Wednesday, October 19, 2011
A Full Moon and it's Effects
Is Lunar Lunacy for Real?
I decided to write about the fascinating topic of the Full Moon/Lunar Lunacy Theory and it's effects on people. I've always been intrigued with this lunar enigma, so much so that I wrote a paper on it in my college days. Does a full moon really affect people's moods and behavior? Research hasn't proved this theory but as someone who has worked in the Counseling Field, I have experienced it. As a Crisis Phone Counselor,our phones rang off the hook during a full moon. We had to make sure to staff many counselor's to be able to handle the plethora of phone calls. We had calls from not only the chronic callers but many new callers as well that had never used our anonymous phone line before.
Wikipedia explains that a full moon happens "when the sun and moon are on opposite sides of the earth." Many researchers believe that the gravitational changes that occur during a full moon may affect a person's physiological make up which can cause changes in behavior. During my research on this topic I found an article in the "Scientific American." It talked about the Greek philosopher Aristotle and Roman historian Pliny the Elder believing that the brain is the "moistest" organ in the body which makes it more susceptible to the full moon's unfavorable effects.
Research has not always supported the claim that we act luny during a full moon. There are those on both sides of this debate. During my research, I found proponents of the lunar lunacy theory have either experienced the erratic behavior personally or have witnessed it because of working in a particular field. It doesn't matter to me whether or not research backs up this theory. I am merely intrigued with the "what if's" of this lunar enigma and as I noted earlier, have witnessed it as a phone counselor.
Here is a list of fun facts and intriguing effects of a full moon, per my research from "Scientific Magazine."
I decided to write about the fascinating topic of the Full Moon/Lunar Lunacy Theory and it's effects on people. I've always been intrigued with this lunar enigma, so much so that I wrote a paper on it in my college days. Does a full moon really affect people's moods and behavior? Research hasn't proved this theory but as someone who has worked in the Counseling Field, I have experienced it. As a Crisis Phone Counselor,our phones rang off the hook during a full moon. We had to make sure to staff many counselor's to be able to handle the plethora of phone calls. We had calls from not only the chronic callers but many new callers as well that had never used our anonymous phone line before.
Research has not always supported the claim that we act luny during a full moon. There are those on both sides of this debate. During my research, I found proponents of the lunar lunacy theory have either experienced the erratic behavior personally or have witnessed it because of working in a particular field. It doesn't matter to me whether or not research backs up this theory. I am merely intrigued with the "what if's" of this lunar enigma and as I noted earlier, have witnessed it as a phone counselor.
Here is a list of fun facts and intriguing effects of a full moon, per my research from "Scientific Magazine."
- Mental Health issues seem to worsen during full moons. Schizophrenics in particular show the greatest deterioration in mental well-being and quality of life.
- There is increased admissions to psychiatric wards and hospitals during a full moon.
- Suicides and Homicides increase during a full moon.
- Phone lines at Phone Counseling Agencies, ring off the hook during full moons.
- The word "lunatic" actually comes from the word "luna" (Latin for moon) and has connotations that a full moon causes deviant behavior.
- A full moon triggers physiological changes in epileptic patients which can induce seizures.
- There is an increase in crime during a full moon.
- There is an increase in police calls for domestic disturbances during a full moon.
- Eastern European women notice a problem with their menstrual cycles during a full moon.
- There is an increase in traffic accidents during a full moon.
- During the Middle Ages in Europe, the term, "Transylvania Effect" and/or "Lunar Lunacy" was used to describe how a full moon could transform people into Werewolves or Vampires.
- Hospitalization for gastro-intestinal bleeding in males tend to increase when there is a full moon.
Are you a believer in the Lunar Lunacy Theory? If so, let me know your story of how you came to witness and believe in it. I've had many people in different fields, share their story with me. Let's chat!
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Thanks for the "Tell Me About Yourself Award"
Thank You so much Sneha Sunny for nominating me for the "Tell Me About Yourself Award." I appreciate it.
The rules of this award is that:
1. You need to tell 7 things about yourself
2. You'll have to pass this award to 15bloggers .
Seven Things About Myself: Let's do this!
1. I'm an identical twin
2. I'm a lung cancer survivor and never smoked :-(
3. I'm helping my twin sister raise her children
4. I have a Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology
5. I was an extra in one of the worst movies ever made. It
was called "The Comeback" and starred Robert Urich and
Chyna Phillips.
6. I sang for weddings when I was younger
7. My passions are: Writing, Cooking, Singing, Gardening, Power Walking and spending time with friends
and family.
The second rule is to pass this award to 15 more people. So, here's my list...
1. "Stoopin it" in the suburbs
2. Wine-n-Chat
3. STRONG AND CONFIDENT LIVER CANCER SURVIVORS
4. PiNkYs ViCtOrY and Company
5. Janel's Pancreatic Cancer Angels
6. always thinking
7. Breast Cancer is my Bitch
8. LUPUS AND CHRONIC ILLNESS
9. Poetry in Motion
10.My Meddling Mind
11.Ducks 'n a Row
12.blackswanpoetry
13.Retire In Style Blog
14.Life in My Little Corner
15.My life with Anxiety and OCD
Now it's your turn to tell me 7 things about you and pass this award to any 15 bloggers..
The rules of this award is that:
1. You need to tell 7 things about yourself
2. You'll have to pass this award to 15
Seven Things About Myself: Let's do this!
1. I'm an identical twin
2. I'm a lung cancer survivor and never smoked :-(
3. I'm helping my twin sister raise her children
4. I have a Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology
5. I was an extra in one of the worst movies ever made. It
was called "The Comeback" and starred Robert Urich and
Chyna Phillips.
6. I sang for weddings when I was younger
7. My passions are: Writing, Cooking, Singing, Gardening, Power Walking and spending time with friends
and family.
The second rule is to pass this award to 15 more people. So, here's my list...
1. "Stoopin it" in the suburbs
2. Wine-n-Chat
3. STRONG AND CONFIDENT LIVER CANCER SURVIVORS
4. PiNkYs ViCtOrY and Company
5. Janel's Pancreatic Cancer Angels
6. always thinking
7. Breast Cancer is my Bitch
8. LUPUS AND CHRONIC ILLNESS
9. Poetry in Motion
10.My Meddling Mind
11.Ducks 'n a Row
12.blackswanpoetry
13.Retire In Style Blog
14.Life in My Little Corner
15.My life with Anxiety and OCD
Now it's your turn to tell me 7 things about you and pass this award to any 15 bloggers..
Thursday, September 15, 2011
None of us has the Right to Judge
One of the reasons I like Ellen and her show is because she's intelligent, funny, down to earth and genuine. She doesn't pretend to be something she's not which was probably a big motivator for her to come out many years ago as a lesbian. She knew this decision to "come out" was not going to boost ratings of her then, t.v. sitcom or win her any popularity contests. It took guts and courage to say she was gay in a society that seems to be uncomfortable with anything that isn't understood by the majority.
Ellen's interview with Chaz was very touching and educational. She asked him if he knew, how being picked to be in "Dancing with the Stars" would cause such uproar and controversy. She did a great job of using her gift as a comedian, to bring out how ridiculous it is that people are trying to get him off the show. I guess some viewers are saying that having Chaz on "Dancing with the stars" will be dangerous and bad for our children.
If you havn't been brought up to speed, Chaz, who use to be known as Chastity, struggled for years with his sexuality. He said he never felt or identified himself as a woman. As the years passed, it became harder to ignore it. He underwent gender reassignment surgery last year to become a man. Just like Ellen, it took great courage for Chaz to come out as the transgender person he is.
One of the most poignant moments of the interview was when Ellen talked about the problem of bullying in school. She said that as adults and role models, how do we expect our kids to quit bullying when we're doing it ourselves. "Shame on us," Ellen said, "Shame on us."
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Where were you on 9/11/01?
On September 11, 2001, I was up early to do my daily power walk before going to work. I had my AM/FM radio headphones on as I headed out for the hour workout. I was listening to a local radio station (Cities 97) that played upbeat music and ensured a fast pace.
About a block into my walk, the radio D.J's were relaying information they were getting about the twin towers in New York. They were in a state of confusion as were most of us, listening or watching. Updates continued to pour in and people tried to figure out if the first plane crash was an accident or something worse.
Tears streamed down my face when it was confirmed that America was under attack. I ran the rest of the way home so I could be with family as events of the day unfolded.
September 11, 2001 is a day that Americans will never forget. We lost our naive innocence but became more alert in matters of national security.
My heart will never forget those heroes who lost their lives because of pure evil. I am proud to be an American as I watch the accounts of how strangers pulled together that day, helping one another.
The terrorists may have attacked us that September day but they can never take away our bond as proud Americans.
God Bless the U.S.A.
I Won the Liebster Award
I would like to thank Laura Rogers. http://www.stoopinitinthesuburbs.blogspot.com/
My five nominees for the Liebster award are: http://www.allthethingsishouldhavesaid.blogspot.com/
http://www.debisalwaysthinking.blogspot.com/
http://www.everythingsusanandmore.blogspot.com/
http://www.oz-girl.blogspot.com/
http://www.stoopinitinthesuburbs.com/
Pass it on to your five favorite bloggers
Sincerely, Linda Rogers- http://twincessone.blogspot.com/
Thursday, August 25, 2011
College Boyfriend is an Inspiration
My college boyfriend has overcome something very debilitating;Alcoholism. I had no idea when we met that he was struggling with addiction.
