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 Being Retired now, I thought that it was time for a new name to this Blog |
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Talk about perks, my career had one of the best I can think of! I traveled in the course of business, delivering classes for my employer. I was a Senior Training Specialist for Motorola Solutions, and taught classes on a wide variety of subjects centered around 2-way radio communications. I knew that when the time arrived that I would retire, and I have. I've always said that if you can't stand the heat in the kitchen, get out! I can't handle the heat anymore. I was qualified to deliver approximately 32 different classes, but about half of those were 'Legacy' classes, and were not in demand anymore. My students were technicians, those who maintained, programmed, calibrated, and repaired large 2-way radio systems. Some of these systems are statewide, and use TCP-IP networking to allow sites to communicate with others. Some are small, traditional type radio sites. The size doesn't matter, in each case the systems must be kept operational at all times, since many of them are Public Safety Systems. So I traveled, sometimes frequently, 3-4 weeks in a row.... where have I been? Some of the places I've been (I can't list them all here, the list would be toio long) are pretty interesting. 1. Hawaii - Four times, Oahu, Maui (twice), and the Big Island 2. BangkokThailand, twice 3. Frankfurt Germany, twice 4. Algiers, Algeria 5. Melbourne Australia 6. Bismarck North Dakota, Summer & Winter 7. Los Angeles, Too many times to count 8. Washington DC, Too many times to count 9. Seattle three or four times 10. Texas, all over the state 11. Florida, all over the state 12. New Mexico, HOME! Several times  Best Cultural And Regional Honorable Mention |
New(er) Van? No! Today was an interesting day. Our Akita had a appointment with the Groomer at noon. Though he saw them 2 weeks ago, he needed to be washed and brushed again. I assure you, our light brown carpet was testament to his continued shedding.  Also, I had an appointment with my Oncologist at 1 pm. So I opted to drop Buddy off at the Groomer (Business name is Hair Of The Dog, a very appropriate name in my eyes), then I stopped by to see that 2022 Transit Connect. It's nice, but not what I wanted. Why? My van is the Titanium Edition, the top of the line for Ford Models. And I'm spoiled. Here is a little thing it has, that XLT Model (That blue van) doesn't have. Automatic Interval Wipers. I leave my wipers on all the time, except in a Car Wash. They don't operate until the windshield get wet. The Van senses the wet windshield and operates the wipers intermittently. If it rains harder, the wipers interval is shorter, so they are on as needed. If it rains really hard (downpour), the wipers will come on all the time. When the rain stops, the wipers stop. See, I'm so spoiled. What it really boiled down to is this. This newer Van didn't offer anything that wasn't already on our van. The only good thing about it was that it has less mileage (46000 to my van's 119000), and a chance to spend a bit of money. The dealership was asking $24000 for it, I would have stayed at $17000 out of my pocket. Why? I've put almost $5000 into it this year, at that dealership! I realize they wouldn't give me that $5000 back in trade in allowance. I know my van blue book is only about $4000, so I was looking to get $3000 back in trading in a better model van (Titanium vs XLT), and trade in value. I'm not sure they would have agreed to that though. Now, there's no worry, is there? |
The Chernobyl Elephant Foot I wonder how many of you have heard of, or seen photo's of the 'Elephant Foot' at Reactor 4 of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, near Pripyat, Ukraine. In case you haven't, let's learn a little about it. I'm pulling my information from Wikipedia, like I usually do, as well as my training from the Navy Nuclear Power Field. The Chernobyl disaster occurred on April 26, 1986. I was at sea on the USS Alabama SSBN 731 when the disaster occurred. Being in the Nuclear Power field, we were informed of it's occurrence. Even back then we had little to go on. I mean, there were no computers on board yet that we could access the Internet from, even if they were there. After all, the Internet as we know it was not created until January 1, 1983. You're going to say, "Jim, the accident occurred after the Internet was created!" And you're right. But it wasn't until the