The Weekend

If the weather holds out (we're supposed to get rain and storms later tonight), Casey and I may make our first trip to the Montana Drive In tonight. Going to the drive in is one of our favorite things to do, when the weather gets warm. I ALWAYS look forward to the first trip of the season. The Montana is open year round, but it's just more fun to go in warm weather. Casey and I want to see Blades of Glory. We just love Will Ferrell and Jon Heder. I'm looking to laugh. You just can't beat the deal at the Montana either. Two first run movies for $5.00, and the food from the concession stand is to die for. Check out their menu and cheap prices. The line at the concession stand is ALWAYS long, so we'll have to get there early. I'm just keeping my fingers crossed that the rain will stay away until late tonight. Everyone have a great weekend!

The Plot Thickens

When will we hear the end of this pet food recall? This whole thing just makes me scared to death that I'm going to be responsible for killing my pets. I've always tried to be careful, but with this it's out of my control. The latest news bulletins say they've found melamine (a plastic) in the recalled food. Now, they are testing dry dog and cat foods. This is scaring me now. I guess that I may switch the gang over to Pedigree. They've had their food tested by the FDA, and it has been deemed safe. I'm still weighing heavily whether to just make my own pet food or not. I just want to make sure they are getting what they need with no bad stuff. I'm in the middle of a book right now, so I'm still deciding. Click HERE for the latest info on the pet food recall.

Click HERE for the latest information from the FDA.

If I Didn't Have Animals.....

A friend of mine sent this to me today. I think I might have posted this here a couple of years ago, but I'd like to share it again. Enjoy and everyone have a great weekend!

If I didn't have animals . . .

I could walk around the yard barefoot in safety.

My house could be carpeted instead of tiled and laminated.

All flat surfaces, clothing, furniture, and cars would be free of hair.

When the doorbell rings, it wouldn't sound like a kennel.

When the doorbell rings, I could get to the door without wading through fuzzy bodies who beat me there.

I could sit on the couch and my bed the way I wanted, without taking into consideration how much space several fur bodies would need to get comfortable.

I would not have strange presents under my Christmas tree -- dog bones, stuffed animals ,toys, treats nor would I have to explain to people why I wrap them.

I would have money ....and no guilt to go on a real vacation.

I would not be on a first-name basis with 6 veterinarians, as I put their yet unborn grand kids through college.

The most used words in my vocabulary would not be: out, sit, down, come,no, stay, and leave him/her/it ALONE.

My house would not be cordoned off into zones with baby gates or barriers.

My house would not look like a day care center, toys everywhere.

My pockets would not contain things like poop bags, treats and an extra leash.

I would no longer have to Spell the words B-A-L-L-, F-R-I-S-B-E-E, W-A-L-K, T-R-E-A-T, BIKE OR CAR.

I would not have as many leaves INSIDE my house as outside.

I would not look strangely at people who think having ONE dog/cat ties them down too much.

I'd look forward to spring and the rainy season instead of dreading "mud" season.

I would not have to answer the question "Why do you have so many animals?" from people who will never have the joy in their lives of knowing they are loved unconditionally by someone as close to an angel as they will ever get .

How empty my life would be.

Is It the Moon?

Sorry for the lack of posting yesterday. It was crazy around these parts. I had a wonderful post in mind for today. That all got scrapped, due to the frustration level today has achieved. It's just been one of those days. Heaps of frustration, one after another. Is the moon in a strange phase or something? If it is, I sure hope that it shifts soon. I'd hate to go crazy. I'll be back tomorrow. Hopefully, I won't be in a frustrated state of mind, and I'll be able to make an actual post.

Guilty Pleasure

A couple of months ago, a friend of mine introduced me to a really funny kids cartoon, Invader Zim.

It's been around for quite a while now, but I've somehow always missed it. I'm one of those people that really loves cartoons, so naturally, I love Zim. Even though it's for kids, it's so well written and funny, that adults can love it too. Zim is a member of the Irken empire determined to take over planet earth. My favorite character is GIR. GIR is Zim's robot that he disguises as a dog.

So everynight, at 9:30 CST, you'll find my t.v. tuned to NickToons watching Invader Zim. It's just one of my guilty pleasures. What are some of yours?

Weekend Wrap Up

Our weather was absolutely beautiful over the weekend. It was go, go, go at my house. Casey and I bought a new mattress and microwave over the weekend, so we did a lot of pitching out the old and bringing in the new. This would be the weekend that we had the hottest day in 100 years!! Our temp hit 86 degrees on Sunday. Needless to say, Casey and I were melted, runny spots, when we got finished getting everything situated. I fell into bed and onto the new mattress and was out like a light.

I spent most of yesterday doing some much needed spring cleaning. The next victim on the list is my chest of drawers. Time to clean out the old and make room for the new. Seems like there is a lot of that going on in my house lately.

