Special Olympics World Winter Games 2009!

What a great state we live in! This year we were fortunate to host the Special Olympics World Winter Games! Among the many events, the figure skating competition was held in downtown Boise at Quest arena. My family volunteered to help staff the booth set up by the Boise Figure Skating Club.




It was so much fun to be involved with this event. The audience was so supportive of all the competitors, cheering & clapping for everyone! With everyone's help, the skating club was able to raise almost $5000 by selling stuffed flowers to toss out on the ice after a performance.



What a rewarding experience for all of us! We saw so many figure skaters from all over the world, including Germany, Japan, China, and Canada. We were also treated to a surprise practice skate session for Olympic Gold Medalist - Scott Hamilton!!! He was so nice...taking all the time in the world to get pictures with as many competitors as he could, signing autographs all around, and even taking one fan's baby for a spin around the ice!





Here are a few more of my favorite shots from the Special Olympics Figure Skating:

(Getting autographs - whether or not you asked for them) :)

(Members of the Boise Figure Skating Club got to help out with practices & performances or by "sweeping" - picking up gifts thrown on the ice for Olympians - they are seen here in the light blue dresses.)

Overall, it was a fun experience! The Olympians looked like they were having such a great time and the audience participation could not have been better! I'm so glad we got to be a part of it this year. I encourage everyone out there to take the opportunity if it ever presents itself in your hometown. Hooray for the Special Olympics and athletes everywhere!

Slacker!

I've been a total slacker! Since the Special Olympics World Games in Idaho, we've been to Las Vegas, home, Sun Valley, and finally back home! And now, I have unfortunately caught that yucky cold bug that's been going around...ugh! I will try to get all the updates on here in the next week or so, but no promises. :) I hate being sickly!

Peace, Love & Good Health!

Quick Update

Just wanted you all to know I haven't forgotten about my loyal fans. It was a busy week, ending with some super fun volunteering at the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games today. More to come (including pics), so check back often!

Fractals

The simple definition of a fractal is: "a geometric pattern that is repeated at ever smaller scales to produce irregular shapes and surfaces that cannot be represented by classical geometry. Fractals are used especially in computer modeling of irregular patterns and structures in nature."

"Fractal" was coined by Benoit Mandelbrot in 1975. It basically means "an irregular surface like that of a broken stone." A fractal is a non-regular geometric shape. It has the same degree of non-regularity on all scales.

Fractals can be found in nature:

Or in art:

So, if you ever wondered why math was so important...it helps to explain the beauty we see in patterns around us. Go out and enjoy some geometry today!

Psych Series #4

Psych Series #4: Bipolar Disorder

"Someone call the doctor
Got a case of a love bi-polar
Stuck on a roller coaster
Can't get off this ride...

...Cause you're hot then you're cold
You're yes then you're no
You're in then you're out
You're up then you're down"
~Hot 'N Cold - Katy Perry

Bipolar disorder is also known as Manic-Depressive illness. It is a brain disorder involving unusual shifts in a person's moods, energy, and ability to function. Unlike "normal" ups and downs, symptoms associated with bipolar disorder are severe. Symptoms of bipolar disorder typically develop in late adolescence or early adulthood. There have been reports of some individuals developing symptoms during childhood or later in life.

Signs & Symptoms: This disorder causes dramatic mood swings - overly "high" or irritable to sad and hopeless, then back again, with periods of "normal" moods in between. The periods of highs and lows are known as "episodes" of mania and depression.

Manic Episode Symptoms:

• Increased energy, activity and restlessness

• Excessively "high," overly good, euphoric mood

• Extreme irritability

• Racing thoughts and talking very fast, jumping from one idea to another

• Distractibility, can't concentrate well
  
  
• Decreased need for sleep

• Unrealistic beliefs in one's abilities and powers (feeling of invincibility)

• Poor judgment

• Increased sexual drive

• Abuse of drugs, particularly cocaine, alcohol, and sleeping medications

• Provocative, intrusive, or aggressive behavior

• Denial that anything is wrong

A manic episode is diagnosed if elevated mood occurs with three or more of the other symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, for 1 week or longer.

Depressive Episode Symptoms:

• Lasting sad, anxious, or empty mood

• Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism

• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness

• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed, including sex

• Decreased energy, a feeling of fatigue or of being "slowed down."

• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions

• Restlessness or irritability

• Sleeping too much, or can't sleep

• Change in appetite and/or unintended weight loss or gain

• Chronic pain or other persistent bodily symptoms that are not caused by physical illness or injury

• Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts

A depressive episode is diagnosed if five or more of these symptoms last most of the day, nearly every day, for a period of 2 weeks or longer.

Treatments:

• Medications - generally medications known as "mood stabilizers" are used for bipolar disorder.
• Examples: Lithium, Depakote, Tegretol (Carbamazepine), Lamictal, Neurontin (Gabapentin), Topamax
• Medications for Bipolar Depression - antidepressants and atypical antipsychotic medications are often used with the previously mentioned mood stabilizers to decrease rapid "cycling" from mania to depression.
• Examples: Clozapine, Geodon, Zyprexa, Risperdal, Seroquel, Abilify, Klonopin, Ativan, Ambien
• Psychotherapy

If you or a loved one needs help managing Bipolar disorder, contact your local hospital or psychiatric health provider. Other mental health providers include psychologists, psychiatric social workers, psychiatric nurses, and mental health counselors.

Wishing you health & happiness!

Totoro - Defined

As any of my true stalkers know, I have some randomly named pets. Today I shall share with you the history of Totoro's name.

The name Totoro comes from the creative imaginings of Hayao Miyazaki and his movie "My Neighbor Totoro." In the movie, a totoro is a large creature who appears to be a combination of raccoons, cats & owls. He is basically a large "spirit of the forest." Other "non-human" characters in this film include Catbus, dust bunnies, and smaller Totoros.

When I adopted my Totoro, he spent many days and nights camped out under the bed, earning him the title "king of the dust bunnies" or "dust monster/spirit." It was only natural that he would come to be named Totoro, given his affinity toward dark places inhabited by dust bunnies and his striking resemblance to the main character in a favorite movie!

And now you know the short, sweet story of Totoro!

More Anime Characters

Introducing Chococat! Chococat is a friend of Hello Kitty and was created by the Japanese corporation Sanrio. I dig him because he reminds me of my real life black kitty, Ryoko!

Peace & Love!