Fowler Family Fun

So my Dad just emailed the "gang" pics of our Sunday Fowler Family Christmas Extravaganza!! Anyway, every freaking picture of me in the group of photos made me look either

1. Crazy or "not all there"
2. Rounder than in real life "RTIRL?"
3. Pissed.




(This photo was taken after I opened my white elephant gift to find that Patrick had given me...(drum roll please) batteries. Yep, 8 AA batteries--new, of course, but really, Patty? Batteries? (everyone else found it to be hilarious). You can see the look I am giving him...lol. In the end, he actually stole them back and I ended up with a fuzzy pen. Ah, the joy of the white-elephant gift exchange!!)


Oh well. It's just annoying when pics don't turn out very flattering--I don't think I'm heavy (I'm a size 4 for goodness sake--but pictures of me sometimes make me want to run to the next treadmill and stay on it for an hour or two. Whatever...I'm just going to blame the images on bad angles and poor lighting and not obsess. Well, not much anyway.



So here are some photos: Of nieces and nephews, brothers and sisters, in-laws and my folks.

Also, for those out there that know what "orbs" are--there was a huge one in a group photo and then a few other ones scattered out. Maybe a passed away relative wanted in on the fun? Or, it could be a bit of dust...not sure...but still...kinda cool to think about.

Enjoy the photos!!

Aria & Bo-Bo

Here are some recent pics of Aria and Bo-Bo--






Can you tell I have had a bit more time on my hands, lately? Well, I'm done with school until January and am realizing how much time it took up...it's kinda nice to have a break. So, I've been able to post more...Enjoy!

Then and Now...

April 2007 with "fake" puppy




and December 2008 with the "real" puppy....I like my real puppy dog, Bo-Bo the best...;-)

To Sleep, Perchance to Dream...

Okay, so yesterday I felt sick most of the day. This, of course, was my own fault as I forgot to take a prescription I have been on for years...and when I skip a day or two I start feeling horrible. Anyway, I forgot to take it Saturday and Sunday (not on purpose) and so yesterday, I felt ill. So when I got home from work I essentially just ate dinner and then went straight to bed. It took forEVER to fall asleep, but once I finally did I found myself in the midst of a dream I have been having for over a year now.

This dream varies in content, but it always takes place at UVSC (which is now UVU) in Orem, UT. In these dreams I am always in class or on the way to class, etc. . This time I was in a math class, which makes sense since I'm dreading next quarter where I am taking 2 math classes (at Denver University). Anyway, I am just trying to figure out why I keep having this dream over and over again. Do I still have unfinished business there? Does UVSC represent something that I am trying to relive? It's starting to get annoying---if I only I knew WHY I was having this dream then maybe I could do something about it--obviously my psyche is trying to tell me something...but what?

Oh well.

A Twilight Before Christmas

Andrea, this one is for you:

Toy Time

So, I was listening to Alice 105.9 (one of my favorite morning shows in Denver) this morning and they were asking everyone what their all-time most favorite and most memorable Christmas present as a child was.

I thought it would be fun to post mine on here and then ask others to post theirs as well (in the comments section).

So, here are my "top two" all-time favorite Christmas toys:

Mickey Mouse Talking Phone---it was awesome! You would dial a number and different messages were heard on the receiver end--it was like a real working phone (well, for a 4 year old it was close as I was getting to one).
Here is a commercial for it I found on you tube:

CLICK HERE!



The second all-time greatest toy ever was my cabbage patch doll (of course!)--Actually, it was two of them--one had blond hair and the other red. They were name Mande and Holly and had birth certificates and everything. I adored those dolls and think my mom has them stored away somewhere still.



Good times, good times.

Okay, now what was your favorite Christmas toy!! Post it on the comments section!

Merry Christmas!

Thanks, Mom & Dad...

(Picture of Mom dishing out food to all 6 of her kids (I'm the one with the hat, with the red hair peeking out, my back is to the camera)--this was taken in the 80s (1985?) at City Park across from the Zoo in Denver)



As is usual with me, I got into some "deep thoughts" this evening as I was doing laundry. First off, I hate doing laundry--not because it's housework but rather because I don't have my own washer and dryer (something I curse each time I do my laundry) so I am forced to use one in the basement of my apartment complex. Of course, I'm glad I don't have to lug my bags of dirty clothes across the street to a laundromat, however, I hate finding random, stiff hairs every now and again on top of the dryer downstairs. Eeew. But I digress.

So, back to my deep thinking---I have been writing all freaking day for my Women's Studies course and have been reading about women all over the world and our different circumstances. Frankly, it's depressing--and anyone who says otherwise has obviously not taken a Women's Studies course...we women have been through a lot! And our mother's mothers, man, did not have it easy.

(Picture of my sister, Jama & me (the baby with the red fuzz on her head and my Mom)

Anyway, it got me thinking about how grateful I am for my mom-- Really in awe of her in someways. Now, I've always been grateful for my mom (perhaps not as much as I should have been when I was growing up, but I was naive and stupid at that time...duh.) But now that I am "grown-up" (more in some ways than others) I am finally seeing the bigger picture. Heck, I am having a hard enough time supporting myself and "the animals" (how I lovingly refer to my cat and dog...I realize I am just two cats away from becoming a bit creepy---again, I digress)and at my age my mom already had two kids and husband to worry about. I don't know how she did it---and then to eventually have SIX KIDS....! How on earth did she manage to give us a Christmas every year? And not only that we all took some kind of music lesson (I took piano for 6 and flute for 4--although you would never know it now...lol). And of course we all had proper swimming lessons at the local pool. All this on two teacher's salaries--two teacher's in WYOMING--wow. My mom told me a few years ago that when I was quite small they were worried about possibly losing the house, but we never ever knew it. Grant it, I did have a lot of hand me downs, but I was the youngest of the girls and loved all the clothes I got from it. And yes, there were some things I didn't get to do simply because the funds were not there, but overall, I had a good childhood and got to do a lot of what I wanted. I will always be grateful for my parents giving me that in spite of not being very well-off. The irony of course is that my parents started making pretty decent money AFTER I moved out...something which irked me at the time, but now I think it is a reward for their efforts.



