An Organized Annual Doctor's Appointment

Prior to my annual doctor's appointment the other day, the nurse was updating my records in her new computer system. She began asking me at least a dozen questions regarding my health history--most of which I really had to think about and wish I had known about ahead of time so I could have been better prepared.

When I got home, I opened a Word document and began typing all the information I may be asked in the future from my current doctor's office, or another doctor if I ever decide to switch.

The nurse first wanted to know my health history, any current problems and any medications (bring the names of the medicines, dosages and dates started if applicable) I was taking. She then asked about any allergies.

She then proceeded to ask me about my family health history--my mother, father and sister, my maternal grandparents and my paternal grandparents. She wanted to know if any of them experienced specific health difficulties (heart problems, cancer, etc.) and what age were they first diagnosed.

Finally, she asked me the dates of my female health screenings: menstrual cycle, pap and mammogram and the results.

While I was able to give her all of the information, it did take some thought and definitely extra time.

The next time I have an annual appointment, or even an irregular appointment during the year for a sore throat, etc. I will bring this prepared document with me.

For general illness appointments, I always take a notepad with my symptoms, dates and any other information I know my doctor will need. I also bring a list of questions I want answered while I'm there.

Being prepared will save you time, will ensure you're not guessing and your records will be more accurate.

Bubble Wonders

My husband, my daughter and I saw a WAY COOL presentation this morning at our local public library. Geoffrey 'Merlin' Akins presented Bubble Wonders and his bubbleology craft. Bubbleology is the art and science of doing neat stuff with soap bubbles.

Geoff created huge wobbly electric dancing bubbles, bubbles inside bubbles, hand-blown bubbles, bubble caterpillars, bubble ice-cream cones, bubble snowmen, smoke-filled volcano bubbles, a fully-functioning bubble merry-go-round, a bubble trampoline and even the 'impossible' Square Bubble!

It was a super show and generated lots of smiles and laughter. I wish you could have seen the kids' faces. They were lit up with wonder.

Goeffrey's web site has some videos that you can see, although they pale in comparison to seeing the real deal. But in case you never get to see Geoeffrey in person, at least you'll get a taste of what he can do.

Here is his web site:

http://www.bubblejuggler.com/

Latest Book Read - Summer Sisters

Our book club selection this month was Summer Sisters by the author Judy Blume. For those of you wondering, YES, this was the same author who wrote the famous book Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.

This month's read was basically about how a young girl, Vix, grows up through the years with a wild, selfish friend, Caitlin. While early on, Vix saw it as more of a magical time that took her worlds away from the life she started with, years later she tries to figure out how Caitlin still has the power to break her heart.

I had reservations about reading this book, since I read her other book way back in grade school. How could this book be all grown up? After reading it, I confirmed I was right in thinking that way. At least for me, this book was on the juvenile side, and while it held my interest at times, it was not one of my favorites.

Yet overall, from the 10 people present at book chat, the final rating was a 3 out of 5 -- so half the people liked it, and half were not crazy about it. It's about 400 pages and, for me, was a very quick read. If you liked Judy Blume back when, you might be intrigued to read Summer Sisters--a more recent Blume book written in 1998.

Back From Philly

We just recently returned from our trip out east to visit with my family. At the tail end of our visit, we ventured off to Philadelphia, PA for a bit of sightseeing.

Thanks so much to all of you who offered so many tips and ideas for hotels and attractions. The information was extremely helpful.

Since we have a Hilton Honors card which we're building points on, we decided to stay at the Homewood Suites. It was a little bit outside of the historical area, but easily accessible by a bus that we caught right outside.

The prices were very reasonable for the area--less than $200 per night. It was a comfortable, large room with two beds, a full kitchen, a tv/reading area and an eating area. They also had free wireless access. Breakfast was included each day (we weren't there on a weeknight, but if we had been, dinner would have also been included!) and the people running things there were exceptionally lovely. It worked out very well.

We made the most of our 4 days in Philly--Sesame Place, Independence Hall, The Franklin Institute, The National Constitution Center, The Please Touch Museum and The Liberty Bell--just to name a few. We also ate at City Tavern (George Washington ate there!) and a few very cool restaurants in nearby Manayunk. We even took a very tourist-y ride on The Ducks, which are basically tour buses that ride on land and water.

We were hoping to get into Bucks County and The Amish Country, but there just wasn't enough time this trip. That's fine, because we'll have somewhere to go next time we're in Pennsylvania.

We had a very nice, informative trip. It's a great place to visit and there's definitely plenty to do.

If you're interested in seeing our Philly photos, just email me at getorgnow@charter.net and I'll share the link.

Relay Update -- July, 2008

Thanks SO MUCH to those of you who have sent in donations for the upcoming Relay for Life Event I'm involved in. Together, you've helped me hit $250 in donations so far.

The Relay is only one month away. If you haven't donated and you're able, PLEASE do so. It's such an important fundraiser and even a small donation of $5 or $10 could make a BIG difference.

You can learn more on this link:

http://getorganizednow.typepad.com/get_organized_now_weblog/2008/06/help-fight-canc.html

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your generosity!

Time in Front of the Tube

According to USA Today, there has been an increase in time of people age 12 and older spending their valuable minutes in front of the television set.

In 2000, people spent 1,502 hours in front of the tube. That's 63 days.

In 2008, people are now viewing 1,704 hours--that's 71 full days out of the 365 days in a year!

It's not like we don't watch television in my family. In fact, Joe and I watched a DVR'd episode of Hell's Kitchen last night.

But we are generally selective about what we watch and how much we watch, and we'll certainly be more cognizant of program subject and hours in front of the tube after knowing about this survey.