Three Doctors - Same Opinion & Prescription

biggovernment.com

Like most folks reaching my age, health concerns begin to take a more prominent role in one’s daily living.  As part of my renaissance year, I am trying to make changes in my lifestyle that will make a difference in the quality of my life.  Some of these changes are fairly easy and straight-forward.  I am visiting the gym with regularity working on cardiovascular exercise as well as strength and flexibility.  I am slowly but surely making the nutritional changes I need to make to compliment my exercise routine.  I am trying to avoid all the “white stuff” as they call it, the sugars which have predominantly been my favorites over these 59 years.

Between the exercise and nutrition I have managed to even lose a few more pounds which have had a pronounced change in how I feel.  Some habits long-lived are more difficult to change but efforts are being made to overcome them as well.  In addition to these efforts, I have reluctantly visited the doctor’s office to make sure that everything is working well and tend to those things that aren’t working nearly as well as I age.  I have had some of the traditional tests and some that are more specific to ailments that I have incurred over the years.  So far, everything has come back showing lots of wear and tear, some damage and even some fragility but overall a fairly good report from the three doctors I have visited.

As part of my visits, each doctor sat and spoke with me regarding my health.  That was helpful but I took the liberty to speak with each doctor about their practice and health care in general.  Ordinarily, not one of three doctors would have time to discuss such matters with me but I was fortunate in each instance that they almost welcomed the opportunity to share with me what they are experiencing in their practice.  I would point out that the three doctors included a General Practitioner, Orthopedic Surgeon and an Internist.      

It wasn’t a pretty picture being described to me by any one of three doctors.  They all spoke of having difficulty making it as a business.  To a doctor, each indicated that they have little control over what they are paid for many of the services they provide to their patients.  Insurance companies control all of that.  They suffer from the same issue most businesses suffer from with rising health care premiums for their workers.  All three have serious debt loads and each have been in business for 15 or more years.  They painted a pretty bleak picture for me. 

Given how they responded, I had to ask what the solution is for our nation regarding the health care of our citizens.  Each doctor responded that there will have to be at some point a Medicare-type system across the board for everybody.  They see no way for the current system to be able to sustain the rising costs of services, technology and the growing aging of the population.  Each said that the Affordable Health Care Act (Obamacare) doesn’t go far enough.  It’s a beginning but that’s all it is.

None were overly enthusiastic about it but clearly recognize that we are facing a health care crisis that has no easy answers.  Two of the three are Republicans.  Both noted that political affiliation in the end isn’t going to make a difference with health care.  The third doctor is a proponent of a single payer system eliminating insurance companies and taking them out of the equation all together. 

Given the upcoming Supreme Court challenge for a ruling on the Affordable Health Care Act, I found these small insights into my doctor’s businesses and attitudes regarding health care in America to be fascinating.  It was interesting to note as well that out of the three doctors, the General Practitioner was the one who was most pessimistic about being able to stay in business. 

Having had this experience with my doctors, I find it interesting that nearly 40% the nation wants the Affordable Health Care Act to be repealed.  They speak of how it is handicapping American businesses but it seems the trend toward fewer and fewer health care benefits has been going on for a very long time now.  Not just a reaction to this new law.  The health care issue will dominate the landscape for years to come until some type of affordable and fair system is created.  Affordable health care could be the next to go the way of the 1%.       

Lions...Tigers...Bears...Oh My.

dvd.ign.com

I am reminded of the wonderful movie, The Wizard of Oz, as I approach the publishing of my first EBook, Patron Principles.  Not that my story line has anything to do with wicked witches, flying monkeys or ruby red slippers.  No, my book is about hospitality customer service.  Nothing nearly as exciting as Dorothy and the Wizard.  Even today, when I watch The Wizard of Oz, I generally change the channel when the Wicked Witch appears on the screen as the school teacher riding the bicycle.  Her transformation from school teacher to Wicked Witch is scary.    

For whatever reason, that is one of the scariest scenes I have ever experienced in film.  I am uncomfortable watching that scene.  I am feeling the same uneasiness as I approach the publishing of Patron Principles.  I'm not sure why I feel that way but I keep thinking that maybe I can change the channel and my fear will all go away.  My anxiety about publishing this book parallels a lifetime of wanting to do just that.  Write and publish.  So many times in this life of mine, I chose not to take the risk of writing and sharing my words with others. 

