Computer Problems and More

After many attempts to access blogger, I have finally gotten through. My apologies for my absence. July has not been a very good month for us. First, we were still puppy sitting the Chocolate Labrador puppy until the second week of July, and he took quite a bit of our time, and if I do say so myself, it was a little chaotic around here.

While the house was a bit crazy, things were still running quite smoothly until my Husband ended up in the hospital for a couple of days. We thought it was his heart, fortunately his heart is in good health; and he is ok. I must say I was really sick with worry for a bit, but he is well and everything is back to normal, almost.

My computer crashed a couple weeks ago, so I have been without my computer. I have been temporarily using my husbands laptop, but with this laptop, I have been having trouble accessing blogger, my email, and many other important tasks of mine, until now. My new computer will be here in a week, so hopefully I will be up and running, and be able to catch up on all my reading.

One positive thing that has occurred through the month of July. Annie started her puppy foundation agility class, and is having a blast.

I will update more, once my new computer is up and running.
We hope August will be a much happier and more productive month. Until then, I hope everyone is happy and well.

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!

Ice Skating

Here is the most recent video of my niece ice skating.
This is the Extemporaneous Improvisation Pre-Preliminary at Showcase 2009. She is 8 years old. The music for Extemp Improvisation is not revealed to the skaters until half an hour prior to competing. The skaters must then choreograph their own routine without assistance from anyone, including their coach.

She makes us so very proud.


If you want to view her other video's you can see them here.

Tomorrow Is Not A Guarantee

When we get a pet, we always hope they live a long, healthy, fun and safe life with us. Then when old age sets in and the time has come, we will say our heartfelt goodbyes as they leave us with the last breath they take. Our last embrace. It doesn't always happen like that though. We are all on borrowed time. We can lose a pet or a loved one in the prime of their lives from an accident or sudden illness.

If you knew it would be the last time your pet nudges you for some attention, a belly rub, a pat on the head, a toss of a ball, would you still not be in the mood because you have more important things to do, or would you take that time to make more memories? If you knew it would be the last time you wake up to a pair of soulful eyes staring at you, or a soft purr or a quiet bark, would you start your day rather irritated at the animals who meant the world to you; because they chewed or damaged something of importance? Or would you be thankful, they are here and healthy, and alive?

Tomorrow you may be saying goodbye to them. With the finality of never having the chance of saying, "I'm sorry", "I love you", or "goodbye" again. If you knew it would be the last time your pet would be welcoming you home at the door, would you still get angry when she runs off in some area of your yard trying to entice you to play a game of chase? Would you still ignore her, or scold her for not coming when called; because you are tired and had a hard day at work today? Or would you take that few minutes to return the favor, and show her how happy you are to see her too?

If you knew it would be the last time you see your children fall asleep, would you tuck them in more tightly, and read that story to them one more time, the same one they now have memorized word from word? If you knew it would be the last time you will see your loved one walk out the door, would you give him an extra hug and kiss and tell him how much you care? If you knew it would be the last time you would talk with your loved one, would you stop and say "I love you," instead of assuming they already know? If you knew it would be the last time that you would sit and talk about your day, would you take the time to share and listen, and not put off until tomorrow, things that need to be said or done today?

You may not get tomorrow, you may not get that second chance. Take time to say "I'm sorry," "Please forgive me," "Thank you," "I love you" or "It's okay.

Love and cherish your Friends, Family, and Pets as if today will be your last day together. Sadly, sometimes it takes a tragedy to occur before people realize what they had and to appreciate what they have before they are taken from you.

Tomorrow is not a guarantee, live for today.

Happy Anniversary

Tomorrow March 23rd will be our 23rd wedding anniversary and it has been an amazing, 23 years. Please bare with me while I tell you about some of the reasons why I love my husband like I do....

• He has a very sexy wink. ( etc, etc)
  

• He can fix just about anything in and around the house.

• He always helps me put my coat on.

• He opens doors for me everywhere we go and even opens the car door for me too.

• He cracks me up when he says goofy stuff and keeps a straight face!

• He's extremely thoughtful and giving, not just with me but with others too.

• He pays attention. When we go out shopping , if I see something that I like and mention it, he will remember it, And then one day for no reason at all, he will have that something I liked as a gift for me, sometimes even months later.

