Why I support Universal Healthcare

My mother was behind an elderly woman was at the counter at the Rite Aid getting her prescription filled for a medicine for chronic bronchitis / COPD. The co-pay was $31. All she had was $20. She started to cry at the counter and left without her medicine. (My mother said she would have paid the difference if she had the money, but she didn’t). After she left, the staff behind the counter LAUGHED at her. All she wanted was medicine that would help her BREATHE and they laughed. She went out of the building and spoke to someone who told her Primatene Mist might help her. So she came back in, but the staff didn’t even bother to come out and help her find it. My mother had to help her find it.

So, I support Universal Healthcare so that little old ladies like this one can get the prescriptions they need to feel better, so that they don’t have to cry because they can’t afford their medicine, so that they don’t have to be ridiculed (whether or not it is to their face or not).

When my mother told me this story, I was so mad that I actually cried. I am still so mad about it that my hands are shaking as I write this. I told my mother that she had better call Rite Aid, at least the store if not the corporate office, and complain about those people for laughing at the poor woman and not helping her find the OTC medicine. The way I see it, it does no good to get upset about something if you aren’t going to do something about it. So, I will be voting for Obama and his Universal Healthcare, not just for myself, but for that lady who needs the help it will provide.

http://www.barackobama.com/issues/healthcare/

Sparkle Crack vs the Economy...

Hello, my name is Ashley and I am a Bare Escentuals addict...

I swear, if there was a 12 step program for Bare Escentuals make-up, I would need to start attending meetings! I heart BE!! It is really addicting! All the pretty, sparkly colors (hence the term "sparkle crack") are so beautiful! I find myself searching QVC, Ulta, Sephora, and BE.com for hours stalking new stuff that is coming out. But, with the current state of the economy, I worry that I shouldn't be spending money on pretty, shiny new make-up, but should either save it or try to stock up on staples (becuase my husband doesn't think BE is a staple, but I disagree...).

Thankfully, BE and QVC are trying not only to feed my addiction but also to save some cash for my wallet. The new kit that is just about to be released on QVC is less expensive than usual AND it is available for 3 Easy Payments! I may die and go to sparkly, BE Heaven! Just don't tell my husband that I am going to buy a kit from Ulta too...

Insensitive? I don't think so....

So, I post on what I call a "Mommy Message Board". In my signature that is included at the bottom of my posts are SEVERAL blinkies. You know what blinkies are, right? They are these little, flashing signs with words. Almost all of the blinkies on my signature have to do with breastfeeding. (In case you didn't know, I am a Extended Nursing Mama! Over 15 months and going strong!!) Here are some examples of my blinkies:

I got a message from another poster on the board who does not breastfeed her child telling me that my blinkies are offensive to her and that I am "condescending" to those who tried to breastfeed and "couldn't". Offensive? I am by no means trying to offend anyone. I am simply expressing not only that I feel that my choice to breastfeed my child is the the right thing, the best thing, I could do for her, but also to celebrate the struggle I have gone through to breastfeed my child. It has been a long, hard road filled with plugged ducts, mastitis, heavy pumps and teeth marks.

The other poster and I have agreed to disagree about whether my blinkies are offensive and she has gotten herself some formula feeding and stay at home mom blinkies. To each his own, I always say. Am I offended by her blinkies? Heck no! What am offended by is her insinuation that breastfeeding must be easy for me or I wouldn't still be doing it.

I guess it's a good thing I didn't post this blinkie, huh?

~Ash