When I heard that the Bejing Olympics committee issued a document banning mentally ill visitors, among other “undesirables,” from attending the Olympics, my first thought was, “Well, color me totally not surprised.” After all, why would the Chinese government be any different from other repressive government? They’re just the latest in a long line of dictatorships and regimes that require uniformity and a compliant citizenry. Obviously, being different or imperfect in any way makes you undesirable.
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Since I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, several people have suggested bee stings as an alternative treatment to the interferon beta shot I do once a week. The first time a helpful soul suggested it, I was stupefied for a minute. I mean, honestly. How is being stung by bees preferable in any way to medication? Granted, my interferon medicine does have side effects, but what would make anyone think bee stings are free from side effects? I’ve had allergic reactions to stinging insects in the past, for one thing, and there’s a reason that many people carry epi-pens to counteract bee stings. I’m wondering if somehow the potential throat-closing-up-lack-of-breathing is seen as inconsequential compared to medication side effects by the people who suggest the bee sting regimen.
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It’s been a long time since I’ve been what you would call a morning person. The first hour after I wake up, no matter whether I lay in bed or get up immediately, I speak, think and move at the speed of molasses. Since I tend to take much longer to do anything and get confused easily when I’ve just woken up, I try to do as much of my morning routine as possible the night before.

Breakfast is limited to a bowl of cereal, since anything more elaborate is just too confusing. Oddly enough, my stomach doesn’t wake up for an hour or so, either. I don’t get hungry until I’ve been awake for a while, and I have no appetite. I always pick up some coffee and a pastry or breakfast sandwich on my way to work to augment the cereal, since I know my stomach will wake up soon and decide that cereal’s not enough.

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