Vacation 2009

Casey and I are on a short vacation this summer. We're not doing anything big, because we've got another cruise booked for next summer. Anyway, we drove down to Georgia today. We're on a way to meet a dear friend, Linda, and her family. We're about to turn in at our hotel. But first, here's how I spent my afternoon:

More from the road tomorrow. Night all.

WHEWWWW!!!!

Just when I didn't think it could get any hotter. The forecasters are saying that this will feel like the hottest day of the year! I believe them. I feel like I'm melting.

Yesterday, I went for my first swim practice for the Master Swim Club. I actually had my very own coach to refine my stoke yesterday. Needless to say, practice kicked my butt! I went through and hour and a half of drills and laps (about 3000 yds). I even managed to pull my shoulder somehow too. You can guess how good I slept last night. It was very hot outside during practice yesterday so, I decided to get to the pool earlier this morning. I was in and swimming about 10:30. The water hadn't heated up too much and was perfect this morning. I only managed about 1750 yds. today, but I did manage to get in all of my new drills. I had to swim really slow, because my shoulder was REALLY achy this morning. It's still bothering me some, but it felt better, when the muscle warmed up. I sure hope I don't regret the laps I did manage, tomorrow morning.

Now, keeping in today's hot, swimming theme....

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June: Adopt A Shelter Cat Month

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The New Guys

I know that I've been really neglecting the blog lately. Believe me, you guys haven't been missing anything. It's just been typical working, coming home, reading, swimming, running, and the same the next day. There has been one new development.

Since Scooter was adopted by my mother's best friend (He's doing just great BTW..He gets hot buttered toast and a boiled egg for breakfast every morning, car rides, and sleeps in the bed), I have a couple of new fosters. They came from a little town about 30 minutes away from me. Their names are Daisy and Jack. They are both older dogs, Daisy is 12 and Jack is 9. They didn't do well at all with the move, but they've both finally settled. Daisy is just a "little old lady crumudgeon", but she is very loving. Jack is just the cutest little thing. He's pretty tiny, even more than Indiana. He's VERY timid and skittish, but he loves to be loved once he warms up. He has the cutest little question mark like strip on his back and rear. We're thinking about just keeping them, since they moved SO poorly and because of their age. Daisy has VERY bad allergies, so I'm giving her meds and using Prep-H to keep down the irritation.

Here they are:

Daisy

Jack

My New Ride!

Casey and I took the plunge yesterday and bought a new car. Our Nissan Altima had problems, i.e. front and rear oil leaks, and the intake manifold seal was shot. That car was nickeling and dimeing us to death! We spent $2500 last year in repairs, not counting the current problems. Our new car is a 2008 Toyota Corrolla. It's a Toyota certified car. I had a Corolla some years back and put 320,000 miles on it. So, I'm very happy with our choice:

Scooter Update

I just wanted to give you guys another update on Scooter. We are just about to finish his antibiotics for his UTI and skin infection. The little rascal pulled his stitches out, but he's healed enough that it hasn't been a problem. He's really come out in the last couple of days. He's really took up with Indian, Shingo and Molly. He is running playing with them constantly. He hasn't had one accident in the house. He already knows how to sit for a treat and to speak when asked. I think he's older, but I don't think for a minute that he's 10 years old. He's far too active. He's such a sweet boy! I'll let ya'll know as soon as I get the pathology report back on his cyst, later this week. He's just a joy to have around. His coat already looks better. He's made himself at home. He's already sleeping in the bed with us!! I haven't made pictures yet, because he's been too busy playing. I'll send some soon!

Flea and Tick Products

One of local news stations ran a story last night, about the hazards of over the counter flea and tick medications for dogs and cats. It seems that Bio Spot can cause adverse reactions. After receiveing over 44,000 complaints the EPA has launched an investigation. The ingredient permethrin is the culprit. If you are using flea and tick medications, please check the ingredient label and avoid those containing permethrin. It's better to be safe than sorry. To read and view the entire story click HERE.

