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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by BarbaraCat on July 25, 2002, at 13:51:57
In reply to Hmmm... now you have me wondering... » BarbaraCat, posted by SandraDee on July 25, 2002, at 9:47:51
Nope, not me. No human kids, just furry ones - And I say your mother-in-law should stay put and take care of her kitties!
> Are you my MOTHER-IN-LAW??!?!
> She wants to move closer to us, but can't financially. I told her to get rid of her 8 cats and save the catfood money and move here. :)
Posted by BarbaraCat on July 25, 2002, at 14:02:57
In reply to Re: 4 cats?! » mscrane » mscrane, posted by mscrane on July 25, 2002, at 6:44:55
Thanks for the website, I joined up for sure, and share your sentiments totally about our furry angels. Love the quote! Here's another one:
"Heaven would not a heaven be
were my cats not there
to welcome me."I think it's by Oscar Wilde, who loved cats.
> "Cats whiskers are so sensitive, they can find their way through the narrowest
> crack in a broken heart."
> - Unknown
>
> There is also a website just for us!
> www.crazycatladies.org
Posted by ctrlalt n del on July 26, 2002, at 20:16:45
In reply to Thank you, thank you for that site (nm) » mscrane, posted by IsoM on July 25, 2002, at 11:29:26
Posted by allisonm on July 27, 2002, at 10:48:10
In reply to WHAT DO YOU GUYS DO FOR A LIVING? , posted by Bobby on July 22, 2002, at 10:59:46
Newspaper editor, then public affairs and publications director for a music school within a university. Quit my job to go back to school. Am studying for my master's in floriculture and ornamental horticulture.
Posted by BarbaraCat on July 27, 2002, at 22:38:42
In reply to Re: WHAT DO YOU GUYS DO FOR A LIVING? , posted by allisonm on July 27, 2002, at 10:48:10
Was a database and systems analyst in my 'other' life before my physical and psychic system crashed and burned last year. Now I'm waiting for SSecurity disability to come through. No way I will ever do that kind of soul sucking work ever again, but have no inkling what else I'll do if and when I have to go back to work. My husband is also out of work cause of layoffs so we drive out to the ocean frequently and walk for miles. When I'm feeling good (meaning when not prostrate over money worries) I work in my garden up here in the beautiful NorthWest, play the piano, cuddle with my 8 cats (and sometimes with my husband) and joy of joy! have started taking dance classes again, my source of bliss!
Posted by cybercafe on July 28, 2002, at 15:31:23
In reply to What I do for a living » allisonm, posted by BarbaraCat on July 27, 2002, at 22:38:42
> Was a database and systems analyst in my 'other' life before my physical and psychic system crashed and burned last year. Now I'm
yeah i can't stand computer work anymore ... i just don't get the stimulation i need from staring at a computer all day ...
in the future i'm going to look for work i can do that actually involves human beings...
Posted by BarbaraCat on July 28, 2002, at 23:46:31
In reply to Re: What I do for a living, posted by cybercafe on July 28, 2002, at 15:31:23
It wasn't the computers that caused my burnout - it was the bleepin' humans.
> yeah i can't stand computer work anymore ... i just don't get the stimulation i need from staring at a computer all day ...
> in the future i'm going to look for work i can do that actually involves human beings...
Posted by Ron Hill on July 29, 2002, at 1:06:45
In reply to What I do for a living » allisonm, posted by BarbaraCat on July 27, 2002, at 22:38:42
Hi Barb,
> ... I work in my garden up here in the beautiful NorthWest ...
I live in Boise, Idaho so we're neighbors, well sorta. As an aside, wouldn't it be a hoot if, after years of posting to this board and communicating regularly with a particular screen name, you found out that the fellow poster lived just down the street?
On a more serious note Barb, I'll try to remember to lift up you and your family before the Lord during my prayer time tomorrow morning. It's hard on the male ego to be without work and the financial worries can certainly make your bipolar symptoms worse. Do you still have children (other than your kitties) at home? I'll pray, and if I can help, let me know.
