Prancer full circle - a foster success story

While on the cruise, I checked in to see if Prancer was still available for adoption.  Much to my surprise, he didn't even make it a week before someone adopted him.  I confirmed because I missed him so much and was going to go get him when I got back.  But it was too late, sorry Charlie.  I wrote an email and asked if he was adopted (instead of sick) and they confirmed he was adopted.

Best Friends acts like I am some kind a miracle worker with Prancer.  They were so surprised to see how good he was doing when I brought him back in.  I really have no idea what he was like but I loved him and enjoyed him a ton.  I'm glad that I was able to help him.

Today on Facebook, Best Friends posted some adoption success stories.  One of those stories was Prancer.  It basically said Camille sat on the floor in the cat colony room and Prancer jumped out of his hidden corner and into her lap.  He picked her!!  I guess she saw the sweet shy Prancer I grew to know and just had to take him home.  He didn't even make it to the big "Caturday" adoption event!!  I knew he was pretty special.  I still miss him but I am so glad he found a furrever home!

Prancer and his new Momma

I was asked why I keep fostering although it rips my heart out every single time I have to return my fosters.  Prancer is a perfect example of why I keep doing it.  I play a very important part in the kitty's life.  I take the untrained or unfit kitties and teach them to be good adoption candidates.  I get to bring a kitty (or 4) home to play with for a few weeks.  I can spoil them, and laugh at them, and enjoy every second with them.  And then, when they get to be too crazy and active, I can turn them back in so someone else can take them and love them.

Besides, who doesn't want a litter of kittens to play with while they are too small to be adopted?  It's a winning proposal to me!

A year is a long time, but passes so quickly

A year ago today, my beautiful aunt Mars lost her battle with cancer.  She was such a fun, energetic, creative person.  I miss her so much but celebrate her every day.  She was definately taken before her time.

I believe the best thing we can do when a loved one leaves us is to live a full life honoring them.

• Over the past year, I've honored my promise to Mars to look after John while keeping her memory alive.  I've offered support to family and friends who also know Mars.

• I've  laughed harder and loved deeper because Mars reminded me that life is precious and no one has a promise of tomorrow.

• I act with authenticity every day.  One thing I loved about Mars was that she spoke her mind and didn't let anyone pressure her to do anything she didn't want to do.  That is true authenticity that I try to incorporate in my life.

• I nuture my creative side.  Mars was one super creative person.  I can only hope to be 1/4 creative as she was.

• I allow myself to be unique.  Mars had a sense of style that I swear only she could get away with.  She always looked fun and cute.  Not everyone can pull that off with such stylish flare!

• I enjoy Mexican food.  One of the  last things Mars and I talked about was how much she missed eating smothered burritos from our favorite mexican restaurant.  Her stomach just couldn't tolerate it anymore.

• It is rare that I don't think of her when I do a shot of tequila.  I could usually count on her doing a shot with me.

• Sometimes when I call her old phone number, I do so to hear her voice on the voicemail.  The sound of her voice still stays with me daily.

I am so sad cancer took her from us.  But I am so glad she wasn't left to suffer without relief or solution.  I thank god that if she wasn't able to beat the cancer and was forced to suffer, that she was released quickly and painlessly as possible.

I really believe Mars would not want us to sit around being sad.  She would want us to dance a little, drink a little, laugh a little, and raise a toast to her while doing it.  Sounds like a good plan to me.

We will take this wine please!

We had quite a wine adventure on the cruise.  The second night, we decided to order a bottle of wine with dinner.  The wine list was not huge but John and I picked out a really nice Mondavi Cabernet for $23.  What a deal.  Well the waiter told us that was a glass and pointed John to a bottle of Mondavi lower.  I couldn't see it well but I told her "let's do that".

Before I knew it, she had the slip to sign that allows her to pull the wine bottle.  I signed it and she was off.  I asked John how much it was.  He said he thought it was $35.  So I casually grabbed the wine list and looked.  Much to my surprise, it was $135!!!  I gasped and probably blushed but what was done, was done.  So they brought the bottle.  I had already paid for it and signed so we decided to enjoy it.  And enjoy it we did!!