(Mom & Dad and Jama way back in the day)


Anyway, that's what I was thinking about today---I think we should all take a step back and say a prayer of gratitude for our Mom's and Dad's--they did their best and we're lucky they did.

Of Mishaps and Hauntings

A few things of note this week--well of interest I think.

Of Mishaps:


One evening this week I was preparing to meditate as I do each evening. Before I do so I usually light some candles and read my intention card that gives me some focus while I meditate. I usually light the candles first, read the card and then place it near the lighted candles and go off to a corner of my room to meditate with my mantra beads (mala). Well, this time I lit the candles, read my card and proceeded to put the card back by the candles, but at the same time a picture I have behind the candles (of an angel) fell down on top of the candles---I grabbed it in time so it did not catch on fire, but in the next moment my intention card fell down on the candles as well and caught on fire. I started blowing it out and finally it went out, but only after a small portion of it burned--

I'm not sure why I'm including this mishap in my blog, but it made me laugh--when you're trying to do something to better yourself and on a spiritual level and then something like a card catching on fire interrupts it--well, it just made me laugh.

It reminded me of the time when I was at Young Women's Camp ages ago and we were having a testimony meeting (a meeting where you can stand up and bear your testimony about the truthfulness of the church). Anyway, we all had candles during this meeting and some of the girls were holding Kleenexes under them to catch the drippings. Well, while some girl was bearing her testimony one of my table mate's candles was down to almost the wick and then suddenly the Kleenex underneath the candle caught on fire. In shock, she just placed the lit Kleenex (to our dismay) on the table we were sitting at. Well, the fire kept getting bigger and bigger--the Kleenex totally engulfed in flames at this point. Finally, my friend Kimball jumped up on the table and stamped it out--in the middle of someone's testimony. It was shocking and hilarious all in the same moment.

But I digress...

Now the Haunting portion:



Yesterday, as I was waiting in my apartment for my parents to arrive (we were going to my niece's and nephew's piano recital) I suddenly heard what can only be referred to as a "disembodied voice" that said, "Help me." It sounded like a woman in distress and was eerie to say the least. My first reaction was to walk outside into the hallway to see if one of my neighbors had said it and needed help. I even leaned against one of the apartment doors to see if I could hear anything. Nothing. So, my next thought was--it must be a ghost (don't laugh!) but seriously--I couldn't think of anything else. No t.v.'s were blasting, no radios were in the background--nothing else made sense to me. Besides, last week my puppy, Beau literally was barking at nothing--but only at one focused spot. He doesn't bark for no reason at all so I thought maybe he saw something I couldn't. So I "smudged" the room with some sage and said a prayer to clear the room of any spirits that were lingering behind (laugh, if you want, but I believe in this stuff) and then he stopped. My conclusion is maybe my apartment complex is haunted? Or was haunted? Anyway, I would be interested in hearing others "paranormal experiences"--just leave it on the comments below this post. I'm sure we'd all be interested--I know I am.

The Truth About Juice...

So this morning I am confronted, albeit kindly, by one of my co-workers in regards to the juice we stock at the office. We have been stocking cans of juice rather than the plastic bottles we used to have and my previously mentioned co-worker insists that the "new juice" is actually chocked full of sugar and carbs whereas the other juice we carried was not.

I start to think to myself..."I know the juice is the same...nothing is added to it" but I still follow him back to the beverages in the kitchen. We open the door to the plethora of drinks and he pulls out a grape juice. He immediatiatley points to the carbs, sugars, etc. listed on the bottle. I smile to myself and point at the ingredients list: Filtered Water, Grape Juice Concentrate, Absorbic Acid (Vitamin C) and some Calcium additive.

Obviously, it was just as I thought--same as the others--NO added sugar. It's surprising to me how little people know about nutrition and the contents of what they put in their own bodies. I was naive for awhile, too, but now make an effort to be aware of these things. Juice is full of natural sugars--sometimes more than soda...


So here is some information about the juices we drink--might as well give the kids a soda for all the sugar you're putting into them: (Click on the link!)

Juice Facts Website

Kind of shocking actually--but it's all fact. Something to think about.

Classic-

Do you ever come across pictures of people and just stop and stare. Not staring like, "Wow, he/she's hot" but more like , "Wow. I am speechless--this guy is really...um...unique."

This guy found me on facebook since we are both members of a group about Huna (Hawaiian Shamanism). Anyway, the guy writes really smart stuff on the subject, but the guy himself is definitely a character.

So...here it is...at the risk of him checking my blog and being aghast--here he is in all his glory:

This week has been long--I mean just long. And it's only Thursday!! And, I had Monday off! For those of you who DON'T work 9-5--count your blessings on that one.

I think part of the issue is the fact that there is one person in the office that really irks me. I am trying to figure out a way to just let it go--let it be, but haven't found my serenity yet--I am in the process of finding it I suppose. What does someone do in a situation like this and how do you not let that person get to you? I'm all ears.

I'm also a bit overwhelmed: I'm transferring to the University of Denver and have to finish a whole list of items for that. Private schools don't mess around--I have a 3 hour conference--THREE HOURS--next week with the adviser. I have to have letters of recommendation, an essay, and other nonsense. Don't misunderstand me--it will be worth it to graduate from such a prestigious school, but the work in the meantime is a bit annoying. Oh--and don't forget I am still IN school--at Metro State.

So, here is a rundown of what is on my list (above and beyond what I just mentioned) ... maybe I can get some sympathy?

To Do (2 Weeks deadline--roughly--some a bit longer time frame to complete):

-Find Monologue for Acting Class
-Memorize Monologue
-Perform said Monologue
-See Play
-Write 3-5 Page Analysis on Play
-Write 2 10- Page Papers for my Women's Studies Course
-Write 3-Page Paper on a Woman's Event for Women's Studies Course
-Answer 14 questions (each answer at least 1/2 page long) regarding sections of
Women's Studies text.
-Write 3-Page Essay for Native American History Course
-Have All credits from Metro State transferred to D.U.
-Have All credits from BYU transferred to D.U.
-Have All credits for UVU transferred to D.U.

Ick. I will get it done though! Seems a bit daunting, however.

