My life's not an adventure, but it keeps me awake. Sometimes.

2/6/10 New article on autism

2010-02-06T21:42:00.001-06:00

Mental Health Examiner: Autism study 'flawed' says medical journal http://bit.ly/9jthdg

Had a quiet day today. Went to work for a few hours with Gussie and that was all I did, besides write an article. Hope I have more energy tomorrow and can get some work done. Here's hoping...

1/30/10 It's been a long time

2010-01-02T20:41:00.005-06:00

I feel like I have nothing to say, but that's never stopped me before.

Right now I'm sick and crabby. Tired of it. This bronchitis or pneumonia or whatever the hell this is is making me sick (oh, a play on words). My head hurts, my chest hurts, my throat hurts, and I'm so sick of coughing.

Okay I'm done complaining. Here are some articles I forgot to post on my blog.

Mental Health Examiner: The technology of Avatar isn't as far off as you think

Mental Health Examiner: Haitian earthquake a result of a pact with the devil? Pat Robertson thinks so 'video'

Mental Health Examiner: Scared to tell your boss about a mental health issue?

Mental Health Examiner: Disorganization got you down?

12/24/09 Christmas Eve

2009-12-14T19:58:00.003-06:00

I'm so very excited. Christmas Eve brings me back to my childhood with all the same excitement and wonder. I absolutely adore getting together with my siblings and their families. Can't wait.

Mental Health Examiner: Quest for physical perfection killed former Miss Argentina http://bit.ly/74uT8M

Mental Health Examiner: Drunk four-year-old (Hayden Wright) accused of stealing presents '(video)' http://bit.ly/8q3t2w

Mental Health Examiner: Pets can be a great antidote to holiday stress http://bit.ly/85wdKL

11-22-09 What a gorgeous day!

2009-11-22T21:09:00.001-06:00

Can't believe it's almost the end of November. What a fantastic, warm day. It was fun spending some of it outside with Gus.

Chicago Reality TV Examiner--The Amazing Race: On way to finale

11/5 and 11/6/09 Profit off of tragedy

2009-11-05T17:44:00.003-06:00

I absolutely hate making money off of a tragedy--but that's my mind of a social worker instead of a reporter. Am sure getting a lot of hits on the site.

Mental Health Examiner: What made Major Malik Nadal Hasan shoot?

Mental Health Examiner--Fort Hood Texas Army Base mass shooting: Allahu akbar--the cry of a mentally ill man or a terrorist?

11/3/09 class reunion and...

2009-11-03T17:45:00.002-06:00

Had a class reunion planning meeting at Mr. Bill's. Too bad I'm on call and couldn't have a beer. Drat.

One article tonight is Mental Health Examiner: Is technology messing up our memories? I'll write another one tonight but will post it tomorrow. Am tired.

11/1/09 Sunday

2009-11-01T21:17:00.001-06:00

Gus and I spent more than two hours at the dog park and he is happily sleeping on the floor where he passed out almost immediately after returning home. It's so enjoyable for me to see him having so much fun with other dogs.

Chicago Reality TV Examiner--The Amazing Race: Play golf or dance

10/29/09 Stayed home

2009-10-29T21:17:00.002-05:00

Stayed home from work today because I started feeling bad yesterday afternoon. Thank God it's not the flu, though. It's a head cold or something like that. Headache, eye ache, body aches. No fever and no stomach problems, so I'm confident it's not the flu. I only have to work a half day tomorrow so will stay home again...

Slept all day long which is an unbelievable luxury.

Chicago Reality TV Examiner--Survivor Samoa: Is Shambo just one of the guys?

10/25/09 A fun weekend

2009-10-25T21:09:00.002-05:00

We all had such a great time at Matt and Beth's fall festival. It was so much fun with super people and delicious food. Beth even made meatless chili, which was very tasty. I forgot to bring some home with me. Drat.

Today, Gussie and I went to the Padua Pet Parade at QU, but I messed up and got there late. We were in time to see the ending, which was nice, and we were able to give a present for the Humane Society.

Then Gus and I went to the dog park and the only dogs that were there were the small ones, so this was a perfect day for Gus. He got to play with pals who were just the right size.

Chicago Reality TV Examiner--The Amazing Race: Face your fears or go home

10/19/09 Another busy day

2009-10-19T19:17:00.002-05:00

Had to take Gus in for a steroid shot. He's been scratching himself raw and biting himself. Turns out he's more like me than I thought. Allergies. Poor thing. I felt so bad for him. But it was great that the vet got him in right away. Then Elizabeth gave him a bath so he looked pretty, errr...I mean handsome.

Mental Health Examiner--Balloon boy controversy: Would you ask your kids to lie?

2009-10-18T21:43:00.002-05:00

Felt like I got a lot done at home today, but my house sure doesn't show it. Too bad.

Chicago Reality TV Examiner--The Amazing Race: Is it hot or is it hot?

