Well, I have a new cat. He picked me, I did not go out and actively look for a new cat. He is an orange tabby with a white stripe under each eye. I have decided to name him Oswald.
He has been hanging out in my yard/carport for several weeks, but yesterday was the first time he let me get within 2 feet of him. He seems really sweet and I can tell he wants to let me pet him but he is just to wary right now. My next course of action is to distribute flyers to make sure that he is not owned by someone. I really doubt it but I have to try. We tend to get stray animals out where I live. It is rural enough for people to leave animals out there (that is how we got Bunnie) but Target is right down the road. Once I have determined that he is not owned I will try and trap him so he can be neutered and have shots. I am not a person that likes to leave my animals outside to the elements. However, in the case of my now 2 cats, this is what they want. Well at least I know that is how Flounder likes it. So, I do the best I can to provide shelter for them. In the winter I have beds and fleece cubes etc for them to sleep in and there is access to the laundry room if they want to get in there. I also have a dog house that is full of cedar chips that they like to burrow in. I spend time with them each night, especially Flounder who likes to be pet…well sometimes. I can't wait to see what Oswald's personality is like. So far I know he likes to eat. ALOT!
So, Oswald welcome to the tribe! I love you already! I hope to post pictures soon.
12/18/06
"I am not a cook"!
That’s right. I said it. I am a terrible cook. Well, maybe not TERRIBLE but not incredibly good. Partly, it is because I haven’t had a lot of practice. Even when I was married my ex was always the cook, and he was good. Another part of it is that I don’t have a lot of patience for cooking. All the prep work drives me nuts. The gathering of ingredients, the chopping, the measuring, you get my drift. I would rather throw a sandwich together, garnish with some potato chips and Wala! dinner!
With the holidays approaching, there is always a flurry of cooking activity at my mom and dad’s. My mom is always baking cookies or bread or something. It is tradition that one Sunday in December we all get together at my parent’s house and make pierogi. (About 20 dozen. That is a lot of pierogi.) I am the filler and the crimper. I am good at this. But ask me to mix up the dough or the filling NO WAY! I will mess it up for sure. No question. And then there is Christmas Eve dinner where everyone helps out and brings the side dishes or the dessert. I ALWAYS bring hash brown casserole. It is good and it is the one thing that I can make without fail. But this year, I guess everyone is tired of hash brown casserole because I have been asked to bring the rolls. Yep, the rolls. That is definitely what people ask the bad cook to bring when the bad cook asks “Can I bring something”? So, I am going to buy crescent rolls and try not to burn them. Wish me luck!
With the holidays approaching, there is always a flurry of cooking activity at my mom and dad’s. My mom is always baking cookies or bread or something. It is tradition that one Sunday in December we all get together at my parent’s house and make pierogi. (About 20 dozen. That is a lot of pierogi.) I am the filler and the crimper. I am good at this. But ask me to mix up the dough or the filling NO WAY! I will mess it up for sure. No question. And then there is Christmas Eve dinner where everyone helps out and brings the side dishes or the dessert. I ALWAYS bring hash brown casserole. It is good and it is the one thing that I can make without fail. But this year, I guess everyone is tired of hash brown casserole because I have been asked to bring the rolls. Yep, the rolls. That is definitely what people ask the bad cook to bring when the bad cook asks “Can I bring something”? So, I am going to buy crescent rolls and try not to burn them. Wish me luck!
12/14/06
Christmas Past
Some of my favorite things from Christmas Past
1. When we went to bed on Christmas Eve, we did so in new pajamas!
2. That restless feeling you got when you went to bed knowing that when you woke Santa would have been there!
3. Going through my stocking. That is still my favorite part of Christmas morning.
4. That my mom put the puppy ornament that I made in preschool on the front of the tree. (And she still does! Right next to the Chris Radko’s!)
5. Seeing all the wrapped presents and wondering what was in them.
6. Going to United Fabrics (that was our Hallmark store back then) with my brother and dad to pick out an ornament for my mom. We bought her a tin Santa one year and a teapot with a Squirrel inside another year. She still hangs those too!
7. Decorating our Christmas tree as we watched whatever Christmas special was on the year.
8. Singing for Santa Claus at the Wiglia Celebration at my great-grandma’s house. After we sang loud enough, Santa would come and pass out everyone’s presents. Just fabulous.
9. All the Christmas crafts we used to make in school.
10. I hate to admit it (because I used to complain constantly) but hanging the 20 or more strings of lights on our old Christmas tree. My mom and I would act so goofy. It was fun.
1. When we went to bed on Christmas Eve, we did so in new pajamas!
2. That restless feeling you got when you went to bed knowing that when you woke Santa would have been there!
3. Going through my stocking. That is still my favorite part of Christmas morning.
4. That my mom put the puppy ornament that I made in preschool on the front of the tree. (And she still does! Right next to the Chris Radko’s!)
5. Seeing all the wrapped presents and wondering what was in them.
6. Going to United Fabrics (that was our Hallmark store back then) with my brother and dad to pick out an ornament for my mom. We bought her a tin Santa one year and a teapot with a Squirrel inside another year. She still hangs those too!
7. Decorating our Christmas tree as we watched whatever Christmas special was on the year.
8. Singing for Santa Claus at the Wiglia Celebration at my great-grandma’s house. After we sang loud enough, Santa would come and pass out everyone’s presents. Just fabulous.
9. All the Christmas crafts we used to make in school.
10. I hate to admit it (because I used to complain constantly) but hanging the 20 or more strings of lights on our old Christmas tree. My mom and I would act so goofy. It was fun.
12/13/06
Angel Tree and Volunteering
I have said here before that Christmas is my favorite holiday. Today I started thinking about why. Yes, I love the decorations, the cards, the wrapping paper, the gifts, the carols and the TV specials. But one of my most favorite things is the “Angel Tree”. The Angel Tree is a Christmas tree in the vestibule of my church (We also have one at work for the Salvation Army) that contains paper ornaments with the name and need of a child or adult. You take an “angel” and buy the gift that is listed on the ornament, wrap it and leave it under the tree. The people whose names are on the tree are all needy people from our area and some from our church. This year, I took 4 names all from a nursing home in Wake Forest . Usually all the names are children and I love shopping for them, but this year, something directed me to the Senior Care Center names. Maybe it is because my grandmother is an Alzheimer's Unit in a place much like that one and it makes me think of her. I am really not sure but I was really drawn to them and so I picked 4 names. Once I studied the cards and found out what they wanted, I noticed that they asked for such basic, humble things. I don’t know why but I got all teary.
I have always wanted to help people. I remember when I was younger and my grandmother(the one in the Alzheimer's Unit) would take me downtown Chicago to work with her on the train, we would always see homeless people pan handling. But there was one that I will always remember. She was a blind lady but what drew me in was her dog. She had a guide dog, a German Shepherd I think and I saw her several times over the years. She was always in the same spot in the underground tunnel to the train. My grandma would never give me money to give them when I asked and told me that I was not allowed to give them anything. So, I used to bring change with me and when my grandma was not looking I would put the change in her cup. One time she caught me and she got upset. I started to cry and ran into the bathroom in the train station. She asked me why I was crying and I remember plainly telling her that I felt sad for the lady and her dog and that I did not understand why she was so “mean” and would ont give them anything. She never said anything about it but the next time I went downtown with her she gave me a quarter to give to the lady with the dog. She never explained why she felt that way, I imagine it was because she saw the lady Monday through Friday and was not affected by it anymore. Even now when I see a panhandler on the side of the road or where ever, I have to at least give them a dollar. Whether they really are poor, I don't know but I feel compelled to give them something. Some people would call me a sucker. I call it being soft-hearted!
During this time of year, it is easy to remember those beings (human or animal) who need our help. What I try to do is help those during Christmas but I also try to help through out the year. Whether it is through donating what little extra money that I have, things that I have extras of (blankets, clothes, canned goods etc) or my time, I try to help. I doubt it makes a huge difference in the over all scheme of things, it matters to me. It also reminds me how good I have it even though there are days when it is hard. Since me divorce, I have struggled to make it financially and this really weighs on me sometimes. but then I think about that I have a house to live in, a car to drive, a job to go to and a family that loves me. I think I am about the luckiest person around! So if you can, do something for someone else human or animal. I promise you won't regret it!
I have always wanted to help people. I remember when I was younger and my grandmother(the one in the Alzheimer's Unit) would take me downtown Chicago to work with her on the train, we would always see homeless people pan handling. But there was one that I will always remember. She was a blind lady but what drew me in was her dog. She had a guide dog, a German Shepherd I think and I saw her several times over the years. She was always in the same spot in the underground tunnel to the train. My grandma would never give me money to give them when I asked and told me that I was not allowed to give them anything. So, I used to bring change with me and when my grandma was not looking I would put the change in her cup. One time she caught me and she got upset. I started to cry and ran into the bathroom in the train station. She asked me why I was crying and I remember plainly telling her that I felt sad for the lady and her dog and that I did not understand why she was so “mean” and would ont give them anything. She never said anything about it but the next time I went downtown with her she gave me a quarter to give to the lady with the dog. She never explained why she felt that way, I imagine it was because she saw the lady Monday through Friday and was not affected by it anymore. Even now when I see a panhandler on the side of the road or where ever, I have to at least give them a dollar. Whether they really are poor, I don't know but I feel compelled to give them something. Some people would call me a sucker. I call it being soft-hearted!
During this time of year, it is easy to remember those beings (human or animal) who need our help. What I try to do is help those during Christmas but I also try to help through out the year. Whether it is through donating what little extra money that I have, things that I have extras of (blankets, clothes, canned goods etc) or my time, I try to help. I doubt it makes a huge difference in the over all scheme of things, it matters to me. It also reminds me how good I have it even though there are days when it is hard. Since me divorce, I have struggled to make it financially and this really weighs on me sometimes. but then I think about that I have a house to live in, a car to drive, a job to go to and a family that loves me. I think I am about the luckiest person around! So if you can, do something for someone else human or animal. I promise you won't regret it!
12/10/06
That Girl
This weekend TVLand had a "That Girl" Marathon. I have not seen this show in years. I love this show! I can hear the theme song now: "Diamonds, Daisies, Snowflakes, That Girl Chestnuts, Rainbows, Springtime... Is That Girl She's tinsel on a tree... She's everything that every girl should be! Sable, Popcorn, White Wine, That Girl Gingham, Bluebirds, Broadway... Is That Girl She's mine alone, but luckily for you... If you find a girl to love, Only one girl to love, Then she'll be That Girl too... That Girl!" When we lived in Indiana , I used to watch this show when I was little and got to stay home sick. Even though I was too young to know anything about fashion or being a single woman and living in New York City, I thought this show was fabulous! Ann Marie (Marlo Thomas) was so cute and she had the most beautiful clothes. I have one coat, That Girl had one for every outfit! Her hair was styled in this amazing flip, her makeup was perfect. And she had the greatest boyfriend, Donald Hollinger (Ted Bessel). Cute, smart and so attentive. I still have a bit a of a crush on him. (Sadly he died in 1996.) Staying home from school was considered fun. I would get to lay on the couch, eating peanut butter toast and watching tv. That Girl was my favorite but I also liked Bewitched and Father's Knows Best. Those were great shows.
What shows did you get to watch when you stayed home sick?
12/8/06
Wrapping Gifts
This weekend my main chore is to wrap some Christmas presents so I thought I would share what it is like at my house. I don't have a grand room dedicated to wrapping like Martha Stewart does with all the rolls of wrapping paper hanging on lovely rolls right in front of a huge table that is well stocked with ribbon and pens and tape. So here is what I do:
How I Wrap Presents With Dogs In The Room
1. Gather presents, boxes, paper, tape, etc. in middle of the floor.
2. Get tape back from Otto as it is stuck to his leg.
3. Remove scissors from Chloe's mouth.
4. Open box.
5. Take Bunnie's paws off of box.
6. Remove tape from Otto's mouth.
7. Beg dogs to quit walking all over the roll of wrapping paper.
8. Put present in box.
9. Remove dog hair that floated on to the present somehow.
10. Take Otto's paws out of box and off of present.
11. Take page of name tags from Chloe & sit on them.
12. Remove Bunnie's nose from box & tape it shut.
13. Take tape away from Otto who thinks it is a toy.
14. Unroll wrapping paper from the roll.
15. Take all three dogs OFF wrapping paper.
16. Cut paper off roll -- being careful not to cut Bunnie's nose that is getting in the way as she "helps".
17. Tape all the small holes Otto poked through the paper when he walked across it.
18. Wrap paper around box & secure in place with tape.
19. Take roll of wrapping paper from Chloe who thinks she is supposed to carry it off for me.
20. Beg dogs to stop growling at one another and that the roll of wrapping paper is not something that they need to fight over.
21. Find Scissors under Bunnie who is trying to lay in my lap.
22. Cut excess paper from "ends" so you're left with just enough paper to tuck in neatly.
23. Let Otto eat scrap paper from the ends because you just can't say "Leave It" anymore.
24. Find tape under Bunnie.
25. throw first bit of tape away as it is covered in dog hair.
26. Tuck in paper neatly on the other end and fold shut like an envelope.
27. Fend off Chloe and Bunnie from trying to steal the roll of wrapping paper.
28. Take bow from Otto and throw it away as it is soggy and get another bow.
29. Give dogs empty tube from a roll of wrapping paper to play with.
30. Take pen from underneath Chloe, address tag & affix while Otto sniffs the pen to see if it is a treat.
31. Put present away before any of the 3 dogs drools on it.
32. Clean up mess the dogs made playing tug-of-war with empty roll of wrapping paper.
33. Put away rest of wrapping supplies & tell dogs what good helpers they are.
34. Take a nap!
How I Wrap Presents With Dogs In The Room
1. Gather presents, boxes, paper, tape, etc. in middle of the floor.
2. Get tape back from Otto as it is stuck to his leg.
3. Remove scissors from Chloe's mouth.
4. Open box.
5. Take Bunnie's paws off of box.
6. Remove tape from Otto's mouth.
7. Beg dogs to quit walking all over the roll of wrapping paper.
8. Put present in box.
9. Remove dog hair that floated on to the present somehow.
10. Take Otto's paws out of box and off of present.
11. Take page of name tags from Chloe & sit on them.
12. Remove Bunnie's nose from box & tape it shut.
13. Take tape away from Otto who thinks it is a toy.
14. Unroll wrapping paper from the roll.
15. Take all three dogs OFF wrapping paper.
16. Cut paper off roll -- being careful not to cut Bunnie's nose that is getting in the way as she "helps".
17. Tape all the small holes Otto poked through the paper when he walked across it.
18. Wrap paper around box & secure in place with tape.
19. Take roll of wrapping paper from Chloe who thinks she is supposed to carry it off for me.
20. Beg dogs to stop growling at one another and that the roll of wrapping paper is not something that they need to fight over.
21. Find Scissors under Bunnie who is trying to lay in my lap.
22. Cut excess paper from "ends" so you're left with just enough paper to tuck in neatly.
23. Let Otto eat scrap paper from the ends because you just can't say "Leave It" anymore.
24. Find tape under Bunnie.
25. throw first bit of tape away as it is covered in dog hair.
26. Tuck in paper neatly on the other end and fold shut like an envelope.
27. Fend off Chloe and Bunnie from trying to steal the roll of wrapping paper.
28. Take bow from Otto and throw it away as it is soggy and get another bow.
29. Give dogs empty tube from a roll of wrapping paper to play with.
30. Take pen from underneath Chloe, address tag & affix while Otto sniffs the pen to see if it is a treat.
31. Put present away before any of the 3 dogs drools on it.
32. Clean up mess the dogs made playing tug-of-war with empty roll of wrapping paper.
33. Put away rest of wrapping supplies & tell dogs what good helpers they are.
34. Take a nap!
12/4/06
A Chirstmas Quiz
I "borrowed" this from my sister-in law’s sister’s blog because I thought it would be fun!
1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? No question, Hot Chocolate. I think Egg Nog sounds icky.
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Well when Santa came to visit me he always wrapped all the presents. When Santa comes to see Chloe, Bunnie and Otto he wraps theirs too!
3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? Colored lights on the tree and outside! White lights are too plain for me! Plus, on the tree I like how it makes the ornaments look.
4. Do you hang mistletoe? No. I am always afraid it will fall and the dogs will eat it. Plus, who would I kiss? the dogs get enough kisses without mistletoe!
5. When do you put your decorations up? The weekend after Thanksgiving.
6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? Cheese Periogi that we make!
7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child: Going to my Great Grandma’s house for Wiglia (the Polish Christmas Eve Celebration). We would get to play with our cousins and sing for Santa….
8.When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? I still believe in Santa Claus! In fact I am reading his Autobiography by Jeff Guinn right now. A great book.
9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? We open our “family gifts” on Christmas and Santa gifts and stockings on Christmas Day. Yes, I am 36 and Santa still brings me a stocking!
10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree? I pile all my favorite ornaments on the tree until there is no more room!
11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? I love it but only if I don’t have to drive in it!
12. Can you ice skate? Well, sort of. I am not great but I can stay up for a bit!
13. Do you remember your favorite gift? Yes, I have 2, my doll house and a box of rings. You know the bubble gum machine kind of rings. There were about 12 of them and I still remember how excited I was. My friend Missy Wilson and I played with those rings FOREVER!
14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Seriously, spending time with my family. Frivolously (Is that even a word?), shopping for presents and wrapping paper.
15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? My sister-in-law makes these chocolate cookies with powder sugar on them. I love those. I am not a huge dessert fan but I love cookies.
16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Our Wiglia celebration.
17. What tops your tree? I don’t have one . I need to get one at the after Christmas sale!
18. Which do you prefer? -- Giving or Receiving? Well I think both. I love finding what I think is the perfect present for someone and I also love opening presents to see what someone thought was perfect for me!
19. What is your favorite Christmas Song? See previous Blog!
20. Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum? Well yum. but I have to be in the mood. Now Candy Cane Bark I love!
1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? No question, Hot Chocolate. I think Egg Nog sounds icky.
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Well when Santa came to visit me he always wrapped all the presents. When Santa comes to see Chloe, Bunnie and Otto he wraps theirs too!
3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? Colored lights on the tree and outside! White lights are too plain for me! Plus, on the tree I like how it makes the ornaments look.
4. Do you hang mistletoe? No. I am always afraid it will fall and the dogs will eat it. Plus, who would I kiss? the dogs get enough kisses without mistletoe!
5. When do you put your decorations up? The weekend after Thanksgiving.
6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? Cheese Periogi that we make!
7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child: Going to my Great Grandma’s house for Wiglia (the Polish Christmas Eve Celebration). We would get to play with our cousins and sing for Santa….
8.When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? I still believe in Santa Claus! In fact I am reading his Autobiography by Jeff Guinn right now. A great book.
9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? We open our “family gifts” on Christmas and Santa gifts and stockings on Christmas Day. Yes, I am 36 and Santa still brings me a stocking!
10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree? I pile all my favorite ornaments on the tree until there is no more room!
11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? I love it but only if I don’t have to drive in it!
12. Can you ice skate? Well, sort of. I am not great but I can stay up for a bit!
13. Do you remember your favorite gift? Yes, I have 2, my doll house and a box of rings. You know the bubble gum machine kind of rings. There were about 12 of them and I still remember how excited I was. My friend Missy Wilson and I played with those rings FOREVER!
14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Seriously, spending time with my family. Frivolously (Is that even a word?), shopping for presents and wrapping paper.
15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? My sister-in-law makes these chocolate cookies with powder sugar on them. I love those. I am not a huge dessert fan but I love cookies.
16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Our Wiglia celebration.
17. What tops your tree? I don’t have one . I need to get one at the after Christmas sale!
18. Which do you prefer? -- Giving or Receiving? Well I think both. I love finding what I think is the perfect present for someone and I also love opening presents to see what someone thought was perfect for me!
19. What is your favorite Christmas Song? See previous Blog!
20. Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum? Well yum. but I have to be in the mood. Now Candy Cane Bark I love!
11/28/06
Christmas Songs
As I sit here looking at my tree and watching A Charlie Brown Christmas, I thought about all of my favorite Christmas songs. Here are a few:
The "Peanuts" Song from A Charlie Brown Christmas. You know the one. It goes " Dadaaa Dadaa Dada Da Da....
White Christmas by Bing Crosby - A Classic
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen -Barenaked Ladies with Sarah McLaughlin * A great version.
A Holly Jolly Christmas - Burl Ives * This reminds me of being a kid and watching Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer with my brother. We used to wait for the Christmas specials every year. A Year Without a Santa Claus is another favorite. That was the one with the Heat Miser and Freeze Miser. Fabulous!
O Holy Night - Martina McBride * I really like all of the versions of this. But hers is especially pretty.
Last Christmas - Wham * Reminds me of teen angst years.."Last Christmas I gave you my heart, and the very next day you gave it away"...so sad. Can't you just see the 14 year old girl pining for the cute senior...
The Chipmunk Song * The Chipmunks... I hope that one of them got the HULA HOOOPPP
The song from the Grinch.."You're a mean one, Mr. Grinch. You really are a heel. You're as cuddly as a cactus, You're as charming as an eel, Mr. Grinch.."
I'll Be Home for Christmas * I always get teary with this one.
And my All Time Favorite: Feliz Navidad by Jose Feliciano. This has always been my favorite. I am not sure why. I guess because it is upbeat and snappy and I just love it.
What is your favorite Christmas Song?
Things I Love About Christmas
- Watching my nieces open their presents.
- Buying presents for everyone.
- Putting up my Christmas tree and remembering all my ornaments.
- Trying to get the dogs to sit together for their annual Christmas pictures.This is always hilarious but much easier now that I have a digital camera so I can see how bad the pictures are turning out!
- Making pierogi with my mom, aunt and Krista.
- Christmas Eve Dinner or in our Polish custom it is called Wiglia.We still do it just like when I was little and we went to my great-grandma’s house. Those were some of my happiest memories!
- Making breakfast for my family on Christmas Morning.
- Going to midnight mass.
- Watching the dogs open their presents on Christmas morning. It is a mess with ripped up paper everywhere, but so funny and they have such a good time!
- Wrapping all the presents that I buy. I love to wrap!
- Shopping for my “Angel Tree” people.
- Everyone coming over to my parent’s house for Christmas Eve festivities
11/21/06
Happy Thanksgiving
- I think about all that I am thankful for everyday. Here are just a few of things in no particular order. Some are funny and some are serious but I am thankful just the same!
I am thankful for: - My dogs and my family
- My friends
- My house
- My car
- My job
- My health
- Wildlife to marvel at
- That I have clothes to wear
- Heat and air conditioning
- Food in my freezer
- That I live in a country where I am free to think what I want, believe what I want and say what I want
- Target and the Dollar Store (seriously!)
- Swedish Fish
- Cell phones
- Green grass and blue skies
- Daisies and Sunflowers
- Books
- The Internet
- My Lawn Tractor
- My Cookie Monster from Build a Bear because he makes me laugh when I need to
- French Fries.......................
11/15/06
On Reading and Books
My sister-in-law has a blog that is really wonderful to read. She is writer so everything flows nicely, her words all link together and things make sense. She spins wonderful stories that make you feel like you know the people involved...which I do but you understand what I mean. She is just a really good writer. I on the other hand, write just like I talk; all over the place! But I digress. What I want to say about Krista’s blog is that she posted this survey she took about books. Krista loves to read. But what amazed me are all the things she likes to read about. Serious things. Polar expeditions and King Arthur and “real novels”. Serious stuff.
So, I started to think about what I read. First let me start off by saying that I love to read. But, what I read is not serious in the least bit. Well maybe the conservation stuff and some political satire, but that is it. I read lots of different things. Magazines, books, articles on-line etc.
But....
about a year and a half ago I adopted a new rule. I will only read things that are fun, have a happy ending or that I am so interested in that it doesn’t matter if they are happy or fun (this is where Al Franken fits in. Although he can be funny, I consider politics in the SERIOUS category). The rule stems from a really tough 2 years that I am just starting to recover from. I was so depressed I just could not handle one more thing. So anything scary, depressing or sad was out! So, I purposely stuck to things like chick lit and the magazine Real Simple. I don’t really like the term “chick lit” but I can’t think of anything else that fits. These were light and airy. Basically I stuck to things that you don’t invest your emotions in. I mean I could understand the characters problems but you knew in the end that everythign would turn out just great.
So what do I like to read:
Well as I said, I like to read things like chick lit, especially ones that take place in London. (Yes, I am an Anglophile)! And even though they basically are all the same I still love to read them. Sometimes I can read one in 2 days. Just depends on what is going on. And some I have read more than once.
Then there the books like “Marley and Me” by John Grogan. I loved this book about a man and his “bad” dog. At the end of the book I cried, ok more like sobbed. The book was funny (some of Marley’s antics were hysterical), touching and yes a bit sad. But at the end of the book after Marley passes away from old age and a good, full life (insert sobbing here), I just knew that the Grogan family went out and got another dog. That was the happy ending for me. Knowing that Marley changed their lives enough for them to be “dog lovers” and as a dog lover, I loved that! I can’t imagine my life without a dog. Yes, I know a huge surprise right?
I also read a lot of wildlife conservation articles ( again on the serious side but since I love wildlife I think it is ok even though it can be a bit sad) and have several “animal books” that are more coffee table picture books of wolves, North American Wildlife etc. I have also been known to read a cook book and a dog training book or two. I consider this Continuing Education Reading, and everyone needs a little of that.
I also collect children’s books so I read a lot of those. Mostly picture books like “Guess How Much I Love You”, “Bunny My Honey”, and the Taxi Dog series. Oh and the Little House on the Prairie series. My favorite, Little House in the Big Woods. I love how they made button strings for Christmas, maple sugar candy etc. I have read that book about 50 times and I still love it every time. ALERT! Christmas idea for Amy if you need one: A hard back copy of Little House in the Big Woods.
Right now I am not reading anything. I go on these reading jags of reading 10 books in a week and then I burn out, take a month off and start again.
So, what are you reading these days? Maybe it will give me some ideas!
So, I started to think about what I read. First let me start off by saying that I love to read. But, what I read is not serious in the least bit. Well maybe the conservation stuff and some political satire, but that is it. I read lots of different things. Magazines, books, articles on-line etc.
But....
about a year and a half ago I adopted a new rule. I will only read things that are fun, have a happy ending or that I am so interested in that it doesn’t matter if they are happy or fun (this is where Al Franken fits in. Although he can be funny, I consider politics in the SERIOUS category). The rule stems from a really tough 2 years that I am just starting to recover from. I was so depressed I just could not handle one more thing. So anything scary, depressing or sad was out! So, I purposely stuck to things like chick lit and the magazine Real Simple. I don’t really like the term “chick lit” but I can’t think of anything else that fits. These were light and airy. Basically I stuck to things that you don’t invest your emotions in. I mean I could understand the characters problems but you knew in the end that everythign would turn out just great.
So what do I like to read:
Well as I said, I like to read things like chick lit, especially ones that take place in London. (Yes, I am an Anglophile)! And even though they basically are all the same I still love to read them. Sometimes I can read one in 2 days. Just depends on what is going on. And some I have read more than once.
Then there the books like “Marley and Me” by John Grogan. I loved this book about a man and his “bad” dog. At the end of the book I cried, ok more like sobbed. The book was funny (some of Marley’s antics were hysterical), touching and yes a bit sad. But at the end of the book after Marley passes away from old age and a good, full life (insert sobbing here), I just knew that the Grogan family went out and got another dog. That was the happy ending for me. Knowing that Marley changed their lives enough for them to be “dog lovers” and as a dog lover, I loved that! I can’t imagine my life without a dog. Yes, I know a huge surprise right?
