Anthony's Odyssey

[flamingo]

Mom has decided to try a new approach. She contacted a chiropractor she knows. A practice that specializes in something called "holistic wellness", whatever that is. No medication involved, all natural treatments. I took her to that appointment this morning, and the doc did his thing with her back. He also said he could get rid of her vertigo within 2 visits by putting very warm water into her ears. He did that today. She goes for the second visit on Friday, and cancelled her 2 remaining visits to the phys therapist this week. She does blame her back pain on one particular exercise she had done there. Ten trips to the phys therapists haven't accomplished anything. So, we'll see what happens. And she LOVES her new mattress.

As for Adam, he seems to be in a good frame of mind now. I won't put any pressure on him. I'm just happy that we've become close buddies, and if it goes beyond that, it will be a bonus. A wise guy sent me a PM asking if Adam and I will break in the new mattress together. I've talked with Adam about Steven, who was 39 years older, 62/23. He said Steven didn't treat him that well, belittling Adam a lot, and making him feel he wouldn't find anyone better. He did tell me he likes older men. I joked, "Well, I guess that leaves me out!" We laughed. He knows that I'm active with Bryce, Ash, and Randy, which makes me wonder if he'd feel outnumbered being with me.

~ "Courage does not always roar. Sometimes it is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, "I will try again tomorrow."

 

[bigcannon]

Thanks for the update, Anthony. Let's keep our fingers crossed the cracktopractor can cure your mother's dizziness. That would be wonderful. Glad the new mattress is working also. Also glad to hear that you and Adam are growing closer. There may come a time when he can't resist you and your sweet charm. I don't know how anyone could. The fact he is opening up to you about Steven, says he trusts you and likes to share with you. I'm sure you've been a big help to hm just being there for him and listening to him. You said he was quite depressed at one time. Let's hope his friendship with you is changing his view to a more positive outlook on life these days. You'd be surprised what a good friend can do as far as one's demeanor. I'm sure your friendship makes him feel special in a way. Keep us informed on your mom. Hopefully, you'll have some great news to tell us by the weekend after her next visit to the Dr. on Friday. We'll be routing for both of you. BC

 

[CharmedFan28]

I hope this chiropractor can help your Mum. That's great that she likes the new mattress. I think its nice that Adam has a friend like you he can be so open with. Thanks for the update and with any luck your Mum will feel better soon!

 

[Kyanimal]

I have some friends who are doctors. One in particular thinks that anything outside the realms of established academic medicine is nothing but quackery. He includes chiropractors in that classification, yet sees one regularly. He says it's not "real" medicine, but just seems to help him feel a lot better. Go figure ...

I have another friend, a doctor's daughter, who was studying holistic medicine. She was looking into massage therapy. Ended up starting her own school to accredit massage therapists. She traveled to China to study shiatsu, and was looking into acupressure and acupuncture. She figured there must be something to it since the Chinese have been doing it for Thousands of years.

I sincerely hope that Mom's new doc can help her out. I have confidence in what he's doing. Sometimes, strict clinical science can not explain everything that works, and yet it does work. Hang in there! It's worth at least giving it a go. And, yes, please keep us posted.

And, give Mom a HUG!!
Chaz

 

[72-Jay]

I think trailer parks are vulnerable simply because of their structure. They don't call them "mobile" homes for nothing. Tornado power is so incredible, and the peculiar tricks they seem to play, and how Oklahoma (Moore) seems to be a target.

Yep..its not that tornadoes target trailer parks, or even that trailer parks are built in more tornado-prone spots... Its a simple matter that mobile homes are weakly built structures (for cost, and keeping the weight down). Also in many cases (especially with older ones) they aren't even anchored down to any type of foundation structure.
With that alone, Even if the tornado itself doesn't directly hit them, they could be rolled/demolished by the storm's RFD.

If a tornado was ever in my sights, I'm not sure where I'd go or what I'd do.

Its simple, you grab your videocamera (or phone as a 2nd choice) and record it!
Atleast that's what I'd do heck, I'd be tempted to go drive out & see a storm if there ever was one in reasonable distance (obviously staying a safe distance away from the thing)

I'm happy to see that Jay has gone from Unloveable . . . to a Daydreamer. That's progress, I guess.

