Day 273 - Pebble

As I arrived to work this morning, my car started to make a weird screeching noise. While it seemed minor, it sent me into what I swear was an immediate panic attack. Near tears, I walked to my desk and worked to collect myself all while reviewing my recent bad luck cases. "WHAT NOW?", I thought to myself, "I can't take one more thing going wrong in my life at this moment!". If there is one thing I need in this world, it's reliable transportation, as I am not the girl who wants to play the role of damsel in distress along the road side! (no matter how cute I think I am.)

I quickly researched "screeching car" on the internet and found that the likely cause of the noise may be the brakes, or something of that nature. I immediately called the dealer for a price inquiry and an appointment. Upon driving to my appointment the screeching became worse and I was mortified to be seen driving my car. I might as well have been driving the pink, Ford pick-up truck (a junker) from the '70's sitcom, "Sanford & Son" or the likes of the vehicle below.

Once I pulled into the service bay, I found all eyes were on me and the clunker. "That's not brakes" one gentleman stated immediately as I exited my car. My reply was, "Well, what is it? I'm on a limited budget here!". He smiled as he called out the mechanic and asked me, "Have you driven it in reverse today?". I replied, "No." as I watched the mechanic walk towards my car. He muttered something unintelligible about something stuck and a vacuum which only added to my panic. As he started my car and backed it out of the service garage, I was ready to crawl under a table as the screeching noise hit an all time high. I cringed as all the faces around me contorted. The sound of metal on metal screeching, like nails on a chalkboard, filled the building. I was sure the mechanic had backed over a lone Velociraptor and it was now using it's talons to claw it's way out from under the wheels of my car! I went to sit in the waiting room as my car was driven away, with surely, an angry dinosaur in tow.

It seemed as though only a minute or two went by, but Matt the Mechanic had already reappeared with my now quiet car. With no signs of dinosaur damage, he walked up to me and held something out in his hand for me to take. He wished me a good day, and stated that my visit was free of charge. As I looked down in the palm of my hand, this is what I saw...

The pebble, not the paperclip, was stuck between my rotor and brake pad, or where ever it is Matt said it was stuck. Nothing like my car having a case of "The Pea and the Princess" syndrome. I'm thankful that this trip to the auto shop was nothing more then an inconvenience!

Day 272 - Corn

October's "One a Month" event will find me scurrying through 3.1 miles of corn field, hope I don't get lost! This looks like fun, and if you want to join me you can sign up at the All Community Events website.

Day 271 - Good Day

Today has been the first "good" day I've had in a while. Don't get me wrong, things have not been terrible every minute of every past day, but nothing stood out to make the past days special either. But today was different, and I'm thankful for it! Happiness is...

Receiving flowers at work...

A dinner invite out with a new friend...

Receiving my VIP tickets for the Cheetah Conservation Fund gala in October!

- and -

Having a new follower on my blog - THANK YOU READERS!

Day 270 - Music

I'm not a huge music fan. Ask me "Who sings that song?" and I won't know. Invite me to a concert and nine times out of ten I will show no interest in going. Oddly enough though, I am stuck on Colbie Caillat's most recent album, "All Of You".

There are certain songs and albums that, I'm sure for you too, mark a certain time in your life. I remember the reggae songs of UB40 in High School, Savage Garden's pop music in college, and various break up songs all along the way. We all have those songs that transcend time, and take us back to another time and place. I'm sure this album will do that for me some day as well.

Colbie's songs cheer me on and up with upbeat pop sounds, and reminds me to stay positive. One of my favorite songs (lyrically) from her album is "Think Good Thoughts", I've included the lyrics below. What song takes you back to a different time and place?

