It Gets Better

[jack-burrell-blog]

China, France, Japan

China: What was the best moment of your life?

It’s hard to tell. I’ve had so many wonderful moments. Attaining the rank of Eagle and seeing the birth of my nieces and nephews, and their children all rank very highly.

France: How do you show love for those you care for?

It depends on the person, since everyone wants love in different ways. I show my love for my dog by taking her for walks, playing fetch with her, and giving her treats. I give presents to my relatives, especially the children, and I try to spend time with them. I like to make things for them when I can.

Japan: Tell us a secret about yourself.

I don’t keep many secrets, since I don’t have much to hide.This said, I don’t really tell anyone about my orientation. I’m gay.

[jack-burrell-blog]

Firework Fiasco|| Jack and Jewel

Jack leaned back in his chair and yawned, looking up at the clock. It was only 7 pm, and not even dark out yet. Jack took a sip of his half-warm coffee and sighed. It was going to be a long night. Jack had decided to stay late on the Fourth of July, and had even signed up to work an extra shift so someone else could take the day off. He wouldn’t enjoy his time at home, anyways.Although Jack loved the holiday, he couldn’t tolerate the fireworks. The unexpected pops and explosions were a trigger for his PTSD that could leave him cowering in a corner, even all these years later.And so, like every year, he’d chosen to spend the evening at work. He’d sent his dog to stay with a neighbor who knew how to keep her calm during the fireworks as well.

Jack stood up and walked towards the break room for one last cup of coffee and dinner. He’d packed some chicken, some rice, and a side of vegetables. And some berries for dessert. All he had to do was put the main meal in the microwave, and it’d be ready to go. However, Jack was looking forward to it. As he stepped inside, he was surprised to see Jewel sitting in the room as well. “Late night for you?” he asked, one eyebrow raised. He hadn’t really expected many other staff members to stay, other than those required to.

[jewel-can-help]

Oldies are Goodies || Closed || Jewel and Jack

[jewel-can-help]

Jewel laughed as he nodded, “I know!  I have the iPhone and all I know how to do is call someone and answer texts.  The last part I had to ask a patient about since I was clueless.  All the other apps and functions I have no idea how to use.”  That’s all people really needed to use on a phone.  None of this other stuff.

“Well we’re all happy to have you here,” the old man admitted with a smile.  It really was having someone closed to his age at Thornewood.

[jack-burrell-blog]

Jack shook his head. “I haven’t made it to the iPhone yet.” He still had a flip phone that he could just call off of, and maybe answer the occasional text. Some of his nephews and nieces had tried to teach him how to use an iPhone, but it had been useless. All he could do was make the little buttons shake on the screen. He didn’t mind too much, since he knew the iPhone was a lot more expensive than what he had.

“Thank you,” he said. So far, he’d felt more than welcomed at the facility.

[jack-burrell-blog]

Getting to Know You|| Jack and Oakley

[oakley-seeks-perfektion]

Oakley nodded, knowing and still trying to convince himself that it wasn’t a test he could fail.  Hearing Jack say that as well put him at ease and his heart rate calmed down a bit.  Yes, jusht how I zink.  A fery veird vay to zink but it ist my vay, he thought to himself.

“If I don’t do as vell as I had hoped I keep trying und prakticing until I am at zee level I vant to be at,” he explained.

[jack-burrell-blog]

Jack hoped Oakley took his words to heart. It was easy to become trapped in a cycle of self-blame and low self-esteem. He’d seen it in many patients, where they became convinced that they were flawed and in turn hyperfocused on their failures and shortcomings to the point where they couldn’t see anything else.

“Does this intefere with your daily life or relationships with others?” He asked. Practice in and of itself wasn’t bad, but when improving became someone’s sole focus, it could be problematic. “And what level is that?”

[jack-burrell-blog]

Getting to Know You|| Jack and Kyla

[kylamaretarchive]

“I lived there until I was about thirteen,we moved over here so my father could take a job here My family still live in New York”. Kyla’s voice because softer as she spoke about her family,she missed them and she knew that they missed her too.

“Yes,I get to go outside quite a lot.I’m glad that I do,I wouldn’t want to be kept inside all of the time”.She said with a small smile appearing on her face,she felt free when she was outside,just like she did when she painted.

