Michele

Anyone know what to do about severe jaw pain? I've apparently been clenching my teeth and grinding them at night, courtesy of Algebra. I had another major exam last monday, and while I scored a 95, I know that I've been clenching my teeth whenever I pick up the book. I didn't make the connection until today, however. I just spent 8 hours on 15 problems, working them and working them and working them...and then went to get dinner. I can't release my jaws too far, so I used a small fork and small bites. Managed to get dinner into me, but man, do my jaws hurt. So does anyone have any idea what to do about this? I know - don't clench/grind in the first place. But that apparently isn't going to work. I massage the muscles as often as I remember, but that doesn't relieve the pain; just makes the jaw more mobile. So, since I've got math to do for the foreseable future, does anyone have any suggestions? It hurts, especially after eating... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Great shot of Lori!!!! And Ben, the dog, is sooooooo cool...just laying there letting them check him out. Good grief, I miss you all...hope all is well. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Nicely done...all are typical of new introductions... Shadow is asserting that "she was there first" sort of dominance, and clearly sees herself as top cat. Abby, in allowing Shadow to pee in Abby's box, is starting to understand who runs the household. The battle over the water wasn't about water; rather, it was about who is in charge... These squabbles will end...and they don't seem too bad in the first place. Pretty quickly there will be a balance reached, and you'll come home one day and find them both cuddled on your bed... A note, however. After today, don't separate them. Shadow needs to be certain that her home is her home...and to put her onto the porch while the interloper gets the house is pretty threatening to that idea. Similarly, Abby needs to understand that her new home is shared with another cat, and that won't be established unless they are both in the same place at the same time. Also, just be aware that Shadow might decide to start up an escape behavior - darting for the door, scratching at the screens, and so on. Nothing to really worry about, just be aware and do your best to not let her escape...she'll get through that soon, just be aware of the potential there. Well done, congratulations, and hugs to the kitties and you! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Squeak, I always answer your pms...you're not blocked. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Por thing. Apparently, the vet did something not too fun to Burger... I had a cat named Tron that went in to get neutered. At home, he was this darling, passive, gentle giant of a cat, docile and cuddly and just a dear. However, when I went to get him from the vet after he'd been neutered, they couldn't get him out. He had bit the vet so hard he left a tooth in the vet's hand. He was screaming, like on the vid. He was thrashing and bleeding (from both his mouth where his tooth had been, and from his testicles). No-one could get to him to help him; he was absolutely petrified and wild. They brought me back to the cages, explaining that they can't handle him...I started talking to him in the hallway, and he calmed down as soon as he heard my voice. He came right into my arms, and let the vet treat his mouth and bottom...and then crawled into my shirt and laid there, cradled between the shirt and my waistband. Cats react like that because of fear, and also because they're usually drugged. They are not too sure who's friend or foe...so unless they are positive (i.e. their owner), they will attack and attack hard. It's the fight/flight instinct...and when they're caged, there is no flight. I feel bad for "Burger" in the video...he was terrified and at his wits' end. OTOH, it's a funny video... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Ooooops........ ROFL! Nothing near as bad as what my Dad screams at sports on the television...you can hear him down the block! And he isn't being polite and kind, lemme tell you!!!!! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I have more than three. No, I'm not divulging, either. I will only put someone on block who is abusive, not because we disagree. Disagreement is fine, but do it like an adult...when one lies, spreads rumors and falsehoods about me and/or is abusive towards me, they go onto that list...that way, I don't have to deal with the bullshit. Kinda like walking away from a toxic person...sometimes, no matter how much you like them, you have to just walk away. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Abbie's a pretty girl! She and Shadow will be friends in no time, especially if they're not attacking each other right off. Great sign. BTW, if the kitties decide to fight on your bed when you're in it, just duck and get under the covers...there's little you can do other than protect your head, face and neck in that situation. LOL!!! As for the ants issue, yep, that can be an issue (one I've battled a ton). Sprinkle some cinnamon at the edge of the doorways and windows; cinnamon will interfere with the pheremone trail the ants leave, and not be dangerous to the kitties. That has helped me a ton in the past, so you might give it a try. Really, though, try to establish a consistent feeding place for the girls...it will facilitate the whole heirarchy/dominance issue really well. Congratulations again! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Linz, I understand why you wouldn't necessarily run her to the vet; I let lots of things go on my feline herd that I'd recommend others take them in for...primarily because most people don't have the experience and know-how to handle a wound on an animal. No issues there, you know? Here's the thought, though. If it is a pellet that hurt your dog, considering the occurrance of a few weeks ago, I'd be concerned that it was less an accident and more a deliberate action, with the same weapon (albeit different target) as previously. Simply because of that, I'd go to the vet's and have them document the injury. It may be that it's not a pellet gun, and is, in fact, something else (an impacted bug bite, an ulcerated spot, a "hot spot", or what have you). If it's something else, you can laugh at yourself for being paranoid and overprotective...but if it is a pellet shot, then a crime has occurred...and if you take no action now, saying to an officer later, after the dog has been killed, "I shoulda" is not going to help in a prosecution because there is no independent "witness" that the dog had been targeted before. How about calling your son's friend's father and getting his opinion on it? It really seems likely that it's retaliatory, and that your neighbors might be having an issue with the arrests that were made a few weeks ago. I'd rather see it get settled now rather than wait for an escalation; and, failing that, getting documentation to show a pattern of behavior should the worst case show up. And if it is a pellet gun wound, the knowledge that your neighbors' children or children's friends are willing to use weapons on a child and on a dog is an important little factoid...and indicative of some significant psychological disruption and the need for counseling. I'd pop him over to the vet, just to make sure and get the problems out of my head, you know? Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

