Michele

Which is why I believe that the additional parameters I noted would be a first step in managing the situation. Problem seems to be twofold...like Mujie says, we're all supposed to be happy shiny people at all times, and at the first suggestion of difficulty, we run for a drug rather than a) experiencing the issue and learning and growing from it, and b) we have dr.'s who don't do their complete job, but bow instead to patient pressure, and give them what they want when they want it. Look at the situation with virii, I think...from what I understand, they don't respond to antibiotics, and yet they're prescribed because the patient really wants them (I could be wrong with my example, but the idea is there). For those whose condition requires that anti-depressants and other brain chemical interactives are needed, I think that it needs to be far more affordable and workable. The social stigma about mental illness is huge still, and so for those who really need the help, it takes a ton to get them that help. I know - first hand. So it's a culteral thing, a parental thing, and an economic thing. How does one start to battle that? Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

My concern is his age...and the data not being there for valid tests and whatnot on children his age. There are considerable issues in the developing brain that we just simply don't understand, and I also think that lots of people use them when they are not necessary or as a treatment which is "easier" than another. Brain chemistry is a funky thing which we just don't know enough about. What I do think is appropriate is using meds like that as a last resport, and not having them prescribed by an md, but only by a psychiatrist, and only while under care of said psychiatrist. Additional safeguards should include a regular re-evaluation of the situation on a regular basis - not a year later, nor even 6 months later, more like every 90 days. That being said, in an adult under correct circumstances and as indicated by symptomology, they are an invaluable treatment aid, which will allow someone to get back on their feet after a hard hit and start to repair their lives. Ceils- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Charlotte came in from the cold over a year ago. She's still skittish, but has calmed down immeasurably. And now she shows no interest in going outside. Penguin is a feral cat that lives in my neighborhood, and seems to have a disability in her rear legs...she can't run very fast, and when she does, she slides a little. I've been feeding her and making sure she has water available. She tends to sleep on the back stairs, and knows when it's dinner time at my house. She won't let me near her just yet, but maybe soon...my neighbor caught her in a cage and got her fixed, but didn't keep her inside. Perhaps she and I can build a trust and she can come live inside (after being checked by the vet). Sorry for your loss, Mark. Feral or not, the kitty was a living breathing thing, and you did right by her. I am not looking forward to losing BK, but will let her go when the time comes. Ceils- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

MSNBC has it on live now..... Looks like the cops have a great job so far. He's barricaded in the back of the mail truck, and still has the postal worker as a hostage, 2 1/2 hours later. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Perris does, but I can't afford it so don't remember the discount right off the bat. Sorry. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Ahhhhhhhhh. Well, in that case, you're right. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Where did the Howells go? Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Not if he goes in instead... Ceils- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

LOL, hadn't even seen it 'til you mentioned it. But Freddy M was waaaaaaaay too skinny for me (and besides, Freddy and my ex would get along better than he and I...

I don't mind that part, but what's with the 'stache? It looks kinda crooked...

Kewlio. I can handle that. There'd be enough $$ to hire a maid to change litter boxes and clean bird poop, and once a cat gets swoop-attacked, they tend to learn. Parrots, otoh, I have no experience with, but the rapid catch and release program may be a good thing to teach. Hey, Don? How's this for a deal...you can send me enough money now to complete my rig, and I'll even start collecting the cats a little earlier then when you are supposed to die, so you can meet some of them. 'Kay? Sounds good to me! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I'd be myself. Can't be anyone else, and if he were really the one true lid to this particualr pot, he'd love me the way I am, warts and all. So I'd make sure I remained myself, the person I am now, that he was attracted to - and fell in love with - in the first place. Ceils- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Friday, July 15, 2044 for me...sigh...41 more years. Alone. I'm scared I'll turn out to be the old neighbor lady with 150 cats. Sigh. Ceils- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Older brother, and he and I were both adopted. Mom and Dad divorced many years ago. Both parents come to me with major life decisions; someday I'll regale you with the story of the Shopping Spree with my father - finding him his burial plot and casket, then rehashing the day over dinner at the deli (uh, kids? Seinfeld was real! LOL) and Mom, this Christmas, had me write out her living will and had long drawn out discussions about assisted living, asset retention, etc. Favorites? I don't think there was one. David was "easier", and still is, I suppose, but he and I have always been so different that it would be impossible to compare. Ceils- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Best weapon in CA. Because if you can't get the local cops interested, then the local media will be. A video cam is the best. If you don't have one, borrow one. Handle it that way. They can't do jack shit to you if you tape them, and they can throw your ass in jail if you shoot them. It also is great evidence in court. Hang in there... Ceils- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Thanks for doing that, Mark. My oldest, BK, well, her time is coming...but not yet. She's still being feisty and living up to her name. Sad. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Glad to hear it went well, Kevin. Surgery on four legged family members is hard on the 2-legged ones... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

That was funny. Thanks for the giggles! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Hi, Harry. It wasn't Tom Hopkins, it was someone else. It wasn't a famous name person, either...likely, people haven't heard of this guy. He does talk a good game, and I could prolly learn some techniques from him. I have heard this saying from public speakers before, about skydiving. But that was before I'd jumped. Well, neither he nor his nephew contacted me yesterday, asking questions, where Elsinore is, what to wear, etc. I sincerely doubt that he or his nephew will show. It would make me happy if they did, but I hold very little hope. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I had the excellent experience of getting my main on-line, with only one phone call between the seller and myself. I got a great canopy, a great price, and he sent it to my rigger before I sent him anything. His only qualification was that he knew who the rigger was - and fortunately for me, he did. Sent it to Vinnie, and I got it. I wasn't able to send him the check right away (it took two weeks faster than I had anticipated), but he was patient about it, bless his heart. I will say that gear-pimp fees are owed to Phreezone for setting this up! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Or maybe, just maybe, take a canopy class taught by an expert. Know what? Most people won't take the class. They don't want to spend the $$, they don't want to take the time, they can learn it on their own, etc. My problem was that I realized I was not a natural pilot, and prolly wasn't going to pick this up from watching people, or the odd tip or quick lesson from other jumpers. I needed video, and debrief on the canopy work alone...not after a rush of freefall and tagged on as a last note kind of thing. I went and got it. Hey, I'll still screw up - but I'll know what I did, instead of guessing; and I'll know how to correct it, instead of scratching my head and blaming the wind. It took me two bad landings (both times I should've broken something) before I came in and signed up for the class. And I downsized to the canopy I'm on during the class...and it was only one step down from the canopy I had been on. Take advantage of the canopy classes offered. Fly the hell out of the canopy; follow the BillVon steps to downsizing, and then get something smaller. The sky will wait. The ground won't. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Burbank, CA for this DZ.com tee-owner... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Bill and Andy... Bill: Andy: Andy, too drunk. Bill, I'm surprised you didn't know the term Botulinum Toxin when you heard it. I've linked something from JAMA about BT as a bio weapon. This was written last year. http://jama.ama-assn.org/issues/v285n8/ffull/jst00017.html But I agree about Hitlerism... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

LOL, it was funny, and I didn't stop thinking about telling you guys this all day. Kept me giggling during a long and tiresome day. His 31 y/o nephew was his assistant today, and has tandem-jumped before. The nephew is saying he'll come...but you know what, I don't think either of them will. I will be very surprised if either of them show up, or, if they show up, make a jump. Should be fascinating, to say the least. Rest assured I'll post the ending of this story, good, bad or indifferent. Yes, Jack, I learned tons today about human nature, and while I dunno if it deserves any applause, I thank you for that! And my broker is really seeing me in a different light. Dunno if that's good or bad, though... Too funny, all the way around. ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

At our office meeting this morning, there is this sales "guru" guy pumping us up to sign up for his sales technique class. He talks and struts around, slick as a duck in oily water. Shiny shoes, hair sprayed so well that it reminded me of the hair helmet in the 60's. Rolex watch, expensive suit, understated cufflinks. About halfway through his 45 minute spiel, I leave to go make a phone call which simply couldn't wait any longer...and when I come back, it is almost as if I hadn't gone - same thing, different minute. So, being bored, I go into the kitchen to get a cup of coffee (if I had to deal with that much energy so early in the morning, I needed some fortification...). There I am standing at the coffee pot, eyeing the cinnamon rolls, when I hear him boom out (yes, he was on a walkie-mike): "Commitment! Lemme tell you about commitment. What is commitment? I'll tell you. Skydiving. That's commitment. Once you're out of the plane, you can't go back, right?" I walk out of the kitchen, coffee cup in my hand, grinning broadly. Everyone in the office is looking at me, and he looks at me too, seeing his audience distracted. He looks me up and down, sizing me up, all the while telling me about commitment. He wants us to sign up for his course. He's hitting cost and how it's not that much for the amount of stuff you learn. He's rattling off how, if you make the commitment, the avenue to achieve it will show up - it will happen, but only if you take that first step...blah, yada, etc. So after the meeting (which had all the qualities of a tent revival), he's flocked by realtors who're interested in his techniques. Obviously he's sold them...and yes, I'll admit, I'm a little interested. O.K., some of it seems really interesting. But I'm also put off a bit, too; a whuffo talking to whuffos about commitment and using skydiving as the example. It's a great example...but only if you know what you're talking about. The crowd thins out, and I walk up. I hand him what appears to be a business card - but it's not. It's my USPA license. "You ever jumped?" says me.. "Uh, no. But I've always been interested. Do you?" "Yeppers. That's what the card means." "Oh. "(Long pause while he again checks me out, jeans and a sweater, chubby and closer to 40 years old than 30...). He sees my broker behind me. Denis has crept up to hear this - he knows me, and wonders what will happen next. "So," says he, "wanna take the 2-day event?" "I haven't got the available cash. But maybe I will make the commitment and see what happens." "What will it take for you to come to the class and learn how to sell the right way all the time?" Smiling, I look at him square in the face. "I'm jumping next Monday. You do a tandem on February 3 when I'm jumping - same plane as me at Elsinore, and I will take your class." "I'd like a commitment first," he replies. "I'd like to see you walk the walk, my friend...and then perhaps your talk will be heard by me." See, now I'm the fish that's getting away. I'm the goal he's set. I can see the gears shifting. My broker stifles a laugh. He can't believe it. But sell a salesman? Motivate a motivator? Sure, why not? I mean, I know about commitment. Does the salesman? He ponders. You can really see him considering this. "O.K., I'll see what my schedule's like. Monday, you say?" "Last load sometime around 4ish. Be there about 3. It'll change your life. Are you ready to change?" I grin, and, taking back my USPA license, and handing him a card, I add, "e-mail me here. And if you spam me, I will not come to your class." I turn and walk back to my desk, grinning the entire time. We shall see what we shall see. Will he walk the walk? Or is he just talking the talk? (And btw, my broker offered to pay for the seminar for me if he jumps. He's curious to see if I can sell the sky to a consumate salesman...). I'll let you know...personally, I will be very surprised if he does. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~