The Woman with Too Much on Her Plate

New Rescue Blog! Check us out!

2010-01-27T00:03:00.000-08:00

http://blinddeafdogs.blogspot.com/

I'm a co-author on the newly created Blind Dog Rescue Allinace Blog. Please take a moment to read our blog and see what dogs are currently in desperate need of rescue from shelter!

Thank you~!

Death Valley

2010-01-04T12:24:00.000-08:00

Just got back last night from Death Valley. It was pretty dern cold but I still had a good time. So many amazing things to see. I'm not a big desert fan, I like trees and green stuff, but Death Valley has some very cool things to check out. Very educational. The military uses this area for training exercises. It's a geological museum! Was a great way to start the new year... outside in nature. I love it. Plan to do more of it. :-D
I have photos on Facebook

Ebb

2009-12-30T03:37:00.000-08:00

Ebb

I know what my heart is like

Since your love died:

It is like a hollow ledge

Holding a little pool

Left there by the tide,

A little tepid pool,

Drying inward from the edge.

Edna St. Vincent Millay

Ashes Of Life

2009-12-30T03:24:00.000-08:00

Ashes Of Life

Love has gone and left me and the days are all alike;

Eat I must, and sleep I will,—and would that night were

here!

But ah!—to lie awake and hear the slow hours strike!

Would that it were day again!—with twilight near!

Love has gone and left me and I don't know what to do;

This or that or what you will is all the same to me;

But all the things that I begin I leave before I'm through,—

There's little use in anything as far as I can see.

Love has gone and left me,—and the neighbors knock and

borrow,

And life goes on forever like the gnawing of a mouse,—

And to-morrow and to-morrow and to-morrow and to-morrow

There's this little street and this little house.

Edna St. Vincent Millay

Sad

2009-12-27T14:51:00.000-08:00

Just sad lately. Things make me cry more easily than normal. It's a general funk, although one thing is at the heart of it all - a little more of a tender spot - It's affecting everything else in a general way. I know there are many things up in the air in my life right now and all of that does nothing to help my unstable emotional situation. It's normal to go through depression slumps in life, I've been through plenty before and I'm sure this isn't my last. If I can try to see the bright side of it, at least I'm *alive*, I'm living life, experiencing it and all it's sensory roller coaster ups and downs. I'd rather have this than the dull, numbness of living a complacent existence in a false reality.

WTF...

2009-12-21T20:38:00.000-08:00

What the Fuck is wrong with me.

For starters, this year has in fact been been royally shitty. Dissolution of an 8 year marriage, while ultimately it is the best thing for both of us I believe, it still smacks of heartache, disappointment and failure on many different levels. Stemming from that are some pretty F'ing huge changes. I've always been the kind of person who can't really hide her emotional state. I may not verbalize how I feel but if you're around me, you know. You KNOW. I tend to wear my heart on my sleeve, and I hide very little about myself, generally speaking. I realize I'm experiencing an ebb and flow of emotional states. At once I think I know what I want, then I'm not sure. I'm second guessing myself more and more lately, catching myself after doing things, experiencing remorse and then changing things again. Desiring to reach out to people (like I have always done) but then regretting reaching out... wishing I hadn't. Simply being in that confused of a state of mind is unsettling to me - GREATLY unsettling. So, while I have many good days, with a seemingly good handle on reality and decisiveness, I still get broadsided by days like today. The catalyst can be very minor, as it was today. Believe me though, it's not that simple a situation. I am incredibly vague, for a reason. It's that uncertainty of wanting to reach out, expose myself for all to judge, but fearing it at the same time. I'm not who I used to be, and I suppose that is normal because we all should change as our life progresses on... but, I think I'm feeling overwhelmed by the severity of change I've recently experienced. I feel like I have a personality disorder. I've desired solitary time more and more lately. Uncertainty, draws me into myself for reflection.

Self-reliance has always been a big deal for me. Since July, I've had VERY little of that and no amount of placating me will or has worked. It's gone on for too long and it's wearing on me severely.

I've been all over the emotional map: pissed, sad, depressed, elated, disgusted, horny, hurt, disappointed, devious, dishonest, confused as hell, relieved, loved, tossed aside, crushed, frustrated... I haven't even scratched the surface here on the many things that are upsetting me... and don't bother to ask, I'm not in the mood to share. Needless to say, it's going to take a while for me to "get right" again. I don't know what's good for me right now. "I just don't know".

Was just thinking it might help to understand that schizophrenia is my status quo.

testing the facebook system

2009-12-13T12:17:00.001-08:00

I don't want my blog linked anymore. :-(

Inconsiderate

2009-10-03T22:07:00.001-07:00

in·con·sid·er·ate (ĭn'kən-sĭd'ər-ĭt)
adj.

Thoughtless of others; displaying a lack of consideration.
Not well considered or carefully thought out; ill-advised.

A discussion of what exactly "inconsiderate" means, was had fairly recently. Someone I was talking to felt that this word implied "intent" or malice. I didn't see it that way. It's simply a lack of consideration - without any qualifier of "being done on purpose" or not.

Is it wrong...

2009-10-03T15:47:00.000-07:00

...if you have to tell someone when they are doing something rude, upsetting or inconsiderate?

I have a bad habit of waiting until I am alone with my forsaken thoughts and the thing that didn't sit well settles in, slaps me across the face and I suddenly realize how "wrong" it was, even though it happened only a few moments ago. I think what I do is hope that the situation will improve as time moves forward and then when it's all said and done and nothing ever did improve, that is when I get officially bent sideways.

While I can understand the culprit being not-so-pleased with the belated unveiling of my displeasure at the situation I still cannot help but feel that it is odd that I have to bring this fact to their attention AT ALL. Because I feel that someone should have a decent enough handle on reality to know when something they are doing is inconsiderate. I end up feeling insignificant and thoughtlessly treated.