In the meantime, I'm waiting on my website to be up and running for my new business and am finding that it takes effort to get people in the door--and Denver is a pretty forward-thinking city! However, I think with all Reiki practices--you have to gain trust and then they will come :-)

Send good vibes my way, though!

N

"Count Your Many Blessings Name Them One by One..."

Okay, so I've been in a weird mood this past weekend. Friday was my 28th birthday (please, no need to remind me how close I am to 30--I've heard it a zillion times already!) and on Monday we have the day off from work (our office takes off Veteran's Day but since it was a Tuesday we decided to have Monday be the day to celebrate it to offer everyone a 3 day weekend.)--so I headed to Cheyenne to "chill out" for a few days. It's nice to visit my parents because they essentially take care of me and I can relax. On Friday evening, though, I felt really sick so just went to bed early after I arrived in Chey-town. Saturday was fun--went shopping with Mom and got some cute stuff at Kohl's and Victoria's Secret. Still, went to bed pretty early. Beau has been having the time of his life, though! He loves the big back yard and was litterally running in circles as fast as he could for several minutes at a time. Unforutnatley, he keeps barking at Dad, but I'm working on it.

So, this brings us to Sunday--my last day for visitng as I plan on heading back this afternoon. For some reason I'm kind of down...not because I'm going back to Denver, but in general. In cases like that I think it's a good idea to "count your blessings" so I figured what a great blog entry--broadcast it to the world, right? So here are a few things I'm grateful for:

1. My loving parents--who love me in spite of me :-)
2. My sweet puppy, Beau. Oh, he can be naughty, but he looks cute doing it!
3. Aria--that kittie is a blessing from the heavens
4. A good job--even though it is not a dream job--it pays the bills and I get to work with great people.
5. My own apartment--shelter is a good thing to be grateful for!
6. Obama.
7. An education
8. Friends.
9. The ability to afford braces---perfect smile here I come!
10. Forgiveness--the ability to do it and for others who have forgiven me of my nonsense!
11. And of course--God. Don't know who he is or where he is, but I know he is there.

What are you grateful for today?

Fun little quiz for all you TWILIGHTERS

Take the Quiz and Share Your Results!

Fun little 3 minute quiz...I'm really looking forward to the movie!

Woohoo!

OBAMA'S ACCEPTANCE SPEECH


Okay, I have to be allowed a few seconds of, "I told you so" and all that now that Obama is the new President Elect. These are exciting times! It's sad that so many people can't seem to see all the good things this will bring to pass. And, on many of the issues that certain religions are a little bit crazy about (Namely gay marriage, abortion and stem-cell research), well Obama is surprisingly conservative and agreed with McCain on 2 of the 3--do your research, people!

LA TIMES ARTICLE ON SIMILARITIES

Obama isn't some crazy liberal--he has a lot of the same values as a lot of conservatives.

I am happy that he is Pro-Choice simply because I think that he as a man shouldn't even have a say with what a woman does to her own body (unless it was his wife or daughter). I think in this respect, women who are even AGAINST abortion, can be Pro-Choice and have a guiltless conscience. This is why: Women who are against it--can choose never to have one themselves and to help other women see what other options they have in those types of difficult situations--but should let other women, if need be, make the choice if it is right for them. I do believe the Bible says something about not judging lest ye be judged? To each her own--do what is right for you, but don't force that on someone else.

A few weeks ago, I overheard two women on the bus discussing this exact thing. They were BOTH Pro-Choice but one was adamantly against abortion for herself and her own, but believed women should have the right to choose. Something to think about. I think it's a matter or principle--don't take away people's rights. I think that is fair. There is a whole other side to this debate (can you tell I'm taking a Women's Studies course this semester?) but too involved and unnecessary for my blog. I just like to make people think outside the box.

Help Me Decide!

Hello everyone-

So today I had a professional photo shoot to get a head shot for my Reiki website---to show a more professional image. Well, I'm only going to have one of the pictures on my Reiki website, but have to choose from over 30 pictures we decided looked good to keep (at the studio earlier today.

This is where YOU come in---click on the link below and write down the image number underneath the photo you think looks the best but AND would be appealing on a holistic service website---that would make you want to use that person's services.

These are NOT touched-up yet, but will be after I decide. Nothing major ---just softening of lines and brightening the eyes. I also have this weird thing where when I smile a certain way or pucker my lips these not flattering lines show up on my face---so those would be softened a bit.

Okay--now click on the link and add your comment with the picture number! Thanks!

PICTURES LINK

Prayers

I thought I would put up this post because I have told several people about my "on-line prayer secret" and thought this post could be a helpful tool to anyone else who wants to try this.

I, like most people with some religious background, pray for myself, family, friends, etc. Sometimes, though, I feel like I need an extra "boost" of prayer to the heavens to help my cause ;-). There are a few prayer lines out there that use "Affirmative Prayer" such as the World Ministry of Prayer and Unity Churches. I came across these on accident awhile ago. While scanning their websites some time ago, I noticed they had "online prayer requests". I was pretty excited! I could have the ease of typing in my prayer request and pressing send and have people pray for my intentions. My belief has always been that if you petition God enough He has to listen, right ;-)?

This sparked an idea--well, if they have a prayer request page online other churches have to as well, right? So I googled "prayer request" and BAM! pages and pages of sites came up. One by one I picked some I liked and put in my prayer request. I would copy my request from another site and paste it into the next---it was actually kind of fun! I would do several sites---ones that looked legitimate and promising to me and on the ones that listed the prayers on their site, I would sometimes pause and pray for those on the list as well. I figured I should do the same of others--the whole Golden Rule thing.

Anyway, I just recently told some people about my little online praying secret--and thought I would post some of the sites I use. It doesn't hurt to try and I think the more prayers the better, right? And for you scientific buffs, numerous studies have shown that prayer works. So there ;-) Besides, my background tells me (LDS) that putting your name or others names on the prayer rolls in the LDS temples is a good thing to do--so I think there is definitely something to this.

Here are some of the sights. Some of these are strictly prayer sites and others are "healing" sites where people of different backgrounds send you healing intentions. Pretty cool. Enjoy!