Our Foster Dog

I still intend to blog more regularly...but this week has been INSANE. On Monday, Mom and I had Dr.'s appointments. Tuesday after work, Casey and I dropped the kittens off at the vet to be spayed/neutered on Wednesday. Tuesday night, I swam 1,000 yds., and then I taught water aerobics at the Shelbyville Rec Center. Wednesday afternoon we picked the kittens up.

Yesterday, we went to Williamson County Animal Control to pick up a foster dog to foster for Ratbone Rescues. The dog's name is Scooter, and he is a Rat Terrier. Scooter is 10 years old. He is housetrained and leash trained. He loves all people, dogs, and cats. He is truly a little sweetheart. We decided to foster him, so he would have a second chance at a good life. Here's some pictures of him:

He did really well meeting the Zoo yesterday. They've all become fast friends. Mom looked in on him this morning. He's already made himself at home. He was fast asleep, in the middle of our bed.

We dropped the puppies off at the vet this morning, for their yearly shots and checkups, so Scooter is home with just Fergie and Shiloh. I figured that he'd probably destress a lot today, with it being quiet and all. We just got a call from Dr. K's office that the puppies are ready, so we'll pick them up right after work. It's probably going to be another exciting afternoon and evening for us, and all I want right now is a nap!

2009 Be Kind To Animals Week

Today kicks off 2009's Be Kind to Animals Week. There are lots of ways to be kind to animals. Report incidents of animal cruelty to the proper agencies, volunteer at a shelter, adopt a pet, provide a foster home to pets, make a donation, etc. For information and other ways to celebrate Be Kind to Animals Week, click HERE.

What I'm Up To

I promise you all that I WILL do better at regular updates. My life has been CRAZY busy the past month. I'm typically so exhausted, by the time I get home, that all I can manage is to scan my list of sites. Work has been busy, and by the time I cram in my exercise regimen, I'm done for. Anyway, things are going swimmingly at home. All the Zoo Crew is doing well and enjoying the warmer weather. Next Thursday, all of the puppies go to Dr. K's for their yearly check ups and vaccinations. THAT will be a fun morning getting the three of them to cooperate. The kittens that we bottle fed last summer are due for their yearly check ups and vaccinations too. They are scheduled to go on the 12th. So, the next two weeks are going to be full of animal transport for us! I'm sure that I'll have some VERY intersting stories to report afterwards.

Casey and I have been busy looking at new cars. Even though we haven't had our Altima very long, it has nickled and dimed us to death. We just got a lemmon. Just last year, we spent over $2,500 in repairs. We also know that we need some repairs done, and we just don't want to invest any more money in this car. So hopefully by next week, we'll have a new mode of transportation. We're just trying to take our time with a decision and be very careful deciding what we want this time.

To celebrate our 11th anniversary, Casey and I booked another Carnival Cruise for next year (2010). We loved our cruise so much last year, that we can't wait to go back. We had wanted to go this year, but now I'm glad we decided to wait. The travel restrictions with the new swine flu is changing a lot of the sailing ports. On the next cruise we'll visit three new places, in addition to two islands that we've visited before. This cruise we'll visit: San Juan, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas (my fav from last cruise), Antigua, Tortolla, and Nassau. I know that it's still a year away, but I'm REALLY looking forward to it!!

That's pretty much it from my world right now. I will do better with updates...I will do better with updates......

Warm Weather

After months of waiting, the warm weather has finally arrived. The last couple of days have been absolutely heavenly. This is MY kind of weather. Even though it was nearly 90 today, I still love it. Yesterday, Casey and I just got out and took a short drive after work. Today, it felt great to go over to the pool at the Rec Center in the pretty, sunny weather. After a great swim, I just relaxed. I did watch a movie.

Tonight, there's not much going on. The puppies, especially Indiana, are all piled up on the sofa with me. Indiana is definitely my little cuddler of the bunch. He's looking at me right now and wagging his little nub of a tail. He's such a sweetie. I'm planning on getting some new pictures of the gang this weekend. I'll post them up, when I've got them downloaded.

