SEDONA VACATION DAY 1

Happy Halloween!

I was up at 2:30 am.  I had to be at the airport at 4:30am for my 6:15am flight.  I landed in Phoenix at 8:30am.  I got my rental car and drove to Sedona.

I met my parents for lunch.  Then we had time to kill.  We went shopping and drove around to take photos.

Every picture is like a postcard.

At 4pm we were able to get in the house and we went and I unpacked and settled in.  That is when the TV saga started.  The TV didn't work.  Well, it worked but the Direct TV didn't work.  So there were calls and more calls and upset people.  No TV.  The guy came and got Netflix to work so people were calmer with something to watch.

Until tomorrow...

BLOG CHALLENGE DAY #60

Blog Challenge Day #60

What is the one national park you have not visited but want to?

Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah. For some reason it looks beautiful to me.  I would take a horseback ride and do a hike.  See the amphitheater. 

Doesn't that look majestic? 

Until tomorrow...

BLOG CHALLENGE DAY #59

Blog Challenge Day #59

What is an important lesson you learned recently?

I learned that I have already learned to relax more and that I am less tense.  This was a good thing to learn.  I learned that I hold my stress in my gut.  I need to deal with my stress in a more effective way.  Meditation or yoga would help.   Holding stress in your gut is not a good thing because it causes all kinds of issues.

So I need to work on this.

Until tomorrow... 

BLOG CHALLENGE DAY #58

Blog Challenge Day #58

What was your favorite toy growing up?

My favorite toy growing up was the dollhouse my mother made for me.  My mom could not afford to buy me one of those fancy dollhouses that I saw in the dollhouse magazines.  So my mom got some wine crates and made me my own dollhouse.  She partitioned off rooms and wallpapered the walls.  She put flooring down and lighting.  There were windows and doors cut out.  Curtains were made as well as furniture.  She even made some food like little cakes and fruit.  Dollhouse furniture is expensive so she only bought the pieces we could not make ourselves.  For my birthdays and Christmas I got furniture and items that I needed to complete the house.

That was my favorite toy growing up.

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Lucky is doing better already.  She likes the medicine and is feeling better already.

Until tomorrow...

BLOG CHALLENGE DAY #57

Blog Challenge Day #57

What are your favorite pizza toppings?

I have a vegan pizza obviously with vegan cheese.  From a pizza parlor I mostly get mushrooms and cheese with red sauce.  When I make my own pizza I have vegan cheese and red sauce and mushrooms, spinach and black olives.  That is my favorite.  I love making my own pizza.  I can buy the pizza dough at the supermarket and then I just have to add my toppings.  It turns out very good.

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I had to take Lucky to the doctor this week.  She has been acting really aggressive around her food bowl and not eating.  I thought it was her teeth but they checked her out and her teeth are fine.  Turns out her poor little tummy and intestines were full of poop and gas.  They gave me one medicine but she would not take it so we went back and they gave me another medicine and she loves it.  I am hoping she will feel better soon.  She is so angry that I am fixing her and she is so hungry. 

Until tomorrow...

BLOG CHALLENGE DAY #56

Blog Challenge Day #56

If you could have any pet, what type of animal would it be?

I have always wanted a tortoise.  I was in a park years ago and I saw a person with a tortoise.  It was a rescued tortoise.  The tortoise was walking around with all the dogs.  I thought what a great pet.  The only downside is they can live 100 years.  I am not sure I want a pet that outlives me.  I think I would want almost any pet but I am not so keen on the snake/lizard family.  Also rabbits are cute and cuddly but they mate like, uh, rabbits and they are really messy.  So I am not a huge fan of rabbits.

I used to want a pig but then I found out that those mini pigs are not so mini after all.  If they were really mini I would like one.  Pigs are cute but not a 300 pound pig in a city.  That sounds like a movie I once saw Pig in a City.

I think people should only have domesticated animals as household pets.  No exotic animals such as monkeys or tigers.  They should be in the wild.

Until tomorrow...

BLOG CHALLENGE DAY #55

Blog Challenge Day #55

Who is your favorite artist?

 I like very colorful art so I tend to lean more toward modern artists.  Peter Max is one of my favorites.

It is called psychedelic art.  He was very famous in the 1970s.  He had his art on clothes and US stamps.  He is my favorite.

Until tomorrow...

BLOG CHALLENGE DAY #54

Blog Challenge Day #54 

What would you say to a younger version of yourself?

I would say to my younger self to not worry so much about things like what others think about you.  Not worry about what you look like.  Not worry so much about your weight or your height or your (nose, hair, thighs, etc.)

Spend more time with friends and seeing the world and tasting new foods and learning about different view points and just get out of your bubble.

Learn all you can.  Read all you can.  Stay in school.  That's what I would say.

Until tomorrow...

BLOG CHALLENGE DAY #53

Blog Challenge Day #53

Make A Recipe Post

Today I made Moroccan Lentil Chard Soup. It is so yummy. It is just a bit spicy but not too much. It has a tomato base so it has a vegetable flavor. I love a chard soup but I rip the chard leaves small because to me there is nothing worse than trying to get a big piece of chard leaf in your mouth while eating soup.  I made this soup before and it is always a winner. The best part is how easy it is to make. It only takes one pot and very few kitchen utensils. 

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I checked in on the dog walker and he is still laid up. He will most likely not be able to walk the dogs tomorrow. I have set Plan B into action just in case.

I had the pest guy here again. The chickens next door are attracting unwanted visitors in my wall. Good news though he thinks it maybe a mouse this time and not a rat. Never thought I would be happy for a mouse.

Until tomorrow...

BLOG CHALLENGE DAY #52

Blog Challenge Day #52

What is your favorite TV Show.

I have a lot of TV shows I like but the best TV series I like would have to be the Law & Order shows. I have probably seen all of them and many of them more than once. I liked Law & Order. Then I liked Law & Order SVU. I never really liked Law & Order Criminal Intent.  I never watchedTrial by Jury, True Crimes or Hate Crimes.  I think I watched Law & Order LA for a bit but it wasn’t on for long.  

You just know when L&O is coming on because you hear the “dun dun”. Once you hear that, you don’t even need to look at the TV to know what is coming on. Just like 60 Minutes with the ticking of the clock.

That is my favorite series. 

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I got home at 4:45 pm and there was no Lucky in the house. 5:00 pm no Lucky. It is now feeding time. Where is Lucky? 5:30 I text the dog walker. He is injured. He dislocated his knee. He is at home with all the dogs from his run. He thinks his knee will pop back in in a short time. At 7:30 pm I text I better come get Lucky she needs her meds. I drive over and get her and she is fine. The dog walker looks terrible. 

Lucky looking concerned for the dog walker.

Until tomorrow...

BLOG CHALLENGE DAY #51

Blog Challenge Day #51

Write about a topic.

Earthquakes. We get them. We have been getting them lately. They just come out of the blue with no warning. Some people call this earthquake weather:when is is hot and dry at a time when it normally is not supposed to be. I am not sure I buy that. I think earthquakes are a lot like your car.  The car runs along with no problem for months maybe years. Then all of a sudden a hose bursts.you had no idea the hose was going to burst, no early warning system. The hose got old and there was too much pressure and boom. Just like an earthquake. Tectonic plates are down under the ground.one plate moves one way. Then boom.  No warning. Lots of pressure. Then boom. 

Until tomorrow...

 

BLOG CHALLENGE DAY #50

Blog Challenge Day #50

Why Did You Start Blogging?

I started blogging because I was giving my family and friends updates about my RA and my friend said why don’t you start a blog instead.  She also said I was funny. I think I have moments of humor.  I started my blog about havingRA but expanded it to my life living with RA.  So I talk about my animals (probably too much) and the foster care process because they all effect my RA. 

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I made a big mistake. I picked up my months worth of Orencia today and was in a huge rush to get home and feed the dogs. Then I got a phone call. Then I ate my dinner and watched some TV. Then I screamed. I forgot to put my Orencia in the refrigerator. I ran over and put it in the fridge. Did I ruin a months worth of Orencia???  I will have to call and find out. 

Until tomorrow...

BLOG CHALLENGE DAY #49

Blog Challenge Day #49

What Top Things Do You Wish You'd Known When You Were Younger?

I wish I had known that it isn’t important how skinny you are because 20 years from now the styles and sizes that are popular will be different.  A example is that when I was younger Twiggy was a popular person. Now it is Beyoncé. Completely different body types.  Things change.

So focus on your personality and education. Those are more important things to focus on.

Until tomorrow...

BLOG CHALLENGE DAY #48

Blog Challenge Day #48

How Do You Stay Productive?

Oh, stay productive. Usually I don't have a problem when I am working. I love working. I am very productive when I get into a project. I forget to eat, feed the dogs, go to doctors appointments, and do other tasks I am supposed to.

When I am supposed to do personal tasks or tasks I don't want to do, I am less than productive.  I have to use tricks to get me to do them.  I will promise myself I can do something or get something once I finish the task.  I also listen to music or a Disney movie.