Now, only days away from the big day, I am confident in the end that it will be anti-climatic.  Still, leading up to the actual day of publishing, I am feeling anxious about it.  Not anxious for it to happen but anxious about it happening.  I know that makes little sense but I have rewritten the damn thing twenty times, proofed it another twenty times and each time I do, I change one more thing.  I am in my last edit of the book and into my second red pen.  I fear I have been more critical than my college English professors who used to take joy in marking up my papers. 

In spite of all my prudent checking and proofing, I am sure that someone, somewhere will take their red pen to my work and forward a copy to me showing all my glaring oversights and mistakes.  Then on top of that, I am sure that criticism will follow of my content in that it provides little resource and interest for the reader.  One could say that I am suffering from self-doubt and great insecurity for this first effort. 

The bright side is clearly if someone takes the time to mark it up or criticize, that means that they purchased it and actually bothered to read it.  That's a good thing and in the end, I will gladly accept the criticism and corrections recognizing that at least someone read my work. 

Patron Principles is more of a manual, newsletter or helpful how-to-do-it hospitality customer service book.  Not a great piece of literature for sure.  However, it is meaningful for the writer as it conveys what knowledge and understanding he has of his industry and how to be successful within it.  If only one hospitality worker somewhere in some small rural community with one hotel reads it and provides exemplary customer service, I will have achieved something positive. 

My hope is that the experience will be a positive one and will lead to many more experiences of sharing my words and stories.  Fictional story-telling is on-deck and this writer is hopeful that my first experience with Lions...Tigers...and Bears...will not be my last.     

Days Of Anxiety - Job Interviews - No More!

jobgoround.com

I suspect I am like most folks when it comes to the prospect of interviewing for a new position or job.  You make sure you are appropriately attired for the position, well-groomed and prepared for pretty much any question that comes your way.  The stomach is a little unsettled, the nerves are frazzled and there is a feeling of overall anxiety.  These tend to be normal emotional responses for candidates showing up for a job interview.  Questions abound in your mind if this is a job that you really want; are you capable of being successful in the job; will it be a good fit for you; is it better than what you are doing right now?  All normal and to be expected thoughts for someone interviewing for a new job. 

Years ago, I sat down with a colleague of mine and we talked about the job interview process.  We shared some of our own personal experiences.  We both were blessed with opportunities over our careers to interview many times in a group setting.  In other words, interviewing with search committees consisting of multiple members.  One of my own favorite interview experiences was with a group of 15 board members.  This type of interview takes on a whole different feel than the standard one-on-one interview.  Trying to connect with multiple folks is indeed a challenge.

My friend taught me something that day in our conversation about the interview process.  He asked me what type of interviewer I was.  Not interviewing for a job but interviewing candidates for jobs that I was offering.  He explored with me what my feelings were when I was interviewing candidates.  He helped me understand that day that I had much more anxiety interviewing candidates for jobs that I was offering than I had when I was interviewing for a new position. 

That was an interesting discovery for me.  He was right.  I always have greater anxiety when I am interviewing someone for a position because I am always so concerned about picking the right person, making sure they are a good fit  and will bring real value to the position I am offering.  My choice reflects on me and the performance of my duties as the supervisor.  Amazing how that perception changed everything for me going forward when it came to interviewing applicants as well as interviewing for positions myself. 

My attitude changed when I showed up for the interview for that new job or position.  I no longer was nervous or had anxiety about the interview.  I took the approach and continue to take the approach of trying to make the interviewer comfortable with me.  Put them at ease and try to relieve them of their anxiety about the process.  It works!  Just as they are trying to make you comfortable to gain some insight as to what type of person you are; you are doing the same with them trying to gleam whether this is an organization that you want to work for. 

As an interviewer, I always work hard at trying to make my candidates feel comfortable.  Sometimes to a fault.  I end up forgetting to ask a key question or I forego a particular area of concern within their background.  As an interviewee, I make a point to make my interviewer comfortable with me and try hard to shift the questioning toward my areas of strength.  Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. 

