Class of January Part 4 - Page 18 - SoberRecovery : Alcoholism Drug Addiction Help and Information

Richard54 · 06-17-2009, 01:27 AM

Michael Moore ?

LOL

He is an honorary Canadian....

I have an autographed copy of his book, 'Downsize This', gotten a few years back when I attended a speaking engagement he did at a local University. He's one funny dude.

Our medical system in Canada certainly has its drawbacks, but I believe the vast majority of us up here hold it very dear indeed.

The whole country has a medicare type system. Some provinces charge monthly premiums and others don't, they fund it entirely through general revenue.

Myself, I'm in B.C. which charges premiums.
I pay $54 @ month.

I've never, ever had a problem seeing a doctor when needed.
You just show your 'medical card' (looks like a credit card), and in you go.

However we do experience 'waiting lists' for operations and procedures.
You quite often have to wait to see a referred specialist.

Last year I had a hernia and had to wait 6 months for surgery, after already waiting 3 months to see the surgeon. I drank my face off waiting.....

However, if you are in seriously dire straights, you are taken care of pronto. My mom had a heart attack and was getting a bypass within a week.

There's no charge for any of this core medical treatment, other than your monthly premium.

Some things are considered 'extra', though and are not entirely funded, depending on which province you live in.

For instance, an optometrist exam here in B.C. is not covered by our plan, BUT if you are referred to a eye specialist by your doctor, that would be covered.

Another 'extra' would be if you needed an ambulance, you would later get a bill in the mail.

Or things like massage therapy, most provinces will bill you something for stuff like that.

I think the biggest problem with our system is people abuse it and go to the doctor for the slightest ache, pain, or complaint, clogging things up for those that really do need medical care.

I could go on about this, but it's late and my bowl of strawberry ice cream is all done.

Fubarcdn · 06-17-2009, 04:24 AM

Good morning class.
I think Richard summed up the health care program fairly well. It is the same in Ontario as BC but the health care tax is included in your income taxes.
The biggest advantage is that nobody goes without care so it is one thing that you don't have to worry about.
The disadvantages are those long waiting times and the expense the average working class has to pay through his taxes and added fees. It is likely more expensive than what Americans pay for health insurance when you work it out.

Yesterday was a good day as I finally did something impromptu. There was a concert in the city square that I happened upon and I sat in for a couple of hours. They played a lot of oldies and it was great. I am going to start looking for things to do soon. I am just sooooo lazy and don't like to think too much so I am content just letting time pass.

ViciousCycle · 06-17-2009, 04:32 AM

Thanks for all the info, Richard. I wonder where it will all land here. There is talk about having both.......the care you describe with an option for private at a cost. Best of both worlds so-to-speak.
Did you see "911?" Whoa........won't even start......just got up this morning.

Another long day in store for me. But OT is good and will take it when I can get it. It does interfere with the school thing.........next month we tack on golf lessons too........am I filling a void or what???????????? LOL.

Have a good day Januarians!

jsml1234 · 06-17-2009, 05:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ViciousCycle

.........next month we tack on golf lessons too........am I filling a void or what????????????LOL

You go girl!

theaocp · 06-17-2009, 06:03 AM

Thanks for the info, Richard. As an American, i'd just like the option so everyone is covered. Sure, you may have to wait some, but what is that compared to not having any coverage at all? Using the ER as primary care only drives up costs for everyone. Just give us the option, insurance companies ... unless you're too chicken to face a little competition?

KindBird · 06-17-2009, 09:10 AM

Thanks Richard and Fubar for the info on health insurance. It is unimaginable here in the US to think of everyone having coverage... most people I know go through big processes to get or keep coverage - including staying in jobs they do not want, staying in marriages they would otherwise leave (yikes), staying in school, etc just to keep coverage.. Does sound broken.

I too have been thinking about doing more things - especially at night when I used to drink.. If I ever get a craving that is when it comes - between 5-7 pm - my time to get the urge.. VC - sounds like you have life packed full.. Fubar - sitting and hanging out at the concert sounds sooooooo great... I tend to pack the days, but the nights are very undefined.. Good reading about what everyone is doing to get ideas and also know that we all seem to inherit a void when we drop the drink.

