Net Lingo
AFK	Away from keyboard
B4	Before
BAK	Back at keyboard
BBIAB	Be back in a bit
BBIAF	Be back in a few
BBL	Be back later
BBS	Be back shortly/soon
<BG>	Big Grin
BRB	Be right back
BTW	By the way
CSL	Can’t stop laughing
CYA	See ya
CYL	See ya later
EOM	End of message
F2F	Face to face
FYA	For your amusement
FYI	For your information
<g>	Grin or giggle
GA	Go ahead
GFETE	Grinning from ear to ear
GFI	Go for it
GG	Good game / Gotta go
GTG	Got to go
HAK	Hugs and kisses
IC	I see
ILY	I love you
IMO	In my opinion
IMHO	In my humble opinion
IOH	I’m outta here
IOW	In other words
IRL	In real life
LOL	Laugh out loud Lots of laughs
NBD	No big deal
NM	Nevermind
OIC	Oh I see
OMG	Oh my God
OTOH	On the other hand
POV	Point of View
ROFL	Rolling on the floor laughing
ROFLOL	Rolling on the floor laughing out loud
<S>	Sigh
TAFN	That’s all for now
TFN	Thanks for nothing
TTFN	Ta Ta for now
THX	Thanks
WTG	Way to go
Smiley Stuff
Symbols that can be incorporated into any face:
Noses: o = lower case O. - = a dash ~ = tilde none Eyes: 8 = number 8 = = an equal sign : = a colon ; = a semicolon
Expressions: (using dashes for noses and colons for eyes)
:-)	Happy/humor
:->	Happy/humor
:-]	Happy/humor
:-)))	Really happy
:-D	Excitement
:-(	Sad
:-[	Sad
:.-(	Tear/Crying
:'-(	Tear/Crying
:-/	Confusion
:-O	Surprise
:-[]	Open mouth (surprise)
:-()	Open mouth (surprise)
>:-}	Evil grin
>:-)	Evil grin
>:-(	Upset
:-p	Sticking out tongue
:-P	Sticking out tongue
:-b	Sticking out tongue
:-B	Rabbit
:-I	expressionless (usually means "I don't get it")
:-d	Yummy
:-q	Yummy
:-Þ	Sticking out tongue
:-!	Foot in mouth
|-<>	Kisses
(((H)))	Big hug
:-X	My lips are sealed
O_O	Eyes and nose (usually means "I'm looking at you")
----<@>	A rose
=~	A candle

Sorry but this was SUPPOSE to have been posted before Christmas, but he had a little change in our plans for the holiday season. While the post is late, we had a fantastic time this past week. So here's what was suppose to be up about a week ago:

 

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With the approaching holiday season and the merriness of the children, it’s time to reflect on life and the things that are really important.

No doubt your child/children have had their Christmas lists made out for the past year or so…and no doubt with each commercial on T.V. you hear the chants of “OHHHH…I want that!”

But at this time of the year I think its more important to think about and teach your children about the things you already have.

Yes, there still need to be lots of pretty toys under the tree, my daughters all got brand new notebook computers and a bunch of clothes this year, they’ll get more from Mom and the Grandparents I’m sure…but they know those gifts are just gifts…they’re not the real meaning of the season or what the whole idea of life is all about.

To me, and I’m sure I’m not alone, the most important things are the love you share as a family, the closeness you feel with the extended family that you have and the joy in just being alive and being able to live another day with a chance to help someone, care for someone and even at times love someone.

This past year has brought many changes to the lives of myself and my children.

In September of 2004 I joined a website called Wondir and started answering questions from whoever popped on the site. In little over a year I had answered over 25,000 questions. I had met countless people who in their own personal time had given help to those in need, those seeking answers and those just seeking a friend.

Over the year that I was on Wondir I counseled many people, giving only my opinion of what I saw as a possible answer to their problems.