• He is so smart and has so much useful knowledge, I get amazed at some of the things he knows.

• He sings to me. I love his voice, and can listen to his singing for hours.

• He cooks dinner many nights for us, and always cooks Sunday breakfast.

• He's always there to listen to me if I need to talk, or if I need a shoulder to cry on.

• He's my biggest fan and cheerleader.

• He is a good daddy to all of our cats and dogs.

• He is a huge animal lover, and an excellent dog trainer.

• He gives me a kiss and a hug before leaving for work every morning, and surprises me when he walks back in and says he needs one more kiss.

• He's my personal hero, my everything.
  

I couldn't imagine being married to anyone else. He is always looking for ways to make me smile… especially when I’m not in the mood to smile. He is always complementing me, telling me I look beautiful even when I don't think so. He is a dedicated, committed man in everything that he does. He is very committed to our marriage.

He hasn't been taking much time off work in quite awhile, but with this being our anniversary weekend, he took the time off so we can have the weekend together. Despite that I have been really sick, and have spoiled our plans, he has made sure he has been right here with me to take care of me.

My husband is my best friend in the entire world. There's no one I'd rather spend my time with than him. He takes such great care of me and invests so much of himself in me and in our marriage. He has made the last 23 years of my life absolutely wonderful!

Happy Anniversary Honey!

Ice Skating 12-7-08

Video of my niece's spotlight program at a competition on 12/7/2008. This is her dramatic program ISI level FS5. She is 7 years old in this video.
I love this one and the music is perfect.

Ice Skating (Oct. 2008)

My niece's FS5 technical program competing at Aliso Viejo, California in October 2008

She just gets better and better. We are so very proud of her.

Letter To My Mom

Dear Mom,

I have been thinking about writing this for awhile now, but just have not taken the time. Then as I was sitting here this morning drinking my coffee thoughts of you came to mind, so what better time then now.

I think back when I was just a little girl, how strong you were. All those early years taking me to and from the hospital, worrying about me, hoping your baby girl was going to be ok. I have so many memories of being in the hospital back then, you by my side all the time, yet you still had my three brothers to care for also. You had to make medical decisions no mom ever wants to make for their child. How you held it together, amazes me.

By the time I was born you had already had three sons. You were so afraid I was going to be a tomboy, and you were not going to have a little girl act like a boy. You made it clear that I was going to act like a little lady. All my clothes were dresses, even play clothes. I loved dolls, and all things girly. Although you made sure I was your little girl, you also made sure there was never to be any favoritism. I didn't get away with anything, just because I was a girl. Until I was ready to clean house with you, I had to go pull weeds and tend to the garden and yard right along with my brothers. I remember the one morning I told you I was ready to vacuum, because I didn't want to work in the yard, so you let me try. I remember the vacuum was too heavy for me to push, I quickly changed my mind and went out and helped my brothers do yard work.

You had always let me make my own decisions, with your guidance to teach me to accept the consequences when my decisions were wrong.
When any of my brothers or I did anything wrong, you would question each one of us privately; But, we would never tell you who did what. It was a secret pact we had, not to ever tattle on each other no matter the consequences. So in the end, we would all take the punishment.

Remember when I let one of my brothers take apart my doll, because he wanted to see what made it talk? Not only did he get into trouble for taking apart my doll, but I got into trouble for letting him. No favoritism, you were always fair and equal with discipline and punishment.

I think back and just get amazed all you went through raising four children all close to the same age as a single mother, working full time. You gave up a lot to care for all of us. You went without just so we can have our clothes, toys, food, hobbies, and medical. You have always been very unselfish.

You were always very open and honest, and taught us how to respect our elders, to have good manners, and to always treat others with respect and kindness. You taught us early about life and what to expect, and to work hard.

One of my favorite Christmas memories as a little girl was when I asked for a Baby Crissy doll. Christmas morning, the boys would be the first to get up. they would get your coffee ready for you. Then they woke me up and told me they think I got the doll I asked for. As I walked down the steps, the prettiest little bassinet was sitting near the tree, with the prettiest doll I had ever seen. No, she wasn't the Baby Crissy I wanted, she was another Baby doll, much prettier. The boys went to wake you up, and I couldn't wait for you to tell me I can hold my new baby. You always knew the choices you would make would be better for us. You knew me well enough to know I would be happier with the baby you chose. You were right.

As I got older, and started dating. You helped me decide on a curfew, you didn't just choose it for me, you let me choose and we made a compromise, again teaching me how to make wise choices. I remember when I broke up with my first boyfriend and he started stalking me. When he called and you answered the phone, and he told you some personal things about our relationship, as if you didn't know. Even though we hadn't discussed it, you were my mom, you knew all he was telling you. You always knew everything about me. Where I was, what I was doing, who I was hanging out with. I do believe that little bird you told me was watching me at all hours was a very dedicated bird, he did his job well.

I was always afraid to disappoint you. I had a fear in me, that if I ever did anything too terribly wrong, I would lose you, and I wasn't willing to take that chance. I remained that good girl. The little girl you taught, to be honest, to be good, to love all things. I knew I could call you if I were ever to get into trouble, without harsh words from you, you would be there, to help get me through whatever the situation was. You made sure the communication lines were always open between us.

When I was a teenager and I was in the car accident, I can't imagine the feelings that must have been going through your mind, when you got the call, and had to drive for miles and miles to another state, not knowing if I was going to die before you arrived at the hospital. No parent should have to go through that. Not knowing if I was ever going to walk again. You have had your share of worries.

When I met my husband, you were very worried. Our relationship developed quickly. I remember you telling him that he better never disappoint me, never hurt me, or he will have to answer to you. Well Mom, he is a good man, A very good husband. I am so happy you love him the way you do. He loves you very much. The relationship the two of you have is a unique one. I am pleased he hasn't disappointed you. I am pleased with our marriage that you never lost a daughter, you gained a son who admires and respects you.

I have witnessed through my years the strength and determination you have had to provide for our family, raise us to be respectable members of society. Since you have become ill, I know it is difficult for you knowing that you are not as strong as you once were, and are not able to do all the things you once did, but mom, I want you to know you will always be my hero, my safety net, my best friend. You continually amaze me each and everyday with all you go through.

Thank you for all the things you have taught me. I can't even begin to name all the lessons you have taught, good and bad, right from wrong. How to love, how to be a good wife. My love for animals, nature, humanity. All of that came from the lessons you instilled in me as a child.

I am still that girly girl you raised. I love pink. I love dolls and all things girly. You did well.
I know you still worry about me. Please know, I am ok. I have a wonderful husband that will always keep his promise to you and take good care of me.

I love you mom. You are my world. You will always be my supermom. I can't imagine my life without you in it. Thank you for being who you are, thank you for being my mom.

Love,
T

Fate

I love to tell the story of how my husband and I met. This particular event in my life I do believe was fate.

Twenty Two years ago on the night of New Years Eve, I was debating which party I wanted to attend, or should I say who I wanted to attend with. I was currently engaged (I know, you are all now thinking "T, you bad girl"), my fiance was in the military and in another country for a few months. I had a gut feeling our relationship was ending once he left, but I was in denial, at that moment, and was still planning on joining him soon.

I had two different girlfriends that invited me out, so I had to decide who I wanted to spend the evening with. So, I decided to go with C, since she was more responsible, and I just knew we would have a better time together.

A little background on what my husband tells me. He was in the military at the time, and he had asked this nice girl to the same party I was going to attend. When he had confirmed his date with this girl, she had forgotten that she had committed to go out with someone else that night. She told my husband she would rather go with him, but being the gentleman that he is, he told her, "you made plans with him first, it wouldn't be fair to break that engagement, we will get together at a later date". Isn't he just the sweetest!

So....that is how we both ended up at the same party, YIPPEE!!


C and I were the last to arrive at the party, talk about GRAND entrance. I will never forget, everyone stopped what they were doing, it was quiet, and they all came up to us to introduce themselves. C knew everyone, I knew no one. Me, incredibly shy person, quiet, faint smile, not sure what to say to anyone, just be polite and smile.

