After 2.5 months there is still a glitch…

I have moved back to the States from Canada just a little over 2 months ago. The Transition back has been not without complications.

To name a few…the BIG one I still do not have a job in a field that I would find challenging.  I have had interviews, offers and huge delays in responses.  I am a social worker by trade, MSW.  I have strong background in actually managing organ donors, hence medical.  This cross training has seemly confused some American Organ Donation Organizations.  Sad to be offered jobs that in my interpretation would be taking advantage of me and denied an opportunity to actually prove myself in a very medically driven discipline. 

I was told by BMW after 8 months of trying to import my BMW F800GS that I will never be able to import my bike.  Little do they know I called Environment Canada and was informed about importation of my motorcycle initially to Canada and about the generic emissions label Canada puts on the bike after it arrives into the country.  In a nutshell, a gentleman who is in charge of imports and emission standards told me my bike meets EPA just lacks the label.  He stated that almost all vehicles coming into Canada meet EPA or exceeds USA standards.  

In any case, after being rejected by numerous importers, brokers, BMW NA etc….I went to JFK armed with information I obtained about my bike and look at the above pic.  Voila I apparently did the impossible according to BMW Canada and USA.  Why why why do corporations make what appears to be a simple process into an intimidation and FRUSTRATING issue? 

The Hazy, Hot and Humid weather is giving my body a run for its money.  I remember this living in NY as a kid and young adult and not being a fan then as well as now.  I will adjust I am sure in time.

Navigating medical insurance invokes sheer confusion.  I am one of the uninsured Americans now not because I wouldn’t be able to cover myself but because I don’t “trust” the policies I am reviewing.  Paperwork, co-pays,deductibles, out-of-pocket expenses,  what is covered, what is not, what doctors and hospitals would be in my network and then the high premiums. 

I have been told it’s Obama’s fault yet doctors blame the lack of government parties working together for the greatness of the USA people. Docs say insurance companies have way too much power and rules to stack the deck in their favor.  Sounds like a Casino to me.  I call the insurance companies down here the biggest legal cartel on earth. 

“Growing up” in Canada hasn’t made me a socialist or communist as some may refer to me.  I have learned to share when it comes to what I believe is not a luxury but necessity for all people.  The right to access healthcare.  Sure you can access some of the best care here but after you are sick or even just trying to take care of yourself you need to watch out for the mail.  That is when you really find out what is covered and what you may owe especially after an in hospital admission or procedure.

I could go on and on about this issue until I am blue in the face.  The answers I hear all the time is this is the way it is you can only hope you get a job that offers you at least three medical insurance options.  Well, no job, no healthcare and I need it.

My diabetes Type II sugars are out of control high, hyperglycemic.  First time in my diabetic life this has been an ongoing issue.  I am a private paying patient now and I will see a specialist August 24th.  See?  You still have to wait here. 

The exchange rate has been depleting any money I made by selling off my house in Canada and my belongings.  Who knew that when I sold in Canada the market was so hot, made decent money but to move back to that states at this time was financial suicide. Dollar has dropped even more since January.  Also, when you move across the borders each country CAN NOT check your credit score.  I had a really strong credit score in Canada.  In the USA, I am lucky to have gotten a cell phone and credit card.  My score here with an absence of 18 years looks really bad.  Thanks to filing my USA tax returns my social security number shows something to even help me with a score to work on.  Something most would never think about when crossing borders despite your citizenship.

Now, it may seem and it sure sounds like all I am doing is complaining.  I can see that.  I have been in control of my decisions and timing.  My choice to move back to be closer to my family and a new special person in my life.  Those 2 things have made coming home worth it.  Reality though has a way of placing a black cloud over me because I need to finish this transition in order for me to feel complete.  Getting that good old American job with benefits.

Solution?  I am reinstating my NY Social Worker license, will hopefully get my Clinical rating LCSW due to my extensive ICU social worker experience in Canada.  13 years worth.  Apply for SW jobs around Suffolk County, and perhaps go back to school for my second Masters in healthcare administration.  My dream to work in organ donation within 3 hours of Long Island to be close enough to my family is diminishing and it appears I need to go back to what else I know.  Social Work.

Diabetes?  Get a full work up and decide the best approach to controlling this mind screwing disease.  Causes of High blood sugars: 

• Skip or forget your insulin or oral glucose-lowering medicine
• Eat too many grams of carbohydrates for the amount of insulin you took, or eat too many carbs in general
• Have an infection
• Are ill
• Are under stress
• Become inactive or exercise less than usual
• Take part in strenuous physical activity, especially when your blood sugar levels are high and insulin levels are low

High blood sugar (hyperglycemia)

If your blood sugar level is too high, you may experience:

• Increased thirst
• Frequent urination
• Fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting
• Shortness of breath
• Stomach pain
• Fruity breath odor
• A very dry mouth
• A rapid heartbeat

I have a few risk factors and symptons.  Never had to worry so much about high sugars, I am usually low at times….this will be addressed. Docs say when you have high sugars you need something to look forward to…well, I do.  This blog has always been about my riding and my life.  I am upgrading to a new BMW R1200GSW.  

Anything to justify a new bike eh? 

I have a passenger now but will also take my solo trips as usual.  I traded my bike and got USD’s for it.  A great trade and BMW is offering a $2080 rebate on this beauty.  You only live once, and even though I left “riches” in Canada for a complete start over and “rags”… riding has always provided my with calmness and therapy.  Extravagant form of therapy?  Yes…but it works and I hope this will calm me down from worries and that final part of my transition circle will be completed soon.  A JOB!

More about the new beast when I get it next week.

I know many people and animals have it worse than me…however, I just want to complete my circle, settle down, be a productive member of NY and worry about normal things…not all the changes that I have been through since Jan 2014.  I miss BC, my friends there, my old life and especially my dogs, RIP Sierra (2015) and Cruizer (2014) and long live Xander.  Life after being dumped has been not without its struggles but I do have a lot to be grateful for and will trudge along.  My life here isn’t bad-it’s me that needs to adjust better.