It was a super delicious bottle of wine.  Every cork has a saying on it and ours was very fitting for the night.  We laughed, toasted, and savored that bottle as we drank every last drop. You only live once right!

Living a fine life is an art form - Robert Mondavi

I went to check my onboard bill the next day.  Much to my surprise, I was only charged $35 for the wine.  I'm not sure why but I decided I wasn't going to complain.  We had fun, cut loose, and savored the fun opportunity.

California Get Away

Before I knew it, it was mid-January and time to join John, Mom and Chuck on their adventure for a California cruise.  Chuck got a screaming good offer for a 4 night cruise.  I was trying to let them go alone but I decided I just really wanted to join so I invited my Uncle John and away we went.

I met them in Long Beach at the airport and we headed over to the port.  We cruised Princess this time and they go out of San Pedro port.  We got there fairly early and had no wait to get onboard which was really nice.  Much to our surprise, our cabin was ready when we got onboard so we dropped our luggage and went to lunch in the dining room.  There is something really exciting about jumping on a ship and getting quickly adjusted to ship life.  Before we knew it, it was time to pull out of port so we went to the sail away party.  We grabbed a cocktail at the bar and listened to the music and watched people dance.  It was still a little cold for us but it was certainly nicer than Salt Lake.

Salt Lake's Inversion from the sky.  Glad to leave it behind.

Coming into Long Beach. Yes Please!!!

Enjoying lunch once onboard.

 

John and I on the balcony.  We shared a room.

God knows I love a good margarita!!  At the sail away party.

Mom at the sail away.  She is so photogenic!

Bye Bye San Pedro!

 The first day, we docked in Santa Barbara.  It was a little stormy here and there.  We had to tender so that means I don't get off the ship but Mom, John, and Chuck went on a tour of the city while I enjoyed the boat and relaxing.  I took advantage of the chance to sit on the balcony and absorb the sunshine when it was out.  I also read and even snuck in a little nap!  It wasn't long before they came back.  John had spent a little longer in town and came back sporting a sassy new hat!

Santa Barbara boats

Pieces of beach in the distance.

We learned that there were huge storms in the area (which we sort of knew from our weather apps on our phones) but it was so much so, we were going to go on down to Ensenada the next day and then back to San Pedro to park instead of having another sea day.  Sounds like a doozie of a storm.  But we felt it with lots of wind and rain.

We docked in Ensenada the next day and it was pouring rain.  We planned to just walk off and do a little shopping in the area just off the ship.  We decided to take a leisurely morning.  We enjoyed breakfast at the buffet.  It seemed like the rain was taking a break so we decided to run out to shop.  It was raining pretty hard but we made it.

The rain over Ensenada

Mom and I in the shopping area.  We got a little wet!

And Me

Pottery and Liquor!

Mom, Chuck, and Me.  Chuck was freezing.
 I didn't find it that cold but we were wet.

John decided to take the bus to downtown Ensenada.  Mom and Chuck and I finished up our shopping (can you say tequila??) and we went outside noticing the rain had stopped!  We took a few photos before going back on the ship.

Ruby Princess


We had a great time onboard the ship.  It was a gorgeous ship with several pools and big decks for lounging.  Lots of bars and opportunities for shipboard fun.  We played cards, drank, went to shows, watched bands, and the games.

Center ceiling

Center stairs and seating area.

Outdoor movies by the pool.  Too bad it was cold and rainy!

I love looking out at the sea.  Such a vast world - gives me perspective.

Jazz and Blues band

Playing hand and foot.

Enjoying fine wine (I will do a whole separate post about our wine experience)

Waiting for the big production show

Comedians are great too!

It is a good thing we enjoyed being on board because they decided to take us back to San Pedro to park for the day instead of being out to sea.  Honestly, I was relieved because the ocean was rough and the boat was being bounced around like  a little ball!  The wind and rain continued all day the next day.  There was little of interest going on during the day.  We enjoyed the meals and we rested and took naps.

