Monday, December 14, 2009

Christmas Stuff

It's been a busy time since our anniversary trip. We're getting ready to have the kids home, all of them, and the brides parents are coming too...right after we get home from Mexico. Yes, you heard me right Mexico. Several weeks ago the bride needed to see th dentist...which she had neglected to do for some time...she's been busy...anyway their prescription was for $7k worth of dental work. You read right $7000 worth. Our insurance covers some basic stuff and only $1k per year each. I guess if you go every year and keep up then it doesn't hit you like that anyway...I hit the net again...did a lot of research and found out that Mexico via South Texas is a very popular and much less expensive place to have dental work. Who would've thought? Medical tourism I think its called.

Many winter Texans while enjoying the warm winter weather travel over the border to buy medications, have dental work, as well as other stuff at much reduced prices. I also checked with a close friend who lives close enough that he's been going there for the past 3 years and is very happy with the work...and the prices.

So...we're headed south for a few days...and taking our daughter along to get both the gals some much needed tooth fixings...we'll check on our medications to buy...stock up on some antibiotics...watch for some birds...visit the beach at S. Padre island...and be back to host the rest of the family for Christmas.

Yeah...yeah...I know this sounds totally crazy to some of you folks...and if you work for Exxon and your hip resurfacing surgery costs you $75 out of pocket...it is crazy. But for the vast majority of folks...they don't have that kind of insurance...many don't have any insurance...and stuff costs crazy money...and you have to do what you have to do.

By the way....if you're looking for something really cool to do for Christmas...why not check out Kiva.org

What Is Kiva? Overview | The Kiva Story

We Let You Loan to Low Income Entrepreneurs

Kiva's mission is to connect people through lending for the sake of alleviating poverty.

Kiva is the world's first person-to-person micro-lending website, empowering individuals to lend to unique entrepreneurs around the globe.

The people you see on Kiva's site are real individuals. When you browse entrepreneurs' profiles on Kiva, choose someone to lend to, and then make a loan, you are helping a real person make great strides towards economic independence and improve life for themselves, their family, and their community. Throughout the course of the loan (usually 6-12 months), you can receive email journal updates and track repayments. Then, when you get your loan money back, you can relend to someone else.

Kim and I both are lending to help alleviate poverty. You can get started for only $25.

Merry Christmas to all,
de


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