Think Good Thoughts

I'm just gonna say it
There's no use in delaying
I'm tired of the angry hanging out inside me
So I'll quiet down the devil
I'm gonna knock him with a shovel
And I'll bury all my trouble underneath the revel
When I'm alone in a dark, dark room I have to tell myself to

Think good thoughts, think good thoughts
Imagine what the world would be if we will, we just
Think good thoughts, stop the bad from feeding
Oh won't let the negativity turn me into my enemy
Promise to myself that I won't let it get the best of me
That's how I want to be

Na na na na na
Na na na na na na na na [x2]

I'm not saying that it's easy
Especially when I'm moody
I might be cursing like a sailor
Til I remind myself I'm better
Cause words can be like weapons
Oh when you use them you will get them
Oh oh but I'm not gonna let them take away my heaven
And when I start feeling blue I remember to tell myself to

Whoa whoa whoa
Think good thoughts, think good thoughts
Imagine what the world would be if we will, we just
Think good thoughts, stop the bad from feeding
Oh won't let the negativity turn me into my enemy
Promise to myself that I won't let it get the best of me
That's how I want to be

I just think of rain on summer nights
Stars filling up the sky
Sun shining on my face
Making a secret wish
Finding my happiness
That always makes me hold my head up high
I wanna hold my head up high

Oh I wanna think good thoughts
Oh imagine what the world would be if we will, we just
(Think good thoughts)
Wouldn't that be something
Oh won't let the negativity turn me into my enemy
Promise to myself that I won't let it get the best of me
That's how I want to be

Na na na na na
Na na na na na na na na [x6]

Day 269 - MMOM

I can't believe how quickly Fall has snuck up on me! It seems as though instantly the sun has decided to set by 7 instead of 9, and the air refuses to warm above 60 degrees. I admit, I already long for the blossoms of Spring! Having been through some rough luck as of late, I thought today's questions should focus on something more positive...

1) What are you most thankful for?
My health and the fact that I am mobile and (currently) have all the functions I was born with! I can do anything, and I am thankful for that.

2) Who are you most thankful for?
While family is an easy answer, I must admit I am most thankful for my friends at the moment, especially my Little Snack Cake.

3) What are you most thankful not to have? (i.e. think unanswered prayers)
I am thankful that God has removed certain people from my life. Despite being a painful experience, thank goodness He knows better then I do!

4) When do you find yourself most thankful?
In the morning and evenings. I tend to close my day reflecting on my blessings before I fall asleep, and also, when I am walking into work. Usually when walking towards my office building, I soak up all the sun rays and energy that I can, knowing they won't touch me for another 8 hours or so. In that moment, I give thanks and reflect on the things I have, not what I am facing.

5) Why are you thankful?
Because I know I am not in the driver's seat during my ride around the sun. Remember, if you want good service, you have to tip the Driver every once in a while!

Day 268 - PAWS

Today was the PAWS 4K event, and while my heart was surely not in it, I kept this commitment based on the cause alone. PAWS, "Pets Are Worth Saving", is a no-kill shelter helping drive down Chicago's homeless pets euthanasia rate. PAWS believes in giving every animal a chance to find their furever home. After having experienced one of the greatest shelter cats ever, how could I not show up? The walk along the beach front surrounded by people and their pets was cathartic for me and reminds me that life must go on.

Speaking of life going on, I am continuing with my monthly events and have decided to volunteer for the Chicago Marathon. You know the saying, "Those who run, do. And those who can't, volunteer!". OK, maybe that's not an exact quote, but I'm happy to share that my volunteer spot was confirmed today and I will be a course marshal on mile 8. In addition to the marathon, I've signed up once again to volunteer as a balloon handler in the Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade. I can't wait to see who (which balloon) I'm assigned to!

Day 267 - Keesha's Last Day

Upon an initial physical exam, the doctor's response was, "It wouldn't be wrong to put her down, you've done all you can for her". Those are words no pet owner wants to hear, although I knew in my heart that this was likely the outcome of today's visit. With a heavy heart I handed my debit card to the vet and said, "Please take care of everything now, so I can just walk out of here when everything is done". She gave me a hug, and a box of tissues. A small consolation for what I was about to experience, but appreciated none the less.

