J. gale

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Two weeks from this very second... I should be coming out of surgery.  Yeah... its finally coming... All the hoops (really rings of fire) that I have had to go through are now behind me (hopefully) and its time to get on with the rest of my life.

I have told my family of the date and hope to avoid any major conflict by asking most family to stay away until after the surgery... Fortunately, the Hospital has said to limit the family present during the surgery to one or two...

I did have a little scare early last week when I put in for my time off... I was informed that I would have to request FMLA leave which requires 30 day notice for "elective" surgery... elective--- okay...that's another topic for another blog.  But I digress... thanks to the folks in HR...they were able to get the time approved quicker than what is mandated...

Now boys and girls for today's lesson... When I asked for my sick leave of 12 days... I was advised that it triggered FMLA leave... The common knowledge around here is that FMLA would apply after paid leave runs out...turns out there is a clause in the legislation that allows employers to require employees exhaust sick/vacation/personal days off concurrently with FMLA... Its fine with me...but they sell it as a protection/benefit to the employee... I say that if it were truly for the employees benefit only... then the time wouldn't start until all other time exhausted...that way job protection is afforded for a longer period of time... Anyway... they are correct on the application and there is no need for me to argue...but don't sell me a go cart and tell me its a Porshe...

After several games of chicken with the insurance company... I unexpectedly gained approval earlier this week.  I had already resigned to complete another 6 month diet but it looks like everything is now moving forward. I have my first appointment with Dr. Farrell tomorrow and will likely announce to my family (save/except my wife of course who already knows) that I will be having the procedure.

Move over and make room for me on the losers bench..

Cheers.