Snow is coming. This is what we will be doing around here.
It’s been a while since I’ve posted. It’s been a crazy ride over here at the 322. I got a job at a Head Start center working with families back in Aug/Sept. and I’ve been pretty busy adjusting and working. I actually do not get online that often outside my job, so I haven’t had a presence on here in a while. I do get on Facebook now and then, but I’ve even cut back on that.
I have to say that I’m glad the cold is finally here. I’ve been waiting for it. We actually did get a light snow/freeze last week, which was nice. It’s getting time for seed-buying and preparing the garden for the Spring. We have decided to do some raised beds this year, so we’ll see how that turns out. With T’s back issues and my inability to keep up with a large garden on my own, we decided to scale back and make it (hopefully!) much easier on both of us. Now just to get those beds built.
Christmas has been pretty calm so far. I’m off from work for the next two weeks, which I’m more thankful for than I can express. First, I’m going to rest, but some work around the house has to be accomplished on this vacation as well. However, I find time to get some things done every now and then… like jewelry organizing (along with finding a use for an old rake given to me by a coworker).
I’m in a purging mood and am trying to take advantage of it. Now, if I could just get someone to come pick up my junk. I love getting rid of stuff.
I’ve been drinking tea like crazy, today. Speaking of another item stash I need to purge. Maybe I can drink enough on vacation to cut down the VERY large supply somewhat. I haven’t allowed myself to buy tea in a while because I have so much. Maybe if I can get rid of some I can try out some new stuff. I’ve been craving it like crazy today, which is better than craving hot chocolate.
Well, kitties are calling and getting a little rambunctious because it’s almost dinner time. I better go see if they are killing each other.
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I’m home sick from work, today. I have an angry intestinal sickness that is finally… seemingly… letting up. I can hardly sit here and type I’m so weak, but I’ve either been in the bed or in the recliner all day and cannot stand to sit in one position anymore.
It’s been a busy time at work and I really need to get back to it. Too much to do before next week.
To top it off, it’s beautiful and the perfect temperature outside. I think I might go out and sit for while with some hot tea. That might make me feel a bit better. Today was the first day that the heat kicked on, which makes me happy. It was chilly in the house this morning and when I looked at the thermostat, it read 69 degrees. I love it! I’m really hoping it sticks this way.
Well, I have a lot to share, but I think I need to go rest some more. Ugh. I only get about 5 minute bouts of energy. Maybe it’s a good sign.
Ohhhhhh, great! Now one of the cats is throwing up. Lovely.
Today was beautiful. The cooler weather allowed me to get outside, comfortably, and plant some seeds. Turnip and lettuce seeds were placed in the soil and watered and next week spinach will follow. The downside is that with the cooler weather and a schedule still in the adjustment period, I was very sleepy this afternoon and slept for about an hour and a half. Now it feels like it should be about 9 PM, when in fact it is about 20 min. until Midnight. This is going to throw me so off, again.
Back to the gorgeous fall-like weather. It was great. Sundown in St. Elmo was scheduled for tonight and I went by myself, which was nice. T has been nursing a painful back, lately, so he didn’t feel like walking around. Others had plans, so I had a nice stroll in St. Elmo by myself. I haven’t hung out by myself in a while. I miss doing it sometimes.
I went to Umbra Essence in St. Elmo to check out the art exhibit in the back and look at some of their candles and stationery. I found a pack of awesome cards by a local Chattanooga artist (Kelly Metcalf Wilkes). I also got some candles that I can use for a xmas gift. The picture above is the fire sculpture in the back. When I was back there, a neighbor had called the fire department because they thought that the business was on fire. The firemen were questioning the owner. Kinda funny. The fire was a little big, though.
Also, went down to Collective Clothing. It’s a vintage and resale shop in St. Elmo. Good prices and lots of cool stuff. I could have spent more there, but a my headache and sore throat started up again.
In other news, I have a job, albeit temporary. I am working at the Head Start center that I previously worked at (and another one), filling in for a regular staff member. The job has a lot to it, but I’m learning. Feels good to be earning my own pay, again. Also, it is good to be back at a place where I loved working before. It was one of my favorite jobs I’ve ever had. I’ve been gone five years and it feels like I never left. It’s strange to think that I started and finished a college degree since I worked there last. Doesn’t feel like it.
A couple of weeks ago I went down to my hometown and stayed a couple of days. Got to spend time with a dear old friend and my grandparents. My grandmother gave me an awesome quilt that she found at a yard sale. Lovin’ it.
Well, better get off of here. I am so excited about the long weekend. I know I’m going to be up late, tonight. I need to find something productive to do.