There he was, standing tall, handsome, kindest smile, he stood out from all the rest. My friend C, she was so crazy and persistent, she introduced him to me several times all night, just trying to set us up. Not me, I wouldn't have any of it. After all, I was wearing an engagement ring, I was engaged, already spoken for. I kept leaving the room and going to another, I was nervous, I was SHY! Then it happened. Oh No, the bells and whistles rang, you know what that means right? You guessed it, MIDNIGHT!! It is the New Year! What does everyone do to bring in the New Year? Yes, kiss, and hug everyone. My friend C hugged me a few times, a few hugs from others. I tried, I mean REALLY, REALLY tried to avoid him. He looked my way, I would look the opposite, I couldn't take this, and did I mention how handsome he was?

C got between us and began her introduction AGAIN, by saying "have I introduced you two yet?" Got to give her credit, she never gave up. He responded with "yes, but I did not get my New Years kiss." Oh, goodness, there he is as handsome as ever, smiling the kindest smile, holding a beer in his hand, and what do I do, he put me on the spot, do I just walk away? Not a chance, I leaned in, gave him a quick little kiss, and then stepped back. That wasn't good enough, no, not good enough for him, he then responded by asking "is that all I get?" What? my kiss wasn't good enough, who does this guy think I am. Now remember, there was many, many people there that evening. Well, it got tremendously quiet, so quiet it was eerie. I responded back with the most long, passionate kiss, I think I caught him off guard, and he just opened his hand and let his beer drop to the floor, and everyone in the room clapped.

That was the beginning. We were inseparable from that night on, engaged TWO weeks later, then married TWO months later.

Oh, the ex-fiance, well, I never heard from him again. I do believe this was fate. Just to add more interesting facts, my husband is from the same town my ex-fiance was from, and they were both stationed at the same military base. They both knew the same people, but not each other. Fate, I believe in fate. I had no clue what love was until I met my husband.

Twenty Two years later, and I am in love with my husband even more now, then I was then. We often ask ourselves what if, he brought that nice girl to the party. What if, I went with my other friend to her party? Fate, It was fate that brought us together that evening.

A Nice Drive

I really enjoy getting in the car and just going for a drive. Unfortunately, with my husbands work hours and all my responsibilities here at home, I don't get the opportunity very often.

My mom lives in Sandy Valley, Nevada, a small town just 45 miles outside of Las Vegas. The drive there is a very relaxing drive. Not much to do in Sandy Valley, they have a small post office, church, general store, a school, a little restaurant and bar. I think that is about it. If my husband did not have to commute back and fourth to work, We would move to Sandy Valley in a heartbeat. I dream of getting away from the fast paced city life.

My mom lives in the airport district there, and the street she lives on is also the runway for the small planes to taxi. It is very common to see the planes in front of her home, an interesting site to see.

I took the following pictures through the car window on the drive down. Hope you all enjoy the hot desert scenery.

Ice Skating

My niece has only been skating since early 2007, and has been doing very well. She has many first and second place medals. She is 7 years old. Skating is her passion, something she really enjoys to do, she is a natural on the ice. My husband and I were able to watch her for the first time this past March and July. We had the best time, and so very proud of her. Yes, I am bragging. I have to say, watching her on these video's doesn't even compare to watching her skate in person. I hope you all enjoy them.

My Niece's Interpretive program from the ISI Open in Las Vegas July, 2008. For ISI's Interpretive, the skaters have no prior knowledge of the music to be played. The competition has all of the skaters hear a piece of music twice and then choreograph their own routine. All skaters are placed in a room and each skater is pulled out to perform having not heard the music again or having not seen the previous skaters' performance. This was my niece's first time competing in an Interpretive event.


My Niece's Artistic FS3 program from the Red, White and Blue ISI Open Competition in July, 2008. This program brings tears to my husbands and my eyes every time we watch it.


This is her Character Spotlight Freestyle 1 at the California State Games March, 2008. She doesn't do this one anymore, as she is past that level now, but one of my favorites.

Happy Birthday Mom

Today is my mom's birthday. Happy Birthday Mom! I want to take a minute today and thank you for continuing to be my mother even in my adult life.
Thank you for being ready to give advice when I ask, and remaining silent when it is most appreciated.
Thank you for never saying "I told you so".
Thank you for being yourself, loving, thoughtful, and forgiving.
Thank you for helping me become the person I am.
Thank you for always being there when I need you.
I am so happy I inherited your love for animals, as it has enriched my life so very much.
I love you Mom, bunches and bunches, and hope this day and all days ahead are good ones, as you deserve all the good life has to offer.