I seriously would like to know, what you think. My bad habit of waiting to reveal my displeasure and the inconsiderate (though, not malicious) behavior - neither are *good* things. It seems like a bit of a mess. How much of it should one endure? At what point do you call the situation a no win, for either person? At what point should one "throw in the towel"?

I ruminate... don't they make a medication for that?

Casualties of Divorce

2009-10-02T11:48:00.000-07:00

There were some casualties. My old neighbor (but still good friend) took a few things, so while I cannot have them in my possession she lovingly holds them. As if I'm actually going to ask for anything back now. :-(

She finally hung one of my paintings! :-D I think it looks very nice in her place. :-D Although, I may be a tad bit biased. Hahaha!

I miss painting. I miss having the time to do it. ~sigh~

Want to talk about Random?

2009-10-02T11:21:00.000-07:00

My morning consisted of the following events.

I woke up thinking about how I need to update our Bling Dog Rescue website, and how I've put it off now for 2 days!

I tried to secure some narcotics for a friend this morning. Didn't really work out. I'm wondering why some people would even *think* of me for illegal narcotics. HA! (seriously)

I wanted to get the dogs out and myself out so I decided to walk down to Portfolio for coffee and a breakfast panini. Nice sidewalk table. Three very cute young ladies arrive on their bikes and fawn all over my dogs. :::very big smile::: They have a seat at the table next to mine. :::very big smile::: The line inside was long so I settled down in my chair and made a phone call to my lawyer - as planned. I was correct in my assumption that I basically have no choice in the matter of filing for bankruptcy. Since my darling (soon to be, not soon enough - EX) husband has decided to take the "easy" way out and file for bankruptcy. OK, I'm a little bitter. Because I don't have much of a choice in the matter, and I **guess** I can't blame him for wanting to do this. I just don't like being out of control, HA. I am pretty sure I can keep my truck, that was my biggest concern. While I was enjoying my breakfast panini and coffee (which I was able to get after the phone call - line WAY shorter) a fire engine pulls up and a gaggle of H-O-T ass firemen pile out and saunter into the coffee shop. I got a few stares, gratefully returned. ;-) Oh yes, men in uniform, there's just *something* about 'em. The authority, the domination... makes me quiver and melt. Lucky me, got it a second time when they came back out! I finally had to come back home because my stupid laptop cannot live for more than 5 minutes on it's gimpy battery and there was no outlet outside near the tables. :-(

So, to recap: procrastination, drugs, bankruptcy, bitterness, hot young chicas, hot ass firemen and a lame ass computer. Fairly random.

Ever feel so lost?

2009-09-25T22:15:00.000-07:00

Overwhelmed. Misdirected. Disoriented. Off-course. Wayward. Confused. Maladjusted. Obsessive. Intolerant. Vehement. Impetuous!

While I found direction in one area of my life I am drowning in a maelstrom of financial woes. Have you ever seemed to just awaken one day to find everything falling apart around you? It's the proverbial snowball gaining speed and size as it hastily bowls you over sucking you up into it's huge uncontrollable mass... somehow it got that bad. For weeks I've been doing nothing but struggling to keep myself from drowning in a sea of pass due notices, late fees, unauthorized charges and debits, changes made to my account that I did not initiate, pretty much just plain 'ol confusion infused with irrepressible frustration with the bank. I was counting of some things happening in my life that would circumvent this exact situation, however, life sometimes has other plans. I had no plan B, C or D. Dumb ass. I'm working on plan G right now. Wish me luck.

Despite all this turmoil, what got me here was a life changing decision that absolutely had to be made! So, I continue to pratice my back stroke...

Clarity

2009-09-24T17:33:00.000-07:00

having direction. a fixed purpose. being settled. resolved. certain. understanding. decided. KNOWING WHAT YOU WANT.

I had this realization recently. I thought I was in a state of confusion when in fact I've known the answer all along. I just forgot that I knew what I really wanted. Knowing what you want affords you courage and resolve, it allows you to be purpose driven. Knowing what you want gives you confidence, gives you peace.

After some discussion, some comparisons were made to a similar situation - one I think closely resembles my desires. "Even the most perfect situation, fails at some point". Wise and poignant words. However, those words can be applied very broadly. I realize they do not just apply narrowly to what I desire but they apply to just about ANY situation... more specifically, to any relationship.

I tried the traditional way. It failed me horribly. So why not give the unorthodox a try?

In the meantime, I like where I am. Though, it's been a bit of a learning curve, I'm happy. I'm satisfied. I'm close to being at peace.

Changes

2009-07-17T15:56:00.000-07:00

It's usually never easy to walk away from a 10 year relationship. The decision is made over much time and heart felt consideration. It wasn't an easy decision for me to make and it took years for me to accept the bleak truth about my situation. But, once that acceptance sunk in there was no turning back, no ignoring it. No more denial. So, action was taken and one heart in this mess was broken into pieces. I think my heart was slowly torn apart over the years so the final outcome today doesn't hurt me with as much acute pain. But, was it easy to do? Fuck no. Was it painless? Fuck no. But, it was different for me. I feel liberated, yes, but a little scared at the same time. I am getting in touch with a part of me that sort of died years ago, a part that I missed. Therefore, it is bittersweet for me. The road ahead is daunting at the same time it is arousing and although it gives me cause to pause... I will take this path fortuitously. But, just because I do not cry and visibly fall to pieces does not mean I am not hurt!

Samson the wonder dog

2009-07-01T01:01:00.000-07:00

It's only the fourth day but, I'm getting a bead on him. He is exceptionally sweet and gentle. He loves people! He's great with the neighbor kids too. He doesn't seem to be weary of strangers, he meets new people with gentle curiosity and a wagging tail. He took to the crate within 5 minutes. I don't trust him with my other dog Onyx because I don't trust Onyx not to start shit. So in the crate he must go, when we are not home. Otherwise, he is a perfect little gentleman. I think if people can see past the black coat and any stereotypes associated with Chow Chows he will have no problem finding a great home. He will make someone a wonderful, peaceful companion for the rest of his days.