early 90's that the World Wide Web (Created by Tim Berners-Lee) was launched, making the internet significantly more accessible and user-friendly. Enough about WWW. We received our news from the daily unclasssfied broadcast from Shore Stations of the Navy. Us 'Nukes' eagerly devoured any news about Chernobyl, and of course we had training sessions about how/why it ocurred in an effort to make sure it never happened to a Navy Nuclear Powered Ship or Submarine. The radiation from something like the Elephant Foot might make some of the Engineroom uninhabitable, even with the shielding that is built into the Reactor Plant. The Elephant's Foot (Ukrainian: Слонова нога, romanized: Slonova noha) is the nickname given to the large mass of corium beneath Reactor 4 of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. The mass formed during the Chernobyl disaster of 26 April 1986 from materials such as molten concrete, sand, steel, uranium, and zirconium. It is named for its wrinkled appearance and large size, evocative of the foot of an elephant. Discovered in December 1986 (notice that it was discovered eight months after the disaster), the “foot” is located in a maintenance corridor below the remains of Reactor No. 4, though the often-photographed formation is only a small portion of several larger corium masses in the area. It has a popular reputation as one of the most radioactive objects in history, though the danger has decreased over time due to the decay of its radioactive components. Let's clear a couple of things up here. First, there is no such material as Corium. Note above that it's molten materials like concrete, sand, steel, uranium, and zirconium. Uranium and Zirconium are metals used in constructing the Reactor Core, and are what causes it to be radioactive. (We'll briefly discuss Radioactivity and Contamination in a little bit). When the foot was first formed it was so radioactive that if you were within about 10 feet of it for longer than about 10-15 seconds, you would be dead. Above, the web-page says 'the danger has decreased over time due to the decay of its radioactive components.' Don't be fooled by that statement, it's still very radioactive. The Elephant Foot will be radioative and pose a threat for a few thousqand more years! At the time of its discovery, radioactivity near the Elephant's Foot was approximately 8,000 to 10,000 roentgens per hour, or delivering a 50/50 lethal dose of radiation within 3 minutes. The only way to get any photo's or samples of it, was by using a Remote Controlled device. So let's leave it at 'You don't want to hang out near this thing, unless you're looking to commit suicide.' Now, just a little bit about Radioactivity and Contamination. What's the difference? I will try and write this in layman's terms so that everyone can understand. Let's say you're walking in a field and step in a pile of Poo. (Horse Poo, Dog Poo, Cow Poo, whatever). The thing is, this stuff is on your shoe and stinks to high heaven! That smell? That's essentially Radiation. The Poo on your shoe? That's contamination. Is contamination radioactive? It can be of course, depending on where it came from. The problem is, in my example you can see what's causing each. In real life, you will probably not be able to see it. That's why we sample the air, and 'swipe' (with a piece of special round paper) an area, and measure radioativity with a special meter. There, now you're a little more knowledgeable about Nuclear 'stuff'. Yeah, I'm pulling on knowledge gained about 53 years ago now.... |
Just Another Day At Home Well, I think I've adjusted to retired life, something I'm pretty happy about. I love knowing I don't have to worry about where I'm off to next, who's my customer and what am I teaching this week. Do I miss it? You bet. Then again, I don't, as I mentioned first thing. I do miss the travel, meeting people (students), as well as possibly meeting people from WDC. So yes, I do miss it. What I don't miss though, is the exhaustion of travel, travel, travel. Yes, I'd love to still travel quite a bit, there are so many places I haven't been. But it's no fun when it exhausts you. I have always said, "If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen." This applies to anything you're doing in life. So if I can't travel and enjoy it, then stop. Yep, it got to where it wasn't that much fun anymore. So, I got out of the kitchen. I had plans for today too. I do a lot of work around our house because... it just needs done. I wanted to vacuum today, the