There is nothing like the power of guys when a girl gets upset! We were trying really hard to move the lumina by hand and it wasn't working at all. The front drivers side tire got flat and stuck in the ground over time and the other front tire was sunk in as well. After I realized that we had no tow chains, I got really upset, because we just couldn't come with a way to get it out. But then it dawned on me that we could jack it up and put some boards under the wheels. So Mike busted his ass getting them jacked up and we got boards stuck under there. We still couldn't get it moved, so we had Mike use this big SUV to push it. Which was awesome and scary all at once. I had to ride and steer the wheel. Then once we had it backed up, we tried to push it forward and it didn't go very far by hand, so once again he pushed with his truck. Which got it where it needed to be. Not that we will be able to get it out of there any time soon. But using our ghetto red neck ways, we all got it done. It was me, Mike, Justin, and Jeremy. Thanks guys, you are awesome!

Well, the car has been sitting up at Barneys racking up an outrageous bill. I don't know what to do to get it out of there. I can't afford to pay them to tow it, and I can't find anyone else to tow it either. I am really stuck right now. I just wish I could find a way out of this entire mess. It just feels like I am the only person worrying about it and then my mom has been on my case about the whole thing. I can't magically pull a resolution out of my ass. Not that I haven't tried. But that is where I stand now. I am so stressed over the entire thing.

Well, today was long. Very long. I was supposed to have the day off but I worked for another cashier who had a family emergency. I ended up working a full eight hours. Which kinda went by quick, but then dragged at times. After work Krystal stopped by and gave me my Christmas present. It was a pretty light green shawl. I like it a lot and plan to use it a lot. Then we took the gifts over to my moms and we all opened our presents form each other there. I got two really beautiful framed pictures that were made by my mom. It is hard to describe so I will have to take pictures of everything. Then I also got a kind of friendship necklace from Jeremy for me and my sister. The necklaces read big sister and little sister. Mom also got me a warming scarf and some neat folding shoe totes. Me and Justin gave each other one present tonight and we are saving the rest for tomorrow. He got me the laptop carrying case I wanted, and he opened the one gift where I got him the first and second spider man dvds. He really liked them. I love the case and can't wait to use it. I like to take my laptop to my moms and I haven't much lately. We will probably be there most of the day tomorrow, so I will probably take it with me. I finally finished the fourth book in the twilight series. It was really really good. I love twilight. I can't wait for the other movies. I am probably going to be reading a lot of fan fiction about it in the future. Over all today was really good. It was weird with walmart closing and stuff. Jeremy's mom is super nice and is going to be taking Justin to his second job in the mornings that they work together. The car is down again, but I am going to try to start it tomorrow. It got too cold and the engine needs a serious tune up and probably an oil change. I am not sure if we can afford any of that right now. Justin got an ipod from my parents and he is anxious to use it. He is allowed to listen to music at work. I am so in love with him. I couldn't be happier.

Twilight!

This blog post is all about Twilight. They made an awesome movie from an awesome book. The books in the series are Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, and Breaking Dawn .

They are basically all about Bella Swan, and how she falls in love with Edward Cullen. Which he also just happens to be a vampire. The books go into depth on how they fall for one another.

This picture is the entire Cullen family(with the exception of two).

I thought this picture was awesome so that you can see all the different views of Edward, who is amazingly hot. I think he as hot even when he isn't playing the role of a vampire.

I really just wanted to post up some pictures of my recent obsession. I love twilight and can't wait to read the fourth book!

I think everyone is starting to feel better after the major sickness. I am doing ok, still kinda sick, and Justin is doing so much better. My family is pretty good except for mom. I haven't been hungry since I threw up on sunday. Which I have eaten, but just because it hurt. I think I only eat because of the pain anymore. I worked on my snowmen ornaments I am making. They are almost done. I got another one in the mail today. I am not sure what it has to do with Christmas. But it is neat. I am reading the third twilight book right now. It is really really good. I saw the movie in theater with Mike over the weekend, and it was AWESOME. I love twilight. Mike is actually loaning me the third book that I am reading. It has snowed a bunch the past few days and it has made the roads pretty bad out. I think me and Justin are using sand this year instead of ice melt for the dogs sake and to help the drive way. Justins car died at WalMart and Butch help me go get it today. He thinks we have a fuel injector out. I am not sure. I have to figure out if we can get it to a shop this week. Jeremy has been driving us around. He is hanging out with my brother today. I watched tv with Mickey for a while. Which was fun. I like hanging out with my siblings. The Sebring is still up at the tow place, and I have to figure out what to do with it, because it is racking up a bill every day it is there. Today is my last day off until Christmas. It is so weird how time went by so fast.

Well, as an update on everything, my car is still very totaled and now sitting up at a shop until we find a place to put a totaled car until I pay it off. Then I called my insurance company and they for some reason changed my address and canceled my policy without notice back in OCTOBER! So now, I have to figure out how to resolve that and the huge fine that goes with that as well. Butch came over and we have figured out how to fix the van and Justins car. I have to go fix his car tomorrow and get tags. I guess the good side is I will finally get a four door car. This just isn't the way I wanted to.

Everything changes...

Every day has its ups and downs. But then there are those moments in life that change everything. In those moments you find yourself truly scared, afraid, happy, or lost what ever the case may be. Everything has been hard for me since I left work at Prairie Meadows. Money has been very tight, and hard to keep up with previous debts I have acquired. Tonight us getting by changed drastically.
Tonight on his way to work, Justin totaled my only running car. He didn't take the time to defrost the windshield fully and wasn't able to see that the snow plow was driving down the middle of the street. He thought he could clear it but didn't. The car is beyond totaled, and he is lucky to walk away.
We now have no way for either of us to get to work and we do not have the funds to fix and put another car on the road. As of right now, I see no light, and no way out.

