Bad Kitty has been very bad (or good, depending on how you look at it). Realizing this blog is very much a personal (cat-on-al?) catch all for whatever catches my sometimes short attention span, I started several other blogs. I tend to use and update those more frequently (although not as frequently as I aim to).
I don't know when and if Bad Kitty will return to write on this blog. However, if you were someone who occasionally checked in and read the thoughts spewed forth, I must thank you.
Until I decide to return to this blog - consider it ... in a coma.
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Sunday, Rainy Sunday
When you live in Florida, you get used to the sunshine. After all, this is the "Sunshine State." Thus, when we have prolonged rain, it starts to feel ... different. I notice more depression in the people in my life during these rainy days. A person who is chronically depressed (like myself and some other folks I love) find the cloudy outside mirroring and reinforcing the sad internal feelings.
I have learned some coping tools that I would like to share today. First, regardless of the rain, an excellent tool to combat depression is to state out loud or write down the things we are grateful for in our lives. For example, I am grateful that my cats are happy and in good health. I am grateful that my nuclear family is healthy. I am grateful for the roof over my head and the food available to me. I am grateful for this computer and the ability to connect to the Internet. I find if I make myself recognize the things I have in my life that make my life GOOD, it helps defeat the negative feelings that can be pervasive and painful. This action also reinforces the truth that I have some control in my life. Often when we are depressed, we feel hopeless and helpless. By choosing an action, I am no longer helpless. After completing the action, often I no longer feel hopeless.
Please understand that I do not advocate that this one coping tool is either a fix-all or will work for everyone. It is a tool I have found that works for ME.
Another tool I have discovered that works for me is to simply attempt for 60 seconds to be "in the moment" while doing an activity I normally would enjoy. I literally use a watch to time my 60 seconds (and it is a LOT longer that we always think a minute is) and pet one of my cats, feeling the texture of the fur and the rumbling of the purr. I truly hear the purr, or sometimes hear snoring. These 60 seconds bring me joy that would otherwise pass me by. I also attempt to truly listen to music. I play a song (usually "Everyday Good" by Patrice - check it out on YouTube!) and do nothing but listen, making my body still and focusing on the lyrics. I've also found in my work trying to help others with depression that listening to an instrumental song can help calm the mind as well as lift (to some degree) depression. A song I would recommend is "My Wife with Champagne Shoulders" by Mark Isham (I found this song on Pure Moods Vol. I, and you can listen on YouTube).
The only thing that does not ever help depression is doing nothing. If you or someone you know is suffering from depression, ask for help or simply talk to someone and say that you don't feel like yourself and want to feel better. More often than not, people with whom we share our sadness not only understand, but truly want to help. Virtually everyone at some point experiences some depression at some point in his/her life. It is a universal that all can understand and most will attempt to help. Allowing ourselves to receive help removes one of the powerful elements of depression, that feeling of being alone.
I know that depression is a serious medical and mental health problem. It is not a problem that can be cured overnight or by simply reading a blog post. However, there has to be a start somewhere and I offer hope to those who feel hopeless. I have experienced this "cancer of the soul." I have been in the dark, feeling alone, abandoned, useless and empty. With the help of family, friends and my doctors, I have emerged from the darkness. If I can be anything to anyone in the dark, I would like to be a candle, lighting the way out of the lonely darkness that can be completely consuming.
A final note, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers free courses for anyone who suffers from any mental health related illness. These classes are taught by "peers." Peers are trained educators who also have and live with mental illness. There are also free classes for family members of those who are mentally ill. Both courses strive not only to educate, but to provide tools to help survive the challenges and difficulties of mental illness.
On this rainy Sunday, Bad Kitty would like to wish you sunshine and your very own "catnip" patch in which you can feel happy and at peace.
I have learned some coping tools that I would like to share today. First, regardless of the rain, an excellent tool to combat depression is to state out loud or write down the things we are grateful for in our lives. For example, I am grateful that my cats are happy and in good health. I am grateful that my nuclear family is healthy. I am grateful for the roof over my head and the food available to me. I am grateful for this computer and the ability to connect to the Internet. I find if I make myself recognize the things I have in my life that make my life GOOD, it helps defeat the negative feelings that can be pervasive and painful. This action also reinforces the truth that I have some control in my life. Often when we are depressed, we feel hopeless and helpless. By choosing an action, I am no longer helpless. After completing the action, often I no longer feel hopeless.
