Warm puppies, fuzzy kitties, and life

New Blog in New Location

2005-08-21T14:35:00.000-05:00

I have moved my blog from BlogSpot to a new address.

The new link is: www.warmpuppies.com

You can click this link to get there.

Warm Puppies, Fuzzy Kitties, and Life

To all my friends, please update me in your links and visit the new blog often.

Thank you

Chrissy

Stay Tuned

2005-08-15T12:08:00.000-05:00

Ok...I have a mess now. I should have NEVER tried to delete some things or move things around. I had to learn this blog stuff by trial and error and as you can see from my side bar...I am still in error.

Hang in there with me and I plan on having a whole new look hopefully by the end of the week. I will get everyone back up on my blogroll too.

Stick with me guys....

New Look

2005-08-12T08:53:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone. As you can see, I got a new look, but in getting the "new" look, I accidently deleted my blogroll and some other things. Please be patient with me, and I will get them back up asap.

I don't know a lot about how all this works, so I am learning as I go. I had a horrible mess and my best friend, Dale, fixed it all for me. He is great at this stuff. At least I didn't delete everything.

But just wanted to let everyone know that I didn't delete ya on purpose....just a loose nut behind the keyboard!!!!

Thanks Dale for helping me.

2005-08-12T07:47:00.000-05:00

Check it out.....Great for the price.

Day Planners

2005-08-12T07:38:00.000-05:00

I have to write down everything or I will forget. I had tons of sticky notes everywhere. I finally decided to get organized. I bought this book from Amazon. Very very helpful. He said he is just starting his blog, so I decided to post him on my blogroll. If you need a book on organizational idea, check out his book. Here is the website on Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1420846787/qid=1123850513/sr=2-2/ref=pd_bbs_b_2_2/002-2663525-5703225

Check it out.

If you love cats.....

2005-08-12T07:26:00.000-05:00

If you love cats, check out this blog, www.amazingfelines.blogspot.com. There are some really cute pictures. I love the one with the kitty and the dog. Soooo cute.

About Me!

2005-08-10T07:45:00.000-05:00

I saw this on another post, so thought I would answer these questions also. I had recently answered one of these that were similar to this, but decided to do it anyways. Here is all you wanted to know about me and then some....probably way more than you wanted to know..Anyways here is goes:

About Me:

Name: Chris

Nickname: Chrissy

Astrological sign: Gemini
Age: 48

Height: 5' 2"

Level of Education: B.B.A.

Occupation: Operations Support

Birthplace: Beaumont, Texas

How many children: None

Do you drink (alcohol): Sometimes...not beer...yuck!

Do you smoke: No

Favorite outdoor activities: Tennis

Favorite indoor activities: Casino

Favorite colors: I like pastel colors...pink, blue, yellow

Favorite type of music: Hmmm...I like the oldies stuff.

Favorite musical groups/performers: Elton John, Fleetwood Mac

Favorite soundtracks: Don't really have a favorite

Favorite song at the moment: Toxic

What's in your home CD/cassette player right now: Elton John

What's in you car CD/cassette player right now: I think Garth Brooks

Do you play an instrument: I wish...but no.

One pillow or two: two

Croutons or bacon bits: Croutons

Favorite salad dressing: Thousand Island

Have you ever had your appendix or tonsils removed: No, but I think I was supposed to have my tonsils out when I was a kid...but my parents just never did it.

Have you ever gone skinny-dipping: No

Do you make fun of people: I try not to

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up: A lady cop. There weren't too many back then. My favorite show was "The Mod Squad". I loved it.

What would be your dream job now: Attorney

Have you ever been convicted of a crime: No

Places you'd most like to visit: England

Your first car: 1970 Blue Cutlass Supreme. I bought it myself for $800.

Dream car: Convertible Mini Coop. They are soooo cute or the convertible Honda. I think they are called a spider but not sure.

Toothpaste: Colgate..Simply White

Shampoo/Conditioner: Pantene

Favorite season: Winter

Favorite holiday: Christmas

Favorite board/card game: Trivial Pursuit

Favorite hobbies: Gambling :)

Favorite sport to play: Tennis

Favorite sport to watch: Football--Go Cowboys!!!!

Least favorite sport to watch: Golf

Most humiliating moment: Having my mom go with me to school to see the principal because I got expelled from school. Me and two other girls sorta rewrote the Preamble to the Constitution. My mom was soooo mad. But that was the only time I got into trouble at school. I learned my lesson.

Do you have any siblings: Three sisters and one brother

Do you get along with your parents: My father died when I was 12, so I don't remember much. But my mom....ummmm....NO! I wish we had but we didn't get along. It was a shame. She died in 1988.

Favorite place to chill: Home

Favorite place to visit: Galveston, TX

What is your bad time of day: Mornings....yuck

What is your good time of day: Mid afternoon

Favorite perfume or cologne: Heavenly from Victoria Secret

Favorite scent of candle: Don't really have one.

Favorite flower/plant: Carnations

Favorite subject in school: English

Least favorite subject in school: Math

Favorite authors: V.C. Andrews, Mary Clark Higgins, and some of Steven King

Favorite book: Don't really have a favorite

Current book I'm reading: Nothing right now

Favorite magazine:Cosmo

Favorite movie you have seen recently: Star Wars

Favorite movie of all time: Titanic

Other favorite movies: Anything with Clint Eastwood.

Favorite actors/actresses: Clint Eastwood, Jodie Foster, Meg Ryan, Melissa Gilbert, Jean Smart, Keefer Sutherland

Favorite TV programs: I like the oldies on Nick..Andy Griffith, I love Lucy, etc...

Favorite cartoon character: Garfield

Favorite food: Hamburgers

Chocolate or Vanilla: Chocolate...duh...is there any comparison????

Favorite ice cream: See answer above!

Favorite alcoholic Drink: I like the girlie drinks...pina coladas, daiquiris, etc...

What is your bedtime: 10:00 PM

Worst enemies: Ignorant people

Interesting fact about your childhood: When I was 5, my dad and I were holding a roman candle and it backfired and shot up my sleeve. OUCH!!

How many rings before you answer the phone: Usually two

The first thing you think of in the morning: Work.

Favorite thing to do when you're home alone: Watch tv or read.

Things that make you feel good: Finding a good home for an stray animal.

Worst feeling in the world: Seeing an animal who has been dumped and is skinny and staving. Wondering what the poor thing must have gone through.

Best feeling in the world: Helping animals. It just makes me feel so good.

Do you get motion sickness: No.

Roller Coasters - Deadly or Exciting: Deadly

Thunderstorms - Cool or Scary: Very Cool

Pen or Pencil: Pen

Do you like to drive: Sure, I have to. I have a long commute each day.

Do you sleep with stuffed animals: No. Mine is alive...my cat, Turbo.

Did you have imaginary friends or a blanket as a child: No.

What is on the walls of your room: Pictures of cats.

What words or phrases do you overuse: Duh! I know..makes me sound "not very educated"

Coolest things anyone ever gave you: My dad gave me a puppy.

If you could pick one super-human power, what would you choose: I wish I could fly or be invisible.

Town wants to Ban Pit Bulls

2005-08-05T08:01:00.000-05:00

A city here in Texas wants to ban having pit bulls in their town. I can understand the concern, but pit bulls get such a bad rep. I am not saying that all pit bulls are nice dogs, but they all aren't vicious killers either. It is how they are trained.

I personally know three people that have full blooded pit bulls. They are the sweetest dogs. One sleeps next to her cat and they play all day long. When I go to this other ladies house, I am greeted with tons of dog kisses from him. She has two children ages 3 and 4. This dog is their playmate. They hang on the dog and wrestle all day long.

ANY dog can be made to be mean. You only hear about the pits. I had a Chihuahua for 17 years, and I know I could have trained her to be mean if I had wanted to, so it really doesn't matter the type dog. It depends on how it is trained. Of course, there are exceptions to any rule, so I am sure I will get a few comments on this, and I am sure there might be a few pits who are mean who might have been "born" that way, but for the most part, they are taught. Here is the article:

Port Neches Decides Not to Ban Pit Bulldogs
Reported by Sally MacDonald
August 4, 2005 - 7:19PM

The Port Neches City Council has decided not to ban pit bulldogs for now after learning it would be illegal. The city voted to table the issue. The city attorney explained to council members it's illegal to ban a specific breed of dog in Texas.

Council members put the item on the agenda after reading an article about the city of Denver banning pit bulls. The majority of people at the meeting were against the ban, while a few others want to see stricter animal laws. Port Neches council can revisit the issue. Port Neches has a law which says dogs running at large that commit an unprovoked attack on someone can be put to sleep.

When It Rains....It Pours.

2005-08-03T08:03:00.000-05:00

I know it has been a while since I have posted. Just been too busy lately. Well, I did get my results from the sleep clinic....finally. Actually, I kept calling my doctor's office for the results and no one would call me back. Finally, I called the sleep clinic and they faxed me over the results. I asked her to tell me what they said. She said they couldn't, but she could fax the results to me. I thought what is the difference, but with all the law suits around, I guess everyone is just cautious. From what I could gather from reading the results, I do have sleep apnea. The results showed that I was not breathing deeply enough plus I would stop breathing and then start again. That is not good for you. It makes you tired all the next day which is why I went to the clinic to begin with.

I have another sleep appointment schedule for the end of the month. They will hook all the wires back up to me and fit me with a machine called a CPAP. It blows air into my nose and a strap is placed around my head where I can't open my mouth. I am told after using this one night, I will see the difference. Everyone is different, so I am going to have to stay all night again so they can adjust the air flow and pressure to my personal settings. I really don't want to have to do this, but then again if it helps, I am so ready.

While waiting for the doctor's office to call about these results which they never did, I got a urinary tract infection, so I called the doctor's office and asked them to call me in a prescription. They informed me they couldn't do that. I would have to come in. I told her I had this before, and I knew what it was, but they still said I would have to come in. So, that day, I drove to their new office. They have only had it less than a month. Well...I see why they wanted me to come in. They need all the money they can get for that new office. It was beautiful. It was like walking into a mansion.

Well, I sat there for a while and they called me back and asked for a urine sample. They then put me in an exam room where I waited at least an hour and a half. Finally, he walked in and asked what was the problem. He then looked at my results and said..."nevermind, I see what the problem is". I told him I knew that and why couldn't he just call me in a prescription. He said he didn't like to diagnose over the phone.

I happened to have the test results with me from the sleep clinic so I asked him to interpret them for me since they were written in "medicalese". He did and then asked where I got them. THEY didn't even have them.

When I went to pay, he walked up there with me and again said I needed to get a cat scan on my sinus. I told him I would schedule it later. I had to get back to work. He said ok and walked away. The lady behind the counter took my money and then was rude and said my insurance won't pay the sleep clinic unless I had that scan. I told her I would check that out.

When I got home, I called the sleep clinic and told them what she had said. They said they had never heard of that. This lady was so nice. She called my insurance company and got all the information. She called me back and said that I do NOT have to have that, so I told her to schedule me to get all "wired up" again.

So at the end of the month, I will go and "try" to sleep with these wires and mask again. I will let you know how it comes out.

For now....I am pretty sick of doctors. Don't get me wrong....I am glad they are there when I need them, but I think I have had enough for a while!!

Stupid People

2005-07-27T08:02:00.000-05:00

I will probably make some people mad on here, but oh well. My blog...my opinion.

Today, I was driving to work and was stopped at a red light. I looked over at the car that was stopped beside me. There was this lady with 3 small children. One was in a car seat beside her, one was in a car seat behind her and the third was sitting in the back. These children ages were probably anywhere from 9 months to 3 years old.

She was turned around taking care of something with the smallest child. When she turned back around, I saw a cigarette dangling out of her mouth. As we sat there at the light, she was just puffing away. Her windows were rolled up all the way. They weren't even cracked.

I thought some mom. You know, I hate smoking anyways. I have good reason. Both my parents died at an early age..both from cancer. My mom had lung cancer and smoked until the day she died. She died at the age of 60. A death that could have been prevented, so I am not to thrilled with smokers.

As an adult, when someone is smoking and you don't like it, you can just walk away, but these children couldn't. How terrible for them to have to breathe that smoke all the time. I doubt she even gave it a second thought.

I had a friend whose three year old was always having coughs and sinus infections. She took her to the doctor, and he asked if anyone smoked around her. She and her husband both smoked. The doctor told her that was the problem. Now, I am not saying all sinus infections are caused by smoking, but in this particular case, it was the problem. Did the parents stop smoking around their child? Of course not, they just gave her the antibiotics and kept on puffing.

I think when a child has to taken to the doctor or hospital due to second hand smoke problems, the parents should be held responsible. These children cannot just walk away from the problem. How can parents do that? If I was a smoker and just had to smoke, I would at least walk into another room or outside or do something where my child would not be exposed to that. It is one thing if you have a choice, but these kids do not.

I know I probably stepped on some toes here, but everyone is always talking about how the children are our future. There are so many things now a days that children are protected from. It is a shame you can't protect them from their own parents who are too stupid to realize that they could be harming their child.

When the lady in the car looked over at me, I just shook my head in disgust, but I doubt she even had a clue why I did that. She just kept on puffing away.

When will she ever learn??????

2005-07-27T01:59:00.000-05:00

Jane, Jane, Jane......I guess the saying "Stupidity is doing the same thing twice and expecting different results" IS true. I saw the article below on the news today. I am not going to state my thoughts one way or another, but it seems to me that she should know what this is going to cause.

I can understand someone wanting to protest the war, but if I was a soldier fighting in Iraq, I would rather have someone who was helping me and supporting me...someone who thanked me for fighting for our country. To me this is a slap in their face. I think personally she should go around on her "tour bus" thanking the families of these soldiers who are over there risking their life every day for our country. These young men and women who are over in Iraq need to know what they are doing is appreciated. They need to know they have a whole country behind them. They need to know the fallen soldiers did not die in vain, and I don't believe she sends them that message.

I guess that is one thing about being an American...she has the right to speak her mind, but I think when that First Amendment was written, they were assuming the people that did decide to speak actually had a mind!

Oh well....I guess so much for me not stating my opinion...huh? God Bless our soldiers!!

Here is the article:

Jane Fonda to Oppose Iraq War on Bus Tour
From WOAI in San Antonio

Actress and activist Jane Fonda says she intends to take a cross-country bus tour to call for an end to U.S. military operations in Iraq.

"I can't go into any detail except to say that it's going to be pretty exciting," she said.

Fonda said her anti-war tour in March will use a bus that runs on "vegetable oil." She will be joined by families of Iraq war veterans and her daughter.

They plan to return to the Santa Fe area, where she was promoting her book, My Life So Far on Saturday.

Prompted by a question from the audience, Fonda said war veterans that she has met on a nationwide book tour have encouraged her to break her silence on the Iraq war.

"I've decided I'm coming out," she said.

Hundreds of people in the audience cheered loudly when Fonda announced her intentions to join the anti-Iraq war movement.

"I have not taken a stand on any war since Vietnam," she said. "I carry a lot of baggage from that."

Fonda incited controversy in July 1972 when she was photographed sitting on a North Vietnamese anti-aircraft gun while on a tour of the country to drum up support to end the war.

The Sleep Clinic

2005-07-22T08:30:00.000-05:00

Well, I headed off with my suitcase around 7:30 last night to the sleep clinic. I had no idea what to expect. I kept wondering why they said to arrive at 8:00. I thought I never go to sleep that early, but I did as I was told. After I got there, I found out why.

I was met at the door by one of the technicians. He showed me to my room. I asked how many rooms did they have. He said there were four rooms, but only three were occupied tonight. I never did see anyone else, but I guess they were all doing what I was doing.

After filling out paperwork, he began getting me ready for all these wires that were going to be placed on me to monitor....EVERYTHING! I had wires on my head, face, neck, chest, legs. I was worried about them coming off but he said they use a type of super glue. When he said that, I began to question how I was going to get this out of my hair. He told me they use acetone to remove it.

After he got finished wiring me up which by the way took about an hour, he handed me a box with all the wires connected and told me to hang it around my neck until he came back in about an hour to actually "entergize" all the connections.

As I sat there with all these wires connected to me and all the other ends connected to this box that was strapped on my chest, I thought I definitely should stay away from the windows. I wouldn't want to be mistaken for one of those terrorist who like to strap bombs onto themselves.

About 10:00, he came in my room and tested everything and turned on all the machines. Everything seemed to be working. I asked him what all this monitored. He said they monitor my brain waves, breathing, REM sleep, heart rate, etc. He also had a microphone attached to me to hear me cough, snore, sneeze, etc. There were also two cameras watching me.

Now trying to go to sleep with all these wires was a problem...not that they were that uncomfortable, but I was afraid I was going to pull them out. Seems like it took me an hour to go to sleep. I didn't sleep that bad, but I seem to wake up a lot. Plus the fact that everything that I did was being watched and monitored.

I guess I finally did go to sleep because around 5:30 he came in and woke me up. I asked what time it was and when he told me 5:30, I thought...geeezz already.

I got up and dressed and headed to work. Right now, I am still combing some of the glue out of my hair. It looks like I have a bad case of dandruff.

But at least this is over. I will have to wait to see what they found out. The whole experience wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I kept wondering with all those wires if I would be electrocuted in my sleep. Guess they know what they are doing...or at least I hope they did. We shall see.

My Doctor's Appointment

2005-07-16T19:41:00.000-05:00

I probably have the worse sinus problem in the world. I have tried almost every kind of medicine..both over-the-counter and prescriptions...nothing seems to help. It seems worse at night when I lie down..I really feel the pressure and have trouble breathing through my nose..this results in me snoring and some sleepless nights.

I know a couple of co-workers that said they were snoring really bad and was sleepy all during the day. They went to a sleep clinic and was told they had sleep apnea. The were all put on a machine that helps them breath and not snore and they all say what a difference it makes.

