The Roving Activist’s Blog

ADAPT has been working hard to get the states to apply for the Money Follows the Person (MFP) grants. For some states, it’s been a losing battle, but for others, the effort has been successful.

Colorado

To date, the state of Colorado refuses to apply for the grants. I worte about Colorado’s odyssey in the What a week post a couple of days ago. My Mum, a Colorado ADAPT member, recently decided to up the ante by writing a letter to every Colorado representative, and lawmaker, including the Governor, to bring pressure on the department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) to apply for the grant. She has given me permission to post her letter, so here it is.

To all who may be concerned:

It has come to my attention as a taxpaying resident of Colorado and the United States,and as a disabled person with other friends and family, that all states (including Colorado) have been offered the opportunity to apply for a grant from CMS. This grant is part of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005. Senate Bill S 1932 passed by both Hopuse and Senate, Sub Chapter B Money Follows The Person. Its use is to obtain less costly and least restrictive setting for persons with disabilities and goes along to help the HCBS Services, tied in with MiCASSA. It allows the state programs to be more versitile in obtaining the needs of this community of citizens in a more economical way for the State.

The State of Colorado although one of the frontmost states in Home Health Care is still a long way from having it all together. One of our biggest problems is having affordable housing to get our disabled brothers and sisters out of institutions. Other states are averaging about 1,000 a year while Colorado is usually only accomidating about 95. We have many who would like to take advantage of being released from these institutions, which would be less costly for the state.

Myself and many of my friends would like to see this happen, herein lies the problem. Our head of the Department of Healthcare Finance, Mr. Steve Tool has refused to even look into or designate one of his staff to look into this matter. He would not even attend the Teleconference hosted by the Federal Government. He is of the belief that because Colorado has no one on the waiting list right now that we are not eligible (how can we if there is nowhere for them to live). Several agencies that I know personally have been on the Teleconference and have found Colorado to be eligible to apply.

Myself and many of my friends and family (I can give names of real persons) strongly urge those who have interest in Health Care and Financing to get Mr. Steve Tool to look into and act on this matter.

My husband was severely Brain Injured from a heart attack and was railroaded to a nursing home.The base price was $145.00 per day not including medicine, therapy, supplies, equiptment, and medical care. He almost died there in 13 days. I got him into HCBS for an average of $72.00 per day, he was happier and sick very little. I feel that Mr. Tool is doing our Health Care Budget and our Disabled citizens a serious dis-service. It is my hope that anyone interested will have this matter looked into for the good of the State Budget and its citizens. There is a deadline of, I believe, September 5th, 2006 to apply.

Sincerely,

Alice F. Bozeman 

Utah

The folks in Utah have the same problem as Colorado. Here is an article about their ongoing effort to help one person, and how it ties into MFP.

Community Activists Protest Nursing Home Stay Requirement

By Dave Reynolds, Inclusion Daily Express

August 23, 2006

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH–Community advocates with Utah’s Disabled Rights Action Committee and ADAPT Utah gathered outside the state’s Health Department Monday to protest a rule that forces Medicaid recipients to stay in a nursing home for 90 days before they can receive services in their own homes. 

The protesters were also drawing attention to the fact that the state has not taken advantage of the federal government’s “Money Follows the Person” initiative, which would allow people in nursing homes to take their Medicaid funding with them to pay for in-home supports.

“There isn’t anybody . . . who wants to go to a nursing home,” said DRAC organizer Barbara Toomer.

The protest was a follow-up to another rally the groups held on August 16.

State Medicaid Director Michael Hales has said that the 90-day rule is in place to help people avoid the state’s 4,000-person waiting list for services. Because Utah lawmakers have failed to authorize enough funds to eliminate the waiting list, some people could wait for more than a decade for services, the Salt Lake Tribune noted.

Related:

“Protest sparked by in-home assistance rule” (Deseret News)
http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,645193591,00.html

“Disabled Rights Group Protests Nursing Home Requirements” (KCPW)
http://www.kcpw.org/article/1482

“Group protests nursing-home stay” (Salt Lake Tribune)
http://www.sltrib.com/utah/ci_4217678

Delaware

Delaware ADAPT sent this report on their work.

GREAT NEWS!!!