P.S. I STRONGLY recommend filling out your email address when given the option on these sites--many times they send you an uplifting message by the person who prayed for you-



Silent Unity


Fellowship Prayer Council (Prayer done by Nuns and Monks)

St. Anthony's Shrine (Catholic)

Benny Hinn Ministries (Christian--not sure of denomination)

CrossWalk (Christian, non-denominational)

Free Distance Reiki Healing (Btw--just ask me and I can do this for you!)

Free Johrei Healing (I don't know what this is, but looks interesting)

Science of Mind Prayer Treatment (Ever heard of "The Secret"--these churches live it as a way of life and pray with it in mind...pretty cool)

United Methodist Church prayer request

Buddhist Monk Prayer Request

Lithonia Church of Christ

and had to throw in something to do with angels

12Angel.com prayer board

As you can see there are a lot out there--just google "prayer request" or similar and have fun!

:-)

Pet Food

Yesterday I literally ran to the grocery store to pick up some things before it got too dark-- (I walk most places and try to do so when it is safely bright outside). By the time I got home I realized I forgot to buy more cat food for Aria--she only had a few pieces left in her bowl.

At this point it was dark, I was tired ( already having worked all day, gone to the gym and gone clothes shopping as well). So, I had no intention of stepping foot out of my apartment again. So, I thought, hey, Aria is always eating the puppy food anyway--why not just put some in her bowl to tie her over (she free-feeds--and is a bit of a pig, if truth be told)? So, I poured some of Beau's "Chicken Soup for the Puppy Soul" dry dog food into her bowl and went about the rest of my evening.

Okay--of COURSE I'm going to buy Aria some more cat food--so don't misunderstand me, but as any multi-pet owner might wonder--Is there a pet food out there that is for both dogs and cats? I would be interested in finding one as it would save me $$ and time from not having to buy two kinds of food for two kinds of pets. The thing is, as a general rule, I usually buy really good cat and dog food for my animals. Either purchased at Whole Foods or a pet store boutique--so they have NO fillers or by-products, and are usually all-natural or organic. So even if such a multiple pet food exists I doubt I would buy it unless it offered qualities such as I just listed. But, I thought I would throw the question out there---maybe it does exist?

Angel Cards-

Okay, most people who know me are aware that I love stuff about angels and all that jazz. I really like Angel Cards--particularly by Doreen Virtue. They are NOT Tarot cards, but are meant to help you clear up your foresight a bit- give you messages your angels want you to have that perhaps you wouldn't pick-up otherwise. If anything, they make you feel better in that moment.

So--I actually have a link to these cards on the right side of my blog, but thought I would re-post it here so you could have fun and try it out. This link goes directly to another set of divination Angel cards, but at the top of the website you can click on the link to the Doreen Virtue cards as well. I actually own and have used the cards pictured above-- It's a lot of fun, and maybe you will learn something about yourself. Oh, and of course, it's free for anyone--just a nice little site.
Enjoy!

CLICK HERE FOR ANGEL CARDS

Spooky Friday

This past Friday we had a kid's day at our office--I brought along several of my nieces and nephews to enjoy the fun! We had professional face-painters to paint the children's faces and lots of goodies. Here are some photos. I think everyone had a good time!

Another Sunday--a new week on the horizon...

I've had a pretty unproductive weekend--if truth be told. Don't get me wrong, I definitely did a lot of thinking about what I should be doing (homework, cleaning, etc) but didn't get much done. Wait, I did get grocery shopping done and a couple loads of laundry--so guess it wasn't that unproductive. And Beau was happy to get two nice long walks this weekend--with the beautiful weather (mid 70s) I figured I should take advantage of it, and heaven knows that a nice walk in the sunshine is good for the spirits, right?

Anyway, I love love LOVE taking baths--especially bubble baths, and thought today it would be nice to take one to do some mediating and relaxing. For those who may not know, I've done research and read a book here and there on shamanism. It is fascinating stuff! With all the reading and googling of information I actually learned how to do a shamanic journey on my own. Sounds like complicated stuff, but once you learn how to do it, it gets easier and easier each time you practice it. I like to do a quick shamanic journey now and again while I'm soaking in the tub.

I also downloaded some Shamanic Drumming tracks onto my I-Pod and use that as the background to go into my journey. It's a lot like a guided meditation only you let what ever comes up in your mind be your guide. This is a gateway to your "Higher Self" and you can get great insight through it. I've met my power animals this way...one was a wolf and the other, an Eagle. When I met the Eagle he looked at me and said, "Well, what did you expect with a last name like FOWLer" Hilarious. Not surprising, though, since laughter is something I appreciate.

Anyway, today, when I did my shamanic journey, I decided to ask some questions about my finances, among other things. I was guided behind a waterfall into a door--down spiraling stairs into the "Lower World" and then back up a rope, through the clouds and into a light and happy place in the "Upper World"--there I met with a guide of mine and a dwarf of some sort. (Writing this makes me smile....) I asked my guide (she was in a white, hooded-robe and had blonde hair) how to better get my finances in order. She told me to write everything down that I spend so I could analyze what was going on, to give myself a break and relax a little more and to trust that my new Reiki business will eventually "lighten the load" and give me more income to do what I want.

I also asked questions about my credit score (I paid off a debt in August and then suddenly my score dropped a lot...I was freaking out! ) and then this is where I wished I would have kept a notepad and pen by me as I cannot remember what she said. Blast! Guess I will have to journey again or hope it shows up later in a dream.

So, that has been my weekend. Btw---if anyone has any fabulous credit score raising tips, I'm all ears! I'm hoping to get my score exactly where it needs to be in time to close on my home in February. Oh, and of course, if you feel like praying for me, please do! I appreciate all the help I can get.

Happy Sunday and have a lovely week!

Okay--so, as everyone knows, when you add pets to your family, especially kittens and puppies, they are bound to destroy a few things. Well, with my cat, Aria, it has been pretty mild...she is pretty well behaved other than the daily knocking down of whatever item she feels like off tables and counters. But, like I said, for the most part, she does little damage. Beau, on the other hand, as a puppy, is a disaster creating machine at times. Of course, part of it is teething and all that, but I was not prepared for his ability to destroy an item very quickly. So, just for the sake of seeing what damage has really happened, I decided to make a list. I probably will miss a few items, but it will give you an idea of what a pet can do---grant it....I love love love my animals, but there is give and take in everything, right?