Please understand that I do not advocate that this one coping tool is either a fix-all or will work for everyone. It is a tool I have found that works for ME.
Another tool I have discovered that works for me is to simply attempt for 60 seconds to be "in the moment" while doing an activity I normally would enjoy. I literally use a watch to time my 60 seconds (and it is a LOT longer that we always think a minute is) and pet one of my cats, feeling the texture of the fur and the rumbling of the purr. I truly hear the purr, or sometimes hear snoring. These 60 seconds bring me joy that would otherwise pass me by. I also attempt to truly listen to music. I play a song (usually "Everyday Good" by Patrice - check it out on YouTube!) and do nothing but listen, making my body still and focusing on the lyrics. I've also found in my work trying to help others with depression that listening to an instrumental song can help calm the mind as well as lift (to some degree) depression. A song I would recommend is "My Wife with Champagne Shoulders" by Mark Isham (I found this song on Pure Moods Vol. I, and you can listen on YouTube).
The only thing that does not ever help depression is doing nothing. If you or someone you know is suffering from depression, ask for help or simply talk to someone and say that you don't feel like yourself and want to feel better. More often than not, people with whom we share our sadness not only understand, but truly want to help. Virtually everyone at some point experiences some depression at some point in his/her life. It is a universal that all can understand and most will attempt to help. Allowing ourselves to receive help removes one of the powerful elements of depression, that feeling of being alone.
I know that depression is a serious medical and mental health problem. It is not a problem that can be cured overnight or by simply reading a blog post. However, there has to be a start somewhere and I offer hope to those who feel hopeless. I have experienced this "cancer of the soul." I have been in the dark, feeling alone, abandoned, useless and empty. With the help of family, friends and my doctors, I have emerged from the darkness. If I can be anything to anyone in the dark, I would like to be a candle, lighting the way out of the lonely darkness that can be completely consuming.
A final note, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers free courses for anyone who suffers from any mental health related illness. These classes are taught by "peers." Peers are trained educators who also have and live with mental illness. There are also free classes for family members of those who are mentally ill. Both courses strive not only to educate, but to provide tools to help survive the challenges and difficulties of mental illness.
On this rainy Sunday, Bad Kitty would like to wish you sunshine and your very own "catnip" patch in which you can feel happy and at peace.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Osama Bin Ladin Dead
I have never had tears of joys upon hearing upon any persons death. I can actually say that never have I experienced any pleasure at the death of another. I can no longer say that. Upon waking up and being informed by my mom that Bin Ladin was finally assassinated by Navy SEALS, joy welled up within me as I hugged her and tears came to my eyes.
I will never forget this day. I am so very proud of my country, very proud of the troops who serve and risk their lives to protect this country, proud of my president, proud of former President Bush... let's face it, I'm bursting with pride.
All these emotions due to the death of a man, caused directly by my country. Indeed, a historical day and one which will hopefully turn the tide back towards peace.
Hope for a new day... pride in who we fundamentally are...
I hope this feeling lasts.
I will never forget this day. I am so very proud of my country, very proud of the troops who serve and risk their lives to protect this country, proud of my president, proud of former President Bush... let's face it, I'm bursting with pride.
All these emotions due to the death of a man, caused directly by my country. Indeed, a historical day and one which will hopefully turn the tide back towards peace.
Hope for a new day... pride in who we fundamentally are...
I hope this feeling lasts.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
So yeah, Egypt....
One can't miss the news stories... Egypt is in revolt.