living room and hallway really need it. Why? In one word, Dogs. Buddy, our Akita, is shedding. So him lying on the floor leaves hair around. I did wash dishes, folded clothes, just chores that needed to be done. No, I'm not a slave here. I just see things that need done, and do it. The Navy made me this way, I accept it gladly. I did this in both houses I lived in, in the Chicago area. Some people are more apt to do what needs to be done that others. Don't get me wrong, I'm no clean freak. Those dishes had been in the sink for 2-3 days. The wash had been in the basket for 4-5 days. So while they were done, those chores waited a while too. Some of you live alone. If you don't do it, it doesn't get done. Nuff' said. An inspector from the company that installed our Siump Pump & System a couple of years ago came by today. We spent about an hour in the basement checking the system. Everything was A-OK. So all in all, a productive day for me. Tomorrow's another day, we'll see what it brings! |
Today 6/29/25 Well, today huh. The next to last day in June. For some odd reason, this John Denver song popped to mind. I loved John Denver and his music. He left us far too soon. There are plans for today, but I don't think many will come to pass. She wants to make her Ribs, with Coleslaw and another veggie for dinner. I know the ribs take a while, but right now she's napping. I made waffles with Blueberries and Peaches for breakfast. Pretty yumnmy, even if I do say so myself. If I sound bitter, I'm not. You'd have to here day in and day out to see for yourself how well she cares for me. We all have our issues, I know I have mine, that's for sure. We'll see what the day brings, huh! (I could make my ribs, but I only know one way to make them. Sweet n Sour, in a Crock Pot, without Pineapple, believe it or not. She wouldn't care for them I'm afraid. I made my Teriyaki Kabobs once, they were too sweet, so I'm afraid these might be too sweet too. Again, I'm not bitter, I only 'wish'.... Right now, I'm trying to complete the 5 Daily Tasks. I'm on a bit of a roll here, I've completed all five for over 5 weeks now. I can't break the streak, can I? If I had something else to do today, that would take precedence. But I don't. I've been reading blogs, blogs I don't normally read. I'm surprised at the number of people here who also have Cancer of one type or another. I think I've been very lucky with mine. My organs are not under attack, I don't have tumors, things like that. In fact, I feel a little guilty that I seem to be healthy. I know I'm not, but man, on a day to day basis, I do feel good. I feel, really feel for anyone that has it worse than me. My ❤️ goes out to you. |
The Dream Last night's Newsfeed post was something I had to write then, before it escaped my mind and drifted off to never-never land. It was definitely a strange thing to happen. I'm not sure what shocked me more. Hearing my wife ask "Who were you talking to?", or realizing that she had been awake and at her computer the whole time, instead of in bed where I thought she was. It was a little disconcerting, that's for sure. It would have been a lot creepier, far more scary, if I had been holding 'her' hand right as I woke. Shades of Shirley Jackson and her novel 'The Haunting'! For those who haven't read it, nor seen the 1963 movie of the same name, I'll just give you a small spoiler. There is a scene in the movie where one of the characters (Eleanor) wakes when she hears a thundering type noise in the hallway. (This scene always scared the you-know-what' out of me.). Throughout the scene, Eleanor is holding Theodora's hand, with Theodora sqeezing her hand so hard she can feel the bones of her hand. When the scene finally ends, Eleanor looks over at Theodora, only to find her sound asleep. Eleanor can only scream, "Whose hand was I holding?" Yikes! Yeah, if I had been holding my wife's hand, only to find her awake in the office, I think I'd freak out too. I've never done that (freaked out), but there's always a first time, huh. Everything is normal in our house today, so all's well here. I woke this morning feeling very tired, fatigued if you will. My body ached. About noon, I realized I hadn't taken that Steroid this week, (Dexamethesone). I took it about an hour ago and already feel better. It makes one wonder about things, especially prescribed Oral Steroids. Plus, now I know how I'd feel if the Multiple Myeloma was running 'free' in my body, and not constrained by the Steroid. Sheesh. At least I only take it once a week. Eight mg is all, it's that powerful. Wow.... |
