Songbird

This weekend, our daughter blessed us with one of the most beautiful gifts I've ever received.  I've been listening to the muffled beauty of her voice behind her bedroom door, and the bathroom doors for years.  I've been wanting to hear her really sing for a while now, but I recently stopped pressuring her about it.  Interestingly enough, when Dishon and I were trying to have children, we went through a similar experience - over two years of trying, and then as soon as we stopped worrying about it, there she was :).

On Saturday night, she decided to record herself singing Payphone by Maroon 5 (clean version ;).  She sounds so beautiful! I listened to the original, and I love how she put her own flavor into the song. I wish there was a way for me to upload it to the blog so you could hear it, too.  Maybe I can convince her to let me record her on video so I can upload it.  We'll see.  She's still terribly shy about singing in front of anyone . . . even us, and that's okay.  I've been playing it ever since, and just smiling and smiling.

That's the thing about songbirds, I guess.  If you see a beautiful bird sitting in a tree singing carelessly, sounding so pretty, and you chase after it trying to get a closer listen, the bird will fly away.  If you just go with the flow, however, and listen from a distance, letting the songbird have the space to just be, you end up getting to enjoy it more than you would if you chased after it.  Who knows?  The songbird might just come and rest on your shoulder, and sing into your ear.  Interesting life lesson . . .

Zipcar

 Good morning, all.  I had such a fun experience yesterday using Zipcar for the first time.  For those of you who are unfamiliar with Zipcar, it's a way to share cars instead of having to rent them or drive your own car (kind of like Hubway is for bike sharing).  Zipcars are parked right across the street from the courthouse, so once I was added to my organization's account, all I had to do was reserve the car for the time period I wanted, and I was all set.  Since I don't drive in to work, it's a much better way for me to get around to the schools.


I reserved the Cooper Mini pictured here (I loved the new car smell!), and it was SO fun to drive, once I figured out how to turn the car on.  There's a sensor in the car window, so you scan your zipcard, and the doors unlock. That's also how you lock the car.  There is a key fob in the car that you insert into the fob outlet to turn the car on, press start, the engine comes on, and you're off.  What's really cool is that there's a gas card left in the car so the cost of gas is already included in the membership.  There's also a parking card left in the car, too, so you just scan in and out of the lot where the car is stored.

The car is already configured to connect to your smartphone, so I was pumping my own music through the iPod in my iPhone on my way back to the office.  I couldn't figure out how to open the windows, and I was running late after taking so long to figure out how to turn the car on, so I had to open the car doors to scan in and out of the lot.  Once I parked, I read the manual, and below you'll see why I was confused.  All the controls for locking/unlocking the car doors and opening/closing the windows are below the radio.  I'm all set now, and I plan to reserve this same car as often as possible, because it's so cute, and I put so much work into figuring it out!  If you have a chance to use Zipcar, I highly recommend it.

Coming Attractions

Hello, family.  I'm reviewing Joe Bunting's book, Let's Write a Short Story, and along with Tayari Jones' blog (she's the author of Silver Sparrow - a book I recently listened to on audiobook, and loved . . . ), this book is inspiring me to write regularly, and stop waiting for the perfect moment to revise, create, etc.  There is no perfect moment.  There's only right now.  I look forward to sharing more about it with you . . .

A Brooklyn Girl Discovers the Farmer's Market

I can't lie.  As much as I'm delighted about Serena and Cairo's wonderful experience in gymnastics camp this summer, I am not mad that tomorrow's my last day driving to Stoughton to pick them up after work.  I am usually pretty bushed by the end of the day, so it's been hard having a two hour commute home from work.  Next week, the kids will be at New Heights Camp with Dishon, and I'll get to come directly home.  I almost don't know what to do with myself!  The week after that, they'll be at the recreation camp in town and they'll be coming home with our friend's daughter and son (this same daughter who will be caring for them after school, which I'm so psyched about).  That means I'll get to go straight home.  Woo hoo!! They go back to school on August 29th, which will be here before we know it.  

The Randolph part of my morning commute has been a little challenging.  While I'm so happy that Randolph received funding to improve and beautify the town, I am not pleased with what it's doing to traffic.  And why they seem to want to work on the streets during the height of rush hour is beyond me.  Aside from that, though, my commute has been pretty beautiful.  I've been driving through the Blue Hills on my way to pick the kids up, and past Houghton's Pond . . . and on Thursdays until Columbus Day, there's a fabulous Farmer's Market at the T-station where I park every day.  I noticed it a couple of times before, and I finally stopped there today.  I bought some fresh peaches and corn, some home made salmon cakes, and I was given a free nectarine!  Next Thursday, I'm definitely going to pick up some more fruit and vegetables, maybe a homemade ceramic mug, and I'm definitely getting a lobster.  I'm feeling the Farmer's Market, yall. 