Oh.. I'm still fully unloveable but I am also a daydreamer, so I felt it was time for a change in title

 

[flamingo]

Mom had her second visit to the chiropractor this morning. More water in the ears, and massage with electrostimulation to her back. She still does head movement exercises at home. She hasn't needed her walker the past 2 days, and has a third chiro appointment Monday. How she gets through this weekend will reveal a lot. She has gotten many cards, visits, and phone calls from well wishers. That has been nice.

I think traditional doctors, hospitals, and drug manufacturers see alternative methods of healing as a threat to their cash flows, so they try to discredit it. Of course, there are plenty of "snake oil" salesmen out there.

I've sat in a lot of waiting rooms over the past month. The people and conversations have been interesting. From the political chats (this is strong Trump territory), to the woman who told everyone about every physical ailment she's had in last 20 years, to the talkative young woman with the overpowering perfume. I even got to know the cute Yorky terrier that roams the chiropractor's building.

It has been really windy and cold the last 2 days. This area will have had <1" of snow for the entire month of February, only the third time on record that has ever occurred. (1915 & 1925) Next week it is to be in the 60s. Virginia and North Carolina have gotten more snow than we have. Weird.

Jay, I can picture you driving around looking for a tornado. Like the movie, you might be dodging farm machinery falling from the sky!

********

As a 20 year old, 2020 will be the first presidential election I'll be eligible to vote in. I'm following closely for that reason, plus the fact that the 2016 election in PA was won by Trump by <1% of the vote count. I don't mention politics much here because of my youth and inexperience, but perhaps you're wondering where my throbbing 20 year old brain is with impeachment, debates, caucuses, primaries, etc. My personal political sources are Randy, a Trump supporter, and Ash, a 2-time Obama voter.

I keep an open mind about it all. Randy and Ash are best friends and lovers who respectfully disagree with each other politically. My Mom is a Trump-hater, and my Dad was a Republican. So, I've gotten diverse opinions that have allowed me to be a more independent thinker. I've also gotten PMs from a couple of members whose views I have much respect for.

I watched the last 2 Dem debates. I thought the last one in Charleston was an embarrassment. A childish food fight that was so poorly moderated I thought the real "winner" was Trump! People on tv talk about the "Sanders Surge." I don't see it. In NH, he squeaked by in a state he beat Clinton by 38 points in 2016. Iowa pretty much ended in a tie. I predict Stupid Tuesday is going to be more chaotic than the "experts" think. And Bloomberg will be on ballots for the first time.

Ash has expressed his disgust with his own Dem party. He says Pelosi, Nadler, Schiff, AOC, Omar, and Schumer are killing it. As a business owner, he believes Sanders and Warren would wreck the economy, and tax him right out of business. Despite the unemployment rate being so low, and we have many businesses here in PA with Help Wanted signs posted, Sanders says "only billionaires are benefiting from this economy." What country is he living in? He seems to think highly of Cuba. WTF?

As a young gay man, I see a lot of flaws with Trump, Pence, and Republicans as well. A lot of Trump supporters would prefer that people like you and me just not exist. Some of the most hateful people are religious conservatives. I know. I'm related to some of them.

I asked Randy if we as gay men should consider supporting Buttigieg. He said no way, that it goes deeper than just being gay. "We have jobs, pay taxes, buy groceries, put gas in our vehicles, worry about war and terrorism just like straight people do. 'Just for being gay' would be a narrow-minded reason to vote for him." He says he wants Mayor Pete to do well to help knock down some barriers, but believes the homophobes in the DEMOCRAT party will stonewall him.

I hope I haven't turned anyone off here. Free speech and open thought seems to be under attack. I see it even when I look through the political forums on JUB. Whoever you choose to support tomorrow, Tuesday, and beyond, make YOUR choice, and don't allow some unhinged lunatic from either side to discourage you.

The PA primary isn't until late April. And November is still a long way off!

 

[CharmedFan28]

That is great to hear that your Mum is improving. Hopefully she only gets better from here. I won't comment on the politics as I am not American and don't know a heap about them but you sound well informed and I am sure you can make up your own mind on who to vote for.

 

[bs29697]

Anthony, so glad the chiropractor is helping your Mom and the water in the ear seems to be working for her though as you said this weekend will tell how well they are.

I am a Republican just not a Trump Republican and like you I thought the biggest winner from the debate was Trump. You appear to have a open mind and are willing to listen to all contenders and very refreshing to hear as most people say they are for one side or another.

