tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42093785778591019852024-02-20T20:35:08.930-07:00The CraftafarianAdventures in: Animals, Amtgard, Crafting, Science and other Nerdities. Awoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10193185847413601922noreply@blogger.comBlogger146125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4209378577859101985.post-70317770981475570432013-09-22T10:19:00.001-06:002013-09-22T10:20:52.409-06:00A bit of a break...somethingsomething...yeaaah<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxmJW19gtgxp-vtEVKS_-wkL70iAJ4ZtmD8AxTCLCtkJlGcFYCVQcYDVAV249pbnaL4ROwcjxR2zeS2UFPAS40Th0kRHqDKdYT1R8yvFiezQR3yVueupIwD0UxEMPLJhSR7Edt4rO1dVYX/s720/Photo%252520Sep%25252022%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252010%25253A38%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxmJW19gtgxp-vtEVKS_-wkL70iAJ4ZtmD8AxTCLCtkJlGcFYCVQcYDVAV249pbnaL4ROwcjxR2zeS2UFPAS40Th0kRHqDKdYT1R8yvFiezQR3yVueupIwD0UxEMPLJhSR7Edt4rO1dVYX/s500/Photo%252520Sep%25252022%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252010%25253A38%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1379866789984.962" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="640" height="399"></font></a></div>
<p> </p>
<p> I think in every bloggers life there is a hiatus of sorts. Lately it has been unintentional but today I have decided to announce an indefinite hiatus during which I hope to take care of myself a little bit better and regularly and learn to balance a few other things within my life: blogging, full time veterinary technician, 5 pets, a relationship that needs some work, pet sitting business, craft etsy shop, exercise, healthy cooking/eating, social activities with friends, and learning to slow down and do stuff just for me. I'm even planning to put my etsy shop on vacation. I'm trying to juggle too many things and none of which I am successfully moving forward. So I appreciate each of you who read regularly (sporadically) and I promise to be back soon, I need to focus on myself right now. I've even stopped writing for Talk Nerdy.</p>
<p>There may be big life changes coming in the future and although amazing/scary/most likely sad--it will end well. </p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> </span> </p>
<p> See you soon. </p>
<p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">peace. love. pawprints.</span><br>
</p>
<p> PS--when I do come back expect a re-vamp of the site :) new life (in the making), new look, new series. </p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">=^.^= </span></p>
<p> Edit: oh and school--taking 3 courses towards my CVT degree...prolly more stuff too...</p>
<p> </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4209378577859101985.post-8464751606582666362013-06-09T13:19:00.001-06:002013-06-09T13:22:40.817-06:00Finally A Post<p> Sometimes life just gets away from you. Suddenly I look up and it's been almost two months since my last post--which means the same time has past since i posted on my blog.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Where have I been?</p>
<p>Mostly work. Home hospice care for a family pet. Pet sitting a lot. Trying to craft but inspiration of any kind escapes me lately. I need to become more disciplined, more zen. Watch less TV (oh now I love mindless reruns of family guy, Simpsons, American dad, Cleveland show. It's not good for productivity. After weeks of being double and triple booked with pet sitting and kennel duty at my clinic--all I really want to do is sit on the couch, smoke a lil maryjane, and relax and unwind from the mentally, physically, and emotionally draining day-week-month that I have had. Oh yeah and after a month of putting all my energy, love, and modern medicine the pancreas and kidneys just couldn't do their job anymore and we had to say goodbye to beloved Milo, David's family pet. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>I put all I have into my work--body, mind, soul/spirit/energy. Sometimes it's not enough. Sometimes the disease isn't progressed and they pull through. Sometimes shit happens when it isnt supposed to. Sometimes we need a break.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I have to write more. I've been better with my depression and anger but learning to let go and just be zen is something that must happen for my health. Writing allows an outlet for me, when I can actually express myself into words that is.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>So what has happened in the last two months?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Well went to Denver for 5 days in April and it was amazing. I would love to move there one day but another visit is definitely in our future. We went to several different local places for food, beer, entertainment. Sampled some of Denver's finest herbal medicine :) Exquisite! We were unable to obtain transportation to visit some further outlying areas without spending all day traveling to one place so we have big plans for next time.</p>
<p>I told briefly of Milo--which is enough.</p>
<p>Work has been extremely overwhelming lately--nothing I can't handle but not for extended lengths of time. We may be looking to add another experienced vet tech--we need a good tech to add to our work family.</p>
<p>Oh yeah and PETA is taking issue with some anonymous online commenters...it's getting pretty heated between them and anonymous (the hacker group). I'm on board just because I feel I have been misinformed by PETA on exactly what they do--perhaps it's for the donations. I know they have done good work for some animals but the concern is they are misleading donors. Now the shelter is one of last resort. I just want non profit groups to be honest and transparent with their donors.</p>
<p>That's what going on over here...I've been working on trying to be more inspired by going outside or doing things I enjoy. I've been saying for months (a year?) that I need to improve certain things in my life--and I have slightly but I have not committed fully to making myself happy. As my friend Jen of www.talknerdytomelover.com says, you are in control of your own happiness. :) </p>
<p><img src="evernotecid://50CC7F6C-CAC1-4813-AB9C-890B63055DBA/ENResource/p40?contextid=" id="blogsy-1370805720331.4753" class="en-media" alt="" width="640" height="237"></p>
<p>Peace. Love. Paw prints. Think Zen. <3</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I WILL be back Dammit. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Get at me on twitter: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/thecraftafarian" target="_blank" title="">@thecraftafarian</a></p>
<p>Email: lindsay@craftafarian.com</p>
<p>Facebook: www.facebook.com/lindsaycraftafarian</p>
<p> </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4209378577859101985.post-53313665042728439232013-04-18T17:42:00.000-06:002013-04-18T17:43:03.116-06:00Reflection Part 4 {Most Memorable Patients}<p>Reflection Part 4--Most Memorable Patients <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XUEz5xNP6_k/UXCE7AlbXAI/AAAAAAAABT8/WNL9OGOBQSA/s1600-h/DSCF0732%25255B60%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCF0732" border="0" alt="DSCF0732" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ulkt8y02Hhg/UXCE7u5-x_I/AAAAAAAABUE/KkSPIb-eaZU/DSCF0732_thumb%25255B57%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480"></a> <p>Last time I shared <a href="http://www.craftafarian.com/2013/03/reflection-part-3.html" target="_blank">Part 3</a> of the Reflections series (read <a href="http://www.craftafarian.com/2013/02/reflection-part-1.html" target="_blank">part 1</a> and <a href="http://www.craftafarian.com/2013/02/reflectionpart-2.html" target="_blank">part 2</a> here) which ended with a photo of the young Bengal tiger I was fortunate enough to work with during my time at UF. He was certainly one of my most memorable cases for just being what he was. How many people get to work with tigers? I consider myself truly lucky to have had so many amazing experiences. I'd like to share a few more from University of FL Vet School: <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YtrGKPqaeY8/UXCE72NkIdI/AAAAAAAABUM/es2Lbp9cuNc/s1600-h/DSCF0836%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCF0836" border="0" alt="DSCF0836" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKCR2y2JoqLfqxny6HkQvRiRejO-Bbh7lm1d7iK_e7yu_WFrh_5rcq0xygSUdJrXWluHjqu4vqVuML9QD4vptRWfa2-24EAAskxTsi07PP_t4tTresEs21gKp1J-KTHtUodvvgQQsVHOld/?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480"></a> <p>There was the pet cougar(I do not recommend keeping wild animals as pets!!) who stayed in ICU overnight. She was under a constant sedative IV drip for pain and to keep her from eating us. Apparently she was someone's pet and actually slept in bed with the owner. Due to the fact that she was a cougar she stayed under sedation and closely monitored for her safety (and ours). The coolest thing about working with the big cats (even though this one was sedated and the tiger was essentially a baby and used to human interaction) is that they are exactly like house cats. <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-j7WveTIT4_w/UXCE8nT2TJI/AAAAAAAABUc/hmX-yimLjfU/s1600-h/resized%252520large%252520cougar%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="resized large cougar" border="0" alt="resized large cougar" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GiZIBISSMHY/UXCE9L1bChI/AAAAAAAABUk/F3M1lnL4Bjc/resized%252520large%252520cougar_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="290"></a> <p>They are playful, vindictive, sweet, true hunters, and you really want to stay on their good side! The tongues of tiger and cougar felt just like one from a house cat. They are beautiful and dangerous animals. The slightly frightening part of this case was that the wildlife department at the university came in to transfer her to us and update us on her case also brought a dart gun that we were to use in case the cougar awoke unexpectedly. They explained how to use it, locked the syringe/darts in our controlled substance machine, and left us for the night. It went perfectly--what a cool experience! <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZCCMkl2BFKE/UXCE9WuxOSI/AAAAAAAABUs/syIECJUSkYo/s1600-h/DSCF1082%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCF1082" border="0" alt="DSCF1082" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLLeUoiFCNe_QiJfUEOnr_XbH5htldLRsxmDR_MsiAls8IdQDcwbjVoiUCQsiqDdnl7Cp8JLcokBIKqOgaZXwlRotynGG635fFV-eqHMEqePXD5HjqnkHxLwQzI8Xgu86J6ICJ4keJhaiE/?imgmax=800" width="637" height="478"></a> <p>I briefly assisted cleaning and medicating a great horned owl's wing injury. I applied the medication as the student gently restrained the owl. A deer was brought in by two young men after they saw her injured on the side of the road. They dropped her off with wildlife emergency and went back to look for her fawn while we examined her. Wildlife department requested help from ICU and I got to go down there to help sedate the doe and place an IV catheter. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw_TdE3TdzBYau6eiF_yfjRlmqArnhhSBif6FOKwMZnFSwhIl-yePj1_zssZqiT0nQJkEtnCZA8NUxmfb8a1h20iHEQi2WaSKW08zfutDreRM8hyphenhyphenq1Ypsv10ZW4JNId5fLVWSpUC8yhSC2/s1600-h/Dc55%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Dc55" border="0" alt="Dc55" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuKsBiQOvTb795LQ6gTd3WWYxihf2BljkzkoGLOs9og5As4QMpz0Nr4zDbK0dAY5ImB-QRyrJ4EUcTn3SpWdMfMYBXrF2GyDn4qAJHOErTwl6ETdLoKx3oDt1kBzO36KKiFls2xwZZxeoQ/?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480"></a></p> <p>We had a wallaby hospitalized in ICU for a few days. That was really interesting as they were using canine plasma and several other infusions. He was pretty sick initially but when he was more aware he was just very shy. We had to do blood work on him frequently and monitor his vitals. He had surgery so we were trying to keep his temperature up which is why he is covered up with blankets and a warm air heater. <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgalt_GDnew3UCkVe7UK1ueXpYr17TjsC43ai7Yhkut8Kc0u_s1mq5Xna99ZpU1rdgjKBmvhddGGMsSTBDKH1UWGyhta-d552l3En1wFRSsqb0bWmgmtf-3IUmfoLgj0CDyDOJszI-TTAW9/s1600-h/DSCF1063%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCF1063" border="0" alt="DSCF1063" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLHM0yKLM1gt__bgSi0U6inNj44z0sFmGaJ8JgW7uxTWXnwG_GmUa-4fVpLzNFuMyQDxPhRikg3Iw8sdZ4wZrWexZMid7jClXUQ_b-ssszhEcY9HUaAL_bPhNi0mJMNsgVsm28t3DkbpjE/?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyPHDMPAH3sRO-lHzibpe4PHlv_hnk9vziHahF_aryGeTBfhpCZylrZFwhzdY5inQb9zy3PSoOROVldJ8bnfhPULcIkqjgaPLfG50ru6FDloqCe3rFy48JyRrFGvkdgX0jItm9W0UITQHn/s1600-h/DSCF1052%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCF1052" border="0" alt="DSCF1052" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaF1XEGXeOtNauVzxxN_qgVTMwZjW0bWL6vh3nMltEbbEuFsysdhx1_LwxoJZBZ18qYlcE4v2Us40xshDKD4WEowBOnpWUAFgX5bj95UGbwWQX5bnINKjXS8EsEQEQHv6bhoMFO0lLiNVa/?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480"></a> <p>Finally one of the most touching cases was a middle aged couple who were traveling through Florida saw a large young dog get hit by two different cars (who didn't bother to stop). They stopped and were able to carefully lift him and carry him to their car. He ended up at UF on emergency and have fractured pelvis as well as a few other fractures in addition to head trauma. He needed thousands of dollars in surgery and care. The couple had fallen in love with the sweet pup and decided to pay for his treatment AND adopt him. Such a great ending to a sad beginning! <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Hn4DCqw6sDo/UXCFAbJoaYI/AAAAAAAABVs/-7Wn1V0wnD8/s1600-h/DSCF1075%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCF1075" border="0" alt="DSCF1075" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yWkHrRgw5nU/UXCFAopJxKI/AAAAAAAABV0/VIRTX6CvbLQ/DSCF1075_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480"></a> <p>It's cases like this one that makes my job so worth all the sad and frustrating times. <p>On another note: we got back from Denver, CO last week and had SUCH an amazing time! I definitely want to go back (I'd love to move there!!) to visit--it was amazing to see all my close friends. <3 Next post I will share our trip to Colorado :) <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Dyf-ALjDQZ4/UXCFA3AaCRI/AAAAAAAABV8/Th7tJnHh1c8/s1600-h/IMG_2896%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2896" border="0" alt="IMG_2896" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiydfEB5vlpUYdQMs4ipW1RTg_wdKKWOQWqpxfF0vPqEIZATXpfvQZTpLHLPq0qCFVOYrajGPlpwYp0dbt89pxS5C3DMofCwVVg0IdyKs_Rxfb0rwUId_2pU9t9f489vEI5seT834RP7Uhb/?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480"></a></p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4209378577859101985.post-60972898548212395112013-03-31T15:13:00.001-06:002013-04-18T17:46:51.605-06:00Reflection Part 3<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Reflection Part 3</span><br />