I also read a lot of wildlife conservation articles ( again on the serious side but since I love wildlife I think it is ok even though it can be a bit sad) and have several “animal books” that are more coffee table picture books of wolves, North American Wildlife etc. I have also been known to read a cook book and a dog training book or two. I consider this Continuing Education Reading, and everyone needs a little of that.
I also collect children’s books so I read a lot of those. Mostly picture books like “Guess How Much I Love You”, “Bunny My Honey”, and the Taxi Dog series. Oh and the Little House on the Prairie series. My favorite, Little House in the Big Woods. I love how they made button strings for Christmas, maple sugar candy etc. I have read that book about 50 times and I still love it every time. ALERT! Christmas idea for Amy if you need one: A hard back copy of Little House in the Big Woods.
Right now I am not reading anything. I go on these reading jags of reading 10 books in a week and then I burn out, take a month off and start again.
So, what are you reading these days? Maybe it will give me some ideas!
11/13/06
" Oh Deer"
I had a very sad drive in to work today, because I encountered 5 dead deer. They were all on the same road and you could tell it had happened quite recently. I have never seen this many on one road before and I got very upset. I get very upset when I see any animal that has been hit by a car. I admit, I am emotionally weak when it comes to an injured animal. I get weepy seeing their lifeless bodies on the side of the road. It really upsets me. I think that the part that upsets me the most is the fact that in some if not most cases the “accident” is avoidable. Humans are so busy trying to get somewhere that they speed and do not pay attention like they should. Humans throw food out the windows of their cars thinking it is not littering. It is food! It is biodegradable! IT IS STILL LITTERING!! This food attracts wildlife to the road and puts them in harms way when they possibly would not have been. So it started me thinking about what we as humans can do to help. I am pretty in tune with wildlife so I know what I do to avoid an accident involving them. I purposely drive slower between dusk and dawn and scan for deer, raccoons etc that might be stirring. I also make sure that I never throw food or even gum out of my car window. So after thinking about this, I tried to think of a way to get the word out and some additional things that I could do. So, I went online and found some tips from the HSUS that can help you avoid accidents with wildlife.
First: Scan the road as you drive, watching the edges for wildlife about to cross. Not only will this help you to avoid harming or killing wildlife, but it will also make you more aware of other hazards such as bicyclists, children at play, and slowly moving vehicles.
Be Alert!
Be especially watchful for wildlife at dawn, dusk, and in the first few hours after darkness falls. Many species of wildlife are most active at these times.
Edges of roads that border agricultural fields or natural habitats are places to be particularly watchful for wildlife.
Assume that animals do not know to get out of your way. Young animals, in particular, do not recognize cars as a threat.
Lower your dashboard lights slightly. You'll be more likely to see your headlights reflected in the eyes of animals in time to brake.
Every apple core, french fry, and smelly sandwich wrapper tossed out of a car attracts wildlife to roadsides—often with fatal results. Never throw litter from your car.
Remember that where there is one animal crossing, there may be more, young animals following their mother or male animals pursuing a mate.
Try to slow down, especially after dark. Many animals needlessly become victims simply because people drive too fast to avoid hitting them. Speed poses a risk to human safety as well.
Some additional information:
Should you spot an animal beside the road, slow down until you have safely passed it. Expect more animals to follow. Animals near the roadside may bolt suddenly, so approach with caution. Turn on your flashers to warn other drivers.If the animal is in your path, brake firmly but do not swerve to avoid it. Sound your horn in a series of short bursts to frighten it away. Provided you can slow down with control, steer around the animal but stay on the highway. Watch out for oncoming traffic.
11/8/06
Rock the Vote!
Well, yesterday I got up early and did my civic duty, I voted. Now usually the day after an election I am depressed because the candidates that I voted for did not win. This year has been different in that a majority of the candidates I voted for won.
But, the election I was most excited about did not even take place in my own state. It took place in the 11th District of California. Richard Pombo the Republican unexpectedly lost his seat to Jerry McNerney the Democrat. Let me just say that this was not about Republican versus Democrat for me. It was about a villian to wildlife and our enviroment. Richard Pombo is ANYTHING but a friend of the environment and wildlife, which is disturbing since he is the chairman of the United States House Committee on Resources. Now here is a guy who has been trying to weaken the Endangered Species Act, promotes drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and wants to sell ¼ of the land managed by the National Park Service. He also has ties to Jack Abramoff and has accepted money from oil companies. Hmmmm, accepting money from oil companies and wanting to drill in the Arctic National Wildlife refuge. Do we see a pattern here? Hopefully with his removal, the committee will be chaired by someone who actually CARES about our environment and protecting it for the next generation! Maybe the wolves, and other endangered species will sleep easier tonight knowing that someone will be fighting for their survival. I know I will.
But, the election I was most excited about did not even take place in my own state. It took place in the 11th District of California. Richard Pombo the Republican unexpectedly lost his seat to Jerry McNerney the Democrat. Let me just say that this was not about Republican versus Democrat for me. It was about a villian to wildlife and our enviroment. Richard Pombo is ANYTHING but a friend of the environment and wildlife, which is disturbing since he is the chairman of the United States House Committee on Resources. Now here is a guy who has been trying to weaken the Endangered Species Act, promotes drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and wants to sell ¼ of the land managed by the National Park Service. He also has ties to Jack Abramoff and has accepted money from oil companies. Hmmmm, accepting money from oil companies and wanting to drill in the Arctic National Wildlife refuge. Do we see a pattern here? Hopefully with his removal, the committee will be chaired by someone who actually CARES about our environment and protecting it for the next generation! Maybe the wolves, and other endangered species will sleep easier tonight knowing that someone will be fighting for their survival. I know I will.