Improving Your Memory

Well, it it seems lately my memory has been slipping and I have been repeating myself a lot and stuff. So I decided that I should research the subject on how to improve memory. I found tons of stuff.
First off I found that games can help improve memory. Though the games I usually play, like cards, aren't helping my memory. One site I found suggests:
1) Puzzles 2) Quizzes 3) Try to remember a set of random numbers, alphabets, names etc. 4) Take a number and start continuous addition or multiplication with itself, in your mind only.
Also I found it useful to know what kind of memory there is to use.
Sensory is the first type. Basically when you see, hear, touch something briefly. It can't be improved, because it is only when you see some thing briefly.
Short-Term is the second type. Short term can also include some sensory memories and it is when you are briefly exposed to something up to a minute or two.
Long-Term memory is the final type. This is where you are able to recall things in the past such as old phone numbers and things of the such. Long term memory is stored in a different part of a persons brain. Using repetition you are able to store and recall this information for a life time.
On another note, other information I found was that a lot of our memory retention is based on how much attention we are paying at the time to what we are retaining. Sites suggest repeating things either a loud or in your mind if you find it important to remember them later on. Especially peoples names, try to repeat them in conversation. Then as you set things down such as car keys, you should make a mental note of where you put them. Reminding yourself as you do things will help you to recall it later on. If you have problems remembering things during certain times you should think about how many things you are doing at once. Multitasking slows down your retention rate and makes it harder for your mind to recall things it may have just seen or done.
The next few methods I thought were rather interesting. First off talk yourself through it. If you are worried you will leave the stove on or misplace your shoes, then as you do things say them aloud. This might now be the method for you if you have lots of people around, because they might think your a little crazy. Now the next method is picture yourself doing it before doing it. Have you ever gotten up to get something, then get in the next room and have forgotten why you are there?? I know I have done it, and I know my mom has too!! So visualize your self looking or getting that item or thing done before you even get up to do it. Then the final method I suggest is called spread the word. The best way to remember things is repetition, and even if it is just telling some one what you did that day, or mentioning the friends you saw or talked to lately. Just recalling the previous day to another person or teaching someone something you have just learned, is a great way to help your memory.
By far the easiest things to do to help your memory are the following:
1)Get Some Sleep! The brain needs a rest, at least 6 to 8 hours so it can get fully rested and work well.
2) Do Aerobic Exercises. The increased blood flow to the brain helps the brain sharpen and work at it's best.
Well, I feel like I found lots of information that I can use and hopefully my memory will improve. There is a good chance though I may forget to use it!

My Christmas Meez

I am off work for the next two days and happy about it! I get to watch Heroes for once, and can't wait. I have some Christmas ornaments I have to make. I am gonna get up in the morning to see if I can find Chris's diploma. I would have looked this weekend, but between housework and work, I didn't have time to. I am pretty sure he is mad at me, but he should have taken it with him. It has always driven me crazy how unprepared he is! But hopefully I can find it and he can get a nice job. He deserves one for sure. A coworker might be treating me to the movies, so I might get to see twilight!!!! I am so excited. I hope I can. Well, Coco is way more likely then not going to have some puppies in a few months. She has gotten banged three times. Now Garth spends all his time in the kennel. Which doesn't thrill him. Jeremy said he would help pay for getting him neutered. Which means a lot to me. I hope he can afford it. He is having some troubles with his car. But since he isn't living with me, he doesn't really have bills and his part time job can afford to fix his car.
Tonight was fun with Justin, we ate dinner together and watched Kung fu Panda. I finally broke down and watched it. It was actually pretty good. My favorite part was when the turtle tells the master 'The past is history, and the future is a mystery, but now is a gift, and that's why it is the present.' It goes something like that, and I really liked it a lot. I would give it a pretty good rating as a movie over all.

Today was a pretty good day! I went to the gym with Jeremy and tanned while I was there. It was fun to have some one to go with. Then I got this awesome package from swap bot. It had this great book about dragons, I gave that to Justin. He really liked it. Then I had to work, and I had a good night there. I hauled the trash to the curb when I got home. I got the most awesome deal on tupperware. They had all sizes of the four packs for only 75 cents each, and they were originally like $3.29 each. So I am happy about that. I went through my cabinet and got rid of all the old stuff. I am taking it over to moms and what ever she doesn't want, I am giving to the salvation army. I need to get rid of stuff, so I am giving it away. Some of it has lids and stuff, it would just be easier to have a all matching set. I love the color too, they are clear and burnt orange. It is a pretty fall color. I love fall. I almost have all the stuff cleaned out of the basement. But that brings me to the realization that all the Christmas stuff I had got ruined in the flood. So I will have to get new stuff as I can afford it.

Today was a pretty good day in the end. I got to spend a lot of time after work with Justin. Jeremy and me both have gym memberships now, so we can work out together. Which will be fun. Justin got some of his Christmas shopping done and I am going to wrap more presents tomorrow. I have to make a bunch of phone calls about jobs and my one credit card. I tried to use it for a small purchase and it got denied, which is weird because I have a good amount available on it. SO I am gonna call and figure out what the deal is. Then I need to call my other card company and have then reissue me a card, because I have miss placed it around the house and I want to use some of it. I haven't used them in months. Then Justin has to call the one company he goes through and change his rates. In three days I will have worked at WalMart for two months. I am not doing swaps for a while, but when the opportunity arises I pick up things really cheap for my swaps. Like I got wind up sushi for a quarter a piece. Sounds weird, but I think it will be a good trade gift for on swap bot. It has been snowing like hell here and the roads suck.

I got this new bottle of face wash. It is the Clean & Clear Morning Burst facial scrub. I really like it. It smells really good. It exfoliates and doesn't burn the way some scrubs do for me. I need to get a new lofa, my old one was eaten by dogs. Love them, but they are a pain in the butt. If I don't wash my face enough then it itches. Which wouldn't be so bad, but I itch it at work, and don't realize I am doing it at all. Then some one will point out that part of my face is red. Justin is sweet, he keeps me from itching or chewing on my nails. I don't really bite them, but they have been breaking off so much lately, that when they get jagged I bite them. So I have to watch or I will completely chew them off! I have never had some one watch out as closely for me as Justin does, it can be wonderful( though some times annoying.) I wouldn't trade him for the world.