Elementary Transportation Dilemma and My Own Walk Home

Serena and Cairo's school is about two miles away from where we live.  Picking the kids up wasn't an issue last year when I worked in Randolph, but now that Dishon and I both work in Boston, it has now become a challenge.  Thankfully, there's another parent who's willing to drive them home every day,  where a wonderful teenager will be waiting to care for them, but she will only be able to drive them until Thanksgiving.  I've asked several other parents if they can transport the kids for us, but they mostly live in North Randolph, and have after school activities to do with their own children.  So I was stumped. . . until I remembered how I got home from school every day when I was their age.

Background: I started first grade when I was five, so I was only eight in fourth grade, and nine in fifth grade.  I only rode the bus in first, and maybe second grade.  After that, I walked to and from school every day, and it was a nine block walk.  I walked in the warm weather and in rain, cold, and snow.  I sometimes had friends who would come to meet me at my house, and we'd walk together, and pick other kids up for school on the way.

I was ten in sixth grade, and I continued to walk to junior high school, which was 17 blocks away.  On days that were too cold, snowy, or rainy, I would take the B12 bus home.  Sometimes with friends, and sometimes alone.  Sometimes we'd take the longer route home, and walk through the Kings County Hospital parking lot.  Sometimes we'd stop at the pizza shop and get a slice and a grape soda.  My favorite times were when we'd go to Downstate Medical Center, and we'd go play video games in the student center.

So, all that to say that now that Serena and Cairo are nine and ten, they just might be able to walk the few blocks to the city bus, and take the 10 minute ride to our house.  We don't have to feel stuck.  I just have to go through another level of letting go . . .

Putting Them on Blast

This was a rough week. Not because I miss our baby girl, although I do, and I'm so happy that she's coming back home tomorrow. It wasn't because of my work, because I'm really enjoying my new position. I'm blessed to work with truly talented, funny, thoughtful individuals, and we have lunch together daily, which I love. Every Tuesday, there is ice cream and jazz at HarborPark in back of the courthouse, and we enjoyed that together, too. Next Wednesday, we're going on a staff outing to Plimoth Plantation, our Executive Director will then treat us to lunch and give us the afternoon off. I've also been enjoying playing Words With Friends and Hanging With Friends more regularly because I have the time during my commute, and I've been listening to The Count of Monte Cristo on audiobook. So, no, it's not work.

 So what made this week difficult? Tufts Health Plan. The background to this story is that with Dishon's former job, our family had great health coverage. Co-pays were more than manageable, and we didn't have to pay for things like blood tests, etc. When he left that job, our family was covered under me, but I hated that coverage. Interestingly enough, it was just another version of what we formerly had under Dishon, so I mistakenly thought we'd enjoy the same benefits. Nope. Much higher co-pays and fees for everything! Now, don't get me wrong. I really appreciate that we have health coverage, but it's difficult to go from a really great one to a stressful one. Sheesh. 

Anyway, two years ago, I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Thankfully, we caught it early (I was being monitored since there's a pretty significant family history of diabetes), and it's pretty manageable. I don't have to inject insulin, and I only have to check my blood sugar 2-3 times each week, but I do need to take oral meds, exercise (which I'm SO terrible about - I really need to make time for that), and diet.


When I was first diagnosed, we had Dishon's coverage, and I don't think I even had to pay for my glucose meter, lancer, lancets, or test strips. I noticed recently that my test strips had expired, so I called to ask my doctor for a refill. When I called the pharmacy to find out what the co-pay would be (I've noticed that our meds also have all kinds of funky new prices - some really low, some about $5 more than they were under my coverage, etc.), they told me that it would be $50. This was for the FreeStyle Freedom Lite meter (which I later learned was a tier 3 device, and therefore, more expensive). For those of you who know me well know I love coupons, free shipping, and any kinds of savings, so I really wasn't trying to pay $50 for test strips. I started researching other meters, because apparently, the strips for a meter like Accu-Chek are $20 less (it's a tier 2 device), which is what's up for me. My initial irritation was with the state of Massachusetts. Accu-Chek was offering free meters, but for some reason, they're not able to honor that offer in Massachusetts because of state law. Same with the FreeStyle discount program. Grr . . . 


So I called Tufts about getting another meter, and I was told that Tufts would not cover me getting a meter from a pharmacy. They said I'd have to contact a "contracted durable medical supply provider," and I would have to pay 30% of the cost of the new meter. They provided me with a couple of places to call. One place dropped my call after I explained my situation, and the other said they didn't even sell glucose meters. I called the first place back again (Neighborhood Diabetes Shoppe), and I spoke with a very nice woman who told me that a representative would call me back to help me order the meter, which they never did, even after I went and filled out the contact request online. 


