Wanting solid info from the RMV

September 7, 2011

It’s not like I want to have a handicapped placard.  I would like nothing better than to be healthy enough to not need one.  Since I do need the placard, I use it.  I just wish I knew more about the laws around it.

After a lot of searching, I finally found some info here and here on the MA RMV web site.  After all that searching, the site doesn’t inspire confidence.  For example, it provides information on handicapped plates, but when I tried to get one years ago, I was told they aren’t offered anymore, only placards are offered.  Either I was given wrong information, or the site is very out of date.  Both seem very possible.

Now, try finding info on where you can use it!  #7 in the FAQ seems to be the place, but it’s incredibly vague (and wrong.)  Can I use it in HP Van spaces if I don’t have a van?  It doesn’t mention that.  I can disregard some parking meters but not all – that’s NOT HELPFUL!  Why can the MA Port Authority manage to not exempt placards?  Do others do it too, or is it just them?  Please be specific!  And about all U.S. States recognizing the MA placard, well, maybe that should be more specific too.  Parts of Washington D.C. didn’t, the last time I was there.  I also stumbled upon a city in Connecticut this summer that didn’t recognize them.  Why is this?  And why doesn’t the web site mention it?  And according to the FAQ some parking rules must be followed but not others.  What if there’s a 2 hour parking limit?  Do I need to obey that?  If so, doesn’t that run counter-intuitive to the exempt meter rule?  If not, then say so!

I know many people who have had the same frustrations.  When I call to ask questions, I can’t seem to get someone on the phone who knows what they’re talking about.

These placards are provided by the state RMV.  Many rules apply to them.  Would it be so horrible to let us know what those rules are?

 

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Leave a Comment » | Educating, Expectations, Frustration, Limitations, Pain, Parking, Politics, Rants, Unpredictable | Permalink
Posted by chronicrants

Bodies going bezerk

September 6, 2011

Any day can be unpredictable when you’re dealing with an autoimmune disease, but some are worse than others.  My guess is that today’s problems are worse because of my meds, but it could be the conditions themselves, or the weather, or just randomness.  Who knows?  I sure don’t!

A dog accidentally scratched me the other day while we were played.  It left a mark, but didn’t break the skin or anything.  The next day, there was a small bruise.  Today there are 5 bruises, some large, and they’re blue and sensitive to touch!

Sunday night I got what I thought were 3 mosquito bites.  The next day there were at least twice as many.  Today there are even more!  Maybe they aren’t mosquito bites after all?  Maybe my body is telling me something?

And then last night pain set in, along with some swelling.  Great.  It hasn’t gone away yet.

I was doing ok a few days ago, and now my body is going haywire.  I don’t know what caused it.  I don’t know when it will go away.  In the meantime, I’m treating myself to a night of tv and unproductive web surfing.  Productivity can wait until I’m feeling better.  Tonight is about relaxing.

Leave a Comment » | Expectations, Frustration, Isolation, Limitations, Medication, Pain, Rants, Symptoms, Unpredictable | Permalink
Posted by chronicrants

The dreaded look of genuine concern

September 3, 2011

I have found that there are three types of concerned looks.

First, there is the look of fake concern.  I’m sure you know what I’m talking about.  Someone doesn’t really care, but they try to look concerned because they know that’s the socially acceptable response.  I ignore those.

Next, there is the look of detached concern.  This is the one where someone really does feel bad for what I’m going through, and they want to sympathize, but they’re not close to me, so their concern is more general.  This is the concern you would feel for a stranger when you hear about something terrible they are dealing with.  The concern is real, but it’s not personal.

Finally, there’s the look of pure, honest concern.  This comes from a loved one who really cares.  Their concern is genuine.

It’s this last one that’s haunting me right now.  A friend recently asked me about my latest treatment.  I answered her with the truth, something I don’t tell many people.  She asked about other options if it doesn’t work.  Again, I told her the truth.  Now I can’t get the look on her face out of my head.  She was really concerned about me.  I wanted to reassure her that everything would be fine, but of course, I don’t know if it will be.  I love that she cares.  But that look just makes me feel bad.  I hate that I’m making people worry.  Of course, I’m not the one making them worry, it’s the illness that makes them worry.  It just doesn’t always feel that way.

She is one of my oldest friends.  We’ve known each other for 22 years.  (Wow, I guess I’m older than I thought.)  We did our elementary school science fair project together.  We’ve seen each other through divorce and dating and children and many jobs.  Of course we care about each other.  I just wish I could tell her I’ll be ok.

Leave a Comment » | Expectations, Isolation, Kindness, Pain, Rants, Raves, Support, Thoughtfulness | Permalink
Posted by chronicrants

How to talk about not working full time

August 25, 2011

Following up on yesterday’s post, I have to say, I’m very grateful to have the choice of working full time right now.  I may feel lousy, but at least I currently have the option of doing it.  I know many people don’t have that option.

When I think about what how nice it would be to not work, I wonder how that would be in social situations.  After all, when I meet someone new, so often the first thing they ask is, “What do you do?”  The last time I didn’t work was when I was unemployed.  Being “unemployed” implies that I will one day be “employed” again.  It’s temporary, so it’s socially acceptable.  Plus it was a recession, so that made it even more socially acceptable.

But what happens when it’s permanent or long-term unemployment?  I’ve wondered how I would answer that question.  Today I came across this amazing guide.  It gives some great dos and don’ts, along with fantastic sample answers to questions.

I have an easy answer to that “What do you do?” question now, but one day I probably won’t.  It’s good to have resources to help deal with that when it happens.

Leave a Comment » | Educating, Expectations, Frustration, Insensitive, Isolation, Job, Limitations, Raves, Symptoms, Unpredictable | Permalink
Posted by chronicrants

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