Comments (6)

By kilax, November 25, 2009 5:28 am

First of all, can you believe Thanksgiving is tomorrow? It feels like just yesterday I was looking for friends at the Chicago Marathon. The holiday really snuck up on me – probably because we aren’t doing much of anything tomorrow! Well, we’re running a 5K, maybe volunteering to box canned goods (if we aren’t all sweaty), checking in on Diane’s babies (cats) and picking up my sister at the O’Hare (returning from Cancun), but we’re not actually having the big meal until Friday, when we can celebrate with my sister and her friend.

What are your Thanksgiving plans? Traveling to see family/friends? Hosting? Sleeping in and lazing around all day?

On to Facebook. I’m sure you heard the story about the Canadian woman who says she lost her benefits (she was on long-term leave for depression) after her insurance agency found photos of her having fun on Facebook (story here).

According to the woman, Nathalie Blanchard, her insurance agent found photos on Facebook of her on holiday, at Chippendales, and at a birthday party, and that was evidence that she was well enough to go back to work. They cut off her sick-leave benefits this fall.

Blanchard says her doctor recommended she go on holiday to cheer up, and that she went when she was feeling particularly low.

The insurance agent said they would never deny a claim based on a website like Facebook. Blanchard’s case is going before the Quebec Superior Court next month.

What is your opinion on this story?

A few thoughts come to my mind. My cynical side can definitely imagine someone milking sick-leave benefits for all they are worth. Some people are just lazy and abusive of privileges like that – you know it.

On the other hand, I’ve been up and down in moods myself, and I know that going on a holiday is a good change of pace and way to cheer myself up.

Either way, it’s strange to think that photos you publish online could have this power. Of course, the insurance agent is saying they didn’t base it on that, and we can’t really know, but we do know that online photos have prevented people from getting jobs (and maybe dates, ha ha). Stories like this always cause me to stop and think about my internet persona. Right now, I don’t think I put anything risky or harmful (to my image) out there, but you never know how things can be interpreted!

Comments (14)

By kilax, October 11, 2009 6:41 pm

I watched (in person) parts of the Chicago Marathon today with Steven, his brother Andrew, and Diane. What a fun experience it was! We arrived at the almost 8 mile mark just in time to see the elite runners. I was super giddy when I saw them run by, in their tight little pack. (Click on pictures to enlarge)

Elite Men Runners

I wasn’t sure if they would look that fast in person. But damn, they looked fast. And holy crap, Sammy Wanjiru set a new course record of 2:05:41!!!!

Elite Men Runners

Elite Men Runners

They look like galloping animals to me.

Elite Women Runners

We had a lot of fun cheering for all of the runners. I’m so happy Diane joined us. I think we made pretty good cheerleaders – I am surprised I still have my voice right now though!

Diane and me

I was really (foolishly?) hoping I would see my friends who are running. I even made signs for them! (Yes, my lettering sucks)

Trying to cheer for Mica

Trying to cheer for Presi

Trying to cheer for Jamie

Trying to cheer for Eric

But the course was so ridiculously crowded. We even went down to the 22 mile mark, after we cheered on the last runners through mile 8, and I still didn’t see anyone I knew. Unless that was you Mica, wearing two braids. I swear it was you… but you had a hat on, and I couldn’t see your face?

Super crowded course

Watching this race made me think A LOT about whether or not I want to run it next year. I love that so many people from Chicago (and probably around the world) are out there cheering and showing so much support! But, whoa, the course looked SO crowded. I think if I run Chicago, I will definitely want to do it with Steven or a friend (to keep me sane). And if people are watching for me, I will ask to know where they will be, what side of the street they will be on, and try to wear something fun so they can identify me (maybe like one of the photos below?).

Seeing all of the different types of runners and all the community support today was so inspiring. Being able to be there, cheering, made me feel less sad that I can’t run right now (yeah, way to make it all about me). I recommend cheering runners on in a local race if you can (especially if it’s a big one like this) – it’s so fun!

Random funny photos: