Health & Happiness - Coping tools

getting to 420

nospam@example.com (T. Sunshine Love) — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 18:21:51 -0600

Tip for anyone else stupid enough to try something like this: Don't fix something you heat up and inhale through with super glue. I may never get to use my INAVAP again. Guess it must have been time to clean the threads of the stem, because instead of unscrewing the bowl from the stem, the stem unscrewed from the base, leaving me with my weed trapped in the sealed bowl plus stem combination.

Tried a few things to get them apart then went looking for wrenches. Couldn't find any anywhere in the whole house. Did run across more than one Rush Limbaugh book on the shelf, however, which gives me serious pause about my relationship. Some people freak out finding porn or whips, but what really gives me the willies is hostile hate mongering pundits who think they're better than everyone else.

Finally bravely ventured forth to the garage to get my tool set. Rusty and dusty, but they work. Got the pieces pulled apart then cleaned the bowl threads somewhat and hoped for the best. Just to be on the safe side, I decided to stick a couple drops of super glue down in the threads of the parts I didn't want to come unscrewed again.

Or so I thought. Turns out that super glue releases super toxic fumes when heated. I took one hit off the vaporizer and oh so quickly realized my mistake. It was just air, but it was hot super glue-ized air. I hit the sink retching and dry heaving for over a minute trying to calm my whole body freak out down.

After that I decided it was probably best to let the super glue try to burn off before hitting it again, if ever. I parked it under the exhaust fan and resolved to forget about it for awhile. Sure did stink, though. Luckily the house already was a brain bomb from the bleach I'd sprayed on the shower spots earlier. How convenient to get all the headaches focused in one day instead of being spread out over several.

Meanwhile, this all happened when I was trying to medicate because I was feeling nauseous in the first place. Probably from the bleach. Or not eating. Or something. Okay, so what's the backup plan?

Aha! Oh yes, let's whip out my handy dandy Vaporstar, which basically converts a bong into a vaporizer. I get it all together, go to take a hit, then my lighter won't cooperate. You've got to be kidding me. And where is my lighter fuel? Out in my car, of course. Down the block. In the cold. And me in my pajamas. Great.

Okay, fine. Time to take that trip to the store for toilet paper that I've been delaying till today. And lighter fuel for the super awesome butane lighter that just ain't doing the trick today. And deodorant – I'm running low. I decided to go to Trader Joe's for the TP and deodorant because I didn't feel like driving all the way to Whole Foods, which I knew would have the brand I like, or at least the type. Brand doesn't matter so much, but I do like the liquid rock roll-ons because they actually neutralize the bacteria that causes odor rather than just covering it up.

I'm dying to medicate but decide to wait until I get to the store and do it in the parking lot. I get there, load my happy little car bong.... and can't find a lighter. Because of course, I'd taken it out of my purse to use upstairs in the kitchen earlier. Cripes. You've got to be kidding me. Fine – I'll go into the store, get my stuff, and see if maybe there's a remote chance that they sell lighters.

I grab the one offered variety of toilet tissue then step two paces to the left only to stare disgusted at the sole brand of deodorant on display – Tom's of Maine. Bar, not liquid. No thanks. Didn't even bother to look for lighters. Put the paper back on the shelf and walked back out.

On the way I remembered my Click a Toke pipe. Oh holy life saving device, don't fail me now! My new favorite stealth toy, I've named her my Blue Bic because she looks like a big pen. Not only that, she's an all in one self contained unit. One click, and you're toking. And I did, and it was wonderful.

If you haven't seen this thing in action, it's pretty cool. The bottom (black) part is a refillable butane lighter. The middle colored chamber is empty, and the top one is where you very lightly pack the herb and suck through the black rubber nub. I've found it's better to load small bowls and dump them frequently, otherwise it starts tasting pretty ashy after about three or four hits. It's my favorite on-the-go device so far.

I swear I think better once I've medicated a bit. I've never thought of myself as being ADD, but I certainly do have a tendency to spin and be scattered. The pot really brings me back to present and centers me one one thing, while relaxing me enough to let creative solutions flow.

Calm now, I decide to go back into the store, get the toilet paper, and order the deodorant online. In bulk. So I don't run out and have to drive to Whole Foods ever again. Not like I'm a hoarder or anything. Mission TP accomplished, I grab some new lighters and a can of butane to keep in the house from a drugstore on the way home.

The super glue is still fermenting strong inside the ceramic heater. I decide that maybe it will be happier outside for a couple days and start trying to find a way to defumigate the house. There isn't very good window circulation, and it's fucking cold outside. I think my only real shot at neutralization is to bake something stinky later before the photo party tonight. Probably not gonna happen.

I still haven't eaten. I sliced up some oranges that were so stale they were rock hard. They taste fine as long as I don't try and eat all the dried out fiber stuff. But even sliced, they are still so not keyboard friendly. I can't even venture a guess as to how long they're gonna sit there, but I'd be willing to bet that I get something easier to eat first. Maybe. Yup - canned peas it is. And then pretzels. Mm, healthy.

