When motrin gives you a headache?

I noticed with amusement a statement I received after a trip to the emergency room with my son at All Children's Hospital. This is the statement one gets before it goes to the insurance company, which will then adjust the rates and pay the bill. The total bill was ridiculous, of course, but the $19 charge for one dose of children's Motrin really astounded me. We all know hospitals do these things, but it is something else to see it on paper in black and white. Charging $19 dollars for one dose, when one can buy a whole bottle of the stuff for $5-$8, depending where you buy it from, and if it is on sale or not.

Of course, administrators would have you believe that these high prices are caused by uninsured patients who don't pay, but it is easy to imagine why people are unable to pay when they charge unrealistic prices like this. Unfortunately, I couldn't find a recent article of hospital administrators salaries, but this 2008 article from the St Petersburg Times on hospital administrators salaries highlights why patients are paying $19 for a single dose of Motrin. As one can see, some of the salaries approach or exceed one million dollars. Certainly, this is something to think about.

Taco Bus - St Petersburg, FL

I was happy when I heard that I wouldn't need to make the drive over the bridge to get Taco Bus food. Now, Taco Bus fans can get their fix in the Grand Central neighborhood of St Pete. It did take us awhile before we actually were able to make our order at the new Taco Bus because every time we drove by for weeks, the line was so long that we decided not to stop. However, at long last, we drove by and saw only three people in line and knew our time had come. We knew what we wanted, so ordering was easy. We opted for the meal deal that gives you a choice of two tacos or one burrito and rice and beans. We love the Barbacoa, or stewed beef, so that is what we all went for. Along with that we got some beer and soda for our drinks and grabbed a table while waiting for our food. After a reasonable wait, our food arrived and we found we had the same good food we enjoyed at the Tampa Taco Bus. Definitely happy to have Taco Bus in the neighborhood!

Taco Bus

2324 Central Avenue

St Petersburg, FL 33712

727-322-5000

Unexpected Journeys.........

I recently found out that life sometimes takes one on unexpected journeys. I took a break from my blog. On January 1, 2011(yes, exactly on the first day of the year), I began to experience a strange set of symptoms. I was dizzy, had trouble swallowing, tingling in my hands and feet, facial numbness, etc.. I went from being able to run 3 miles to having a hard time walking even one block, and this all happened literally overnight. Sitting at the computer and typing was painful. I was hospitalized for a few days, but no cause was found for my illness. This was a very troubling time and I lost 25 pounds during this time period, without much help from my primary care physician during almost two months of suffering with no answers. Office visits consisted of hour waits in the waiting room and two minutes to see the doctor, thank you very much. Finally, it like a wise idea that I switch my primary care physician.

So, my husband suggested I try his primary care physician, who he has seen for a number of years. Wow, what a world of difference a dedicated and caring physician makes. My new physician very methodically spent time questioning me about my symptoms and got the ball rolling on ordering a number of tests and he sent me to see a neurologist. The neurologist was almost sure of my condition from walking in the door, but he ordered a number of blood tests and an MRI to rule out other conditions. Within two weeks of undergoing a number of tests, I had my answer and I was diagnosed with Cervical Dystonia. This is a neurological movement disorder that causes painful contractions of the muscles of the neck and this is a condition that is incurable, but can be treated for relief of symptoms. In my case, my neck muscles are so spastic that the cervical area of my spine is straight, rather than with a natural curve. Everyone experience dystonia differently, but this was the cause of my very strange symptoms.

At this point, with treatment, I have relief of about 50% of my symptoms, and I hope to have further relief in the future. I am able to get out more and enjoy life once again. And, I am able to start writing my blog again, yay! I will continue to write about restaurants, but I want to start exploring other topics and writing about other things, too.

As I final note, I had never heard of dystonia before I was affected by it, so for those of you who have never heard of this condition and want to learn more about it, you can learn about it at these sites:

http://www.dystonia-foundation.org/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dystonia

Taking a break from Scallywag Journeys....

Hi Everyone,

Well, 2011 has not seen a lot of activity on my blog. As you know who are regular readers of my blog, in January I posted about getting sick. By then, I thought a short time would see me well enough to soon continue writing my blog and contributing to the food connoisseur. Unfortunately, this was not to be the case, and I am still having medical problems. After long and hard thought, I decided I need to pay attention and take care of my health first. I see there are some very fine blogs out there, that can provide information about local restaurants. Hopefully, my future will see a healthier me and I can start back again. I wish everyone a nice and happy food experience in the Tampa Bay area.

Love to all,

Kelly

Biff Burger - Kenneth City (St Petersburg), FL

I love Biff Burger for more than one reason. First, it brings to mind a fast food joint in existence in the 70's, back when I was a young girl living in Minnesota. It was a Quik Stop restaurant and I have fond memories of going there with my family and when I go to Biff's, it brings back those memories. And of course, I love Biff Burger for their great burgers and lowwww prices, wow! Also, Biff shares space with its partner restaurant Buffy's BBQ, where you can order from, also.

On the day we dined there, we all had burgers. There are a number of ways you can have your burger, with a regular bun, or a larger, sesame seed bun, and with different toppings. However, you get them, they are juicy and delicious, and not for someone on a diet. If you want fries, order according to the size of your party to share. We found the fries to be nice and crispy and very good. The whole meal was pure bliss. When your done eating, your server will give you your check to take to the window, then off you go after finishing a great meal!

Biff Burger
3939 49th Street North
St Petersburg, FL 33709
727-527-5297

Royal Brownie Company - Downtown St Petersburg, FL

I did not even know this new, little spot was in existence until walking down Central Avenue, we beheld a sign pointing us towards the Royal Brownie Co. located on 6th Street. This is a very tiny shop, but everything you need is located right in the display case as you walk in the door. The Hershey chocolate candle on the table also helped to contribute, by wafting its delicious chocolate aroma over us as we looked at the brownies. As we needed to continue our walk, and didn't want to be overburdened with chocolatey goodness, we got one of the candy sprinkle brownies to share. Yummy, it was the perfect treat for our afternoon walk. If you are looking for a chocolate treat, head over to the Royal Brownie Co.

Royal Brownie Co.
4 6th Street North
St Petersburg, FL 33701
727-238-7226

Central Coffee Shoppe - downtown St Petersburg, FL

This is a casual little diner located on the 500 block of Central Avenue in downtown St Petersburg and they are open for breakfast and lunch. Inside, the walls are dominated by Marilyn Monroe. For seating, you can grab a table, or one of the red stools at the counter. Of course, we just had to sit at the stools because my son just loves the old style stools. Service here is friendly and laid back and they are prompt at getting a cup of coffee, or whatever you may be drinking, out to you.

On the day we dined there we ordered the corned beef hash with eggs done your way, homefries, and toast. Also, we ordered pancakes, and a veggie omelette with grits and toast alongside. The pancakes and omelette were good, but the corned beef hash breakfast was a definite favorite of ours. A great little hole in the wall to grab an early morning breakfast, or stop in for lunch.

Central Coffee Shoppe
530 Central Avenue
St Petersburg, FL 33701
727-821-1125