking, "It would have been nice to know this, but whatever." I thanked her and hung up.
Our neighborhood has a Facebook page, so Justin checked there and found out what really happened. A water main broke in the neighborhood, so they turned off water to make repairs. They were told the repairs should take a couple of hours.
A couple of weeks ago, a major water main broke a couple of miles from our house. It was under a major road that runs beside our house. The county has been trying to make repairs the entire time, but we've had rain for a solid week. Friday/Yesterday was the first day we saw the sun since last Saturday. Apparently, the water pipe was a thirty inch pipe. I didn't realize they made pipes that big, but according to news stories, that's the size of it. System monitors immediately notified the county of the break, but the massive gush of water destroyed a large section of road and sidewalk within minutes.
Never a dull moment.
Sunday, December 9, 2012
"Let's watch your weight."
I posted in early September about needing/wanting to lose weight. I was bragging about riding my recumbent bike in the mornings and evenings. Well, that ended about a week later.
I got a promotion at work in September and with the promotion came more responsibility. I've been very busy and under a tremendous amount of stress. I'm an emotional eater. Each time I got super stressed at work, I would eat. I go to McDonald's for breakfast each morning. I order an egg McMuffin without Canadian bacon and a large diet Coke. Well, during the last few months, I've been ordering biscuits or pancakes. Those items exceed my breakfast calorie allowance, by a lot. The McDonald's visit each morning isn't necessarily bad. The egg McMuffin is only 290 calories, which isn't terrible. I also get protein from the egg.
For lunch, I try to stick with my Smart Ones frozen entree. During the last few months, I've been grabbing lunch from the cafe downstairs at my office. I always get a grilled cheese with fries. That's not terrible, once in a while, but not for lunch every day.
For supper, I try to eat a salad or something fairly low in calories. During the last few months, I've been eating whatever sounded good - pizza, Thai food, Tex-Mex, lobster rolls smothered in butter, etc. Those items are super high calorie.
During the week of Thanksgiving, Justin and I went on a cruise for vacation. On the cruise, all we did was eat. I probably gained five to ten pounds during those five days. Top that off with Thanksgiving gorging, you get the idea.
I visited my doctor for my yearly visit last week. At the end of my visit, my doctor said, "Let's watch your weight. You gained twenty pounds since your last visit." I was shocked, but not really. Wow, twenty pounds! No wonder nothing fits right!
I'm miserable. I've never been this big. Ideally, I'd like to lose fifty pounds. That's a lot, but that would put me back to where I need to be in order to be healthy. Last January, our company had a Biggest Loser competition. I actually did fairly well. I lost seven or eight pounds. I got busy during the middle of the competition, which meant I began stress eating. I gained everything back, plus some.
I've got to lose some weight. My goal is to lose fifty pounds by this time next year. Will I meet my goal? I know it will take a lot of work.
I enjoyed dance lessons when I was in high school. I've been looking online for some adult classes. I found some at a nearby studio and need to just bite the bullet and sign up. I know I can do it! I'm hoping to keep track of my weight on this blog. I don't have the confidence to post my current weight or measurements, but I'll get there.
I got a promotion at work in September and with the promotion came more responsibility. I've been very busy and under a tremendous amount of stress. I'm an emotional eater. Each time I got super stressed at work, I would eat. I go to McDonald's for breakfast each morning. I order an egg McMuffin without Canadian bacon and a large diet Coke. Well, during the last few months, I've been ordering biscuits or pancakes. Those items exceed my breakfast calorie allowance, by a lot. The McDonald's visit each morning isn't necessarily bad. The egg McMuffin is only 290 calories, which isn't terrible. I also get protein from the egg.
For lunch, I try to stick with my Smart Ones frozen entree. During the last few months, I've been grabbing lunch from the cafe downstairs at my office. I always get a grilled cheese with fries. That's not terrible, once in a while, but not for lunch every day.
