Gus

Gus crossed over the rainbow bridge yesterday. He was one of the elderly gents I adopted in June. I intended to make his last months happy and I think I succeeded. He was over 2 when I got him, so he was probably 3 years old, or older. The poor guy had spinal degeneration and then developed these huge tumors. He was so upset just visiting the vet-we decided it would be too much to operarate. Gus seemed totally happy, oblivious to the huge tumors and got along just fine (even with the degeneration problems). He was still eating-grabbing goodies out of my hand and seemed in good spirits. I guess he just decided the time was right for him to leave. I'll miss him, he was a gentle soul. His brother Leon is upset, hopefully he'll adjust quickly, without distressing himself too much.

Rest In Peace
Gus
Died January 30, 2008

Exclusive

What is it about the words "exclusive", "only available here", "limited edition" and so on, that make an object suddenly that much more desirable? Is it only collectors and pack rats who feel that way, or is everybody more tempted to buy something when it's described in that manner? Why is it? Does buying that unique item somehow make us feel more special, privileged that we have the item, when obviously everyone can't have it? I don't know the answer, but those words certainly make me take notice, even if I don't wind up buying it!

Hallucination, Haunting, or Cat?

I was sitting here at the computer, checking things out on Fanpop, when I caught movement out of the corner of my eye. There was a flashlight on top of a plastic storage bin in the kitchen and it was moving, seemingly of its own accord. Barrett was laying down right next to me. I looked again, yes, the flashlight was moving. Was I hallucinating? Even though I couldn't see her, I called for Calumet. Barrett got up and walked to the still moving flashlight, wagging his tail. Was I being haunted? I called him back and he came-still no sign of anyone else. I finally got up and looked-to see Callie looking at me from just behind the box. No hallucination, no haunting, just a cat wanting to play with a flashlight.

What Dessert Am I?

You Are Smores

Unusual and unconventional, you make your strange ways work for you. You've got personality - no one's denying that!

What Dessert Are You Most Like?

Back to Work

Well, it's back to work today. I'm feeling OK. I just can't move quickly. Hopefully, work will have settled down a bit and I won't have to be moving quickly! Fingers crossed!

Fanpop Spots

Hey, I haven't mentioned Fanpop in 6 days!! OK, here we go again. I am now a member of 49 spots. Two more and I can't have them all show up on my profile page. Actually there are a few spots I like, but haven't joined yet and then I keep finding more spots that I just join spontaneously. So of what spots am I a fan? There are places-Buffalo, NY (which I created), Toronto and Poland. There are fictional characters-Severus Snape, Mr. Bean, Eeyore. Animals-rats, cats, dogs, horses, wolves, stuffed animals, animal humor. Music and Musicians-Syd Barrett (which I created), Pink Floyd, George Harrison, Aerosmith, Gilbert & Sullivan, Opera. Authors and Books-Laurell K. Hamilton, John Steinbeck, Douglas Adams, Books to Read, Dark-Hunters, Harry Potter. TV Shows-Gilligan's Island, Ugly Betty, Monk, Moonlight, Blood Ties, Are You Being Served, Star Trek The Next Generation, Star Trek Voyager. Movies-Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Ratatouille, A Christmas Story. Actors-Alan Rickman, Jean Reno. Food and Drink-wine, cheese, herbs, cooking. And other stuff-Gardening, Personality Tests, Purple, Monty Python, Neopets, Poker, and Paranormal.

As you can see there's something for everyone on fanpop-and if what you like isn't there-create a spot for it!

Nature Bearries

I was in the grocery store the other day, just looking around, when I saw the cutest little plush bears. Made by Fisher-Price, these were called Nature Bearries. They were small, not as tall as a mass market paperback book and just a tad wider. They had the cutest faces and were dressed as natural things or in nature's colors. I had to get one. It was a difficult decision, but I chose Watermelon Bearry. He's so sweet. He even has a curly ribbon coming out of the top of his hat-like a watermelon vine! Momentarily, I said that I was getting it for Ewan, a friend's baby. Sorry kid, he's too cute and I'm keeping him for myself!