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">(Catch up by reading <a href="http://www.craftafarian.com/2013/02/reflection-part-1.html" target="_blank" title="">Part 1</a> and <a href="http://www.craftafarian.com/2013/02/reflectionpart-2.html" target="_blank" title="">Part 2</a>)</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We last left off on Reflection Part 2 in 2007 when I left AVS and was accepted into the University of Florida undergraduate program. I took a position at UF's Small Animal Veterinary Medical Center. After working with the amazing staff at AVS I knew that no matter what I couldn't let anyone keep me from my passion--animals, science, veterinary medicine. Since this story is about my career and not the blunders of college (again that can be for another time) I will keep it short and just say my acceptance was conditional but I wasn't informed in time to complete the requirement thus my acceptance was rescinded. At this point I was focused and refused to give up--I stayed in Gainesville with my new job and resumed classes at Santa Fe College.</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">My job was in the small animal ICU/CC (intensive care unit/critical care). I worked the "swing" shift which was 5 days a week <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://0" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors="true">5pm to 1am</a>. I also went to class during the day. The shift I worked was mostly unsupervised--no doctors--just techs with doctors on call. When I first got up there I had to get blood drawn, physical exam, rabies vaccinations, and training on the day shift. They told me usually new employees train for a week but after 3 days I was put onto my new shift. The rabies vaccinations were administered in a series of a few weeks and they made me feel sick every time--which is supposedly a normal side effect.</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I fit in fairly well with the diverse staff and learned many new skills quickly. Most of the time we were monitoring and administering medications and treatments to the patients in our ward. We had many post operative patients as well as critically ill patients. I went in with general nursing skills and came out knowing advanced skills. Despite all the obstacles I've faced everything has made me into the person and professional that I am today. Working in ICU we had our unfortunate fair share of experience in CPR and because of this I am quite comfortable (for lack of a better word) performing the potentially life saving action. My almost two years of employment at UF was a crash course in emergency care/resuscitation, cardiology, surgery, advanced nursing and venipuncture (special IV catheters and blood drawing) and so much more.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiIutR8QZbARPRvwm58aUoDCdEBP8XGllz3Zq9Ef-CZsQrer80a_Q-FuskyhmlFDr5nSp5fHKMFnfNCtnD7JUohPAOgXeRwSZ1rGFuESInyweIQv1r2iKyNl1CcuZ8pxq3kRVTeIEitQE1/s1600/DSCF0736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiIutR8QZbARPRvwm58aUoDCdEBP8XGllz3Zq9Ef-CZsQrer80a_Q-FuskyhmlFDr5nSp5fHKMFnfNCtnD7JUohPAOgXeRwSZ1rGFuESInyweIQv1r2iKyNl1CcuZ8pxq3kRVTeIEitQE1/s640/DSCF0736.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I wish I kept journals during so much of this time but I never really wrote about work and when I did write about anything it was sporadic depressive ramblings. Anyway, for about a year I worked that shift and most weekends drove back to orlando to visit David. I never specifically had trouble with management but a few of my coworkers did and I developed a healthy disdain for my employers (or at least the people they put in charge). For whatever reason our department (there was cardiology, radiology, etc--just like human specialists, they had everything) was the only one in small animal that ran 24 hours a day and constantly brought in money but our staff was often the most harassed and we were always an after thought. Upper management purposely misled our direct manager during evaluations (that were supposed to lead to raises) so that most of us did not score high enough despite what our manager reported about us. They created this "career ladder" format of rigorous checklists, signatures, written and verbal testing which was the graded using a mysterious formula that equaled to a dollar amount for an individuals raise. When questioned they were unable to provide said formula or explain their conclusions. Several other little rude, condescending, selfish actions and remarks that aren't even the point of this story. They often forgot about the late shifts when they actually planned something for the staff whether if was educational, fun, or mandatory. We would have to stay hours late after our shifts or come in during the middle of the day just for a meeting. Even though I am still a little bitter about a few things I would do it all over again because it made me just that much better at what I do!</span><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4209378577859101985" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I'm having a difficult time remembering which cases came and what point while I worked at UF so I'm going to go through some photos (thankfully the files has date taken recorded...awesome!) and try to figure out what happened at what time. During my last year there I was suddenly switched from the swing shift to an overnight position (10pm to 8am) which entailed more duties, longer shifts, less help, and I would at one point be the senior technician. I didn't have an option. I asked for an increase in pay and was denied. I had to drop all of my classes as my new schedule was effective within two weeks. I had a really hard time adjusting to the overnight shift but I still have some amazing experiences and became good friends with someone I probably wouldn't have if we didn't work so close together. I'll share this photo of a 10 month of white bengal tiger baby boy. He's quite large as he is almost a year old. The "little" guy injured a bone in his leg and was on cage rest with a cast. Our duty at night was to check on him and make sure he didn't remove his cast. If he did then we would call the zoo med veterinarian. However we did get to pet him through the cage a few times. ;-o He was very sweet and would try to lick your hand through the bars and would place his paw against your palm. </span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Next week I will share special and interesting cases I experienced during my time there. I hope at the very least to show you some cool photos of animals you wouldn't usually get to see up close and also to show you what I do and have done in my career in veterinary medicine.</span><br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4209378577859101985.post-26730169324652819672013-03-15T12:15:00.000-06:002013-03-15T12:16:33.857-06:00It’s nice to have time off!!<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6GHcW1pEios/UUNleJM-IeI/AAAAAAAABS8/K1gT_ZSKus8/s1600-h/IMG_2618%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2618" border="0" alt="IMG_2618" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ksV3u39hW4Q/UUNleqptA_I/AAAAAAAABTE/6vk4qmQO9nw/IMG_2618_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480"></a></p> <p>I’m taking a break from my series called “Reflection” (See <a href="http://www.craftafarian.com/2013/02/reflection-part-1.html" target="_blank">Part 1</a> and <a href="http://www.craftafarian.com/2013/02/reflectionpart-2.html" target="_blank">Part 2</a>) which is literally me reflecting on the last 13 years of my career as a veterinary technician (basically the beginning of my career to current). Sometimes remembering certain things can be overwhelming or even tiresome. I try to let go of some of the bitterness I still feel toward some situations but writing about it tends to bring those feelings back. AND since I’ve been dealing with headaches and just general “run down-ness” I decided to give you guys more of an update with the current rather than the next installment of “Reflection.”</p> <p>Luckily for all of us at the clinic, our boss is taking a few days off—which means we all get a little extra time off also. Our manager scheduled it so we each have at least two days off in a row (or more!). I’m actually watching their pets as I type. <3</p> <p>We’ve been slowing upgrading our apartment—it feels nice to have our own furniture that we bought. It’s nothing expensive but it all matches and we picked it out. All we’ve ever had was hand-me-downs (and they were all awesome!) but there is something different about picking out and purchasing your own stuff. Now we need a cover for our <a href="http://lovesac.com" target="_blank">love sac</a> (giant awesome bean bag couch/bed) and a few shelves to help us organize the rest of our belongings. </p> <p>As part of my valentines day gifts David arranged to get us park hopper passes for Disney—particularly so we can go to Animal Kingdom. We may go Sunday :) I usually dislike zoo and don’t visit them but Animal Kingdom and Miami Zoo are the absolute shit. Miami Zoo is wicked cheap and an incredible experience—“cage free” zoo!!</p> <p>We will also be visiting Colorado in three weeks! I’ve never visited anywhere in the US for fun. I’ve always been dragged around by family to visit family. Thanks to David’s family I’ve been able to travel to Cancun, Mexico and The Bahamas. Those are the only places I have traveled—it may be a lot to some but I’ve always wanted to visit places and see their natural beauty and other “must see” sights. I have two best friends out there and their lovely significant others and I am so freaking excited to visit them and explore Denver and Ft. Collins. They will be trying to convince us to move there, hehe. If you live in or near those areas in Colorado hit me up on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lindsaycraftafarian" target="_blank">facebook</a> or <a href="https://twitter.com/TheCraftafarian" target="_blank">twitter</a> and maybe we can all meet up for drinks or coffee while we are wandering around Colorado. I’m so ready to see some mountains and National Park and just the awesomeness that is in the west of the US. I can’t wait to see you guys!! Tanya, Myke, Leashy, Seth, Bryan, Lily, Nette. <3 You guys are my family! <3</p> <p>Luckily David’s time off was approved so he can come with me and all our pets will be staying at the clinic boarding kennel. That’s the only place I know that can handle all four of them and their behaviors and medical issues. The whole herd is too much for one person unless they are skilled in medicating animals and pet mischief. My fellow techs are professionals and they love my little hooligans. </p> <p>Upcoming Changes: my blog is suffering because of my lack of routine but with these few extra days off and then vacation coming up I’m planning some slight changes to the design, but nothing big. The other change is my etsy shop—I’m currently researching recycled metals (sterling silver) and acquiring some beach glass and other natural beauties. Maybe some pretty little stones from Rocky Moutain national park! I’ll let you know :)</p> <p>In the meantime you can check out the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/craftafarian" target="_blank">new additions to my shop</a>. A few pieces I have made in the past I am re-offering for purchase. </p> <p>I’m still trying to figure out how to design my own logo, even though I want to support small business I really can’t afford to pay a graphic designer. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FK2u6qdAN8c/UUNlfI8yWYI/AAAAAAAABTM/07fM4--seiU/s1600-h/IMG_2780%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2780" border="0" alt="IMG_2780" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DLKNfsy3NUA/UUNlff-vliI/AAAAAAAABTU/tsGTHTV2PNI/IMG_2780_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="315" height="420"></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5AqcRkoLpkkRsGn5C7JarFYmNTkaeyh_fN1hkWXjljI0QgBDOaNxECWSd5njYg_LMf2cTAs6fLUnHYu-M7SvDPzOLOOHWq3E5u8sGPcQzsY6MQOKbXBmjiIhNRYCmNc1DovlfsWAOjNYC/s1600-h/IMG_0037%25255B4%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0037" border="0" alt="IMG_0037" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qSF_fFgLTfM/UUNlgfEoKSI/AAAAAAAABTk/zZWmRttRTvg/IMG_0037_thumb%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="320" height="240"></a></p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4209378577859101985.post-68291545520601148812013-03-14T11:36:00.000-06:002013-03-14T11:42:23.111-06:00Goodbye Google Reader<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjIXmB3MLj2MznLoTVqmreUNzOojxPAWc8mDMbH0y-EWPWBC9y9CC0BUu_BhqShwyOmEsw9chEgKgUlLXylloy-qn74gAnEy2igAAmd0XzSIRhZR1cHUM7a2AInygpnxTYFSYUZaRPVjDG/s1600-h/IMG_2801%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2801" border="0" alt="IMG_2801" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlkW77LWZyzLciS2PRSEO6D78aXxJKezk65NojROBZwkWmLniGs-sbc_s3JngsSqG8fBAr2JIP5jaqZbMEv5sEPPljTrPJd6ewgsN7Fw1KNv0jjinvwSYRQtx3acnPjKlRdsx5K6J9S0QI/?imgmax=800" width="640" height="853"></a></p> <p>So I just found out today that <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2013/03/14/tech/web/google-reader-discontinued/index.html" target="_blank">Google announced several features and services that they are closing</a>. Apparently there have been <a href="http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2013/03/a-second-spring-of-cleaning.html" target="_blank">70 services closed from the start of their “Spring Cleaning”</a> which began in 2011. One that affects many of us is Google Reader—well maybe it doesn’t affect us but at least the good majority of us know what Google Reader is. The reader will no longer be available as of July 1st—I saw this on bloglovin, the blog reader that I prefer. So I encourage you all to follow me on bloglovin, or whatever reader you prefer. Make sure you import all your favorite blogs to your new reader. Bloglovin has some instructions on how to do so. They are awesome! </p> <p>So, <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/3559103" target="_blank">follow The Craftafarian on bloglovin</a> (please? hehe, only if you want to!)</p> <p>PS—I am NOT being paid or compensated for this post. I just LOVE bloglovin. </p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4209378577859101985.post-87671733399424947672013-02-24T19:00:00.001-07:002013-02-24T19:00:19.300-07:00Reflection—Part 2<p>I’ve been awful about blogging and writing anything lately. However, I have been keeping a notebook/journal/doodle thing. I jot down ideas, thoughts, drawings, whatever. I date each page when I start a new one. I keep changing up the color pen to keep me feeling creative. Anyway, if you remember the <a href="http://www.craftafarian.com/2013/02/reflection-part-1.html" target="_blank">last post I did</a>—about the beginning of my career in veterinary medicine. I will pick up right after Part 1. </p> <p>2005--2007</p> <p>There were so many other things that happened, but that was the only death on my watch. My friend Myke and I could make you laugh and cringe in disgust at some of the things we experienced. I heard other stories later from staff that remained after I left—they didn’t stay long. I try not to dwell on it much, its quite upsetting. I was already stressed out from working for Dr. D so when he cut my hours, I handed him my resignation letter—effective immediately. I already was on the job search and had an offer as a personal assistant to a couple of realtors. Just as I was starting the new job my friend and I had a falling out and I moved into a duplex with some friends. I started dating one of my roommates—as I had a crush on him before I moved in. I was on the rebound after dating one guy on and off for several years—and he was there for me. After a long time of searching and applying I finally landed a job at a local veterinary clinic. (I actually had a job interview to work for Dixie Stampede as a rider but I wasn’t able to get a ride out there *sad times*)</p> <p>I worked at the clinic for about 6 weeks. I was having trouble sleeping and my boyfriend (at the time) had a friend that was over often with a drug problem—he would come and crash at our place after arguing with his fiancé (not that we didn’t get a little wild back then). When I was hired I was told they would teach me to do the things I didn’t know. At my first review I scored a D because I wasn’t excelling as they had expected. I told them I wasn’t being trained. Finally one day I was called by the manager. She stated that she was going to talk to me that day but I wasn’t there (it was my day off). She said I didn’t seem happy and it wasn’t working out so if I could please come by tomorrow to drop off my key and pick up my final check. I was crushed. That’s the first time and only time I’ve ever been fired. I was so devastated—I thought that maybe this wasn’t for me. I took a job at the local publix as cashier. I figured what the hell, might as well earn some money while looking for a better job or just work there while I went to school. </p> <p>I didn’t last long. I grew tired of staying hours after my scheduled time. Tired of the monotonous scanning of barcodes and weighing vegetables. So very tired of being exhausted every week and paychecks that weren’t worth it. I found a job for the local specialty clinic on careerbuilder.com and literally like 15 minutes after applying I received a call from the hospital manager. After two interviews (one was a working interview) I was hired as Vet Assistant/Treatment Tech. I originally applied for position of tech but after speaking with the manager I told her I wasn’t comfortable doing the job without training—but once trained I knew I could. They hired me with the knowledge that they could use my practically anywhere. And they did. I was used the most as “cat whisperer”, as I was really good at restraining and calming pets, particularly cats. This was especially important during chemotherapy as movement could cause the injection to come out of the vein. I often helped in chemotherapy with our patients, in ultrasound restraining patients, I was able to encourage sick cats and dogs to eat, I did treatments while the other techs