Pet Food Recall Update

Investigators have found RAT POISON in the tainted food. All I can say is WOW!!! For more information click HERE.

Friday Pictures from the "Zoo"

It's been a little while, since I've posted any pictures from the Richardson Zoo. So here some are for your Friday viewing pleasure.

The three little kittens aren't so little anymore.....

Zoey, Obi-Wan, and Isabella having some bathroom fun.

Isabella attempting to help me pack my swim bag.

And just because Bear is SO photogenic.....

Everyone have a great weekend!

SQUEE!!

I just happened to check one of my favorite author's, Stephenie Meyers', website. There's finally a release date for the third book in the Twilight series. I got to meet Stephenie Meyers at a booksigning last fall, and she's terrific! I've been looking forward to the new release for a while now. The new book is called Eclipse, and it's release date is August 7, 2007.

I must go preorder. SQUEEEE!! For more information go HERE.

So Far, So Good

I'm happy to report that Slate has had no ill effects from the recalled dog food. Sunday, I fed him brown rice cooked in chicken broth. I also grabbed a can of Alpo and have fed him some of that. He was quite pitiful looking trying to eat his normal, dry food. I'm encouraged that he's trying though. I finally got a good look in his mouth and the back teeth behind the canines on top and bottom have been pulled. So, he's missing some major chewing teeth. His attitude remains sunny and his appetite is voracious, so I take that as a very good sign that we're getting back to normal. Maybe I can relax a little now. It has certainly made me consider switching all of my dogs to a raw diet or at least to make my own food.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

Here's hoping the luck of the Irish is with ya today!!

Massive Pet Food Recall

News hit this morning of a massive pet food recall. Menu Foods has recalled wet food in pouches and cans. The recall came after incidents of dogs and cats going into renal failure and sometimes death after eating. Here are just some of the brands affected:

Recalled Dog Product Information

Recall Information 1-866-895-2708

Americas Choice, Preferred Pets

Authority

Award

Best Choice

Big Bet

Big Red

Bloom

Bruiser

Cadillac

Companion

Demoulas Market Basket

Fine Feline Cat, Shep Dog

Food Lion

Giant Companion

Great Choice

Hannaford

Hill Country Fare

Hy-Vee

Key Food

Laura Lynn

Loving Meals

Main Choice

Mixables

Nutriplan

Nutro Max

Nutro Natural Choice

Nutro

Ol'Roy

Paws

Pet Essentials

Pet Pride

Presidents Choice

Price Chopper

Priority

Publix

Roche Bros

Save-A-Lot

Schnucks

Springsfield Pride

Sprout

Stater Bros

Total Pet, My True Friend

Western Family

White Rose

Winn Dixie

Your Pet

This is a serious recall folks. Because of Slate's extracted teeth last Wednesday, we bought him some soft food to help him out. Wouldn't you know, every one we bought was on the recall list, so this is affecting the middle Tennessee area. Unfortunately, we've already fed him two pouches. I just got off of the phone with Dr. K. He said to just watch him. If he looks like he's getting sick, I'm to take him to the vet imediately. Just when I thought my worry was over. So far, he's showing no signs of any illness. I'm just keeping my fingers crossed. If I could ask one more time, please send good vibes our way.

To see the whole list and get more information on the full recall, click HERE.

The Shredding and Other Things

We picked Slate up from the vet's office last Wednesday afternoon. They had done blood work, x-rays, an EKG, dental cleaning, and pulled four teeth. Quite a work over for the little guy. They had gotten a later start, so the little thing was quite woozy. Everything looked really good. The heart murmur is still there, but it still may go away when the mouth infection subsides. All of the blood work came back normal. WHEW! Everything is functioning well, and his lungs look good. The only thing they found was his heart is slightly enlarged. Dr. K. sent his EKG, blood work results, and x-rays to a cardiologist for consultation. He was sent home with another round of anitbiotics for his teeth, lasix for four days to keep any after surgery fluid from building up in his lungs, and a medication to make it easier on his heart. The vet was quite pleased and said that even though his heart is enlarged and has a murmur, it is very manageable. That was something I was quite glad to hear. I should hear some more details from the cardiologist sometime today. After the reports, we got Slate loaded up in the car and back home. He slept on and off for the rest of the night. His teeth weren't bothering him too bad, because I fed him some plain baked potato, and he woofed it right down *snicker*. After I gave him his meds, got him settled, and had dinner, I crashed for the night. The stress had exhausted me (or maybe it was just having seen the vet bill...good grief...more Ramen noodles).

