Ah, books. They are an obsession of mine. Books plus some good tea = a good time in my opinion. Since I'm housesitting, I've got lots of time to read, which is nice.
I'm reading new books now, a few of them actually. Here's what I've got next to my bed right now: Animals Make Us Human: Creating the Best Life for Animals, Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life and I'm yet to finish all the stories in I Hope They Serve Beer In Hell which is both ridiculously funny and ridiculously awful depending on which story you're reading.
It's not unusual for me to stop in the middle of one book and start up another one, especially if they're books heavy on one subject (like an opinion, biography or educational books). I just like to take a break (often with a novel) and get some variety so I can make my own thoughts on the book and its subject rather than be biased after only focusing on that one subject for so long. Odd, I know.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Sunday, June 14, 2009
46 Lessons of Life
stolen from Stephanie
1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone...
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first pay cheque.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion, today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come.
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Like driving, slow down, look both ways and yield a little. You do not always have to be first.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift
46. Do a good deed everyday. Open a door, remember to say "thank you", smile, let someone in your lane of traffic. You may not know what effect it will have on them but it will make you feel better about yourself.
Be well, friends
1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone...
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first pay cheque.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion, today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come.
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Like driving, slow down, look both ways and yield a little. You do not always have to be first.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift
46. Do a good deed everyday. Open a door, remember to say "thank you", smile, let someone in your lane of traffic. You may not know what effect it will have on them but it will make you feel better about yourself.
Be well, friends
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Bear's Been Adopted!
Look at that sad face... how could I resist? Not that I had much choice, no, Bear was being sent from GA to me in NJ. He was a shelter favorite, desperately out of time and I wasn't going to ignore the fact I was supposed to save him. If you don't know the story behind Bear, read it ... there are some times in life when "destiny" or "fate" seem to be the only terms that really embody them. Him coming to me was one of them, I'm sure.
Well, the news to report on Bear this time? He's adopted!! Until we realized how sick my dad was, it was not an uncommon thought that Bear would stay for good with my family. It was never really determined, but it was definitely brought up every so often. Then, with my dad's diagnosis though, I started to more actively seek out a forever home for Bear. Three big dogs would just be too much for my mom. Several families were interested, I just didn't really pursue them - no fenced in yard, really little kids, too far, etc. One family even came out and they seemed great ... but their young son had had a bad experience recently with a jumpy little dog and so he was so nervous around Bear. That's one thing, but my mind was pretty made up when the parents made no effort (once seeing how goofy and laid back Bear was) to make their son more comfortable with Bear as well and, if that wasn't bad enough, they let the son just wander all over my parents home chasing my cats. t felt hopeless to find a home good enough to make me want to give up the dog I rescued within a week of Cheyenne dying. However, after thinking Bear would stay and after the families that wanted him (but just didn't feel right to me), fate it seems walked back into the equation. Bear was adopted by family friends and went home with them just yesterday.
His new mom showed up before she had work Wednesday (yesterday), bringing my dad and her husband, who was down at the farm helping do some construction with my dad. She walked into the house and said, "Hey there, my dog." And took him got a quick walk around before she headed out for work. He's a big guy and definitely tries to use that to his advantage, but he really does listen well and the walk wasn't so bad - a relief since he's rarely on a leash because we just let him out in the fenced yard with the other dogs to go to the bathroom and play. She was really excited he was coming home with her husband later.
I've got to admit, it's a little harder to see Bear go. Usually my incentive is that I can only save one at a time ... so, I adopt out the one I've got, no matter how much I'm attached, in order to have the room to save another. But this time, my mom's saying no more: no more dogs, no more rescuing dogs. I can't argue. I'm at her place again thanks to losing my job a few months ago. Not being allowed to rescue another, kind of takes away my joy in it all, my relief to save another. Not to mention, with the loss of Cheyenne, I really thought Bear would hang around for good. The dynamics of just Kyleigh and Sadie is weird, I think. Sadie always curled up and played hard with Cheyenne and the rescue dogs. Just two dogs now ... we haven't had just two dogs since before Honey died..JPG)
Here's a photo of Bear at my parents' front door as I was leaving the day he was going to be going home with his new dad. If it weren't for that white chest, it'd be awful hard to see him. :) I'm gonna miss that goofy face greeting me when I come home ... but I can't imagine a better family for him. Honestly, that's the only reason I let him go. His new mom was already talking about walks with him in the morning until he was exhausted, a special bed with his name on it, brushing his teeth and dinners consisting of the extra flavorings of anything from beef to chicken to salmon. They want him and I can't imagine a better family for him ... and I can't imagine a better addition for their family either. Bear has been around my cats, so he should have no problem getting along with their two and he is so laid back that I don't think he'll be any problem greeting their older Lab boy, Jax ... and nothing compared to getting a puppy (house training them, obedience training, fixing them, the adjustment, not to mention how terrorized Jax would be with all that puppy exuberance).Maybe our friends have held off getting a puppy not only because they were afraid it would be an insult to Jax (like they were trying to replace him - as if!), but because Bear was out there looking for them ... it only took a dedicated volunteer to try to find someone to save him, a transport team and some months with me for everything to fall into place. And now, instead of a "replacement", they're getting Jax a friend. This is a very happy story and though his time with me is over, its a wonderful beginning for Bear somewhere else.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Fishy Situation...