Casey and I are going to get out of the house tomorrow. I'm not exactly sure what we'll get up to, but we always manage to have a good time. My family has started having Sunday night dinner together, so when we get back, we'll have a good meal to eat. I've got to run. Casey's got dinner out on the grill, and I've got to get a few things ready. Everyone have a great evening!

Going Swimmingly

I can tell that summer is just around the corner. Today has been absolutely beautiful. I walked over to the Rec Center, on my lunch hour, and swam some laps. Then I went and grabbed a quick take out lunch. It was really easy to fall back into my summer, Saturday routine. Swimming on my break, breaks the monotony of the day. I can definitely tell, if I miss a day of exercise. I sleep horribly on the days that I don't work out. Beginning Monday, my workout routine will change a little. The hometown pool is closed for two weeks for maintenance, so I'll only be swimming on Friday and Saturday at my alternate pool. So far, my temporary workout shedule looks like this:

Sunday: Run

Monday: rest

Tuesday: Circuit Training

Wednesday: rest

Thursday: Run

Friday: Swim/Run

Saturday: Swim

Sometimes, I guess change can be a good thing.

Smile of the Morning

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Happy Anniversary!

Today is my and Casey's 11th anniversary. This past year has gone by SO fast. We spent all year celebrating our 10th anniversary. We were so busy doing that, that we let year 11 totally sneak up on us. I am SO lucky to have THE MOST WONDERFUL husband in the entire world! Every year just keeps getting better and better! I wouldn't trade this for anything in the world!

Happy Anniversary baby! Here's to many more! I love you!

Sounds Like My House....

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Spring Fever

I have had THE worst case of spring fever this week EVER!! I have been completely unmotivated. I haven't wanted to do anything, except be somewhere else, outside. It's really tanked my productivity in every facet too. Nothing has been left unaffected. I think I need someone to light a fire under me or something. It was especially bad today, since it has been cold and gloomy since Sunday. Today was absolutely beautiful and sunny. The rest of the week is supposed to be rainy. So, I was absolutely bonkers at work today. I kept trying to think of a reason not to be there, how to leave early, etc. I just wanted to go home and go outside. I've really got to do a mantra or something tomorrow. I'm hoping the rain will at least get my mind on what's in front of me and the task at hand. I really hate days like this. I'm just SO excited that spring is here, and I want to go out and play!

Shelbyville-Bedford County Humane Assoc.: Annual Wine Tasting

Well, Hello There...

...long time no post huh? I've been really busy at home and at work. It's not really that everything has been that interesting, but it has been busy enough to keep me away from the keyboard. I'll let you all in on the goings on through some short bullet points:

* Got new job responsibilities at work, and I actually don't mind, because I love this part of the job!

* Finally getting my energy and health back. I officially started subbing for the water aerobics instructor at the Shelbyville Rec Center. So far, I've taught two classes and attend both of the weekly classes, and I absolutely LOVE it! That's in addition to my regular lap swimming and running, and now it's getting nice enough out to start biking!

* I've been busy recruiting for a table at Shelbyville-Bedford County Humane Association's Annual Wine Tasting event. I've also got some stuff in the works for this year's Celebration Pet Day.

* Began volunteering for a national Rat Terrier rescue called Ratbone Rescue. My love for my Indiana brought me to do this. Right now, I'm working as an Applications Coordinator for them. Check out their site!

* Been busy sponsoring a contest on one of my new favorite forums Lovearat.us It's a forum for lovers of Rat Terriers. We have so much fun there, and the folks are just great!

* Attending Casey's culinary banquets. They held the pork banquet last Thursday, and it was delicious. His classes are getting more involved now. I'm really looking forward to the beef banquet.

So, I've had a full plate for the last few weeks. I'm hoping to be back on my regular posting schedule. Now, for that cup of coffee that I so desperately need!

Bright Sunny Day!