He allowed me to brush his coat, cut out mats around his ears, hand feed him, and take food from him. I'd say he's pretty darn tolerant, especially for being so recently uprooted from his home of 10 years.

As the days continue on, I will become more and more attached to this little guy, and he to me. Hopefully, I will not jinx the situation by saying he is the best foster I've had so far. :::knock on wood::: Saying good bye will be the hardest part.

Samson needs a home!

2009-06-29T10:57:00.000-07:00

Samson is a 10 year old Black Chow/Aussie/Samoyed mix. He is intact and current on all vaccinations. He is medium/small in size, 40-50 lbs. He is a very sweet and gentle boy, loves people. I have not cat tested him yet and I’m working on obtaining more information on him from his previous owners. He doesn’t walk that well on leash but he seems to listen and I’m working with him on some basic training.

Samson was dumped by his family at our local PetSmart adoption event with a local shelter. This family had Samson since he was a puppy, 10 years in this family. A new boxer puppy started some issues and Samson ended up with the chewed up ears. The final decision of the family was to get rid of the old dog and keep the new puppy.

Please find it in your heart to open your home up to sweet Samson. He is very deserving of a loving FOREVER home and he will shower you with love, devotion and sweet kisses.

If you are interested in Samson, or know someone who is please call me:

Laura

(951) 500-7844

http://picasaweb.google.com/c2cheshire/Samson?feat=directlink

Something I'm allergic to...

2009-06-25T02:41:00.000-07:00

If you don't know any of my story you don't follow me on Twitter or Facebook. I will have to make some time to write out a decent account of what happened later. I had an acute allergic reaction to something. I think it was a stain fighter additive for the laundry. I don't know for sure and I won't know until I get my referral to a specialist.

It's been a long week. This started on Friday
at work, landed in the ER on Ssturday night, ended up calling the NP on call Sunday, she phoned in another Rx and got to squeeze in an appointment on Tuesday to see my regular doctor because it just keeps coming back. The ER put me on Prednisone for five days along with a bunch of other crap too, butbi think the pred has the worst of all the side effects. Irritability, sleeplessness, dry mouth, dizziness, blurred vision, lack of concentration. I never knew all this could happen from taking a steriod! It sucks big time!

I'm trying to get to bed at a decent hour tonight but I'm no sure it's going to be possible since the DH is chopping down a forest next to me!

Till next time. I hope to have more details and pictures.

-- Post From My iPhone

Pandora

2009-06-17T16:01:00.000-07:00

I just recently signed up for Pandora. It's free and it's pretty damn cool! You type in songs or artists that you like and Pandora selects music based on that first entry. As each song comes up you can vote if you like or dislike each one. If you like, Pandora remembers that if you don't like Pandora stops playing that song and starts a new one. It's actually really neat. Best part is there are no commercials! If you come across a song that you like enough to want to buy Pandora has an option to "buy this song in iTunes", how cool is that? I'm getting ready to get some house cleaning done and I have Pandora playing right now. Right now it's Inxs, Need You Tonight and I first chose Depeche Mode as the artist and from there Pandora plays songs based on what I like and what I don't.

Highly recommend!

http://www.pandora.com

American Registry of Radiologic Technologists

2009-06-08T01:18:00.000-07:00

I am now a licensed member of this group! I'm so happy that I passed my exam with a 94%! I really didn't feel ready but I was able to pull through. I was able to bring my brain with me and use it wisely. Considering the troubles I'd been having lately I was pretty shocked that I did so well. I was seriously shaking after I walked out of the testing room, I almost cried in front of those nice ladies. I'm glad that I didn't get sick either... it felt like one of those moments when you finally finish something very important and you feel this relief but at the same time it's like your body feels like it's finally OK to give in and you get sick. Glad that didn't happen!

I have one more exam to complete and then I will be done with exams! The Fluoroscopy permit test should be less stressful because there is less information covered. I hope that is the case but either way I'm starting early on the studying. Couldn't hurt one bit.

Now, for the hard part... finding a job!

Out for the count...

2009-06-01T01:53:00.000-07:00

I hope to be doing the same shortly.

-- Post From My iPhone

Photo glitch?

2009-05-28T22:41:00.001-07:00

Didn't know the iPhone had photo filter capability. Probably just a freak accident. Sure would be cool if I could make it happen when I want to.

-- Post From My iPhone

New App

2009-05-26T11:47:00.001-07:00

So, since I couldn't sleep last night I searched for a blog App for my iPhone. This one seems pretty cool so far.
This picture is of my bathroom mirror - and a few of my daily study post-it's so I can multi task while brushing my teeth.

It has cool little emoticons like this: ... Funny! WC! When would I ever need that one? Also I can add photos to my blog entry, which I'm going to attemp with this entry.
BlogPress Pro. Had the best reviews besides WordPress but I don't have a WordPress account so here I be. The only thing I wish it could do is receive RSS feeds so I can easily read my blog subscriptions on the go. I can log into the Web, but Apps make things much easier and direct. Who knows they just might come out with that next.
OK, now, REALLY back to studying.

I look tired but how about any smarter?

-- Post From My iPhone

6 hours sleep. Sheesh.

2009-05-26T11:16:00.000-07:00

I'll have to make up for it tonight. Back to studying.

-- Post From My iPhone

Can't sleep.

2009-05-26T05:20:00.000-07:00

Been up all night. I hate insomnia. But, at least I don't have to be anywhere at anytime tomorrow. Grrrr.

-- Post From My iPhone

Haven't been around much lately.

