Its Hogwash

Those Pesky Snowbirds

2010-03-14T06:42:00.000-07:00

I live in warm and beautiful Mesquite, Nevada, a haven for "Snowbirds". (You know, those pesky part-time residents who stay in their second homes here in the late fall and winter months, who then return to the northern states and Canada when the spring comes?) This city swells when Snowbirds arrive, around October each year, and then thins out when they leave, around April each year. But during those colder months, city businesses bustle with customers and make money.

Snowbirds bother me. They tend to be older, drive slower, and I almost trip over them in the grocery store aisles because they slow down and I'm always having to go around them. They walk slowly, drive slowly and congregate for conversation right in the foot-traffic lanes in the casinos. They fill all the tables at the 5'oclock early bird specials in the good restaurants so I can't get a seat. And my condo complex gets noisy in those colder months with the Snowbirds around, sitting on their porches and chatting the day away with their spouses and friends. They take all the good handicapped parking spaces and crowd the DMV when I need to renew my driver's license. I could go on and on....

Obviously, I am a full-time resident in this city which attracts visitors for its wonderful golf courses, casinos, and easy access to Las Vegas. Snowbirds have this part of the year, but residents have this all year! Mesquite's attractions keep and attract residents because residents can do all those things all the time. Plus it has the added bonus of being a nice place to live. Snowbirds leave because it gets hot in the summer! Hey, Snowbirds, have you ever heard of air conditioning?

During this recession we've seen an increasing number of businesses fail and construction come to a stop, but those who endure do owe a lot to the Snowbirds and their spending. So the Snowbirds and their money have kept Mesquite going during the recession, is that what I'm saying? Well, perhaps. That's not the only thing, but ok I give. I wouldn't have the casinos and stores to shop in if they didn't have the patronage of Snowbirds. I guess I do owe the Snowbirds a little "thank you" for being here. Besides that, I have made some friends with Snowbirds and after all, they can be nice people, taken one by one. In other words, they ARE nice people!

How the Recession has Affected Mesquite, Nevada

2010-02-05T06:46:00.000-08:00

Mesquite, Nevada is a town of about 18,000 people situated on the Utah/Nevada border, 90 miles from Las Vegas, Nevada. Two years ago, this place was a boom town! New construction was rampant, new businesses were moving in all the time, and lots of people were visiting the Mesquite casinos and golf courses. Today, February 2010, as I drive around the City of Mesquite, I see many half-finished homes standing as silent representations of the poor economy. Sun City is still selling homes, but few other subdivisions are producing sales. If I look in the want ads in the newspaper, there just aren't very many jobs listed and there are a huge number of rentals listed because of layoffs from the casinos. Rents have gone down in general, and since I am a renter, this has been positive. But friends looking for work have a hard time.

Golfers, who tend to be upper-income anyway, still keep the golf courses busy and inside the casinos one wonders if there's been a recession at all! People still flock to the Mesquite casinos for some reason. It makes me wonder why they keep laying people off. It just doesn't appear, from an outsider, to be justified. But hey, the recession is a good excuse to trim the fat for everybody.

Three of the four major casinos here just changed ownership, and I hear it's because the owner had too much debt. I can understand how that happened, because a few years ago, casinos were a good place to invest, especially in this once-growing town. But the City of Mesquite is still keeping the place looking good, with lots of improvement projects, and the main street businesses are mostly occupied. There's a huge sports complex being built that will mean more jobs in the near future, so it's just a matter of the citizens of Mesquite hanging on until things improve.

All in all, I love living here. The weather attracts so many "Snowbirds" and retirees that the base economy still has some money coming in, and the quality of life is quite nice. I look at the situation in poor Las Vegas...things there are pretty bad! Comparitatively speaking, Mesquite is still a good place to live and I love it here.

I Want One!

2010-02-02T07:43:00.000-08:00

Enjoying Life

2010-01-16T06:57:00.001-08:00

Here's the secret to a happy life: "Happiness Comes From Within". I have stopped looking to the outside world to make me happy. I can be happy with or without material things, other than food and shelter. I have made conscious contact with my higher power, and I know that power dwells within me, through meditation and giving thanks for my awareness of that power. I hope you can find that peace also.

Farm Town vs. FarmVille

2009-12-23T06:39:00.000-08:00

I recently read an article online that implied that FarmVille was the number one application game on Facebook/My Space. Oh, please! I have tried both Farm Town and FarmVille. Farm Town takes creative ability, thoughtful doing and re-doing of space on the farm, and you must work on other people's farms resulting in interactive fun. FarmVille just asks you to work on your own farm and there's very little creativity involved. Unless you have played both, you probably don't know what I am talking about, but by far I recommend Farm Town. My opinion. Please visit my farm at http://apps.facebook.com/farmtown/?farm_id=626024592

Adam Lambert Rocks!!!

2009-12-12T09:36:00.000-08:00

Bottled Water Facts

2009-12-11T06:30:00.000-08:00

This is why I use a commercial water-filter pitcher (like Pur and Brita) to clean my tap water instead of buying bottled water. (I found this article on Digg.com) The arsenic is reported to be a little high in my city's water system, or I wouldn't even use the pitcher.

Presented by Online Education

I'm Just an Avatar in God's Online Game

2009-12-04T04:18:00.001-08:00

Well, friends, now that we have the internet and online role-playing games, many of us have been asked to choose our Avatar (cartoon-like self). My Avatar on Farm Town has blue hair, brown eyes and wears overalls. Maybe when I was born in real life, somebody "up there" chose my real-life self as the beginning of their own "online game". Now that's some thought-provoking stuff, isn't it?

That's all.

My Kids Got Me Playing Farm Town on Facebook!

2009-11-13T04:12:00.000-08:00

I'm addicted to Farm Town. My daughter and two grandsons kept sending me "friend requests", which finally caused me to start building my own farm on this very popular Facebook application, just to shut them up! At first it seemed routine and boring, but since my kids were doing it, I thought "why not?". So I kept at it. And then, it happened...I couldn't stop! As much as I told myself I'd had enough, I kept going well beyond a reasonable limit. I felt high with anticipation at each opportunity to add a bigger and better house to my farm. Then, when I was actually allowed by Farm Town to add rivers and lakes, I thought I would ride the high forever! Oh, I knew that the inevitable hangover would make me sorry I ever started Farm Town, but it seemed worth the energy at the time. I could build, and work, and plan, and work, and all my dreams could come true. I could be a billionaire farming magnate, the employer of thousands, sleeping the day away in my own hammock by the lake, surrounded by farm animals that were constantly bleating and mooing me as background noise to a blissful nap, with all the bountiful fruit trees I could ever want just waiting for me to pick their fruity goodness.

I could live in that world! But then, the reality came crashing down. There was a limit to this ever-expanding, rich simulated existence! Farm Town ends at Level 34, and the farm itself only expands to 22 x 22! And then what? The cravings for more and more stuff would have to be unsatisfied. Could I endure the depression of turning on the computer and not being able to expand my farm life? Stay tuned, folks, because I am approaching the dreaded "Level 34"...the end of this madness?? Or will I be forced to try the real hard stuff -- FarmVille!

Climate Change and My Snow Boots

2009-10-08T06:52:00.000-07:00

It's "Blog Action Day" sponsored by http://www.blogactionday.org. In this article, I'm not going to quote very many facts or data, or quote a lot of research on the fact that the world's climate is changing. I've read enough to know that climate change is "real" and it's here; here and now. I'm just going to share a story.

Winters were fierce. There was no sidewalk on my street and, in fact, my street was a dirt road that the city snow plows never noticed. I grew up in Salt Lake City in the 50's and early 60's. I remember struggling home from the school bus stop through 3-4 ft. snow drifts, and when I got home one of my favorite things to experience was to have my mother take off my cold, frozen snow boots and place my feet in a bucket of warm water. She put the snow boots on a special towel placed by the front door, for use the next school day. It was the kind of motherly attention that warmed my heart, as much as my feet.

Fast forward to winter in the 2000 decade. Where are the snow drifts? I have asked a few "old" friends from the northern part of the United States what the winter weather was like in their childhood days, and their experiences were the same..lots of snow in the winter. They also wonder where the snow went? Now it only snows a foot or two and then melts, generally.

Yes, there are studies about vegetation that blooms earlier now, or not at all. Crops know these things. Crops know that climate change is here, do human beings?

Of course I don't wish children of today to have to struggle home through snow drifts. In fact, today's Salt Lake City teenagers will sometimes go without a coat in the cold winter, just to be "cool", much less wear "uncool" rubber snow boots! (If they wear snow boots at all, it's usually expensive brand-name boots used to make a fashion statement.) I guess children's regular rubber snow boot sales have dropped off since the 60's, eh?

"Did I somehow cause my baby's deafness?"

2009-09-13T08:39:00.000-07:00

One of my daughters has just given birth to a beautiful baby boy. A "hearing-challenged" boy. A deaf boy. For this reason (and my research abilities) I present to you material regarding why a child might have congenital deafness.

About half of congenitally deaf babies have genetic causes. There are too many genetic diseases in this category to list.(1) They are nobody's "fault". The other half are caused by either:

# malformation of the ear canal, or middle ear
# prenatal infection, illnesses
# toxemia during pregnancy
# maternal diabetes
# prematurity (2)

Considering the above list, which factors could a pregnant mother control? I see that perhaps only prenatal infections or illnesses could POSSIBLY be under the mother's control, depending on the illness. So this we will explore.

In my daughter's case, the placenta barrier was breached, so the developing baby was vulnerable to any infections or toxins in my daughter's blood. Common infections such as cytomegalovirus can cause congenital deafness.(3) So can rubella. But how about alcohol, food or drugs?

Drugs can cross the placenta and adversely affect the developing child. These drugs are called teratogens. There is a long list of substances that are known or suspected to be teratogens, including legal drugs (alcohol, nicotine, caffeine), prescription drugs(some antibiotics, hormones, steroids, anticoagulants, anticonvulsants, tranquilizers, methadone), illegal drugs, and environmental pollutants like lead.(4) However, this list includes teratogens that cause many congenital defects, not just hearing loss.