It was an absolutely beautiful day today! I spent a good deal of the day outside. I managed to get by the pool today. I swam nearly a mile and half this afternoon. I absolutely love how swimming makes me feel. I'm so relaxed afterwards. I'm also tired, but it's a good kind of tired. I hope tomorrow's weather is as good as today's was. I want to get out and ride my bike or go running. Casey's got to adjust and tighten up my bicycle seat, so I may actually have time to run, before he gets home to fix my bike. I'm also going to try to get out with all of the puppies tomorrow and run some of this wild, crazy energy out of them. It seems that I'm not the only one with spring fever!

This Made Me Smile!!

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On the Fifth Day Animal Sanctuary: Yappy Hour

Friday, March 27th

5:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

B McNeel's Restaurant in Murfreesboro

Tickets $10.00 at the the door

$5.00 for students and OTFD members

This is a cause that I fully support. On the Fifth Day is working hard to build a middle Tennessee animal sanctuary, where animals can live out the rest of their lives, if they are not adoptable. They also rescue abused and abandoned animals. Yappy Hour is to raise funds for the construction of the sanctuary. Here's what On the Fifth Day's founder, Jen Hilsher, says:

In ten years, On The Fifth Day will be the largest sanctuary in the country and is absolutely necessary due to the number of healthy animals being killed in shelters, basically due to having no infrastructure or system, ignorance about certain breeds (Pit Bull Terrier) and a low groundswell to help our area's homeless and abused animals. I founded the no-kill sanctuary in 2003 and created it as a 501(c)3 non-profit. The A.R.K. (The Animal Rescue Keystone) was developed this year -- 2009 -- as our fundraising "flagship" to spearhead our fundraising efforts of raising $100,000 which is desperately needed to begin this venture. Nothing is impossible or out of reach for this sanctuary. We will have no more homeless animals due to the cooperation of many concerned animal activists, vets, and other dedicated parties. Please visit our web site to learn more about us. www.onthefifthday.org

This event is always so much fun. So, come on out and meet other animal lovers and support a great cause at the same time!

For more information on On the Fifth Day, click HERE.

Pictures and quotes used with exclusive permission by On The Fifth Day

2009 Book Reviews: #9

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was every bit as good as I was led to believe. I had only meant to read the first couple of pages, but once I started I couldn't put it down. This book was so many things; a little bit supernatral, a little bit murder myster, and a little bit coming of age story. Bod was such a likeable character too. Even though he was raised in a very unconvential way, he turned out very well adjusted. Neil Gaiman is a master at weaving a magical tale. I highly recommend this book to everyone.

Here's a really funny interview with Neil Gaiman about The Graveyard Book on Stephen Colbert.

http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert...

View all my reviews.

Morning Funny

You guys know that I'm crazy about dogs, and I'm also crazy about Star Wars. I saw this this morning, and I LOVE it!!!

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Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

I hope everyone is having a very Happy St. Patrick's Day! I ended up taking the day off. I woke up with a horrible migraine this morning. It's the first one that I've had in quite a while. I managed to get my meds down this morning. I'm feeling some better, but I have a ways to go. Right now, the thought of eating green food makes me urpy!! Maybe this afternoon, I'll feel a bit more like celebrating. Right now, I'm just trying to enjoy this sunshine and warmer weather. If I feel better, I'll probably try to take the puppies out this afternoon. Right now, I think I may have a date with a bite of lunch.

A GREAT Time!

I subbed for my first water aerobics class tonight. I had eight students, despite the cold, wet weather. My students were all great, and we all had a terrific time. I just hope that I get to do it fairly often. How much fun is that?!

Today...

was a good day. It was over 80 degrees and beautiful outside. Work was good too. I took a break this afternoon and sat outside in the sunshine. There's just nothing like a good dose of sunshine to me. When spring comes, I always feel like I've been let out of prison!

I went to water aerobics tonight to meet all of the classmembers. We all had a great workout, and I found out that I'll be teaching on Thursday night. I'm really excited about it too. Now, I can't wait until Thursday!

Rites of Spring

YAY!! One of the first signals of spring happened at 2:00 a.m. this morning. That's right, I'm talking about daylight savings time!! It's 7 p.m. and it's still the tiniest bit daylight outside. I LOVE daylight savings time and that extra daylight time in the afternoon. I always know that warm weather is around the corner, when we spring forward.

