Thursday, October 9, 2008

I need more hours in a day....

Do you ever get that nagging feeling that there are just soooo many things that need to be done that you just want to throw your hands in the air and scream, "I GIVE UP!" ???? **WARNING--The post you are about to read may sound a bit whiny... It seems that I finish up with preschool and off Mark and I go to try and accomplish another requirement on the list of things to do. He received a list of immunizations that are required before he can get his visa. Unfortunately, the doctors office does not carry several of them. They directed us to the International Travel Health Department. It is clear across town, you need an appointment, and NO, they do not accept insurance. In my opinion, they are gouging people like nobodies business. The cost of the immunizations are SOOOO expensive. We had to get one shot there--yellow fever. $85. We also had to pick up a hard copy prescription for his typhoid immunization. We had to cough up $35 before they would hand it to me. We still need to get it filled, but they "warned" me that it would still be about $70 more at the pharmacy. His malaria medication is still in question, so we may have to go back. There is some speculation that he will receive that once he gets there. I am not sure if I want to take that chance! :) (I felt very bad for an older couple who was taking a 2 week vacation to Panama. Their total immunization cost--$514!!! The poor old man thought that the lady meant 5 dollars and 14 cents. He pulls out a $20 and asks her sweetly, "do you have change for this?" She just laughed at him...I wanted to pull her hair. ) The lady that helped us was very nice, however. She gave us all this reading material..... After reading it, however, I couldn't help but wish that Mark could change his mission location! Shhh...don't tell him I said that! :) Yesterday, we left again right after preschool to head on over to the doctor's office to get some more shots. 2 hours later, we left, not having ANY shots because of a confusion in his records. (Several years ago, my purse was stolen, and wouldn't you know it, ALL of my children's shot records were in it. BUMMER.) So, off we go to the high school that Mark and Makenzie graduated from in hopes that they had an official record of their immunizations. Thankfully, they did and the secretary was even so kind as to fax it all over to the doctor. I wanted to go back to the doctor's office and ask if they would give me my co-pay back, but I knew I would be wasting my time. Another appointment has been made for the 2 shots that the doctor has determined Mark needs---which will require another co-pay---but at least that's cheaper than the Health Department! Mark was able to get his release from the police department today. He has to have a letter stating that he has no criminal record or warrants out for his arrest. Wouldn't you know that that costs money to. We still have to get; Notarized copies of his graduation diploma, seminary graduation certificate, priesthood ordination certificate. 2 pair of good walking shoes. 2 pair of pajamas. 3 pair of pants. 3 more short sleeve white shirts. A v-neck dark, solid color sweater. A rain coat. 4 cans of mosquito spray. A mosquito net. A shoe shine kit...? A first aid kit any medication he will need while there. All of this, in addition to everything we have already purchased, needs to fit into 2 suitcases that can only weigh up to 44lbs each. Today Mark will be leaving for a trip to Phoenix with his friend. (his friend just got his mission call to Chili) They will be home tomorrow night. So, I think I will spend the day sewing. I was also invited by my dear friend Cori to go to a craft fair this afternoon. My other sweet friend, Joann (yep-we will never forget each other's name!) will be coming to......And, I AM GOING--even if I don't have any money to spend! :):):) I need to mention TWO fun give aways. One is over at Tammy's blog and the other is at Erin's blog. Go check them out and be sure to enter!

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Holy smokes!
So you're telling me I should start saving now...
What day is he leaving?

QuiltedSimple said...

Yikes - isn't it amazing how they make you jump through all those hoops. Good luck getting it all together!
Kris

Amanda said...

I remember all the cafuffle I had to go through when I was going to do VSO (Voluntary Service Overseas) in Jamaica many, many years ago. It sounds as if you're entitled to have a little moan. We moan about the NHS but we're so lucky to have it.

Julie said...

Wow!! I had no idea that an international mission required so much. It is for sure a blessing that he has chosen to go though. I was talking to my SIL a couple of weeks ago, and her youngest son has decided not to go. She is heart-broken. We hope he will change his mind, but right now that possibility seems pretty slim. Sending blessings and money falling from trees your way---LOL!! Have a great weekend and thanks again for your kind words and deeds this week. Julie

Kris said...

It was one of the busiest times of my life when we sent our daughter on her mission. Of course she needed a visa and had to have an interview at the consulate. Some 800 odd kilometers away in another state!

Something Nice and Pretty said...

You seem to have alot on your plate Jo-Ann...your so seems to want to go so much, it will be worth it:)
Rondell

Linda - Behind My Red Door said...

WOW - so much work and so many expenses! I can't believe the cost of all those immunizations. I hope the rest of your list is more easily accomplished and that you have fun with your friends. Hugs, Linda

Lindi said...

Jo-Anne,

I love your blogs! You are the best! Yea, I remember having to pay a bunch of money for shots when I was called to Ecuador. Just pretend you are rich :), heheheh. I miss you!

Lindi

Gayle said...

Jo-Anne - You've had to do SO much more to get Mark ready for his mission, than we had with Paige. I just realized that I don't even know if his will be English speaking? Hope you can get everything done and that things will go smoothly for you.

Thimbleanna said...

Wow! What a job! That's pretty weird about the price of shots -- I used to take my kids to the health dept. for shots 'cause it was cheaper than the Dr. office. Hopefully things will get easier from here forward!

Andrea said...

WOW! What a list! I really don't remember the process much when I was getting ready to go to Korea. Although I do remember a lot of shots. All the chasing around has left my memory, but I'm sure my mom would remember it all. Hang in there JoAnne. Even when it is most difficult I often find myself singing the words of 'Count Your Many Blessings' over and over in my head. Sending prayers your way.