After 2 years of thinking about it I've finally placed my application to Morning Dove Therapeutic Riding center. It's a riding center that provides structured interaction with horses including riding, mental health and educational programs for people in need.
I first learned about the facility when I ran a 5K two or three years ago. I was interested in volunteering but my life was just not in order enough to do it. So I put it aside.
Then my mom and me took a cruise trip and ran into this lady during dinner...or breakfast and we started to chat. One thing lead to another and the lady encouraged me to go ahead and volunteer...I was all for it and then I hit dry land and never applied.
Then at my new job I met this girl who volunteered for one day with her church group and she really liked it and she encouraged me to volunteer....and again, I let it drop.
Now, sitting on my couch tonight, after flipping from one website to another felling empty, I landed on Morning Doves website and flipped through the entire website, which of course let me to the application. So I filled it out and submitted all the stuff they asked for. Now, I guess I just wait.
Looking back I'm wondering if there is a theme about me volunteering for this facility. Its been brought up to many times in the past for me to pass it up again. This is one of those things that I feel like I need to do. Plus volunteering for something is on my bucket list....which, by the way, needs to be updated. If you look over on the right hand side of my blog you will find my list and it has shrunk quit a bit and you never want your bucket list to get empty!
Lets see where this adventure lands me......TO BE CONTINUED
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Sad Times
I've never wanted to be one of those doggie parents who keep their dogs living on regardless of the quality of life their dog is living. Putting your dog down is not an easy decision and the pain that come along with it is endless. But you have to love your dog enough to know the right time....and that time came for me on Tuesday.
Tuesday I had to make the difficult decision to put Chaunzie, my 12 year old dog, down. Even though I know it was the right decision doesn't make the pain any less.
I've had Chaunzie since she was 6 weeks old. She was the best, most kind dog you would ever know. She loved everyone and anyone, human, dog, cats...it didn't matter. She would wag her tale until it would almost fall off. She was a very happy girl and I will never find a dog as calm and caring as her. She loved children and puppies. I almost think she had a strong mothering instinct and wanted to love on anything little.
I knew the time was coming and no matter how much you try to prepare your self you can never prepare your self for the grief of losing your best friend. She was getting old and starting to have problems getting up. Even when she got up she seemed like she was in some type of pain. I knew a couple of months ago she was nearing the end but I didn't want to face it.
I was selfish and didn't want to see how much her quality of life had fallen. I only realize it now because when I look back on picture of her just a few months ago she was so much different. Sometime you can't or don't want to see the change in your dog.
Then I notice the looks....you know, the looks in peoples eye that say"that poor dog". I ignored the looks because it hurt to much to think about life without Chaunzie. Then Tuesday came and she wasn't acting the same. She wouldn't get up like she normally did, so I still got ready for work thinking she was just tired.
Then it was treat time and she still didn't get up. Chaunzie ALWAYS got up for a treat and that is when it all came together and in my heart I knew it was time. I was able to get her up and she could stand but she couldn't walk very well. Almost like she was drunk feet toppling over each other and she couldn't get balanced.
So I picked her up, because I knew she need to go potty, put her outside and in the middle of taking a poo she toppled over. I ran outside and got her up and she was able to balance to go pee and then she just stood there and looked around like she was confused. Almost like she didn't know where she was.
I picked her up and put her inside and knew it was time...just one look in Chaunzies eyes told me she was done. I couldn't hold in the tears and the pain in my chest just busted. I called my mom and had her call the vet. I just couldn't make the call.
To make a long story short, I had some labs done and the results were not good. She had low red blood cell count (which was probably from the medication I had her one), low platelet count (which was because she probably had a stroke that night) and a softball size tumor in her stomach.
I could have kept her alive...I could have done this and that and gave her meds and I could have kept her alive a little longer but the question I kept asking myself...what would be the quality of her life and would she be in more pain to keep her alive. The answer I kept coming back with was "it was time".
So late Tuesday night the vet injected her and within second she was free. Her pain is gone and I miss her so much it hurts!!
I know it was the right decision, I knew I was the only who could make it and I was there until the end...the last person she saw was me and I hope that she knows how much I love her and how much I hated to make the decision but I did it out of love.
