I started Medicare on the first day of the year....I guess I'm 'officially' old. Even though my mind and spirit kept telling me differently...my body was not going along for the ride. Yep, Medicare and Me....BFF here on out.
Hey, it is what it is....imperfections and all. One thing I know.... dear 'ol Medicare is going to be a lot kinder to me and my pocketbook. I won't miss those monthly horrendous insurance premiums. I won't miss that ridiculous yearly deductible. I won't miss seeing red every time I had to watch my $$$ fly out the window and into thin air. Talk about painful. Now I'll only have to deal with about a third of the pain....I say that's bad enough.
I officially turn 65 on January 14th. Grateful that I made it this far with some semblance of sanity...and hopeful to continue the journey with my sense of humor in tact. Ideally, when my time DOES come, I'd like the last thing that comes sputtering from my mouth to be hysterically funny. My kids would appreciate that.
Speaking of birthdays....
My amazing and beautiful mother-in-law will be celebrating her 95th in a few days....the 11th. She's thirty years older than me....and what a special person she is....in every way. 'Nana,' as we lovingly call her, has been through more than her share of life's challenges....and continues to inspire us all. She's just a little bitty thing, but she's feisty and resilient....with a strength and spirit that is remarkable. Happy Birthday Nana....I love you so much.
Also celebrating a birthday on the 11th is my son-in-law, Jesse. Oodles of love to a terrific guy and member of our family....and without a doubt one of the best dads a kid could ever be blessed with. Hope he does something special to celebrate....he deserves it. Happy Birthday Jess...
As for me....looks like the kids and I will be having a dinner and poker night. My choice. Well, you know, when you get to be 'up there'....blah, blah, blah. Have a wonderful weekend everyone....
~Joy xo
Places I've been…
I have been in many places, but I've never been in Cahoots. Apparently, you can't go alone. You have to be in Cahoots with someone.
I've also never been in Cognito. I hear no one recognizes you there.
I have, however, been in Sane. They don't have an airport; you have to be driven there. I have made several trips there, thanks to my friends, family and work.
I would like to go to Conclusions, but you have to jump, and I'm not too much on physical activity anymore.
I have also been in Doubt. That is a sad place to go, and I try not to visit there too often.
I've been in Flexible, but only when it was very important to stand firm.
Sometimes I'm in Capable, and I go there more often as I'm getting older.
One of my favorite places to be is in Suspense! It really gets the adrenalin flowing and pumps up the old heart! At my age I need all the stimuli I can get!
I may have been in Continent, and I don't remember what country I was in. It's an age thing.
"One day your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure its worth watching."
Well, happy birthday in a few days. And welcome to Medicare. I hope it works well for you. Are you getting a supplement. Medicare alone doesn't do it all...
That's amazing that you have your mother-in-law. God bless her to have lived 95 years.
I love all the places you've been. I identify with many of them. Sadly I recognize that last one.
The quote at the end is great. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Beverly | January 06, 2012 at 04:36 PM
Joy--I am in Appreciation. I arrived there while reading your posting. Thank you. Your Nana is to be treasured. My own dearly beloved m-i-l left us at age 75 - much too soon; but, considering the state of her Alzheimer's, it was well that she could leave.
Happy birthday to your whole gang!
Posted by: Cop Car | January 07, 2012 at 11:23 AM
Joy welcome to the medicare club and happy birthday!
Nana is 95, not on my bucket list to get there myself, but kuddos to her.
I always love your posts! So much I could comment on.
Posted by: janeywan | January 07, 2012 at 10:03 PM
Joy,
Some people would not want to admit that they have been incontinent.
It all DEPENDS on how much POISE you heve...
Posted by: Nancy | January 08, 2012 at 10:58 AM
Happy Up-coming Birthday Joy! I hope you make some marvelous memories other than now having Medicare. I have been amazed at things covered but dismayed to realize that your life is very much controlled by insurance companies. When did they get so much power!! Your doctor takes second place, that's for sure....as they can over-ride his orders. You may find that you can obtain prescriptions cheaper by buying them at Costco without using your insurance. I know it doesn't make sense, but check it out. Anyway....Happy Birthday dear friend. I wish you good health, happiness and peace of mind. xo
Posted by: Val | January 08, 2012 at 11:36 AM
Congratulations!
Medicare does help a lot. We are Kaiser members--this is managed care--and we like it very much.
Enjoy your birthday celebration!
Posted by: Hattie | January 12, 2012 at 11:47 AM
Ta – Da!!!!!
Happy, Happy Birthday Joy!
Roses are red.
Violets are blue.
The rolls of Medicare
Are now pleased to add you!
Posted by: Alan G | January 14, 2012 at 05:10 AM
Happy Birthday and new year both. Big hug sent your way. E :)
Posted by: Grammy E | January 14, 2012 at 02:55 PM
Happy Birthday two days late missy! I can't believe how your family is growing - and all ridiculously cute! Miss you miss!
xo-
Mary
Posted by: Mary Cary | January 16, 2012 at 02:29 PM