From my research I can see that if my daughter did not use drugs except as prescribed, and generally took care of herself during pregnancy, nobody can affirm that "something she did" directly caused congenital deafness. Perhaps there were environmental factors or toxins that crossed the placental barrier which were the direct cause, or perhaps infections, etc., but putting her at fault? Come 'on.

________

(1) About.com
(2) Wyomingehdi.org
(3) www.american pregnancy.org
(4) www.ahedegypt.org

Results of Breast Reduction Surgery

2009-08-11T07:52:00.000-07:00

It's been two weeks. When I look down, I no longer see my former breasts, I see my belly. (It's too big...but that will be the next challenge)!

The surgery itself took 5 hours, in a surgical center. I had about 1100 grams removed from each breast. If you are knowledgable about how many grams is a lot or a little in breast surgeries, let me assure you that this is A LOT, way over average.

After surgery, the strange thing is that my right arm was hurting like HELL! I think they strapped it too tight or something. I only remember bits and pieces of the recovery room and going to the hotel we had to stay in (in order to be close to the hospital).

Now, I see beautiful smaller breasts in the mirror. I have big, brown/black sutures under my breasts all the way from armpit to armpit, and a zipper-looking suture line from mid-chest up to each nipple. Over months these will fade away.

I've been good, and not reached over my head for anything, slept on my back every night (no choice) and not lifted anything too heavy. All is well. I am very happy that I did this surgery! I was afraid to do it, but it is worth it.

I'm Getting a Breast Reduction!

2009-07-16T07:38:00.001-07:00

Well, now, it is a fact that I have huge boobs. I finally got fed up with the pain and hassle that big boobs brings, such as neck and shoulder pain, grooves in my shoulders under the bra strap, having to buy bras online because nobody seems to want to make bras for giant boobs in local stores, and not being able to run without the lifting and crashing of fatty flesh.

This is because I recently had a biopsy done on the left breast, and the surgeon highly recommended that I get a breast reduction... and so the idea was planted in my brain. At first I was afraid and said "no way!", but after I thought about it and researched it on the internet, I made a decision to "go for it"!

At the first visit with the Plastic Surgeon, he just kind of shook his head when he saw my huge tits and muttered to himself while he took measurements. (I think I impressed even him!) So it's pretty certain that my insurance will pay for the procedure since I have all the right requirements.

Now I am excited to have it done, and am counting down the days. I feel unafraid of the pain of surgery and recovery and am resigned to the fact that I will probably hate myself the day after surgery because of the huge pain I am enduring. So onward and upward! (pun intended)

How to Stop Isolating

2009-06-28T08:04:00.001-07:00

I used to have trouble leaving the house. I wasn't really agoraphobic, just had mental problems (and still do). I made as few appointments as possible and did not show up for family gatherings. The one appointment I had to attend was with my psychiatrist. I HAD to go there.

But there is a way out of this isolating behavior. First, I had to have my depression under control, and over the years the right medication combination was put into effect. Next, I had to stop drinking alcohol. Not only is alcohol a depressant, but I would not want to make appointments because I might be drunk or hung over. Not good.

For me, taking "baby steps" was the key. I would force myself to go out somewhere close and for a short time. After repeated successes, I would keep going out of the house for longer periods of time. The excuse of "there's nowhere to go" had to be smashed. I realized that there are always places to go, such as the library, the mall, an art gallery, the park, a swimming pool or perhaps a coffee shop. I just hadn't been interested in going to those places. Once I started doing it, I found that I had a pattern of interesting places I could go to fill my time.

Sitting in the easy chair and watching t.v. is always an option, but it is no longer my only choice. With depression under control, abstaining from alcohol and going out to one of my scheduled places works quite well.

Psychiatric Drugs and Weight Gain

2009-06-03T11:10:00.000-07:00

"Weight gain is a well-recognized side effect of antipsychotic medications, especially "atypical" antipsychotics, such as quetiapine (Seroquel), olanzapine (Zyprexa) and risperidone (Risperdal). The cause of such weight gain isn't fully understood."Mayo Clinic. "People who take antipsychotic drugs for the treatment of a variety of mental illnesses may be at increased risk for obesity, diabetes and high cholesterol – all of which can lead to heart disease." So says the American Diabetes Association.

I've been on psych drugs for 10 years, and have gained 65 pounds during this time. Seroquel is one of the drugs I take, and I agree, it is bad news when it comes to weight gain. Part of it is an increased appetite, so dieting is extra difficult.

The same Mayo Clinic article has some hopeful news. It states, "a 2008 study from China indicates that treatment with the diabetes drug metformin in addition to dietary changes and increased physical activity may be effective in reversing or reducing weight gain in some people who take antipsychotic medications."

We will see if this catches on in the US or not.

Fox News has an article on the internet which talks about women gaining weight on these drugs, but not men. It is found here.

I have read different internet forums related to psychiatric drugs and weight gain. Many a contributor to the forums have posted about weight gains as huge as mine, and there is a whole lot of complaining about how difficult it is to lose the weight.

So what can be done?

Watching the Economic Decline in my City

2009-05-07T06:42:00.000-07:00

I live in a small town, population 18,000 in Nevada. It's right on a major interstate, so there are many visitors. Mesquite is a tourist town, attracting golfers, gamblers and snow-birds (move here in winter and move 'home' in summer). So I hear a lot of stories from people from all over, about how their home town has been affected by this depression.

There are also "horror stories" about this depression from travelers. One woman said, "we drove here through I-40 across several states in the southwest. You wouldn't believe the number of homeless we saw, gathered in empty lots, loitering on the streets, and what-have-you, and many stores were boarded up too. It's like the end of the world and the news people aren't showing it the way it is!"

Well, I have seen TV news depicting tent cities that have sprung up, but perhaps that is not all there is to show. Here in Mesquite, we have hundreds of empty homes which are invitations for homeless squatters and easy targets for vandalism. There are more empty stores on main street than ever before. The local newspaper is reporting an increase in crime. This used to be a crime-free city except for fights and drunks in the casinos. Not anymore. Sad.

Alcoholism and Mental Illness - Dual Diagnosis

2009-04-22T05:23:00.000-07:00

Why is it that so many people with mental illness are also alcoholics or other substance abusers? Since "I R 1" myself, I noticed how prevalent this "dual diagnosis" situation is among other patients I associated with (in places that people needing treatment frequent). One-on-one, we'd compare notes and find out that we were both in AA and in treatment/counseling for mental problems, and the alcohol counselors confirmed that dual diagnosis occurs regularly in their practice.

"Dual diagnosis is defined by the presence of both mental health disorders and substance abuse disorders (alcohol and/or drug dependence or abuse). There are a variety of different mental health disorders that can be associated with substance use and labeled dual diagnosis. Some of these disorders include: schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, anti-social personality disorder, narcissistic personality, and depression." (www.dual-diagnosis.net)

Someone writing on www.mentalhealthamerica.net states, "More than half (52 percent) the people surveyed who had ever been diagnosed with alcohol abuse or dependence had also experienced a mental disorder at some time in their lives. An even larger proportion (59 percent) of people with a history of other drug abuse or dependence also had experienced a mental disorder".

Ok, but I still ask "WHY?" What makes us that way, to where we are so drawn to substance abuse if we have mental illnesses?

More from www.mentalhealthamerica.net.
"Mental health problems often predate substance abuse problems by 4-6 years; alcohol or other drugs may be used as a form of self-medication to alleviate the symptoms of the mental disorder. In some cases, substance abuse precedes the development of mental health problems. For instance, anxiety and depression may be brought on as a response to stressors from broken relationships, lost employment, and other situations directly related to a drug-using lifestyle."

Ok, so that says that mental health problems come first, and then later on the substance abuse starts, presumably because at that point the pain of the mental illness is so great that the sufferer wishes to escape the reality of it. Or, perhaps they are just too crazy (no offense) to control themselves. On the other hand, if someone's substance abuse is wrecking their lives, their brains might just go "boing! tilt!" and their mental illness starts (i.e., depression).

I guess I can understand that. In my case, I think that the bipolar disorder came first. My life was quite unmanageable, and so I sought to "escape" through numbing myself. After awhile, I regularly drank. I was still bipolar and had a difficult time of it, but the alcohol dependence doubled the chaos. Not a fun place to be in life!

30 years ago, doctors were just not that aware of bipolar disorder and so often prescribed valium or other benzodiazepines for relief. Finally for me, one day in 1988, I was crazy enough to check myself into a psych hospital which I thought at the time was a rehab for alcoholism. It was there that I was correctly diagnosed. Yeah, by the way, just getting a correct diagnosis can be a bitch!

Gambling in Nevada - Fun or Addiction?

2009-04-04T06:45:00.000-07:00

I enjoy going to the casinos here in Nevada. They are a lot of fun, not just for the gambling, but for the free entertainment and inexpensive buffets. I often go to the local casinos to gamble small change, just to get out of the house and be with people. I enjoy the casino atmosphere. Occasionally I have won large amounts but I'm sure that overall I have lost more than I have won. But, like many other casino-frequenting Nevadans, I consider it the cost of having a good time. Sort of a vacation getaway fee.

While going to the casino is fun for me, I have become aware of the dark side of gambling. I see individuals who are obviously throwing away a lot of money, again and again. I wonder, if the mentality here in Nevada (“gambling is fun and normal, not a vice”) creates more problem gamblers than average?

Compulsive gambling is “ is particularly severe in Nevada”, says the Christian Science Monitor (Mar. 2005) Further, “A Nevada-funded study revealed in 2002 that 6.4 percent of the state's population were either pathological or problem gamblers. That's far ahead of the 2.7 percent of the national population found to have such addictions in a 1998 survey conducted by National Gambling Impact Study Commission, a panel appointed by Congress.”