The past year has been a wonderful (WonDirFul?) year for me and for my family. We’ve had a blessing from God that we never would have expected, never knew was even possible. The countless emails, the calls (yeah I do rarely give out a private phone number when I feel it is really needed and won’t be abused), the cards and letters sent to me, my family and other people who I have counseled.

I have my share of happy endings, the ones that turn out much better than you ever expect. And I have my share of unhappy endings, or more like unhappy hiatus…I always like to think the missed chances will come back one more time and try to get things right.

I’ve had my share of failures too. The things you knew just had to work cause the case was so clear and everyone had to see it. But online, you have to realize that you never know what is really going on with the other person, what is really happening and being said on the other side.

As I’m typing the draft for this post, I have Sarah watching T.V. in the living room with her Mom and my kids. I hear laughter and see smiles. I see four children, five if I count Mom, coming out of their shells more and more each day.

I see the future, I see the past, I see what caring for someone is all about.

No, I can’t change the entire world, no one can. But together, if we really try, we really can!

It’s not a war on terrorism, it’s not a war on drugs, it’s not a crackdown on illegal immigration, it’s all about the caring and the love we show each other. It’s about reaching out when no one else will, it’s about taking risks when you truly believe the reward out-weighs the risk. It’s about places like Wondir where you can reach out and help another person, maybe even save their lives.

I’m proud of the time I had put in on Wondir, I’ve been able to be a part of a wonderful community of warm, loving and caring people who give from their hearts, care from their very beings and believe in the one true gospel of this day and age…help others.

I could recount for you story after story, email after email, the successful help I alone have given, then take a long hard look at the countless people on Wondir and magnify that times ten.

What do you have?

A caring, loving and nurturing community that not only has a proven track record, but continues to grow daily, expands to handle new issues, listens to its users and really cares about the person behind the question.

I’d also love to thank all of the people who have stopped by here in connection to me time on blog exchanges…especially Jack, John, Michelle, Raja, and Peebug: who has a blog that always makes me smile…

I’d also love to thank the sites I link to for doing all you do to help others. I’d like to thank the sites that link back to me, you make it all worth wild bringing others in need closer to where they need to be.

I’d like to thank my own kids, for giving up a little of their Daddy so someone else is happy.

I’d like to thank “Mom”, for trusting, believing and having the courage to step-out and do what was needed.

But most of all, I need to thank one little girl who made me really believe, through the good and the bad, that it was all worth it. That no matter what people said about how much time I spend on a website, that no matter how many people told me a person was beyond help or beyond reach, it mattered.

A little girl, who through her courage and perseverance has overcome so many odds and beat the system that is bent on just covering things up and making them go away. A little girl who never gave up hope, never stopped believing, never stopped loving or caring. A little girl who should have the Nobel Prize for Faith…

Sarah

You’ve changed my life, the lives of my children, your mothers life and most importantly, you changed the life you had into one that you wanted.

Look under the Christmas Tree this year, you’ll see the difference you’ve made in our lives.

We love you, we thank you for being a part of our lives and we look forward to many happy years being close.

To the rest of you who had to read through that sappy love song, remember what BH always tells you…

BE SAFE…

BE HAPPY…

BUT MOST OF ALL….

BE YOURSELF!!!!!

Until next time….love ya all…pray for Sarah, pray for our country…and help each other!

Bond Hunter ~ Over and Out!

Update: Sarah’s Saga Continues

Wanted to update all the people that emailed Sarah and her mom over the past few weeks/months.

Sarah’s father was picked up and arrested on numerous charges. I won’t go into that here, that’s for a later and *HOPEFULLY* final post for this story. (Other than happy updates from mom and daughter).

With all of the charges that the A.D.A. (a woman I have fallen madly in love with cause she believes in the system and knows how it really works!) has filed…well, he can plea bargain down to about 63 years and another 80 or more on probation.

Now, we all know there’s gonna be a plea bargain but it is looking good for Sarah and Mom. No, it’s looking VERY GOOD for them. Mom’s done the right thing and been able to access the right people to talk to, she’s been determined and won’t give in to the usual B.S.

They’re moving in to a new house next month, which means a lot of packing for all of us.

