Five things friday

Greetings, friends. I am writing on this sleepy Friday afternoon from sunny St. Paul, MN. And on my phone, no less…

1. DRIVING

We drove here yesterday and it wasn’t even a terrible trip (we would have flown, but who can afford that nowadays?). If you can finagle when you go through Chicago, it takes just a little over 9 hours. We left home at 8:20am and Chicago traffic (an hour behind us) was fine. There was some construction as we neared St. Paul which slowed us down a little, but still got here at 4:50pm (their time). Had we not had to stop 4 times we’d have been here much sooner. 

2. POLITICS

The primary elections happened in our state this past week. I have not verified it, but I read where, of the approximately 100,000 primary votes cast in Indiana, 80,000 were by Democrats, and 20,000 by Republicans. 

I know many people are expecting a "blue wave" come election day this November - meaning big Democrat gains across the country.

Personally, I don't know of one good thing to say about the Republican party. All they seem concerned with is doing whatever they can to not upset trump, so they can make more money and gain more power (which is all he seems concerned with).

So, I am all in favor of these people losing. However, the Democrats have not exactly shown me they are interested in anything other than that themselves (minus the trump part, at least in some cases). 

I'm wondering what it will take for ANY politician to address the actual problems in this country and work for the betterment of society. Healthcare, housing, the growing gap between rich and poor, common sense regulations in regard to guns, climate change, infrastructure, etc.

My guess is - until big money (corporate money) is removed from the equation, and term limits are applied to the house, senate, and Supreme Court - nothing is going to change. I have absolutely zero hope in politics. 

3. RUNNING FORM (CHI RUNNING)

I have been re-reading and re-watching some videos on ChiRunning. Something I really need to do is get my running form straightened out (again). I try to keep on top of it, but over time I forget little things - and these little things can add up over time.

So, I have re-watched this video on the basics of ChiRunning form a few times. It's another one of those things that seems simple, but it's not necessarily easy to maintain. I need all the help I can get on running economy and avoiding injury.

4. SPEAKING OF HEALTHCARE SUCKS

This week my cardiologist’s office called to schedule my annual visit. I was last there June of 2025, and they said at that time they don’t schedule appointments a year out, so they would call when they were ready. Whatever. They called from an unknown number and left a voicemail, so I called them back to schedule my June follow-up appointment. I said I would take the “first available.” The person said November was the next available time. I said, “I thought I was supposed to come back in June?” She says, “Yes, you are, but the next available appointment is in November. Do you want it?” I just laughed and said “whatever.” She said she would put me on a list in case there was a cancellation.

The very next day the office called and said I could get in next week with the NP. I said I was on my way to Minnesota and asked if there was an opening a little later. She said September was the next available for the NP.

???????

What the hell? I can’t make an appointment a year out - and maybe I can’t even make an appointment myself (unless they call me)… but when they do call, it is however many months out…?

Remember when people said we couldn’t have universal healthcare because it would take so long to get in to see a doctor….? So, why can’t we have it now???

I give up. And, I KNOW this is not because of the doctors and nurses. It’s the healthcare “system.” Which means, it’s the executives making all the damn money! Grhh.

5. THE QUOTE

“No one tells you running is 10% cardio and 90% negotiating with the voice begging you to quit.” - David Dack, endurance athlete

Okay, that’s all I’ve got for today. Sorry it’s not very cheery, but there’s nothing says we can’t have a happy Friday. Carry on… as long as you can stand it. ;)