Nevada has a 74-year history of legalized gambling, with a reputation and tradition of being the gambling capital of the USA. There are many neighborhood-type casinos throughout Las Vegas and other cities in Nevada, indicating that the local population has adopted the gambling tradition of the state. (Many Las Vegas residents are “transplants”). Let's face it, gambling is attractive and can lead to huge wins as well as huge losses. It's those “wins” that keep a gambler coming back for more, hoping for a repeat of the win. However, in the long run, the odds are on the side of the casino, leaving many frequent gamblers “in the red”.

What can be done? Just saying that individual responsibility is the answer is like saying that people addicted to drugs or alcohol don't need treatment. It is the casinos who have taken the lead in providing ads for gambling addiction hotlines and financial contributions to treatment programs.

“It's not good business to cater to problem gamblers because these are people whose addiction is progressive and will end in some destructive way," says Carol O'Hare, executive director of the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling, whose $445,000 annual budget is largely funded by donations from casinos. "The problem gambler is not a long-term customer. He's not profitable. Ultimately he becomes a casualty." (ibid)

So the moral of the story, I guess, is that Nevada does have a lot of problem gamblers...more than any other state...but it also has more GAMBLERS! And I like it that way.

Losing a Child: 7 Years Later

2009-03-12T06:54:00.000-07:00

When Christopher died March 24, 2002, I was at his bedside in the trauma unit at Vanderbilt Hospital Center in Nashville. Chris was in the Army, stationed at Ft. Campbell, KY. One weekend he and a friend were hiking in the hills surrounding the base, when Chris slipped on some wet leaves and went over a 30 foot cliff, hitting his head on the way down.

It took 4 hours to airlift him to Nashville because they were in a remote area. This delay in treatment caused his brain to swell. I received a phone call from the Colonel of his division and flew to Nashville. Army personnel escorted me to the hospital from the airport.

When I arrived at Vanderbilt Hospital, I slowly walked into the large trauma ward, not set up as individual rooms, but curtained-off areas. I could hear the loud pumping noise of a respirator as I walked up to my son. His body was warm, but the brain functioning was not there. I talked to him and touched his hands for about 3 hours, while two military wives rubbed my back and consoled me.

It took 6 years for me to put his picture back on the wall in my apartment. Initially, I couldn't look at it without a pang of sorrow and I didn't want to feel that pain. But in 2008 I had healed enough to hang his picture again, and began to smile when I saw it, remembering the good times. I can imagine that he is "somewhere else" now, and watching me go through the grieving process. On March 24th, 2009, I think I can smile at his memory now.

Depersonalization Disorder and Me

2009-03-02T07:28:00.000-08:00

If you read my blog, you know that I am Bipolar and in AA. I also have "depersonalization disorder", possibly connected with PTSD. Like you, I never knew what "depersonalization disorder" was.

It started when I was about 8. I remember being outside at a party with my family, and suddenly was seized with feelings that I was "not real". It scared me so much that I started shaking all over. I had to lie down in the back seat of our car until it was time for the family to go. When I was in 9th grade Spanish Class, I remember getting those same feelings of unreality and had to leave the class and go home. Recently I have gotten this feeling when reading aloud to others. Suddenly I feel as though I am a robot and am watching myself read. I have learned not to panic because I now know what is happening.

What is "depersonalization disorder"?

"Depersonalization is characterized by feelings that the objects of the external environment are changing shape and size, or that people are automated and inhuman, and features detachment as a major defense. This disorder frequently coexists with mood, anxiety, and psychotic disorders.

...

Depersonalization is defined as persistent or recurrent experiences of feeling detached, as if one is an outside observer of one's mental processes or body." from Medscape.

I would put it this way. This disorder is characterized by a weird feeling of being outside myself, observing my behavior from a distance as though watching a movie. Time may seem to slow down, and the world may seem unreal.

I think this is why I have a bad short term memory. I constantly rent DVD's that I have already seen, but don't realize it until part-way into the movie. I have written things on the internet that I don't remember writing. Stuff like that.

In researching this disorder on the internet, I have found conflicting information (surprise!). Some sources say that memory loss is a symptom of depersonalization disorder and some say it's not. All I know is, I have Bipolar disorder, depersonalization disorder, memory loss and possibly a touch of PTSD (from emotional trauma). I also can't concentrate...concentrate...concentrate... (a little humor from "Airplane".)

Proper Dating - 1960's Style

2009-02-25T06:40:00.000-08:00

In the early 1960's, "proper" dating etiquette for high school students included the outlandish idea of waiting until age 16 for one-on-one formal dates. And what was a formal date? Where the boy politely asked the girl to go out with him on a Friday or Saturday night to the movies or dinner. He picked up the girl at her home, and often met the parents. Curfew was set, often midnight.

When entering the car, the boy opened the door for the girl. She was wearing a dress, by the way! So she got into the car carefully. Cars did not have bucket seats back then, so the long front seat was a place for the girl to either sit close to the boy or close to the door. Her choice.

If they chose to go to the movies for the date, the boy always paid for the tickets. In the theater, the girl was wise not to choose seats in the back. The front was "safer".

If the boy liked the girl, he might put his arm around her chair or even try to hold her hand. (some girls have endured holding the sweaty hand of some boy they didn't care for throughout a long movie...maybe getting hand cramps doing so).

After the movie, they might go to the malt shop or drug store counter for sundaes. Other dating couples might be found there for a chance to "show off" that boy actually had this girl on a date!

At home, it might be okay for a short kiss at the door, but usually the mother was peeking out the window to make sure it was only a short one.

Contrast this scenario to 2009. By age 16, many teenagers have already had sexual intercourse. Nobody wants to wait, it seems. Maybe formal dating 1960's style seems antiquated, but its charm was the suspense of finding someone to actually love before venturing into the world of sex. Or at least like!

"The Office" Losing Its Punch

2009-02-06T06:03:00.000-08:00

My favorite show, "The Office", was on last night. The unique personality traits, running jokes, familiar facial expressions and absurd reactions to situations make this show top notch. However, in 2009 the episodes seem to be lacking that indescribable something that makes a show funny.

In the most recent episode, Michael, the King of faux pas and absurd reactions, is loudly and obnoxiously commenting on the "huge" belly of a pregnant woman, and Pam is giving her "what a jerk" reaction to the camera. It used to be funny. It's just worn out.

But Jim and Dwight still make me laugh. Dwight himself is a running joke, but one that will live on forever. Even his name (Dwight Shrute) still funny. Jim has that famous "goofy smirk", which is still appropriate and amusing.

Lesser characters in "The Office" are interesting to watch, but I don't see anyone that I couldn't live without.

I guess, as I write this article, I am seeing that Michael himself is the problem for me. He's just not fresh and funny any more.

My Top Ten of Everything from 2008

2009-01-24T11:31:00.000-08:00

There have been so many "top 10" lists that I am creating my own. Here's my top ten list of things that really got my attention last year.

1. Barack Obama is elected President of the United States of America. Wow. What a fabulous thing the people of our country did in electing a black Democratic president. It not only demonstrated the resolve to oust the Bush Kingdom; it showed how sincerely sick the American people are of economic distress, the Iraq war and inadequate health care. My kudos go to the people of the west coast and Nevada, some northern states and the northeast coastal states who toppled the midwest and southern Republican domination of political elections.

2. George Carlin dies. The full article I recommend is listed here. A funny clip of George Carlin's famous 7 Words You Can't Say on Television is found here.

3. The best video I saw all year. Wingsuit Base Jumping in Norway.

4. Summer Olympics in Beijing, China. Besides cheering for our American hero, swimmer Michael Phelps, it was cool to see clips of Beijing city and the surrounding area.

5. Proposition 8 Passes in California, much to my dismay. Of all the liberal states, it's California that one would expect to favor equal rights for all. Here's a funny video about Proposition 8:

"Prop 8 - The Musical" starring Jack Black, John C. Reilly, and many more... from Jack Black

6. Sarah Palin. In general. What an astonishing pick for V.P.! I share the view of John Cleese, who says that if we elect Obama, then the world will see that "Americans are not all a backwoods, redneck, racist society". ( shown below in Part 1 and then Part 2: )

7. Black Gaming closes Oasis Casino in Mesquite, Nevada. This is my hometown, and to close a major casino here has caused a ripple-effect of unemployment, homelessness and bankruptcy. There were only 4 major casinos and now Mesquite is down to three major casinos. Almost all casinos in Nevada have lost revenue compared to a year ago, and this has hurt the State of Nevada in many ways, by reducing the State's share of gaming revenue which funds many government programs. All bad news.

8. Best television program of 2008: "The Office". Once you get "into" it, this show is hilarious. Click on this, for a great clip from the show.

9. Best joke of the year:

“ An infinite number of mathematicians walk into a bar. The first one orders a beer. The second orders half a beer. The third, a quarter of a beer. The bartender says 'You're all idiots', and pours two beers. ”

10. The economic meltdown. Apparently, mortgage brokers offering easy mortgages to bad credit risks started the ball rolling, and before we knew it, the United States Congress voted to give mortgage securities firms a huge financial bailout. Then the economy in general started to tank. Many companies have laid off employees, and the unemployment rates have skyrocketed. Many homes are in foreclosures. And the worst is yet to come.

I Read "Superman" Comics...For Free!

2009-01-14T04:11:00.000-08:00

It's 1960, in a small mom-and-pop grocery store. I am 8 years old and sitting on the lip of the comic-book stand, happily reading my favorite comic, "Superman". For free.

Superman didn't do weird stuff in those days. He stuck to the basics. You know, flying, super-human strength and x-ray vision. Not those "modern" super-powers like seeing through people's clothes and things like that. And "Superboy" didn't exist.

Although I read "Superman" for years, I never bought an issue. As frequent shoppers in that urban store, my grandmother and I were able to get the benefits of little things like that. The owners of the store, Les and Marcy, were glad to let me read "Superman" as my grandmother shopped.

