Monthly Archives: January 2002

Jan 31

OK, So It’s Not Bipolar…

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I went to my new psychiatrist today for the first time. He read my history, and we talked about a lot of stuff:

He tends to believe that I show symptoms of depression and ADD/ADHD. I’m going to take this test related to the ADD/ADHD stuff and see how I score. Doc seems to think I’ll score high for ADD/ADHD.

Also, I’m having to change my meds, which I don’t mind that much. One of the side effects of the Depakote is weight gain. Since I’ve been on it, I’ve gained about 30 lbs. So I’m looking forward to not having that. I’m increasing my dose of Wellbutrin, and gradually moving off the Effexor-XR and on Celexa.

I felt really great after the appointment because it was as though I’m getting a better understanding of who I am. I can get messed up about having these disorders, and when other things go awry in my life, I’m not always able to tell whether it’s the disorder or some other weakness in my character.

Well, heck. I’ve gotta get home to my lovely wife and beautiful daughter.

Jan 28

Learning Grammar

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Keisha came home from preschool today and showed Jennie a piece of paper. Her class practiced tracing their names. When Jennie asked her whose name was on the paper, she replied, “Keisha’s.” Jennie then tried to correct her by getting her to be grammatically correct and say “No, it’s my name.” Keisha responded, “No, Mommy. It’s Keisha’s!”

Jan 21

Dreams

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Been having some interesting dreams lately. Unfortunately, I can’t remember all the details. In one dream I needed to be at a certain bus stop or something like that, so that I could take an important trip somewhere. It’s really hard to put all the details down, because they are racing through my head.

Jan 18

Self-injury – Scab-picking

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I’ve been researching a little on self-injury, because I pick at scabs to make them bleed. The main site I’ve found is for the American Self-Harm Information Clearinghouse. I currently have a big scab on my face to the lower right of my mouth. It’s really itchy, and it hurts. Since this morning, I’ve been able to keep from picking at it.

Sometimes, like when I’m in the shower, I’ve used the razor to cut it. Typically, it starts out as something small and eventually becomes big. I’ve used hydrogen peroxide to help clean it, and some anti-bacterial ointment to help keep it moist. When the scab on my face gets dry, it becomes really itchy and painful, like it is now.

Jan 16

Justifiable Use of Force

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Today is Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday. As many know, he was a civil rights activist that worked for peace through nonviolent means.

Are there any times when violence is right? What a difficult question to answer. Here are my thoughts:

Ever since the terrorist attacks on the US last year, I have believed that it is necessary to use force. We gave the Taliban time to turn over Osama bin Laden, and they let it run out. As a result, we dropped bombs on them.

On a much smaller scale, I think about times when my wife and I must discipline our daughter. We have set up boundaries and expectations for her. When she goes outside of those boundaries, we have a moral obligation to discipline her, so that she can learn to respect authority. Sometimes, then, we need to spank her. Other times we remove priveleges.

I believe that the United States and its allies have taken a similar approach in the war on terrorism. Basically, President Bush has stated that terrorists will be disciplined for their acts of terror. Financial assets have been frozen. Also, we’ve used military force.

Thus, I see our current situation as one in which the use of force is justified. The principle is the same in law enforcement. A police officer tells a gun-wielding suspect to drop his or her weapon. If he or she does not, then in some cases, the officer may have to use deadly force.

What do you think?
Feel free to drop me a line (i.e., leave a ‘guidepost’).

Jan 14

2002 Short Story Contest

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The local paper is having a short story contest, and I’m considering entering it. I wrote one in middle school, but that was a long time ago, so I’m a little out of practice with it. I’ve written poetry and some other things, but not a short story.

I don’t even know why I’m saying this. It’s as though I’m already believing that I can’t do it! How faithless!

Now, I just need an idea…