Well, that sounded like what I needed to do, so I called a sleep clinic and they said I would have to have my doctor refer me. So, I called my family doctor and told them what I wanted. She said the doctor would have to see me first. She said that he would want to do blood work to check my thyroids plus a chest x-ray. I thought no problem.....I wanted to have my cholesterol checked anyways.

My appointment was at 10:15, but they said I could go early to do all my test. I got at their office about 9:00. They called me back and took 3 tubes of blood. She then said I would have to "donate" an urine sample. Ok, again...no problem...well, no problem if you are a guy. Women know just how difficult this can be plus there was no place I wanted to put my purse, so I had it strapped around my neck. Not the ideal situation, but it worked.

When I was done with that, I told them I was going to leave until my appointment. She told me to wait. She then gave me some card that I was suppose to take home and mail it back with three stool samples. I know..more information than you wanted to know. I just said ok and put the package in my purse.

I tried to leave again and she then informed me that I also needed a EKG. I thought what is going on, but I did it.

Finally an hour and half after my appointment, I got to see the doctor. He said oh, we probably want to schedule you for an echo, stress test, and a cat scan on your sinus.

I then asked him what did any of this especially the stool sample have to do with me going to a sleep clinic. He said, well, it has been a while since you have been in, so we were just going to do a thorough exam. That is fine IF that was what I asked for.

I still didn't understand the stool sample. He said if you are over 45, that it really needs to be checked. He said when I get over 50, I will have to do the colon test to test for cancer. I thought geeezz...something to look foward to. Which don't get me wrong, I really really believe in preventative maintenance and that everyone should have regular checkups especially me since both my parents died from cancer, but still, I wasn't there for all of that.

When I got ready to pay, I told them I would call them back and schedule all the test. I know all these test are important and could save lives. I pray that I never have any of these problems, but for right now, I just wanted to do the sleep study.

A part of me is saying just do all the test but the other part is saying why? I know doctors have to be so careful now days with all the malpractice suits, but I felt like I went in there with a small cut on my hand and wound up with a cast.

Just to show how things are, there was a lady sitting next to me. She told me she had poison oak. She says she gets it every year. She said she called and asked them to call in a prescription for her. They told her they would have to see her. She said that they also made her do a blood test. She said I feel like they are just doing this to get the money for the doctor's visit. I then told her all the things they wanted to do to me.

If test are really justified, then great, I have no problem and will be first in line. I go to the doctor yearly. I get my pap and mammogram yearly. I really try to do all of that regularly. I think everyone should, but this time...I just wanted a simple referral which I did get.

So, next week, I will check in to the sleep clinic. They said it is set up like a hotel. I thought oh boy..tv and room service, but I heard there was no tv. I have to be there at 8:00 p.m. and will leave at 6:00 a.m. Now, I do not go to bed at 8:00, so I have no idea what I will be doing. Hopefully, I can go to sleep. I only want to do this once.

I will let ya know how it goes.

Hurricane Season--Do NOT Leave Your Pets!!!

2005-07-07T09:03:00.000-05:00

Found this information on The Times of SWLA. It does a "what if" a hurricane hits our area. Since I live in Texas and work in Louisiana, I worry about both areas especially since we are right along the Gulf Coast.

If You Evacuate, Take Your Pets!

If it isn't safe for you to stay put, it isn't safe for your pets. The single most important thing you can do to protect your pets is to take them with you when you evacuate. Animals left behind in a disaster can easily be injured, lost, or killed. Animals left inside a building can escape through storm-damaged areas, such as broken windows. Animals turned loose to fend for themselves are likely to become victims of exposure, starvation, predators, contaminated food or water, or accidents. Leaving dogs tied or chained outside in a disaster is a death sentence.

If you leave, even if you think you may be gone only for a few hours, take your animals. Once you leave, you have no way of knowing how long you'll be kept out of the area, and you may not be able to go back for your pets. Leave early-don't wait for a mandatory evacuation order. If you wait to be evacuated by emergency officials, you may be told to leave your pets behind.

Your pets should be wearing up-to-date identification at all times. Ask your veterinarian about permanent identification that can't slip off, such as a tattoo or imbedded microchip. Carry a photograph of your pet to help in locating them if you become separated. Include copies of your pet's medical records in your Pet Kit and the name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to board your pets or place them in foster care.

Have food and water for at least three days for each pet; bowls, cat litter and litter box, a manual can opener, medications, an extra leash and something comforting to the pet such as a blanket or toy. Pet beds and toys can reduce stress. Other useful items include newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags, grooming items, and household bleach.

Find a Safe Place Ahead of Time: Evacuation shelters don't accept pets (except for service animals) so you must plan ahead. Don't wait until the evacuation order to do your research. Contact hotels and motels outside your area to check policies on pets. Ask if ";no pet"; policies would be waived in an emergency. Call for reservations as soon as you think you might have to evacuate. Or ask friends or relatives outside your area if they could shelter you and your pets. Make a list of boarding facilities that might be able to shelter pets in emergencies. Ask if they will be staffed during an evacuation.

If you don't evacuate, don't wait until the last minute to get ready. Bring pets inside and confine them. Make sure each pet and pet carrier has up-to-date identification and contact information. Keep dogs on leashes and cats in carriers, and make sure they are wearing identification. Have any medications and a supply of pet food and water inside watertight containers, along with your family emergency supplies.

After the storm your home may be a very different place, whether you have taken shelter at home or elsewhere. For a few days, keep dogs on leashes and keep cats in carriers inside the house. If your house is damaged, they could escape and become lost. Don't allow your pets to roam loose. Familiar landmarks and smells might be gone, and your pet will probably be disoriented and can easily get lost.

Pet Emergency Resources:
The Human Society: http://www.hsus.org/index.html Human Society Disaster prep pages: http://www.hsus.org/hsus_field/hsus_disaster_center/index.html

FEMA for pet or livestock owners,: http://www.fema.gov/library/anemer.shtm.

Pet Travel.com: http://www.pettravel.com/0001217.cfm

My "Other" Family

2005-07-06T07:39:00.000-05:00

Most of you have heard me talk about my "Springer" family, but there is another side that I have never really talked about.....my dad's side of the family. Of course, there is a good reason for this, I haven't heard from any of them in about ummmm....35 years!!!

My dad died when I was 12. Before that, we used to go to see all his kinfolks in Opelousas, LA. I always enjoyed going to my "maw-maw's" house. She was an excellent cook and an interesting person.

All of my dad's family had the heavy Cajun dialect. I loved hearing them talk. I think my dad had the heaviest accent. Sometimes when he would be talking to me, all of a sudden, right in the middle of the conversation he would convert over to speaking Cajun. I would then have to say..."English dad..English". English was hard for him. It was his second language.

About the only Cajun words I ever learned were a few when he talked to his mom. He would always tell her to take care so I knew how to say that and the normal how are you's, but other than that, my Cajun vocabulary was limited.

Now, I did know a few choice curse words...only because when he was driving and had a case of road rage, he would curse at them in English and Cajun. I asked him why and she said just to make sure they understood, so to this day, I still know and ashamed to say, use a few of those choice words from time to time.

After my dad passed away, his whole side of the family basically never spoke to me or mom again. Why?? I have no idea. But to me, I didn't lose just a dad, I lost a whole family.

After I got older, I decided to write an ugly letter to one of my favorite uncles and told him how I felt. I told him that I thought it was wrong to have done that. He response was that I never called him or went to see him. I was 12 years old!! I did not drive or have the use of a phone to call long distance.

So, the years just drifted away. Now, from my mom's first marriage, she had a daughter, Sue. We were and still are very close. I have never considered her anything but a sister even though legally we are only half sisters, but neither one of us have ever thought that.

Now, from my dad's first marriage, he had a boy and twin girls. The boy and girl who are both 18 years older than me still live in Opelousas. One of the twin girls live about 30 minutes from me. Her name is Norma and is very special to me. She was like a mom to me when I was growing up. Her and Sue both were. I don't know what I would have done without them. Norma is the only one on my dad's side I even see or talk to.

To get to my point...finally. I was looking up something about animals...as usual..when I came across something about PETA which lead to one of the local District Attorney's website. I decided to check it out. Well, low and behold, there was a picture of my brother-in-law. The "other twin" that lives in Opelousas husband. I began looking at some of the pictures on his site. There was a picture of his family. I barely remember them, but I did remember my sister. I thought we are basically still family. Seeing their picture brought up so many memories.

Well, there was an email address on his site, so I thought...oh well...what is the worse that can happen. So, I emailed him and told him who I was and that his family looked nice and I just wanted to say hi.

The next day I received an email back from him saying how excited he was to hear from me and how he called my sister and read her the email and how excited she was. He wanted my phone numbers, addresses, etc. Anyway they could contact me.

Now, this sister, never even talks to her own twin, so I was somewhat skeptical that she really wanted to talk to me, but I sent him all my information yesterday. I have not heard back so far. I honestly doubt that I will, but that is ok. Since I have gotten used to not having that side of the family in my life, I won't miss them.

I asked him to tell me how many of my dad's relatives are still alive. It would be nice to see them all again, but there still is that part buried deep inside me that ask why they didn't contact me all these years? Why did they forget about me? Why did they let a 12 year old girl think she had lost not only a dad but aunts, uncles, grandma, cousins...why???

The questions are still there, but the bitterness is gone. Maybe when you get older, things change. I do wish I could have been part of their family, but maybe I wouldn't be who I am now. Maybe there was a reason that it was not meant for me to be a part of their lives...who knows.

At least I made the first step in trying to contact everyone. If it works out, great. If not, then I haven't lost any thing....at least nothing I didn't lose a long time ago.

What kind of animal are you?

2005-06-23T13:00:00.000-05:00

What Is Your Animal Personality?
brought to you by Quizilla

Just another one of my opinions on animals....

2005-06-20T23:05:00.000-05:00

I get picked at all the time from the co-workers in my office who just happen to all be men. They know how much I love animals, so they are continuously finding ways to "get under my skin" or pick at me about anything animal related. But that's ok. For the most part, they are just picking and I love these guys. We have all been together for a long time. We are like family and being like family sometimes we have a difference of opinion.

They are the typical guys who like to hunt, fish, etc. I personally couldn't shoot anything, at least animal wise, if my life depended on it especially deer. But I am intelligent enough to know why people hunt and for the most part, the guys here that hunt do it for the food. Not just to hang a head of some defenseless animal on the wall. Of course, I have never understood what is so wonderful about setting up a deer feeder and getting the deer use to eating and then shoot them. How much talent does that take??? But that is another story and that is my opinion which I am sure a lot will disagree with me and that is ok.

Yesterday, one of my co-workers had ask me about my dog, Pokie. I had to have Pokie put to sleep about 10 years ago. The pain is still there and anyone that has had to go through that understands. I began to tell him what all was wrong with her and how it killed me to have to do that. It is a horrible thing to do, but I knew she was suffering and even my vet said, that I was just keeping her around for me and that was just not right. She was 17 years old. She was ready to go and was in pain. That has been the hardest decision I have ever had to make. Your mind goes through about a million...what ifs. What if I had taken her to another vet? What if I had waited a few more days? What if I had not given her that type of food? etc....I still do what ifs every now and then. There is not a day that goes by that I don't think of her.

Well, after telling him my story, one of my other co-workers who is in his early twenties opened his mouth which was his first mistake! But he shouted that if his dog ever had to be put to sleep that he would feed him a good meal and then take him out and shoot him. I bit my tongue to keep from saying what I was thinking and said, why would you do that? It would be more humane to have him put to sleep. He said, "well how much does that cost and besides if you do it right and if you make sure the bullet goes to the right place in their head, they don't suffer".

Now, how does he know that??? Maybe he is assuming the dog's head is like his...EMPTY!!! I had to walk away and go back to my office because the first thing that I was thinking was you ignorant SOB and my thoughts went downhill from there. So before my tongue began to bleed from me "trying" to keep from talking, I decided it was best to just walk away.

I had a previous conversation with this same person a few months ago. I had seen his dog running around. It is a beautiful lab that he actually paid quite a bit for which surprises me. I had told him that he ought to put his dog in a fence. He was running loose and was running up to the road barking at people. He is a sweetie, but he is a big dog with a deep bark so some might be intimidated by him. I told him someone might hurt him or he might even get hit by a car.

He proceeded to tell me how cruel this was having a dog all fenced in and him having to look at the world through a fence. I said as opposed to getting run over by a car???? He then said, well he has already been hit three times. Eventually, this teach him to stay in the yard and not on the street. He says this is how he learns. I then asked him if this was how he was going to train his child not to go in the road.

When I do that, he gets mad and says there I go again comparing a human to an animal. I then tell him no I am not. There is no comparison and leave it at that.

Now, don't get me wrong. I like this guy. I like all my co-workers. For the most part they are sweet and make me laugh and we get along great, but when it comes to animals, some people......UGGGGRRRHHHHH!!!!!

One of the other guys said to me, well this is just how it is done in the country. I have been told that a few times. "These are just country folks" "This is a country dog" I finally asked is "country" another word for stupid???? I live in the country and my animals are tended to and do not run free. I guess I love them too much.

Don't ever say to me....it's just a dog or it's just a cat. Not something I want to hear. I am a nice sweet caring person. Anyone that really knows me...knows that. I will go out of my way to do something for someone. I love to laugh and have fun and do nice things for people. But when it comes to harming an animal, I can be provoked. Sometimes because of the circumstances like yesterday, I just have to walk away. Thank goodness it was almost time for me to leave. Don't know how much more of his verbal diarrhea I was going to tolerate.

I guess I should be just satisfied that he loves the dog and does feed him and thank goodness he lives on a road that isn't traveled on that much.

I might have stepped on a few toes here, but when it comes to animals, I don't care. I am who I am. If some people could see what I have seen since I work with the shelter and one of the animal cruelty officers, then they would understand why I feel so strongly about certain things.

Animals are people too. Remember to kiss your puppy and hug your kitty and in return you will have a friend for life...unconditionally.

Way to Go Texas

2005-06-16T07:52:00.000-05:00

The following article from the ASPCA was sent to me. I had a site that I could see if our representative voted to pass this bill which he did. Way to go Mr. Ted Poe. I also decided to look at the representative for Louisiana since I work in that state. HE voted against it. Shame on you Mr. Boustany!!

Here is ther article from the ASPCA.

HORSE SLAUGHTER BILL PASSES HOUSE!
Great news, animal advocates! Last Wednesday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Sweeney-Spratt Amendment, a measure that seeks to ban horse slaughter in the United States—by ensuring that no federal tax dollars are used to slaughter horses for human consumption.

If your representative voted “Aye,” we are asking you to thank him or her for protecting horses. If your representative voted against passage of the amendment, please call and explain how disappointed you are. For information on how to contact your representative, please visit the ASPCA Advocacy Center.

“Efforts will now focus on the Senate to ensure that this crucial amendment is carried out,” says the ASPCA’s Cori A. Menkin, Esq., Program Counsel, Government Affairs & Public Policy. “We will keep you updated with any new information about what you can do to help save horses from slaughter. And thanks for your support.”

I'm Back Again!!!

2005-06-16T07:43:00.000-05:00

I really have no excuse for not writing. I guess I have been just sorta blah. Saturday, the 11th was my birthday. I always start feeling sorry for myself about that time especially as I get older, but then I have to remind myself getting older is better than the alternative. :)

As the day went by, my cell phone started ringing with happy birthday wishes so I soon began to feel better. My sister called me and sang happy birthday to me. We don't talk as much as we used to, but once we get to talking, there is no shutting us up.

Years ago before I started working, I would call my sister every morning and we would talk for hours. Mom knew I had call waiting, so she would call me and ask me to get off the phone so she could call my sister about something. She said that was the only way she could get through.

I miss us talking like that, but with me working and my hour and half commute, it seems I just don't have the time anymore. She has a birthday coming up soon, so I will probably take her out for the day. Knowing her, she will probably want to go out and eat and then head over to Louisiana to the new casino. She won't have to twist my arm on that one.

I am still alive!!!!!!!!!!!

2005-06-07T08:01:00.000-05:00

I know...it has been a while since I have posted anything. I have just been so busy lately. Not with fun stuff....mainly cleaning out. I totally re-did my bedroom closet. It was a mess. I can't believe things I found in there. Things that were so old that should have been tossed out. I found both my high school and college graduation gowns. I really hated to toss them, but I had to ask myself what do I need them for, and I could not think of anything. So that is where most my time has been spent....cleaning. Most of the items I gave to Goodwill. A few I might put on E-bay.

Also, I have been helping my niece out some. She is going through a divorce, and I have been helping her. They have been together for 11 years, so it is going to be strange not going to her house with all the families at Christmas. She is only 28 years old, so she I tell her she is young and has her whole life ahead of her. Actually, she is doing great.

Trying to think what else has been going on...hmmm. One good thing is that I haven't run across any stray...anything....which is good. Seems for a while everytime I turned around I would find something that needed a home.

I did get to check out the new casino that just opened up in Lake Charles, LA. I went with my friend,Dale, on Memorial Day. I wanted to get their early so it wouldn't be crowded. He asked what time and I said how about 5 and he said A.M.????? I said yea. He said how about 9. I said no. So, we jawed back and forth and finally compromised and decided on 7:00 a.m. I don't know what he had to complain about. He is about 15 minutes from the casino, and I am hour and half. So, I got up around 5 and headed out.

It was a huge place..really nice. We mainly walked around and checked everything out, but he likes video poker and they really didn't have a big selection of that, so we didn't stay long. But the whole place was really nice. I think it is suppose to be the biggest riverboat in Louisiana. I will probably wait and go back with my sister. She is really wanted to go.

That is pretty much all I have been up to. But I just wanted to post, so I wouldn't get forgotten. I still check in and read all my favorite blogs, but just never got around to writing. I will try to be more faithful in writing.

Remember...kiss your puppy and hug your kitty. Nothing smells better than puppy breath!!!! :)

I've Been Tagged!!

2005-05-30T22:16:00.000-05:00

TAG!! You're It!
Cheryl from Richardson Zoo has tagged me.

1. Total number of books that I own:

Of all questions to ask. Hmmmmm...to be honest. I have no idea. Maybe about 100 or 150.

2. Last book I bought:

Well...I am embarrassed to say. The new casino is Lake Charles, LA was about to open, and I happen to be in the book store when I ran across this book. It was also on the sale table. It is entitled, THE SMARTER BET GUIDE TO SLOTS AND VIDEO POKER.

3. Last book I read:

The same one I just bought...see above.

4. 5 Books that mean a lot to me:

(1) WHAT COLOR IS MY PARACHUTE.
(2) A BIBLE THAT MY GRANDMOTHER GAVE ME WHEN I WAS 8 YEARS OLD
(3) LITTLE BROWN HANDBOOK....I have to agree with Cheryl on this one. I keep it in my office for reference.
(4) THE MILLIONAIRE NEXT DOOR.
(5) I have too many to list, but I like all the books by V.C. Andrews.

Ramblings

2005-05-29T10:26:00.000-05:00

I know it has been a while since I have "blogged". Sometimes I just get too busy or really just don't have much to say. I guess mainly there is just not very many different things going on in my life. But I thought I would write something today anyways.

It is Sunday morning, and I am doing my Sunday chores such as cleaning and washing clothes for the week. Nothing too exciting. Turbo is on his perch watching the rain and the occasional bird that flies by...a real tough cat's life.

I had planned on taking a day's vacation on Friday and my sister, Sue, and my niece, Deanna, and I were all going to the new casino. We had planned this day for months. The new casino, L'Auberge du Lac opened on Thursday night at 10:00 p.m., so we decided to go Friday morning around 6:00 a.m. We figured at that time of morning we might get in and at least have some time before it started getting crowded.

Well, my niece called on Tuesday morning and announced her and her husband were getting a divorce, so she really shouldn't be spending money at a casino. I felt bad for her, but I felt bad for me and my sister too. I know...sounds selfish, but we had planned this for so long. I told her I understood and asked if she was alright and if I could do anything for her just to let me know.

I tried to get my guys in the office to go, but none of them like the casino, so I just worked on Friday. Well, Friday night I got a call from one of the guys...John. He was calling me from the casino. He said he was calling to see if his phone worked in there....HA!!....he was just calling to gloat that he was at the casino!! He said him and his wife, Cheryl, just thought they would check it out. I called him a butt! He then called me back later and let me know about the layout and the restaurants and some of the type machines. I was sooooo tempted to get in the car and go right then, but I didn't. I can't wait to talk to him on Tuesday to find out all the details.

Hopefully, sometimes this week I can talk either him or Dale into going one afternoon after work. Probably not...but I am sure gonna try!!

Update on the Two Abandoned Kittens.

2005-05-23T09:01:00.000-05:00

As you read in my post, a week ago Saturday, a friend of mine found these two baby kitties. Almost a week past, and I didn't hear anything. I wanted to know...but then again..I didn't. Then Friday afternoon, I checked my e-mail. I saw the title that read "Kittens Update". I did not want to read it, but I did. Here is the e-mail:

Hey there!! how are yall?? hopefully all is well! well, i just wanted to give you an update on the kittens. As of right now they are doing so well!!! Within 24 hours of getting to Dee's house they received a penicillian shot and an antibiotic shot that helps with respiratory problems and that really seemed to help them alot!! Then two days after that they were mildly wormed and dee gave me a call to let me know that they had the worst case of tape and round worms she had ever seen!! So a couple days after that she wormed them again, and all seems to be well with that issue now.

The kittens though have not been to the vet yet and thoroughly checked due to financial reasons (our "organization" is kinda low on funding right now...but will be brought just as soon as possible!!). The kittens will also be spayed/neutered before being placed and will have the feline aids/leukemia tests. Their coats and claws and general over all appearance has improved 100%. Their coats are long, silky, and soft. One is a reddish/black color and the other is solid black.

Now on to the shocking news! Dee had a friend come by that is a nurse and she drew blood from both kittens and ran just a simple test to check for any immediate problems we needed to be aware of. When we got the results back, it showed that there were toxins in their systems (cant be identified). So, they were poisoned!! Apparently whoever had them wanted them dead pretty bad!! So not only abandoned and abused, but poisoned as well!! This may have very well caused the blind kitten to lose its sight.

So what dee did is give both of them an enema to flush their systems (this helps their liver and kidneys) and within hours, the kittens were acting just like normal kittens!! Their motor skills improved and they were more energetic. so that says that either the poisoning was minimal or it had already mostly passed through the kittens system. so, as of now, the kittens are doing great.

They have recovered alot and are eating very well on their own now. The little blind one (a few days after the enema) started to recognize light and dark and shadows, so his vision is improving, though we arent sure if he will ever have it all back. but any improvement is better than none! He is also able to hold his head better than he was when we got them. so, hopefully in due time, he will recover all motor-functions, but as of right now he is 100% better than he was. He is a total sweetheart and a little cuddle bug. He is so affectionate and loving.

The other kitten is larger and is so curious!! He plays and checks out everything in the house... just looking and walking around scoping out everything. so, thats it. Overall they are doing so well and they are well on their ways to recovery and placement. Oh, also, both dee and i decided that the kittens will not be separated and will be placed together for the blind ones sake!

Well, thank you again for doing what yall did. yall saved two little kittens that are now on their way to living long and healthy lives!!! thank you!! ~wendy~

She is still thanking ME!!!! She is the one to be thanked. Isn't it wonderful about these babies. I think someone was looking out for them. I hope they find a fantastic home and live long lives. They are two very sweet lucky kitties to have these two special ladies. It is so nice to hear good news. It makes all the fighting to save the animals worth it.

My Saturday Events

2005-05-16T08:17:00.000-05:00

Well, I got up Saturday morning and was going to go shopping with a friend and at the last minute she had to work. In the meantime, my niece called and wanted to know if I wanted to go to the casino in Lake Charles. I told her sure and planned on meeting her. Well as usual, I am always early and she is always late, but to be fair, I did leave early because I was planning on running to the mall to look for a purse. As I was walking into Penney's, my purse strap broke. Seeeee..it was just meant to be for me to buy a purse.

I couldn't find anything at Penny's, so I ventured off to Foley's and Dillard's. I found one I liked that was $50 marked down to $25 marked down to $19.99, so I decided on that one. When I got to the register, It rang up at $12.99. What a deal!!! Now most after seeing it, probably wouldn't think so, but I like it.

My niece and I went to several of the local casinos. I didn't really play a lot because I was trying to save some of my money for when the new casino that is scheduled to open on the 26th of this month. I had tried to call my friend Dale to join us, but there was no answer, so Deanna and I played and walked around looking at some of the new games.

Later on that afternoon, I get a call from Dale. I told him I had tried to call and then he started telling me his problem. Dale is my friend that has taken in a few of my stray cats that I have manage to find over the years. He has four total. He told me he had a problem. He was going down some road that didn't have many houses and found two tiny black kittens that looked to be about 2-3 weeks old huddled together. He had no idea what to do with them. I left the casino and we met at the office. He was on one phone and I was on the other.

We called everyone we could think of. Neither one of us had any experience taking care of kittens this small. I had no idea what to do. While I was calling places, he had bought some kitten formula and was feeding them with a syringe. We called the sheriff, police, vets, pet stores, etc...no one would take them or knew anyone that would.

I called a few of my humane society friends and two weren't home and one was already fostering a liter of kittens. I was becoming desperate. I then remembered when I had that three-legged Doberman that there was a lady that was interested that did rescues. We called her and she said she would take them. She happened to have a stray that had a liter about 2 weeks ago and she was going to try and "sneak" them in with those. I was soooo happy.

I called my niece and told her what was going on and that I was heading back to Texas. I then drove to Nederland and left my car at the mall. Me, Dale, the kitties and the directions all headed to this lady's house. I held the kitties while Dale drove. It wasn't that far, but these poor kitties were not happy.

She knew all about kittens. She said she would take care of them. We visited with her a while and thanked her over and over again. I was glad these babies would at least have a chance. I told her to keep us updated. As we drove back to my car, I was trying very hard to hold in the tears. I had such mixed emotions. Some for the a**hole that dumped them....some for us trying to find them a home....and some for finally finding them a home. As I got in my car, I thanked Dale for picking them up and drove back crying.

The next morning I got an email from the lady. She said her mama cat wouldn't except them but she had a lady that she knew that would take them. She does these kinds of rescues all the time. She did tell me one of them had a small amount of head trauma and was blind and depended on her sister. I don't know if it was from probably being tossed out of the car or was just born that way. As she went on, I thought she was leading up to that it would have to be put to sleep. I didn't want to read anymore, but I did.

She went on to say that they both probably needs to be adopted together or if they can't, she was going to keep the little blind one. I just breathed a sign of relief.

It is such a big contrast....to write about monsters that torture animals and then have someone like Wendy and Dee that go out of their way to help them. These two are indeed very very special people. God Bless both of you! I will keep everyone posted on what happens. Hopefully, they will live long happy lives thanks to these special people. Thanks to Dale for picking them up. Thanks to Wendy and Dee for helping them and I guess even thanks to me for saving this lady's phone number!!

Hello Judge...Are you Listening????

2005-05-09T13:49:00.000-05:00

You see I just listed the sentencing for the teenager that tortured his dog. He gets a slap on the hand. Therefore, no one takes animal cruelty too serious because if they did, it wouldn't be happening over and over and over.

What I find interesting was that this teenager was sentenced today at 9:00 a.m. and the following was the headlines LAST night on the news.....the night before the sentencing. Did the judge not watch this???? If he did, he should have been more strict on this monster. Now he will probably be the judge again in this case. Will he learn from his mistakes????? I wonder. After all, they are "just" animals.....right??? WRONG!!!!!

Here is the story and after this...I promise no more sad cases at least for a while, but I just wish someone could do something about them. Obviously, our justice system isn't! Notice the part where the lady said she never noticed the dog. Was she stupid or blind or both? I talked to the humane society president and she said it was horrible and no way the dog could be saved. Why do people like this have dogs?

Investigators Call Animal Cruelty Case "Torture"
Reported by Camille Eaton

Investigators say what happened to a dog is more than a case of animal cruelty-they call it a case of torture.

Law enforcement officers took pictures of the animal, but the pictures are so graphic and disturbing we cannot show them to you.

The 36 year old woman who was charged with animal cruelty called investigators to her home on Dallas Avenue in Beaumont on April 5th.

Officers say they found a Rottweiler with a chain wrapped so tightly around its neck, they later had to put the dog to sleep.

Teresa Allen says she rarely spends time in her back yard and is afraid of dogs, although a black Rottweiler lived here for months.

Teresa Allen/charged with animal cruelty
"I didn't know the dog's neck was in that kind of shape. I never go in my backyard to play with the dog period. When I went back there to mow the lawn that's when I noticed his neck."

Allen says on April 5th, the dog came out of its doghouse and she saw the severe wounds, so severe we can't show you the pictures.
Allen says her 11 year old daughter and five year old son care for the dog and she was unaware of its condition.
Teresa Allen/charged with animal cruelty
"It scared me to death and I quickly got the phone book and called pet control to see if someone would come out."

According to court records, the animal control investigator was horrified by what he saw.
The chain surrounding the dog's neck cut several inches into his skin exposing huge chunks of bloody flesh.

Sgt. Dean Crooks/Beaumont Police
"The injuries were deep. The deeper it went, the more fresh the injuries were. It was already crusted over and infected."

Investigators say because the dog was forced to suffer for weeks or months, detectives say this case is beyond cruelty. They are calling it torture.

Sgt. Dean Crooks/Beaumont Police
"The excruciating torture of the dog as the chain dug in day after day. It's torture."

Officers say in that period of time, they believe someone had to have noticed the dog's condition.
Detectives say Allen failed to provide care for the animal in her custody and should be held responsible.

Update on Cruelty Case

2005-05-09T13:46:00.000-05:00

Here is the results. Seems all the letters that were written to the judge did not have any effect on his results. One day when this guy commits a much worse crime, I hope the judge remembers this and feels responsible. Here is the story:

Nederland teenager will spend 30 days in jail and 5 years probation for abusing his dog.

18 year old Christopher Ashmun has admitted to abusing his dog in December of 2003 when he was 17.

Ashmun was in court Monday for sentencing.

Before deciding Ashmun's punishment, Judge Charles Carver told Ashmun that he has received numerous letters from people in the community asking that Ashmun receive the maximum punishment.

Judge Carver decided Ashmun will serve 30 days in the Jefferson County Jail and five years probation.

Representatives with the Humane Society of Southeast Texas were in court Monday, and they say they wish Ashmun would have received more jail time.

The judge also prohibited Ashmun for owning or being around any pets while on probation.

KFDM reporter Kara Stevens was in court for the sentencing. She'll have more on the story, including reaction, tonight on KFDM News at six.

Humane Society Benefit B-B-Q and Auction

2005-05-09T08:01:00.000-05:00

I know that sounds funny and a lot of people have asked me..."Did ya BBQ cats or dogs"...haha very funny, but NO!

On May 6 and 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., there was a Barbecue and silent auction that was held at Holmes Supply Co. 8625 Highway 69 South in Kountze, TX. I tried to find an email address for Holmes, but I didn't find one. The event was advertised on the Humane Society's web page and also on a fellow bloggers page which is called Beaumont Events & Blogs. Thanks so much for the advertising Mark. It helped a LOT!

I couldn't be there on Friday due to my work, but I was there on Saturday. There were plate lunches, brisket or link sausage sandwiches, and a silent auction which had a lot of good items. I bid on some myself. Holmes also gave store discounts and door prizes. All money raised will go to the humane society.

On Saturday around 2:00 p.m., they sold completely out of food. There was 120 pounds of beef which was delicious. I do not have the exact amount but from hearing what others were saying that it made over $1000 for the shelter.

We also sold 18 t-shirts and had people just donate money. I think all and all it was a great day for the shelter. I was glad to have helped. I feel so good when I help these guys out. I know it is for all the "babies".

Thanks to Holmes for everything and thanks to EVERYONE else that helped. It was sooo much appreciated!!!

I have no words for this........

2005-05-05T18:55:00.000-05:00

This is a letter I received from our local humane society president. I did NOT look at the pictures. I couldn't. This is one case I think the punishment should fit the crime.

Most of you are aware of the fact that a man in Fannett, Victor Guillory, tied his horse (fully saddled) to his pick-up truck, ran the horse for three miles at speeds of 20 to 35 mph until the horse could run no more, then dragged the horse for the last 150 feet. A veterinarian, Dr. Kelley Kays, was called to the scene; she administered anti-shock medications, many liters of fluid, and managed to get the horse up to transport it to her clinic.

Dr. Kays made every effort to save this poor horse. She was up until 3:00 a.m. trying to save this poor animal. Tragically the horse died even after valiant efforts on the part of the vet.

Victor Guillory was originally indicted on misdemeanor animal cruelty charges by the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department. Through the efforts of the Humane Society and the Jefferson County District Attorney's Office, these charges were dropped and felony animal cruelty charges were presented to the grand jury on April 28. The grand jury returned an immediate felony indictment against Mr. Guillory. Ann Manes in the District Attorney's Office did a superb job in getting the misdemeanor charges dropped, in pursuing a felony indictment, presenting the case to the grand jury, and attaining the felony indictment.

I'm sure some of you have seen the Letters to the Editor in the Beaumont Enterprise. With the exception of one letter, all others were in support of Mr. Guillory receiving a just sentence commensurate with his heinous crime.

The felony charge for which Mr. Guillory has been indicted carries a two-year state jail and/or a $10,000 fine maximum sentence. (State jail felony sentences are served day-for-day. There is no "time off" for good behavior. So, if he receives a two-year sentence, he will serve two full years.)

While it will probably be a year before this case comes to trial, we need to keep this in the public's eye somewhat. (We plan to present all of the Letters to the Editor to the judge assigned to this case just prior to the trial.) I am asking now that you write a Letter to the Editor for the newspaper in your community: Beaumont Enterprise, Pt. Arthur News, Orange Leader, Hardin County News, etc. The more publicity this case receives, the greater the likelihood that Mr. Guillory won't receive "a slap on the hand" from the presiding judge. Please, PLEASE take the time to write a Letter to the Editor. The judges and the community need to see that the Humane Society alone is not the only one pushing for a maximum sentence for the horrific pain and suffering this horse endured at the hands of Mr. Guillory, but "plain old people" - J - need to express their outrage at this, and ALL, animal cruelty.

As it gets closer to the trial date, you will receive an additional update asking you to please write the appropriate judge (Judge Carver or Judge Walker) requesting that the maximum sentence be imposed. We will update you on any developments in this case.

2005-05-05T12:38:00.000-05:00

Isn't she sooooooo cute?????

What Kind of American English Do you Speak?

2005-05-03T15:28:00.000-05:00

Your Linguistic Profile:

55% General American English

40% Dixie

5% Midwestern

0% Upper Midwestern

0% Yankee

What Kind of American English Do You Speak?

Cat's Prayer

2005-05-03T07:26:00.000-05:00

Someone that knows I like cats told me about this and thought I would like it. I went to her blog and thought it was worth sharing. Her blog site is Indigo Insights.

CAT'S PRAYER

Although I am too proud to beg,

and may appear to be a very independent creature,

I ask for your loving care and attention.

I rely on you for my well being much more than you may realize.

This I promise you, my benefactor, that I will not be a burden on you

nor will I demand more of you than you care to give.

I will be a quiet peaceful island of serenity for you to gaze upon;

a soft soothing body to caress,

and I shall purr with pleasure to rest your weary ears.

Since I am a gourmet who appreciates different taste sensations,

I pray you will give me a variety of nutritious foods and fresh water daily.