I didn't get anything done around the house today. Justin did, he is amazing. He cleaned instead of sleeping for work. We broke our drain plug for the sink and we are having a hard time finding a new one that fits right. So dishes keep getting postponed. I got a awesome deal on some tupperware tonight. They were only 75 cents for two really big bowls, and a tiny one. They were in sets like that, so we got two. I need to organize my tupperware and get rid of stuff with no lids or bottoms. They have some other tupperware on sale and I will see if they have any more tomorrow.

Asia ripped into one of the Christmas presents. I will have to re-wrap it now. I don't mind too much because she didn't hurt the present. I rearranged the dinning room and the little brat can jump and climb on more stuff then Garth and Coco can. So she is a pain. She can be really smart too and knows how to get around things. I had to put a baby lock on the cabinet under the sink because she figured that one out! But she is a sweet dog, and still just a puppy. She just turned five months old a few days ago.

WOW, today was so long. But I did it! I managed to get tons of great deals on Christmas presents and work a full eight hour shift full of crazy shoppers, and do it all on three hours sleep. I got gifts for Jeremy, Justin, Mickey, Holden and Koty. Plus I picked up a cordless drill for my mom. Then I also got some new pretty bath towels. I got pink and purple ones. I love that Justin is so laid back, they could have been all hot pink and he would have been ok with that. I love him so much! Today went really well. I got just about everything wrapped up too. I have a few of Jeremy's gifts yet to wrap. I have the tree up in the living room, but I have not decorated it yet. I need to still get Holden a few more things, but other then that I am basically done. Justin wants to pick up a few more things tomorrow. So that's a update for me!

Tomorrow is Thanks Giving and I am pretty excited all together. I bought that last of what I needed today and dropped it off at my moms house. We are all gathering over there. I am working in the evening that day. That leaves me plenty of time to eat. I volunteered to work on Friday. I could use the extra hours and the extra pay. I got paid today. I picked up dog food while I was out. These dogs eat a lot! But I love my babies, so I wouldn't have them any other way. I got a bunch of errands ran today, but not much done around the house. I hope I get enough sleep on Thursday night so I can get up early and get a little bit of shopping done before I have to work. Wal-Mart should be packed because of the sale. Other then that, nothing much else to write about.

Some times eating can be hard for me. I really don't get why. I used to love to eat a lot. But now I almost do only because I have to. Nothing ever sounds good. Or I will think something sounds great and I will get two bites and it isn't good any more. I used to be able to eat anything any time. Now though, I never eat candy, pop, or most junk food. I have odd things now then, like I try to eat an apple before I go to work. Then I eat oatmeal a lot when I go to my moms. It seems like there are very few things that sit right with my stomach. It doesn't bother me for the most part, it just bothers me when I have a upset stomach from not eating. I wish the meaning in eating would come back. I rarely eat and it sucks. Saves money, but sucks.

I worked a nine hour shift at work, which was blah. I finished Krystal's birthday present, lol, which is another day late. But I don't work until 5:30PM tomorrow, so I plan on bringing it to her. I really wanted to get the finishing touches put on it. I think it looks really good. I spent some time on http://www.etsy.com/ updating my favorites/wish list. I think next month on my group I am going to put that on my wish list. I love swap-bot, but for now our funds have run out, so no more swapping until we get things a little better. I am only in two swaps now, and I think I have them about ready. I get paid a day early because of thanks giving, which rocks. I have fallen in love with the kawaii pandas. That's the picture at the top. I have gotten a few things with them through swaps. I have gotten some of my moms Christmas presents through swaps too.

Today was a good day. I got some rest and picked up my food from share at my moms house. I am gonna try some new recipes with the potatoes I got this time. Jeremy came over and helped me clean out some of the basement. I got four bags of trash out. It was stuff that was ruined in the flood. I still have other things down there that need thrown out. I also talked to my mom about a idea I had for Christmas, which is actually going to work out very well. I have seen these cards at WalMart that are for college students, and one card it a loader card and the other is a spender card. This way no matter where the parent or student is located, they can put money on the cards and spend the money as well. It is easy and quick. I thought this was a pretty awesome thought and my grandma is going to to do it for all the people in the family so she can send gifts easier(and on time.) I am very excited about that. I am picking up the cards tomorrow and then mom is going to mail them on Monday. I washed some dishes and fed and watered the dogs. I finished up Krystals birthday present today. I just have to wait for the glue to dry and put it together. I am giving it to her a day late. But better late then never, plus I hope she likes it. I am gonna take pictures and put them up on here. I just finished reading Twilight by Stephenie Meyer. The movie came out in theater yesterday. I am very excited to see it and I hope they decide to make the other books in the series into a movie as well. Justin has been doing really well at his new job. He will have thanks giving off from work and I am excited about that. I have to work in the evening, but we will eat all day! I feel kinda sorry for his mom, because she is missing out on being in her sons life and doesn't have any one to spend holidays with. But it was her choice to be this way. Justin doesn't seem to mind, he never mentions her or anything. My parents love him and so do my siblings, so it is almost like we are married already, lol. But I think if things are better by tax time then we can hopefully either pay for or at least put money aside for my divorce. We have already decided on a wedding date, but it far enough in the future that we have plenty of time to plan and save. Plus I want to get this house sold before then. I really seriously need a house bigger then this one. I talked to a old acquaintance today and he should be talking to me some time this next week about financing. The biggest problem is my credit score, and the fact I am not currently getting the credit for my current loan, which sucks and is a long story.

The dogs have not destroyed anything lately, which has been wonderful. They are going outside potty more often, which I am super proud of them about. Asia is freaking huge. Not big, HUGE. She is solid too. Which is wild, two tiny petite puppies, have one super healthy chunk like her. But I love them all so much. Zoe's kitten, Sam, is growing up, and is wild. She plays with Asia all the time, and is madly in love with Justin. It is cute, she rides on his shoulder like a bird.

Speaking of Justin, I have to gush. I really don't think I have ever met anyone like him. I can't wait to take his name. We talk about when we get the new house and kids and stuff all the time. We can joke and laugh and be dorks together. Plus he has so much patience with me when I am moody and stuff. He is so wonderful to me. I have learned a lot of patience too. He is far from perfect, but I really wouldn't have him any other way. I think he really brings out the best in me

Rescued

I got this awesome email from my friend Krystal and I really wanted to share it. It really did move me.
I rescued a human today. Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her. I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn't be afraid. As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I had in the back of my cage. I didn't want her to know that I hadn't been walked today. Sometimes the shelter keepers get too busy and I didn't want her to think poorly of them. As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn't feel sad about my past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone's life. She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her. Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship. A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well. Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms. I would promise to keep her safe. I would promise to always be by her side. I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes. I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many more are out there who haven't walked the corridors. So many more to be saved. At least I could save one. I rescued a human today.