were busy in procedures, I took appointments a few times, but the most interesting part was when they asked me to take over physical therapy once a week. </p> <p>Every friday I did physical therapy exercises with a few dogs and then the underwater treadmill. It was amazing to watch animals rebuild strength or maintain severe arthritis. The best part was Lucky (I think that was his name). He was a little dachshund that was unable to walk when I started working with him. The most special thing about him was he exclusively saw me. The other patients sometimes came on friday when they couldn’t make their regular visit or at least they had already been evaluated by the physical therapy assistant (all of our instructions came from the orthopedic surgeons, there wasn’t an actual physical therapist). So Lucky came only once a week and it was recommended at least twice a week for results. He came in unable to walk and I watched him go from needing total assistance to being able to support himself and almost walk completely unaided. It was absolutely amazing. </p> <p>I worked there for almost 2 years and learned so much. We had many joyful times and many heartbreaks. That’s the curse of working with animals. We will almost always outlive our pets. It was so refreshing to finally be somewhere that had the same medical ethics as me and didn’t make me feel uncomfortable. They thanked each of us everyday and I loved working there. I only left because I was finally accepted into University of Florida and my dream of becoming a veterinarian had been delayed too long already (the story of school is also an epic one, I’ve had one hell of a time just trying to work on my bachelors. That will be for another time). </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YTE-aNUxldc/USrFsJXFp0I/AAAAAAAABRw/rZI0jrz6_Cc/s1600-h/DSCF0880%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCF0880" border="0" alt="DSCF0880" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDu-Og6JKPm42WQxA6j2DyQm9U3Qk1NqUS50RN6gOMS6b_kSOQ25zDdE-7ZierL6JdD8KmybKfvsMi6Qx5YCjkZlbb7v1AefRzj_im5zStR4f0wfEcdt1K16Du0_eqdvrKmjniPwTF3FG6/?imgmax=800" width="635" height="476"></a></p> <p>This photo is Lucky and I our last day together. It sucked because he didn’t care for the person taking over my job. I have several other photos from my last day. Special patients that were still hanging in there, goofy coworkers, and all the doctors. I remember him the most because he was MY patient. I used to have video of him walking without support for several steps. Just amazing. </p> <p>The next step of my journey was that of acceptance into the school I had been dreaming/planning to attend since I was a little girl. Once I was accepted and knew I would be moving up there I informed the doctors at the specialty hospital and they told me to apply to the vet school. I wasn’t sure if I was qualified but I was assured that I could do it and I would be great. I applied for any veterinary technician position within the small animal hospital but I would work in large animal if trained. I went up for my interview and to apartment search. The interview was a success and I was offered a job working the middle shift (without veterinarian supervision—except by phone call or if they came in) in the small animal ICU and critical care. The job was a huge promotion for me and came with a nice raise from my current salary. I decided to room with a friend for a few months before deciding on my own place up there. A month or so before the move my boyfriend and I broke up and I ended up moving in with friends for those few weeks—I also dated a few people and found the guy I’m dating now (and have been for almost 6 years).</p> <p>This is the Spring of 2007 and I am about 22 years old. I have been in veterinary medicine for approximately 8 years. The fun has just begun. </p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4209378577859101985.post-26710268494856671182013-02-10T19:55:00.000-07:002013-02-10T19:56:57.039-07:00Reflection-- Part 1<p>Last week Jen was down in St. Pete visiting with family and she invited me to come out to a local bar for a mini meet up. David and I drove down from Orlando area after I got off work. It was awesome finally meeting and getting to chat. Jen, myself, my boyfriend David, a reader Tom, and Anwar (he was working there) got to meet. She asked me a few questions about my career as a vet tech and it inspired me to reflect on some of the things I’ve experienced so far in veterinary medicine. </p> <p>Please know that my situation isn’t typical. I’m 27 years old (my birthday is in July) and I have been working in veterinary medicine for almost 14 years. I started volunteering at my family pet’s veterinary clinic when I was about 12 years old. My family told me that I always wanted to be a vet since I knew what one was. My mom wanted me to get some experience so I would have an advantage over other students so she asked if I could volunteer. I was always mature for my age so at 12 they let me walk the dogs in the kennel and even watch surgery. I volunteered every summer after that. </p> <p>1999--2003</p> <p>I remember when I was 14 and got the call from Doc (Dr. S)—she asked me if I would like to have a job! I was ecstatic. I had already been working for a year on the weekends with the company that offered clowns, face painting, balloons, pony, and horse rides. For an animal lover I was in heaven. I also loved being able to be out of the house weekday and weekends as it was a more legitimate reason than hanging out with friends or boyfriends. I worked a few hours every afternoon after school and in the summer I worked more. When I was old enough to work full time I did. I worked there until the summer after I graduated from high school. I started in the kennel, began assisting in surgery, and then began educating clients about pet care, vaccinations, preventatives. I learned to draw blood, place catheters, clean teeth, take radiographs and so much more. I learned a strong sense of medical ethics and standards—Dr. S was an amazing and passionate vet who clearly loved her profession. I learned that we are in this for the animals and people who love them. I experienced life and death, shared happiness and sadness with clients. I loved spending time at the little clinic. The vet had several dogs that I got to take care of as if there were my own. One dog named Bob was my favorite—when I was 17 my parents went to NJ to visit family and I stayed home because I needed to work, Bob came and stayed with me for the week so I had some protection. He slept on my bed with me and I was sad when I had to return him but I would see him at work everyday. The year I left for college Bob was sick and even though I no longer worked there Dr. S called me. He ended up having stomach cancer and treatment would have only prolonged the inevitable and would have been tough for him. Dr. S decided it was kindest to euthanize him and asked if I would like to be there. I drove out to her home and hugged him and kissed his nose. He was one of the best dogs I’ve ever known. He had been there with me through break ups, issues at home, happy times, and it I could have taken him with me to college I would have. I held his paw as we cried and gave him the injection. He fell asleep and just didn’t wake up. I had a mixed CD in the car that afternoon and now anytime I hear Hands Down by Dashboard Confessional or the theme song from Donnie Darko I relive those feelings to a minor degree. Even now there’s a knot in my throat and I’m beginning to feel sad. <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-M3Gx2z6NxNI/URhd7QUix1I/AAAAAAAABPY/mdlJimBNb9g/s1600-h/IMG_2681%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2681" border="0" alt="IMG_2681" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiloXjXQ6Oof_pHB9LEY1koXQiVeL0VUUKaDsqM7BCtluVHl3XMSLn_P7wcoVFbvYj3N5MYJ7NtVdYxlObC62twtlj3dAIuofwGEfV4nEG62H0x83MA3oKFRY8Z2B3vb9BxVO9Mfkh-UdA/?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480"></a></p> <p>2003--2005</p> <p>When I moved to UCF area for college I thought I would just get a job at a restaurant but I hated the food industry and missed working with animals. I searched for a job at a vet clinic but at only 18 no one wanted to hire me. I had almost 5 years of experience but no one would give me a chance because I looked so young. I finally was offered a position bathing dogs at a vet clinic. I ended up taking a big pay cut but I wanted to work with animals. I should have known from the beginning that this wasn’t a good environment but it was the only place in town that would give me a chance. Within weeks of starting I became head technician as the entire staff quit. The doctor had a horrible bedside manner with clients and didn’t really appear to like animals. He constantly made odd demeaning or vaguely (sometimes not so vaguely) sexual comments to the staff. I was young and determined to make a name for myself in veterinary medicine. I considered it a speed bump in my journey—I knew I wouldn’t be there long. The only saving grace were the few good people that filtered through the clinic for employment and one beautiful but neglected bird. Raspy or Rasputin was a beautiful, sweet, and free spirited Catalina macaw. He was owned by Dr. D but he began living at the clinic shortly after I started working there. No one liked him. He was loud and aggressive. I was determined that he just needed some love. Seriously that’s all he wanted. I started with a leather glove so in case he did decide to attack me but soon I was able to hold him on my arm without concern and eventually he would sit on shoulder and nuzzle my cheek. I feel such regret to this day that he is still there, but what could I do? He wasn’t mine, I couldn’t very well steal him (as much as I wanted to). He was Dr. D’s only pet (which is so freaking weird) and only became so because his previous owner couldn’t pay the bill and decided to abandon Raspy. I miss him to this day. I have a feather of his that I always kept. He probably wouldn’t know me now, but if there was a way to adopt him I would. <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yqD_zeQ8u6s/URhd8CVOcKI/AAAAAAAABPo/WmwIaH_f5ds/s1600-h/IMG_2680%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2680" border="0" alt="IMG_2680" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nVwBdCKYOIA/URhd8ysFBwI/AAAAAAAABPw/4p7cQcTCVMk/IMG_2680_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480"></a></p> <p>I was only there for about a year and a half but it was long enough. The hospital had such a high turn over rate and the staff that was there when I started warned me. I should have quit after I lost my first patient. I was doing a dental cleaning on a sweet golden retriever whose owner would tip us every time she had a bath and every major holiday she would give us each a gift card to borders. Her name was Sunny. I noticed that her she stopped breathing and her color wasn’t good. I called the doctor and other staff. He didn’t give us any instructions. Thankfully the other tech who had returned (she was there when I first started) to work knew CPR from her assistant classes and told me what to do. We didn’t have an airway because at this particular clinic they did not intubate (my previous clinic we always intubated!)—the only thing Dr. D tried to do was intubate Sunny. When he was unable he just stood there watching us. L gave Sunny chest compressions while I gave her breaths. (Knowing what I know now—Dr. D did not tell us to give her any epinephrine or atropine or anything! I don’t know why.) Sunny’s color began to turn pink—we were getting her back--but suddenly I guess Dr. D had decided that we tried long enough when he heard the front door chime. He told L she needed to go up front and take care of the customers. He told us we needed to stop CPR. That dog should not have died. When I was sure she was gone I went up front and sobbed in L’s arms. I came to that hospital with higher medical and ethical standards than the owner—in 5 years I never lost a patient, but it wasn’t the fact that we lost a life. What bothered me most was that it he didn’t seem to care. What I experienced was awful but what I heard after I left was even worse. If you ever questioned Dr. D he would always counter that we didn’t go to vet school so what did we know. Real mature. <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uvaFRRryU1g/URhd9AwKYdI/AAAAAAAABP4/d1uNS2gvrAc/s1600-h/IMG_2682%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2682" border="0" alt="IMG_2682" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-t1vbcFoC_SI/URhd9ngusvI/AAAAAAAABQA/5v6uDIbLkQs/IMG_2682_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480"></a></p> <p>Ha. I stayed there too long.</p> <p>Next up is my second short hiatus from veterinary medicine. I left the profession three times for just a few weeks or months at a time and kept trying other things but nothing was as satisfying. At this point we are about 6 years into my career—I’m about 20 years old here. </p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4209378577859101985.post-88985599617802848932013-01-01T15:38:00.001-07:002013-01-01T15:38:22.133-07:00First Day of 2013 Today has been moderately productive. Had a bagel on my way to my morning errands. I had kennel and pet sitting this morning but then I came home to have a snack of tangerine, half an apple, cheese and crackers. I checked my social networks and emails before getting ready to set up my Nike+ fitness trainer. I picked the girl, because I'm a girl I guess, and chose the get toned option after doing my assessment. After that you do an 11 minute fitness test. It was harder than expected. Luckily I watched David do his last week when we got the kinect so I knew what to expect. My exercise days are set for Thursday, Saturday, Sunday, and (I think) Monday. I'm not super excited because working out usually sucks but this looks like it will be interesting and challenging. I'm also going to try to do yoga at least once a week and start meditating to help with concentration. Woo! I've also been practicing drawing on the iPad (I'm not really good at all--in fact, I'm quite terrible) and found a few apps I want to purchase to help with design and editing. Here's some stuff I've been messing around with. <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-pkqM93qXYyI/UONlVEOV8oI/AAAAAAAABNg/sXZ3fFfe-6s/s1024/Photo%252520Jan%2525201%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525202%25253A54%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-pkqM93qXYyI/UONlVEOV8oI/AAAAAAAABNg/sXZ3fFfe-6s/s500/Photo%252520Jan%2525201%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525202%25253A54%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1357079900568.0093" class="alignnone" alt="" width="740" height="987"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ypjf_E_QeS0/UONlV436b9I/AAAAAAAABNo/8-Sw9cbQG_I/s1024/Photo%252520Jan%2525201%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525202%25253A52%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ypjf_E_QeS0/UONlV436b9I/AAAAAAAABNo/8-Sw9cbQG_I/s500/Photo%252520Jan%2525201%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525202%25253A52%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1357079900565.4924" class="alignnone" alt="" width="740" height="987"></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6f8IG-BCDO9l4fg2wTR_EWQTpsrfObhjyAYhWss0LsjB-KcMYQxQj62ysxpi7VcQjD3rRqCS9rRAWwUpobu0PRjhSbLJ6-0_kghc6MH3PfhDTZasvFP4hSccs_1lVrjJ2k-LuUfkp5_OY/s1024/Photo%252520Jan%2525201%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525202%25253A57%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6f8IG-BCDO9l4fg2wTR_EWQTpsrfObhjyAYhWss0LsjB-KcMYQxQj62ysxpi7VcQjD3rRqCS9rRAWwUpobu0PRjhSbLJ6-0_kghc6MH3PfhDTZasvFP4hSccs_1lVrjJ2k-LuUfkp5_OY/s500/Photo%252520Jan%2525201%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525202%25253A57%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1357079900592.9822" class="alignnone" width="740" height="987" alt=""></a></div>