This afternoon was nice and warm. I went to the pool and did laps for the first time, since I got bronchitis. It felt wonderful! I'm so glad to get back to my regular schedule. I've really missed exercising. I've got to regain some of my lung power, but I know that will come in time. I managed to get some new running shoes, and I'm looking forward to trying them out. Hopefully, it won't rain all week this week, and I'll get to break them in outside.

My Silly Babies!

Yesterday on the way back from the doctor's office, I stopped by PetCo. They were having an apparel clearance sale. A REALLY good deal (3 for $9.99), so I got Indy and Shingo polos and Molly a dress. Molly's dress says "Hot Chick" on the back of it. Anyway after I got home, I tried their new stuff on them and made pictures. They sure did ham it up. (Please pardon the well chewed sofa) Take a look:

Guess What I've Been Doing?

I've been making my own lols tonight with pictures of Indiana and Ramsay. Check them out:

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Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired!!!

All day yesterday, I had the strangest pain in my back. It was all in one place and didn't feel like a pulled muscle or anything. It was the kind of hurt that I couldn't describe. No amount of ibuprophen or Tylenol would take the edge off of it either. It was a really bad hurt, but the kind that is just enough that you can't ignore and eventually bugs the crap out of you. All day long my back hurt. So long that I just couldn't concentrate on work at all yesterday. When I got up this morning, the hurting was some better. It had actually moved into my side. When I was getting ready, I realized that I had a bump on my back. Upon further inspection, I realized it was a series of very sore bumps. I KNEW exactly what that meant, SHINGLES!! I had shingles once before, when I was 24 years old. So, I know those symptoms pretty well. I guess that it figures, because the Bell's Palsy that I'm still getting rid of is caused by the same virus. My guess is all that cortisone that I took to clear the bronchitis tanked my immune system and the virus took advantage of it. So, I have an appointment to see the doc tomorrow afternoon. It was just SO depressing to find this morning! I'm READY to be completely well now!!!!

Hello Snow!

Well, they said it was going to happen. I figured the same thing would happen that always does: we would see the snow but wouldn't get much on the ground to look at! Boy, was I wrong!! Bedford County seemed to be a snow "hot" spot this time. We got anywhere from 4 - 10 inches! Around 10:30 Saturday night, I thought we were having an ice storm. There was about an inch of ice on the ground. By 12:30 a.m., everything was covered. I got up around 4 a.m. for a bathroom trip and noticed that it was snowing so hard, that I couldn't see across the street. We woke up to a snow fairyland on Sunday morning. I'm so glad that Casey and I didn't have to worry about going anywhere. It was a good, wet, packing snow. I saw MANY snowmen over the weekend. This was the biggest snow that some of the local kids have ever seen! On Sunday afternoon, I bundled myself and puppies up and went out for a winter romp. Here's a slideshow of our outing:

.

By mid afternoon, the streets were clear that had been in the sun. Casey, Mom, and I drove over to Tullahoma to have dinner. The drive through the country was absolutely beautiful. I just wish that it hadn't gotten dark so quick. There's still quite a bit of snow hanging around in the yard today. Even though I did enjoy the snow, I'm officially ready for spring now!

WHEW!!

It's been such a super busy day! I have really nothing of interest to report, except I'm glad that it's over now. The one spot, where I could take a breath, was at lunch. There was an agility trial going on close by, and we dropped by and had a look. It's going on until Saturday, so we're taking the camera to work with us. I'm really tired tonight. I guess that I really haven't fully recovered from the brohchitis yet. So, I'm just going to veg out with the puppies and a little bit of Hell's Kitchen. So, I leave you all with this (it really made me laugh).