I read a poem from a pet's perspective years ago that they (pets) shouldn't be alone when facing the end, and made up my mind then that when the end was to come for my own pets I would be there with them. I knew I could not walk away from Keesha at this moment. I had to let her know I was there with her to offer any last comfort I could. It was peaceful and quiet, and I knew she was no longer suffering as her golden heart stopped beating. She had taken her last breathe. I couldn't help but cry.

The vet asked me if I wanted her ashes returned to me, and I said yes. And while I would never think to keep a human's ashes, I cannot let Keesha go. You see, when I adopted the little Tasmanian devil from a shelter over 9 years ago, she was some one's trash. Keesha was literally found in a garbage can because someone had cruelly thrown her away. I refuse to let her leave the world the way she came into it. She will always be with me, where hopefully she was the happiest. If I could find a pet urn made by Sleep Number, I'd get it for that silly cat in a moment.

- Keesha Remembered -

I remember not wanting YOU at all. My adoption intentions as I visited the shelter that day was a black and white cat, and YOU just happened to be in the same cage with him. As I cuddled and held him, YOU ran around the floor like an insane, escaped convict running for it's life. YOU chased a toy as if you were nothing but pure energy. I pitied the fool that was going to adopt YOU. "Good luck," I thought as I left the shelter.

I became the fool that called the shelter immediately after having left it to have YOU put on hold. I couldn't bear the idea of YOU being left alone in the cage without YOUR friend, the one I had intended to adopt, so now YOU were coming home with me. I brought YOU home, and YOU lived up to the notes in your adoption file, "Keesha is a ball of feline energy!". YOU made me crazy, and I yelled at YOU to shape up and behave or I was taking YOU back to the pound. I threatened YOU constantly.

Upon seeing the movie "Lilo & Stitch", I was touched by the scene where the destructive but cuddly alien gets adopted into the family and is loved unconditionally. "Ohana" they called it, "Ohana means family". And that is how YOU got YOUR middle name. I made a deal with YOU that day to stop threatening to return YOU to the pound if YOU would stop acting, well, like a cat. From then on, "Keesha Ohana" found a way into my heart forever.

I remember thinking I had gone insane as I would close my bedroom door every night with YOU on the outside of it, but wake up with YOU in my bed come the next morning. For weeks I thought I was insane, until I realized YOU were sneaking through the heating ducts in the house just to get to me and lay on the bed. YOU were bed obsessed!

I remember YOU purring so loudly next to me, that at one point I wondered who was "mowing their lawn" at such an early hour in the morning...

I remember YOU, a 15 pound cat, somehow managing to hog an entire Queen sized bed leaving me just inches of space, barely allowing me to sleep on my side...

I remember the way YOU always announced YOUR entrance into a room by letting out a half meow, half purring sound as YOU came running towards me...

I remember the way YOUR belly jiggled side to side as you ran, causing me to giggle every time...

I remember the way YOUR tail would vibrate in pleasure as I petted YOU...

I remember claw marks on my sofa, and in the freshly remodeled and spackled wall...

I remember YOUR first Lion Cut grooming, YOU looked so silly!

I remember the way YOU would always sneak onto the bed and upon trying to move YOU, YOU'D throw all YOUR weight against me in efforts to stay put. YOU usually won...

I remember YOU setting YOUR long haired tail on fire as YOU walked too closely to a candle. YOU didn't even realize it, and almost gave me a heart attack! The smell of singed fur was terrible.

But what I remember most of all, is loving YOU. And while I never wanted YOU, I never wanted to let YOU go either. Find peace my pet, and know that YOU are always with me. I love YOU always.

