Watch That Mouth

Which Is Your Favorite Word?

Words can hurt.  I know that from personal experience.  I've been on the receiving end of hearing hateful things and I too have said some pretty hateful things.  Luckily, I don't make a habit of saying hateful or hurtful things especially towards others.  I'm just not that mean.  

A twelve year old boy in California committed suicide after being bullied at his school.  Twelve.  How does a twelve year old really comprehend what suicide really means?  And how did kids these days become so damn mean that they pick on some other kid for whatever reason and think that's okay?  And why are the parents not held accountable if the bullying doesn't stop? And what about the school?  Shouldn't they have some responsibility in the matter?   I thought schools were supposed to help protect our kids.  Sometimes going to school itself is a kids only safe haven.  We seriously need to embark on some law making here....one suicide is enough.  However, there have been way too many....it truly sickens my heart.  

There was a young girl in Ohio that cut her long hair into a short pixie like cut, and donated her hair to a charity called 'Wigs for Kids' which makes wigs for children who have lost their hair due to cancer.  She's about twelve also.  I thought that was so profoundly giving for such a young girl who's about to morph into her teen years when you're so self-conscious to make a sacrifice so other kids could benefit.  But instead of getting 'high fives' at her school, she got bullied.  She got bullied so much that her parents had to pull her out of school for a bit while the parents gave the school board a bunch of hell for not supporting and more importantly protecting her daughter.  Seriously, this child set an extraordinary example of helping others and yet she got teased and bullied as a result.  I don't get it.  However, this young lady did not attempt or really think about taking her own life.  Instead she started a fan page on Facebook to draw more attention to stop bullying and raise more money for the Wigs for Kids.  I think that's awesome.  

So in this 'season of giving', be careful of what you say.  Be careful of what you do.  Words hurt.  Be kind.  You may never know how much of an impact you've had on another person.  Make that phone call.  Send that letter that you've been meaning to write.  Don't be afraid to say 'I Love You'.  And you should practice this everyday throughout the year.  Not just around the holidays.  Smile more even if it hurts.  Hug a friend.  Compliment a coworker.  Life is too short to be ugly to one another.  I wish our kids today could understand that more.  And you can put that down on my Christmas Wish List.  elizinashe

Amen to That Dave

What Goes In Must Come Out

Ask and Ye Shall Receive

It's always something, right?  Once you think you're getting slightly ahead, there is always some sort of set back.  Ugh...why must life be that way?  But somehow it usually works itself out.  Or does it?  

I had picked up a few hours this past Friday night due to staff shortage, plus a call out plus our computer system was 'going down' around 10pm for a system wide maintenance, which means it would be a lot of paper charting until close to shift change which is around 0700.  That's 7am for those who don't speak nursing.  Or military.  haha..

Regardless, I couldn't turn the offer down especially since I was being offered 'crisis pay' which means extra money per hour on top of what I was already making.  Plus it would be overtime and some weekend differential.  The recovery from the sleep deprivation has been doable but my Sunday did not start off as I had planned or expected.  Sigh...

To make a really long story short, my cat got sick.  Poor thing.  I had only been asleep for about 4 hours when I heard him puking and walking around meowing.  Now the puking thing is not unusual but the rest of the stuff that had ensued was not normal and he was clearly in pain, very uncomfortable, anxious and frustrated.  I could not let that go on.  I knew there was something else.  What was even more frustrating was that I had no other choice but to take him to the 'Emergency Clinic' since my vet didn't open until 3pm on Sundays.  It was coming close to 9am and my cat's decline had started about 2 hours prior.  I could not let this go on.  

So off we go to the clinic to which I've had bad experiences with in prior years not to mention a huge bill because they can get away with it since it's a 24 hour place.  Weekends and holidays too.  Ouch.  Needless to say, three hours later and $570.60 later we came home.  Nothing too significant and his blood work, at $150 a pop, was quite unremarkable.  Which means nothing of great importance or dangerous.  Stubborn kitty I have....For the most part, he was dehydrated and had been quite constipated which was the root cause and was also the reason he was puking a lot too.  Poor thing. 

So this evening has been some light food and wine for me, with King Hecubus the Snaggletooth, as one of my friends dubbed him many years ago, resting quietly on the couch recovering from a traumatic day.  Three loads of laundry due to the pooping and puking and spot cleaning the floors where he had puked and left a little poo.  Yep.  That's my night...ah, the beauties of being a pet owner.  It sucks that I had to spend so much money on a clinic that certainly over charges because they can, but I'd do it all over again.  I would never let my 'fur baby' suffer like that.  I think any pet owner would tell you the same.  

I love my handsome old man.  He may be pretty persnickety in his old age but don't we all get a little particular as we get older?   I just hope that he continues on a road of recovery and comfort, especially tonight.  I know the future doesn't look too bright for him which breaks my heart.  I'm not ready for that yet.  I want him to leave this Earth peacefully with me by his side and at home.  Just not now.  He's got some more living to do.  That I know.  

