Michele

Well, the joke's on you...you *do* realize kitties play with sharp teeth and jaws on anything which dangles...so your manjunk is in significant danger of being amputated... Just thought I'd let you know. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

That's one way...but not the most convenient nor the best if you have a strong smelling pill. My favorite trick is to get an eyedropper full of water. Grab the cat, sit on the floor with a carpet beneath (and a towel), spread your legs and set him butt to your crotch. Bring your legs around his body firmly but not trapping him, and make sure his paws are on the floor and not your lap. Get the pill, put it into his mouth, hold his mouth closed, slip the eyedropper full of water between his lip and teeth towards the back where the jaw goes, and SLOWLY depress the dropper plunger, getting a trickle of water into his mouth. This will make him swallow, and the water will also help the pill slide down more easily. If need be, repeat the water dropper a second time. Hold him still with your legs, and with your free hand (one hand around the mouth to keep it closed) pet the kitty between the ears towards the eyebrows; that's where the Mama cat stimulates the baby to encourage feeding. Most humans don't take pills without water, so why should a cat? This trick also works for dogs, but they're generally easier to trick into taking a pill. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Good lord, yes, Tigra, they fight over the window sills. I really only have two that are cat-compatible...the one over the kitchen sink can hold three cats, and the one in the bathroom (the vanity is below it) can hold one at a time...but one can lay on the vanity and "wait" their turn. It's rare that there is an actual hiss/spit/scratch brawl for a window sill, but they *do* happen on occasion...last night Charlotte and Abby were thumping each other for the kitchen window sill...after I called them off (hey, you stupid cats, there's enough room for both of you!) they forgot what they were fighting about, retreated to their separate corners, and hung out for the next few hours. LOL! One of the issues I have with kitty sedatives is that it really can cause paranoia/fight or flight triggers. I had one cat that didn't travel well. I sedated her for a move, and she was the most vicious, angry, aggressive cat for the few hours she was under the influence. She couldn't understand what was happening, and she was really scared and confused. I had to lock her in the bathroom over night so she couldn't hurt herself/me/the other cats. It took her days to recover from that; startled easily, utterly paranoid, and quite aggressive. Poor thing...I still regret it. Add to that the trauma of pilling a cat...not something which is readily done (although I can, now...having years of practice there are some tricks to it, should anyone need help. But it sure isn't fun...!!!) From that one experience, and after talking to my vet, I've decided unless there is significant pain (i.e. howling, crying, or mewling) that can't be petted away by me, I won't use the meds because of the trauma which can occur. Until they come up with kitty aspirin, it's a last resort for me. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

She should be just fine. In all the spays/neuters I've had done (I make sure all the cats I adopt/rehome are neutered/spayed before going to their new home), I've never had a kitty need additional pain killers. I've only had one need a collar (the funnel-thing) because he wouldn't stop licking his scrot...and it was irritating the incision. The way it works here at Chez Chat is that once they come home (usually the same day the surgery is performed), I bring them home in a kennel, and leave the kennel closed for the first 45 minutes or so once we get home. Then I open it, and if they want out, they come out. Often, though, as the kennel is dark and snuggly (I put old shirts and blankets in for them), they opt to remain in it until later. I make sure they are kenneled that night, so that they don't go jumping around and window sill fighting, and then the next morning, the kennel door is opened and will remain so. I'll leave the kennel down until I see the cat returning to normal behavior (usually within 24 hours, but on occasion 48), and then remove it. Cats are incredibly resilient, and come through this surgery just fine. It's far worse on us than on them. Good luck, and feel free to pm me with any questions. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I am going to step back in and disagree with the medication comment, as it's incorrect. I'll agree that hypnosis can help, but it's a poor substitute for proper pharmacological intervention and psychiatric counseling. At best, it can help change ingrained behavior. The reason that behavior started in the first place will remain there, and the likelihood of a relapse is severe without proper treatment. But I'm also going to leave it at that.

I'm sorry you think he called your friends substandard. I think he explained in a post further along that he thinks the situation is substandard, not your friends. At least, that's how I read things. Knowing you, you didn't understand that part, or you wouldn't have taken things personally. Knowing him, he isn't saying your gay friends are less, just that the situation isn't the optimum one (his opinion). Agreed. Yes, it would. Can I get you to install a power source for me when I get a house? I'd love to get off grid. >So why can't it just be accepted that reasonable people might have >different views, and hold different opinions . . . It can be. >and not bring ancillary issues (i.e. race, bible proscriptions . . . Because this same sort of proposition (that there is one "correct" sort of marriage, that what God wants has something to do with it) has been used in the past to legislate morality, just as is being done now. Agreed. Here, in California, you can have a registered domestic partnership. It counts just like a "regular" marriage does, including divorce rules and issues of financial consideration in ability to pay (i.e. medical debts, schools, and so forth). Some churchs perform "marriage" ceremonies, as well...so it's not quite the issue others seem to believe it is. If that's the impression I've left, then I wrote poorly. I mean, and thought I had made clear, that the discussion about marriage and raising a family, compared to a racial identity and/or biblical proscriptions against a certain thing should be left out of the discussion, at least as far as it's been articulated here. That is a valid discussion, too...but I don't necessarily think it's part of this discussion (unless used solely to demonstrate former laws which have been overturned...and not necessarily the "right-ness" or "wrong-ness" of a law and the thought process from which they initiated. That's all I'm trying to do; clearly bifurcate the two or three topics...and leave out the catholic bashing I'm seeing on this thread. It's unnecessary, and serves only to inflame.) Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