Our meeting last week with Medicaid director Harry Hill of DE was successful in his agreement to meet with the Sec of HHS to apply for MFP funds. Harry asked for our input as to how long (5 years) what populations (all disabilities) and many other factors of the application. we will be giving lots of input in the application. YEAH!!!

Medicaid Director Harry Hill met this morning with Delaware HSS Secretary Vince Maconi. 

Sec. Maconi has  also agreed  for the Medicaid Dept. to apply for the MFP funds!!!!!! We will be working diligently with them to get this done.
 
Georgia

Georgia ADAPT sent the note that they received from the Department of Aging and Community Services:

Please be advised that we received the ‘go ahead’ from the Commissioner’s office, Department of Community Health and Department of Human Resources respectively. Attached for your information is a list of the decisions (action steps) made in our meeting with the Commissioner on Wednesday, 30 August 2006.

Judy Hagebak
Aging and Community Services
Phil Randall
Director, DHR

Texas

Texas ADAPT sent this short note:

Texas sent in our letter of intent to apply for MFP!

Here is a report from Texas regarding the MFP press conference that the folks in Austin put on.

For our press conference on the 31st in Austin, ADAPT of Texas delivered a “welcome wagon” basket of items symbolizing all the different parts of moving back to your own home (keys, toilet paper, soap, cans of food, free our people bumper stickers, coffee, 2 cups, a toy for the kids who are locked up, trash bags, paper people with money following them, toothbrush, and more). Though a gentleman who has gotten out with Money Follows the Person was there to share his experience and cadre of activist advocates were in attendance, the press did not deign to join us. We thought that might happen, hence the theater of the basket delivery. However, the Medicaid bureaucrats came out (some were called back from their lunch breaks or wherever they were) and were amazed we were happy and thanking them for applying. Good news is apparently no news to the media, but an almost shocking surprise to the Medicaid folks….. As Bob always says “a variable schedule of reinforcement!”   FREE OUR PEOPLE! 

Connecticut

Connecticut ADAPT sent this article:

WATERBURY REPUBLICAN - AMERICAN

Maybe Mom (and Medicare) can go home again
 
Thursday, August 31, 2006

BY DANIEL D’AMBROSIO

Copyright ) 2006 Republican-American

SOUTHBURY — Resident Joseph Stango’s efforts to bring his mother home for the health care she needs has received a big boost.

The federal government has made $1.75 billion available for a program to provide seniors home-based services.

In Connecticut, 100 people will be chosen to participate in Money Follows the Person, as the demonstration program is known.

The state Department of Social Services is preparing its application for the grant, which must be submitted by Nov. 1, according to spokesman Matthew Barrett.

Stango led a successful grassroots effort to involve the state in Money Follows the Person, which will be funded by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services over five years through competitive grants.

Sen. Edith Gelt Prague, D-Columbia, who was instrumental in moving the Money Follows the Person legislation through the General Assembly, said Wednesday she believed every state that puts in an application for the program will be funded.

“It’s $1.75 billion over five years,” she said. “The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will award the demonstration grants on or about Jan. 1, 2007, and the demonstration will continue through Dec. 30, 2011.”

Barrett said Wednesday the social services department will gather public input as part of the application process, but he didn’t know how or when that would be done.

“We intend to submit our application in a timely fashion,” he said. “We’ll get some kind of consumer input as part of the application.”

Stango said Wednesday the office of U.S. Rep. John Larson, D-1st District, had been instrumental in keeping him apprised of Money Follows the Person’s progress.

“I’m hoping the program will be up and running within the firs tquarter of 2007,” Stango said.

His mother, Dora, is currently in River Glen Health Care Center in Southbury.

Stango stressed his mother is receiving excellent care at River Glen.

But like many seniors, Dora Stango would rather be at home — in this case at her son’s home in Southbury.

Stango said his next challenge is to make sure his mother is among the 100 people picked for the program. Barrett was unable to confirm how the participants will be chosen.

Stango plans to go back to the Legislature and ask that Money Follows the Person be turned into a “universal project,” rather than a demonstration program, “so that everyone in the state of Connecticut in a nursing home has a chance to go home.”

Kansas

Kansas ADAPT sent this note and article:

We went and did a little action here in Kansas Thursday with 30 folks. And the stae told us that they were going to send there letter of intent by the 5th.