Before we knew it, it was Saturday morning and time to bail off ship.  As luck would have it, it was sunny and blue sky in Long Beach.  I had an early flight so I joined the first group off the ship and headed to the airport.  Mom, Chuck, and John had a later flight and enjoyed breakfast onboard and a more casual exit from the ship.

Palm  trees and blue skies

The ship in port

 It  wasn't long before I saw the gang at the airport!  My flight was delayed and they decided to take an earlier flight to Vegas.  It was nice to visit a bit before they left.  My flight left about an hour after theirs.  Much to my surprise, I got upgraded to First Class.  Gotta love being Medallion level.  We had a pretty bumpy ride back to Utah and when I got here, we were in the middle of a huge snow storm.  It was probably the same storm we enjoyed on the cruise.

Icy tundra at home.  I loved the light behind the
snowy tree with the stormy sky behind.

It was so nice to get away.  John and I got along great sharing a room.  We all enjoyed a pre-peek at Spring weather.  Even though it was stormy, we enjoyed it so much.  It was a perfect mid-January run away.  I can't wait for the next adventure!

Just an update

I'm trying to do a better job of keeping the blog updated.  So here is an update on normal stuff.  I know, not very exciting is it!!

I turned Prancer in on Friday afternoon.  It was so damn hard.  He really thought he was in his new home. When I pulled him out from his slumber under the covers, he was shocked to be going into his carrier.  Once we got to the Adoption center. they checked him out and were thrilled with how he was doing.  They said coming to my house was just perfect.  He was beautiful, gained weight, and was much happier.  They deemed him ready to go out for adoption.  They decided to try him in the colony room right then.  He looked completely crushed to be moved.  In typical fashion,  I cried an ugly cry all the way down to return him and when I got there it just continued.  I knew he had to go back and it was the right thing to do.  They will take good care of him and pamper him but I fell in love with him and it is hard to have him gone.  My girls on the other hand were thrilled to get to come in the bedroom again.  They can smell him but seem to be okay.

I was talking to Nola and the pressure I get from people about being single and on the hunt for a man. I suddenly came up with a funny story that I had a really cute boyfriend for the holidays.  He is a great cuddler and keeps me warm at night.  He spends all day grooming so he is ready for when we have time to be together.  He is so excited to see me and comes running when I look his way.  He loves to sit cheek to cheek and begs for kisses.  His name is Prancer!  Hehe.  I will keep an eye on him and will visit him at the adoption center to see how he is doing.

I'm busy at work working on the disability group.  We are doing our first membership drive in a few weeks so I've been putting together a marketing plan and writing the materials.  Sometimes I wonder if I am too pushy but I am getting it done and I guess that is what I am supposed to do.  I am also doing my regular day job on top of it so things have been busy.

Philip started back at college last week.  He got accepted to the U of U.  He decided to switch majors to business.  He want to be a business analyst.  He is starting back part time so he can keep working. I mostly want him to just feel successful as he returns to school.

So a good week and all is well.  It is cold as cold here but before we know it, it will be spring and I'll be bitching it is hot.

Hope everyone had a good week.

Gotta love them brows...Eyebrows that is

As you know, I've had eyebrow drama since radiation in 2013.  I've played with makeup and other various tricks to fix the brow situation.  Because I eventually grew some sparse hair, I've been having them colored when I get my hair done but that is a hassle and doesn't last more than a few weeks.  None of it was really working and I noticed I really was self conscious of the lack of brow.

It just so happens, my girlfriend Kimberlee, started doing permanent makeup in the past few years and got certified and trained to do microbladed brows.  Basically what it is is she tattoos individual strokes that appear like hair!  She posts tons of photos on Facebook and Instagram so I watched and kept track of brows I liked.  In September, I met her for dinner and we talked about it all.  And I decided to go ahead and get it done.  The soonest I could get in was December! She really is that busy!

I was terrified of what the end result would be and even  more terrified it would hurt, especially in the radiated area.  She was so careful and took her time drawing them in, picking color,and making a plan. It was very important to me that they look as natural as possible because I don't wear much makeup. She did her best to numb me up so I would be as comfortable as I could be.  And we got started!

