Taking Your Disabilities Too Seriously Today? Go Pop Some Popcorn!

(cc) Douglas CooteyCan't focus during exams because of all the pencil tapping? Can't get to the family reunion, nevermind smile for pictures, because of Depression? Does your spouse have to cut your food for you because of your tic disorder? You think YOU have problems? Take a walk in the shoes of the employees of the City of Seattle. Their inalienable right to microwave popcorn during breaktime is being jeopardized city-wide. You have to read it to believe it.

Sometimes we can become fatigued from the fight to overcome our disabilities. Sometimes we can feel as if we've put in too much effort and energy just to be mediocre. During times like this I find it vital to keep my sense of humor. I look for anything that can lift my spirits and stave off depression and negativity - even silly articles on banning microwaved popcorn. It is a coping strategy that anybody could utilize, but is very important for those susceptible to Depression to implement in their lives.

So don't let your deficiencies get you down. A positive outlook can make a world of difference to a difficult day. Take a moment out to read the article, have a chuckle, then go pop some popcorn. Just try not to burn it. You might be facing a ban one day.


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Comments

Claire said…
Too funny! Gotta love the government, huh! Hey! I got a job! I will be teaching 3rd grade in a school about an hour a way from where I live. We are packing up to move!
June 16, 2007 7:57 AM
thefleet said…
That makes me chuckle. Good grief.
June 16, 2007 1:27 PM
D.R. Cootey said…
Congrats on the job, Claire! Sounds like a good reason to pop some popcorn! ;)
June 18, 2007 5:53 AM
Anonymous said…
Most of the time I think that the government is overbearing and inflexible. However, I think the Seattle government has good cause to threaten to ban microwave popcorn. I would be for a ban of microwave popcorn if it meant one less fire exacuation at work, and the smell of burnt microwave popcorn disturbs me to the core.

Bah Humbug
June 18, 2007 8:14 AM
D.R. Cootey said…
Bah Humbug, indeed, John. This issue might be a bit too close for you to laugh with us.

Did you read the article? It was obviously written with tongue firmly planted in cheek, full of mock seriousness. There was a lot to laugh about. My favorite quote was:

""Perhaps what would happen is there'd be an underground market for microwave popcorn, people would sneak the microwaves into their offices, they'd do illicit popping," says Frank Video, a staff member for the Seattle City Council.

Is it possible that if popcorn is outlawed, only the outlaws will have popcorn?"

Illicit popping!?! Only outlaws will have popcorn!?! Way too funny.

Thanks for commenting.
June 18, 2007 9:22 PM
Jen said…
I just found your blog and LOVE it! I have dep and was recently dx with bpII...also anxiety and a myriad of other stuff - do the labels even matter? Anyway, thanks for keeping it light and real, and serious when it needs to be. A new reader, for sure :)
June 19, 2007 4:09 PM
D.R. Cootey said…
Hello, Jen! Welcome aboard.

The labels only matter if they empower us. If they help us feel comfortable watching TV all day in a sorry stupor eating Ben & Jerry's then they might not be so helpful.

~Douglas

*Full disclosure: The author recently snarfed down some B&J sorbet, but wasn't sad while doing it in the least bit.
June 19, 2007 5:11 PM
Health Watch Center said…
Hello Douglas Cootey,

Thank you for sharing informative post...
June 20, 2007 6:33 AM
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