The night we met, he was drinking but I thought nothing of it as many students at the party were partaking in libations. We met at a "famous couples" party in the dorms. I was Joannie and he was Chachi from "Happy Days." The party was a group blind date in that you had no idea who your date was, until you saw him in costume.
I was excited to meet this guy but also a little apprehensive about the "blind date" concept. What made it easier was knowing all my buddies were in the same boat.
Once my girlfriend's and I walked into the party room in the dorms, we scanned the room looking for our dates. I finally saw a guy that looked like Chachi. I think he saw me too but was chatting with his friends. I finally mustered up the courage and walked across the room and introduced myself. "Hi, are you Chachi?" "yes, are you Joannie?".
He was a little shy but I found that appealing. He had a cute, boyish face and once we broke the ice, we had a strong connection and attraction to each other. He was my type and I was now very excited to see what this night would bring.
John and I ended up dating on and off for the next four years. I say on and off because I realized after a few months, he had a drinking problem. Unfortunately, I was "in love" and kept getting back together with him throughout my college career.
John eventually graduated from college, although it took him longer because of the heavy drinking. After college, he moved to Arizona with his brothers who were also addicts. His life went downhill from there and soon he would be a homeless man. He would dumpster dive for his food and was hanging out with other addicts. He was dating a woman with dual diagnosis of mental illness and drug addiction. He relates that it was common practice for her to scream throughout the day and night because of her schizophrenia.
Eventually, the years of hard core drug use and heavy drinking caught up with him physically. He started passing out due to high blood pressure and eventually began suffering seizures. At the worst point of his disease, he found himself in the hospital twice, near death because his liver was now shot. He had cirrhosis of the lliver and the toxins were building up in his esophagus until it finally burst. He almost bled to death twice and this is when he chose to get help for his disease.
John knows that it's a miracle he's alive. I am so proud of the changes he's made and he is an inspiration to me and those who struggle with addiction. He's even back to running a marathon he use to do before the addiction robbed him of this passion.
Through the years, I was kept updated on John's life and struggles. I sit here in joy and gratitude that my dream came true. That my college boyfriend would sober up and start living. I lost my mother and brother to this insidious disease, and John knows full well, it could have been him.
The night we met, he was drinking but I thought nothing of it as many students at the party were partaking in libations. We met at a "famous couples" party in the dorms. I was Joannie and he was Chachi from "Happy Days." The party was a group blind date in that you had no idea who your date was, until you saw him in costume.
I was excited to meet this guy but also a little apprehensive about the "blind date" concept. What made it easier was knowing all my buddies were in the same boat.
Once my girlfriend's and I walked into the party room in the dorms, we scanned the room looking for our dates. I finally saw a guy that looked like Chachi. I think he saw me too but was chatting with his friends. I finally mustered up the courage and walked across the room and introduced myself. "Hi, are you Chachi?" "yes, are you Joannie?".
He was a little shy but I found that appealing. He had a cute, boyish face and once we broke the ice, we had a strong connection and attraction to each other. He was my type and I was now very excited to see what this night would bring.
John and I ended up dating on and off for the next four years. I say on and off because I realized after a few months, he had a drinking problem. Unfortunately, I was "in love" and kept getting back together with him throughout my college career.
John eventually graduated from college, although it took him longer because of the heavy drinking. After college, he moved to Arizona with his brothers who were also addicts. His life went downhill from there and soon he would be a homeless man. He would dumpster dive for his food and was hanging out with other addicts. He was dating a woman with dual diagnosis of mental illness and drug addiction. He relates that it was common practice for her to scream throughout the day and night because of her schizophrenia.
Eventually, the years of hard core drug use and heavy drinking caught up with him physically. He started passing out due to high blood pressure and eventually began suffering seizures. At the worst point of his disease, he found himself in the hospital twice, near death because his liver was now shot. He had cirrhosis of the lliver and the toxins were building up in his esophagus until it finally burst. He almost bled to death twice and this is when he chose to get help for his disease.
John knows that it's a miracle he's alive. I am so proud of the changes he's made and he is an inspiration to me and those who struggle with addiction. He's even back to running a marathon he use to do before the addiction robbed him of this passion.
Through the years, I was kept updated on John's life and struggles. I sit here in joy and gratitude that my dream came true. That my college boyfriend would sober up and start living. I lost my mother and brother to this insidious disease, and John knows full well, it could have been him.
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