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Last week I found myself at a walk-in clinic. While I was partly too lazy to trek across the Cambie Street Bridge to my actual doctor’s office, I find the medical staff at the Stein Medical Clinic [website] to be thoroughly professional and less of a headache to deal with.

I had a minor health glitch, one that had me diagnosed and out the door, prescription clutched in hand, in under 10 minutes. At one point during my time at the clinic, I do remember flashing my BC Care Card, but my debit and credit cards stayed firmly tucked in my wallet. From there, I walked to Urban Fare’s pharmacy, handed over my prescription and paid for it only five minutes later with, quite literally, pocket change.

To most Canadians, this is completely normal; to most Americans, this is a luxury.

To many of them, it’s a choice between visiting the doctor or paying this month’s rent. Canada, it seems, isn’t that far behind.

Photo: Brittany G on Flickr

Garnering both flack and praise, Michael Moore’s 2007 documentary “Sicko” turned the spotlight on the some 50 million Americans who are uninsured or are covered with such measly insurance that they’re victims of the system all the same. The problem at large in the United States is that health care is completely privatized, and in his film, Moore targeted his suspicions of the conglomerate insurance companies that were denying treatment to policy holders in order to pinch pennies…billions and billions of pennies.

Here in Canada, various levels of our Government foot the bills for approximately 70% of healthcare costs and the system is “designed to ensure that all residents have reasonable access to medically necessary hospital and physician services.” [source] A huge number of our citizens also receive further and more comprehensive coverage through their respective employers.

In a time where the almighty dollar is king (and making more of it is the name of the game), I have to stop and wonder how much longer we have until Canada goes the way of our southern sister. If and when that day comes, I’m packing my bags and moving to France. Who’s with me?

(Click here to view the trailer for “Sicko.”)

Alas, I have returned from the land of endlessly greasy food and fantastic bargains. I have to preface this by saying that “eating well” is next to impossible when I venture to the U.S. The food I consumed today is as follows:

1 Starbucks Grande Americano
3 IHOP classic pancakes (with butter and syrup)
1 Auntie Anne’s pretzel
1 bottle of water
1 Hot Dog On A Stick corndog
2 McDonald’s cheeseburgers
1 medium McDonald’s fries (only half eaten)
1 medium Pibb

I’m now working on glass of wine #1 for the evening.

Since the King always insists that I blog my adventures through photos, “here’s a little story I’ve got to tell about one bad blogger you know so well…” (7 high fives for whoever can tell me what song that comes from)

Today I had my Nordstrom Rack cherry popped, and it’s a good thing too. I found Christmas presents there for both my brother and his girlfriend. If you’re curious as to what Nordstrom Rack is, think of it as Winner’s plus better. Plus they carry Coach.

My favourite bargoon of the day? Finally, fantastically…my new UGGs.

They’re heaven for my feet.

Stop staring.

My experiences in the States are always pleasant ones. They certainly seem to know a thing or two about customer service. Our IHOP waitress was a doll and the older man at Starbucks went out of his way to get Susan some real lemon for her ice tea.

And here’s a tip: New Order and Kanye West make for excellent road trip music. The Pixes do too, but avoid them when waiting in border line-ups. You’ll thank me for it later.

Today, I did a whole lot of nothing. I didn’t think I’d have anything to write about, and as I type this, I still really don’t. But you’re here and I’m here and you’re already reading anyways, so let’s go with the flow, shall we?

It’s been raining in Vancouver all day. I stayed in bed until 11:00 a.m. and awoke only to do nothing. That, and listen to new wave music while eating last night’s pizza.

I ventured to Shopper’s Drug Mart, and I swear I could spend a fortune there every single day if I had the means to. I also bought my dinner for tonight. This is what it looked like before I cooked it:

And here’s the after:

The roll magically appeared. If you’re curious, I tosssed the vegetables with organic olive oil and sea salt and roasted them in the oven to maintain their nutrient value. Why the plate full of veggies?

Thursday dinner: Tandoori chicken pizza
Friday lunch: Tandoori chicken pizza
Friday dinner: Hawaiian pizza
Saturday lunch: Hawaiian pizza

Enough said.

You know what I love about rainy days? The aforementioned “doing nothing.” I’m wearing my Roots thermals (which, Jack, were made in Canada, thank you very much…unlike my Roots leg warmers which were made in China so we both win), made some hot apple cider and wrote out some more Christmas cards.

This is my Christmas card writing station:

Soon after I retired to my cozy couch for a little “keeping warm” without the heater on…

You’d be amazed at how much heat those little tealight candles can radiate.