That does work, most of the time. It triggers the grooming instinct, and a cat won't groom unless they feel safe. I'd be a little leary of butter, though, as the dairy can upset their belly and create more problems than it's worth. There is a substance called "Felovite", and it comes in a tube. It's a supplement and every cat I've given it to lap it up - the taste is, apparently, yummy (one of my cats doesn't even wait for it to come out of the tube...she licks the tube as I apply it to her paw). Be aware, though, that even if they're in the middle of grooming, they can get involved in a fight almost immediately. Some indicia to watch for is a puffing of all the hair - making the cat look bigger and more fierce to the other cat. Watch for stiff-legged walking, arched backs, flattened ears...if you see this happening, oftentimes it's just display, so don't interrupt unless there is a significant whupping going on. And one last note, don't separate them when you go to bed....they really do need to adjust to each other, and you will find that the more you isolate/separate them, the longer it will take. Again, that's not a technique I use at first, except in certain situations. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Tigra said: Actually, Maura, that's my preferred method, unless I am introducing a cat with a disability, or known mental issues (hyper aggressive, a pee-er, declawed). I really like to let them work it out, and if they can't, I step in. Some really good advice, and some that is a No-no in my book except in certain circumstances. Feliway is delightful, but very expensive. The two drawbacks are that it doesn't always work, and it really doesn't always work...meaning that some cats have no effect, and on occasion, some cats find it to be more of a danger signal or a territorial issue (whomever gets closest to the diffuser wins....) and can lead to a fight. I use the spray on occasion, when I need to crate or when traveling in a carrier or even on my hand when handling a feral; much more than that, I find, it is a simple waste of money. However, it's a great last resort should the need come for that. Separate dishes always...from here on out. Start with the dishes apart, at either end of the kitchen (or other room they are fed in). Over a week or so, move the dishes closer together (but not too close). They will get the idea that there is enough food, and that there is a dish for Shadow, and a dish for Abbie. Share litter if possible, because the co-mingling of scents will allow both cats to understand that this is now shared property and not something to be possessive of. At this point, Matt, my general suggestion would be to do what you've done, but allow them to interact with each other. Do the initial interaction in the communal room, and let them start to sort it through. They will likely spat (not always, but mostly), but unless there is blood being drawn, don't get too involved, and don't show favoritism if at all possible. Do expect some quarreling; and do expect that it might occur for a while. They're cats, they will do everything they can to establish a heirarchy and the dominant one will emerge. The more you interfere with this, the longer the process will take. So try to not get in the middle of it (unless, as I said, there's bleeding...that's a no-no). And always make sure they respond to you as the dominant one...my cats will now separate on voice command or hand clap...because they realize I'm in charge, not them. Thank you for adopting this girl - how blessed you, and they, are. Thank you, thank you, thank you. And pm me (as you have...but I answered it here...) with any questions. 'Course, you knew that... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

