I had the bright idea to fill my weekend of socialization solely with a dog by running in the 10k in Annecy this weekend.
I logged into the online signup, but noticed a small note at the bottom- I need a medical certificate to run. To me, this is surprising, but seems easy enough to rectify. Ask the nurse, the greatest nurse that ever existed, to write me a little note, and off I'll go to running my 6.2 miles. I sent her an email, and by the time the dust settled, I'd found out it wasn't as easy as I'd thought. I needed to sign up for the company running club. The subsidized cost would be 2 euros, and that would defray the 12 euro sign up fee for that race, and any races in the future. I thought this was the most amazing thing I'd ever heard, by the way.
However, the director of the running club (the head R&D guy) wasn't sure if I could sign up because I'm not French. 2 phone calls to the legal department, and I still don't know what was clarified. Either way, I got my hour long appointment with the doctor for the following week.
I did not seriously think a physical would take 1 hour. I've had a physical every year since I was about 13, and not one ever lasted more than 10 minutes. It's always been the standard, "How ya feeling, let's listen to your heart, any pains I should know about" and out the door I would go. Oh, how mistaken I was and unprepared for this.
Immediately upon entering the room, I was instructed to remove my clothes and leave just my underwear on. I was weighed/measured and by the way- love the weight in kg. I feel like half the girl I used to be. Following this, I was instructed to give my full and complete medical history. All family was accounted for. This lasted about 15 minutes as I shifted nervously in my underwear. I was asked for my vaccination record- do they even do that in the US?? I don't ever remember seeing an actual record. I would just always sort of guesstimate the important ones that were legally required.
The Best Part. I had to do 30 (counted out loud) squats in front of the doctor. In my underwear. I was trying so hard not to laugh as my knees cracked and I lost my breath. I think the ultimate irony would have been failing that portion. After the 30, my heart was listened to for 2 minutes. I had to do 20 toe touches. My heart was once again listened to for 2 minutes. I got a break, and then my resting heart rate taken. I got a lecture on diet. I was told not to run in the sun because of the heat dangers. I clarified that I'm not a soda drinker. Basically, every conceivable element of my health was discussed (headaches? stomach aches?)
It's a great thing they do this, and the doctor was surprised that in the US you don't need a health certificate for any race. I think ultimately it's a really good idea, however, I can't imagine the local 5k runners getting one of these every year. Or my mom doing half naked squats in front of the doctor. It's probably one of those things that becomes invaluable when you discover someone with an irregular heart and save their life, but I figured I've escaped death enough on all my past runs/triathlons/tennis etc.
Just every time I think about doing semi naked squats in front of the doctor, I burst out laughing. That's the only thing I'll remember about this experience.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Americans want us to stop yelling at each other
Since I consider politics to be one of my favorite things, I'm "coming out." Every blog I've read has had many, many references to November 4th. Even Perez Hilton has taken his stance. It doesn't seem I can go many places in France without being asked about the election, it doesn't seem as if I can read any news site without seeing the media's take on everything.
I will preface this statement by saying that not once have I ever called someone “stupid” or thought less of them because of their political beliefs. I have never and will never support any group who releases videos like the “Why do I vote Republican (or Democratic)?” satire. To me, it's a disgusting and desperate attempt at belittling false generalizations about a political party.
I understand that people are different and there will never be a time when everyone agrees politically. There is a difference between large and small government in our country and the ways we instate laws will reflect this as long as democracy is being served. However, it’s become increasingly clear that both sides of the arena are transferring swipes with deeply personal attacks. Such as the video mentioned above… really, I didn’t know all Republicans hate minorities, gays, wage war, and play with guns...because I’ve never done any of the above! I know many people who support stem cell research, abortion rights, equal marriage rights regardless of orientation, tighter gun control…. Who also vote Republican. The differences may lie simply in the level of involvement they want the government to have in their life. Or how they think a massive tax increase on the middle class and small business would effect an already hurting economy. I wish I could have the social liberalism coupled with the support of small business, low taxes, and personal responsibility molded into one party. I could get behind that.
Yes, has government spending gotten completely and totally out of control over the past 8 years? Has the level of corruption and partisan BS become crystal clear? Absolutely, without a doubt, and that is being reflected today. However, it’s important to remember that globally, many leading economies are down- take a look at Great Britain, European nations. To say that Americans are the only ones with a struggling economy as proof that Bush's tactics solely and completely failed is unfair. A little digging into economic journals will show this. We have a global market. Energy prices are through the roof because demand has increased. It's not the direct result of 1 country's policies. Dig around a few economic reports and journals to get the full scope of the global economy and how Americans aren't the only ones with housing woes and skyrocketing energy/food prices.
With that said, I’ve never gone ahead and given anyone my unsolicited opinions on politics. I wouldn’t even be posting this, if it weren’t for a really disturbing transgression that happened…it basically can be summarized as a family member who sent an email declaring his opinion that "Any American and/ or feminist with at least 2 brain cells" would see the transparency of selecting Sarah Palin as VP. It continued to compare the "middle class" who vote "red" to beaten dogs who "keep coming back for more."
