Speaking of flakes....

       Well as predicted we had some snow today. Driving in was not a problem but getting home was one heck of an adventure. When we got back to our street of course the city still had not plowed. the storm started around 5 a.m. and by 3 p.m. with at least 6-7 inches of snow on the ground there was no sign of a plow anywhere. The side street next to us had but not us. However the boys across the street came out and pushed us down the road into the driveway. We then returned the favor and helped them get their 3 cars unstuck and in the driveway. All in all it took us 1.5 hours and once we were all in the house and snug guess what happened? Yep..here comes the plow. At 5 p.m. It took the city 12 hours to get to us. *sigh* This winter is just surprising. I have never wanted to be the kind of person who works from home more. I know people say that I don't know what I am talking about but trust me when I say I would rather be up at 4 to milk cows than drive *anywhere* to work in the winter. Being outside in the cold doesn't bother me one bit, working outside in the cold is fine, driving in the snow makes me want to scream. Anyway.....

      It occurs to me that getting a smaller place on a slightly busier road with less upkeep might work better for us. I am leaning towards condo more and more. This way I can focus on learning the things I need to learn. Food for thought.

 Ok, time to make dinner.

All things being equal...

But they are not.

Perhaps I am not seeing this clearly and if you think I am not please let me know.

  The other day whilst scrolling through Tumblr I found this article on eating what makes you feel good and still being healthy. Once again I find myself in between a rock and an irritated place. The basic premise is easily understandable. Honest. Good food = taste good so you will eat it. Got it. The problem is the assumption that the person is mentally able to make clear food choices. This is not always the case. People who suffer from depression often do not have the energy to make a meal. People who are on the manic side of bipolar will often over indulge in *everything* including food. There is a huge disconnect between mind and body for those who suffer from even the least symptomatic mental illnesses which may contribute to poor food choices on a regular basis. The problem is these choices are often put to other causes. Because they were "having a bad day" or "have no will power" It's not a matter of willpower that has me reaching for those spur of the moment food decisions which are normally not healthy, it's the chemical imbalance in my head. Having worked in a place with a mental health unit I can say from experience that you are what you eat reaches into every aspect of a person's life. These people were allowed to order anything they wanted. One person ordered mashed potatoes (and nothing else) and 4 diet coke for every meal. Another who wanted pizza every night. All of them asked for so much soda we had to start limiting them to 4 cans per meal (and almost every one had soda for breakfast) One who only ate ice cream. So many who ordered triple and quadruple servings of steak and chicken and mac and cheese (although - the mac and cheese there was *totally* worth ordering extra) The point is that telling someone that it's ok to eat what they want, that their body will naturally find it's footing does a disservice to those who are struggling with mental issues and who need nutritional help. This isn't about being thin, this is about eating healthy foods. Maybe looking at someone's diet should be part of the over all diagnosis and treatment instead of simply saying "oh you are unhealthy- maybe you should try harder to eat better" If you know they are depressed do you say "oh you are sad- maybe you should try harder to smile"? no, but when it comes to food we wrap it in so many issues and triggers we cannot see the forest for the trees. If I was cutting as part of my illness you wouldn't think twice about the harm I was doing and try to help me stop with behavior modification therapy and meds but if I am stuffing myself full of Dove chocolate or only eating brown rice every day you expect me to fix it on my own. Look harder- this is part of my illness and it needs your help just as much as all the other parts of me do.


/soapbox