THIS ISN’T FUNNY!

February 15, 2008 by Marsha J. O'Brien

All of us need to see a doctor once in a while. If we have children, that happens for sure.
About 8 years ago I found a feminine MD whom I thought was wonderful. After 4 years of TRUSTING her, I called for an appointment one day and she had moved to Idaho. (This was the SECOND time my doctor left town without notice or warning. ) The first was also a woman who just closed the doors and left for India!

Needless to say, this second time I was not very happy. All my records had been sent to her former partner-a male physician. I paid the “first timer” initial visit to him, though I thought it not very nice. Therein he became my doctor. He has been a wonderful doctor until TODAY! I called to ask a question and was told: “the office closed permanently on the 7th.”

Stunned, I asked what happened. “Don’t know”, the operator replied, “Even his staff didn’t know.”

Most things don’t phase me, but this is pure and simple B.S. No notice, no chance to ask for records, NADA! Bye bye, gone, see ya later.

I asked where my records are and she said, “Oh they’ve been sent to another doctor. Here is his information.”

Of course he is all the way across town, I HAD NO CHOICE IN THE MATTER, and check this out- HE DOESN’T TAKE CASH!

After all, I am just a pheasant! On top of it I have to pay a “new client fee” if I even want to see him. Again, I am livid.

The thing is it is B.S. We PAY to trust our physician, and the least they could do is give a bit of notice and some choice in the matter.

HERE IS THE MAIN THING I AM SUGGESTING TO YOU. I had a little mama who was sharp as a tack. She told me ALWAYS keep a record of your visits. You may have to initially ask and sign a release form, but BE SURE TO GET YOUR RECORDS REGULARLY. At least this gives you options!

Now take a breath and try to relax. I am! BY THE WAY,

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY! Hug or kiss someone NOW - hug yourself! :)
Luckily, I did so, and I have all my records! This suggestion goes for you, your children, your parents, whomever…..We do have rights! We have the right to see what has been written about us, and the right to keep track of our treatment!

PLEASE RIGHT NOW, NEXT TIME SOMEONE GOES TO THE DOCTOR TELL THEM YOU WANT A COPY OF ALL YOUR RECORDS! Mine didn’t cost anything as I’ve done it each visit….I
don’t know about if you have to get them from the start.

Stay well and maybe you won’t need one of these “Practicing” physicians!

Flowers to brighten a winter morning :)

February 7, 2008 by Marsha J. O'Brien

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CREATE a wonderful day!
Take a deep breath and when you exhale let all the worries fly out the fingertips and into oblivion.
You can’t do anything about most circumstances except find your intellect and respond in a positive
manner that will CREATE better circumstances….there is always a way!

The Here and the Now

February 7, 2008 by Marsha J. O'Brien

Learn to appreciate the HERE and NOW : Last night I was thinking how boring doing the dishes was after washing millions of dishes in my lifetime. Then for some reason it suddenly hit me.

I wondered how difficult it would be to wash these dishes if I were blind.
I closed my eyes and attempted to wash the rest of the dishes. IT WAS SO MUCH MORE DIFFICULT THAN I IMAGINED!

When I opened my eyes I realized I had used the sense of “touch” to make sure the dishes were clean. I had to really use my hands to find what I was looking for, and it was tough.

Then my mind really began to race. I thought of all the tasks I do and how easily I can do them. I have eyes to see, legs to walk, ears to hear, and arms to use. Many of our veterans (and citizens who’ve never been through the horror of war) are not so fortunate.

Then I thought of 3/4’s of the world not having a toilet to clean, or running water to get a drink, or a bed to curl in at night. Oh my God - and I
mean no disrespect - my God -how I am so grateful for all those things I take for granted every day.

I think I will use my vocal cords tonight when I do the dishes and sing a
little song of thanks for all that we are given that are dismissed as less than a blessing!

Do you really think this is all just an accident of nature?

February 3, 2008 by Marsha J. O'Brien

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Use your intellect. Do accidents look like this?

I think not!

Remember

January 23, 2008 by Marsha J. O'Brien

1. Sometimes emotions go crazy a few days before, during, and a few days after the full moon. The full moon was last night.
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2. Don’t be afraid of death. Be afraid of not living life to it’s fullest.

3. We have no guarantee that we will live past the next 5 minutes. Use each moment wisely and full of love.

4. TELL SOMEONE YOU LOVE THEM TODAY!

Kayak in January

January 21, 2008 by Marsha J. O'Brien

Went to Whiskeytown yesterday with my girl friend. It was brisk, but there wasn’t a ripple on the water. There wasn’t a soul out there except us - bundled up and picnic in hand. We kayaked a bit and I saw a wonderful photo opportunity. Check out the eagle.
I was ready to snap a reflection of trees on the still water and heard a bird fly off. It was a huge eagle. Still on the branch was the mate. Sitting so proudly, he stayed until I paddled almost on shore. Then off he flew. What a sight. The second photo is of Shasta Bail with some snow (over 6,000 ft.) and the still water reflecting it’s beauty. Lastly, late in the afternoon we sat having our picnic and I looked down at the kayaks and the sparkling water, and just thought it lovely - so hope you enjoy!eagle2.jpgbali-and-reflection-108.jpgkayaks-and-sparkles1.jpg

This year was an old fashion Christmas for us!

January 17, 2008 by Marsha J. O'Brien

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We were so blessed to see carolers on this sleigh, fresh snow falling from the sky, laughter of the family and children, and knowing everyone is doing good. These are the times when it’s easy to realize what are the real riches in life!
Moments like these fly, so when you have the opportunity to share love with someone……..do it! Love comes back to enrich your life. CREATE a beautiful day!

Be kind to your animals - they are gifts!

December 21, 2007 by Marsha J. O'Brien

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Yes, I do spoil mine! Buck has been a friend, a protector, and lots of fun to hike with for 10+ years now. He has
his own couch, and the blanket is also a jacket for when it’s very cold. It’s unbelievable to me, but he also senses when I am sad (comes over and puts his head on my knee); when I’m mad (he comes up and looks at me and calms me down), and he has a vocabulary too. Lastly, he doesn’t care if I am a disaster to see-he loves me anyway!

All pets should be treated with kindness and appreciation. They offer unconditional love - and that’s something we humans should learn to practice more often.

December 15, 2007 by Marsha J. O'Brien

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Sometimes in life….

December 15, 2007 by Marsha J. O'Brien

…..we get so busy and tired that we forget the good things - the small comments made that reflect love, the simple acts of kindness we do for one another, the promises kept.

The many blessings we take for granted aren’t recognized; only the things that present a disturbance in “our own personal vision” of what life should be. The responses of others not “in sync with our own perceptions” become eminent.

We forget that our bodies change and with each change we are affected in some minute way. We laugh one minute, and cry the next.

Ah that we could receive the luxurious love we bestow on the world. But to give love fully must be with no requirements. For if we love, we do it because we choose to do so. We cannot “force” others to love - only show them what it is!

Love someone with your mind and heart this weekend - a relative, a friend, a neighbor, a partner, maybe a pet! Animals need love too :) Now get busy!