I should be sleeping, but I feel like crap. I have a head cold and it is kicking my butt. I have gone through a few sites online and I want to write more about it later, but I have found a few good charity sites that require your time, and not money. Playing games it a great way to work your mind with is very good for your health. These two sites I have found are simples educational games you can play and help end world hunger. The sites are:

http://www.freerice.com

and

http://www.freeflour.com

They are both cool and say you spent five minutes each day playing on them, then you could feed someone everyday! Doing your part to help others doesn't have to be hard at all. In many ways it can me fun. That's why I play the games on http://www.myyearbook.com and donate my earned 'money' to causes they have on there. They have several different ones including cancer, aids, child abuse, the rain forest and more. But I am dying now, so I am gonna head to bed, and maybe I will remember to post more about this tomorrow.

I have a terrible head cold and it is killing me. But I have to go to work in about an hour and tough it. But I have to do what I have to do. Justin didn't get the job with Calirs. They said they didn't have a position for him. This is extremely upsetting. I applied at the Newton Village today. I hope to hear from them. I also applied at the dollar store and plan on talking to the manager before I go to work tonight. I really hope either Justin or I can get a second job soon, because if we don't, things are going to start going bad really fast. But other then being sick things are ok here at the house. Zoe is more loving then usual and Sam is weirdly attached to Justin. The dogs some how spilled their water bowl and it leaked through the floor to the basement. So we are dealing with drying that now. Which brought me to the realization that I need to wash their food rugs. They got wet, so now they stink. But anyways, thought I would drop a little update.

I haven't written in a while, not really sure why. I still love to write. I have been doing a lot of swap-bot stuff lately. I am having to cut it short for a while because of the shortage on money. But Justin is supposed to start his second job on Monday or Tuesday. I am pretty excited about that. I think he will like it. We talked about it, and I was worried about him working two full time jobs. I felt really guilty with me only working one part time. But he told me he would rather me not work at all. I don't know if I could ever do that without going crazy, but I told him I don't want to work a ton of hours either, so we settled on things. Everyday he amazes me a little more. I had to come home early from work yesterday, and it was really weird. I got kinda sick, but it came on really fast. Like I was fine one minute and then the next I was ready to hit the floor literally. My manager let me go home, and that was a interesting drive. But I stopped by my moms house on the way and had my dad test my blood sugar. It was oddly high in comparison to what I had eaten that day. My mom has a condition where her blood sugar is too high, which I cannot spell for the life of me. Then being diabetic is when you don't produce enough. I am hoping I don't have the same thing as her, but I already eat healthy.

Justin, Jeremy, and I all went out to Prairie City a couple of days ago and picked up a special needs chihuahua. My mom has been talking about her old dog rusty(who died like years and years ago) and I could tell she could use another dog. Dogs and pets are very comforting and reassuring to people who have mental illness and depression, like me and my mom. I love Coco so much because I can come home to her everyday and know she loves me and needs me unconditionally. My mom has Gretchen, but she has slowly become Koty's dog. Koty leaves and she freaks out. So I got her a this sweet little boy, he has the right side of his face a little under developed. You can't tell except he has one ear smaller then the other. He is adorable and really sweet. He lets the kids hold him and sits in their laps, and he loves to kiss and cuddle. My mom was so happy when I surprised her with him. She had seen the ad too and had emailed the lady. I called her up and asked if I could come out that very night. I didn't want to miss out on this opportunity. My mom is the kind of person that would adopt the one-eyed, three legged dog from the pound. So I knew this little guy would be perfect for her. She has been having troubles of her own and I knew she needed some sort of pick me up. Every time I talk to her now she always mentions him.

The house is looking good, the only thing that doesn't stay kept up is the laundry. Me and Justin tend to slack on that from time to time. But other then that, things stay clean and happy. I can tell Jeremy wants to move back in, but I can't handle that stress. I hope maybe in the future he can mature some and then I can consider it. Until then I am really happy with it just being me and Justin. You know, and four dogs and two cats. I don't know if I wrote about it or not, but I did find spooky a good home. It is a really nice house, way out in the country. I think she will be really happy there. I am still looking for affordable ways to get my dogs and cats fixed.

I am doing really good on my Christmas shopping. I have already got gifts for Mom, Mickey, Holden, and Jeremy. I haven't gotten anything for Justin yet. But he is so hard to shop for. Most of the gifts I have so far are wrapped. Then I have turned the second bedroom into a craft room kind of. I needed a place to spread out my supplies, where the dogs would not eat them. I want to get Justin's dog Skeeter and big dog pillow for Christmas. Last night he was sleeping with one of Asia's little doggy pillows and it was cute and sad. So I wanna get one just for him.

Things are starting to come around for sure. Which is really good. I got hired at the Maytag Dairy. I will be working full time there. Then I will be part time at Wal-Mart. It will add up to more then when I worked at Prairie Meadows, plus there will be no huge gas bill and I get a discount. The only down side is I am not sure about if I get benefits or not. If I do it won't be until next year, which isn't too far off. Justin and I have already started some Christmas shopping. I think we are going out to Prairie Meadows for Halloween. I am going to dress up and enter the costume contest. I am the happiest I have ever been since I found Justin, he is just wonderful to me. I couldn't have asked for anyone better. We finally got the house appraised, and I turned into the paper work to my bank. The other place I was going through was a scam I think. They wanted me to pay before I was approved. Which I can't come out of pocket for that kind of crap. I am trying to get extra for the refinance so we can combine our bills and lower all our monthly payments.

