Right now I'm enamoured with Pakistani-style designs. I go through phases and right now I'm all about flowers and paisleys strung together. Love those flowers and paisleys.
I'm still planning the design I want to wear into surgery. I drew a phoenix on my shin for my last hip and it helped give me courage. I could always do another phoenix.... or maybe some lotuses... or probably paisleys and flowers.... I can't reach my shin these days b/c I'm not allowed to bend more than 90 degrees, but I could do my thigh... however, I need to know whether the surgery will be anterior or posterior first! The doctor said I could have henna anywhere but the surgery site. Last time I was completely hennaed up! Right arm was done by local artist, Wardah Halim, and the left by me. And I had somehow managed to reach my feet and decorate them as well.
Speaking of surgery, I realize how lucky I am that my husband has excellent insurance -- or even insurance at all! There have been tough times in my life when I had no insurance and even though I was young and healthy, I still needed to have my wisdom teeth removed. I paid for that for years! And once I took a bad job because they offered me insurance coverage -- and then it turned out that because I had been treated for gynecological issues in the past, I had no coverage for ANY gyno care! I didn't stay at that job long... it just wasn't worth the worthless insurance.
When we lived in England we were covered by socialized medicine. I could go to a clinic whenever I needed at no charge. And when I had a horrible miscarriage, I was checked into a hospital no questions asked, no forms or cards or copays. It was such an excellent safety net. I have heard complaints that only the major problems are covered and that people are on waiting lists for all kinds of things for years. However, I currently have Kaiser Permanente HMO and the same is true.
Someone I know is in a bad way. She has a severe tooth infection with no insurance, neither health nor dental. She can't afford to pay for her anti-biotics and painkillers because the full cost is too much. She just lost her job and has no income at the moment. It's a really scary situation: out of work, in excruciating pain, and unable to afford care or prescriptions. And I know she is not the only one out there. There, but for the Grace of God, go I....
I have a suggestion for the lady with a tooth infection and no insurance. I"m not sure exactly how it would work, but you can put a "Donate" button from paypal.com on your blog, asking people to help this lady financially. These days, I'm sure not going to give my spare dollars so some kid can go to camp, but sure would if somebody is in dire straights like that. Could easily be me someday. I'm betting there are a lot of other people who feel the same way.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great idea, Marly! Unfortunately, the lady with the tooth infection has now moved from the area and I've lost touch with her. However, in this economy, I am sure I will meet more people who need a little help and that's a perfect way to get some money for a good cause.
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