Twinlynn

Hi, Chris!

It's literally the top of the morning here--noon!! So, it's probably 11 where you are? I need a time zone map. Funnily enough, I had not even thought of the "WI" as meaning Wisconsin. I just assumed they were initials in your name...or some such secret thing! So--I never even "suspected" that you fibbed! LOL!

Okay, now let me get this straight--I am SO confused about your profession-I know you're involved with the medical profession? You are a professor? And the economics? (And what is a Series 7 test?) I feel like somewhere along the line, I missed some vital clues in your posts! Either that, or you are a true Renaissance Woman--partaking in as many varying joys of life as possible!

I know you can't be too specific on this Board, because you certainly don't want business colleagues going "AHA!!!"....but I get the feeling I am missing knowledge of some of your many talents!! (By the way, I was so surprised and happy, that, when I mentioned that book 'Noonday Demon' to you, as one of the better, more "visceral" accounts of the magnitude and monstrousness of depression...you actually bought it immediately.) Even in the depths of that pit you were in...your survival instincts were so strong. Many people at their worst during a depression would find the simple act of looking for and purchasing a book near impossible!! I have told so many people about that book--even offered to loan it to them--and not ONE could follow through. My own personality is such that when clinical depression hit me (and like you, I was "borderline" for ages). I needed so desperately to learn as much and as fast as I could about this condition! And, mostly, I needed to read of others who could reassure me that "YES...you think you will die from its savergy and the attack on your senses ....but, NO, you won't!! No matter how extreme, you WILL pass through it.. and you WILL be "normal" again. Able to read and understand the words on a page, able to talk to another person, even able, once again, to "tolerate" the simple sound of your watch ticking on your wrist." This is the nature of true clinical depression--a disease that attacks and "dissolves" your senses to the point where only a monstrous fear of something indescrible filters through to your brain. And, you, Chris, unfortunately know, that I do not exaggerate this illness.



Anyway--the fact that you immediately bought the "Noonday Demon"--so that you could learn what you were facing, said a lot to me, about your strength of purpose.

So--why am I not surprised to learn that you're a woman of curiosity and determination! And those two qualities combined with your strength of purpose....all add up to a woman who's going to have a lot of interest in more than just one career path or hobby!! And...THAT is why I'm confused about just what is your work? And what are your hobbies? Am I being awfully nosy??

Seems to me that if you want to change gears in mid-stream---that you're the person to do it! This "tenure" thing is supposed to be quite a nightmare for professors. Would it create a lot of stress? Of course...if you're an "A" personality..you'll LOVE that aspect of it! LOL!! (Although I have endless curiosity about many things--I am definitely not an "A"!! I am more a dilletante, interested in everything...but expert of none. My background is BA in English (typical "dabbler"), enjoy writing, research, etc. I work with the Financial columnist of a news magazine, tho I am no financial expert! My research for her is never on the eco stats kind of stuff! More like looking for info on health care, etc. And, also, I do all her PR for television radio and speeches, etc. One thing I DID learn from this job...was how to read a financial paper! LOL! WSJ, Barron's, Fin. Times, Bloomberg, etc. (But that will never be my "forte". Now, my DAD (who died in 1977) was a CPA, who LOVED the stock market and the whole psychology of investing. Yet, he landed up with three daughters in "the Arts.")

I also have an insatiable appetite for both fiction and non-fiction, and you've heard me mention my hobbies like skiing, collecting antique ski books, making cartoon greeting cards, training my dogs in obedience, etc, etc. Alas...I am a Democrat...and you mentioned that you are a Republican. And never the twain shall meet! LOLOL! But "some of my BEST friends are Republicans"!!) Really! They are. We just don't talk politics!! Ho ho ho.

Well, I can't sit at the computer any longer with this horribly aching foot--gotta get it back elevated again. I can't believe this thing will EVER heal! I am soooo pleased that you feel well enough to be heading back to work. You really do have some big choices to make, tho, don't you?!

It was so nice to get your long note! And I wish you the best on the dating scene! That must be tough on your nerves! My friend at work makes it easy on herself...she dates both men AND women! So...she's got no lack of on-line services to choose from. LOL!!

Have a good weekend, Chris, and thanks again so much for writing. :-) Lynn