My Healthcare Solution - NOW STOP YELLING!

Here is my healthcare plan:

1. Make it affordable for ALL employers to offer GOOD healthcare plans by subsidizing the cost or better regulation

2. Allow small businesses and the self-employed to buy in to a healthcare collective, giving them the opportunity to have affordable full coverage healthcare.

3. Expand coverage for children, allowing more children to be covered by medicaid/SCHIP and use it as their secondary provider

"Universal" healthcare is not a perfect solution. Even places that have it admit there are drawbacks. What we need to focus on is keeping costs down across the board. My son just had his tonsils and adenoids removed the cost for that DAY surgery over $10,000.00. That seems extremely high and excessive to me - thank God I have great insurance, but my out of pocket was still $1250 (our plan max). An older woman I spoke to in the waiting room of my Dr's office told me that in France if you get admitted to the hospital it is like $15/day no matter what you are there for. I don't know how accurate that is, but I think putting a set charge like that would help. We need to stop focusing on "government" healthcare and focus on what needs to be done to get everyone insured. If healthcare premiums were low enough that ALL employers could afford to offer GOOD plans to their employees at an affordable rate, that helps get a good majority of people covered. If small businesses and the self employed get to buy healthcare together with the power of a large corporation, that covers almost everyone else. Expand medicaid coverage for kids, allowing for children who have insurance to be covered but as their secondary insurance, lowering the financial burden on parents.

Stop all the yelling and start listening. I am not an expert or an elected official but I think if I could come up with a relatively simple solution, the big brains in Washington should be able to do the same. Stop listening to the special interests and listen to the interests of your constituents.

Lets work together - Healthcare is a UNIVERSAL need!

Thank You!

Writer's Workshop: Too Hot to Handle...

Yes boys and girls it is that time again, time for Mama Kat's Writers Workshop

This weeks prompt: 1.) Who made you red hot this week?

I have 3 things/people that made me RED HOT this week.

#1 Michael Vick:



Okay not actually Michael Vick, but the reaction of people to his reinstatement by the NFL. First let me start by saying I think what he did is despicable. I love animals as much as the next person, however HE DID HIS TIME! What he did was terrible, no he did not take responsibility right away, but he did go to jail. He was sentenced by a court of law and he did his time. If he had any other job people would not be demanding he not be allowed to serve their fries at McDonalds. He has the right to make a living, and the way he makes his living is to play football. Yes he is in the public eye and therefore many think he should be held to a higher standard, but he is just a man. He is no different than the rest of us. We have all done things we are not proud of. Probably not to this extent but come on now. Leave him alone! I know people who are so mad about his reinstatement that they are not going to watch the NFL at all. That seems silly to me. If you don't like him don't watch him play, why cut out football altogether? We as a society need to stop getting mad about the wrong things. Did he kill anyone? NO Did he in anyway endanger another human being? NO Yes he was cruel and irresponsible with animals, but as much as we love them, they are still animals. They deserve to be treated and cared for properly but we cannot equate the actions of a person against an animal to that of actions against a person. Why isn't there the same kind of outrage when our soldiers are killed fighting on foreign land? Lets all take a step back and think about what is really important. For every MJ and Michael Vick there are probably 5 soldiers or more whose name we will never know because we were too busy with our noses in the tabloid news. To everything its place and time, and lets give others the second chance we would want if ever we needed one.


#2 Parents who take small children to inappropriate movies:



HELLO.....Thats what the ratings for! So I listen to an awesome morning radio show. On Monday they were discussing a parent that took their small child to see 'The Orphan' Many listeners called and wrote talking about all of the other inappropriate movies they had seen parents take kids into. Now I have to ask, isn't that what the ratings system is for? I bet that this parent is the kind of parent that wants labels on everything so that they don't have to THINK! I mean come on now. What were you thinking? Did your 6 year old say I want to see that movie, and like a moron you just took her no questions asked? Or were you not able to get a sitter and decided to you HAD to see it opening weekend as if the movie would vanish if you didn't see it right away. I just don't understand. I am all for a parents right to do what they think is best for their own child, however when your child is in class telling my child about a movie they saw and now I have to explain why he can't see it, that makes me HOT! I mean the industry has already done everything it can to make things IDIOT PROOF. What more can they do? Police the movie theaters making sure parents are not being MORONS? Or maybe they have to make the rules more strict, instead of admitted with a parent should it be not admitted at all? Come one people get it together! Do what is best for your child, and what is best for them is not seeing 'The Orphan' or 'Bruno' Any questions see the chart above!