It seems to me that the commonality that the protesters have is a desire for freedom. There are concerns that the religious zealots will use this opportunity to seize power. Concerns are understandable and natural. However, is it not possible that if the US is seen as being too concerned with Muslim leadership that this may be interpreted by the Egyptian people as infringement of what they are demanding, i.e. reform that gives actual freedom. Almost all religions I can think of off of the top of my head have extremists that I wouldn't want running any country (heck, I would not want a religious extremist running anything that affected my life in any way). While I respect those with a deep abiding belief in their religion, when any aspect of that religion is forced upon me, my freedom has been abridged. This doesn't really happen in the United States, luckily enough. For example, although Catholics cannot use birth control nor can they get abortions (according to Church doctrine), both are legal in the US. Regardless of my opinion on the subject, the Catholics do not get to choose what is legal in this country.
I've seen some articles warning about the US not doing enough to ensure that the Muslim Brotherhood does not obtain power during this crisis with comparisons to the Iraq revolution in '79. While there are some surface similarities, there are striking differences. While both movements were started by the youth of the country, the US was actively backing the Shah leading to anti-US sentiment backlash which evidenced itself during the hostage taking. The hostages held in Iraq lead me to the second difference; peaceful demonstrations (for the most part) and naturally, no hostages from any country are being held (except for the native Egyptians and apparently now journalists). The obvious difference in who is being "detained" tells a great deal about the sentiment to the United States. Journalists from the US are being released and telling their stories.
I honestly don't know where this is heading, but I do believe that the pundits and talking heads really are just as clueless. This is not Tienanmen Square (thank goodness) and it is not the Islamic Revolution. This is Egypt, trying to have the same freedoms we have here in the US. How it all turns out, in part, depends on how the United States is perceived. Are we for the Egyptian people, trusting them in their desire for freedom? Or are we so short-sighted in trying to preserve our own interests that we meddle and create just the opening the extremists are looking for? Who knows.
As always, these are just the ramblings of one really Bad Kitty. Time for sun and sleep... the cat's life is the best!
It seems to me that the commonality that the protesters have is a desire for freedom. There are concerns that the religious zealots will use this opportunity to seize power. Concerns are understandable and natural. However, is it not possible that if the US is seen as being too concerned with Muslim leadership that this may be interpreted by the Egyptian people as infringement of what they are demanding, i.e. reform that gives actual freedom. Almost all religions I can think of off of the top of my head have extremists that I wouldn't want running any country (heck, I would not want a religious extremist running anything that affected my life in any way). While I respect those with a deep abiding belief in their religion, when any aspect of that religion is forced upon me, my freedom has been abridged. This doesn't really happen in the United States, luckily enough. For example, although Catholics cannot use birth control nor can they get abortions (according to Church doctrine), both are legal in the US. Regardless of my opinion on the subject, the Catholics do not get to choose what is legal in this country.
I've seen some articles warning about the US not doing enough to ensure that the Muslim Brotherhood does not obtain power during this crisis with comparisons to the Iraq revolution in '79. While there are some surface similarities, there are striking differences. While both movements were started by the youth of the country, the US was actively backing the Shah leading to anti-US sentiment backlash which evidenced itself during the hostage taking. The hostages held in Iraq lead me to the second difference; peaceful demonstrations (for the most part) and naturally, no hostages from any country are being held (except for the native Egyptians and apparently now journalists). The obvious difference in who is being "detained" tells a great deal about the sentiment to the United States. Journalists from the US are being released and telling their stories.
I honestly don't know where this is heading, but I do believe that the pundits and talking heads really are just as clueless. This is not Tienanmen Square (thank goodness) and it is not the Islamic Revolution. This is Egypt, trying to have the same freedoms we have here in the US. How it all turns out, in part, depends on how the United States is perceived. Are we for the Egyptian people, trusting them in their desire for freedom? Or are we so short-sighted in trying to preserve our own interests that we meddle and create just the opening the extremists are looking for? Who knows.
As always, these are just the ramblings of one really Bad Kitty. Time for sun and sleep... the cat's life is the best!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
2011 is Here
The year begins with a tragedy. Among other victims, a 9-year-old killed; an elderly man killed as he throws his body over his wife, shielding her from the deadly hail of bullets and a 30-year-old Congressional staffer dead from a gunman shooting randomly into the crowd. These are just three of the six murdered that deadly day. Why am I talking about this when so many people are talking about this as well? Because I do not see the focus that will stop this heinous type of action from occurring again.