<br/><br/>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4209378577859101985.post-91107638691433687512012-12-31T13:10:00.001-07:002012-12-31T13:12:43.787-07:00Almost a New Year...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzR8676kQkreCJ-JW9JLFgwDWVFjb9sLGMhx2x1Hp3QugGTjLxj8b1c8Q3JUqwAlTmN3pUpjsr0zEld_uJhax-76ePKeyXIDuaVtzAvZAO8XypGLFcWLjKpN1htOUJE4bxgOPFXw0LXqmt/s1024/Photo%252520Dec%25252031%25252C%2525202012%25252C%25252012%25253A41%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzR8676kQkreCJ-JW9JLFgwDWVFjb9sLGMhx2x1Hp3QugGTjLxj8b1c8Q3JUqwAlTmN3pUpjsr0zEld_uJhax-76ePKeyXIDuaVtzAvZAO8XypGLFcWLjKpN1htOUJE4bxgOPFXw0LXqmt/s500/Photo%252520Dec%25252031%25252C%2525202012%25252C%25252012%25253A41%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1356984630404.5298" class="alignnone" alt="" width="740" height="987"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">2012 wasn't horrible--certainly better than some previous years but the last few months have been a roller coaster of emotion, exhaustion, and frustration. I didn't meet as many goals as I would have liked to for myself but the fact that I got through everything with my sanity intact (mostly) is truly an accomplishment. </div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">I've been juggling a full time job (40 hrs a week) as a vet tech at a local clinic, my pet sitting business, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/craftafarian" target="_blank" title="">my etsy shop</a>, <a href="http://www.craftafarian.com" target="_blank" title="">writing for my blog</a> and <a href="http://www.talknerdytomelover.com" target="_blank" title="">Talk Nerdy To Me Lover</a>, as well as whatever personal life I attempt to have--all this for the last year. Whew! I've been fairly successful in all avenues but my main problem is I have no routine at all when it comes to, well, everything. So then juggling everything becomes exhausting. My main goal is to get into a routine. I'm not making a resolution but rather a promise to myself to change my lifestyle to better my life. As we say goodbye to 2012 and hello to 2013 I feel that it would be healing for me to type out the few things that happened this year that caused me distress. I've been meaning to write about all these things but I feel like to get past them I should leave the pain in 2012 and take with me the good memories and lessons into 2013.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">I guess the crappy stuff started around when our rescue <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pogona" target="_blank" title="">bearded dragon</a> (pet lizard) passed away. His name was Ebeneezer and I adopted him before David and I started dating. When I went to adopt him his back legs didn't work! Turns out he had metabolic bone disease from improper care. I didn't think he would make it that weekend let alone these last almost 7 years. He was about 8 when he passed away. We knew he wasn't feeling well and had made plans to take him to the reptile specialist but Eben made the decision for us and we found him in his enclosure. We took him to my vet clinic and made arrangements for cremation with ashes to be returned. Maybe it's silly but I felt relieved when he was home with us again in his beautiful mahogany box. He was our pet for almost 7 years and he was such an affectionate and friendly guy. It was hard not to smile when he bobbed his head at you--he was such a charmer. Yeah, still talking about a pet lizard. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhhuQiqrZc5DriK4XQz4TifCXHGbi9U8XDC3P94fWwF13pgepYrpzNTh2sIeOKVFZKQM7AjBA4btC6E8YEeetO6LvyAuLYfrFhlZ7w1pMpKQf888f6XMrhWRHIdRLz4B6IFOP_Kr9Exr4v/s1024/Photo%252520Dec%25252031%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525202%25253A28%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhhuQiqrZc5DriK4XQz4TifCXHGbi9U8XDC3P94fWwF13pgepYrpzNTh2sIeOKVFZKQM7AjBA4btC6E8YEeetO6LvyAuLYfrFhlZ7w1pMpKQf888f6XMrhWRHIdRLz4B6IFOP_Kr9Exr4v/s500/Photo%252520Dec%25252031%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525202%25253A28%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1356984630469.9521" class="alignnone" alt="" width="740" height="555"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">Then two weeks after I got my new car some asshole backs into it at a pub and drives away! <a href="http://www.craftafarian.com/2012/10/hit-and-run.html?m=0" target="_blank" title="">Hit and run on my new car :(</a>. The witness only got a partial plate number and description but it wasn't enough to catch the guy. I will be getting the repairs done soon at the cost of my deductible: $500. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Ump71olLhFo/UOHxHwdRaaI/AAAAAAAABMo/S8XkUGfxxgI/s1024/Photo%252520Oct%25252020%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525209%25253A10%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Ump71olLhFo/UOHxHwdRaaI/AAAAAAAABMo/S8XkUGfxxgI/s500/Photo%252520Oct%25252020%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525209%25253A10%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1356984630421.3687" class="alignnone" alt="" width="740" height="987"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">As if that wasn't enough to be upset about one of the dogs I pet sit for passed away in my care a few weeks later. Actually it was far more dramatic than that: I've known Cooper for almost 4 years, he's always been sorta sickly. He has immune mediated disease that causes him to have low white cell counts and therefore be susceptible to infection. Otherwise he was a super happy little guy. We just love him and his sister Lucy to pieces. Anyway a few days before their mom was to come home (she had been on a long trip) Cooper starts to act a little strange. He usually gobbles his food but I had to coax him to finish his breakfast. Then he vomited and acted as if his stomach hurt. I contacted my vet and went to the clinic to take an X-ray. I emailed the radiograph image to him and he called me. He said it didn't look good and he was on his way. I looked over at Cooper and saw I was losing him. David was with me and instead of waiting 20 minutes for my vet we grabbed the oxygen tank and rushed him to the emergency vet right down the road. My vets called ahead for us. I began CPR in my lap as David raced us to the ER. I knew it was no use, I knew I had lost him. I kept trying for a moment, felt for a pulse. Nothing. (Doc texted me his mom would most likely not want resuscitation. But we couldn't reach her, she was out of the country. So I had to try.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYsYVx2Qg38fwjsRFk1S4dXUpxCUWO9nxkoVasFjqEhgwdOd4iPu-Dz9JoylgbumMgcRNeZFbmwyoAHxq4rx5Qy6yTd0IyPUbsdysmlehRiv4l5-fmlxwy1IUeI1XEazS3SORcS8Q-zbWc/s1024/Photo%252520Oct%25252014%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525209%25253A04%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYsYVx2Qg38fwjsRFk1S4dXUpxCUWO9nxkoVasFjqEhgwdOd4iPu-Dz9JoylgbumMgcRNeZFbmwyoAHxq4rx5Qy6yTd0IyPUbsdysmlehRiv4l5-fmlxwy1IUeI1XEazS3SORcS8Q-zbWc/s500/Photo%252520Oct%25252014%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525209%25253A04%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1356984630428.1565" class="alignnone" alt="" width="740" height="987"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">Realizing I was not going to succeed-- I just hugged him close and told him we loved him and how sorry I was. I kissed his little head and cradled him close to me. (I have been avoiding writing this because I'm about to cry right now. <em>Breathe</em>.) We arrived at the ER with moments of leaving my clinic but it only takes a second for the light (life) to leave. The eyes look so different when the light is gone. Peaceful but absent. I see it way too often due to my career as a vet tech.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">They knew I was coming but I told them he didn't make it and to please just confirm he was gone (listen for heartbeat/check pulses). They confirmed what I already knew. The tech wrapped him up and placed him in a special box to take back to the clinic. I took care of arrangements for his cremation and return--I recently learned just how important this feels for a pet parent. I managed to email his mom and she called me. Tearfully I explained what happened, she knew I did everything I could. He was such an amazing dog. <br>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">Just a few days after their mom got home I went on my previously scheduled and now desperately needed vacation with David. I wrote Cooper's name in the sand. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi__SVQaZqB2XgHAIwG11QY7Q0XavkPyO14krREaTMbnwtCSl_Pteh5g-S4BRDSsn8zj8zf-5lpGxpS6ytTwroQxPvUjzcIkWLwKQ0rbS64Vv67Y1PBY3HagU4nhNH4pIjHYUu5Be5yxJ9R/s1024/Photo%252520Oct%25252028%25252C%2525202012%25252C%25252010%25253A22%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi__SVQaZqB2XgHAIwG11QY7Q0XavkPyO14krREaTMbnwtCSl_Pteh5g-S4BRDSsn8zj8zf-5lpGxpS6ytTwroQxPvUjzcIkWLwKQ0rbS64Vv67Y1PBY3HagU4nhNH4pIjHYUu5Be5yxJ9R/s500/Photo%252520Oct%25252028%25252C%2525202012%25252C%25252010%25253A22%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1356984630386.148" class="alignnone" alt="" width="740" height="987"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">After we got back from vacation we scheduled my cats surgical biopsies. I felt like I knew the results but needed it on paper to start treatment. Either way the treatment is the same but lifespan is different. Within a few days we got the results I was dreading and expecting. My cat, Catriana, was diagnosed with small cell indolent lymphoma. Similar to non-hodgkins lymphoma but according to a study cats can live up to 2 years after diagnosis with chemotherapy. We started the same protocol from the study--easy at home oral medication. Also, every 2 weeks she goes to work with me for bloodwork and vitamin B injections. So far she is doing well. It's hard at work sometimes during euthanasia, which is often hard enough but with the added knowledge that one day it will be me making that decision too. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvvq0Z2JfK57spudQLzG4Fr9nyd5ifTqta9fOINzYizDKZimAyOpaE9yLm2Z5NbEkO5ZEO7hduIlAuhDA6FxxjHZWtLwDiauAgDJkU9xI_rGwldzjEWReC7q-I1rc_TY27Pxnz45BJx9os/s1024/Photo%252520Dec%25252015%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525209%25253A17%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvvq0Z2JfK57spudQLzG4Fr9nyd5ifTqta9fOINzYizDKZimAyOpaE9yLm2Z5NbEkO5ZEO7hduIlAuhDA6FxxjHZWtLwDiauAgDJkU9xI_rGwldzjEWReC7q-I1rc_TY27Pxnz45BJx9os/s500/Photo%252520Dec%25252015%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525209%25253A17%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1356984630458.336" class="alignnone" alt="" width="740" height="987"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">We lost several patients this year that were particularly special to us. Especially Eli, a kitty that I pet sit and do house calls for. He had kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, and probably cancer. He was also 16 years old. His mom texted me and I went over to check on him (they are friends, the family). He wasn't doing well and at this point we were just extending life as there wasn't much we could do. My vet met us at the clinic and we let Eli go peacefully with everyone who loved him. My heart aches for this family as they lost the husband/father in February and then 3 pets this year. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-eDPl27EmHMg/UOHxL2pbauI/AAAAAAAABNI/x8Rn9mxnupw/s720/Photo%252520Dec%25252031%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525203%25253A00%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-eDPl27EmHMg/UOHxL2pbauI/AAAAAAAABNI/x8Rn9mxnupw/s500/Photo%252520Dec%25252031%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525203%25253A00%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1356984630413.9587" class="alignnone" alt="" width="740" height="555"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> It's time to leave 2012 behind and move on to 2013. Take with you the memories and lessons you have learned but try not to dwell on the things you cannot change. Have a safe and happy new year! See ya next year ;)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-YYxWqzo4v6c/UOHxM1tLKQI/AAAAAAAABNQ/5-_I1IHtOl8/s1024/Photo%252520Dec%25252031%25252C%2525202012%25252C%25252012%25253A43%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-YYxWqzo4v6c/UOHxM1tLKQI/AAAAAAAABNQ/5-_I1IHtOl8/s500/Photo%252520Dec%25252031%25252C%2525202012%25252C%25252012%25253A43%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1356984630414.6833" class="alignnone" width="740" height="761" alt=""></a></div>
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<br/><br/>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4209378577859101985.post-1030063654570943762012-12-30T11:06:00.001-07:002012-12-30T11:13:10.033-07:00Our Christmas This was pretty much the first year David and I were able to really celebrate Christmas the way we wanted to: gifts for each other, the pets, Christmas tree, and decorations. Of course now we are kinda broke but the bills are paid (til next check) but it was worth it. Our bonuses and pet sitting money covered it all so it worked out well--even though I'm still exhausted from last week.<br/><br/><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKkI4JYGqmswSQty6z6KA6J10uB1dOaYEc1_TxYhNZFGZbCOK9BNoULLQI2wmffnTkpf4NeFkiWooL3A8Ymzw3FG25uwGuGVNG-cOHNEfS7PIkzce7v0JPezzyxY4lLr657sSgaFkhkOV9/s1024/Photo%252520Dec%25252016%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525207%25253A00%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKkI4JYGqmswSQty6z6KA6J10uB1dOaYEc1_TxYhNZFGZbCOK9BNoULLQI2wmffnTkpf4NeFkiWooL3A8Ymzw3FG25uwGuGVNG-cOHNEfS7PIkzce7v0JPezzyxY4lLr657sSgaFkhkOV9/s740/Photo%252520Dec%25252016%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525207%25253A00%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1356891164695.8157" class="alignnone" alt="" width="740" height="987"></a><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-VJ-9BkammEI/UOCDEqM_k0I/AAAAAAAABL4/JagWpQmqxgE/s1024/Photo%252520Dec%25252024%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525209%25253A19%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-VJ-9BkammEI/UOCDEqM_k0I/AAAAAAAABL4/JagWpQmqxgE/s740/Photo%252520Dec%25252024%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525209%25253A19%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1356891164642.3013" class="alignnone" alt="" width="740" height="987"></a> <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">Once we had our tree all beautiful I immediately began torturing the animals.</div>
<p>I searched and searched for all of David's gifts as they weren't your average presents. He had mentioned weeks ago that he had been wanting to play final fantasy 10 for a long time--problem was we didn't have a playstation. I knew he wanted a PS2 to play the game so I started inquiring at shops. I wanted to use GameStop so he would get member points--bonus gift! After calling ALL the local GameStops I found one that had both the game and console. Thankfully the associate told me I needed a memory card--another gift! With my purchases in tow, I began the hunt for the remaining gift. I wanted to get him a gold pocket watch since he isn't supposed to wear wristwatches at work. I called all the local jewelers, antique shops, and random independent shops. I only found one at this little shop called Maggie's Stuff but it wasn't a working timepiece (at the time, she's going to have it reconditioned). I finally settled on ordering a new gold plated pocket watch from Things Remembered. I ordered it online and had it engraved. It came a little late but so did one of his gifts to me so we had a mini extra xmas.<span style="text-align: center; "> </span></p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDmTaSE8kQjcuaUrSIwEEpG8-LfnoafLwz4At9l8AVd8_OC0tKXHnoRv6EWid8TCNPEzepkarN6CO_MUlsd-V5RddVG3lsuxY4xeWN61MTVp8ZNF2GckBHGFXzGXH1qBoz94x691CLI_S0/s1024/Photo%252520Dec%25252024%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525209%25253A19%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDmTaSE8kQjcuaUrSIwEEpG8-LfnoafLwz4At9l8AVd8_OC0tKXHnoRv6EWid8TCNPEzepkarN6CO_MUlsd-V5RddVG3lsuxY4xeWN61MTVp8ZNF2GckBHGFXzGXH1qBoz94x691CLI_S0/s500/Photo%252520Dec%25252024%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525209%25253A19%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1356891164665.1067" class="alignnone" alt="" width="740" height="555"></a><br/><br/>I found the dogs cheap toys at Big Lots and these two big fluffy rugs they can lay on (in addition to MY bed, furniture, and existing dog basket). The kitties received toys on sale from pet supermarket. They were quite pleased with their gifts--River is currently playing with one now. <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ijx6jXtzPaY/UOCCmxJhfXI/AAAAAAAABLg/I0_STnv23MY/s1024/Photo%252520Dec%25252030%25252C%2525202012%25252C%25252012%25253A30%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ijx6jXtzPaY/UOCCmxJhfXI/AAAAAAAABLg/I0_STnv23MY/s500/Photo%252520Dec%25252030%25252C%2525202012%25252C%25252012%25253A30%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1356891164651.574" class="alignnone" alt="" width="740" height="987"></a></div>
