MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'friendships'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:11:33 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5050713&cid=t_140412_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F07%2F21%2Fthe-5-types-of-girlfriends-you-need-in-your-life%2F In her classic book, Gift from the Sea, Anne Morrow Lindbergh articulates the process of gathering girlfriends. She writes, “I shall ask into my shell only those friends with whom I can be completely honest. I find I am shedding hypocrisy in human relationships. What a rest that will be! The most exhausting thing in life, I have discovered, is being insincere.” Girlfriends are as unique as the shells Lindbergh describes in her pages. Some have the gift of empathy and compassion, while others challenge us in ways that lead to growth; some friends listen, while others dole out smart advice. Women need different kinds of friendships at different points in their lives. I have compiled these five types of girlfriends, drawing from the examples in Robert Wick’s book, Bounce: Living the Res... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5050713 Thu, 21 Jul 2011 19:36:13 +0100 5050713 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4992757&cid=t_140412_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F07%2F01%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-july-1-2011%2F Once I got to college, I began to love school. The feeling of working hard and then the instant gratification from all that hard work was awesome! One professor told me I’d be a professional student forever. Of course in the real world, you can work as hard as you want and still feel like you haven’t quite made it. And it’s not just your career, but that gnawing, frustrating feeling could also apply to friendships and romantic relationships too. I realized that the formulas that seem to work in school, working hard = A’s, just didn’t have a place in real life. Sometimes you could drive yourself crazy trying to force pieces of a puzzle that just didn’t go together. In the whole process of going to school and finally getting out of it, I realized it was�... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4992757 Fri, 01 Jul 2011 11:10:08 +0100 4992757 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4077217&cid=t_140412_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Ffeel%2Feff-facebook-get-by-with-a-little-help-from-your-real-friends%2F photo: via Lemondrop Check out this post from Jessie Rosen on Lemondrop. My mom always said that there are three kinds of friends in this world: Friends for a reason, friends for a season, or friends for life. (My Mom loves rhyming advice.) Lately, in the age of 500-plus Facebook friends, it’s a question everyone seems to be asking: Is real friendship dying? Which relationships really matter? And is it better to have one BFF — or an army of acquaintances? I fall somewhere in between. I think we can splinter my mom’s three original categories into a list of the Top 10 friends every girl needs to get by — nay — to succeed, socially networked or not. After all, you are the company you keep, but shouldn’t the company you keep help advance the you that you ar... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4077217 Sun, 17 Oct 2010 15:00:26 +0100 4077217 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4053282&cid=t_140412_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Ffeel%2Fi-love-you-youre-perfect-but-i-definitely-do-not-want-to-have-sex-with-you%2F Check out this post by [Redacted] Guy on Lemondrop about men, women, and platonic friendships: You may have read the series on platonic friendships over at Slate that I felt compelled to write about this week. If you haven’t, go do it. I’ll wait. After reading Juliet Lapidos’ articles about her non-sexual relationship with a guy named Jeff, I’m once again reminded of how lucky we are to be alive now instead of, say, in the 16th century, when bro hangs between men and women were uncommon and dying of the plague was not. Juliet surveyed around 600 readers in an attempt to divine the mysteries of boy-girl friendship, something she holds very near and dear herself. In the initial post, she quotes platonic nonbelievers from James Joyce to Nora Ephron, and laments, &#8220... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4053282 Sun, 10 Oct 2010 15:00:08 +0100 4053282 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3987019&cid=t_140412_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Ffeel%2Ftodays-luxury-problem-impatient-people%2F photo: Thinkstock I have no patience for impatient people. The chronically impatient like to waste their time and energy (and everyone else’s) on situations that are of absolutely no consequence. After being forced to wait in any line (restaurant, bank, airport, grocery store, etc.) for more than 90 seconds, these people become utterly unbearable. Unfortunately, you know them all too well. These jerks try very hard to ruin your day with their negative energy and petty concerns, as you’re just trying to go about your day in as pleasant a way as possible. Impatient people are those idiots who simply cannot fathom why it might take five entire minutes for them to receive their latte, even though the reason for this unacceptable wrongdoing is obvious: They just ordered their coffee... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3987019 Mon, 20 Sep 2010 13:30:44 +0100 3987019 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3942765&cid=t_140412_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2F106-year-old-lady-credits-abstinence-for-long-life%2F photo via The Scotsman Isabella Blyth just turned 106. Her secret? Never being romantically involved with anyone. (Why didn’t we think of that?) Ms. Blyth has never kissed – much less had sex with – anyone, and it doesn’t bother her one bit. She claims she’s had a full life, and was too busy with church, family, and friends to even think about romance. Do you think entirely avoiding all romantic interaction could possibly make you live longer? You might be less stressed out if you didn’t have to deal with all the bullshit that comes with relationships, but you’d sure be lacking in the “life experience” department. So would you trade every relationship you’ve ever had (not to mention all that sex) if it meant you’d see the ripe old a... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3942765 Tue, 07 Sep 2010 16:30:50 +0100 3942765 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3938317&cid=t_140412_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fchuck-klosterman-on-power%2F Every relationship is fundamentally a power struggle, and the individual in power is whoever likes the other person less. – Chuck Klosterman Post from: BlissTree Chuck Klosterman on Power (Source: Breastfeeding 1-2-3) Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3938317 Mon, 06 Sep 2010 13:00:03 +0100 3938317 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3929191&cid=t_140412_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Ffeel%2Fdo-you-know-how-to-say-a-positive-no%2F For all the times we say “yes”, there are too many times when it’s difficult to say “no”. But instead of seeing it in a negative light, some say that using a “positive no” can guide us toward success, if we know how to do it the right way. Lifehacker borrowed some advice from the blog A List Apart to help figure out a way to say no that’s productive and agreeable – our desire to say “yes” stems from wanting to please others and be agreeable, but saying “no” doesn’t always have to be unpleasant and contradictory. They suggest framing a “no” answer with a positive statement and a positive follow-up question: Don’t want to go on vacation to China with your family? Try telling them that you’... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3929191 Thu, 02 Sep 2010 19:26:50 +0100 3929191 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3913281&cid=t_140412_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F08%2Ftime-for-day-off.html Dad grilled steaks last night for him and mom.  He brought me by a plate around 7:00pm.  I had just called him warning him storms were on the way. “You were right,” dad said always so excited about the weather. “The heavens opened up just after you called.  I had just got the steaks off the grill.” It is hurricane week on The Weather Channel and it is hard to get current and local weather information.  Dad is still finding it hard to adjust to using the Internet as a weather resource like I do.  And our favorite local weather television station is broken again as usual.  Dad couldn’t keep up with the weather last night. “The Weather Channel is just going to die as far as weather fans go,” dad said with a sigh. We both have lots of misgivings abou... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3913281 Sun, 29 Aug 2010 08:58:00 +0100 3913281 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3913297&cid=t_140412_180_f&fid=38612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fpickthebrain%2FLYVv%2F%7E3%2FiEysk7V_YbU%2F Photo credit: Carf I believe we all want fulfilling relationships with other people. Which is why most of us have the desire to be very smooth socially and to make friends easy. However, there are few people who are naturally this way. The good news is that social skills are perfectly learnable. Just as you can learn how to drive a car, you can also learn how to relate with other people in a way which creates powerful friendships. There are certain things which if you integrate in your social behavior, will give you the ability to make friends with ease. Here are the most important of them: 1. Spend a lot of time interacting with people. Many of our people skills evolve simply from the exercise of interacting with others. Which is why a rich social life is one of the leading ways to improv... PickTheBrain | Motivation and Self Improvement blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3913297 Sat, 28 Aug 2010 23:41:20 +0100 3913297 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3807392&cid=t_140412_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Flive-longer-with-strong-social-ties%2F2010.07.31 A study published in the July PLoS Medicine is getting a lot of press for its conclusion that strong social networks are related to increased lifespan. The meta-analysis of 148 studies involving 308,849 people found that those with stronger relationships were 50 percent more likely to survive over 7.5 years of follow-up. What’s more, the researchers reported that a lack of strong social ties is as bad healthwise as drinking or smoking, and worse than not exercising or being obese. But although the association between strong social ties and improved longevity seems robust, other factors could be at play, and applying the findings in clinical practice could be difficult. And sorry, Facebook fanatics: Online “friendships” aren’t thought to count as much as in-person ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3807392 Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:00:00 +0100 3807392 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3726756&cid=t_140412_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F07%2Fentrepreneur.html “A little nigger boy named Jerry usually cuts my grass, but I haven’t seen him in what seems like ages,” my elderly neighbor who lives the street over from mine told me this afternoon. “My yard is looking pretty bad. It’s growing embarrassing.  I was hoping he would show up any day now.  He cuts my grass for $10 dollars. I just can’t do it myself at my age. The heat gets to me when I try.  I thought I was going to have to hire one of those expensive yard services.” I was riding around the neighborhood on my raucous riding lawn mower looking for work. That thing is so very loud and obnoxious – the muffler heavily rusted and corroded. I know my neighbors hate me now.  My first purchase for my new lawn care business will be a new muffler.   I saw ... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3726756 Mon, 05 Jul 2010 21:59:00 +0100 3726756 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3706647&cid=t_140412_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Flarry-smith-of-smith-magazine-shares-more-feelings-about-wife-piper-kermans-prison-sentence-video-exclusive%2F Larry Smith of SMITH Magazine returns! Lately we’ve heard a lot from Piper Kerman, author of the new memoir, Orange Is the New Black, about her trials during her 13-month prison sentence and the challenges of re-entry into society after her release, but today we continue our video interrogation of Piper’s husband, Larry, about his side of the story. Check out the 2nd and 3rd installments of our exclusive video chat with Larry, below, where he ‘fesses up about how angry he was at Piper for the mistakes she made, and for hiding those mistakes from him during the beginning of their relationship. (To watch our first chat with Larry about surviving prison on the outside, click here.) At 34, Piper Kerman was sent to federal prison on a ten-year-old drug smuggling and mone... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3706647 Mon, 28 Jun 2010 18:42:47 +0100 3706647 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3658933&cid=t_140412_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fexclusive-piper-kerman-author-of-orange-is-the-new-black-reads-a-prison-letter-to-her-then-fiance-on-video%2F Watch last week’s exclusive video chat with Piper Kerman, where she opens up about how she sustained her relationship with her then-boyfriend/fiance throughout her six-year pre-prison limbo period, and later during her actual 13-month incarceration. When Piper Kerman was 34, she was sent to federal prison for a ten-year-old drug smuggling and money laundering offense. She spent 13 months in a minimum-security correctional facility for women in Danbury, CT, which isn’t necessarily what you’d expect from a blonde-haired, blue-eyed Smith graduate and Red Sox fan from a nice, New England family. Piper’s excellent memoir about her prison experience, Orange Is the New Black, was just published by Random House – with back cover blurbs by Dave Eggers and Elizabeth... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3658933 Mon, 14 Jun 2010 15:00:25 +0100 3658933 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3632247&cid=t_140412_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2F6-years-in-limbo-before-prison-exclusive-video-of-piper-kerman-author-of-orange-is-the-new-black%2F Check out more of our exclusive video chat with Piper Kerman, where she talks about why she never sought therapy throughout her prison ordeal. When Piper Kerman was 34, she was sent to federal prison for a ten-year-old drug smuggling and money laundering offense. She spent 13 months in a minimum-security correctional facility for women in Danbury, CT, which isn’t necessarily what you’d expect from a blonde-haired, blue-eyed Smith graduate and Red Sox fan from a nice, New England family. Piper’s excellent memoir about her prison experience, Orange Is the New Black, was just published by Random House – with back cover blurbs by Dave Eggers and Elizabeth Gilbert (not too shabby for a first-time writer). Piper sat down with Blisstree for the afternoon to discuss all asp... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3632247 Fri, 04 Jun 2010 18:11:17 +0100 3632247 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3621632&cid=t_140412_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fpiper-kerman-author-of-orange-is-the-new-black-on-therapy-after-prison-more-exclusive-video%2F Check out more of our exclusive video chat with Piper Kerman, where she talks about the surprising and unexpected friendships she developed while in prison. At age 34, Piper Kerman was sent to federal prison for a ten-year-old drug smuggling and money laundering offense. She spent 13 months in a minimum-security correctional facility for women in Danbury, CT, which isn’t necessarily what you’d expect from a blonde-haired, blue-eyed Smith graduate and Red Sox fan from a nice, New England family. Piper’s excellent memoir about her prison experience, Orange Is the New Black, was just published by Random House – with back cover blurbs by Dave Eggers and Elizabeth Gilbert (not bad for a first-time writer). Piper sat down with Blisstree for the afternoon to discuss all aspec... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3621632 Wed, 02 Jun 2010 14:00:47 +0100 3621632 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3603551&cid=t_140412_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Ffriendships-in-prison-more-exclusive-video-of-piper-kerman-author-of-orange-is-the-new-black%2F See more of our exclusive video chat with Piper Kerman, where she talks about the guilt and shame that resulted from her prison ordeal. At age 34, Piper Kerman went to federal prison for a ten-year-old drug smuggling and money laundering offense. She spent 13 months in a minimum-security correctional facility for women in Danbury, CT, which isn’t necessarily what you’d expect from a blonde-haired, blue-eyed Smith graduate and Red Sox fan from a nice, New England family. Piper’s excellent memoir about her prison experience, Orange Is the New Black, was just published by Random House – with back cover blurbs by Dave Eggers and Elizabeth Gilbert (not bad for a first-time writer). Piper sat down with Blisstree for the afternoon to discuss all aspects of her time in the clink,... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3603551 Thu, 27 May 2010 14:00:02 +0100 3603551 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3592188&cid=t_140412_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fyoga-and-fitness-behind-bars-personal-insights-from-piper-kerman-author-of-orange-is-the-new-black-%25e2%2580%2593-video-exclusive%2F Find more of our exclusive video conversation with Piper Kerman here. At age 34, Piper Kerman went to federal prison for a ten-year-old drug smuggling and money laundering offense. She spent 13 months in a minimum-security correctional facility for women in Danbury, CT, which isn’t necessarily what you’d expect from a blonde-haired, blue-eyed Smith graduate and Red Sox fan from a nice, New England family. Piper’s excellent memoir about her prison experience, Orange Is the New Black, was just published by Random House – with back cover blurbs by Dave Eggers and Elizabeth Gilbert (not bad for a first-time writer). Piper sat down with Blisstree for the afternoon to discuss all aspects of her time in the clink, from prison beauty products, physical activity, and friendships to the tor... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3592188 Mon, 24 May 2010 15:21:34 +0100 3592188 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3567888&cid=t_140412_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Ftop-10-posts-on-blisstree-this-week%2F Jennifer Aniston (photo: WENN.com) In case you missed anything on Blisstree this week, here’s a top ten list of our best recent posts. But we’re not precious – let us know if you disagree with our picks in the comments section, below. 1. Eco-Friendly Shopping: 10 Workout Deals Under $10 2. Jennifer Aniston’s Baby Food Diet: Denied 3. Skin Cancer Smarts: 10 Pretty, Pale Women Who Don’t Need a Tan to Be Beautiful 4. Natural Beauty: Food as Skincare 5. 10 Worst Fad Diets In History 6. Jamie Eason’s 3-Hour Diet: Set Your Alarm to Weight Loss 7. Friendship Etiquette: Girlfriend, Keep Your Mouth Shut! 8. Health Department: What’s Really In Your Perfume? 9. Eating Healthy: 25 Sneaky Salty Foods 10. Top 10 Household Tips From Blisstree Readers Post from: Bliss... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3567888 Sat, 15 May 2010 14:00:20 +0100 3567888 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3546837&cid=t_140412_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2F10-best-of-crushable-last-week-lady-gaga-mel-brooks-and-npr%2F Gwyneth Paltrow with mother Blythe Danner Our 10 favorite posts of last week from Crushable, our sassy sister site: 1. How to Talk to Your Mother About Aging 2. Video: Old Liberals Recite Lady Gaga’s Telephone 3. From Hipster to Hippie: Six Easy Steps 4. Cuteggregator: 25 Sweet-Looking Amphibians 5. 20 Hot Bathing Suits for Summer 6. New Fashion Trend: Booty Enhancing Panties 7. Memoir: Maybe I Should Marry My Boyfriend 8. My Weird Celebrity Crush: Mel Brooks 9. Bucket List: Why Every Woman Should Pose Nude 10. The Problem Solver: When to Break Up With a Friend Post from: BlissTree 10 Best of Crushable Last Week: Lady Gaga, Mel Brooks, and NPR (Source: Breastfeeding 1-2-3) Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3546837 Sun, 09 May 2010 14:30:25 +0100 3546837 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3515600&cid=t_140412_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fto-mary-k.html I poured my heart out in the comment section of your blog tonight only to learn it wouldn’t let me publish the comment because your template isn’t displaying word verification correctly.  I just want you to know I hear you, read you every chance you write, and can so empathize with what you are going through.  I wrote in my comment that I am selfish and I want you around so I can have you online writing your blogs – both of which I enjoy immensely.   Your comment about being whale shit on the bottom of the ocean had me roaring with laughter despite the seriousness of the subject of your essay.  I shouldn’t have laughed, but I am crazy that way.  I am always here.  Keep writing!  You have a gift for it!    (Source: The 4th Avenu... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3515600 Thu, 29 Apr 2010 00:58:00 +0100 3515600 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3483036&cid=t_140412_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FEGnVTkbPpuM%2F Recently, there’s been a glut of research giving credence to the lesson many learn the hard way in high school – being a loser sucks. Or, on the flip side, having a strong circle of friends has very real benefits. The TimesOnline points to research that indicates friends are the most important factor to ensure a happy retirement. According to GOOD, friendship circles can prevent repeat offenses from sexual offenders. And WebMD reports on studies showing that people with large social networks outlive those with few pals. Furthering the proof of high school truisms, it seems that friendships have much more impact on longevity than relationships with family. We just wish we had had this info when our parents grounded us for talking on the phone too much. Sheesh, mom and dad, we were... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3483036 Mon, 19 Apr 2010 13:04:25 +0100 3483036 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3416305&cid=t_140412_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F03%2Fmy-heart-glows.html My Heart Glows! “I’ve got a lady named Beth reading my blog and she has a daughter with similar issues to me,” I told dad a moment ago. “She’s really opening my eyes to your side of the story and what parents go through.” “She’s had it tough, hasn’t she?” dad said very intrigued as if he knew.  “She doesn’t complain about her daughter,” I replied. “But I am getting glimpses of what it is like to be in your shoes.” “I like I have an advocate on your blog now,” dad said. “You make me want to read again.” Oh Lord! I don’t want dad reading my blog again, but I liked he showed some interest in it.  It is such an important aspect of my life.  I consider it therapy.  Dad was in an awesome mood and so loving tonight which was irony coming... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3416305 Sun, 28 Mar 2010 23:10:00 +0100 3416305 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3359049&cid=t_140412_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F03%2F12%2Fmaintain-your-memory-as-you-age%2F You can’t stop it — the natural aging process that ages not only our bodies, but our brains too. Normal aging doesn’t significantly impact our thinking, however. Most people do not suffer from significant memory problems, deficits in problem-solving, or issues with thinking through activities that require analysis and reasoning. Still, things that may have come to us quickly when we were younger may take a little bit more time as we get older. And these slow-downs come not only in memory, but in something that psychologists call executive function, too. According to information provided by The Harvard Health Letter, “Executive function is an umbrella term for the complex thinking required to make choices, plan, initiate action, and inhibit impulses. Executive funct... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3359049 Fri, 12 Mar 2010 10:55:15 +0100 3359049 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3354554&cid=t_140412_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F03%2Fmy-thoughts-for-day_11.html Don’t Try to Befriend Me… Wait until some day when they have medications that will cure my mental illness.  I am thinking genetics will be the next big breakthrough in psychiatry.  I need to ask my physician brother and sister. My point is that I am incapable of friendships.  I am just too paranoid and suspicious of people and online activities.  Email pushes this certain button in me and many have written me over the years only for me to never respond back.  I am afraid to even open my email program these days for fear of what I may find.  They say to have a friend is to be a friend, and am unable to do such a thing due to my mental limitations it seems.   One reason George is my friend is that he doesn’t take no for an answer.   He... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3354554 Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:57:00 +0100 3354554 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3335526&cid=t_140412_133_f&fid=37107&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aspieweb.net%2Fsocially-awkward-aspergers%2F I’m having to face something that I may do not like, I’m always going to be the social equivalent of a two year old.  I’ll never be able to socialize like other people with disabilities and normal people do, because I just will never understand it.  It seems that many people with Aspergers have a [...] (Source: AspieWeb.net) AspieWeb.net blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3335526 Thu, 04 Mar 2010 19:35:06 +0100 3335526 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3298575&cid=t_140412_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F02%2Fno-company-here.html   “I’ve driven by three times waiting on your company to leave,” George said over his cell phone.  “I’ve got two sodas and some of those chili cheese Fritos you are always looking for, but can’t find.” I laughed. “Come on!” I said, excited. “That maroon Cadillac out front is just some stranger who broke down.” George brought me the sodas and the big bag of Fritos.  I thanked him profusely.  He had made my day.  My friend Liz calls these “little joys”.  Next?  Mom is bringing Arby’s and two Cokes from the pharmacy.  More little joys.  Maggie is already sitting in the front window whining – knowing our Monday night routine.  Mom is her second favorite person behind Charlie.  (Source: The 4th Avenue Blues) The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3298575 Mon, 22 Feb 2010 22:24:00 +0100 3298575 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3248687&cid=t_140412_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F02%2Fi-have-no-needs.html This morning George and I were standing outside having a cigarette in the freezing cold after breakfast. “You have ‘needs’, don’t you?” George asked me speaking of sex. “George,” I said. “Your getting neurotic in your sobriety.  You ask me this all the time and I tell you the same thing.  I rarely have ‘needs’ as you put it.” When George quit drinking, he broke up with his long, long time love object; that crackhead Pookie.  I’ve said it many times that Pookie was the only obese crackhead I have ever met and she was a vile woman; terrible for George.  I did a victory dance when George broke things off.  When George has needs he goes to prostitutes at the shot house.   He's often offered to pay for one for me as well.   He... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3248687 Sun, 07 Feb 2010 16:51:00 +0100 3248687 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3227986&cid=t_140412_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F02%2Fchoices-and-ramifications.html I had been homeless for about six months when I called my mother from my deceased grandmother’s house.  I had a key from when I lived with her.  Mom, her usually fretting self, immediately went into action.  She turned on the heat and made me a bed. “You’re not going to be homeless,” she told me. My father wasn’t too pleased, but what could he do?  Cast his son aside despite all his faults and drunkenness? I had planned on going to Nashville to live.  From reading “The Homeless Guy” I knew I could get a place to sleep, three meals a day, and social worker help.  I would also have my full disability allotment to drink with.  I wouldn’t have any expenses other than cigarettes and beer.   It was sad, though, that my life had come t... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3227986 Mon, 01 Feb 2010 15:25:00 +0100 3227986 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3228017&cid=t_140412_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fhealthy-unhealthy-friendships-in-sobriety%2F Unconditional Friendship Achieving Healthy Friendships is a A Lifeline to Sobriety There is an old song that goes “Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver and the other gold.” While those words work well when sung around a campfire, the reality is that we can’t keep each and every friend we make throughout our lives. As we grow more solidly into who we are ultimately becoming in sobriety, some friendships refashion themselves to accommodate our changes, some friendships have to fade away, and sometimes new and healthier friendships emerge when we let go of a toxic relationship. “When I was using, it was very clear who my friends were; they were the people I could get high with and the folks who provided the dope,” said a recovering drug addict and alcoho... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3228017 Sat, 30 Jan 2010 11:42:31 +0100 3228017 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3205096&cid=t_140412_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F01%2Fburning-midnight-oil.html I asked George what he thought of working third shift this morning. “It’s alright,” George replied. “I have little supervision.  I see my supervisor maybe twice a night.  It’s nice to be able to goof off when I want to.” I laughed heartily. “I worked third shift for a year and never did ever feel awake,” I told him. “I was in this hazy fog all the time.” George told me the hardest part was when he got off work.  That would be the time he would hit his car and take a giant drink to get a buzz on the ride home. “Makes for long rides home just listening to the radio,” he said. “I’m amazed at you,” I told him. “You really are doing so well.  The shakes are gone, your eyes are bright, and I’ve never seen your mother happier.” George blush... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3205096 Mon, 25 Jan 2010 15:08:00 +0100 3205096 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3044805&cid=t_140412_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F12%2F01%2Fthe-10-types-of-female-friends%2F Awhile back I wrote about the four kinds of friends you need in your life to become more resilient. Now let’s talk about the kind of friends you actually have! Or at least the 10 types of female friends described by author Susan Shapiro Barash in her new book, Toxic Friends: The Antidote for Women Stuck in Complicated Friendships. (I promise to follow up with one for the guys, okay?). For her book, Shapiro interviewed 200 women of assorted backgrounds and ages, and asked them all kinds of nosy questions about their friends. The result is a labyrinth of 10 types of female friendships. I have excerpted the following descriptions from her book: 1. The Leader The leader is the friend we feel we must have, the one who can make or break our social lives. Being the leader renders one a &#82... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3044805 Tue, 01 Dec 2009 13:29:49 +0100 3044805 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2886493&cid=t_140412_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F10%2F13%2F10-more-ways-to-make-friends%2F Earlier this year, World of Psychology contributor Therese Borchard wrote a popular entry entitled, “10 Ways to Make Friends.” Inspired by her advice and based upon my own experiences throughout life, I present to you another 10 ways to make friends in your life. No matter what method you try, making new friends requires something I can’t give you in this article — courage. It takes courage to go out and actually take a leap of faith by introducing yourself to someone new and taking a chance you may be rejected. That’s why smaller groups are almost always easier — you can figure out who might make a good friend in such group situations. 1. Join a local Meetup (or start your own). Meetup is a website that seems like it’s been around forever (but has... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2886493 Tue, 13 Oct 2009 10:05:56 +0100 2886493 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2862688&cid=t_140412_133_f&fid=37107&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aspieweb.net%2Fhouse-md-aspergers-psych-hospital%2F So I have been watching the new episode of House, the season opener for this season.  In it House is in a psych ward.  In the episode there is a lot of nonsense, including House getting a very sexual visit with someone while in the psych ward, him getting to go to a dinner with [...] (Source: AspieWeb.net) AspieWeb.net blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2862688 Mon, 05 Oct 2009 07:10:24 +0100 2862688 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2857571&cid=t_140412_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fpizza-is-no-go.html George stopped by this morning looking defeated.  He didn't want to go home with his mother doting over him.  He just wanted to crash in front of a TV and drink beer.  I can't even imagine drinking beer so early in the day now.   I used to would wake up in the middle of the night and quickly drink three beers so I could go back to sleep -  my hands would have the shakes so badly. "I went by Papa John's pizza," George told me.  "They want to check my driving record and my license is revoked.  I so had my heart set on delivering pizza." They are building a new Kia automobile plant in town.  The production starts soon.  I suggested to George that he try and apply.  He is an incredible mechanic after all those years he ... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2857571 Sat, 03 Oct 2009 14:50:00 +0100 2857571 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2855820&cid=t_140412_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fi-hope-there-pimento-cheese-in-heaven.html George came by with a food care package from his mother this afternoon.  In a plastic sack were all the things needed to make tomato and pimento cheese sandwiches.   I couldn't wait to eat and fixed a pimento cheese sandwich while George drank a beer. "What is the secret to your mother's pimento cheese?" I asked George as I greedily consumed a sandwich. "She puts a tablespoon of  Worcestershire sauce in it," George replied. "It's good isn't it?" George told me he his looking for a 2nd job to make some extra money to buy a Honda Accord.  "Deliver papers," I suggested.  "You can sleep in the morning and deliver in the afternoons." "I was actually thinking about delivering pizza," George replied. "... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2855820 Fri, 02 Oct 2009 02:16:00 +0100 2855820 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2571053&cid=t_140412_133_f&fid=37107&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aspieweb.net%2Faspergers-no-friends%2F As I am looking at my friendships and how my friends are responding to me - I am realizing how much Aspergers Syndrome has effected my friendships and relationships. I Have A Hard Time I have a hard time with friendships, and I think a lot of it can be attributed to Aspergers Syndrome.  Everyone else naturally [...] (Source: AspieWeb.net) AspieWeb.net blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2571053 Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:49:34 +0100 2571053 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2556297&cid=t_140412_133_f&fid=37107&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aspieweb.net%2Faspergers-good-friends%2F The past week has been hell for me, and not just for me though.  During times you go through hell you find out who your really good friends are, and who really don’t care.During the last week, life as I know had been destroyed.  I’ve lost my fiance because of her lies, I’m likely going [...] (Source: AspieWeb.net) AspieWeb.net blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2556297 Mon, 29 Jun 2009 17:45:27 +0100 2556297 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2399080&cid=t_140412_133_f&fid=35124&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Faspergerwoman%2F%7E3%2FfMaHv5tSGf0%2Fsmall-stepsthings-to-do-alone.html All big things in life start with a small step. For people with autism it might take more steps to meet other people on the road. Do not loose faith, things will be okay!I always try to see the bright side of people. There are so many people, and each of them has a story of their own. And many many people have disorders or carry unexpected (mental) luggage with them. Just a matter of seeing their true colours.The weekend may bring several opportunities to reach the world. I will visit two friends. Looking forward to hear their stories. Plenty of news to talk about.For those of you looking being alone and looking for things to do, here is a list.I have found a nice website too on things to do alone (fun!) Click on the title of this blogpost to be forwarded.Enjoy Life! Take care.1. Read port... The Art of Being Asperger Woman blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2399080 Fri, 08 May 2009 16:44:00 +0100 2399080 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2287234&cid=t_140412_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F03%2F22%2Fvideo-when-a-friendship-ends%2F A few readers asked if I would write out the content of my videos in accompanying text. Here you go: Friendships are a lot like marriages in that some are healthy and some are toxic, or unhealthy. But you sound pretty ridiculous explaining to people why you are sad: “Man, I just broke up with a friend, and it’s really painful.” But that is, in essence, what you are doing, and it needs to be treated the same way as a romantic relationship or marriage ending: with a lot of support and nurturing. As friendships develop and evolve, some don’t have all the right ingredients to last. So it’s right and natural that some break. But that period after the split is so awkward, for both people: the breaker-upper, or the breaker-uppee. I’ve sat in both seats. I love... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2287234 Sun, 22 Mar 2009 19:29:52 +0100 2287234 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2190554&cid=t_140412_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F02%2F16%2Fcan-blogging-make-you-happier%2F According to researchers in Taiwan, the answer is “Yes.” The researchers (Ko & Kuo, 2009) administered a 43-item self-report survey to 596 college students who were mostly between ages 16 and 22 and female (71 percent). The college students were young adults who had blogging experience, and specifically with blogging for the purpose of keeping a personal journal. The researchers found support for deeper self-disclosure from bloggers resulting in a range of better social connections. These included things such as a sense of greater social integration, which is how connected we feel to society and our own community of friends and others; an increase in social bonding (our tightly knit, intimate relationships); and social bridging — increasing our connectedness with peo... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2190554 Mon, 16 Feb 2009 15:41:19 +0100 2190554 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2033098&cid=t_140412_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2008%2F12%2F12%2Fblogging-helps-improve-friendships%2F This study builds upon that finding, suggesting that the mechanism for reducing isolation may very well be a feeling of increased social support, and being able to count on others for assistance. Reference: Baker, J.R. & Moore, S.M. (2008). Blogging as a Social Tool: A Psychosocial Examination of the Effects of Blogging. Cyberpsychology & Behavior, 11(6), 747-749. (Source: World of Psychology) World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2033098 Fri, 12 Dec 2008 19:01:28 +0100 2033098 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1395065&cid=t_140412_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F04%2Fincorrigible-souls.html Went down to the shopping center this afternoon.  I drove and parked near the Piggly Wiggly.  Big S was sitting out front on a bench.  I walked over and asked him a thousand questions about the gang and George.  It seems the gang is still around, just not as much. "What happened to George and his supposed cirrhosis?" I asked Big S Big S chuckled and said, "George be cuttin' down his drinkin' drastically.  He still be with Pookie and playin' poker every Saturday night." "I always worried Pookie would get George hooked on crack!" I then exclaimed. Big S chuckled some more as I sat and smiled.  It was good spending some time with Big S along with an appearance by Dexter.  I might just start writing about the gang again.  I certainly need to give this bl... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1395065 Wed, 23 Apr 2008 23:14:00 +0100 1395065 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1282182&cid=t_140412_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F03%2Fgroup-hug.html Joyce just gave me the biggest hug. Y'all, it was so heartwarming. She got to crying and then I got to crying. You just don't know how lonely having a mental illness can be when you aren't feeling well. Joyce and I are two peas in a pod. It is amazing she just had to live next to the house I moved into. (Source: The 4th Avenue Blues) The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1282182 Wed, 05 Mar 2008 21:43:00 +0100 1282182 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1277719&cid=t_140412_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F03%2Fgo-slow-tuesday.html I just walked over to Joyce's house.  I knocked on the door as I could hear her television playing loudly.  She opened it and the biggest grin formed on her face. "I need you today," I told her. "I am having a rough go of it." "What's wrong?" Joyce asked, looking pained. "I can't motivate myself to do anything.  I feel stuck in the mud." I walked inside and took a seat in her den as she turned down her TV.  "Talk to me," she said. "I feel slow, tired, as if any exertion will push me over the edge." "What do you want to do?" Joyce asked. "I want to curl up in my Lazy Boy and read magazines and smoke cigarettes.  I need to be cleaning house, though." "Screw that!" Joyce said which surprised me coming from such a pious woman.  "Go kick your feet up and take the d... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1277719 Tue, 04 Mar 2008 18:35:00 +0100 1277719 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1271798&cid=t_140412_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F03%2Fpoor-joyce.html Joyce left the most pitiful note on my door last night basically lamenting the fact that her doctor is holding her out of work for two more months.  "What am I going to do?" she wrote in the letter. "I have always worked and it keeps my bi-polar in check.  It keeps me from being so hyper. Dear God, help me!!!!" I've seen her driving some today and just saw her meddling around in her trunk.  I need to go talk to her, but I am having a hard time getting it together today.  I slept until two this afternoon.  Rosa left early this morning.  I need to go let her know she is not alone and that I understand.  I am afraid she thinks I am avoiding her because of the intimacy of the letter left on my door.  The letter was risky and very personal, characteristic... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1271798 Sun, 02 Mar 2008 19:50:00 +0100 1271798 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1254982&cid=t_140412_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F02%2Fnew-coat-of-love.html The scuttlebutt today is that Joyce is painting her house.   I walked over a moment ago to move some heavy objects from her spare bedroom. "How do I look?" Joyce said as she just beamed wearing her painting outfit, her cheeks so rosy. "You look mahhh-velous dahhh-ling!" I replied. Joyce just giggled like a little school girl, pulling her suspenders high above her. "Come look this afternoon when we are finished," Joyce said. Joyce is just so glad to have something positive to do.  Joyce's house's deco looks out of the fifties and sixties and she is trying to modernize.  I offered to help, but she said she and her friend could handle the spare bedroom.  It is good to see my friend smile like she just did as I was leaving.    (Source: The 4th Avenue Blu... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1254982 Mon, 25 Feb 2008 19:13:00 +0100 1254982 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1188502&cid=t_140412_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F01%2Fchange-of-heart.html "Can I go to AA with you today?" Ferret asked me a moment ago. "I thought you said AA was nothing but a bunch of brain washed religious idiots," I replied. "I just need a helping hand," Ferret told me. "I haven't been drinking today." I told Ferret to meet me on the corner of Cherry Drive at 11:30 AM.  I am astounded he is going with me.  We are going to the noon meeting in Lagrange.  I am also going to get an application from the McDonald's on West Point Road in Lagrange.  It would be a lengthy drive to work, but I am open to anything.  I am hoping Ferret will fill out an application as well.  He left Kentucky Fried Chicken under good terms when he worked there.  (Source: The 4th Avenue Blues) The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1188502 Wed, 30 Jan 2008 15:28:00 +0100 1188502 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1173031&cid=t_140412_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F01%2Ffun-times.html Ferret was in a rare good mood this morning.  He has been so dour lately. "I am going to get a home," he fiercely told me as he sipped on a 40 ounce of malt liquor this morning. "I swear. I am." "Good," I replied. "You can do anything if you put your mind to it." "How did Clara get a home?" Ferret then asked. "I got her a ride down to Columbus and she went into a program for homeless alcoholics at the Rescue Mission." "Do they take men?" "Yes, they have a men's program.  