Yesterday WalMart had pumpkins for only a dollar, so I went and bought three of them so that Mickey and Holden each had one to carve and then Justin and I are going to share one to carve. I think is will be a lot of fun. We have been spending a lot of time over at my moms house. She and I have been doing a lot of swap-bot stuff together. I have been having so much fun with the stuff I do on there. I get so excited to see what I am getting in the mail next. I mailed out three packages for two swaps today. I haven't been home yet to check my mail, because they are tearing up the road in front of my house. I guess they are hoping the road doesn't fall apart again this winter.

How Could You?

I saw this posted on craigslist.com and I knew I had to share it. I own four dogs, and three cats, in a little two bedroom house, and I wouldn't give them up for the world. This story really moved me.

When I was a puppy, I entertained you with my antics and made you laugh. You called me your child, an despite a number of chewed shoes and a couple of murdered throw pillows, I became your best friend. Whenever I was "bad,"you'd shake your finger at me and ask "How could you?" - but then you'd relent and roll me over for a belly rub. My housebreaking took a little longer than expected, because you were terribly busy, but we worked on that together. I remember those nights of nuzzling you in bed and listening to your confidences and secret dreams, and I believed that life could not be any more perfect. We went for long walks and runs in the park, car rides, stops for ice cream (I only got the cone because "ice cream is bad for dogs" you said), and I took long naps in the sun waiting for you to come home at the end of the day. Gradually, you began spending more time at work and on your career, and more time searching for a human mate. I waited for you patiently, comforted you through heartbreaks and disappointments, never chided you about bad decisions, and romped with glee at your homecomings, and when you fell in love. She, now your wife, is not a "dog person" -- still I welcomed her into our home, tried to show her affection, and obeyed her. I was happy because you were happy. Then the human babies came along and I shared your excitement. I was fascinated by their pinkness, how they smelled, and I wanted to mother them, too. Only she and you worried that I might hurt them, and I spent most of my time banished to another room, or to a dog crate. Oh, how I wanted to love them, but I became a "prisoner of love." As they began to grow, I became their friend. They clung to my fur and pulled themselves up on wobbly legs, poked fingers in my eyes, investigated my ears, and gave me kisses on my nose. I loved everything about them and their touch -- because your touch was now so infrequent -- and I would've defended them with my life if need be. I would sneak into their beds and listen to their worries and secret dreams, and together we waited for the sound of your car in the driveway. There had been a time, when others asked you if you had a dog, that you produced a photo of me from your wallet and told them stories about me. These past few years, you just answered "yes" and changed the subject. I had gone from being "your dog" to "just a dog ," and you resented every expenditure on my behalf. Now, you have a new career opportunity in another city, and you and they will be moving to an apartment that does not allow pets. You've made the right decision for your "family," but there was a time when I was your only family. I was excited about the car ride until we arrived at the animal shelter. It smelled of dogs and cats, of fear, of hopelessness. You filled out the paperwork and said "I know you will find a good home for her." They shrugged and gave you a pained look. They understand the realities facing a middle-aged dog, even one with "papers." You had to pry your son's fingers loose from my collar as he screamed "No, Daddy! Please don't let them take my dog!" And I worried for him, and what lessons you had just taught him about friendship and loyalty, about love and responsibility, and about respect for all life. You gave me a good-bye pat on the head, avoided my eyes, and politely refused to take my collar and leash with you. You had a deadline to meet and now I have one, too. After you left, the two nice ladies said you probably knew about your upcoming move months ago and made no attempt to find me another good home. They shook their heads and asked "How could you?" They are as attentive to us here in the shelter as their busy schedules allow. They feed us, of course, but I lost my appetite days ago. At first, whenever anyone passed my pen, I rushed to the front, hoping it was you that you had changed your mind -- that this was all a bad dream... or I hoped it would at least be someone who cared, anyone who might save me. When I realized I could not compete with the frolicking for attention of happy puppies, oblivious to their own fate, I retreated to a far corner and waited. I heard her footsteps as she came for me at the end of the day, and I padded along the aisle after her to a separate room. A blissfully quiet room. She placed me on the table and rubbed my ears, and told me not to worry. My heart pounded in anticipation of what was to come, but there was also a sense of relief. The prisoner of love had run out of days. As is my nature, I was more concerned about her. The burden which she bears weighs heavily on her, and I know that, the same way I knew your every mood. She gently placed a tourniquet around my foreleg as a tear ran down her cheek. I licked her hand in the same way I used to comfort you so many years ago. She expertly slid the hypodermic needle into my vein. As I felt the sting and the cool liquid coursing through my body, I lay down sleepily, looked into her kind eyes and murmured "How could you?" Perhaps because she understood my dog speak, she said "I'm so sorry." She hugged me, and hurriedly explained it was her job to make sure I went to a better place, where I wouldn't be ignored or abused or abandoned, or have to fend for myself -- a place of love and light so very different from this earthly place. And with my last bit of energy, I tried to convey to her with a thump of my tail that my "How could you?" was not directed at her. It was directed at you, My Beloved Master, I was thinking of you. I will think of you and wait for you forever. May everyone in your life continue to show you so much loyalty. If "How Could You?" brought tears to your eyes as you read it, as it did to mine , it is because it is the composite story of the millions of formerly "owned" pets who die each year in American & Canadian animal shelters. Tell everyone you know that the decision to add a pet to the family is an important one for life, that animals deserve our love and sensible care, that finding another appropriate home for your animal is your responsibility and any local humane society or animal welfare league can offer you good advice, and that all life is precious. Please do your part to stop the killing, and encourage all spay & neuter campaigns in order to prevent unwanted animals. Please pass this on to everyone, not to hurt them or make them sad, but it could save maybe, even one, unwanted pet. Remember...They love UNCONDITIONALLY

Stuff

Well, I thought I would throw it out all at once. I am posting stuff I have to trade or sell, stuff I need or want.
Things I have to Sell or Trade:
Full size mattress set with a frame
two smaller working tv's
bathroom sink
two lamp shades
sewing machine table with machine in it, older
a dorm fridge(like a mini one)
a recliner, a living room chair
two end stands for like in a lving room(wood)
small computer desk on wheels
a kitten(well, we are trying to find spooky a new home, lol)
paint ball gun(with some extras)
nice poker chip set in a wood case