Hecubus

Lastly, since I am one to 'put it out there to the universe',  I wanted to post a pic of money coming 'to me' instead of money 'leaving me'.  Thus, the money tree that you see above.  And I will end my post with a pic of Hecubus in his better days as he looks a little thin these days.  He's still soft and cuddly and loves to sleep right up in my face every night.  Purring.  That's a pretty good sound to fall asleep to.  elizinashe

A Typical Evening Pose

Just a Little Jingle

I Dig Glittery Balls

Christmas is coming ya'll!  Are you ready?  Hope you've sharpened your shopping skills.  It's a madhouse out there.  Yikes!  

I had it planned in my head to put up a tree this year.  It would have been the first one I put up in many, many years.  However, the majority of my decorations are in my grandfather's steamer trunk which is still living in my mother's basement.  And being that I work nights, it has been difficult to retrieve.  I guess I could have picked it up on our Thanksgiving celebration, but I just wasn't motivated to dig around in the basement that day.  Just too tired.  Plus, I wouldn't have been able to haul it into the house by myself.  It's pretty big and too heavy for one person to lug around.  Maybe next year....

My birthday was this past week.  Sadly I had to work, but I didn't mind so much.  I pretty much keep it on the down-low anyway.  However, my mom did stop by to bring me a birthday pie and some framed pictures that I had stored at her place while I was living in my tiny little box of a rental house.  Again, that place was way too small to put all of my belongings into six hundred square feet of space.  I'm excited to see my homey belongings again.  I think this week will be finding which wall space to hang them up so once again they will breathe some life after being boxed up for so many years.  

Speaking of my birthday, it began with some early morning texts from a couple of dear friends sending their wishes and two voice mail messages at the end of the day from two of my bestest girlies singing birthday songs.  Loved it.  Not a bad way to spend a birthday when it's wrapped around working hours.  It left me feeling quite loved.  

I saw a clever 'stamp' on the back of a car today while I ran out for a couple of errands.  The quote was on the back bumper right above the tailpipe.  It read "Prius Repellant".  Haha...thought it was rather clever and made me giggle.  If only I could have gotten a picture.....

Okay folks, that's all I've got.  At least for now that is...got to get that shopping list together and do some hammering around the house.  'Tis the season to do some decorating.  Cheers!  elizinashe

It's Coming....

Thanksgiving Survival Tips

Yep, the holidays are fast upon us.  The Thanksgiving feast with the carved beast, too many fixin's, family stress and probably too much alcohol.  Pre-Black Friday deals, the oversaturated Black Friday deals and Cyber Monday.  Ugh.  Yeah, you can score some great deals as long as your willing to give up your free time to camp out and shop 'til you drop among thousands of other idiots.  I am proud to say that I won't indulge in any of that crap.  I pretty much have all I need.  Besides, what I really want is not for sale.  And that's okay.  At least for now that is....

I have a love/hate relationship with the holidays.  It's just not what it used to be. Nor is it what I expected it to be at this stage in my life.   I love my family and enjoy my time with them, but it has never been the same since my brother died.  No big surprise there.  I think that's a rather normal existence in any family that has suffered some kind of loss.  Regardless, I will make the best of it with what I hope to be a positive attitude and understanding.  I might need to pray about that a little bit more.  

I just watched a documentary about the band R.E.M.  Man, I used to listen to them a lot. "Life's Rich Pageant" was always my 'go to' for long car trips.  I still have the cassette somewhere. (and the CD, duh!)  They really were good together not to mention starting up the whole 'college radio' genre.  And quite by accident.  They just wanted to play at some college parties and drink beer.  Little did they know what was in their future.  What I really admire about them as a band is their 'brotherhood' if you will.  They were a band who treated each member with equality especially when it came to song writing.  Nobody took complete credit for any one song, as they all contributed to what they wrote.  Therefore, no arguments about who gets credit for what songs they wrote because in their mentality that is why bands break up.  Arguing over songs.  I think that's pretty cool.  Who does that these days?  I need to revisit those albums...maybe even buy their last one recorded.  A girl's got to have her music ya know?

Aside from the snarky quote above, I hope that you have a good Thanksgiving no matter how you choose to celebrate.  I have a lot to be thankful for and I don't forget about it either.  I wish I could give back in more ways than I do at this stage in my life but I hope that the thought and will to give more will be enough.  I'm a firm believer in 'what goes around, comes around'.  There are so many that are struggling and /or alone.  Nobody should have to live that way, but I know it happens which makes me pretty sad sometimes.  In the meantime, may your plates be full, your table surrounded with loved ones and your ears filled with laughter.  Happy Thanksgiving!  elizinashe

Busy Day Restless MInd

Goodbye Fall

I had a post in my head earlier but it just didn't seem to have the flow that I was wanting.  Sometimes you just can't get it together.  Maybe it's the stupid cold weather we are having so early in the year.  Hell, it's not even officially Winter yet....

