Hell?
Saturday, August 31, 2013
Friday, August 30, 2013
Mary Worth 1,665
On her way from the mailbox, Mary stops to punch in for another day of forced exercise and therapy at the Pax Wellness "Resort and Spa."
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Mary Worth 1,663
I've always been confused by the phrase "last Monday." Does she mean the Monday that occurred two days ago, or the Monday that occurred nine days ago? Either way, she's been at the Pax Wellness Resort and Spa far too long.
Which reminds me, I entirely forgot to celebrate Maude Findlay's totally AWESOME post last Friday. And I don't know what I mean by "last Friday."
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Mary Worth 1,662
If you need support, Shannon, maybe you should join a support group. That is if you can restrain yourself from judging and insulting everybody.
Monday, August 26, 2013
Mary Worth 1,661
This indeed is an injustice! Fortunately, you have all kinds of malpractice insurance, so you should be fine. What's that? You mean to say that you aren't legally authorized to lead a therapy group? Oh... Isn't the Beauty of Nature Restorative??
My son wanted me to share this video he worked on all month. I was actually kind of jealous what Kids These Days can accomplish.
Sunday, August 25, 2013
Mary Worth 1,660
I've stopped trying to reconcile Mary Worth with reality. Fitting this stip into the world as I know it is like fitting a salmon square into a round hole. And that's the beauty of it. I suppose it is why I love Mary Worth.
So, cry your tears, Shannon. Aggi is out for revenge and your manager has no idea if you are a good employee or a bad employee. If only someone had seen that you only offered your opinion to be of help. Perhaps they could come to your defense.
Saturday, August 24, 2013
Mary Worth 1,659
Follow that seagull. He will lead to the water you seek.
This is the part where I embarrass my oldest child by mentioning her in my Mary Worth blog. But tomorrow she leaves for Brigham Young University in Utah, which is only about a million miles away. I'm handling it all pretty well, but I do have my moments where I close my office door and quietly sob. She's going to have an amazing experience and I'm super proud of her. But I think its about time I learn to use the Internets. I hear that it helps people stay in touch, although it can also be a scam.
Here's a picture we took in 2001 at Indian Echo Caverns in Pennsylvania. On Monday, we were back there with friends and took another picture in the same spot.
Friday, August 23, 2013
Mary Worth 1,658
Oh, congratulations to Mary on her proper use of the oft abused phrase "deep-seated."
Also, I thought it might be fun to watch this video:
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Mary Worth 1,656
Oh, Shannon, such a professional. Your clinical therapy license, which by law you are required to have to conduct group therapy, is certainly proving useful in this difficult situation. Fortunately, you have witnesses who will back you up. "Aggi misunderstood! Shannon was only offering a suggestion! She was only trying to help."
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Mary Worth 1,655
Well, I'd say that this Sharing Circle was a disaster. But not as big a disaster as a certain wedding reception I recall:
Monday, August 19, 2013
Mary Worth 1,654
Huh. It looks like years of stretching and yoga have not prepared Shannon for the emotional fallout that comes with leading an illegal therapy group without a license.
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Mary Worth 1,653
So, this is going well. The Sharing Circle has turned into a competitive pity party. Listening to strangers whine about raising their families and being gainfully employed is far better than going home to families and gainful employment. Best vacation ever. Why would anyone ever want to leave?
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Mary Worth 1,652
Maybe this is why everyone at Pax is having such a good time: No one has ever been on a vacation before and thinks this is what it is supposed to be like.
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Mary Worth 1,651
We have been reading Mary Worth's mind for two week's straight, and today she shuts us off? Today is the first day I've actually wanted to know what she's thinking, and I'm guessing it has something to do with not approving of people who are bored.
Monday, August 12, 2013
Mary Worth 1,650
Karen Moy, Man Lesson: Men do not go to women's prisons or spas. They do not sign up for "Sharing Circles." And for the love of hunting bear with a Bowie knife, they do NOT -- they ESPECIALLY do NOT -- volunteer to share first!
Sunday, August 11, 2013
Mary Worth 1,649
Well, the Pax Women's Prison is getting it's group therapy session going. While they get started, let's look at some pictures I found of spas. I've always wondered what a spa looked like.
Oh, wait, the last one is from a women's prison.
Saturday, August 10, 2013
Mary Worth 1,648
I tell ya, based on the uniforms, recreational programs, and the interior design, Pax is a women's prison. And for Betty "The Butcher" Bluehair, it's about to become a living nightmare.
Friday, August 9, 2013
Mary Worth 1,647
When I first read today's strip, I enjoyed the peaceful satisfaction I always feel when Joe Giella throws continuity out the window, as if to say, "I'm 85 years old (true)... I can draw it any way I darn well please." But then I asked myself, "Is that a bulletin board, or is it a large touch screen monitor?" Either way, I'm impressed.
Thursday, August 8, 2013
Mary Worth 1,646
The most flexible thing at Pax Rehab Center is the how the patients are able to enlarge or shrink their entire bodies.
And when I accuse Pax of being a rehab center, a very expensive rehab center, I'm not making a joke, as this bio and this article point out.
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Mary Worth 1,645
You know how a tune can get stuck in your head? Gosh, I hope I have the Sound of Music playing in my head all day. Otherwise, I may have this image burned in my brain, which I do not prefer.
Apparently, by "stream," Mary is referring to the bottles of Agua that line the trail so you don't have to carry any water with you.