I really want to bake cookies right now but there is no butter to be found in my apartment. Does anyone want to bring me butter?

You know what I’m excited about? This:

My hair is addicted to Tonic. The bottle on the right, which is now empty, was purchased two months ago. Bumble and Bumble had decided to change the formula for their Tonic and made it smell much less like tea tree oil. Problem for me because I adore tea tree oil. The bottle on the left I purchased on Thursday night and guess what? The old formula’s back! Yes!

I’m going to bed pretty soon because my alarm clock will be going off around 4:30. I’m leaving again at 6:00 a.m. to go to the States with Susan. I’m going to join 2005 and get some Uggs. As much as I adore my mukluks, they’ve really worn through and it’s time for some new warm winter boots. Plus they’re ridiculously cheaper at Nordstrom.

Stay tuned for tomorrow night. I will probably post a picture of myself in my new Uggs, some (maybe) new panties and…a scarf? Who knows?

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Since I’m already in the middle of an arguably narcissistic post, I’d like to point out that my birthday is exactly two weeks from tomorrow. I’ve never been much of one for birthdays, but I’ve decided that I want mine this year to be really special. I have already bought a pretty party dress that shows off my legs that, let’s be honest, really don’t quit. I want to feel like a princess and I might even wear a tiara. I don’t want to go out and party. I want to eat a ridiculously good dinner with a whole bunch of fantastic friends. I want to drink some deliciously divine wine. I want to laugh the entire time. I want to eat a huge piece of sinful birthday cake.

You know why? I deserve it.

Dreamy Pink Balloons graciously provided by Pink Sherbert Photography on Flickr

I have been awake for somewhere in the range of 17 hours now. My brain stopped functioning many hours ago. I’m all out of wit n’ sass for you kids. Susan and I headed to the U.S. of A to cash in on our rockin’ Canadian dollar and hoped we’d score some sweet deals at the Alderwood Mall. And score we did.

I grabbed another Angels Secret Embrace push-up bra from Victoria’s Secret because it’s basically the most comfortable and flattering bra I’ve ever owned (and makes the girls look simply smashing!) as well as a handful of new panties. Aside from those staples, also now sittin’ in my apartment is Kanye West’s “Graduation,” a faux-suede tote from Target for $20 (a helluva deal), luscious lotions, a new tank and a couple other things I picked up, one of them being Charley’s Christmas present. However, I can’t show you or tell you because then it won’t be a surprise for anyone else on Christmas morning.

My favourite score of the day? The chocolate brown large suede hobo bag I snagged at Coach. Regular price, $350. My sale price, $110. I’ve been wanting one for far too long and that was simply not a deal I could pass up. Happy birthday to me indeed.

I really and very truly have nothing of consequence to share with you. The well’s been dry these last few days, and researching into Christmas events on Vancouver Island yesterday really exhausted my brain. Today’s post will be in point form and will most likely be nothing but ramble…

- Today is quite obviously Friday, the day I most look forward to each and every week. Since I’m not going home to my mom’s today for cuddles with Charley, I’ll be grabbing a bottle of pinot noir, and slipping into a hot bath before pulling on my leg warmers for a cozy night on the couch with myself.

- Due to the high Canadian dollar and a severe lack of new and cute panties in my girlie drawer, my friend Susan and I are headed to Alderwood Mall in Lynnwood on Sunday for the day. The plan was to go tonight or tomorrow, but that can’t happen for whatever reason. Most girls live for shoe shopping; I live for panty shopping. And believe me, Victoria’s Secret has a ridiculously wicked selection of festive frillies for my bum.

- Don’t act so surprised…I think my tree and decorations will be going up tomorrow while “Snowed In” melts my ears from my stereo speakers. You can be guaranteed that I’ll have some pictures up on my Flickr soon after.

- I’ve realized that since I started wearing glasses last year, and as I get older, I need them more and more. Walking down the street without them is a near impossibility. However, I don’t think that’s such a bad thing.

Does anyone out there have any suggestions about what they’d like to see me write about today? Something…anything.

I’ve had little to no enthusiasm or inclination to blog as of late, but my friend Tony wrote a piece with regards to September 11. Before you moan and groan, it’s anything but typical and probably isn’t at all what you expect it might be.

Take a couple minutes to click here and read what he has to say. It’s eye-opening at the very least.

Update: My friend Matt has also just posted a piece this morning. It is, as always, written in his true form. It’s a spectacular article, so follow this link to read it.