Driving Again Today! For some odd reason, I got a hair 'you know where' this morning, and despite being so exhausted yesterday from the drive Monday, I decided to drive to Indianapolis today. Why you ask? Because we were a little short on breakfast meat for our dogs. Don't get me wrong, we had enough to last another week, but our selection was limited. Having ordered packages of meat last week, I thought I should go pick it up. The company (My Pet Carnivore) was sold and had moved, so it was a little challenging to locate them. The address was easy to get to, but it was a HUGE Warehouse, of which they occupy a small part of it. Finding the correct door was the issue. The actual drive was uneventful, especially since I traveled alone today. Some people didn't have a very goiod drive though. I saw 2 Semi-Trucks that had wrecked today. Both were off the side of highway, one looked as if it had gotten tireed, and rolled over on its side. The other almost looked like it had rolled over in the high grass to the side of the road, but there wasn't enough damage for a roll-over. I figure the driver lost control and managed to not flip it. The cab had a little damage, not enough to say it rolled over. The trailer was a liquid tank, it too was damaged, but again, small wrinkles in it, not what I'd expect to see from a rollover accident. Today's drive took a lot less time than Monday too. I left just before 9, and returned about 3 pm. True, this wasn't as many miles as going to Chicago, but still.... I will say that Indianapolis has one of the worst roadways I've seen. Even I-70, and the connection to I-65 North was horrible. This, despite a constant state of construction around the city. I'm just glad I don't live there. Now to rest tonight so I'm not so beat tomorrow. |
| Yep, after that short (again, NOT) drive to (and from) the Great Lakes Naval Station yesterday, today is a mandatory rest day. I woke this morning aching all over, and as tired as could be. This, despite getting about 10 hours of rest last night! It is a reminder of why I decided to retire too. I asked my wife if this is how I was after a trip (in the last 6-9 months only), her comment was "Yep." I did call my buddy Ariel this morning. He said that if I wanted to still teach classes, that maybe I would be better off teaching Virtual Classes (Online classes) only. The thing is, I have no desire to teach! But I will gladly help my former co-workers (free of charge). Shaking my head over that. The reason I'd help them if/when asked, is that I know they are strapped right now, delivering & traveling more now that I'm not part of them. Learning classes that I delivered all this time, with no one else qualified to deliver them. I am considering going to work at our local library part time (11 hours a week) at ~$16/hour). I think what I made when I left Motorola, and realize the difference in money, it amazes me. Thankfully, we don't need that money, I just need to stay active. |
A LONG Drive Today Wow, shades of 'Working For Motorola again'! We left this morning at 8:30, heading to Chicago, or really, to the Great Lakes Naval Station (Navy Exchange Pharmacy really). Why? We needed to get my wife's Diabetic Medication from the Pharmacy there, rather than pay what she paid in the past, about $300-$400 for a month's supply. We managed to pick up a 3-month supply and paid nothing money wise, but 20+ years of my life in actuality. However, we didn't get back home until almost 5pm! It was a nice trip (NOT!), though littered with road construction delays and the like. Plus, for some reason, I haven't slept well the last 2 nights and drove home in an almost Zombie like state. As a result, I almost immediately crashed for over 4 hours after getting home, and just woke about 30 minutes ago. We shouldn't have gone really, I was too tired, but the medication was definitely needed by the weekend, so I chose to make the drive/trip. My original idea was to see my best friend from Motorola, but you know how the 'Best Laid Plans Of Mice & Men' can go. We weren't back near Motorola until almost 2 and my friend Ariel was stuck in afternoon meetings. On a much more less important thought, the afternoon rush hour traffic would soon start, and with my fatigue being such an issue, it would be a good idea to avoid the traffic. And we did manage to get out of Dodge before traffic picked up. I had spoken with Ariel earlier, we knew we probably would not be able to meet, but still.... He's about the only person I go out of my way to see when I'm up there, so that's always a thought. Oh well, maybe next time. |