I almost went to join myself about a year ago when I couldn't quit drinking." "It has been so cold lately and I feel cold all the time.  Always shivering and having to wear layers of clothes.  And I stink." I was expecting Ferret to ask me to take him out to the truck stop for a shower, but he didn't.&n... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1173031 Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:43:00 +0100 1173031 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1123213&cid=t_140412_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F12%2Fshe-wants-to-come-home.html I've gotten a lot of email lately asking about my neighbor, Joyce.  Joyce, as you may know, suffers from schizo-affective disorder.  She has been in the mental hospital for weeks.  I heard from her today.  She was pleading with me to come and get her. "I don't have a car," I told her over the phone. "My car got stolen." "I just want to come home.  I feel better," she replied. "How is the food?" I asked trying to make small talk. "The food is delicious here," she said. "What medications are you on?" I then asked. "Oh God," Joyce replied. "Too many to name them all.  They have me on Lithium and Risperdal.  And then all my kidney transplant drugs." "That's what I take," I said. "Will you ask Johnny (my father) to come and get me?" She asked. "Doll, you need ... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1123213 Mon, 31 Dec 2007 20:44:00 +0100 1123213 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1122103&cid=t_140412_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F12%2Froom-for-two.html I ended up spending the night at Rosa's last night.  It was a spur of the moment thing.  Nothing happened.  I slept on the couch and slept damn well.  I just couldn't bear to be alone last night.  This morning Rosa fixed breakfast and we sat in her kitchen talking. "What do you do to give yourself a pep talk?" she asked, worried about me. "I tell myself I should be glad I'm not in prison," I replied, shoveling food in my mouth.  "I think of Prison Pete and what he has to go through.  It makes me feel better.  I try to think of the worst case scenario that could be my life." We sat eating our eggs and cheese toast.  It felt wonderful to be with someone who cares.  I've missed Rosa and our candid conversations.  My family can be so harsh... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1122103 Sun, 30 Dec 2007 17:06:00 +0100 1122103 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1121670&cid=t_140412_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F12%2Fi-wanna-new-drug.html "I wanna get fucked up," Ferret told me grinning furiously a moment ago down at the shopping center. "I wanna get blitzed out of my mind.  I don't want to remember tomorrow." It has been a warm day.  Quite a few of the gang were down at the shopping center after lunch.  Ferret. Dexter. Big S. Cap w/Tag Guy. Rosa.  The after Christmas sales had brought in a lot of foot traffic.  "I want a drug that makes me happy and doesn't destroy my life," was what I told Ferret. "It would be my soma." Ferret jumped up and pulled on his cap. "I'm headed for the liquor store.  You coming?" "No," I replied. "I can't" I watched as Ferret briskly walked off.  It was a long walk across the river to Big John's package store.  Not one that I relished, having walked that p... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1121670 Sat, 29 Dec 2007 20:45:00 +0100 1121670 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1115024&cid=t_140412_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F12%2Fmerry-christmas-gang.html I just drove down to the shopping center.  Big S, Dexter, and Ferret were sitting out front much to my relief.  I was worried no one would be around due to the holidays.  The grocery store and adjacent stores were hopping with activity and last minute shopping.  "Merry Christmas," I said, passing out packs of cigarillos, Reese's peanut butter cups, and Coca-colas. "I thought you would never think of me," Big S said with a hearty grin. "It is going to be a crack head Christmas!" Ferret quipped as he laughed crazily, opening up his peanut butter cups.  I laughed along and wished I could do more for my unorthodox friends this Christmas.  I could have cooked a big meal at my home, but I am barely surviving the festivities myself.  These souls have nowhere els... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1115024 Mon, 24 Dec 2007 17:02:00 +0100 1115024 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1076142&cid=t_140412_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F12%2Fwhere-rudolf.html Last night's little expedition in search of Christmas lights turned out well.  We didn't stay gone long, but had a good time.  My neighbors really put forth an effort this year to outdo themselves. "I have a house a want to show you," I told Joyce as I drove through midtown.  "Traditionally, they always have the grandest display." We were not disappointed.  The Olkos family outdid themselves for yet another year. "How do they afford their electric bill?" Joyce asked as she giggled like a school girl. I smiled and said I didn't know.  They put up enough lights and displays in their yard to merit their own power plant. It reminded me of Chevy Chase's house in Christmas Vacation.  (Source: The 4th Avenue Blues) The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1076142 Fri, 07 Dec 2007 13:51:00 +0100 1076142 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1073097&cid=t_140412_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F12%2Fmen-in-blue.html This morning found me once again down at the corner store, drinking free coffee, and talking to my favorite clerk. I know I am starting to sound like a broken record. I am a creature of habit. The police were out in full force this morning, fueling their patrol cars, and it made me nervous. I have terrible luck and I just knew something from my drinking past would pop up to bite me in the ass. "Oh, they're harmless," my favorite clerk said of the police after one had just left."Well, when I was drinking I would do things and then not remember them the next day," I replied. "I am always worried my past is going to come back to haunt me.""That must be a terrible feeling," he told me. "Tell me about it!" I exlaimed. "It is a horrible feeling! I have this nagging feeling I have warrants out fo... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1073097 Thu, 06 Dec 2007 11:34:00 +0100 1073097 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1070958&cid=t_140412_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F12%2Fnight-owl.html Stayed up most of the evening talking to an old friend on the phone.  She is newly divorced and juggling two young children.  I sometimes think I have it too hard until my reality comes crashing down around me after talking to someone else like last night.  I really have it easy when it all boils down to it.  She kept telling me she wanted to trade places with me.  I scoffed and coughed.  I wouldn't want to wish my reality on anyone else, nor would I want her reality as well.  Left the house around 3 A.M.  Trudged down to my local convenience store for a free cup of coffee.  It was a brutally cold morning with a temp of 28.  My favorite clerk was in fine spirits reveling me in tales of last night's customers.   "I had someone try ... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1070958 Wed, 05 Dec 2007 11:12:00 +0100 1070958 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1064814&cid=t_140412_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F12%2Fback-to-hospital.html Joyce had to go back to the hospital tonight.  It was a short lived furlough, her being home.  She was acting strangely as if she was drugged.  Slow.  Confused.  