Even if you don't like horse racing...

I'll admit, I'm not the biggest fan of horse racing. Aside from having ridden horses when I was young, I have no connection at all.

That said, I will, however, be celebrating the Kentucky Derby this weekend- albeit not at a party or anything. It seems all my friends are ALWAYS busy! Hubby and I will watch a few minutes of the race in order to have an excuse to celebrate with the famous mint julep. Ah, I can't wait! In fact, I found a new drink today on the Kathy Lee and Hoda show that is also apparently a staple. It's called the Oaks Lily (and it's trademarked!)

Both recipes are below for anyone who wants to indulge. :) Let me know if you try them and what you thought...and are you going to watch the race - in your living room - with a big fancy crazy hat like I will?

Mint Julep:
4 fresh mint sprigs
2 1/2 ounces of Bourbon
1 teaspoon powdered sugar
2 teaspoons of water

Muddle mint leaves, sugar and water in the bottom of a highball glass for a few minutes. Make sure the mint leaves look bruised when you're done. You may also wish to heat in the microwave for 10 seconds or so in order to dissolve the sugar. Fill the glass with crushed ice and top with the bourbon. Stir and serve.

Oaks Lily (TM):
1 ounce vodka
1 ounce sweet and sour mix
3 ounces cranberry juice
splash of triple sec (can use orange juice if needed)

Add ingredients, along with 1/2 cup crushed ice into a shaker and shake for a few seconds. Serve with a garnish: a cherry or orange slice.

Babies!

No, I'm not having one. There's just babies everywhere and I thought I'd mention it. My cousin's wife just had two premature babies, each one under 2lbs...but are doing well. It's amazing the technology we have that can help these babies to grow big and strong! All sorts of friends and coworkers are pregnant. I guess it's the season!

And on a less important note - the geese have little fuzzy babies too! In fact, I watched a family of geese waddle across Broad Street yesterday. They were going to the mall. Actually made me wonder why the chicken - erm - goose - crossed the road. I just imagine there was a sale at Nordstrom's that they had to get to.

When a coworker and I were ogling over the baby geese outside of our window yesterday I told her about the geese crossing broad street and how the cars all stopped to let them cross. She said, "you know, this is why I love Richmond. If that had happened in Northern Virginia, those geese would have just been run over. The people here are so nice". I took it as a compliment; but I'm sharing with the rest of you - so if any Richmonders are reading this; take this as a reminder that we are still different (in a good way) than other cities. People that are visiting notice it all the time. So remember to show your southern class. People are watching and wishing their city was more like ours...

(picture courtesy of Paula Long. Baby geese at our office)

47 more days!

"Until what?" you ask?

Well, prepare yourself for the nerdness that follows. I mentioned recently how my husband is a nerd. I picked on his DC vs. Marvel commentary. I was not exaggerating, and I still believe him to be a nerd. I accept that.

So, now you will be privy to another bit of information. Some information that I realize could be used against me at any time.

I love True Blood (HBO). 47 more days until the season premiere! You may not think it's that crazy to count down to a season premiere. But try this on for size...

I was so addicted to True Blood that when last season ended, I actually didn't know what to do with myself. I bought the first book in the series that it was based on but then couldn't bring myself to read it because it was 'old' now...as we are already past all of that on the show. Not to mention the series is apparently pretty loosely based on the books and I was scared to ruin it for myself. However, within a few weeks, it was unbearable. I just had to know more. I became a fan of True Blood on facebook. Also became a fan of HBO. Then a fan of both on twitter. Then a fan of - yes, I'm going to say it - people playing the characters on twitter. Okay, maybe that doesn't make sense. (it shouldn't). There are actually "True Blood players" on twitter who actually have conversations with each other and act out scenes AS the characters from the show. So yes, I followed Sookie Stackhouse, Vampire Bill, Eric Northman...and I will stop here because the list DOES go on.

As if that wasn't bad enough, for months, I have been visiting the HBO website just trying to get some bits of anything to quench my thirst (pun intended). Almost bought the Tru Blood drink, but decided not to because of all the sugar. (diet Tru Blood would be a great addition, HBO!) I even considered buying the T-shirt and apron from the HBO shop and dress up as Sookie for Halloween. Perhaps that's where my line was drawn. My nerdness ended there, I could not do it. However, I was a pirate for one Halloween party last year - that's not AS nerdy, right?

The hubby bought me a "Fangtasia" T-shirt for Christmas. It was probably my favorite gift, but I had to play it cool.

The sad thing is this. On one of our weekly trips to blockbuster, a few weeks ago, I was enlightened. We have a guy who works there that knows about all of our nerdness. He shares most of them. We geek out over True Blood, Dexter, Weeds, and countless movies. In fact, he's a lot like my husband. Normal exterior - Star Wars geek interior. However, he noticed my shirt - the Fangtasia shirt. He actually called ME a nerd. I couldn't believe this. The things we've shared! The ease I felt there....and now, you're saying it out loud? I am a nerd, you say?? So. I promptly went home, unfollowed Sookie Stackhouse, Vampire Bill, Eric Northman, et al. I have not been to the HBO website in weeks.

But you can't take my countdown away from me. And I still follow a couple of the actual actors on twitter. Is that a little less nerdy than following the characters? I hope so.

Oh, and I'm wearing the shirt Saturday. Shut up.

I have to admit

I have a sweet tooth.

That should be no surprise to many of my friends. I AM picky about what sweets I eat. For some reason I sometimes think that makes a difference. I know it doesn't. Just because I don't like white chocolate macadamia nut cookies doesn't mean I won't eat 6 boxes of thin mints in a month. So. The whole 'picky' thing matters in my head but not to my butt.

The worst part is I am starting to feel sick after I eat sugary stuff. You'd think this would be a good thing, right? Like maybe this means I won't want it - and I can stop eating it without too much withdrawal, right? Nope. That just means I feel sick to my stomach a lot now. Yesterday I had my way with some tastykake mini donuts. A lot of them. Then for 6 hours I was sick to my stomach. I didn't eat dinner because my stomach hurt. But what do you think I did this morning? Went and got a BK Mocha Joe from Burger King. Ohhhh, but it tasted so good! So now here I sit. An upset stomach. Waiting for it to pass so I can go get a blizzard. Sad. I know.

I guess my sweet tooth is a little more like a serious, insane, disgusting addiction that I act like I care about, but really don't...? Well, maybe I act like I DON'T care, but I really do. Is it like smoking? I really don't think I could quit my sweets. Scared to try. I think I'd be happier if I could just stop eating it - but the process of doing so is too scary. I did it once before and I felt horrible. But was it worse than getting sick every time I eat something? Ugh. Maybe it's time to try again. All my clean eaters out there, hook me up with a little advice!

Just puttin' it out there...

I'm no fashionista, but I do idolize Stacey and Clinton ;)

Just a couple of things I'm just gonna put out there regarding some fashion no-no's. If you have more to add, please comment below!

1. If you can see your belt loops of your pants, you should be wearing a belt. It makes you look clean and polished. (just as long as the belt is nice!). There's just something about visible, empty belt loops that makes it look like you forgot something. I got this tip from a friend in the military. He was a victim of the don't ask don't tell policy, so I won't name names. But a big thank you goes out to him ;)

2. Unless you're wearing capris, a skirt, or shorts, your pants have to be long enough. If you're wearing heels, the bottom of your pants should come about halfway down the heel. So if your heels are 3 inches, your pants should be at about 1 1/2 inches down the heel. You can even go a little lower to make it look even sleeker. Guys, this counts for you, too. Your pants should cover come down about halfway down the back of your shoes. All these measurements are while standing. No high waters, okay?

3. Pantyhose are out. If you're insecure with your legs like I am, but feel the need to wear a skirt or dress, wear tights with them. They come in all sorts of colors, lengths, and opaqueness. If you're just real pale or your skin tone is a little uneven on your legs, use a gradual sunless tanner. The gradual ones are best, they are very forgiving. You just have to plan ahead and use it for a few days in advance.

Okay, that's all. Just lookin' out!

It never stops!

There's always something....

My dog has been acting strange for a few days, not wanting to play, not jumping onto or off of furniture, and yelping when we touch her head. She was still eating and drinking though, so we thought maybe she had allergies. Called the vet yesterday, they said, "um, can you come in now? And, you didn't leave her alone, did you?" Well, I quickly went into crazy mom mode. I left work and took her to the vet right away. After a couple of xrays and 20 horrible minutes of waiting, she has some slipped disks in her neck. That's crazy, I say! She's 2 years old! Vet says she should see some improvement in a couple weeks, but may take several months. And just as in humans, she could easily re-injure. Poor thing is in so much pain, I wish I could help. In the meantime, I have to try to keep her still (not too hard since she doesn't want to do anything) and switch from a collar to a harness. The vet says she could have hurt her neck doing something as simple as jumping down off the bed, but it also could be worsened by using a collar. I guess it's at least an excuse to buy her a cute new harness.