[jack-burrell-blog]

New York was quite far away. So far away that Jack doubted whether they visited her at all. Perhaps separation from her family could be making her depression worse.  “Do they visit often?” he asked gently.

“Spending time outside can be very beneficial,” he said. "Raises your vitamin D levels, besides being able to get fresh air.” He loved spending time outdoors in his garden. He found it very relaxing and heartening.

[jewel-can-help]

Oldies are Goodies || Closed || Jewel and Jack

[jewel-can-help]

Jewel nodded as he smiled, “It is wonderful getting those hand-written letters.  All of my patients knew that I don’t work very well with technology so the ones that liked me remembered that.  “Yes, but you started and that’s what counts right?” he asked with a small smile.

[jack-burrell-blog]

“I’m afraid I’m terrible with technology too,” Jack said. Finally, someone who understood him! “All these new i-devices. I can barely send an email, let alone Twitter or iPod or whatever it is now.” He’d never been inclined towards computer technology, but now it seemed to be everywhere.

“Yes, I suppose so,” he agreed. For all that had happened, he was glad he was in psychiatry now. It was a good fit for him and where he was now. Yet he never would have gotten here without the twists and turns in life.

[jack-burrell-blog]

Ask Meme: Send Me Some Countries

America: What is your favorite place to eat?

Australia: Do you have any quirks when speaking?

Austria: What kind of person do you wish to be?

Belarus: Is there anyone you love? Family, friends, romantic interest?

Belgium: What do you think of your siblings?

Botswana: Do you like to sing? Why or why not?

Bulgaria: Who do you consider close to you?

Cameroon: Describe your culture.

Canada: Favorite wintertime activity?

China: What was the best moment of your life?

Cuba: What sort of grudges do you hold if any?

Cyprus: What hands-on activities do you like (drawing, carving, building, etc.)?

Denmark: Do you wish for something of your past?

Egypt: Do you stand up for what you believe in? How?

England: Are you controlling?

Estonia: Do you think people often misunderstand you?

Finland: What do you prefer, kindness, sternness, or apathy?

France: How do you show love for those you care for?

Germania: What is the hardest thing you have ever had to do?

Germany: Do you have a hard time forgiving yourself?

Ghana: What is your favorite sport?

Greece: Do you let other help you when in need?

Hungary: Who is the person you trust most?

Hutt River: What is the most memorable dream or nightmare you have had?

Hong Kong: Do you fear death?

Iceland: Do you hide your real personality? Why?

India: How important is family to you?

Japan: Tell us a secret about yourself.

Kenya: What is your favorite wild animal?

Korea: What is one thing you accomplished by yourself?

Kugelmugel: Is there anyone you have a love-hate relationship with?

Latvia: Do you believe you are brave?

Ladonia: What is the internet site you visit most often?

Liechtenstein: How do people underestimate you most often?

Lithuania: Do you desire power?

Macau: What is your favorite festival or celebration?

Molossia: Do you consider yourself strong?

Monaco: Do you think you are a lucky person?

New Zealand: Would you rather be an elf, dwarf, Hobbit, or wizard?

North Italy: What is your least favorite part of your personality?

Norway: What was the most disappointing time in your life?

Netherlands: Most generous thing someone has done for you?

Poland: Hardest thing you have gone through?

Prussia: Would you prefer to live forever or die alone?

Roman Empire: How would you like to be remembered?

Romania: What is something you are very ashamed of?

Russia: Have you ever suffered from low self esteem? Do you still?

Sealand: Who is your best friend?

Seborga: What is your favorite beverage?

Seychelles: How do you handle people being rude to you?

South Italy: What is your favorite part of your personality?

Spain: What would you tell to the person or people you hurt most if you had a second chance?

Sweden: Are you a leader, follower, or independent?

Switzerland: Would you consider yourself evil, good, or neutral?

Thailand: How good is your poker face?

Tibet: What do you value most?

Taiwan: What do you think of the people or person who raised you?

Turkey: Would you ever want children?

Uganda: How would you like others to see you?

Ukraine: What is one thing that has made you stronger in life?

Vietnam: What is something you are proud of about yourself?

Yemen: What kind of art do you like?

Zimbabwe: Who is your favorite character from any folklore?