You know dear friend, how I love to go.

Allow me, I pray, a warm sheltered place

where I can rest peacefully and feel secure.

If I am wounded in battle or suffering from disease,

please tend me gently, and see that I am treated

by loving and competent hands.

Please protect me from the inhuman humans

who would hurt and torture me for their own amusement.

I am accustomed to your gentle touch and am not always suspicious

nor swift enough to avoid such malicious acts.

In my later years when my senses fail me

and my infirmities become too great to bear,

allow me the comfort and dignity that I desire for my closing days

and help me gently in my pain or passing.

Hear this prayer, my dear friend, my fate depends on you.

*author unknown

Yet another stray???

2005-05-02T08:45:00.000-05:00

I think I must have an animal magnet around my house. If you read my blog, you know about the 3-legged Doberman that strayed up to my house a couple of weeks ago and how I found her a good home. Well, when I drove in Thursday evening, I heard the familiar sound of a faint "meow". I thought oh..no.

I thought maybe I was just hearing things, but I knew better. So, I called out...."kitty...kitty...kitty" and sure enough here comes a young cat with the goldest eyes you have ever seen. I know "goldest" is not a word, but that is the only way I know to describe them. She was so friendly. As I tried to get into my house, she was rubbing up against my legs almost tripping me. I went in and got some cat food and water. She ate, but not like she was starving.

As I petted her while she ate, Turbo was at the door looking. He was NOT impressed. The nerve of me feeding another cat and with HIS food. Turbo doesn't like any other animals. Probably because he doesn't know he is an animal himself.

Since Thursday, I have only seen her once, so I began to think about it. I have rescued two cats in the last year or so. One was just like her...young but didn't appear to be "starving". I found her a home with my friend Dale. About six months later, here comes another cat which I took to the vet to get fixed to find out she was already fixed. Again, my friend Dale took her. Now comes this one. I won't tell you what Dale said to me when I asked him about taking this one. It was something like..."am I out of my mind" and went down hill from there, which I don't blame him. After all he has four cats and two of them came from me. But I thought since he had four, what's one more....right? I did send him her picture to show him how beautiful she was and what gorgeous eyes she has. I also told him he didn't have one this color, but he didn't go for it.

Then I started thinking. Could this possibly be my neighbors cat? Could it be that my neighbor keeps getting cats only for me to take them and find homes for them? hmmmm...I wonder. But then it doesn't really matter. Knowing the past actions of my neighbor, he doesn't need animals or kids. I know for a fact he once shot and killed his OWN dog for digging in his garbage. So, he is NOT one of my favorite neighbors.

He once built a deer stand and and had the nerve to put it on MY property. I asked him why and he said that my property was still wooded and his wasn't. I told him that he shouldn't have cleared his land. I then told him to remove his deer stand. I did go out and pick up all the deer corn and bring it back up to the house where the squirrels enjoyed it. He informed me that was his corn. I then informed him that it was on MY land. We are the type neighbors if we see each other, we say hi and that is it.

Since the cat hasn't been back, I will just wait and see what happens. It could possibly be his cat. I guess if I keep taking them and he keeps getting more, this could go on forever. This is just the type person that shouldn't have a pet. But for now, I will just hope this was a cat that just was wondering around and went back home. Yeah...right. I will keep telling myself that!!

2005-04-26T08:21:00.000-05:00

What a life! But she deserves it. Makes me feel so good that she has a great home now!

2005-04-26T08:20:00.001-05:00

Here she is again. Inside and all happy.

2005-04-26T08:20:00.000-05:00

Here is an updated picture of the Doberman I rescued. Her new name is Jordain.

This is a SICK person.

2005-04-25T09:00:00.000-05:00

I found this article on one of my favorite blogs, Animal Diaries

Is this guy sick or what??? I can't believe NOTHING can be done about this. I know what I would like to see done. I have not gone to this sickos site, and I won't. Here is the article:

Many of you are probably aware of the Save Toby Web site that is demanding $50,000 from visitors to the site. The money is to save Toby, an adorable rabbit, from being eaten by its owner. The owner is the one maintaining the site.

As it does any animal lover, the site infuriates me. I have not made a donation because I don't believe in extortion--monetary or emotional. I even debated whether to post this entry to my blog because I hate to give such people any type of advertising. My husband wrote a nasty e-mail to the owner and contacted PETA to see if the site was illegal. It is not. The owner has posted some of the hate mails he has received (he seems very proud of them) and has also posted responses from animal rights groups such as PETA stating they can do nothing about what he is doing.

I am curious to hear from others about this. If you'd like to post a comment, please do so. Do you think this is harmless? Do you believe they will eat the rabbit if they don't get the money (it is my understanding there are two young men doing this)? Do you believe others will copy this emotional-blackmail type of site? Thanks for your thoughts on this issue.

2005-04-25T08:59:00.000-05:00

Here is MY baby, "Turbo".

2005-04-25T08:45:00.000-05:00

Another picture of my baby!! "Turbo"

2005-04-25T08:12:00.000-05:00

And yet another!!!!!

Yet Another Rescue....

2005-04-22T22:27:00.000-05:00

On my way home from work, Samantha, the lady that adopted "Dobie" called me and told me that "Dobie" was doing great. She is getting along with her cats, her other dogs, and her two year old loves her. She said she was outside playing and running around. She is going to send me pictures every now and then to show me her progress. She is also going to take her to the vet for a check up to make sure she is ok. I had already seen improvements in her. Her ribs weren't as prominent as they were on Sunday when she first strayed up to my house. Of course, I was feeding her every 3 hours trying to catch her up.

It was strange her calling me because I was thinking about the dog and wondering how she was adjusting. I have about an hour and fifteen minute commute one way, so I can get in a lot of "thinking" during that time. She just made my day when she called. I was so happy for "Dobie".

When she called, I was still about 20 minutes out. I then turned on the radio and was singing along. I was now content about the dog was happy it had a new home.

As I turned on my road, I saw something in the middle of the road. As I passed by it, I saw it was a box turtle. Well, I couldn't stand it, so I turned around and went back. I pulled along side of it and jumped out and grabbed it. I know it probably would have made it safely across the road, but I didn't want to leave the next day and see it squished on the road knowing that I could have saved it.

He/She/It poked its head out a couple of times, but quickly pulled it back inside. I told it not to worry that it wasn't going to become my dinner. I do not eat turtle soup.

I turned on a road that has a park. It is very wooded with lots of trees, bushes, and a pond. I walked into the woods and sat it down. I stood there and watched for a second to see what it would do. Finally, after a few minutes, it poked its head out and off it went.

I knew it couldn't get run over there and there was plenty for it to eat. I got back in my car and drove the rest of the way home with my eyes closed, so I didn't see any other critters :)

I know rescuing a turtle might seem a bit extreme but anyone that knows me, knows that is just what I have to do.

Another life saved....hopefully, both will live long, safe, happy lives!!!!

My Faith in Mankind has been restored!!

2005-04-22T13:36:00.000-05:00

Actually, I should say "womankind". A lady called and wanted the dog I found, "Dobie". If you read my blog, you see where last Sunday a three-legged Doberman strayed up to my door. She was soooo skinny. Basically, a skeleton with skin. I bought a 10 pound bag of dog food which was gone in three days. I fed her small amounts about every 2-3 hours just to try and build her up. She is looking so good now.

I put the same picture I have on my blog on a local website where the classifieds are free. It is called: southeasttexas.com. After one day, I had a lady call and said she would take her if I didn't find the owner and try to find her a home. I emailed her and told her thank you, but I was going to keep the dog until Friday just in case someone claimed her.

I had called all the local vets because as I said earlier, I noticed she had been fixed, but none of the vets remembered "fixing" a three-legged dog. I then called the humane society and told them so they could put up posters and ask around.

Well, two days ago, I get an email from a lady who lives on a dead end road and has two acres fenced in. And she wants the dog. I was so happy. She said she often gets animals that noone wants and keeps them herself or tries to find them a home. She had a blind dog that someone took to the pound, and it was going to be put to sleep, so she took it. I guess seeing the three-legged picture of "Dobie", she knew it didn't have much of a chance either.

We talked more and more and she arranged to meet today to pick up the dog. Now, I was beginning to have second thoughts. I had already fell in love with this dog. One just couldn't help it, but without a fenced in yard, I knew she could get shot, run over, or many other horrible things.

As I am typing this, the dog should now be at her new home. I hope she lives a long happy safe life. She deserves it. I even have someone who will take her if for some reason this lady decides not to keep her, so she even has a stand by home.

It is such a nice and pleasant feeling to see a happy ending. When volunteering with all the animal groups that I help, it is usually the other way. There are so many unwanted dogs that can't find homes. It is so nice to be on the other side for a change. It is nice to know that maybe I made a difference.

I sure am glad when I saw her Sunday that I called her. Now, hopefully, she will be so much happier.

I miss her so much, but I know I did what is right for her and me. I want to thank the lady that agreed to take her and give her a good home. Thanks Samantha. I wish there were more people like you. And also thanks to Wendy who would be Dobie's stand by "mom" in case things didn't work out where she is now.

Hopefully, she will live a very long happy life thanks to one kind person who could see through the defects on the outside and see what lies underneath. She will get her rewards through years of love and loyalty.

Have a great life, Dobie....I miss you!!

And we are living in WHAT Century????????

2005-04-21T08:00:00.000-05:00

Read this story from the ASPCA News Alert:

ASPCA SPEAKS OUT AGAINST WISCONSIN PROPOSAL TO ALLOW HUNTING OF FERAL CATS
Last week the Wisconsin Conservation Congress voted to support Question 62, a proposal that would define free-roaming and feral domestic cats as an unprotected species—thus making it legal to hunt them. The ASPCA is opposed to the proposition, and is concerned for the fate of free-roaming and feral cats around the country.

“This position is hard to justify in the 21st century, and hearkens back to a time when bounties were paid for shooting stray dogs in the 1800s,” wrote Ed Sayres, ASPCA president, in a letter to media throughout Wisconsin. “Governor Jim Doyle has already indicated that he will not support this measure, but politics is not a spectator sport. Wisconsin humanitarians will need to take a vocal and active stand to prevent this measure from moving forward—show your support for Governor Doyle, and express your concerns to your representatives.”

To find out more about what you can do, Badger State residents, please visit
Don’t Shoot The Cat.com or e-mail info@dontshootthecat.com

2005-04-19T08:18:00.000-05:00

Here is the 3-legged Doberman that strayed up to my door. She is so sweet. I put an ad in the local paper. Hopefully, she belongs to someone. I did notice that she has staples/stitches on her tummy. Looks like someone did get her fixed. I am hoping she wasn't dumped. Just maybe she got lost. Look at that sweet face!!

My Weekend Basically......SUCKED!!!

2005-04-18T13:40:00.000-05:00

Every year our local shelter holds their rabies clinic. Local area vets come out and volunteer their time and "shots". The rabies shots cost $7.00, and the money goes to the shelter. I look forward to it every year. I get to help the vets and while doing that I get to pet, hug, kiss, and just plain ogle the animals.

I was scheduled to be at the shelter at 7:00 a.m. Saturday morning. I had my clock set for 5:30 a.m., so I could get there and visit the animals in the shelter. I had my camera ready to go also.

Well, about 2:00 a.m, I woke up. I didn't really know why and then suddenly, I knew. I barely made it to the bathroom. I did NOT even know what was going on. Then when I thought it couldn't get any worse, I began to feel nauseous. I thought uh oh...now what am I going to do. Lucky for me there was a garbage can beside the toilet. Without getting into gory details, it was not a pretty sight. This routine lasted until about 5:30 a.m. At 6:00 a.m., I crawled out of bed and told myself I was fine and started getting dressed.

I got all the way out the front door when it started again. I was sooo mad and disappointed. Finally, around 10:00 a.m., it all stopped, but by then I was so weak and still a little queasy to go.

I laid around on the couch all day long and watched TV which by the way is yuck on Saturdays. I did manage to sleep on and off all day. I was too scared to try to drink anything and the thought of food was just not even an option. I knew I had to drink something since everything that was ever inside me was now gone, so I begin to sip on a Sprite. I then drank juice and water the rest of the day.

When I woke up Sunday morning, I honestly felt a lots better but still very tired and weak feeling. I did eat a sandwich and sipped on coke and tea. Mostly just laid around again.

Today, I am back at work. I am still not chipper but way better than I was. I emailed the president of the humane society and told her my story. She said she understood totally. She had the same problem a few weeks ago.

I did find out that they vaccinated 745 animals, sold t-shirt, links, and animal items. All together they made $7000. There were also 9 adoptions. So that is fantastic!!!!! I hate I wasn't there to help.

Now, to continue with my sucko weekend. When I did manage to go outside on Sunday morning, there was this dog at the end of my drive. I instantly knew that this can't be good. It never is. I called to her and she came but was all coward down. This dog was a young Doberman. She was so skinny that she looked like a skeleton with skin. Her front right leg was half gone. It looked like either she was born that way or something that happen to her quite a while back. It was not recent. She is a girl...naturally. I don't know if she is pregnant or not. She looks like a full blooded Doberman, so my thought is that she probably had puppies and the owner kept them, but just "deposed" her.

I went inside and got her some water and food. I sat beside her and talked to her while she ate. She finally trusted me enough and let me pet her. I didn't force myself on her, but I held my hand out where she could sniff the back of my hand. I kept talking to her and trying to reassure her that I wouldn't hurt her. I find when I sit down and am at their level, it helps for them to trust me more. When she saw I wasn't going to hurt her, she practically laid in my lap. Her spine even looks twisted some. I am thinking because of her having to hop on just one front leg for so long.

She is a sweet dog, but I can't keep her without having a fenced in yard. And living in this county and in the country, my neighbors idea of animal control is shooting them. It would kill me if that happened.

I am asking everyone I know if someone would like her. She is sweet, but I am afraid I will wind up taking her to the shelter. But I would rather take her there where she will have a chance instead of her roaming the streets where she might get run over or shot.

See why my weekend sucked. Only two good things happened. One with all my stomach problems which by the way, I don't know if it was something I ate or just a stomach virus. I never had had this before, but one thing good was I did lose 4 pounds....yeah. The second thing was that I was home so when that dog came up I was home and saw her and she got food.

Why do all animals find me? Maybe there is some secret force field around my house that draws all sick or hurt animals to me. But that is ok because I will not turn my back on them. I just wish I could find the people that dump these poor animals. I can't imagine EVER doing something like that.

So that was my weekend. Guess things have to get better....huh???

2005-04-15T10:49:00.000-05:00

Not a happy kitty! Poor thing!

2005-04-15T09:03:00.000-05:00

If this cat had blue eyes, it would be just like my baby "Turbo". I will be putting some pictures of my baby on here soon.

Welcome

2005-04-14T09:01:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to add another blog to my list. This blog should be very informative for our activities in our area. Welcome Mark and his family. His blog is Beaumont Events & Blogs. Check it out.

Finally a Break

2005-04-13T08:29:00.000-05:00

Since I live in Texas and work in Louisiana, I have about an hour and 15 minute commute one way. With the high gas prices not to mention the long drive, I get rather tired of it by the end of the week.

Here in Louisiana gambling is legal, and I am about 10 minutes from two of the local riverboats. Now if you play a lot, you can get complementary food and sometimes rooms. One of the casinos I like is Harrah's. They used to be real generous with rooms, but either I quit playing as much or they just stop sending them to me, so I don't get them very often. It was always nice for them to send me a coupon for a comp room. I would make the reservation for Wednesday. This would break up the week where I didn't have that long drive. Also, I could sleep about 45 minutes more.

Well...FINALLY...they sent me a coupon for a free room. YEAH!! So, tonight I will be staying over here in Lake Charles. I plan on eating at the buffet which is also free and the venturing off the casino for a little gambling. Now, when I say gambling, I am not talking about some high stake table games. I find the corner with the penny slot machines. Hmmmmmm...maybe that is why they don't send me comp rooms very often.

It is a Catch-22. The more you play; the more free comps you get. But the more you play; the more money you also spend.

Lake Charles will be opening yet another riverboat in May. I am hoping with the competition that Harrah's will start easing up their grip on the comp rooms, so I can stay more often.

So, tonight after dinner..off the the casino. I will let you know if I win millions...haha. Actually, knowing my luck, I will be back in my room before dark, but who knows...as a friend of mine says..."Any given pull".

Rescue Alert Sticker

2005-04-13T08:09:00.000-05:00

Found this on the ASPCA website. I ordered one a few months ago for my cat, Turbo. I have it stuck on my window. It is free, so order one for your babies. Here is the information:

This easy-to-use sticker will let people know that pets are inside your home, in case you cannot. The card must be visible to rescue workers. It must contain 1) the types and number of pets in your household; 2) the name of your veterinarian; and 3) your veterinarian's phone number.

Fill out our order form for an emergency pet alert sticker for your home (please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery). You may also contact your local pet supply store to determine if they carry similar stickers for purchase.

About Me

2005-04-11T13:00:00.000-05:00

Found this on a friend's site. Here is goes:

What time is it? 11:00 on Monday Morning.

Name as it appears on birth certificate: Well...not gonna say my last name but my first name is Jo-Anne which I hate. Noone ever spells it right. Either the hyphen or the "e" is left off or both. Mom said it looked "pretty" when she wrote it, so that is why it is spelled that way. And that is why I go by my middle name...Chris or Chrissy!!!! Expect family still call me Jo-Anne....aggggghhhh...

Piercing: My ears. Just one on each side...no multiples.

Eye color: Brown.

Favorite food: Oh geezz...depends on the lots of things, but I guess my favorite is just a plain ole' hamburger. Love them!! Could eat them daily.

Ever been to Africa? Nope

Favorite clothing? Jeans and a T-shirt

Ever been toilet papering? hmmm...I'm thinking. I don't remember TPing anyone's house although me and a bunch of us "egged" a house once. Thinking back...I have no idea why we would do something like that. I feel bad about it now, but at the time...I guess I didn't.

