Seeing Depression

The work I do brings me into 3-7 homes a day. I enter every economical background in existence. There is one thing I have noticed over the last 7 years in my line of work and that is this.....Depression can effect absolutely everyone.

I went into a woman's house the other day and she is an absolute joy, but her house was on the extreme side of filth. Beautiful antiques covered in webs and dust. Cat spray, poo and vomit on baseboards, under beds and furniture. The occasional opossum poo stuck in corners. Yes, an opossum took up residence in her family room for a few days until his allergies kicked in and he found his way out. Her ego wall was covered with pictures of her and Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, Bushes, Clinton and Socks. Just to name a few of many.

The next day I went to the home of a woman whose husband had been deployed and she was left at home with two children. It is never my intent to make someone uncomfortable. I could smell the inside of her house before I even got to the door. Then when she opened the door, the rush of stench slapped my nostrils and covered my lungs. I tried to cover my dislike and greeted her as any other customer. The "problem" area was in the basement. Once we finished the walk through of the "problem" area I invited her outside to discuss her options. Half way down the driveway she turned to me with tears in her eyes and asked "Is the smell really that bad?" To you the reader, the room is 12x15. It inhabits 4 cats who urinate and defecate at will wall to wall. The kitchen had the smell of maggots, dirty clothes and trash throughout all areas I could
see.
These are two stories out of hundreds. My point of this writing is to let women and men know that they are not alone. It may seem like no one could possibly understand YOUR position, but there are many out there feeling the same guilt, loneliness and despair. If you need a friend, contact me.

The Shack by Wm. Paul Young

As you will be able to tell I am NOT a professional critic.

I love to read I just don't seem to get enough time to do so. My problem is when I read I forget that I have a life outside of the book. It does not matter whether I like the book or hate it. I will Not be able to put it down until I am done. If the kids are hungry "we have cereal" they need a ride "call your dad" help with their homework "check the internet" I will even bring it to work with me and see if I can sneak a peak while boss is in the pee room. I am sure there is a syndrome for this, but instead of seeking professional help I limit myself to books on weekends, when the kids are gone, the flu or vacation.

A friend gave me a copy of The Shack after my heart attack and said it was a book "I would really connect with." I quickly tossed it into my trunk and forgot all about it. Eventually it ended up on my bedside table(my daughter cleaned my car) I tossed it in to the box for donation. It ended up back next to my bed(my other daughter liked the ladybug on the cover, her nickname is Ktbug) I chucked it into the recycling. Again next to my bed is this dang book(my other daughter the little tree hugger thought it wrong to toss a book) Soooo, I read the book. Ahhh and I am so happy I did.

The beginning story hooks you with a story that we can all identify with and pulls at your heart strings. Kind of interesting that the fathers point of view was used rather than the mothers. I have a theory behind it, but you will have to read the story and develop your own. Let me know if you do.

The rest of the story has to do with ones prospective view of God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. It may provide a little twist of vision on the trios relationship with each other and humanity.
A time or two I thought it was a little to wordy and lost the point and my concentration. But overall a book I am very happy to finally have taken the time to read. I believe a book is well worth the read if you can take away a little something that can enhance a positive thought.

A definite two thumbs up and a quick read.

Happy reading,
J.C.

Milk...To Drink or Not to Drink???

I love milk! The taste, the coolness against my throat as it goes down, perfect cure for a hang over, warmed-it is a great nightcap. My list is long and loving. I have had this relationship with milk as long as I can remember.

But, I love to do little half assed research projects and I stumbled on a few too many articles tonight spouting why us humans should not drink milk. How can that be?? All we have ever been told is drink milk...it does a body good. Infants can't drink milk, but as soon as that little bugger turns 1 years old start the moo cow i.v.. Have you seen those beautiful people in all the commercials and posh magazines??

So, just search Why is milk bad? You will find a slew of pages spouting the horrors of milk. The one that particularily caught my attention was...milk possibly may play a central role in the origins of heart attacks. O.K., now to me this is very far fetched. I mean really? Milk and heart attacks. How can that be? And what would the billboard look like...a 20 foot bombshell of a woman with a milk mustache and a crappy EKG?

So on a curious side. I am 42 years old and just had a heart attack. Everyone says "Ohhh my, but you are so young." And I have to say I agree. I do not feel like I should have to be concerned with ..did I take my heart meds today..hmmm am I stressed or is that a pain in my chest..
Could I just stop drinking milk and not have to worry about all the other crazy stress of my life? Who knew it could be righted so easily?

So, I am going to stop drinking milk for a month and see if I notice any changes. And let me just tell you this is no easy feat. I love milk!! It is an addiction I have had since my adopted momma popped a bottle in my thirsty little mouth.


Wish me luck,
J.C.

p.s. yes, I will continue taking my meds and no I do not think my heart condition will be cured, but if you read some of the search pages, I may feel a little better even so.