What I’ve read/enjoyed/found recently:
*Rhythm of the Home’s Autumn 2010 Edition
U.S. Judge Overturns Prop. 8 In Gay Rights Victory : The Two-Way : NPR -
This is the best thing I’ve read in the news in a while.
I’m feeling a little introverted these days. It’s not a depressing kind of introversion, just a still type. I don’t know if it’s the heat or what, but I feel I need to sit quietly and reflect on a few things. Nothing serious, just reflection. It feels good to be quiet. Along with this, my mind has been calmer as well. Not completely calm. That would take a miracle.
There have been some rumblings around the house about possible remodels. Tripp and I talk about this stuff a lot - mainly because our house is officially a 2 bedroom, but we would love for it to have 3. I really like the current idea and I think he and I are on the same page. It would certainly make us enjoy our place more. I guess we’ll have to see.
I didn’t get much sleep last night. Stayed up until 2 am trying to do something on the computer and by the time I actually got to sleep, it was about 3 am. It might be an early night for me tonight. Possibly going to the hometown, tomorrow, to see the parents, grandparents, and maybe a friend. I need to get out of this house a bit. I get cabin fever way to easily to sit around in a house all day and the heat has been unbearable.
A friend and I went walking in Chattanooga’s Renaissance Park, this weekend. I snapped the picture below with my phone, but I thought it appropriate for how my mood has been, lately. Maybe there’s a calm before the storm - in the good sense. I can take that.
Warning: Very long post follows
Let me get this out. This might not seem like a positive post. It might even seem like a rant (which it sort of is, actually), but it is something that I have strong feelings about and a subject that is close to my heart.
I have to preface this by mentioning that this is nothing personal, although my thoughts and opinions have been pulled from specific incidences that I have observed over the years. There is no need to defend yourself, like I have found that many people usually feel they need to do over the internet, for some reason. No one should feel they have to defend themselves over others’ opinions (I have to remind myself of this often). I feel like I’m defending myself right now, so I’ll just begin my post…
I have observed responsible animal guardians and irresponsible ones over my 33 years. I realize mistakes can be made. With all of the care in the world, animals can get diseases, become pregnant, and get injured. I try my hardest not to judge someone whose cat or dog has had an accidental litter of kittens or puppies or whose dog has escaped its temporarily distracted guardian, only to be hit by a vehicle. Like I mentioned before, there are definitely accidents. However, many incidents can be avoided by being prepared to bring an animal into one’s home and life and realizing that it is not there just for one’s own pleasure and happiness. It is a life that has its own needs - like safe shelter, food, adequate attention, and stability.
I also have to add that I have not been a perfect animal guardian. I have kept my cats indoors to hopefully give them longevity. Because of their more sedentary living situation, they are overweight. I DO pay attention to this, but sometimes not like I should. I am aware of it, however, and try to do my best about monitoring their food intake. Just wanted to add this to let everyone know that I know my own flaws as an animal guardian as well.
What I want to do with this post, is make people *THINK* about why they want an animal and how to prepare beforehand. There is usually too much hasty decision-making when getting and caring for an animal. This usually ends up in a not so ideal situation for the person and animal. I have had animals my whole life, except that year before I got Two-Tone and his brother. I have volunteered at an animal welfare society in Washington state (not just a shelter, but a rehabilitation and educational organization as well), and worked as a veterinary assistant (briefly). I am not saying that this makes me an expert, but it does give me some insight on how to treat an animal and how to make the decision about giving an animal a home. So, now with some general tips (and there are more than just this) that I have reasoned from the experiences above…
1. Ask yourself *WHY* you want an animal and try to be as honest with yourself as possible. Animals can be great companions, no doubt about it, but it is not the only reason one should want to bring one into their life and home. If this is the ONLY reason you want one, it might not be the best fit. I’ve seen people do this and when the pet did not live up to their expectations as a companion, take it back to the shelter, or wherever. It creates a very insecure situation for the animal. Animals can be trained and it takes time and patience. Read about your potential animal’s training needs before you choose one.
2. Don’t choose an animal because it’s cute or is a baby version of any animal. I am one of the world’s worst when it comes to cute animals or baby animals. I love them and want to squeeze the crap out of them (not literally… well, maybe a little;), but I realize it’s not a reason to get an animal. Kittens and puppies grow up to be animals that need a lot of attention, care, and training. Once again, realize that this takes A LOT of patience, time, and energy.
3. Don’t assume that you can just *take it back* if you don’t like the animal. It is a commitment. Don’t get me wrong. I do like the shelter rules about bringing back an animal to the place where you adopted it. This should be an option to keep the animal in the hands of people that can care for it, BUT going into the adoption process with that forefront in one’s mind is a recipe for disaster. This just screams *whimsical* and *unstable* to me and the animal is going to be the one that suffers.