KSNT Ticker

Rally Hopes To Help The Disabled Remain Independent

Disability advocates rallied at the State Office Building Thursday morning urging action by the state. Kansas ADAPT is a grassroots organization out of Lawrence.

They want the state medicaid director to apply for a federal grant that would help those in need get money for home and community-based services, instead of having to live in a nursing home or another institutionalized setting. The deadline to apply for the federal grant money is September fifth. Those at this morning’s rally say it’s all about freedom.

An official with the state told 27 News the letter of intent to reply is being worked on and that they’re working with the state SRS to submit the letter at the end of this week before next Tuesday’s deadline.

Washington, DC

Capitol Area ADAPT sent this note:

We wrote the letter/notice of intent for the DC Dept of Health to send to CMS & they faxed it last Thursday.

Here is the letter of intent:

NOTICE OF INTENT TO APPLY

September 1, 2006

Sona Stepp
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
7500 Security Boulevard
Baltimore, MD  21244-1850

Dear Ms. Stepp:

This is to advise CMS of the District of Columbia Medical Assistance Administration’s (DC MAA) intent to apply for the Money Follows the Person Rebalancing Demonstration Funds pursuant to Funding Opportunity No. HHS-2007-CMS-RCMFTP-0003.

The District is developing a proposal that will facilitate the community transition of people with disabilities from nursing facilities, ICF-MRs, and other institutions.  DC MAA will offer streamlined access to services under the personal care option of the DC Medicaid State Plan, the Elderly and Physical Disabilities 1915( c) Waiver Program, and the MR-DD 1915 ( c) Waiver Program, among other community-based services.  These waiver services are available to people with incomes up to 300% of SSI.

The proposal will include outreach to people with disabilities in institutions to provide applications and assistance in obtaining accessible subsidized housing in recently renovated apartments and apartments under construction in public housing, privately-owned residential developments,  and small community residential facilities.    

The contact person for the Money Follows the Person grant proposal at DC MAA is:

Robert Cosby, Ph.D., Chief Office on Disabilities and Aging
Medical Assistance Administration
District of Columbia Department of Health
825 North Capitol Street, NE Suite 5135
Washington, DC 20002
telephone:   202/ 442-5972
fax:       202/ 535-1172 or 442-4799
email:   robert.cosby@dc.gov

We will develop partnerships with consumers, disability rights advocates, and District of Columbia governmental agencies that serve people with disabilities to ensure that the Money Follows the Person program is a coordinated effort. 

This is an extraordinary opportunity and we look forward to working with CMS to make Money Follows the Person a reality in DC.

Sincerely,

Gregg Pane, M.D.
Director

As you can see, ADAPT has been working hard on this all across the country! There are some states like Texas, Maryland, New Mexico, New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts that have actually enacted MFP legislation, while others like Colorado, Utah, and Pennsylvania utilizes their state budgets in an MFP-like fashion, Still, that does not preclude them from applying for the grant.

Last Tuesday and Thursday, I attended a poll worker training put on by the DC Board of Elections and Ethics, but this time, I was there not as a participant, but a presenter!

It all started two years ago, when I attended the trainings for the presidential primary and General elections. At those trainings, a video dealing with voters with disabilities was shown to the participants. I wasn’t really satisfied with the video, and of course, opened my big mouth to my friend, Bill O’Field, who has, among his many dutues at the Board, the responsibility of setting up the trainings. I told Bill that I thought that the video was going into one ear of the trainees, and out the other, and suggested that perhaps the Board should consider using real people with disabilities as presenters. I felt that the audience would pay more attention, ask questions, and ultimately, gain more from the training.

Bill called me while I was in Denver to let me know that the Board had put my suggestion into practice, and were using real folks in their presentations. He wanted to know if I would be willing to do a training, first with the poll workers and precinct captains, then, with the technicians who would deal with the electronic voting machines, which are accessible to people with disabilities. Of course, I jumped at the chance to do this, and on Tuesday, did my first presentation.

I began with an introduction, and told the audience a bit about my background, and thanked them for their commentment to serve as poll workers or precinct captains.

