Yeah, I have to do whatever it takes to stay insured.

That's the main reason I go back to the tech industry, even tho' I would like to take a shot at being the freelancing creative one in the household. The idea of not having insurance (or steady income) freaks me out. Enough to where I can't concentrate as effectively on the freelance stuff I do.

But I don't think a doctor friend works for you in the US

My doctor friend is such an asshole, I can't even express it. I think I've shared this story here. He doesn't think health insurance should exist at all, that everyone should pay out of pocket whatever the doctor/hospital charges.

He then went on to opine that people who choose to smoke or do drugs or... (and at that point he trailed off with a pointed look at my not-inconsiderable size) shouldn't be insured because of the choices they made.

I'm not sure I've ever really talked to him since then, nor do I particularly care to.

No, wait -- when I went to the hospital last year with what seemed like chest pains, he was the ER attending doc. So he was, in fact, paid by my insurance. I wonder if he refused the payment, since he's so opposed to insurance?

I just laugh at the idea of retirement. I've got some annuities with the total of a year and a half's income in them, but I'll be working as long as I possibly can.

My doctor friend is such an asshole

That's not a friend, that's a person whose orbit you occasionally cross.

My doctor friend is such an asshole,

Forgive me, but I think, based on your further descriptions of him, he is not a friend.

Yeah, I gotta agree he's no friend of yours, Steph.

Brenda, that's marvellous. I can't watch it right now, because it's making me cry, but it's marvellous.

Probably not. (although he could be the one purist in the world.)

I just made TCG order another scotch so that I can stay on the internet a bit longer. There is only free internet in the bar and lobby at this hotel. They want 20 pounds a day to give you internet in your room! I'm in withdrawal because I don't have an internet enabled phone with me.

That is a good point; I mentally categorize him as "friend" because I've known him for over 20 years.

He's an excellent doctor, and was really great with me when I was at the ER, explaining all manner of medical fiddly stuff. I'd want him as my doctor if I were in a genuine medical crisis.

But as a person, I can't say I have anything in common with him any more other than a shared past.

I hate that! Well, it helped me win an argument with Former Pothead Step-brother, but generally? I hate it.