Witty Kitty

Peek-A-Boo

...I see you!

Dedicated to all my loyal stalkers & fans. As Orwell said....Big Brother is always watching.

Happy viewing & pseudo-voyeurism! See you soon!

Fun Times 007-style

We went out last night with my sister from another mister & brother-in-law for some Thai food and the new James Bond movie. I'm glad the feeling has finally made it back into my lips. I'm pretty sure the "level 2" curry that I ordered was a tad higher than just a "2". The new Bond film was pretty good. Of course, lots of action, some sexy characters, and David Craig. Now, mind you...I'm not one for blue eyes, but he does have a striking gaze!

After the flick was over, we decided to go play some shuffle board at a local bar. I know, I know...you're thinking of little old raisins on the deck of a cruise ship shuffle board...but this is a little different. More like dive bar table-top shuffle board, with small weighted metal discs. Much more fun than the raisin version. Plus, there is always plenty of entertaining people-watching to do in a dive bar. Such as the obvious bar regular at the end of the bar attempting to start a fight with my honey about hockey, only to be best buds with him a few minutes later. (Note: This guy also had a "missing" poster hung on a bulletin board). Or perhaps another great example was the couple who obviously couldn't head back to the trailer park, so proceeded to get it on in the corner of the bar! The female was later spotted macking on some other (younger) guys at the bar...which thoroughly displeased her former make-out partner. He eventually tried to start a very drunken fight outside, but gave up once the bartender walked out there. (The couple eventually hopped in a cab, with the rest of their friends, & headed home together.) The evening closed up after the cops showed up with Parole officers and wandered through the bar in search of someone.

On a side note, we did have to make a quick stop at a local grocery store to share the joy of discounted Christmas candies with the in-laws. Apparently, our nephew had his first taste of Hershey's Cherry Cordial Kisses after receiving some at school this winter. He has since been begging his mom to buy more and, alas, she has been unable to hunt any down. But we were in luck last night, as there were plenty to pick up at 75% off!!! So, Jeff snagged 15 bags of the tasty snacks along with some discounted Christmas lights and gift tags. All in all, Jeff saved $92!!!! Amazing! I love sales! Yay for candy!

All in all, it was an entertaining night!

A Joyous Day!

What a glorious day! A few days ago, my honey surprised me with some much craved Candy Cane Kisses from Hershey's. These tasty treats are only available during the Christmas season and this year I didn't get to the stores in time to stock up before all the sales were done. But, alas....he was able to snag some while truckin' it to Sun Valley earlier in the week. Ah...sweet, little candy cane treats.

Then, yesterday, we happened to stop by a local grocery store and what might I have stumbled across?! That's right! A whole aisle full of Christmas goodies piled randomly in shopping carts. And with our good luck...we found MORE candy cane kisses. So, of course, I had to stock up.

So, now, I think this household will be good to go for the next 11 months til Hershey's starts sending out the next batch of tasty candy cane kisses. Mmmmmmm...

Wishing you peace, love, happiness....and tasty treats!

Psych Series #3

#3: Meth-Induced Mood Disorders

Methamphetamine (Meth) is a drug that affects the central nervous system. As a Schedule II stimulant, this drug has a high potential for abuse. In the past, it was available only through a prescription. Its medical uses are limited and doses prescribed are much lower than those typically abused. Much of the current meth available now comes from foreign or domestic superlabs or small, illegal labs where production endangers the people in the labs, neighbors, and the environment.

Also known as crank, crystal, speed, or ice, methamphetamine was initially used in nasal decongestants and inhalers. Meth gained popularity when it was used in World War II to increase endurance for pilots on long missions. Later, meth was used in the US for weight control and as a treatment for depression. Now, meth is primarily used and abused in order to reach a level of alertness, euphoria, and sense of well-being lasting longer than effects from cocaine.

But there is definitely a dark and dirty down-side of meth use and abuse, the side most dealers don't elaborate on for first-time users. Long term effects of meth use can be devastating to individuals, families, and communities. One topic I would like to share today is meth-induced mood disorders.

According to A Clinician's Guide to Methamphetamines meth has been "associated with myriad psychiatric symptoms." These symptoms include depression, suicidal ideation, paranoia, hallucinations, delusions, psychotic reactions, panic disorders, and violent behavior. Meth use has also been associated with psychotic disorders, intoxication delirium, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, sleep disturbances, and sexual dysfunction. As with other substance abuse disorders, meth use may make it difficult to distinguish drug-induced psychiatric symptoms from a preexisting psychiatric condition.

With my recent job change, I have met many people with the diagnosis of "meth-induced mood disorder" which prompted me to do a little research into the definition.

"Methamphetamine-induced mood disorder is characterized by a prominent and persistent disturbance in mood, which has developed during or within one month of methamphetamine intoxication or withdrawal."

Characteristics of this mood disorder can include depression, irritability, elevated or expansive mood or markedly diminished interest or pleasure in most activities. Often times it is difficult to distinguish between a meth-induced disorder and a primary mood disorder, as they may have the same characteristics. Meth use may also aggravate a preexisting mood disorder.

Research continues into the best approach for treating this disorder. At this time, most treatments are geared toward symptom management. Anti-depressants, dopamine receptor antagonists (Haldol), and dopamine agonists have been used recently in pharmacotherapy (or management with medication) for this complex patient population.

Meth is a very addictive and destructive drug. If you still question it's destructive abilities, please visit any of the following websites:
http://www.oregonlive.com/news/oregonian/photos/gallery.ssf?cgi-bin/view_gallery.cgi/olive/view_gallery.ata?g_id=2927

http://www.mappsd.org/Faces%20of%20Meth.htm
(note the length of use dates at the bottom of the pics)

And perhaps the most frightening:
http://www.mappsd.org/Progression.htm

Wishing you all health and happiness out there!

Busy, Busy...

Thanks for your patience...post updates are on their way. Life has been super busy this week - wacky work schedules & sleep needs have been a little higher on the priority list. But, don't despair...I've got some great stuff coming soon! Check back often!

~Peace & Love

Words from Buddha

"Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it.
Do not believe in anything simply because it is spoken and rumored by many.
Do not believe in anything simply because it is found written in your religious books.
Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and elders.
Do not believe in traditions because they have been handed down for many generations.
But after observation and analysis, when you find that anything agrees with reason and is conducive to the good benefit of one and all, then accept it and live up to it."
~Buddha