Ok, I'm sorry, but I don’t think most people like to be compared to beaten dogs. I don’t think many people (especially a female in a male field) would appreciate being called anti-feminist or un-American for having a dissenting view from a family member. It doesn’t even matter what you believe politically, there is no place on either the right or the left for things like this.
I just don't think you can judge people for their political opinions. It's not always as black and white as the idiotic "Why I vote Republican" video. There are a lot of Americans stuck in the middle and have to choose. To me, we will never become a socialist country. We have Constitutional rights against many of the fundamental elements of socialism- we have a "right to bear arms." (Although I still fail to understand how we can't do a better job at enforcing legal gun ownership...) While I love France and can appreciate what they do for their citizens, it's from a far. I'm not entitled to their benefits. I love my country and I want to believe that I can easily start my own business and not be taxed to death. I'll save my opinions on health care for another day. Trust me- I too think that universal sounds great, but what do we do about the 15/40 million uninsured in the country that are there illegally? I think there is a middle ground between private insurance, which is a miserable failure, and universal coverage (which is a misnomer because under Obama's plan it would only cover those under the poverty line).
Ok- I'm done. I'm not trying to change anyones mind. I don't care who you vote for, it's a free country and we are all entitled to our opinions and beliefs about where we want the country to go. Just don't go judging me, because I'm not judging you.
"Americans want us to stop yelling at each other"
PS- I think Hilary/Palin would have been my ideal ticket. Things would be getting DONE in DC.
Anyway, here are some pictures
Stalagmites, Font d'Urle, Les Deux Alpes
I will preface this statement by saying that not once have I ever called someone “stupid” or thought less of them because of their political beliefs. I have never and will never support any group who releases videos like the “Why do I vote Republican (or Democratic)?” satire. To me, it's a disgusting and desperate attempt at belittling false generalizations about a political party.
I understand that people are different and there will never be a time when everyone agrees politically. There is a difference between large and small government in our country and the ways we instate laws will reflect this as long as democracy is being served. However, it’s become increasingly clear that both sides of the arena are transferring swipes with deeply personal attacks. Such as the video mentioned above… really, I didn’t know all Republicans hate minorities, gays, wage war, and play with guns...because I’ve never done any of the above! I know many people who support stem cell research, abortion rights, equal marriage rights regardless of orientation, tighter gun control…. Who also vote Republican. The differences may lie simply in the level of involvement they want the government to have in their life. Or how they think a massive tax increase on the middle class and small business would effect an already hurting economy. I wish I could have the social liberalism coupled with the support of small business, low taxes, and personal responsibility molded into one party. I could get behind that.
Yes, has government spending gotten completely and totally out of control over the past 8 years? Has the level of corruption and partisan BS become crystal clear? Absolutely, without a doubt, and that is being reflected today. However, it’s important to remember that globally, many leading economies are down- take a look at Great Britain, European nations. To say that Americans are the only ones with a struggling economy as proof that Bush's tactics solely and completely failed is unfair. A little digging into economic journals will show this. We have a global market. Energy prices are through the roof because demand has increased. It's not the direct result of 1 country's policies. Dig around a few economic reports and journals to get the full scope of the global economy and how Americans aren't the only ones with housing woes and skyrocketing energy/food prices.
With that said, I’ve never gone ahead and given anyone my unsolicited opinions on politics. I wouldn’t even be posting this, if it weren’t for a really disturbing transgression that happened…it basically can be summarized as a family member who sent an email declaring his opinion that "Any American and/ or feminist with at least 2 brain cells" would see the transparency of selecting Sarah Palin as VP. It continued to compare the "middle class" who vote "red" to beaten dogs who "keep coming back for more."
Ok, I'm sorry, but I don’t think most people like to be compared to beaten dogs. I don’t think many people (especially a female in a male field) would appreciate being called anti-feminist or un-American for having a dissenting view from a family member. It doesn’t even matter what you believe politically, there is no place on either the right or the left for things like this.
I just don't think you can judge people for their political opinions. It's not always as black and white as the idiotic "Why I vote Republican" video. There are a lot of Americans stuck in the middle and have to choose. To me, we will never become a socialist country. We have Constitutional rights against many of the fundamental elements of socialism- we have a "right to bear arms." (Although I still fail to understand how we can't do a better job at enforcing legal gun ownership...) While I love France and can appreciate what they do for their citizens, it's from a far. I'm not entitled to their benefits. I love my country and I want to believe that I can easily start my own business and not be taxed to death. I'll save my opinions on health care for another day. Trust me- I too think that universal sounds great, but what do we do about the 15/40 million uninsured in the country that are there illegally? I think there is a middle ground between private insurance, which is a miserable failure, and universal coverage (which is a misnomer because under Obama's plan it would only cover those under the poverty line).
Ok- I'm done. I'm not trying to change anyones mind. I don't care who you vote for, it's a free country and we are all entitled to our opinions and beliefs about where we want the country to go. Just don't go judging me, because I'm not judging you.
"Americans want us to stop yelling at each other"
PS- I think Hilary/Palin would have been my ideal ticket. Things would be getting DONE in DC.
Anyway, here are some pictures
Stalagmites, Font d'Urle, Les Deux Alpes
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