My porch light? It's had a blown bulb for about 4 years, and I haven't changed it yet. Maybe I need to make a post in the proscrastination thread... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I learned by burning water. Literally. At least 3 times. Then I figured out you had to watch things... Over time, I've become a decent cook with some "special" recipes that are called for when pot lucks come around, or I go over to a party... Try expanding what you already know. Steam some veggies and put it into the pasta sauce. Broil a chicken breast and slice it into a salad. Broil up some sausage and cut it up into the pasta sauce...stuff like that. Then experiment even more. Like someone else said, if it doesn't taste good, then toss it. Kitchens are only scary to the uninitiated. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I solved that by staying behind the camera, as the one taking the shots. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I read most of the other forums (excluding BASE, Video and Wingsuit), and contribute when I'm able to add something to the conversation. I don't jump very much right now, because of funds (recurrency and repack needs) and because of time. I wish I had the funds to get and stay current; I wish I had the time to stay current. I have neither at the moment, though I hold out hope that they will change in the near future. Does that mean I should post elsewhere? Does that mean I'm not welcome here? Or does that mean that reading, and keeping one foot in the water while I work for the situation I'm in to change, is acceptable and doesn't exclude me from being a "real" skydiver? See, I think that staying around and keeping current in my mind about things is the best way to stay in the sport during this period. And wouldn't you rather I keep my mouth shut on things I don't know/can't contribute to (ala threads in safety, general, incidents) rather than simply confuse the issues? And would you rather I not read the information at all, because for the moment (granted, it's a long moment) I am earthbound and unable to touch the sky? Dunno...I think I'll keep things the way they are, and continue posting when I can contribute, and keep reading the rest to learn how to skydive more safely and keep my gear in the best shape I can. But then again, that's just me. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

My only real wonder is where the hangers and extra socks go. I suspect there is a giant closet with tons of hangers with socks draped over them, but I've not quite figured out where that closet is... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Is the converse true, as well? That those who make 98% of their posts in Bonfire make you wonder if they ever make any skydives or any other positive contribution to the sport? Or is it just that one forum that makes you wonder? Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

All Martin Luther King Jr did was talk, anyway. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

All right, call me weird, but I find it very interesting. Things get said in there that aren't said elsewhere; opinions are presented. Facts debated. Arguments made for one position or the other. But it's not about being politically correct, it's about what a person believes, thinks, feels about the world we live in right now, right here...and how it affects their lives. It is a place of debate. And sometimes those debates get really heated and rancorous. But if you don't pay attention to that part, you'll find the opinions underneath to be at the very least provoking...and will, as has been stated, give you a chance to reexamine what you believe, why you believe it, and how that position affects your life. I've seen lots of mellowing in some folks. I've seen plain ol' antagonism on others. But I've mostly seen a place where people can state what they feel and why. I always try to look at the others position; I may not agree with it, but I try to see things from their perspective, no matter how foreign it seems to me. Besides, the one time I offered to flash, I got turned down. So now I've got boob-esteem issues. And since there isn't too much attention paid to them over in SC, it's a safe place for me to go... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Darius, your questions/statements deserve more time than I can give right now. I have to study for an algebra exam in 3 hours, so once that's done and over, I will be back to further explain my position. Thanks for your patience... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Darius, Iran does not contain all muslims, correct? Or is Iran the only muslim country in existence? In other words, SS might've been talking about some of the countries (i.e Afghanistan, Iraq (although it's more secular), Saudi Arab Emerits, et ceters) than your country of heritage. You really are being uber sensitive lately...not every comment about muslims is directed at you, or at Iran. There are other applications to SS's statement than some sort of personal inference regarding you. You might want to look at it from that perspective before you take it personally. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I made my first kettle of stew for the fall - luscious beef stew, piled with veggies and potatoes. I made enough to freeze most of it for the coming days, when I'm just too whupped from school to make anything more than a PB&J (which get old really, really fast...). So now I actually have something good and good for me. But I'd rather've made a good, nicely aged steak and mashed garlic potatoes and asparagus...I'm jealous. And I love the whole Micro-Tractor/Micro-Ranch/Micro thing Michael's got going on...too funny. Now, back to tackling algebra. Sumbitch is like wrestling an oiled pig. Ciels Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Sparky, you most certainly were that guy, and in spades, both at the DZ and away from it. Your retirement is a huge loss to the sport, and to me personally. Who else will let me target them with my mad tracking skillzzzzzzz and be able to duck when I forget I'm the one who's moving and not you? Bozo, maybe...you and Bozo are "that guy" for me. So thanks, Sparky. Thanks a ton. And Bozo, thanks to you, too. A ton as well. Ciels and hugs to you both- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

That made me smile. Thanks. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Can I come over for the bbq? Please? Rescue me from under a pile of papers and books, pressure and stress, and feed me some good ol' Illinois beef. Please? Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~