Drawn on and ready to start.  Isnt' Kimberlee gorgeous?

I'm not going to lie, I had to find my happy place when she started.  And the radiated area was very tender but once she got started (and the skin was broken) she could use a better numbing cream and then I was a happy camper.  Before I knew it she was done and I had some pretty intense brows.

Kimberlee's before a right after

It is kind of shocking having brows all of a sudden.  Plus they were quite dark but Kimberlee explained they fade and reach their natural look within about 4 weeks.  I had strong instructions of how to care for them and some ointment to keep on them for 2 weeks.  So I walked around with greasy intense brows but honestly, who cares right?

It has been the 4 weeks plus and I must say, I really like my brows.  They have faded to a nice natural looking brow and I no longer need to fuss with them.  I do have some pretty wild brow hairs so I do need to maintain waxing ongoing.  I need periodic touch ups to keep them fresh looking.  But otherwise, it is a set and forget solution.  My hairdresser is going to be so happy to know he doesn't need to die my brows anymore.

Here is my before and after

Ignore the googly eyes.  It is a selfie thing I guess.

I have my "touch up" appointment later this month.  I'm seriously considering getting my lips done too.  How nice to never have to put lipstick on again!  Kimberlee really does a great job.  I rarely do this but if you are interested, look her up and give her a call.  Skin Spa/Bareface Artistry - www.skin-spa.net

Happy 2017!

I should be undecorating the tree so instead, I am catching up on my blogs.  Funny how that happens! Hopefully you don't mind!

For New Years, I was invited to Mama Gayle's house for her annual party.  I wasn't sure if I would go because...well....it is winter...and cold....and I am lazy and perhaps slightly depressed.  But Stacy and I agreed to go be each other's date.  And I can't let her down.  Luckily it didn't snow this year and I planned ahead with Gayle to get there early so I could park in the driveway.  I felt like I had VIP parking because the driveway was clear of all ice and snow and I didn't have to navigate a curb or anything!!  So I was in like Flynn!!

Because I got there early, I was the first guest to arrive...for a while.  But luckily I know Gayle and Erny well so it was nice to catch up.  It wasn't too long before other people started showing up.  And before I knew it, there were about 30 people there.  Many were Gayle and Erny's friends but I met many last year and other various activities and they are all really really fun.  My friend Dana came too.  She is a really good friend of Gayle's and has Myositis too!  So we try to keep in touch and check in with each other.  It is nice to talk to someone that understands what I am going through too.

I had planned to skip alcohol but it wasn't long before I was having some Grapefruit/Jalapeno vodka drink, and a chocolate martini, and shots of Armaretto.  And I knew mixing wasn't a good idea at all. But I have no self discipline and I drank them all.  I did skip the Champagne at midnight but I did have a drink in hand and rang in the new year surrounded by my very good friends.  We laughed, we danced, we joked around, and we had a great time.  Before I knew it, it was 1:00 am and I decided it was time to head home.  I hadn't drank for a few hours so I felt safe but I couldn't help but feel nervous as I drove past cops and right by the freeway on ramp, there was a DUI checkpoint.  So although I didn't plan to take the freeway, I was there.  Luckily I made it home safe!

I had a great time. I have high hopes for 2017.

I don't believe in resolutions but I do make goals for the year.  Some are private but here is a list I will share.  We will check in next year and see how I did.

• Get back on nutrition and exercise plan to help my muscles
• Clean up and unpack the rest of the scraproom
• Clean up and organize my storage unit
• Stay out of debt (Thanks house for paying everything off in 2016)
• Continue volunteering
• Love myself and those around me

Here are some photos from New Years Eve!!

Dana and Me

Ronda (book club and Moab friend and me)

The lovely ladies that came  - there were guys too but I didn't have a photo

Me, Stacy, and Kim.  Love these ladies

Me and my date Stacy

Vicki, Margaret, and Stacy.  They made me laugh all night long!



Happy New Year!  Let's get the party started on 2017!  I'm ready!!!