Mom has a new job, but we won’t discuss that here. Let’s just say it makes her enough to be happy on, but not what they use to live with.

Sarah is happy in her new school. She has new friends, teachers that care, and a principal that really cares. Things have been kept on the hush-hush and Sarah has just melted into the school as a transfer student. Which is the best that we had hoped for.

They’re still living here and accept any gifts you send, you know the rules, email me, I email you, we work out a drop.

Mom has several people to thank, than I’ll get to Sarah’s messages…

Mom sends her best love and wishes all that have emailed her and Sarah. Sarah wants to send special messages out to Joanna, Katie, CyberMom, Diante, Cristi9383 and Magictoys (for their special donation).

We all would like to thank all of the web-based support that they have received, all of the people that have emailed them and supported them through this ordeal, it’s not over yet, but it is getting close.

This Christmas will be a happy one for Sarah, a long line of many we all hope.

There are a few steps left for everything to be fine for Sarah, I know you are all praying with us that things turn out the way they should be. We all thank you, but Sarah especially thanks you.

We’ll keep you updated as things progress.

And for those not in the know…Sarah and her mother left their physically, mentally and sexually abusive father/husband to move on with their lives. There are several court actions going on and to sit there and accuse anyone of anything is absurd at this time.

If you don’t know what you’re talking about…STFU

Sarah’s mom did not kidnap her, I did not kidnap them, they have lived here and moved on. They have LEGAL representation, which I will not reveal, and if you’re one of the 6 I am talking about…I know your IP addresses and have turned them over to the lawyers. I pray you aren’t working for Daddy…or just on a joy ride.

Sarah is safe, Mom is safe. And there’s nothing anyone can do to harm them again. Things are as they should be…Sarah is safe and in charge of her life. I'll update you as things progress!

 

Until then, BE HAPPY, BE SAFE, but MOST of all…BE YOURSELF!!!

 

Please note the possible causes as well as the warning signs listed on this page. I'd whole-heartedly suggest reading some of the pages that this article links to, they may be of some help.

 

Here's a little sampling:

 

All highlighted links feed directly to Wikipedia

 

 

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Indirect causes

Psychologists have identified the teenage years as one of the most difficult phases of human life. Although they are often seen as a time to enjoy friendship, hang out with friends and perform other activities that adults would not usually do, often this period causes adolescents a large amount of stress.

Many changes in the human mind take place during pubescence. Apart from the onset of sexual maturity, teenagers must also make key decisions about their future, develop their identities, change schools and make new friends, find out about their family's past, and so on. Many young people have difficulty coping with these stresses, particularly in combination with the onset of mood-altering hormones.

Direct causes

• Alcoholism, either by a family member or the teenager
• Death of a close family member or friend
• Divorce
• Domestic violence or parental neglect in the family
• Internal conflict and trauma related to their bodies, common among teens struggling with body image or their gender identity
• Drug abuse by a family member.
• Rape and sexual abuse
• Medical Drugs, specifically steroids and Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
• Clinical depression and other psychological disorders
• Rejection
• Homosexuality
• Social isolation
• Social stigma
• Teasing or bullying
• Poor Body Image

Warning signs

• Depression
• Self-mutilation
• Drug/Alcohol use
• No sense of humour
• Changes in social interactions
• Change in eating and sleeping habits
• Loss of interest in activities normally enjoyed
• Drastic weight loss or gain commonly attributed to specific eating disorders
• Complete or near-complete withdrawal altogether from peers and social contact
• Persistent boredom, difficulty concentrating, or a decline in the quality of schoolwork
• Mood changes (especially if the teenager acts increasingly angry about life in general)
• Quietness, especially if the teenager used to confide in the parent and suddenly no longer does

 

 

 

 