Beneath the talk of the role of "vitriol" in politics (which I do not deny exists) - is the undercurrent of one of the main issues that needs to be addressed, and that is the role of mental illness. Hand in glove with this is the ability of people who are clearly psychotic to be able to purchase guns. We may not be able to involuntarily commit people for mental health issues (unless they present a clear danger to themselves and/or others), but we should be able to stop these folks from getting a weapon such as a gun.
Both the Virginia Tech shooter and the Arizona shooter (I refuse to continue to use their names; they are unworthy of being remembered as anything but murderers) had clear mental issues which were observed and reported. Despite this, both people were able to obtain guns. Does this not show a clear problem in our society? I am not attempting to say that people should not be allowed to own guns. Not only is there a gun in the home I live in, but I know many people who exercise their right to bear arms in a responsible way; some collect very interesting guns. The distinguishable variable between those who use guns in a responsible way and those who commit mass murder is obviously psychosis.
Psychosis is not that difficult to detect. As I often state, psychotic people simply do not "share reality" with the rest of humankind. The reality of a psychotic person is nothing like the reality the rest of us "share." For example, a non-psychotic person knowing that the president was on television last night understands that he was in Arizona to honor the victims, the survivors and the heroes. However, a psychotic individual may believe that the president was in Arizona to further his ability to use his mind control; that the president produced the snow storm that hit the east coast; that the president is attempting to control the airwaves using subliminal messages urging the opposite of what he is saying.
The reader of this blog may ask, "And just how do YOU know what a psychotic person thinks?" This is understandable. While I only have Bachelor's of Science in the field of psychology, I have some personal experience with psychotic individuals. When you do not share reality with another person it can truly be an unsettling experience.
Knowing as I do the problems that can occur when psychotic individuals simply live their lives, when you add a weapon that has the potential for mass killings, you are adding gasoline to an already bright fire.
What are we, as a society, going to do about this? Who the heck do we turn to when we see an individual acting in a way that goes way over the line? Do we call the police? The local asylum? The National Association for the Mentally Ill? Perhaps we need to establish some type of triage system so that these mentally ill people are entered into a national registry to ensure that they cannot obtain firearms if they are deemed psychotic/paranoid/schizophrenic - any person who does not "share reality."
These are just the thoughts of one Bad Kitty.
Wishing all my readers (what is there, like one?) a beautiful new year.
Beneath the talk of the role of "vitriol" in politics (which I do not deny exists) - is the undercurrent of one of the main issues that needs to be addressed, and that is the role of mental illness. Hand in glove with this is the ability of people who are clearly psychotic to be able to purchase guns. We may not be able to involuntarily commit people for mental health issues (unless they present a clear danger to themselves and/or others), but we should be able to stop these folks from getting a weapon such as a gun.
Both the Virginia Tech shooter and the Arizona shooter (I refuse to continue to use their names; they are unworthy of being remembered as anything but murderers) had clear mental issues which were observed and reported. Despite this, both people were able to obtain guns. Does this not show a clear problem in our society? I am not attempting to say that people should not be allowed to own guns. Not only is there a gun in the home I live in, but I know many people who exercise their right to bear arms in a responsible way; some collect very interesting guns. The distinguishable variable between those who use guns in a responsible way and those who commit mass murder is obviously psychosis.
Psychosis is not that difficult to detect. As I often state, psychotic people simply do not "share reality" with the rest of humankind. The reality of a psychotic person is nothing like the reality the rest of us "share." For example, a non-psychotic person knowing that the president was on television last night understands that he was in Arizona to honor the victims, the survivors and the heroes. However, a psychotic individual may believe that the president was in Arizona to further his ability to use his mind control; that the president produced the snow storm that hit the east coast; that the president is attempting to control the airwaves using subliminal messages urging the opposite of what he is saying.
The reader of this blog may ask, "And just how do YOU know what a psychotic person thinks?" This is understandable. While I only have Bachelor's of Science in the field of psychology, I have some personal experience with psychotic individuals. When you do not share reality with another person it can truly be an unsettling experience.