Her pain is gone and she is somewhere with Jazman enjoying a pain free existence . My pain and sadness is lingering and only when I'm alone do allow myself to feel the grief of what I lost. I can't allow myself to share my pain with anyone because this is something I have to deal with alone. There is nothing anyone can do to make this feel better...only time will take care of the pain.
Tuesday I had to make the difficult decision to put Chaunzie, my 12 year old dog, down. Even though I know it was the right decision doesn't make the pain any less.
I've had Chaunzie since she was 6 weeks old. She was the best, most kind dog you would ever know. She loved everyone and anyone, human, dog, cats...it didn't matter. She would wag her tale until it would almost fall off. She was a very happy girl and I will never find a dog as calm and caring as her. She loved children and puppies. I almost think she had a strong mothering instinct and wanted to love on anything little.
I knew the time was coming and no matter how much you try to prepare your self you can never prepare your self for the grief of losing your best friend. She was getting old and starting to have problems getting up. Even when she got up she seemed like she was in some type of pain. I knew a couple of months ago she was nearing the end but I didn't want to face it.
I was selfish and didn't want to see how much her quality of life had fallen. I only realize it now because when I look back on picture of her just a few months ago she was so much different. Sometime you can't or don't want to see the change in your dog.
Then I notice the looks....you know, the looks in peoples eye that say"that poor dog". I ignored the looks because it hurt to much to think about life without Chaunzie. Then Tuesday came and she wasn't acting the same. She wouldn't get up like she normally did, so I still got ready for work thinking she was just tired.
Then it was treat time and she still didn't get up. Chaunzie ALWAYS got up for a treat and that is when it all came together and in my heart I knew it was time. I was able to get her up and she could stand but she couldn't walk very well. Almost like she was drunk feet toppling over each other and she couldn't get balanced.
So I picked her up, because I knew she need to go potty, put her outside and in the middle of taking a poo she toppled over. I ran outside and got her up and she was able to balance to go pee and then she just stood there and looked around like she was confused. Almost like she didn't know where she was.
I picked her up and put her inside and knew it was time...just one look in Chaunzies eyes told me she was done. I couldn't hold in the tears and the pain in my chest just busted. I called my mom and had her call the vet. I just couldn't make the call.
To make a long story short, I had some labs done and the results were not good. She had low red blood cell count (which was probably from the medication I had her one), low platelet count (which was because she probably had a stroke that night) and a softball size tumor in her stomach.
I could have kept her alive...I could have done this and that and gave her meds and I could have kept her alive a little longer but the question I kept asking myself...what would be the quality of her life and would she be in more pain to keep her alive. The answer I kept coming back with was "it was time".
So late Tuesday night the vet injected her and within second she was free. Her pain is gone and I miss her so much it hurts!!
I know it was the right decision, I knew I was the only who could make it and I was there until the end...the last person she saw was me and I hope that she knows how much I love her and how much I hated to make the decision but I did it out of love.
Her pain is gone and she is somewhere with Jazman enjoying a pain free existence . My pain and sadness is lingering and only when I'm alone do allow myself to feel the grief of what I lost. I can't allow myself to share my pain with anyone because this is something I have to deal with alone. There is nothing anyone can do to make this feel better...only time will take care of the pain.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Moment of Bitching.....
I need a moment to vent!!!
Have you ever tried to get a fence permit in the county I live in? It's one of the most painful experiences you will ever know.
It seems simple...right?! Go to the town building, pick up a Fence Permit Application, fill out, pay money and BAM....fence permit.
Nope not that easy and its not that easy because I'm going to put my fence on a drainage easement, so here is the steps I have to complete to get this stupid fence permit....yes, it has become the STUPID fence permit.
First I must go down the recorders office and fill out the Easement Encroachment Agreement. Oh wait, there are steps to this.
1) I need to provide a copy of my plot plan (easy, had that with all my paper work when I purchased the hosue)
2) a notarized signature from the Planning and Building Director (ummmm, OK signature on what?)
3) Signature (notarized) of the property owner of record (again..signature on what?)
and how in the world do I get these signatures? Put on a big smile and walk into their offices...probably not.
