My class tonight was cancelled at the last minute, and I cheered like I won the lottery. Seriously--I danced around my apartment home and experienced tears of joy.

Have you caught the story of Debbie Shank and the evil Wal-Mart? Such a sad story. This Wal-Mart employee was injured in a car accident which has left her disabled--severe TBI, her husband is recovering from prostate cancer and a few weeks ago, their 18 year old son was killed in the war (or whatever the government is calling it). Job never had it so hard. And the kicker is, Wal-Mart has successfully sued the Shanks for the medical costs it paid out. There was a clause in the health care contract that wal-mart can seek repayment of medical expenses if there is a lawsuit/settlement. The Shanks did have a settlement from the trucking company that hit their car, but the money is quickly running out as Ms. Shank is in assisted living in a private room. I have a lot of personal feelings about why this is wrong--big company doesn't need the money etc.. but I also think that clause is just not logical. If you win a settlement, the numbers are based on something---loss of future earnings, cost of health care etc. so why would a company seek repayment just because there was a settlement? A settlement does not mean there will be tons of money--outrageous settlements are not the norm.

Wal-Mart won their case and won the appeal. The story mentioned the Shanks were appealing to the Supreme Court. I don't know much about insurance law, but it seems strange to be able to contract out of paying benefits just because someone won a settlement. Again, I go back to my reasons above--and I keep getting confused as to whether or not you are allowed to sue for medical expenses you didn't actually have to pay. So if I went to the doctor and the bill was 100, but I only paid a 20 c0-pay, can I sue for 100, or must I sue for 20? I think I am only allowed to sue for 20. If this is the case, and employers are allowed to recoup for medical expenses, perhaps plaintiffs should be allowed to sue for actual medical costs and not the out of pocket amount. If anyone knows the answer to this, tell me because I will forget to look it up.

I fought the urge to go buy tons of Easter candy at half off today. Sugar is bad. I finally watched Super Size Me yesterday, and I am trying to eat better. Not because of that, but because I am trying to eat better. I also finally watched Madama Butterfly--as performed by the NY Opera. There is one decent aria-and you all know it, but I did enjoy the story. The first opera I ever saw was also by Puccini-it was Tosca, and I hated it. Not a big opera fan.

It sucks always being sleepy because I never get things done. I have been telling myself that if I were a famous actress, I would be busy day and night, so I should stop complaining and get my work done. It doesn't work because if I were a famous actress, I would be getting paid with a capital P. It's kind of hard to get my butt in gear for no money. I wish I were eating candy right now.