#3 The Monster that has taken over my child:



This boy make look sweet and innocent, but I assure you there is something sinister lying beneath the surface. Underneath all that sweetness lies a shrieking, whining, yelling, deaf, jumping off the couch, throwing everything in the trash when he gets mad MONSTER! I don't know what happened to my sweet boy. He is lost. In his place is this being I do not like much. He requires more attention than he did at 2. What is going on? Shouldn't it be getting easier? Shouldn't I be able to go to the bathroom without worrying about whether he has gotten a hold of my phone and called the police again. Yes he does call the police, I have a Blackberry that locks automatically when I put it in the holster, you can do nothing with it except make an emergency call. Now this feature I am sure is great in an emergency, but not so great when a monster has taken over your child and he calls the police on a regular basis. At least once a week I am explaining to a 911 operator that my son got my locked phone and called them by accident. I think we have become the family who cried wolf, my phone number is probably at every station in the 911 dispatch center so should I ever have a real emergency, I will be out of luck. I just want my sweet boy back, preferrably before I end up in the loony bin.

Ok so now I am done...What made you HOT this week?

4 yrs ago today......

This is what I was feeling 4 yrs ago today:

WE'RE ENGAGED!!!!!!!
Current mood: ecstatic

On July 28, 2005 along the Pecos River in Carlsbad, New Mexico my amazing boyfriend got on one knee and asked me to marry him. It was incredible, the river was running behind us, our son was with us, and the weather was perfectly clear. It was one of the best days of my life, second only to the birth of my son. My ring is so beautiful! It is a princess cut diamond solitaire. I absolutely love it. It is perfect. I had waited for that moment my whole life and let me tell you that it more than lived up to my expectations. It was a very special moment. It is so exciting. I AM GETTING MARRIED!!! It feels so good to say that. I could not have dreamed up a better man to be marrying. He is my partner, my best friend, and so much more. Words cannot describe the happiness that I feel. I am in ecstasy! I have so much to say and I just can't seem to find the words to describe what I am feeling. And for me to be without words is a first! I just wanted to share my exciting news with you my friends.

Now four years later, I could not be happier. I am so glad that he picked me. I could not ask for a better husband or father for our son. His proposal was perfect and so uniquely him. I would not change a thing. Ok maybe a bigger ring, just kidding. I love my ring, hell I picked it. I can't believe that it has already been 4 years since we got engaged. So much has happened in that short time that it seems like it has been much longer, in a good way.

I love you my amazing husband, you are the best. I could not ask for anything more. I love you, I love you, I love you!

In my house...

So I know that my son is only 4 and years away from texting (I hope) but I saw a news story about "Sexting" and had to put in my 2 cents.

So the whole "sexting" thing is bad in and of itself. I don't know why kids find this so amusing. I guess I have always been a little paranoid, I would be worried about who else would see or read my text. However in my day the worst we could do was write an embarassing note on real paper, imagine that. Still, as an adult with text messaging I can't imagine "sexting", even with my husband. There are too many variables. My husband could lose his phone, lend it to a nosy friend, or accidentally forward my message.

As far as the kids "sexting" well I guess I don't understand why. What happened to self respect? We have begun to go above and beyond to boost kids self esteem. Only positive cheers at organized sports, everyone plays rules and so on. So then why now are kids doing things that show such a lack of respect for themselves?

What prompted me to write this blog was not the fact that the kids are doing this, because I am speechless about that, shocking I know.

