MUSINGS AND FOLLOW-UPS

Hello everyone! Thursday came up quick this week, so here is the Friday version of my brain: If you have never read my blog before, do not start here, you will be confused. Maybe try this one first.

Ok, that’s enough housekeeping. Let’s see who is up for a memory quiz today. I recently received an email from a reader asking me about something I left unanswered several blogs ago, and I figured that now is as good a time as any to update y’all. Of course, because I am me, I will provide you with no reference but just updates. Hence the memory part. I’ll throw in some trivia as well and then you will have yourself a lesson plan. This is inside teacher information. THIS is how we really do it….

#1. Yes, that local office finally installed an automatic button for their outside door. It took almost 15 months and when it was installed, it didn’t operate for another 2 weeks because the electricity to the outside switch required a different contractor than the installer. It works now. I sent an email thanking the building owners. I got no reply

#2 I am still fighting with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Hampshire over my moonlit helicopter ride that I took from Boston Med Flight on January 2, 2024. I have filed 2 appeals and am now involved with the NH insurance commission as well as my member of Congress. If those leads go nowhere, I will then file an “external appeal” where people that do not work for Anthem will look at the case. I have 173 pages of documentation thus far, as well as 7 peer reviewed papers written by scientists that back up my claim of the air ambulance being medically necessary on that night. The insurance company maintains that ground ambulance would have been faster. I’m not sure that their argument is the best one, but they won’t budge, so I am arguing that the level of care that I required NOT to DIE was not possible in a ground ambulance, but it was by air. The Anthem CEO made $22 million dollars last year. I made $86,000, the health plan costs my family $27,000 per year (but most of that is paid by my wife’s employer) and the claim for the med flight is $23,800. Do the math. I will keep fighting.

#3 I have raised my voice to let airlines and Congress know that my power wheelchair is too big to fit on most regional jets, forcing me to fly out of Boston rather than Manchester, a much smaller airport that’s near my home. I also realize that this is a first world problem and I am lucky to be able to fly, but seriously? In 2025 I am restricted to checking on the size of the aircraft before I book a ticket?

#4 The 2025 Major League Baseball season began yesterday and the RedSox beat Texas 5-2. So that’s good.

#5 We are taking the kids to DisneyWorld during school break in April. I may need a GoFundMe haha. Damn. We are going to have an amazing time and Uncle Mike and Auntie Sheila are joining us. We will be flying out of Boston, because….see #3. If any of you are frequent Disney travelers, please email me with pro tips. There are so many websites, I can’t keep up.

#6 I will choose mustard over mayo at all times.

#7 I am stealing the rest of these points from my dear friend Maureen (not her real name) who lived across the street from me growing up. She does things like this on her FB page from time to time and I find them to be hilarious. I love you Maureen (not her real name). Welcome to not teaching anymore. Isn’t it awesome? HUGE WIN.

#8 My wife has colored charts and maps of the vegetable garden for this year. She’s out of control, but her salads will be off the hook.

#9 If you are a stranger, please don’t tell me that you also know someone who uses a wheelchair. I don’t give a shit. This isn’t like people who all own Jeeps and think they are in some secret club. Just move on.

#10 Spring is my favorite time of year, and you will soon find me outside more than inside. This is good for my mental health.

#11 My oldest son beat me at chess 2 days ago. I’m not feeling too good about that. He followed up his win by telling me that he can also walk. All my genetic demons have come home to roost. He sleeps outside now. Just kidding.

#12 My youngest is 8 and is naked at home whenever possible. You have all been warned.

#13 Next week is April Fool’s Day. Chuck Norris does not have this date on his calendar. No one fools Chuck Norris.

Stay safe, stay awesome and stay tuned. Brenda, I owe you a phone call. It’s coming I swear. (Not her real name)