Real Housewife of Richmond, VA

6 ways to clear physical and mental clutter

2018-02-08T09:26:00.000-05:00

https://www.mnn.com/your-home/at-home/stories/ways-clear-physical-mental-clutter

Even the most organized people can begin the slow slide into clutter when they start a family. In the early days, it’s baby clothes and toys. Later, it's too many school papers. Then it's the kids' activities that fragment family dinnertime. Screen time that creates daily distraction. Not to mention the mental clutter of trying to keep it all together.

In their book, "Life at Home in the Twenty-First Century: 32 Families Open Their Doors," a team of archaeologists, anthropologists and other social scientists affiliated with UCLA’s Center on the Everyday Lives of Families offer a visual montage of the four years they spent documenting the lives of middle-class Los Angeles families and their homes. The team wanted to learn more about the American predilection for stuff and whether we're burdened by our material possessions. The answer is clearly yes.

Among their findings, the researchers learned that mothers experienced elevated stress hormones from managing too many possessions; the rise of big box stores contributed to stockpiles of food; backyards were rarely used in favor of indoor entertainment; spacious master suites were the least used rooms in the house; and 75 percent of the garages couldn’t hold cars because they were so full of things. (It’s worth noting that Americans have 3.1 percent of the world’s children but we buy 40 percent of the toys sold worldwide.) The researchers also discovered a correlation between cluttered fridge doors (magnets, photos, etc.) and general household clutter.

Clutter causes stress for a number of reasons. It's a visual reminder of all the things we need to do, it creates shame and embarrassment, it distracts us from what wewant to do and, on a practical level, it prevents us from finding what we need. Too much stuff also causes financial stress. OfferUp, a mobile-only marketplace founded in 2011 by two new fathers in Bellevue, Washington, commissioned a 2016 survey that found 84 percent of Americans report having financial concerns and 39 percent worry about paying for kids’ upcoming expenses like new clothes for school. While 47 percent of parents say buying new isn’t important to them, only 9 percent shop for kids' back-to-school needs from resale marketplaces. Our homes are full of potential to help with the cost of living.

Carolyn Koehnline, a clutter coach and licensed mental health counselor, says she sees an epidemic of stuff for all kinds of reasons: too many presents at holidays and birthdays, not weeding out the outgrown toys, our overscheduled family lives and the marketing of consumer culture to children.

Clutter isn't just physical

The mental clutter that comes with keeping track of a busy family schedule can be a big source of stress. (Photo: hidesy/Shutterstock)

Koehnline (pronounced Kenlin) says clutter is about much more than physical possessions, and often people aren't ready for quick decisions on clearing it. Clutter can be our emotional ties to a person or to a time gone by. When she works with people to sort their home, she includes an "emotional" box as a place for them to put things that they can't decide on yet — a child’s bib or baby toy, for example. "It can be helpful to do a little goodbye with those items to acknowledge sadness about a child not being 3 anymore," she says.

Clutter can also be the result of keeping up with the Joneses (OfferUp's survey found that 45 percent of parents care what other parents think of them) or not having enough time with your kids.

Koehnline believes families need to create spaciousness for themselves, both physical and mental. "When we don’t, our decisions get blurry. We are operating out of overwhelm all the time and the decisions we make aren’t coming from a place of inner wisdom; nobody is steering the family ship."

How to clear the clutter

For families feeling the need to create more space — mental, physical, emotional — Koehnline has a few suggestions.

While they're young, get kids in the habit of picking up toys and putting them away in designated places. (Photo: Warut Chinsai/Shutterstock)

1. Develop a family rhythm of putting things away every day. Put on a piece of music and have everyone dedicate 10 minutes to tidying up together and putting things away in their designated places. Developing this rhythm when your kids are younger is preferable, but it’s never too late to start.

2. Tackle weeding out as a family. Kids need to see us model getting rid of things we don't need, either by donating, giving to someone else or selling. Help them go through their outgrown toys or enlist their help for a closet. Start small — even just a drawer or countertop (or perhaps that fridge door).

3. Dream of better space uses. Often we set up rooms for show, says Koehnline, but perhaps we never use that formal dining room. Get kids involved in transforming a room or basement corner for a purpose more aligned with your family's aspirations — how about a craft studio? — and engage them in asking what to keep and what to let go.