During the news report a computer program that parents can use to monitor their children's cell phones was shown to several teenagers and parents. Of course the kids said "Thats an invasion of privacy" One parent showed support and another said "Oh no Big Brother"

Here is my opinion:

If I pay the cell phone bill, I paid for the cell phone, my child lives RENT FREE in my house, I CAN and WILL monitor, search and check anything I want. I believe my child has the right to privacy. However, I do not believe that his right to privacy trumps my right and responsibility to keep him safe. My husband and I have already discussing the rules for our son. Right now there is not much we have to worry about but, he will never have a computer in his room, I will use security software to block and monitor his internet use, I will monitor and restrict his use of video games and if I see fit I will search his room. Now I am not saying that I will trample on his privacy just because I can, but if he gives me a reason I will do what I have to do as his mother. I am not interested in being his friend, I am his mother. I plan to do all that I can to have an open and honest relationship where he can and does come to me with anything. I plan to have open lines of communication and listen to his point of view. However that in no way will put he and I on the level of friendship. When he is an adult, and I have done my job, then I hope we will be friends. But when he is a child, my primary responsibility is to be his mother.

I am tired of hearing parents say how they didn't know what their child was doing. Why didn't you know? Why weren't you paying attention? STOP worrying about whether or not your child likes you. THEY DON'T HAVE TO LIKE YOU! Being a good parent is not about being popular. My mom was not always my favorite person growing up, but I grew up. I survived the rules, I survived the consequences of breaking the rules. I became a parent, and now I understand why she did the things she did. She was protecting me, loving me, and teaching me to be a responsible adult. She was right, she wasn't my friend. But she is now.

When we do not teach our children that there are consequences for their actions, or teach them that someone else is always to blame, we do them a HUGE disservice. We do them more harm than good by not setting clear boundaries and sticking to them.

So yes I think cell phone monitoring software is a good thing. I think that nowadays when kids often know more about technology than their parents, any tool parents can use to help keep their kids safe is good. However no software is a substitute for good parenting. Software or not it is still our responsibility as parents to KNOW what is going on in the lives of our children.

Sorry kids, but when you go out get a job, your own place to live, and support yourself then you can expect complete privacy. Until then, while living with your parents, in the room they let you use (no it is not yours it is a room in their house they have loaned to you) your privacy rights are very limited. My advice, be honest, earn your parent's trust and then you don't have to worry. Be dishonest and sneaky, well....

Tuesday's Tribute: Infertility

So this weeks tribute is to my frenemie Infertility.

I know seems weird that I would want to pay tribute something I have struggled with and fought against for 3 1/2 years. But this week for only the 2nd time since I have been dealing with it, I was grateful to not have another child.



This was the first time that I was grateful to not have another child. They day that my nephew was born. I got to be there, got to see him be born, all made possible by the fact that I only had my Monkey to worry about. I took him with me and as it got close B took him downstairs to play. I didn't have to worry about a baby or 2 kiddos and what I would do with them. I got to experience the most amazing thing I have ever seen all because of infertility, and having an only child.



The second and most profound time that I was grateful to infertility came this past Friday. My Monkey had to have his tonsils and adenoids removed. My husband and I got to be with him while we waited for him to be taken back to surgery. We both got to be with him after surgery. When we got home, we had no one else to worry about and were able to dote on him. I was able to lay in his bed with him, and comfort him. I didn't have anyone else wanting my attention. I was so glad to not have a another little one here that needed me. I got to focus on my son, nothing and no one else. I slept with him, when he asked, jumped when he called, and comforted him when he was in pain. I LOVED it.

So Infertility I salute you...this week anyway.

Team Kate

Ok I know there are more important things going on in the world and in life than the antics of a Reality TV Star, but I have some stuff I have to get off my chest.

I CAN'T STAND JON GOSSELIN! He makes me want to puke! He sits there on the couch all attitude like he is so put upon to have kids and a wife to deal with.
Poor poor Jon is "only" 32 and has too much responsibility BOO-HOO.
Poor Jon has a control freak for a wife WAAA.
Poor Jon quit his job to stay in his large and comfortable home with his kids, take vacations, and have experiences most of us dream of OH MY.
Poor Jon quit work and is fortunate enough to have more than enough income to provide for his family WHAT A SHAME.

GET OVER YOURSELF!