2009-05-18T13:33:00.000-07:00

The whirlwind of finishing up our last semester of school really kicked my butt. Planning a pinning ceremony with virtually no help wasn't my idea of fun, let me tell you. Add that to the pressure of wether or not we will be offered a job, needing to study for the licensing exam, HOPING and PRAYING that we pass that, finding out that our program director (much revered) unexpectedly passed away less than a week before our pinning ceremony... well, lets just say that saying I've been stressed doesn't really accurately describe it. Add also that I got very ill during all of this and, I just wanted to crawl under a rock and die. I did have a break down moment but I think any normal person would.

I'm happy now, though, because I'm well again and all the school responsibilities and obligations are behind me. Now my focus is on studying for that dreaded exam, updating my resume, and getting applications out there to every single place I can!

Wish me luck. I can sigh a little bit of relief at this point but it's not over yet!

2009-04-23T20:20:00.001-07:00

Just a quick reminder. There is a special election coming up in May. Prop 1a is very mis leading. It will extend the time frame that the new taxes will be in effect. I say vote NO!

New proposed Mandatory Microchipping and Spay/Neuter ordinance in Southern California

2009-03-28T15:22:00.000-07:00

Los Angeles already passed this as law, much to my great disappointment. Now it seems Riverside County is trying, again, to pass this ordinance. I am overwhelmingly AGAINST this legislation. I believe we pet owners should have the right to choose when we spay/neuter our pets and not have the government mandate it and FINE us if we are not in accordance. In addition, I believe we reserve the right to choose microchipping if we see fit. There are many studies detailing the health problems in both male and female dogs arising from early spay/neuter. Just to list a few articles on the topic:

Long-Term Health risks associated with Spay / Neuter in Dogs

Early Spay-Neuter Considerations for the Canine Athlete

To Spay or Neuter? What your Vet may not tell you

Spaying and Castration (Neutering) Dogs and Cats A Stark Warning

To learn more about the proposed ordinance and what it really means to you as a pet owner I've listed a few more links below. Among them are sites, such as the AKC, that offer actions that you can do to oppose and fight against this ordinance passing. I would appreciate your support in fighting to keep our right to choose what is best for our pets!

Riverside County Department of Animal Services

American Kennel Club - AKC news

No Pit Bull Bans

AKC SB 250

Find what District you belong to and write to your representative expressing your view on this issue today! Each representative's site includes either a map of his district or a list of cities included in his district. I live in Corona, 2nd District.

Kinda bummed I can't update my side bar...

2009-03-23T19:48:00.001-07:00

For example, the Workout log - from my cell, nada, ain't happenin'. 2.96 miles today and it didn't feel like that much. I find that if I eat pasta for lunch I have much better stamina in the afternoon/evening for jogging.

Now I lay me down to sleep...

2009-03-21T00:17:00.001-07:00

I will wake way too soon but I hope I don't feel the affects of nil sleep to harshly. This sucks but I cannot get two things in my life to happen opposite of each other enough so they don't interfere with my sleep! Good night, I hope.

Work out log 3/18/09 - 2.58 Miles*

2009-03-18T18:27:00.000-07:00

2.58 miles

24.37 min

9.33 min/mi average pace (with a best pace of 7.34 min/mi)

88 degrees

1.7 % average grade

And a large dog that I discovered does NOT do well jogging in 88 degree weather. Would have done better if I didn't have her with me. Poor girl.

Shelter puppies, disease and heartbreak.

2009-03-17T18:46:00.000-07:00

I'm sure many people have already heard the terrible news of Oprahs heartbreak in losing one of her shelter adopted puppies to parvo virus. I applaud her efforts to draw attention to the pet overpopulation problem in this country by setting an example for her viewers in adopting from a shelter. But, with the sad death of her puppy there may be mixed reactions by the public at large. You can find some great reading on this topic in Dolittlers veterinarian blog. She raises the question, will the public now shy away from adopting from shelters for fear that their pet will fall ill with a deadly virus or disease? I sure hope not but I've seen worse reactions from the public on various issues and I wouldn't be surprised if it does happen. Either way, people need to take responsibility for the decisions they make. If you decide to adopt from a shelter then yes you are doing a great thing by helping these over crowded, understaffed facilities and the general "people are idiots and don't know what they are getting themselves into most of the time and so their pet gets dumped at the shelter" problem. But, you also have to realize that you don't really know what you are getting and if you make this decision you should be prepared to deal with the possible consequences. If you cannot financially keep your end of the bargain you should not be adopting from a shelter in the first place. It would be much better for someone in this position to go to a rescue or a breeder. Although, these routes are not a guarantee for a completely healthy and problem free pet, it does offer better odds because you will have had a rescue evaluate the pet before adoption and if you choose the breeder route a reputable breeder will have documentation of family/genetic lineage and access to some of the family your pet is coming from. I think dealing with a reputable and responsible breeder offers a person the most informed pet acquisition process. I have rescued from shelter before. This dog has recently been diagnosed with an incurable degenerative neurological disease. Am I going to take her back to the shelter because I didn't expect this? HELL NO. When I adopted this dog from the shelter I made a promise to this animal, and in my mind to the shelter, that I will take care of her no matter what and I take that obligation very seriously. Pets are not inanimate objects that can be tossed away when a person loses interest or finds them too burdensome.

Bottom line: be informed, take responsibility and show some integrity.

Too much on my plate but I can't help it!

2009-03-14T13:22:00.000-07:00

It's a disease I think. I am not a T.V. watcher - never really have been. I CAN watch but mostly if I'm interested in T.V. it is for one or two shows only. However, I am addicted to the World Wide Web! I just recently joined Twitter and I have to admit I don't really understand the point of it yet. I have a Facebook account (along with a long list of other things: YouTube, Meetup.com, Dogster, many yahoogroups and lets not leave out my beloved Blogger) and there you can post what you are doing at any given moment too, but that goes along with a huge network of people with profiles and photos, videos, links, and all kinds of other gadgets. If I understand Twitter right, it's like the Facebook "what are you doing right now?" except that just it - nothing else. As if I need something else to take up my time and attention?

