Hijinks and hilarity...

A friend sent me this link that originated from another blog. Check it out only if you want to laugh hysterically. These similies make me ponder that one day soon these will be the professionals from whom we bank, receive medical care, legal advice. scary.

http://bethanyamandamiller.wordpress.com/2011/02/22/the-56-bestworst-analogies-written-by-high-school-students/

Power Points to come...

Perhaps I'll put together a Power Point (or Keynote) slideshow on Reactive Attachment Disorder and Separation Anxiety Disorder (you know, when I have some free time).

I also want to put a plug in for Dr. Curt Thompson's book Anatomy of the Soul (2010). It is an amazing and clearly-defined look at neuroscience, how God created the brain, and how we long for connection with others more than anything else. You won't be sorry you took the time to read it. I do recommend going through it slowly enough to absorb the nuances and how it speaks to you on a personal level. Very worthwhile.

Children and Separation Anxiety Disorder

I am currently working on a paper for my Psychopathology class on Separation Anxiety in children. This is on the heels of a paper I did last week on Reactive Attachment Disorder. Both of these speak to the basic needs of children to have secure attachment to their caregivers; conversely, how destructive an insecure attachment can be in their understanding of themselves and the world around them. It is heartbreaking that there are parents who abuse their children; the effects of which last typically into late adolescence and adulthood. This is in stark contrast to those married couples who try but cannot have children for one reason or another, who can understand the value of human life at a potentially deeper level (than those who take life for granted). I am friends (and know of) several couples who have either adopted because they could not have children of their own, or those who already had other children but decided to adopt, too. I am so proud of those who open up their homes to those who need to know what it is to be loved; to know that they are love-able; to know that they matter, are safe, and from whom they can develop a secure attachment. God can redeem the years that have been lost in their young lives.

Snow

I awoke to the unique sound of the snow plow on the frontage road outside my window. As of last night, the forecasted precipitation was less than an inch today. While I'm so thankful for the trucks and salt, I can still see grass peeking out from the dusting of snow. They seem a little eager. Come March, they aren't as eager and one wonders how much snow has to fall to warrant a plow/salt truck. I do have to add, though, that this winter is getting an unusually slow start--for which I'm thankful. When will our first real, heavy snowfall (defined as 6" or more) be? Any "predictions"?

End of the Year Blah's...

Here it is just days after Thanksgiving 2011, and I am feeling bogged down and unmotivated to do all those things I must do. I am feeling defeated in many ways and disconnected. Somehow I feel as though I do not have what it takes to do all that is required of me. For example, right now I should be reading several chapters in several textbooks for class on Tuesday. I should be working on (and completing) my literature review. I should be cleaning, doing laundry, and organizing my home. I should be exercising. I should be in better communication with friends and family. I should be caught up on my Bible reading. I should not fret over all these things. I do not want to be distracted by so many externals that scream for my attention. I don't want to fall prey to procrastination any more than I already have. I wish that I had answers to all the medical mysteries that have been problematic for me for months. I need to focus on all that I have to be thankful for; for the countless ways that God has been my Defender, Provider, and Advocate.

--Just thought I'd share my two cents...

After a significant absence from the blogosphere, I am returning! I will strive to make fairly regular posts to share my two cents, favorite sites, photos, movie quotes, etc.

Currently, I am taking advantage of a Saturday to myself doing homework! That's right. I have assignments due for my Psychopathology and Research Methods classes. You're jealous, I know. We can't all spend time outside in the beautiful fall weather pre-snow here in MN. Some of us have to buckle-down and study. hmpf. To help assuage this tug on my sensibilities, I have a Yankee Candle (Mulling Spices) lit, and listening to Christmas music (ie. not "Holiday" music), and donning fuzzy pink slippers. That's the best I can do for now.

Until later!