I wanted to post because I've not done it for a few weeks but honestly, I don't have much to share. I've been spending most my spare time cat corralling, cleaning up, scrapbooking, or cooking. I've not really dated much in fact, that pot has dried up like the Sierra! Well except the guy that reached out to me online to tell me I was way too fat to date. Internet Trolls seems to be everywhere and I don't take it too seriously but it did put a ding in my armor and make me decide the internet isn't really working well for me so I have decided to take a break from dating for awhile. I've learned lots from the last many months of dating. I've been nice guys and learned no one is perfect.
My kitties are doing good. Bella continues to work to fit in my feline household. She is getting so big! She is like a teenager cat now. My cats are still not thrilled she is here but they are coping and that is probably all I can ask for at this point. I've been getting Bella together with her sister Nadine (John's kitty) about once a week and they play like crazy and wear each other out. It is really cute. I haven't picked up any new foster kittens since adoptiong Bella. I feel like my home is full.
I've been teaching Tiffany (Philip's Girlfriend) how to scrapbook and she has taken to it very well. We get together about every other weekend to scrapbook. She has been doing really well and it has been fun to explore this creative avenue with her.
September is my unofficial "Myositis Month". I am going to the national conference in San Diego. Mom will be joining me which will be nice. I also scheduled my visit to Johns Hopkins in September so I am Baltimore bound soon as well. I feel like I am cramming for finals as I have not lost the amount of weight she wanted and I haven't been exercising like I promised I would. I really need to get back on track in both those areas. My goal at this point is to be where I was 2 years ago. It is within reach.
Other than that, I find myself in a funk. Seems I have a seasonal funk once in a while. Never fear, all things good and bad pass. Sometimes the load I am carrying is heavy. Sometimes the inputs I receive are negative. I do believe in living my authentic self and that means embracing bad moods too. I'm here now and waiting to lift up again. I think traveling is going to be just the thing to shake it up a little. Until then, I will probably blog less. No one wants to hear someone complain. Haha. Never fear, I will be fine though. I'll write again when I get inspiration.
Wednesday, August 30, 2017
Thursday, August 17, 2017
Cat Days of Summer
Last Saturday, Best Friends hosted the "Cat Days of Summer" at the Gateway. They had arranged a space to bring in 200 cats from local shelters to see how many they could find new homes. I so wanted to be involved so I volunteered early and was asked to work the "check out" area.
My role was to greet guests that approached the desk, accept their payment, and keep track of the number of cats adopted. I spent the day volunteering next to Eric who's day job is a flight attendant. He was full of energy and great fun to spend the day with. It wasn't long before I realized he was probably an excellent flight attendant because he has the perfect personality for it. We actually worked well together which made it a fun 7 hours.
They had set up a volunteer center next to the "cat house" which was nice. There was a group of people waiting for the doors to open at 10:00!! There were 9 different shelters there with mostly adult cats waiting for their forever home. In the first hour, 11 cats had been adopted. Mid day got a little slow but we got up to 32 cats. Our goal was to beat the highest last event of 43 cats adopted. Eric and I both accepted the challenge. The last 2 hours were pretty busy with the last hour being just crazy with people finally picking their cat. When it was all said and done, we had adopted out 57 cats! This is fantastic! I did get very teary for the cats that didn't get picked. It is always hard to see that. But all the places are "no kill" so I am confident they will find homes for those kitties.
What I really loved is spending the day around people that are animal advocates. And the very best was seeing people so excited to pick a kitty to take home. It really warmed my heart. And although I was exhausted when it was done, I was happy to know I spent the day doing something good. They were very happy with Eric and my work and asked if we would both volunteer for the Super Pet Adoption in September. I would love too.
My role was to greet guests that approached the desk, accept their payment, and keep track of the number of cats adopted. I spent the day volunteering next to Eric who's day job is a flight attendant. He was full of energy and great fun to spend the day with. It wasn't long before I realized he was probably an excellent flight attendant because he has the perfect personality for it. We actually worked well together which made it a fun 7 hours.
They had set up a volunteer center next to the "cat house" which was nice. There was a group of people waiting for the doors to open at 10:00!! There were 9 different shelters there with mostly adult cats waiting for their forever home. In the first hour, 11 cats had been adopted. Mid day got a little slow but we got up to 32 cats. Our goal was to beat the highest last event of 43 cats adopted. Eric and I both accepted the challenge. The last 2 hours were pretty busy with the last hour being just crazy with people finally picking their cat. When it was all said and done, we had adopted out 57 cats! This is fantastic! I did get very teary for the cats that didn't get picked. It is always hard to see that. But all the places are "no kill" so I am confident they will find homes for those kitties.
What I really loved is spending the day around people that are animal advocates. And the very best was seeing people so excited to pick a kitty to take home. It really warmed my heart. And although I was exhausted when it was done, I was happy to know I spent the day doing something good. They were very happy with Eric and my work and asked if we would both volunteer for the Super Pet Adoption in September. I would love too.
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| First adoption of the day. Check out that happy little girl?? They were a cute family and came back and adopted a second kitty after about an hour. |
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| Part of the room of kitties. I was in heaven. |
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| One of the available kitties. I realized they had people "socializing" the cats. They would walk around with them and have "browsers" hold them. What a great tactic. Who could say no to a fluff they held?? |
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| Kim from Best Friends doing a segment for the news. It was great to see her in action to get people down to get a kitty. |
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| The chalk board of names. The white kitty was done in chalk by a local artist. Eric and I kept track of all the names and hash mark count. |
Monday, August 7, 2017
A Proper Shunning
I have sort of been a squeaky wheel here at the condo. I've lived here just over a year and I am no shrinking violet since moving in. I've had a few issues with the "hate box" left at my door, complaint about ants in my place, the internet issues, construction outside my windows without notice, accessing my unit when I am "not here", and the 2 times our cars have been broken into. No small list really. And I don't think I am out of line.
I have noticed people just aren't very friendly. Sure in December, all my neighbors got neighbor gifts by their door but not me. Okay. I was "invited" to decorate the lobby in December but not asked to help take it down in January (although I had already said I would be happy to help). I attended the annual member meeting in February. And then I heard nothing about the bi-monthly meetings. I've been attending them since moving in. So I asked in June about them. I was told that I (and any other member) are welcome but they don't always publish the date so to just ask if I want to come. The next one was in August. The meeting was today.
In the past, the office was always open and extra chairs put out in case. But today, the door was shut and locked. I knocked and waiting about a minute for anyone to open them. No handouts were made for guests. And they went and found a chair for me but no one was quick to make a space for me to sit. I squished in between two of the people and listened. I offered a few comments or thoughts. It was a "stern" meeting and they acted almost irritated I was there and that I had thoughts. Nothing controversial mind you. It was then I realized my fear that I have been shunned by "the condo people" was confirmed.
I really think the issue is that at Christmas, I made it pretty clear I was not interested in joining the church activities. I declined in a very nice way. When I was asked to meet with the manager after my car was broken into, he had the nerve to say "Gosh, you've had bad luck. Do you think maybe you should go to church or something?" I did not find that funny at all. I was actually taken aback but mustered up to say "I might not go to church but I am a good person and probably more Christian like than many who go to church every week." I tried to laugh it off but it was not funny. I was not amused.
On Bryan Avenue, I know I had some Mormon neighbors but they were all nice and accepted me as a good neighbor. They were friendly and made me feel welcome on the street. They respected that I didn't want to be in the ward or attend activities. I forgot what it was like to live with judgemental neighbors. How it feels to be cast out because they "Don't like your kind". I am sure not everyone feels the same way but that is the vibe I get from "these" people.
How did I end up in a neighborhood like this? How do you feel good about where you live (in close quarters too) when the people living around you don't make you feel welcome or like you belong? Frankly, it makes me feel like raising a white flag and staying to myself. But that isn't the girl my parents raised.