Stuff I want or need:
dog food
cat food
cat litter
welcome mat for my front door
plastic storage containers
canned food
halloween decor
gravel(anything I can put in my driveway!)
bricks
surround sound speakers for a tv(I have a tv with no sound and that will fix it)
baking pans and cookie sheets
tupperware(doesnt have to be name brand, just need stuff with lids!)
queen size bed sheets
cat or small dog collars

Today was a pretty good day all together. I got the house appraised first thing this morning. Then I took a bog box of stuff over to my moms. It was so big and heavy that I had Jeremy come over and help me load it up. Then we both went over to moms and hung out there for a little bit. She needed me to run a box to the post office for her, for one of her swap-bot swaps. She is really getting into that. I am glad too. I left a bunch of my stuff over there and I need to bring it back so I can actually get my swap stuff done. I need to get more of my ATC's done. I did a cute Halloween one tonight. I still have to do another, and I also need to to do a red themed post card. Then I am also doing breast cancer awareness ATC's. I got some cute little patches to use for one ATC I am doing that is pink punk rocker girl themed. I am really excited about that one. I think when we moved to the new house I am going to get a large bulletin board and put all my ATC's that I get in trade up there. So I can display them. The ones I have gotten so far are really cute and I really like them. I have been sending extras, but I don't think I am up to par yet with other swappers. I don't get rated as much as I would like. Not that I get bad ratings or anything. I just want that extra heart. But I am still enjoying it, I can't remember the last time I was this creative. Then me and my mom are thinking about selling ATC and scrap booking kits. I was working on punching out little kitties, hearts, and party hats today. My thumbs hurt really bad. Justin and Jeremy were nice enough to help me though, which was really helpful. I even brought Mickey over to the house today. Holden was being bad and she wasn't so I thought I would treat her by taking her with me for a few hours. She played on rock band and actually finished a song! I was pretty proud of her. She played it several times to get better at it. Which is really awesome she worked hard to get better at some thing like that. She is only six. I am so lucky to have a great little sister. I am pretty sure that we are going to find Spooky a better home. I can't seem to get her litter trained and I am already having a hard enough time with the dogs and such. I have enough animals as it is. I will make sure she goes to a nice place, where she won't get abandoned or hurt. She is a good cat, but I need to focus on the animals already in my life. I don't think it will be hard to find her a good home. I would have to say over all today was a pretty good day. Jeremy ended up treating us to dinner at Perkins. Which was nice and actually pretty fun. I think Justin and I actually embarrassed him because we kept talking about sex and stuff. I don't think anyone heard us, but who knows. It was fun though. We came home watched a few episodes of Ghost Hunt. That is a new anime we are watching and it is pretty cool. It is basically what the title says, and each episode I watch gets me a little more interested.

I worked again tonight. I enjoyed it. After work I bought a new shirt they had marked down. I got a lot of things done today. I got a load of laundry ran, did dishes, made two postcards, addressed eight postcards and got them mailed off, I bought three new shirts for work, I gave Jeremy the outfit for his mom, and I fed the cat. So I was fairly busy until Justin got off work. Me and Jeremy picked him up from work today. I love being around him. He is so good to me. He did a bunch of house work while I was at work today too. Which makes me really proud of him. I was talking to a lady today about going back to cosmetology school. We work together as cashiers. She said there were grants and stuff I would be able to get. So I am anxious to see what might happen. I think it would be good for me to finish and have that as a part time job. I am starting a change jar to raise money to get Zoe declawed and a change jar to get Garth fixed. Zoe clawed Asia in the eye today. Which really makes me mad. Asia is in love with that cat. She looks ok, but I want to wait and see how she is the next few days before I know for sure if she messed up her vision or something. Oh, I was so mad when it happened too. Zoe was lucky I had to go to work. I don't mind Zoe clawing Asia, because she does try to play with her and stuff, but she didn't need to claw her face like that. Then with Garth, I really don't need him humping Asia and I don't want Coco to have another litter yet. Spooky is the weirdest cat I have ever had. I think she went to the bathroom on the living room vent. But she is also the most loving cat I have ever had. Oh and it turns out Chris was right, Zoe's kitten is a boy. He is so cute too. I started calling him tater tot today because he is almost the right color for that. Krystal stopped by to return some books. It is always nice to have her visit. She may have gotten this amazing job, which would be cool. I am anxious to see how that works out. I am waiting to hear from a guy who is supposed to appraise my house!! Then I will be able to get it refinanced so we will have a much smaller house payment. I am very very excited about that. My insurance is up at the end of the month, but I am going to see about what I can do to get on Medicaid and food stamps and stuff until I get back on my feet. I am only working part time at walmart right now, and then they approved me for unemployment. It isn't much, but every little bit helps. Well, I am going to head off to bed now, Spooky is sleeping on my back.

They took the Hamsters From my CHEESE.

Ok, this is a fine example of why you should always read the fine print before you go with it!! I wrote my last blog after reading the site which I listed. Then I got a email from a friend saying that you read the 'About Us' section and it explains it is all a hoax!! Geez, and whats weird if you pull up a yahoo search you get the true results and the fake results too. That's just wild. But what rennet really are made from is the lining of a cows fourth stomach. So, yeah, no hamsters in my cheese!

WHY ARE THERE HAMSTERS IN MY CHEESE???

OMG.
I recently discovered that to make cheese, they have to put these little rodents called rennets in the cheese. They are bred and raised, just to be ground up, minced, diced, or whatever and put into YOUR CHEESE!!! I never knew this, until my mom was talking to me about making some cheese at home and she started talking about ordering some rennets. I didn't believe her, so she had me pull up the website to save the rennets. The site is: http://www.savetherennets.com/
These things I swear look just like HAMSTERS!! I am just a little shocked at this. The site explains that they produce a key chemical in the manufacturing of cheeses. There are ways to make a vegetarian cheese, which are fairly simple. The site also sells t-shirts, bags, and stickers. This is just weird, but kinda cool that people care about these little guys.