I've felt  rather accomplished this past week.  I did a lot of cooking last week while I was off so my little meals to take to work were quite satisfying.  Midnight cafeteria food pretty much sucks.  I also got some of my pipes wrapped up in the basement, just for that extra security.  Even though my basement is pretty well insulated and there aren't any open windows or vents to allow cold air inside, I wanted to keep my new home protected as much as possible.  I don't deal well this household crisis.  It just stresses me out.  Vehicle crisis freaks me out as well.  I like having my wheels in working order.  This chic needs to be able to get to work and take a hot shower, ya know? 

My cat is getting more curious about the basement.  At first he could care less but now when I go down I can hear him meow at the door.  Guess he can't stand to not know where I am going. Haha...and even though when I come back up and open up the door to get back inside and attempt to block him from going down,  he slips down the stairs and runs to the bottom to check things out.  Sneaky tart.  I don't want him to get used to going down there.  I have insulation that is exposed and I don't want him to start 'inspecting' it.  I can just see him giving it a 'taste test' or clawing at it because that's what cats do. 

Guess I should go to bed, eh?  It's late...however I don't have to get up early since I work the night shift.  At least I have a good excuse for being up.  It would really suck if I worked the day shift.  Maybe one of these days I will have a more normal working life.  Maybe not...I've always been a bit different.  Until next time.....elizinashe

Short & Sweet

Downtown Asheville

I met one of my coworkers and his partner Saturday downtown for some photo taking opportunities.  It was really good company on a really good day.  I must remember to do that more often.  

I've had some of the most ridiculous conversations at work.  And I do mean ridiculous.  It can be rather silly and possibly immature.  However it does make me laugh not to mention reduce the stress level for all involved.  I guess that's not a bad thing.  

December is upon us.  Hard to believe.  We have about 6 1/2 weeks until Christmas.  And then we will be ringing in the New Year.  Sheesh!  Have you started your Christmas shopping yet?  Any New Year's plans?  And dare I ask about any resolutions?  

I've never been one to budget myself on a monthly basis.  Believe you me, I've tried but it's just too tedious.  It's busy work that I care not to spend my energy on.  I do pay my bills on time and always have had money for that.  My biggest expense, other than my mortgage is most likely food.  I spend way too much.  Gonna work that.  

Speaking of house stuff, I've had my first 'home repair'.  Apparently my Pressure Reducer Valve was going on it's way out.  Two shower heads that 'squeal' is something more than just a nut-n-bolt-slash-washer type of issue.  Glad it's repaired.  I have dishes to wash and laundry to do!  Now if I only get motivated to use the vacuum.....

With Winter creeping fast I hope you get out and do something fun on beautiful days like I had on Saturday.  Those cold gray days will soon be the only thing we see out our windows.  I'm hoping for a mild winter but you never really know about Mother Nature.  I could use some more blue skies for a few more weeks.   elizinashe

Red Leaves & Blue Skies

This & That

I love a good soup.  Especially when the weather gets chilly.  Who doesn't, right?  Now that I have a new place with a real kitchen, I've been diving into some new recipes that I've had earmarked for quite some time.  I do find it rather therapeutic making a big mess in my giant soup pot and road testing something new.  A good bowl of soup with some warm crusty bread and a nice glass of wine it just the ticket these days.  

"Silence of the Lambs" had been playing on TV this past month.  Y'know...October...Halloween...all that creepy scary stuff.  And of course I watched it.  I forget how good Anthony Hopkins was in that role.  His diction and fluctuations with his speech was genius.  Not to mention the taunting and teasing he played upon Clarice.  However, as a result I am now a little bit scared to go down into my basement.  I'm afraid I might find a bunch of creepy larve and flying bugs down there.  To which I know won't be there, but still....I'd much rather run into Hannibal and offer him a nice glass of Chianti.  Hope I have some Fava beans in the cabinet. 

I feel like I'm becoming more and more obsessed with this Duggar family.  Maybe 'intrigued' might be a better description.  They've been all over the internet lately with two of their girls getting married, talking about their 'first kiss' and one newly pregnant already.  Ugh.  Come to find out, one of my coworkers is just as obsessed about them as I am becoming.  That kinda makes me feel a bit better.  I have someone else to discuss this with.  And she shares the same feelings about this strangely confined turned reality show personalities as I do.  Glad I'm not the only one.  

I told myself that I wouldn't post some big ol' long blog as I typically do.  I often think of quick one-liners or just a few sentences just to make a quick point, but once I get to the computer I just keep going and going and going....sorry.  I just can't help it.  However, I will end it here as I'm kinda hungry and I want a little snack.  Better check the fridge.  Maybe there's some leftover soup in there.  elizinashe