So I will make it a special point to attend each and every meeting they have. I will make them tell me about them. I will continue to knock on the locked door. I will continue to squeeze my chair in even when they won't move their legs to make room. I will continue to raise concerns I have and bring up things I think will help the community here. I am going to continue to be active and around and show them that shunning me isn't going to make me go away. I've dealt with this off and on most my life. I'm not going away....I can't afford to sell and move. So we will have to find a way to live together as peacefully as possible.
I was talking to Mom tonight about it. She had wise sage advice. She said "Just remember they are all old and gonna die eventually". Hahahaha. That is too funny. I imagine at some point, they will realize I am not a heathen (although I would like to be sometimes) and really I am actually a decent neighbor that will be a good addition to the building. Bastards anyway.
I have noticed people just aren't very friendly. Sure in December, all my neighbors got neighbor gifts by their door but not me. Okay. I was "invited" to decorate the lobby in December but not asked to help take it down in January (although I had already said I would be happy to help). I attended the annual member meeting in February. And then I heard nothing about the bi-monthly meetings. I've been attending them since moving in. So I asked in June about them. I was told that I (and any other member) are welcome but they don't always publish the date so to just ask if I want to come. The next one was in August. The meeting was today.
In the past, the office was always open and extra chairs put out in case. But today, the door was shut and locked. I knocked and waiting about a minute for anyone to open them. No handouts were made for guests. And they went and found a chair for me but no one was quick to make a space for me to sit. I squished in between two of the people and listened. I offered a few comments or thoughts. It was a "stern" meeting and they acted almost irritated I was there and that I had thoughts. Nothing controversial mind you. It was then I realized my fear that I have been shunned by "the condo people" was confirmed.
I really think the issue is that at Christmas, I made it pretty clear I was not interested in joining the church activities. I declined in a very nice way. When I was asked to meet with the manager after my car was broken into, he had the nerve to say "Gosh, you've had bad luck. Do you think maybe you should go to church or something?" I did not find that funny at all. I was actually taken aback but mustered up to say "I might not go to church but I am a good person and probably more Christian like than many who go to church every week." I tried to laugh it off but it was not funny. I was not amused.
On Bryan Avenue, I know I had some Mormon neighbors but they were all nice and accepted me as a good neighbor. They were friendly and made me feel welcome on the street. They respected that I didn't want to be in the ward or attend activities. I forgot what it was like to live with judgemental neighbors. How it feels to be cast out because they "Don't like your kind". I am sure not everyone feels the same way but that is the vibe I get from "these" people.
How did I end up in a neighborhood like this? How do you feel good about where you live (in close quarters too) when the people living around you don't make you feel welcome or like you belong? Frankly, it makes me feel like raising a white flag and staying to myself. But that isn't the girl my parents raised.
So I will make it a special point to attend each and every meeting they have. I will make them tell me about them. I will continue to knock on the locked door. I will continue to squeeze my chair in even when they won't move their legs to make room. I will continue to raise concerns I have and bring up things I think will help the community here. I am going to continue to be active and around and show them that shunning me isn't going to make me go away. I've dealt with this off and on most my life. I'm not going away....I can't afford to sell and move. So we will have to find a way to live together as peacefully as possible.
I was talking to Mom tonight about it. She had wise sage advice. She said "Just remember they are all old and gonna die eventually". Hahahaha. That is too funny. I imagine at some point, they will realize I am not a heathen (although I would like to be sometimes) and really I am actually a decent neighbor that will be a good addition to the building. Bastards anyway.
Bringing Bella Home
It is official. I have officially adopted Bella. Bella was the beautiful white kitty I've been fostering the last several weeks. She is so cute and such a sweet kitten. I decided she would be a good one for me. After many decades of wanting a white kitty, I now have one. She was my 24th foster kitten since I started fostering. Although I've had her for almost 3 weeks as a foster, it was time to take her and Nadine in to be spayed. John decided he wanted Nadine so it was perfect that we failed them together and they both lagged the rest the litter in weight so they stayed with me another 1.5 weeks while they gained enough weight.