-- Ron
Posted by SandraDee on July 29, 2002, at 10:21:55
In reply to Re: Hey, we're neighbors! » BarbaraCat, posted by Ron Hill on July 29, 2002, at 1:06:45
We're all neighbors... I'm just a hop, skip and a 10 hr car ride from you :) In Washington hahaha
Posted by BarbaraCat on July 29, 2002, at 11:48:03
In reply to Re: Hey, we're neighbors! » BarbaraCat, posted by Ron Hill on July 29, 2002, at 1:06:45
Ah, Ron, your prayers mean so much to me and my husband. I felt those sweet prayers come winging over the BitterRoot Mountains and into my heart yesterday. It's true, being unemployed for so long takes its toll on both of us. It's difficult not to feel on constant state of alarm, not healthy for a bipolar fibromyalgic on disability (with no more money coming in) trying to 'heal'. Our surrounding land, a beautiful sanctuary, is being periodically bulldozed for development; this is the worst, it's heartbreaking, frustrating and nerve wracking, and is an unneeded open-wound demonstation of the greed and violence of the human race - definitely no way to heal. I don't care what anyone says, winning the lottery would solve ALL my problems!
But there's something here to learn, some hidden gift, I keep telling myself. Praying is the key. In my good moments I understand that all these challenges and heartbreaks serve to open us to compassion, what better way can there be? I hold all of us here on this board in my heart and pray for all of our highest good. Sometimes I don't know who I'm praying to - it's definitely not the old guy in a beard of my childhood - but a loving gentle presence is always there, listening, and I don't feel so alone.
On a lighter note, yes I do think about neighbors being babblers. I don't mention this board to my friends in case they start visiting it. They'd recognize me immediately. It would be like reading someone's journal. I certainly think this world needs alot more honesty and less secrecy, but gee, not sure they're ready for this kind of disclosure. But what the heck, I'm open about this stuff anyway, and anyone who has a problem with it is of little concern to me. I don't have oodles of friends, but my dear close friends are like soul buddies and we share what's in our hearts.
I love your state, Idaho. Oregon, Washington, Idaho, ahhhhh... We ought to form our own union - and NO MORE stinkin' development! You take care, Ron. - BarbaraCat
>
> I live in Boise, Idaho so we're neighbors, well sorta. As an aside, wouldn't it be a hoot if, after years of posting to this board and communicating regularly with a particular screen name, you found out that the fellow poster lived just down the street?
>
> On a more serious note Barb, I'll try to remember to lift up you and your family before the Lord during my prayer time tomorrow morning. It's hard on the male ego to be without work and the financial worries can certainly make your bipolar symptoms worse. Do you still have children (other than your kitties) at home? I'll pray, and if I can help, let me know.
>
> -- Ron
>
>
Posted by allisonm on July 29, 2002, at 21:58:22
In reply to Re: What I do for a living » cybercafe, posted by BarbaraCat on July 28, 2002, at 23:46:31
> It wasn't the computers that caused my burnout - it was the bleepin' humans.
>
DITTO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My pdoc is starting to show me reasons why this is with me. More work ahead...just to be able to live in this world...
Posted by BarbaraCat on July 29, 2002, at 22:35:03
In reply to Re: What I do for a living, posted by allisonm on July 29, 2002, at 21:58:22
Any insights would be welcome. I have no idea at this point how to survive financially. Hopefully SS disability will come through, but realistically not for another 8-10 months if at all. I wouldn't mind a lovely creative little programming job if there were some way to avoid the commute, the meetings, the corporate bull, the no time for oneself, etc. And contrary to what many believe, there are precious few computer jobs one can do from home.
> > It wasn't the computers that caused my burnout - it was the bleepin' humans.
> >
> DITTO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
> My pdoc is starting to show me reasons why this is with me. More work ahead...just to be able to live in this world...
>
Posted by mair on July 30, 2002, at 7:20:32
In reply to Re: What I do for a living » allisonm, posted by BarbaraCat on July 29, 2002, at 22:35:03
" And contrary to what many believe, there are precious few computer jobs one can do from home."
>
Barbara, I don't know what your computer skills are, but I can tell you that small offices constantly need people to help them sort out software problems, particularly with small office business networks. I think this is also true of home users who can't figure out why they're having problems with their PC and don't want to have to disconnect their hard drive and take it somewhere to be checked.My 12 person office utilizes the services of outside computer experts heavily, and we're always willing to give new people a try. We have trouble getting the better ones to come in as quickly as we need them. I've just always thought that that market is not yet saturated.
Mair
Posted by allisonm on July 30, 2002, at 7:52:31
In reply to Re: What I do for a living » allisonm, posted by BarbaraCat on July 29, 2002, at 22:35:03
With me, it has to do with people not being there for me from an early age; I tend to put more of myself into what I do because I don't want to treat people the way I was treated; it takes too much energy for any human to do what I was/am doing; when I realize I am stressing out and can't do it I withdraw thinking I want nothing to do with other people, but then start yearning for human interaction and the whole thing starts again. This happens in personal relationships as well as at work.