Today was my second day at Wal-Mart. I am a cashier and I think I am going to love it. I actually had fun. I was nervous about starting a new job, and doing all the new stuff. But it really wasn't that hard and I had a lot of fun meeting people and learning the job. I just need to take some snacks with me. I had my meeting with Prairie Meadows today and was fired for taking stress leave by doctors orders. So we are going to see what the union can do and if we have to we will sue. But I am trying not to worry about that too much right now. I am really happy with my new job. I realize I want a job were I can work with people more, and not just stand around and watch them. I like having to do things, not just stand there.
The house is really looking good now. The living room is almost empty. I can't wait to get Justins couch moved over here. We got a new kitten. I took Justin to work one day and there were two stray kittens at the dairy. This chick told me they drown them, so I just couldn't leave them there. So I took them home and I ended up giving one to Jeremy and kept the other. Zoe hates the kitten seriously bad. But I love her! She is really super cuddly and will let you hold her and handle her however you want and she is really good with the dogs too. I named her Spooky and Jeremy named his Cici. Which I make fun of him about because it sounds like Cici's Pizza.
Things are going really well with me and Justin. We have been together for over a month. We go through things here and there, but we are still learning each other. My family loves him and his mom hates me. She thinks I am using him for his money. But we love each other very much and so he doesn't let her be involved with our lives because she can't respect me. But that's her loss.
Well I am off to bed, there is a thing called October Fest at Maytag Park tomorrow and we are all going.

ATC Art

ATC is short for Artist Trading Cards. I have decided to start making these. I think it is a neat idea. Basically you make them and trade them. You can't sell them. I really enjoyed making them. I will be trading them on Swap bot for other artists cards. I am very excited. The following are all the finshed ones I have so far and they all have their titles by them.

Eye Deep
Rain Water
Dragon

Sun Flowers
Swish
Smile

Dead Web
Fish
Angel

Cats Eyes

Dark Light Broken

Zing

Runic

New pictures

I have tons and tons of new pictures, I haven't posted them in a long time. I am going tomorrow to print off a bunch of digital prints at the HyVee drug store. So I am very excited about that.

These pictures are of me and justin today.

~~~~ ~~~ ~~ ~~ ~~~ ~~~~~~ ~~ These are of me and justin wrestling around on the bed. I trust him not to hurt me.

This is Koty's new punk/emo look. He did his hair for the Bullet for My Valentine Concert. Then mom bought him that damn pink hat. I think he can be a little weird.

I dyed his hair and he was sitting on the porch letting it process. I thought he looked cool.

These are the new pictures I put up in my kitchen. It was hard to pick a color, but I chose to go with a lighter green.

Then there is little Asia sleeping funny.

~~~ ~~~ ~~~~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ Thanks to Asias body harness the boys call her suit case and have started to call Garth and Coco Suit Case Daddy and Suit Case Momma.

Today was really productive. I got the living room almost completely cleaned out. The books shelf is in there now and floor got cleaned. I had a bunch of boxes to move and they got moved where they belong. It is looking so much better now. I am really happy. Chris has been working on laundry all day. That's all he wanted to do today since he got up at 5 am throwing up. Poor thing, I got up with him and got him a glass of water and a cold wet cloth. He got to revisit his entire dinner. But I think he is feeling a bit better today. He ate the chili I made for dinner. Me and Justin got the tomato and onion for the chili from my moms. Justin helped me a lot with the house work today. We had a little drama because of his mom. She said she would pay for the repairs I did to his car and now she is going back on it. Which is really pissing me off. She really needs to grow up. She called him to come pick her up from the bar the other night because she got drunk off her ass. Zoe's kitten is getting so big. He is such a cutie. He sat up on his own today. Zoe decided the best place to have him was in Justins pant drawer. Justins dog Skeeter peed on the floor today and we aren't sure why. He has been acting kinda funny in my opinion. I need to work on getting rid of the couch, chair, recliner and the stuff on the front porch. We need extra cash, but we need to empty out the house too. I have been taking a bunch of stuff up to the consignment shop. I gave a bunch of stuff to my mom to give to her friend. I helped mom pick apples yesterday with her friend. It was kinda fun. Now I can have apples when ever I want for a while. There are a few in the fridge now. All in all, things are going very well. Once I get together the money to get the house appraised, we can have the house refinanced. So I am very excited about that. I am still not sure what will be happening at Prairie Meadows. I just don't want to go back there really. It just really sucked. But you have to do what you have to do. I have a bunch of swap-bot things to mail tomorrow. I am so excited about that. It has been really fun so far.

New Site I Like

Well, I joined this new website where you swap things. It is really cool because you can swap craft supplies, knick-knacks, and all kinds of things. They have post card swaps so you can get them from all over the country and the world, they also have swaps where you and the other swapper make crafts for each other! Or if you draw, take photos, or other art work, you can trade those too! It is neat because what you get is always a surprise. I am doing my first swap right now, which is a coupon swap. I have to send 10 coupons to two people, and in return, two people who also signed up for the swap will also send ten coupons each to me. I have already mailed out mine, and I am excited to see what I get in return. The other swaps I have signed up for are a book-mark swap, a post card swap, a Halloween E-card swap, and two random swaps. They have random swaps where you get to pick from a variety of things like pens, candy, stationary, ribbon, buttons, and etc. It has been fun so far and I can't wait to get started on most of the swaps! The web site is http://www.swap-bot.com/

Changes

Wow, things can change fast! I went to the Renaissance fair with Justin and his mom on Saturday. On the way home he mentioned to her that he was wanting to move in here with me. She flipped out so bad that she is basically kicking him out. Her name is on the title to the mustang so she won't let him have it. He has another car though, so we are going to work on getting it on the road this week. Me, Jeremy, Justin, and Chris all went to adventure land and had a blast there. We were there basically all day. Me and Justin got bored of rides, so we went over to the casino. We didn't win anything, but we had a good time. I work tonight, then I am off two more nights. My mom really likes Justin and is going to let us rent her storage unit. We have to help Butch tomorrow and Wed. to combine both their units into one. Hopefully I will get my stove then. It is a huge unit, so I will get to put a lot of my stuff in there, which will make it so much easier to get the house finished. I made a bunch of phone calls today about the refinance. I have to make the rest of them tomorrow. Most of the paper work is coming in the mail. I am very excited, because things are coming together so well. Justin is here with me, and so is his dog Skeeter. I was worried his dog wouldn't get along with my dogs, but he is doing very well. Justin and Chris got the carpet tore up in the second bedroom. The floor is really nice in there. I am very excited about everything getting finished, because we are very close now. It has gotten to the point were we have only finishing touches to do really. I got the shower curtain set up completed today. Jeremy vacuumed and did the dishes. I was kind of unprepared for Justin to be here so soon, and now I really don't know where to put everything! But I know we will figure it out. I love having him near me. He makes me so happy, and everyone seems to like him. Zoe and her kitten are doing well. It kinda looks like a baby rat. My doctor gave me some new medicine to take when I am under too much stress. I took it the other night at work and it did work really well. So I am really happy about that. I carry it on me at work now. Things are going really well, and I hope they continue this way.

