Men: They're not all bad.
It was suggested that I discuss my more positive experiences with the male gender, but I am admittedly struggling with the subject. It's not that I believe that all men are pigs... hardly. It's just I find it difficult to talk about the esteemed qualities of men I know without unintentionally juxtaposing them with the shitshow behaviour that seems so readily available to me. But left only exists in relation to right and up could not be without down... and so it goes.
There are fabulous men in my life and seeing as we just had our Thanksgiving, I'd like to share my thanks for these men, the nice guys:)
My brother: Obviously, I have much love for my brother. We were all somewhat worried about his path growing up, but he's found his place in this world and has grown so much as a person along the way. Despite the conflicts that we've had, he is a rock that I know will always be there. He is a self-respecting man that treats his lady, my best friend, very well. He indulges us when we go off on a womanly jabber sessions; listens to talk about periods, babies and hair products. He rolls his eyes and probably tunes us out, but he's tolerant and lets us unapologetically be girls.
My University Buddy: This Guitar Hero, pot smoker is the one of the few people with whom I can have a philosophical discussion and doesn't end in yelling... this may or may not be because we agree on most points concerning existence. He and I can discuss pretty much anything and even if we do disagree, we're able to try to understand the other person's logic first, rather than immediately defend our own positions. It really is an old school dialogue (think Socrates) and I've yet to find anyone able to carry on such a conversation without it either turning into a lecture or a fight. The mistakes that he has made, he admits freely to, and has made steps towards change, and I respect him for that.
The Dutch Brothers: Oh these two... The first one I met, the elder, makes an exceptional guy friend. He is so in love with his now wife that I have never gotten a weird ulterior motive vibe from him, ever. This puts me at ease. I don't have to wonder why he's paying me attention or feel guilty for hanging out with him without his lady. He is devoted to all his friends and I consider myself incredibly lucky to be counted among them.
His brother... in the shitstorm of disgusting male behaviour that I've encountered over recent months, this one has been a beacon... even if it's only in my head. He's got the 3 R's down as far as I can tell: respectful, refined and romantic. He feigns interest in the mundane details of my lunch and can carry on in depth discussions about education, art and life in general over facebook chat... And although he's a million miles away, I enjoy my semi-daily dose of JG.
Surrogate Dad: My main man out in Manitoba took interest in me because he had to but cares beyond the call of duty without obligation. He's the one of the first that I share good and bad news with and I can always count on him for honesty, compassion and wisdom. Without him I would not know what I do about myself or have the ability to keep learning and growing. He is a source of empowerment and his opinion I hold above many others.
Fishhook: Every woman needs at least one gay friend... Mine thinks every woman needs a gay son. This man indulges me where other won't. He encourages and sarcastically accepts my vanity, (sometimes offensive) outspokenness and depravity. I can be naughty and safe at the same time. It's sweet:)
These men help me forget about the boobs that I encounter daily. I wish there were more of them, but I know what they look like and will be keeping an eye.
Hey, I didn't do so badly in the juxtaposition department!
"Guyon's canal syndrome has several causes. Overuse of the wrist from heavy gripping, twisting, and repeated wrist and hand motions can cause symptoms. Working with the hand bent down and outward can squeeze the nerve inside Guyon's canal. 
Constant pressure on the palm of the hand can produce symptoms. This is common in cyclists and weight lifters from the pressure of gripping. It can also happen after running a jackhammer or when using crutches. 