So far so good today - big swim, a work related short meeting now off into the day of work and home projects.

Have a good one my dear friends!

:ghug

masseyman · 06-17-2009, 01:41 PM

Hi all! Open house went good, after I was up all night rebuilding the distribution valves in my well pit that was flooded with around 5000 gallons of water, got it just in time.

All is well here.

Peace.

ViciousCycle · 06-17-2009, 06:01 PM

Hey Massey, you have the spare ark built just in case, right??

Fubarcdn · 06-18-2009, 04:21 AM

Good morning class.
I am way too obsessed with the way my body looks lately. I should have been a woman.
Don't read too much into that statement and if you do you are watching way too much Dr. Phil.

jsml1234 · 06-18-2009, 05:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fubarcdn

Good morning class.
I am way too obsessed with the way my body looks lately. I should have been a woman.
Don't read too much into that statement and if you do you are watching way too much Dr. Phil.

As Dr Phil would say "How's that working for you?"

ViciousCycle · 06-18-2009, 05:40 AM

Lol

KindBird · 06-18-2009, 08:07 AM

Good morning all...

Yes, Fubar, you left yourself wide open with that statement... but coming from the gender that typically suffers from the body obsession stuff - remember "this too will pass" - i.e. the obsession will probably lift.. advice - stay away from too many mirrors and if you are reading those men's 6-pack magazines, trash them....

Good swim this AM - beautiful clear morning here.. Soon to be the solstice - wow!

Not much new.. just hanging in here and enjoying life.

:ghug

theaocp · 06-18-2009, 08:23 AM

It's all right, Fub ... my wife has told me for eons that i'm half girl, whatever that means.

I got to spend a private coin magic workshop with one of the world's great magicians yesterday, Shoot Ogawa. If you haven't seen any of his stuff, check him out on youtube. Sick stuff. I'm more of a card magician, so working with coins is intimidating, but he's inspirational, if nothing else.

Afterward, there was a lecture, where he performed and taught for around 40 or so of us. Freakin' awesome. I arrived at the workshop at 4:30p and didn't leave until 11:30p! I probably could've stayed later, but i was exhausted and he gave me his phone number to go and have lunch today! What an awesome opportunity! So of course, i'm not going to go ... ... ... and i've some swampland in Florida going for cheap rates! Buy now!

I can't wait!

Anyhow, when comparing this experience to drinking, there simply is no comparison. I might've been passed out, watching afternoon tv, or i could've been learning coin magic from a world master as my personal tutor. Ain't no choice, son! w00t!

jsml1234 · 06-18-2009, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theaocp

Anyhow, when comparing this experience to drinking, there simply is no comparison. I might've been passed out, watching afternoon tv, or i could've been learning coin magic from a world master as my personal tutor. Ain't no choice, son! w00t!

Good for you theaocp!
Once again that reminds me of the many and various opportunities I surely missed during my drinking... and another reason remain sober.

Fubarcdn · 06-19-2009, 04:15 AM

Hey Wassup homies
I love magic tricks especially card and coin tricks where it is more up close and personal than the disappearing types of tricks with elaborate contraptions.
I wish someone would make our mayor disappear before he makes all our money disappear. I am tired of tax increases. It sucks having three levels of government picking our pockets.

jsml1234 · 06-19-2009, 04:31 AM

Good morning class.
Massey- nice to hear that your open house went well...get it "well"... the "well" flooding incident. Sorry bad pun/joke, it's early.
I'm leaving for a family outing today, a few times a year we go "camping", actually we stay in cabins with a/c, satellite tv, full kitchen... closest thing to camping I want to do. Oh yeah, there's a golf course in the area

.
Glad to hear that you're enjoying life K-Bird... that's what it's all about!
Enjoy your body image obsession Fubar, glad you're having fun with it.
Practice that coin magic Theaocp.
VC-take some time for yourself, two jobs and school is a big load. I'm proud of you.
Have a great weekend all!

KindBird · 06-19-2009, 08:35 AM

Morning everyone... Good to hear how it all is going. Your magic time experience sounds awesome theocp - and boy do I hear what you are saying about "in comparison with drinking..."

Tried something unusual yesterday which I have done a few other times - I went to an AA meeting.. So far this experience just makes me realize that it is not a fit for me but just felt like checking it out again.. thought I might feel different this time but I did not. One speaker got into a pretty awful rant - verbally really intense with lots of words I can't write here - a rant about how it was his own sobriety and no one but him was responsible - but he was yelling etc.. I kind of wanted to bolt but sat there until the end, but doubt if I will try that again for a while.. I know one meeting does not make the program but I have tried others over this past year or so and that basic "you are flawed" perspective just feels like an ill fit.. (not that I am perfect!).

Rare morning where I slept in until 7:30 - will swim mid day if I can eek out the time from work.. Sunny and clear here - good for growing those veggies!

Here comes the weekend - remember how for some of us weekends were real (drinking) problems at first - don't hear that complaint any more!

:ghug.... you're all the greatest!

ViciousCycle · 06-19-2009, 02:57 PM

JSM:

Quote:

Massey- nice to hear that your open house went well...get it "well"... the "well" flooding incident. Sorry bad pun/joke, it's early.

Oh boy.......don't give up your day job JSM.

LOL! By the way, that's my kind of camping!!!!!!!!

Fubar, you changed your display!!!!!!!!!!! Wow......it looks good on ya!

KB, you tried. It wouldn't be my gig either. It's kind of like cancer.....no really......I know people who go to groups on it still......I never did. I guess I don't want to give cancer that kind of power......to talk about it all the time......but to each his own, right? That is just me.....

Well I have a magic trick for you all......I am going to make myself disappear.........ready?

Fubarcdn · 06-19-2009, 03:07 PM

There was some problem about some people not being able to see my old avatar including me so I just picked a new one. A change is as good as a break.
It is rather peculiar that most if not all of us still contributing to the January thread do not do AA. I think we cam all do this with just each other for support.

***Anna*** · 06-19-2009, 06:37 PM

Continue:

http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...ml#post2268642 (Class of January Part 5)

06-17-2009, 04:24 AM	#427 (permalink)
Fubarcdn Resident Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Toronto, Ontario Posts: 3,592	Good morning class. I think Richard summed up the health care program fairly well. It is the same in Ontario as BC but the health care tax is included in your income taxes. The biggest advantage is that nobody goes without care so it is one thing that you don't have to worry about. The disadvantages are those long waiting times and the expense the average working class has to pay through his taxes and added fees. It is likely more expensive than what Americans pay for health insurance when you work it out. Yesterday was a good day as I finally did something impromptu. There was a concert in the city square that I happened upon and I sat in for a couple of hours. They played a lot of oldies and it was great. I am going to start looking for things to do soon. I am just sooooo lazy and don't like to think too much so I am content just letting time pass. __________________ What it is is what it is. Only positivity No negativity.

06-17-2009, 04:32 AM	#428 (permalink)
ViciousCycle Member Bubble Bugs Champion! Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Montana Posts: 1,366	Thanks for all the info, Richard. I wonder where it will all land here. There is talk about having both.......the care you describe with an option for private at a cost. Best of both worlds so-to-speak. Did you see "911?" Whoa........won't even start......just got up this morning. Another long day in store for me. But OT is good and will take it when I can get it. It does interfere with the school thing.........next month we tack on golf lessons too........am I filling a void or what???????????? LOL. Have a good day Januarians! __________________ If you get up one more time than you fall, you will make it through.

06-17-2009, 06:01 PM	#433 (permalink)
ViciousCycle Member Bubble Bugs Champion! Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Montana Posts: 1,366	Hey Massey, you have the spare ark built just in case, right?? __________________ If you get up one more time than you fall, you will make it through.

06-18-2009, 04:21 AM	#434 (permalink)
Fubarcdn Resident Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Toronto, Ontario Posts: 3,592	Good morning class. I am way too obsessed with the way my body looks lately. I should have been a woman. Don't read too much into that statement and if you do you are watching way too much Dr. Phil. __________________ What it is is what it is. Only positivity No negativity.

06-18-2009, 05:40 AM	#436 (permalink)
ViciousCycle Member Bubble Bugs Champion! Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Montana Posts: 1,366	Lol __________________ If you get up one more time than you fall, you will make it through.