11/7/06
Things that annoy me, make me mad or just plain drive me crazy!
1. When I take my car somewhere to have something fixed, changed etc, and they try to jerk me around BECAUSE I AM A GIRL! This really makes me mad. I am not stupid and just because I am not completely sure how a car actually runs does not mean that you can try to charge me for something that I don’t need or want. Don’t try and say that I need a $50 thingy when I can go to Walmart and get one for $4.99. My car is at Ford right now because it was stuck in reverse. I have called 3 times and not once have I ever gotten a straight answer about how much this is going to cost me. ARGHHHHHH!!!
2. When it is pouring down rain and I am walking along in the parking lot trying to get in to the store and someone comes speeding along spraying water on me. It’s not like it would kill them to drive a little slower.
3. When you are checking out at a store and the sale person tries to sell you a bunch of other things to add on…for instance “If you buy three cards you can get this great CD for only $7.95” or would you like to join our frequent buyer club for $25” or I see you bought XYZ lotion, you know we have buy 4 get 4 free” or whatever. Clearly I can only afford what I have here SO DON’T ASK ME TO BUY ANYTHING ELSE!
4. When you go through the drive thru window or get take out and you get home and realize they did not give you all of your food.
Cute thing for the day: I went to visit my nieces last night and we wrote letters to Santa. My niece Mallory wanted part of her letter to say "my favorite kind of friend is Phoebe". Phoebe is her sister. I thought that was just so cute!
1. When I take my car somewhere to have something fixed, changed etc, and they try to jerk me around BECAUSE I AM A GIRL! This really makes me mad. I am not stupid and just because I am not completely sure how a car actually runs does not mean that you can try to charge me for something that I don’t need or want. Don’t try and say that I need a $50 thingy when I can go to Walmart and get one for $4.99. My car is at Ford right now because it was stuck in reverse. I have called 3 times and not once have I ever gotten a straight answer about how much this is going to cost me. ARGHHHHHH!!!
2. When it is pouring down rain and I am walking along in the parking lot trying to get in to the store and someone comes speeding along spraying water on me. It’s not like it would kill them to drive a little slower.
3. When you are checking out at a store and the sale person tries to sell you a bunch of other things to add on…for instance “If you buy three cards you can get this great CD for only $7.95” or would you like to join our frequent buyer club for $25” or I see you bought XYZ lotion, you know we have buy 4 get 4 free” or whatever. Clearly I can only afford what I have here SO DON’T ASK ME TO BUY ANYTHING ELSE!
4. When you go through the drive thru window or get take out and you get home and realize they did not give you all of your food.
Cute thing for the day: I went to visit my nieces last night and we wrote letters to Santa. My niece Mallory wanted part of her letter to say "my favorite kind of friend is Phoebe". Phoebe is her sister. I thought that was just so cute!
11/2/06
"Do you Hear What I Hear"?
Yesterday on my way home from work, I turned on one of our local radio stations. To my great surprise Band Aid’s “Do They Know Its Christmas” came wafting out of the speakers. Now this station is famous around here for playing all Christmas music all the time starting around Thanksgiving…or so I thought. As I am hearing this relic from the 80’s (actually one of my favorites from that time), I thought to myself, “Oh cool, they are giving us a taste of what is to come”. So the song was over and then “Do you Hear What I Hear” came on. I thought hmmmmm, interesting. And when Sam Cooke started to sing the “Christmas Song” it dawned on me, THEY HAD STARTED PLAYING THE CHRISTMAS MUSIC ALREADY!! I have to admit I was pretty unnerved (as well as a little slow). First, let me start off by saying that Christmas is my favorite time of year. I love the cold crisp weather, I love Christmas lights, Christmas cards (see previous post!), I love to wrap presents, I love searching and trying to buy that one perfect gift for someone and I love Christmas music. BUT NOT ON NOVEMBER 1st. Christmas is still 2 months away. What happened to Thanksgiving, another wonderful holiday? I guess it also did not help my mood that it was 78 degrees here in NC, so I really wasn’t feeling all that Christmasy. And then I started to panic. “Holy crap I have no presents bought, no plan for baking cookies, decorating my house etc.” “I am doomed”! And then rational thoughts returned and I thought, well it is only November 1st. YOU HAVE 2 MONTHS!
So, while I appreciate Christmas music on the radio 24-7, I really wish these companies would realize that it isn’t about being bigger and better for the holidays. It is not about who can get the gift wrap out in their stores first or the first to sell out of the new Tickle Me Elmo. It is about family, peace, joy, happiness, love and everything good about humanity.
My plan is to try and keep that in mind this holiday season.
So, while I appreciate Christmas music on the radio 24-7, I really wish these companies would realize that it isn’t about being bigger and better for the holidays. It is not about who can get the gift wrap out in their stores first or the first to sell out of the new Tickle Me Elmo. It is about family, peace, joy, happiness, love and everything good about humanity.
My plan is to try and keep that in mind this holiday season.
11/1/06
Ghosties and goblins
As promised, here is Miss Chloe the Ballerina! She was such a good sport about wearing the costume and we had a good time with Mallory and Phoebe. Mallory was a beautiful ballerina and Phoebe a really cute lion! They got lots of candy and Chloe even got her own dog treat from a kind person.
10/31/06
Boo!
Tonight is Halloween and I have big plans..I am going trick or treating with my nieces, brother, sister-in-law and my dog Chloe. Ah, yes. This is Chloe’s first Halloween dressed up. I am sure she will be thinking that the other 9 Halloweens of no costumes went just fine thank you very much. But this year we are doing something different. My niece Mallory was going to be Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz and Phoebe would be the lion. Chloe was going to be Glinda the Good Witch at Mallory’s request. I bought her a pink tutu and a pink ruffle collar and we were all set. And then Mallory decided that she wanted to be a ballerina. WHAT? So I thought that maybe Chloe did not need to be dressed up after all. But no, Chloe is going as the “Pet Ballerina”. Hopefully I will get some good pictures to post! At least the costume I put together still works!