I received many amazing gifts--I feel special and am very thankful to all my friends and family. David got me the <a href="http://spirithoods.com" target="_blank" title="">spirit hood</a> I have been <a href="http://www.craftafarian.com/p/life-list.html?m=0" target="_blank" title="">wanting for a long time</a>! He also got me a stylus to use with my iPad, a book on animal behavior, a gift card for more books, and an amazing spa package at a salon.<br/><br/><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ard9uQFWz3hyphenhyphenPKRu42Ul6N9bbY_pHN6Mk2cw2FOWMnaEOv5_9Zb8WKBUZYU_udsTlclI3AVuCEuP67x5yY2iNVZvFmFC-XZvjHVQ_O4oO7u5k_XrRb3LKvzWelPMYS_rCOtMZ7vB7ZRP/s1024/Photo%252520Dec%25252027%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525202%25253A05%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ard9uQFWz3hyphenhyphenPKRu42Ul6N9bbY_pHN6Mk2cw2FOWMnaEOv5_9Zb8WKBUZYU_udsTlclI3AVuCEuP67x5yY2iNVZvFmFC-XZvjHVQ_O4oO7u5k_XrRb3LKvzWelPMYS_rCOtMZ7vB7ZRP/s740/Photo%252520Dec%25252027%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525202%25253A05%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1356891164652.1858" class="alignnone" width="740" height="987" alt=""></a><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-m6b08ChgRTE/UOCCo0OwNmI/AAAAAAAABLw/0U-5M4cNufs/s1024/Photo%252520Dec%25252027%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525202%25253A19%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-m6b08ChgRTE/UOCCo0OwNmI/AAAAAAAABLw/0U-5M4cNufs/s500/Photo%252520Dec%25252027%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525202%25253A19%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1356891164692.11" class="alignnone" alt="" width="740" height="988"></a><br/><br/> My mom got me some awesome stuff (thanks mom!!) and my favorite is a sterling silver ring with real rubies, it's so pretty. David's mom got me an awesome faux leather purse that fits all my stuff. <br/><br/>Yes! I made out like a bandit this year :)<br/><br/>How was your christmas??<br/><br/> <br/><br/>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4209378577859101985.post-17480736974353204592012-12-30T09:17:00.001-07:002012-12-30T09:17:51.879-07:00Where has the time gone? I should have known with the holiday rush I wasn't going to get much blogging done since I've still yet to force myself into a routine--my fault. Ugh, I HAVE to get into a routine so I eat regularly, exercise, blog/write, and work on my business. <br/><br/>Now I lost my train of thought....back later. <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnC6fxthBWC_qpP0fFsOOmMztQ59tiSYfYdgqMqIu3ifGzz21F9rTCLRuqBXLi_KnQNW3xA89hyUJAo_29z3GI3cDi0Tppbxlt1lBAcfnrCnI6mnKcq06q-rnfvC2jJsXwQ440Wy6Mh_1g/s640/Photo%252520Dec%25252027%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525202%25253A07%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnC6fxthBWC_qpP0fFsOOmMztQ59tiSYfYdgqMqIu3ifGzz21F9rTCLRuqBXLi_KnQNW3xA89hyUJAo_29z3GI3cDi0Tppbxlt1lBAcfnrCnI6mnKcq06q-rnfvC2jJsXwQ440Wy6Mh_1g/s500/Photo%252520Dec%25252027%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525202%25253A07%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1356884272143.8079" class="aligncenter" width="480" height="640" alt=""></a></div>
<br/><br/> <br/><br/>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4209378577859101985.post-17908856752846852662012-12-08T16:02:00.001-07:002012-12-08T16:02:28.546-07:00Oh Christmas tree!! David and I got a real Christmas tree Wednesday night! It's very exciting as its our first tree ever--we've been together for five and a half years but we finally got one and its real and smells AMAZING! We have garland, ornaments, lights, and ribbon. We haven't decorated it yet but just having it here makes me smile. I think we need more ornaments though....we shall see :)<br/><br/> <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUWXLO8z6n1kYyPKJVRdFzuqHX-PDgOPBiMJoKNae-suDNiNBd1K16hJ435AWSl4Sk18pYtcxW-d1o_OLtuHqN42Qd0bGsEWEtAz6gHc0ZBmbtDg10hwYBH-S3NmnC_eUuBm8vj_dbWvg8/s1024/Photo%252520Dec%2525206%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525209%25253A32%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUWXLO8z6n1kYyPKJVRdFzuqHX-PDgOPBiMJoKNae-suDNiNBd1K16hJ435AWSl4Sk18pYtcxW-d1o_OLtuHqN42Qd0bGsEWEtAz6gHc0ZBmbtDg10hwYBH-S3NmnC_eUuBm8vj_dbWvg8/s500/Photo%252520Dec%2525206%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525209%25253A32%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1355007746265.4841" class="alignnone" alt="" width="740" height="987"></a></div>
<br/><br/>Oh and here's our real wreath!!<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVeuZyUlhnlrD4YZqxd2azSOhY588JtmDXNdxoByz4Sls3vnv6vk0Auv2_oY4MsmMhb7kx_m1i2zY6JVO-uznrGe5z0ITg5Mm-m7SUu2nySGa8vMxdSiYUB9Q06_91qbk-jORUzaXxBslt/s1024/Photo%252520Dec%2525206%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525203%25253A31%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVeuZyUlhnlrD4YZqxd2azSOhY588JtmDXNdxoByz4Sls3vnv6vk0Auv2_oY4MsmMhb7kx_m1i2zY6JVO-uznrGe5z0ITg5Mm-m7SUu2nySGa8vMxdSiYUB9Q06_91qbk-jORUzaXxBslt/s500/Photo%252520Dec%2525206%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525203%25253A31%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1355007746283.0356" class="alignnone" width="740" height="987" alt=""></a></div>
If you are shopping for Xmas gifts online you should check out <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/craftafarian" target="_blank" title="">my shop on etsy</a>, I have snowflake earrings, Santa hat earrings, leaf ones, Christmas boxes, and more! <br/><br/> <br/><br/>www.etsy.com/craftafarian<br/><br/> <br/><br/>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4209378577859101985.post-46925645010123435222012-12-05T07:12:00.001-07:002012-12-05T07:12:23.644-07:00Blogging is hard....I have written and rewritten (typed) this freaking post but either I don't save it or my blogging app hates me. Blogging is freaking hard...to come up with something semi original and meaningful to say. My brain works in these weird quick short thought processes (my mom would say I have ADD) and often it's hard to keep up a train of thought or conversation (is she right?). Which makes blogging and writing even more difficult. <br/><br/>I'm trying to get back into the swing of things after my car incident, two of my patients/fuzzy friends/pet sitting kids passed away (one was rather traumatic for us), vacation, stomach flu, finding out for sure my kitty has cancer and deciding how to treat. It's been an insane couple of weeks. I even took a hiatus from writing for <a href="http://talknerdytomelover.com" target="_blank" title="">Talk Nerdy To Me Lover</a> after writing consistently every week for about a year. I asked Jen if I could come back on and she said "send away" :)<br/><br/>The next few posts will go into some detail about the above experiences if only to help heal. My next post for TNTML will be kind of a summation of it all and moving on from there.<br/><br/>David says I do too much: full time veterinary technician, pet sitting business, craft/gift online shop, all of our pets need daily medications, and whatever else life throws at me. So yeah I do a lot :)<br/><br/>Our vacation was amazing though! Here are some pics :)<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m_uz2D4UYGY/UL9SHRIWuaI/AAAAAAAABJw/zY56RBxCPik/s1024/Photo%252520Oct%25252027%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525206%25253A35%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m_uz2D4UYGY/UL9SHRIWuaI/AAAAAAAABJw/zY56RBxCPik/s500/Photo%252520Oct%25252027%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525206%25253A35%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1354716742029.2988" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="740" height="555"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="text-align: center;clear: both; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi456_DiYutoLJCOBgi7YDjBCQJqzxgdfmd45mGan3vrj6zrr_-GFbdHGhOYGAQ_sgseDykofPneC1rRk82i3kwU2bogu3mwoACQnJgxX62wbWW5QKXukA-POFNnjgljfIYB-cmt5D5HpNf/s1024/Photo%252520Oct%25252028%25252C%2525202012%25252C%25252010%25253A22%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi456_DiYutoLJCOBgi7YDjBCQJqzxgdfmd45mGan3vrj6zrr_-GFbdHGhOYGAQ_sgseDykofPneC1rRk82i3kwU2bogu3mwoACQnJgxX62wbWW5QKXukA-POFNnjgljfIYB-cmt5D5HpNf/s500/Photo%252520Oct%25252028%25252C%2525202012%25252C%25252010%25253A22%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1354716741988.6658" class="alignnone" alt="" width="740" height="987"></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ETp182lizTU/UL9WMlLX8RI/AAAAAAAABKI/eEDvvjsh_2I/s1024/Photo%252520Oct%25252027%25252C%2525202012%25252C%25252010%25253A16%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ETp182lizTU/UL9WMlLX8RI/AAAAAAAABKI/eEDvvjsh_2I/s500/Photo%252520Oct%25252027%25252C%2525202012%25252C%25252010%25253A16%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1354716741941.7124" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="740" height="987"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="text-align: center;clear: both; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil_EYlQYWGGLreb4hi23Ga9ILYmFZwkA7IwcmJNJRWRr3lVijmhqcZHYqtJ6uk7UY1rzRLRz8HUA4NX0HJDO6yDtAsB-Z4zCGgcYJv79sLL-0vMjhOxRoUX_z4GbIBlb-TLSfi_zXVw7hC/s1024/Photo%252520Oct%25252026%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525201%25253A53%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil_EYlQYWGGLreb4hi23Ga9ILYmFZwkA7IwcmJNJRWRr3lVijmhqcZHYqtJ6uk7UY1rzRLRz8HUA4NX0HJDO6yDtAsB-Z4zCGgcYJv79sLL-0vMjhOxRoUX_z4GbIBlb-TLSfi_zXVw7hC/s500/Photo%252520Oct%25252026%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525201%25253A53%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1354716741969.953" class="alignnone" width="740" height="987" alt=""></a></div>
Beautiful sky and beach, fireworks at night, and cage free zoo--great weekend!<br/><br/> <br/><br/>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4209378577859101985.post-41681160226028893372012-11-24T18:11:00.001-07:002012-11-24T18:11:13.833-07:00Test post So I'm blogging from the app blogsy <br/><br/>Test!!<br/><br/>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4209378577859101985.post-1456107185856566862012-11-22T09:16:00.000-07:002012-11-22T09:17:45.347-07:00Happy Thanksgiving (of course, what else?)<p>Well I’m trying to get back into the swing of things. I was already kind of slacking off with this site before the horrible end of October/beginning of November incidents so when they happened it just threw me off even more. I will be discussing it all in posts—I feel like that may be the best way to heal and express myself. I have a hard time trying to put feelings into words but typing sometimes it just flows better than talking…I don't know why, maybe its because we grew up in a technology driven society. Either way, my friends and I used to be able to talk better via type/text sometimes (whether that is sad to you or not keep it to yourself because those are good memories!). </p> <p>Anyway…I’m thankful for my family/friends (you guys know that you ARE my family), my boyfriend of almost 6 years (holy shit), my 5 beautiful pets who are my children, my job and my wonderful coworkers who I am so very thankful to call my friends. I’m thankful for everyday that I get to spend helping care for animals. I’m thankful for our somewhat limited freedom but it is EVER so much more than others have in different parts of the world. I’m also thankful for much needed change that is brewing within the animal sheltering community as well as the food industry. Stop the killing and stop with the chemicals. Respectively. </p> <p>And now my silly brain has stopped flowing with creativity so I want to share an easy and quick recipe in case you are needing last minute ones. Sweet dumpling squash recipe! I saw this cutie at our local grocery store and wanted to try it—without knowing anything about it. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_2yYvF_DPVA/UK5QBSamvYI/AAAAAAAABHg/ymUp0ZBGFbg/s1600-h/sweet%252520dumpling%252520squash%25255B15%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="sweet dumpling squash" border="0" alt="sweet dumpling squash" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zQLMXYhVqyQ/UK5QCDAzGQI/AAAAAAAABHo/sm1ZpcQiVdA/sweet%252520dumpling%252520squash_thumb%25255B13%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="740" height="989"></a></p> <p>So I googled it and found out that all parts of this squash can be eaten. It is often used in sweet dishes, similar to sweet potatoes or pumpkins. Most of the recipes were for baked squash with different variations with maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon, etc. After viewing a few recipes I decided to come up with my own using the others as guidance. I was determined to try it out and not waste ANY part of it—and made myself a tasty dinner (just squash) and a snack for later. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YgOxJg-F5to/UK5QCl3jA5I/AAAAAAAABHw/3ThDLRzYd6o/s1600-h/600px%252520squash%25255B22%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="600px squash" border="0" alt="600px squash" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-k__vZ8lhf6g/UK5QDruqNLI/AAAAAAAABH4/dUYoQvLaLgE/600px%252520squash_thumb%25255B20%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="534"></a></p> <p><font size="2"><strong>Cinnamon-Sugar Dumpling Squash</strong> </font></p> <p><em><font size="2">Ingredients:</font></em></p> <p><em><font size="2">1 Sweet Dumping Squash</font></em></p> <p><em><font size="2">2 tablespoons butter</font></em></p> <p><em><font size="2">1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon</font></em></p> <p><em><font size="2">1 cinnamon stick</font></em></p> <p><em><font size="2">1/4 teaspoon nutmeg</font></em></p> <p><em><font size="2">2 teaspoon brown sugar</font></em></p> <p><em><font size="2">Set oven to 400 degrees F. Cut Squash in half. Scoop seeds out and save!! (recipe to follow—or use your own!). Use spoon to scoop fibers out of each half. Add to EACH half: 1 tablespoon of butter, 1 teaspoon brown sugar, 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon. Place in baking pan that is 1-2 inch sides. Add 1/2 to 1 inch of water. Place squash halves in scooped side up and add cinnamon stick to water. Bake for 30 minutes then remove to spoon liquid from inside squash halves to around the top/edges of squash to keep it all moist. Bake another 15-20 minutes until peel is soft and easily punctured with fork. Toast seeds and use discarded portions as plant food.</font></em></p> <p> </p> <p>There are two ways this dish can be eaten. You can either slice it up and eat it using the butter-cinnamon liquid to dip it in OR you can use a fork to mash the insides together with the liquid using the peel as a bowl—don’t forget you can eat the entire squash!! I didn’t think about mashing it together so I ate my as shown above. I poured the liquid into that little bowl and dipped the pieces in. Yum. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNdBJmn1fg8VA-iy6rys5EsFZdHU1FwaJoB8Y0gDLTtHKem7emFc8SQClMyQceEFmQmOV_s_O5rGzgTEQRb6H0UBxrbf_kXm_CiGjhmniUsHjhZAVhLdSAU_EVtCdsc6V2QrXnKNP7VJk2/s1600-h/245px%252520squash3%25255B13%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="245px squash3" border="0" alt="245px squash3" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-b8n0LUIeGOI/UK5QFBTI-tI/AAAAAAAABII/IG5swTWmwiw/245px%252520squash3_thumb%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="245" height="327"></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nB6XLR_aRJM/UK5QFUl3r5I/AAAAAAAABIQ/HGHXKIlPPOY/s1600-h/245px%252520squash1%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="245px squash1" border="0" alt="245px squash1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1pKGoFN12zA/UK5QGIR1uWI/AAAAAAAABIY/yNNhok_UDPE/245px%252520squash1_thumb%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="245" height="327"></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEUeaEzHNeP3Z176jTpxpqKEzG0wmOwQncFmeuQfkjHdbP0IE4wBkak3Z4n8blgilljVt4I8a9el3twnaZ0_cbscIDMDa2S9xF81Sh1RQvwO9fhK1kNS7eECJonhpV4rpMIivaY-jtSsAT/s1600-h/245px%252520squash2%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="245px squash2" border="0" alt="245px squash2" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJrfEd6G141KCPieVlnQf1W-u5U_plu7Rc031xlsgYBrccD0tOFGd1CRN_zQx7SGJKTn3BQ1lykusyeRXFjxcHe4cpBXl5HBrmUAgvBeOPwlxx5nCi_nno8BgzhL_TFtKKby9PzQX9wWB5/?imgmax=800" width="245" height="327"></a></p> <p>So there you have it! This must be The Craftafarian’s first recipe post! I love winter holidays and especially all the tasty veggies that come with..so many squashes. I literally ate the above entire squash for dinner. Usually 1/2 will serve as your veg portion per person. </p> <p>Now I’m off to enjoy my actual day off—I don’t have kennel duty! Or pet sitting, amazing! Which means I need to get my etsy shop stocked up. OH, how about a sneak peak of the holiday jewelry line by Craftafarian. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vIz1r7AzHKQ/UK5QIcWl3AI/AAAAAAAABIw/bepbBcujGGM/s1600-h/holiday%252520sneak%252520peak%25255B19%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="holiday sneak peak" border="0" alt="holiday sneak peak" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1QtQvj-Lwv0/UK5QI3Ae_iI/AAAAAAAABI4/ht26e899JSU/holiday%252520sneak%252520peak_thumb%25255B17%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="740" height="989"></a></p> <p>These aren’t listed just yet but there are a few things up right now. I will be furiously adding today :)</p><a href="www.etsy.com/shop/craftafarian" target="_blank"><font size="5" face="Gigi"><strong><br></strong></font></a> <p><font color="#ff0000"></font><a href="www.etsy.com/shop/craftafarian"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="advertisement for etsy shop for blog" border="0" alt="advertisement for etsy shop for blog" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXoKROJs5n0JXNQIcpMRFbhcGMRbbYPWApCKbQ1JtZycULMbos9gQKhNJ5H4vj92Y1yCc79wMVeZ1wpBBZFg9zPMJ3ZJvauizaGufKUjF6BCz-vZ0ynOSnum-71-A5mBUuCvwOo6PmFrKG/?imgmax=800" width="760" height="113"></a></p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4209378577859101985.post-20429628376780469472012-11-15T05:56:00.001-07:002012-11-15T05:56:00.208-07:00New Blogger AppTesting this new app out--its as if google heard me say yesterday that this app sucks and BAM update today. Its got a much more sleek and modern look to it now. I was able to change the image size to closer to what I want but still not perfect--which is ok. <br />
