Dr A went over the report from my MRI and while I have no tumours or lesions (thank you Google Images) apparently I DO have inferior cerebellum tonsils, which consitutes a congenital brain abnormality called Chiari Malformation. Except, the degree of abnormality is such that it's know as a BORDERLINE Chiari. I kid you not. Even my brain is f'n borderline!!!!! I had to laugh. It may or may not be the cause of my headaches, so now I have to see a specialist neurologist for more testing. It's not fatal, just debilitating, and sadly it cannot take the blame for my general mental wackiness.
I can't believe I have some other blasted "Borderline" condition. Maybe I should look around for some more Borderline diagnoses, I can start a collection. It takes up less room than snow globes.
I made the top LOLCAT from a photo of my cat Sami - I heard Wandering Coyote might be in need of a new therapist and most of us agree cats make the best doctors. Then the second LOLCAT is one I saw today at www.icanhascheezburger.com and I instantly thought of the beautiful and voluptuous Juno and her BLFD.
Wandering Coyote's blog was the first one I found, back in Jan/Feb when I was struggling with my psychotic breakdown and eventual diagnosis with Borderline Personality Disorder. I googled "California Rocket Fuel", the medication combo I was on (Effexor and Mirtazapine), and lo and behold I found a kindred spirit. Coyote found herself a stalker hahahahaha. Jokes. No, really! Through Coyote I found my other blogging friends, all of whom have helped me navigate my way to semi-sanity. I just wanted to say thanks, and to reassure her that even on days when she feels like shit she means the world to me (to us, yeah?).
I think Chato B. Stewart (www.mentalhealthcartoons.com) has done an AMAZING job with his cartoon-a-thon this month -- 31 cartoons in 31 days. I think he's ended with a real "bang", two of my favourites for the month are seen below:
I hope I manage to always keep my sense of humour. I hope I can always laugh at myself and my life, even when it seems like despair is going to claim me. I am So proud to have been a part of the Mental Health Month Cartoonathon. Now, how did Chato know I often miss my bus stop because I am in daydream world?? People ARE watching me!! I knew I wasn't paranoid hahaha.
I know we can all relate to this one! Keep up the excellent work Mr Stewart (:
Taken from http://www.mentalhealthcartoons.com/ - The purpose of the Cartoon-A-Thon is to use humor and laughter as positive tools in dealing with emotional disturbances which effect many people and families due to mental Illness. As a consumer and an amateur cartoonist, Chato B. Stewart has been drawing cartoons to help thousands find a smile. Over the past year he has Volunteered his time and talent drawing cartoons to help in educating others about mental disorders.
The Blog, Mental Health Humor went online May 14th, 2007. Since then, it has won many awards and much acclaim from fellow bloggers. The blog has been visited by 96,087 unique people and has explored and looked at 374,807 time also called "page views".Living in recovery, while maintaining balance for Bipolar Disorder, he used drawing cartoons as a coping skill. Drawing cartoons about Depression, Bipolar, and other mood disorders for what he calls “a consumers point of view.” Chato embraces prevention, resiliency, and recovery for children, adults, and families living with mental illnesses and their caregivers. The Mental Health Humor cartoons have appeared on many websites and blogs. Many Mental Health Newsletters publish the cartoons. From Florida, to California, up in Canada and all the way down under in Australia, the cartoons are giving giggles to peers far and wide.
One of the few things that can make me smile at the moment is remembering that the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest is on next week. It's been one of my passions since the mid 90s when I lived briefly in England, where it's very popular. Australia doesn't enter, for obvious reasons (though these days the countries involved are further afield than traditional Europe!) but the contest has always been screened here, with a bit of a cult following. It's one of those mad, fun, weird things that I don't fully understand, but I love it. You never know what to expect from Eurovision -- some of the artists and songs are truly brilliant, and yet more are truly tragic. The voting is by telephone, by the public, and there's always some "bloc" voting (with neighbouring countries voting for each other, etc). The usual commentator, BBC's Terry Wogan, has retired after umpteen years, which is sad because he managed to be reverent yet slightly sarcastic in his comments. Often we would be laughing so hard at his commentary that we would miss some of the songs!
This year's contest is held in Russia, as they won it in 2008 (a very cute boy named Dima won with his song "Believe"). There are so many countries now that they have two semi-finals, which are on the 12 and 14 of May, with the final on the 16th. Mr Ex is also a huge fan, as is my family, so we usually have a party with international foodstuffs, quizzes, games, and costumes. Big, big deal! Last year, it was the weekend Mr Ex and I made the decision to part ways, which naturally put a dampener on celebrations. I'm hoping this year will be more enjoyable...
I've decided to put here on my blog some of my favourite Eurovision acts from last year. Bosnia & Herzegovina's entry came 10th...it's so weird and catchy! Makes me smile...
Latvia was one of the favourites last year, they've won the contest before - this entry came 12th. I absolutely love it.
Earlier today I really felt bereft. So hard to get motivated, crazy and harmful thoughts going through my mixed up head. I feel a lot better now, thanks to my litle Eurovision hobby/obsession. I have CDs of previous contests, and the last ten years on video, and youtube has stacks of clips. I think I will spend more time in Eurovision world this week.
It made me laugh, which means all is not lost - right? I still have my ever-present sense of humour, which has got me through (and helped me avoid) many painful situations. I know that Dr A is trying to work his way through the laughter armour, which scares me witless... I feel like the sorrow will just engulf me without the barriers of self-deprecation and sarcasm.
I'm a 42-year-old Gemini from Perth, Western Australia. I love a decent bloke named Neil and a cat called Charly. Some of my struggles involve Borderline Personality Disorder, Major Depression, Generalised Anxiety Disorder and Binge Eating Disorder. Most of the time I keep my head above water using DBT and CBT but sometimes only a Valium and a G & T will do the trick...
