First "hate" message

Yesterday, I had my first "hate my consultant" message.

A client of mine, wants to buy a pair of transitional lenses. In truth, she already bought them, and the eyeglass store called us to ask us how we were going to make these payments. Because the client visit was already done, and there was no mention of needing glasses, AND the client is so new, I wasn't actually able to approve these transitional lenses.

Well, my client ALL week has been focusing her attention on getting these glasses. I've talked to her case manager and the eye doctor and they've advised she doesn't need the glasses. After further thinking and investigating I advised my client that I would allow up to $200 for a pair of glasses. Her case manager knows of a place where medicare can bulk bill, and she can get a pair for under $200. The issue is, is she wants the fancy pair.

I called her yesterday to let her know that I wouldn't be paying for $400 glasses. She stated that she'd buy them herself. I asked her where she was going to get the money, since all the funds are sent to us. (Lucky for me, I put a stop on his bank accounts that he's not currently using). She stated she was going to go to the bank and do this. I told her I wasn't going to be paying for it. She got all upset and stated "I will just cut myself then." I said "no, that isn't necessary." She then stated "you don't want me to cut myself do you?" And I said "no, I don't want that to happen." And she stated, "you tell my case manager I'm going to cut myself if I don't get these glasses." I let her think a little, and then she ended up hanging up on me.

When I got off the phone with her, I contacted her case manager. I just wanted her to know what was going on, and to get some feedback as to what behavioral steps we can take. She was in agreeance with me about the $200 glasses, and advised her care worker had already set up an appointment this week to see an eye doctor and be fitted for glasses. Whether she'll attend, and purchase the glasses, that's another story. But I told her what she had stated about cutting herself, and using emotional manipulation. There was nothing I could do, or the case manager could do, but I advised that I wouldn't be contacting my client, in regards to this issue. I would be waiting to find out what happens after Tuesday.

As soon as I got off the phone, I checked my email, and there was a message from the contact centre. In the message, it was a "I hate consultant DB, I want a male consultant." I just shrugged my shoulders and said to myself "I must now be initiated."

UK court won't recognize overseas gay weddings

Am I not surprised??? The saga continues doesn't it? I know people must be kind of annoyed that I'm focusing a lot of attention recently on same sex marriage. But it's in the news, it's constantly in the news. It's going to be a constant issue, whether we like it or not. And even if it EVER does get resolved, people still will be unhappy. But I try to tell myself it took quite some time for women to be allowed to vote, and for interracial marriage to become legal, this is just another hurdle to overcome. I just hope I live long enough to see some positive results.

LONDON -- A British court refused to recognize the same-sex marriage of two university professors Monday, ruling that marriage has long been accepted in Britain as a union between a man and a woman.

Sue Wilkinson, 49, and Celia Kitzinger, 52, wed in Vancouver, Canada, in 2003 and had asked London's High Court for legal recognition of the marriage. They argued that their relationship was like that of any other married couple and that, by calling it a civil partnership, Britain had violated their human rights.

Mark Potter, president of the high court's family division, ruled there was a "long-standing definition and acceptance" that marriage refers to a relationship between a man and a woman, primarily intended to raise children.

"To accord a same-sex relationship the title and status of marriage would be to fly in the face of the (European) Convention (on Human Rights) as well as to fail to recognize physical reality," Potter said.

However, Potter said lasting single-sex relationships were "in no way inferior" to relationships between a man and women.

"We are deeply disappointed by the judgment, not just for ourselves but for other gay couples and families," Wilkinson said after walking from the courtroom holding Kitzinger's hand. "It perpetuates discrimination and it sends out the message that lesbian and gay marriages are inferior."

Potter said that he believed people across England and Europe respected the concept of marriage and believed it was an important means of protecting the traditional family unit.
"The belief that this form of relationship is the one which best encourages stability in a well-regulated society is not a disreputable or outmoded notion based upon ideas of exclusivity, marginalization, disapproval or discrimination against homosexuals," Potter said.
Wilkinson and Kitzinger were told by Potter they have the right to challenge the ruling at Britain's Court of Appeal.

But Kitzinger said their life's savings have been exhausted by the court's decision that they must pay the government's $46,590 in legal costs.

"We are hopeful we will be able to appeal but need help to fund the cost, which will likely be the same amount again," Kitzinger told the Associated Press.

"Though we're disappointed, we are sure there will be a day -- within our lifetimes -- when there will be equality for same-sex marriage," she said. "This judgment will not stand the test of time."

The Netherlands, Canada, Belgium and Spain have legalized same-sex marriage, while several other European countries have laws similar to Britain's, in which same-sex couples have the right to form legally binding civil partnerships, entitling them to most of the same tax and pension rights as married couples.

In the United States, only Massachusetts allows same-sex marriage, while Vermont and Connecticut permit civil unions.

Copyright 2006 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.