But When You Worry You Make It Double

That's right... I'm worried. I'd have to say I'm usually a worrier. I like it when life is easy and calm so when there is something to worry about (no matter how small or ridiculous), I worry. But according to Bobby McFerrin, "when you worry you make it double." So... I'm trying not to worry.

What am I worried about you ask? Well here it is plain and simple. I really really really want this job. I am pretty sure the interview went well but then there is the waiting period after the interview before they notify me. Now I'm worried. I guess I might not be as worried if I hadn't been excited before about a job right before Christmas and then the whole thing just fizzled out like a One-Hit-Wonder's career.

I should know today or tomorrow but the suspense is killing me. I just want my phone to ring and know either way.

So I'm sitting here trying to enjoy a lovely sunny day but I'm worried. I guess there is technically no trouble or reason to worry because at this point I have no control over the situation. So I'm going to try not to make this double and be happy.

After all, I am pretty happy for several reasons:
1) It's sunny out.
2) Running club is tonight and there will be drinks afterward.
3) I'm learning new things every day.
4) My natural hair color is coming in and I kind of like the little gray hairs that showed up in the bunch.
5) I am living in a totally new country.
6) I got to sleep in as long as I wanted today (unfortunately I couldn't sleep past 8:40am because I had a good dream that I got the job and missed the call).
7) My dreams are much better and more vivid since I've moved.
8) Leftovers for lunch was homemade pizza.
9) I don't pay rent.
10) I'm wearing the coziest sheepskin slippers right now.
11) It's sunny out!!!!!
12) Eventually, I will learn to drive stick on the wrong side of the car/road. Maybe we can practice this weekend.
13) The sun is shining through the window and our palm tree's shadow is dancing across the darkened television screen.
14) I love our new furniture we got from the auction a few weeks ago. It's so cozy.
15) I'm healthy.

(My sheepskin slippers: They are soooooooo comfy and warm)

Okay so that cheered me up a bit but I'm still a little worried. I'll just keep reminding myself "whatever it is it will pass..." and "don't worry, be happy."

I'm Ooh-ing and Aah-ing

(Ooh-aah Point on South Kaibab Trail, Grand Canyon - Panoramic)
On our hike of the South Kaibab Trail and I stitched it together. That was a great day.

Click on the photo for a better view.

An American POV on NHS from inside the UK

In my recent trip home all I heard about was National Healthcare, what "President Obama wants to do..." and how my parents feel about it all. Boy, was that a fun vacation.

During my two week holiday in the US to see family and friends I was asked several questions about this strange and mysterious land I am now living in. "What is the food like?" "How is the weather?" "What is NHS like? I hear it's terrible..."

Normally my friends and family would just stick to the basics of food, weather and culture. However, with the current topic of healthcare being yelled about on the nightly Fox News channel, my friends wanted to know what NHS is like. This makes sense to me. Coming from a country that doesn't like change but loves to brag that they are innovative, I have come to fear "different" and know what their concerns are.

I'm coming to my point, just wait, it's good for the UK too...

Anyway, there is all this talk about how terrible a National Healthcare will be in the US from conservative parties (my parents). And I'm not an expert on it at all but after my first NHS experience, I am happy to say I am all for National Healthcare and NHS did not suck, infact, I loved my first experience with the system.

I called a few days ago just to schedule a meeting with a Nurse to check up on my meds. The receptionist was very nice and got me in for an appointment two days later. No problem. That was simple but I was expecting a catch, like the horrendous wait once I got there or a huge hassle.

Yesterday, I went to the Mowbray Square Medical Center for said appointment. I know I have a bit of a slanted view since the location is brand new and all of the facilities were sparkling and smelled like they had never been used. I checked in for my appointment and waited about 10 minutes, maybe less. There was a LCD monitor that made a tone and flashed my name and who I was to see on it when they were ready for me. I found the nurse's office and had a nice long and comfortable talk about what I needed.

I am one to dread going to the doctor. I will do anything in my power to stay healthy just so I do not have to sit on that paper table with a paper gown trying to cover my running muscles. But this experience was different. The nurse looked me in the eye, gave me full attention, asked several questions but did not make me feel uncomfortable and explained everything to me very clearly. In the end, although I did not have an issue with my medications that I knew of, she found a very valid concern. Apparently the medicine I was on could be fatal with a person who experiences migraine headaches...I experience migraine headaches! But we got that issue sorted and now I can go on with living in the UK.

Here is the bonus: I am from the US where healthcare costs can bankrupt you and I have been conditioned to that type of treatment. This NHS visit did not cost me anything. Not even for the prescription that I picked up afterwards. Ofcourse I am pessimistically ready for a hefty bill in the post but I'm pretty sure that visit was FREE!!!!

So, as far as the National Healthcare for the US goes, I say "fellow Americans, go for it!!!" My experience with NHS was great. I have been fortunate in my experiences but I know I have fellow Americans who have never experienced anything close to it.