Bipolar Disorder May Be Misdiagnosed as ADHD

By Kim Ogletree CWK Network, Inc. According to a 2000 mental health report from the U.S. Surgeon General's Office, about 11% of youths aged 9 to 17 (approximately 4 million people) have "a major mental illness that results in significant impairments at home, at school and with peers." Consider these additional mental health statistics cited by the World Health Organization's "Global Burden of Disease" study: Four of the 10 leading causes of disability for persons age 5 and older are mental disorders. Among developed nations, including the United States, major depression is the leading cause of disability. Manic-depressive illness (bipolar disorder), schizophrenia and obsessive-compulsive disorder also appear among the top of these rankings. Mental disorders are tragic contributors to mortality, with suicide perennially representing one of the leading preventable causes of death in the United States and worldwide. Those who suffer bipolar disorder, one of the most frequently diagnosed youth mental health diseases, experience a combination of extremely high (manic) and low (depressed) moods. Bipolar youth may have more normal moods between these episodes, while the periods of depression or mania can last for days, weeks or even months. What many parents don't know is that these symptoms often mimic those attributed to attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). According to the Child & Adolescent Bipolar Foundation (CABF), 15% of U.S. children diagnosed with ADHD may actually be suffering early-onset bipolar disorder instead. Who is at risk of developing bipolar disorder? CABF says that the illness usually begins in late adolescence - often appearing as depression during teen years - although it can start in early childhood or later in life. It is not exactly known how many children are affected by the disorder because studies are lacking, but is an estimated to affect 1-2% of adults worldwide. Consider the following statistics and risk factors associated with bipolar disorder, cited by CABF: An equal number of men and women develop the illness (men tend to begin with a manic episode, women with a depressive episode). It is found among all ages, races, ethnic groups and social classes. The illness tends to run in families and appears to have a genetic link. Like depression and other serious illnesses, bipolar disorder can also negatively affect spouses, partners, family members, friends and coworkers. According to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), up to one-third of the 3.4 million children and adolescents with depression in the United States may actually be experiencing the early onset of bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is more likely to affect the children of parents who have the disorder. When one parent has bipolar disorder, the risk to each child is estimated to be l5-30%. When both parents have bipolar disorder, the risk increases to 50-75%. Family history of drug or alcohol abuse may be associated with bipolar disorder in teens.

Your memory will NEVER fade...

 

Rest well little one....he will pay

 

Wonderful artilce on Depression and Bipolar Disoder in children and teens. You really need to check out this whole site. I found it using a program called BigBlogZoo from download.com.

 

Here's a little sample of this highly informative article.

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Bipolar Disorder:

Children and adolescents with Bipolar Disorder (also sometimes called "Manic Depression") may have many or all of the following general symptoms. The child or adolescent will alternate between a depressed mood and a "manic" or overactive state. In a manic state, a child or adolescent may be extremely cheerful, experience elation, or be suddenly angry and/or irritable. S/he may have little need for sleep and have a continuous stream of high energy that may look like hyperactivity. Their thoughts may race, and they may talk quickly and be highly distractible. Some children and adolescents become overconfident in a manic phase and engage in risky or dangerous behavior. They think in a grandiose style, and may believe that they have powers that are superior to others. Rarely, the child or adolescent will have psychotic symptoms. Psychotic symptoms usually show up as auditory hallucinations or delusional thinking. Delusional thinking may consist of believing that he or she is hearing the voice of God instructing him or her to complete a special mission. The child may also believe that he or she is being punished for being special. In general, the delusion or hallucination is related to a grandiose theme.

Other Problems Associated With Mood Disorders:

Children and adolescents who have depression or bipolar disorder may also show signs and symptoms of other emotional or behavioral problems. (For more information, you may click on any of the below topics areas also covered on this Web site.)

• Anxiety and Panic
• Eating Concerns
• Substance Abuse
• Self-Esteem Difficulties
• Grief and Loss
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Oppositional and Defiant Behavior
• Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

How Common Are These Problems?