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I still really dislike that pics are added at the bottom...not really many more features either. <br />
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Conclusion: still looking for an excellent on the go blogging app. Im willing to pay for a good app too so suggestions are welcome!! Keep in mind my platform is blogger so I cant use wordpress :-/ <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcXejQFIpTG1TqVc1MWL4919qBFofK3r9L88wB5D9x-DcaqhrEtll6j8rircgzAF2W7frtv62IpwBmvp8z4x-1NM0dg7GH9zSKHTjpIPx7HDQwAdkfl4ss0pkeUmvKX50EMJHynZF996HQ/s640/blogger-image-1829716192.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcXejQFIpTG1TqVc1MWL4919qBFofK3r9L88wB5D9x-DcaqhrEtll6j8rircgzAF2W7frtv62IpwBmvp8z4x-1NM0dg7GH9zSKHTjpIPx7HDQwAdkfl4ss0pkeUmvKX50EMJHynZF996HQ/s640/blogger-image-1829716192.jpg" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4209378577859101985.post-19341226988002530152012-11-14T08:36:00.001-07:002012-11-14T08:36:45.912-07:00Im still here somewhere<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Sorry Ive been so absent lately. Work and my side businesses had been very busy, then one of my pet sitting dogs passed away in my care (still getting over that), then we went on vacation, when we came back I got a stomach flu that put me on the couch for like 3 days, then found out my cat has cancer, and back to the busy life. Ive been searching for a better blogging app so I can blog on the go more easily--blogger one sucks. This one is blogbooster lite, so we will see. Im hoping tonight and tomorrow I will draft some posts up for all the shit that has been happening with me.<a title='Uploaded from BlogBooster' href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQMMlOv-EuSEYCQttb3VbnR7X3pOMw1Xxk36Nv_cynuZGyS_3AlUq-N8Ume2X6opg2w06N5-7nbdB8IOyQQRyFDa5AZ86BVQx7AUPUWldxoFG88bwMh1l-XbTE6bq_S8UCYX5Cv5Mu4Nd9/'><img alt='' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQMMlOv-EuSEYCQttb3VbnR7X3pOMw1Xxk36Nv_cynuZGyS_3AlUq-N8Ume2X6opg2w06N5-7nbdB8IOyQQRyFDa5AZ86BVQx7AUPUWldxoFG88bwMh1l-XbTE6bq_S8UCYX5Cv5Mu4Nd9/' style='border:none;'/></a><br/><br/>Hope to "see" ya soon :)
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4209378577859101985.post-44209311437637697722012-10-23T08:00:00.000-06:002012-10-23T08:00:10.660-06:00Hit and Run<p>Seriously…what a fucked up night. </p> <p>note: I’m ok!! :) And this is a long post. </p> <p>It happened Friday night/Saturday AM. David and I met my best friend and her guy at this cool local bar she found online that was in between our two locations. We get there about 11:30pm, the parking lot is full, as well as the grassy area next to the place, but there was one spot available on the street behind a silver mustang. We checked for tow away signs, no parking signs, painted curb, etc. You know, all the things that point to “do not park here.” Plus the mustang was parked there too—so I parked. There was tons of space for those parked in the parking lot to back out. They had the parking lot, then another strip as wide as the street, then the street. Perfect spot. </p> <p>We went inside, found our friends, sat down, and ordered drinks. The bartender laughed at me when I asked for an apple martini. He said they didn’t have any martini glasses but he knew how to make them. My turn to laugh. I then told him that I’m not that fancy, I’ll take it in any cup if he’s willing to make it. The bartender found something vaguely resembling a martini glass without the stem. Much gratitude, Sir! </p> <p>Honestly I would have taken it in a plastic cup, haha. </p> <p>We couldn’t have been there more than 20-30 minutes when a group of people came inside asking for the owner of the silver scion (me). I acknowledged that it was my car and then they dropped the news on me. Driver of a truck hit my car while backing out, got out of the car and looked at the damage, then drove off. As they were just walking out they were only able to get a brief description of the vehicle and the first three numbers of the license plate. We thanked them and got the description from them. Immediately I asked David to call the police while I called in a claim to my insurance company—this car that I’ve only had for TWO weeks that isn’t even mine yet. I mean it is, but its not paid off so technically the dealer still owns it. They told us it was a ford dual cab truck, either 250 or 350. A blue-green color and that the first three numbers of the plate was Q37. We thanked the people who managed to catch the driver fleeing and they were on their way. I never thought to ask them to stay or get their names or contact info. </p> <p>David and I both give the information that we have to the insurance company and police. We took a few photos of the damage and decided it would be a while before the police got here—so we went back inside to finish our drinks. We hadn’t even gotten halfway through them! 20 minutes later a Seminole County Sheriff’s Deputy calls David’s cell and asks us to come outside. First she tells me since my vehicle was struck in the street (or is in the street) it is not her jurisdiction and she would have to call FHP (Florida Highway Patrol) out. She asks me to tell her what I know anyway. She was really nice and sympathetic. The first thing she said to me was that she was sorry this happened to me, seriously a nice person. I was really pleased especially since my <a href="http://www.craftafarian.com/2012/10/citations-kittens-and-blogs.html" target="_blank">last encounter with the authorities</a>. She told me that it might be a good thing that FHP has to handle it because she would just write up a report and then I would be “on my own” whereas the state trooper may be able to “look into it.” That confused me but whatever, I was just happy that we were getting this handled so quickly. Oddly enough I stayed calm so far. The deputy told us we might as well go back inside and have a drink while she waits for FHP.</p> <p>The bartender gives me my next drink on the house (it was a noticeably smaller glass) and we wait. We tried to ask him if he knew the driver based on the description and who had just left. He told us a lot of people just cashed out and while he may know the regulars he doesn’t know what they drive. My bestie’s bf thought that the bartender was being a little shady. </p> <p>Finally the state trooper gets there. The deputy who responded initially came inside to let us know. Apparently another sheriff’s car came to join the party. I pull my insurance card and drivers license out and notice the three officers talking. So I walk over to the car and get my registration out also, as the deputy told me I would need it. I then walk over to them and wait. When the trooper decides he finally wants to acknowledge me he asks me what happened. I tell him. The next thing he says to me was “Well why is it in the street?” I figure he means why it is not parked straight (the vehicle that backed into mine pushed my car back about 3 feet and diagonal to the curb). I tell him that well it was right behind the mustang but when the guy hit it my vehicle was moved. He said, “Well it’s in the street, still.”</p> <p>Confused I ask if I wasn’t supposed to park there. That wasn’t it. He proceeded to lecture me with this fucking infuriating smirk that I should have known better to park my vehicle in the street. Especially at a bar he said. He motioned to the empty spaces in the lot and the grassy area as better options to park. I stared back at him in disbelief. He looked amused. I, however, was not fucking amused. The attitude came out, “Are you saying that this is my fault?” I can’t fully remember exactly what he said, but I was not very nice, nor was I rude. Just a very angry tone. (It’s only exact words if in quotations, if I’m not sure I just write it as story)</p> <p>No he said, I didn’t say it’s your fault, but you shouldn’t have parked there. It’s so easy for someone to just back up and hit your car. He then gets mad at me because of the tone of my voice and I assume the nasty glare I had on my face. He starts to give attitude back by saying I shouldn’t have parked there, I don’t have any information to give him—I interrupted him and said I have partial plate number and description of the vehicle—he picked back up with “That’s not good enough.” He continues on, staring right back at me as nasty as he could. I wasn’t backing down. I called him out. I was the victim, or rather my car. I didn’t get pulled over, he was supposed to be helping me, not berating me. He continues but I interrupt him again not wanting to listen to his bullshit, not deserving to be lectured for something bad happening to me, and honestly not wanting the next thing he said to be the thing that <em>really</em> set me off, “Do you need my information or not”, as I hold my hand out (it had all my papers). He did need it, but he decided to say not yet and get a few more words in. I didn’t listen, just glared right back and said, “gotcha” to affirm I understood whatever I didn’t pay attention to. </p> <p>He asked for my papers, said he would write up the report then go inside and talk to the employees. We asked if he would be able to get a list of the people who opened tabs and closed them out at about the time my car was hit. He replied that he would speak to them inside. At one point someone behind me, I’m not sure who (not David, I asked him), during the Lindsay vs. Trooper evil stare down grabbed my shoulder tightly. I assume for moral support or to say please don’t attack. I think I broke eye contact first and looked over to the deputy for help. She was the initial responding officer so I felt like she was “my” officer. I was pissed so I said to her I don’t appreciate his amused smile and I am not happy with this current situation at all. The trooper had already walked off to his vehicle. I began to storm off over to the steps but she told me I couldn’t really leave right now. I told her I just wanted to sit down over there. She obviously felt the tension and I may have snapped at her. She asked why I was now giving her attitude (as if she understood why I was pissed at him), I told her I don’t mean to but I’m really freaking out now and I need to sit down. </p> <p>FHP was in his vehicle, the deputy left, and we sat down on the curb waiting. Within a few minutes another trooper arrives. What the hell do they need two people here for?? </p> <p>As we waited we talked about how the only way to work with cops is to be polite to them even if you don’t want to. I said normally I would agree but this situation is fucked up and also I didn’t do anything wrong. I’m the victim and was not expecting to be treated this way. You don’t get respect from me unless you give it. That’s how it works. Different story if I’m getting pulled over for something I’ve actually done. We joked around while we waited, making fun of the trooper and discussing how we thought things should have gone. The trooper took his time and I could hear him talking shit about me to the other trooper but I didn’t care. Finally he was finished and called me over. He was respectful this time. He joked a little bit, and I in turn was nice to him. We made sure the car was drivable and the officers went inside to talk to the bartender and staff. </p> <p>I don’t know if he thought he was being nice or helpful or what. Maybe he thought I was younger and wanted to “parent” me. I don’t know but it really took a calm, controlled situation into a terribly awkward and uncomfortable situation. In the end everything was ok, I didn’t go to jail for assaulting an officer, the guy changed his attitude and in turn so did I. However I really don’t think he will be looking into it whether it’s a can’t or won’t. I read online in a post someone wrote that the police weren’t able (or wouldn’t) to find the driver with partial plate and description but their insurance company was. So I am certainly hopeful on that. Also my mom will be asking any officers she knows if they can help us. I think I should also contact my lawyer. My dad says I should contact FHP and report a complaint against the trooper since he was such a douche during a time where he should have been supportive and helpful. </p> <p>All I know is if we catch this guy I am so pressing charges. I’m a sad panda. I wasn’t able to open my car door but my dad came over and made sure we wouldn’t break it when we gently forced it open. Yay, we can open the door again and the damage looks exactly the same (aka not worse). He told me I needed to write everything down ASAP once I wasn’t spitting mad and before I forget it all. So this is that. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwVS1Of7DavEfhus8-UEa8zEQaXnI-w4C6GUrinHHhpjrONwyCiKaWFbwE2YQIqFNRSRunWogwSJt5X_wJeBceAj7_2QibMlp81AnCqpjf5_KLjNP44b5qSCrQBkaKzhHS3itRIeFklFhs/s1600-h/new%252520car%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="new car" border="0" alt="new car" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qGJSs2Eku4I/UIRT3cJ-NcI/AAAAAAAABE8/-Kg5L4MWPGY/new%252520car_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="365" height="488"></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGCH60LFb7T6NwvqN_Q6zQ6odfD0W9uq3UwmzFSRKlTE78TWaJT6oInQHPjA12KBHZ0bnt3wpUzAcuWF6_gcHdHbi2EOM3yqUiw33d-Z7ZHB4Rv7GZ9ce3acvZDrS-H5VdAmAFr2p45ZAM/s1600-h/broken%252520car%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="broken car" border="0" alt="broken car" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0XMYwTSrXXQ/UIRT4tlkj5I/AAAAAAAABFM/cjXX1G5KOYM/broken%252520car_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="365" height="488"></a></p> <p align="center">Pretty new car! And then Pretty new car with ouchie :(</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="left">And I know it could have been so much worse. I’m just hoping we can bring some justice to this situation. </p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4209378577859101985.post-79246922054255266542012-10-22T08:00:00.000-06:002012-10-22T08:00:09.255-06:00Happy National Vet Tech Week! (A week behind but its ok)<div style="line-height: normal; widows: 2; text-transform: none; background-color: rgb(255,255,255); text-indent: 0px; letter-spacing: normal; font-family: ; white-space: normal; orphans: 2; color: ; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px"><font color="#222222"><font style="font-size: 9.8pt">Note: Vet Tech Week WAS last week Oct 14-20th but I'm behind on my posts so I wanted to share anyway :)</font></font></div> <div style="line-height: normal; widows: 2; text-transform: none; background-color: rgb(255,255,255); text-indent: 0px; letter-spacing: normal; font-family: ; white-space: normal; orphans: 2; color: ; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px"> </div> <div style="line-height: normal; widows: 2; text-transform: none; background-color: rgb(255,255,255); text-indent: 0px; letter-spacing: normal; font-family: ; white-space: normal; orphans: 2; color: ; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px"><font color="#222222"><font style="font-size: 9.8pt">I finished setting up the website/blog for the rescue group my clinic works with: Faith Hope and Love Rescue. The webpage they currently use is the basic info page shelters get when they sign up with<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></font></font><font style="font-size: 9.8pt"><a style="color: " href="http://petfinder.com/" target="_blank"><font color="#1155cc"><u>PetFinder.com</u></font></a><font color="#222222"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>and its really simple. </font></font></div> <div style="line-height: normal; widows: 2; text-transform: none; background-color: rgb(255,255,255); text-indent: 0px; letter-spacing: normal; font-family: ; white-space: normal; orphans: 2; color: ; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px"><a style="color: " href="http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/FL785.html" target="_blank"><font style="font-size: 9.8pt" color="#1155cc"><u>http://www.petfinder.com/<wbr>shelters/FL785.html</u></font></a></div> <div style="line-height: normal; widows: 2; text-transform: none; background-color: rgb(255,255,255); text-indent: 0px; letter-spacing: normal; font-family: ; white-space: normal; orphans: 2; color: ; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px"><font style="font-size: 9.8pt" color="#222222">The one I set up for them is also basic but its more pleasing to the eye and I think more user friendly. I set it up through my blogger account, currently it will just be informative but if they would like to use it for posts and updates I'll help with that as well. Here's the new one: </font></div> <div style="line-height: normal; widows: 2; text-transform: none; background-color: rgb(255,255,255); text-indent: 0px; letter-spacing: normal; font-family: ; white-space: normal; orphans: 2; color: ; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px"><a style="color: " href="http://faithhopeloverescue.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><font style="font-size: 9.8pt" color="#1155cc"><u>http://faithhopeloverescue.<wbr>blogspot.com/</u></font></a></div> <div style="line-height: normal; widows: 2; text-transform: none; background-color: rgb(255,255,255); text-indent: 0px; letter-spacing: normal; font-family: ; white-space: normal; orphans: 2; color: ; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px"> </div> <div style="line-height: normal; widows: 2; text-transform: none; background-color: rgb(255,255,255); text-indent: 0px; letter-spacing: normal; font-family: ; white-space: normal; orphans: 2; color: ; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px"><font style="font-size: 9.8pt" color="#222222">They were really excited to see it and I'm hoping that the next step will be to purchase a domain name so its easier to find them. The big plans in process for the rescue is trying to get funding to open up a shelter. I really want to help them get started with that. I gave them my email and phone number in case they want to ask me for help with anything. </font></div> <div style="line-height: normal; widows: 2; text-transform: none; background-color: rgb(255,255,255); text-indent: 0px; letter-spacing: normal; font-family: ; white-space: normal; orphans: 2; color: ; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px"> </div> <div style="line-height: normal; widows: 2; text-transform: none; background-color: rgb(255,255,255); text-indent: 0px; letter-spacing: normal; font-family: ; white-space: normal; orphans: 2; color: ; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px"><font color="#222222"><font style="font-size: 9.8pt">Another animal advocacy group I'm involved in is the No Kill shelter movement. (</font></font><font style="font-size: 9.8pt"><a style="color: " href="http://www.nokilladvocacycenter.org/" target="_blank"><font color="#1155cc"><u>http://www.<wbr>nokilladvocacycenter.org/</u></font></a><font color="#222222"> and </font><a style="color: " href="http://www.thenokillnation.org/" target="_blank"><wbr><font color="#1155cc"><u>http://www.thenokillnation.<wbr>org/</u></font></a><font color="#222222">) I've also given them my contact info because there is going to be very important animal advocacy legislation coming next year. January is when they are planning to reach out to us for help. Here's a few links about the group, and this isn't a new idea. The first no kill open admission shelter celebrated it's 10th year of saving 90% or more of pets. The average in regular shelters is about 50%, some better, some worse(*coughPETAcough* </font><a style="color: " href="http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/douglas-anthony-cooper/peta-fighting-for-the-rig_b_1598530.html" target="_blank"><font color="#1155cc"><u>http://<wbr>www.huffingtonpost.ca/douglas-<wbr>anthony-cooper/peta-fighting-<wbr>for-the-rig_b_1598530.html</u></font></a><font color="#222222">).</font></font></div> <div style="line-height: normal; widows: 2; text-transform: none; background-color: rgb(255,255,255); text-indent: 0px; letter-spacing: normal; font-family: ; white-space: normal; orphans: 2; color: ; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px"> </div> <div style="line-height: normal; widows: 2; text-transform: none; background-color: rgb(255,255,255); text-indent: 0px; letter-spacing: normal; font-family: ; white-space: normal; orphans: 2; color: ; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px"><font style="font-size: 9.8pt" color="#222222">And in awesome news: </font></div> <div style="line-height: normal; widows: 2; text-transform: none; background-color: rgb(255,255,255); text-indent: 0px; letter-spacing: normal; font-family: ; white-space: normal; orphans: 2; color: ; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px"> </div> <div style="line-height: normal; widows: 2; text-transform: none; background-color: rgb(255,255,255); text-indent: 0px; letter-spacing: normal; font-family: ; white-space: normal; orphans: 2; color: ; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px"><font style="font-size: 9.8pt" color="#222222">David and I have planned our weekend getaway to Miami! Yay :) Going to see a comedy show, lay on the beach, shop a little, and just have fun. I can't freaking wait! We are driving down in my pretty car and I just know we will have a blast. </font></div> <div style="line-height: normal; widows: 2; text-transform: none; background-color: rgb(255,255,255); text-indent: 0px; letter-spacing: normal; font-family: ; white-space: normal; orphans: 2; color: ; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px"> </div> <div style="line-height: normal; widows: 2; text-transform: none; background-color: rgb(255,255,255); text-indent: 0px; letter-spacing: normal; font-family: ; white-space: normal; orphans: 2; color: ; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px"><font style="font-size: 9.8pt" color="#222222">Starting today is National Veterinary Technician Appreciation week. We are often an under-appreciated <wbr>profession, by our bosses, coworkers, and customers. (Not at my place though! Our group is great together.) Take a moment this week to give them/us a special thanks :) I can't wait to get my two fellow techs little gifts. Also one of the techs is our manager and boss's day is Tuesday so we are going to make sure she and our vet get something nice. </font></div> <div style="line-height: normal; widows: 2; text-transform: none; background-color: rgb(255,255,255); text-indent: 0px; letter-spacing: normal; font-family: ; white-space: normal; orphans: 2; color: ; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px"> </div> <div style="line-height: normal; widows: 2; text-transform: none; background-color: rgb(255,255,255); text-indent: 0px; letter-spacing: normal; font-family: ; white-space: normal; orphans: 2; color: ; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px"><font style="font-size: 9.8pt" color="#222222">Here's what I wrote on facebook about it: </font></div> <div style="border-bottom: rgb(229,229,229) 1px solid; padding-bottom: 5px; line-height: 14px; widows: 2; text-transform: none; text-indent: 0px; letter-spacing: normal; zoom: 1; font-family: ; white-space: normal; orphans: 2; margin-bottom: 5px; color: ; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px" class="clearfix mbs pbs _1_m " align="left"><a aria-hidden="true" style="float: left; color: ; cursor: pointer; margin-right: 8px; text-decoration: " class="_29h _303" tabindex="-1" href="https://www.facebook.com/lindsaycraftafarian" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=57208657"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; width: 32px; display: block; height: 32px; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" class="_s0 _rx img" alt="" src="https://fbcdn-profile-a.akamaihd.net/hprofile-ak-snc6/195644_57208657_5886663_q.jpg"></a> <div style="width: 10013px; display: table-cell; height: 24px; vertical-align: top" class="_3dp _29k"> <h5 style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px 51px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; color: ; padding-top: 0px" class="_1_s"><span style="color: " class="fcg"><span class="fwb"><a style="color: ; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: " href="https://www.facebook.com/lindsaycraftafarian" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=57208657"><font face="Tahoma"><font style="font-size: 8.3pt" color="#3b5998">Lindsay Wagner</font></font></a></span></span></h5> <div style="line-height: 15px; color: " class="_1_n fsm fwn fcg"><a style="color: ; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: " class="uiLinkSubtle" href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10100326167834413&set=a.755344751473.2249342.57208657&type=1"><abbr style="border-bottom-style: none" title="Sunday, October 14, 2012 at 10:47am" data-utime="1350236831"><font face="Tahoma"><font style="font-size: 8.3pt" color="#808080">October 14</font></font></abbr></a> <div style="margin-top: -2px; zoom: 1; display: inline-block; max-width: 200px; margin-left: 5px; vertical-align: top" class="uiSelector inlineBlock mls audienceSelector timelineAudienceSelector audienceSelectorNoTruncate dynamicIconSelector uiSelectorNormal uiSelectorDynamicTooltip" align="left"> <div style="position: relative" class="wrap"><a aria-haspopup="1" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: transparent 1px solid; text-align: center; border-left: transparent 1px solid; padding-bottom: 2px; line-height: 13px; padding-left: 8px; padding-right: 20px; display: inline-block; max-width: 169px; white-space: nowrap; background-position: 100% -442px; color: ; vertical-align: top; border-top: transparent 1px solid; cursor: pointer; border-right: transparent 1px solid; text-decoration: ; padding-top: 2px; -webkit-box-shadow: none; background-size: auto" aria-expanded="false" class="uiSelectorButton uiButton uiButtonSuppressed uiButtonNoText" title="Public" role="button" href="https://www.facebook.com/lindsaycraftafarian#" rel="toggle" data-tooltip="Public" data-length="30" data-label="" data-oid="10100326167834413" ajaxify="/ajax/privacy/privacy_menu.php?iconsize=small&oid=10100326167834413" data-tooltip-alignh="center" data-hover="tooltip"><i style="background-image: url(https://s-static.ak.fbcdn.net/rsrc.php/v2/yK/x/ELuVu667uh_.png); margin-top: 2px; width: 12px; display: inline-block; background-position: -13px -409px; height: 12px; margin-left: -2px; vertical-align: top; margin-right: 1px; background-size: auto" class="mrs defaultIcon customimg img sp_6x2a31 sx_7218bf"></i></a></div></div></div></div></div> <div style="line-height: 14px; widows: 2; text-transform: none; margin-top: 15px; text-indent: 0px; letter-spacing: normal; font-family: ; white-space: normal; orphans: 2; margin-bottom: 15px; color: ; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px" class="aboveUnitContent" align="left"> <div class="userContentWrapper"> <div style="line-height: 18px" class="_wk"><span class="userContent"> <div style="display: inline" id="id_50843a9e332a29286176473" class="text_exposed_root text_exposed"><font face="Tahoma"><font style="font-size: 9.8pt" color="#333333">National Vet Tech Appreciation week starts today!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><br><br>Just remember when we are at work taking care of your pets, we are missing our own. We help new owners with puppies and kittens start off life right, we advocate for highest quality medicine</font></font> <div style="display: inline" class="text_exposed_show"><font face="Tahoma"><font style="font-size: 9.8pt" color="#333333">we can achieve, we help animals and their owners when their precious pets are sick or injured, we stand by your pets side when you are unable to be there for their euthanasia; often holding them, kissing them, and telling them how good they are and how much they are loved; often crying ourselves during or after.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><br><br>Please know we are not in this business for the money, but because we truly care for animals. The world would be so very empty without our pets.</font></font></div></div></span></div></div></div> <div style="position: relative; line-height: 14px; widows: 2; text-transform: none; text-indent: 0px; margin: 0px -15px; letter-spacing: normal; zoom: 1; font-family: ; white-space: normal; orphans: 2; color: ; overflow: hidden; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px" class="photoUnit clearfix" align="left"> <div style="position: relative; float: left; overflow: hidden" class="_53s uiScaledThumb photo photoWidth1" data-cropped="1"><a style="color: ; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: " href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10100326167834413&set=a.755344751473.2249342.57208657&type=1&relevant_count=1" rel="theater" ajaxify="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10100326167834413&set=a.755344751473.2249342.57208657&type=1&relevant_count=1&src=https%3A%2F%2Fsphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-snc6%2F176891_10100326167834413_1141505118_o.jpg&smallsrc=https%3A%2F%2Fsphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-snc6%2F253057_10100326167834413_1141505118_n.jpg&size=1093%2C804&theater"> <div style="position: relative; width: 403px; height: 403px; margin-left: 3px; overflow: hidden" class="uiScaledImageContainer photoWrap"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; position: relative; border-left: 0px; min-height: 100%; width: 388px; height: 388px; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" class="scaledImageFitWidth img" alt="Photo: National Vet Tech Appreciation week starts today! <br /><br />Just remember when we are at work taking care of your pets, we are missing our own. We help new owners with puppies and kittens start off life right, we advocate for highest quality medicine we can achieve, we help animals and their owners when their precious pets are sick or injured, we stand by your pets side when you are unable to be there for their euthanasia; often holding them, kissing them, and telling them how good they are and how much they are loved; often crying ourselves during or after. <br /><br />Please know we are not in this business for the money, but because we truly care for animals. The world would be so very empty without our pets." src="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/c72.0.403.403/p403x403/253057_10100326167834413_1141505118_n.jpg"></div></a></div></div> <div style="position: relative; line-height: 14px; widows: 2; text-transform: none; background-color: rgb(255,255,255); margin-top: -12px; text-indent: 0px; width: 403px; letter-spacing: normal; font-family: ; white-space: normal; orphans: 2; margin-bottom: -12px; color: ; margin-left: -12px; word-spacing: 0px; padding-top: 3px; top: 12px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px" class="fbTimelineUFI uiCommentContainer" align="left"> <form style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" id="uh2e8ea79" class="live_10100326167834413_316526391751760 commentable_item autoexpand_mode" onsubmit="return window.Event && Event.__inlineSubmit && Event.__inlineSubmit(this,event)" method="post" action="https://www.facebook.com/ajax/ufi/modify.php" rel="async" data-live="{" seq?:?10100326167834413_7469735?}?