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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 17 of 17. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by fallsfall on September 5, 2003, at 12:05:35
I spent 2 hours at my local library today. They were very happy to see me. They weren't quite sure what they wanted me to do (I only told them yesterday that I was coming). I couldn't tell them when I was available (no set therapy times yet...), they couldn't tell me when they needed me. We talked about a couple of projects that I could help with. [I volunteered there 5 years ago, and then was hired as a part time Children's Librarian there, so I do have some knowledge and experience. - but they are equally excited to see volunteers who don't have knowledge and experience (the ability to think is helpful, but not required)]
So they didn't know what to do with me today so I volunteered to shelf-read (you make sure the books are in the right order on the shelf - noone likes to shelf-read, but I don't mind). Shelf-reading is always at the bottom of the priority list, so I knew that it would be needed. So I did that for a little while.
Then they decided that I could update the web page calendar with the new activities. So I did that until I crashed the calendar's server. Ooops. It is still down. I just checked. But it isn't my problem. It's theirs. I believe I didn't do anything awful, so I don't feel guilty.
A request came in to find an old kid's book series that had a bunch of different magic rings. The current children's librarian asked me if I knew what it was. I had a guess, which was more than she had (she's wonderful) and that made me feel really good, even though the guess was wrong - I found kid's magic series, but not the rings part.
It was hard to get there this morning. I didn't sleep well last night, and I should have taken a shower this morning, but I didn't. I was a couple of minutes late - but when you are a volunteer they are so glad to see you that they don't care. I wasn't really nervous about going since I've worked there before (but things have changed), and I know the librarians and many of the other volunteers.
I've been feeling better recently, and last weekend was really lonely. That's why I decided to do the library thing. My daughter starts school on the 9th (they are doing construction and they aren't finished yet...). I don't want to have all of those days alone. I'm still having trouble getting things done (paying bills, getting meds for my dogs, insurance issues are on my plate for today), but I think that spending time in the world will help my motivation. And make me think that I am capable.
I have a friend who is Agoraphobic. 6 months ago she started volunteering in her church office one morning a week. She stuffs bulletins with notices, photocopies, cuts things that need to be cut etc. A couple of weeks ago they told her not to come for that day because they didn't have anything for her to do. She said that it was a really long week without her chance to get out.
We were each able to find a volunteer opportunity that suited us. She deals only with the church secretary. I am in a public library where people come and go. I am able to use some of my special skills (computer and library). She is able to be productive and accomplish something without worrying too much that she'll do it wrong.
They love volunteers. If you want to be loved, then volunteer. It is a wonderful way to feel appreciated.
Posted by NikkiT2 on September 5, 2003, at 13:20:37
In reply to Volunteering, posted by fallsfall on September 5, 2003, at 12:05:35
I've been working, on a volunteer basis, for a couple of years for Borderline UK, (http://wwwborderlineuk.co.uk) a soon to be charity to do with Borderline Personality Disorder in the UK.. We started as a small yahoo group, and have grown and grown.. Its amazing to have been involved for most of its life.
Recently I have taken on alot more work and am quite busy most days with it, well, about 6 hours a week in total at the moment. But tomorrow is our first AGM and I am standing for the Executive Committee (I've ben asked to stand by a few people) and also as a trustee for when we gain Charity Status soon. Its great.. I know I am helping people that need my help.. I;ve even been recruited onto a Government Comittee to do with the Personalities Disorder change to Mental health act.Its great!!
Nikki x
Posted by Tabitha on September 5, 2003, at 15:22:17
In reply to Volunteering, posted by fallsfall on September 5, 2003, at 12:05:35
Good for you, falls. How great that you managed to get out and do something helpful, despite not feeling 100% on top of things. I admire your pluck.
Posted by Gabbix2 on September 5, 2003, at 16:29:45
In reply to Volunteering, posted by fallsfall on September 5, 2003, at 12:05:35
I'm pretty sure the book request was for the Narnia Chronicles, in particular the one with the magic rings, was "The Magicians Nephew"
C.S.Lewis.
Posted by fallsfall on September 5, 2003, at 16:41:24
In reply to Re: Volunteering.. do you still need an answer?, posted by Gabbix2 on September 5, 2003, at 16:29:45
I don't know. They have closed for the day. I'll relay the message tomorrow. (Yes, I put the question in hoping that someone would know!) Thanks!!
Posted by Gabbix2 on September 5, 2003, at 16:54:53
In reply to Re: Volunteering.. do you still need an answer? » Gabbix2, posted by fallsfall on September 5, 2003, at 16:41:24
Posted by Dinah on September 5, 2003, at 20:16:27
In reply to Re: Volunteering » fallsfall, posted by NikkiT2 on September 5, 2003, at 13:20:37
It must be great to feel a part of something that is making such a difference.