4. Hold a garage sale. The kids help and earn the money from the things sold. My own kids loved selling their outgrown toys — Barbies and transformers were hot items.

5. Slow down the family schedule. If you're operating on overwhelm, consider ways to stop filling up every inch of the schedule (and not filling open space with screen time). Hold a family meeting to find out what matters to everyone about the home they live in and the time they have together.

6. Try journaling. This tip is for the adults, as Koehnline advocates writing for clarity. "It's a way to stop and ask yourself a single question, such as, 'Is this a good use of our family time?' rather than have a barrage of unanswered questions in your head," she says.

Anxiety Disorders and Major Depression Are Linked To Narcissistic Abuse

2018-01-26T09:54:00.001-05:00

Anxiety Disorders and Major Depression Are Linked To Narcissistic Abuse

New Years Resolution - The Year of the De-Clutter!!

2018-01-26T09:18:00.000-05:00

This year I resolved to be the year of de-cluttering, organizing, and streamlining our home.

To get a jump start, I resolved that for at least the month of January, every day I would do the following:

1. Put something up for sale on eBay/Facebook marketplace
2. Put something in our Goodwill box
3. Throw something away

So far so good. Dropped a paper grocery bag full of items off at Goodwill earlier this week, have made a few bucks.

Whenever the donate items have accumulated to the point they fill a paper grocery bag, they get dropped off. That way, they are out of the house, out of the way, and there is no temptation to change my mind!

For every item we bring into the house this year, 2 have to go out!

Shop with the Amazon Smile Program to Support Charities

2017-10-18T18:16:00.002-04:00

Friends,

As the holiday season approaches, if you have not already selected a charity with the Amazon Smile program, I’d like to ask that you go to SMILE.AMAZON.COM and select the Pomeranian Club of Central Virginia. All donations are used to fund care for rescues until suitable permanent homes can be found.

There are hundreds of other charities to choose from if ours is not your cup of tea.

What is AmazonSmile?
Amazon Smile is a simple and automatic way for you to support your favorite charitable organization every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you’ll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to your favorite charitable organization. You can choose from nearly one million organizations to support.

How much of my purchase does Amazon donate?
The AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price from your eligible AmazonSmile purchases.

How do I shop at AmazonSmile?
To shop at AmazonSmile simply go to smile.amazon.com from the web browser on your computer or mobile device. You may also want to add a bookmark to smile.amazon.com to make it even easier to return and start your shopping at AmazonSmile.

Can I use my existing Amazon.com account on AmazonSmile?
Yes, you use the same account on Amazon.com and AmazonSmile. Your shopping cart, Wish List, wedding or baby registry, and other account settings are also the same.

How do I select a charitable organization to support when shopping on AmazonSmile?
On your first visit to AmazonSmile smile.amazon.com, you need to select a charitable organization to receive donations from eligible purchases before you begin shopping. We will remember your selection, and then every eligible purchase you make at smile.amazon.com will result in a donation.

Can I change my charity?
Yes, you can change your charity any time. Your AmazonSmile purchases after the change count towards your newly selected charity.

About Shopping on AmazonSmile
If you shop on smile.amazon.com using an internet browser on your desktop or laptop computer, your mobile phone, or your tablet, then your purchases of eligible products (marked “eligible for AmazonSmile donation” on the detail pages) will result in donations. Purchases that are not made using an internet browser (for instance, using the Amazon Shopping App, Kindle Store, FireTV, Amazon Dash, or Amazon Echo) are not currently eligible for donations, but you can add items to your cart, then go to your browser to check out and the items will be eligible.

Best Regards,
Vice President
Rescue Chair
Pomeranian Club of Central Virginia

Fourth of July Tips for Pet Owners - DIY Thundershirt for Anxious Dogs

2017-07-03T11:47:00.003-04:00

Fourth of July Tips for Pet Owners

1. Do not leave animals outside AT ALL for the next several days to eliminate panic and runaways. Go outside WITH your animals, stay with them and, if necessary, take them out on a leash, even in their own backyard. This is not about how humans see it. This is about how animals see it and, to them, it's terrifying, loud, unknown, smells dangerous (burning) and threatening. Even if it's not close by, animals' sense of smell and hearing is MUCH greater than ours.