Grocery stores in the United States are just not the "cool" places they used to be. Except, maybe, stores found in small towns and rural areas. But then again, I don't know. All I know is, I live in a town of 20,000 people and kids today are kicked out of the store if they try to sit and read comic books...um....my mistake. They do not SELL comic books! I forgot! Comic books are found in specialty stores! I guess I'll have to travel 60 miles to the nearest specialty store.

I wonder if I can read all I want for free?

College Degrees Overrated

2008-12-30T06:33:00.000-08:00

College degrees, unless in technical fields like engineering or chemistry, are pointless in the job-seekers' market. Society has somehow made a degree a hiring requirement for many jobs, when the education provided by getting the degree has little to do with the job.

Much more important is learning ability. Employers should be seeking people that know how to learn a job quickly and efficiently. What does it matter if that person flunked history or humanities courses? The question is, not if they achieved the degree, but if they demonstrated the ability to learn and achieve goals.

I was employed in the 1990's in the rapidly growing cellular phone business. I had worked for 18 years, going to night school mostly, to get my Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration. I was hired as an administrative Assistant (a female thing?). As usual, I noticed that I was more capable than most of my bosses (who did not have degrees). However, in 1995, someone gave me the opportunity for a promotion. It had absolutely nothing to do with my degree. I had to demonstrate the ability to learn and achieve goals.

Astrology: Moon Sign, Scorpio

2008-12-17T18:27:00.000-08:00

Almost everybody knows their astrological sign. But that is the "sun sign", not the "moon sign". My moon sign is "Scorpio". Now I'm supposed to learn more about Scorpio's characteristics.

I didn't realize that in Astrology, a "moon sign" is important. For example, I am the sun sign Cancer, but my moon sign, Scorpio, represents my emotional and inner self. I am told that many people feel their moon sign energy even more than with their sun sign. (but I'm still not sure what that means, exactly).

So I have learned that Scorpio is a water sign. Water signs are considered feminine, passive, reactive, receptive, introverted, and enduring. Scorpios, like Cancers, prefer to "wait and see what happens" before making any moves. So I guess I am kind of a "reluctant" sort of decision-maker.

Scorpio: MOON Your actions are strongly motivated by your feelings and you are most adept at hiding your true feelings. You possess great willpower and good judgments. You never forget a good or bad deed. This moon position is one of the more difficult ones having more obstacles to face and conquer than others. A Scorpio Moon would tend to be aggressive and dominating, as well as being, willful and stubborn. They have strong beliefs which are expressed passionately. This placement indicates a secretive and extremely independent nature. Intuitive and psychic abilities may be heightened. Jealousy and distrust of others may be evident. It isn't easy for them to share their feelings, it means they would have to be vulnerable. Scorpio Moons are mysterious

Astrology: Sun Sign, Cancer

2008-12-14T07:08:00.000-08:00

I had my natal chart done. Hmmmmm. The reading says all kinds of things that ring true. I'm a cancer, with Sun ascending, Venus in the Fourth House, Moon in Scorpio, North Node is in Aquarius, etc. It's taken a lot of time and study to figure out what all these terms mean. I still don't know much.

Here's an example from my reading: "The Sun conjunct the Ascendant shows that you have a great desire for recognition and are creative in finding ways to gain attention." Conclusion: This is why I am doing this Blog!!! hahahahaha

Sometimes I think each paragraph of a natal chart reading or a horoscope could be cut out, all put in a hat, and pulled out at random. Even then each paragraph would ring true for most people.

So I ask myself, "why do so many people believe in Astrology?"

Susan Miller, in the article "What Astrology Can Do For You" found on Cafestrology.com says:

"Astrologers believe in the maxim As Above, So Below. By that I mean there is a direct relationship between the activities of the planets and human activity on earth. Most people see a relationship between full moons and human behavior; astrologers just see this phenomenon in much greater depth and detail. We are not sure why astrology works but we are certain there is a connection. There are many theories as to why, but science does not admit that there are forces in the universe that we still do not fully understand. It is possible that in the future we will discover why astrology works."

On Astrodienst.com, we read:

"Astrology sees mankind as being not only influenced by hereditary factors and the environment, but also by the state of our solar system at the moment of birth. The planets are regarded as basic life-forces, the tools we live by as well as the basis of our very substance. These planetary forces take on different forms, depending on their zodiacal positiSolar-Systemon and on the way they relate to one another."

I am giving Astrology a try. Who knows, it might just help. What are your thoughts?

______________________
*jpg found at Astrodienst.com

No More Christmas Gifts!

2008-11-29T07:14:00.000-08:00

I'm afraid the holiday season is antiquated. Leave it to human beings to screw up a good thing. For years, I have been sickened by the holiday season's consumerism, the greed, the shootings, tramplings, me-me-me.

I would like you all to join me in banning gift-giving for the holidays! Yes, Santa, I mean no gifts for Christmas. Instead, let's have family or friend gatherings, sing songs, have some food, just enjoy the holiday without having gifts.

All the stores, with their holiday sales, can go )@#_ themselves! No more shoppers, exhausted from trips to find gifts. No more sibling rivalry...."your presents were better than my presents, so Mommy and Daddy must love you more". No more greedy children, demanding the latest in electronics. Maybe we can make it up through giving more on birthdays, I don't know.

Eharmony: "I'm Not Compatible With Anybody"

2008-11-16T12:38:00.000-08:00

Well, I took the "free profile" on eHarmony and here's what they told me: "eHarmony is based upon a complex matching system," blah blah blah.

"If we find that we will not be able to match a user using these profiles, we feel it is only fair to inform them early in the process.

...

Unfortunately, we are not able to make our profiles work for you."

What am I, chopped liver??

Ok, so what is the problem here? Well, the obvious thing is that I am a 56 year old female, and how many people on eHarmony, excuse me, how many MEN on eHarmony are looking for a lady of my age? Second thing, I have been married and divorced several times. Kind of puts a cloud over the singles matching thing, doesn't it?

I am kind of frustrated, because I could be the most sexy woman, kind, understanding, compassionate and all those good traits and (flushing sound) I am rejected. Sad.

I Used to Play Flute, But Now I Don't

2008-11-10T09:46:00.000-08:00

On the classical radio station this morning, I heard a flute solo I used to perform, always with standing ovations and rave reviews. It's called "Concertino" by Chaminade. I gave up playing my flute about 2 years ago, at age 54. I was getting frustrated that my level of expertise was much less than at my peak at age 18.

When Concertino was played on the radio, my fingers automatically tapped the imaginary flute keys to play in concert with the flute on the radio. I knew this piece by heart, still, after 40 years, and it brought a tear to my eye to know that I will never play that piece again.

My question is, how long can a high school band student maintain profiency on their instrument? Is 40 years better than average? I don't know, but all I know is I am a has-been.

Family Guy Sums Up Iraq War In 30 Seconds

2008-11-04T07:20:00.001-08:00

Funny and true!

read more | digg story

No Signs or Symbols Allowed

2008-10-28T05:24:00.000-07:00

On my Effexor prescription bottle it says "take with food", along with a drawing of a hamburger. Not a carrot or banana, but a hamburger just like from McDonald's. On another prescription bottle it says "take with food", along with a drawing of a loaf of bread. Not a carrot or banana, but a loaf of bread, probably white, made with bleached white flour. I don't know what that means, it's just an observation.

International symbols like these do make sense, most of the time, but sometimes I have to wonder. The sign that used to read "Men Working" now shows a figure with a shovel. Is it a man or woman? I ask myself these things.

Then there are symbols that make no sense to me. This symbol looks kind of like a line poking through a light bulb. It is supposed to represent someone's ear. It is the international symbol for "deaf".
(huh?)

Here's more of my perceptions:

"I am kissing my finger".

"It's Snowing From the Faucet"

"This triangle is surprised!"

"My butt hurts."

"Going Bowling." (hint: it really means breast feeding allowed here)

"The Crossing Guard is Using His Laptop."

"Don't Look at This Sign."

"Look, Your Fly is Open."

"Lady Cut in Half."

*Images taken from http://images.google.com except first image, from http://www.iso.org/iso/iso_cafe_symbols.htm

Poverty

2008-10-12T15:48:00.001-07:00

It's Blog Action Day with the subject being poverty, and I view this important topic with a passion. So, what is poverty? In earlier times, the majority of people lived in poverty while the few control all the money. (wait..isn't that how it is today?) Today a child may feel that they live in poverty if they don't own a computer or cell phone. The adults may feel they live in poverty if they own the least expensive home or car on the block. In other words, "poverty" is a subjective term.

Let's concentrate our definition of poverty within the United States. A little history...I have owned beautiful homes, new cars, traveled overseas, had a 401K and other investments, but now I own very little. For example, I lost my glasses and cannot afford new ones, and paying for dental work is difficult. If I have a tooth that needs dental work, I usually opt for the dentist to pull out the tooth because that procedure is less expensive. However, I "count my blessings" because I have a roof over my head and food in the refrigerator. I have a mode of transportation (scooter).

Further down the poverty scale are the homeless. What a "black eye" this gives our country! Are we totally dead and blind to the needs of the homeless? Do we think that the homeless choose to be homeless? How ironic that many seemingly well-to-do homeowners are now losing their homes due to the sub-prime lending scandal.

A huge number of the homeless have mental illnesses. When the psychiatric inpatient laws changed some years ago to "free" the mentally ill, (supposedly because locking up a person was deemed inhumane), the result was that we now have the mentally ill often being homeless. What a tragedy!

I believe a person lives in poverty if they cannot afford decent food, housing and medical care. In other words, if a person is eating practically nothing but rice and beans, lives in squalor and can't pay for doctors' care or medication, they are living in poverty.

What can be done? Of course we can't just hand out dollar bills to those in poverty. However, we can do this in the form of creating "the poor house"..(see the board game "LIFE"), raising the qualification income limits for food stamps and instigating Obama's plan to provide health care for all.

Vice Presidential Debate, Guys and Gals!

2008-10-03T10:27:00.000-07:00

Hey, I'm Sarah Palin, Governor of a really big energy state that has oodles of oil under all that protected land, just waitin' for me and McCain to say to you all, "drill, drill drill!". (wink)

(Biden suppresses gag reflex.)

Gotcha! I know this great country of ours needs jobs, it's the economy, and I'm a Mom so I know how to make executive decisions.

(Biden sheds tears for deceased wife and child)

And you guys are just waivin' a white flag of surrender that General McClellan says we need more troops, a surge of troops in Afghanistan and you know, Iran also is on Sen. McCain's mind as a really bad place to have Al Queda or whatever send Israel, and I love Israel, a nucular (sic) bomb and we have to follow General McClennan's direction in this, guys and gals.

(Biden prudently refrains from correcting the name of the General in charge of the US troops in Afghanistan, and does not point out that General McClellan was a civil war general). LOL

EyesonObama.com says, "From the very beginning, Palin countered the Delaware Senator’s substantive points with the same kind of tactics utilized by beauty pageant competitors everywhere- winks, smiles, “darn rights,” “don’t ya knows,” and “heck of a lottas”. She stepped out onto the stage and kicked off her performance with a cheap parlor trick, leaving her microphone on while she made a cute comment: “Hey, can I call ya Joe?” And it’s no wonder she resorts to that kind of approach. It’s the same thing that made her a successful pageant girl herself back in the 1980s".

AND THE WINNER OF THE DEBATE IS........

Finally, Mental Health Parity Likely!!

2008-10-02T11:10:00.000-07:00

I have struggled with a dual diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder and Alcoholism. Getting insurance coverage for these illnesses has been a nightmare. Ordinarily, a health insurance policy will pay for only 50% of psychiatric or counseling visits, meaning that if one visit costs $150, the individual is stuck with $75 per visit. What if the condition requires one visit per week? That's $300 a month out of pocket, not to mention the high cost of psychiatric medications. That's a big blow to my budget, I can tell you.

If and when the infamous Wall Street Bailout bill becomes law, I will be excited for the mental health parity earmarks. This will help individuals with mental illnesses and substance abuse problems so much! Today it is almost impossible to get decent inpatient treatment, since insurance policies limit payments much more than physical inpatient reimbursements.

“The legislation does not mandate that group health plans cover mental health or addiction treatment, only that when plans do so, the coverage must be equitable to other medical coverage.” Hmm, I wonder how this would impact Medicare reimbursements?

Thanks, legislators!

My Unconventional Taste re: Celebrities

2008-09-10T09:06:00.000-07:00

My inspiration for living comes from actors who either lived in a childhood of poverty, or developed a keen insight into this condition. I am not impressed by famous actors who come from "a family of actors" (such as Drew Barrymore, the Sheens, Jamie Lee Curtis, etc.) I am more impressed by people like Hilary Swank who earned their fame the hard way.

Take for example, Woody Allen. His scripts are legendary, his comic sense of timing, inimitable. His films generally deal with real-life situations which affect us all. I have seen just about every "Woody Allen" film that exists, and I always find some line, some situation, some aspiration and acceptance from his movies. His character is always down and out, whether financially, mentally or socially. It helps me understand myself and my perception of my shortcomings and failings.

Then we have an emerging talent, Shia LeBoeuf. In his television role in "Even Stevens", I was always interested in the character. Now he is even doing Raiders. His acting talent is exceptional! I truly admire his hard work.

I am also looking for film or television celebrities who avoid the main-stream Hollywood establishment. Take for example, Marlon Brando. When winning an Academy Award, he sent a native american to "accept" the award and give a political speech. This makes things interesting.

(I won't even attempt to tackle the subject of the music world....)

Ok, I am unconventional in my taste. Am I alone? I don't think so. Saturday Night Live was unconventional in the beginning. Now it is main-stream. So was Seinfeld, The Daily Show, Laugh-In, and so many other wonderful television programs which gained their popularity from being "different". So, vive-le-difference! (how do you spell that?)

Hockey Mom V.P. and then President of USA?

2008-09-02T08:40:00.001-07:00

Palin for V.P.? Surely you can't be serious...and don't call me Shirley!

What a stupid Vice President choice from McCain! Gee, I know a lot of soccer moms with 5 kids, with a little political experience in my home state of Utah! McCain could have asked the local church leaders for some recommendations and would have had a gold mine in responses. They are often pro-life, don't know shit about foreign policy, have knocked-up teens (because they don't believe in birth control...just abstinance), and have that bright and sappy facial expression that works so well with the uneducated or easily-fooled. If looking like you have a positive outlook with a great smile is what is important in an election, the dour Abraham Lincoln and other wonderful U.S. Presidents of the past would have never made it past the primaries.

As so many political experts are trying to say, pointing out that McCain is a 72-year-old cancer survivor (so far), and the Vice President is just a "heartbeat away" from being President, it is likely that this soccer mom (ok, it's Hockey) could be our future President. Think about it...Palin, as President of the United States and leader of the free world? I would be so embarrassed and saddened for this great country, which would be "stuck" with an inexperienced "soccer mom" as our leader. Could this lead to disaster? (BTW, I am female and could have easily voted for Hillary).

So...are you thinking of voting for McCain-Palin? Think again. Obama and Biden as a team are fabulous. As the background video on the life of Obama, shown at the Democratic National Convention discussed, he is a brilliant, inquisitive, Harvard graduate who chose to serve "the people" instead of working for a fabulous salary at just about any law firm in the country. He is a true leader, whether you agree with all of his political stances or not.

My prayer is this: "God, grant this country the serenity to accept the things it cannot change (stupid Republican Presidential ticket), the courage to change the things it can, (vote for Obama/Biden), and the wisdom to know the difference."

Geriatric Olympics? Why Not!

2008-08-09T07:06:00.000-07:00

I have been watching the Beijing Olympics, and at the opening ceremonies many of athletes from different countries acted like, well, "kids"; laughing, wearing funny hats, jumping around instead of walking, etc.

I wonder, what would the Olympics be like if held for those aged 50 and over? Now, that is something I would appreciate. Many young people are strong, athletic and muscular just because of their age. Someone over 50 would really have to work hard to earn the right to be in the Olympics for those over 50. Now that would be interesting!

Celebrities I Love

2008-07-31T06:21:00.000-07:00

Heath Ledger
Johnny Depp
John Lennon
Philip Seymour Hoffman
Sean Connery
Oliver & Hardy
Penn Gillette
Jack Nicholson
Gwnyth Paltrow
President Roosevelt
Amy Winehouse

I Just Found Out I have Sleep Apnea

2008-07-11T14:15:00.000-07:00

Sleep apnea...few people know what it really is. I had two sleep studies, where I slept overnight and had wires and things all over the place. After reading the results, the physician pronounced me as having "obstructive sleep apnea". Well I knew I snored, because my partner would sleep on the couch many nights because of my snoring. But little did I know that I had a disease which raises my blood pressure and puts stress on my heart. It also causes sleepiness and depression during the daytime because REM sleep is deprived. Here's a link to a great little movie about sleep apnea.

http://www.resmed.com/en-us/patients/understanding-sdb-english-640x380.swf

I apparently have to use a breathing machine and mask to force humidified air into my throat for life.

My Love Bird Poops on My Head

2008-03-20T05:03:00.000-07:00

Enough love is enough....my love bird, "Kiwi", wants to spend most of the day flying from her cage to my head. One day bird poop rolled down my forehead. Yuck! It was bad enough washing out the little white poops in my hair, but that was the last straw. Now I have to wear an old baseball cap every day at home. This works quite well. Kiwi can fly to the top of my head and stay there all she wants, and no more poop in my hair! She likes to peck at the hat, which is fine with me.

Love birds like to, well, "Love". She is attached to me. I am her bird mate. It's really cute how she has to be with me all the time, and now that I have my baseball cap it's quite enjoyable to have my little friend with me.

I love Sarah Silverman

2008-02-24T12:11:00.000-08:00

Got into this craze. Youtube'd and rented everything on Sarah Silverman, my new discovery. She is crass, brazen, funny, irreverent and unique. I first saw her on the DVD by Penn Gillette of Penn & Teller called "the Aristocrats". What a foul movie (which makes it good in my opinion).

Anybody else into her, besides Matt Damon? (inside joke)

ciao

Breast Biopsy - Cancer Schmiopsy!

2007-12-28T08:18:00.000-08:00

I admit I have the biggest boobs in the world. Cup size H. (and no, I am not 500 pounds)....close, but not there yet. Well I get the wonderful tit squishing machine they call a mammogram, and they find a "spot". What's a "Spot"? "We don't know." "You have to have a breast biopsy to see if it's cancer". oh. how nice. oh.

So....under general anesthetic I later wake up with a giant black/blue/purple area on my breast that would be substituted for the artificial turf on the football field. I mean, BIG. Huge and scarey looking.

To make matters worse, the regular stitches the doctor put in failed, and blood started flowing out so I had to be hospitalized, and re-stitched with industrial-strength thread.

It is now one week later. I do not have cancer, thank G. But my breast is all colors of the rainbow and a two inch band of black stitches is poking out. Must have been some lump, huh? Maybe I should frame the lump and hang it over the pig's barn door saying "Some Lump" and make some money off of it. Who knows? (to those of you who do not recognize my obscure reference to the book and movie "Charlotte's Web", the spider wrote "some pig" in her web and suddenly people started seeing the plain old pig as "something".)

Great!

2007-11-26T02:04:00.000-08:00

OK, I can't see my blog's statistics for some reason. Do you like what I write? Please post somethingl

I have gotten sucked into loving the show "Dancing with the Stars". I feel stupid, like I got hooked on watching the Beverly Hillbillies. Nevertheless, I am rooting for Marie Osmond to win. Why? Because she does the best she can with what she's got. I am 55 years old and she is 48. If you are younger than this, you just don't comprehend the obstacle that age produces.

Go Marie!

Religious Funeral vs. Celebration of Life

2007-10-21T08:31:00.001-07:00

You know, I told you that I went to my Dad's funeral recently. Yesterday I went to the funeral of another, a best friend from AA, Jane Cushen. At my Dad's funeral, the Bishop of the Mormon Church conducted the services, it was held in the Mormon church, it had prayer, speakers, and felt like a church service. My dead father was dressed in Mormon Temple clothes. (IF you don't know what those are, don't ask).