• Depression:

  Depression occurs in approximately 6% to 8% of adolescents, in 2% to 3% of children between the ages of 6 and 11, and in less than 1% of children under the age of six. Fortunately, 80-90% of children will recover within one year of the onset of depression. However, within five years, 75% will experience another depressive episode. During childhood, more boys than girls suffer from depression. In adolescence, girls suffer more from depression than boys. Three times as many adolescent girls attempt suicide in comparison to boys, but four times as many boys complete it. Within five years, 75% will experience depression again!

• Bipolar Disorder:

  Approximately 1 % of the population suffers from Bipolar Disorder, and there are no differences in prevalence between males and females. Of adolescents with recurrent depressive episodes, 10 to 15% eventually develop Bipolar Disorder. Research has shown that, of those who have Bipolar Disorder, 10 to 15% will eventually complete suicide. People with Bipolar Disorder may attempt suicide during either the depressive or the manic phase. Ten to fifteen percent of people with bipolar disorder will complete suicide.

Another of my posts to the Wondir Blog that deserves a shot on here as well.

 

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To me, one of the Wondirful things about Wondir is the vast number of possible responses you can get to anything you post or ask.

This article was originally posted on my Wondir Blog, which has been seriously neglected recently. But here it is as orginally posted. This is good to know no matter where you find kids in need of advice and help.

 

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If you have spent anytime at all on Wondir, then you have seen many posts made by some of our most regular users. Wondir has a large following with the teen and even preteen sect. And answering questions from them can be most challenging!

Most of the time handling these questions is simple and straight-forward, you simply do their homework for them ;)

But seriously, the teens and children that frequent Wondir are usually looking for a few things: homework help, relationship advice with their boyfriend/girlfriend, advice about problems at home, or, and worst of all, issues involving abuse or violence, either in the home or at school.

The homework issue is easily solved by either ignoring it, telling them to google it, or answering it straight out. A simple answer is all that is needed in most cases. Some homework questions take a little time to research and in the upcoming posts I hope to cover a few of the many sites available to us to help the kids get that A+ they deserve for having the brains to come to us, mostly ADULTS, first! (Easy there, just kidding, I hope they have tried to find it on their own, but that’s another blog altogether…)

The second issue gets a little fuzzy at times because you only have one side of the story and that is the only side you will most likely get. My advice, and it is only that: advice. Is take it at face value, states that “if what you say is true I would………” and leave it at that if there is no follow-up posts. If there are follow-up posts then run with it as the lead on the question, especially if they WIM you. Be clear and concise, use common sense (the thing we all wish our parents had used when we made that awful mistake of asking them dating questions when we were kids….*shudder*). Don’t lie, or sugar-coat it and say “It will all work out in the end…….”

Kids and teens don’t want to hear that line of *cough*BS*cough* anymore then we would if we asked a question. They want real advice, like how you felt when this happened to you, what you did, how it worked, what you would have done different if you knew than what you know now…

Face it, kids today are a lot more advanced than we were at that age, this ain’t the 70’s no more Toto (reference to the DOG and NOT the group!!, I’m MUCH too young to know that there was a group called Toto….) *sigh*

Kids today are smarter than we were back then, smarter then most of us are today. They’re hipper to the cool things, more technologically advanced than 99.5% of us are today, they cut through the bull like it’s not even there, they have no respect for you just because you are older….today you EARN that respect, and that’s a long hard row to hoe!

For now my best advice is…

Treat the kids as equals, talk to them like they are adults. They like that and respect you for it. And to tell you the truth, in today’s world, they deserve it MOST of the time. I’m not saying you have to take abuse from ANYONE on Wondir…that’s what the moderators are there for! Call one of us (yes, I’m a moderator if you didn’t know by now).

A simple post to “Attention Any Moderators: So and So is getting out of hand at post (give category and time if possible, post topic always helps us). We’ll be glad to help and “handle the problem” if we see it as a problem. Some mods are more liberal than others with kids, God knows I am, so forgive me ahead of time if I don’t think a kid is getting out of line, but just exerting his First Amendment Rights to call you a butthead if you’re being one. ;)

In closing this epistle, “Whosoever takes care of these little ones, so shall My Father take care unto you….” (I know I’ve heard that somewhere before….)