Posted by Dinah on September 5, 2003, at 20:17:39
In reply to Volunteering, posted by fallsfall on September 5, 2003, at 12:05:35
I'm always afraid to even sign up for my son's school because first of all my work deadlines are unpredictable, and second I'm unpredictable.
I think it's wonderful you found something you're comfortable with.
Posted by chicklet on September 6, 2003, at 11:05:55
In reply to Re: Volunteering.. do you still need an answer?, posted by Gabbix2 on September 5, 2003, at 16:29:45
I'd just like to plug the double double double double double quotes feature at this site:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#amazon
The first time anyone refers to a book without using this option, I post this to try to make sure she at least gets a grip. It's just an option, though. If people just plain old can't figure it out, I'd be interested why not, because, please, it's so easy. of course you might be a rebel or just too darn lazy (i presume the latter in your case). But I'd like that redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20020918/msgs/7717.html
Thanks!
Chicklet
Posted by NikkiT2 on September 6, 2003, at 18:46:40
In reply to Re: Good for you!!! » fallsfall, posted by Dinah on September 5, 2003, at 20:17:39
Well, it was Borderline UK's first AGM today, and phew what a day!!!
Firstly, the meeting went incredibly smoothly.. I was really impressed with the Chair person who really kept things in order (and with a room full of people with BPD that aint easy!! *l*)
Secondly, I was voted onto the Executive board and was then proposed and voted in as Treasurer!! *l* Thats a bit scary, but I can't run away with all our money as the cheques do need two signatories (and the other guy signing, a non BPD member of committee is VERY cute!!!) I was quite chuffed that people though enough of me to propose me for this with no suggestion from me!!
Afterwards a group of the volunteers went out for a drink and chat, and then on for pizza.. I only had one drink as there were a few people slowly getting from drunk and hyper.. By the time we finished our pizza two people were very very drunk and being total nightmares.. so I made a sharp exit and got the coach home!!
But, 15 minutes into the coach journey I began to feel soooo sick.. 5 minutes after that I thankfully found the toilet on the coach and spent the next 30 minutes puking!! But I felt alot better after that!!!!
Been an eventful day... I didn't even leave hom etill midday (and its now 12:45am) yet it feels like weeks ago!!!
So I am now a treasurer of a soon to be Charity!!! That sounds important doesn;t it!!!
Nikki x
Posted by fallsfall on September 6, 2003, at 18:50:29
In reply to Volunteering, posted by fallsfall on September 5, 2003, at 12:05:35
Thanks for your responses!
I think that progress has its price. Last night I was searching the internet for both my old therapist and my new one. Today I completely overwhelmed by driving to the next town over. I finally got home and tried to take a nap, but my head is too busy.
I think that it is scary to get better. I'm afraid that my therapist will stop taking care of me (I know, I'll ask him). I'm afraid that I'll look like I'm doing well, but really be falling apart. I'm afraid that people will have all sorts of expectations for me that I can't meet. I can't think of what I can do to comfort myself (I already ate ice cream, it was good, but didn't fix the problem).
Anyone have words of wisdom?
Posted by Dinah on September 6, 2003, at 18:51:17
In reply to The AGM!!!, posted by NikkiT2 on September 6, 2003, at 18:46:40
You have a lot to be proud of. They must really think highly of you!
Posted by Dinah on September 6, 2003, at 18:54:36
In reply to Re: Volunteering, posted by fallsfall on September 6, 2003, at 18:50:29
Only that all those fears are so common that therapists are trained to deal with them. So trust your therapist to help you through the stress of getting better. (Doesn't that sound lovely?)
One step at a time though. Rejoice in your feelings of achievement.
Posted by fallsfall on September 6, 2003, at 19:28:08
In reply to The AGM!!!, posted by NikkiT2 on September 6, 2003, at 18:46:40
That is SO wonderful! What a successful day! You should be very proud!
Posted by noa on September 7, 2003, at 14:56:42
In reply to Volunteering, posted by fallsfall on September 5, 2003, at 12:05:35
FF--way to go! It sounds like they really appreciated your help and you had the opportunity to get out and feel productive!
I think volunteering is a great idea also because it takes us out of ourselves for a bit.
I need to find a project to volunteer for. It's been a while. I used to do a lot of volunteering and there were many times in my past when volunteering was a lifesaver for me.
Posted by noa on September 7, 2003, at 14:58:24
In reply to Re: Good for you!!! » fallsfall, posted by Dinah on September 5, 2003, at 20:17:39
Choose something you can do without having to have deadlines--like something you can just show up to help with for a few hours. Ie, don't volunteer to be the organizer of a project or event.
Posted by noa on September 7, 2003, at 15:00:19
In reply to Re: The AGM!!! » NikkiT2, posted by fallsfall on September 6, 2003, at 19:28:08
> That is SO wonderful! What a successful day! You should be very proud!
Ditto!!
This is the end of the thread.
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