Last Thursday, I had to take them in for their spay appointment. I was happy they finally gained enough weight but it was scary to admit I was going to adopt one (and John the other). Friday they went for surgery and Saturday morning, John and I went down to do the paperwork, pay our fee, and pick them up. They had kept them in back and brought them out to the "meet and greet" room for us to see while we did all the adoption stuff. Both came out with lots of energy. They have shaved bellies with the tiny surgery incision scar. But it wasn't long before they recognized us and we were packed up and taking them out with us.
We brought them back to my house to get reacquainted with the house after being gone. We went to grab lunch. When we got back, it was like nothing had changed and they never left. Before we knew it, John was packing up Nadine to take her home and Bella was getting settled in as a permanent kitty at my house.
Bella has really missed Nadine and REALLY wants my cats to play with her. She wants to snuggle them too. They are less than thrilled to have a new kitty and seem pretty sad about the whole thing. But just as when I introduced her while making the decision, they seem willing to tolerate her. When she gets to close, they hiss. But I am hoping that will improve. Best Friends told me that either they will learn to tolerate each other or they will love each other and time will tell which it will be. Bella is sort of shy and not super aggressive so I think that will help.
Shortly after John left, Philip and Tiffany came over for the weekend so I had lots of help playing with Bella and keeping her entertained. She loves string toys and balls. She loves her catnip mouse. She loves to nap in your arms. And she is a big shoulder sitter. She will ride around like that and jumps up on my shoulder to be held. She also liked to be held like a baby in my arms.
Today was my first working day since having Bella alone. I was a little concerned how I would get work done with her need for attention but we did really good. She likes to nap in the cat condo and seems to find things to play with when I am busy. In fact, today I was surprised to catch this....
This lasted about 2.5 seconds but it happened and I was glad to see it. Maybe there is hope. Although Sissy looks less than pleased to have Bella join her in the bunk. Sissy did hiss but then just sat there in shock. Bella is a kitten so she is active and didn't stay long.
John says Nadine is doing really good at his house. He sounds like he loves her already which is perfect.
Last Thursday, I had to take them in for their spay appointment. I was happy they finally gained enough weight but it was scary to admit I was going to adopt one (and John the other). Friday they went for surgery and Saturday morning, John and I went down to do the paperwork, pay our fee, and pick them up. They had kept them in back and brought them out to the "meet and greet" room for us to see while we did all the adoption stuff. Both came out with lots of energy. They have shaved bellies with the tiny surgery incision scar. But it wasn't long before they recognized us and we were packed up and taking them out with us.
We brought them back to my house to get reacquainted with the house after being gone. We went to grab lunch. When we got back, it was like nothing had changed and they never left. Before we knew it, John was packing up Nadine to take her home and Bella was getting settled in as a permanent kitty at my house.
Bella has really missed Nadine and REALLY wants my cats to play with her. She wants to snuggle them too. They are less than thrilled to have a new kitty and seem pretty sad about the whole thing. But just as when I introduced her while making the decision, they seem willing to tolerate her. When she gets to close, they hiss. But I am hoping that will improve. Best Friends told me that either they will learn to tolerate each other or they will love each other and time will tell which it will be. Bella is sort of shy and not super aggressive so I think that will help.
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| One of many trial runs. All 4 cats on the bed is a good sign! They did this on their own. |
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| I put her in the shirt I got on my stuffed bear in Vegas. Haha |
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| She wanted Philip to quit using the lited "clicky machine" She loves to watch the screens though. She even plays cat games on my phone. |
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| The shoulder sitter |
This lasted about 2.5 seconds but it happened and I was glad to see it. Maybe there is hope. Although Sissy looks less than pleased to have Bella join her in the bunk. Sissy did hiss but then just sat there in shock. Bella is a kitten so she is active and didn't stay long.
John says Nadine is doing really good at his house. He sounds like he loves her already which is perfect.
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| John with Nadine. |
Best Friends said they would do their immunizations this week. They need one more booster and then they are set for a year except their rabies which they are too young to get. So Nadine and Bella will see each other on Wednesday. I wonder if they will remember each other. John and I plan to raise them together through play dates and sharing cat sitting with each other when we are traveling.
The great news is both Dave and Vinnie were already adopted (not surprised because they were so cute).