Have you ever had a speeding ticket? ONE and only ONE....so far!

Been in a car accident? Two and both minor...thank goodness and neither was my fault.

Favorite day of the week: Some reasons I like Fridays....don't know why.

Favorite restaurant: Don't really have a favorite. When I want Mexican, it is Cancun. When I want Chinese, it is China Border. When I want a hamburger, it is Whataburger...etc...so not really a favorite.

Favorite flower: Carnations

Favorite sport to watch: Dallas Cowboys....kinda goes with the territory. Guess I should say the Houston Texans, but I am a Cowboy's fan. I liked it when my Troy Boy was quarterback....sooo cute. *sigh*

Favorite drink: Iced tea.

Favorite fast food restaurant: Sonic because they have that munchy crunchy ice that I like.

What color is your bedroom carpet? Light tan.

How many times did you fail your drivers test? Never.

Favorite perfume: I like Heavenly from Victoria's Secret.

What do you do most often when you are bored? Either watch TV..channel hopping or get on the computer and go Ebaying.

Bedtime? Ten or a little after

What is your favorite color? Blue or Pink or Yellow....light pastel colors.

How many tattoos do you have? None.

Have you ever run out of gas? Nope

What is the last book you read? Have no idea...guess I should read more.

Another good Animal Site

2005-04-05T08:04:00.000-05:00

Since I work over here in Lake Charles, LA., I decided to see if they have a humane society or something like it where I could donate my time when needed to help with animals. I e-mailed their site, and they responded. Here is what response I got:

Hi Chrissy,

THANK YOU SO MUCH!! Your email is so encouraging!!

We would absolutely LOVE to have you work with us!

Right now, we are involved with a raffle--a volunteer donated four tickets to LSU v Kentucky baseball game for May 7th. If you know anyone interested in buying a ticket, we have plenty available. They are $1.00 each.

We are also planning pet portraits, a family/pet picnic, a garage sale, and our big event for the year, our first LAPAW Lint Roller Fashion Affair--a doggie fashion show, so we need plenty of hands!

Also, if you care to drive over on Saturday(s), we would love to meet you and have you help with pet adoptions. We are at PtsMt every Saturday from 12-4. We have a big adoption day planned at the office of one of the local vets on the 23rd for his grand re-opening after renovating his office (Dr. Reina on Lake St.) and another at Dr. Emerson's on May 21st.

I will try to give you a call this evening--I am in the middle of getting car repairs done, so don't know what time it will be.

Thanks again--I am so eager to meet you!

Lynette Fisher
LAPAW

I am sooo excited. All this is just what I love to do. I can't wait to start volunteering. Check out their website. They are LAPAW which is short for "Lake Area Partnerships for Animal Welfare" Between LAPAW and The Humane Society of Southeast Texas I will be in heaven working with all the "babies".

Oh and let me know if anyone wants to buy a raffle ticket. :))

Dog's Eye View

2005-04-05T07:58:00.000-05:00

Thanks for linking to me. Check out Laura's blog. It is Dog's Eye View. Make sure to look at her "babies, Stella and Willow. Soooooo cute.

VACATION DAY

2005-04-05T07:45:00.000-05:00

Last Tuesday I posted where I said I was back and then disappeared again for a week. Sorry about that. Hopefully, I was missed...at least some. :) It was a busy week at work. I was doing the end-of-the-month closing and had to get all my billing done. Plus I knew I was going to be taking a vacation day on Monday which really isn't a good day for me to take off, so I had to get some things done before I took my vacation day.

A couple of months ago my co-worker in our Houston office wanted to come over and us take a day of vacation and go gambling. As some of you might already know, there is nooooo gambling in Texas which is where she is from and where I live. Although I live in Texas too, I work in Louisiana, so I have ventured over the the river boats a time or two which by the way are full of Texans!! If they ever legalize gambling in Texas, the casinos over here will look like a ghost town. There are two river boats that are about 15 minutes from my office and two more within an hour's drive.

We met over at the casino hotel where we both had gotten each a free room. It was too early to check in, so we went over the the boats and played some. I only play the penny slot machines. I have friends that play the table games or the dollar slots, but pennies keep me going longer and personally, I think there are the most fun.

We played for a while and then ate dinner. It was a nice visit. We never get to talk much at work and never see each other unless I happen to get to Houston. The next morning we met for breakfast and then she wanted to see our office here in Louisiana. I showed her around and we visited some more. She also got to visit with a couple of our technicians. She wanted to leave to head back to Houston right after lunch to try and beat the afternoon traffic which if you have ever been to Houston, you would understand.

I decided to spend the rest of the afternoon visiting the local mall here in Lake Charles. All and all it was a good vacation day. She got to sample the Cajun cuisine and tour the river boats, and I got to visit with a good friend. What better way to spend a day.

Pope John Paul II

2005-04-05T07:42:00.000-05:00

I found this on Animal Diaries. I thought it was pretty neat.

Pope John Paul II Advocated for Animals

I read an article on the PETA site about how Pope John Paul II loved animals and encouraged care for them:

Pope John Paul II taught love for animals more than any other pope in recent memory.

In 1990, His Holiness proclaimed that “the animals possess a soul and men must love and feel solidarity with our smaller brethren.” He went on to say that all animals are “fruit of the creative action of the Holy Spirit and merit respect” and that they are “as near to God as men are.”

I hope the next Pope upholds these beliefs and urges care and concern for all animals.

Game

2005-03-29T13:23:00.000-06:00

I found this game on a blog when I was "channel blogging" and it drove me nuts until I solved it. It started out easy, but then I got lost. FINALLY finished it. If you want to give it a try it is called The Doors. Good Luck

I'm Back....

2005-03-28T08:00:00.000-06:00

I know it has almost been a week since I have posted anything. I really don't have a reason. I guess nothing really exciting has been going on in my life worth writing about. Geezzzz...didn't realize how sad that sounded until I wrote it down.

A few things have been happening. One which is not a good thing is our humane society shelter got broken into...AGAIN! I haven't found out all the details as of yet, but I think mostly they just ransacked it. Now, why would anyone do that??? The shelter is always needing money, so chances are...the perpetrators didn't find any money. They could have left some though. None of the animals were hurt...thank goodness. The shelter was broken into a couple of years ago. Basically, the same thing happened only that time they stole the shelter's van which was very old. It was recovered, but it had been wrecked. Again, none of the animals were harmed. That was our biggest concern. I just can't imagine someone breaking into a place that helps the community. What low life scums these people must be!!!!

Well, Easter was spent with my "Springer" family. I went over to my niece’s, Deanna's, house and she grilled burgers. They were goooood. Her sister, Deborah and her husband and kids were there. Her other sister, Sheila, didn't come because she lost her job and didn't have a way. Her brother, Gary, didn't come because he was mad at Deanna. Becky didn't come because she was mad at my sister, Sue. Seeeee...what a mess!!! Just once it would be nice if everyone got along, but that's ok. The best of the best were there....not counting my brother-in-law. :)

She has one of those huge 52' TV, so we all sat around and watched a movie. Was it "The Ten Commandments"...no. Was it "Passion"....no. We watched "Night of the Living Dead". Don't even ask!!! It had already started when I got there, so I just joined in. Some Easter movie!

All the kids had fun hunting Easter eggs, and I had fun hiding them, so the day was pretty good.

It is always nice to see my sister. My brother-in-law now is another story. He recently had cataract surgery and got hearing aids. He told me he was a new man. I asked him what he is doing about an attitude adjustment!! He said he only had an attitude when he was around me. Ahhh...the love in my family. Him and I have been picking on each other since him and my sister got married. I was only 5 years old but even then I knew he was a butt!!! Oh gosh..that was 42 years ago! Staying married to him for that long, she deserves an award!! Guess Round 2 will continue at our next family gathering. Stay tuned!!

Hope everyone had a great Easter!!!!!!!!!!!

Remember Me

2005-03-22T02:34:00.000-06:00

I saw this years ago and have kept it all this time. I ran across it the other day when I was cleaning. I guess everything that is going on with the Teri Schiavo situation just made me think about how everyone should have a will just to make sure their wishes are carried out after they are gone. I am sure some of you have heard of this before, but I thought I would print it anyways. I am not sure who the author is, but I think it is neat. When my time comes, I would love for it to be like this. Of course it goes without saying that instead of flowers, donate to the local humane society. It is called:

“Remember Me”

The day will come when my body will lie upon a white sheet,

Tucked neatly under the four corners of a mattress, located in a hospital busily occupied with the living and the dying . At a certain moment a doctor will determine that my brain has ceased to function and that for all intents and purposes my life has stopped.

“When that happens, do not attempt to install artificial life into my body by the use of a machine and don’t call this my deathbed. Let it be called the bed of life and let my body be taken from it to help others lead fuller lives.

Give my sight to the man who has never seen a sunrise, a baby’s face or love in the eyes of a woman. Give my heart to the person who has nothing but endless days of pain. Give my blood to the teenager who was pulled from the wreckage of his car so that he may live to see his grandchildren play. Give my kidneys to a person who depends upon a machine to exist from week to week. Take my bones. Every muscle fiber, every nerve and try to find a way to make a crippled child walk. Explore every corner of my brain, take my cells, if necessary, and let them grow so that someday a speechless boy will shout at the crack of a baseball bat or a deaf girl will hear the sound of rain against her window.

Burn the rest and scatter the ashes to the wind to help the flowers grow.

If you must bury something, bury my faults, my weaknesses and my prejudices against my fellow man. Give my sins to the Devil, give my Soul to God.

If by chance you wish to remember me, do it with a kind deed or a word to someone who needs you. If you do all I have asked, I will live forever.

My cat must live there too!!

2005-03-22T02:07:00.000-06:00

I found this on my friends blog, Mostly Cajun, who found it on another blog entitled, Stitchy McYarnpants

It reminded me so much of my "baby" Turbo who gets into everything!!! Check out Stitchy McYarnpants site. How many people who have cats can relate to this? Make sure you scroll down and look at all the pictures. It is just too funny!!!

Yeah....It's Friday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2005-03-18T19:14:00.000-06:00

This for some reason has been THE longest week. Seems Friday would never get here. Not that I had anything in particular to do, it just seemed like Friday would never come.

Oh, I do have a big weekend planned. First, I will be cleaning my kitchen and living room then off to the bathrooms for some scrubbing there. After lunch, I will be venturing off to get my oil changed in my car. It is past due. Then after lunch I will come back home and spend the rest of my day washing clothes. Oh what fun I have planned!!!!

I guess everyone has to pretty much do the same thing, so I guess I shouldn't complain. Tonight, I am just going to veg. I have been watching a few items on eBay that I am interested in, so I most likely will be bidding on that.

Maybe my weekend won't be as bad as I think. I will let you know if anything different happens....but probably not.

Dog Information

2005-03-16T07:58:00.000-06:00

I don't know if this is true, but still thought it was worth posting. I got this from Dear Abby column:

DEAR ABBY: Please alert other dog lovers about something our family learned this week after spending hundreds of dollars at an emergency veterinary clinic: Dogs can become seriously ill or die from eating grapes, raisins, onions and garlic.

Our darling puppy may have permanent kidney damage because, in our ignorance, we left a bowl of grapes on the dinner table. I hope other families will read this and keep their pets safe. Thanks for spreading the word. -- GERMAN SHEPHERD MOM, THORNTON, COLO.

Pet's Bill of Rights

2005-03-14T08:01:00.000-06:00

I found this on Pahrump Pets Check out their site.

Pet's Bill of Rights

* We have the right to be full members of your family. We thrive on social interaction, praise, and love.
* We have the right to stimulation. We need new games, new toys,. new experiences, and new smells to be happy.
* We have the right to regular exercise. Without it, we could become hyper, sluggish...or fat.
* We have the right to have fun. We enjoy acting like clowns now and then; don't expect us to be predictable all the time.
* We have the right to quality health care. Please stay good friends with our vet!
* We have the right to a good diet. Like some people, we don't know what's best for us. We depend on you.
* We have the right not to be rejected because of your expectations that we be great show dogs or show cats, watchdogs, hunters, or baby-sitters.
* We have the right to receive proper training. Otherwise, our good relationship could be marred by confusion and strife - and we could become dangerous to ourselves and others.
* We have the right to guidance and correction based on understanding and compassion, rather than abuse.
* We have the right to live with dignity...and to die with dignity when the time comes.

Fun Saturday

2005-03-12T22:39:00.000-06:00

This morning I met my friend Dale and his kids, Bonnie and Corey in Beaumont and off to Houston we went. There is a place there called Traders Village. It is like a giant flea market only a lot of the items were new. Some are also used, but it is better than a garage sale......more like an upscale garage sale. It was huge. Bonnie and I went one way and Dale and Corey went the other.

Bonnie and I both were looking for the same thing...purses. There were vendors selling everything from purses to animals. Two of my favorite things, but the people selling the puppies were breeders which I will not buy a dog from a breeder, but I still looked. They were soooo cute that I just couldn't help it.

Bonnie and Corey bought some things, but I never saw anything that I couldn't live without, so all I got was a pretzel and a diet coke. Most the food sold there was like "carnival or fair" food. Dale and the kids found a Thai booth and ate there, but I was not interested in that. They also had booths there selling sausage on a stick, corn, turkey legs, and other items like that. I just thought a pretzel was probably the best out of all of it.

We got there at 10:00 a.m and left at 3:00 p.m. My legs are sore from all the walking, and I still don't think I saw everything.

I had never been to Traders Village before, so I had a good time. I would love to go back sometimes, but this is definitely a place you do not want to go in the summer. Everything is outside and some of the items are located inside, but none of the places are air conditioned. I guess the best way to describe this place is that it is like a giant mini storage warehouse. You know..these places where you rent a storage building that is about 12 x 12. and has a garage type door. That is the way this was except there were items on the inside and the outside. Some had larger areas than others. There were also a couple of large pavilions with items under it.

It was hot, but not too hot, and there was a strong wind blowing so that helped some. This is probably as late in the year as you would want to go. There is no shade, and it is all on cement which reflects the sun.

They did have some entertainment. I watched a couple groups of people square dancing. That was pretty cool. Actually, it looked fun.

On the way back to Beaumont, we stopped in Baytown and ate at Pancho's. I was back home by 4:00. Dale and the kids still had another hour ahead of them.

All and all it was a good day. Maybe next winter or fall, I will go back. I know I missed a lot of stuff. I am definitely going to tell my sister, niece, and my friend Cathy about this place.

Yet Another......Picking on Guys Story!

2005-03-11T08:39:00.000-06:00

A man was sitting on the edge of the bed, observing his wife turning
back and forth, looking at herself in the mirror.

Since her birthday was not far off he asked what she'd like to have for her Birthday. I'd like to be six again, she replied, still looking in the mirror. On the morning
of her Birthday, he arose early, made her a nice big bowl of Lucky Charms, and then took her to Six Flags theme park. What a day!

He put her on every ride in the park: the Death Slide, the Wall of Fear, the Screaming Monster Roller Coaster, everything there was. Five hours later they staggered out of the theme park. Her head was reeling and her stomach felt upside down.

He then took her to a McDonald's where he ordered her a Happy Meal with extra fries and a chocolate shake. Then it was off to a movie, popcorn, a soda pop, and her favorite candy, M&M's.

What a fabulous adventure! Finally she wobbled home with her husband and collapsed into bed exhausted. He leaned over his wife with a big smile and lovingly asked, "Well Dear, what was it like being six again?"

Her eyes slowly opened and her expression suddenly changed. "I meant my dress size, you dummy!

" The moral of the story: Even when a man is listening, he is gonna get it wrong."

It Is Good To Be A Woman

2005-03-11T08:15:00.000-06:00

I found this on one of my favorite blogs, Buttercup and thought it was worth re-printing. Thanks Debbie.

1. We got off the Titanic first.
2. We can scare male bosses with the mysterious gynecological disorder excuses.
3 Taxis stop for us.
4. We don't look like a frog in a blender when dancing.
5. No fashion faux pas we make, could ever rival the Speedo.
6. We don't have to pass gas to amuse ourselves.
7. If we forget to shave, no one has to know.
8. We can congratulate our teammate without ever touching her rear end.
9. We never have to reach down every so often to make sure our privates are still there.
10. We have the ability to dress ourselves.
11. We can talk to the opposite sex without having to picture them naked.
12. If we marry someone 20 years younger, we are aware that we will look like an idiot.
13. We will never regret piercing our ears.
14. There are times when chocolate really can solve all your problems.
15. We can make comments about how silly men are in their presence because they aren't listening anyway.

Another Feline Friend

2005-03-11T08:12:00.000-06:00

Just wanted to another animal lover to my blogroll. Her site is all about cats which is a great interest of mine since I have a cat...I mean my "baby", Turbo. Drop by and say hi and visit her at www.pussyloverules.blogspot.com

Administrative Conference

2005-03-10T20:42:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, I was not at work in case anyone missed me. My company agreed to let me attend an Administrative Assistants Conference. I had gotten a brochure in the mail, and it was for an all day seminar at one of the local hotels here in Lake Charles. The cost was $199, so I wasn't sure they would let me attend much less pay for it, but what did I have to lose, so I asked. He told me no problem.

I got to the hotel early, so I decided to have breakfast and update notes and appointments in my daytimer. I had a leisurely breakfast and headed off to the class. There were about 14 people in the seminar. The two instructors were great, but a lot of the topics were things I already knew either from experience or my college days. It was still informative, and I did learn a few things.

We broke about noon for lunch, so me and two other ladies decided just to eat at the hotel restaurant instead of leaving the hotel. We all compared our jobs. One was a teacher and the other worked for an insurance company.

The whole seminar was over around 4 p.m. I am hoping that I can attend at least one a year if my company will let me. I think it is always a good thing to always try to keep improving and learning.

All and all it was a great day.