I'm drawing nearer to the end of my schooling. It is that time to buckle down and hit the books hardcore in preparation for taking the National licensing exam for ARRT. It is said that I need to devote and average of one hour per day until I take my exam sometime after May 14th. There is a lot of procrastination in me... and I'm easily distracted. I'm debating on wether I need to take a hiatus from my beloved WWW.

~sigh~

The way I see it, I'm still going to need to take "breaks"... but I may just be enabling myself. ;-)

Yawn!

2009-03-06T21:51:00.000-08:00

I really don't want to be here right now. This place is so drudgy and stale. I'm dead tired from a long day and I want nothing more than to fall into my soft, comfy, dog hair laden bed. I need to recoup and rejuvinate so I can muster the energy to run with the pups tomorrow. This entire week has been too busy and I was only able to take them running once. I feel like sloth not only because of that but also because I just consumed the entire gift baggie of chocoalte I received today from Julie. Julie, a former classmate who had to quit the program because she came down with cancer in her neck, still tries to be the little sweetie she always has been. She always put together little goodie bags for every holiday. I miss her bubbly personality in class. I hope she can beat this thing.

I need to get home and sleep!

Stress, Running and The Mud Run

2009-02-26T17:02:00.000-08:00

So, back when I first started running I was very focused on improving my time and after training for an organized event, getting my time down pretty low (about 9.5 minute mile) I was feeling pretty good about my progress. However, I did injure my ankles pretty badly in the process and realized how much I really hate organized events when I'm in a competitive mode. Since then I relaxed and stopped worrying about how fast I was and focused more on distance and how I felt. Because of my school schedule this past year and a half I had to give up my runs because there simply wasn't time. Well, my stress levels climbed and elevated to the point that I had to begin to take some pretty drastic measures to deal with it (at least to me they were). In addition to other things I started running again. This time I absolutely didn't care about distance or time but how I felt. It didn't take me very long to work my way back up to a 5 mile route including a nice hill climb at the beginning. I still haven't timed myself but I feel GREAT! I love the days when I feel as if I could just keep on going indefinitely, that is a true "runners high" for me. So, this is doing wonders for my stress levels and making me an easier person to be around which my husband appreciates I'm sure. I began to think about organized events again, setting goals and achieving higher accomplishments. I have entertained the idea of training for a half marathon. That is about 13 miles. Right now I'm at the level of training for a 10K so I don't see bumping things up to training levels for a half marathon as that much more difficult. Maybe I will consider this more seriously after I'm finished with school though - to be realistic. Today a friend mentioned The Mud Run and I've always wanted to do that - just for fun, because it looks like so much fun! You get a team of friends together and you get dirty as hell running the obstacle course at Camp Pendleton, invoking my childhood affection for getting dirty! Sadly, according the The Mud Run website this years event is sold out. However, I will definitely be getting early registration for next year!!!

Barbera from Wiens Family Cellars

2009-02-10T19:21:00.001-08:00

I'm not well versed in wine tasting lingo and sure as heck don't know what I'm talking about when attempting to critique wine. But, I was particularly excited to receive this months delivery from Wiens Family Cellars. Barbera was the most common grape cultivated in Italy at one time but due to a scandal where a certain winemaker added methanol to the wine and many people died, the Barbera gained a stigma and lost favor. It has made a recent come back though and what a yummy come back it is!

Wine making is a complex process and even within one type of grape you can change the final outcome, flavor and characteristics. Depending upon when the grape is harvested can make a big difference in how one type of wine will taste. I have experienced this but I didn't know why it was so before. I love Cabs but I have tasted a couple that really turned me off, not that I could remember the specifics now but it was something about them I didn't like. I read that Barbera wines have a distinct tannins affect, tannins are what make you pucker when tasting the wine. But, I always thought of it like "dryness" or "bite" and I like that but I like many different characteristics in wines. Wiens descibes their Barbera as full bodied with many hints of different kinds of berries. That's what I can remember off hand and the bottle isn't near me now. I think this Barbera is quite smooth without that characteristic "bite" but that doent mean I don't like it, its fabulous! I don't detect too muc
h sweetness as a result of the berries, but maybe some tartness and what I think some refer to as "woody" that comes from the barrel it ferments in. I think my husband would even enjoy this wine - he's not into heavy stuff like Zins. I'd say its a nice middle of the road wine that can be appealing to both "extremes" of wine connoisseur. Have I mentioned that I love the wine club? :-D

PET scan

2009-02-03T12:40:00.000-08:00

Positron Emission Tomography. PET Scan combines a nuclear medicine scan and CT scan. The CT scan takes a few seconds but the nuc med scan takes 30mins to an hour. Patient is injected with a radioactive isotope and allowed to "cook" for a period of time, around an hour and can be upto 3 or more hours depending on the exam. The images obtained from PET scan are pretty impressive. The study allows the Dr. to see the physiological function aligned with the accuracy of anatomical imaging of the CT. It's pretty cool stuff. You need to have your Nuclear Medicine license and your CT license to be able to work PET scan. But, you get paid the big bucks!

Running, running, running.

2009-01-31T15:31:00.000-08:00

I've taken to running again lately. Been so derned stressed out I feel I have to do something! I have to take benadryl (x2) every night just so I can sleep through the night. I usually take Lady running with me but I am limited on time and I feel bad for Onyx. PLUS, Onyx always seems so under exercised from our regular walks anyway. I began to include Onyx on my runs with Lady. I get some interesting looks and comments and mumbles now. I'm happy to say that even though I've gotten up to 3+ miles and we did almost 4.5-5 miles yesterday Onyx still seems unfazed by this level of activity. She's not over exerted at the end and not out of breath. Shoot, Lady seems more out of breath! I have brought this point up to a few people and no one seems to object to this for Onyx at her age. I guess it's more a problem for Great Danes if they are younger and still growing. I was always told to not "over exercise" a Dane. I am happy we can do this together now! It's good for us all! We trekked up a nice hill and cruised down the other side yesterday, I'm so impressed with Onyx. I will bring this up with my vet the next time we go - just in case there are any issues I should be concerned with that I'm not thinking of right now. I am wondering if her joints aren't going to be affected by too much of this running? I suppose I could space out her jaunts with us and have her go a couple times a week instead of every time.