10/15/09 Two articles

2009-10-15T19:10:00.004-05:00

Mental Health Examiner: Was six-year-old boy in a balloon at 7,000 feet?
Chicago Reality TV Examiner--Survivor Samoa: Try it, you'll like it--or not

10/13/09 Working out

2009-10-13T21:26:00.002-05:00

Another nice workout with Jan at the aquaaerobics class at QU. It was fun, and this was the best workout ever. My back was hurting, but I kept with it and will keep trying, because this is supposed to help. I really appreciate that Jan encouraged me to do this.

Tonight's article is Chicago Reality TV Examiner--Biggest Loser: Tracy has a guardian angel or is in league with the devil

10/11/09 About Obama again. No need to read if you are tired of this.

2009-10-11T21:20:00.003-05:00

I've listened to other people's opinions and respect their right to those opinions. Contrary to what some people think, I've never followed a president blindly and am not doing so now. I'm listening to both sides, although I must admit that Rush Limbaugh's incendiary rhetoric is long on falsehood and short on truth. Here's a thoughtful response to Obama getting the Nobel Peace Prize. It doesn't do any namecalling, but it quotes reasons why people in the past have gotten the reward. I liked her perspective.

Tonight's article: Chicago Reality TV Examiner--The Amazing Race: Passports are important

10/8/09 A fun weekend

2009-10-08T21:15:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow I'm going to Davenport with Jan. And on Saturday night we're driving to Des Moines to see Wicked. I'm so excited. Have been singing the songs from the show for years and now I finally get to see it. It's the national tour.

And I can't wait to see Kris and Brian's home. Should be a fun weekend.

Tonight's article is Chicago Reality TV Examiner--Survivor Samoa: Waiting for Jeff on the beach

10/6/09 Another workout

2009-10-06T21:33:00.002-05:00

Jan and I went to aqua aerobics again tonight, and it was a much better workout this week. I took it easy however, because last week I couldn't even finish teaching on Wednesday night. Can't believe that damn water aerobics did me in like that. And tonight I can already feel it starting, but perhaps with some extra pain meds I'll feel okay tomorrow. Sure hope so.

Tonight's article: Chicago Reality TV Examiner--The Biggest Loser: Don't move, Tracy

10/5/09 Women dish on their guys

2009-10-05T20:19:00.002-05:00

Good day at work but lots of pain. Pain for no reason pisses me off.

National Mental Health Examiner: Women dish on their guys

I'd love it if you would leave comments on the site...you can be anonymous if you want.

10/4/09 A great lunch

2009-10-04T20:15:00.003-05:00

Lunch at Maya with 30 members of my immediate family was so much fun. (Are brothers and sisters etc. "immediate family"?) It was so great seeing Craig, Megan, Ian, and Kris. Ian has grown into such a friendly little fellow. It was fun watching him smile at everyone.

Chicago Reality TV Examiner--The Amazing Race: Like being dropped off on Mars

10/1/09 Two articles

2009-10-01T14:42:00.002-05:00

Worked 12 hours today but wrote one article during lunch and another after work tonight. And I left my phone at work and that drives me CRAZY.

Mental Health Examiner--Mental Health 101: Five communication recommendations

Chicago Reality TV Examiner--Survivor Samoa: The Russell seed

9/29/09 The Biggest Loser, etc.

2009-09-29T22:10:00.003-05:00

Tonight's article Chicago Reality TV Examiner--The Biggest Loser: Trainers versus a two pound advantage

Had an early dentist appointment then worked all day. After work met Jan for water aerobics. Was there from 5:15 until 6:45, so I got a lot of good exercise. Thanks for going with me, Jan.

But I'm really tired. Am on call so sure hope the pager doesn't go off.

Sarah, thanks for walking Gus.

9/27/09 Two articles

2009-09-27T20:37:00.000-05:00

Chicago Reality TV Examiner--The Amazing Race: The beginning and the end for one team

Chicago Reality TV Examiner--The Amazing Race: Vietnam, here we come

Other than that, Gussie and I have had a quiet day. We've enjoyed the backyard together, but that's about it.

9/26/09 A good Saturday

2009-09-26T21:37:00.002-05:00

Gus and I started at Panera for breakfast--then spent some quality time at the office. :) Then off to the Pet Expo at the Oakley Lindsey Center where Gus scored some great goodies.

At home Gus got to play outside while Uncle Tim cut the grass. I think he had fun.

I went to dinner tonight with Jane, Pete, Jordan, Lyndsey, Deb, and Diane. First time at Kutter's and had an excellent pizza. Now it's time to put clean sheets on the bed, and get ready to watch the SNL season premiere. Tomorrow night I'll post about the new Amazing Race.

Mental Health Examiner: A hearty laugh can make your day

9/24/09 Hey there I'm really tired

2009-09-24T21:30:00.001-05:00

I think I work too many jobs, but I'm not willing to give anything up. So we'll see how I manage this.

Chicago Reality TV Examiner--Survivor Samoa: Russell the Evil thinks he's the puppetmaster

9/22/09 One more for the road

2009-09-22T22:16:00.000-05:00

Chicago Reality TV Examiner--Biggest Loser: All for one and one for all

9/22/09 Two VERY different articles

2009-09-21T12:47:00.003-05:00

The Emmys got it right for Reality Shows

Mental Health Examiner--Domestic violence: Guerline stayed with husband and now she and her five children are dead