TranquilMind Posted July 18, 2012 Share Posted July 18, 2012 Rant to follow: I have had enough. So I get this new magazine in the mail called "Living Well" with a picture of the famous surfer Laird Hamilton on the front. Ok. He looks great for 48, more like 35. But then I look at the articles: 10 Things to Consider While Choosing your Memorial Stone Caring and Relating with Empathy after a Brain Injury What in the World has Happened to Funeral Pricing No More Forgetting to Take your Medication Gardens Produce Treats for Assisted Living Residents This, combined with the chastising brochure I received from my husband's health insurer, demanding to know whether I haven't FORGOTTEN SOMETHING (To get whatever tests they are pushing now), and the threatening phone call I received from some scammer claiming to be Blue Cross, warning me that I had better cooperate with some "health coach" to eliminate these phone messages has put me over the edge. Oh, and my husband's ever-so-helpful insurer sends regular statements indicating that you have spent "far more on acute care" than on preventative. Um, no. Actually we've done sports exams for the kids and dental appts just today. I pay for all of those myself because it is NONE of their business what I do and I have to pay for it anyway thanks to newer, crappier insurance. I see an alternative guy when necessary and pay cash because it is NONE of their business what I do. ZERO money has been spent on acute care this year to my knowledge, so I don't know where they got that $200. Oh yeah...daughter had a fever back in February that got kind of high. I took her in for an appointment. She was fine the next day. No meds or anything. It must have been that. Um, if you look over what we have cost you over the last 20 years, Mr. Greedy Insurer, (virtually nothing until an appendectomy late last year) vs. what you have extracted from us over the last 20 years ( I will not do this math)....shut up. COME ON! Leave me the h$88 alone! Quit selling my name to everyone and his brother so I can get magazines about how to select my headstone or afford a funeral, thanks! :tongue_smilie: I will cross that bridge when I come to it, and it will be cheap (Costco sells caskets!). I've been extremely healthy, and my appendix gave out after over 50 years. First surgery since childhood tonsil removal. Give me a freaking break. I'm not letting myself go and in need of your ever-so-helpful advice. I never used your stupid insurance up until that time, not even for childbirth. So SHUT UP and take me off all your stupid mailing and call lists. Sigh. Thanks for listening.:chillpill: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrothead Posted July 18, 2012 Share Posted July 18, 2012 :grouphug: Gad! That would annoy me too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TranquilMind Posted July 18, 2012 Author Share Posted July 18, 2012 :grouphug: Gad! That would annoy me too. WHAT? You mean you haven't selected YOUR headstone yet?? :tongue_smilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PrairieSong Posted July 18, 2012 Share Posted July 18, 2012 When my husband turned 50 the AARP got their claws into him. He subscribed to their magazine for a couple of years, but they still send him their stuff even though his subscription lapsed. They even sent ME a membership card, which I just found in a drawer while decluttering my bedroom. I think I'm going to rip it up. I don't really see the point of magazines anymore anyway, when you can find everything you need online... Heck, you can probably ask here at the Hive and someone will know. So if you need help buying that headstone, ask the Hivers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrothead Posted July 18, 2012 Share Posted July 18, 2012 WHAT? You mean you haven't selected YOUR headstone yet?? :tongue_smilie: Of course not. I'm immortal. ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elegantlion Posted July 18, 2012 Share Posted July 18, 2012 I took great zeal in cutting up the AARP card dh got in the mail the other day. He's old enough, but has no interest in it. I am not old enough. I hear ya. we ain't dead yet. the only time my blood pressure is high is when I'm at the doctor or at a bank. I avoid each like the plague. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TranquilMind Posted July 18, 2012 Author Share Posted July 18, 2012 (edited) So if you need help buying that headstone, ask the Hivers. Thanks, but I think I'm going to punt that responsibility to whoever cares after I am gone. My goal is to be tied to a jetski and sent off into the ocean anyway, but I doubt they let me do that... Burial at sea is a close second, but, of course, I'm stuck in in the middle of the country, landlocked. Edited July 18, 2012 by TranquilMind Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Impish Posted July 18, 2012 Share Posted July 18, 2012 *wheeze* these dang campaigns of today! *wheeze* Not like in OUR generation, when they had respect for their elders! *wheeze* *runs like h*ll* Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TranquilMind Posted July 18, 2012 Author Share Posted July 18, 2012 I hear ya. we ain't dead yet. the only time my blood pressure is high is when I'm at the doctor or at a bank. I avoid each like the plague. Me too! I'm perfectly normal unless some scary nurse or doctor is trying to get my BP. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TranquilMind Posted July 18, 2012 Author Share Posted July 18, 2012 *wheeze* these dang campaigns of today! *wheeze* Not like in OUR generation, when they had respect for their elders! *wheeze* *runs like h*ll* :auto: You can't outrun my red sportscar! Your day is coming... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TranquilMind Posted July 18, 2012 Author Share Posted July 18, 2012 When my husband turned 50 the AARP got their claws into him. He subscribed to their magazine for a couple of years, but they still send him their stuff even though his subscription lapsed. They even sent ME a membership card, which I just found in a drawer while decluttering my bedroom. I think I'm going to rip it up. I don't really see the point of magazines anymore anyway, when you can find everything you need online... Heck, you can probably ask here at the Hive and someone will know. So if you need help buying that headstone, ask the Hivers. You get the AARP card on or within a week of your 50th birthday, no matter who you are. I hate data mining. I thought there might actually be some financial benefit but there isn't, really. I don't want a free donut with the purchase of a large coffee at Dunkin Donuts! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catz Posted July 18, 2012 Share Posted July 18, 2012 My DH just turned 50 this spring and we've already got good deals on a couple hotels (better than AAA). My 50 year old DH has been running 1/2 marathons all year and looks closer to 40. No one guesses we're 8 years apart. We send the magazines right to recycling! Anyway, if you travel, it can be worth it looking into AARP rates. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oasis Posted July 18, 2012 Share Posted July 18, 2012 I can totally understand your frustration! My dh is only in his mid-thirties, but somehow he was put on a mailing list where he receives notices that he should plan his funeral now (to make it easier on his family), notices regarding signing up for medicare, free hearing screenings, and retirement home advertisements! LOL! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jennifer3141 Posted July 18, 2012 Share Posted July 18, 2012 Thanks, but I think I'm going to punt that responsibility to whoever cares after I am gone. My goal is to be tied to a jetski and sent off into the ocean anyway, but I doubt they let me do that... Burial at sea is a close second, but, of course, I'm stuck in in the middle of the country, landlocked. My father wants a Viking funeral. I always thought that was kind of cool. I just want to be cremated. Skip the $20,000 funeral and go to Tahiti and have a blast. And if a burning boat passes by your beach, don't put it out! :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Belacqua Posted July 18, 2012 Share Posted July 18, 2012 Is anybody else getting that catalog selling products for...mature women? I started receiving it in my early 30s, long before I would likely be interested in natural remedies for menopause symptoms, little sticky things to hold my wrinkles back overnight (seriously?), and all manner of products to assist me with my inevitable problems enjoying my morning tea. Get off my lawn! *shakes cane* Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TranquilMind Posted July 18, 2012 Author Share Posted July 18, 2012 My father wants a Viking funeral. I always thought that was kind of cool. I just want to be cremated. Skip the $20,000 funeral and go to Tahiti and have a blast. And if a burning boat passes by your beach, don't put it out! :D Sounds like a good idea to me! Why on earth do we spend so much on funerals? We are frugal to the max, and my Mom's funeral still cost $10,000 and that was almost a decade ago! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TranquilMind Posted July 18, 2012 Author Share Posted July 18, 2012 Is anybody else getting that catalog selling products for...mature women? I started receiving it in my early 30s, long before I would likely be interested in natural remedies for menopause symptoms, little sticky things to hold my wrinkles back overnight (seriously?), and all manner of products to assist me with my inevitable problems enjoying my morning tea. Get off my lawn! *shakes cane* LOL. No, but my Freakbook account (just kidding) is full of ads about menopause! I delete every single ad and deem it "uninteresting". You think Fakebook would have gotten the idea by now and quit spamming me with ads, but no....they just come up with new, stupid ads. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TranquilMind Posted July 18, 2012 Author Share Posted July 18, 2012 I can totally understand your frustration! My dh is only in his mid-thirties, but somehow he was put on a mailing list where he receives notices that he should plan his funeral now (to make it easier on his family), notices regarding signing up for medicare, free hearing screenings, and retirement home advertisements! LOL! That's just ridiculous. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jennifer3141 Posted July 18, 2012 Share Posted July 18, 2012 Is anybody else getting that catalog selling products for...mature women? I started receiving it in my early 30s, long before I would likely be interested in natural remedies for menopause symptoms, little sticky things to hold my wrinkles back overnight (seriously?), and all manner of products to assist me with my inevitable problems enjoying my morning tea. Get off my lawn! *shakes cane* I'm getting entire CATALOGUES for orthopedic shoes. Now I'm 40 and when I can all day long, my feet hurt. But I haven't seen anyone for it. And I'd presume that a cold tile floor and 40 year old feet aren't a great combination. But how do "they" know I can? :lol: And where exactly is this factory where the universe's ugliest shoes are being made???? I feel like there are some Thai children working under slave conditions to make these shoes and their only solace in life is thinking, "Whew! At least I won't ever have to wear shoes that ^$%@^ look like this!" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Impish Posted July 18, 2012 Share Posted July 18, 2012 :auto: You can't outrun my red sportscar! Your day is coming... Bwah hahaha...I've seen how old ppl drive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jennifer3141 Posted July 18, 2012 Share Posted July 18, 2012 (edited) Sounds like a good idea to me! Why on earth do we spend so much on funerals? We are frugal to the max, and my Mom's funeral still cost $10,000 and that was almost a decade ago! I have no idea. It's like we have this fabulously expensive party for someone who is DEAD. It's not like the person in the casket cares. I haven't lost my parents yet but I have lost my only aunt and uncle. It was great seeing my cousins but the expense was insane. My cousins loved it because they got to one up each other with showing how much more they spent on any particular item but I remember kind of giggling because my aunt and uncle would have laughed at it. Especially in this economy, it's really a little bit insane to spend money like that on dead people. Edited July 18, 2012 by Jennifer3141 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TravelingChris Posted July 18, 2012 Share Posted July 18, 2012 This is all just so strange. Now if anyone was supposed to get magazines about orthopedic shoes or any assistive devices, that would be me. No, I still have a number of months till I am 50 but I have had arthritis since my early 20s. I never get things like that. I get travel clothing ads and brochures for cruises we can't afford (and I really mean we can't afford, we do go on cruises where the price is low enough but we don't have $20K to spend on vacations like the one cruise line wants). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PrairieSong Posted July 19, 2012 Share Posted July 19, 2012 I have no idea. It's like we have this fabulously expensive party for someone who is DEAD. It's not like the person in the casket cares. I haven't lost my parents yet but I have lost my only aunt and uncle. It was great seeing my cousins but the expense was insane. My cousins loved it because they got to one up each other with showing how much more they spent on any particular item but I remember kind of giggling because my aunt and uncle would have laughed at it. Especially in this economy, it's really a little bit insane to spend money like that on dead people. When my mom died a few years ago, I was at the funeral home looking at caskets with my dad. The price tags were outrageous and I kept thinking the same thing, "WHY???" It's like they prey upon your emotions at a very vulnerable time. "You want the BEST for your loved one, don't you?" It wasn't asked that way per se, but the message was shouting at us all the same. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Retired Posted July 19, 2012 Share Posted July 19, 2012 My DH just turned 50 this spring and we've already got good deals on a couple hotels (better than AAA). My 50 year old DH has been running 1/2 marathons all year and looks closer to 40. No one guesses we're 8 years apart. We send the magazines right to recycling! Anyway, if you travel, it can be worth it looking into AARP rates. My dh is 49 and does the P90X stuff and he looks years younger. We are no where near a AARP lifestyle :D I'm 7 years younger than him. I get folks telling me I'm younger all the time. We had relatives stay with us a couple months ago that hasn't seen my dh in 10 years. She spend the whole weekend saying she can't believe he is 49 he looks 39. My dh has upped his training to heavier weights and getting more muscle definition since their visit :lol: We have friends that use the AARP discounts so we may do it just for the money savings Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nono Posted July 19, 2012 Share Posted July 19, 2012 *wheeze* these dang campaigns of today! *wheeze* Not like in OUR generation, when they had respect for their elders! *wheeze* *runs like h*ll* I guarantee you you can't outrun me, and I'm an old lady. Watch out whippersnapper! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tmhearn Posted July 19, 2012 Share Posted July 19, 2012 This reminds me of when I went in for my ultrasound in April. It was on my birthday. I was turning 37. They must have told me 15 times that I was "advanced maternal age." Seriously, at 37? Each person I saw, from the receptionist to the doctor, said it again. Thanks, I got it. I'll stop having babies now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TranquilMind Posted July 20, 2012 Author Share Posted July 20, 2012 When my mom died a few years ago, I was at the funeral home looking at caskets with my dad. The price tags were outrageous and I kept thinking the same thing, "WHY???" It's like they prey upon your emotions at a very vulnerable time. "You want the BEST for your loved one, don't you?" It wasn't asked that way per se, but the message was shouting at us all the same. Costco Caskets are the identical items for about 1/3 the price. There are also discount headstones, vaults, and other items. We saved $2200 on my Mom's funeral. She would have been proud of us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TranquilMind Posted July 20, 2012 Author Share Posted July 20, 2012 This reminds me of when I went in for my ultrasound in April. It was on my birthday. I was turning 37. They must have told me 15 times that I was "advanced maternal age." Seriously, at 37? Each person I saw, from the receptionist to the doctor, said it again. Thanks, I got it. I'll stop having babies now. LOL. Oh whatEVER. Jerks. 55? Now THAT would be an "advanced maternal age". I didn't have my first baby until 37, but I avoided these people. My 45 year old midwife had a 7 month old baby herself. She totally got it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.