The Wily Brown Dog

unexpected generosity

Susanne — Mon, 04 Aug 2014 22:13:27 +0000

Yesterday, while browsing at a local antiques market, I was attracted to a pair of vintage art deco earrings. They were large, black and white, and striking. As I stopped to look more closely, the vendor noted that my stature is adequate to “pull those off.”

I agreed and asked the price. I also noted that there was a small stone missing. The vendor stated the price and assured me the stone must have fallen off in transport and would surely be in the bottom of the box from which they had come. But, alas, it was not to be found.

The stone was small and likely not particularly noticeable. Nor easily replaced. As I considered the purchase (the earrings were lovely and I knew I would enjoy them), the vendor surprised me by removing them from the display and gifting them to me.

I was stunned, speechless, but very touched by her generosity. I thanked her and told her she was a blessing in my life this day.

Hopefully, she had a successful event. And I will remember her when I pass along her generous spirit to someone else.

God is Good!

Susanne — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 22:03:51 +0000

That’s it — God is good.

Simple but powerful. I never understand why I entertain doubt, even in the darkness.

I am blessed and humbled.

Today my heart overflows.

insurance at any cost?

Susanne — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 03:00:11 +0000

Today, I’m completing health insurance application forms in order to apply for an offer from a new insurance provider for my company employee health plan. This is part of the decision process to determine what health insurance coverage will be provided to employees next year. Currently, we have a costly policy that may not be appropriate as we grow and costs rise.

So, the application asks all of the typical, vague questions about one’s health. Has anything ever hurt anywhere on your body at any time. When I consider that I’ve been around 60 years and I remember (maybe) health events that occurred three years ago (assuming I remember the timing and it was not ten years ago), body parts have hurt over the years. And, in the context of a routine visit, I may have mentioned to my doctor that things hurt and she may have recorded that in my record, what I remember or certify on my application may be different than what the doctor’s records contain. She may have memorialized things I don’t even remember and where there was not even a diagnosis or additional conversation.

And, of course, if there is any discrepancy which the insurance company wishes to challenge, they will go to my doc’s records. But they refuse to, even with my permission and encouragement, review my doctor’s records before hand. I do not wish to be accountable for things I’m not trained (as is my doctor with years of education and experience). I can give information to the best of my (not insignificant) ability but when the questions are vague and the risk of ‘wrong answers’ carries risk as to insurance coverage after perhaps years of paying premiums, I think it’s unfair that insurance companies do not to acquire the proper documentation, nor are they required to.

Seems like having your cake and eating it, too!

tv goofiness

Susanne — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 02:59:15 +0000

I woke to turn on the news, interested in the first day of measurable snow fall this season. A commercial advertisement for DSW shoes came on. The ad depicted a person (in the form of a boot) knocking on the door of another person (another boot) and complaining (in song) that their gift was crummy and would be returned. AWFUL. That was followed by a Folger’s commercial with a young man presenting a gift to his sister. She removed the bow from the gift, placed it on him, saying “you’re my gift this year.” WONDERFUL.

Then, as the news and weather was being reported, the scroll at the bottom of the screen said that “the snowfall was attributed to a vehicle accident” locally. AARRGGHH!! Clearly, what they meant to say that the vehicle accident was being attributed to the snow or that the snow was being blamed for the accident. Where has our language gone? Why is there no editing or proper proofreading anywhere!

wily

Susanne — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 01:33:51 +0000

This project is designed to validate you and allow you to take ownership of you life and your talents. You are a valuable human being and know stuff.

I have learned some things that may be useful to share with you.

I am of an age where I am considering what I have accomplished and leave to this world in which I’ve laughed and cried, failed and soared, reverted and grown, extinguished and shone for a number of decades – essentially, what is my legacy. What can others learn that does not require them to experience first hand the costly lessons of my life? What foundation can I leave on which others can build?

In a nutshell, I believe I’ve learned that everyone knows stuff and each of us has a significant value, even if it’s not judged on someone else’s scale. And my career of the past twenty years is solid evidence of the value of that professionally.