Thursday, August 3, 2017
Runaway down South
So Grandma was going to be on her own (in the rest home of course) for two weeks while Mom went on a much deserved vacation. I talked John into going down to visit with her if I drove. Not my favorite time of year to head to St. George because it is frankly hot as hell. But that is what we were working with. As we worked out our plans, I decided to check with Mary in Vegas to see if we could put together a deal for a new car while I was down there. As it all came together, we had a great long weekend full of fun, adventure, and family.
We woke up super early on Saturday and hit the road. Our plan was to get all the way to Vegas on Saturday. I would drop John off at the casino we planned to stay and I would go get the car. We had a great drive and leaving early meant the traffic wasn't bad at all. With the time change, we found ourselves at the hotel in Vegas (technically Henderson) at about noon PT. We got checked in and I dropped my bags. Then headed over to meet Mary. She was waiting for me outside as I pulled up. My beautiful car was all washed and waiting for me.
Took a bit of time to get the car all worked out. There was a rattle I just couldn't make due with so we worked on that and about 4:00, I was pulling out and headed to the hotel. John had been at the casino and was one happy camper when I got there. We decided to grab a bite to eat and went to the buffet. After that, I was completely beat (and super sweaty) so I went back to the room while John got his second wind. I did catch a beautiful sunset!
Sunday we were a little lazy but made it down for breakfast before packing up the car to head out. We decided to take the long way home via Lake Mead. I admit my GPS said it was only about 30 minutes longer which was naive for me to think because it was about 1.5 hours longer. But it was pretty and relaxing and a great way to break in the new car.
Unfortunately, the Lake Mead stop (well and alcohol run at Costco) made us late to meet up with Grandma. We decided to stop and have a late lunch/early dinner in Mesquite. Of course, we had to play a little slots while there. John was showing me one of his favorite machines, Miss Kitty. Now get your mind out of the gutter. It really is a kitty cat machine. John won big on a $.60 bid - he walked away with $75 which is fantastic!!
We missed dinner with Grandma but we did get to see her before she went to bed. When we walked into the room, her eyes lit up and she was thrilled to see John. That alone was worth braving the heat and spending the weekend down there.
Grandma is going to be 101 in November. She is doing remarkably well but having a problem with more confusion and she didn't recognize me for a long while. That is okay. I still love visiting her and seeing her interact with John was priceless.
Monday and Tuesday, I had to work but we did visit Grandma. John actually used Mom's car so he got to spend more time with Grandma and take care of business. Monday night, we planned to have dinner with Grandma. When we got to the table, there was room for only one of us. So I told John to eat with her and I would wait. That night, we were lucky to make it to Cliff View restaurant.
Cliff View is by far my favorite place to eat down there. They have a whole wall of windows looking over the city and we got there in time to see the sunset which is pretty fantastic. Cliff View is a fancier than I think John is used too but he was a great sport and went with me.
Tuesday, John had lunch with grandma. She was sad to see him leave and that is really hard. I worked until it was time for us to head out. We had a nice drive home and even made it back before dark! John and I enjoyed our get away and both came back feeling refreshed. It was a good trip.
A few questions answered ahead of time - yes I was ready for a new car. The last car was not a good car for me and seemed jinxed. I had to really negotiate with Mary to get her to take it because I was way over miles, had a year left on my lease, and I had some "blemishes" in the body paint. Although I didn't get the steal of a deal I always feel like I get, I am happy with what we worked out and I am now a proud driver of a 2018 Acura TLX. This car is gorgeous and has lots of improved features for safety and fun. Ask me about Apple Car Play if you are bored and want to hear me squeal with delight. Even John enjoyed it! I do go to Vegas to get cars because I seem to save several thousands of dollars from buying in Utah. And who doesn't want a weekend in Vegas??
Grandma is good and they are taking good care of her. She is in an Assisted Living Facility and they love her but as she has aged, she is needing more help than they can really give. Going down to visit and check in is part of helping her stay there as long as possible. Plus it helps Mom and Chuck not worry so much about taking a much needed vacation. They are her primary daily visitors since they live close.
