3,181 Comments Posted by Lynne

I'm more worried about what happened to the organ grinder's monkey . . . . =8-o

;-)

But only if you had received the proper vaccinations in advance, right?

I agree! They are swine! "Necktie party" - my place - 10:00 tonight! One of you bring torches; I have plenty of rope! Luckily it looks like we already have someone who can "knot" the rope for us. We are there!

Building on what Big Ed said, it's as much a prep for the state of mind to be prepared for "excitement." Don't have your arms full of books; don't wear anything around your neck that can't be pulled off immediately (where I work if we wear ID badges or keys on a loop around our necks it has to be a break-away loop - that's as important for regular users as for people who work with the more challenging folks. I was filing and bent over and got my keys stuck in a lower drawer file cabinet a few years ago in an area where no one ever goes, and was laughing so hard I almost couldn't get out. If there hadn't been a break-away snap I would be there still ); don't carry anything that could be used as a weapon; don't be wearin' the latest high-heeled shoes or scanty "hip" clothing or body piercings or you'll be led around the area like a wild bull with a nose-ring; drop your attitude; "stop-look-listen." In truth, as many injuries can occur from flying projectiles you didn't see coming as anything. That's where the "primitive, uncivilized" administrative requests often come from to have people wear soft shoes, like sneakers or slippers, and not wear belts (if you were ever hit with a belt, you'll know what I mean. They also are real good at stopping air flow when tightened around the neck of yourself or anyone else). Having been beaned numerous times when I got in the trajectory of someone's attempt at hurting someone else, it's a tad startling. The unofficial motto we use is "Expect the unexpected" - then you are better able to deal with anything happening. You also don't react as aggressively to the person who hit you. If it's unexpected you tend to react more physically or viscerally. If you know it might happen you are better able to control your adrenalin and not react punitively.

As Big Ed also said, these are folks who have impulse control issues. If they THINK IT they often can't stop themselves from DOING IT. It's part of the package. When I have the opportunity to help with staff hiring or placement on a specific area, I tell them, "If you can't be spit on, hit, or called every ugly name under the book without smiling and walking away, this is not the place for you." The reason - these folks can't help it. They are in their own pain and lostness and that's how human beings react when they are in pain and don't have control of themselves - they often lash out. The best way to help them is to show them that you understand it's part and parcel of their problem and you are strong enough to help them shoulder the hellacious burden they are living under.

[Trips while jumping off soap box wearing high heeled sneakers.]

Like fine wine, you only get better as time goes by, CAS. ;-)

CAS,

You are forcing me to take stock in Attends, I am laughing so hard. Stop it! 8`-)

Now ya see, folks? And some of you thought I was making this up. :-)

The Saratoga County Homestead Asylum:
http://saratogahomesteadasylum.com/
http://community.websh...39281068492201MPigqh

BSMarcia - breathe deeply - relax - borrow my helmet. :-)

http://www.kirkbridebuildings.com/
http://www.opacity.us/...s_state_hospital.htm

8`-)

CAS, that photo is absolutely amazing. I have seen many a Victorian portrait taken after death, but I have to admit I've never seen anyone looking that "lifelike," ESPECIALLY given that it was taken 9 days after her death!

2 months ago I purchased an excellent book called, "Wisconsin Death Trip" by Michael Lesy & Charles Van Schaick. They compile some fascinating photographs taken between 1890 and 1910 in Black River Falls, Wisconsin and intersperse them with clippings from state newspapers and admissions files from a state psychiatric facility. Very weird but very enlightening. When people act like life was fun and easy back in the "good old days," it quickly becomes obvious they weren't actually there at the time or they wouldn't describe it as having been that much fun.

Between Kesey and "The Snake Pit," you got it. Seems most people haven't pushed the envelope of knowledge past these two solid references.

Oh, well, add "Jane Eyre" to the stack of stellar true-to-life references plus a dash of "Ghostbusters" and throw in a little "Really Truly I'm Not Kidding You Haunted Houses" and you can see why everyone has such distorted views of psychiatric facilities and the people who have used them. :-(

Yes, taking a bath can be creepy. I think it's creepier NOT to take a bath, myself.