Long time....

First off, apologizes for not updating my blog in like, well, 2 months!  Everytime I thought about doing so I felt too tired to do it or was unclear about what to (and not to) post.

Overall, life is good.  I've been dating a lot over the past few months and have started to just see one guy in particular.  However, so as not to "jinx" anything or pour out expectations, I'm leaving it at that.  He's a cool guy--maybe things will go somewhere, maybe not, but I'm not going to analyze it.  Time will tell--

In other news, I found a new apartment. THANK GOD!  I have been miserable in my apartment since I moved here last January---not because the apartment is bad, but because it's in the freaking middle of nowhere. A long commute does a number on your spirit after several months--so I'm looking forward to being 10 minutes (commute time) from my office again. :)

My new place is within walking distance of the Capital, the library and museums---and on a nice day, to work ( 20 mins).  I am SOOO happy about this.  I can move in anytime in January--so that's the next big "to do" on my list..  The apartment I got normally rents at $1080 a month, but they were doing a special and I got it for $750 a month.  All hardwood floors, lots of closet space, and NO one above me--which means nice and quiet (as far as apartment living goes). 

Anyway, I'm also out of school until January--but that is coming up fast.  It's been so nice having a break from classes, though. And I'm happy to report that I got a 3.9 this last quarter!  An 'A' in my Research & Academic Writing course and an 'A-' (by the grace of God) in Spanish I.  It was a really difficult quarter, but I obviously pulled through just fine.

Okay, that's all for now.  Pictures will go up soon of the apartment.

Happiest of Christmas-es and all that jazz.

N.

Halloween Fun

So, I went out with some friends to a party in downtown at the Sports Bar "Brooklyn's."  I actually had a great time--even though I had to leave early (11:30 PM) because I had class at 8 in the morning.  But, since I wasn't drinking it wasn't too hard to get up the next day anyway---one of the many bonuses of not drinking :)

I went as a 1940s army/pin-up something or rather.  Essentially, it was an excuse to get glammed up and show some leg.

Here are a few pics of me and some friends:

 Cassie (dressed as a sexy Dorothy--she had rocking ruby slippers on) & Me

Jenn (Wonder Woman) & Me---her boyfriend, dressed as Darth Vader is in the background

 

Cassie & Jenn--glamour pose

All the girls---I obviously failed to suck in my stomach in this one--oh well--it's not the best angle ;)

The best costume of that evening was Cassie's friend, Scott, who dressed up like the Sham-Wow guy--it was hysterical. (pic of the Sham Wow guy below)  Every time there was a spill at the bar he came running and mopped it up with his many Sham Wows. He then proceeded to wring them out into a little container he carried around to show how much the Sham Wow absorbed.  It was sooooo funny.

 

Overall, I had a great time and definitely got a major ego boost by all the fun comments I received.  Good times, good times.

-N

I am haunted by waters....

Came across this quote (above) again the other day.  It's from the novella, "A River Runs Through It"  that inspired the famous movie with the same title (think Brad Pitt).

If you haven't read this story, you should.  It's relatively short and so beautifully written.  I have a place in my heart for elegantly structured sentences and a well-woven story and this short book provides just that.

Anyway, I wanted to share my favorite few sentences of the book so I have listed them below.  Not sure why they touch me so much, but they do.

Enjoy:

Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it. The river was cut by the world’s great flood and runs over rocks from the basement of time. On some of the rocks are timeless raindrops. Under the rocks are the words, and some of the words are theirs.

 I am haunted by waters.

– Norman Maclean, A River Runs Through It

The Daily Routine

First off, the picture of Bo-Bo here is only for pure cute-ness value.  It is a classic "Bo-Bo" moment---sitting in his bed--looking a little confused.  Love it.