And if that wasn't enough, my mom had to put her (our) cat down yesterday. She had kidney failure and was rapidly worsening. Poor kitty. And poor mom. That cat was the last animal in her house. And for us animal lovers, there's nothing worse than a pet-less home.

If you'd like to keep count, there's more. My sister in law's husband who is 31 got his biopsy results yesterday. He has inoperable cancer. They are going to go for some serious radiation and chemo. Kind of scary since he's only a year older than me. Makes you think.

Then, a coworker had a heart attack yesterday in the gym at work. He's about 40 and in good shape. Also makes you think. Tell everyone you love how much you care about them - every day. You just never know. And yes, in case you didn't notice, everything in this blog took place YESTERDAY.

Finally, as a testament to paying attention to your health, my mother in law's sister is back in the hospital with another stint being put in her heart. I have lost count how many stints & how many operations this makes. For those of you who know you're not well, you should take warning signs seriously. Change your ways. I know it sucks to stop smoking or lose weight, but trust me on this, it's better than not being here at all. And if you think it doesn't matter - just ask all of your friends and family. I'd bet they would miss you if you weren't around. Some folks don't have the luxury of getting warning signs. Even if you haven't had a bad episode yet, but you know you're not healthy, take it seriously. And for those who've been dealt a bigger blow, remember your stints, make your changes, try to get healthy - for everyone's sake.

So, I know I said I'd try for a lighter post today. Sorry I couldn't deliver. I just can't believe how bad stuff piles up. Anyone had similar experiences - when it rains, it pours?

Sometimes it's okay to blame others

It's usually not the best thing for your career, or even in school, to point fingers. Typically, we all own a little bit of whatever it was that happened. Maybe your group project got a bad grade or was late. It may not have been your fault, but you were part of the group, and so you just share some of the responsibility. After all, wasn't there something you could have done to pick up the slack or get the others in the group headed in the right direction?

Most of the time, your boss would rather hear you take responsibility than to play the blame game. He probably even realizes its not your fault, but appreciates you stepping up and being the bigger person.

These are all good lessons. If you haven't learned them yet, you will. That being said; it occurs to me that there are some times where it is not only okay, but in fact it's important to point the finger at the person responsible. This whole school bully thing has been eating at me, like it has been for so many people. I think bullies are made not by something that happened TO them, but rather by not learning some important things early in life. This includes not learning sympathy, empathy, self-worth and acceptance of things different than you're used to. Also a concern is for those that have learned racial and religious discrimination. I have to put this out there. These things must be learned from parents. Parent have to take an active role in helping their children to know and feel what sympathy and empathy is. This happens through conversations beginning at an early age - and includes teaching that all people, no matter their race, sex, etc have exactly the same value as anyone else. Teaching that animals' lives have a worth, along with strangers are just as important. Without feeling sympathy or empathy, children actually do not care who they hurt. They aren't the ones feeling the pain and cannot nor do not care what it feels like to the kids they are bullying.

Some say it's about power. They think these kids bully in order not to be bullied. Maybe in some cases. However, I think that it is obvious that there is more to it. A lot more. There is a darkness in them - not an evil cloud or anything, but instead, just an absence of light. The darkness is an empty place that has never been filled. Even worse, some have hatred in that spot. It's hard to imagine, but some parents actually instill hate in their kids. The white supremacists in the U.S. have families and their kids have the same viewpoints as them. Off to a great start. It's like that. Kids are blank slates. They do not know a language when they are born. We teach them whatever language we want them to use. They are not born with religion, we teach them whichever religion we want them to follow. Likewise, they are not born understanding humanity and society. We must teach them how to care. Teach them how to interact and how to be a positive influence on society. If they don't learn it from good parents, who will they learn it from?

Finally, victims of assault - should - and must blame their offender. It can never be the fault of the victim. The best part of pointing the finger though, even if not in a court of law, is that is helps the healing process. You can then forgive yourself and know that you did nothing wrong. Even all the stuff that happens after the incident isn't your fault. It's liberating to realize that all the secondary baggage that comes with an assault is completely normal and is the sole responsibility of the assailant. In regards to this, our society cannot continue to make jokes about assault. Do not make light of these problems. They are very real, and life-changing. Why do we laugh at jokes on TV about priests who molest kids? There is truly nothing funny about it, and those victims cannot heal if they are constantly reminded in the media that the rest of us thinks it's funny.

