Its been a while! I haven't been neglecting you, dear blog, its just that I have nothing to write about these days. I have been consumed with cell phone games, namely Draw Something and Words With Friends. Yes, those games are more addicting than ice cream!
First things first, Let me say Happy 2nd Birthday to my blog! The celebration, or lack thereof, happened just a few days ago. That momentous event did not go unnoticed by me, but again, I was too busy trying to draw a frog with my finger on my cell phone. So, Happy Birthday!
This post is not about not blogging, however. Nor is it a post about my innumerable obsessions. Instead it is about my CATS! After all, what else is there to talk about when nothing much is going on, right?
Tino is most definitely my favorite cat. Most "parents" don't admit they have a favorite, but I certainly don't hid that fact. I hope my other two cats don't notice the extra food in Tino's dish everyday or get jealous when they hear me utter "I Wuv you" all day long to my best buddy. But believe it or not, this isn't about him either. Nor is it about Milo, a favorite among many friends and family members because of his squishy face and gentle soul.
Nope, this time it is about Muffy. She is nobody's favorite. Don't get me wrong, I love her dearly; its just that her annoying habits are, well.....annoying. She licks at my bare skin, she claws on the furniture, and she chews cords.
Most of my cords in the house do have cord protectors around them, but this morning she found a bare cord to sink her teeth into. Don't worry, she didn't get electrocuted or anything (but would anybody really care if she did?). Oh, I would care deeply; I just don't think "outsiders" would give a rip.
So this morning she was chewing away, and I was annoyed. I kicked my laundry basket at her in hopes of scaring her away from the outlet, which did work. However, it also hit Muffy which startled her and possibly hurt her a bit. She walked away from that outlet, turned her little orange head towards me, and uttered a "fuck you" meow like no other.
I felt bad because my intention was not to hurt her. Well, she was pissed. She was so pissed that she didn't come running like she always does when I poured my cereal. Rather, she was hiding out behind my chair peeking at me with cat squinty eyes. Booring guilt into my soul. Immediately I apologized and walked over to pick her up for some "I'm Sorry" snuggles. But she ran away from me!! She ran downstairs. The ultimate shove off.
Tears welled up in my eyes thinking she was going to hate me forever. I had to leave for work and spent most of the day fretting over what I would come home to. Afraid maybe she pulled some cat shenanigans like barf on my bed or pee in my clothes. Or worse yet, that she would run away when she saw me.
None of that was so. In fact, as I am writing this, she is snuggled up on my lap purring. Maybe we both learned a lesson today, but I am afraid she will return to chewing on cords in no time. And, look, she got a whole blog post about her!
Now, if you'll excuse me, I must get back to drawing with my finger.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Monday, February 13, 2012
My Valentine
Every Valentine's Day I get a special Valentine in the mail from a man who loves me so much. My Daddy. What makes it extra special is that I know my dad goes shopping, picks out the card, and even addresses the envelope himself. One would have to know my dad in order to understand the complexity and motivation all of that entails for him. He is not one to do anything for himself.
His cards always make me giggle. Usually they are are meant for a juvenile daughter as seen below:
Or the Disney Princesses:
In his eyes, I will always be his little girl. This year, though, the card was a little different. It was meant for a more mature reader, but it was meant for a daughter to give to her father, not the other way around:
His cards always make me giggle. Usually they are are meant for a juvenile daughter as seen below:
Or the Disney Princesses:
In his eyes, I will always be his little girl. This year, though, the card was a little different. It was meant for a more mature reader, but it was meant for a daughter to give to her father, not the other way around:
Either way you look at it, the message is still the same, and the "error" makes it all that more endearing. I save each of his Valentine's cards as they are probably the only thing that has been given to me by him and him alone. He does it without any help or coaxing from my mom. I do believe he even places the stamp on the envelope and places the card in the mailbox himself. And for those reasons, it makes my Valentine's Day cards from my dad, the most important cards I will ever receive.
Happy Valentine's Day!
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
After Hours "Rafting"
How many people are lucky enough to have a job that allows them to go Rafting at 10:30 at night (and get paid for it). Don't tell my boss, but I am in that fortunate group of folks. "Rafting", you ask? "That's right", say I. Rafting... or dancing... or kick ball... or mending shark tanks... or exercising reflexes on the ever intimidating Reflex Ridge.
The Unit just acquired an XBox Kinect, and I'm not sure who has been enjoying it more: the kids or the staff.
Once all the children are nestled all snug in their beds, the staff come together for the best hour of the work day. Its a great team building and bonding time for us. We get to genuinely laugh and experience fun all the while getting paid. Not to mention burning off all the stress eating calories consumed throughout the course of a shift. Of course our fun is interrupted every 15 minutes to check on the kids ensuring there is no hanky panky going on (but as we know, those tricky teenagers can perform hanky panky under blankets during a movie with staff right in front them :) )
The real benefit of that final hour of the night is not solely for fun and laughs. Its a time to let go of all the sad stories we are immersed in each and every day. A time to escape the world of suicide, acting out, and self injury. Instead of bringing home all the pain, we are able to leave it on the River Rapids or at Reflex Ridge.
That XBox is a built in therapy "necessary" for both the patients and the staff. One I intend to take full advantage of. Just don't tell my boss.
The Unit just acquired an XBox Kinect, and I'm not sure who has been enjoying it more: the kids or the staff.
Once all the children are nestled all snug in their beds, the staff come together for the best hour of the work day. Its a great team building and bonding time for us. We get to genuinely laugh and experience fun all the while getting paid. Not to mention burning off all the stress eating calories consumed throughout the course of a shift. Of course our fun is interrupted every 15 minutes to check on the kids ensuring there is no hanky panky going on (but as we know, those tricky teenagers can perform hanky panky under blankets during a movie with staff right in front them :) )
The real benefit of that final hour of the night is not solely for fun and laughs. Its a time to let go of all the sad stories we are immersed in each and every day. A time to escape the world of suicide, acting out, and self injury. Instead of bringing home all the pain, we are able to leave it on the River Rapids or at Reflex Ridge.
That XBox is a built in therapy "necessary" for both the patients and the staff. One I intend to take full advantage of. Just don't tell my boss.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Freedom
My niece finally moved out. This makes me both ecstatic and a little bit sad. Ecstatic because I have my house to myself again. I can pee with the door open, move around without wondering if I am disturbing the resident in my basement, and leave my house without worrying if there will be a drug deal or a robbery (or worse) at my house. I have reason to believe she acquired a gun so the potential certainly existed for some shady shenanigans.
However, I really wanted to be the person who turned my niece around. The hero. The person she remembered to have been the only one who believed in her when everybody else abandoned her. The one she thanked, years from now, when she was somewhat successful because of the guidelines I set up for her when she came here.
.........The one that would visit me in the nursing home when I have nobody left...........
Not all bad came of this, though. She did get a job which is a big step. Whether or not she'll keep the job remains to be seen, but at least she is a productive member of society for the time being. She seems to be be free from shooting up (though I think she is using synthetics). The vial of liquid turned out to be........water (though I don't doubt her mom would have lied for her).
And the manner in which she left my house was not confrontational or difficult. It was a mutual decision once she got her job in Cloquet. She can't drive; therefore, getting to and from her job would have proved quite challenging. Plus, I kept the invitation open of visiting me on weekends or whenever.
At any rate, I am happier, considerably less stressed, and am embracing my ability to pee with the door open.
However, I really wanted to be the person who turned my niece around. The hero. The person she remembered to have been the only one who believed in her when everybody else abandoned her. The one she thanked, years from now, when she was somewhat successful because of the guidelines I set up for her when she came here.
.........The one that would visit me in the nursing home when I have nobody left...........
Not all bad came of this, though. She did get a job which is a big step. Whether or not she'll keep the job remains to be seen, but at least she is a productive member of society for the time being. She seems to be be free from shooting up (though I think she is using synthetics). The vial of liquid turned out to be........water (though I don't doubt her mom would have lied for her).
And the manner in which she left my house was not confrontational or difficult. It was a mutual decision once she got her job in Cloquet. She can't drive; therefore, getting to and from her job would have proved quite challenging. Plus, I kept the invitation open of visiting me on weekends or whenever.
At any rate, I am happier, considerably less stressed, and am embracing my ability to pee with the door open.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Jesus Gets Another Kitty (and Other Short Stories From Behind the Locked Door)
A few years ago, a coworker with a dark sense of humor retired. Her dream following retirement was to write a short book and title it "Jesus Gets Another Kitty" since so many of the kids we see have maimed so many kittens. Its not uncommon to hear about how a kid nuked a cat in the microwave or have otherwise tortured the poor souls.