Anyway, back to the reason I'm posting.  As I was getting ready for work today I had to inwardly laugh at how ridiculous my routine has become.  This is a typical weekday morning for me:

6:15 AM---Alarm goes off---snooze button is hit--annoyed nice dream was so rudely interrupted 

6:20 AM--Alarm goes off-snooze button is hit--trying to recapture that dream

6:30 AM---repeat

6:35 AM---contemplate how much longer I could sleep and still have enough time to get ready

6:38 AM---realize I need to get up NOW if I'm going to get to work at a decent hour.  Push Bo-Bo out of bed (lazy little guy) and we both get up for the day

6:40 AM---Shower---contemplate exactly how many more days I have until I actually have to purchase more shampoo---consider what kind of shampoo I will buy---oooh, that new Pantene Pro-V Naturals looked good--I bet Walgreen's on the Mall will have it...

6:55 AM--emerge from shower---towel off, get dressed

7:05 AM--feed the animals.  Rinse the water bowl out--refill with (filtered) water.  Place back on floor.  Fill new food bowl (Bo-Bo) with 1/4 c. dry dog food (organic of course)--top off with a few tablespoons of wet food.  Place on floor.  Top off Aria's food bowl with cat food

7:07:  Bo-Bo sniffs food...walks away--apparently disgusted.

7:08:  Put together my breakfast of champions---1/2 C. dry oatmeal, 1/2 C. frozen berries, put in Tupperware, place in work bag.  Rinse out and refill my SIGG water bottle.  Place in bag for work.

7:09:  Bo-Bo still has not touched food.  I top it off with some of my dry oatmeal--he comes running to eat.

7:10:  Turn on Alice 105.9, blow-dry portion of hair, clip back, start on make-up, contemplate best way to conceal under eye circles...

7:25:  Almost ready---finish blow-drying hair.  Realize I can't leave door open to bedroom while at work else face a destroyed comforter upon return by Bo-Bo.

7:26:  Go to close door to bedroom, realize Aria is under bed, must get her out

7:29:  Flicky toy is out---trying to entice Aria to get out from under bed.  Bo-Bo thinks the toy if for his entertainment---he lunges around it...I put him in a sit to which he immediately rolls onto his back for a belly rub

7:30: Rubbing Bo-Bo's belly while still trying to coax Aria from under bed.  She is amused--scoots further under the bed.

7:32:  I move Bo-Bo out of the way and manage to get a hold of Aria's middle and pull her out from under the bed.  Bo-Bo immediately tries to jump on top of her....I lift her up and out of his reach---get them both out of the bedroom and shut the door.  I place Aria gingerly on the coffee table

7:35:  Ack!  Have to leave now to catch my train

7:36: Run out the door, saying a prayer asking, no begging that the animals behave themselves while I'm out.

7:37:  Leaving apartment...upon exiting elevator and into lobby little boy grabs onto my jeans---I look ahead and see a big dog---I smile at the boy and coax him over to his mom.  Walking faster now, running late.

7:47: Out of breath, climb into the lightrail

7:48: On the lightrail off to work.  Panting, take a swig from my SIGG bottle.  Glad I brought it!  Headphones on...enjoying the ride.

In other news...

Well, it's Sunday afternoon and I must say I've had a great weekend so far! I had my first Reiki class in Cheyenne yesterday and it went really well. It was really exhausting, though. Teaching for nearly 5 hours wears you out. I got pretty positive feedback from the students and hope to teach a full Reiki II Class in Cheyenne this summer. I would love to teach again in Cheyenne since many people there haven't even heard of Reiki so it's good to teach others how to do it and share the positive energy and healing it offers.

Several students had some pretty great experiences with the Reiki attunements and with their first Reiki treatments. Tears were shed as some even had emotional releases. It made me feel grateful to be a part of that.

Anyway, that's all to report for now...more news later ;)

-N

To Pray.

I really adore the author/psychoanalyst, Clarissa Pinkola Estes (C.P.E). I've been listening to her works (she is a talented story-teller as well, she uses stories to teach and records them) since I was 14 years old. She has a beautiful gift for sharing ideas and lessons through the spoken word and she is also an amazing poet.

This past weekend I was listening to one of her c.d's about intuition and the spiritual life. In it she spoke about her experience with working as one of the Trauma-Specialists immediately after the Columbine HS massacre (she is a local to the Denver area).