For supper, I try to eat a salad or something fairly low in calories. During the last few months, I've been eating whatever sounded good - pizza, Thai food, Tex-Mex, lobster rolls smothered in butter, etc. Those items are super high calorie.
During the week of Thanksgiving, Justin and I went on a cruise for vacation. On the cruise, all we did was eat. I probably gained five to ten pounds during those five days. Top that off with Thanksgiving gorging, you get the idea.
I visited my doctor for my yearly visit last week. At the end of my visit, my doctor said, "Let's watch your weight. You gained twenty pounds since your last visit." I was shocked, but not really. Wow, twenty pounds! No wonder nothing fits right!
I'm miserable. I've never been this big. Ideally, I'd like to lose fifty pounds. That's a lot, but that would put me back to where I need to be in order to be healthy. Last January, our company had a Biggest Loser competition. I actually did fairly well. I lost seven or eight pounds. I got busy during the middle of the competition, which meant I began stress eating. I gained everything back, plus some.
I've got to lose some weight. My goal is to lose fifty pounds by this time next year. Will I meet my goal? I know it will take a lot of work.
I enjoyed dance lessons when I was in high school. I've been looking online for some adult classes. I found some at a nearby studio and need to just bite the bullet and sign up. I know I can do it! I'm hoping to keep track of my weight on this blog. I don't have the confidence to post my current weight or measurements, but I'll get there.
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Fluzone Intradermal Shot
I've mentioned previously how I'm afraid of needles. I avoid them.
Our office had a flu shot clinic last year and I politely declined to participate. When the clinic was announced this year, I considered participating, but I was on the fence. On one hand, I know the only way for me to get over my fear of needles is to be exposed to them more often. On the other hand, I'm afraid of them.
For the last month, I've seen advertisements on television for a Fluzone intradermal vaccine. This shot is supposedly as effective as the regular flu shot, but the needle is super tiny. I asked our HR director if these shots would be available. She checked and later confirmed the Fluzone intradermal vaccine would be made available at our clinic. Woo hoo!
I signed up and committed to getting a flu shot this year. Last Wednesday, I had lots of meetings, but I added a reminder to my calendar in Outlook to get a shot. Someone stopped by my office and mentioned he had just gotten his shot and the tiny needle was painless. I was excited! I had about seven minutes before my next meeting, so I ran to the conference room where the flu clinic was being held and got in line.
The pharmacist (A.K.A. Nurse Ratched) wasn't as fast as I would have expected, but she got people in and out. When it was my turn, I sat in the chair and explained to her how scared of needles I am. She smiled like she understood and proceeded to give me my injection. When the needle first entered my arm, I thought, "This isn't bad at all!" She then began injecting the medication. I let out an, "Ouch!" That was not very comfortable. It was over pretty quickly, but it wasn't as painless as I was expecting. I joked with someone afterward it felt like Nurse Ratched got a running start.
I sat in one of the other conference room chairs while I recovered. I always have to recover for about five or ten minutes because I go into panic attack mode. After sitting for about four minutes, I walked back to my office for my next meeting. I was sweating at this point, which is expected during the "recovery period." That means I'm almost better.
My arm was sore for the rest of the afternoon, but it wasn't terrible. The injection site was red and swollen the next day. Apparently that is a side-effect of the injection. The area was kind of hot and itched terribly. The itching has gotten better and the swelling has gone away. The actual injection site is still pretty tender and hurts when touched. I suspect it will be completely better in a few more days.
From what I've heard, the regular flu shot isn't as bad as the intradermal shot. I felt kind of bad because several people in our office visited their physician because they thought they were having a reaction to the shot. Everyone who got the shot walked around with swollen, red spots on their arms. I feel like my fear of needles caused everyone to be maimed. I know I'm not ultimately responsible, but it's still kind of funny to think about.
The person who stopped by my office and said the shot was painless later admitted he was comparing this shot to the shots he got this summer before going on vacation to Africa. I don't like him anymore.
I'll probably get the shot next year, but I'll be more likely to just get the regular shot and not the intradermal shot. It hurt.
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