Date:	2009-11-23 08:50
Subject:	Going home
Security:	Public
Mood:	contemplative

What exactly is home anyway? Is it where you live? Is it where you put your stuff? Is it your 'hometown', parents' house? Or is it that place that speaks to your soul and where you feel like you can breathe? Or is it a state of mind and not really a place at all?

Here is what dictionary.com says home is, but I'm not sure I agree...
home
–noun 1. a house, apartment, or other shelter that is the usual residence of a person, family, or household.
2. the place in which one's domestic affections are centered.
3. an institution for the homeless, sick, etc.: a nursing home.
4. the dwelling place or retreat of an animal.
5. the place or region where something is native or most common.
6. any place of residence or refuge: a heavenly home.
7. a person's native place or own country.
8. (in games) the destination or goal.
9. a principal base of operations or activities: The new stadium will be the home of the local football team.
10. Baseball. home plate.
11. Lacrosse. one of three attack positions nearest the opposing goal.

I'm not really sure what 'home' means, but I am ready to find out. For the first time in 15 years, I feeling like I am finally going home. I am so ready, I need this very badly. I may never be able to define home in words, but I hope I get there.

Date:	2009-09-22 11:43
Subject:	I never post here anymore.... Random ramblings
Security:	Public
Mood:	nostalgic

While I have been expecting the snow for a while, I can't say that I am fully ready for it. Oh well, I guess its too late to worry about that now, lol. I do love this time of year. All of the trees are changing, life seems to be slowing down a bit. The pups love this weather, especially Penny. She loves the snow, as does our former foster girl, Misty Mae, I can't think of the snow and not think of her. The first time I saw her try to run, it was in the snow. The dog walking gets to be more fun somehow. Maybe because the ritual of the walk becomes more intense and more involved, no skipping steps this time of year... my shirt, my sweater, my jacket, my scarf, my gloves... Gretchen's sweater, her collar, her leash...

This time of the year is such a reflective time for me. The changes that have come over the past year are much more obvious, reminders of past events more clear. Some good, some fun, some painful, and some still as breathtaking as ever.

Right now we are fosterless, and not ready for another right now. Its time to focus on our girls and live in their lives. (I know most people think we already focus too closely on our pups, but they are such a huge part of our lives, how could you not?) Our dogs are now done with their heat cycles and will be spayed in November, YAY!!! This will make life easier on several levels. The girls are becoming more adultish everyday, they are more settled and are losing some of the random puppish impulses. They are coming into their own.

Next week would have been my mother's 50th birthday. That one can still be a hard pill to swallow. I miss who she was, not who she became. I wish I hadn't lost her, I wish she had never lost herself. I truly hope I will never lose myself that way. I never want my daughter to face that. It scares me to think about Kiddo now being the age I was when my mom really started taking that turn for the worse. To be put in that position to be the barrier between your mother and the world is so much to ask a child. Trying to keep her together and to keep everyone else from knowing that there might be anything wrong. Having no one to talk to about it, because you know you can't trust 'them'. Ten years old is so young. Its way too young to try to really understand evil. This scares the hell out of me. I want her to stay innocent as long as possible. I want her to be a child. There are times I regret not having her here with me, but in so many ways, to shield her from me is to shield her from them. If that's what it takes to help her stay a child, I will do it. She is too young to know, as was I at her age. I am not my mother and I will not burden her with that bit of inheritance.

This is also the time I really become a homebody and 'hibernate with the bears and squirrels'. Its when I really get focused on unfinished projects (my scarf, our blanket, etc) as well as starting new ones. I am definitely more domestic this time of the year, if that's even possible. My cupboards are definitely fuller in the spirit of 'just in case'. More breads and pies are made, the house bares the aromas of homemade stocks, soups and stews. I am more prone to 'feeding people'. I love to feed people good food. I love to nourish them. Occasionally, I am indulged. During the warmer seasons, I am full of the "don't touch me's". Cooler seasons were made for hugs. I am definitely more affectionate in the winterish time of year. I have more urges to share with people than any other time. I am more prone to letting new people get a little closer. I also miss people a lot more this time of the year. I often wonder if its just me that gets this way, this time of the year.