2. If fireworks are close by or large enough, the concussive impact of the explosion can be felt by animals further increasing their fear. Animals will choose flight over fight instinctively so be certain they wear collars with tags showing CURRENT contact info!!!

3. Put a tag on all of your pets. EVEN INDOOR DOGS!

4. Keep a TV on a station or show that is loud to drown out outside noises. We prefer a TV over music because the images can help to distract the dog and interrupt focus. Also, we carry something called a Happy Hoodie that is comfortable and can be worn over their ears.

5. There are a lot of calming products that come in liquid tinctures, chewables, capsules and powders. Also, CBD oil for high high anxiety furr-kids.

6. Crating is beneficial during this time because it helps the dog feel more secure.

7. As seen in this photo you can wrap a dog with an ace bandage but any tight t-shirt will provide that same hugged feeling, helping the dog feel more secure.

Fwd: Thanks for your order—now, forward to a friend…

2017-03-30T11:00:00.001-04:00

Tomorrow is the last day! Get your orders in now to support veterinary care for dog rescues! Items are shipped directly to you!

LOOK UNDER THE SEASONAL TAB TO ORDER TERVIS TUMBLERS, POPCORN, GARDEN ACCESSORIES AND OTHER NON-CANDLE ITEMS!

Krysyna Lineberry
Vice President
Rescue Committee Chair
Pomeranian Club of Central Virginia

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The Yankee Candle Company, 16 Yankee Candle Way, South Deerfield, MA 01373

Our discounts are here to help you get even more fragrances and accents into your home—try something new today!

All of our discounts are applied to qualifying items on a prorated basis, which is shown on your receipt. That means if you return it for a refund you'll receive the discounted (prorated) amount you actually paid, rather than the full price of the item before it was discounted. Some restrictions do apply and, as always, our discounts cannot be combined with any other coupons or offers. Discounts are valid in our US stores only, and prices may vary in Canadian stores. Price adjustments cannot be made on previous purchases. If you need an explanation, just ask any sales associate in our stores for help with these details. Or, if a store isn't convenient, contact us directly through the several options listed below. We really do want to make this easy so you can enjoy as many candles, fragrances and accents as you like. Free shipping is available regularly on orders of $100 or more and in special promotions at other order total thresholds—it applies to our Economy Shipping service within the 48 contiguous states.

Ready and Waiting to Help You.
Contact us by phone: 1-800-243-1776. We're available Mon – Fri: 8:00am – 11:00pm, Sat & Sun: 9:00am – 9:00pm Eastern Time.
Contact us by email: info@yankeecandle.com.
Contact us by mail: The Yankee Candle Company, Attn: Customer Service, 16 Yankee Candle Way, South Deerfield, MA 01373.
To ensure delivery add YankeeCandleEmail@yccmail.yankeecandle.com to your address book.

The Yankee Candle Company
Attn: Customer Service
PO Box 110
16 Yankee Candle Way
South Deerfield, MA 01373

This email was sent to pccv.inc@gmail.com

18 years has gone by so fast! Happy Anniversary Honey!

2017-03-16T15:06:00.000-04:00

I often hear people say they love their partner more today than they did the day they married them. To me that sounds a bit cliché and not quite accurate. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t love him any less, but I wouldn’t have married him if I wasn’t head over heels in love with him. What I can say is that I like him more today than I did the day we were married. Does that sound strange? Let me try to explain.

We’ve known each other for 22 years, been together for 20 and married for 18. Of course, I liked him when we got married, but the more you know someone, the more you like or dislike them. Over the course of these past 18 years I have gotten to know the man my husband was and watched him mature and grow into the man he is today.

He has always supported me in whatever I want to do and has been my strength when I needed to do things I couldn’t have done alone. He has never wavered when my health suffered and has spent many nights on the couch because he was afraid of disturbing me during the night and he wanted me to get the best rest possible. I never wonder or worry about having his support, I know it will be there. Even if he doesn’t agree, he will never let me stand alone.