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2009 Book Review #8: Fade

Fade by Lisa McMann

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
Fade was an awesome read!! I raced through it, the same as I did with Wake. Dreamcatching is such an interesting concept, and now Janie is using her special ability to help catch a sexual predator. This book was intense and riveting, and I loved it. I could actually feel Janie's confusion and pain as she struggled with her abilities. I also like that she finds out that she can manipulate other people's dreams as well, if she practices. I highly recommend Fade to folks who like a very different story and a quick read.

View all my reviews.

New Neighbor Babies

My neighbors down the street have the cutest little female Rat Terrier. Her name is Princess. Three weeks ago, Princess had a litter of 4 puppies. All 4 were boys. Anyway on Monday, I was finally well enough to go and meet the puppies for the first time. They were ALL such cuties, and all 4 have loving homes waiting for them. Here's some pictures of the new, little family.

Here's Mama: Princess

And now the babies!!!

I Couldn't Have Said It Better Myself!

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Book Review #7: Preliminary Review of City of Glass

City of Glass by Cassandra Clare

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
I just finished reading Cassandra Clare's City of Glass on Thursday. All I can say right now, until the official release date of March 26th, is READ THIS BOOK!! Unlike City of Bones that was a lot of set up and history of the story, City of Glass moves at very quick pace. I couldn't put it down!! I read the entire thing, while working and sick, in two days!! This is the book that Mortal Instruments fans have waited for for the last year!! GREAT READ!!

View all my reviews.

So True

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Paws For A Cause 5K

I had SO planned to run this race tomorrow. Unfortunately, I'm still battling this nasty case of bronchitis, and I'll never have enough air to do it. I DO encourage anyone that is close enough to run this race or do the fun walk. It is for a VERY worthy cause.

The Bedford County Spay/Neuter Committee is holding Paws for a Cause, a 5K Run and Fun Walk, on February 21, 2008 with proceeds going toward the building of a spay/neuter clinic in Bedford County.

Special guests at this years Paws for a Cause are Nan Kelley, host of Great American Country's top 20 Countdown and Live at the Opry and her husband Charlie Kelley, guitarist and record producer, whose album by his group "The Boxhounds" was nominated for a Grammy this year will be kicking off the 5K Run and 1 mile Fun Run to benefit the spay/neuter clinic. Also, Charlie will be selling his CD and giving the proceeds to the committee.

You can google Nan Kelley to get more information about her. She is a former Miss Mississippi and you can see Charlie at www.theboxhounds.com.

Or

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/01/21/entertainment/awards/main4745004.shtml?source=RSS&attr=_4745004

Registration forms and maps of the course are available at:

http://www.midtnspayneuterclinic.org

OR

Bedford County Animal Control

205 Lane Parkway

Shelbyville, TN 37160

Phone: 931-685-1130

FAX: 931-685-1227

Email:

Michael Gregory

michaelgregoryjr@yahoo.com

Brenda Goodrich

goodrich.brenda@yahoo.com

Cuteness!!

Casey made these pictures last week, and they sure are cute! I just had to share them with you guys. Indiana has SUCH a personality!

Not Your Typical Cat

Check out this great video:

Fun Stuff

My friend, Jess, directed me to this link. It's pretty cool.

My authentic japanese name is 小泉 Koizumi (small spring of water) 桜 Sakura (cherry blossom).
Take your real japanese name generator! today!
Created with Rum and Monkey's Name Generator Generator.

Valentine Safety Tips for Pets

Remember while we enjoy Valentine's treats and flowers, these gifts from the heart can be toxic to our pets. Be sure to check out the ASPCA's Valentine's Day Tips to keep your furry Valentine safe this year!

Happy Valentine's Day!

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I just wanted to take a minute to wish all of my readers a very Happy Valentine's Day. Since I came back to work today, Casey and I are celebrating Valentine's tonight. He's given me my gift though. He gave me some beautiful silver hoop earrings!! I LOVE them!! I hope everyone has a terrific day!

Earth Hour 2009

I was really proud to hear that Nashville is going to be one of the major cities participating in Earth Hour this year. Casey and I participated all by our little lonesomes last year. This year's date is March 28. To participate, you simply turn off your lights for an hour. To learn more visit:

www.earthhour.org