As I go through the process one more time of securing new employment, I am reminded of all the experiences I have had interviewing candidates and interviewing for positions.  Not much has really changed.  Well, one thing has changed significantly.  I'm older than the candidates I interview and the interviewers who interview me.  The dilemma of age.  We shall see how that plays out over the next few weeks and months as I chart a new course.  This age issue has made me consider reaching out to my friend of years ago and seeking his advice for one last time.  An important matter for surer.  Should I dye my hair (what's left of it) or not?           

The Debate - I Couldn't Sink Low Enough In My Seat!

reddogreport.com

The Convention Center was elaborately decorated and befitting of the evening's event, a presidential debate.  I took my seat feeling all the excitement that was in the room waiting for the candidates to take center stage.  I caught glimpses of many Republican friends in the room as well as a number of familiar South Carolina lawmakers.  Although not a Fox News supporter or viewer, I saw the familiar faces of the Fox family and watched intently as they prepared for the evening's debate.  Everything was ready.  I was ready.  All we needed was the field of candidates.

Sure enough, they all were introduced and warmly welcomed to Myrtle Beach.  I was proud to be part of what I considered to be a historic night for my community.  Five candidates vying for their party's nomination for the President of the United States.  Pretty awesome.  The questioning out of gate was right after Mitt Romney.  No hesitation, just let's get at it.  I was impressed with Bret Baier, his questioning and moderating.  He performed admirably. 

washingtonpost.com

I knew I would have a hard time listening to the anti-Obama inflammatory rhetoric that would certainly highlight the evening's debate.  I was prepared for that.  I even expected my blood to boil every once in a while when one of the candidates would say something about our President that would turn my stomach.  That did happen on more than one occasion for sure.  However, for me it wasn't about their criticism of the President or even the Democrats that turned me off.  Quite simply, it was the rude and belligerent behavior of so many who were in attendance.

Maybe my expectation was too lofty.  Maybe I expected a more subdued experience.  Maybe I expected that each of the candidate's views would be listened to in a respectful fashion.  I listened in a respectful fashion.  I sat calmly in my seat and did not chastise any candidate's words.  I certainly didn't agree with much of what I heard but still chose to be respectful of the men who seek their party's nomination.  I also must admit that I respect each of these men for their service to this nation as well as their willingness to continue in service to our nation. 

However, I also must admit that I was embarrassed to be seated near a group of people who were disrespectful not only to the debate forum but to the candidates themselves.  Who boos or cat-caws at a Presidential Debate?  Who raised these disrespectful people?  All I could think of doing was sinking down in my chair in hopes that no one even noticed my presence.  How disappointing it was. 

My expectations were high.  I enjoyed the debate questions.  Didn't care for all of the answers but I listened and felt I learned something new of each candidate and their interest in serving as our Commander and Chief.  I feel sorry for those who must have been offended by someone else's beliefs or political views that they felt it necessary to demonstrate their disapproval by booing.  I walked out of the convention center Monday night thanking God that my mother and father raised me in such a fashion that I am respectful of other people's views and do not see it necessary or fit to admonish them with booing.

I would certainly think twice before holding another Presidential Debate in the sunny city of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.  Unfortunately, I have a feeling that our nation is so polarized politically and religiously that we will see more and more of this boorish behavior in the year to come.  I'm proud to be an American, just a little disappointed in my fellow Americans who chose to be disrespectful.               

T-Mobile Hot Spot - Not So Hot For Me

xtimeline.com

One of the many things I have learned over the last three months entering as I have today's technological age, information and the knowledge of how to apply it is key.  I have made significant strides up the educational curve but if I was to be graded out, I would undoubtedly be graded kindergarten level.  Each day is a new learning experience gaining more knowledge of how to use what information is not only free but readily available.  It truly is a challenge.  I freely admit that I find myself timid as I walk through the process for fear I will do something that will harm my laptop, destroy my files or make the system crash. 