Sorry for the solemn post. I'll try to make the next one a little lighter :)

The Trials and Tribulations of taking the cat to the vet

If you have any animals, you know the vet trips can be - well - interesting. For some reason, I've never had much trouble with any of my animals at the vet though. We live about 2 minutes from our vet's office, so the trip is usually very easy & the folks there are great, so trips are pretty uneventful.

That said...Monday I had to take our new cat to the vet for his 'initial exam'. The last time he was in a carrier, he was in one of those plastic ones and he pooped & slid all around in it. The mess was insane. So this time I decided to use the soft carrier. This way, if he pooped, he at least wouldn't be sliding around in it and covered head to tail in feces.

So in the 2 minutes to the vet, he cried...but then suddenly stopped right as I was pulling in the parking lot. He also was quiet inside. Weird. I brought my dog along simply so she wouldn't have to spend more time alone and could get a little socializing in. (yes I realize I am crazy). So the resident dog at the office (a 2 year old yellow lab) of course comes over and is nosing around at Sari. He ignored the cat carrier. The lab is so sweet, and I'm petting him, he's happy - turns a bit to put his butt in front of me so I can scratch above his tail...or so I thought. In all actuality, he was prepping for something. I couldn't believe it. He lifted his leg, and PEED on me! Right on my leg. From my knee to my ankle. I was dumbfounded. Did that REALLY just happen? So I quickly push him off (too late), scoop up my dog and rush to the bathroom to try to clean it off my pants a bit. I did what I could, then informed the receptionist - just so they'd know. She was horrified, but no worries, I kept my cool. It wasn't her fault. I was just as shocked as she was.

Okay, so that was a bad enough day...right?

Nope.

So we get called into the exam room. Grizzly (the new cat) is great. His sewn-up eye could have been sewn better the vet says. Other than that, no worries. As we're talking, I smell pee. I ignore it at first, assuming it's the dog pee on my leg. (lovely.) However, I soon realize there is that distinct cat pee smell. I smelled my hands, I looked on the table. No pee. The vet says she smells it too. Ah. I don't want to look. Please, no, it can't be. Yes. The cat has peed in the soft carrier. Oh, not a big deal, you say? Just replace it, right? Well, if ONLY the story stopped there. We sop up what we can. Put a towel in so Grizzly doesn't have to ride back in it. I get out to the car - and - oh yes, the pee had soaked through the carrier during the trip and was on the car seat. The cloth car seat. Oh yes, you read that.

So for 3 nights I've been putting enzymatic cleaner on the seat, leaving the windows open to dry, getting in the car the next day to the sickening smell & trying to drive to work without puking. Last night I put the last of the cleaner on. This time I just ditched the squirter and dumped it on. Can't hurt, right?

So if you want to go hang out anytime soon...can we take your car?

Captain America - Batman - Spiderman?

I know I will be disappointing some of you today. But I have to admit this. I don't understand comic book lingo.

Last night my husband tells me that Chris Evans has been announced as playing Captain America. "Really?" I responded, actually having no idea what this meant or if I was supposed to get something from that. Pretty quickly I divulged that I couldn't even remember who he was. The hubby tells me that he played in "The Fantastic 4", and that sparked the memory (*whew*!). After a few seconds I thought it strange that he would play in two different comic book movies (aren't you proud of me for knowing they were both comic books?) I asked my husband "isn't it weird for him to play the guy in Fantastic 4 and now Captain America?" He assured me it was fine, and I should allay my fears. (ha!)

But I persisted. I asked "isn't it the same as if...umm...what's his name...Christian Bale played Batman and then he played..umm...Spiderman?". My husband is aghast. I'm crazy! Something about them being DC comics or Marvel or whatever. I pretended to understand after a few more minutes of his explaining the difference and why it was okay for one actor to play in two of something...but not another type. (Can you tell I am still confused?)

I must also admit at this point that I still don't actually care. I wish I cared. For his sake, I do. I even feign caring...because I know he's serious. He's not your typical comic book nerd, but deep down, he knows he's a nerd nonetheless.

A cute nerd.