Day 266 - Keesha Day 9

Tonight still finds Keesha in decline, however there was a moment of return from the "old" Keesha. So much the bed lover, she fought with all her energy to hop on the infamous Sleep Number Bed in efforts to get comfortable. I allowed her stay and cuddled with her, as the poor thing deserved to enjoy one of her most favorite things ever. I gave her the rest of her medicines and feedings on the bed to allow her some extra comfort time before returning her to a regular pet bed for the night. Tomorrow is our trip to the vet, fingers crossed.

Day 265 - Keesha Day 8

It looks like I've got only 100 more days of blogging left based on today's post title! I have to admit, these past few weeks have been challenging! Having to deal with life changes and caring for a sick pet have made it hard to focus on blogging, however I am determined to not let 260+ days of blogging end here, not with an end goal of daily blogging for a full year in site!

Keesha update: She has started to vomit and her nauseousness has increased. These are the signs of decline that I was warned against upon her release from the Animal ER. All tests have been inconclusive as to what caused her to stop eating, but her resulting anorexia created a fatty liver that seems to have taken an eternal hold on her. Her upcoming vet visit is supposed to be for a bandage change and a liver enzyme blood test, however I am feeling that the visit may be her last trip to the veterinarian. While I hope I am incorrect, I can't help but see a declining animal that is no longer herself in front of me and I will not allow her to suffer longer then needed for my own selfishness...

Day 264 - Keesha Day 7

Although afraid to leave Keesha, today I returned to work as she had in home care provided for her. I don't know which was the lesser of the two evils, facing the stressors at work or the stress of caring for a sick pet. None the less, I was semi-relieved to go to work and have some distraction from the situation at home...

Day 263 - Keesha Day 5 & 6

Monday found Keesha coming home with a feeding tube in hopes of a recovery, but with the reality that she may decline. After stopping at two different pharmacies, the "child" had all the prescriptions she needed and home care was to begin. As if I were a new mother not quite sure how to care for her child, the days found me with my stomach in knots as I was doling out 6 different medications and 'round the clock feedings. Was I doing this correctly? Was I causing more pain then good? I frequently looked at her yellow, jaundiced ears for any sign of improvement to no avail, but continued to hope and pray for the best. Tuesday brought more of the same. Feedings, a grueling medication regiment, and a stomach in knots as my poor cat seemed to decline in front of my eyes...

Day 262 - MMOM

1) Favorite actor/actress?
Betty White, Judy Garland, Sean Connery...

2) Favorite type of music?
Anything but jazz and gangsta rap...

3) Favorite thing?
A good sunny day with a slight breeze...

4) Favorite memory?
Too many to list just one, but I'd have to say any and all of my travels have been amazing.

5) Favorite place?
Near the water, or on it. I love listening to the waves crash...

Day 261 - Keesha Day 4

Today's news is not good. While Keesha tolerated her feedings last night, most everything that was fed was vomited up this morning. Needless to say, she is not coming home today as hoped. She continues to decline in attitude and personality, and seems to have more discomfort in her abdomen. With the increased nausea and abdominal pain, a pancreatitis test is now being run. Despite the outcome of the test, the same support is needed which is fluids and food. The prognosis for pancreatitis is fair and would consist of a bland, low fat diet the remainder of her life and seems manageable, however if she continues to not eat or tolerate the tube feedings, harder decisions will need to be made soon.

Between stress at work and personal changes that have taken place over the past month, I am emotionally and spiritually drained. Dealing with my other cat who remains at home (Tird) is like having a sibling child who misses his sister and is acting out. Taking care of him is a full time job at times, and is a sad reminder of Keesha's absence.

- Cuddle Buddies: Keesha & Tird -

Day 260 - Keesha Day 3

Expecting to have to give 'round the clock feedings to Keesha, I called into work today and even regretfully declined a wedding invitation for the evening. Upon arriving at the vet this morning to bring Keesha home, she did not respond to my presence at all. It was heartbreaking and disappointing. Instead, she ended up drooling, a sign of nauseousness, and wheezing despite having clear lungs. Painfully, I decided to take her to an animal ER for further hydration and the insertion of a feeding tube.

