Mrs Rainbow Zebra's diagnoses (in order of diagnosis): TMJ (teens), MI: (since 14) depression, panic/anxiety disorder, PTSD Age 25: myalgic enchephalomyelitis (dx as CFS), age 26:Fibromyalgia, Iritis, IBS Age: 34: Complex Migraine Disease, Chronic Headaches, Age:40 Psoriatic Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Age:45 Lumbar Facet Disease, Age 48 Empty Sella Syndrome, Enlarged thyroid/nodules, ethmoid sinus disease, Scoliosis, benign spinal tumor, spinal stenosis, paresthesia, trigeminal neuralgia (yet to be dx),
She also discusses her mental illness:
My longest chronic would be my Depression and anxiety. My grandfather passed away when I was 14. That and a toxic home environment brought on depression, suicidal ideation and anxiety/panic attacks. I remember just sitting in the bathroom in HS, sobbing silently. I never told anyone how bad I was feeling. I didn't get professional help until I was 22, after marriage.
So I know you’re a Star Wars superfan.
Tell me about your connection to Star Wars.
Star Wars superfan LOL yes, since I was 7, when Star Wars: Ep IV A New Hope originally was released. I saw it at a birthday party, with my trading cards and a ringpop. I remember Darth Vader and the opening scenes with Vader and Princess Leia. I was hooked.
I've met Young Anakin (Jake Lloyd--who has schizophrenia as an adult), Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca/...Peter has had multiple surgeries because of his height and had to learn to walk again), Kenny Baker (R2D2), and Jeremy J Bulloch (BobaFett). Mark Hamill (Luke) has liked several tweets on Twitter lol.
Our cat Saber is named for lightsabers. I have Han & Chewie shoes. Still have all my original Star Wars stuff, comic books, figures. And you know I just got Chewie from Build a Bear :D
Who usually watches with you?
For the films already out [and] on TV, sometimes I will watch with my husband and kids (24&17), but I will watch them by myself. Empire Strikes Back (ep V) is my favorite. It's my comfort movie. When we go to the movies--as we will for Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker, it will be with my husband and kids. Waiting for a release date. My daughter will come down for the holidays, so we will wait to see it with her. My son gets invited with friends for VIP night, so he will see it before us. It's SO HARD to avoid spoilers but we do it lol.
How has Star Wars helped you cope with your chronic illness?
I'll be honest, I never really connected my illnesses with Star Wars until your questions. On a basic answer, I get so immersed in the films, they are a great distraction. They are familiar and comforting, at least some of the films are. I've only seen Revenge of the Sith (ep III) once.
Do you watch Star Wars movies on May the 4th?
Things get chaotic around here (my son has chronic illnesses as well) so sometimes May 4th catches us unprepared. BUT this year we are going to at least watch one film (I know my son is going to make me watch Sith lol) and if there's enough time/spoons, prepare some snacks from some of our Star Wars cookbooks.
Who is your all time favorite character in the Star Wars franchise? (no cheating, only one)
Why?
You have to make me answer with one. UGH MELANIE. [I'm such a creep] lol. Han Solo. Hands down. I still have my posters of him from childhood. I will never forgive Kylo for killing him. I sobbed like a baby for the rest of Force Awakens, until the credits ended.
Two words: Harrison Ford. Plus what's not to love? A pirate with a heart of gold, scoundrel, charmer, excuse me I have to go fan myself LOL.
Do you have 5 favorite characters?
Five Favorite Characters--SO much easier:
ASIDE FROM HAN--Chewbacca (I met Peter Mayhew!), Princess Leia, Darth Vader (I love villains), Luke Skywalker, and Yoda. Classic Star Wars all the way.
What is your all time favorite movie in the Star Wars franchise? (no cheating, only one) Why?
Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back. It has EVERYTHING. Good vs Evil, stunning reveals (Luke I am your Father), Yoda, the sexual romantic tension between Han & Leia, humor (laugh it up fuzzball), cliffhanger, classic lines (I love you, I know). The MUSIC....Imperial March is my FAVORITE piece and it makes me happy when I hear it even though it's for the villains LOL.
What is the best way to watch the franchise? (order the movies. Feel free to leave out (unnecessary movies))
I think first, the original trilogy
A New Hope, Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi
Then the prequels:
Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones, Revenge of the Sith
Rogue One
Original trilogy again
Solo
Force Awakens
The Last Jedi
I list the original trilogy twice and here's why. So many ppl dumped on Phantom Menace, but if you compare it to A New Hope, it has the same cheesiness. For ppl who are younger, who grew up watching the films on DVD/TV, the originals aren't new to them. Since I watched the films in release order, I totally loved (and still do) Phantom menace. There was such a gap in when the prequels were release. And i see that with these last three. If you didn't grow up with the films, I think it's easy to pick them apart instead of seeing the same flavour in them.