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I took Lucky to the vet today. She has been not eating everyday and has been super aggressive around feeding time. I have gone back to chaining her up when I feed her so she can't try to attack me

The doctor thinks there is something wrong with her tummy. He took blood and we will find out the results on Monday.  I have to give her liquid medicine twice a day.

Until tomorrow...

BLOG CHALLENGE DAY #47

Blog Challenge Day #47

What Do You Enjoy Doing Outside Of Work?

This is going to sound repetitive. I like to spend time with Happi and Lucky. I like to watch TV especially British TV. I like watching movies and occasionally go to them. I like to read books and recently got into audiobooks.  I like to eat out or order in food.

Until tomorrow...

BLOG CHALLENGE DAY #46

Blog Challenge Day #46

What Keeps You Creative?

I am not a very creative person in a regular sense. If don’t paint or draw. I scrapbook. I take pictures.

I don’t do it as much as I want to. I need to make more time for being creative.

Until tomorrow...

BLOG CHALLENGE DAY #45

Blog Challenge Day #45

What Is The Top Thing You've Learned Over The Past Year?

I learned:

• that falling down on the pavement is no fun and can fracture bones in strange places.  It produced a long recovery, lots of doctor appointments and too much time in physical therapy.  It was no fun!  It didn't bring any happiness.

Until tomorrow...

BLOG CHALLENGE DAY #44

Blog Challenge Day #44

What Are You Passionate About?

I am passionate about living life and finding my joy. I may not be jumping out of planes but I try to make the most up of each day. I am trying to spend as much time as I can with Happi since we don’t know how long she will be around.  I carry her up and down the stairs to eat and pee.  Right now she is basically spending all her time downstairs since going upstairs is hard for her and, I think, confusing.  I want to give her the best ending to a hard but wonderful life.  So I guess you could say I am passionate about my baby Happi.

Until tomorrow...

BLOG CHALLENGE DAY #43

Blog Challenge Day #43

How Do You Show Yourself Love?

Bathes. I take bathes. I love a hot and bubbly bath.  I have a whole set up. Some times I bring in my iPad and watch a movie or show. Some times I read a magazine with music playing. I sit in that hot water and relax. I sometimes put Epsom salts with eucalyptus in the water. That seems so decadent.

That is my happy place.

Until tomorrow...

BLOG CHALLENGE DAY #42

Blog Challenge Day #42

Take A Word And Write A Post Inspired By It.

Happiness

I think happiness is important in a life.  I try to have as much happiness as I can.  I spent too much time in my life being unhappy and now I just want to be happy.  I want to do things that make me happy.  Be around people that make me happy.  Eat food that makes me happy.

Until tomorrow...

BLOG CHALLENGE DAY #41

Blog Challenge Day #41

What Is The Worst Thing You've Ever Done?

One day when I was a kid we went to the 5&10. I was little maybe 4-6 years old.  I really wanted this cute eraser and my mom couldn’t buy it for me. So I decided to put it in my pocket and walk out of the store with it. My mom saw me holding it on the way to the car. Oh, was she mad. She marched me back to the store and made me give it back and apologize in front of everyone there. It was humiliating but I will never steal anything again.

Until tomorrow...

BLOG sHALLENGE DAY #40

Blog Challenge Day #40

Nobody Knows That I...

Have a tattoo. But I think most people know I have a tattoo so I don't think this is a shock to most people.

I can't think of anything else.

Until tomorrow...

BLOG CHALLENGE DAY #39

Blog Challenge Day #39

What Is Your Favorite Way To Spend A Day Off?

Okay, I am going to sound lazy.  My favorite way to spend a day off is to sleep late. You see, my dogs get up in the middle of the night to go outside. Well, Happi mostly. So I usually only get about 3-4 hours of sleep at a time. So sleeping late is a luxury.

Then after feeding my managerie of animals their breakfast, I will sit down with a cup of tea and my breakfast and leisurely have breakfast.

Then I might watch a TV show that I had recorded. Then take a long bath.

Then it will be about lunchtime. I will make a nice lunch and eat it in the backyard with a book if the weather is good.

Then maybe take the dog for a walk or take a nap or both.

Then it is time to feed the dogs again. Then time to feed me. I would order take out food and eat while I watch a movie.

A relaxing day.

Until tomorrow...

BLOG CHALLENGE DAY #38

Blog Challenge Day #38

What's On Your Current Playlist And What Does Your Playlist Say About You?

My playlist is eclectic.  I have pop, rock, hard rock, alternative, punk, country and blues.