Here in SW PA we got about 4 inches of snow Thursday but by Sunday its to go up to 50 or so and by Wednesday its to hit at least 60. This sure has been a weird winter and I wonder what this summer has in store for us.

Brian

 

[Kyanimal]

Super happy to hear (no pun intended) of Mom's progress, and I'm rooting for her to continue to improve! It's a great sign that her "bone cracker" has a doggy wandering around. Shows he knows the healing benefits of pets. That underscores he's a Good Guy. That you got to know the Yorky says a Lot about You, too! Dogs know!

I was raised a traditional republican. Actually knew Richard Nixon as a family friend. (Long story.) He could be a very friendly, and funny guy. I really liked him personally. I was not aware of his paranoid scheming side. My first ever, and second, vote went to him. However, with the 60s and 70s perfectly matching my teens and twenties, I eventually became an independent. I've since voted for both sides of the aisle. (Having mentioned those decades, I just realized there is 50yr. between us. WHA ... ?!)

The Donald is NOT a traditional Anything! I find him to be a vile, disgusting, narcissistic, psychotic, sociopath. My aversion to him is not just about policy. It goes much deeper than that. His entire focus is himself, and he doesn't care about Anything else. Everything Trump touches dies. As bad as Nixon turned out to be, the man had a conscience (and dogs liked him). Don the Con doesn't even have a smattering of that. He can not be trusted any further than I could throw one of his bankrupt casinos. I consider him a clear and present danger to All of us!

Sorry for my little rant. I realize there is no way a Trumper will ever vote for a dem. And, I can understand respectful republicans feeling the same way. However, they are free to go to the polls, and leave the presidential choice blank. Do not give him your vote! He will glibly destroy everything. I shudder to think that all of our lives are literally in his grubby, grabbing, sweaty, hands, as long as he's infecting Our White House.

O.K. Now I'm done ... for now, anyway. Maybe I'll tell you what I Really think some other time.

Wishing You and Mom all of the Very Best of the Very Best!

HUGS, bud!!
Chaz

 

[Kyanimal]

I neglected to add that I'm supporting Pete. That he is gay matters less to me than that Truman and Buddy (their dogs) like him.

I'm a heck of a lot closer to 80 than I am to 40. I think it's time to pass the generational baton. O.K., boomer!

As possible Presidents go, the kid checks ALL the right boxes, and then some. I'm in his corner right up to the convention. At this point, I don't think he's going to be the nominee. However, I'm confident he's going to be high in the next Dem administration, whoever's that might be. He is destined for The Oval eventually, and everybody will be better off for it.

Go Pete!

P.S.
I see I said "respectful republicans" when I meant to say "respectable republicans". Sorry about that!

 

[sheep]

Sorry to hear Pete withdrew from the race. He is highly educated as Obama was, would have made a great leader of the military. Just imagine having someone in the oval office with hands-on military experience. Being a Rhodes scholar would finally take the humour out of the expression "military intelligence."
The biggest problem boils down to Federal debt which started going crazy in the Reagan years. Reaganomics' failure to stimulate economy left government underfunded so to "fix this" Ronny chopped the top marginal tax rate from 70% to 28% for those earning 1/2 million per year or more. In fact, most workers have had their income frozen at or near rates from the Reagan years.
Bill Clinton is the only president since 1980 to not have a deficit, leaving office with a $36 billion surplus due to a booming economy and a top bracket tax increased to 39.6%.
As G.W. Bush took office the 9/11 attack resulted in vastly increased military funding, but he managed to magically cut taxes (on the top rate) to 35% in spite of decreased revenue and the subprime mortgage crisis.
Barack Obama increased military spending to $800 billion per year for 2 inherited wars. Strangely, the Republican mandate to he would be a 1 term president wasn't successful.
The financial impact of the Trump White House are not known but just his tax package rewarded the faithful with billions of dollars in tax savings.
It is important to do your own research before you vote. If you hear a lie or 15,000 of them enough times there is a tendency to believe them. If you think I am biased keep in mind I'm Canadian and can't vote in the USA.

 

[flamingo]

Ash and Bryce arrived home from Florida Sunday morning. I joined them at Randy's house where he made for us pancakes and sausage, and had fun listening to them talk about their trip and showing us video. They visited a relative there, took a boat trip where they saw gators, visited an aquarium, and went to some pro baseball spring training games. Bryce managed to catch a foul ball that he gave to a happy young boy.