I woke up yesterday morning with a blinding headache. I couldn't even make sense, so I called into work, took something, and went back to bed. It was a migraine that I think the stress caused. I didn't mind too much, because I knew I'd be home to check on Slate throughout the day. Casey was having some intestinal distress, so he stayed home too. When we both got up yesterday afternoon, we were feeling well enough to get some of the old paperwork out and go through it. We've just filed all of our old mail with sensitive information on it away for the past several years, and it was taking a life on of its own. We got the shredder out and shredded everything but one bag and the current stuff. Shredding all of that old stuff was quite liberating. Also, it was more junk to get out of the house. We'll now be able to use the writing desk (which was full to the brim) to store our current stuff. Just a little bit to go on the paperwork, and we'll have that completely out of the way.

I'm back at work and feeling pretty good today. I'm looking forward to the weekend. One of my student assistants is throwing a going away party that I'm attending tomorrow. He's leaving the states to go into the Peace Corps in the Ukraine. Tomorrow night, we're getting together with some friends to have dinner and watch a movie. I'm sure that Sunday we'll get more done with the house and more done on the "great shredding". I just hope that everything stays calm

Concentrating On Fun

I'm trying my best to keep my mind occupied with fun stuff today. I don't want to end up in a neurotic wad by the end of the day. So, I'm starting with one of my most favorite pastimes, besides animals: The 501st Legion.

The 501st Legion is a world wide fan club of folks who LOVE Star Wars and enjoy costuming. I'm one of those folks. Many people think that we are geeks, nerds, and dweebs. We can be those things, but it's other things that define us. Many people do not know that the members of the 501st spend many, many hours visiting children's hospitals, raising money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, collecting toys for Toys For Tots, visiting burn camps, entertaining at birthday parties, and many other functions. For most of us, the reason that we keep costuming and trooping is to make the kids smile. We participate in many other charities as well. There is a new documentary film that is about to be released documenting the 501st Legion and its members. This film shows the true heart of the legion. It uncovers members as not only nerds, but as good people who like to help out. It's called Heart of An Empire.

This film is debuting at many film festivals across the country this summer. Click HERE to see the trailer. Click HERE to learn more about the film project and its history.

Who Am I?

I've seen this neat little thing on lots of my friends' blogs, so I thought I'd give it a whirl. My personality in a nutshell....

Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™

Greetings

After a few days of a lovely spring break, I'm back at the normal routine. We had some really nice weather, and Casey and I did quite a few things. Even though he was battling a nasty sinus infection, we took a trip to Nashville and went to the movies with a good friend. It was a nice, relaxing break that we both needed.

Today holds great potential for me to get "wound up". Tomorrow is Slate's vet appointment. He's supposed to have his teeth cleaned and an EKG to check on his heart murmur. The vet still thinks that fixing his teeth will probably fix the whole problem. I'm still just a little nervous about the whole thing. His coughing hasn't been bad at all. I still wonder if it's his usual springtime allergies or his heart. I'm suspecting it still may be allergies. He only coughs at night, and not during the day. Just like a person. I've made the arrangements at work to be a little late tomorrow morning. Then, I just have to wait the day out again. That's the part that I REALLY hate. It just gives me hours and hours to wind myself up and nerve out. I'm really glad that I'll be able to swim some laps today. Maybe that will help to calm me down. I can always hope so, right?

I hope that everyone is able to get out and enjoy this wonderful spring weather!!

Come Eat For A Good Cause

If you are looking for something to do Saturday night and are in the area, please come and eat with us at the Shelbyville-Bedford County Humane Association's 2nd Annual Chili Benefit Supper at historic Pope's Cafe.

The Diagnosis

Slate's diagnosis is in. The diarrhea is no big thing. Something probably just upset his tummy. I was very glad of that. It was a good thing that I did take him in to the vet. He has two abcessed teeth. This has happened since his last check up six months ago. Dr. K also found that he has a pretty pronounced heart murmur, which he also didn't have six months ago. Dr. K thinks that the heart murmur is a result of the infected teeth. He feels that some of the infection may be in the valves of his heart. He feels that it might clear up as we get the problem teeth fixed. So next Wednesday, we take Slate back in for teeth cleaning and abstraction, as well as an EKG. Dr. K said that the heart murmur could be pretty serious, but there was medication that we can use. So, not exactly a clean bill of health. I just hope that the murmur will clear up. Bear also has a slight heart murmur, but it gives him no trouble at all. Dr. K said to watch him over the next week, and if he starts to cough a lot to bring him right back in to see him. Everybody keep sending those good vibes.

It's spring break after today for me, so I won't be posting until next Tuesday. I hope that everyone has a fantastic weekend and that some of this great spring weather comes your way!!