Love you honey! :)

They come in "3's", right?

Bad luck streaks, that is.

I hope that's true. In a matter of two days I had three notable bad luck experiences. First, Friday morning, I decided to use a curling iron to try to tame my new haircut. I haven't used a curling iron in ages and thought it was a good time to give it a whirl. I pretty quickly ended up with a painful, large burn on my neck. Good times.

Later that night I was volunteering at the animal shelter. A young volunteer said she was having trouble getting a particular cat our of it's cage. She said, "She's really mean". And of course, I assume she's just doing it wrong. I marched over to show her how to gain the trust of a cat. The cat quickly proceeds to attack me - yes, attack, I'm not just saying that. (Good luck getting that one adopted). So I'm burned on the neck from earlier, now bleeding from my wrist and hand from petting this stupid devil-cat, and I'm sulking because a 12-year old just told me something and she was right. Not to mention, later that same 12 year old tells me I look like "Jessica" from Twilight. I did not know if that was a compliment, as I only recall who "Bella" is. I asked for clarification and she said, "you know, the one who's kinda dumb." Nice. Did I just get word-smacked by a 12 year old?? I said, "ohhhhh, thaaaanks". She of course said she didn't mean it like that. I moved on and exclaimed that I appreciated her comparing me to someone so young, since I was probably much older than the actress she was referring to. Hoping to hear protest at this point - and there was none.

Anyway, so Saturday I'm healing from my burn, the bleeding from the cat teeth and claws had subsided. I was taking a shower and - BAM - fell straight down, nothing to break my fall. I bruised my rump something fierce, and the best part - knocked a hole in the tub with my knee. Still can't sit straight, working at the computer all day is fuuuun!

So here's to hoping my clumsiness has subsided for the time being, that bad stuff really does only happen in 3's....and that the next three don't start tomorrow!

My first blog

My thoughts are varying; from news, politics, religion, human rights, animal rights, to personal stories...today my hope is this: That someone will benefit from considerations of my (and others') trials and tribulations. And you can always have a laugh with me - I tend to be clumsy, so my little stories should be interesting.

I do not want to be too serious, but I want there to be a place where intelligent conversation can be had about all the topics listed above, and where I may share my personal stories for your benefit.

First, I'd like to introduce you to myself, my husband and my dog - our child :)

The hubby and I were both born on the east coast, in the south, and therefore have some of that southern-ness that just can't be replicated. Yes, we like sweet tea. And no, you can't just bring unsweetened tea out and expect me to put sugar in it. It is not the same. Trust me. We say "y'all", "ought", and "rivah". Aside from the random southern characteristics we posses, we also share a love for traveling, photography, art, movies & books. Though, he likes classic books and I'm not a huge fan. I prefer more current books that keep you riveted. The main difference - my husband is an avid runner. He really enjoys it. I run occasionally...mainly for the sole purpose of losing a few pounds. Typically that's not enough motivation however. I end up running a few miles a week for a few months, then I give up. That is one thing I just cannot see the fun in. If you want me to run, you'll have to drag me behind a horse. That, or dangle some chocolate chip ice cream in front of me. Wait, does that defeat the purpose?

Our dog is Sari, she's a papillon and is our child in the ways that matter. She's the cutest dog I've ever seen, and is so smart that it hurts. She's done agility along with basic dog training, but she picks up on things the first go-round. Just the other day, she decided she didn't want to go in her pen while I left for work. So she went upstairs, laid on the bed and just looked at me like, "What? I always stay here on the bed while you leave". I had to trick her to get her to come with me downstairs to her pen. She remembered the trick the next day, so now each day I have to come up with a new trick. I'm running low.

Speaking of me...I got my hair done (finally) a couple of weeks ago. While discussing the 'shape' that the new haircut would create, I told my hairdresser - "well, I'm a little concerned. I think my face shape is oval, so I'm worried what you're talking about will make my head look like one big bubble." She looks closely at my face, pulls my hair back and peers into the mirror at me. She says, I'm not kidding, "oh, no you have more of an upside down triangle shape to your face." Oh. Well, I'm so glad I look like an alien. The look of horror on my face must have been obvious. She quickly corrected herself, "I'm so sorry, I'm tired. That's not even a face shape. It's more of a heart shape!" No honey, the damage is done. So if you find yourself 'yielding' when you see me....you'll know why.
So, there you have my household.

Until tomorrow - friends :)