Fear's got the button

For anyone who hasn't seen it, Inside Out is the latest Pixar movie. It it amazing.

by HarleyMT

It might be my 2nd favorite computer animated film.

There's no one I would rather be...than me.

It's based on actual science, and explains a lot about how our brains and emotions work in a way graspable to children and adults. One major aspect of the film is showing that Joy is most often as the main character's emotional control board.

Right now, Fear is pushing all my buttons.

Yep, this guy.

Long story short, on Monday I have to call a client and apologize for something that everyone, including my boss, agrees wasn't my fault. We're just trying to placate this person. But the first time I was on the phone with this individual I was cursed at and ended up crying. The anticipation of going through that again has me so agitated that my husband talked me into taking an anxiety pill; something I've avoided since leaving the job that gave me the disorder in the first place.

Dead people were the least stressful part of that job.

I've talked out the issue with my husband, and logically it's not an unsolvable problem. But Fear doesn't care. I just have a constant stream of button pushes as the little guy insists that I'm in danger and I need to be on alert.

He's just trying to keep me safe. But knowing that doesn't make the pushing stop.

Distractions help. I watched a comedy last night that brought Joy back to the center console (the flick starred her voice actress, which helped). I cuddled with my husband which also helped. Then I took a prescription anxiety pill, ate candy,  watched more tv, and cuddled, which did the trick.

by Sashitasuperstar

Sometimes you've gotta knock a sucka out.

So, today I'm at rehearsal for my next show, heart hammering, trying to sing while terrified of something that hasn't happened and will be less terrible that it is in my mind. I know that.

But Fear doesn't.

Maybe I can watch a scary movie later and foist some of this excess off. I don't want to have to take another pill. But I will if it comes to that.

Whatever makes him stop pushing the button.

Tails from the Vet: Snips and Tips

Here are 10 tips to endear yourself to your vet. I will not include tips like 'Be on time' because c'mon.

1. Bring your pet's records.

Your dog or cat needs yearly shots. If you switch vets or even if you keep the same vet, you'll need copies of your records on hand. What shots are they due for? What procedures have they had in the past? These are important factors that are much easier to discern if your bring your records. Best case scenario, you won't need them.

2. If your pet has an accident...

DO pick up poo, if you can. DON'T use a billion paper towels if you're squeamish or it pees. Just let us handle it. It happens.

3. Put your dog on a leash.

Oh, he's friendly? Other dogs may not be. Oh, he won't run out the door? He might, if he's spooked. It's common courtesy.

4. Call, please.

 Yes, we take walk in. But most days our doctor is in surgery for 2+ hours. If you come in during that time, you'l have to wait. Just call first to make sure he's free.

5. If you can't afford an e collar (cone) and pain management, you can't afford surgery. 

Together its $35 more (at our clinic) and they're VITAL to your animal's health. Save up until you can get these things.

6. Skittish animal? TELL US.

If you know your dog snarls or growls (or bites), we will still treat. If we know, we can muzzle or take it into the back to hold it down, and keep us, you and the animal safe.

7. Animal on meds? TELL US.

Just like with people, medications can interact negatively and cancel out. Even if we prescribed it, remind us. We won't be mad or think you're nagging or obsessed.

8. Don't expect us to diagnose over the phone.

Please, tell us your animal's symptoms. We'll tell you to come in, 99% of the time. But usually we CANNOT for sure tell you what's wrong. We need to see your pet to find out.

9. Don't steal our pens/flea combs/thermometers/nail clippers.

We need those things.

10. Tell a friend!

Like us? Tell your friends! Word of mouth is our primary advertising.