Before they showed up, Randy served me a special piece of sausage. I was on my knees in his kitchen trying to make him happy. It had been over a month since I'd done anything sexual, and apparently I haven't lost my touch. He asked me if I wanted some syrup, and he filled my mouth with cum. I started coughing and slobbering, and Randy looked down at me with a smile and said, "Damn, boy, you're out of practice!"

After 3 visits to the chiro, Mom's progress with her head and back has been minimal. The chiro said he doesn't know what else he can do about the dizziness and said she may need to see an inner ear specialist. All she knows is that she has spent a lot of money without much to show for it.

 

[CharmedFan28]

Sorry to hear your Mum has not got much better. I hope she finds someone who can help her soon.

 

[Kyanimal]

Seems that Mom has been doing the right things. Y'all have learned more with each stage of treatment. That in itself is progress of sorts, even if the outcome has not been quite what you hoped. Perhaps the next phase might be a university medical center research department?

Don't get me started on the costs involved in our current health care systems. Let me just say that that underscores the importance of your vote.

Happy to hear that Ash and Bryce had a great trip. I have a foul ball story, too, from when I was a young boy. I'll save you from it this time. Bryce did a wonderful thing.

I trust you enjoyed the special cream that Randy served you. Keep UP the good work!

HUGS, bud!!
Chaz

 

[72-Jay]

Jay, I can picture you driving around looking for a tornado. Like the movie, you might be dodging farm machinery falling from the sky!

There might just come a day when I go storm-watching hopefully no cows or farm machinery though...that'd mean I'm far too close.

The PA primary isn't until late April. And November is still a long way off!

The primary here on CO was today..by ballot was dropped off on the weekend

Mom's progress with her head and back has been minimal.

Sorry to hear that. I hope she can get the right doctor who can figure out the root issue & cure it.

 

[bs29697]

Sorry to hear that your Mom wasn't helped by the chiropractor maybe the inner ear specialist will be more helpful. Glad that Bryce and Ash arrived safely home from their trip to Florida.

Brian

 

[flamingo]

Mom is not improving. The chiropractor did not produce the results we were hoping for. Yesterday, we were doing laundry together, and when she looked up to pin a sweater on the clothesline, she staggered and nearly fell from sudden dizziness. Today in the kitchen, she bent down to pick up something she dropped, and became extremely lightheaded and barely made it to a chair. Her back is still bothering her, and she's still using the walker. I guess she will see her regular doc again, who will probably refer her to . . . who knows. $$$ This "vertigo" has been going on now for more than a month. With warmer weather, longer days, and outdoor chores soon coming, I hope someone can figure something out. My Mom is 44, a short and thin little shrimp, with a bubbly, upbeat personality. That helps us both out a lot. But, this is getting to be a drag even for her. It sucks to know that something wrong is happening in your head, but no one (yet) can figure out what it is. I appreciate all of your well-wishes!

It's weird how we've been discussing "Twister", and then that awful tornado tears through Tennessee. The video and the reports from the Nashville area is just so incredibly sad.

Some of the neatest video that Ash recorded from Florida was of a creature called a manatee. They are really cool! Bryce's foul ball snag was painful. It hit him on his thumb. After he gave the ball to the boy, he went to the concession stand for some ice to help ease the pain and swelling. Ouch. Chaz, I'd love to read your foul ball story.

 

[CharmedFan28]

I hope the doctor can figure out what is wrong with your Mum. With any luck a solution will be found soon. You are both in my thoughts and with any luck things will get better in the next little while.

 

[bigcannon]

It's horrible they haven't figured out what's wrong with your mother yet, and she hasn't improved. Hopefully, her regular doctor might have some idea from all the treatments she's gone through to try to help her. That has to be frustrating as hell. I'm sure your mother can't stand being like she is. Try to keep her spirits up, Anthony, so she doesn't get depressed. You two have our best wishes for finding a quick cure for this and getting her back to normal. Hang in there. We're all routing for you both. BC

 

[bs29697]

You and your Mother are in my thoughts hopefully her regular Doctor can refer her to an Inner Ear Specialist. If you go with your Mom to see the doctor ask him if your Mom should see a specialist to get to the bottom of what's going on inside her ear.

Wishing the best for your Mom,

Brian