DAMAGE TOLL:

Beau

1 Pair of $50 Express Jeans---chewed holes in the crotch--yes, ha ha, but not really

1 Pair of $80 Express Jeans--only 2 weeks old--chewed massive hole in crotch---again

2 L'Octaine Lip glosses at $ 9 each--Aria knocked them onto the floor to their doom of Beau's teeth. They make a lovely team! Urg.

2 Pairs of Victoria's Secret panties ($12 each)--same as the jeans--what is with this dog!

1 tube of MAC concealer--$20--Again, Aria knocked onto the floor from make-up table.

1 $25 bath rug--pooped and peed on it several times--had to throw away

2 bath rugs--$15 total (didn't want to throw away money if he destroyed them)--ripped them apart--nice


Aria

3 pairs of $25 headphones--chewed the wires through
2 Phone chargers at $30 each--again, chewed the wires through
1 Stereo speaker--$40--chewed the wires through (see a pattern yet?)
1 Ann Taylor Loft shirt at $20--jumped on me while I was wearing it and proceed to let her claws slide down the back--lovely--and painful!


Okay--so let's total this out:

Beau-
$232

Aria-
$165

Looks like Beau has caused the most damage--and in only 2 months! Very impressive. Oh well...I guess that's the way it goes with puppies. I still love him to pieces, but wish he would stop tearing my belongings into pieces!

New and Final Twilight Trailer!

TWILIGHT TRAILER


Need I say more?

*sigh*

Puppy Play-

So yesterday evening I had a fun night with the "Girls"--well, I actually only knew one girl last night...my friend from work, Cassie, the other women were her friends. We had a great time, though! Usually, I am the ONLY one not drinking, but since one of Cass' friends is pregnant I had at least one other non-drinking person to talk with. It was great, though, to get to know some more women in the area around my age. We had some yummy snacks and some good talks. Also, I brought Bo-Bo to meet Cassie's dog, Blaze, a miniature Alaskan Husky or something like that. He is very friendly. I was hoping it would help Beau get socialized. Well, at first Beau flipped out and attacked, but then something wonderful happened...he backed off. And then as the night went on, started playing with Blaze! Hurray! Well, then it turned to Beau humping Blaze, but at least it was better than fighting? It was pretty funny. Beau is fixed, but I guess that doesn't stop the action. After all, he does hump my cat, Aria every couple of weeks...Aria of course flips out. Understandable...she's not even the same species as him. Oh well. Puppies will be puppies I suppose.

I am just relieved that there is a light at the end of the tunnel for Bo-Bo's aggression issues with other dogs. I have a guy coming by in a couple of weeks to work with Bo-Bo on that. His name is Sean, and he was trained by Cesar Milan, The Dog Whisperer, on how to rehabilitate dogs. Fabulous! You can see a story on his dog rehabilitation techngiques by clicking here.

He is NOT cheap, but I worked out a deal with him. So, we're all good. I will be happy to have a more balanced puppy around the house, I'm sure my neighbors will, too!

Happy Friday!

Okay I lied....

here's one more thing to add:


... here's a Reiki Cartoon--a play on the name of Reiki...you'll get it...made me giggle (although, that doesn't take much!)

Some good things to report and one not good. First with the not good: Beau has some kind of cold or allergy that is making him congested. Thank goodness I opted for really good pet insurance--although I still have to pay the vet bill upfront...at least it will be reimbursed. So, I take him in tomorrow. It's a really fabulous vet--they even offer acupuncture for your pet. Hilarious.

Now for some good stuff. It's official--the contract is being drawn up as we speak--I am starting my own Reiki business a few evenings a week. Cool, right? It will be on the side from my full-time job as Office Coordinator (AKA what pays the bills) but it will be a good experience, I think. I'm certified all the way to Reiki Master and Teacher as of August so I'm good to go. Of course, I have to register my company--already have the web domain but need to make it legal as far as a small business goes. I've named my company "Remedy Reiki" and am using blogspot.com as my webpage until probably next month. But, I wanted to have something up. REMEDY REIKI

A friend of mine is going to do my website and will be paid in Reiki Treatments. Awesome. Oh, and the place I am renting from is offering me a superb rate ($120 a month) to rent the room for several evenings and Sunday each week. That is a STELLAR deal. The reason it's so low is because A: It's a new wellness center in need of practioners such as Reiki and Massage. B: They have several Yoga instructors renting the space to teach classes which lowers the rent. Oh, here is the website for the center (it's under construction still but will give you an idea.)

For those who don't know, Reiki (pronounced Ray-Key) is an ancient form of Japanese healing where the practioner is attuned to the Reiki energy (Universal Life Force Energy) and is able to channel it using her hands and with symbols. Sound hokey? Well, it's real. And becoming more and more mainstream. I was a little cyncial at first, but can't be that way now...after feeling the energy heat up my hands (and having people confirm the heat, feel of energy and healing ability Reiki has had on them) Scientific studies have been done showing the healing effects of it (both emotional and physical) and many massage therapy schools now offer Reiki classes. I with their curriculum. Interested in more info? Check out this website for some FAQ's

I of course will share more of my experiences with Reiki as I start this practice. I admit, I'm nervous, and plan on studying up some more about the best way of using Reiki to help my future clients. Also, I'm getting a headshot or two taken to make my website appear as professional as possible. The thing of it is...some pracitioners may not be as serious about it as others and I want to show I care and all that. :-) Oh, and I don't "open for business" until November 1st. I still have to get insurance (same as massage therapists do) and buy some other supplies. Check out this cool timer--specific for Reiki!


Anyway, Reiki is a beautiful thing and I should be using it more on myself. I do use it on Beau once in a while and he immediately starts to close his eyes and drift off to sleep. Really cute.

Next good thing in my life: I've made the decision to transfer from Metro State in Denver to the University of Denver (DU) next semester. Wahoo! Yes, it will be harder, yes it is way more pricey, but in the long run it's a better school which equals better education. 'Nuff said.

To end with, here are the "principles of REiki as created many, many moons ago by Dr. Usui

The Five Reiki Principles

BY DR.MIKAO USUI


I - Just for today, I will not be angry.

II - Just for today, I will not worry.

III - Just for today, I will be grateful.

IV - Just for today, I will do my work honestly.

V- Just for today, I will be kind to every living thing.

calories calories...

Okay, I have to publish this because this is ridiculous. First off, I LOVE Starbucks cookies...I admit--I love them all, but especially enjoy a chocolate chip cookie now and again...had one yesterday as a matter of fact. Now, for the sad news: One (ONE) chocolate chip cookie from Starbucks has 420 calories! AHHH! This is craziness. I realize many of you (as in all 3 of my readers of this blog...Hi Kris! :-)) may not care, but for all of the naive Starbucks cookie eaters, I feel it is my duty to get this word out. I must thank SELF magazine for this tidbit of information. What a useful read.

Another day another dollar...

So, here we are again. A lovely Friday morning—this week has gone by slowly and it seems to be getting worse. I’m not sure why that is, but it’s frustrating. I have SO much to get done (homework mostly) and I feel like I’m not getting much accomplished and that is REALLY frustrating. I’ve put a request in at the library for the book “Getting Things Done” which I’ve heard is a great read, so maybe that will give me some tricks to get more things done.

Also, I think I’m a little down lately because I feel like I’m doing a lot of waiting around for stuff, and heaven knows I am not patient… um, ever. I like stuff to be here yesterday! Sadly, a lot of this is out of my hands. For example, I’m cleaning up my credit report so it will be where it needs to be when my townhome is complete (yay!), but it’s a lot of writing letters and nonsense. In other words, it takes good old fashion time, and I feel like I’m going crazy waiting!

Apparently God and the Universe are trying to teach me a lesson, but that does not make it any easier. On top of this, I’m “in the meantime” with relationships in my life and that is not fun either. My former beau and I have gradually been moving our relationship from a dating relationship to more of a friendship. He doesn’t want marriage or kids so we know we’re going to end up as friends anyway…might as well start it early. That certainly does not make it easy. In all honesty, we still act like a couple and it’s hard to get out of that mindset…I still love him in many ways…although that love is evolving. Talk about complicated. That makes me sad because I feel like I’m losing him in a way and no new boyfriend on the horizon. Again, I believe in divine timing, but I suppose I need to trust a bit more.

At least I have my lovely family of Aria and Bo-Bo—yes, they’re pets, but they’re fabulous in times like this and get me out of myself. All good things. I definitely am hopeful for Mr. Wonderful to show up but I don’t think I’m ready for him right now anyhow. It would be nice to have someone to kiss on a regular basis, alas, I will just have to wait. C’est la vie.

Weekend Gatherings-

So, I had a pretty decent weekend. I admit, I slept most of Saturday, but my body really seemed to need it. With work and school I get a bit stressed and by the time the weekend rolls around I am just exhausted! So it was nice to get some extra sleep time in.

Anyway, on Sunday my brother Patrick and his wife Lyndsey + 2 adorable children (theirs, obviously) picked me up and we headed to Dave's (our brother) house. Dave has his lovely wife of 16 years and 4 children, too. It was great to see everyone! Even though we only live 30 minutes apart it seems tough to get everyone together.

I also brought Bo-Bo (aka Beau)...my 6 month old puppy in hopes that he could get a bit more socialized. Well, Dave's dog (a 9-month-old Mini Schnauzer, Koda) did NOT get along well with little Bo-Bo---although it seemed more like Beau was attacking him...yes, well, he was. *Sigh*. This is so frustrating! I just want him to get along with all other dogs, but looks like I might have to call in a professional trainer to help me with that. Oh well. At least we tried. Although, Koda made sure to mark every single tree and bush to let Beau know who was the owner AND proceeded to mark the wall inside. Well, Andrea (Dave's wife) freaked, understandably...

It was fun, though and I think everyone had a really great time...I wish we were a closer family in general, but I don't see that ever really happening. Oh well.

Blah.

The Answer!

I stumbled across this website when I was perusing one of my many magazines (I must get close to 10 delivered to me every month...I love it). It's a website for a company called "Scientific Match" that like many of the companies such as E-Harmony and Chemistry.com, offers personality matching to help you find your mate, but unlike these companies, adds a scientific "twist". They take samples of your DNA (they send you a kit and you take swabs from the inside of your cheeks (in you mouth, duh). And then these swabs are analyzed to find certain information about your DNA, particularly your immune system...and then they match you others of the opposite sex who would be a good match according to your DNA, cool huh? And, it's actually backed by science. Some of the studies they refer you to are ones I'm familiar with from school. Here's the catch, though, it's not cheap. Try $1000! And that is the SALE price. Normally it is $2000! But you have a lifetime membership, which I guess is supposed to make you feel better about blowing that much cash, but hey, what would you pay to find your soul mate?

Anyway, at least, if I get really desperate, I have options....do you think they take payment plans?? tee-hee.

Art

As most people know, I take public transportation to get around Denver, and luckily it's not too bad around here to do so. I had a doctor's appt to get some blood drawn today to see if I had a gluten allergy. After I had my blood taken for testing I walked back to the bus stop to wait for the next bus to my office area. As I was sitting and chilling out to my I-Pod a nice black guy sat next to me and started asking me questions. I answered his inquiries about if I was a student, etc. and then he flipped through a book of sketches ( I couldn't see them clearly as he did this) and mentioned he is studying art at the same school as myself. Again, nothing weird here to set off red flags.

FInally, the bus arrives and I get on. As we get close to his stop he gets my attention (again, I'm listening to my I-pod so I was in my own little world). He asks me if I would like a piece of his artwork. Ummm....ok. I smiled. Awkwardly, I'm sure. I mean, how do you answer that? He tears out a piece of a charcoal filled page from his sketch book. I fold it in half and smile at the person next to me...again, awkwardly. Not to be rude, I wait until he gets off the bus to put it in my bag, and just laughed inside. I scanned in the picture so you can understand why I was laughing. This is a classic. The picture is above. Umm...what the ? Not that I could do much better, but I don't think he is really an Art major.

I seem to attract very interesting people.....