Dryer!!

Yes! We finally have a working dryer. I am so happy. Justins mom gave her old one to me. So we got it hooked up and Chris is already running laundry. I got a lot of stuff done today. I am almost completely moved into the second bedroom. I used wood cleaner on the floor and got the rug laid down, then we got all the furniture moved in except for the jewelry box. We have to clean out and paint the closet and then put the door back on. Chris did some more work in the bathroom and I love it. I just can't wait until I can afford the pedestal sink. We priced them at Menards and they aren't much, but I have to put the bills first. Krystal was super awesome and brought over some more groceries for me. I love her to death. Her and Dale are probably buying a house which is cool. I really need to sit down one day at moms and just have them fax everything there and get all the paper work in for my refinance. My loan guy called me today and asked if I got it done yet. So I know I need to get on it, but I keep putting it off. My insurance should be effective some time this week. I am so excited, because my medicine costs so much. Plus I need to see my family doctor about uping my meds and to fill out my FMLA forms so I can actually have sick days and not get fired. I am still looking for work here in town though. My checks are going to be so much less now, because I am not working over time, I joined the union, and now my insurance money coming out. Chris is moving out and due the stress Jeremy causes me I have asked him to move out. I can't keep getting sick at work like I have been. Next time I will have to tough it, or it may be my job. There is just so much going on right now, and not all bad things, just a lot. Zoe had ONE kitten. We are all shocked. It is a little boy. I think it is going to look just like her. Well, I am off to bed, and hoping tomorrow goes well.

Another Trip to the ER

Well, last night I was having the pains agian like I did last time. Only this time they were ten times worse. I was really bad all down my left side, with a extreme head ache. I was feeling pretty faint as well, so I decided to go to the ER. I went and they gave me baby asprin and nitro and I felt better. I am going to see doctor Clevenger this week for sure. I am not sure when my insurance starts, but I can't do this anymore. I don't know if it is heart or stress. So I will know more when I talk to my family doctor. But I have to rest a lot today. I just hope and prey this doesn't endanger my job.

Justin

Well, Aaron broke up with me days ago. Something about us having nothing in common.But I really don't care, he was kinda a jerk anyway. But the same day we broke up I met Justin online.He is so funny and smart. Then the next day I went out with him and things have been wonderful since.I am so happy. I love being around him. He treats me like a princess and encourages my dreams. He is cute and funny and just a wonderful guy. I think me and him are going to last a while. We went to Best Buy the other day to get some stuff and I picked up a new phone. I had a gift certificate I needed to use up. So it was really cheap. Then we went to this neat book store and Justin bought me this neat journal book. You go through and answer all the questions in it. I really love it. Poor Chris has been so sick lately. Has been just trying to sleep it off. He should be fine though, he just a lot of up-set stomach.I am taking the puppies into Mickeys class today. She is really excited about that. Mom did Farmers Market yesterday and did really good. I only made 75 cents. But hey, money is money.

Wow,I am having such a hard time keeping trackof what day it is. Working nights has me all confused. I took Coco and Asia to Holdens show and tell today. They both did really well. I am very proud of Coco, she walked where she was supposed to walk and was a really good girl. Holden loved it. Now Mickey wants me to bring them. Krystal had her interview with IowaTelecom. She said it went well and I really hope she gets the job. I am not going to be switching to days, the only position they have open has sunday monday off and that would defeat the purpose of me riding with Butch so I can save on gas. I really need to just ride with Jason and Janelle more. I am having a big yard sale tomorrow, and selling moms fresh produce at it. I think it will really help draw in customers. Now she has all the stuff so she can sell anything at the farmers market. So Chris is going to be making jewlery and stuff to sell there. I really could use the cash. I still haven't found anyone to trade my car yet. Working on it though.

Wel, I have to say today was a pretty good day over all. I am now dating Aaron. Me and him have been working together for a a long time. He is a CFA. I like him a lot. We had a awesome time last night. He came over here and we watched movies. I am happy. This morning I went to this church thing where they were giving away free clothes. I got tons of stuff for me, mom, mickey and holden. Oh and I picked up a couple of things for Krystal and a ton of stuff for Chris. So yeah I got tons of stuff. I painted my nails blue today. I have been wanting to paint them for a long time. So tonight I was like screw it, and just painted them. Chris was pretty sick today. I felt bad for him. He still gave the dogs a bath though, which was awesome. They all really needed it. I am taking them all to the vet at the end of the month for shots and stuff. I am going to find a program to pay to nueter Garth. I am tired of him peeing on every thing, and I don't want him to hump Asia when she comes of age. But yeah, it has been a really good day.

Go Green

This was a really neat find. I stumbled accross a womens go green site that has all kinds of neat things on it. The thing I find interesting that I am posting about here now is these designer purses. They are all made 100% from recycled mens suits! I think that is wild and they look neat too.
mandinka's Shop Announcement Welcome to Mandinka Designs' cyber store!Our unique line of bags, bugs and accessories are expertly crafted from reclaimed & recycled men’s suit coats. Each bag is a beautiful work of art -- inside & out -- and is an artful combination of jacket parts including sleeves, collars, pockets and even labels.

http://www.etsy.com/index.php

My Stuff for Sale

Photobucket Album

For Sale

Chris has made some really cute dream catcher like things for us to sell. They are really neat. The little ones are 50 cents and the big one is 75 cents.