06-17-2009, 01:27 AM	#426 (permalink)
Richard54 Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Canada Posts: 321	Michael Moore ? LOL He is an honorary Canadian.... I have an autographed copy of his book, 'Downsize This', gotten a few years back when I attended a speaking engagement he did at a local University. He's one funny dude. Our medical system in Canada certainly has its drawbacks, but I believe the vast majority of us up here hold it very dear indeed. The whole country has a medicare type system. Some provinces charge monthly premiums and others don't, they fund it entirely through general revenue. Myself, I'm in B.C. which charges premiums. I pay $54 @ month. I've never, ever had a problem seeing a doctor when needed. You just show your 'medical card' (looks like a credit card), and in you go. However we do experience 'waiting lists' for operations and procedures. You quite often have to wait to see a referred specialist. Last year I had a hernia and had to wait 6 months for surgery, after already waiting 3 months to see the surgeon. I drank my face off waiting..... However, if you are in seriously dire straights, you are taken care of pronto. My mom had a heart attack and was getting a bypass within a week. There's no charge for any of this core medical treatment, other than your monthly premium. Some things are considered 'extra', though and are not entirely funded, depending on which province you live in. For instance, an optometrist exam here in B.C. is not covered by our plan, BUT if you are referred to a eye specialist by your doctor, that would be covered. Another 'extra' would be if you needed an ambulance, you would later get a bill in the mail. Or things like massage therapy, most provinces will bill you something for stuff like that. I think the biggest problem with our system is people abuse it and go to the doctor for the slightest ache, pain, or complaint, clogging things up for those that really do need medical care. I could go on about this, but it's late and my bowl of strawberry ice cream is all done.

06-17-2009, 06:03 AM	#430 (permalink)
theaocp Why is a mouse when it spins? Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Detroit, MI Posts: 114	Thanks for the info, Richard. As an American, i'd just like the option so everyone is covered. Sure, you may have to wait some, but what is that compared to not having any coverage at all? Using the ER as primary care only drives up costs for everyone. Just give us the option, insurance companies ... unless you're too chicken to face a little competition?

06-17-2009, 09:10 AM	#431 (permalink)
KindBird Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 753	Thanks Richard and Fubar for the info on health insurance. It is unimaginable here in the US to think of everyone having coverage... most people I know go through big processes to get or keep coverage - including staying in jobs they do not want, staying in marriages they would otherwise leave (yikes), staying in school, etc just to keep coverage.. Does sound broken. I too have been thinking about doing more things - especially at night when I used to drink.. If I ever get a craving that is when it comes - between 5-7 pm - my time to get the urge.. VC - sounds like you have life packed full.. Fubar - sitting and hanging out at the concert sounds sooooooo great... I tend to pack the days, but the nights are very undefined.. Good reading about what everyone is doing to get ideas and also know that we all seem to inherit a void when we drop the drink. So far so good today - big swim, a work related short meeting now off into the day of work and home projects. Have a good one my dear friends! :ghug

06-17-2009, 01:41 PM	#432 (permalink)
masseyman Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Attica, MI Posts: 460	Hi all! Open house went good, after I was up all night rebuilding the distribution valves in my well pit that was flooded with around 5000 gallons of water, got it just in time. All is well here. Peace.

06-18-2009, 08:07 AM	#437 (permalink)
KindBird Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 753	Good morning all... Yes, Fubar, you left yourself wide open with that statement... but coming from the gender that typically suffers from the body obsession stuff - remember "this too will pass" - i.e. the obsession will probably lift.. advice - stay away from too many mirrors and if you are reading those men's 6-pack magazines, trash them.... Good swim this AM - beautiful clear morning here.. Soon to be the solstice - wow! Not much new.. just hanging in here and enjoying life. :ghug