With knots in my stomach, I drove to the ER and had her admitted for surgery. Post operative news was good, and found she had tolerated the surgery well, but seemed rather frightened of her new surroundings. I called around 9pm to check on her further, and her first feeding seemed well received. Keeping food down at this point is going to be the biggest hurdle. Hopes are that she "eats" well, and I will be able to bring her home tomorrow, Sunday, to administer the feedings myself until she eats on her own.

I find it ironic and beyond emotionally draining on how something as simple as eating, which is the only "cure" in this case, is so difficult. It's amazing what one takes for granted. I literally have an anorexic cat, and if this is how pet ownership goes, I can't imagine what having a human child is like. Again, fingers crossed that her feedings stay "down" and I can bring her home tomorrow...

Day 259 - Keesha Day 2

Keesha is still not eating despite an appetite stimulant and being re-hydrated. This is not what I had hoped for. Keesha is supposed to come home for the weekend Saturday morning, with the expectation that I will be force feeding her throughout the day and weekend. The vet and I are hoping that being in familiar surroundings might help perk her up and bring back a bit of an appetite. Hopefully her "brother" Tird will not interfere with her preferential treatment and maybe even help elevate her mood. Fingers and paws crossed.

- Keesha: Post Lion Cut Grooming, 2009 -

Day 258 - Keesha Day 1

- Keesha & Tird -

I was afraid to take my ailing cat to the vet today, but did. She's been hospitalized and is being put on IV fluids in efforts to rehydrate her along with precautionary antibiotics. Due to declined appetite and lack of eating, my cat now has a compromised liver and is jaundiced. The vet hopes to get her eating again, which is really the only "cure" at this point. I really hope my cat rallies and comes through this, but realistically her prognosis does not seem good at this point, especially if we can't get her eating again. I will work to stay positive, but positivity doesn't pay vet bills.

Day 257 - Private

Today's Advance class turned into a private lesson, but I didn't mind. It was great to see the pup and his owners progress so quickly with some one on one attention, especially where greeting strangers and other dogs are concerned as this seemed to be an escalating issue. Moreso, it was great to see happy owners, and by the end of the session a happy pup with a tummy full of well earned treats.

Day 256 - ASL II

I "graduated" from my first ASL class tonight! I use the term "graduate" loosely as there really is no diploma to be sought, rather just knowledge and skills. I've had a lot of fun in this class and enjoyed my teacher more then I thought I would and with that said, decided to take ASL Beginner II. I am afraid to move on to Beginner II as all teachers going forward are non-speaking, but how else will I learn if I don't try? In the next three weeks between "semesters", I really need to brush up on my current skills to make sure the next class goes as smoothly as possible. I've got a lot of brushing up to do!

Day 255 - MMOM

1) What is the most thoughtful gift you've ever given someone?
A scrapbook of memories we shared together...

2) If you suddenly had to enter the witness protection program 1000 miles away from where you are now, what job would you take?
I'd be a zookeeper!

3) Weirdest food ever eaten?
Alligator on a stick, dipped in a spicy sauce.

4) If you had to have one of the following challenges, would you choose to be blind or deaf?
Deaf, so I could still see all the beauty in the world and put my ASL skills to work!

5) If you were at a business lunch and you ordered a rare steak and they brought it to you well done, what would you do?
Shut up and eat it...with lots of steak sauce.

Day 254 - Bun Mi

A new sandwich shop opened up down the street from me a few weeks ago and was highly recommended by a Vietnamese acquittance, however, I've never had Vietnamese food before and was a bit frightened. The only reference of Vietnamese food I have is a scene from the movie, "Good Morning Vietnam", where Robin William's character sets his mouth ablaze by eating overly spicy noodles. Not a very encouraging scene.