The test results are in. Some strange, "bad" protein in the urine, low kidney functions, but no strange "bad" protein in the blood. He is refusing to see a specialist (at my urging), and his Dr. told him to "not worry about it." Well, "bad protein" being found is something I'M worried about, but I can't force him to see the specialist. I've asked several times, and he's decidedly against it. Says his Dr. is straight and honest, and that he trusts his Dr. very much. So...that's the way it is. And of course I'm worried. I don't like the sounds of "bad protein"...but I can't do anything about it. He said he'd see a specialist if his Dr (who, btw, is a hematologist) says to, and gives him a referral. Until then, no amount of bullying or cajoling will change his mind. Sigh. Thanks for all the pm's, phone calls, help, research, and support. You guys are really something else. I appreciate it more than you know. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Neither, as I don't understand it's full realm of ramifications yet. Once I have done the research, I'll arrive at an opinion. 'Til then, I will remain neutral. And you? Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

DISCLAIMER: I am not a Dr., just an opinionated lady posting on an internet forum. Blue lady: sounds quite like Bipolar. Lots of the descriptions available won't talk about the manic side of things, which can present as anger rather than euphoria. The treatment can easily be received from a regular Dr., who understands the symptoms, and she might be well served by getting a caseworker and counseling. Both can be had if she's on medicaid/medicare (I think). Red lady: sounds less like a "regular" mental health issue, and more like a long term, insanely ingrained self-worth issue. Making things up to sound better/victimized/et cetera is a classic sign of no real sense of self, no real idea where one belongs in the world. And the excuses she makes up (i.e. the repossession) are designed to deflect responsibility for her own actions, so she doesn't have to deal with the mess her life is. She may also have something called borderline personality disorder (commonly tagged as "I hate you don't leave me syndrome"); bpd manifests as fantastical thinking, magical thinking (i.e. lies), and a pushing away of people who care about them; when those folks leave after being pushed away, bpd people then say "no-one loves me...I'm pitiful, friendless, and alone...won't you help me?" and the cycle continues. Medication can help for her, too, but for her, it's more a clinical therapeutical setting which will create the best difference for her. Dealing with Blue Lady: understand she doesn't have control of her moods, and when she is experiencing anger, oftentimes it's directed at herself but displayed towards others. It's NOT personal; rather, it's an example of the way she treats herself...and most times, how she treats herself is far worse than how she treats you (even if it doesn't appear so). Recognize her moods, help her get help (if only to get a good diagnosis; but be aware that BiPolar is often very very difficult to diagnose properly, and even harder to medicate properly.). If she gets into a dangerous place (i.e. suicide), don't hesitate to hospitalize her. Dealing with Red Lady: recognize what the illness is (research and learn), and decide if she's going to be in your life. It can be excruciatingly painful to have a bpd person in your life; the constant loveyou/hateyou thing that goes on is so very trying at times. Also, realize when she's lying, she's trying to cover up an error in her world (real or imagined, ala the rollerblading accident) or poor responsibility (ala the repossession). If you decide to confront her, realize that her defense mechanisms will surface, and it will become that you "hate" her, and are attacking her unfairly. Sometimes confrontation is good, sometimes it's bad. But either way, appropriate or not, the response will be an extreme over-defensiveness that can create communication difficulties if you take it personally. So don't take it personally. Good luck; I understand the confusion you must feel when dealing with these folks. It's really, really hard...so if you need to talk, don't hesitate to pm me. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I know. But I miss it's status as a planet. I mean, my entire understanding of the universe was built upon 9 planets. Granted, that's about as much as I knew (and understood), and so I feel like 1/9th of my understanding has been taken from me. Suddenly. Like an accidental death. There's a gap missing. If they can decide it's too small to be a planet, what's next? A small hamburger will not be a burger anymore, just a...well...sandwich. And I can make those in my kitchen, and they're not nearly as tasty as the kind you get at a restaurant. I mean, what's next to go? My education has been undermined...and my brain now has a hole in it. Not a good state of affairs...(). Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Bill (and others), I'm not quite sure I understand why you don't accept - or at least understand - positions other than yours. Sure, you believe you're right; but others believe they're right, too. Micro's position is the proper one for him; yours is the proper one for you. I have my own position, and it's the proper one for me. So why can't it just be accepted that reasonable people might have different views, and hold different opinions, and not bring ancillary issues (i.e. race, bible proscriptions [which, btw, might not be quite as correct as you think...or at least, not quite as "one-sided", should I say...], and so forth) into the discussion? I think Michael's position has validity; yours does, too. I come to that conclusion from knowing both of you, and also understanding the reasoning for your opinions (insofar as you've articulated them here). I may or may not agree with one or the other, but I can completely see both points. Not sure if I'm special that way, or it's just that I'm willing to look at things from other sides and listen to others' opinions...but it is a good thing, don't you think? Fostering understanding without rancor is a good idea, no matter which political party you belong to or believe in. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Chelle, if I could take him, I would. How about putting some signs up at the local Petsmart, and local pet supply stores (some allow this)? If you're near Burbank, I know about 6 places who would be willing to place flyers in their window/on their bulletin board. Good luck - and yes, they will put him down very quickly...Los Angeles shelters are notorious for that. Fuckers. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

