A Month of Thanks... Day Seven

Today I'm thankful for living in a country where I have freedom.  The freedom to be any religion I want to be, to have purple hair and tattoos if I wanted to (for the record - no purple hair; two tattoos), to speak my mind and engage in friendly (and hopefuly EDUCATED) debate with no fear of persecution.

I freely admit that I don't agree with certain things about our government, but rest assured - I'd never trade our government for that of...oh, say...Iran!  That said, I do occassionally think of moving to the UK or Canada.  Anyone want to come with me?

A Month of Thanks... Day Six

Today I am thankful for music.  I grew up playing clarinet and piano, as well as singing in the school chorus and church choir.  I find such joy in music.

No matter your mood, what you want to say, or your prefered style - music delivers!

I've played this Pentatonix cover of Daft Punk's songs a few times in the office this week.  Tons of fun!



I also really enjoy music from the 30's to 50's.  Anytime I sing this song - Paisley comes running!

What songs move you?

A Month of Thanks...Day Five

Today I'm thankful for fruit tootsie rolls.  Unlike most people - I don't really like chocolate (aka traditional) Tootsie Rolls.  However, an orange and a vanilla together is yummy...kind of like an orange float.

What can I say?  I'm easy to please most of the time!

A Month of Thanks....Day Four

OK...I think I might be failing at this whole "blogging on a schedule" thing.  But I'm trying!

Today I'm thankful for computers.  Not only do they give me (indirectly) a job {It would be really hard to be a Social Media Manager w/o using a computer!}, but so many of my friends and family are spread across the country.  Lots of my favorite people "live" in the computer!

Obviously a stock photo.  We all know I can't sit down without being covered in dachshunds!

A Month of Thanks...Day Three

I'm way late on this one.  Sorry about that!  I've been dealing with a migraine most of the weekend.

Today I'm glad that I have a job to get up and go to.  As most of you know - I was unemployed for over a year (Summer 2011 - Fall 2012).  While every job leaves something to be desired, I'm glad that I get to be with the group of HR delinquents that I call my officemates.  :-)

A Month of Thanks...Day Two

My month of thanks continues with day two... down pillows.

Yes, again, the insomniac is going to give thanks for something she doesn't get to use as much as she'd like.  I've mentioned it before, but I am *very* picky about pillows.  They have to be king sized (the better to hug), 100% down feathers and have a side gusset.

These days the dogs fight me for my pillows - which is why I have *cough, cough* six pillows on my bed.  But they last forever, wash and dry better than their faux feather/poly counterparts, and stay COOL on even the hottest of summer days.

A Month of Thanks...Day One

A lot of people started their month of thanks on Facebook today...and I think it's great.  It just happens that I'm shy - and trust you all a little more than the people that can see my FB profile.

Today I'm thankful for coffee.  It sounds weird that I'd pick an object to be thankful for...especially on day one, right?!  Trust me, I'll get to the BIG stuff later in the month.  :-)

As an insomniac, there are nights that I sleep 20 minutes at a time.  Nights I sleep for two hours, am up for most of the night and then fall asleep again around 5 AM.  Night that I don't sleep.  Period.  That makes me thankful for caffeine.  I try to use it sparingly so it doesn't further impact my insomnia...but there's just nothing like a the first glass of ice coffee in the morning!  (I much prefer ice coffee to hot coffee)

Happy Halloweenie!

Happy Halloweenie everyone!  I don't have much to say...so I'm just going to leave you to bask in the cuteness of my furkids (and a few of my friends furkids too)!

Paisley makes an adorable little pumpkin

Meadow is a sweet leprechaun

Beckett is a rockin' pumpkin (Brady vetoed his halloween costume...but I'll try and instagram it later!)

Poppy as Yoda

Camille is embracing her inner punk

Scooter is a fan of Duck Dynasty

What are your kids (human and/or fur) dressed up as this year?

So I Started A Dachshund Rescue...

Many of you followed along as I adopted Paisley and Brady.  Then I got involved with the rescue I adopted them from.  However, I did not agree with the way business was being conducted and parted ways with them early last fall.

After some time away from rescue...I realized that helping dogs is something I can do, and do well to make a difference in the world around me.  That sounds cheesy, right?  I know, I know. Cheesy, but *true*.

Along with some people that I adore - we started our own rescue this summer!  It's been a labor of love!  Little Paws Dachshund Rescue pulls dogs from high kill shelters and puppy mills and adopts to families from FL to MA. We'll expand west as our support system grows. We are 501c3 (non-profit) pending and have our first fundraising auction starting 11/1.