[jewel-can-help]

Oldies are Goodies || Closed || Jewel and Jack

[jewel-can-help]

Jewel smiled as Jack sat back down.  Nodding he explained, “Yes I’ve been to many other places.  After I finished college I moved from facility to facility, only leaving when my patients were good enough.  Many of them still keep in touch too.  I have about three letters a week from past patients.”  Chuckling he knew it was amazing when he read the letters.  So many of them were better and getting jobs, making families.  It was amazing to hear their stories, knowing that he helped them progress.

[jack-burrell-blog]

Jack’s face crinkled into a smile. “Isn’t that the best?” he asked. Nothing was more rewarding than receiving letters or phone calls from former patients about how well they were doing. It was heartening to hear stories of progress, everything from getting a job to conquering a key obstacle like crowded stores. “I was only ever at the VA,” he confessed. “I started a bit late.”

[smartmouthedskeleton]

“Sometimes I feel like I need a dollar every time a person complains about the coffee here,” he mumbled as he took a sip from his cup. 

[jack-burrell-blog]

Jack shrugged and took a sip of his own coffee. “It tastes fine to me,” he said  to the tattooed man before him. “And it’s hot.” He could tolerate any coffee, as long as it was warm.

[jewel-can-help]

Oldies are Goodies || Closed || Jewel and Jack

[jewel-can-help]

Jewel smiled as he said, “I’m glad you’re here too.”  Listening to Jewel he knew exactly what he meant.  It was a little hard dealing with so many young people.  “No, I love it here.  There’s so many things going on and even with the circumstances so many of the patients are so happy here.  It’s an amazing thing to see and it makes me love Thornewood more than any other facility I’ve gone to.”

[jack-burrell-blog]

Jack sat down across from Jewel, taking a moment to savor a fresh cup of coffee. He wasn’t particular about his coffee- as long as it was there, he was fine. Some people turned up their noses at instant coffee, but he didn’t mind in the least.

“Have you been many other places?” he asked. He’d only ever worked at the VA once he’d been licensed as a psychiatrist. He’d enjoyed the work for so long that he hadn’t considered leaving until a couple months before he quit.

[jack-burrell-blog]

Getting to Know You|| Jack and Oakley

[oakley-seeks-perfektion]

Oakley waited for the last question, nervous that he wasn’t answering these correctly.  Like there wasn’t anything he could do wrong but there was always a possibility of failure.  Pausing for a long time he said with uncertainty, “Yes, but I normally refiew eferyzing so zere aren’t any mishtakes.”  There was no room for mistakes in his life.

[jack-burrell-blog]

Jack jotted down the last of the answers and a few additional notes. “Okay,” he said, once he finished. “Let’s talk about some of these answers a bit more. I want to emphasize that there were no right or wrong answers to the test. They measure your own thought process. And those thoughts aren’t right or wrong. They’re just how you think.” He tried to give him a reassuring smile.

“You’ve said that you want to excel at everything you do. How do you feel if you don’t do as well as you had hoped?

[jack-burrell-blog]

Getting to Know You|| Jack and Oakley

[oakley-seeks-perfektion]

Oakley let out a small sigh, knowing there wasn’t a way for him to fail this test but he felt like he was.  There should be no hesitation when taking a test.  “False,” he stated.  Normally satisfactory still meant he got the best in his class. No one ever surpassed him.  Pausing he bit his lip.  This was a tricky question and he didn’t really know how to answer.  He did excel at almost everything so he let his answer out, “True.”

[jack-burrell-blog]

Jack noted down the two answers. Although there was one more question left, it was evident from this brief meeting that Oakley was still really struggling with perfectionism. He seemed to feel that he had to not only excel at everything he did, he had to be perfect at it. “Okay, last one. When I look at my work, I tend to notice the mistakes I’ve made rather than the work as a whole. Agree or disagree?”

[jewel-can-help]

Oldies are Goodies || Closed || Jewel and Jack

[jewel-can-help]

Jewel nodded in agreement, happy that Jack felt the safe way towards the old building.  “Yes, I felt lost when I didn’t have work to go to.  I knew there were still some people I could help in the world and I couldn’t just be sitting around.  I was ecstatic when I saw that Thornewood needed another therapist.”

[jack-burrell-blog]

“I’m glad you’re here,” Jack replied. “It’s nice to know that not everyone here is half my age.” Jack looked around for the coffee pot, and crossed the room to refill it. As much as he wanted to talk to Jewel, he knew he needed another cup. He stood and poured it into his cup while he talked. “So, you like it here?” he asked, although he knew he’d get a yes.