Not only do I miss people, I miss the connection with the gods. I feel very disconnected spiritually and have an overwhelming urge to sit and commune with the Ancient Ones. To feel their energy and to be reminded that we are all a part of the web. I need that. I need to dance, even if its in my living room, I need it. I HAVE to stop fighting my needs and relax and go with it. Maybe today is the day that I remember how to do it.

Date:	2009-04-23 12:06
Subject:	Advise needed
Security:	Public
Mood:	contemplative

I am in need of some advise. We just took in two young feral kittens, they are probably about 6 weeks old or so. Anyway, they aren't too thrilled with people and less thrilled with the pups. That in itself is no big deal. We are working on socializing them and I have no doubt they will come around.

However, our foster girl, Misty, is VERY focused on them, her previous owner said that she was good with kitties, but I am doubting that. My two pups are curious too, but they aren't fixated like Misty is. Granted, Misty isn't quite as fast or agile as my other two pups, but she can move pretty quickly when she wants, especially when it comes to 'food' or the spray bottle. We have been keeping everyone separated so there hasn't been too much of an issue as of yet, but the kittens will get bigger and will need more space to roam. I just transitioned them into the bathroom from an extra large dog crate, next will be our bedroom. Misty is not allowed in these places, she is allowed to roam everywhere else. I would like to try to get this fixed before its a major problem. Right now she tries to stand outside the bathroom door and she just stares, thank goodness for her massive dislike of the spray bottle.

I know that stare well, my weim stares at my border collie like that just before she pounces, and with her its a playful thing, and you can break her stare. With Misty, you cannot, she is more focused on the kitties than she is on me at food time, and she LOVES to eat. So if anyone has any advise, I would greatly appreciate it.

I think I may have finally lived through the worst of this, knock on wood, I don't need a relapse. Even though I am out sick again today, I think I am starting to feel better. I haven't slept the entire day away, so that's a good sign I think. Gretchen has been the sweet and loving weim I know and love, not the terror she had become for the past couple of days. Keep your fingers crossed for me!

Date:	2009-02-27 12:21
Subject:	I hate being sick!
Security:	Public
Mood:	sick

So yeah, I'm home from work sick today. This totally sucks, not just because I need the money, but because the last four days I have either been the nurse or the patient. I don't mind being the 'nurse' but I sure do hate being the patient. Ugg!

Date:	2009-02-09 10:46
Subject:	I stealed it!!
Security:	Public
Mood:	giddy

1,WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
My Mother

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
last week

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
yeah, I can read it and so can every other literate person I know

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
Applewood Smoked Ham

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?
yep, I have one that will be 10 in a week!! eek!!!!

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
yeah

7. DO YOU USE SARCASM?
I would NEVER do that, hehe (its actually my favorite form of expression)

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
yep

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
nope

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
blueberry flax granola with vanilla yogurt

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
depends on the shoe, if I can remove them without untying them, I do

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
Ben and Jerry's Strawberry Cheesecake

14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
are they a boy or a girl?

15. RED OR PINK?
red

16. WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
I haven't been successful in quitting smoking yet

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
my Grace

18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO COMPLETE THIS LIST?
why not, if they want to

19. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
light green pajama bottoms, and my green, blue and white striped slippers

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
puppy snores

22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
brown, orange or yellow

23. FAVORITE SMELLS?
Mechanic shops, puppy breath, clean babies, butter and garlic

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
Brian

25. HOW DO YOU KNOW THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU?
livejournal

26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
hehe, your funny

27. HAIR COLOR?
brown

28. EYE COLOR?
brown

29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
no

30. FAVORITE FOODS?
fry it or good it in lots of butter and it sounds good to me

31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
happy stuff

32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
the last movie I attempted to watch was Quest for Fire, but the last one I actaully watched all of was Romance and Cigarettes

33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?
I'm not wearing a shirt, I'm wearing my fuzzy gray robe

34. SUMMER OR WINTER?
I want winter in the summertime and summer in the wintertime, I love them both

35. HUGS OR KISSES?..
both!!

37. DESCRIBE YOUR PENCIL CUP....
its a black metal mesh cup thingy

38. FAVORITE ARTIST(s)?
Salvador Dali

39. WHAT BOOK(s) ARE YOU READING NOW?
eek! none, shameful, I know

40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD
a very cute and young Labrador puppy

41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT?
I actually don't watch TV, but we have recently joined the land of Netflix, and I attempted to watch Quest for Fire last night, but as usual, I fell asleep.

