One
I’m going to start this week off right, which means we’re going to talk about how breasts are the most dangerous weapons in the world. This guy has finally explained to my satisfaction (which is quite hard to do, mind you) why women rarely get to wear armor in the gaming world. I never realized how destructive these things actually are, but now that I know, I’ll have to be more careful with these WMD!
(True story: at a local renaissance festival that is no longer, sadly, we ran into a woman selling corsets who had a brooch nestled in her cleavage that said “Weapons of Mass Seduction.” Those things could’ve knocked a sailor out at two paces.)
Two
As a mid-30s cord-never, I’m glad to see that it’s getting more and more common. I haven’t had regular access to cable since 2002, and that was only because my college paid for the dorms to receive it. Once I moved out, I made do with whatever came over the air. I started my “alternative” ways with Netflix, but once Blockbuster came out with their video-by-mail service, I swapped. It was awesome for a while because I got three DVDs at a time and then could return them in-store for three and also have three new ones shipped to me. I eventually ended up bouncing around to get the best deal (I even used Wal-Mart’s service at one point, for those of you who knew that Wal-Mart even had such a service, because it was cheaper and Blockbuster had reconfigured their “return a disc, get an in-store rental for free” so that it became worthless), but eventually came back to Netflix (of course). Streaming was too much of a siren’s call for me to ignore. We’re currently using Netflix and Amazon Prime Video along with a few supplements here and there. (I tried Hulu Plus, but I just couldn’t get past the fact that I’d have to pay for something that still forced me through commercials. That’s one of the reasons I’m willing to pay to stream in the first place!)
I can’t imagine ever having cable television. Yeah, when we stay at a hotel, we binge a bit on HGTV, but that’s pretty much the only thing I really would want. (And now that Netflix added some HGTV shows, plus the ability to stream some via HGTV’s site…well, there you go.)
Three
I’m sure many of you might have seen the below, but just in case you missed it, here’s John Oliver talking about the state of mental health in the United States. Listen, you all know that our health care system is a complete mess. No, I don’t believe it’s because of the ACA. The pre-ACA health care system couldn’t really get much worse, and the prescription drug situation is basically a pit of despair, not unlike hell, for way too many people. Even knowing how screwed up the basic health care system is, too many people don’t really get it when I mention how that seems like a utopia compared to the mental health care system.
I’m going to harp on this until it gets better (and being the pessimist–I mean, realist!–that I am, I realize this means that my dying words will probably be about this very topic), because mental health care is important. Mental health is absolutely not an “emotional” problem: it’s very real physical impairment in a person’s body that affects their brain and mental status. That’s all it is, people! The number of things that can affect how your brain makes you think and feel is numbing, people, and just because we can’t literally see the broken piece with our own eyes doesn’t mean it’s fictitious or made up or not real.
Take, for example, Susannah Cahalan: she went downhill suddenly, was misdiagnosed more than once, was pushed aside several times, and only discovered the real reason for her immense personality change and mental decline because her parents were able to (financially, emotionally, etc.) able to push to get her the care that should be standard for everyone. (Hat tip to my former boss Katie, who told me about this book.)
And before we leave, I’m going to direct you to Allie Brosh’s blog about depression and then some more depression. Go, read them, and then pick up her book. You’ll laugh so hard you’ll snort. If you don’t, then don’t tell me about it. While you’re at the library or bookstore picking up her book anyway, grab The Bloggess’s latest book, Furiously Happy, too. You’re there anyway, and you’ll appreciate what she has to say about mental illness, sometimes in a funny way and sometimes in a way so real and heart-rending that you’ll find yourself leaking from your face for no apparent reason. (If you live in Duluth, you’re welcome. I requested it and the library ordered it. I’ve already had it and read it, so you can enjoy it, too.)
Four
Are we really only on four? Yes, yes, we are. I’m giving you your money’s worth this week, because you didn’t get any at all last week. Anyway, get with the program! I have things to share, and if you keep interrupting me, I’ll never get through all of them.
I read this article earlier this week and wasn’t surprised. First of all, I really think it’s hard to find a good doctor who will listen to you. I’ve been fairly lucky, because I take great care in finding someone who listens. (My current doctor not only listens, but we also end up talking about books we’re reading and what we should read next! What’s not to love about that?) I’m not afraid to go to someone different if the one I’ve seen isn’t listening. That said, I still had to wait until my current doctor to be diagnosed with something I’m pretty sure I’ve been dealing with since I was a teen. I was 28 when I first started going to this doctor, and in my first visit she said, “Hmmmmm…your medical history is odd. I think we need to do some tests for X.” Yeah, so I had X all right.
I don’t know what needs to be done to get doctors to listen to women. I know it’s not all doctors, but I feel like it’s a more prevalent situation than it should be.
Five
A friend and I were talking about digestive track bacteria a few weeks ago, and how some bad strains seem to be causing all manner of issues, from anxiety (yes, really!) to more local stomach issues. I then happened upon this article, which just adds another layer to the whole “what the heck have we done to our stomachs and can we reverse it?” issue. There is something weird going on, and I’m worried that we’re going to find out the culprit when it’s too late to remedy the situation.
I hope everyone is able to get out and enjoy their weekend! I’ve been cooped up working on projects (school and my new job), but I’m hoping to get out and get some prolonged fresh air again tomorrow. 🙂
(What is Sunday Sharing? Find out here.)