Is there one character that is the most relatable to you with your chronic illnesses?
Most relatable....Yoda. he's little, old, walks with a cane. So everyone really dismisses him until THE FORCE. He may not be as able to kick ass with a lightsaber, but he has the skills--even if he doesn't use them. He's STILL one of the most powerful characters.
She also discusses her mental illness:
My longest chronic would be my Depression and anxiety. My grandfather passed away when I was 14. That and a toxic home environment brought on depression, suicidal ideation and anxiety/panic attacks. I remember just sitting in the bathroom in HS, sobbing silently. I never told anyone how bad I was feeling. I didn't get professional help until I was 22, after marriage.
So I know you’re a Star Wars superfan.
Tell me about your connection to Star Wars.
Star Wars superfan LOL yes, since I was 7, when Star Wars: Ep IV A New Hope originally was released. I saw it at a birthday party, with my trading cards and a ringpop. I remember Darth Vader and the opening scenes with Vader and Princess Leia. I was hooked.
I've met Young Anakin (Jake Lloyd--who has schizophrenia as an adult), Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca/...Peter has had multiple surgeries because of his height and had to learn to walk again), Kenny Baker (R2D2), and Jeremy J Bulloch (BobaFett). Mark Hamill (Luke) has liked several tweets on Twitter lol.
Our cat Saber is named for lightsabers. I have Han & Chewie shoes. Still have all my original Star Wars stuff, comic books, figures. And you know I just got Chewie from Build a Bear :D
Who usually watches with you?
For the films already out [and] on TV, sometimes I will watch with my husband and kids (24&17), but I will watch them by myself. Empire Strikes Back (ep V) is my favorite. It's my comfort movie. When we go to the movies--as we will for Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker, it will be with my husband and kids. Waiting for a release date. My daughter will come down for the holidays, so we will wait to see it with her. My son gets invited with friends for VIP night, so he will see it before us. It's SO HARD to avoid spoilers but we do it lol.
How has Star Wars helped you cope with your chronic illness?
I'll be honest, I never really connected my illnesses with Star Wars until your questions. On a basic answer, I get so immersed in the films, they are a great distraction. They are familiar and comforting, at least some of the films are. I've only seen Revenge of the Sith (ep III) once.
Do you watch Star Wars movies on May the 4th?
Things get chaotic around here (my son has chronic illnesses as well) so sometimes May 4th catches us unprepared. BUT this year we are going to at least watch one film (I know my son is going to make me watch Sith lol) and if there's enough time/spoons, prepare some snacks from some of our Star Wars cookbooks.
Who is your all time favorite character in the Star Wars franchise? (no cheating, only one)
Why?
You have to make me answer with one. UGH MELANIE. [I'm such a creep] lol. Han Solo. Hands down. I still have my posters of him from childhood. I will never forgive Kylo for killing him. I sobbed like a baby for the rest of Force Awakens, until the credits ended.
Two words: Harrison Ford. Plus what's not to love? A pirate with a heart of gold, scoundrel, charmer, excuse me I have to go fan myself LOL.
Do you have 5 favorite characters?
Five Favorite Characters--SO much easier:
ASIDE FROM HAN--Chewbacca (I met Peter Mayhew!), Princess Leia, Darth Vader (I love villains), Luke Skywalker, and Yoda. Classic Star Wars all the way.
What is your all time favorite movie in the Star Wars franchise? (no cheating, only one) Why?
Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back. It has EVERYTHING. Good vs Evil, stunning reveals (Luke I am your Father), Yoda, the sexual romantic tension between Han & Leia, humor (laugh it up fuzzball), cliffhanger, classic lines (I love you, I know). The MUSIC....Imperial March is my FAVORITE piece and it makes me happy when I hear it even though it's for the villains LOL.
What is the best way to watch the franchise? (order the movies. Feel free to leave out (unnecessary movies))
I think first, the original trilogy
A New Hope, Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi
Then the prequels:
Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones, Revenge of the Sith
Rogue One
Original trilogy again
Solo
Force Awakens
The Last Jedi
I list the original trilogy twice and here's why. So many ppl dumped on Phantom Menace, but if you compare it to A New Hope, it has the same cheesiness. For ppl who are younger, who grew up watching the films on DVD/TV, the originals aren't new to them. Since I watched the films in release order, I totally loved (and still do) Phantom menace. There was such a gap in when the prequels were release. And i see that with these last three. If you didn't grow up with the films, I think it's easy to pick them apart instead of seeing the same flavour in them.
Is there one character that is the most relatable to you with your chronic illnesses?
Most relatable....Yoda. he's little, old, walks with a cane. So everyone really dismisses him until THE FORCE. He may not be as able to kick ass with a lightsaber, but he has the skills--even if he doesn't use them. He's STILL one of the most powerful characters.
Is there a character that you hate and you relate that to chronic illness?
Most Hated...Kylo Ren. He killed Han Solo. He killed his dad! Ok so maybe I identify with daddy issues. That's more of my mental health issues at play here.
Name on character that would be awesome if it were portrayed as a person with a disability or chronic illness.
One character who would STILL be awesome is Princess Leia. She is badass. And since we see older Leia, not as spry but still feisty as hell--AND we see her use The Force for the first time as she's older (Last Jedi). Plus Carrie Fisher, who plays Princess Leia, was very vocal about her mental illness. She even had a therapy dog. NOTHING would stop Princess Leia.
There are depictions of "disabilities" in the Star Wars franchise. Darth Vader needs his suit to live. Luke loses a hand and it's replaced by a prosthetic. Chirrut Imwe in Rogue One is blind (and he's FREAKING BADASS too). C3PO walks like I do (very stiff). General Grievous has asthma and needs prosthetic legs to get around. Darth Maul got cut in half and got a lower body fix. Maz Kanata needs super thick glasses to see. But everyone is much more accepting in the Star Wars universe, of differenes.
Give me one (or an additional) Star Wars unpopular opinion.(I say another because several previous opinions may be unpopular)
Unpopular Opinions: Phantom Menace is a good film. Rose and Rey are awesome. I love that Finn is black (sadly the SW universe is lacking in Black characters and diversity in general). I totally stan for the relationship between Lando and L3-37 (a droid) and which Lando is supposed to be bi/pansexual you really don't see it--UNTIL he loses L3. I do believe--in the Star Wars Universe--it's possible to have a human/droid relationship. Also I loved Solo (even without Harrison Ford)
Have you seen Spaceballs?
Spaceballs, oh lordy. I saw it on tv growing up. It's just not the same when you're 49. But I made Hub and son suffer with me (LOLOLOL don't block me Melanie). [Oh! She's blocked] Sadly it was an edited version so I think some of the humor was greatly missed.
Who’s your favorite character?
Dark Helmet. I LOVE Rick Moranis. And I said I had a thing for villains!!
What’s your favorite line?
They went Plaid!
Use the Schwartz
I'm a mog...I'm my own best friend
If you could be in a universe, Star Wars or Space Balls?
If I could be in a universe, it would be Star Wars. Sorry Melanie ;)
[Thanks so much! I enjoyed reading your terrible opinions]
Most Hated...Kylo Ren. He killed Han Solo. He killed his dad! Ok so maybe I identify with daddy issues. That's more of my mental health issues at play here.
Name on character that would be awesome if it were portrayed as a person with a disability or chronic illness.
One character who would STILL be awesome is Princess Leia. She is badass. And since we see older Leia, not as spry but still feisty as hell--AND we see her use The Force for the first time as she's older (Last Jedi). Plus Carrie Fisher, who plays Princess Leia, was very vocal about her mental illness. She even had a therapy dog. NOTHING would stop Princess Leia.
There are depictions of "disabilities" in the Star Wars franchise. Darth Vader needs his suit to live. Luke loses a hand and it's replaced by a prosthetic. Chirrut Imwe in Rogue One is blind (and he's FREAKING BADASS too). C3PO walks like I do (very stiff). General Grievous has asthma and needs prosthetic legs to get around. Darth Maul got cut in half and got a lower body fix. Maz Kanata needs super thick glasses to see. But everyone is much more accepting in the Star Wars universe, of differenes.
Give me one (or an additional) Star Wars unpopular opinion.(I say another because several previous opinions may be unpopular)
Unpopular Opinions: Phantom Menace is a good film. Rose and Rey are awesome. I love that Finn is black (sadly the SW universe is lacking in Black characters and diversity in general). I totally stan for the relationship between Lando and L3-37 (a droid) and which Lando is supposed to be bi/pansexual you really don't see it--UNTIL he loses L3. I do believe--in the Star Wars Universe--it's possible to have a human/droid relationship. Also I loved Solo (even without Harrison Ford)
Have you seen Spaceballs?
Spaceballs, oh lordy. I saw it on tv growing up. It's just not the same when you're 49. But I made Hub and son suffer with me (LOLOLOL don't block me Melanie). [Oh! She's blocked] Sadly it was an edited version so I think some of the humor was greatly missed.
Who’s your favorite character?
Dark Helmet. I LOVE Rick Moranis. And I said I had a thing for villains!!
What’s your favorite line?
They went Plaid!
Use the Schwartz
I'm a mog...I'm my own best friend
If you could be in a universe, Star Wars or Space Balls?
If I could be in a universe, it would be Star Wars. Sorry Melanie ;)
[Thanks so much! I enjoyed reading your terrible opinions]