Personality VS Looks

How do we choose the people to whom we are attracted? Do we even get a choice? I'm only discussing fictional men here. I was talking with a friend last night-we've known each other for over 17 years (ouch!). We were talking about TV shows and got on the subject of Moonlight and the character Mick St. John and how absolutely gorgeous he is. After agreeing that he could leave crumbs in my bed at any time I said, "but you know the funny thing..."and before I could continue, she said, "you like the other guy." Yup, as hot as Mick is, and aesthetically more pleasing to my eye, I would choose Josef. The same thing in Wiseguy. No doubt that Vinnie was the hottie-but I fell for Roger Lococco. I watched Highlander not for the highlander-but for Methos. Now, Roger, Josef, and certainly Methos, are no slouches in the looks department, but that's not what compels me about them. I guess it's their attitude, a slight air of mystery, sardonic humor. Josef said to Mick, "I know you have morals and scruples and that's fine...sort of". Vinnie described Roger as, "a half dead soulless killer who sleeps with his eyes open". But this soulless killer also had a fine wit. I guess I also go for older men-Josef is over 400 and Methos a few thousand! (He is the oldest living immortal!) They sure look good for their age! So in the end, for me it's definitely personality...and a sort of odd one at that!

Home Sick

I went to the doctor on Friday-I'm off work again. He thinks it's a viral infection that's worked its way into my inner ear. I'm dizzy, lightheaded, and slightly nauseous. I also can't take a deep breath. I'm only taking Bonine-which is an OTC motion sickness pill. It's a chewable, raspberry flavored. HA. Most awful raspberry flavor I've tasted. I love raspberry, but this...thank heaven's it's small.

Hopefully, I'll feel better soon.

Rat Newsletter

I'm getting a tad concerned. The deadline for the RAT newsletter I'm editing is fast approaching and people aren't responding to e-mails. I have some time-so I'm not in crisis mode yet; key word being "yet". Hopefully, people are so busy working away on their columns they just don't have time to keep me updated. Yea...that's it...I hope.

Must sleep

I went back to work Sunday, after being off sick since Monday. I still felt lousy, but in I went. Only to get mandated...with no relief...after almost falling out from dizziness. I got home a few minutes before 8AM, fed the kids, now it's shower and bed. Then I must sleep fast to be back at work this afternoon. I'm calling the doctor too.

Too funny!

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Cold

Brrr. Winter has finally made her presence known. It's 14 degrees out, with a high today of 15 and wind chill factors below 0. It's been so abnormally warm (it was 40 degrees last week, for heaven's sake!) this temperature is actually more normal. It's bright and sunshiny though-with no major snow in the forecast. Areas surrounding me are getting lake effect snow-but my county is fine...for now. So I'll be bundling up as I head back to work today. Keep warm, everyone!

Paranormal

I've always been interested in the paranormal. Ghosts, psychics, ESP, all these types of things pique my curiosity. I have a good portion of my library devoted to the subject and I have many versions of tarot cards and other forms of divination. I love to read about the subject, nonfiction and folklore-not horror stories. In fact I'm currently reading Ghost: Investigating the Other Side by Katherine Ramsland. I've even encountered a ghost myself, while in college (and no, I wasn't drinking at the time). I also have an interest in Utopian Societies and religious revival in the mid 1800's. The Western New York area, especially around Rochester, was, in fact, known as "the burned-over district" because of the waves of religious revival that passed through the area. Both Mormonism and Spiritualism were born near Rochester, NY.

People have studied paranormal phenomenon for ages. The Society for Psychical Research was founded in England in 1882 with an American Branch formed in 1885. Nowadays there are many reality TV shows featuring ghost hunters, Ghost Hunters, Most Haunted, and now Paranormal State. Personally, I like Ghost Hunters. The lead investigators are actually plumbers-who know all about weird noises! I enjoy the subject-although I'd be scared silly if I encountered another spirit; I think I prefer the research to the actual discovery! I was thrilled to see a Paranormal Spot on Fanpop. (You knew the Fanpop plug was coming, didn't you?!) I added a ton of great links, but no one's rated them yet. Dang! So, if you're interested in the paranormal, check out my links on that site. If you really like them, join Fanpop and rate them! Thanks, and may you only find good spirits!