Even now, I learn new things about him. Sometimes those things are profound and I can’t believe I didn’t know that already and sometimes, not so much (like last week when I found out he’s kinda named after Jerry Lewis? Eww).

I’m not saying it’s been perfect or easy. We have been tested by illness, our families, and sometimes life in general. Occasionally we get on each other’s nerves and once or twice a year there may even be a silent treatment thrown in for a couple hours. However, you will be hard pressed to see us out and about not holding hands or with my arm in his, we never go a day without saying “I Love You” at least a couple of times, and he comes to the bedroom every night to tuck me and the dogs in and give us all good night kisses.

So, while I love him and can’t imagine my life without him, I truly like, and have a deep respect for him as a man, a friend, a lover, a protector, and most of all, as my husband.

Chemo Tips & Tricks to Help Make Treatment a Little Better

2017-01-20T13:13:00.000-05:00

(A beloved family member is starting their chemo journey. I am re-posting this for him and his family in the hopes they might find some useful information.)

1. For mouth pain-Buy Biotene toothpaste and mouthwash (it’s made for dry mouth sufferers). Using these items helps the mouth pain and helps keep your mouth a little moister. Walgreen’s sells it.

2. For dry skin-Chemo dries out your body quite a bit. Switch to a moisturizing soap like Aveeno. Cetaphil lotion is non-irritating, non-greasy and quick absorbing (my dermatologist recommended these).

3. Adriamycin - The Adriamycin pretty much guarantees hair loss. Mine started falling out on day 14 after my first treatment.

4. For nosebleeds-After about 5 treatments, my mucous starting getting a little bloody, especially in the morning. My Oncologist said to use a saline spray to moisten the nasal passages, but this didn’t work very well for me. I bought a case of the small kid size Gatorades and drank one a day. Problem solved.

5. Nausea - If you get nauseated during a treatment, ask the nurse to slow down the drip (Decadron). Adding 15 minutes to the drip really reduced the discomfort. They didn’t tell me this until about treatment #9.

6. For hip pain-If you’re white cells drop and you have to get Neupogen shots, they can cause a great deal of discomfort. My hips and legs hurt so bad after the shots, Vicodin wouldn’t help. I know this sounds weird, but take an anti-histamine. The pain is caused by a histamine reaction and most of your white cells are produced in your hip region. One Zyrtec later, everything was fine.

7. Numbing Cream - If you don’t have it already, ask for Lidocaine Cream. Apply to your port area 2-3 hours before chemo and cover with Saran Wrap to allow better absorption without messing up your clothes. This numbs the injection site. Also works well for celebratory tatoo when cancer free!

8. For the ladies (Especially if you're amply endowed) - Before having your port inserted, invest in a sports bra. The weight of your breast can cause the scar to widen because of the pulling during the healing process. I learned this the hard way. When I had my port removed, I explained this to the surgeon and he cut the scar tissue away so I could start with a fresh wound. He found it amusing, but said he had never thought of that (he looked about 20 years old). I explained to him that he only sees us lying down and wouldn't realize they were D cups when they spread out.:-)

9. Weight Gain - If you gain >15% of your body weight and are not having difficulty with nausea, ask your doctor to decrease your Decadron a little.

10. Nausea - One of my readers used Prilosec to help alleviate nausea during treatment.

11. Tylenol - If you aren't already given it, ask for Tylenol at the beginning of treatment. It helps the discomfort of treatment and any headaches from chemo.

If you have any tips and tricks to share, I'd love to hear them and add them to the list. Click on the comments link below and submit them. Please let me know if you found these tips helpful.

Why Are Aries So INCREDIBLY Sensitive? - InsideAstrology.net

2016-07-07T10:02:00.000-04:00

From InsideAstrology

Why Are Aries So INCREDIBLY Sensitive?

People born between March 21 and April 20 fall under the Aries sign of the zodiac.

Aries are adventurous, passionate, and curious by nature. Aries are also incredibly sensitive.

This sensitivity comes as a surprise in light of Aries other characteristics. It takes an understanding of what makes Aries tick to appreciate why Aries are so sensitive.