I am continually reminded that there is little I can do that can't be fixed by someone much younger and brighter than me.  That's frustrating.  It reminds me of all the athletic ability I was given and then all gone thanks to my aging and deteriorating skills. The other thing that I will acknowledge when it comes to this technological stuff, is that my mind isn't particularly wired to process it in the same fashion as others.  So, I do the best I can watching my younger counterpart's frustration at my lack of speed, understanding and knowledge. 

blog.dealrocker.com

As a writer, I am always thinking about what it is that I would like to share.  The whole "writer's block" thing is indeed a real issue.  It always comes at the most inopportune times when you need to finish your work.  Through my discoveries online, I am now plugged in to different media services that overwhelm me with updates, news alerts, breaking news and tons of information that I could do without.  However, what it does provide is a stimuli for thought. 

Wanting to be connected is a fairly powerful drug.  Weeks ago I decided I needed greater connectivity.  This week I chose to visit my local T-Mobile store and purchase a Hot Spot.  This is a device that allows me to be online all the time no matter where I am at.  No longer do I have to search out Wi-Fi here and there and feel obligated to purchase drinks, snacks or whatever they are selling to occupy one of their chairs or booths. 

This last week I experimented with my new Hot Spot in 15 different locations where I like to sit and write.  Now, I don't need the Hot Spot to be able to write but I do need the internet to do the research.  My experience has not been very positive.  The Hot Spot isn't so hot.  It works real well at my office where I already have an internet connection.  It doesn't work at all at my residence and is very slow at several of my favorite writing hangouts. 

I'm paying $30 a month for the service and shelled out another $135 for the device.  I have approximately 8 days left to make up my mind before I am locked in to a two-year agreement.  Truth be told, I'm hoping I can get to the T-Mobile store today without having a heart attack and being stuck for two years with it.  I actually researched the Hot Spot, spoke with several folks who have it and felt it would be a good option for me.  Not so much. 

My renaissance continues.  I will search the other providers and see if they have a hot spot that will be hot for me.

Burning Bridges - Not The Right Path

obsidianportal.com

Whatever happened to the idea of not burning a bridge when you leave your employer?  To this day, I still remember my father's advice as I considered my first professional transition from one job to another, "do not burn a bridge, work hard every day".  I have lived by that over the years and have always made a point to provide notice to my employer and maintain my strong work ethic up until I walked out the door for the last time. 

Now, I recognize in today's world that employers seldom if ever provide an employee notice when they plan to terminate or cut back.  I understand the rationale for that and have come to appreciate their position when it comes time to cut someone loose.  I have had to perform such duties over the years.  Never a fun thing to do but it comes with managerial responsibility. 

Having said all that, why has it changed for the employee.  I had a managerial employee just up and disappear in the last week.  He reported that there had been a death in his immediate family.  I offered my condolences and told him to take the time he needed but to please stay in touch.  I received one text message from him indicating that his phone signal was poor because he was in the mountains.  That was the last communication I had from him. 

Truth be told, I do not know if he fell off a cliff, is in the hospital suffering from some terrible accident or whether it was just a good time to take a new position.  Fortunately for me, I have not grown cynical over the years to the point where I believe that the death of a family member was a ruse.  I have to believe that it just happened that way.  This was a grown man with family. 

Nothing happened of consequence in the work place to make him just quit.  No arguments, no confrontations, no written or verbal warning, nothing that would have given him reason to just up and quit.  Actually, he was performing his job in a commendable fashion and working fine with others.  Why does a grown man just up and quit and not announce his intentions to his supervisor.  Did he think I would think less of him?

I am at a loss.  I just don't get it.  Clearly, I understand that there is always a better opportunity out there.  More money, better benefits, great working conditions, nicer boss, you name it and it is there for the taking.  Actually, I have always embraced the idea of wanting my employees do better for themselves.  You hate to see them go and don't look forward to the process of replacing them, but you wish them well and congratulate them on their move.  That certainly would have been the case in this instance. 

I admit that there have been times over my professional career that I would have liked to have just walked away.  Never did.  I always remembered my father's words.  Don't burn a bridge.  You never know when you just might need it.  I'm proud to say that I have never just walked away.  I have had to announce my departure numerous times over my forty plus year career. Sometimes, sharing the decision was difficult but I always mustered enough fortitude to do so.

I feel sorry for him actually.  It is too bad that he felt the need to depart without announcement.  I am not someone who holds a grudge or in this case, takes it personally.  However, I hope for his sake that he never needs to call upon my recommendation or acknowledgement of his work for our organization.  I would not hesitate to let his perspective employer know of how he departed.