Waiting

We took Slate, our chihuahua, in to see the vet today. His diarrhea cleared up on Monday, but as an overprotective "Dog Mom", I just want to know that everything is o.k. Bless his little heart. He was so cute. I took his harness and leash down this morning and asked him if he wanted to "go see Dr. K". He stuck his little head right through and rared up for me to pick him up and carry him to the car. He's been so good about riding in a car and going to the vet, since he was shot last May. I know that I left him in MORE than capable hands, but I'm still worrying today. Casey and I got Slate shortly after we were married. We've had him nearly 9 of his 10 years. For quite a while, he was an only dog. He has taken every new addition to the zoo in stride. He makes friends quickly and is very laid back. He likes all of the cats too. He has a special place in my heart, and I really worry about him. After last week and Pinky Lee, I'm leary that something else will be wrong. Please send good, calming vibes this way today.

Dog Yoga

Pictures of dogs doing yoga with their owners!! WOW!! Check out these pictures. If nothing else, they will make you smile!

Neat Meme

Jennifer had this cool little meme at her blog. I think I'll play along.

Answer each question in three words. No more, no less.

01. Where is your cell phone? In my purse.

02. Boyfriend/girlfriend? Married, nine years

03. Hair? long, dark, curly

04. Your mother? At her house.

05. Your father? Decease since 1991.

06. Your favorite item(s)? Sideshow Anakin Skywalker

07. Your dream last night? I can't remember.

08. Your favorite drink? Ice cold Coke.

09. Your dream guy/girl? I married him.

10. The room you are in? Is my office.

11. Your fear? I'm not sure.

12. What do you want to be in 10 years? Happy, healthy, fulfilled

13. Who did you hang out with last night? My sweet husband.

14. What are you not? stupid, boring, mean

15. Are you in love? Yes, for sure.

16. One of your wish list items? Anakin/Obi Wan Diorama

17. What time is it? One seventeen p.m.

18. The last thing you did? Read Jennifer's blog

19. What are you wearing? T-shirt, jeans, birkenstocks

20. Your favourite book? Twilight, Stephenie Meyer.

21. The last thing you ate? Ruby Tuesday salad.

22. Your life? Amazingly, wonderfully fun.

23. Your mood? Generally very happy.

24. Your friends? The best around.

25. What are you thinking about right now? Meeting friends tonight.

26. Your car? The death car.

27. What are you doing at this moment? Filling meme out.

28. Your summer? I can't wait!

29. Your relationship status? Married 9 years.

30. What is on your TV screen? No t.v., working.

31. When is the last time you laughed? March 3, 2007.

32. Last time you cried? I can't remember.

33. School? Work at school

Getting Cheer

In spite of everything that happened with Pinky Lee, I'm a bit more cheered up today. Her suffering is over. Yesterday, I went out for lunch and spent some time in the sunshine. After work, I did a little shopping. Most of it was for items that needed replacement, like jeans and tennis shoes. It did the trick though. I did get a really cool new Star Wars ship. That was my only frivilous spend. Tonight, unexpectedly, we have a group get together. A friend of ours has family coming into town and wants us all to meet up. This is some of the group that got together last weekend, so I KNOW that I'll have a great time. Hopefully, I'll be smiling A LOT more come Monday. Everyone have a great weekend.

Pinky Lee

I just wanted to give everyone an update on Pinky Lee. Pinky Lee's battle has ended. There is no more suffering for her. Dr. K, Casey, and I did everything we could for her, and I'm o.k. with that. Turns out that it was the genetic problems that we couldn't conquer. May she cross the Rainbow Bridge peacefully.

Doldrums

I've been really fighting off a bad case of maliase this past week. I feel tired, a little stressed, and like my bones weigh a thousand pounds. I can't name one big thing that's bugging me. It's a lot of little things. The day to day battle is continuing with Pinky Lee. She just might pull through, although I'll be eating Ramen noodles for a long, long time. The city is proposing a new ordinance, which will completlely cut my heart out of my chest and kill my soul. I lost a piece of jewelry that, although it doesn't have a lot of monetary value, the sentimental value is priceless. The very last straw was going home and finding a little of someone's blood after an intestinal episode on the carpet. After some investigation, we discovered that it was Slate's, the little chihuahua's. He seems to be doing just fine. His regular spunky self. So, we've just decided to watch him VERY closely for the next couple of days. Needless to say, I've been just a little cranky. I've noticed that I've kept VERY early bedtimes this week, so I think I may just be a little depressed over everything that's happened this week. I couldn't go to the pool yesterday. It was shut down because of the storms. Hopefully, today I'll be able to go over and get some of this out of my system.

I apologize for the whine, but I just had to get it out of my system. I'll be back tomorrow with better things to say.

Be Safe

The weather is already rocking n' rolling here. Some wicked stuff is headed our way. Just wanted to jump on for a few and tell everyone in the path of bad weather today to be safe. Know where your safe spot is. Get your diaster plans ready and handy. Please make sure that your plan includes any pets that you may have and friends and family are aware of them. Hopefully we'll be calm tomorrow, and I can post longer. Click HERE to see ASPCA's tips on creating an emergency preparedness plan.