LOL, if I had mice, that's just about how it would go, I think. LOL. Either that, or Esse would lose her mind; she's scared of small things. She's a wimp, but an adorable wimp. Abby is the only one I think might actually track it...wouldn't kill it, but would track it, and then let me know when she'd cornered it so I could "handle" it for her. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

But she found time to meet - and cheat - with you...right? So maybe there's another side to this, or maybe she's using a justification to cheat. In any event, he wasn't quite as controlling as she's letting on. So be careful, and be very aware. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

My herd couldnt've cared less. As I'm regularly bringing in kittens to place for adoption, they often hear that call...and know I'm on my way. So they don't even pay attention. ROFL. Lazy buncha cats I got here. At least I don't have a mouse issue...but it's not because of them! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

"Beer and remote, please. No, I don't share." BTW, Neko is one gorgeous snowshoe. I love his light eyes. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Hey, YOU! Happy Birthday to one of the good guys...I am indeed blessed with your friendship, without question. Now, you're old like me. Big ol' Michele style hugs, and many, many more birthdays for you! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Andy, thanks for the answer. I appreciate it!

I miss Pluto. Damn. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

disclaimer: I DON'T GIVE A RAT'S ASS IF SOMEONE IS GAY OR NOT; I HAVE NO DOG IN THIS FIGHT ONE WAY OR ANOTHER. I AM NOT HOMOPHOBIC, OR ANTI-HOMOSEXUALITY WHATSOEVER. That being said...playing devil's advocate here... Why not? Why can't I voice my opinion about something? Why can't I say what I believe to be immoral? Why can't I state my belief about something? There are already laws on the books about inciteful languaging. Shouldn't that be enough? I'm not allowed to say things which might incite a riot, for example...and to me, hate speech, in whatever form it takes (be it "nigger" or "fag" or "kike") is abhorent...and is curtailed already by those laws. So why single out homosexuality for "special" laws? And is this the lip of the slippery slope? Will there come a time where I can't say something because it just might offend someone, even though I truly believe it to be so? That's the issue I have here...the singling out of a particular segment of society for special laws. That's the crux of the issue, imho. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Christopher Walken is an amazing talent, both in acting as well as in the physical performance arts (i.e. dance). Just amazing. That's a man who I would love to take to dinner; his mind seems so fascinating, and he's not "all about himself" at all in the interviews I've seen. Often underrated but always turning in a spectacular performance, that guy is GOOOOOOOOOOOOOD!!! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

My Dad is a character....and a character actor, as well. He worked very, very hard to get where he is, and it took something like 50 years before he got a role in a sitcom for which he is recognized everywhere he goes. He is not a "handsome" man; more along the lines of Jack Nicholson rather than Newman (his contemporaries). However, he is a damned fine actor. Dunno about his rolls in the hay; there are some things a daughter just doesn't need (or want) to know. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

You're totally welcome, Ron. Glad for you! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Ron, you're in Florida, yes? I don't know the market as well out there, but I'd say unless you've done some real bonehead stuff like a negative amortization loan, or an interest only loan, you'll be all right. People don't realize that the housing market is cyclic. It goes up, comes down, flattens out in between. People start panic selling because they think that they will get upside down on things. Well, you might, in the first few years...but eventually, it will cycle up again, and you will be back on top of the cycle. If you are planning on staying in the house for, say, 5 years, I wouldn't even spare a thought about that. The longer the better, and since you're in a high demand area (lots of people like/want to live in Florida), your prices, even when they soften, probably won't soften tooooo too much. Just live in the house for the next 5 years, and failing that, rent it out, and you should be all right. It's places that are less desireable that will feel it the worst...So Ca, NYC, Florida, major metropolitan areas might see a softening (probably will...), but it won't be nearly so bad as some not quite as desireable areas. Additionally, as I said above, if you didn't do any creative financing and get far more house than you can afford, you should be all right in the long run. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

It's so good to see you posting, and that you're posting good news. Get something to help you sleep, if possible. I know that I am tons better (and my depression stays better controlled) if I am getting enough sleep. There are quite a few good ones out there now. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~