When this coworker retired, I had a crazy notion to help her get started on her book, and I had a head full of ideas about some of the illustrations. My problem: I can't draw. Therefore, I enlisted the help of my friend, Amy, to draw the ideas that were circulating in my head. She captured them purrfectly.....uh, perfectly.
Enjoy the visual experience of Jesus Gets Another Kitty (title by Annie, Ideas by me, illustrations by Amy).......
When this coworker retired, I had a crazy notion to help her get started on her book, and I had a head full of ideas about some of the illustrations. My problem: I can't draw. Therefore, I enlisted the help of my friend, Amy, to draw the ideas that were circulating in my head. She captured them purrfectly.....uh, perfectly.
Enjoy the visual experience of Jesus Gets Another Kitty (title by Annie, Ideas by me, illustrations by Amy).......
 |
The Cover. Here we see Jesus with his new unfortunate feline......    |
Sunday, January 1, 2012
A Rehash
As we embark on the year 2012, I thought I'd revisit the the same questions I answered last year as a way to reflect on this past year. So Here Goes...
What did you do in 2011 that you'd never done before?
It may seem quite small to most, but in 2011, I tried new food. Mock Duck, Tofu, and Sushi all passed by these lips, over my tongue, and down my throat only to land into my tummy, and well, I think you know the rest. Tofu and Mock Duck were alright, but the Sushi nearly gagged me.
Did You keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I don't usually make New Years Resolutions, and I didn't exactly make a resolution last New Year either; however, I DID resolve to make healthier changes, which I accomplished! Since June of 2011, I embarked on a healthy quest, and as a result, have lost 20 pounds. I'm very proud of that, and plan to continue on that journey into 2012.
Did anyone close to you die?
Though he wasn't "close" to me, per se, my Uncle Jack did pass away early in 2011. He lived his life in a group home as a result of a tragic car accident that left him brain damaged at the age of 15. At his memorial service, it was clear how many lives Jack touched. One group home staff in particular shared how Jack was instrumental in changing his personal life. From Jack, he learned about having a positive attitude, humor, and appreciating a simple cup of coffee. I'm certain Jack is surrounded by coffee, pancakes and beautiful girls wherever he may be.
Also passing away was my dear friend's mom, Paulette. Paulette was my buddy at all of the Birthday celebrations that my friend Olivia hosted. Since I don't have kids, I was always kind of at a loss to socialize with all the other mothers, so I hung around Paulette who was so good at making me feel welcomed and important.
What countries did you visit?
I'm not much of a world traveler, but I did venture out to Michigan this year in search of pod-like hot springs. Though the pods weren't what we expected, the trip itself exceeded our expectations. The Porcupine Mountains, the cute town of Houghton, and the best trip buddy a person could ask for made for one swell vacation. Perhaps a trip to the Southwest in 2012 is on our agenda?
What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?
Patience and Tolerance.
What date from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
The day I was with my friend when she was diagnosed with colon cancer. Since that is her story, I won't go into details, but when she was diagnosed, it was almost as though I was diagnosed along with her.
What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Changing my hair style. After having the exact same hair for decades, I updated my tresses. Though it isn't a drastic change, its just more modern. Not sure that an updated hairdo qualifies as an achievement, but it is actually something I have wanted to do for many years so I will count it.
Another big achievement was my healthy lifestyle change and 20 pound weight loss. No small feat let me tell ya!
What was your biggest failure?
Not stepping up to the plate more. There were times I could have done more to help out all those who were struggling with their own trials, and I instead avoided a phone call or a request to babysit. To quote Oprah, "When you know better, you do better". Now I know better.
Did you suffer illness or injury?
I did not, but seems like 2011 was the year of sickness. So many friends and coworkers were sick this past year. Not just flu sick, but like really sick. Then, of course, there was my mom's illness which was a very scary time. Thankfully all of those we were sick are on the road to a much healthier 2012!
What was the best thing you bought?
An IPhone!! Finally I ventured into the Technology Age and got myself an IPhone. The funny story is that I bought myself an IPhone as a gift to a friend. (I would have got the phone anyway, but it made for a fun Christmas gift!) That and new underwear ;)
Whose behavior merited celebration?
So many people.....let's see. A friend and coworker who took in 2 young children to her already large family, a friend who maintained a positive attitude and a sense of humor while undergoing chemotherapy, and a another friend who was the epitome of strength for her family when her mom lost her battle with cancer.
Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
I guess that has to be my niece. Though she is attempting to make a better life for herself, her behavior this past year really was appalling. Drugs, sex, DUI's, unemployed, and unschooled. With the right opportunity, I am hopeful all (or most) of that will change in the upcoming year.
Where did most of your money go?
I shared a lot of money this year. And Saved the rest.
What did you get really, really, really excited about?
My trip to Michigan. Beyond that I AM really really really excited about seeing those I love healthy next year!
What do you wish you'd done more of?
I wish I would have helped my friend more when she was struggling to find a balance between caring for her ill mom and her two young children. Though I did help out, I just wish I had done more.
Did you fall in love in 2010?
Naw. Love is overrated.
What did you want and get?
IPhone!
What did you want and not get?
To win the lottery, but I guess you gotta play in order to win, huh?
What did you do in 2011 that you'd never done before?
It may seem quite small to most, but in 2011, I tried new food. Mock Duck, Tofu, and Sushi all passed by these lips, over my tongue, and down my throat only to land into my tummy, and well, I think you know the rest. Tofu and Mock Duck were alright, but the Sushi nearly gagged me.
Did You keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I don't usually make New Years Resolutions, and I didn't exactly make a resolution last New Year either; however, I DID resolve to make healthier changes, which I accomplished! Since June of 2011, I embarked on a healthy quest, and as a result, have lost 20 pounds. I'm very proud of that, and plan to continue on that journey into 2012.
Did anyone close to you die?
Though he wasn't "close" to me, per se, my Uncle Jack did pass away early in 2011. He lived his life in a group home as a result of a tragic car accident that left him brain damaged at the age of 15. At his memorial service, it was clear how many lives Jack touched. One group home staff in particular shared how Jack was instrumental in changing his personal life. From Jack, he learned about having a positive attitude, humor, and appreciating a simple cup of coffee. I'm certain Jack is surrounded by coffee, pancakes and beautiful girls wherever he may be.
Also passing away was my dear friend's mom, Paulette. Paulette was my buddy at all of the Birthday celebrations that my friend Olivia hosted. Since I don't have kids, I was always kind of at a loss to socialize with all the other mothers, so I hung around Paulette who was so good at making me feel welcomed and important.
What countries did you visit?
I'm not much of a world traveler, but I did venture out to Michigan this year in search of pod-like hot springs. Though the pods weren't what we expected, the trip itself exceeded our expectations. The Porcupine Mountains, the cute town of Houghton, and the best trip buddy a person could ask for made for one swell vacation. Perhaps a trip to the Southwest in 2012 is on our agenda?
What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?
Patience and Tolerance.
What date from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
The day I was with my friend when she was diagnosed with colon cancer. Since that is her story, I won't go into details, but when she was diagnosed, it was almost as though I was diagnosed along with her.
What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Changing my hair style. After having the exact same hair for decades, I updated my tresses. Though it isn't a drastic change, its just more modern. Not sure that an updated hairdo qualifies as an achievement, but it is actually something I have wanted to do for many years so I will count it.
Another big achievement was my healthy lifestyle change and 20 pound weight loss. No small feat let me tell ya!
What was your biggest failure?
Not stepping up to the plate more. There were times I could have done more to help out all those who were struggling with their own trials, and I instead avoided a phone call or a request to babysit. To quote Oprah, "When you know better, you do better". Now I know better.
Did you suffer illness or injury?
I did not, but seems like 2011 was the year of sickness. So many friends and coworkers were sick this past year. Not just flu sick, but like really sick. Then, of course, there was my mom's illness which was a very scary time. Thankfully all of those we were sick are on the road to a much healthier 2012!
What was the best thing you bought?
An IPhone!! Finally I ventured into the Technology Age and got myself an IPhone. The funny story is that I bought myself an IPhone as a gift to a friend. (I would have got the phone anyway, but it made for a fun Christmas gift!) That and new underwear ;)
Whose behavior merited celebration?
So many people.....let's see. A friend and coworker who took in 2 young children to her already large family, a friend who maintained a positive attitude and a sense of humor while undergoing chemotherapy, and a another friend who was the epitome of strength for her family when her mom lost her battle with cancer.
Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
I guess that has to be my niece. Though she is attempting to make a better life for herself, her behavior this past year really was appalling. Drugs, sex, DUI's, unemployed, and unschooled. With the right opportunity, I am hopeful all (or most) of that will change in the upcoming year.