It feels good for me, I'm getting back into the groove and in better cardiovascular shape for it. When you're out of practice it can be difficult to get back into the swing. So now I feel guilty if I miss more than a day or so because I don't want to lose my conditioning. :-)

Running with a Great Dane, who'd a thunk it?

Daisy DM

2009-01-19T14:48:00.000-08:00

I find myself watching Daisy a little more closely now she's been diagnosed with Degenerative Myelopathy. Maybe it's just me but it seems like she is worse and worse. I have her on mega doses of Joint supplements and an anti-inflammatory drug to try and alleviate any discomfort she may have due to any arthritis she may have. This is supposed to help her regain more mobility so she can gain some more strength in her back legs. ~sigh~ I hope it starts getting a little better. But, unfortunately I think it is only going to continue to get worse. :-(

Followers

2009-01-19T14:45:00.001-08:00

I just recently noticed the "Follow this Blog" item on Blogger. I'm now following a few blogs. It's kind of neat and I realize I have ONE follower! LOL. Thanks for following! I'm a mish-mosh blog but mostly about my babies (dogs/cats/ferrets) with some other life happenings sprinkled in. I go through phases where I'm posting a lot then I have drought periods. It depends upon how busy I am with my schooling.

Anyway, I just wanted to say thanks to my follower! I was going to follow her blog but I think it's been deleted. :-(

Degenerative Myelopathy

2009-01-05T18:22:00.000-08:00

Daisy went to the vet today. She has been diagnosed with Degenerative Myelopathy. It is truly disappointing news.

Degenerative Myelopathy

Sweet Daisy dog

2009-01-03T13:49:00.001-08:00

Poor Daisy. It appears her hips are really beginning to fail her now. It's time to get her into the vet to see if we can find out more precisely what is going on, therefore, be able to treat her problem more accurately. She's approximately 8-10 years old but we don't really know for sure. She had a tough life before coming to live with us and I vowed to make it much better for the rest of her days! Let's just hope she doesn't break the credit card at the vet! If you would like to see what I mean follow the link and watch the videos. Daisy's Gait. Think positive and healing thoughts for poor Daisy.

Happy Freakin' New Year

2009-01-01T02:42:00.000-08:00

I can only hope 2009 will be better than 2008 but I just don't know for sure. I just heard about the possibility of the state of California issuing I.O.U.'s to people instead of tax returns. BUT, if you happen to owe taxes you better be damn sure you cannot issue the state an I.O.U. How is that fair? (And don't you dare give me the "life isn't fair" bull crapola) It's a bunch of horse manure (getting the common theme here?) if you ask me. I also heard a prediction that 2009 will end so much worse than 2008 that by this time next year we will *wish* it was 2008 again. A bunch of gloom and doom. If I didn't have so much at stake - on a fine line - I wouldn't sweat it as much but crap, it ain't looking good. As the talk show host put it, like saying "it's the year of the dragon" or "it's the year of the monkey" this year will be "the year of the poop sandwich". Choke it down.

Valrico Animal Rescue and Shelter

2008-12-29T17:29:00.001-08:00

If you can, please DONATE. Even if it's small, the little things do add up! It is that time of year and I hope the charitableness in people comes out. I donate a little when I can. I'm just so impressed and very jealous -- Cheryl and Shelly are trying to start up their own rescue and shelter... my dream job! I'd actually like to open a sanctuary someday -- I can dream. They're diligent, committed and tenacious but they cannot do it with out some help, so please donate!

Thank you!

Heater woes - oh yeah, Yay!

2008-12-26T19:09:00.001-08:00

So, we didn't get the darn thing fixed by replacing the thermosat. We were quite perplexed and very frustrated, not to mention, COLD! Brian called a friend who is in the heating and air conditioning business and he was kind enough to come and check out our problem this morning. After much trouble shooting he discovered the problem lay with the damn plug! All he did was bend the prongs on the plug to the furnace out a little more and viola - an electric connection was made and the heater worked!! So we got a new thermostat for no reason. Now we have two. I am glad I got the space heater though, ditto on the fire place accessories. Funny how we take for granted some of the "simple" conveniences, I really appreciate my heater now! REALLY! And its supposed to get VERY cold tonight... I heard the radio weather person say **20** degrees in the valley!!! Holy Shit! Blessed be the heater God!

I cannot Effing believe...

2008-12-25T00:40:00.001-08:00

..that my Mexican neighbors think its OK to crank their mariachi effing music as loud as it can effing go at effing 12:30 AM on Christmas Eve. Jeezus! Some people also celebrate on Christmas Day and need to effing sleep. Not to mention that those people may have also been up since 5 AM and are sooo effing tired! SHIT!

So, I called the police. God I hope they get here soon and tell them to turn that shit off!

Video?

2008-12-21T20:01:00.001-08:00

OK, I've tried now, twice, to upload video from my computer to blogger. Failed both times. I have noticed other blogs with video posted but now that I think of it I think most are video from YouTube. I guess that is the next step. Tit for tat I suppose.

Squeaky ball

2008-12-21T18:34:00.000-08:00

I finally got the iSqueak ball I have been coveting since I saw Rambo playing with his! His mom put the ball inside a soda box and made him fight with the box to get it out, thank goodness my mom didn't do that to me! Onyx and Me LOVE THIS SQUEAKY BALL! Many thanks go to Auntie Carina in Michigan for sending these to us!!!!