In the meantime, I've been trying to schedule a session with a nutritionist to help me with meal planning, and Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates in Braintree (where my PCP is) has a nutrition department. When I made my appt., I was told that I should call my insurance provider to make sure that a nutrition visit was approved. I did, and the Tufts (THP) rep. told me that although nutrition visits are approved, the nutritionists at HVMA Braintree are not contracted with Tufts, and that I would have to find a different nutritionist. I thought this was odd, since the dept. came up on the list of approved sites on the THP website, but I figured that since she worked for THP, she knew better than I did. This comes up again later . . . 


They sent me a list of contracted nutritionists, and I saw it as an opportunity to see someone close to where I work so I wouldn't have to take too much time off from work to go. I found someone and called my PCP to get a referral to see her. I was called by HVMA's referral specialist and informed that he didn't know what the THP rep. was talking about. My doctor wouldn't refer out to this other nutritionist, because folks with THP coverage regularly see their nutritionists at HVMA, and there's never been a problem with having the visit covered. He said that maybe my THP rep. was new, and didn't really understand how things work, which would make sense, except that I was told that HVMA Braintree wasn't covered by more than one THP rep. So, I'll have to reschedule my appt., because when I was told that HVMA wasn't covered, I cancelled the appt. Again, grrr . . . 


I called THP because I was frustrated about my efforts to get a new meter and to find a nutritionist. I was informed that although the numbers they gave me before didn't result in my getting a new meter, she could give me another list, and I could just keep calling around to find a provider. I asked why I couldn't just get it from CVS, and I was told that they didn't provide medical equipment through pharmacies. I told her what the HVMA referral rep. shared with me, and she agreed that they were on the list of approved sites, but that she didn't see the nutritionists listed as being contracted. She also said that the HVMA rep. seemed to know what he was talking about, however, so I could just go to one of their nutrionists to see if it gets covered. Pardon me, but you would think that the rep. for the insurance provider would be able to tell me ahead of time so I'm not gambling with visits, right? 


Anyway . . . I still have yet to reschedule my visit with the nutritionist, but guess what happened yesterday? I had planned to just go out of pocket and buy the meter on my own when I saw them on sale on Amazon.com for like $20. Turns out I could just buy them out of pocket from CVS, so I planned to do that, and I called my doc for the prescription for the more affordable test strips and lancets. I called CVS to find out how much my prescriptions would cost, and you know what he told me? "We have your meter here. We put it through your insurance, and there's not cost for the meter." I about hit the roof. WHAT??? Seriously?? After all of that, it is covered at CVS? Not just covered, but NO CHARGE?? I'm going to have to stop writing now before I say cruel things, but dang! Right? It shouldn't be this hard! But it's Friday, I have my new meter, and our little girl is coming home tomorrow. All will be right with the world :). Enjoy the weekend, all . . .

The Agony of Commuting

Moakley Courthouse from the back (the park is back there)

First, let me say that I am thrilled with my new job.  It’s a calm, peaceful place to be, which is exactly what I need.  I went through the harbor entrance into the building for the first time this morning, and it’s beautiful!  Lots of trees, flowers, and plants, and there are benches overlooking the water where I’ll eat lunch when it’s not so hot outside.  Everyone is so friendly, and the cafeteria has a marvelous selection of food every day.

Getting to work on the first couple of days, however, was very challenging.  I knew I was spoiled by working in my town for the past couple of years, but I really felt it on Monday and Tuesday.  I have now figured out a commute that works, but my first two days were very stressful. 

Day One:

I was already feeling emotional, because Serena would be leaving the following morning at 2:30 for western Canada.  I decided to drive in, because when I factored in the cost of gas, and what I thought it would cost to park each day ($10), it didn’t seem to make sense to pay for parking at the Braintree station ($7 per day), and the cost of riding the train ($4 per day).  Alas, I was wrong about the cost of parking.  Across from the courthouse, it’s $15 per day, and the lot is all rough and rocky.  I wish I owned a parking lot downtown.  Sheesh!  I could’ve gone to another lot, but I only would’ve saved $1.  I made a mental note that I wouldn’t be driving in again.  It wasn’t so bad time-wise, but driving down Dorchester (Dot) Ave. almost killed me.  I'm a pretty impatient driver.  I'm working on it, but I just need to keep it real.  Dorchester Ave. is a one lane road with non-stop traffic.  When it was finally time for me to make the left turn on to A Street near Old Colony Ave., I was almost hit, because I didn’t end up in the right lane, and I tried to bust a move, but didn't realize that there was an additional right turning lane next to me :(. 