Bad kitty mama

I love my pets! I've only had Bo-bo for about a month, but I've had my sweet cat, Aria, for over a year. Both are darling and have very different personalities. Aria has this funny habit of meeting me at the door and many times will scurry out into the hallway of my apartment complex. Usually she runs back in or I get her to run back in by essentially shoo-ing her back into my apartment.

Well, today, I came inside after grocery shopping and quickly shut the door behind me without thinking. I proceeded to put away my newly-bought food items and then pulled out some treats I purchased for Aria. I started shaking the bag and calling her name. Just the sound of shaking treats in the bag will get her to run to me, but nothing was happening. I kept calling her name when there was a sudden knock on the door. I answered it and it was neighbor asking, "Is this cat yours?" I looked down the hall and a VERY freaked out Aria (she had what my friend refers to as "fat tail" when her tail is all puffed up from fear usually) and as soon as she saw my open door came running at full speed into the apartment and immediately under my bed. I felt horrible!! I didn't even realize she was missing yet. My neighbor said she was outside her apartment crying and whining. Poor thing. I felt like such a lousy owner.

This has taught me two things:

1. To double check that all animals are safely in my home after I open the door before closing it behind me.

2. To put name tags on Aria. I have her microchipped and since she is an indoor only cat I thought that was enough (and she manages to ALWAYS pull off collars that I attempt to put on her) but it looks like it's a good idea to have a collar with I.D. on her just in case....I love her way too much to lose her.

So...that's my story.

Gym Time-

I feel lucky that I have a gym that is just across the plaza from my office building. Not only that, it is one of the best, if not THE best gym in Denver. It's the gym of the Ritz-Carlton so that should say something. On top of all this, the Denver Nuggets now frequent my gym and practice on our basketball court...right in the view of all cardio machines. Nice. But I digress-

So, I've been going to the gym pretty regularly but have taken it "up a notch" this past month and am finally starting to see results. Although I realize if I kicked my diet into shape (I don't eat that bad, but do have a sweet tooth) my results would be fantastic! Anyway, there is this trainer, Nate, who I can not stop gawking at. It's ridiculous. And he happens to always be in the gym when I am (go figure...being that he is a trainer and all...lol). I have some contacts at the gym, heck, most of the front desk staff knows me by first name, so I think I will have to investigate as to his "status"...although I don't know why I'm bothering. Ever since I got my braces on I've felt a bit awkward. Well, I guess if he's worth my time he wouldn't care anyway. Let me tell you, though, this guy is lovely. *sigh*

Okay, for kicks and giggles...here is a silly gym prank video.

CLICK HERE!

Beau aka Bo-Bo

So, I haven't posted in a bit and thought I would give an update on my puppy, Beau, although now he is more commonly called "Bo-Bo" and seems to fit it well.

He is walking on walks better, finally doing his business outside consistently (although we have a bit to work on as far as using puppy pads inside...if I move it at all he goes where it used to be...very frustrating).

We still have some issues...he just doesn't like new people coming into my apartment (not that I have all these people coming over, but you know what I mean). So, I was told to socialize him which is why I have taken him to "doggie daycare" twice this week. It seems to be helping already--he is adjusting to it well although they say he doesn't really seem to know what's going on, but I think if I take him once a week consistently he'll eventually start to play with the other dogs.

I have to say, getting Bo-Bo was one of the best ideas I've had yet. He is a great little snuggler and has a fun personality. I'm hopeful that as he gets used to his new home he'll be more confident and everyone will start to love him as much as I do. Of course, I adore my cat, Aria, but there is enough room in my heart (and home) for the two lovely creatures. I'm finally getting how joyful and therapeutic owning and caring for an animal can be.

DNC-DAY 3&4

Okay--so technically the DNC ended yesterday, phew, right? But alas, no...it's still its own kind of madness in the downtown area...the area I have to go through to make it to the office. Total pain in the you know what to get around. I just wanted to scream today, "Go home already!"

Again, nothing big to report. On a different note, I ran into (or rather walked by) that hot dog vendor guy again and he seemed *very* excited to see me and of course gave me an ice-cold Sprite along with a napkin to hold it with. The two cops...I think perhaps SWAT team members actually (there was a protest nearby that just got over) both smiled as they saw the "service" I got. Hilarious!

Other than lots of cops, state troopers (mmm...some very hot ones, too boot!) and SWAT team members roaming the city...not much to report. I guess the Hard Rock Cafe was surrounded by large crowds today as some celebrity was dining there. Pathetic. I'm just ready for everyone to get the hell out of our beautiful city already so life can go back to normal!

DNC-Day 2

Nothing very interesting to report. Just a bunch of crazy traffic this afternoon, road closures, etc. Oh, and a police escort to the Ritz-Carlton next to my office. Sadly, didn't get to see for whom the escort was for. Blah.

DNC-Day 1

Most of the world knows (unless of course you have been hiding under a rock) that the Democratic National Convention is taking place in Denver this week. Our office, as kind of a knee-jerk reaction, is closed for the week because of it. Since we're in the heart of downtown it seemed like a smart thing to do. Which means we're all working from home this week. Unfortunately, as I am the only office admin, I have to come in to get the mail and all that, but am allowed to work from home as well. So, I've actually been here quite awhile today and have been able to see what is going on for the DNC.

Nothing very exciting has happened (like I thought), but I did run into a protest---with SWAT teams and everything(!) on the 16th Street Mall. It was some crazy, right-wing, Anti-Gay religious group. Sad, that people are so crazy about that kind of stuff. Live and let live! And of course, there was a guy with a huge poster about Jesus Saving (which I believe in) but he was condemning anyone who believed differently than him. He was asking people in the crowd if they were "saved" and then if you answered to the contrary (one gentleman said he was an atheist) well, you got a few scriptures and some damning words. Gee whiz, people, lead by example, I say.

So, that's my report for the day.

Another video (sorry for the text in the middle!)

Puppy updates...