06-18-2009, 08:23 AM	#438 (permalink)
theaocp Why is a mouse when it spins? Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Detroit, MI Posts: 114	It's all right, Fub ... my wife has told me for eons that i'm half girl, whatever that means. I got to spend a private coin magic workshop with one of the world's great magicians yesterday, Shoot Ogawa. If you haven't seen any of his stuff, check him out on youtube. Sick stuff. I'm more of a card magician, so working with coins is intimidating, but he's inspirational, if nothing else. Afterward, there was a lecture, where he performed and taught for around 40 or so of us. Freakin' awesome. I arrived at the workshop at 4:30p and didn't leave until 11:30p! I probably could've stayed later, but i was exhausted and he gave me his phone number to go and have lunch today! What an awesome opportunity! So of course, i'm not going to go ... ... ... and i've some swampland in Florida going for cheap rates! Buy now! I can't wait! Anyhow, when comparing this experience to drinking, there simply is no comparison. I might've been passed out, watching afternoon tv, or i could've been learning coin magic from a world master as my personal tutor. Ain't no choice, son! w00t!

06-19-2009, 04:15 AM	#440 (permalink)
Fubarcdn Resident Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Toronto, Ontario Posts: 3,592	Hey Wassup homies I love magic tricks especially card and coin tricks where it is more up close and personal than the disappearing types of tricks with elaborate contraptions. I wish someone would make our mayor disappear before he makes all our money disappear. I am tired of tax increases. It sucks having three levels of government picking our pockets. __________________ What it is is what it is. Only positivity No negativity.

06-19-2009, 04:31 AM	#441 (permalink)
jsml1234 Member 2 Ball Pool Champion! 2D Knock-Out Champion! 3D Championship Golf Champion! 5 Miles 2 Go Champion! Asteroids Champion! Astro Cave Champion! Copter Champion! Donkey Kong Champion! Extreme Racing Champion! flashteroids_2001 Champion! Flying Cow Champion! Gary Golf Champion! Golf Ace Champion! Maus Force Attack Champion! Pinball Champion! Pool Online Champion! G-Max Skateboarding Champion! Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 635	Good morning class. Massey- nice to hear that your open house went well...get it "well"... the "well" flooding incident. Sorry bad pun/joke, it's early. I'm leaving for a family outing today, a few times a year we go "camping", actually we stay in cabins with a/c, satellite tv, full kitchen... closest thing to camping I want to do. Oh yeah, there's a golf course in the area. Glad to hear that you're enjoying life K-Bird... that's what it's all about! Enjoy your body image obsession Fubar, glad you're having fun with it. Practice that coin magic Theaocp. VC-take some time for yourself, two jobs and school is a big load. I'm proud of you. Have a great weekend all!

06-19-2009, 08:35 AM	#442 (permalink)
KindBird Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 753	Morning everyone... Good to hear how it all is going. Your magic time experience sounds awesome theocp - and boy do I hear what you are saying about "in comparison with drinking..." Tried something unusual yesterday which I have done a few other times - I went to an AA meeting.. So far this experience just makes me realize that it is not a fit for me but just felt like checking it out again.. thought I might feel different this time but I did not. One speaker got into a pretty awful rant - verbally really intense with lots of words I can't write here - a rant about how it was his own sobriety and no one but him was responsible - but he was yelling etc.. I kind of wanted to bolt but sat there until the end, but doubt if I will try that again for a while.. I know one meeting does not make the program but I have tried others over this past year or so and that basic "you are flawed" perspective just feels like an ill fit.. (not that I am perfect!). Rare morning where I slept in until 7:30 - will swim mid day if I can eek out the time from work.. Sunny and clear here - good for growing those veggies! Here comes the weekend - remember how for some of us weekends were real (drinking) problems at first - don't hear that complaint any more! :ghug.... you're all the greatest!

06-19-2009, 03:07 PM	#444 (permalink)
Fubarcdn Resident Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Toronto, Ontario Posts: 3,592	There was some problem about some people not being able to see my old avatar including me so I just picked a new one. A change is as good as a break. It is rather peculiar that most if not all of us still contributing to the January thread do not do AA. I think we cam all do this with just each other for support. __________________ What it is is what it is. Only positivity No negativity.

06-19-2009, 06:37 PM	#445 (permalink)
*Anna* Administrator Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Dancing in the Light Posts: 15,877	Continue: http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...ml#post2268642 (Class of January Part 5) __________________ Anna And I dont know what the future is holding in store I dont know where Im going, Im not sure where I've been There's a spirit that guides me, a light that shines for me My life is worth the living, I dont need to see the end. John Denver

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