42. FAVORITE SOUND(S).
puppy snores, tired puppies are good puppies!

43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?
the Stones!!

44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?
Taos, NM (But I am not sure how much that counts, because every time we go on vacation or a road trip to some really cool far off place, we move there, lol.

45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?
cooking, dog training, needle crafts

46 WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
Dallas, TX

47. FAVORITE PIECE OF JEWELRY?
my wedding band

48. HOW DID YOU MEET YOUR SPOUSE/SIGNIFICANT OTHER?
It was a SET UP!!! It's all Cover's fault. (and that is one of the many reasons we love him)

Date:	2009-02-04 13:29
Subject:	We finally did it
Security:	Public
Mood:	mischievous

We joined Netflix. I guess we will find out how this all works. Everybody has been telling us to do it since we don't watch TV. I do have to say, I am very impressed with the variety of odd movies. I can't wait to watch them.

I can still be nerdy and watch documentaries and subtitled movies!!! (AND WITHOUT COMMERCIALS!!) To be fair to all of the people that have continually recommended us to join up, two of the three movies on the way are other people's recommendations. The other is one that sounded weird enough to keep my interest.

I told Brian that we should get one subtitled movie, one documentary and one random fiction type movie, and keep with that rotation. He told me that was a bit too nerdy, hehe. So I am going to attempt to let go of some of my anal-ness and embrace the Aquarian that is me and stop holding on to the tree branches of security and float on the winds of change.

Let's see how that works out, as optimistic as I am trying to be, I do know myself fairly well. And my inner geek says YEAH RIGHT!! THERE MUST BE ORDER!! (My rising is Virgo... go figure!)

Nevermind, it does work!!! I figured it out!!

Yeah, so from what I can tell, it doesn't work... Oh well.

Well, I linked my journal to my newly created facebook account, I'm not sure how it all works, so we shall see.

Date:	2009-02-01 10:24
Subject:	My lovely escape artist
Security:	Public
Mood:	hopeful

I have an escape artist on my hands. We keep the pups confined to the kitchen and dining area when we are gone. We literally barricade it so they can't get out. My Perfect Penny and the Gretchenator make an excellent team of deconstructionists when left to their own devices. So like I said, we barricade them in, we use our dining room table, two chairs, a child gate, and last but not least, a large dog crate. Why you ask, don't we just crate them? Because the Gretchenator BROKE it the last time we put her in it. It was not a cheap crate either, it is one of the metal ones and have used it for three other dogs. She actually BROKE THE ONE OF THE BARS and bent some of the others, and then escaped... So I am at a loss, because now, and I don't know how she is getting out of the barricade. However, Misty and Penny don't get out. I wouldn't be surprised if she was jumping it, but I really hope she isn't. Training here we come! I am so super excited.

Date:	2009-01-29 20:26
Subject:	He's back!
Security:	Public
Mood:	predatory

Guess who remembered his lj login? Yep, its a rasta cowdog! Please join me in smackin him when he gets too lippy!

Date:	2009-01-29 09:59
Subject:	Misty Update!
Security:	Public
Mood:	energetic

So we took the Misty Mae to the vet last week, and he is very happy with her progress. She has lost 14 lbs!! Granted she could stand to lose another 25, but progress is progress.

Her skin is getting better, which is very good. That means no more rhino hide!! When we first got her, that's kinda what she felt like...

She is walking correctly most of the time now, before, she walked on the tops of her feet more often than not. She can get up and down the 4 stairs we have BY HERSELF!!! We no longer have to use the sling I made for her, that's really good stuff!

I took her to a meet-n-greet a couple of weeks ago and she was the star of the show! A huge difference in her, she was the self appointed greeting committee for everyone, it was awesome! Apparently the last one she was at, she sat off to herself and growled at everyone.

We were contemplating getting her into some physical therapy, but the vet told me 'she's not training for the superbowl' and wearing her out a couple days a week isn't going to help her. And to basically keep doing what we are doing, so we are. We have been taking them to the dog park and they have a blast! Misty loves the attention and she gets to romp and play with all the other dogs there. Penny and Gretchen RUN everywhere they are going. Hopefully we will get to go today, that would be great, we can all use some fresh air and exercise.

I have finally found a way to get her to eat raw chicken!! She likes it frozen, Penny and Gretchen prefer it thawed, so I am of the opinion, whatever works. (note to self: start the newbies off with the frozen stuff and go from there) We were having to buy roasts and stuff at first because she wouldn't eat the MUCH CHEAPER chicken. And of course, we had to get her right at the end of hunting season, so the wild game processors are out of scrap meat for the pups, ugg!

Anyway, that's about it on the Misty. Gretchen will be starting her formal training soon, then it will be time for the Canine Good Citizen certification and then on to Therapy dog. Then she can go anywhere I go, lol. Of course, Penny will get her stuff too, but the Gretchenator needs to most work. And even though I love them both and don't know what I would do without either of them, Gretchen is my dog and Penny is the hubby's buddy. Although I do have to say, I am looking forward to the warmer weather for the pups, agility trials are lots of fun for them too.

I will try update more often, so we shall see what happens with that!

Date:	2009-01-29 09:54
Subject:
Security:	Public
Mood:	amused

The following was found posted very low on a refrigerator door.

Dear Dogs and Cats:

The dishes with the paw prints are yours and contain your food. The other dishes are mine and contain my food. Placing a paw print in the middle of my plate and food does not stake a claim for it becoming your food and dish, nor do I find that aesthetically pleasing in the slightest. The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack .Racing me to the bottom is not the object. Tripping me doesn't help because I fall faster than you can run.

I cannot buy anything bigger than a king sized bed. I am very sorry about this. Do not think I will continue sleeping on the couch to ensure your comfort, however. Dogs and cats can actually curl up in a ball when they sleep. It is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other, stretched out to the fullest extent possible. I also know that sticking tails straight out and having tongues hanging out on the other end to maximize space is nothing but sarcasm.

For the last time, there is no secret exit from the bathroom! If, by some miracle, I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not necessary to claw, whine, meow, try to turn the knob or get your paw under the edge in an attempt to open the door. I must exit through the same door I entered. Also, I have been using the bathroom for years - canine/feline attendance is not required.

The proper order for kissing is: Kiss me first, then go smell the other dog or cat's butt. I cannot stress this enough.

Finally, in fairness, dear pets, I have posted the following message on the front door:

TO ALL NON-PET OWNERS WHO VISIT AND LIKE TO COMPLAIN ABOUT OUR PETS:

(1) They live here. You don't.

(2) If you don't want their hair on your clothes, stay off the furniture. That's why they call it fur-niture.

(3) I like my pets a lot better than I like most people.

(4) To you, they are animals. To me, they are adopted sons/daughters who are short, hairy, walk on all fours and don't speak clearly.

Remember, dogs and cats are better than kids because they (1) eat less, (2) don't ask for money all the time, (3) are easier to train, (4)normally come when called, (5) never ask to drive the car, (6) don't hangout with drug-using people; (7) don't smoke or drink, (8) don't want to wear your clothes, (9) don't have to buy the latest fashions, (10) don't need a gazillion dollars for college and (11) if they get pregnant, you can sell their children.

Date:	2009-01-29 09:46
Subject:	How strange...
Security:	Public
Mood:	confused

So here's the deal, I live in the MOUNTAINS at a relatively high elevation of about 8600 ft. Why is snowing everywhere but here? Denver got dumped on last week, I think it was 10 inches in 4 hours, it was something like that. What did we get? NOTHING!!!

Call me weird, I moved to the mountains so that I could live in a winter wonderland for most of the year. That is what I wanted, I would love to be snowed in for a few days with my hubby. What's wrong with that?!!

Don't get me wrong, I love nice 70 degree weather too. I just don't think its a good idea to have that in January in the MOUNTAINS!!! WHERE'S THE SNOW?

Anyway I think I have ranted enough this morning. I hope everyone has a lovely day.

Date:	2009-01-24 10:59
Subject:	Another pet food recall
Security:	Public
Mood:	awake

Date: Wednesday, January 21, 2009, 9:43 AM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- PHOENIX, AZ, January 20, 2009 -- PetSmart is
voluntarily recalling seven of its Great Choice® Dog Biscuit products
that contain peanut paste made by Peanut Corporation of America (PCA).
PCA is the focus of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
investigation into potential salmonella contamination of peanut butter
and paste made at its Blakely, Georgia facility.

Although PetSmart is not aware of any reported cases of illness
related to these products, it has removed these products from its
store shelves and website and is conducting the recall as a
precautionary measure.

The recalled products include only the following types of Grreat
Choice Dog Biscuits sold between Aug. 21, 2008 and Jan. 19, 2009:

* Small Assorted 32 oz., UPC 73725702900
* Small/Medium Assorted 4 lb., UPC 73725700601
* Small/Medium Assorted 8 lb., UPC 73725700605
* Small/Medium Assorted 10 lb., UPC 73725702755
* Large Assorted 8 lb., UPC 73725700638
* Extra Large Assorted 8 lb., UPC 73725700779
* Peanut Butter 4 lb., UPC 73725700766

Customers who purchased the recalled dog biscuit products should
discontinue use immediately and can return the product to any PetSmart
store for a complete refund or exchange. Customers can visit
www.petsmartfacts. com for more information or contact PetSmart
Customer Service at 1-888-839-9638.

No other products or flavors are included in this recall.

Source, FDA: http://tinyurl.com/7aenfj

PetSmart also has info on their website at http://tinyurl.com/a5cchx

Date:	2009-01-24 09:35
Subject:	Old Hen's Party
Security:	Public
Mood:	giggly

Date:	2008-12-29 09:53
Subject:	Shamelessly stolen from nadalia!!
Security:	Public
Mood:	awake

The Life Experience Test

Overall, you have partaken in 98 out of 169 possible life experiences. Your average life experience score is therefore 58%. The average score is 51%, making your experiences more than 70% of the people who have taken this test. The average for your age group (26-35) is 53%. Broken down by category: Art: 7/17 (41%) Career & Work: 8/13 (62%) Civics & Technology: 4/7 (57%) Crime & Disarray: 6/11 (55%) Education: 11/18 (61%) Fashion: 7/10 (70%) Fitness, Health and Sports: 0/7 (0%) Life in General: 8/14 (57%) Relationships: 14/14 (100%) Religion & Politics: 2/4 (50%) Social: 15/22 (68%) Travel: 5/20 (25%) Vices: 11/12 (92%)

Take the test and see how YOU compare

Date:	2008-12-18 11:24
Subject:	Misty update
Security:	Public
Mood:	chipper

Here is latest on our foster girl, Misty Mae.

Her blood test came back and she does have thyroid disease. She is now on meds and will be for the rest of her life, but at least its manageable.

I put her on a raw diet and her coat is getting much smoother and softer. I have to say that I love being able to feed my dogs the way Mother Nature designed them to. The pups love it and they are super healthy, so thats all that matters to me.

She has been losing some weight, and she has been getting around a little easier. She won't ever be a jogging partner, but hopefully she will be able to get where she wants to go on her own.

She has been playing with Penny and Gretchen more. She is gaining the confidence to assert her authority, lol. Its really cute seeing her make them chill out when they get too wild.

We have found out that she likes to suck on her blankets that she likes to be covered up with. Can you say spoiled? That's okay, she needs to be spoiled a bit.

Until next time, pet your babies!!