People around bipolars have to make sure bipolars take their medication.” This statement was made recently by the father of a man with bipolar disorder who committed suicide recently (Full Article).

I don’t think society has changed much in its views of folks who have a mental illness. That man’s statement indicates that people with bipolar disorder aren’t PEOPLE but are their DISORDER. He didn’t say anything about people being supportive of the person with bipolar disorder, about treating them like a normal human being who happens to have a nasty disease. Unless a diabetic shows signs of low blood sugar, people aren’t them don’t constantly ask “Did you take your insulin?” Unless it’s a kid, then you ask a lot, depending on the maturity of the kid.

So are folks with mental illness viewed as their illness and not as a person? As an irresponsible kid, really?

When will people learn that mental illness isn’t a character flaw? That it isn’t the fault of the parents? That it can’t just be “snapped out of?” That it is a REAL disease but isn’t what the person is?

Apparently not anytime soon.

How not to lose your temper:

1. Receive new hard drive for dead Gateway hard drive.
2. Remove hard drive sled from computer.
3. Remove one of four screws securing old hard drive to sled.
4. After ten minutes of trying to unscrew the second screw, break the screwdriver from too much torque.
5. Hurt hand from broken screwdriver.
6. Swear at stuck screw and throw sled and old hard drive onto desk.
7. Crack some of the plastic on the sled.
8. Swear again.
9. Punch the wall.
10. Wrist hurts. Swear more.
11. And swear some more.
12. Leave hard drives, computer, sled, and broken screwdriver until next day, when you buy superglue and newer, stronger precision screwdrivers.

At least my dishes washed and laundry is done. Dinner was nice. My butt hurts from biking. I have to see the doctor tomorrow about my shoulder.

I’d BETTER be able to effing hike tomorrow. Must conquer Eiseneffinghower.

I think I live in one of the worst cities in the country to bike. I went out today for a ten mile jaunt and had to walk my bike at least ten times. Not because I was tired and HAD to walk my bike, but because:

On most of the streets in the city proper and even the outskirts, the roads are incredibly busy and have no shoulder room for bikers. None. To force my way into traffic would essentially guarantee getting hit by a car. Okay, I’ll ride on the sidewalk.

Wrong.

For the most part, sidewalks don’t exist where needed. Or if they do, they’re either dirt or about a foot wide or blocked off. Or all three. (I have a road bike, so dirt riding isn’t exactly a practical option). Now, I’d avoid these roads except for one thing–there’s a large river running through the middle of the city and to get onto the country roads, I MUST cross a bridge (there are three in my vicinity). None of these bridges are bike friendly. Actually, none of them are even bike-neutral.

I’m hiking tomorrow–to be free from motorized traffic for hours on end.

On a happy note, I’ve moved up to advanced competitive training in my fencing club. Now I get three nights a week of two hour practices. Woo!