Love

Marley’s Ghost

by Bill Brenner August 1, 2010 Gratitude

I’ve written a lot in this blog about Sean Marley, my friend and brother, who took his life in 1996. It’s been unavoidable. He left a huge mark on my life in ways dark and wonderful. Yesterday was all about the latter. Mood music: “Hollywood” by The Runaways: [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWSoOnSfk_8&hl=en_US&fs=1] With Erin working and the kids camping with their grandparents, I found myself in the rare situation where I had a lot of time on my…  [Read More]

Learning to Fight Well

by Bill Brenner July 25, 2010 Communication Skills

In every marriage there are arguments. They can be good for you, but only if you learn to do it with skill. I’m working on it, but I’m not there yet. Mood music for this post: “Hysteria” by Def Leppard: [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SluRyO4EA4&hl=en_US&fs=1] I’ve always steered clear of this topic because nobody likes to talk about arguments with a husband or wife. But there’s a lesson to be learned, so in I go. And since I’m one…  [Read More]

One Happy Head Case

by Bill Brenner July 14, 2010 Gratitude

The author on how to be happy despite yourself. Or, at least, how he attempts it. Mood music for this post: “In My Life” by Ozzy (covering The Beatles): [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByB7Id67v3c&hl=en_US&fs=1] When anyone writes about their journey from addiction and mental illness to recovery, it’s easy to focus on the darker things. But the truth is, I’m a pretty happy head case. I may be financially strapped and tired, but my head is in a better…  [Read More]

Real Men (and Women) Ask for Help

by Bill Brenner July 3, 2010 Communication Skills

The author learns that sometimes he has to put his pride aside to do the right thing. Mood music for this post: “Ride On” by AC/DC: [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZo12LIWqYw&hl=en_US&fs=1] One of the more unfortunate byproducts of my OCD is that I don’t like to ask for help when I need it. This flaw has taken me to the brink of a nervous breakdown many times. When you struggle with addiction and mental disorder, you cling hard to…  [Read More]

The Love Story Continues (Happy Birthday, Erin)

by Bill Brenner June 30, 2010 Love

Today is my wife’s 39th birthday. Without her, I would be nowhere. My recovery from mental illness and addiction was only possible because of her. So in honor of this day, I’ve dug up THE POST on the two of us: Mood music for this post: “An Easterly View” by Bear McCreary, because nothing says love like a sweeping piece of music from Battlestar Gallactica: [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmvNJiylUa0&hl=en_US&fs=1&] The Freak and the Redhead: A Love Story I wasn’t looking…  [Read More]

Turning the Tables on Those Who Whine

by Bill Brenner June 26, 2010 Depression

The author has a low tolerance for those who bitch. But he’s about to do it anyway. Mood music for this post: “Thorn in My Pride” by The Black Crows: [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5d-xq6q72cA&hl=en_US&fs=1&] This post is about whining and hypocrisy. For much of my adult life, I’ve had a low tolerance for people who whine about every little thing. I say adult life, because as a teenager all I did was whine. Facebook has become a favorite…  [Read More]

Addicted to Relationships: A Cautionary Tale

by Bill Brenner June 22, 2010 Addiction

The author on relationship dependency and the damage done. Mood music: Calling relationships an addiction may sound ridiculous on the surface. We need relationships. This post is about people who need to have a mate for their lives to have meaning. They’re so desperate to be part of a union that they get intense about it very quickly, squeeze too tight and become a dysfunctional mess when the inevitable implosion happens. Oh, yes. I’ve been…  [Read More]

Notes on Being a Dad, a Son and Grandson

by Bill Brenner June 19, 2010 Children's issues

The author shares some writings on his father, grandfather and kids for Father’s Day. Mood music for this post: “Holiday in the Sun” by the Sex Pistols. Has nothing to do with the topic, but tomorrow is Father’s Day and I felt like hearing some Sex Pistols. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWF9MMxnekQ&hl=en_US&fs=1&] Since it’s Father’s Day weekend, I thought the appropriate thing to post would be these items on my father, grandfather and my children… Snowpocalypse and the Fear…  [Read More]

Just a Little Patience

by Bill Brenner May 26, 2010 Addiction

I recently stumbled upon this live version of GnR’s “Patience” and wanted to post it here because it’s always been an inspirational song to me. Being an OCD-wired control freak with a knack for impatience and  endless attempts at recovery before I finally pulled it off, patience was a virtue I simply did not possess. It would be a stretch to say I’ve mastered it at this point in my life, but I at least…  [Read More]

Home Sweet Home

by Bill Brenner May 21, 2010 Family

The author on returning home. Mood music for this post: “Home Sweet Home” by the Motley Crue: [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BrYmsU0ZknA&hl=en_US&fs=1&] There have been a lot of times in my life where I looked forward to coming home only to be sorry I was back minutes after getting there. When I used to spend six-week stints in Children’s Hospital for the Crohn’s Disease, I would always think about home. I would think of the day I’d be released…  [Read More]

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