| Believe me, you don't know want to know this, but I'm going to say it anyway. And, this is a Rant, my apologies. My Prescription Insurance battle with Accredo continues. I received a text this morning to call ACCREDO. BTW, if you have them as your provider for medications you can't get at CVS or Wal-Greens, tell your doctor or Insurance Company that you wish to use a different company. Anyway, despite having a Prior Authorization approved, ACCREDO told me this morning that I have no Prescription Insurance., So I asked the obvious question. "How can a Prior Authorization (those have to go to the Insurance Company as far as I know) if I don't have Prescription Insurance. I've had issues with Accredo in the past, mainly about billing, because they kept billing the wrong insurance (Tri-Care, that insurance they said I don't have), and other things. One time it took me 7 tries to straighten them out. I also explained that I have Tri-Care 4 Life, and will have it until the day I die! That didn't seem to be something she was/is aware of, nor did she seem to care. I asked to be transferred to their Tri-Care desk, I had to request that 3 times before I was transferred. I think (HUGE emphasis on think) it's straightened out now, they better hope so. Another 45 minutes on the phone with them. I should start billing them for my time. Rant Over. |
Prescription Insurance Issues Well, it appears that I've been terribly naive about my prescription insurance. Don't get me wrong, everything's been good, all covered so far, but I'm learning what's really been happening as each day passes. Allow me to explain what I'm talking about please. As some of you might know, I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in 2021, and started Chemo-therapy in June. I've been taking the Oral Chemo Drug Revlimid for 4 years now, Cigna has covered it this entire time. I've also have Tri-Care 4 Life as a result of my Military Service. So it too was being billed, or so I thought. I take Revlimid for three weeks, then a week off the medication, and repeat. As I said, I've been doing this for 4 years now. Also as many of you know, I retired from Motorola on May 2nd, but was still covered by Cigna through the end of May. As fate would have it, I had Revlimid refilled just before the end of May. Well, last week was my 'week off' Revlimid, and as always, I called Accredo On-Line Pharmacy to get the Revlimid filled again. Yes, this is an online Pharmacy, you cannot get a Chemo Drug refilled at CVS or Walgreens, or other neighborhood Pharmacies. Last week I learned that Accredo had to 'straighten out' the Insurance, essentially drop Cigna and make the DoD (Tri-Care) my only pharmacy insurance. I was told it would take until late this week for that to happen. I had a hard time wrapping my head around that thought, but I did just let it go. Today I received a text from Accredo that my prescription was ready for refill, so I called them about it. Easier said than done. Their records showed I had NO Prescription Insurance. I told the young lady that that was impossible, I have Tri-Care for Life until I leave God's Green Earth. To make this already lengthy entry a bit shorter, she had their Tri-Care department join the call. And it turns out that Tri-Care has never been billed for my Prescription Coverage. Tri-Care should have been payingt whatever Cigna didn't pay, for 48 months, at $16,000 a month! (At least I've never paid a penny for this, my portion has always been Zero). The one good thing here, is that this isn't my problem, it's not something I need to get cleared up. BUT, to get Tri-Care to cover my prescription, I need a 'Prior Authorization'. My main thought is, I told them in 2021 that I had Cigna as my primary pharmacy coverage, and Tri-Care as the Secondary. Why is it that 48 months later, they are just getting a Prior Authorization set up? Why wasn't I informed about a Prior Authorization needed last week? I'm just shaking my head over this. And of course, I was supposed to start taking Revlimid last Saturday. Today is the fifth day I haven't taken it, and it will likely be 2-3 more days before everything is straightened out. Monday? I'm not making any bets on that. Thank God I'm in Remission and am okay, as far as I know. Yep, this is our wonderful Medical System that takes such wonderful care of us all. |
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