Plus, I went through more than my share of corporate bullshit politics. I have never had it in me to compete ruthlessly on an uneven playing field, plus I am seeing now that when my efforts were not recognized in the way that I must have thought they should, I withdrew and started working for my own satisfaction. That was not a problem as my standards were higher than theirs. So I continued working hard and being bitter. I Worked in that place 10 years till I finally found another opportunity that was completely different than where I was with completely different work (working for my dad's business). That didn't work out, so I sought out work for which I was trained and got into the university. Same thing happened (plus there was enormous politics that ended up causing a number of others to leave too, so it was not just my dysfunctional situation). So I left there after 5 years and am back in school ffor 2. Don't know whether this makes sense. This is the first time I have written this out. I just got this revelation yesterday in session and have a lot more thinking to do. No doubt there are nuances that I am not yet aware of that my pdoc has on his list....
Posted by BarbaraCat on July 30, 2002, at 23:13:30
In reply to Re: What I do for a living » BarbaraCat, posted by allisonm on July 30, 2002, at 7:52:31
This is a powerful realization, Allison. It sounds like your pdoc is a good one and helping you to work these things out. I can relate so much with your experiences. I too have always suffered from 'over caring' and want to do things right and so much want to have good decent people around, all getting along, all working together in harmony. I'm way too sensitive to survive in what feels like corporate America's shark infested waters. I think in order to survive that kind of bloodthirsty environment you have to really like what you're doing and get some kind of payback other than a paycheck. I didn't love what I was doing and couldn't put the required time and effort into it to stay above water. Plus, I don't suffer fools easily and have gotten into trouble numerous times because of my 'unprofessional saying what I mean' - can you believe a manager actually said that?! I mean, to go day in and day out for 50+ hours a week contributing to such a lack of integrity and spirit begins to take it's toll. My body finally said 'Enough! I'm taking you outta there!' and fibromyalgia was the means my dear wise body came up with.
What kind of schooling are you going back to?
> With me, it has to do with people not being there for me from an early age; I tend to put more of myself into what I do because I don't want to treat people the way I was treated; it takes too much energy for any human to do what I was/am doing; when I realize I am stressing out and can't do it I withdraw thinking I want nothing to do with other people, but then start yearning for human interaction and the whole thing starts again. This happens in personal relationships as well as at work.
>
> Plus, I went through more than my share of corporate bullshit politics. I have never had it in me to compete ruthlessly on an uneven playing field, plus I am seeing now that when my efforts were not recognized in the way that I must have thought they should, I withdrew and started working for my own satisfaction. That was not a problem as my standards were higher than theirs. So I continued working hard and being bitter. I Worked in that place 10 years till I finally found another opportunity that was completely different than where I was with completely different work (working for my dad's business). That didn't work out, so I sought out work for which I was trained and got into the university. Same thing happened (plus there was enormous politics that ended up causing a number of others to leave too, so it was not just my dysfunctional situation). So I left there after 5 years and am back in school ffor 2. Don't know whether this makes sense. This is the first time I have written this out. I just got this revelation yesterday in session and have a lot more thinking to do. No doubt there are nuances that I am not yet aware of that my pdoc has on his list....
Posted by BarbaraCat on July 30, 2002, at 23:46:13
In reply to Re: What I do for a living » BarbaraCat, posted by mair on July 30, 2002, at 7:20:32
Thanks for that, Mair. I've been slowly taking on a few consulting jobs setting up home offices, teaching computer class one night a week, ebay training, etc. My hours and terms, no interminable back to back meetings, no huge projects to stress over, and it's been enjoyable. I live in a small hamlet with plenty of home computer owners, but few if any technical people to support them. Your post was kinda like a validation to pursue this - as long as I don't overdo it like I'm wont to do! Yeah, it's not my heart's desire, but maybe it will end up being a good thing for all. Besides, poverty sucks.
> " And contrary to what many believe, there are precious few computer jobs one can do from home."
> >
> Barbara, I don't know what your computer skills are, but I can tell you that small offices constantly need people to help them sort out software problems, particularly with small office business networks. I think this is also true of home users who can't figure out why they're having problems with their PC and don't want to have to disconnect their hard drive and take it somewhere to be checked.
>
> My 12 person office utilizes the services of outside computer experts heavily, and we're always willing to give new people a try. We have trouble getting the better ones to come in as quickly as we need them. I've just always thought that that market is not yet saturated.