I thought that going home wouldn’t be so bad, because Serena was at home with Dishon, so I didn’t have to worry about getting to Stoughton to pick the kids up from gymnastics camp.  I didn’t think it made much sense to enroll Serena in camp for one day, so Dishon stayed home with her, and took Cairo to and from camp.  The commute wasn’t hard – just long.  I went back down Dorchester Ave. to see if it was any better than in the morning, and no, it was not. 

Courthouse Station on the Silver Line

The next day, I was disoriented, and running later than I intended after being up in the middle of the night getting Serena ready to leave.  I decided that instead of driving all the way in, I’d drive to the Milton MBTA stop (only $4 to park there), take the trolley to Ashmont Station, get the red line to South Station, and then the Silver Line to the Courthouse station. 

We live in Randolph, MA, and the roads in the town are being developed significantly, which makes it beautiful, but a traffic nightmare.  Also when you get to the turn from Randolph Ave. over to Adams Street, it’s always backed up.  I spied an alternate road that I plan to try out another day, but I was stuck trying to make that turn at the stop sign. Grrr! :(

High Speed Trolley

I was able to park at the trolley station, and I had my 16 quarters all ready to pay for parking.  The problem, however, was that the trolley was pulling up as I was trying to pay, and you have to deposit the quarters into the pay slot one at a time.  Thankfully, the driver was merciful and held the door for me.  I think she felt sorry for me seeing me running toward the trolley with all my things (I had a bunch of stuff in my bag to personalize my desk – family pictures, African cloth, Serena and Cai’s artwork, etc.).  The problem was that I had neglected to see if I was on the trolley going in the right direction.  Thankfully, it was :).  

Ashmont Station

When I got off at Ashmont, I tried to load more money on to my Charlie Card, and after five tries, I was unsuccessful.  It kept canceling my transaction for reasons I don't yet understand.  Thankfully, an MBTA employee helped me to load it.  I was a little concerned about having to use my card again to enter Ashmont station after already paying on the trolley, but (and I know I sound mad old . . . ), I didn’t realize that the card stored transfers, and wouldn’t charge me again.  As a matter of fact, if you position your Charlie Card in your wallet properly, you can scan the card without even having to take it out.  Very cool.  I remember having to use paper bus transfers in New York when I was a kid, so the transfer being stored electronically was a bit fascinating to me.  

While I was loading my Charlie Card, I heard the following announcement, “Attention passengers.  There are delays on the red line due to a disabled train at Andrew station.”  Sigh.  There actually wasn’t much of a delay, though, so that was good.  I arrived at South Station by 8:40, boarded the Silver Line by 8:50, and got to work right on time. 

Getting to gymnastics camp to pick Cairo up after work wasn’t bad, either.  I have learned to be deeply grateful for working AC on trains, and the words: "Attention passengers: the next red line train to Ashmont is now approaching."  Woo hoo! :)  I haven't had the disappointment of Braintree tree coming first so far, which I'm thankful for.  I forgot how hot it can get on the platform!  I positioned myself near the first train car, but it was out of service (lights off and everything).  I was a little concerned about not being able to get on the second car, because it was so crowded, but lots of folks got off at South Station, so it was all good.  


I got to Cai's camp by 5:30 after leaving work at 4:00.  I was SO happy to see Cairo.  He enjoyed his first day at after care, even though some kid in his group during the day has been trying to bully him.  Let me just say that with me being from Brooklyn, and Dishon being from Jersey, hearing about kids attempting to bully our babies doesn’t go over well.  I think we ended up doing a decent job remembering our commitment to being Christ-followers while teaching Cairo how to stand up for himself.  Turns out the kid tried to take a hockey stick from Cai today, but he held it down.  That's what's up, Little Dude! :)  Our baby is a gentle giant, but I think he's seeing how important it is to establish a strong presence with predatory kids like that.  

Day 2:

Silver Line

So, today’s commute, now that I know what I’m doing, went much better.  I downloaded the Parkmobile app, and paid for my parking fees in a far more expeditious manner.  I even got to work with enough time to take a leisurely walk from the Courthouse station over to the harbor park at the back of the courthouse.  A very beautiful, stress-free morning, indeed.  And interestingly enough, I got the same silver line bus in the morning and afternoon - #1114, which was nice, because Serena's birthday is November 14th, and I sure miss her!

So, if we ever cross paths during my commute, Bostonians, I'll be that chick with the headphones on and the strong head nod, dancing while waiting on the platform while on the train . . . whenever I can, because like my mom, I have a dancing heart ;).