Upon attending an art festival this weekend, I saw one of the concession stands was that of the Vietnamese restaurant, "Bun Mi" and thought, "Here's my chance to sample a Vietnamese sandwich!". I quickly found myself in line and ordering the "Saigon Special" for a mere five dollars and then questioning my decision as I watched the ingredients being piled on. Having researched the name of the shop for this post, I found the following historical information that made my sandwich taste all the better!

"The Bun Mi (Bánh mì) sandwich originated from the French colonization of Vietnam. Only the rich were able to afford these gourmet sandwiches because all the butter, pate, and ham were imported at that time. After the French departure in 1954, the Vietnamese learned the baking techniques, made smaller baguettes and incorporated Southeast Asian spices, herbs, and vegetables. When you combine that with marinated meats like BBQ pork, grilled beef, and lemongrass chicken, the Bun Mi Sandwich is a very delicious and affordable meal."

My sandwich included only the BBQ pork that tasted more like an awesome spicy bacon and is described as, "The Bun Mi sandwich consists of the French baguette with the addition of BBQ pork, grilled beef, and lemongrass chicken. The meats are also complimented with crispy cucumbers, sweet-tangy shreds of pickled carrot and daikon, cilantro, green onions, mayo, and that classic French pâté. Add a line or two of Sriracha chili paste, and this is the best sandwich you'll ever have."

The sandwich was excellent, and surprisingly light and fresh tasting. The meat was thinly cut so I did not feel overly stuffed full of protein. The baguette was a soft crust with just enough crunch to make it the perfect nesting place for the other ingredients. Although I was afraid to try something that sounded very odd to me, it was great! Give a Bun Mi a try!

Day 253 - Beagle

Today I scolded a Beagle owner, well, foster mother. The Beagle howls. And howls and howls. And while this is a typical Beagle trait, it's annoying and can be manageable. However, despite taking a class to learn how to work with the dog, the foster mom ignored the behavior (I don't see HOW any one can actually IGNORE the irritating behavior) and let the dog continue to be a nuisance ALL DAY.

The dog was brought in to my place of work today with hopes of being adopted and after the first ten minutes of howling and baying, I approached the handler and showed him and his wife how to re-direct the dog's behavior with great success. Or, at least success on my part. As soon as I walked away, the handler continued to ignore the behavior and the incessant baying continued. Shortly afterwards, another trainer approached the odd couple, and again showed the human of the pair, how to work to avoid the noise.

Two hours into my day, I found myself literally on the other side of the building being annoyed and distracted by the Beagle's constant baying. After finishing my tasks at hand, I stomped across the store to find the source of the baying and found the mom and dog team half way down a store aisle, doing NOTHING except allowing the dog to pull on the end of his leash towards another dog, all while barking and howling at it. I immediately stepped up, told the dog to LEAVE IT (which he did) and asked the foster flunky, "WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?". She gave me a lame story on how she was trying to avoid the other dog (can't see how that was possible), and I blurted out, "He's NEVER going to get adopted like this! You've had him as a foster for over a year and this is WHY!".

After my little outburst, I realized the schoolmarm in me is becoming quite good at addressing outstanding issues and subsequently, the dog was relatively quiet thanks in part to the foster mom actually working with him to avoid the unwanted behavior and more so to avoid another scolding from me. I don't understand why someone would let their dog, even if it's a short term investment (a foster versus permanent addition) act like, and be a nuisance. If you had a toddler out in public, wouldn't you take some type of corrective action if it was crying for hours on end? Change it, soothe it, feed it, or if all else failed, take it back home? Why is a dog different? Why is it okay for one's dog to be a nuisance, but not a child? And sadly, in this case, the foster mom's lack of working with and correcting the dog is negating it's future for a forever home! Shouldn't "orphans" be on their best behavior? Shouldn't we as humans set these animals up for success and do the best we can by them, so we can have the best for them? I really think people should have to have a license to have both children and pets!

(Hopping off of my soapbox now.)

Day 252 - Again

I'm sick again...icky.