After taking care of the super glue stink, I used my cool new wind resistant torch lighter to get my Vaporstar going again. In a way I think I actually like it better; I only use it as my backup because I think it smells more than the ceramic vaporizer (when it doesn't have super glue in it). And that's the whole point of the exercise – making damn sure that He can't smell it – otherwise the whole deal is off and I'm back to smoking in my car two blocks away again. I'm not hiding it from him; just being appropriately considerate because he can't stand the smell. Which is unfortunate, because it's a very difficult substance to keep from stinking.

Eventually, I'd like to get something truly portable like my Blue Bic, but with less stink. Unfortunately, I'm not ready to drop down hundreds of dollars on a top of the line portable vaporizer just so his nose isn't offended when we go out.

That's why I'm on the quest to find the best vaporizers I can for the amount I can afford to spend, which so far has been in the very low price range. After I get a little ahead, however, I think I am going to order myself a VaporGenie and see how that works out. I can't decide whether to go with the traditional wood looking one or to pick one of the purty shiny colored ones. Which would you get?

why I smoke pot

nospam@example.com (T. Sunshine Love) — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 14:58:04 -0600

I never was a social smoker - I was only ever interested in marijuana medicinally, like so:

List of conditions for which I find cannabis helpful:

PAIN

Chronic pain and stiffness in back and neck, especially in the morning. Can't elongate spine.
General stiffness in muscles and joints. Pain in knees and ankles from excess weight and injuries. Relaxes tissue enough to stretch and strengthen.
Posture correction - enables me to stand straight for short periods of time without pain and retrain the weak muscles causing the pain.
PMS cramps (severe)

MOOD

Lifetime history (since puberty) of severe depression, periodically suicidal.
Lifetime history of anxiety, social anxiety, autistic over-stimulation/melt-downs, hyper alertness, irritability, panic attacks, phobias, nervousness, and obsessiveness. Improves concentration and focus in some areas. Major improvements in functionality, motivation, and productivity.
PMS - intense manic mood swings, hyper alertness, aggressiveness, and poor impulse control.
Possible PTSD from childhood physical abuse, bullying, rape, and other interpersonal trauma.
History of violence, rage, abuse, and assault.
Cigarette cravings (smoked 17 years 1989-2006)

ENERGY

Blood sugar (?) symptom suppression (weakness, exhaustion, dizziness, nausea)
Obesity/weight control - helps with appetite suppression when I don't need to eat
Chronic fatigue
Lifetime chronic insomnia (trouble getting to sleep, not staying asleep)
Decreased coordination/clumsiness/accidents/personal injury

falling up/down stairs
falling off bicycle, bus, curb, level ground
walking into walls/posts/trees/corners/counters/furniture/pretty much anything
increased burns and cuts in the kitchen
"mystery bruises"

I used to keep a teensy tiny bit around in case of emergency. Thing is, I've since found that it works better (for me, anyway) as a steady supplement than as an on-the-spot medication. Some uses are immediate, yes - but others seem to have more of a cumulative, long term effect. Rather like any other "normal" medication or supplement, it works better if I have a steady trickle in my system at all times.

Pot - it does my body good.

karaoke therapy

nospam@example.com (T. Sunshine Love) — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 18:49:00 -0600

Karaoke Therapy

I occasionally do out-call parties with my Portable, Hand-held, All-In-The-Mic Karaoke Player. The microphone connects directly to most TV / Stereo Systems and provides scrolling lyrics right on the TV screen. Singing Karaoke in a supportive and loving environment has been demonstrated to remarkably improve confidence, posture, and even singing ability.

Recommended Therapeutic Songs for Empowerment:

ADDICTED TO LOVE ROBERT PALMER

ALL I WANNA DO SHERYL CROW

ANOTHER BRICK IN THE WALL PART II PINK FLOYD

BELIEVE CHER

BORN TO BE WILD STEPPENWOLF

CONTROL JANET JACKSON

DO YOU THINK I'M SEXY ROD STEWART

DO YOU REALLY WANT TO HURT ME CULTURE CLUB

DON'T YOU WANT ME HUMAN LEAGUE

DREAM ON AEROSMITH

EYE OF THE TIGER SURVIVOR

FAITH GEORGE MICHAEL

FAME IRENE CARA

FLASH DANCE WHAT A FEELING IRENE CARA

HAND IN MY POCKET ALANIS MORISSETTE

HERE COMES THE SUN THE BEATLES

HIT ME WITH YOUR BEST SHOT PAT BENATAR

I HATE MYSELF FOR LOVING YOU JOAN JETT & THE BLACKHEARTS

I WILL SURVIVE GLORIA GAYNOR

I WANT YOU TO WANT ME CHEAP TRICK

I'M TOO SEXY RIGHT SAID FRED

IRONIC ALANIS MORISSETTE

IT'S A SIN PET SHOP BOYS

JUST THE WAY YOU ARE BILLY JOEL

LET IT BE THE BEATLES

LIVIN' LA VIDA LOCA RICKY MARTIN

LOSING MY RELIGION R.E.M.