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Mary Worth 1,644
Wonderful. Another hike. Two in one day. The possibilities are endless. Literally.
A big welcome to all of our new citizens! We have officially passed the 200 mark. Thanks everyone for your support of Mary Worth & Me!
Monday, August 5, 2013
Mary Worth 1,643
This is not the first time that the genius of Mary Worth made me want to drive a nail into my skull. But if I ever did that, my head wouldn't be able to float.
I would like to extend a special invitation to all of those who have not yet signed up to become a Citizen of Santa Royale. We've been hovering around population 190 for a couple of years, and I'd love to see if we can break 200. And now is the perfect time because Mary Worth has been out of town for a few weeks, and our standards have dropped considerably. So click here to become a citizen. It's free, it's fun, and it's the proper thing to do. (Also, I don't send out junk mail or anything like that. This is just to build community.)
Friday, August 2, 2013
Mary Worth 1,642
A Play
By Anton Chekhov
(translation from original Russian by Karen Moy)
Setting: The Pax Wellness Resort and Spa is located in the desert, where the infirm come for the restorative qualities of the dry air and the pure agua.
JUNE, a pretty young widow, sits quietly weeping at her table. MARY, a matriarch, approaches her.
MARY: Hello, could you use some company?
JUNE: Yes... I could.
MARY: The beauty of the area seems to bring out deep EMOTIONS in everyone. What brings you to Pax Wellness Resort, June?
JUNE: I lost my husband seven months ago. And I hoped I could heal here.
MARY: I'm sorry for your loss. If you're looking for healing, this place does seem restorative. I just arrived this morning, and already I feel better!
JUNE: I've been here for two days so far. This place IS beautiful. But I find it difficult to be present. Grief is hard to shake.
MARY: (taking her hand) Give yourself time. It is an individual process and cannot be rushed.
JUNE: It's been months since I lost Charlie, and I STILL haven't been able to touch any of his things! Why haven't I been able to move forward in my life? It's like I'm stuck.
MARY: June, just the fact that you're HERE shows that you want to heal and move forward... a good sign! I'm going to take a walk after lunch. Would you like to join me?
JUNE: I'd like that, Mary.
MARY: Come then... Let us enjoy the BEAUTY this place has to offer! (They walk in the desert)
MARY: It's been said... Tears are the silent language of grief. (Sotto voce:) And for some things there are no words. (Seagulls circle over the desert sands, looking for water.)
Mary: William Wordsworth once said, "Come forth into the light of things. Let nature be your teacher." I've always believed we can learn from all people... AND all things.
JUNE: Charlie's things are untouched in the closet... and in drawers! Why can't I move forward?... Why can't I bring myself to touch any of his things?
MARY: June, your being here at Pax Wellness Resort shows that you ARE moving forward... and that you WANT to move past your grief. There's something restorative about being around the beauty of nature. I remember when I became a widow... it seems like only yesterday. Jack was my best friend. I understand your loss.
JUNE: I joined the club no one wants to belong to... and I'm sorry for YOUR loss, but it does help me feel not so alone. Thank you. Were you and Jack married long?
MARY: Not long enough. We met when we were in school... When the possibilities for the future seemed endless.
JUNE: I fell in love with Charlie when we were young, too. Losing him feels like losing my own youth.
MARY: I know what you mean, June. When I look back on my college days... I see Jack.
JUNE: You said you were able to move on after you lost him. How did you do it, Mary?... What's the secret to MY moving on after Charlie? (she weeps)
MARY: I took some much needed time to mourn. It's different for everyone... but take the time.
JUNE: That's why I'm here.
MARY: Take what you can from your experiences here. The atmosphere is beneficial.
JUNE: There is something healing about being around the BEAUTY OF NATURE.
MARY: I view Jack's passing as a lesson... as everything is in life. What can I learn from it?
JUNE: What DID you learn from it?
MARY: I want to be remembered well after I'm gone, as Jack is. I do my best to make it so.
JUNE: I can only try, and hopefully... it's enough.
MARY: I kept busy after Jack died. I realized I was needed in a different capacity.
JUNE: Sometimes it's hard to look beyond myself.
MARY: You're mourning. That's understandable.
JUNE: Maybe after my stay at this resort... I'll feel well enough to do my best work.
MARY: Hallmark once said, "Although it's difficult today, to see beyond the sorrow, may looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow." I can sympathize with you... because I've been there. I UNDERSTAND. I lost Jack a long time ago... but I never really lost him. I try to remember the LOVE we shared... and it HELPS me. After a period of mourning, I felt guilty for moving on. But Jack would want me to live my best life while I can. I know I'll see him again someday. As a widow I know the pain of losing a partner. It helps me be EMPATHETIC toward others.
JUNE (grinning): Like me.
MARY: Like you... who are going through something similar.
JUNE: I get the feeling you help many.
MARY: People tell me I help them through my counsel and friendship.
JUNE: Which you are able to do because you've been in their shoes.
MARY: Who knows the purpose of painful experience? I only know it's helped me HELP OTHERS with their pain.
JUNE: Mary, I'll take what you say to heart... and I'll try to move forward in my life.
MARY: I believe you can and you will, June. Being surrounded by the desert reminds me that LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL. Like anything, to see requires stopping the chaos... outside AND inside yourself.
JUNE: I understand what you mean. I have a class to attend, Mary. Thanks for giving me a shoulder to cry on... and encouragement after Charlie's gone.
MARY: My pleasure, June. Take care of yourself...
[JOAN exits.]