Reminiscing:
I was a witch for every Halloween until I was about 9 or 10. I had the same costume EVERY YEAR. The hem was let down as I grew and that was that. I never got to be a princess or a ballerina or a bride. Someone made me a witch costume and that was that. And that really was fine. In my opinion I was a bit luckier than my brother, he was a clown for a long time. I don’t like clowns. But the one thing I did love doing was making my trick or treat bag. My mom would get us some Halloween stickers and a brown paper grocery bag and my brother and I would decorate them. We would spend hours on them. I can still remember one year I had black cat stickers from Hallmark to use. I have so many happy memories of Halloween and trick or treating with my brother. I think that is why I love going over to his house and trick or treating with his kids. It kind of reminds me of the “old days”.
Reminiscing:
I was a witch for every Halloween until I was about 9 or 10. I had the same costume EVERY YEAR. The hem was let down as I grew and that was that. I never got to be a princess or a ballerina or a bride. Someone made me a witch costume and that was that. And that really was fine. In my opinion I was a bit luckier than my brother, he was a clown for a long time. I don’t like clowns. But the one thing I did love doing was making my trick or treat bag. My mom would get us some Halloween stickers and a brown paper grocery bag and my brother and I would decorate them. We would spend hours on them. I can still remember one year I had black cat stickers from Hallmark to use. I have so many happy memories of Halloween and trick or treating with my brother. I think that is why I love going over to his house and trick or treating with his kids. It kind of reminds me of the “old days”.
10/27/06
A Few of My Favorite Things 2
It is Friday, and that means it is time for a few of my favorite things! Here is today’s list:
My cat Flounder: I love Flounder. He is a typical cat. He wants me when he wants me and when he doesn’t well he just can’t be bothered! He can be terribly sweet and also a complete crab. Flounder lives outside. He is about 7 years old and has only lived outside. I adopted him last year from a family who needed to find him a new home as he liked to hunt birds in the neighbor’s yard. This picture was taken when Flounder was under "house arrest" for the bird incident. He wears a red collar with a bell on it now, thus ending his bird catching days. Flounder has lots of things in the carport to sleep in, sleep on, scratch up, bat around or eat (his food no mice!). Most of the time he can be found laying in his big round fuzzy bed on top of my car. I always put the bed up there when I get home so it is nice and toasty from the engine.
Purses: I love them. I always have, and I have QUITE a collection. Dog ones and cute ones and dress ones and plain ones. Back packs and shoulder bags and hand bags etc. Actually, I like tote bags too. I don’t know what it is about them. Sometimes I change my purse a lot and other times I won’t change it for weeks. It depends on my mood.
New Books/Books: I just love going to the book store to pick out a new book. Whether it is a new chick lit book or one for my children’s book collection, I just love it! I like how they look when I put them in the book case after I read them. Sometimes I will just sit for an hour or two with a few of the books from my collection looking at the pictures, reading them etc. It is so relaxing and calming.
Clean sheets on the bed: There is something so comforting about getting into a bed that has clean sheets and fluffy blankets on it.
10/26/06
Things that…annoy me, drive me nuts or just plain make me mad!
We all have things that annoy us. We would not be human otherwise. Today, here are a few of mine that come to mind:
- People who park so close to my car in the parking lot that I can’t open the door to get in.
- Trucks that throw rocks on my windshield while I am driving on the highway, thus cracking my windshield
- People who throw litter out of their cars and in to my front yard. Have they not ever seen the crying Indian commercial? One day I am going to wait outside for someone to do it and I am going to walk up to them at the stop sign and say “You dropped this in my yard”.
- People who give gifts that show absolutely no thought on their part. This does not include gift cards. I think gift cards are fine. I am talking about something like giving someone with no teeth a toothbrush. Ok that was over simplistic but I think you understand what I am trying to say.
- People who are rude and hurt people’s feelings on purpose.
- When stores hike up the regular price of something so they can sell it on sale for what the normal price would be. There was a store here called Upton ’s who used to do that all the time.
- When I am driving on the highway and someone cuts in to my lane, causing me to hit the brakes hard, which then causes my purse to fly off the seat and everything to fall out.
- People who buy $150 of groceries in the self-serve line. YES this HAS happened to me, and I almost blew a gasket. The store was super crowded and I only had 2 things. It took 15 minutes just for them to scan their stuff the first time. and then they had to bag stuff because the belt was too full and then they had to start all over again with the scanning and the bagging. I finally got in to another lane. but the guy behind me was about to lose when a grocery store clerk came over to help and I heard them say to the lady "you know this line is probably better for people who have small purchases to make". I appluaded them for saying something, unfortunately it was lost on the lady hogging the self serve.
10/24/06
It's beginning to look alot like Christmas!
Well, ok not really. It still looks like Halloween as my Halloween flag is hanging outside my house. But I started working on my Christmas cards today. I know what you are thinking....starting a little early aren't we? Well, yes, actually I am. I have over 100 to send or deliver this year and I wanted to get a head start. That way, I am not madly scribbling my name on a card and throwing it in the mailbox on December 23rd. I like to add a handwritten note in each one and that takes time. So, I thought if I did 3 a night for the next 30 days or so, they would all be ready to go out the first week of December!
I love Christmas cards, I love getting them and I love sending them. They can tell you so much about a person. So, there is no time like the present! Start writing those holiday wishes!
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