Yes- we enjoyed getting liquor without the sin tax. We decided to go to Costco this time. We both picked up tequila and several bottles (lots) of wine. I admit I bought more than John which is fine. Unfortunately, it was so hot that several of our bottles uncorked by themselves including a large bottle of Mondovi red. It is more than I can drink myself before it goes bad. Luckily I have book club tomorrow so I think I will take it and share. Here is a sneak peek of my purchase.
The foster kittens were great thanks to Philip and Tiffany watching them for me. The kittens have gone in to get spayed and then John and I will go adopt them on Saturday. But that is for another post....stay tuned.
We woke up super early on Saturday and hit the road. Our plan was to get all the way to Vegas on Saturday. I would drop John off at the casino we planned to stay and I would go get the car. We had a great drive and leaving early meant the traffic wasn't bad at all. With the time change, we found ourselves at the hotel in Vegas (technically Henderson) at about noon PT. We got checked in and I dropped my bags. Then headed over to meet Mary. She was waiting for me outside as I pulled up. My beautiful car was all washed and waiting for me.
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| Passing through St. George |
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| Mary and Me |
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| She was all clean and waiting for me. |
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| John having fun |
Sunday we were a little lazy but made it down for breakfast before packing up the car to head out. We decided to take the long way home via Lake Mead. I admit my GPS said it was only about 30 minutes longer which was naive for me to think because it was about 1.5 hours longer. But it was pretty and relaxing and a great way to break in the new car.
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| Lake Mead |
Unfortunately, the Lake Mead stop (well and alcohol run at Costco) made us late to meet up with Grandma. We decided to stop and have a late lunch/early dinner in Mesquite. Of course, we had to play a little slots while there. John was showing me one of his favorite machines, Miss Kitty. Now get your mind out of the gutter. It really is a kitty cat machine. John won big on a $.60 bid - he walked away with $75 which is fantastic!!
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| Winning! |
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| Me, Grandma, John |
Monday and Tuesday, I had to work but we did visit Grandma. John actually used Mom's car so he got to spend more time with Grandma and take care of business. Monday night, we planned to have dinner with Grandma. When we got to the table, there was room for only one of us. So I told John to eat with her and I would wait. That night, we were lucky to make it to Cliff View restaurant.
Cliff View is by far my favorite place to eat down there. They have a whole wall of windows looking over the city and we got there in time to see the sunset which is pretty fantastic. Cliff View is a fancier than I think John is used too but he was a great sport and went with me.
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| St George view with Zions in the distance |
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| John's fancy chopped dinner with mashed potatoes. Very pretty presentation! |
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| OMG. Chicken fried chicken with mashed potatoes. So good. |
A few questions answered ahead of time - yes I was ready for a new car. The last car was not a good car for me and seemed jinxed. I had to really negotiate with Mary to get her to take it because I was way over miles, had a year left on my lease, and I had some "blemishes" in the body paint. Although I didn't get the steal of a deal I always feel like I get, I am happy with what we worked out and I am now a proud driver of a 2018 Acura TLX. This car is gorgeous and has lots of improved features for safety and fun. Ask me about Apple Car Play if you are bored and want to hear me squeal with delight. Even John enjoyed it! I do go to Vegas to get cars because I seem to save several thousands of dollars from buying in Utah. And who doesn't want a weekend in Vegas??
Grandma is good and they are taking good care of her. She is in an Assisted Living Facility and they love her but as she has aged, she is needing more help than they can really give. Going down to visit and check in is part of helping her stay there as long as possible. Plus it helps Mom and Chuck not worry so much about taking a much needed vacation. They are her primary daily visitors since they live close.
Yes- we enjoyed getting liquor without the sin tax. We decided to go to Costco this time. We both picked up tequila and several bottles (lots) of wine. I admit I bought more than John which is fine. Unfortunately, it was so hot that several of our bottles uncorked by themselves including a large bottle of Mondovi red. It is more than I can drink myself before it goes bad. Luckily I have book club tomorrow so I think I will take it and share. Here is a sneak peek of my purchase.
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| This girl loves Tequila. That is a huge bottle of Hornitos! |
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