Aries Characteristics

Aries have a tendency to take the lead. Their courageous nature and the strength of their convictions spurs Aries to search out challenges and adventures. Aries enjoy a challenge. The adrenaline rush and the opportunity to pit their strength and intelligence against a worthy opponent play into Aries passionate nature. Aries throw themselves into projects and relationships wholeheartedly, often without much thought to the consequences.

Aries also tend towards arrogance. The strength of their convictions and their innate stubbornness makes it difficult for Aries to back down. Some Aries are downright confrontational. This is a problematic trait, as impulsive Aries does not always think before acting or speaking. Those involved romantically with Aries often accuse Aries of being insensitive. This is ironic because partners and family members of Aries know that Aries are themselves incredibly sensitive.

Aries Sensitive Side

Aries’ very nature sets them up for hypersensitivity. Aries are passionate, driven, and often impulsive in their decision making. Paired with their stubbornness, these qualities ensure that Aries repeatedly find themselves in difficult situations of their own making. An impulsive business venture or a poorly thought through plan results in Aries feeling foolish and also unable to admit that they were wrong.

Aries passionate side leads them into friendships and romantic partnerships that consume them. When feelings are not returned, Aries are devastated. Their stubbornness and confrontational nature make Aries difficult to compromise with. Aries have a hard time understanding why their partners get frustrated with them. When a partner does not share Aries excitement over a new project, Aries takes it personally.

Aries want to lead. Their strong convictions and enthusiasm are catching. Others find Aries’ enthusiasm contagious and are eager to follow Aries. This backfires when Aries make a bad decision or act without proper research. Aries have a very hard time admitting they were wrong, and they also crave approval. When approval is taken away, even if it is Aries’ fault, Aries are terribly upset.

Aries resiliency helps them counter their innate sensitivity. It enables them to bounce back from depression. Unfortunately, Aries do not always learn from their mistakes. This means that every time Aries bounces back, they are at risk of repeating the same mistakes.

Aries are capable of self-reflection. Aries that realize their mistakes are usually too hard on themselves. They cannot believe that they let themselves make an error, and are deaf to others’ attempts to comfort them. Aries high personal expectations are often unreasonable. Failure to achieve these goals leaves Aries feeling dejected.

Learning From Sensitivity

Sensitivity is the price Aries pay for their passion. Aries are sensitive because their nature tends towards the extreme. It is impossible for Aries to live up to their own expectations and for others to live up to the expectations Aries have for them. Aries can learn from their sensitivity. Their impetuous personality often offends others. By taking the time to analyze their own sensitivity, Aries better understands the impact their actions have on others.

Where has the time gone

2015-10-18T19:28:00.001-04:00

18 years ago I went on my first date with my wonderful husband Jerry.

We've been together 18 years; in 3 decades, 2 centuries, and 2 millennia! Wow!

Peanut Butter Coconut Oil Dog Treats for Dry, Itchy Skin and Shiny Coat

2015-09-09T21:31:00.001-04:00

PEANUT BUTTER COCONUT OIL DOG TREATS

• 1 cup Peanut Butter, All Natural / Organic

• 1 cup Coconut Oil, Organic

• 1 tsp Cinnamon

• 1/2 cup Oatmeal, Optional

• 2 Tbsp Flax Seed, Optional

Preparation Steps

1. Microwave coconut oil to soften if needed.

2. Add in peanut butter, cinnamon and any optional ingredients then stir until mixture is well mixed. Note: mixture should be thick, but pourable.

3. Pour mixture into silicone ice cube trays and refrigerate or freeze until set.

Pop dog treats out and serve them to your pup! (Store in an air-tight container and keep in refrigerator.)

Notes

Yield: depends on size of ice cube trays

It improves overall skin and coat health (it moisturizes and reduces itchiness due to allergies or eczema), but it’s also been linked to preventing diabetes and heart disease.

*Start with about 1/4 dose of coconut oil and gradually increase over the course of several weeks so your pup can get acclimated if needed by decreasing coconut oil in recipe.

Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff

2015-09-09T18:57:00.001-04:00

So I think we finally got our recipe down for the most part.