At Jane's funeral, she was cremated and it was a "Celebration of Life". Instead of big flower funeral sprays, there were balloon bouquets at a picnic area at a City Park. Instead of being run by a certain religious denomination, the service consisted of volunteers from AA or the deceased's family who wanted to say a few words. Instead of a banquet there was a picnic with sandwiches and chips.

What a difference. I now feel that I want a picnic in the park with balloon bouquets. Cremate me and throw me to the wind. Let my loved ones say a couple of words, but have a fun picnic. That's it.

My Dad's Funeral

2007-10-16T08:08:00.000-07:00

Robert Clayton died on October 7, 2007 peacefully at home. I was able to fly to Salt Lake to go to the funeral. My impressions are what I wish to describe.

I felt relief that my dad was over his suffering. 14 years at home with a caregiver is not a great way to live. His quality of life was poor for a long time. In the end his mind was gone, and he was almost in a coma. This makes me hope for a quick death. Maybe fall off a cliff like my son. Quick.

At the funeral, we played a tape of my Dad's beautiful tenor voice singing "Mother MacRee". That was the point in the funeral service that I broke down. I loved my dad's singing and have a love for GOOD male tenors like Pavarotti, Josh Groben, etc.

My mother seemed quite fine and relieved. She did her task well. Now what will she do with herself? Is she hiding her pain? Probably.

It had been 10 years since I'd seen some of my cousins who attended. You know the experience of seeing someone after many years and noticing the wrinkles and grey hair! We all get to age....or not!

Dad on Deathbed

2007-09-22T10:17:00.000-07:00

Wow. It's finally going to happen to me...the death of my father. You would think at my age (55) I would be ready for it...but nobody is ever ready for the death of a parent.

He has pneumonia, brought on because he can't swallow right (has parkinsons and strokes). It will not get better, only worse. So he is going home from the hospital to die at home, under the care of my mother and hospice.

Now I am in a waiting period. What day? How am I going to travel to Utah? I have no car, so I guess it's the bus.

Waiting is so hard.

Chicago Concert in Mesquite, Nevada

2007-08-18T13:11:00.000-07:00

As I was walking to the line to get in to see and hear the Chicago concert (yes "the" band Chicago), I heard someone exclaim "Oh my God! Look at that...Chicago is playing in the middle of nowhere".

Well, this is a casino gambling town, and quite a few people come here to partake of the excitement of the casinos. But even still, many at the concert could not believe their good fortune to have a band the caliber of Chicago in our town.

And what a concert it was! I challenge any rock and roll band to play so many familiar songs, so many songs a part of "our" past, with such tight musicianship. I learned that the brass players are the personality of Chicago. They are the ones clapping their hands to the beat, and interacting with the huge audience. But each guitar player was awesome to hear. Wow.

What's Love, Anyway?

2007-08-15T07:28:00.000-07:00

Yeah, Tina Turner sang "What's Love Got To Do With It" and I agree. I'm a veteran of relationships, successful or not. The real big "ah-ha" I learned is that if there is a man out there dedicated to being the best husband he can be, the marriage is likely to be a long one. Women are optimistic and expect the best from relationships, which is sadly naive on their part. We Cinderellas are waiting for Prince Charming. It is the rare man who is altruistic. That is the secret to finding lasting relationships...the devoted man.

Of course there are men who claim the opposite, and I am generalizing.

I have a former boyfriend right now who would be happy as a clam if I would give him my savings accounts, devotion, cleaning and cooking abilities and then he would relish that as a Sultan would to his servants or like King of the Household. Where have all the unselfish men gone?

I want someone to love and grow old(er) with. But I think that dream is slipping through my fingers.

My Love Bird Loves Me!

2007-08-02T07:36:00.000-07:00

One month ago, I acquired a baby love bird. I chose to keep a love bird because they are the smallest of the parrot family, with personality and intelligence. My bird is named "Kiwi".

Take a look at this picture. This is how Kiwi and I start the morning, with me sitting at my computer desk and Kiwi sitting on my glasses. Can you believe that Kiwi climbs up on my glasses without prompting, enjoying grooming my eyebrows and pecking at the glass frames.

No, I don't mind the poop....lol.

Random Thoughts on Celebrities

2007-07-26T05:06:00.000-07:00

My heart belongs to Johnny Depp. He is utterly watchable in any movie and a truly handsome hunk. I can also watch anything that Jack Nicholson stars in. He's a wonderful actor, handsome with a personality to my liking. Then there's actors who I love to watch for their artistry....Philip Seymour Hoffman, Shia LeBoef (how do you spell that?), Chris Cooper, Sean Penn, Edward Norton, and John Cusack.

When I was very young, I would kiss the television set every time Pat Boone was on the screen. I also thought that Superman (George Reeves) was hot. As a teenager I loved John Cleese and still do.

On the female side, Charlize Theron, Uma Thurman, Nicole Kidman and Angelina Jolie are pleasing to watch. I also like Jessica Biel and think she will be a big star. I admire the talents of Helen Mirren and Judy Dench.

The best comic is Larry the Cable Guy, followed by Chris Rock.

The act I would most like to see in Las Vegas is Penn and Teller. I think that Penn Jillette is brilliant, and I admire him for speaking his mind on politics and religion.

Then there are certain celebrities I can't stand...Lewis Black, Julia Roberts, Roseanne Barr, and (ahem!) George Bush!!

USA in Bad Shape

2007-07-21T10:41:00.000-07:00

I was talking with my friend George, who is 88 years old and a WWII veteran. He said "in all my years I have never seen the country in this bad a shape." This rang a bell with me, because I have been paying attention to political discussions on the internet, and realize that under George W. Bush's presidency, the citizens of the USA are much worse off than before he took office in many ways.

My daughter and her family live in Europe. It is hard for them to constantly have to defend America and endure embarrassment and criticism for this country's international policies. The world in general hates this country. When I hear uninformed rubbish that the USA is the best country in the world, I want to puke. It USED to be the best....but as far as health care, homelessness, education, drugs, senseless war, gas price increases which are leading to other price increases, a faltering real estate market, less and less freedom and more and more "executive privilege" along with the Patriot Act which reduces freedom...the USA is not a place I am proud in which to live. (Sorry, Mom).

OMG: 55 and Older!

2007-07-01T06:21:00.000-07:00

I have reached that senior citizen category...."55 and Older", of which I am not certain how I feel. In one sense, it is great to be alive. In another sense, I can get senior citizen discounts and live in senior citizen neighborhoods. But the inner child in me screams, "how can I get dates at this age"? LOL. If a man takes the time to get to know me, he realizes that I have a very young outlook on life. Does that make me NOT a senior citizen? Heck no!

People say that 50 is the new 30, etc. but that's only because all the Baby Boomers are reaching 50 and 60! The majority opinion rules!

Most Gods are not Great

2007-06-18T08:02:00.000-07:00

I'm reading "God is Not Great - How Religion Poisons Everything" by Christopher Hitchens. It's on the New York Times Bestseller list. I'm learning a lot about why different cultures today are at war or threatening war. Yes, religion is probably behind it all. I agree with Christopher.

But religion is not spirituality and vice-versa. I now believe in spiritual things found within myself, by my reactions to the real world. Defining God is useless and has caused much more harm than good in my own experience. To me, "Good Orderly Direction" is as good a description of God as anything. With that definition, yes I believe in my own "God". When I tune into that God within, I have a much better outcome.

Is Bush "Pulling a Palpatine"?

2007-05-19T07:28:00.001-07:00

To those of you not familiar with the Star Wars movies, the last one to come out featured Chancellor/Emperor Palpatine as the Sith Lord who became dictator of a formerly free republic. At the time, there were quite a few media comments on the similarities between President George Bush and Chancellor/Emperor Palpatine and the political methods used to sway the popular opinion toward providing greater powers to the President/Emperor in times of crisis. Read "Is Bush a Sith Lord?" for a great example.

Queen Amidala laments, "so this is how liberty dies...to thunderous applause". But let's back up a sec.....what words were used by Chancellor/Emperor Palpatine in the senate speech that brought the "thunderous applause" comment in the first place? Here they are:

"In order to ensure our security and continuing stability, the Republic will be reorganized into the first Galactic Empire, for a safe and secure society."

Yeah, right! So begins the Evil Empire. I always wondered how the Evil Empire came to exist in the Star Wars movies, and always thought it must have been through victory in war. But no, to my astonishment, Revenge of the Sith proved that a dictatorship was voted into existence.

So for our own "safety and security", we discover that unchecked democracies are only a tyrant away from becoming dictatorships. Dan Froomkin of the Washington Post said,

"Revenge of the Sith...can also be seen as a cautionary tale for our time -- a blistering critique of the war in Iraq, a reminder of how democracies can give up their freedoms too easily, and an admonition about the seduction of good people by absolute power. "

It has been two years since that excerpt was written. Has President Bush done anything since to "Pull a Palpatine", or has he already "Pulled a Palpatine" and we just don't realize it?

There's an interesting group called "Reporters without Borders". It's an international group of news reporters with its own website. Each year they rank countries on how much freedom of the press exists, in their opinion. Of all the countries in the world, the United States has sunk to 54th place in 2006, as compared to 17th place in 2002. Who's number one in freedom of the press? Finland!? Weren't they communist just a few years ago? The point is, do you think that our media will report on itself that it sucks in the USA as far as freedom to say what they want goes? Maybe, but will those voices be heard?

Wasn't it Ronald Reagan who called the Soviet Union "the Evil Empire"? Let's hope it's not too late for us.

Fat, Older Sexy Women!!

2007-05-15T10:23:00.000-07:00

Yes, I said "fat" and "older" in the same sentence as "sexy"! It's time our society transformed its ideas of "thin" and "young" as equating "sexy". After all, it is well known that in the United States the majority of women are overweight. As a woman of 54, I have certainly become aware that when a woman hits her forties and fifties, the body just wants to hang onto that fat.

But someone I consider to be a handsome, desirable male told me that I am a big, sexy, beautiful woman and exciting to be with. Then another man found me exciting and beautiful. Instead of feeling inferior because I am not Paris Hilton, I found myself accepting the beauty and sexuality that a fat, older woman can possess. In an increasing number of personal ads on the internet I am noticing that some men want "BBW" only (big, beautiful women). Well, I'm a BBW (overweight), but the realization that some men are not attracted to "skinny-assed bitches" (as quoted from a personal ad I read) has made me stop excusing myself for my age or weight when I am dating. In fact, many younger men pursue older women because of their maturity and experience, which makes lovemaking much more pleasurable for them than with a skinny young thing who doesn't know what to do.

I remember with sadness that several male friends became disinterested in their wives because they had gained weight as the years went by. Naturally! That's what our bodies do, especially when menopause strikes and the metabolism decreases. This is the dangerous stage when men tend to look for younger women for affairs or more. If only there were a sex education class or something that could educate them to the desirability of their wives! Attitude is everything. It's all perspective of the individual. The media doesn't help the matter any (except for the movie "Shallow Hal"), with its glorification of youth and beauty. Let's remember that some of the sexiest famous women are fat. Check out http://top40bigbeautifulwomen.xk.pl/ to see who's considered fat and sexy (and a fair number of them are now over 40). It's time for the fat, older sexy woman revolution!!!

I'm A Dependent Personality Living Alone

2007-05-13T07:41:00.000-07:00

I'll admit it...I am a dependent personality. I have always depended on my parents or husband(s) for emotional support. The one thing I have always dreaded was living alone. And guess what, now I live alone!

I have discovered that living alone isn't bad after all. I can come and go as I please, reporting to no one. If I desire to squeeze the toothpaste tube in the middle, I can do so without anyone else complaining! I can cook what I like, even lima beans! The television is there silently waiting for me to turn it on, to watch whatever I please. And I can do my laundry "my" way...lumping colored clothing with whites...!

I used to be afraid that I would have a medical emergency and no one would be there to help. Well, the telephone is quite accessible even to someone having a heart attack, and the paramedics arrive no more quickly than if a spouse had dialed 9-1-1.

Sleeping alone is heavenly! I can toss and turn all night, taking up the entire bed without disturbing another person. I even admit that I sometimes snore...but without another pair of ears in the room, I am not offending anyone.

Scooters - A City Delight

2007-05-13T07:11:00.000-07:00

For most of my life, I have paid car insurance, car repair costs, license plate fees, taxes, and all that goes with owning a car. Suddenly, a year ago, I lost my car. How could I manage? I didn't want to take city busses. I didn't want to walk too far. I didn't want to have to rely on friends to take me places. I was spoiled!

Then, my friend Susan suggested that I get a scooter. A what? A scooter....no not a "power chair" for disabled people.....no, not a little thing you scoot with one foot....a real, motorized scooter! In Nevada, scooters under 50 cc are not required to be licensed or insured. You just have to go under 30 mph.

I live in a small town where it almost never snows, so the scooter seemed to make sense. So for $850 I purchased a Chinese-made scooter from a friend of a friend. It was easy to ride, with no shifting of gears required. I rode along the right side of the road when possible, and that worked fine.

The color of my scooter is PINK! I purchased a pink leather jacket to match! It is amazing how many comments I get from strangers every time I park my scooter. I get more accolades from strangers than if I were driving a Corvette! Everybody says "I want one!".

The cost of operating my scooter is $5 a month for gas. It gets 100 mpg. Remember, there is no insurance or license plate required! I park it in my apartment at night so it doesn't get stolen, and park it in front of stores by their bike racks so that is is never left in an unsafe place. But shhh!!! Don't let this secret get out, or you know the government will want to tax and license my scooter for sure!!!!!

Social Isolation and Mental Illness

2007-05-10T09:21:00.000-07:00

15th May 2006 by Elise Stobbe (pen name for Carley)

Think about what it would be like to spend most of your time alone because being around other people is just too difficult. You feel that others are judging you for your mental illness, and so you are scared to face the world. You withdraw to avoid this stigmatization. This social withdrawal is emotionally very costly. But this is a two-way street — the mentally ill withdraw from society–society withdraws from them.

An Austrailian survey reported that two-thirds of people affected by a mental illness feel lonely “often” or “all of the time”. The research says in contrast, just 10 per cent of the general population reported feelings of loneliness. (1)

Social relationships are important for anyone in maintaining health, but for the mentally ill it is especially important. People with mental illness value contact with family. But families may be unwilling to interact with their mentally ill family member. Social isolation is also sometimes due to the unwillingness of others to befriend the mentally ill. The public may avoid them altogether. The stigma associated with mental illness creates huge barriers to socialization.

People with severe mental illness are probably the most isolated social group of all. They are judged, disrepected and made into pariahs. They fear rejection from others, who may be afraid of the mentally ill, so the mentally ill person may feel overwhelmed by the thought of attempting to form new friendships. Just avoiding any contact is often the choice. Or, they may make a great effort to conceal their condition from others, which results in additional stress from worrying about their true condition being discovered.

It is sometimes the case that the severely mentally ill person becomes homeless. This in itself is isolating, and they then must suffer the double stigmatization of being homeless as well as mentally ill.

Another reason the person with mental illness may experience social isolation is the nature of their mental illness. Social phobias like agoraphobia, or severe anxiety or depression often cause the suffering person to be afraid to venture out into society.

When anyone, mentally ill or not, does not have enough social contact, it affects them mentally and even physically. Loneliness creates stress, taking a toll on health. Other things affected can be the ability to learn and memory function. High blood pressure is also seen. It can be the trigger of depression and alcoholism. (2) Imagine the consequences, then, if you are already depressed or have other mental illnesses? Loneliness can make you worse. Loneliness and loss of self-worth lead many mentally ill to believe that they are useless, and so they live with a sense of hopelessness and low self-esteem.

Social isolation is both a cause and an effect of mental distress. When the person isolates more, they face more mental distress. With more mental distress, they want to isolate. This vicious cycle relegates many people with severe mental illness to a life of social segregation and isolation.

Many people with severe psychiatric disabilities say that the stigma associated with their illness is as distressing as the symptoms themselves. This stigmatisation not only prevents them from interacting with others, but may prevent them from seeking treatment, which in turn exposes them to a greater risk of suicide.

Too often the public does not understand the challenges of the mentally ill and doesn’t want to try. It is therefore necessary to confront biased social attitudes in order to reduce the discrimination and stigma of people who are living with mental illness.

References
(1) Mentally Ill ‘neglected by communities’. (05/08/2002). Yahoo. AU.
(2) Psychology Today. The Dangers of Loneliness. Morano, Hara Estroff. (Aug. 21, 2033).
First published at www.brainblogger.com

Ah, is Death Ever a Blessing?

2007-05-07T11:24:00.000-07:00

My Army Son Died Before Going to Iraq

There is nothing worse than the death of a child...right? But what is the nature and manner of his death? Perhaps that deserves some consideration.

My son was killed in 2002 at Ft. Campbell, Kentucky, from a fall. He was hit on the head by a rock as he tumbled down a cliff. I went to Ft. Campbell the next day to see to my son's final arrangements and attended a very emotional farewell memorial service, attended by about 900 members of the 101st Airborne.

At the end of the service, I stood outside the chapel and shook the hands of 900 members of the 101st Airborne, including 2 generals. I got many letters of condolence from all levels of the military. I have t-shirts, pictures, diaries and other memorabilia given to me by that great military unit.

Then, a few months later, the war in Iraq began. The 101st Airborne was one of the first to invade Iraq. Naturally, I thought of my son and how he would have been there. I also thought of the 900 hands I shook...now they were all in Iraq under war conditions.

As the years have gone by, I have been saddened to know that a percentage of the hands I shook at that Memorial Service are now dead, killed in Iraq. I wonder how many have lost limbs, are brain damaged, or otherwise disabled?

In the secret areas of my heart, I thank God that my son did not have to face that horrible war. I thank God that he is not maimed, disabled, brain damaged, or just existing in fear at the horrors of impending death that defines war.

Of course I would rather have my son alive and happy. I would rather he were just biding his time in the Army until he could get the G.I. Bill, and have saved enough money for college. I look at the commercials on T.V. about the "Army of One" and how enticing they make the military seem. I just have to shake my head in sadness. They just don't know.

Teaching Music to Talented Children

2007-05-07T11:21:00.000-07:00

When I was small, I had an urge to play music. I was an unusual child, brimming with natural musical talent.

In 7th grade, I was first chair flute in the band and first chair violin in the orchestra. Two different periods of school were taken by my musical interests. After school, I practiced about an hour every day, without my parents ever urging me to do so. My natural inclinations were to go to my bedroom and practice my instruments. I felt gratification from my curious mind and natural abilities.

Then in 9th grade, in high school, I had to choose between flute and violin; between band and orchestra. Equally skilled at both, I didn't know what to do. Then someone told me that if I continued with the band, I could be in the marching band...play at football games...march down the street in parades...decision made.

In the 9th grade I became 1st chair flute. The other girls in the band hated me. The Senior girls had, especially, been counting on their turn at first chair (where you are the designated soloist). When I went to regional band festivals, I always came out the "command performance" winner, the highest honor possible for my solos. Sometimes I didn't even have an accompanist.

There were no higher achievements possible at that level....and yet, my parents did not bother to send me to a flute teacher. I taught myself, flawed fingering techniques were the result. I taught myself about as much as a self-taught student can do, and when it came time for scholarship tryouts in college bands, I did not prevail. I did not have the advanced techniques necessary to succeed at the college level due to lack of training.

Today I believe that my lack of training is negligent by my parents. I had the innate talent to be brilliant at flute as a career. What happened to me is that after an upbringing where I was always the "star", adulthood and real life hit me like a ton of bricks. I could not quite understand a world where I was ordinary, where people were not there to applaud me, but rather the bill collectors and struggles of a person on a small income were my harsh reality.