And of course we know this will take a full day of sitting at the recorder office, which means time off work and then only to pay the recorders office $40!
Now moving on to the fence permit Application.
1) 2 copies of the property survey showing the location of the fence and all the easements (once again easy, just making lots of copies of my property plot)
2) Documentation of fencing material and style of Fence (no big deal....I'll google that)
3) Utility location report by a registered utility location service (did I mention this is not a free service?....I've called around and it going to cost me between $100-$200 for this report)
4) the Signed Encroachment agreement (refer to begining of this blog)
All of that plus another .....yes, I did say ANOTHER...$50 for the stupid permit.
So before I can even get started on the fence I have to dish out up to $300 and vacation time from my job for this permits.
And of course I will have to wait a month to get the stupid permit.
They did not make this easy for anyone...no wonder why contractors charge so much for fencing...the time and money it takes just to get the permit is rediculous!
OK...I'm done..now back to all the paper work!
Have you ever tried to get a fence permit in the county I live in? It's one of the most painful experiences you will ever know.
It seems simple...right?! Go to the town building, pick up a Fence Permit Application, fill out, pay money and BAM....fence permit.
Nope not that easy and its not that easy because I'm going to put my fence on a drainage easement, so here is the steps I have to complete to get this stupid fence permit....yes, it has become the STUPID fence permit.
First I must go down the recorders office and fill out the Easement Encroachment Agreement. Oh wait, there are steps to this.
1) I need to provide a copy of my plot plan (easy, had that with all my paper work when I purchased the hosue)
2) a notarized signature from the Planning and Building Director (ummmm, OK signature on what?)
3) Signature (notarized) of the property owner of record (again..signature on what?)
and how in the world do I get these signatures? Put on a big smile and walk into their offices...probably not.
And of course we know this will take a full day of sitting at the recorder office, which means time off work and then only to pay the recorders office $40!
Now moving on to the fence permit Application.
1) 2 copies of the property survey showing the location of the fence and all the easements (once again easy, just making lots of copies of my property plot)
2) Documentation of fencing material and style of Fence (no big deal....I'll google that)
3) Utility location report by a registered utility location service (did I mention this is not a free service?....I've called around and it going to cost me between $100-$200 for this report)
4) the Signed Encroachment agreement (refer to begining of this blog)
All of that plus another .....yes, I did say ANOTHER...$50 for the stupid permit.
So before I can even get started on the fence I have to dish out up to $300 and vacation time from my job for this permits.
And of course I will have to wait a month to get the stupid permit.
They did not make this easy for anyone...no wonder why contractors charge so much for fencing...the time and money it takes just to get the permit is rediculous!
OK...I'm done..now back to all the paper work!
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Michigan Ski Trip
Mitch and I decided at the last minute to travel to Michigan for our final ski trip of the year. The reason we decided to go on March 2 was because Caberfae was going to get 14 inches of fresh snow. We wanted to hit the road as early as we could because we didn't want to hit the incoming snow storm.
Unfortunately near the end of the trip we hit the storm. Traffic slowed to a painful crawl. Visibility was pretty much none existent. We saw 4 or 5 vehicles that slid off the road and one of them was flipped on its side. So Mitch put his truck in 4WD and we crawled up the highway.
As we were driving Mitch received a phone call and started to laugh. It was his friends Scott and Casey and we had just passed them on the interstate. They were heading up further north to go snowmobiling.
A trip that normally takes 6 hours took up 8 hours and most of the delay was the last leg of the trip. Although the trip up as not fun we knew all this fresh snow would make skiing worth the trip.
We had a great time! This was the first time ever I skied a whole day and still had energy to do stuff in the evening. Normally I would be so darned tired I had to take an hour nap just to get enough energy to go to dinner. I'm not really sure what has made the difference but what ever it is, it was great. I finally enjoyed myself the entire time I was there.
I figure the ski lessons I took in Colorado has contributed to my energy. I'm have more confidence skiing, I'm not stressing out every time I turn on my skies (before I always felt like I was going to fall every time I turned). I actually progressed an Mitch and I both skied down south peak (which is all blues and blacks). I even hit upper canyon multiple time and the best thing was I had completed control of my skis.