As part of the presentation, I referred the participants to the poll workers training manual, and explained that the sensitivity instructions were common sense items. Voters with disabilities should be treated as they, themselves would want to be treated–with courtesy, respect, and dignity. Speak directly to the voter with a disability, and not to their assistant, family member, interpreter, or friend. Do not pet, or otherwise distract a service animal. Keep a clear and open path in the polling place. Do not make assumptions about the intellectual abilities of voters with disabilities.

I soke of, and showed the trainees the audio system for voters with visual impairments, as well as the accessible doorbell for polling places that do not have automatic doors. I spoke of the importance of having all accessibility-related signage in place so that voters with disabilities would know that the polling place is accessible. I let the attendees know that the District leads the nation in that all but one of its 142 precincts are accessible to voters who use wheelchairs, and that this is due to the partnership between the Board of Elections and Ethics and the disability community. We should take pride in this fact!

Some of the things that I spoke of were not in the training manual. I instructed trainees that when assisting voters with paper ballots, to mark exactly where the voter says! Do not comment loudly about the voter’s choice–this takes away the person’s right to a secret vote. Do not try to coerce the voter into changing his or her mind about their vote. Finally, do not assume that since a voter cannot see, or read that you can mark any candidate as you see fit, contrary to the voter’s specifications. These acts constitute vote fraud! Unfortunately, this happens quite often to voters with disabilities. Do not suggest to voters with disabilities that in the future, they should consider absentee, or curbside voting because it is more convenient. The Help America Vote Act (HAVA), as well as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires public places, including polling places to be accessible, and it is up to the voter how he or she chooses to vote. Frankly, it is extremely empowering to get out into the community and be seen participating in the political proccess!

I then spoke about poll workers with disabilities, explaining that we are colleagues and team members. I advised precinct captains to allow us the right to choose our assignments, as we know our own abilities. I also advised the captains that when the team comes in on Monday to set up the polling place for the following day, to encourage and allow team members with disabilities to help out. Don’t allow us to stand (or sit) there looking pretty. After all, we are full and participating team members, and should be treated as such.

I then gave the audience the opportunity to ask questions. “Don’t be shy”, I admonished. “The only silly question is the one that isn’t asked”. The participants asked many good questions, so many that the session had to be cut short. I told the trainees that I would be availabe for questions at the end of the day’s session.

I then went to the technician’s training session. Bill was conducting this, along with a colleague. He introduced me, and I got started. This was a smaller group, so it was a bit cozier. I abbreviated my presentation, and opened early for questions, telling the trainees that more than likely, they would have questions about things that I hadn’t touched on. they, too, asked many good questions.

Afterwards, Bill went with me to the elevator, and asked me if I could do another training on Thursday. Of course, I agreed. Being friends, we chatted a bit, then, Bill returned to his class, and I went back downstairs.

Thursday’s training was much like Tuesday’s, except that we kept to the 15 munite guideline. The audience participation was still quite good, though, and many shook my hand as I left. The technician’s training was much the same as Tuesday’s training, and afterwards, Bill handed me an envelope that contained a couple of responses to the survey that is given after each training. He thought that I might like them. I did. One of the questions on the survey was, “what did you like most about the training?” One trainee responded, “Anita’s speech”. In the section marked “other Comments”, another participant remarked ” Anita gave some very good information on assisting the challenged voters at the polls. She is an asset to the team.”

I was asked by Gwen, one of the lead trainers, if I could come back next Thursday and do another training. i told her I would, if there was no one scheduled to do it. I spoke to Bill about it, and he will check to see if anyone is scheduled, and get back to me.

What was great about both trainings was that there were several folks with disabilities in the audience. One was my friend Angela Miller, who is a Capitol Area ADAPT member, and another was my colleague on the Elderly and Disabled Transit Advisory Committee, Jerome Parsons. There were others who I didn’t know. I think that this is really great, and with the continued efforts of Bill, Jim Dickson at AAPD, and activists like myself, there will be many, many more folks with disabilities who will be poll workers, and perhaps, even precinct captains, and technicians.

The odyssey continues…

Monday, Auguat 21

Mum and I head down to Atlantis where we learn that there has not yet been any response from HCPF. I catch up on old times with Dawn, and several friends in the office. One project that Dawn and Babs are working in is making the arrangements for two youths, brothers aged 19 and 17 to go on the upcoming action to DC. They want to go, and have permission from their aunt, who is their guardian, but the airline is refusing to take them because they both use ventilaters due to Muscular Dystrophy. Babs send the airline a copy of the Air Carriers Act, which clearly states that ventilaters are allowed, but the contact says that FAA regulations trump the Air Carriers Act. She tries to make arrangement for brothers to travel on another airline, but it will cost ADAPT a fortune.