MY WAY FRANK SINATRA

MY LIFE BILLY JOEL

PAPA DON'T PREACH MADONNA

RIGHT HERE AND NOW BILL MEDLEY

SEXUAL HEALING MARVIN GAYE

SHE BOP CYNDI LOUPER

SHOUT TEARS FOR FEARS

SINGIN' IN THE RAIN GENE KELLY

TREAT ME RIGHT PAT BENATAR

TWO PRINCES SPIN DOCTORS

UNDER MY THUMB ROLLING STONES

VENUS BANANARAMA

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS QUEEN

YOU OUGHTA KNOW ALANIS MORISSETTE

Not necessarily therapeutic but I just love these songs:

ANY WAY YOU WANT IT JOURNEY

CARELESS WHISPER WHAM

COME TOGETHER BEATLES

I FEEL THE EARTH MOVE CAROLE KING

I JUST DIED IN YOUR ARMS CUTTING CREW

I'M SO EXCITED POINTER SISTERS

IMAGINE JOHN LENNON

LOVIN' TOUCHIN' SQUEEZIN' JOURNEY

SELF-CONTROL LAURA BRANIGAN

STAND BY YOUR MAN TAMMY WYNETTE

SUMMER OF '69 BRYAN ADAMS

TAKE MY BREATH AWAY BERLIN

TOTAL ECLIPSE OF THE HEART BONNIE TYLER

UPTOWN GIRL BILLY JOEL

WHEN A MAN LOVES A WOMAN PERCY SLEDGE

YOU'VE LOST THAT LOVIN FEELIN' HALL AND OATES

EFT Tapping

nospam@example.com (T. Sunshine Love) — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 18:46:00 -0600

EFT (Tapping)

Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) is a psychotherapeutic tool that has been described as pseudoscientific by its critics. The theory behind EFT is that negative emotions are caused by disturbances in the body's energy fieldand that tapping on the eridians while thinking of a negative emotion alters the body's energy field, restoring it to "balance." Critics have suggested that its utility stems from its more traditional cognitive components, such as distraction from negative thoughts, rather than from manipulation of energy meridians. ---Wikipedia

EFT, or Tapping, feels great and is a natural addition to bedroom play. I have found that it is in fact difficult to distinguish where tapping ends and massage or other stronger tactile stimulation begins.

EFT Emotional Freedom Technique Tapping Points Demonstration

EFT Emotional Freedom Technique Addressing Money Issues Demo

Introduction to Tapping - EFT from Tapping.com

The Science of Tapping - EFT from Tapping.com

Self Acceptance - EFT from Tapping.com

Killing Procrastination - EFT from Tapping.com

Stress Relief - EFT from Tapping.com

Anger Management - EFT from Tapping.com

Waking Up - EFT from Tapping.com

Insomnia - Tapping.com

Forgiveness - EFT from Tapping.com

Quit Smoking - EFT from Tapping.com

Memory Release - EFT from Tapping.com

Chakra Clearing - EFT from Tapping.com

learned optimism

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 21:31:36 -0600

When things happen, we choose how to react.Â Usually, this is an unconscious choice that we make by default based on how weÂ?re wired.Â The wiring can be changed, however, with the addition of some basic logic:

Some events make me unhappy.
I canÂ?t change those events.
I can change the way I perceive those events.
Changing my perception changes my feelings.
I can change the way I feel about events by changing the way I perceive those events.

There are three basic ways of interpreting events:

temporary vs. permanent
specific vs. general
external vs. internal

When Â?negativeÂ? events happen, we choose to view them from one of two sets of filters:

Optimism Â? reacting to setbacks from a presumption of personal power

Bad events are temporary setbacks
Isolated to particular circumstances
Can be overcome by my effort and abilities

Pessimism Â? reacting to setbacks from a presumption of personal helplessness:

Bad events will last a long time
Will undermine everything I do
Are my fault

Conversely, when Â?positiveÂ? events happen:

The Optimist reacts from a presumption of personal power:

Good events will last a long time
Will shore up everything I do
Are due to my effort and abilities

The Pessimist reacts from a presumption of personal helplessness:

Good events are temporary happenstance
Isolated to particular circumstances
Can be sabotaged by my efforts and actions

These filters can be learned and gradually become habit, with effort.Â ItÂ?s sort of a spiral effect; the good keeps getting better and the bad just gets worse.Â Find the good.Â React from a position of power.Â ItÂ?s worth it.

Reference
Learned Optimism by Martin E.P. Seligman, Ph.D.