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Well hello March! I think of March as a transitional month. It is the month of spring after all, although it may or may not feel like spring. I’m sitting down with Deborah, Coco and you for a little catch up over some March Coffee.
March Coffee
Over coffee I’d ask you if you’re up to date on all of your annual health appointments. While I have an annual physical and an eye dr. appt. on the calendar, I’m a little hesitant to schedule my annual mammogram as the one from last year is still in insurance limbo. How can a normal, routine annual mammogram not be covered by my health insurance? I’m wondering too. Apparently the insurance company asked for additional information from the dr. and never received it so the claim was denied. I’ve literally spent an entire year chasing this down and trying to get it figured out. Still not there. Color me frustrated.
Over coffee I’d ask you if it still feels like winter where you are. We are up and down here in the Chicago area and I have to say I am super grateful for my Fleece Ponytail Hat and Convertible Mittens from Trailheads. They’re both so warm and cozy and the designers thought of everything when they made these. The mitten tops flip up to reveal half-finger gloves so I never have to pull my gloves on and off when taking pictures, handling my phone, walking the dog or anything. The hat is made of fleece and has fabric that folds down over the years and around the neck for warmth. You can fold it back up if you don’t need it.
Over coffee I’d tell you I love burning candles in these colder months. I’d gotten frustrated with the lighters always pooping out way too soon. Then I found this one on Amazon. It’s rechargeable and so much better! Am I the last one to discover these?
And finally over coffee I’d tell you February was supposed to be a no spending (on non-essentials) month, or “NoSpenduary”. I made it 10 days before all hell broke loose. It was such a fail I’m not even sure I want to try again in March. Ha!
What would you tell me over coffee? Are you still wearing winter gear? Ever do a no-spend month?
I’m also linking up with Darlene, Michelle, Renee, Jenn and Zenaida, for Fit Five Friday.
No spending month? Too late for that.
Our dentist will no longer use our insurance. Can’t decide what to do since I love him.
I remember when we found out Tokyo 2020 was cancelled.
Well, with 5-8 inches n the forecast overnight . . February came in like a lamb and definitely went out like a lion!
I only wear convertible gloves. I actually have a trailheads pair too, but they tend to be too warm — believe it or not! Good for polar vortex days, so I have worn them shoveling this year. I have worn them running (although not this year) but it’s got to be really cold for them!
The whole medical system (among others) is just SO broken. I have my mammogram and dentist appointment to go, but we’re on the hunt for a new dentist. I really hope you get that insurance straightened out!
I have my annual physical today and my mammogram in a few weeks. It is super annoying when those claims get messed up and you have to chase them down. I like the trailheads gloves too. I have managed to run with only my light gloves this season as we never really got cold enough. In fact, I never got a chance to wear some of my winter running jackets at all! Weird season!
Those screening mammograms are supposed to be covered by insurance. Which reminds me, I am due for mine!
The weather has been so weird. In fact, I’m a little worried about my upcoming trail race in April since I can’t get any quality runs on the trails–the mud or ice (it depends on the day) has really made it difficult.
Oh, those gloves are intriguing. I really love my SmartWool mitten gloves, but they have regular gloves.
Ugh on the insurance issues. Sadly my son has gotten really good at fighting to get claims paid. He and his wife see a lot of specialists for various things.
I remember your Tokyo experience:-) The medal & the mug are wonderful keepsakes. I have a pair of Turtle Gloves, which are very similar to the ones you have. My bad, I never think of wearing them…this current season would be perfect for them (#FacePalm).
Well, since you asked, I just had my annual physical and eye exam this week! Next up is the dermatologist (just for a routine screening) and then I have a bone density scan coming up (gulp.) There’s always something. That is VERY frustrating about your mammogram insurance- it’s definitely supposed to be covered.
It’s funny you’re talking about winter gear and I’m ordering ice hats. How can we even be living in the same country???
Hmmm, I’ve never heard of the rechargable lighter either. Very cool!
Those mittens look great and so handy for taking pictures. When the temperature drops below about 45° I need to double up with gloves and mittens, though. 🙁
I love my electric lighter. I light candles so much more now that I have that cool tool. I also have head warmer that has a ponytail hole in it but mine is very thin. I need to get a fleece one. Unrelated, but recently I just got a nice summer beach hat that has a ponytail opening in it. Looking forward to using that when it gets nice out.
It’s insane that you’re still chasing that claim – so frustrating!
I’m all for the convertible gloves – I’ve been in an out of winter gear because Mother Nature refuses to pick a lane. This really has been the oddest winter. I’m so ready for spring…at least the days are starting to get longer!
After all the bills from Mr. PugRunner’s hopsital stay and health crisis, we have cut back on our spending. Boo.
I am not all up to date on my appointments, but I have them mostly scheduled. Also boo.
I’m not very good with routine check-ups, but I did have my skin screened this week. Our health insurance doesn’t cover small routine stuff so I paid for this myself (it was only USD 60.-).
I track our spending and I’d say that we’re quite good with discretionary spending. Last year, I spend USD 276 on clothes.
That is so frustrating about the insurance claim. Many times I saw that our insurance sucks. I recently switched to HMO and haven’t had too much of a hassle with medical but dental is another story. I love those kinds of hats too! Perfect for Winter when I have a ponytail.
Here in NL we only get screened every 3 years after you turn 50. It’s a government supported program though so we would never have insurance involved or have to pay. On the other hand, it’s a real mystery to me why it’s not preventive from like the age of 30 even. Social healthcare is great but not perfect. The colonoscopy starts at 55 so Ron was called up to do the selftest (I know, probably TMI) and then if that sample is questionable they call you in for the more invasive test. Luckily he didn’t have to do that. I don’t even look forward to doing the selftest LOL. I do need to go in for my eyes and got the pricing for glasses last week. It’s ridiculously expensive because of my prescription and insurance only pays EUR 70 every two years. Again, not a perfect system.
It is still winter here on most days – I could really use that hat AND gloves! but hopefully SOON these low temps will be gone!
The weather is all over the place in Philly, I wish we could just stick to one season right now!
I recently looked up one of those types of lighters, pretty cool! I had no idea it was a thing!
And that stinks about the insurance. I almost had some issues with getting my glasses prescription since it needed to be fixed and insurance had already paid the claim. Thankfully they seem to be reconciling and maybe I’ll have my new glasses soon!