After the tragic event that took many student's lives and deeply affected countless others, a vigil was held at one of the churches near the school in Littleton, CO. Thousands upon thousands of people showed up--many of them students of Columbine. C.P.E gathered many of the students together in a group at the vigil and asked that one of them either read or say a prayer. She was astounded that these teenagers, many of them 17 & 18 years of age, had no idea how to pray. Not even a memorized prayer or two. Most of them did not even know how to prepare to pray---folding hands, arms, etc. and she had to demonstrate a few ways to do so. C.P.E. went on to mention how saddening it was that these near-adults were not given such a basic and important skill--how to pray.

This experience of C.P.E.'s really touched me. I paused and thought of how grateful I am that I know how to pray. Even though I may not continue to practice other religious rituals that I was taught growing up, I certainly still pray and hearing this story, I am even more full of thanks towards my parents for instilling in me this basic yet such vital gift---knowing how to speak to our Creator, God, Source without Source---our Father in Heaven.

I had to share this on my blog because I think we oftentimes forget how blessed we are for the way we were brought up. The little things, like prayer, make a big difference in our own lives and so many others. As Abraham Lincoln once said,

"I have been driven many times to my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go."

Thank goodness we have that option. And, speaking of prayer---click HERE to go to my post about prayer sites where you can request prayer.

I'm an Author--er-ish!

Some of you probably already saw this, but I had to post it on my blog because I'm pretty happy about this! I've published my first Examiner.com article on Reiki! Click below for the article:

Using reiki to heal a broken heart

This is a first article of many, I hope. Also, my former college roommate, who is an excellent writer, is going to profile me in an article about Reiki and that will be submitted to some online magazines as well. This will happen sometime in November of this year, most likely. Thanks again, Mindy!!

Okay, so that's it for now. Enjoy the last weekend of summer!

Just a quick one

I have to share this link---I stumbled across it looking for some coupons when placing an order for Beau's heartworm preventive at 1800PetMeds. Anyway, this site has ZILLIONS of coupon codes for online shopping PLUS printable coupons, too. If you ever shop online, check out this site before checking out with your online purchase. You'll probably save some $$$

COUPONS GALORE LINK!!! CLICK HERE

We're gonna party like it's 1999!

This past weekend I headed up to Chey-town for my TEN YEAR REUNION! What? It's been TEN years since I graduated from HS? Man, it is crazy how fast time has flown. I still remember leaving home to move to Provo ten years ago and all the adventures that followed.

Anyway, I was looking forward to meeting up with some old friends. It was a lot of fun, but sadly, only about 50 people showed up to the actual "Reunion" portion out of a class of about 300 students! I guess the mixer the night before had a lot more people show up, but only about 70 total. Still, it made me wish I had just gone to the mixer instead. But, at least I had an excuse to dress up so it was worth going to the official Reunion portion--a girl has gotta dress up once in awhile!

Overall, the reunion was what you would expect. Most people looked the same +10 years of extra "padding"--but some people looked great! I think we all gained at least a bit of weight; however, some of the girls I went to HS with looked even better than they did when they graduated. Crazy. I will admit, I was kinda happy about a "frienemy" (friend/enemy) who packed on some weight. Yes, it was wrong of me, but still...it was a bit vindicating since she was definitely a brat most of our growing up years together. Yes, I need to work on letting it go, but I should be allowed a bit of pleasure...just a tiny bit?

On a different note: Another interesting fact was how many of my old classmates now live in CO! I was happy to find out that one of my friends who I adored in HS is now in Highlands Ranch and several others are just 20-45 mins away in other cities (Johnstown, Fort Collins, etc) and several are right in Denver. A few of us decided to get together in Denver soon and I want to make sure that happens. Besides, my friend who lives in Highlands Ranch wanted to introduce me to a hot chiropractor that she is friends with. I'm in! And, it's always nice to have some more girlfriends to hang out with. Two of my friends are now lawyers! Seriously! Smart people--at least now if I ever get in trouble with the law I will have some one to defend me...jk!--hahaha!