Heater woes

2008-12-20T20:01:00.000-08:00

We have been living for about a week without heat. We just had a bad rain storm and it got pretty darn cold. It's still pretty cold here, just yesterday morning when I left for clinical there was frost on my windshield and the temperature was about 34 degrees. YIKES! It gets cold out here in the Inland Empire but recently it's been *really* cold. Of course, it may seem worse to us because we have been without heat in the house... but still! I broke down mid week and bought a room heater for our bedroom and new fireplace accessories so we can burn wood to keep warm in the main part of the house. That heater kicks butt! My dogs, especially Onyx, are very happy that I provided some artificial heat finally. Onyx is the only dog with a short coat and she gets cold easy. Today, we found out why the heat isn't working, it's the thermostat. Thank goodness it's not something more expensive. I think we can pick up a new one at Home Depot for about $30, no biggie. But, husband is babysitting his nieces tonight (what a good Uncle) so he will not be able to install it until tomorrow. So, this *should* be my last shivering night!

Email troubles are over... ?

2008-12-20T19:55:00.000-08:00

I got all my email back on my computer. Phew! All my RSS feeds for blogs are still there and all my mailbox behaviors are still set up. I am thinking... maybe it was the last computer update I did that screwed everything up. Sometimes "updates" don't mean "improvement". Mac set up a MobileMe thing in my Mail account which was new because I had not seen it before. I'm guessing that screwed with all my settings. There was an update for the Mail program and that must have been part of it. Things look a little different and I did have to re-set up my gmail account in Mail but once I did that everything fell back into place. Phew. All is right in the world again, for now. The most recent update I did changed my desktop picture too... that is some weird shit. Macintosh is making me a little nervous.

Email troubles

2008-12-19T03:42:00.001-08:00

This is a test. Some strange things happened yesterday regarding my email, cell phone and computer. Hmmm I hope its just a glich.

Calf Heads Yum!

2008-12-15T15:33:00.000-08:00

For the first time I bought whole calf heads for the dogs to eat. They loved them! Brian has always said, since I started feeding raw to the dogs, that if I brought anything really weird home like a head he'd leave me. LOL. Well, mister queazy had curiosity get the best of him and he was out there cutting calf heads in half for his dog! It was a very entertaining afternoon on Saturday.

If you'd like to support animal rescue...

2008-12-04T20:46:00.001-08:00

I have an "internet friend" that is starting up her own canine rescue/shelter. I'm so completely jealous but so proud of her! If you'd like to find out more about how you can help her start up her business and help dogs in need, this is in Florida, feel free to join this Google group:

http://groups.google.com/group/valricocaninerescue

Dogs in Florida say thank you! ;-)

Dear diary

2008-12-02T02:54:00.001-08:00

Don't you hate it when your dog licks your face at 1:50 in the morning, waking you, you become lucid in a pitch dark room and now can't go back to sleep? I sure do. Every little noise in the room is keeping me awake: snoring (dog and husband) and funny breathing noises that sound like little whistles (husband again), and what the heck was that beeping sound?. Now my brain turns to thinking about the different things it has no business thinking about at (now) 2:25 AM. I need to remember to bring a change of clothes on Friday. Will we be able to pay our property tax? Damn if I didn't forget to send a birthday card to my brother - but I'm glad I called on his birthday. Is it going to be a busy day tomorrow? Will I have time to finish my paperwork? What kind of information am I going to find on "foreign bodies" found on xray in the rectum? Will I be able to make decent Christmas gifts for my step-family so they won't think we are ingrates? I didn't get to walk the dogs yesterday. I think
husband has sleep apnea... Just a little. I wish I'd start my period already so I can begin my new pill pack (BC). Those seafood crepes were yummy even as left overs. I hope Herb is doing OK, he needs to get into the vet again for a shot. Kitty needs to be tested again for his kidney functions. Anna has an expired dog license, she's needs a rabies shot so we can renew. I need to get started reading some books I've borrowed, when do I have time? Property tax is DUE SOON!

Just a few things on my mind.

Bored at work

2008-11-28T19:07:00.000-08:00

Being able to blog from my phone is great for when I'm stuck somewhere and bored outta my mind. Today is Black Friday and after hearing the news reports of people dying in stores because tensions are so high, it gives new meaning to the name "Black" Friday. People have to get that great deal even if it means they have to hurt or kill someone for it. Seriously, people, what is the world coming to? Its a material thing, shopping, is it worth someones life? **shakes head**

I have never gone shopping on Black Friday, I don't like shopping that much and I definitely do not care to fight the crowds to get that coveted ultimate "deal".

So, in a way I guess its better to be at work instead of in the mall getting killed. But I'd still rather be at home with my babies and husband.

Have a safe holiday everyone. On-line shopping is looking better & better.

Laura

Still hangs on my wall.

2008-11-27T12:40:00.000-08:00

Has the affect of a blizzard but I believe its a foggy beach. DOG BEACH!

For Cynthia...

2008-11-27T10:43:00.001-08:00

Remember this?

Have you ever felt so stressed....

2008-11-25T18:44:00.001-08:00

That you just want to curl up and cry for a week? At least.

My doctor thinks I'm looney toons, I just know it.

I hear taking baths helps... Calgon take me away... FAR, FAR away.....

Can I send posts via my phone now?

2008-11-25T18:30:00.001-08:00

Oh please, oh please, oh please! Instant gratification, oh please....

Southern California Burning

2008-11-21T16:47:00.000-08:00

Fires!

You may have heard about the recent fires here in Southern California. They affected just about everyone living here in one way or another. I just thought I'd share my ordeal regarding the fires.

My unfortunate luck started on Friday 14, 2008. The Santa Ana wind condition that whips up around this time every year was causing me plenty of grief by irritating my sinuses and causing my allergies to flare. To add to my irritation I had a very long

day planned. I attended clinical from 7 AM until 3:30 PM and without a break I went to work immediately following. Working until 11:30 PM and not getting to sleep until about 1 AM made for an extremely tiring and lengthy day.