So, Beau is definitely getting better adjusted to his new life. His walks are going much smoother...and he doesn't stop EVERY time a stranger is near...but he still stops quite a bit. One day at a time, I guess. Aria (my cat) loves to play with him and tease him, too. She's definitely letting him know he is on HER turf now. They wrestle ALL the time, now. Beau doesn't run away from her so I think he might actually like it. He hardly growls when they play (although he definitely tries to bite her...), but I think it is all play. And when Aria gets a bit nervous that the "playing" isn't so much play as fighting, she takes off. She loves to sit on Beau's crate and womp at him with her paws. Like a good little brother, he puts up with it. I think he secretly likes her, actually. LOL

I've included some video of this, but unfortunately the program I used to upload it puts a stupid label in the middle. Oh well. You'll get the idea. And yes, I have towels on my bed...bad habit of mine...I should just immediately hang them up. Blah.

The New Family

So, I really need to get a digital camera--it's just never been high on my priority list, but now I really want to start posting more pictures (of Beau, my new puppy for one). I guess it will go on my shopping list.

So I apologize for the lack of pictures--there have been lots of requests for pics of Bo-Bo (my nick name for Beau) and I will put some up as soon as I get a camera. In the meantime, you will just have to imagine how cute he is :-).

Anyway, so I was lying in bed reading the other day ("Breaking Dawn" for those who didn't already guess) and was surrounded by my 10 lb tuxedo cat, Aria, on one side and Beau snuggled up close (as always) on the other. I had to smile at what a funny little family I have right now. I realize some people (typically married with kids folks) roll their eyes when you say your animals are your family, but to those who have a family pet, they REALLY are. I don't really think of my little animals as my "children" but rather an extension of a loving family that belongs to me. I definitely want kids someday, but for now, this is fun and fine for me.

Beau is still really trying to adjust. He has really attached himself to me and is a little snuggle-bunny when allowed to be so. Unfortunately, he has had a difficult time on walks---he will walk and then stop whenever a stranger is in sight. He is getting better, and I know it takes time, but my heart breaks for him. I'm doing my best to catch up on reading regarding training dogs. I have found the "Dog Whisperer's" website and have found helpful information there. I have faith that in time, and with patience and work, Beau will be a happy and well balanced puppy. But, in the meantime, you're all free to add him (and Me!) in your prayers.

Looking towards the future---

On a totally different topic--for those of you who know me you are aware that after I graduate from college I plan on getting further training to teach at a Waldorf/Steiner school. I love the philosophy behind these private schools and want to be a part of that. I NEVER thought I would want to be a teacher, but it seems to be in my blood (both Mom, Dad and assorted Aunts, Uncles and Cousins are teachers) and I should just stop fighting it.

So, I have to figure out where I want to be trained. There are lots of options---both in the U.S. and abroad. I kept thinking I wanted to learn at the Melbourne Steiner school in Australia, but it always felt kind of off. I really want to live abroad for awhile so I have continued to look at other options. Since I want to learn in English (duh) that quickly narrowed down my choices. Leaving only Ireland and England. Ireland has very few teacher's education choices so I took a look at glorious old England. I'm leaning towards Emerson College which is outside London, but in a cool rural area. Looking at the lifestyle out there it looks great! I e-mailed the school today to ask about accommodations for myself and my pets (nope I am NOT leaving them behind) so I will wait and see what they have to say. A picture of the school is above.

Another interesting note--the school is located near where Winnie the Pooh stories were set to--as in the "Hundred Acre Wood" and all that. Very fun and fairy-tale like, but still near a real city just by train. Hmm....will have to think about this one. It would definitely be an adventure!

And the winner is....

So my friend (and co-worker), Cassie, kindly took me out to lovely Aurora, CO (blah) to pick out the puppy I want to take home.

The foster mom was very kind (and she was very lovely, too, I don't know why that surprised me...) and we got to see the 3 puppies she was fostering. They were all siblings, but they all looked very different. They came from a litter of 7! Wow! Anyway, it was a choice between the two boys (featured below) and a little female puppy named Izzy. They were all yapping like crazy when we first approached them in the backyard, but when we separated them out they were fine. Izzy was very sweet and cute, but little Beau (Pictured Above) was great! He was about 7 lbs so not too too small and when Cassie picked him up he started drifting off to sleep...so he's pretty docile. Although I think that might be a puppy thing--the whole napping at a moment's notice. That did it, though (that and the fact that even the foster mom's husband wished they could keep him so he must be great!).

Helen, the foster mom said his temperament would do well with my cat, too, so we seemed like a good match. I told Helen I would be back to pick him up and take him home(!) this Friday after work. That way I would have the whole weekend to be with him and make sure the introduction to my darling kitty, Aria, goes smoothly. I am very excited!

New Puppy!

I'm hoping to get a new puppy soon (don't worry, Mom...I even discussed this idea with my therapist and she thinks it's a great idea). I've been "approved to adopt" by a rescue organization here in Denver and have been waiting for a puppy of a new litter to be weaned and 'fixed'. I have requested a male puppy as I already have a female cat and they are less expensive to adopt anyway. So, I have been corresponding to one of the people from the dog rescue group and the puppies are almost ready. They even have pics of the "boys" up on their site. There are only two male puppies available. Here are the pics and bios:

Beau (male) # 08027

This handsome young fellow's name is Beau. He's a 4 month old Chihuahua mix and weighs 6 lbs. He's very intelligent energetic, playful, and loving. Beau is potty trained and knows how to use a doggie door and puppy pads. Although Beau loves to play, he's a very mild mannered, gentle natured little boy and is easily intimidated by rough play. He loves to snuggle and is very affectionate. Beau is a fantastic listener and very fast learner. He'll make a great addition to any family. Beau is content by himself or with other dogs and children as long as they play nice and aren't too rough!

Marley (male) # 08028

Marley is a 4 month old Chihuahua mix and weighs 10 lbs. Marley is house trained and knows how to use a doggie door. He's very playful and full of energy. Marley has definitely claimed the role of Alpha in our home, not because he's mean or aggressive, but because he's so much larger than his brother and sisters. He was the largest puppy out of his litter of seven, and he still holds the title! Marley loves to play and explore and is very friendly and loving. He loves to play with other dogs and children and would be a great addition to any family.


Both are beautiful, but I'm leaning towards Beau. We'll see. I'm hoping I'll get to take him home in the next few weeks. Plus, I think it will be wonderful to have another loving animal at home...I admit, I get lonely sometimes, and as much as I love my cat, Aria, she's not much of a cuddler!