Addicted

I am so addicted to Fanpop, it's not even funny. I've even been neglecting my neopets in favor of hanging out on Fanpop! This morning, when I checked in, I saw that I received my first prop!! Props are given by other members for things you submit. This one was for my Syd Barrett pick. Also a woman from Wisconsin joined my Syd Barrett site and some guy from Canada joined my Buffalo, NY one! And 2 other people became fans of mine. Too cool!

The Buffalo, NY Spot

I created another spot on Fanpop. In homage to the city where I was born-The Buffalo, NY Spot. I have no fans yet...if nothing happens soon I may e-mail the 5 guys on The Buffalo Bills Spot to let them know about this one! I added 2 great videos. Check them out. Cory J. Hill created them and I think they're wonderful.

Both have great music and the Buffalo Then and Now has some great old pictures. Check it out. And...sign up for Fanpop-I think it's great fun!

Syd Barrett Spot

I've been enjoying spending lots of time on Fanpop and I've been adding lots of stuff to some spots I've joined. However, some of my favorite people/things don't have spots; Buffalo, NY for one, Syd Barrett, rubber stamping, funerary art, Utopian Societies of the mid 1800's and such. Creators of Fanpop want people to create spots-so I did. Since I'm not sure how many other fans of Utopian Societies and funerary art there are out there, I decided to choose a very popular person with lots of information of the web. I created The Syd Barrett Spot. So far I'm the only fan, but it hasn't been up for 24 hours yet and some of the images have been looked at. I'm hoping members of The Pink Floyd Spot will find it soon. I have to give thanks again to Bun-Girl for helping me clean up the banner.

As for my health, I'm still sick, but I really don't know what's wrong. My main issues now are that I can't take deep breaths, and I can't get warm. Plus I have a runny nose when it's not stuffed up and my cough (which I've had almost forever-and no I don't smoke, never have, never will) is worse. I'm a little light headed at times, but not as nauseous. Who knows? I'm still going to stay home-no sense going to work and then getting worse.

PAW Act

Alaska is truly our nation's last frontier. It is also the last place in the U.S. where a few hunters still use aircraft to chase and kill wolves. They shoot these animals from the air or chase them to exhaustion before landing and shooting them point blank. Thirty five years ago, Congress passed a law to put an end to aerial hunting. But Alaska is exploiting a loophole in federal law to resume the practice, not only for wolves, but bears as well. Hundreds of scientists have condemned what Alaska is doing, even as other states threaten to follow Alaska's lead. It's time to stop aerial hunting once and for all. Rep. George Miller (CA) has introduced the Protect America's Wildlife (PAW) Act, legislation to close a federal loophole and curb Alaska's brutal aerial hunting program -- and prevent programs like it from spreading to places like the Greater Yellowstone region. Please urge your Representative to sign on as a cosponsor to Rep. George Miller's PAW Act.

Alaska is the only state in the nation where trophy hunters can gun down wolves from airplanes or chase wolves to exhaustion and then shoot them from the ground.
Alaskans have voted twice to end the state's brutal aerial hunting program, but state officials continue to let it happen by exploiting a loophole in federal law. This year's hunting season has already begun, and hundreds of wolves could be killed yet again.
Please sign this petition to urge Congress to close the loopholes and end aerial hunting of wolves: http://go.care2.com/PAW_Act
Wolf opponents in Idaho and Wyoming are eager to follow Alaska's cruel example. Hundreds of wolves could be killed in the Northern Rockies if these states get their way.
Please sign the petition to save America's wolves and end aerial hunting:http://go.care2.com/PAW_Act

Thanks!

Sick!

I am sick! I'm not sure what's wrong with me. Lots of people at work have been sick with godawful things. One had a fever that lasted a full week and one wound up with pneumonia. Others have been ill to varying degrees. The past few days I haven't slept well, but felt OK. A runny nose started a few days ago-but I felt relatively OK. Monday morning I got up for my lesson and didn't feel good at all. I went, but didn't feel at all well. Harley was clean and I still got tired tacking him up! I went to work and as the day progressed I felt worse. I took my temperature-yup-I had a fever, albeit a mild one, 99.3. By that time I started feeling slightly nauseous with periods of dizziness, with periodic chills and hot flashes. I also can't take deep breaths. Couldn't during my lesson either. One coworker almost called someone to walk with me upstairs as she thought I couldn't make it! People said I looked flushed and sick. Some tried to get me to go home, saying they'd get others to come in early for the next shift. But I stuck it out. But I'm calling in-probably for 3 days! Hopefully, I can catch this thing before it gets its hooks totally in me. So, I'm going to finish my tea and hop in to bed (although it's technically Tuesday-it's still Monday night for me!).

Narcolepsy Rat

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Don't Rush!

Here's a lesson for all of us. Don't rush! I was getting ready to go out last evening, but I wanted to get the Christmas tree out of the house before I left. I should have cleared a good path-but no, I was in a hurry. I just bulldozed my way through the house, knocking things over, slamming the door as I struggled with the tree. When I came back in I closed the door and saw it-the back doorknob was broken. Try as I might I could not open the door. So I went out the front door (which I can't unlock from the outside) and was able to open the back door from the outside. I had to leave the house-so I left the front door unlocked, just in case I couldn't get in the back. When I returned home I worked on trying to fix the knob. No luck. In fact the twist turn fell into the knob and I couldn't get it out. I also realized I knocked 2 bags of treats off the counter-which Barrett polished off! So I woke up early to go to Home Depot to buy a new doorknob. I brought it home, realized I didn't get a match to the other-but too bad. It took me a while, but I was able to keep the old lock side (so I wouldn't need a different key) and just changed the inside knob. I got it fixed-but what a pain.

So, instead of taking 10-15 minutes to carefully remove the tree, or simply waiting a day, I wound up wasting several hours, gas money, and money for a new lock. I hope I learned my lesson.

What Kind of Flower am I?

You Are An Iris

You are a unique person who seeks out novelty in life. An inspiration seeker, you often have to change scenery to recharge. You don't deal well with structure or rules. You need to do it your own way. Your ideal relationships are free and flowing. No one can tie you down.

What Flower Are You?

Editor

It's pretty exciting. I'm the editor for the newsletter of The Rat Association of Texas. Kind of weird, as I live in New York...but I did live in Austin for 10 years and still have friends in the state. Anyway. I'm enjoying coordinating everything-it's amazing what's possible thanks to the internet. I've only worked on newsletters the old fashioned way (just call me Miss Cut & Paste) so this will be a challenge as the newsletter will be tied to a new website. Our first issue will coincide with the start of the Chinese New Year-the Year of the Rat! I'm really getting excited about putting this newsletter together-I have so many ideas!!!

Project Runway-Spoiler Alert

If you haven't watched this week's episode of Project Runway and don't want to know what happens-STOP READING NOW!!!! And come back after you've seen it. OK. First of all, I'm so glad Chris is back. I'm sorry Jack had to leave-but I like having Christ in the show. For this Prom Dress Challenge, Chris had my second favorite dress-I think he should have gotten more recognition than-Congratulations you've made it to the next round. Then I think Sweet P should have won! Her dress was fantastic. Just because Victoria's was more "young", they chose her to win. If I was going to the prom I'd much rather have Sweet P's gown! Now, I can't stand Christian!!!!! Never have. He's an egotistical, know it all, twerp. He should have gotten kicked off for that 80's nightmare he did. And the week he won?!? I hated it!!!! Anyway, he screwed up this challenge, blamed the kid he was designing for (she was a nightmare, but still...) was told his actions were inexcusable-AND THEY STILL KEPT HIM?!?!?!?!?!?!?! And got rid of Kevin? Wrong, Wrong, Wrong! Well, I guess that's enough ranting. I'm still greatly annoyed. That's the issue I have with a lot of these reality shows-the producers keep the annoying people that should be knocked off on longer as they think they boost ratings. Like Santino. I would have knocked him off WAY before Bryant Park. In finish-Rami is a bit of a one note with his draping-but he does it so well, and he's hot!

Glasses

Here's a little more information regarding my tagged challenge of writing 10 things about me. I wrote that I've been wearing glasses since the first grade. Here's the longer version:

When I started the 1st Grade I wasn't doing too well in school. My parents were concerned that I was stupid. Sr. Patricia, my teacher, asked them if they'd had my eyes checked. D'oh. I wasn't stupid, just blind as a bat! I went on to graduate high school in the top percentage of my class, graduate college summa cum laude with departmental honors, and finish my master's degree with a 4.0. No, not stupid.

Abnormal Temperatures

No wonder I'm ready to dismantle my Christmas decorations-it was 58 degrees Monday! And today is supposed to be in the upper 60s!! It's January 8th. That's just not right! Farmers (and me) are worries about fruit trees. We're worried about horses-they can easily get ill and die with these abrupt temperature changes! I'm glad my driveway is clear of snow...but this is just wrong. And the temperatures will be plummeting soon-next Monday's high is supposed to be 23!

Over

With the passage of the Epiphany yesterday, the Christmas Season is officially over. I still haven't done my baking! I'll probably wait until my weekend to take down the Christmas tree and decorations. Usually, I wait until the very last second...this year I'm just ready. I'll probably keep the outside lights going all week. We'll see. Maybe not.

In any case, I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season! Let's have a great year!!!

Fanpop

As if I didn't waste enough time on the computer, I had to go and find Fanpop. It's a site where you can join different spots that show your interests. The creators are trying to have a one stop find everything about your favorite person place or thing. You can find videos, galleries, links, and more on tons of subjects. I was on it for hours today. My spots are: Severus Snape, Alan Rickman, George Harrison, Monty Python, Rats, Horses, Ugly Betty, Wine, Herbs, Poland, Toronto, A Christmas Story, Stuffed Animals, Neopets, Dark Hunters, and Laurell K. Hamilton. I'm sure I'll be adding more. If you want, you can give me your e-mail and I'll invite you-although you can, of course, check it out on your own! But be warned-you may lose lots of time looking around here!

10 Things You May Not Know About Me

Finally, the tagging challenge is here. Here are 10 things you may not know about me. The short form:

1. I've worn glasses since the first grade.
2. I wore braces for years-including that thing that went around your head!!
3. I was on the Varsity Golf Team my Freshman year in High School and the only female on the team.
4. My shirt caddied for Curtis Strange's brother.
5. When I was 4 years old I was in love with Robin Hood. The Walt Disney Robin Hood. The animated fox.
6. When I was in the 7th grade I bought a plush raccoon, named Rob, who still travels with me and sleeps in my bed.
7. My longest romantic relationships have been with fictional characters. (Perhaps in part because of # 5 & 6.)
8. I truly regret leaving behind many of my things when I moved from Texas.
9. There is only one thing that truly freaks me out-thinking about what will happen to me after death.
10. I've considered many careers and jobs and I still don't know what I want to do for a living!

Tagged

I've been tagged. I was reading my friend Vinnie's blog at vinniecosta.com and he was writing that he'd been tagged by a friend to write 10 random, unknown, weird, personal, things, habits, goals, etc. in a blog. Vinnie, in turn, tagged his 5 favorite bloggers and ....I'm one of them! Thanks Vinnie-I really do feel honored to be listed as a favorite blogger.

I actually got tagged on December 12 and..I'm still not finished. The task is much more difficult than you'd think, especially since I do tend to talk a lot about myself! Also, some things are just too personal to post. Then, once I got going I was writing about a paragraph for each of the 10 items. Talk about a long post! So...what I think I'm going to do is to make a list of the 10 with only a key word, then everyday I'll elaborate on one or two of the items. Hopefully, that'll spark your interest and you'll come back to read more. With that last thought in mind-you'll have to wait. I'll post the list tomorrow...hopefully!

Harry Potter

No time to write. I'm about to finish Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows!

Webkinz

One of my favorite Christmas presents is an incredibly soft stuffed animal from my Goddaughter and good friends in Chicago. This cutie is a plush Husky-who happens to be a Webkinz. I just created my web account for him-but I don't think I'll be spending much time there. It's definitely more kid oriented, unlike Neopets. And I spend so much time in Neopia. Of course, it may be that I'm just used to Neopets. I will say, I much prefer the plush toys of Webkinz to Neopets. Much more cuddly. I'll be spending much more time with my real world Webkinz plushie that its cyber version! I just hope I don't make Blizzard's cyber-self sick. I also don't spend time with my horse at Bella Sara-but I like the trading cards. Sigh. I need to spend more time with my real life horse, dog, cats, and rats. I think Barrett, who is currently nudging me, agrees.

Happy New Year!

May the New Year 2008 bring all the best to you and yours!