I have everything from:

• Missy Elliot
• P!nk
• Led Zepplin
• Justin Timberlake
• Taylor Swift
• Tina Turner
• Kid Rock
• The Beatles
• Indigo Girls
• Billy Joel
• En Vogue
• Katy Perry
• Jimmy Hendrix
• U2
• Melissa Ethridge
• Prince
• kd lang
• and so much more!

 This mix of music says that I love many types of music and am not set on one genre.  I like so many types of music and I can't settle on one type. 

Until tomorrow...

BLOG CHALLENGE DAY #37

Blog Challenge Day #37

What Are The Best Events That You’ve Been To Last Year?

Wow, in the last year.  Since I have had a foster kid I have gone to less events than normal for me in the last year. 

1. I went to my brother's wedding in NC
2. a number of parties
3. a bunch of movies
4. a painting party with a friend
5. the conservatory of flowers at night
6. A Christmas Carol
7. Protests
8. My birthday party extravaganza
9. Guests at my home
10. Cousin's bat Mitzvah FL
11. Visited my friend in KY
12. Family Reunion in NJ
13. Trip to Monterey

I guess I have had a busy year.  It didn't seem that busy.

Until tomorrow...

BLOG CHALLENGE DAY #36

Blog Challenge Day #36

Best ________ (Fill In The Blank. Example: Photography) Tutorials.

I don't really use tutorials much but recently I used a Youtube video to help me figure out how to transfer photos off my phone and onto my computer.  I did it before but I forgot how to do it so I Googled and found a video of how to do it.  I found it very helpful.  Sometimes the people on the videos go too slow but this person was just the right speed.

Until tomorrow...

BLOG CHALLENGE DAY #35

Blog Challenge Day #35

What Is The Best Gift You’ve Ever Received?

Probably the down payment for my car when I graduated from college.  I wanted a new car so much and my 1975 Ford Mustang was falling apart.  I wanted a new car that I didn't have to carry duct tape around for when things fell off.  I didn't want to have to bleed my own brakes anymore.  I wanted a car that smelled like new car and wouldn't break down. 

I got the down payment and went and bought a VW Fox.  It was a great car.

Until tomorrow...

BLOG CHALLENGE DAY #34

Blog Challenge Day #34

What Is Your Favorite Memory?

Do people have just one favorite memory?  I am not sure I have just one favorite memory.  I have a bunch of happy memories. 

• Being at the top of a mountain in Sedona
• Holding my nieces and nephews when they were babies
• Loving up on my fur babies Happi and Lucky when they are all cute and cuddly.  Also my Taiko who passed.
• Driving my car with the top down and the music up loud on a freeway

Those are some good memories.

Until tomorrow...

BLOG CHALLENGE DAY #33

Blog Challenge Day #33

If Your Favorite Book Hasn’t Been Made Into A Movie Yet, Who Would You Cast For The Characters?

A Fine Balance is my favorite book and it has not been made into a movie yet.  

• Ishtar would be played by Kal Pen
• Om would be played by Dev Patel
• Dina would be played by  Parminder Nagra
• Maneck would be played by Naveen Andrews

It would be a great book to be made into a movie.

BLOG CHALENGE DAY #32

Blog Challenge Day #32

Who is your favorite fictional character, and how do you think you are alike?

Charlie Bucket from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.  Charlie loved chocolate.  He was a very responsible young man.  He had never won anything in his short life.  He knew if he won he would take care of his family. In the Chocolate Factory he was careful to follow all the rules and Willy Wonka gifted him the Factory because of it.  Charlie moved his family into the Chocolate Factory. 


I feel I am a very responsible person.  I LOVE chocolate (ask anyone).  I take very good care of my immediate family (Happi, Lucky and Sunny) and my foster son.  I an a rule follower. 

So Charlie and I are a lot alike.  I just wish I was gifted the Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory.  That is my secret dream.

Until tomorrow...

BLOG CHALENGE DAY #31

Blog Challenge Day #31

What is the toughest part of being a ___FOSTER MOM______.

The toughest part of being a foster mom is having some control but not all control.  Having a foster child is like having temporary custody of your house.  Imagine having a house but you don't get to make any decisions about that house.  You can't choose the color or where the furniture goes.  You can't decide what happens in the house and who visits the house.  To get the house, you have to give all your information (financials, medical, background check, etc) to the house. 

That is what having a foster kid is like.  The kid lives with you but you can't make any decisions and your life is no longer your own because social workers, therapists, etc are making appointments when they want not when you want.  Those people know everything about you because you have supplied them with all the information about you. 

That is the toughest part of being a foster mom.  You are a mom but not a mom.  I just want to be a mom.

Until tomorrow...