Another Quiz

2005-03-05T21:54:00.000-06:00

What Planet Are You From?

this quiz was made by The Autist Formerly Known As Tim

Day with the Humane Society

2005-03-05T21:27:00.000-06:00

There are a lot of animal vendors that are always in the parking lots of local department stores. Most all of them are selling "pure breed" animals for hundreds of dollars. Some come from puppy mills...others come just people who breed them. I will see these people out in the middle of summer with the puppies or kitties panting and hot.

Our local shelter president is working to put a stop to these "animal vendors". Why can't more people that want a dog or cat just go to their local animal shelter. Plain ole mutts make wonderful pets. They will give you just as much love if not more!

Today, one of the local merchants was nice enough to let the humane society use their parking lot to sell items to benefit the shelter and even bring some of the shelter animals that needed adopted. Many of the volunteers were there. We had a few dogs and cats that were under a tent so they would be in the shade. The humane society's van was parked out front along with their sign to draw attention to all the activity.

There is one cat that was brought to the shelter that has a horrible cataract on her eye. Her name is "Pumkin". Pumkin is such a sweet cat that the shelter is trying to raise enough money to have her eye treated and if it is un-treatable, then the eye will have to be removed. "Pumkin" will become the shelter cat or be adopted to a good home.

As I was leaving, a lady was adopting a cute little dog. So, at least one baby is sleeping in a nice home tonight instead of a cage thanks to a wonderful caring lady.

Next time you want an animal, check at the local shelters. There are many animals there that need your love. I promise you will never regret it.

I have my baby sitting right here by me as I type this. Turbo is a rescued kitty, and I can't even imagine my life without him. He is such a sweetie...at least most the time. :)

What Flavor Am I?

2005-03-05T21:24:00.000-06:00

I taste like Peanut Butter.

I am one of the most blendable flavours; I go with sweet, I go with sour, I go with bland, I go with anything. I am practical and good company, but have something of a tendency to hang around when I'm not wanted, unaware that my presence is not welcome. What Flavour Are You?

My Weekend

2005-03-01T08:01:00.000-06:00

First of all...it rained and rained and even more rain. But that was ok because most of my time was spent indoors. Actually, today is the first day I have seen the sun. It is beautiful outside. It is cold...well cold for us Texas people, but I love it. I sometimes complain about the cold, but then I start thinking about August. Wanna have your own personal sauna??? Come to Southeast Texas in August. The humidity is 100% and the temp is usually around the high 90's. Even after living here my whole life, I still have trouble getting used to that time of year.

Back to my weekend. Saturday, I ran into a friend of mine who is recovering from three broken ribs. I had heard from a mutual friend that he had been in a skydiving accident. It is a miracle that he is even alive. This was not the kind of parashoot that you can land softly and guide down. This was the old military type where you hit the ground hard. While jumping out of a plane, he tripped. When he got ready to open his parashoot, he was in the wrong position and his foot got tangled up with the strings. I am not a diver, so I am not sure of the details, but as he was getting closer to the ground, he started trying to cut his foot loose. His back up parashoot was no help. The shoot was open, but he was upside down. He could not get his foot loose, so when he saw he was getting closer to the ground, he just pulled himself up and tried to straighten out as best he could. He hit hard on his side resulting in the 3 broken ribs. It is a wonder he didn't break his neck. He was so lucky. I asked him if he is still going to continue to jump. He said absolutely. I guess it is good it didn't scare him enough to quit, but I think that would have been it for me.

Saturday night I went with my friend, Cathy, and her husband to a mystery dinner play. Her and I had gone to one in October of last year and loved it, so we decided we would attend this one. Actually, they have these twice a year, so I plan on going to all of them. It is so much fun. A lot of my friends think it is expensive. It cost $40 which includes the play, appetizers, your choice of wine..red, blush, or white. In between each scene you are served soup, salad, the main course, dessert, and an after dinner wine or coffee. It starts at 6:30 and goes until 10:00. They have door prizes plus a prize for whoever guesses right on the "who done it".

I think it is well worth the price. I would probably go once a month if they had it. I had a good time. I can't wait until the next one. Plus all the money goes to restoring the Kirby-Hill House, which is a good cause.

Your Senior Year of High School:

2005-02-25T08:20:00.000-06:00

I saw this on someone's blog. I decided to post it on mine. Gosh, now I feel old!

What year was it?
1975---geezzz I hated even typing that!

What was your schedule?
And like I am suppose to remember waaaaaay back that far. Actually, in my senior year I had gotten all my credits I needed to graduate except for American Government. So, that was my only class. I was also in a work program where I went to school half day and then work half day.

What were your favorite bands?
Let me pull out my CD of the 70's and see. I liked CCR, KC and the Sunshine Band...ok..I know, but I was a teen..what do you expect. I liked the Partridge Family too.

What was your favorite outfit?
Usually jeans, t-shirt or sweat shirt. Hey..that is still the same.

What was up with your hair?
That is pretty much the same too except back then, it was just past my butt. Now, it is just past my shoulders.

Who were your best friends?
Carol, Margaret, Frankie, Colleen, Thelma, Roland.

Did you take the bus?
No, my mother always took me, and I walked home. I only lived about 3 blocks from school.

What did you do after school?
Well, I got out at 11:30 and then went home and grabbed a sandwich and then I went to work from 12-6. If I didn't have to work, I would just hang out with my friends.

Who did you have a crush on?
Hmmmm...you know I don't remember. My senior year I was only there a half day, but I did have a crush on one of the baggers at the grocery store that I worked at.

Did you fight with your parents?
Well, my dad died when I was 12, but me and mom made Ali and Foreman look like friends.(remember them??) I would get mad because I would tell her I never get to go anywhere or do anything. Looking back...I was never home. hmmm.

Who did you have a CELEBRITY crush on?
Clint Eastwood....still do. Oh and I thought David Cassidy of the Partridge Family was "dreamy". hehe

Did you smoke cigarettes?
No..didn't even try. I couldn't stand the smell. Still can't. I remember begging my mom to quit. She finally got lung cancer and died but even up to the end, she still smoked.

Did you lug all of your books around in your backpack all day because you were too nervous to find your locker?
Again, I only had the one book because of my one class so it was no biggie.

Did you have a 'clique'?
Nah..not really.

Did you have Chili's? Denny's?
I'm not sure about Denny's and I know we didn't have a chili's. The main place was "The Pigstand".

Who did you want to be just like?
I used to want to be like the cheerleaders. They were so popular, but then I found out just WHY some of them were so popular, so I was just happy being me.

What did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a probation officer. I even wrote the chief of police and asked them what I needed to do. I remember getting home from school and mom telling me I got a letter from the local police department. She said she opened it because it scared her. She normally would have never opened my mail, but this time she said she had too which was cool. I didn't care. I thought it was neat him writing me back on police stationery. Back then, there were not too many women in law enforcement. I was ahead of my time. I loved anything to do with law. It was and IS always an interest of mine.

Where did you think you'd be at the age you are now?
Dead. I mean...come on...back then, I thought past 40 was ancient. Now, I hope to live to at least 100. That would be so cool.

Out of Sorts

2005-02-25T08:00:00.000-06:00

Sorry I haven't written in a while. Lately, I had just been sorta blah. With our crazy weather here, I never know if it is going to be hot or cold until I walk out the door. Watching the weather forecast does not help. THEY don't even know half the time what the weather is going to do. But all this weather changes has my sinus and my head hurting and spinning.

It is probably the norm for most people to put away their summer or winter clothes depending on the season. Can't do that here in Texas especially being along the coast. I wore shorts last week, and today I have on sweats. Tomorrow I might be back in shorts again....who knows.

I guess another reason I am a little out of sorts is that a friend of mine that I thought her and I got along great is now close to becoming an ex friend. I thought we got along great, but then I found out I actually get on her nerves. Geezz...I didn't mean too. I wish she would have just talked about it with me instead of me having to hear about it from someone else. I was surprised and hurt all at the same time. So, I am sorta blah about that too.

Anyways, I might be helping the shelter this weekend with a cat show. Anytime I can work with the animals, I automatically feel better. The shelter needs help with the cat show and adoptions at Petsmart, so I am not sure exactly which place I will be. Doesn't really matter as long as there are babies around for me to pet and hug.

I know a puppy kiss will cure me of any blahs that I have.

Nothing better than puppy breath!!!!

What Kind of Soul are You?

2005-02-21T08:01:00.000-06:00

You Are a Newborn Soul

You are tolerant, accepting, and willing to give anyone a chance.
On the flip side, you're easy to read and easily influenced by others.
You have a fresh perspective on life, and you can be very creative.
Noconformist and nontraditional, you've never met anyone who's like you.

Inventive and artistic, you like to be a trendsetter.
You have an upbeat spirit and you like almost everything.
You make friends easily and often have long standing friendships.
Implusive and trusting, you fall in love a little too easily.

Souls you are most compatible with: Bright Star Soul and Dreaming Soul

What Kind of Soul Are You?

My Saturday Afternoon

2005-02-19T23:39:00.000-06:00

Well, after my last post on animals, I have calmed down...alittle. I'm not going to think about it or I will be back on my soapbox again. So, I will give it a rest at least for now. :)

I thought I would tell you about my Saturday afternoon at my niece's birthday party. Actually, she is my great niece. She is now 17. Ohhh...to be 17 again..ONLY if I could have the same knowledge as I do now.

The party was suppose to be around 1:00 p.m. this afternoon. I always go a little early so I can visit. I was just on my way out the door when my cell phone rang. It was my sister, Sue. She wanted to know if I could pick her up on the way. I told her no problem. I don't get to visit with my sister as much as I would like, so I really was glad she called. I enjoyed our time together.

We got to the party around 12:15. My niece, Deanna, is the one that gave Heather her party. Poor Deanna. She called and ordered a sheet cake. She normally orders a large cookie, but Heather wanted a cake. The baker asked what size and she just said a sheet cake. She was thinking that is a normal size cake. Well, when she went to pick up the cake, it would not even fit in the basket. The size she really wanted was 1/4 of what she got. Needless to say, she was cutting very large pieces for everyone. I thought it was funny, but she didn't know what she was going to do with all that cake. I believe Heather is going to take some to school for her friends.

Deanna goes all out for birthdays. There was the "giant" cake, balloons, party favors, and sherbert punch. She also stopped by Cici's Pizza and bought 7 pizzas. She always has plenty of food around.

We all ate and then sang "Happy Birthday". Heather opened her presents. She got shoes, jewelry, money, jewelry case and of course the little metal lunch box I got for her that she wanted. She seemed to like it although to me, it looked a little young for her. But she was happy, so that was all that mattered.

I stayed a couple of hours and then my sister and I left. We had a nice talk on the way back. We laughed about mom and the crazy things she used to do and how we both miss her. She died in 1988 and our step dad still lives in the house. She said she still has trouble going back over there even after all these years. I told her that I did also.

He kept everything like it was and when we are over there and mom was alive. It is like mom is in the next room and will be coming around the corner any minute. We spent most our time talking about that and all the Christmas dinners that we had over there. Mom was a great cook as is Sue.

The trip from Deanna's to Sue's house is about 40 minutes. Seems like it took about 10. It had been so long since we had got to talk that time just flew by. There really is no reason for it. We both just don't ever get around to it. It was extra nice this time because it was just her and me...not her kids or her husband around.

After we got to her house, we hugged bye and promised to stay in touch and talk more. I really hope we do. She is pretty special to me. She is 12 years older than me, but we get along great. What is so strange, we are only about 25 minutes from each other, so we have no reason not to call or see each other. I am going to try and be better about talking to her more.

All and all the party and the day went pretty well. There were a couple of things today that I didn't get to do that I had planned, but hopefully I will get them done before work on Monday. I still had a good time, and I always enjoy being with my crazy kooky family. They are special.

Hats off to KFDM-Channel 6 in Beaumont, TX

2005-02-19T22:47:00.000-06:00

If you ever have a chance to work with any of the humane society people, you will find the kindest, most caring people that you would ever want to meet. Sometimes they might not be too kind to people and sometimes they get a little bit radical, but that it is because they are fighting for animals lives and sometimes having to deal with ignorant or uncaring people.

If you ever have time, just volunteer a couple of days at your local shelter. Just see what these people deal with on a day to day basis. They will appreciate the help. You will not only be helping them and the animals, but you will also be helping yourself by educating yourself on the many situations these people have to deal with. You will see just what goes on behind the scenes and how these wonderful people fight daily for the lives of animals. These people are not paid. They do this because of their love for the animals.

These people are constantly fighting for animals rights. They are constantly begging people to get their pets spayed or neutered. There are many unwanted animals, but at least they try their best to find them homes.

Lately, it seems their has been a lot of cases of animal cruelty. I have written about it on a previous blog. These teenagers are getting basically a slap on the hands. Usually no jail time or fines...just community service.

A couple a days ago. Some kids beat a cat to death with a shovel. One of our local TV stations broadcast the story. They even showed pictures. Thank goodness, I wasn't around that night to hear or see it. I know how it would effect me.

I am so glad they did air it because I think the people need to be aware of just how bad this is. It is a crime and this type of person that commits this horrible act will do it again..either to a person or another animal.

Now as you will see from the e-mail below, that people have been calling in to the local station that broadcast that story. Before they broadcast the story, they warned people that it was graphic. So, the people should have left the room or turned the TV off. I think it should have been broadcast. People NEED to see just what is happening and maybe the punishment will be more than a slap. People need to be aware.

The following is the email that the president of our humane society sent out to all the volunteers. I know most the readers of my blog are not local residents, but if you do get a chance, the website for the news station that broadcast this is:
www.kfdm.com If you are a person who loves animals, please take a minute to email them and thank them for reporting this abuse case on the air and for showing pictures so people could see just horrible this act of cruelty was.

Sometimes people hear about this type of abuse and just say.."oh, that is horrible" and go about their business and never give it a second thought. Well, maybe by showing these pictures, it will make an impression that this abuse needs to stop. By seeing it...it makes it real. Maybe by seeing this, someone who knows an animal being abuse will make a call to the shelter or the police and report it. Or maybe one person seeing this is some sort of official that will make sure that these people are held responsible for their actions. And just maybe if enough people see this type of act and join together, then just maybe their will be less of this type of terrible animal abuse....especially if they know people are now aware and that the punishment for this type of crime will be more than just a slap on the hands.

I am normally very happy, bubbly and an upbeat person. But when it comes to animals being deliberately hurt and killed just for kicks, I get pretty radical. People like me who love animals understand completely...those that don't, oh well.

I could go on and on about this, but I will stop.

Here is the e-mail I received:

On Wednesday, February 16 (two days ago), Channel 6 aired a special "Intolerable Cruelty" at both their 6:00 p.m. and 10 p.m. newscasts. Their reporter, Ms. Kara Stevens compiled all of the information and truly did an outstanding job.

Some of the pictures were graphic. Channel 6 broadcast a warning prior to showing the pictures stating that many of the pictures were graphic (gave people sufficient warning to change the channel, walk out of the room, etc.). The reality is that the pictures were greatly culled to not show the most graphic details (because the real pictures would have turned the stomachs of all of us).

The special went a long way to making people aware of the tremendous amount of animal cruelty in our area. Most of the photos shown (not the videos) were of animals here in Beaumont and immediately surrounding Beaumont (Pt. Arthur, etc.). They are all cruelty cases in which the Humane Society had a part within the last year.

I can't thank the police enough for their involvement in these cruelty cases. Nor can we thank Channel 6 enough for their courage in addressing this subject. And, the Jefferson County District Attorney's Office is helping so much in getting some of these cruelty cases filed. (I'm in hopes that many of these abusers, charged with felonies now, will soon be spending time serving their sentences for state jail felony offenses.)

Channel 6 is taking some calls from people complaining about them airing this special. Please, please, please make a simple telephone call to Channel 6
409-892-6622 and thank them for having the courage and insight to bring this horrific problem to the forefront and state, unconditionally, that it is intolerable.

It will only take a moment of your time, and I (and the Humane Society) would be very appreciative if you would make this one telephone call commending Channel 6 and, specifically, Ms.Kara Stevens.

Thanks so much for all you do for our animal friends,

Cindy

A Trip to the BIG City

2005-02-18T21:31:00.000-06:00

As most of you know, I live north of Beaumont, TX and work in Lake Charles, LA which is about an hour and 20 minute commute.

Well today, I got to sleep in some because I had to go to our corporate office. I am usually up before 6:00 a.m., but today I got to sleep until about 6:20. yeah!!

My boss also had to go to our corporate office which is located in Houston, so instead of me driving in to Lake Charles, he just picked me up in Beaumont and off to Houston we went.

I didn't realize how nice it is to live and work in a small community. Before we were even 10 miles out of Beaumont, there was this horrible wreck. We didn't see it happen, but when we came up on it, the ambulance, police, and fire truck was already there. Later on I heard two people were killed.

Houston drivers to put it nicely are insane drivers, but mostly good drivers if that makes any sense. They drive fast and basically "eat their dead". When I drive, I try to be courteous and blink and merge. In Houston, they don't blink and "ask" to get on the highway, they just DO IT! Seems the average speed is 80 and they weave in and out of traffic. It reminds me of those video games with the race cars.

Everyone tells me you get used to it. It just seems like the drivers in Houston are all in a hurry and mad. Houstonians are probably responsible for the term "road rage". They drive like they are nuts, but they all seem to be in control. For the most part, they are amazing to watch. If people drove like that in Beaumont, we would have a 100 wrecks a day, but for some reason Houston people can drive like that but still be in control.

Today while in Houston, I went to lunch with one of the ladies in the office. The restaurant we went to was about 3 miles away. She drove like we were had to be there in 5 seconds. She weaved in and out of lanes, she ran lights, she turned almost on two wheels...it was amazing. She seemed to me that this was her norm and she didn't her driving a second thought. I, on the other hand, was hanging on for dear life!