You can find us on Facebook (with a whopping 2,300+ followers! sorry...had to brag a little.), Twitter and on our newly created website! Swing by on Facebook for Halloween and see our costume parade - dachshunds have an appreciation for "halloweenie".  :-)

Saying Goodbye to Cindy

Hey there...sorry I've been gone so long.  I promise that I'll be back permanently and be a good girl that actually posts. I've missed you all. :-)

____________________________________________

However, today, I need to say goodbye to someone.

Today, Cindy passed away after a long, brave fight with cancer.  Cindy is my cousin Jeremy and Kendra's mom.  She was smart, and sweet, and loved her kids fiercely!

I will always remember her love of horses, dogs, painting all the girls nails and playing with their hair.

We all knew that this was coming...but I don't think anyone anticipated it happening this fast.  I mourn that she will never get to see her kids marry and have grandchildren, but take joy in knowing her utter delight that Kendra became a nurse & that Jeremy will be a history teacher.

It was only three years ago that my mom was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer; fighting for almost a year to win her battle with this nasty disease.  I so wish that Cindy could have won her fight as well.  I know she'll be looking down on her kids, her friends and extended family - wishing them happiness, love and comfort.

You will be missed Cindy... by so many people.

Happy Flag Day

By and large, Flag Day is one of those "holidays" that people either don't know about...or ignore.

However, my elementary school made a huge deal about it.  We sang flag songs, took a school picture in front of the flagpole, made little flags and learned the history of flag day.

All these years later - my elementary friends and I still wish each other a happy Flag Day (and Army birthday) on Facebook.  It's still a precious memory that only a select group of us share.  :-)

Kristin's Bridal Shower

This Sunday was Kristin's bridal shower.  She wanted a surprise...and after wearing dresses to EVERYTHING for the past few weeks and being prepared for the shower to happen at any time, hopefully she's happy with how it turned out.  :-)



Kristin with her bridesmaids and flower girls.



Kristin and some of our work peeps.

 

 





The awesome cake that Jackie (Kristin's future SIL) made. 

 



I made tropical body scrub (coconut lemon/lime) as the shower favors.  As a group we then "beached it up" by putting the little containers in a cute plastic martini glass with a little umbrella.  Fun!

We had two REALLY funny moments at Kristin's shower.  The first one was before Kristin even got there!  It seems we should have been more clear with the restaurant hostess what Kristin and her fiancé look like.  The hostess tried to lead an adorable couple into our function room.  I've never seen a guy jump away from his girlfriend and emphatically shake his head "no" as fast as that guy did!

The second funny was courtesy of my mom.  As part of her gift, she gave a few Yankee Candles.  The "blueberry scone" candle smelled yummy!  However, the "mmm....bacon" candle; not so much.  It was so bad that it made it's way around the room for all to smell.  As a group we all decided that it smells like Kibbles n' Bits.  Lesson learned!  Always smell the candle before you buy it; even if the sales associate tells you that it's a best seller.

The Nail Files

For a little change of pace, I'm participating in this week's nail files with My Vickilicious Life and Fabulous but Evil.

I mean, if I'm going to sit in front of my computer watching the Boston Strong concert - I might as well paint my nails. You know...the girliest version of multi-tasking known to man woman!

 

 

 

It was hard getting a good picture of my sparkly nails.  It looks *so* much better in person!

 

OPI Bubblebath (my favorite neutral pink) as coats 1 & 3.  OPI Lights of Emerald City is sandwiched in between.  Sparkly...but subtle.

 

 

 

The Chronicles of a Klutz...

After telling you from time to time how much of a klutz I am, I've decided to start a recurring series.  First, it makes me feel better if I think someone is laughing *with* me and my stupidity antics.  Second, I think some of you can actually relate to this!

Just call me Princess Grace!  I preface my next statement by saying that I was neither drinking nor wearing footwear (such as heels or flip-flops) that can cause your regular stride to change.

I fell up my friend's deck stairs on Memorial Day. You know that feeling when you know you're going to go down and can try and brace yourself?  Yeah....that didn't happen this time.  One second I'm upright; the next, I'm inspecting the wood planking...as my friends gasp in unison.

 On the bright side - I didn't break any bones!

I now sport some pretty spectacular bruises.  A HUGE one from my left knee down to mid-shin, linear ones on my right and left thighs (where I hit the top two steps) and a big circle on my inner arm that I just. can't. explain. I don't see skirts in my future for a while!

I also pulled some muscles starting at my hip all the way down to my ankle and have bone bruises.  What?!?!  It takes talent to do that much damage!

I take solace in knowing that none of my friends got that on video.  Anyone else as clumsy as I am?

A Day At Gillette...Or Why I Now Have Office Keys

Those of you that follow me on Twitter or Instagram know I was at a conference at Gillette Stadium last week with some of my co-workers.

First, let me say - the parts of the stadium you don't usually get to see during a game are gorgeous!  I was skeptical when I heard that we'd have approximately 500 people at the stadium for the conference, but I couldn't have been more wrong.  The marketing, sales, security and catering staff are pretty darn awesome!

Great views of the field (and the occasional football and soccer player)

Now, let me tell you a little of the back story...  We were supposed to load up my car at 6 AM and be at Gillette by 7 or so.  Around 5:30 AM, we realized that no one had keys to the office.  Don't look at me like that!  I'm not the one that had lost their keys days before cough *Eric* cough.  After lots of calling around (and an attempt to wake up my cousin/co-worker Kristin at 5:50 AM), we finally got in and were only marginally late.

Max and I having a little fun. :-)

 

 

Stephen, Max and Eric (l-r) By the end of the day, our team was exhausted to the point of "jazz hands" or almost tears.  The boys are a liiiitle hyper, so I might have chosen tears too. *giggle* (Note: Max wasn't actually crying, just making faces.)

 

Before our next conference (a two day affair), I'm demanding a raise.  Or more coffee...  Yeah, probably just the coffee.



 

 

Let Me Tell You About Jacob

I'm on a mission.  I want to help my lovely high school friend, Nicole and her little boy, Jacob get a service dog.

You see, Jacob is a sweet, cuddly little boy who is almost three year old.  He just happens to be autistic.  You can read his full story on Nicole's blog HERE.  Recently, Jacob was evaluated and it was determined that he'd be an ideal candidate for a service dog.  As an advocate for dogs, and having grown up with them my entire life - I know the joy and stability that a dog can bring to a child's life.  And that's just a "pet"!  A service dog for Jacob could change his life.

Here is a blurb from Nicole and Jacob's First Giving Page:
We are raising money for 4 Paws for Ability to help them give Jacob and children like him service dogs to expand their quality of life. Jacob was born in June 2010 and was diagnosed in 2012 with suspected autism, his formal diagnoses coming in 2013: Autism Spectrum Disorder ("classic" autism), Sensory Processing Dysfunction and Expressive/Receptive Language Disorder. He is a bright, funny, sweet, physically gregarious and overwhelmingly curious little boy who could sincerely use the help of a service dog to enhance his ability to interact with the world at large in a safe manner and ease the strains that come with autism. He is considered non-verbal right now and has a hard time following instructions or commands, including responding to his own name, especially in unfamiliar locations and easily can find himself in danger without strict, stressful vigilance by any and all adults attending to him.

Now that Jacob has been approved for a service dog - the challenge to raise funds for the dog begins.  The recipient family of each service dog through 4 Paws For Ability must raise $13,000 of the $22,000 it costs to raise and train the dog. 

I'm proud to say that Nicole has raised a bit over $3,000 - but there's a long way to go!  If any of my favorite dog moms are going to be buying new toys for their herd soon, I might suggest checking out Schnoodleware Dog Toys and using the code: 4Jacob10 at checkout.  They'll be donating10% of purchases using that code to Jacob's service dog fund!

Just look at this handsome little guy!

(Picture stolen from Nicole's blog)

Happy Mother's Day

I'm wishing all my human moms, fur mom's, aunts that act as surrogate moms and grandmas a VERY Happy Mother's Day!  I hope you all get spoiled by your respective kids.  :-)

People Watchng...

I love people watching.  Just observing how people interact with each other, and what they'll do when they think others aren't watching is just fascinating to me.  Please tell me I'm not the only one!

On my way home from work, I pulled up at a red light.  In the lane next to me was a little SmartCar.  It just struck me funny.  I drive a HUGE SUV, and next to me is a car that looks snacksized.  Once I stopped laughing - I really took a look at the SmartCar.  Not only is it tiny...but the owner decked it out in tinted window, lightening bolts and was blaring OPERA!  Sorry, buddy.  Your attempt at being cool kinda failed.

About a week ago, experienced a guy in a store that had a pacifier in his mouth...but no baby.  I happened to share this quirky little happening with a friend of mine that's a nurse.  She told me that adult pacifiers are an actual thing! Of course, I had to check it out....and she's right! Who knew?!?!  If you don't believe me, click HERE! (don't worry - I'm only sending you over to Amazon for the product details on an adult pacifier)

Have you seen anything interesting lately?

Favorite Quotes

I've seen a few people share their favorite quotes and thought I'd play along.

As a mom to four dogs, dog rescuer and all around "dog person", I couldn't agree with this quote more.  There is such trust, joy and unconditional love that dogs give you - that you don't get ANYWHERE else.

 

This is one of my favorite quotes and could be my favorite movie quotes ever.  There's such truth and openness to this; giving it such a good perspective on "every day" love instead of the romantic love that so many instantly think of when they're asked if they love others in their life.

The key to my heart is laughter.  If you can have an argument with me and still make me laugh afterwards - you win!

What are your favorite quotes?