Later, Dawn, Sheila, and I go to a coffeehouse called Wired for drinks. Dawn has befriended the owner, and they have worked on several activities together. There on the walls is some beautiful artwork, done by our friend, Sher Stewart. Cool!

Back at the office, Dawn gives me a tour of the How To Place, a community resource center primarily for people with disabilities that she has founded. I remember when she was working on getting the space, and the funding for it. Already, they are doing great things! Dawn says that when they have done some redecorating, I can post a link here so that folks can see the new look. I’m looking forward to that!

Tuesday, August 22

Mum and I head back to Atlantis, where we learn that Larry Williams has spoken to Steve Tool, director of HCPF. He informs them that he will not be participating in the conference call with CMS. He states the same reason for not doing so. Larry and Dawn ask him to at least place a call to someone at CMS who can verify once and for all if Colorado is eligible to aplly for the MFP grants. They give him the number, and Tool says that he may call the person at CMS but he’ll give us a call about 11:30.

At the appointed time, there is no call, so ADAPT decides that we will go down to the HCPF office ourselves to see if we can convince Mr. Tool to make the call, or have one of his staff to do so. We decide that if we can’t get them to make the call, we will make the call, ourselves. We also plan what action to take in case we are not allowed into the building, which is a distinct possibility.

Nine of us go down to the State Human Services Building, where the HCPF office is located. We tell the woman at the front desk that we are there for the conference call. She is, of course, confused, and we ask her to have Diane Rodriguez come down. Diane comes down, and tells us that Tool, et al, still don’t know if they will participate in the conference call. We inform Diane that we will stay there, and do the call ourselves if the decision is made not to participate. We ask her to listen in if she wants, but she declines, saying that she hasn’t been given the authority to do so. She asks that if we intend to stay, to make a pathway so that people can get through. This, we gladly do, and promise that we would leave after the call.

Shortly before 1:00 pm, the time of the call, Diane comes back to us with a message from Steve Tool. He wants the entire hallway cleared, and us to go into the lobby, which would entail going back outside, going around to the front of the building, and hoping and praying that the lift, which is unreliable, at best, will work. Citing this, we politely, yet vehemently refuse to leave our spot. Diane spends a few minutes trying to convince us to move, or even leave, but then realizes that her attempts are futile, and leaves.

It’s one o’clock, and time for the call. Since Dawn’s cell phone has the best signal strength, the call will be made from it, and Dawn will participate, with the rest of the group listening in via speakerphone. I formulate and write down the question based on the information given to us by HCPF. At first, we realize that we have the wrong number, and start to call Babs for the correct number, but then, I remember that I have the right one, whip it out, and we make the call. Dawn signs in as herself, and says that she is at the State Medicaid Building. We listen to the information, which is so full of technobabble, that I can’t remember it now. After a few minutes, we see Steve Tool go by giving us angry looks. In fact, we see a number of HCPF staff whom we have been working with pass by giving us baleful looks. Diane Rodriguez comes down with a couple of state troopers with bikes, and goes into a far corner, out of sight.

The time comes for call participants to ask questions. They must state their name and affiliation, and then wait for the opportunity to ask their question. Dawn once again, gives her name and states that she is at the State Medicaid Building, then, waits in the queue. Several people from around the country ask questions, and receive answers. When it comes to Dawn’s turn, the facilitator says, “Dawn Russell, with the State Medicaid office”. I wince at this. Dawn reads the question, which basically asks if the fact that the state uses its budget in an MFP-like fashion, and the existence of the Community Transition Services waiver would prevent it from being eligible to apply for the MFP grant. CMS staff respond with a resounding NO, and goes on to say that states with prior participation in MFP demonstration projects will not automatically get the grant money, but that Colorado should apply for the grant. We erupted in a chorus of cheers and clapping, listened for a few more moments, then ended the call and left the building as we had promised.

We called Babs and told her the good news. She did not realize that we, ourselves, were on the call. We then got lunch at Burger King (a horrid affair, complete with exceedingly rude staff) and went back to the office to regroup and debrief the others.

Mum and I went to a shop call the Karmic Cafe. The place was the kind of shop that I love, replete with incense, crystals, Tarot cards, music, and artwork. The owner is a friend of Mum’s named Richard, who is quite nice. All of us then go to the ARC thrift store, and Mum buys me a ton of stuff, including jeans, slacks, sweats, T-shirts, and sweaters for only $17.50, thanks to her Senior Discount! We then go home, and Mum prepares some of her delicious chicken and pastry. We all enjoy dinner, and I tell Richard a bit about myself, and what I do.

Wednesday, August 23

I spend most of the day reading, resting, and taking some calls from back in Dc. Later in the afternoon, we go to the office so that I can say goodbye to everyone. I almost didn’t get to see Dawn because latonya told me that she was in a meeting, but didn’t tell me that the meeting was in the How To Place. David, Dawn’s fiance, who is the new wheelchair repairman and DME person at Atlantis comes in, and I ask him to tell Dawn goodbye. He goes back and brings Dawn with him. It turns out that she is meeting with Miss Wheelchair Colorado. Dawn and I hug, and say our goodbyes. Mum then takes me to a sports store to get some new gloves.

Later, I pack my things and reminisce about the week. I smile remembering my and Dawn’s coffee outing at Colorado Mills Mall on Sunday, and our decision to crash Sheila’s Wrestling Summer Slam party. Sheila didn’t invite us because she thought that we didn’t like wrestling, but she was glad to see us when we came. I got to see Derrex, who’s taller than me, and now working at Atlantis, Alan, and Angie. I had a good time, and spent the night so that Mum wouldn’t have to make that long trip to Sheila’s to pick me up. I reminded myself to call peggy. I’d seen her on the bus the next day, on my way to Atlantis. Peggy is a dear friend, who is the daughter-in-law of another dear friend, and ADAPT member. I also saw Julie Reiskin, of Colorado Cross Disabilities Coalition. Since she serves on the state Medicaid Board, I told her about what happened with Steve Tool. I was glad that I’d gotten to sit down with my buddies, Larry Williams, Larry Ruiz, Juan, Nola, Duc, Linh, Radine, Rich Bueno, Frank Rodriquez, Jeannette, and the Learning Center crew. I wanted to go see Rick Viator, my former neighbor, who is also an ADAPT member, but he was in Louisiana visiting his family. Shucks and darn!

I spent the rest of the evening with Mum and Harry, who’d come by to say goodbye. I’ll miss him; he’s a sweetheart, and fun to talk to. I played with Streak, who’s normally a scared kitten, but who allowed me to pet and play with her.

Thursday, August 24

We get an early start, and stop by Walgreens to get some headphones for my CD player. We then get to the airport, where Mum drops me off after we hug and say out goodbyes. I’m a bit worried about Mum. I know that she is missing Popz, and going through it, but she is putting a brave face on it. I want her to be able to stay busy, and she promises that the will stay in close touch with ADAPT, and do stuff with them. I have, in turn, pressed the folks at the office to call Mum when stuff comes up, and not to leave her out of the loop. Since Mum is a magnet for folks with disabilities in need of help and advocacy, I know that she will be busy in that respect, too. Plus, she has groups and therapy, so I know that in the long run, she’ll be all right. Still, I’m going to mak sure that I call her more often just to see how she’s doing. I love her so much, and want her to be around for a long, long, time. After all, we’ve got lots of work to do!

The flight was uneventful. I didn’t get sick this time. I went to get my bag, and then, turned on my cell phone. Not two minutes later, I got a call from the chief of staff of a Mayoral candidate. The candidate want me to join their campaign. I ask the staffperson if I can sit down with the candidate before I commit to anything, and the staffperson promises to get back with me. Since the primary is only a few days away, I don’t anticipate hearing from them, whci may turn out to be ok, because to be honest, though I won’t be serving in the Primary due to the ADAPT activities, I intend to serve as a poll worker in the General election in November, so I won’t be able to work on a campaign.

I make it home, get in the door, and realize how exhausted I am! I unpack, thankful that Mum has a washing machine, and I didn’t have to bring home a load of dirty clothes. I check my email, and answer some phone messages, and realize that I probably won’t get much rest over the weekend…