My conclusion is that if a child is to be introduced to the arts, of whatever nature they may be, the fullest extent of training must be given. It is tragic for gifted children to expend so much effort and energy only to fail because the training was not there. Unrealistic expectations can be given a gifted young performer by gracious and well-meaning audiences.

Myths and Minds

2007-05-03T07:49:00.000-07:00

It has only been within the past decade or two that we have begun to better understand the biochemical causes of mental illness. Although there is still much to be discovered, it is now known that mental illnesses are similar to physical illnesses, since they often have biochemical causes and medical treatments.Most cultures view or have viewed severely mentally ill persons as crazy, lacking will-power, possessed, frightening or violent. One universal element of this stigmatism and discrimination against the mentally ill is the traditional belief that severe mental illness is caused by something supernatural or paranormal, such as possession by spirits, curses or sorcery attacks, influence by the moon (”lunacy”), divine punishment, karma, or is the result of a moral transgression. This myth about the cause of mental illness keeps the stigmatization of the mentally ill strong around the world. (There are exceptions, such as Native Americans, who historically have shown tolerance, compassion and respect for mentally ill people).

In the past, these supernatural explanations were widely accepted. In less advanced societies today, many of these myths still exist. “Treatment” can sometimes take the form of exorcism, torture or bartering with evil spirits. This is not to say that some traditional supernatural treatments were/are of no value, however. Again using the example of Native Americans, Native American shamans summoned supernatural powers to treat the mentally ill, incorporating rituals of atonement and purification. (1) A case could be made that this treatment can be compared to modern psychotherapy as far as outcome.

Today, even in the most advanced societies around the world, there is a certain supernatural-based prejudice against severely mentally ill people stemming from dogma about literal possession by evil spirits in the form of demonic manifestations, combined with the belief that sometimes the behaviors of a severely mentally ill person demonstrate spirit possession and do not stem from a biochemical cause. This is not to debate whether or not spirit possession or other supernatural explanations exist, but rather to demonstrate that severe mental illness is a separate entity from the supernatural and can be explained through science. Still, science doesn’t claim to have all the answers and things we call supernatural today might be explained by science tomorrow. The point is, labeling a mentally ill person as possessed by evil spirits and abandoning them to only religious solutions denies them a chance for symptom relief through psychiatric care or alternative medicine.

People with mental illness sometimes castigate themselves. “Individuals suffering from depression and feelings of hopelessness and helplessness because of their illness, may focus on religious themes of judgment. Some people believe that God must be punishing them or why would God have them in this situation. There is a strong feeling that the person is the guilty one, who has failed others and him/herself. The person believes that punishment from God is deserved.” (2) Again, this is not to debate God issues, but to point out that now it is widely accepted and understood that mental illness is a malfunction of the neurotransmitters of the brain. It is a biochemical imbalance, not moral weakness, divine judgment or other supernatural cause. So the same logic used by an individual to castigate him for a mental illness must be applied to any physical illness.

Ignorance continues to fuel prejudice and reinforces stigma. We need to accept that a mental illness is an illness. We have become aware that an imbalance in our bodies can increase the likelihood that we will have a disease like diabetes. It is time that we understand the same is true for mental illnesses. (3)

Society needs to view mental illness in a less judgmental, more scientific way. In the best of cases, we hope that individuals with mental illness are treated with respect and compassion. Mental illness should be treated with research, medicine and legislation rather than moralizing. (4)

References

(1) Mental Wellness.com. “History of Mental Illness“.
(2) Pathways to Promise. “Working with People with Mental Illness - Themes“.
(3) Stephens, The Reverend Charles J. “Attacking the Stigma of Mental Illness“. (2002).
(4) Palmer, Ann. “20th Century History of the Treatment of Mental Illness: A Review“.

first published at www.brainblogger.com

Mental Health Spending - A Low Priority for Government

2007-05-02T07:52:00.000-07:00

31st May 2006 by Elise Stobbe (pen name for Carley)

The power of stigmatization of the mentally ill is so strong that it keeps mental health low on the list of public priorities for spending. One of the barriers to treatment for the mentally ill is the inability to pay for it, and another is how to access it. Policy-making and funding decisions for mental health by federal, state and local legislators result in inadequate government-funded mental health care facilities, insurance reimbursement, community programs and treatment specialists available.

Mental health does not usually have parity with physical health benefits in private insurance policies, making it expensive for anyone, even if fortunate enough to be insured. Even those on Medicare have limitations on benefits and reimbursements not at parity with physical conditions. Many others have insurance, but mental health treatment is not covered.

Perhaps the individual has no insurance and does not qualify for government programs like Medicaid. There is treatment available based on income level. Government community-based facilities usually have sliding-scale payment arrangements, but have long waiting lists and limitations on what they can offer. Again, this is the result of inadequate funding for mental health care indicating that our legislators and policy makers stigmatize and discriminate against the mentally ill.

“As in most politics, power (and funding) generally flow towards the already powerful. The marginalized and stigmatized population of moderately to severely mentally ill and substance abusing folks out there, though large in numbers, are not generally well enough organized or well funded to make much of an impact on those in power. Despite the few groups lobbying for compassionate care for mental illness, there are many other powerful groups chasing down other (sometimes worthy, sometimes not) funding agendas. It is all too easy for well-healed politicians to ignore the mentally ill.” (1)

Policy makers are “people too”, with their own biases. Their attitudes about the mentally ill reflect those of the general population. Some are enlightened and educated about mental illness, but many are not. The result has been under-funded community systems and symptomatic people on the streets and in jail. Policy makers need to realize that the public ultimately pays more for untreated mentally ill people because of the high costs of housing them in mental hospitals or jails. With more funding for mental health, the collateral benefits and return of investment can be very high, as many negative external impacts of mental illness can be avoided, such as allowing treated mentally ill individuals to maintain or regain employment which contributes to society.

“Given the tremendous costs in human and economic terms, given that these diseases touch a fifth of all Americans, you would think we would be mobilizing resources to address the mental health needs of this country. Instead we seem to have a system that blames mental illness on the mentally ill and ignores the impact on society.” (2)

What Can Be Done

Destigmatizing mental illness can help remove financial barriers to treatment. Public attitudes need to be transformed, so that mental illness is viewed as a real disease, equal to physical illness.

Write to your government representatives and express your opinions. Mental health advocacy information can be found at both the National Mental Health Association (NMHA), and National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) websites.

References

(1) Dombeck, Mark Ph.d. Health Policy and Advocacy. “Counting the Mentally Ill: The Needs Haven’t Changed, Only Their Definitions“. (March 1, 2002).
(2) Texas Medical Association. Mental Health Policy in the 21st Century. “Remarks of Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy“. University of Texas Southwestern, Department of Psychiatry. (Jan. 28, 2002)

First published at www.brainblogger.com

Mental Health and Nutrients

2007-05-01T07:44:00.000-07:00

One of the benefits of visiting a psychiatrist who also specializes in holistic, complementary or alternative medicine is that he or she can determine whether or not a nutritional deficiency is the cause of some mental symptoms. Nutrients play a critical role in mental health. They are the building blocks of the nervous system. In fact, the brain has first call on the available supply of nutrients. Therefore, the first effects of nutritional deficiencies are often mental symptoms. Deficiencies in almost any of the vitamins and minerals can show up first as emotional or mental symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, or impaired memory and concentration. For example, folate deficiency is a common occurrence in psychiatric disorders, whether organic or functional, particularly in depressive illness.

There are specific nutrients which cause mental symptoms when that nutrient is lacking:

Calcium: Depression, delusions and irritability.

Chromium: Anxiety.

Copper: Depression.

Folic Acid: Apathy, depression, insomnia, paranoia

Iron: Depression

Magnesium: Anxiety, confusion, hyperactivity, nervousness, restlessness.

Niacin (B3): Confusion, depression, emotional instability, irritability, memory impairment.

Pantothenic acid (B5): Depression, irritability.

Potassium: Depression, insomnia, mental impairment, nervousness.

Pyridoxine (B6): Depression, irritability.

Riboflavin: Depression, nervousness.

Thiamin: Confusion, irritability, memory loss, nervousness. Individuals with a thiamin deficiency can develop Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, which is characterized by confusion, mental changes, abnormal eye movements, and unsteadiness that can progress to severe memory loss.

Vitamin B-12: Depression, irritability, dementia, mental disturbances, moodiness.

Vitamin C: Depression, irritability.

Zinc: Depression, irritability, lethargy, memory impairment, paranoia.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Depression.

Low Cholesterol: Depression.

There are three amino acids that are most directly related to mood and depression: phenylalanine, tyro-sine, and tryptophan. Phenylalanine and tyrosine produce the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, and tryptophan is eventually converted to serotonin.

Research has proven the effectiveness of amino acid therapy in fighting depression. Both phenylalanine and tyrosine-which is created in the body from phenylalanine-have been found to be as effective as the antidepressant drug imipramine. Phenylalanine has also been shown to reduce pain by preserving brain levels of endorphins, the body’s natural painkiller. Tyrosine is helpful in the treatment of PMS and chronic fatigue syndrome. Tryptophan, which the body converts into the precursor 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HT), has also been found to be as effective as the synthetic antidepressants. (Cass)

Correct testing and understanding of deficiencies or overloads can pinpoint the causes of many mental symptoms, thus opening the door to hope and recovery. Positively demonstrating that nutrient supplementation improves mental disorders and proving that mental disorders are in fact due to nutritional deficiencies is difficult, however. Much research needs to be done to further explore this area.

Sources

Goldberg, Ivan, M.D. A Medline Search. “Folate, Vitamin B-12 and Depression“.
Wipond, Rob. “Healthy Brain, Happy Mind“.
Kapllan, Bonnie. “The Relationship Between Nutrition and Mental Disorders“.
Cass, Hyla M.D. “Nutritional Approaches to Mental Health“.

Note: first published at www.brainblogger.com