I think taking all the vitamin's I've been taking has helped. My seasonal affective disorder has not effect me this year. I'm actually happy!!
I think switching jobs has helped because I'm not stressed. The job at Company B took it's toll on me and now that I'm at Company C my stress level has dropped. So reduced stress means happy more energetic me!!!
It's probably a combination of all of the stuff but I had energy!!! Best feeling ever!!!
Unfortunately near the end of the trip we hit the storm. Traffic slowed to a painful crawl. Visibility was pretty much none existent. We saw 4 or 5 vehicles that slid off the road and one of them was flipped on its side. So Mitch put his truck in 4WD and we crawled up the highway.
As we were driving Mitch received a phone call and started to laugh. It was his friends Scott and Casey and we had just passed them on the interstate. They were heading up further north to go snowmobiling.
A trip that normally takes 6 hours took up 8 hours and most of the delay was the last leg of the trip. Although the trip up as not fun we knew all this fresh snow would make skiing worth the trip.
Look at how much snow accumulated in the back of Mitch's truck!
We had a great time! This was the first time ever I skied a whole day and still had energy to do stuff in the evening. Normally I would be so darned tired I had to take an hour nap just to get enough energy to go to dinner. I'm not really sure what has made the difference but what ever it is, it was great. I finally enjoyed myself the entire time I was there.
I figure the ski lessons I took in Colorado has contributed to my energy. I'm have more confidence skiing, I'm not stressing out every time I turn on my skies (before I always felt like I was going to fall every time I turned). I actually progressed an Mitch and I both skied down south peak (which is all blues and blacks). I even hit upper canyon multiple time and the best thing was I had completed control of my skis.
I think taking all the vitamin's I've been taking has helped. My seasonal affective disorder has not effect me this year. I'm actually happy!!
I think switching jobs has helped because I'm not stressed. The job at Company B took it's toll on me and now that I'm at Company C my stress level has dropped. So reduced stress means happy more energetic me!!!
It's probably a combination of all of the stuff but I had energy!!! Best feeling ever!!!
And the snow kept falling...it was so pretty!
This was on Saturday..there was so many cars that got stuck. Mitch provided a helping hand to push a couple of cars out of the snow.
This is at the top of Upper Canyon. Bad pic of Mitch he was in the process of slowing down he doesn't ski in the pizza pie position:)
This was a pic of how clear it was on Sunday. You could see for miles, it was so pretty!
I have one more trip coming up with the girls in Utah. Then it will be time to focus on summer activities:)
Monday, March 12, 2012
Best Birthday Card Ever!!!!
My Birthday was at the beginning of March and I received the best birthday card in the mail on my birthday. It was from Charlotte and Matthew....my niece and nephew!! They are turning two in a couple of months.
The blue color is Charlotte's coloring and the red color is Matthew's coloring. I think Charlotte had more to say than Matthew. I predict Matthew is going to grow up as a man with few words....LOL. Charlotte's going to be the chatty one.
I love this card and am going to keep it as a keepsake:)
The blue color is Charlotte's coloring and the red color is Matthew's coloring. I think Charlotte had more to say than Matthew. I predict Matthew is going to grow up as a man with few words....LOL. Charlotte's going to be the chatty one.
I love this card and am going to keep it as a keepsake:)
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Another Meetup Group adventure
At the beginning of the year I decide I was going to make an effort to meet more people so I took on the adventure of signing up for some meet up groups. The first meet up group I attended was the photography meet up group. It was a lot of fun however it has fizzled out because the facilitator of the group had some personal issues and we haven't done anything since January.
Luckily everything is OK with him and we do have an upcoming meet up in April. I'm going to wait to sign up till closer to the event.
Anyway, this has prompted me to keep looking for other groups I'd be interested in. In February this girl started a meet up group that was specific to my side of town. So I thought what the heck, why not meet some girl that live close to me.
So I signed up for the first meet up this past Wednesday. There was only four of us but we chatted up a storm. We met at 7pm and closed down Starbucks. From that group meet up we came up with some great ideas of things we all enjoyed and the facilitator add them to the up coming events calendar.
The crazy thing was one of the girls there I had met during the pre screen of GONE. She and her sister sat in front of me and Mitch and of course me being a chatty person got involve with her conversation. We hit it off then and we hit it off again during the meeting up group.
It was funny because she walked in and I knew I recognized her but I couldn't place her. During the first two hours I kept thinking " I know her from some where". Then she started talking about husband and how they just moved back here. As she talked about the story, I just looked at her and finally said "I know you from somewhere, where do I know you?" She took a few minutes to think about it and then she said "the Prescreen of GONE" and that was it.
It's weird how small this world really is.
Anyway, so far my adventures with meet up groups has been a very positive experience. I can't wait to start some of the events we have planned.
I'll keep everyone posted on the meetup adventures!
Luckily everything is OK with him and we do have an upcoming meet up in April. I'm going to wait to sign up till closer to the event.
Anyway, this has prompted me to keep looking for other groups I'd be interested in. In February this girl started a meet up group that was specific to my side of town. So I thought what the heck, why not meet some girl that live close to me.
So I signed up for the first meet up this past Wednesday. There was only four of us but we chatted up a storm. We met at 7pm and closed down Starbucks. From that group meet up we came up with some great ideas of things we all enjoyed and the facilitator add them to the up coming events calendar.
The crazy thing was one of the girls there I had met during the pre screen of GONE. She and her sister sat in front of me and Mitch and of course me being a chatty person got involve with her conversation. We hit it off then and we hit it off again during the meeting up group.
It was funny because she walked in and I knew I recognized her but I couldn't place her. During the first two hours I kept thinking " I know her from some where". Then she started talking about husband and how they just moved back here. As she talked about the story, I just looked at her and finally said "I know you from somewhere, where do I know you?" She took a few minutes to think about it and then she said "the Prescreen of GONE" and that was it.
It's weird how small this world really is.
Anyway, so far my adventures with meet up groups has been a very positive experience. I can't wait to start some of the events we have planned.
I'll keep everyone posted on the meetup adventures!
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Awesome Deal
Occasionally I will run into a really great deal and the other day when I was at JC Penneys I found one.
Remember my comforter? Don't worry I'm still using that one because, one: it was a great deal and two: I really like it:) Anyway the only problem was I had to use the previous bed skirt from the other comforter set. Which was brown. Unfortunately brown didn't go with what I was trying to do so I figured I would keep my eyes open for a white bed skirt.
The other day I was going to JC Penneys to buy a new purse. I was really tired of my old one and it was looking worn. Plus I kept losing my keys and phone in it and of course spring is coming:) A girl has to justify why she needs a new purse doesn't she?...LOL.
Anyway, some how before I got to the purse section I ran into the bedding area and just started to look around. I didn't need bedding but I was drawn to it. Then in the bedding section I ran into the bedding clearance section. OH YES! I'm a clearance addict!
So I took my time and touched every piece of clearance items. You have to touch everything or you might missing something. Believe it or not I actually walked away from it empty handed. But then the clearance gods pulled me in for second look.
Only after the second look I realized I missed an item!!! It was the bed skirt. There was a tag on it that said
$23.98. I almost put it back because that was too much of a clearance item. My belief is that a clearance item needs to be more than 50% off for it to be an actually clearance item. When I find a clearance section and the items are only 20-40% I walk away. Not a good deal!
Anyway before I put the item back I flipped it over and on the scanning bar was a small, little bitty sticker that said $7. I just smiled and tucked the package under my arm.
It was the perfect bed skirt. It was a Queen size, was white with a trim of blue at the bottom and was super cheap!!! How perfect was that? Then I headed to the purse section to find my spring purse:)
When I got home I had decided the bed would look better on the other wall. So I moved the bed and night stands to the other the wall and put the bed skirt on....I just love the way it looks now!
Remember my comforter? Don't worry I'm still using that one because, one: it was a great deal and two: I really like it:) Anyway the only problem was I had to use the previous bed skirt from the other comforter set. Which was brown. Unfortunately brown didn't go with what I was trying to do so I figured I would keep my eyes open for a white bed skirt.
Notice the brown bed skirt.
The other day I was going to JC Penneys to buy a new purse. I was really tired of my old one and it was looking worn. Plus I kept losing my keys and phone in it and of course spring is coming:) A girl has to justify why she needs a new purse doesn't she?...LOL.
Anyway, some how before I got to the purse section I ran into the bedding area and just started to look around. I didn't need bedding but I was drawn to it. Then in the bedding section I ran into the bedding clearance section. OH YES! I'm a clearance addict!
So I took my time and touched every piece of clearance items. You have to touch everything or you might missing something. Believe it or not I actually walked away from it empty handed. But then the clearance gods pulled me in for second look.
Only after the second look I realized I missed an item!!! It was the bed skirt. There was a tag on it that said
$23.98. I almost put it back because that was too much of a clearance item. My belief is that a clearance item needs to be more than 50% off for it to be an actually clearance item. When I find a clearance section and the items are only 20-40% I walk away. Not a good deal!
Anyway before I put the item back I flipped it over and on the scanning bar was a small, little bitty sticker that said $7. I just smiled and tucked the package under my arm.
It was the perfect bed skirt. It was a Queen size, was white with a trim of blue at the bottom and was super cheap!!! How perfect was that? Then I headed to the purse section to find my spring purse:)
When I got home I had decided the bed would look better on the other wall. So I moved the bed and night stands to the other the wall and put the bed skirt on....I just love the way it looks now!
See the little bit of trim at the bottom...just enough detail:)
This is another angle of the bed...I really like it against the blue wall.
The next thing I'm looking for is something to fill the space on the left side of the bed. You can't tell in the picture but there is a huge space between the bed and the other wall. The space is so big I could fit a love seat in there...I just haven't figured out what I want....oh, ya and the money thing is an issue.
One step at a time...I'll eventually fill my room its just going to take some time.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Problem Sovled
Its amazing how one little change can make a big difference.
Yesterday I was meeting a friend to go dress shopping with her and because it was after work and traffic can be bad I left a little early. Which means I get there a little too early, so I decided to stop at one of my favorite stores and look at comforter, pictures and other home things.
I found so may pretty comforters but the problem was they were all King size....of course! Then I wondered into the pillow section. Lots of neat looking pillows and as I was wondering around I started to really think about what I wanted for my room..and then the idea struck.
What if I purchased a very neutral comforter and changed out the pillows as I change the color in my room. It would be a lot cheaper doing that...so that is what I did.
I found a white....yes white...comforter and some throw pillows to match the blue that is on my walls. Then I wondered over into the lamps because I decided my black lamps were to dark as well and picked up some new white lamps.
Here is the before:
And after:
I love it! It really does make a big difference. And notice the lamps...I love those lamps. As I was standing there this morning I realized the colors on my walls are really nice. I think I just needed that punch of bright to make me like the wall colors.
My next goal, which will take a while, is to find pictures or paintings to hang up on my wall. I also want to purchase new bedroom furniture eventually. Right now I'm happy with my comforter and how it makes the room much brighter.
Yesterday I was meeting a friend to go dress shopping with her and because it was after work and traffic can be bad I left a little early. Which means I get there a little too early, so I decided to stop at one of my favorite stores and look at comforter, pictures and other home things.
I found so may pretty comforters but the problem was they were all King size....of course! Then I wondered into the pillow section. Lots of neat looking pillows and as I was wondering around I started to really think about what I wanted for my room..and then the idea struck.
What if I purchased a very neutral comforter and changed out the pillows as I change the color in my room. It would be a lot cheaper doing that...so that is what I did.
I found a white....yes white...comforter and some throw pillows to match the blue that is on my walls. Then I wondered over into the lamps because I decided my black lamps were to dark as well and picked up some new white lamps.
Here is the before:
And after:
I love it! It really does make a big difference. And notice the lamps...I love those lamps. As I was standing there this morning I realized the colors on my walls are really nice. I think I just needed that punch of bright to make me like the wall colors.
My next goal, which will take a while, is to find pictures or paintings to hang up on my wall. I also want to purchase new bedroom furniture eventually. Right now I'm happy with my comforter and how it makes the room much brighter.
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