Slow Cooker Creamy Beef Stroganoff

• 2 pounds boneless beef round steak or stew meat, cut into thin strips

• 1 cans (10 1/2 ounces each) Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup

• 1/4 cup Beef Broth or Beef Stock

• 3 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 2 Tbsp Dijon Mustard

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp ground black pepper

• 12 ounces white mushrooms, sliced (about 4 cups)

• 3 medium onions, coarsely chopped (about 1 1/2 cups)

• 8 oz Cream Cheese, Light or Fat Free okay

• 1 cup Sour Cream, Light or Fat Free okay

• 12 ounces (about 7 cups) medium egg noodles, cooked and drained

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

• 1 Tbsp Corn Starch, if desired to thicken

Preparation Steps

1. Stir the soup, broth, Worcestershire, Dijon, garlic and black pepper in a medium bowl.

2. Place the mushrooms and onions into slow cooker. Top with the beef. Pour the soup mixture over the beef.

3. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 to 9 hours or until the beef is fork-tender.

4. 20 minutes before serving, add cream cheese to slow cooker and replace lid to allow cheese to soften. Turn setting to warm or off.

Start preparing egg noodles.

5. 10 minutes prior to serving, stir the sour cream in the cooker.

Serve the beef mixture with the noodles.

Sprinkle with the parsley, if desired.

Notes

Add splash of red wine if desired to taste

Lighthouse at Sunset

2015-07-03T23:46:00.001-04:00

Finished size 12x12

Completed July 2015

Sunset

2015-07-01T22:39:00.001-04:00

Finished size 20 x 27

Completed July 2015

I'm working on some smaller pieces since its been so hot!

Peacock Fan

2015-06-22T00:13:00.001-04:00

This one was a little tricky. Not only did I fully bind the edges, the rug is scallop shaped making trimming it a challenge.

After binding, I applied two coats of non-skid backing and it is now on the floor in front of my bed.

Finished size 40 x 27

Completed June 2015

Pot of Pansies

2015-06-22T00:07:00.001-04:00

I currently have this one hanging, but will probably apply a non-skid backing and make it a rug before winter.

I started making these because they are beautiful and portable. I can do them in bed or on the couch, I even keep one at work to help make me take my breaks.

Finished size 20 x 27

Completed May 2015

It's Peep-tacular!

2015-04-04T22:18:00.000-04:00

There are so many great examples of creative peep usage, I compiled a few of my favorites:

Vincent Van Peep

Peep Show

Lot's more after the jump...

Fluff Factory

Artist Studio

Jersey Peepe

Alien Peeps

Peep Sushimi

Simpson Peeps

Supreme Court Peeps

Apollo Peeps

The Village Peeples

Wizard of Peeps

Equal Rights for Peeps

TSA Peep-down

Bacon Peeps

16 years ago today...

2015-03-17T10:47:00.000-04:00

The Art Of A Good Marriage

Wilferd Arlan Peterson

Happiness in marriage is not something that just happens.

A good marriage must be created. In marriage the little things are the big things. It is never being too old to hold hands.

It is remembering to say "I love you" at least once a day.

It is never going to sleep angry. It is at no time taking the other for granted; the courtship should not end with the honeymoon, it should continue through the years. It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives. It is standing together facing the world. It is forming a circle of love that gathers the whole family.

It is doing things for each other, not in the attitude of duty or sacrifice, but in the spirit of joy. It is speaking words of appreciation and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways.

It is not looking for perfection in each other. It is cultivating flexibility, patience, understanding and a sense of humour.

It is having the capacity to forgive and forget. It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow old. It is a common search for the good and the beautiful. It is establishing a relationship in which the independence is equal, dependence is mutual and the obligation is reciprocal. It is not only marrying the right partner; it is being the right partner.

Body Language of Fear in Dogs

2015-01-21T18:16:00.001-05:00

Happy 10th Chemoversary to me!

2015-01-20T16:28:00.003-05:00

Happy 10^th Chemo-versary!

I told Jerry we’d stop celebrating chemo-versary at 10 years, maybe it was getting to be a bit much. He said we were going to keep celebrating because every chemo-versary is another year he has his wife with him. So, even after this one, we will keep celebrating.