It was sure nice to get out of Houston. I like going to the "big city" but it is always nice to come home.

I guess if I lived there, I would drive like them and not give it a second thought. They drive like professional race car drivers...It just amazes me.

Rambling Thoughts

2005-02-16T19:37:00.000-06:00

Today was pretty much a normal day. I worked on billing and invoicing most the day. I love my job, and I love the work that I do and all the guys in my office. They are pretty special. We are like one big family, so it is always a pleasure going to work.

This afternoon before I left for home, my niece, Deanna, called and invited me to a birthday party for our niece...her niece and my great niece. Geeeee...makes me sound ancient saying it that way.

Anyways, Heather will be 17 years old in a few weeks, so I decided not to wait until the last minute to pick her up a gift. Now, my dilemma, what exactly do you give a 17 year old girl now a days besides a 17 year old boy. I can think of a million things I would have liked, but that was 30 something years ago, so I am sure things aren't the same.

Luckily, while I had Deanna on the phone, I asked her if Heather had mentioned anything she would like for her birthday. She told me that she had found a
purse she liked.

Now Heather is going to be 17, so when she described the purse, I thought it was more like for a little kid..not one who will be turning 17. But if that is what she wanted, then who am I to question it.

So a malling I went in search for the purse Deanna described. I found the store Deanna had told me about and the "gift" Heather wanted. It was a metal box lunch kit. Now people my age might remember the old square metal lunch kits that came with a thermos. I remember I had a Beverly Hillbillies one. Probably worth a lot now if I had kept it.

I went in and walked right up to it. The salesman said all the girls are buying them....not that he was going to tell me any different. Nevertheless, it was as Deanna described it: small metal box with the four of the lady Disney characters on it. The were raised to give them a "three D" effect. It was cute, but it just doesn't seem right for someone who is about to turn 17, but Deanna said she absolutely fell in love with that purse, and she would love it, so I bought it. The salesman said it was the only one. I didn't say anything, but I was thinking...yeah, right. The "only one routine", but I bought it anyways.

I hope she likes it. The party is on Saturday, so I will let you know the outcome and if she likes it. I am hoping she does.

Thanks Yvonne

2005-02-16T13:14:00.000-06:00

A big thanks to Yvonne for linking to my site. I have added you to my blogroll also. Check out her site if you get a chance.

http://forty-plus.diaryland.com/

Dog Fever

2005-02-11T21:31:00.000-06:00

My dog Pokie has been gone now since 1993. She was not my "dog", but my precious baby. I really still miss her bunches. After she died, I said I would never have another dog. I didn't want to go through that type pain again, but as they say...Never say Never!!

Lately, I have been looking at Petfinders and also I have been looking at our local shelter site. I know this is sooo wrong, and I am ashamed to even tell you, but I honestly want a puppy. I know there are so many adult dogs that need homes, but a dog's life is so short that I want all the time I can have. I guess that is selfish on my part, but I can't help it. Now, don't get me wrong..I love them all, but I really really want a puppy.

This afternoon I found this cutest puppy on Petfinders. It was a chihuahua and it looked to be about 6 weeks old. The picture showed him in the palm of a man's hand. The shelter is about a 3 1/2 hour drive from my house but that was not a problem.

I emailed the shelter and asked them if "Peanut" was still up for adoption. I even went back to the website to look at him again, but he was not there. I don't know if that was an old listing and maybe he had already been adopted. I didn't know why he wasn't there, in fact, I am still waiting for an answer to my email.

If he got adopted, then that is great, but he sure was cute. I guess I will continue looking. I said I would never have another dog, but everyone told me that I would one day, and I would know when it is time....well, it is definitely time!!

What Kind of Intelligence Do You Have?

2005-02-11T20:55:00.000-06:00

Your Dominant Intelligence is Interpersonal Intelligence

You shine in your ability to realate to and understand others.
Good at seeing others' points of view, you get how people think and feel.
You have an uncanny ability to sense true feelings, intentions, and motivations.
A natural born leader, you are great at teaching and mediating conflict.

You would make a good counselor, salesperson, politician, or business person.

What Kind of Intelligence Do You Have?

New Links

2005-02-11T19:44:00.000-06:00

I decided to start looking at different links that were animal related and came across a few that I thought I would share.

Check these out if you get a chance.

http://www.friendsofanimals.org/sncert/index.html

http://www.petswelcome.com/

http://operationnoblefoster.org/

This is just a few links that were listed on "Felidae World" http://felidaeworld.com/
Thanks for the intesting links.

Canned Hunting

2005-02-10T07:59:00.000-06:00

One of the humane society's volunteers sent me this. Thought I would pass it on.

Tomorrow night, America's #1 rated TV drama, CSI, will feature a storyline about one of the ugliest forms of animal cruelty, canned hunting. Canned hunting is the killing of a fenced-in animal who has no chance of escape, for the sole purpose of obtaining a trophy. That's right: animals -- often tame, exotic mammals -- are put into an enclosure for rich individuals to "hunt." It is as horrible as you can imagine.
Learn more about this outrageous "sport" here.

In the CSI episode, which airs Thursday, February 10, on CBS (check your local listings for exact times), characters investigate the killing of a Kodiak bear found in the Nevada woods. Evidence leads them to discover that the bear was killed during an illegal canned hunt.

This is critical public exposure for an animal protection issue that deserves serious attention -- and you can help to make an even bigger impact.

1. Take action to stop canned hunts now. U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) recently introduced the Sportsmanship in Hunting Act, which aims to halt the interstate traffic of exotic animals for the purpose of killing or injuring them for entertainment or trophy collecting. Contact your U.S. senators today and ask them to co-sponsor this legislation

2. Tune into CSI on Thursday, February 10. Take this unprecedented opportunity to educate someone you know about canned hunts: Invite them over to watch the program, and use our free viewer's guide about canned hunting to let them know the tragic truth behind this television drama. Then urge them to join you in taking action to stop canned hunts. Click here for your viewer's guide (PDF).

33. Spread the word. The more people who know about this issue, tune into CSI, aand take action, the closer we will come to STOPPING canned hunting. Tune in, take action, and learn more.

Thank you for all you do on behalf of animals every day, and be sure to tune into CSI on Thursday, February 10!

Sincerely,

Wayne A. Pacelle
President & CEO, Humane Society of the United States

Neither CSI nor CBS has approved or endorses

Hooray for Mercedes!!

2005-02-08T08:01:00.000-06:00

Saw this article on Yahoo.

Wanna Ride in My Mercedes with Genuine Cloth Seats?

Reuters

BERLIN (Reuters) - Mercedes-Benz has agreed to offer "leather-free" versions of all its luxury cars to pacify an animal rights group that says thousands of cows are slaughtered each year for leather car seats and interiors.

After complaints from the German chapter of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, DaimlerChrysler said its Mercedes subsidiary will offer fabric or synthetic leather as options. Daimler spokeswoman Ursula Mertzig-Stein said that far from wanting leather-free cars, "our customers ... are more likely to want even more leather at the premium end. But we'll make cars without leather on demand."

PETA officials, who had threatened protests at the carmaker's Stuttgart headquarters, said they were delighted.

"When you consider that the skins of four to 15 cows are needed for each car this means thousands of cows will be spared," said PETA researcher Edmund Haferbeck. "This is a huge victory for animal rights."

Looking at cars

2005-02-04T21:24:00.000-06:00

I am not really in the market for a new car just yet, but I figured that is the best time to start looking. Since I commute a little over two hours a day back and forth to work, I have a chance to see a lot of cars. Now, don't think I am anti American, because I am as about as American as they come, but I have always driven a Honda or a Toyota. In the past 10 years, it has been Honda.

I always have driven a small type car with a standard transmission. About three year ago, I decided to test drive a Honda SUV. I absolutely loved it. It is the Honda CRV. It is not as big as the other SUVs, but it is perfect for me. I feel like I am sitting up high like as if I was driving a truck or a van. It was wonderful. I didn't feel like I was scooting two inches above the road as I did with my previous cars. I guess since I am short..it was nice to feel tall and in the SUV, I did feel tall. I drove it off the lot and have loved it ever since.

Well, that was 3 years ago and 115,000 miles later, so I am beginning to look at what is out there now. Everyone tells me that I still have another 100,000 miles to drive before it needs replacing...after all..it is a Honda. But traveling back and forth as much as I do, I really don't want to press my luck or wait until things begin to break.

I have three cars that I have been sorta looking at. One is another Honda CRV..the same as I have now, but only the new model. One is the ScionXB which I have been told by my friends that it looks like a miniature hearse, but gets great gas mileage. It is a boxy car, but it is back to the "low to the ground" cars, so I don't know about that one. And last but not least, is the Honda Element. Now anyone that is familiar with this car either loves it or hates it. The ratio is about 10:1 with hate winning. This gets about 3-4 mpg less than the Honda CRV, but I think it is cute.

I like the idea of having a new car, so if I get another Honda CRV, it might not feel like a "new" car. But I do have to consider the gas mileage since I do have a long commute. Honda does sell a hybrid, but for the cost of it, it might be cheaper just to buy the gas.

So, I guess for now, I will just keep looking and when it gets time to really start thinking about purchasing a car, I will give all these a closer look.

If anyone has any feedback or experience with any of these cars, I sure would appreciate your opinion.

Grizzabella's Website

2005-01-31T13:20:00.000-06:00

Check out this website I came across.

Turbo, my cat, scared me!!!!!.

2005-01-29T21:27:00.000-06:00

I have written about my cat, Turbo, before. He was about 6 weeks old when I got him. Someone had thrown him out of a car, but lucky for me, I found him. That was about 9 years ago.

He has never really had any problems where he needs to go to the vet. He is totally an inside cat. Except for the time someone tossed him out like garbage, he has never even touched the ground outside. I like him inside with me, so I know nothing can ever hurt him.

Now when I go to sleep, he is usually in the living room in his chair asleep. Sometimes in the middle of the night I will wake up, and he will be in the bed with me especially if it is a cold night.

When it is cold, he likes to lay between my legs. I will be on my back with the blankets on me, and he gets on top of the blankets between my legs basically pinning me down where I can't move. This isn't so bad for the first couple of hours, but then I have to turn over. Trying to move him is like moving a wet noodle. He just does not move very easily. Plus, he is slightly overweight so that makes moving him even harder.

Well, the other night, I had been on my back for as long as I could stand it. I tried to get him to move without any success. So, I then pulled the blanket up real tight where I could put my legs together. This would make him on top of my legs instead of between them. I can then just roll him beside me. When I normally do that, he will usually get up and leave or get at the end of the bed.

This time when I did that, he just sorta went "thud" and laid beside me. He did not move. I reached down and touched him. It did not feel like he was breathing. I then put my hand up under his stomach. Still, I could not feel him moving. I jumped up and grabbed him and began saying "Turbo...TURBO!!!". He then jumped up and started looking around. I was sooo relieved that he was ok. I then remembered sometimes he does sleep so hard that nothing much wakes him up. I guess it was one of those times, but it scared me to death. I thought he had died in his sleep.

This happened at 3:30 a.m. Turbo just sorta growled and made noises that told me he was not a happy camper, but he immediately went right back to sleep at the end of the bed. Me, however, did not. I was totally awake. He has scared me so bad that my half asleep mode was now fully awake.

As I laid there watching the clock, I remember the last time the clock said was 5:30 a.m. My alarm goes off at 6:00 a.m. So, I was not operating on a full night's sleep that day. But that was ok. At least my baby was ok, so it was worth not sleeping.

The next night I slept like a baby with Turbo at the end of the bed. He is such a sweet cat.

I knew it...My favorite type of dog!

2005-01-26T13:39:00.000-06:00

You Are a Golden Retriever Puppy

Tolerant, fun-loving, and patient.
You are eager to please - and attached to your frisbee.

What Breed of Puppy Are You?

Title???? Animals....Of Course!!

2005-01-20T13:41:00.000-06:00

I was reading one of my favorite blogs, RichardsonZoo, and Cheryl had listed an article from a newsletter that she received from the ASPCA. It was a touching story. Make sure you check out her blog and read it.

Seeing that story, remind me of how I saved a kitten one day. It was about 17 years ago, and it was a rainy stormy day. Sounds like a beginning to a mystery novel...huh? But this was more like a horror story. I had taken a day of vacation to give my house a thorough cleaning when the phone rang. It was a one of my neighbors telling me about a few of the neighborhood boys that were at the end of the road. She said it looked like they were trying to drown a kitten. Just to let you know, my road is a dead end road with nothing but woods. The ideal dumping ground for so many innocent animals. Anyways, she told me she thought she saw these boys with a kitten, but she wasn't sure.

I told her thanks for the info and took off outside. I didn't stop for shoes, umbrella, raincoat, nothing, and it was cold. Here I was in my barefoot and sweats running down to the end of the road. It wasn't that far, but it seemed like miles. I kept hoping that maybe she was wrong and it wasn't a kitten but maybe a toy. And if it was a kitten, that I would get there in time.

When I got close to the end of the road, I saw three boys. They were about 7-8 years old. When they saw me, they scattered which was probably good.

I started looking around and there was this tiniest white kitten all wet and dirty. She was under a big bush that had tons of thorns. When I went to pick her up, she started to run which was good. At least I knew she was alive. But I also knew if she went into those woods, I might not ever find her, so I just dove into the water, mud, and thorns.
I was a mess, but I didn't care.

I barely had a grip on her. She was fighting me. Poor thing still had some fight in her. I held her close to me and took her home.

After I got in the house, I wrapped her up in a towel, and I put another dry towel in the dryer; so I could have it warm. After a few minutes, I pulled out the now warm towel and wrapped her in it with just her face sticking out. She was so scared and was still shaking. I don't know if it was from the cold or fright. Probably a little bit of both.

I continued to just hold her close to me and talk to her. Eventually, she stopped shaking and actually began to purr. What a wonderful sound. I am almost in tears now thinking about it.

After she dried off some, I put her down and let her walk around. I gave her a small amount of food and water. I didn't know how long it had been since she had any food or water, so I didn't want her to gulp and get sick. Over the next couple of hours, I continue to feed her, talk to her, and just hold her. She was the sweetest kitten.

Because of my other cats, I knew I could not keep her, but I couldn't even consider the thought of taking her to the shelter. She had already been through so much. I just couldn't do it.

I called this friend of mine who also volunteers at the shelter and told her the whole story. To give you a little bit of background about this lady...Shirley is a cat lover. She has a huge house with probably 20 cats. Now when I say 20 cats, I don't mean just old stray cats that hang around. All of her cats are strays that she found, but all are spayed/neutered. All have had all there shots. She has a kitty door which leads to a large room where she has a play room for them and then other kitty door that leads to the garage area where she has literally 10 liter boxes lined up. You would think it would smell horrible in there, but it doesn't. Her house is cleaner than mine!!

She has one cat that has "issues" and hates people and other cats. This was a stray that had been mistreated and just didn't trust anyone. That cat has her own room, so it won't mix with the other cats. Shirley converted one of her bedrooms to accommodate this cat. She said she knew if she took it to the shelter, no one would adopt it because of its issues, so she kept it. This is a very special lady. She even has a blind cat she cares for.

Anyways....back to my story. I do have a tendency to rant sometime. But when I called and told Shirley the whole story and asked if she knew anyone that might be interested in this kitten, she began to cry. She said she would take it. I told her that I didn't call her to try and make her feel like she should take it. She has done so much for others and has taken in more than her share, but she would not take no for an answer.

I got in my car and drove over to her house which was only a few streets over. I knocked on her door and when she saw this kitten, she began to cry again. She wondered the same thing I wondered....how someone could dump this beautiful kitty and how could those boys even try to kill this innocent baby. She told me she now had a home forever and would never be hungry or mistreated again. I just hugged her and drove home with tears in my eyes, but those were happy tears.

At the beginning of this year, Shirley called me crying. "Zeke" has passed away. She died in her sleep. Shirley said she was 17 years old and never wanted for anything. She said she was her favorite and the sweetest out of all her cats. I told her maybe some things happen for a reason, and maybe it was fate that I just happen to choose that particular day to take a day of vacation. If I hadn't been home that day to rescue Zeke, well....I don't even want to think about the outcome. I told Shirley how lucky Zeke was to have a home and someone that loved her and took care of her. I thanked her for taking Zeke 17 years ago and for giving her such a wonderful life and we both cried. I know what it is like to lose a "baby". Zeke will be missed.

Zeke might have had a horrible beginning but went on to have a wonderful life. I would like to think I had a part in making that happen. What a good feeling!

New Blogs I Ran Across

2005-01-20T13:36:00.000-06:00

I ran across a new animal blog and posted it on my blogroll. Check it out if you get a chance. It is called
ANIMALS are HUMANS too! She took the words right out of my mouth. There are a lot of "baby" pictures, and I love her wallpaper background.

Other new site that I added to my blog is Buttercup. Debbie has a neat blog with beautiful pictures. She has just been married a month, so make sure you congratulate her. The other site she shares with her husband, Paul, is pretty cool. Check it out also. Snowbabies

Help Wanted

2005-01-18T08:02:00.000-06:00

I saw this on RichardsonZoo and I thought it was worth publishing again. Thanks. Cheryl for the story.

HELP WANTED

A "HELP WANTED" sign was placed in the front window: "Must be a good typist and be good with a computer. Successful applicant must be bilingual. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer."

A short time later a lovely golden retriever dog trotted up to the window, saw the sign and went inside. He looked at the receptionist and wagged his tail, then walked over to the sign, looked at it,
whined and pawed the air. The receptionist called the office manager.

He was surprised, to say the least to see a canine applicant. However, the dog looked determined, so he led him into the office. Inside the dog jumped up on a chair and stared at the manager
expectantly. The manager said, "I can't hire you. The sign says you must be able to type. The dog jumped down, went to the typewriter and proceeded to quickly type a perfect business letter. He took out the page and trotted over to the manager, gave it to him, then jumped back up on the chair.

