Legion World Forums LEGION OUTPOST Mission Monitor Board The Moaning, Groaning, I just want to Vent thread

I think the biggest problem with pop culture is that it swings from one extreme to the other. Either 95 percent of everything is too escapist, or 95 percent of everything is one-dimensionally grim.

Oh, yeah.

I think it was Joan Baez who said that one day early in her career, she realized that she was playing too many murder ballads in a row. People were doing what she called either "Church Face" or "Sermon Face." In other words, they were involuntarily smiling or laughing because the onslaught of grim, sad, narratives was too much for them. So she started adding jokey renditions of doo-wop songs or just pithy one-liners. So people could have a breather between the sad stuff. It seems obvious in retrospect, but when you're really young and just starting out, it might not be.

3 months only on my cdl medical because I have white coat syndrome. BP normally around 130 over 72. Not great, but not bad. However, my cdl, thus my ability to earn a living and take care of my family, depends on my stats at the physical. I explained to the place that I have it, that "meditation" doesn't work. I don't like doctors, I don't like being checked out, and I get more than a little stressed thinking about it. Drives up my bp.

So, this chippy comes in and says I get three months instead of the standard year (Limited to a year max because of diabetes). Three months.

Which means for the next 2.5 months I gotta stress over this shit. Can't drive without a physical. I've seen 400lb guys dragging oxygen tanks around behind them and can't walk from the truck to the Pilot without stopping and resting, but I get this shit.

Gee.

Thanks.

I’m really sorry to hear, Rick. Hope the 2.5 months pass by quickly… seems like you’re not feeling anything off right?

That stinks! The health care system in this country is worse than pathetic! My thoughts and prayers are with you, Rick.

No, Ibby, I'm fine other than a smashed thumbnail and the standard aches and pains being 55. But since I've had doctors try to cut my leg off, nearly give me a heart attack with Tramadol, and several other incidents over the years, I don't really trust them. Which agitates me, and that causes my blood pressure to rise. I tried to tell them that, but...paid by big corporation doctors don't care about that.

Thanks Ann. I appreciate it. I think we all deserve better than what we get in this country. Billions of dollars over history and they can't do the simple basics.

Yeah, big business is often untrustworthy… sorry you have to deal with that Rick, and glad you’re otherwise ok

This isn't exactly a rant.

I know this woman who I used to go out with. I get along with her very well. Maybe I'll marry her someday. However...

In the past few years she has been stricken with 3 different types of cancer. She's beaten two of them, and is working on the third. She married young and wealthy, and then divorced, and then did not do well with her finances. She has some rare neurological disorder and can barely walk. She has nothing. She lives with her mom, and cannot work because her health is so poor. A few weeks ago one of her daughters was out for a walk and was struck by a vehicle and killed. She was 23.

Her life has gone from riches to...well, it's horrible. I guess she just survives. But nothing more than that. I feel so bad for her. I would crumble under that weight. I continue to be her friend, but that's about all I can do. And whenever I want to complain about my life, or the poor decisions I've made, I think of her.

Lance, the realization that sometimes all a person can do is be a friend is a sure sign of maturity. A friend of mine is having a lot of problems at the moment, though not to the same extent as your friend. I do my best to be there for her. Your post is something anybody can learn from. Thanks.

Some people's lives are just shit. For most of us it's a mixture of wonderful and horrible and most of the time something in between, but some people just really seem to get the worst. So sorry to hear of your friend's ... issues? problems? struggles? None of those words seem appropriate. At least we know she has one good thing in her life, you. Like many on this forum I have my own long-term health issues and I can tell you that sometimes just having a friend who will listen, or just be there, or just show an interest, can make all the difference. Praying for you and your friend.

Hugs to your friend, Lance. you're a good friend to her.

You're the type of friend most people need in their lives, Lance.

I'm close to breaking point. My mom has had all manner of health problems since the beginning of June, all of them centered around her back. But today, she just told me that the recent removal of a foot callous revealed an infection in her foot.

And on top of all this, my air conditioning unit needs repairs, although at least I caught the problem before it could do serious damage to the rest of my condo.

What a day. And it's not even noon.

Hugs Annfie hope your mom gets better and your airconditioning gets fixed soon

Hey Ann. Wishing your mum a speedy recovery with the infection, which at least got picked up. And that her back issues, which are invariably rubbish, improve.

As for other stuff, someone told me recently that mindfulness helps you take a step back and refocus. And as I patted down the last bit of earth on their shallow grave of tree hugging nonsense, I realised it had indeed taken my mind off things.

Hang in there, Ann. There's a saying about hell and keep going and all, but while yer going it's real shit. But you are a good person and while we may be far away, this is the place to get it out. We friends here and we're here for you.

Thanks, everybody.

I'll never fall in love again.

My mother in law passed away last night. My wife and son are crushed right now. I'll miss Ms. Carolyn, but watching them hurt is the worst. Ms. Carolyn was a live wire, but had had some health issues the last few months. Still, she was feeling better, we had thanksgiving with her, and then just two nights later...

It's tough watching them in pain.

Ann, that doesn;t sound good. Sorry to hear.

Rick, Sorry to hear about your family's loss. I agree, watching your loved ones suffer is often the hardest thing in life, but highlights your own love for them. I hope they can draw strength from knowing your care for them.

My condolences, Rick.

And thank you, Stile.

I’m so sorry, Rick. Thoughts are with your whole family

Hugs, Ann

Our thoughts are with you and your family, Rick. So sorry for your loss.

Hang in there Fickles!

I'm sorry to hear, Rick. Condolences to you and your family.

Ann - never say never!

Thanks guys and gals. Ann, where there's life, there's hope.