To celebrate, I got my first mammogram. Put it off for 2 years, dreaded getting it. Was in and out in 45 minutes and the hardest part was trying to keep my balance when they were trying to get a certain angle on my medi-port scars. This is one instance where I think big boobs are a blessing. You just slap that girl up on the plate and the top plate comes down, a gentle squish, 20 seconds and all done. I think ladies with small boobies have it rougher because there is probably some tugging involved to get the girls to stay in place.

I have been fortunate in that even though my Hodgkin’s was advanced (Stage 3B), we were able to treat successfully and I have had no recurrence. One thing I do find peculiar is that know that my immune system is suppressed from irreversible damage done by the cancer, I actually get sick less. Weird, huh?

Part of it is that I do pay more attention to people sniffling around me, stay properly hydrated, and take vitamins religiously. I think a larger part is that I had a very strong immune system to begin with even though it didn’t seem like it.

When I was little, I remember my mom sending me to play with Shauna when she had the chicken pox hoping I would get them and get it over with (it took another 7 years, damn younger brothers) and having perfect attendance. I just didn’t really get sick except the occasional earache. Fast forward 20 years and if someone sneezed near me I got the flu! Total reversal! This went on for almost 8 years. Thankfully Hodgkin’s is a slow progressing form of Lymphoma or I might not be here today.

I look back on it now as my body was busy fighting the cancer undetected for several years and figured,

“Hey, I’m a little busy in here. I’ll handle keeping these tumors at bay, but you are gonna have to take one for the team and handle the sinusitis. Deal?”

Oops...

2015-01-12T21:31:00.001-05:00

Perfect timing on our 17th Anniversary

2014-10-17T19:24:00.001-04:00

17 years ago Jerry came into my life and made it so much better! As I am sitting here going through boxes for the yard sale tomorrow, I came across a crumpled piece of paper.

It's message is from that night...

When Jerry took the shirt off his back to warm me up, this is the note I put in the pocket when I returned it.

Christopher Columbus was awful (but this other guy was not) - The Oatmeal

2014-10-13T23:11:00.000-04:00

Christopher Columbus was awful (but this other guy was not) - The Oatmeal:

Here are a couple of slides, but for the full presentation, click on the link above. Truly eye opening if you've never learned about the 'real' Columbus.

Flapjack - Rescued March 2002 - Left us September 11, 2014

2014-09-23T22:24:00.000-04:00

I read something this week that really rang true for me:

"He truly was one of a kind. We hope that we gave him enough good memories to wipe out any bad ones that came before"

Click here if slide show doesn't load

Flapjack cheated death twice, unfortunately the third time we weren't as fortunate.

In March 2002, when we first met Flapjack at the Animal Defense League he had been pulled out of a kill shelter one day before he was scheduled to be euthanized. We decided he was the dog for us and adopted him that day.

He rode home in Jerry's lap and became an instant daddy's boy! The vet had estimated his age to be between 3-4 years old and he had been picked up running loose. It was obvious a man had abused him before with a belt. Every time Jerry went to take off his belt, Flapjack would cower at his feet and curl up in a ball terrified. Thankfully, he was able to see that no one was going to hurt him anymore (except when he stole mommy's quesadilla. He got a spanking for that!) and turned into a snuggle bug.

The first week we had him he started to act like he wasn't feeling well. We took him back to the ADL and they felt it was Parvo and he wouldn't make it. The told us to leave him and the adoption fee would be refunded. There was no way we were leaving him. If he was going to die, he was going to die in a warm fluffy bed in our home and not in a kennel.

We took him home with some meds to spoil him for however many days he had left. A couple of days later, I was telling him to sit and he refused. I pushed his butt down and he let out a blood curdling "Yelp"! We looked him over and found a large blister that had formed by one of the incisions from his vasectomy. It had gone unnoticed because of it's position behind a flap of skin and his leg. When I pushed him down, I ruptured whatever it was and it started to drain. A few days later he was a new dog!

We had 12 1/2 wonderful years with him, though it will take a lot of time to assuage the guilt we have of the last 4 days of his life being so miserable and not being with him. The thought of him dying alone tears us up.

Break out the Canes and BenGay and Get Ready to Feel Old Peeps!

2014-06-03T10:09:00.000-04:00

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