Happy New Year

2009 has gone by so fast, I try to look back and think of all I have accomplished. It had been a trying and difficult year. 2008 and 2007 wasn't any better, I am thinking, three times is quite enough, so 2010 should be a good year!

I have had some heartbreaking losses, pet and human alike. I have made new friends, stayed in touch with old friends, surrounded myself with more positive people, and kept myself away from the negative ones.

I have made great friends here in blog land, and appreciate the kind comments you leave, the friendly emails, and the phone conversations. Many of you here have become extended family. I thank each one of you for such kindness, and putting up with some of my many rants.

I thought I would end the year with everyone in my household healthy and happy. Wishful thinking on my part. Hubby is sick with a bad head cold, so lots of resting for him this weekend.

Lacee is having some trouble with her throat. We knew this would happen as she grew, as the shoelace she was hung with had done some damage, so keeping a close eye on her eating and swallowing ability is a must right now, then we will determine what the next step will be.

Oscar is doing well. He is losing weight, not a good sign, but he is happy and content, and that is all I want. As long as he is happy and pain free, then so am I.

Bandit has injured his leg, and we are waiting for an appointment with his vet to determine if he has an ACL tear. He is on strict rest in his crate, and only potty breaks on leash. He must remain quiet and calm, which means we also need to keep all the dogs quiet and calm, not always an easy task.

I don't make New Year resolutions, I never have, as I feel they are too easy to break. I will leave you all with just a few words.

Don't compare your life to others, you have no idea what kind of journey they have or had to get where they are today, or how their journey continues.
Don't have negative thoughts. Invest your energy in the positive moments of every day.
Smile and laugh more. Remember, smiling and laughing is contagious, so pass it around. Try to make someone smile everyday.
Dream more while you are awake, and always believe those dreams are a possibility.
You are in charge of your own happiness, so Be Happy.

Best wishes to everyone and Happy New Year!
Always Dream and Always Believe.

Merry Christmas

I posted this photo last Christmas, but since I am such a sentimental fool, and Jake and Princess are no longer with us, I thought, why not, they still deserve their blog time, even if it is just in a photo.

I have contemplated on what to write about for weeks, and have had many instances where I would tell myself "I have to remember to write about this", but, the correct words just are not there.

Christmas time is such an emotional time for me, and most likely for many reading this blog. I hope many find the true spirit of Christmas, within your hearts. Christmas is about generosity, but not so much of giving of material things, but giving of your time. Please find the time to spend with family, friends, and those near and dear to you. We often get caught up in our own hectic lives, and tend to forget or take the time to be with those we care most about.

We don't know what tomorrow will bring, we don't know if this will be our last Christmas with family and friends. Don't wait until it is too late. Pick up the phone and call that special friend or family member, and let them know you were thinking of them today.

Try to see the goodness in others, even in a perfect stranger. Lend out a helping hand this holiday season. Find forgiveness, offer a warm embrace, a gentle smile, and a little of your time.

Merry Christmas!