[jewel-can-help]

Oldies are Goodies || Closed || Jewel and Jack

[jewel-can-help]

Jewel smiled as he explained, “Well, I worked at John George’s Psychiatrist Hospital.  It was a very nice facility but it didn’t have the beauty that Thornewood has.”  There were some days where he missed that place but he wasn’t too heart broken about it.  “I then retired after that but when I moved to Washington Thornewood pulled me right back into the field.

[jack-burrell-blog]

“Thornewood is magnificent,” Jack agreed. There was something about the dark wood and old furniture that was a bit unsettling, but beautiful nonetheless. It was the grounds that brought the place to life. “It’s hard to give up working.” he commented. “I wouldn’t know what to do with myself.”

[jack-burrell-blog]

Getting to Know You|| Jack and Elizabeth

[ispeakwiththedead-deactivated20]

She blushed for a bit, realizing that she had been out of it for quite some time. She looked to her hands and had started to pick at her nail polish, a strand of hair fell into her face. She looked up, putting the lock of dark hair behind her ear, “Nothing special really. I like classical, but I can’t pull out a favorite composer or artist…I sometimes write my own music, but…It’s alright I guess.”

She pushed up her glasses, laughing a bit nervously, “I’m a better drawer than pianist, in all honesty.” 

[jack-burrell-blog]

“Writing your own music? That’s quite impressive,” he said in response. He had nothing but awe for people who could create new melodies and bring them to life on an instrument.

“You draw too?” He said. “You seem to be quite talented.” He tried to give her a reassuring smile. She seemed quite shy. It was probably going to be difficult to draw anything out of her. That would take time. “So, let’s talk about why you’re here. Would you like to tell me your thoughts?”

[jack-burrell-blog]

Getting to Know You|| Jack and Oakley

[oakley-seeks-perfektion]

“Uh, …” Oakley paused, really thinking this one through.  There were times when this was true, but mainly after he got the grade back and it was under 100%.  “False,” he stated.  He knew that when he worked hard enough his work was better than good enough.  If he put in his all and a little bit more it was perfect.

[jack-burrell-blog]

Jack noted Oakley’s answer, as well as his hesitation. That was good. It meant he was thinking about it. Which also meant he was being cooperative. From the notes, Jack hadn’t expected many problems from Oakley. He seemed to be a nice kid.  “If my work is deemed ‘satisfactory,’ it will mean I failed. Agree or disagree?” Once he’d heard the answer to that, he moved on to the next question. “I have to excel at everything I do.”

[esmeralda-anderson-deactivated2]

Home Cooking II Housewarming Event Starter

[esmeralda-anderson-deactivated2]

“Exactly.” Esmeralda laughed trying desperately to move on. She wasn’t going to lie to him, and so this awkward road bump was the best of two places to go with that. He asked her where she had been before, and she had no idea how to respond. She should have anticipated that he would ask her that question back. She assumed she would have been able to keep the conversation on him. 

The young woman nodded before swirling her drink slowly and nodding. He was interesting, and she wondered how many of the staff members she had failed to ask the same question about. Jack had so much to say about something that she was worlds apart from. She had never worked with a soldier before, and he had probably worked with hundreds of them. That was a sad thought. 

“Well, I’m glad that I’m not the only one.” She tossed her head back and laughed. “Well, I’m glad to have you here. It’s nice to have two more experienced staff members here. I bet you have so much knowledge and wisdom that I have yet to gather.” She laughed softly before shuffling her feet. “Would you like some food?”  

[jack-burrell-blog]

Jack noticed she didn’t answer his question, but decided to simply move on from it. Perhaps she wasn’t comfortable with it, but far more likely her thoughts had just been diverted. Either way, it would be best to move on. If she’d been trying to avoid it, bringing it up again would likely embarrass her. As would drawing attention to the lack of response. In any event it didn’t matter. It was just a little detail.

“Thank you,” he said in response. “I’m looking forward to working with you. You sound like you’re quite accomplished at a young age and have a lot to offer.”  A the mention of food, he nodded. “Sure, sounds wonderful.” He was starting to feel a bit hungry. He followed her towards the food, craning to neck to see what was piled high on the tables. Once he got  something, he’d leave her to go talk to everyone else. As the hostess, it was her job to talk to everyone after all. He’d just find someone else to meet.