> <div class="fbTimelineFeedbackHeader"> <div style="padding-bottom: 5px; 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C’est La Vie. :)<p>Not too much going on around here this week. I got a new (used) car which I absolutely love. Its a 2009 Scion XD. It's perfect for the dogs and for taking little trips with David. It should work too if I still have it come time for babies (not for a while yet). I didn't really want it until I test drove it and then I fell in love. It was a great experience because the salesman could have sold me a more expensive car but he knew that this one would be perfect based on what I told him. He was a really nice guy and we talked about animals and random things while we waited for the loan application to go through. I really felt like John (the salesman) was looking out for me. I initially went there to look for a Honda Fit but he kept telling me that vehicle didn't rate very well in terms of safety. Good thing they didn't have any of that model. He showed me the doge caliber, scion XD, chevy HHR, madza something, and a few others. I decided to test drive the scion, HHR, and caliber. We started with the scion since it got the best gas mileage and although it was really cute I didn't think I would like it and wanted to get that test drive out of the way first. I didn't drive another car. Its so smooth, responsive, and I'm already getting twice the amount of miles per gallon than I was. I love driving it around which is important because I drive between 30-50 miles per day. I'm so excited because it has an auxiliary jack so I can hook up my iphone and play MY music. FINALLY. I have been so sick of the radio, playing the same 15 songs all day long regardless of which station. I'm currently patiently waiting while my love (David) is creating a delicious steak dinner. He's the best cook ever, I may be biased but I think its true. There's football on in the background which I don't care for but I'm going to have a glass *or two* of wine and watch cartoons later so I'm content. <p>I've saved enough money up to do my kitty's surgical biopsies to try to determine if she has IBD or lymphoma. I'm really nervous about it, I know she will be fine through the surgery but I'm afraid to find out what is going on with her. It's been a very slow illness, most of the time she is fine. Whatever the condition is, it's causing a vitamin B deficiency so maintain on vitamin injections has been working very well. Otherwise my boss would have just done the surgery immediately but I want to be able to pay the clinic and she's doing fine so waiting was ok. Even though I have a car payment I am saving so much in gas we are also going to take a mini-vacation (one or two nights) to Miami and explore the area, play on the beach, relax, and spend some much needed romantic time together. We've been there a few times and love going. Once we just spent a few days there playing on the beach and checking out fancy hotels but another time we went to a beautiful Spanish monastery. The building is beautiful as are the gardens. If you are ever down there you should definitely check it out: <a href="http://www.spanishmonastery.com">http://www.spanishmonastery.com</a>. <p><img src="http://alexfeldsteinphotography.com/Travel/Florida/Spanish-Monastery/D703888w/969852593_FoEUh-O.jpg" width="740" height="498"> <p>I'm pet sitting a lot this month so I know the vacation will be an amazing reward! Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4209378577859101985.post-46702035086531371872012-10-04T09:00:00.000-06:002012-10-04T09:01:57.863-06:00Citations, Kittens, and Blogs…<p>Weird combo, huh? Well that has been my week so far! Getting hassled by the man was probably the worst point of my week despite a few sad times at work. I got out of work super late one night and instead of going all the way back home to wait for like 20 minutes and then leave again for David, I just hung out around downtown, or attempted to. I pulled up to a stop sign, stopped briefly, looked for any other cars/pedestrians, actually saw one crossing where I was going and paused, then made a left into a traffic circle or rotary (or we call them round thingies) where a police vehicle was with its lights on. Across the street another police vehicle had its lights on. I make my circle around and the officer walks over and shines his flashlight at me. I figured he was going to tell me they were looking for someone or something but he demanded my ID. I was rather taken aback and definitely gave him a little attitude. I had a headlight out and he stated I ran the stop sign. <p>"No sir, I did not." And I handed him my ID and registration. <p>I mean seriously, I saw two police vehicles on either side of the street would I really run a stop sign? He proceeded to ask me repeatedly (like 3-4 times) if my license would check out ok, if I had any drugs or weapons, and oh yeah is my license ok? Fucking moron. Literally, he asked me three fucking times. Just run my fucking ID jackass. Ugh. Then he began questioning me as to where I was going, where that location was (honestly if he works downtown he should know where the oldest members club is), and why I was in my current location if I was going there. Seriously??? So I was beginning to feel harassing, badgered, whatever. On top of all that bullshit he kept asking me how you stop at a stop sign. WTF. <p>"You stop at the stop sign, sir, I not sure what you are asking me. You stop, look, and go." <p>Apparently that wasn't the correct answer, he kept pestering on how to stop. I kept trying to answer him but he rejected what I said. I knew what he wanted to hear but there is no law stating how long I have to stop or where exactly I have to stop as long as its before the stop sign. I told him what he wanted to hear and then he asked me why I was being "snooty." <p>ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME? <p>I explained to him that I felt like he was talking down to me and I was beginning to feel harassed. Of course he didn't like that answer, he didn't like any of my answers and continued to be disrespectful throughout our entire encounter. Oddly enough with another officer sitting in his vehicle. He started off with an attitude so what does he expect? You only get respect when you give it, I don't give a flying fuck who you are. So he proceeded to write me two tickets, one for running a stop sign and the second for my headlight. He told me I could take them to court but I won't win. Ha! I have a lawyer you bastard. I spoke to him right after the encounter and we are going to try. I already have him working on something else so he's gonna just charge me a tiny bit more to represent me for this. I told him I'd pay him any amount to keep my money out of the court. I hate cops on a power trip. You are just regular citizens also, no need to treat the rest of us like crap. The officer who was the passenger had my cop write his name on my citation also so they will both get to show up for court. How nice, paying two of them to come to court and lie. Awesome. Thankfully I had a better experience last night with a nice officer so at least I know they aren't all bad. Karma will get those who can't play nice with others. <p>Ok, better things....Kittens!!!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5UydkxB_PTY/UG2k4sWt8mI/AAAAAAAABEU/C_H6Eiw4X6Y/s1600-h/photo%252520%2525281%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="photo (1)" border="0" alt="photo (1)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWhmy8vTwgeSyUdSU3Cfn57xem-AILbrewRchEkIdvmRN6dUmcQ1NPfyrVpPzwe7h-9XUrI6VJxBqUbfLX8jdzNribHa_fvdG6pmZU5E435zGX_aznUY7F7jsSODRMiC75SP7_lQ1Dce3v/?imgmax=800" width="400" height="533"></a></p> <p>Ohhh so cute, these little guys are two of seven that were dumped at my clinic (again...). We have found homes for two (not pictured), the tabby pictured has been adopted by one of our technicians, we have two at Petco as featured adoptables with the help of Faith Hope and Love Rescue, and two are still at our clinic. So a very successful weekend! We only have to find homes for 4 little babies still and hopefully the 2 at Petco will find awesome homes in the next few days. Not sure if I mentioned but we still had a few kittens left a few weeks ago and all five have been adopted. 3 into separate homes and the two that were litter mates were adopted together, we will see them Saturday! <p>About blogs! It's not that big of a deal but I offered to help the rescue create a webpage using a blog platform because right now all they have is the one you can get with petfinder....it sucks. (<a href="http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/FL785.html">http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/FL785.html</a>) Really bad. I'm hoping with my decent amount of experience I will be able to put something simple but highly usable and functional. I will definitely keep you all posted! <p><a href="http://faithhopeloverescue.blogspot.com" target="_blank">Here’s what I’ve been working on (sneak peak for MY readers!)</a> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4209378577859101985.post-27916829522467503882012-09-24T08:30:00.000-06:002012-09-23T19:34:52.155-06:00What just happened?? from TNTML<blockquote> <p><em>This post has a bunch of profanities. Sorry, but sometimes that’s how I talk. Particularly when being harassed by teenagers. Man, if my parents really knew how other kids were/are they would realize how good my brothers and I were/are. Anyway, this is an account of some idiotic drunk teenagers acting like hooligans.</em> </p></blockquote> <p>It was like 8pm when I was walking the dogs right outside my apartment building. As I'm walking towards the grass I see a group of teenagers or young adults coming from the park area into the parking lot. I happened to be glancing that way because-- 1. I was just looking that direction and 2. There was a group of people coming my way so of course I’m going to look that way and 3. I have two large dogs so I need to be aware of my surroundings (as you should anyway).</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaR_7ZIBXCHRMv60Hnz8DI-KakFUbUn0BbXTsaEc-Z8pcb82r99Ffn_9fQI2ynSrgxKuxG_ZkTDNxsrRsjFPigd1ZSBy6bLXgjCHtHCcJOMMw4xSbVNQm3wQRKpQy86QHGcKJGKT4ne8xt/s1600-h/pups%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="pups" border="0" alt="pups" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuFB0E80IbWzibKE5CidDx_lMU3XHK_fif1XwGl-MzLmfqNTEDvp_dssyLzR06quPPrkZsjZVNIanmR3ntgpuzBkb5T-r7HJcoEtCbbrzOEYcYTaH2ukDK1PnsiZSU2qEiBiCMiV5ix41I/?imgmax=800" width="740" height="989"></a></p> <p>This one kid yells "what the fuck you lookin' at?" <p>I look up, turn towards them (I was just standing there waiting for the dogs to pee), and say "excuse me?" not entirely sure what had just occurred. This kid, gives me the stink eye. You know, the evil eye, the devil stare, death look, the glare, the look, bitch face, etc. <p>"Yeah you, why the fuck you looking?" <p>Slightly taken aback, I pause for a moment before responding, "what the fuck, dude. I'm just walking my dogs. Do you even live here?" The girls in the group tried to tell him to stop but he wouldn't listen. They apologized to me for his behavior. <p>The brat spoke up again, "No I don't live here, fuck you!" I really didn't feel like having a shouting match with what appeared to be a child nor did I feel like being bullied by some punkass kid. <p>"I don't need this shit. I'm just walking my dogs over here and you start yelling at me, what the fuck man? If you don't live here you need to leave. " <p>He yells "fuck you, I don't have to leave" <p>Pffft. "fuck this," i said, " get off the property or I'm calling the cops, or security." <p>The girls plead with me not to. I have my cell in my pocket (they don't know that) but I start walking towards the building. I really didn't want to deal with security or the police. One of the other boys walks over to me and shakes my hand. <p>"I live here and we were just leaving. I'm really sorry about him, please don't mind him. You don't need to call anyone, we're leaving" This kid was kind of slurring his words...then it clicked. Fucked up kids! <p>"Dude," I said, "Is he drunk?" <p>The nice boy replied, "yeah he's wasted and his grandfather just died so he's really messed up right now. He's really drunk." <p>As this kid and I were talking the others usher the obnoxious one into a vehicle to shut him up. I told them, "its cool guys. I wasn't staring you down i was just walking the dogs and you guys happened to be there. And then he started yelling at me which is bullshit" <p>They continue to apologize and tell me, "no, you're cool. He's just messed up. You didn't do anything. His grandfather was shot twice in the head and its got him really fucked up." I tell them no worries and that we are cool and everything is fine. Two cars leave and as I’m reassuring the dogs that they aren’t in trouble, another kid on a motorcycle comes over and apologizes also. I tell him not to worry about it, shit happens, and I understand. <p>The dogs were freaked out and thought they were in trouble. Now that I think about it I'm surprised wynnie didn't have a meltdown. I was so annoyed i went right over to the boy who walked over to me without thinking about her reaction (she wouldn't attack unprovoked) and the boy must have been pretty drunk too as he wasn't hesitant around the dogs like most people who don't know them are. It was rather amusing after the fact. Although I was ready to throw down with some kid. Good thing he had friends who were more level headed. When I told my boyfriend, David, about it he was perturbed. He told me that next time i should get him and he'd deal with it. He was upset that I even engaged in the argument--said they could have ganged up on me. I don't know about that. <p>1. They were drunk or on drugs <p>2. I had two big dogs with me that can be scary when needed. <p>3. I'm pretty sure I could have defended myself. <p>But i guess it was a group so more of a problem--but I'm pretty sure my dogs wouldn't tolerate any funny business. What a weird night. </p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4209378577859101985.post-43592862138406448902012-09-23T12:53:00.000-06:002012-09-23T12:54:14.378-06:00Another Pet food recall: Boots & Barkley American Beef Bully Sticks<p><img src="http://www.breedtrust.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/full/photos/warning_sign_5.jpg" width="740" height="517"></p> <p>The latest recall of pet treats are the Boots & Barkley American Beef Bully sticks for possible contamination of salmonella. <a href="http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm320569.htm" target="_blank">Check out the FDA report</a>. And this website, <a href="http://efoodalert.net/" target="_blank">efoodalert.net</a>, is awesome for all kinds of food recalls, human and pet. Actually its for medications too. Very useful. Its run my a food microbiologist, so yeah, this lady knows her stuff! And last one: <a href="http://poisonedpets.com/" target="_blank">Poisoned Pets</a> does a lot of research for recalled pet food and other nutritional goodness.</p> <p>There’s also been an update for the Avoderm Dog food recall. Friday they admitted until they have competed testing they will be holding all food products by Breeder’s Choice or Avoderm at the manufacturing facility and distribution sites. So perhaps there is a bigger issue going on than we thought?</p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4209378577859101985.post-28085805203031354672012-09-19T11:42:00.001-06:002012-09-20T09:52:54.827-06:00Avoderm Pet Food Recall<div style="text-align: center;">
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Avoderm has recently released a recall of their natural lamb meal and brown rice adult dog food formula. <br />
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Details are here: <a href="http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm319021.htm">http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm319021.htm</a><br />
and here: <a href="http://www.avodermnatural.com/About/avoderm_recall.htm">http://www.avodermnatural.com/About/avoderm_recall.htm</a><br />
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I'm working at the clinic but wanted to share the info. Unlike most other companies who release their recall on friday afternoon so they dont have to deal with calls--avoderm announced their recall at 10am on a tuesday. Also they found the contaminant with their personal company quality testing NOT the FDA's. <br />
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Way to go Avoderm! They may be a food company with a heart afterall??Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0