She came over this evening and acted as if she were mired in molasses -- each movement seeming painful and retarded.  "I don't know what's wrong with me," she told me nervously, chain smoking Marlboro lights. "I am usually so hyper. I am such an active person." I walked over to her home and looked at the medications she was taking. "Dear God," I muttered under my breath viewing all the many pill bottles.  No wonder she feels drugged.  She is taking enough medications to anesthetize an elephant. I don't see how she remembers to take all that.  I would be having problems with compliance, ... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1064814 Sun, 02 Dec 2007 22:07:00 +0100 1064814 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1064816&cid=t_140412_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F12%2Fwinter-wonderland.html I woke up thinking of snow and ice this morning.  Brrrr.  Our neighbors to the north got some pretty decent snowfall to start off December.  Some even got an ice storm.  It is that time of the year that I habitually frequent weather blogs and weather websites that went neglected all throughout the summer months.  I become a man obsessed. "Don't you want it to snow?" I asked Charlie last night as we were sitting in my den watching the weather coverage. "Dammit! Hell no!" he exclaimed as he laughed. "I don't want to have to drive in that mess!" I had dreamed I was homeless and it snowed last night, and I was having trouble keeping the snow out of my tent and sleeping bag.  I woke up feeling bitterly cold and immediately walked into my hall to turn the heat up.&n... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1064816 Sun, 02 Dec 2007 16:00:00 +0100 1064816 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1062727&cid=t_140412_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F11%2Fpie-for-two.html "I've been cooking all morning," Joyce told me excitedly as she stood at my front door holding a pecan pie. "Joyce," I replied with a air of scolding. "The doctors told you to take it easy." "I couldn't help myself," she said. "I can't stand not doing anything." "Come on inside and lets have a slice," I replied, opening my door wide as Maggie jumped up and down excitedly at having company. The door shut with a clunk as Joyce followed me into my kitchen. I got some plates, a knife, and two forks out of my cabinets. Joyce is a wonderful cook and I couldn't wait to dig in. Pecan pie is one of my favorites. Especially when it is still warm just from the oven. This pie was made with the pecans from my backyard. "This is delicious!" I exclaimed after the first bite. "Brag on it for me," Joyce sa... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1062727 Fri, 30 Nov 2007 20:19:00 +0100 1062727 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1051136&cid=t_140412_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F11%2Fdouble-down.html Sometimes in life, you happen upon a character that is so full of life that they seem to splash over, brimful. Bursting at the seams, their personality just oozes out of their pores. That's what I always thought of George. I got a call today from Rosa that George is in the hospital for cirrhosis of the liver. Rosa had been over to the shopping center to hang out and overheard this bit of gossip. "Are you going to see him?" Rosa asked me on the second time we had talked today. "I am going this afternoon," I replied, worried about my old friend. I hung up the phone and thought about all the moments I had spent down at the shopping center with George. He would be drinking his ice beer, cigar in hand, as a great big toothy grin would form on his face. "What up, my brotha," he would jubilantly ... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1051136 Mon, 26 Nov 2007 20:06:00 +0100 1051136 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1048684&cid=t_140412_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F11%2Fmeet-me-halfway.html I met Clara halfway to Columbus, Georgia late last night. It was a spur of the moment encounter I so enjoy.  I was pulling up into a convenience store's parking lot as she got out of a friend's truck and ran over to greet me. She looked so well, and had gained about twenty pounds. Her cheeks were rosy, and the color had returned to her skin. That old alcoholic pall had been cast away. "Tell me about your living arrangements," I asked her as we sat in my car, smoking our cigarillos. "I only have to pay 1/4th of my monthly income for rent," she said. "I got totally lucky in finding that apartment. The waiting list is usually two years for section 8 housing." "Are you happy?" "I have good days and bad days," she told me. "I still struggle with the drinking. I had a slip up a few weeks ag... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1048684 Sun, 25 Nov 2007 11:55:00 +0100 1048684 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1048368&cid=t_140412_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F11%2Flargesse.html Determined to scrounge up some money, I placed a large computer desk, unassembled and still in the box, on my front lawn by the road. I hung a sign on it saying, "Fifty dollars and it is yours. Originally $129." Within moments, a man in a truck stopped to look. I walked out to talk to him in the cold morning air. "I'll give you two twenties for it," he told me. "Sold!" I said, and I helped him load the heavy desk into the back of his pickup truck. Excited and with money in my pocket, I walked down to the diner for a feast. Merl's diner was hopping with patrons. The clink of dishes being washed could be heard in the background as the low mumble of many conversations played out around me. A perky young waitress walked out to greet me and take my order -- her eyes a deep blue with blonde hair... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1048368 Sat, 24 Nov 2007 14:32:00 +0100 1048368 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1045034&cid=t_140412_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F11%2Fthey-who-never-grew-up.html "They (being the doctors) are not going to let me out for Thanksgiving!" Joyce told me worriedly over the phone line last night. "I am going to check out against doctor's orders." "Joyce, now that would be unwise," I replied. "You will just have to go back in and start over in a few days." "But I don't want to miss my Thanksgiving!" she said, pleadingly. I have often said that having a mental illness means you never grew up like a normal person. You are forever stunted both emotionally and mentally. 61 year old Joyce reminded me of a small child wanting to come home from school, sick. I don't blame her. Psychiatric hospitals can be mind numbingly boring places with little to do except watch television. "All these therapy groups are driving me crazy," she then said. "They even had us bowlin... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1045034 Thu, 22 Nov 2007 12:35:00 +0100 1045034 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1031006&cid=t_140412_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F11%2Fselective-reasoning.html This is the first time I have purposely ended a friendship in the whole sordid tale of my life.  I have always befriended everyone, and many times to my detriment -- choosing to be friends with just any old soul that wanders into my life.  Most past friends have chosen to end our relationship and not vice versa.   It feels powerful and invigorating -- that I can choose what people I have in my life.  That is an option my loneliness, mental illness, and lack of self esteem have never afforded me! The nice thing about online life in that you more easily pick and choose your friends.  Tired of the constant questions?  The prying inquiries?  The emotional onslaught?  The well meaning, but incessant advice? Detach yourself and quit writing back.&nbsp... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1031006 Fri, 16 Nov 2007 10:32:00 +0100 1031006