The manager was stunned, but told the dog, "That was fantastic, but I'm sorry. The sign clearly says that whoever I hire has to be good with a computer. The dog jumped down again, went to the computer and proceeded to demonstrate his expertise with various programs, produced a sample spreadsheet and database, then presented them to the manager. The manager was dumbfounded!!

He said to the dog, "Hey I realize that you are a very intelligent applicant and have fantastic talent, but you're a dog - no way can I hire you. The dog jumped down and went to the sign in the window and pointed his paw at the words, "Equal Opportunity Employer."

The exasperated manager said, "Yes I know what the sign says. But the sign also says you must be bilingual." The dog looked him straight in the eye and said: "Meow".

Outsider...Looking in

2005-01-16T15:56:00.000-06:00

For the past few months, I have friends, co-workers, family members, etc having problems with their teenager. They might be their own or grandchildren. Some have gone into great detail about the problems they are having. My friend Cathy talked to me 2 hours about hers just last night.

Of course I listen and even offer advice sometimes, but as I have been reminded oh so many times that things are easy for me to say because I don't have children or that I don't understand because I don't have children which might be true in some instances. But as the title states, being an outsider looking in, I can sometimes see things that maybe they don't. Maybe because they are too close to the situation or maybe they are just trying too hard or maybe just because they love their child so much, they don't see things as clearly.

I do know one thing from my own experience. Kids might not always listen to their parents about some things, but there are some things that parents do say that kids hear that NEVER will be forgotten.

My parents never really spanked me. Oh, I got a few, but mostly I can count on one hand just how many I got. I can even vaguely remember what I did to deserve them, but not really the details. One thing I do remember and will always remember are some of the things my parents said to me. Not the good things, but the bad....my mother in particular.

My mom sometimes would have too many drinks and when she did, she would say things to me that after 35 years, I still remember....hurtful things. When I would confront her the next morning, she would always say she didn't remember or she was just mad and didn't mean it. Mostly I don't think she remembered. But I did and still do.

Parents please choose your words when you discipline your child. Verbal abuse to me is the worse form of child abuse. The child might not remember the spanking after it stops hurting, but they will remember the words.

I have heard some of my friends say things around their kids or make comments about others and not even stop to think how they might be effecting their child. Kids are smart and I think if you are going to be a parent, you should set a good example.

Of course, what do I know...I don't have any kids. Maybe that is why I chose not to have any. I never wanted to be a bad parent. I know how so many things can shape a child's mind, and I thought that maybe I wasn't qualified to do that.

It has always amazed me that you have to have a license to drive, to fish, to hunt. You have to take classes for so many things such as degrees, certificates, etc....but anyone can have a child whether they are qualified or not. It doesn't matter about their ability to support them. It doesn't matter about their morals. There are
just some people that should not reproduce, but I guess that is something that will never be considered.

To this day, people think I hate kids because I don't have any. It is just the opposite. I just don't think I could live up to MY expectation to what a parent should be....at least what I think they should be. I would never want to be responsible for my child being a bad person, so I guess I took the easiest way out. I just never had any. Do I have regrets? No, not at all. I think in my situation, I did the right thing for both me and the child.

This is kinda neat

2005-01-13T19:26:00.000-06:00

Success---One pound at a Time

2005-01-12T20:00:00.000-06:00

Last night was my first weigh in at Weight Watchers. I joined a week ago last night. As I drove into the parking lot, I was a little worried. I had been good. I counted all my food and wrote it down in a journal. I "tried" drinking my water. Weight Watchers recommend 8 glasses a day. That is almost impossible for me. But I manage to at least drink 4-6 which is pretty good for me.

When I walked up to the scale, I thought about taking off my watch, my shoes, my ring, etc....anything to make me weigh lighter, but I didn't. I got on the scale and tried to see what the girl was writing down. What seemed like an eternity, she finally said, "you did great...3.8 pounds". Whewww....I was soooo glad.

Now I am really motivated. Today, I walked on the treadmill 10 minutes, and I am actually looking forward to walking on it again tomorrow.

In my journal I have listed some short term and long term goals. One of my goals is to stick to this diet no matter what until I see some progress. Last time I went on a diet, I went on the Atkins diet and lost 20 pounds, but I did not see it. My clothes felt the same...I looked the same. I never saw a difference. I think that is one of the reasons I gave up. This time, I will keep going until I see a difference.

I plan on writing down every single thing that goes in my mouth, attend the meetings, and drink my water. I will exercise as much as I can. Maybe once I actually see a little bit of progress, it will really really motivate me.

To make sure I don't give up, I am going to the Weight Watchers meeting every Tuesday, I joined a Yahoo Weight Watcher's group, I have two co-workers that are helping me....one actually joined with me and the other is my "acting trainer". Both have really helped me a lot. Thanks Dale and John!

As I sit here and write this, I am thirsty. My first instinct is to grab a diet coke, but I am going to get some water instead. Old habits are hard to break, but I know water is much better for me, so that is what I will get.

As the weeks go by, hopefully, I will keep on losing. I will keep you posted as I lose. Notice I said, LOSE. See I am already trying to have a positive attitude.

Here I go again...

2005-01-10T21:17:00.000-06:00

Well, last Tuesday, me and a friend joined Weight Watchers...AGAIN. We had joined years ago but it only lasted a few months. Last year, we tried the Atkins diet. I did ok for about 3 months and lost 20 pounds, but I couldn't take it anymore. I had to have carbs.

First, I do not really care for meat unless it is in hamburger or chicken fried. I can't eat pork due to an allergy. So, it mostly left chicken and if I had eaten another piece of chicken, I was going to sprout wings and start clucking.

I knew what I needed to do. In fact, I could write books on dieting. I know what to do, it is just doing it..that is the hard part.

Around the first of December, I decided to go back to Weight Watchers. I knew this was the best way for me. It is healthy and gives you a variety. I knew I wouldn't lose as fast as I did on Atkins, but I knew I could stick to it.

I started thinking about the holidays coming up, so I decided to wait until after the first of the year to start. I didn't want to start and fail.

Soooo, last Tuesday night, me and my friend weighed in. We were both a little shocked at how much we had gained.

This week I have counted my "points" that I am suppose to do and tried to drink more water than I have been. I started thinking about my water intake which was mostly non-existence. I think I was drinking maybe 2 glasses a day...the rest was diet coke.

So, this week, I counted my points, drank as much water as I could, and with the encouragement of a
co-worker and friend, I even walked on the treadmill. I didn't walk long, but at least I did walk. I think he missed his calling. He should have been a trainer.

Tomorrow night I weigh in. Hopefully, I have lost. I am crossing my fingers and my toes. I will let ya know.

These are small steps for a loooooong journey, but I have to start somewhere. Wish me luck. :)

Probation is NOT enough!

2005-01-08T19:43:00.000-06:00

The Humane Society of Southeast Texas have been following this case since this happened. Members have written to the attorneys, judge, and anyone else that could make sure this "monster" didn't do this again.

The article below is the results of all our efforts. Wait until he does something like this again, and he will, then will someone listen. Of course another innocent dog will be dead.

These teens should be sooo glad I am not the judge in this crime. I won't even mention what I would do to them.

To me this is just a slap on the wrist...not even a slap...more like someone telling him he did a "bad thing and it was a no-no and not to do it again".

At least his 250 hours of community service will NOT be served at the shelter. Animals at the shelter are too good for this monster.

Here is the article story that was listed on www.kfdm.comTeen Gets

Probation for Stabbing Death of Dog
Reported by Kara Stevens

A judge in Orange County has sentenced a teenager to six months probation and 250 hours of community service on a misdemeanor charge of animal cruelty for the stabbing death of a dog.

He could have faced up to two years in the Texas Youth Commission.
The boy was 16 at the time of the attack. He was tried Wednesday as a juvenile, even though he is now 17 and considered an adult in the legal system.
Investigators say the teenager stabbed and killed a basset hound last May near Vidor.

Angela Wagner and her husband owned the dog, named Maximus.
Sheriff's deputies found the dog mutilated on the front porch of another home.
They arrested two teenagers on a charge of animal cruelty.

The Wagners told us they considered Maximus more than just a pet, because the couple cannot have children.

In addition to the six months probation, the teen must pay $500 restitution to the Wagner family, and he cannot have any contact with the family.
The other teen has not gone to trial.

Pet Owners--Another view.

2005-01-04T13:25:00.000-06:00

This article was posted on mostlycajun. The more people that know about spaying/neutered the animal the better. So, anytime I see an article that might inspire someone to have their pet "fixed", I post it. Here is the blog article:

Pet Keepers

I've always had pets. I haven't always been a responsible pet owner, but wisdom comes with age. I have cats. I'm not averse to dogs at all, but I have a lifestyle which would not be fair to a dog. Fairly often I work late or have to be gone for a few days. Give cats a source of water and food, and have somebody drop by and clean out the litter box, and they're okay. I have multiple cats, and they keep each other company quite well. But they stay indoors all the time. They're all female, and all except one are neutered. And she's gonna get it.

Here's my tirade against irresponsibility with pets: owners who keep pets outdoors, un-neutered. I volunteer on occasion with the Humane Society. The place is filled with sweet little kittens and puppies that are dropped off at the Society. Some find homes. I have one.

But many don't. They're euthanized. And the reason is that a lot of pet owners are irresponsible.

If Miss Kitty or Miss Puppy is left outside un-neutered, pregnancy is the inevitable result. And the world is seldom ready to provide a home for another litter of mixed-breed dogs or cats. Of this sad bunch, the LUCKY ones end up at the shelter. All too many are unceremoniously dumped to fend for themselves where their lives are savage and short. They die from disease, malnutrition, predator or traffic.

While these stray abandoned images of our favored pets are trying to make it in the world, they're nuisances. The worst is the cat. Feral cats will decimate local wildlife: birds, squirrels, small mammals. Dog packs in the country will attack livestock and ravage garbage cans.

Growing up in the country on a lonely road, our doorstep found more than one poor little dog looking for a home. We tried finding homes for some, but usually Dad had the Animal Control truck haul them away. Coyotes took care of a lot. Life for a dumped dog or cat in the country is not long or pleasant.

Our Humane Society and most responsible adoption agencies now have policy requiring neutering for all pets they adopt out. After all, we're not talking about breeding pedigreed animals for sale here. But let's take it a step further. If you're going to adopt a cat or dog from a private source, YOU should be the one who takes the little thing in for neutering, right along with that first vet checkup and shots. Prices are reasonable, especially if you shop around.

For those few people for whom the price of neutering is an unbearable expense, aside from the obvious question as to whether the cost of a pet isn't already too big a burden, then a lot of pet societies have reduced rate arrangements for neutering.

I'm realistic about this post. I'd imagine that most of my readers are intelligent enough to care properly for their little companions. All I'm asking is to help get the word out to folks who haven't thought the question out clearly. Don't breed them unless you've got homes for the offspring.

Just for Today

2005-01-04T13:15:00.000-06:00

I happened to see this in the "Dear Abby" column. I thought it was worth re-listing. I wish I could do all of these:

JUST FOR TODAY, I will live through this day only. I will not brood about yesterday or obsess about tomorrow. I will not set far-reaching goals or try to overcome all my problems at once. I know that I can do something for 24 hours that would overwhelm me if I had to keep it up for a lifetime.

JUST FOR TODAY, I will be happy. I will not dwell on thoughts that depress me. If my mind fills with clouds, I will chase them away and fill it with sunshine.

JUST FOR TODAY, I will accept what is. I will face reality. I will correct those things I can correct and accept those I cannot.

JUST FOR TODAY, I will improve my mind. I will read something that requires effort, thought and concentration. I will not be a mental loafer.

JUST FOR TODAY, I will make a conscious effort to be agreeable. I will be kind and courteous to those who cross my path, and I'll not speak ill of others. I'll improve my appearance, speak softly, and not interrupt when someone else is talking. Just for today, I'll refrain from improving anybody but myself.

JUST FOR TODAY, I will do something positive to improve my health. If I'm a smoker, I'll quit. If I'm overweight, I'll eat healthily -- if only just for today. And not only that, I'll get off the couch and take a brisk walk, even if it's only around the block.

JUST FOR TODAY, I will gather the courage to do what is right and take responsibility for my own actions.

What Type of Cat are You???

2005-01-04T01:30:00.000-06:00

I found this test on cat-o-bloggo which I have added to my blogroll. The test is pretty neat. Try it for yourself.

Take the quiz: "What type of cat are you?"

egyptian
You're a descendent of the cats of Egyptian royalty, but even though you're basically royalty yourself, you still act like a normal cat.

Babysitting "Cricket"

2005-01-01T21:49:00.000-06:00

My niece called me on Monday and asked if I could babysit her dog, Cricket, while she went out of town. She did not want to leave her with anyone else or a kennel. Well...I understand that because I never wanted to leave my baby either. I told her that it wouldn't be problem. Now, the last time I had a dog in the house was in 1993. After Pokie died, I got a cat and have never had another dog.

Cricket is a cute little dog. She is part chihuahua and part...something, but mainly looks like a chihuahua. Deanna was coming home one night and saw Cricket in the middle of the road. She said she was "screaming" and looked terrified. Deanna immediately stopped and when she opened her car door, Cricket leaped in and gave her a million puppy kisses. Right then, she knew she has found a new pet. She took her home and looked her over; she had not been hurt. Her boyfriend told her that he was sure a dog that cute belonged to someone and for her to go back in the morning to where she found the dog and check around and make sure it didn't belong to anyone.

Deanna went back and knocked on one house and asked, and they said she wasn't there dog and had never seen her before. Deanna said...ok, I tried and took her home. That was about 8 years ago. Cricket has been her baby ever since.

Deanna is always asking if I'm sure she isn't my daughter because we are so much alike. She loves animals as much as I do.

Back to my babysitting job....I didn't realize just how much more...I don't want to use the word "trouble" but that is the only word I can think of now that fits, but just how much more trouble it is to have a dog than a cat.

I met Deanna Tuesday morning in a parking lot in Orange to get Cricket. She had a list of instructions, food, leash, sweaters, and her blanket. When she handed me Cricket, I thought she was going to cry. Now she should have known that I would guard Cricket with my life. Anyone that knows me knows I will take care of an animal, but I understood how she felt. Every time I had to leave Pokie, I would cry. I hated leaving her and if I didn't have to, I didn't. But Deanna knew Cricket would be ok with me.

I had about another 30 minute drive before I got to work. Cricket sat in my lap and was really good while I drove. She even looked up and gave me a puppy kiss every now and then. When I got to work, I put her blanket on my desk where she would be right by me. I was there about 30 minutes when I got a call from Deanna asking how she was doing. I told her she was fine. I could hear the doubt in her voice as she hung up. I then decided to take a picture of Cricket and email it to her. Cricket looked so happy, so when I emailed her picture, Deanna immediately emailed me back and told me that she felt better seeing Cricket looking happy.

She was the best dog for the two days I had her. I was worried that she wasn't eating as much as I thought she should be. Deanna said to be careful feeding her "people food". I should have listened, but I just couldn't resist those big brown eyes and that face that was almost drooling while I ate. Soooo, for breakfast I gave her a bite of my Sonic Breakfast Burrito. Lunch, we had Moo Goo Gai Pan and for dinner, I bought her a small kids size hamburger but only gave her the meat. Well, needlesstosay, I should have listen to Deanna. Because later on, all that food came back to revisit me. I felt terrible that she got sick.

The next day all she got was her dog food. No matter how much she begged, I only gave her her dog food. She didn't like it, but I didn't want her to get sick again.

When Thursday finally came, I meet Deanna at the end of my road to give Cricket back to her. A part of me was glad because I was a little stressed watching her. I think I was stressed because she wasn't my dog, and I was worried about something happening to her while she was in my care. So, when Deanna picked her up, both were so glad to see each other.

As I drove home, I missed that little dog sitting on my lap. I missed all the puppy kisses. I missed the wagging tail. It was like a part of me was missing something. I actually felt empty. I had gotten so attached to her in those two days.

At least I know she is only about 30 minutes away, and I can go visit her anytime I want. I know she is safe, loved, and in a good home. I know she is taken better care of than a lot of people, but I still miss her.

I went home and loved my cat. Not a dog, but Turbo is a sweetie, and I wouldn't trade him for nothing.

Deanna thanked me over and over for taking care of Cricket. It is me that should be thanking her. Like I have said many times..."nothing is better than puppy kisses", and I got plenty of them over those two days.

Can't wait until she goes out of town again.

Merry Christmas

2004-12-27T21:52:00.000-06:00

After the disappointment of not having a white Christmas as predicted by the weather dude, I began to get back to reality. Although having snow on Christmas would be really cool, it would have also been a disaster especially since I had to drive about 30 miles to my sister's house. I have never driven in snow as well as probably 3/4 of the population in Beaumont, so the roads would have been interesting on the way to my sister's house.

It was a beautiful day though. I got to my sister's around 11:00 a.m. We had a total of about 25 people in the house. She had cooked 2 turkeys, dressing, beans and rice, okra, brussel sprouts, squash, turnip greens. One niece brought gumbo and chicken and dumplings. Another niece brought sweet potato casserole. My nephew's wife brought corn casserole and pea salad. I'm sure I am leaving something out; there was just so much food.

My contribution was two store bought pies. Can you guess what kind??? Chocolate, of course. My sister also made fudge and fruit salad. There was not a food shortage.

After lunch, everyone opened gifts. The floor was at least 3 feet deep in wrapping paper. The house was a mess, but we all had a great time.

I even hugged my brother-in-law and wished him Merry Christmas. UGGHHH ...PHEWWW.... SPIT SPIT YUCK!!!! Although I did tell my sister I was getting her a new husband for Christmas next year. She just laughs. I have been saying he is gross since I was five years old. Even at that age, I knew he was....was....
"something".

All and all it was a pretty good Christmas. We all left full and happy. Hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas.