Today is New Year’s Eve

Today is New Year’s Eve, the eve of new beginnings and the day we make our resolutions for the glorious New Year about to unfold. We are supposed to pack away all the ugly and forgettable experiences of the past year and make promises to ourselves of greater things to be; a new wiped clean slate in which we commence the incoming year with promise and hope.

The gym memberships rise this time of year as does I am sure the sales of natural vitamins and many are stocking their refrigerators with healthy and organic foods as they prepare for the new “you”. Lists are composed detailing the outline of their changed behavior, quit smoking, lose weight, eat healthy, finish projects already began months ago or maybe even start a new one. Clean the closet in your bedroom, de-clutter the curio cabinet, train the dog to do tricks, we all have something on our lists that is either telling us to stop something or to start something.

I have not made such a list this year, I am okay with my life; oh sure I do need to lose a few pounds (okay more like a few in the 10 pound range), I should quit smoking, and I do need to clean my closet, but why do I need to say it has to happen tomorrow morning? Isn’t that just setting myself up for failure? Telling the whole world I have finally, once and for all, made the decision to do what I have been unable to do now for years. As if something magical happens at midnight and just like that my mind is overflowing with only high expectations and goal orientated good, I can tell you right now, it won’t happen.

Oh I know I will eventually clean out the closet, lose a few pounds, and hopefully quit smoking without gaining another twenty pounds, but I will do this on my time, not the world clock and I will not be at the gym tomorrow morning in my spandex on a treadmill fooling myself into believing that because the date has changed I have also changed.

I am forever evolving and changing, we all are to some degree, but for tonight I will share some time with friends, kiss hubby at midnight, and go to sleep knowing I am a good human with kindness in my heart and hopeful dreams that someday I will ultimately reach all my goals, but not in one day with the world watching.

Happy New Year everyone, and please, go easy on yourselves and be safe.

Great News!

Great News today! We are keeping our baby Brock! We had adopted his brother Marley a year ago this month and then I found out that his brother Brock, one of nine in a littler that was found in a storm drain was still at the shelter in July and he had just turned one year old. I felt so bad for the little guy and I was out on medical leave at the time so I told the woman that runs the home non-profit no-kill shelter to bring him over to our home and I would foster him and work with him so he too could find a forever home.

After being here for four months now, I of course fell in love with this little angel, he is the sweetest dog, (okay if you read my blog yesterday you know he was on of the culprits that scratched my new leather sofa) when I say sweet, I mean he does not have a mean bone in his body, he is adorable through and through.

He still however will not let anyone else near him, and that goes for hubby as well. Four months later and I am the only one that can touch and pet him, bath and brush him, and dry his feet when he comes in from the rain, and he rewards me with kisses and a smile. Well I was told he was shy when he was brought here in August...but never expected him to still be this way four months later.

Well, as it happened, I received an email yesterday that Lori had an inquiry of Brock and she wanted to see if we were keeping him or if she should call the family and set up an appointment. This brought tears to my eyes to be quite honest; I never thought about having to give him up, I was his mommy. Hubby said, “Well you did say you were just fostering him, and you do have two other dogs.” He was right of course. So I wrote back to Lori stating that he was still shy and only would come to me, explained how much I loved him and so on but I was just the foster mom so she could call the other family and set up an appointment for them to visit Brock.

Well she wrote back today that since we love him and he is in a great home she would love for us to keep him and she is even waving the adoption charge!! She wants Brock to stay because it would be horrible for him with his shyness and his obvious love for me to make him switch to a strange home and new people, (my thoughts exactly). So I just printed out the contract and just have to sign and return to her and Brock is my new forever dog! Talk about the greatest Christmas present, last year Marley, this year his brother. I can see a great and Happy New Year approaching.

The Scratching Post

Well good morning to all, it is not however a good morning for me, but I proceed onward. Hubby and I went out for a few hours yesterday and when we came home the house looked just fine, a bit cluttered and dusty but that is my job to fix, nothing the dogs did. Anyhow as my foot is still in terrible pain, still only when I lay down but needless to say makes me quite tired, hubby was doing the vacuuming for me. When he got to the den I thought that he was looking at a couch in fifty pieces by his scream and the next ten sentences that came out of his mouth that I will not repeat here. It appears as if the two young ones, or maybe just Marley, used the new leather sofa as a scratching post. The seats are not ripped, but seriously scratched, one area worse than all the rest, it looks horrible to say the least.

Hubby finally clamed down and I used leather cleaner wipes to try and “fix” the hundreds of scratches on the seats, it helped only a little. Now, when we purchased the leather set the sales lady said if we bought the “insurance” it would cover anything and everything including cigarette burns, stains, tears…so this must be covered right? After reading on line some of the reviews of this insurance company, I am not sure anymore. One particular mans review said because it does cover burns, and he being extremely upset with them at the moment as they denied his claim, he was going to take the piece he has up to their office and set it on fire!

They are closed until Monday so I must sit and ponder what to do if it is not covered. Hubby explained again to me why the dogs need to be in crates when we are out and why some dogs live outside. My dogs will never live outside, they are my “children” and right now they are very bad children. One problem is the crate that Brock came with from the shelter is too small for him and quite small for Marley as well. The one I got for Marley is a very nice one that either dog can use, but not both at the same time. This is where it gets tricky again; hubby hates to spend money on “expensive” things for the dogs, especially after what they did to his new couch, but somehow I have to find a way to get his “blessing” to spend over a hundred on a new crate for Brock, there really is no other option if they are both to go back to crates while we are out.

Okay off that for now…my foot is still the same as yesterday, I am in so much pain right now as I just got up that typing is difficult, but what else can I do to take my mind off it while I await the pain medication to begin its magic? I called both doctors offices and they are closed until Monday and it just happens I already have an appointment with my rheumatologist on Monday anyhow. Yesterday the lower back/hip area was giving me some pain as well, but nothing compared to the burning torture I feel in my foot. I just have to keep sane from the pain until Monday…how often does anyone wish for Monday to hurry up and get here, well this lady is screaming for Monday!

Well, time to go outside and let the dogs run and drink a hot cup of caffeine as hubby sleeps peacefully in bed…and then I will come in and look at crates on line for the local pet store in town and see what is available for in store pickup today. Have a wonderful Saturday everyone…

Night Pain

I hope everyone had a very happy and wonderful Christmas, I had a great day. I have no biological family here in SC but hubby and I made friends with a large Italian family from New Jersey about 8 years ago when we first moved here and they immediately “adopted” us. We celebrate every holiday, the children’s birthdays, and just “family” backyard get-togethers with them; I even have 6 beautiful nieces as they call me Aunt CC. It is a comfort to know, and important to “feel”, that I do have “family” here and makes not just the holidays, but everyday, more pleasant.

For almost a week now each time I lay down in the recliner while watching TV or to go to bed, I begin to get this severe unbearable pain in the left side of my right foot and my heel. I thought for sure it was just some crazy thing and it would go away, but it has been since Sunday night. I did nothing to cause this pain I am in, meaning I have had no recent injury. The strange part is as soon as I get out of bed, although limping and dragging this foot behind me as I walk outside with the dogs for their morning pee, after about an hour and a half my foot is perfectly fine. No pain, even while I have high heels or any other shoe on.

After not sleeping for five nights I found a left over Oxycodine from when I was having my bad back pain and was out of work for five months, do you know I STILL felt the pain and was up until after 2:00 this morning and it is not yet 6:00am here now. I am going to try and get in to see my family doctor today, although I hold out little hope she will be able to detect what is the cause, I just need to get something that will combat what is the most severe pain I have ever felt! I am sure without pain medication until they can get it fixed, another week in such pain and lack of sleep I will go mad. I am scared what I might do if I am dog tired and have this pain in the middle of the night and just want to once and for all end the pain. I know I would not harm myself on purpose, but I am in such excruciating pain at night and I am just so very tired I am not thinking clearly. I will write update if I get in to see doctor later today.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Once there was an elf named Frez that would get so nervous during Christmas time that he would eat two lunches at the elf cafeteria. He tried to be just too perfect in toymaking and never thought they were good enough for the children. The dolls’ eyes never sparkled enough, thought Frez, and the wagons were not as shinny as last year. Nothing seemed to be going right and the time for delivery of the presents was getting closer.

It was beyond anybody’s understanding why Frez was getting so particular and asking for an elf suit larger than his size. Then, one day Santa found out what the problem was and decided to solve it. It seemed that Frez was not a young elf, but elves never looked their age by the virtue of being ever cheerful and happy. Frez needed to feel he was special, so Santa assigned him his own project called “special toys.” These were the toys that were broken and needed to be repaired with love. Frez was so glad to be in charge of such a project that he had only one lunch that day because he had to hurry back to his tasks.

There is a lesson to be learnt from what Santa did for the elf. Sometimes we have off days when we just don’t feel positive. Someone’s smile or invitation to join some friends can make our whole day worthwhile.

Frez is now content with assembling the broken toys and transform them into something new, and he has stopped being a voracious eater that he once used to be because he is happy. He even wears his old suit now, and his new suit is taken in for his smaller waist.

It’s wise for us to try and do something worthwhile everyday so that a “Frez Attack” will never get us. We all have special talents and potentials and we can definitely help someone out if he is feeling a bit low. It takes only a few seconds to be able to know why someone is not feeling happy. Take out that time from your usual day and listen. Most importantly, we are here to help each other and all of us have that hidden talent to do it. Start to make use of that talent today...especially today.

A very Merry Christmas to all!

Santa and the Angel

One Christmas, a long time ago, Santa Claus was getting ready for his annual trip; but there were problems …… everywhere.

Four of his elves were away sick and the trainee elves did not produce the toys as fast as the regular ones. So, Santa was beginning to feel the pressure of being behind schedule.

Then, Mrs. Claus popped in to tell Santa that her mother was coming to stay for Christmas; which stressed him even more.

After a while, he went to harness the reindeer, he found that three of them were about to give birth and two had jumped the fence and run away, heaven knows where to.

Then, when he began to load the sleigh one of the boards broke and several large toy-bags fell to the ground, scattering their contents all over the place. Needless to say, Santa was not in the best of moods.

Suddenly, the doorbell rang and he went to the door expecting another problem. But when he opened it, there was a little angel with a great big Christmas tree that she had brought especially to cheer him up.

The angel greeted him very cheerfully, “Merry Christmas Santa Claus. Isn’t it just a wonderful day? I have a beautiful tree for you. See, isn’t it just the loveliest Christmas tree you’ve ever seen? Where would you like me to put it?”

Thus began the tradition of the little angel on top of the Christmas tree!


Credit:richardpettinger.com

A cat dies and goes to Heaven.

Score one for the cat!

A cat dies and goes to Heaven.
God meets him at the gate and says: "You have been a good cat all these years. Anything you desire, all you have to do is ask."
The cat says,"Well, I lived all my life with a poor family on a farm and had to sleep on hardwood floors."
God says, " Say no more." And instantly a fluffy pillow appears.
A few days later, 6 mice are killed in a tragic accident and go to Heaven. God meets them at the gate with the same offer He made the cat.
The mice said."all our life we've had to run. We've been chased by cats,dogs, and even women with brooms. If we could only have a pair of roller skates, we wouldn't have to run any more."
God says, "say no more." And instantly, each mouse is fitted with a beautiful pair of tiny roller skates.
About a week later, God decides to check and see how the cat is doing. The cat is sound asleep on his new pillow. God gently nudges him awake and asks, "How are you doing? Are you happy here?"
The cat yawns and stretches and says."Oh, I've never been happier in my life. And those meals on wheels you've been sending over are the Best!"

Gin the Dancing Dog

This is amazing...what more can I say you have to see for yourself.

Click on the link below


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0jNC_w1tSw&eurl=http://www.familytiez.com/video/gin.htm&feature=player_embedded

High School Reunion

I logged on to that site that lets you reunite with your past school mates from high school and saw that I missed my 25th year reunion, wow bummer. No really, because I remember when I was being a bit…how do I say…rebellious in high school and I was called into my counselor’s office for a chat. He sat me down in a chair across from him and he had all these important papers in front of him and then the speech. “I don’t understand why you are failing in Home Economics?” he said, “from what your mother tells me you love to cook?” I just shrugged my shoulders and said, “Well maybe because they don’t let us cook Italian food.” He looked at me funny and said, “they bake in this class, are you saying you don’t like brownies and cookies and such?” I had to stop myself from laughing and simply said I was not into sweets, if I had answered honestly it would have been more like “Well you see, I have two free periods before my Home Economics class and I leave the grounds with my friends and we smoke a bit, and then we pig out big time on Dunkin Donuts and by the time I get to class I am waaaay to tired to even look at a brownie much less try and pour liquid into a tiny measuring cup and cook one. After a few more exchanges he finally said to me, “now young lady, you need to take high school more seriously, these are the best times of your life.” Whoaaaaa, wait a minute, did he just say this was the best time of my life, what the heck? I live with my parents, I can’t legally drink, my face has more craters than the moon because acne is my middle name, I don’t have a car, I have no money and I’ve never had sex!!! So if this was the best….well then heck just shoot me now it’s only down hill from here….

Needless to say my life worked out fine, and I have, much later in life, found the best times of my life with the love of life, my 4 legged pals, and my great friends, who by the way never went to high school with me…

Have a good night everyone.

Holiday Stress - Taking on the Experts

Again what a week…two Christmas parties this weekend and then back to work I went on Monday. Today, Tuesday is moving very slow and yet I almost am glad. I will be off Thursday and Friday baking desserts for our annual Christmas party on Saturday and I am looking forward to all the decorating and festivities.

I still have not decorated the tree that has been standing in the living room for over a week now, but that is on the project list for the rainy afternoon tomorrow as I plan to slip out of work at noon. Of course while the goodies are baking I will be on line shopping for hubby and hoping to beat the expedited shipping costs and trying to get some wrapping done as well for the nieces and nephew presents thankfully already bought.

As I myself will be doing, many others will begin preparing holiday feasts, attending parties and shopping obsessively for the perfect presents, all while counting blessings and enjoying the company of family and friends. So how should we handle the holiday stress?

From the experts: From long lines to even longer lists, there are numerous opportunities to become mired in holiday strain, but experts say it can be overcome by tailoring festivities to your liking as opposed to mimicking the grandiose displays reflected in commercials or movies My thoughts: No lines when internet shopping and you can have some eggnog with something real good in it, ah…Brandy comes to mind while you shop in your bunny slippers and no need to put on that mascara and lipstick…that will help combat the stress.

From the experts: People who feel high levels of stress during the holiday season often function as if they're in a robotic fog, thinking, “I don't want to do this, but there are family pressures and cultural expectations.” My thoughts: Being in a robotic fog during all this stress may not be a bad thing, relax and have a glass of wine, what could it hurt if you are already feeling like a robot?

From the experts: Drinking, eating, and smoking, excessively, being overly critical of family members, headaches, muscle tension and an accelerated heart rate are all evidence of heightened stress levels. My thoughts: Well I can already see I will be experiencing the top three, so I will take a deep breath , learn to relax, and have a glass of wine.

From the experts: While it may be easy to identify the warning signs, isolating the source of stress can be trickier; that's because stress often doesn't have to do with the event, but with how we interpret the situation. My thoughts: Okay this one sounds complicated…is it the event or not the event that is causing the stress or is it how I am interpreting it…trying to work this one out is causing me stress, pass the bottle of wine please.

From the experts: Stressful situations might include a combination of family obligations, work commitments, gift-giving expectations, traveling, shopping and cooking within a six-week window--all which add to a perfect storm of stress and conflict. My thoughts: Where did I put that bottle of wine?

From the experts: While spending often ranks high as a cause of anxiety during the holidays, this season may be particularly difficult for families dealing with the credit crisis and layoffs. My thoughts: This is a serious one, if you are not working how can you afford the wine?

From the experts: Other triggers of holiday-related stress are relationship dynamics and the emotional and physical demands of balancing work and family. This happens frequently when people sense an obligation to attend a family function or work party and feel as if they have no decision-making power. My thoughts: Okay if it is family and you like them then go, if not pour yourself a glass of wine, sit down, and call in sick.

From the experts: We often turn to comfort eating during the holidays as a coping strategy, but overeating actually leads to increased feelings of guilt about weight gain and breaking one's diet. My thoughts: Come on now, holiday food is the best, the $600.00 clothes rack…err I mean the treadmill will be in the corner of the room after the holidays are over so no need to stress, why is my glass half empty, anyone seen the wine bottle?

The experts also recommend advance planning and delegating as ways to prevent stressful situations from ever occurring… for that reason I went to the discount wine store two weeks ago, I am waaaaay ahead of all this stress.

So know you know what the experts say of this time of year and you have my thoughts as well,...find you strategy for keeping your stress as low as possible or learning what you yourself need to do to combat it once it begins…as for me all the writing has stressed me out so I think I will go and open another bottle of wine and relax in front of the $600.00 clothes rack and eat a few truffles.

Christmas Tree

It seems as if has been forever since I wrote here,okay it has been a whole week, but that is why I put the “Blogging without Obligation” on my site. I read a man’s blog that said something to the effect of “after reading so many peoples blogs that started out with, I am sorry I haven’t written in so long but…” he decided to create the blogging without obligation sign for us all to have, because blogging is not work and should be fun and we should not feel pressure to write each day. I have been keeping up with my reading of blogs, but have been getting up early with a nasty cold, getting the dogs outside, getting myself prepared for work, working OT all week, and getting to bed early trying to combat this cold I have so I not only did not have the energy to write, I didn’t have the time. Now as I sit here with time…I have no idea what to say…LOL.

Okay last week we decorated the outside of the house with Christmas lights and wreaths and garland on the porch and we put the Christmas tree up in the family room. All week I have turned the hundreds of tiny white lights on and that is all the tree currently has for decorations; again lack of energy and time to even think about decorating it. I am one of those extremely persnickety people when it comes to my Christmas tree. The tree itself has to be perfect, the lights must be perfectly placed to cover the entire tree, the ornaments must all be of the same color scheme, the placement of the bows-sometimes over fifty tiny red ones must be meticulously placed on the end of the branch, garland if used must be placed evenly spaced around the tree with each “dip” exactly the same size of the one before it, and I have to have my birds and branches as well. Okay so yes, I am a fanatic about it, and I love to see my finished product each year, so I really must take (make) the time to work on it this weekend as we are hosting a Chritmas party next Saturday night!

I have a party tonight and a party tomorrow and I am still fighting this cold that has it grasps on me (keeping the "Puffs" manufactures in business...their stock should be okay this week!) but I am determined to get the tree finished by Sunday night! As for the dogs, this week they chewed the stuffing out of a really nice throw pillow and when I walked in the door it was as if it had snowed in the living room…there was white “puff” everywhere. I was so exhausted from work and so sick with this cold I didn’t have the strength to question them on who did it. I just re-stuffed the pillow like the scarecrow in the Wizard of Oz and placed in a safe place until I can sew the seam. So all in all not a bad week in the realm of life as a whole, so we continue on with today and see what magic the day holds.