Where did most of your money go?
I shared a lot of money this year. And Saved the rest.
What did you get really, really, really excited about?
My trip to Michigan. Beyond that I AM really really really excited about seeing those I love healthy next year!
What do you wish you'd done more of?
I wish I would have helped my friend more when she was struggling to find a balance between caring for her ill mom and her two young children. Though I did help out, I just wish I had done more.
Did you fall in love in 2010?
Naw. Love is overrated.
What did you want and get?
IPhone!
What did you want and not get?
To win the lottery, but I guess you gotta play in order to win, huh?
Friday, December 30, 2011
Playing Hero
Rescuer. That is who I am. Rescuing nearly every member of my family out of whatever crisis they may be enduring has been a constant in my life since as far back as I can remember. Be it money, babysitting, advice, moral support, or a place to stay. I rescue because A). They need rescuing and B). It feels good. Like Phoebe from Friends said, "There is no selfless good deed". She argued that people do good deeds for the sole purpose of feeling good, therefore concluding that even doing good is selfish.
And really, what is wrong with that?
By making myself feel uplifted, the receiving people reap the benefits so its a win-win situation. Full circle you might say.
But there is a downside of being the hero. With that comes expectation that the receiver will succeed in that if you help them out, they will flourish. As in the case with the Touhy family from the Blindside movie where they took in a homeless teen who went on to become a professional football player. He strived because of the opportunities the Touhy's provided, their belief in him, and his own will to succeed.
Though that was a "true story", real life doesn't always work out like Hollywood.
Finding a box of needles and a vial of an unknown fluid in my niece's belongings the other day just about crushed me. Sure I was concerned for her safety, but really, it was more about me. I felt like a failure. I provided her with a place to stay when her own parents would not welcome her. And beyond that, I laid down some pretty strict ground rules which she not only agreed to, but also welcomed. I couldn't "save" her.
Then I put my work hat on and reminded myself that it wasn't me. It was her. Her choices, her decisions. I can provide the opportunities, but she needs to have Michael Oher's will to succeed. I can only do so much, and like I said before, the rest is up to her.
Now, that vial is in being tested to find out what that fluid was (methadone?, morphine?). Nikki claims it was water which she used to flush out her needles when she was using. She says she hasn't used in several weeks, and that this box happened to be in her belongings when she moved her stuff here. When she found it in her belongings, she "freaked", didn't know what to do, and put them aside. She says this with sincerity, and I want to believe her. However, I am also realistic and skeptical of this crafty drug user who is residing in my home.
We're still waiting for the test results of what that fluid was. If it is water, I will continue playing rescuer. If it isn't water, well, I may have to hang that hat up on this one.
And really, what is wrong with that?
By making myself feel uplifted, the receiving people reap the benefits so its a win-win situation. Full circle you might say.
But there is a downside of being the hero. With that comes expectation that the receiver will succeed in that if you help them out, they will flourish. As in the case with the Touhy family from the Blindside movie where they took in a homeless teen who went on to become a professional football player. He strived because of the opportunities the Touhy's provided, their belief in him, and his own will to succeed.
Though that was a "true story", real life doesn't always work out like Hollywood.
Finding a box of needles and a vial of an unknown fluid in my niece's belongings the other day just about crushed me. Sure I was concerned for her safety, but really, it was more about me. I felt like a failure. I provided her with a place to stay when her own parents would not welcome her. And beyond that, I laid down some pretty strict ground rules which she not only agreed to, but also welcomed. I couldn't "save" her.
Then I put my work hat on and reminded myself that it wasn't me. It was her. Her choices, her decisions. I can provide the opportunities, but she needs to have Michael Oher's will to succeed. I can only do so much, and like I said before, the rest is up to her.
Now, that vial is in being tested to find out what that fluid was (methadone?, morphine?). Nikki claims it was water which she used to flush out her needles when she was using. She says she hasn't used in several weeks, and that this box happened to be in her belongings when she moved her stuff here. When she found it in her belongings, she "freaked", didn't know what to do, and put them aside. She says this with sincerity, and I want to believe her. However, I am also realistic and skeptical of this crafty drug user who is residing in my home.
We're still waiting for the test results of what that fluid was. If it is water, I will continue playing rescuer. If it isn't water, well, I may have to hang that hat up on this one.
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