Saturday morning, nice and early, I awoke at 6 AM so I could make it to the Orange County Cold Storage facility by 7 AM to fulfill my monthly obligation of hard labor and get my dog food for the month. While I lifted and moved pounds and pounds of frozen raw animal parts the weather continued to wreak havoc on my sinuses. It became apparent at some point in that morning that a fire had started *somewhere* because the sky turned brown and ash began to fall from the sky. I thought, "greeeeaat, this should be wonderful for my allergies". Luckily, I wore a bandana on my noggin and I changed that from a hat to a mask.

The people at Cold Storage started to call me the Taliban or a bandit. I didn't care what I looked like, I was miserable and I was choking on the foul air. By the time I left the Cold Storage facility it was 1:15 in the afternoon and I noticed a text message on my phone from my neighbor. "I don't know how you are going to get home," she said, "the 91 freeway is closed"! Well, that's OK, I thought, I'll just take the 57 freeway and go the long way home. Ah, yeah... bad idea. But, I didn't know it until I was already on that road. I could see the smoke in the air from the fire that was causing the 91 freeway closure. It looked pretty creepy out my side window. I had hope that the plume of smoke rising in front of me was far enough off the road that it would not prevent cars from driving through on the 57 freeway.

My hope died when I saw about 6-8 police cars pass the slow moving traffic on the shoulder to my right. I tuned my radio to a station that covers traffic every 7 minutes to hear that the road I was on was just closed due to a fire in the Brea Canyon that had just "jumped the freeway".

*Wonderful*

However, I was lucky enough to be able to merge off the freeway at my last chance off ramp: Imperial Highway. I saw cars coming up the on-ramp exiting the freeway in the wrong direction. People seemed a bit desperate, I wish I had gotten a picture of that. I got back on the 57 freeway and headed back towards the city of Orange.

I snapped this picture, it was very surreal and felt sort of apocalyptic. I wasn't quite sure what I was going to do. First, I called my father. He was not at home. Second, I called my friend Phil. Lucky for me my friend was home and invited me to stay for awhile. After relaxing a little, eating a snack and watching the news it became apparent that I was not going to be able to make it home without a very long commute. I was considering taking the 605 to the 10 or 210 freeway but according the news every other schmo out there needing to reach the Inland Empire was doing the exact same thing. My blessed friend invited me to stay the night on his couch.

I made it home the next morning (Sunday) but I awoke to realize that I was not just suffering from allergies anymore, I was sick! It is now the following Friday, 11/21, and I'm feeling better but still have some lingering signs. Gosh, how I hate being sick. As horrific as the fires were and how much devastation they caused it was a blessing that not one person perished. I have yet to hear an account of any possible wildlife loss.

This is just part of living in Southern California.

A sigh of relief

2008-11-18T18:09:00.000-08:00

After going with out internet at home for more than 3 weeks, and without telephone for about 1 1/2 weeks, I finally feel like things are back to normal! Today we are hooked up! I went back with Time Warner after a long drawn out fiasco with AT&T. What a joy it was dealing with Time Warner! No problems with the install what-so-ever!

When I'm feeling better I'll have to post more about the fiasco. I also want to post about my experience with the recent fires in Orange County. :-(

Just so I can say I did...

2008-11-14T22:16:00.000-08:00

An update.

Laura (rushing at work, see ya in a another few weeks)

I love happy endings

2008-09-06T13:21:00.001-07:00

I fostered a dog for a rescue group in L.A. called the Mutt Scouts. They are the greatest people you'd ever want to meet. Tito, now Kilo, was my first foster dog ever. He was so attention starved he clung to me every minute. I knew he went to a great new home but to see the update written by the new owners themselves is just heartwarming for me. I'm so happy he's in good hands now.

Read about his new life.

It's rolling along

2008-09-06T12:58:00.000-07:00

Time that is. Time in clinical assignment. 5 days a week at Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach for basically no pay. I know we have to pay our dues, I did sign up for this. It still can wear a person down. I discounted what the effect of pursuing a new career would be on my marriage, and my life. Saying that this is difficult is putting it lightly. My husband and I are both doing the best we can to make it through this tough time because we both know that in the end we will be in a better financial situation. It's a good thing we aren't having (or had) children. Trying to stay optimistic and nurturing of our relationship without completely losing my sanity or health - it's a real challenge.

Hoag Memorial Presbyterian Hospital

2008-02-15T13:21:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures of the hospital I was assigned to for my clinical assignment. With any luck, I will be hired on when I'm finished with school. Seriously, this hospital is right near the beach and every patient room has a gorgeous view!!

Second Semester

2008-02-10T11:47:00.000-08:00

I'm into my 5th week of school in my second semester of the Radiology Technology program at Cypress College. I am wiped out on a daily basis this semester - so far. My schedule is very busy and the clinical hours are tough some days. Add that to the fact that everyone is watching your every move and comparing you to your classmates, adds more stress to the situation for me. I'm doing well though. I have great reviews from the clinical supervisor and I hear rumors from others too that I am doing very well. This is good and boosts my confidence also. Studying for classes has been fairly easy so far. We are about to have our first competency for the GI system - crossing fingers that it won't be too bad. Next up is the skull -- OH HOW I AM NOT LOOKING FORWARD TO THAT! I wonder if the regular Joe knows just how many bones there are in the human skull? So, it's going to get worse but when we get through that the rest should be a piece of cake! I'll have one more week break before I start my internship in June then I'll be an indentured servant for 1.5 years.

Laura

Back to School

2007-08-24T20:35:00.000-07:00

Well, here I am in August of 2007. I've officially started my schooling in the Radiology Technology program at Cypress College in Cypress, CA. The two classes I am in should be interesting but specifically my positioning class should be fun! Lots of hands on, roll-playing involved. Already, a quiz next week. I better get to studying!

Laura

He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion. ~ Unknown