It is not like you only knew Kate for five minutes before you decided to get married. I suspect that she has been a hyper-organized control freak most of her life. And I do not use control freak as a derogatory term, I too am a control freak. You still chose to marry her. It is not like oops one day she happened to get pregnant. You went to a fertility doctor paid money and went through a whole process - both times. I will give you that NO ONE expects to have 6 babies at the same time, however you did not believe in selective reduction, so again it was your decision. So what if you have been the primary caregiver for extended periods of time over the last year so that your wife could go out and promote her books, which by the way help to keep you in the lifestyle you have quickly became accustomed to. Who do you think was the primary caregiver for the last 4 years? And as for her hyper-organization and controlling nature, how do you think you have survived having 8 kids thus far. You can not play the pity card. NO ONE feels sorry for you, well maybe your young girlfriend does, but normal everyday people, not so much.

You are an ungrateful, unappreciative, quitting loser. Do you know how many people out there would love to be blessed with the ability to provide for your family while being able to be home with them. A LOT!

You are a parent, being photographed with a woman before you are even divorced is not good for your kids. Acting the way you act, is not good for your kids. Saying on TV how rough your life is because you are tied to your family, is not good for your kids. Treating their mother poorly and not showing her any respect, is not good for your kids. One day very soon you will have to answer to them about your behavior. Before you go out and do anything ask yourself if your sons were to behave the way you do would you be proud of them, and how is what you are doing going to effect your kids.

You need to pull your head out of your butt, suck it up and make the sacrifices ALL parents make to give our kids the best life possible. Parents in general are not FREE, we all sacrifice. You are not special, you are not being tortured.

I have heard you speak many times about your faith. I sincerely hope that you spend some time reflecting on your faith and speaking to God and asking for guidance. I hope you listen, and find a path that is loving and respectful.

I feel bad that I resorted to name calling, and that what I have said may come across as judgmental. But it comes from a place of knowing what the Gosselin children are going through. I am a child of divorce. However my parents NEVER spoke ill of each other to or in front of me. They never spoke ill of each other in any way that I would have ever found out. They were and are still able to come together for me and for my son. They are respectful of each other and me. I could not be more grateful for this. I don't know if this is was hard for them, I don't care to know. What I do know is that my parents loved me enough to not put me their child in the middle. There is no reason for 2 responsible adults not to behave respectfully, cordially, and gently with each other for the sake of their children. Your divorce is none of their business.

When you are a parent your children come first. Try to remember that.

Tuesday's Tribute: My Baby Sister

Ok so this is my first time to do Angie @ SevEn cLoWn CirCuS' Tuesday Tribute.

My tribute today is to my baby sister.



She is 8 1/2 yrs younger than me and before my son was born she was the person I lived for. I admit I spoiled her. When I started working, almost every time I got paid we would go shopping. I would buy her an outfit, or whatever else she wanted. She was sort of a little mascot to my friends and I. She and I hung out a lot. Then as it always happens, she grew up and hanging out with her big sister wasn't as fun. We still hung out, but I soon became mostly a taxi, and a place to crash. When I got pregnant my due date was her birthday, I thought that it was kinda cool, although I knew I had to have a C-Section and my son wouldn't be born on that day. She didn't. She was mad at me, right like I decided what my due date was. No matter how much I tried to explain that I wasn't gonna actually have the baby on my due date, she stayed mad. Then I went in to premature labor, and every time I had to spend the night in the hospital she came to see me. When I got home and was on bed rest she was a big help. Then the baby came, at the time I still lived with my mom and sister. She has never been a fan of kids. She tried not to like him. But I think cause she was so mean to me he came out looking very much like her. He won her over. She is his Godmother and since he was baby he just lights up when she is around. It brought us closer together. She has had a tough few years. Almost a year ago she found herself pregnant. She as I said was not a fan of kids and had always said that she didn't know if she would even have kids. She struggled with it, but being a mom grew on her. A little over 6 wks ago I got the call, she was in labor. So off to the hospital we went. My sister whose mouth often rivals that of a sailor, was calm. Not a single bad word. I got to be there, got to see my nephew be born. After his birth I worried. My sister not a fan of kids, except my son, now had her own. Now she couldn't hide from the crying, this baby was dependent on her. I know my sister has more strength than she realizes, but would she find that within herself now when she really needed it. SHE DID. She has amazed me everyday since the day my nephew was born. She is a GREAT mother. She is devoted, loving and committed to him. And a little selfish, I sometimes have to fight with her to give him to me. My baby sister is not a baby, she is a beautiful, capable, amazing mom. So today I salute her for all that she is and all that she does. I LOVE YOU SISSY!