4. Research the type of animal that one is adopting. Before you even begin looking at animals, know the type. It is impossible to know everything, but it is best to know what one is getting into - the behaviors and needs of the animal. Maybe offer to animal-sit for another person’s pets (at their own home) or volunteer at a shelter. This can give a person insight into what the animals needs and behaviors are like.
5. This one is a big one for me… MAKE SURE THE FUNDS ARE AVAILABLE FOR ANIMAL CARE. Vet bills can be enormous, even in a po-dunk town like my own. However, I’ve seen people get pets without even thinking about this and/or thinking they can ignore it or get around it. Cats and dogs, among other pets, need to be spayed and neutered. This should not be up for debate. Get your cat/dog/whatever spayed or neutered as soon as you can. They need preventative care, usually on an annual basis (shots, parasite care, etc.). Also, there can be expensive issues that suddenly come up as well, like injuries and diseases (congenital or otherwise). Take it from me, I was once a hard-working, yet poor, gal who had to deal with feline FUS issues in my cat. This was not cheap nor simple, but I made it work. I also did not have more animals than I could deal with or afford (a whole other issue).
6. This piggy-backs on #5 - GET YOUR ANIMAL SPAYED/NEUTERED as soon as you can. People often think they can give this time or wait until they have the money… or not worry about it at all if the cat is indoor. Guess what - indoor animals can get out. Cats can procreate like bunnies;) and I’m sure dogs are not far behind them. The Feral Cat Coalition of San Diego states:
A pair of breeding cats, which can have two or more litters per year, can exponentially produce 420,000 offspring over a seven-year period. And the overpopulation problem carries a hefty price tag. Statewide, more than $50 million (largely from taxes) is spent by animal control agencies and shelters for cat-related expenses.
It is simple. Get your animal spayed or neutered. I will reiterate this because it is something that CANNOT be ignored or put on the back-burner. This does not just go for cats. Dogs, too, can reproduce at a high rate and produce more animals that need homes.
I realize there are times when finances are rough. I’ve been there and I realize many people are there right now. For those times, there are free spay/neuter clinics and fairs in many cities and towns and low-cost vet care clinics. Check with your local vets, animal shelters, or animal organizations for information. For Chattanooga and surrounding area folks, also check with New Leash On Life for this type of information.
7. Time and attention is important for any animal. One must make sure that she/he has enough time, patience, and attention for ALL their animals. Know the limits. We have 3 cats and that is pushing it as far as attention goes for us. We love all of them, but we make sure they have enough attention and are not neglected. A neglected animal is a very very sad animal.
I’m going to stop here. I am fully aware there is detailed advice I could give about specifically caring for a pet, but I’m not going to get into this. I think I slightly covered that in general. I really wanted to write a post about what people should think about BEFORE they get an animal. Also, I do not want to discourage anyone from adopting an animal. There are plenty that need good homes. I just want to make sure people are doing it for the most optimum reasons for the animal and themselves.
I also realize there are exceptions. For example, knowledgeable and trained people who take in rescues or strays. I’m not talking about hoarders or people who take in every stray they find and think that is what is best for the animals, but people who have been doing this for a while and have connection to resources, or people who are trained to do it.
There are other important things that I could put on here about not buying from pet stores, pet mills, and generally being knowledgeable about from where you are adopting an animal, but that in itself might have to be another preachy post. Thanks for making it this far.
It has been HOT here in the Southeast. I dream of October. Hell, I’d take September, right now. It is supposed to rain, today, and cool off a bit in the next week, but this is pretty miserable. Last night, T and I went out with some friends for dinner and standing outside, afterward, was like standing under a 95 degree wet blanket. I cannot stand it.
Between the heat, sweat, and the wine, I had some crazy dreams last night. They were not happy ones, but mainly frustrating ones. At the end, my garden had been ravaged by animals and nothing was left. I had this horrible sinking feeling at the end of the dream and woke up with it. One can see where my brain is most of the time - thinking about if I need to pick the cuces and tomatoes and if the corn is going to withstand the storm that is about to come through. Yes. That is my world, right now, and I’m okay with it. Speaking of…
The garden has been doing pretty well, lately. I need to employ crop rotation next year to see if the plants will produce like they did the first year. I’ve just been lazy about it.
Today, I’m going to do some freezing, canning, cleaning, and reading. I need to accomplish some tasks around here if it hurts me. I’ve been so easily distracted, lately, and I finally need to focus and get something done. So, with that, I’m off to clear my head, eat breakfast, and be proactive.
Thought that this was pretty useful. There a lot of these type bits out there, but this one breaks it down by room. Some of these things we do, already, and some we choose NOT to do (I love our Showtime and HBO. I have my vices.). However, this is a good reminder. Just thought I’d share.