>
> Mair
Posted by allisonm on July 31, 2002, at 8:20:41
In reply to Re: What I do for a living » allisonm, posted by BarbaraCat on July 30, 2002, at 23:13:30
I'm trained as a journalist and also have worked in public affairs and publications. I am studying floriculture and ornamental horticulture because I want to be a writer/editor in that area. I've always wanted to be a horticulturist. Just never thought it was a 'real' job when I was a teenager picking a major in college. So now at 40 I'm going back to do what I probably should have done in the first place.
Yes, I like my pdoc very much. He's the best! He is a psychiatrist but I also do my therapy with him. I see him every week.
I'm sorry to hear about your fibromyalgia. I don't know much about it, but know it's debilitating.
Posted by BarbaraCat on August 1, 2002, at 1:11:23
In reply to Re: What I do for a living » BarbaraCat, posted by allisonm on July 31, 2002, at 8:20:41
That is so wonderful and inspiring that you're going for what you love. As dear Joseph Campbell said, you gotta follow your bliss. Fibromyalgia is definitely bad news, feels like always having the flu with the widespread body aches and stiffness, the insomnia, the anxiety. I definitely don't need all that on top of my long term depression/bipolar, or whatever it is, although I think they're intertwined. No one knows for sure what it is, although current research is coming up with some clues. But I'm convinced it's due to environmental toxins and emotional stress, at least for me. I'm like a canary in a coalmine in my emotional sensitivity, and my heretofore resilient body is saying 'no more, can't go on like this'.
I went to a naturopath today whom I think is going to be able to help me. I'm trying to get back my spark and energy again because I too am determined to follow my bliss. I just can't see clear right now to even know what that is. Oh, good luck to you, Allison, in your new and exciting venture! - BarbaraCat
> I'm trained as a journalist and also have worked in public affairs and publications. I am studying floriculture and ornamental horticulture because I want to be a writer/editor in that area. I've always wanted to be a horticulturist. Just never thought it was a 'real' job when I was a teenager picking a major in college. So now at 40 I'm going back to do what I probably should have done in the first place.
>
> Yes, I like my pdoc very much. He's the best! He is a psychiatrist but I also do my therapy with him. I see him every week.
>
> I'm sorry to hear about your fibromyalgia. I don't know much about it, but know it's debilitating.
Posted by ShelliR on August 1, 2002, at 7:32:28
In reply to Re: What I do for a living » allisonm, posted by BarbaraCat on August 1, 2002, at 1:11:23
I wrote my "do for a living" post under BooHoo (at the bottom of a post I wrote about cats.) Then I thought I brought it over here, but now can't find it.
I'm a portrait photographer. Obviously a very spacey portrait photographer.
Shelli
Posted by allisonm on August 1, 2002, at 7:45:42
In reply to Re: What I do for a living, posted by ShelliR on August 1, 2002, at 7:32:28
Shelli,
That's cool! I'll bet you have a lot of stories.
Allison
Posted by Mashogr8 on August 1, 2002, at 11:18:17
In reply to Re: What I do for a living, posted by ShelliR on August 1, 2002, at 7:32:28
I'm a Speech/Language Pathologist. I've spent the last 22 years in an elementary school K-4.
Posted by BarbaraCat on August 1, 2002, at 11:44:33
In reply to Re: What I do for a living, posted by ShelliR on August 1, 2002, at 7:32:28
Shelli, if you find your post about cats, please copy the link and submit a post on this thread. I'm always interested in cat stuff. I guess I'd better preface that. I'm always interested in stuff about cats from people who love cats. - BarbaraCat
> I wrote my "do for a living" post under BooHoo (at the bottom of a post I wrote about cats.) Then I thought I brought it over here, but now can't find it.
>
> I'm a portrait photographer. Obviously a very spacey portrait photographer.
>
> Shelli
Posted by ShelliR on August 1, 2002, at 13:39:31
In reply to Re: What I do for a living » ShelliR, posted by BarbaraCat on August 1, 2002, at 11:44:33
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20020728/msgs/27719.html
Barbaracat, how could I ever imagine that you love
cats.Shelli
Posted by melinda on August 1, 2002, at 17:21:21
In reply to WHAT DO YOU GUYS DO FOR A LIVING? , posted by Bobby on July 22, 2002, at 10:59:46
I'm a computer programmer.
-melinda
Posted by Dinah on August 1, 2002, at 19:37:58
In reply to Re: What I do for a living, posted by Mashogr8 on August 1, 2002, at 11:18:17
That must give you great satisfaction. There is a lot you can do to help kids at that age. I wish I had a job like that. I almost went back to school to become a kindergarten teacher before I came to my senses (with the help of my therapist) and realized that my problems with overstimulation would never allow it.
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