Day 251 - Water

Not sure if it's stupid, or brave to chug a 16.9 ounce bottle of water before having to sit in a car for 90 minutes knowing my bladder (although not scientifically proven) must only be 2.5 ounces?

Day 250 - RSVP

Bravest thing ever? Post new break-up, changing my RSVP from 2 to a lonely 1 for a fast approaching wedding. That's right, newly jilted and single me is going "stag" to a happy and joyous occasion where two people stand before friends, family and God to commit themselves to one another. Am I bitter you ask? Nah. I'm pretty excited for the soon-to-be Bride and can't wait to see her on her "day of days". That's not worth missing for anyone! Besides, like I said in a previous post, I have hope for a future with someone who will love me wholeheartedly and not just half-assed-ly (is that a word?). Perhaps I'll find a new dance partner at the pending nuptials. It could happen.

Day 249 - Last Minute

Have you ever been intimidated to ask someone to do something, assuming their response will be "no" and then just not ask whatever it was that you wanted to ask in the first place? I was nervous, but didn't let that stop me from throwing out a very last minute suggestion to friends asking if they wanted to, "...buy some cheap seats and head to a game?".

The response was an over joyed "yes" from them both, matched with a "COOL!" from me. The best thing about my plan, besides the fact that the Cubs won, was that it was totally impromptu and yet, came together marvelously! We had a last minute blast at one of the last games of summer at Wrigley.

- Cheers! -

Day 248 - MMOM

1) What would you do if you were the last person on Earth?
I don't know, but I'd never have to put make-up on again!!!

2) If you could speak any language, what would it be?
Working on ASL as you read this!

3) What is one cause you are passionate about?
Saving Cheetahs (and animals in general).

4) What is one food you will NOT eat?
ANCHOVIES!

5) Do you want to be famous?
No, but I want to leave my mark on this world!

Day 247 - Pomegranate II

I finally got my Pomegranate margarita and it was delicious! Of course, spending a great day out in my great city with a great friend wasn't bad either!

P.S.) You just can't go wrong with an antioxidant beverage!

Day 246 - Thankful

I am thankful for uplifting text messages.
I am thankful for beautiful flowers that remind me I'm special.
I am thankful for hugs.
I am thankful for prayers.
I am thankful for shoulders to lean on.
I am thankful for invitations to spend the night, surrounded by love ones.
I am thankful for invitations to go out.
I am thankful for great conversations with great people.
I am thankful for great conversations with strangers. (Cute ones at that!)
I am thankful for kisses on the head.
I am thankful for my friends, old and new.
I am thankful for the drive to continue my classes and hobbies.
I am thankful for my purring and cuddly cats.
I am thankful for my health, and that I can do pretty much anything I want and put my mind up to.
I am thankful I am strong, and for all those who help me be that way.

I am thankful for family, no matter how distant they may be.
I am thankful I can help others, and make them smile.
I am thankful I feel wanted.
I am thankful I always have what I need, even if I don't always get what I want.
I am thankful for work.

If you woke up tomorrow with only the things you thanked God for the day before, what would you be left with?

Day 245 - Breaking Up...

...is hard to do, or so the song says, right? But sometimes, people do such bad things, it kinda makes it easy. Instead of focusing on what I'm losing, I'm choosing to focus on what I'm gaining, or hope to gain in the future. And there is that word again. What word? The word I just said in the previous sentence. Hope. Which reminds me of one of my favorite movies, The Shawshank Redemption. (I digress, but bear with me, it's my blog after all.) Having been told previously that hope is a bad thing, a dangerous thing that can drive a man insane, now escaped convict Andy Dufresne writes his friend a letter that states...

"Remember, Red. Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things,
and no good thing ever dies".

No good thing ever dies. Remember that, I tell myself. My dreams and hopes are still intact, and will not be foiled or crushed by someone else, or deterred by a bend in the road. I'm not saying that I'm over my break up, or that I am not affected by it. What I am saying is, I am willing to let go, and hope for better. And as the original tag line to the movie states...

"Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free."

Day 244 - Bored?

I found this on the internet, and thought it was too good not to share. Some of these things could be "Scary" for you to do, if you're afraid of embarrassing yourself!

THINGS YOU CAN DO WITH ABSOLUTELY NOTHING

Blink wildly and then close your eyes really tight for an interesting light show
(Amusement Potential: 1-5 minutes)
See a variety of blobs, stars and flashes. Try to make out shapes and see if your subconscious is trying to send you a message.

See how long you can hold a note
(Amusement Potential: 4-20 minutes)
Not that much fun, but it sure passes the time. Play with a friend, or try to beat your own personal best. Inhale deeply and then try and make a noise for as long as you can. Earn extra points for making your partner laugh or ending on an amusing note.

Try to not think about penguins
(Amusement Potential: 1-5 minutes)
This is especially hard, because by trying too much, you remember what you were trying to avoid thinking of. If you try too little, you end up thinking about penguins anyway.

Use your secret mind power
(Amusement Potential: 5-10 minutes)
Pick a passing by and try to use your mind power to command them do something, like drop their bag or knock into someone. The law of averages dictates that sooner or later one of your mind commands will come true, so you can convince yourself that you really have super human powers and waste even more time trying them out.

Pretend you're a robot
(Amusement Potential: 1-3 minutes)
Walk down the street with mechanical movements, adding 'zzzzzt' sounds with each motion. Pretending to have a motor broken in, say, your left hand can add at least 30 seconds more entertainment.

Scratch yourself
(Amusement Potential: 1-3 minutes)
Go ahead, scratch yourself now. Even if nothing itches, go ahead. Doesn't that feel pretty good?

Rate passers by
(Amusement Potential: 10-15 minutes)
Secretly award passers by marks out of ten as you go along, offering (unsaid) expert criticism over their clothing, hairstyle and footwear choices.

Repeat the same word over and over until it loses its meaning
(Amusement Potential: 1-3 minutes)
Pick a random word out of a magazine and say it aloud to yourself until it becomes a meaningless set of noises.

Pinch yourself
(Amusement Potential: 1-3 minutes)
What is pain? Why is it unpleasant? There's nothing physical about it - it's all in your mind. Plus, after pinching yourself for awhile, boredom will seem nice next to being in pain.

Try to swallow your tongue
(Amusement Potential: 1-2 minutes)
There's not much to say about this one. It is possible, but really stupid.

Pretend to be a car
(Amusement Potential: 5-10 minutes)
Make appropriate revving noises in your head as you walk along and add a racing commentary as you pass strangers in the street. Use blinking eyes as indicators for extra authenticity.

Make Star Trek door noises
(Amusement Potential: 1-2 minutes)
Stand by an electric door to a bank or something and make that silly "Scccccccchwop" sound heard whenever people popped on to the bridge to hang with Captain Kirk.

Look at something for awhile, shut eyes, study after image
(Amusement Potential: 2-5 minutes)
Another great time waster. It takes about 30 seconds of staring to create an after image, and the image is then viewable for about the same length of time. Fun to combine this one with pushing on your eyes.

Get yourself as nauseated as possible
(Amusement Potential: 5-10 minutes)
Best achieved by looking straight up and spinning around. Try to be so dizzy you can't even stand up. This is also entertaining due to the "makes boredom seem a lot better" effect (see "Hurt Yourself").

Invent a weird twitch
(Amusement Potential: 5-10 minutes)
Adopt a bizarre twitch (e.g. flicking your head irregularly, twitching with eye or busting out sporadic cough noises) and try it out when you go shopping.

Make a low buzzing noise
(Amusement Potential: 15-30 minutes)
Hours of fun in libraries! Keeping a totally straight face and looking nonchalant, make a low pitch humming/buzzing noise and see who reacts.