I woke up this morning and over our amazing breakfast smoothies, the parents are telling me that while biking this AM they came across something very strange ... for about 2+ miles, they passed dead fish and crabs and it extended further down the beach than they even went. Little shiny fish, bigger fish, crabs, some jellyfish and even a blowfish! Terribly concerning, in my opinion. The fish had their mouths open as if they had gotten stranded there, but the crabs would have scurried away if it had been something that simple. My sister's boyfriend even considered not running this morning because the smell was so awful and the heat of the day has barely even begun.
We start flipping through the phone books trying to figure out who to call about this. My mom comes across some "non emergency" police(?) number and called. From hearing my mom's story, they let her know that they're going to get in contact with the head of beach management and to please call back in a little. Note: the photo to the right is a variety of some of the pretty things I found among the dead fish, jellyfish and trash washed up on the shore. So very pretty, but so very sad at the same time.
So, my mom let some time pass for them to get in touch with the proper people and then my mom called again. In the mean time, we notice a police car out on the beach. However, on the phone, beach management told my mom that "it's just something that happens sometime" and "it's from the storms last week."
My mom's response? I don't believe it.
Oh, and get this: they don't even clean it up! They just wait for the tide to take the fish back. Hooray for letting nature take them back and all, but I don't believe nature is what caused this beach catastrophe.
On another note, please keep Mugsy in mind. She's my Aunt Mar's crazy, but dearly loved Airedale who has been mysteriously sick since we've been away ... and, no, it has nothing to with them being gone. There is little that keeps that girl from eating, so what is wrong with her is a mystery.
Mugsy's been to the vet several times now - including an overnight emergency facility since this all started Sunday. There was nothing on her x-rays and nothing off with her blood work either. Her throat did swell and the belief was she swallowed something that cut up and caused some infection in her throat, but with some pain meds and antibiotics, she's still not right ... in fact, my Aunt Mar's husband headed back to the vet with Mugsy this morning.
Oh, and another note - Sims 3 came out today. People, let me know if it rocks enough to buy it and begin a new obsession lol
We start flipping through the phone books trying to figure out who to call about this. My mom comes across some "non emergency" police(?) number and called. From hearing my mom's story, they let her know that they're going to get in contact with the head of beach management and to please call back in a little. Note: the photo to the right is a variety of some of the pretty things I found among the dead fish, jellyfish and trash washed up on the shore. So very pretty, but so very sad at the same time.So, my mom let some time pass for them to get in touch with the proper people and then my mom called again. In the mean time, we notice a police car out on the beach. However, on the phone, beach management told my mom that "it's just something that happens sometime" and "it's from the storms last week."
My mom's response? I don't believe it.
Oh, and get this: they don't even clean it up! They just wait for the tide to take the fish back. Hooray for letting nature take them back and all, but I don't believe nature is what caused this beach catastrophe.
On another note, please keep Mugsy in mind. She's my Aunt Mar's crazy, but dearly loved Airedale who has been mysteriously sick since we've been away ... and, no, it has nothing to with them being gone. There is little that keeps that girl from eating, so what is wrong with her is a mystery.
Mugsy's been to the vet several times now - including an overnight emergency facility since this all started Sunday. There was nothing on her x-rays and nothing off with her blood work either. Her throat did swell and the belief was she swallowed something that cut up and caused some infection in her throat, but with some pain meds and antibiotics, she's still not right ... in fact, my Aunt Mar's husband headed back to the vet with Mugsy this morning.
Oh, and another note - Sims 3 came out today. People, let me know if it rocks enough to buy it and begin a new obsession lol
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
blogging since I've got time :)
I'm at Rachel's place apartment-sitting while she is in FL for work (mostly, she's adding some extra days for fun). She's got a nice, little place (though pretty much vacant of important things like food, heat it would seem and shampoo lol) and one cute cat. He's adorable!
While apartment-sitting, I've been busy reading some of Rachel's books. I'm chewing right through Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Man. I'll say now that I think EVERY lady should read it for, if no other reason, some added confidence - confidence in herself, confidence in a good relationship (if she's got one) and the confidence to leave a loser a lone if need be. However, reading it also is making me terribly frustrated with the crap I've put up with. Next up? He's Just Not That Into You ... which I'm, of course, not looking forward to for the same reasons I'm disliking Act Like A Lady: I don't like the reality I'm getting checked with :o/
I've read it, but I've also brought along Redemption so I can underline, star and take notations.
Oh, and my junk for the brain is Dogs and Goddesses. Ridiculously silly, but every so often I need my fix of romance crap. I read See Jane Score recently - a good one, I thought, but then again it could have just been my recent (and equally silly) hockey crush. Jen = silly girl!
Retweets of the day, loves:
- Oh god, Dawn, I have that too!!!!! @sheglahs I got the rain flu:( Symptoms: Want to eat all day, stay in comfy clothes and nap
- Like this ~ RT @emptycages "I'm over here!" Why We Tweet - Pattrice Jones/SuperWeed http://tinyurl.com/cmwewy
- RT @BFAS Hey DogTown fans, host a DogTown viewing party May 22 & get a chance to chat with Sherry & John. Details http://tinyurl.com/d2bmhh
- So sad ~ RT @sidewalkangels RT @petconnection this little guy just has a number - http://tiny.cc/Is7hK (you may need to refresh this site a couple times before it pops up - it was slow to load for me)
- RT @thenokillnation RT @kcdogblog Blogging 'Blaming the "irresponsible public"' http://tinyurl.com/cpq8cs
- !!! ~ RT @BlesstheBullys Please contact officials regarding pending Breed Specific Legislation & share the link: http://tinyurl.com/aws9ab
- Mid day = Important RTs ~ RT @sidewalkangels RT @care2 RT @C2NN: A dog's broken heart; emotionally shutdown http://tinyurl.com/caa4zp
- had to RT this ~ RT @homelessfrank half a sandwich should = a hand job, in my opinion
I plan on expanding some of these topics, of course, in future entries. Right now I'm busy looking up info and links of info about horse over-breeding and slaughtering, linked specifically with horse racing. Apartment-sitting is giving me lots of time to read sites and put together entries. I like it! :) Of course, I know my blogs aren't as opinion detailed as others. I like to present the info for people to decipher for themselves rather than present my own opinion. Maybe this is playing things safe, but I just like people to form their own thoughts too rather than rubbing certain groups the wrong way since there's always someone insulted when you speak opinions.
And, friends, I have a new obsession (if you haven't caught on yet): http://twitter.com/TheraHuni
Sign up to tweet along with me or keep track as much as you can on the site ... I'll be and have been) posting more often there than on here since it's so much shorter and easier. :)
While apartment-sitting, I've been busy reading some of Rachel's books. I'm chewing right through Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Man. I'll say now that I think EVERY lady should read it for, if no other reason, some added confidence - confidence in herself, confidence in a good relationship (if she's got one) and the confidence to leave a loser a lone if need be. However, reading it also is making me terribly frustrated with the crap I've put up with. Next up? He's Just Not That Into You ... which I'm, of course, not looking forward to for the same reasons I'm disliking Act Like A Lady: I don't like the reality I'm getting checked with :o/
I've read it, but I've also brought along Redemption so I can underline, star and take notations.
Oh, and my junk for the brain is Dogs and Goddesses. Ridiculously silly, but every so often I need my fix of romance crap. I read See Jane Score recently - a good one, I thought, but then again it could have just been my recent (and equally silly) hockey crush. Jen = silly girl!
Retweets of the day, loves:
- Oh god, Dawn, I have that too!!!!! @sheglahs I got the rain flu:( Symptoms: Want to eat all day, stay in comfy clothes and nap
- Like this ~ RT @emptycages "I'm over here!" Why We Tweet - Pattrice Jones/SuperWeed http://tinyurl.com/cmwewy
- RT @BFAS Hey DogTown fans, host a DogTown viewing party May 22 & get a chance to chat with Sherry & John. Details http://tinyurl.com/d2bmhh
- So sad ~ RT @sidewalkangels RT @petconnection this little guy just has a number - http://tiny.cc/Is7hK (you may need to refresh this site a couple times before it pops up - it was slow to load for me)
- RT @thenokillnation RT @kcdogblog Blogging 'Blaming the "irresponsible public"' http://tinyurl.com/cpq8cs
- !!! ~ RT @BlesstheBullys Please contact officials regarding pending Breed Specific Legislation & share the link: http://tinyurl.com/aws9ab
- Mid day = Important RTs ~ RT @sidewalkangels RT @care2 RT @C2NN: A dog's broken heart; emotionally shutdown http://tinyurl.com/caa4zp
- had to RT this ~ RT @homelessfrank half a sandwich should = a hand job, in my opinion
I plan on expanding some of these topics, of course, in future entries. Right now I'm busy looking up info and links of info about horse over-breeding and slaughtering, linked specifically with horse racing. Apartment-sitting is giving me lots of time to read sites and put together entries. I like it! :) Of course, I know my blogs aren't as opinion detailed as others. I like to present the info for people to decipher for themselves rather than present my own opinion. Maybe this is playing things safe, but I just like people to form their own thoughts too rather than rubbing certain groups the wrong way since there's always someone insulted when you speak opinions.
And, friends, I have a new obsession (if you haven't caught on yet): http://twitter.com/TheraHuni
Sign up to tweet along with me or keep track as much as you can on the site ... I'll be and have been) posting more often there than on here since it's so much shorter and easier. :)
Monday, May 4, 2009
Stupid Vick and stupid people
What crap! Thankfully, I hear this isn't happening, but check it out all the same: "Michael Vick in Talks to Become PETA Spokesman"
"The disgraced one-time NFL superstar serving prison time for funding an illegal dog-fighting ring is primed to do public-service ads for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals upon his release later this month. According to three people with knowledge of the matter, the proposed endorsement is part of a comprehensive PR scheme aimed at rehabilitating the quarterback's image and gaining him readmission to the league that banned him from playing."
"'The bottom line is: Everybody knows he's going to apologize, go on Oprah and Larry King and say he did wrong, that he learned his lesson. But there's no reason for anybody to take his word for that based on the pattern of dishonesty and the severity of cruelty he took part in.'"
"'I will want to meet with Michael, I will want to meet with his people, I will want to meet with other professionals to understand: Does he understand the mistakes he made and is he genuine and have remorse for those actions, and is he prepared to handle himself differently going forward? That will ultimately be my decision,' Mr. Goodell told the AP."
This comes not long after some not so great comments about PETA too. I'll focus on this one:"The Butcher of Norfolk"
Also check out:
http://www.petakillsanimals.com/petaKillsAnimals.cfm
http://www.petakillsanimals.com/article_detail.cfm?article=134
Here's a recent blog entry about the situation: http://www.petconnection.com/blog/2009/05/01/adage-sick-vick-looks-to-become-peta-spokesman/
On a lighter note, to keep the animals in mind (and disregard the people willing to easily forgive or turn a blind eye), here's a video. Although there have been a great deal of attention drawn to them via articles and videos, here is a recent one about some of the dogs given a second chance at life - "Vicktims: Michael Vick's Dogs"
"The disgraced one-time NFL superstar serving prison time for funding an illegal dog-fighting ring is primed to do public-service ads for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals upon his release later this month. According to three people with knowledge of the matter, the proposed endorsement is part of a comprehensive PR scheme aimed at rehabilitating the quarterback's image and gaining him readmission to the league that banned him from playing."
"'The bottom line is: Everybody knows he's going to apologize, go on Oprah and Larry King and say he did wrong, that he learned his lesson. But there's no reason for anybody to take his word for that based on the pattern of dishonesty and the severity of cruelty he took part in.'"
"'I will want to meet with Michael, I will want to meet with his people, I will want to meet with other professionals to understand: Does he understand the mistakes he made and is he genuine and have remorse for those actions, and is he prepared to handle himself differently going forward? That will ultimately be my decision,' Mr. Goodell told the AP."
This comes not long after some not so great comments about PETA too. I'll focus on this one:"The Butcher of Norfolk"
Also check out:
http://www.petakillsanimals.com/petaKillsAnimals.cfm
http://www.petakillsanimals.com/article_detail.cfm?article=134
Here's a recent blog entry about the situation: http://www.petconnection.com/blog/2009/05/01/adage-sick-vick-looks-to-become-peta-spokesman/
On a lighter note, to keep the animals in mind (and disregard the people willing to easily forgive or turn a blind eye), here's a video. Although there have been a great deal of attention drawn to them via articles and videos, here is a recent one about some of the dogs given a second chance at life - "Vicktims: Michael Vick's Dogs"
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