Knowing as I do the problems that can occur when psychotic individuals simply live their lives, when you add a weapon that has the potential for mass killings, you are adding gasoline to an already bright fire.
What are we, as a society, going to do about this? Who the heck do we turn to when we see an individual acting in a way that goes way over the line? Do we call the police? The local asylum? The National Association for the Mentally Ill? Perhaps we need to establish some type of triage system so that these mentally ill people are entered into a national registry to ensure that they cannot obtain firearms if they are deemed psychotic/paranoid/schizophrenic - any person who does not "share reality."
These are just the thoughts of one Bad Kitty.
Wishing all my readers (what is there, like one?) a beautiful new year.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
A Year Hiatus
The kitty has had a tough year. Well, they've all been tough for a very long time ... but putting paws to keyboard regarding issues that are not personal is just too taxing. Bad Kitty will be back ... someday ... and maybe someday soon. But then again, she has to continue to work through her personal difficulties and that may take more time than expected.
From the Cat-Nip Patch,
BK
From the Cat-Nip Patch,
BK
Saturday, October 10, 2009
30 Senators Speak - I can't believe what they said
Of all the things I've been reading lately (and I've been stuck reading a lot since I landed in sick bay almost a week ago... on the mend, but BK likes to read when she's not feeling well) - this story is the one story that rather blew my tail almost off my delicate behind. I'm pretty lucky it's attached so well. I must share with you the story and the part that really got my tail in a ruffle.
There was an amendment to the 2010 Defense Appropriations bill, added by Sen. Franken, that would withhold defense contracts from any and all companies "if they restrict their employees from taking workplace sexual assault, battery and discrimination cases to court." This seems really logical, especially considering the case of Jamie Lee Jones, who in 2005, was gang-raped while in Iraq working for Halliburton/KBR. To make her experience MORE memorable...
So, who could have voted against changing the rules that made it so this type of behavior was no longer out of the hands of the justice system? Thirty Republican males. Here is a list of their names and the states the represent. They are a complete and total disgrace.
HALL OF SHAME:
Alexander (R-Tennessee)
Barrasso (R-Wyoming)
Bond (R-Montana)
Brownback (R-Kansas)
Bunning (R-Kentucky)
Burr (R-North Carolina)
Chambliss (R-Georgia)
Coburn (R-Oklahoma)
Cochran (R-Mississippi)
Corker (R-Tennessee)
Cornyn (R-Texas)
Crapo (R- South Carolina)
DeMint (R-Idaho)
Ensign (R-Nevada
Enzi (R-Wyoming)
Graham (R-South Carolina)
Gregg (R-New Hampshire)
Inhofe (R-Oklahoma)
Isakson (R-Georgia)
Johanns (R-Nebraska)
Kyl (R-Arizona)
McCain (R-Arizona)
McConnell (R-Kentucky)
Risch (R-Idaho)
Roberts (R-Kansas)
Sessions (R-Alabama)
Shelby (R-Alabama)
Thune (R-South Dakota)
Vitter (R-Louisiana)
Wicker (R-Mississippi)
As you have quickly glanced at this list - ask yourself this one question. What if it had been your daughter, your wife, your friend, someone you loved who was sexually abused while she was just doing her job in Iraq working for one of these contractors. Wouldn't you want her to be able to feel safe knowing that she could speak up and prosecute any co-worker that hurt her? Because these men above felt that it was more important that the company had the right to do it's business unimpeded that the right for a woman to report rape. There is something really wrong in their priorities says this kitty. Looking at those states, I certainly wouldn't want to live in any of them with those men as Senators. I'm truly repulsed.
Other source used: Direct Democracy
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
There is just so much to comment on, but alas Bad Kitty is a Sick Kitty too. Maybe too much tall grass, who knows... I hope to cover the following topics and soon because I've had them rolling around in this tiny cat brain of mine for far too long - and I bat and swat at them, until I release them, I'll keep playing with them and honestly, what is the fun in that? Like most cats, I like to share my treats.
Coming soon to the Bad Kitty Blog....
