Author Archives: Kathy

That Soft Bastard Latin

Posted on October 24, 2011 by Kathy

A friend recently asked me, as people often do, why my students have signed up for Latin. (Her tone indicated this was a nutty choice in 2011.) I offered all the usual reasons. Some are interested in law or medicine and … Continue reading →

Posted in Teaching, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Object Permanence?

Posted on October 18, 2011 by Kathy

I was thinking about the disdain we sometimes express toward objects. “Those are just things,” people might say about their belongings. “I care more about people.” Christianity promulgates this attitude, unless it’s pushing affluence and abundance, a la certain TV evangelists. … Continue reading →

Posted in Books | Leave a comment

Squirrel Crossing

Posted on October 16, 2011 by Kathy

We freqently travel a busy four-lane street that’s a thoroughfare (perpendicularly) for many squirrels. The other evening, after braking two or three times for squirrels making a mad dash, my husband addressed the squirrels thusly: “What? There aren’t enough nuts … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Close Encounters of the Borderline Kind

Posted on October 14, 2011 by Kathy

Looking back at my life, I am rethinking previous, fraught relationships in light of what I have learned about borderline personality disorder. I recall a very difficult friend who was diagnosed with depression and was always getting mad at me. … Continue reading →

Posted in BPD-Related | Leave a comment

Mistress of All She Surveys

Posted on October 9, 2011 by Kathy

I’m lucky to live in a walkable neighborhood–sidewalks, relative safety, nice houses and people. Even luckier, an adjacent neighborhood is more beautiful. (Oakridge Drive, for those of you who might care.) The houses are big and old, and so are … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments

The Twilight Zone

Posted on September 26, 2011 by Kathy

Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a great battle.  Attributed to Philo of Alexandria I had a remarkable, even miraculous experience on Saturday night. As we left my high-school class’s party, my husband asked if I’d had a good … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

A Student Asks a Question

Posted on September 19, 2011 by Kathy

Last week, a student asked me a question I haven’t been able to stop thinking about. He’s in his thirties and seems like a responsible guy, but I don’t think he’s ever studied a foreign language before. He’s already several weeks … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Hendrix, cont.

Posted on September 11, 2011 by Kathy

We know that people with BPD often invest all their hopes and emotions in a single relationship; they latch on to someone, idealizing the new partner/savior and expecting unconditional love. They’re destined for disappointment, of course, because no partner is perfect. Unwittingly, however, they … Continue reading →

Posted in BPD-Related | 1 Comment

Nutty Name, Crazy Ideas

Posted on September 10, 2011 by Kathy

A long time ago, I watched an Oprah episode I never forgot. At the time, I thought the guest and his theories were wacky – so farfetched as not to be believed. I’ve always had trouble remembering the guest’s unusual … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, BPD-Related | 1 Comment

Summer Goes and Autumn Leaves

Posted on August 31, 2011 by Kathy

Back to school this week, I was aware of the sharp tang in the air. This morning I left especially early and wore a blazer. In the evenings, I’ve finally succumbed to wearing jeans and even socks and shoes, instead … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment