It's official, I live in a cat house.
It wasn't always this way. My husband and I, still in the giggly stages of newlyweddom, decided to buy a house after living in a duplex our first married year. We looked around and found a 2 bedroom bungalow with a finished upstairs and a full basement. Perfect for our kids, his two and my one. The day we moved in was during a nice "January in Ohio" blizzard. We survived the move in, the kids found their rooms, all was well.
That first year, the furnace broke down during the coldest days of winter, the basement flooded during the rainiest days of spring, and the a/c died during the hottest days of summer. Everything was repaired, all was well.
Time moves on. 11 years of home ownership, and we've survived it all. Storms, kids, neighbors and everything else you could think of, all was well.
I decided to adopt a cat last October. "Elizabeth Taylor - Hilton - Wilding - Todd - Fisher - Burton - Burton - Warner - Fortensky" or "Lizzy Boo" for short, is a sweetheart black and white, domestic shorthair cat. I adopted her and she adopted me. I love my Lizzy Boo. She follows me all around the house, and has to lay right up against me when she sleeps. One cat in the house was fine, all is well, until........
We decided it was time for my Mother to move in. (cue "Jaws" music) My Mom is a great lady, fantastic cook, and all around the best Mom ever. ("Jaws" music getting louder) I love my Mom and we're very close, so the whole move was no problem. ("Jaws" music getting even louder) My Mom has three cats, DJ, Pixie, and Pumpkin (or Meowzebub as I call her).
Don't get me wrong, I love animals. We grew up with cats, dogs, hamsters, fish etc. so I have no problem with pets or animals in general. All of my animals are rescues and I donate to different animal rescue groups, but 4 cats in a house is a lot of fur.
It's been four months now. Thanks to "Arm & Hammer", there is no litter box smell, but everywhere I step there's a cat. I don't know how they do it. You would swear there are 8 or 10 cats around by the way they can be everywhere at once. Sitting down in the living room to watch TV, there's a cat in the chair. Head into the bathroom, there's a cat in there. I've started closing my bedroom door due to rolling over on a cat in my sleep - oh that's fun - the cat screaming, me screaming - I had nightmares for a week.
I can't get rid of any of them though. They each have very distinct personalities, and I've come to love them all. So, I keep a lint roller in my purse and kitty treats by the door. I never, ever, thought I'd live in a cat house, but I do - and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Saturday, August 16, 2014
Monday, June 16, 2014
The Raw Emotion of 3am
It's 3:00 in the morning. Where are you? Sleeping, working, praying, playing?
Typically, I'd be sound asleep with visions of Russell Crowe and Hugh Jackman dancing in my head.
Not tonight - no, my slumber is stolen, my dreams interrupted by this hideous disease known as Dermatomyositis.
My skin is red, hot, burning. No relief in sight. Cool showers make it worse. Creams or ointments have no effect.
I found two bags of frozen shredded zucchini in my freezer. One on my arm, the other on my chest. Ahhhhh.........a moment of relief.
All this because the insurance company is dragging their feet on the renewal of my medication approval.
Without this medication, my skin will get worse to the point of open ulcers on my arms, back and chest. My legs and arms have started weakening and eventually I won't be able to walk.
As it is, internally I have a fire as well. My muscles and some organs inflamed. Waiting for the IV Meds. I want to scream. This has been my life the past few nights. It's just getting to be to much for me to handle anymore.
Typically, I'd be sound asleep with visions of Russell Crowe and Hugh Jackman dancing in my head.
Not tonight - no, my slumber is stolen, my dreams interrupted by this hideous disease known as Dermatomyositis.
My skin is red, hot, burning. No relief in sight. Cool showers make it worse. Creams or ointments have no effect.
I found two bags of frozen shredded zucchini in my freezer. One on my arm, the other on my chest. Ahhhhh.........a moment of relief.
All this because the insurance company is dragging their feet on the renewal of my medication approval.
Without this medication, my skin will get worse to the point of open ulcers on my arms, back and chest. My legs and arms have started weakening and eventually I won't be able to walk.
As it is, internally I have a fire as well. My muscles and some organs inflamed. Waiting for the IV Meds. I want to scream. This has been my life the past few nights. It's just getting to be to much for me to handle anymore.
Sunday, May 25, 2014
Memorial Day, It's Not About the Cookout
Have you ever read, "The Constitution of the United States of America"? I understand if you haven't, it's not an easy read. Honestly, I have yet to finish it in its entirety. That will change this Memorial Day.
I know it's great to have a three day weekend, but as you're eating that hot dog or hanging out with friends and family, take time to realize what this day is about. It's a day of remembrance. To remember those that have served, and are currently serving, in our military. It's a day to remember those that never returned, and those that did.
This day touches us all. Everyone knows someone who has served. Many of us know someone that has returned injured, physically or mentally. So many people killed, hurt, maimed. For what? What is it all for?
FREEDOM
They serve because I can't. They took a bullet because I couldn't. They lost their limbs so I wouldn't. They sacrificed everything so I can live free. They gave of themselves to protect our rights, to protect our Constitution, to protect us.
How can the government these folks fought and died to protect treat our veterans so bad? We need to be mad, and we need to make changes to protect them. The current mess of the Veterans Administration can't be swept under a rug. They've protected us, let us now provide for them. Start calling, writing, screaming to our Congressmen and Senators to take care of our Veterans.
Today and everyday - remember their sacrifice. Enjoy your freedom - it takes a lot of blood to keep it.
Friday, December 27, 2013
No Resolutions for the New Year
I've decided to stop making resolutions. I never keep them.
This time, I've decided to list what I would like to see happen in 2014. A wish list, of sorts, that, in my opinion, would make the world a better place. Some are serious, some are humorous, some are ludicrous.
I wish in 2014.......
...the "F" word would return to dark alley's, men's bathrooms, and the military. Outside of those parameters, be socially unacceptable to say.
...Bruce Jenner Kardashian's face would melt off and he'd be back to Bruce Jenner, Olympic god.
...TLC would stop trolling trailer parks for their next reality show. ENOUGH ALREADY!
...people who say, "live and let live" would mean it.
...there would be more equality.
...no one would care who sleeps with whom. Straight, gay, lesbian, bi, tran, who cares. A person is a person - PERIOD!
...the punishment for any form of child abuse would be more severe.
...Washington DC would realize the citizens of this country no longer care about party politics - we just want stuff done!
...people would realize Miley Cyrus is the Madonna of the 21st century. As long as she keeps getting attention for being ridiculous, she'll keep being ridiculous to sell her music. Ignore her and she'll stop licking everything.
...the punishment for any form of animal abuse would be more severe.
...all children would have the opportunity for an education.
...no child would ever go without a healthy meal or a clean bed to sleep in.
...any sick child would get free medical care.
...more money would be spent on research for a cure for auto-immune illnesses such as Lupus (SLE), Fibromyalgia, and Dermatomyositis.
...pot would be legalized.
...people would stop shopping Wal-Mart and shop local businesses.
...the punishment for human trafficking would be more severe.
...colleges would lower their costs and financial aid would increase so anyone can afford a college degree.
...anyone involved in child pornography gets their nuts cut off. Ok, at least gets punished more severely.
...the illegal immigrants that have been here for years, have families, jobs, and have done nothing against this country, be allowed to become citizens - quickly, not at the current slow pace. Many of them work harder and have more pride in America than some of our natural born citizens.
...there be less boobs, butts, and nuts shown on TV. Sheesh - it's embarrassing at times.
Ok, this is the list so far, there may be another.
Happy 2014 folks - may it be a heck of a lot better than 2013, and my all our soldiers come home.
This time, I've decided to list what I would like to see happen in 2014. A wish list, of sorts, that, in my opinion, would make the world a better place. Some are serious, some are humorous, some are ludicrous.
I wish in 2014.......
...the "F" word would return to dark alley's, men's bathrooms, and the military. Outside of those parameters, be socially unacceptable to say.
...Bruce Jenner Kardashian's face would melt off and he'd be back to Bruce Jenner, Olympic god.
...TLC would stop trolling trailer parks for their next reality show. ENOUGH ALREADY!
...people who say, "live and let live" would mean it.
...there would be more equality.
...no one would care who sleeps with whom. Straight, gay, lesbian, bi, tran, who cares. A person is a person - PERIOD!
...the punishment for any form of child abuse would be more severe.
...Washington DC would realize the citizens of this country no longer care about party politics - we just want stuff done!
...people would realize Miley Cyrus is the Madonna of the 21st century. As long as she keeps getting attention for being ridiculous, she'll keep being ridiculous to sell her music. Ignore her and she'll stop licking everything.
...the punishment for any form of animal abuse would be more severe.
...all children would have the opportunity for an education.
...no child would ever go without a healthy meal or a clean bed to sleep in.
...any sick child would get free medical care.
...more money would be spent on research for a cure for auto-immune illnesses such as Lupus (SLE), Fibromyalgia, and Dermatomyositis.
...pot would be legalized.
...people would stop shopping Wal-Mart and shop local businesses.
...the punishment for human trafficking would be more severe.
...colleges would lower their costs and financial aid would increase so anyone can afford a college degree.
...anyone involved in child pornography gets their nuts cut off. Ok, at least gets punished more severely.
...the illegal immigrants that have been here for years, have families, jobs, and have done nothing against this country, be allowed to become citizens - quickly, not at the current slow pace. Many of them work harder and have more pride in America than some of our natural born citizens.
...there be less boobs, butts, and nuts shown on TV. Sheesh - it's embarrassing at times.
Ok, this is the list so far, there may be another.
Happy 2014 folks - may it be a heck of a lot better than 2013, and my all our soldiers come home.
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
"Someday at Christmas"
According to the website "Song Facts", this song was written by Motown songwriters Ron Miller and Bryan Wells for Stevie Wonder's Christmas album, and released during the Vietnam War. It was one of the first Christmas songs with a social and political message. It took a stand for peace, equality and compassion.
I've heard this song for years, but never really listened to it until recently. This song could have been written yesterday, the lyrics are quite moving. It's worth taking the time to find it on the internet and listen to it.
I know I won't see "Someday" during my lifetime, but maybe my son and his children will.
"Someday At Christmas"
Someday at Christmas men won't be boys
Playing with bombs like kids play with toys
One warm December our hearts will see
A world where men are free
Someday at Christmas there'll be no wars
When we have learned what Christmas is for
When we have found what life's really worth
There'll be peace on earth
Someday all our dreams will come to be
Someday in a world where men are free
Maybe not in time for you and me
But someday at Christmastime
Someday at Christmas we'll see a land
With no hungry children, no empty hand
One happy morning people will share
Our world where people care
Someday at Christmas there'll be no tears
All men are equal and no men have fears
One shining moment, one prayer away
From our world today
Someday all our dreams will come to be
Someday in a world where men are free
Maybe not in time for you and me
But someday at Christmastime
Someday at Christmas man will not fail
Hate will be gone and love will prevail
Someday a new world that we can start
With hope in every heart
Someday all our dreams will come to be
Someday in a world where men are free
Maybe not in time for you and me
But someday at Christmastime
Someday at Christmastime
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
You're a What?
ag·nos·tic noun \ag-ˈnäs-tik, əg-\
: a person who does not have a definite belief about whether God exists or not
: a person who does not believe or is unsure of something
-Merriam-Webster Dictionary
: my college kid
I have an "agnostic" in my house.
At least during his Sophomore year. His Freshman year he was the "philosopher", now he's the "agnostic". What will he be his Junior or Senior year?
I know, I know, "he's finding himself", that's what college is all about. He's finding himself ??? He hasn't lived long enough to be lost! An "agnostic"? Jeez....what the heck?
Do all parents go through this? He wasn't raised an "agnostic". He had a belief in God, where did it go? Now he's all "Mr. Science" and has to have everything proved to him. It'll be really easy for him to prove that's my foot in his backside.
Ok - deep breath - relax. He didn't come home with an earring, tattoos, or wearing a bra.
I know I put my parents through it when I was 20, so I guess if this is the worst thing he comes home with, I'll be ok.
Deep breath - an "agnostic" - Jeez......if my mom finds out she'll have her foot in my backside.
Sunday, November 17, 2013
Why Adopt an Animal?
There are many reasons not to bring an animal into your home.
They're an added expense with buying food, toys, and treats. Don't forget the vet bills for immunizations, and emergencies.
They tie you down. You have to find someone to babysit if you go away for a few days.
Housebreaking can be an issue. If you don't get them already trained, you end up with a spot or two on the carpet.
Don't forget having to walk the dog daily, or play with the cat when he's frisky.
The list goes on and on.
Why would anyone want to adopt an animal?
Two words - unconditional love.
You come home from a hard day, who is right there to let you know everything really is ok? Your pet. You're not feeling very well, who climbs on the bed and snuggles right up beside you making you feel better? Your pet. Who is there to share your happiness, share your sorrows, share your life? Your pet.
Unconditional love.
A cat curled up on your lap, purring - one of the greatest feelings in the world.
A dog with it's head on your lap, waiting for that rub behind the ears - another one of the greatest feelings in the world.
How can you not want a pet to share your life with. Complete yourself, adopt a dog or cat from a local shelter. You'll quickly realize what it is you've been missing - the unconditional love that can only come from a pet.
They're an added expense with buying food, toys, and treats. Don't forget the vet bills for immunizations, and emergencies.
They tie you down. You have to find someone to babysit if you go away for a few days.
Housebreaking can be an issue. If you don't get them already trained, you end up with a spot or two on the carpet.
Don't forget having to walk the dog daily, or play with the cat when he's frisky.
The list goes on and on.
Why would anyone want to adopt an animal?
Two words - unconditional love.
You come home from a hard day, who is right there to let you know everything really is ok? Your pet. You're not feeling very well, who climbs on the bed and snuggles right up beside you making you feel better? Your pet. Who is there to share your happiness, share your sorrows, share your life? Your pet.
Unconditional love.
A cat curled up on your lap, purring - one of the greatest feelings in the world.
A dog with it's head on your lap, waiting for that rub behind the ears - another one of the greatest feelings in the world.
How can you not want a pet to share your life with. Complete yourself, adopt a dog or cat from a local shelter. You'll quickly realize what it is you've been missing - the unconditional love that can only come from a pet.
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