Michael Moore goes one on one with Hannity - who sounds more convincing?
I'll give you my take.
Jennings and NAMBLA - just what is the truth and what is hyperbole? Let me take you out of the spin zone.
President Obama loses Olympic bid, Rush and Glen rejoice.
President Obama wins Nobel peace prize, Rush and Glen's reaction? Are these guys ever happy or will it take Obama's death? Partisanship rears it's double chinned head again and again, not to be bowed even by it's own lies, scandals, and unjustifiable actions - speaking of which....
It is definitely time to take a cat nap, find a nice cuddly place and snooze.
Peace from the patch....
There was an amendment to the 2010 Defense Appropriations bill, added by Sen. Franken, that would withhold defense contracts from any and all companies "if they restrict their employees from taking workplace sexual assault, battery and discrimination cases to court." This seems really logical, especially considering the case of Jamie Lee Jones, who in 2005, was gang-raped while in Iraq working for Halliburton/KBR. To make her experience MORE memorable...
"She was detained in a shipping container for at least 24 hours without food, water, or a bed, and "warned her that if she left Iraq for medical treatment, she'd be out of a job." (Jones was not an isolated case.) Jones was prevented from bringing charges in court against KBR because her employment contract stipulated that sexual assault allegations would only be heard in private arbitration."source: Think Progress
So, who could have voted against changing the rules that made it so this type of behavior was no longer out of the hands of the justice system? Thirty Republican males. Here is a list of their names and the states the represent. They are a complete and total disgrace.
HALL OF SHAME:
Alexander (R-Tennessee)
Barrasso (R-Wyoming)
Bond (R-Montana)
Brownback (R-Kansas)
Bunning (R-Kentucky)
Burr (R-North Carolina)
Chambliss (R-Georgia)
Coburn (R-Oklahoma)
Cochran (R-Mississippi)
Corker (R-Tennessee)
Cornyn (R-Texas)
Crapo (R- South Carolina)
DeMint (R-Idaho)
Ensign (R-Nevada
Enzi (R-Wyoming)
Graham (R-South Carolina)
Gregg (R-New Hampshire)
Inhofe (R-Oklahoma)
Isakson (R-Georgia)
Johanns (R-Nebraska)
Kyl (R-Arizona)
McCain (R-Arizona)
McConnell (R-Kentucky)
Risch (R-Idaho)
Roberts (R-Kansas)
Sessions (R-Alabama)
Shelby (R-Alabama)
Thune (R-South Dakota)
Vitter (R-Louisiana)
Wicker (R-Mississippi)
As you have quickly glanced at this list - ask yourself this one question. What if it had been your daughter, your wife, your friend, someone you loved who was sexually abused while she was just doing her job in Iraq working for one of these contractors. Wouldn't you want her to be able to feel safe knowing that she could speak up and prosecute any co-worker that hurt her? Because these men above felt that it was more important that the company had the right to do it's business unimpeded that the right for a woman to report rape. There is something really wrong in their priorities says this kitty. Looking at those states, I certainly wouldn't want to live in any of them with those men as Senators. I'm truly repulsed.
Other source used: Direct Democracy
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
There is just so much to comment on, but alas Bad Kitty is a Sick Kitty too. Maybe too much tall grass, who knows... I hope to cover the following topics and soon because I've had them rolling around in this tiny cat brain of mine for far too long - and I bat and swat at them, until I release them, I'll keep playing with them and honestly, what is the fun in that? Like most cats, I like to share my treats.
Coming soon to the Bad Kitty Blog....
Michael Moore goes one on one with Hannity - who sounds more convincing?
I'll give you my take.
Jennings and NAMBLA - just what is the truth and what is hyperbole? Let me take you out of the spin zone.
President Obama loses Olympic bid, Rush and Glen rejoice.
President Obama wins Nobel peace prize, Rush and Glen's reaction? Are these guys ever happy or will it take Obama's death? Partisanship rears it's double chinned head again and again, not to be bowed even by it's own lies, scandals, and unjustifiable actions - speaking of which....
It is definitely time to take a cat nap, find a nice cuddly place and snooze.
Peace from the patch....
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