Okay, so I only took like 5 pics of the whole event. Of course there are tons on Facebook now from other people, but I don't have access to FB at the moment (at work and they blocked it...haha) so you will only see a handful for now.

All in all, it was fun and I'm really glad I went.


My childhood through HS friend, Rachel and her boyfriend. She's a Distrcit Attorney in Fort Collins! You go girl!



Rachel, me and my friend Kristen--Kristen is the one in Highlands Ranch--and just graduated from UW law school!



The girls.

Remedy Reiki-

As most people probably know, Google can be a business' best friend. For months I have been trying to get my little business: Remedy Reiki up on the Google search engine. Man, it's not that easy. Slowly, but surely, though, it's working! I recently discovered that if you add your business location on Google Maps it will eventually show up on the list of locations "nearby" on some searches. So, did that---and already got some business from it showing up in the search.

However, I could still use some help---so everyone should click on this link to my website---it will help raise my website to a higher status in Google---the more clicks from different computers, the more it climbs...albeit slowly.---And feel free to Google "Denver Reiki" and search for my website to click on it (Remedy Reiki) that helps, too!!

Anyway, my goal is to just have some more money to ease financial stress while I'm in school AND working full-time at my day job---which I really like, btw, but it's nice to have some side income--and on top of that, with Reiki you help people, too. Added bonus.

I'm currently also working on a free E-book on Reiki---I will post that here as well when I get that done.

Still have an article to write on Reiki in the works for an online magazine, but I need an angle---should I write about the benefits of Reiki, how to choose a Reiki practitioner or something like that? Ideas are welcome! Just post them on the comments section on here

Be well, ya'll---until next time!

a new addition

(Bunny in the closet and Beau hanging out in his carrier to get a closer look...don't ask he keeps crawling into his carrier, silly puppy)


Out of the blue a few weeks ago, a former co-worker/friend of mine contacted me---I hadn't heard from her in nearly a year, so it was a real surprise. She told me about her plans to go to India to volunteer for the month of August and asked if I could take care of her cat.

Now, now, I know what everyone is thinking...how could someone ask you to do something like that when you haven't heard from her in so long? Yes, I know, but I felt for her situation, and knowing she has been out of work for over a year, that it would be a huge help to her financially, as as an animal lover, wanted to help out.

Long story short: her cat, Bunny, has been at my house for nearly a week now. Just imagine this: I already have a dog and a cat and now I'm adding another cat to the mix. To say the least, it has been interesting. Bunny was in the closet, literally, for the first several days, as she got used to my place, but now is wandering around. Problem is, Bo-Bo doesn't particularly like her. Aria, my cat, is fine now, but Beau really likes to attack Bunny, in the middle of the night. Needless to say, I've had a few nights with disturbed sleep because I had to separate Beau from his new prey: IE Bunny.

So, now I'm worried. I have 5 more weeks of babysitting Bunny---how can I deal with these episodes every night of Beau going after her? I think I might have to call Beau's trainer into this and settle up the situation, "Dog Whisperer style"---

Anyway, Bunny is actually quite sweet. I just wish I could say the same about Beau's feelings towards her.

Well, wish me luck.

The Reunion

(me with my nieces--I did Mary's make-up & hair....)

This past weekend we had a Fowler Family Reunion in Cheyenne, WY---some of us hadn't seen each other in years, so it was great to get together again!

It was a total of 10 adults, 11 children and 2 dogs in my parents house for three days. Needless to say, it was noisy! However, I had a lot of fun.

We went to Snowy Range in Wyoming for hiking and fishing on Saturday and that was pretty cool. I will admit, I'm not much of an "outdoorsy" person, but even I could appreciate the scenery and nice weather. I have some great pics of the hike and fishing below.

I decided that instead of making a long blog entry about the reunion, I would just include some highlights (I'm stealing the idea from my sister-in-law's blog, Andrea ;)))

So here goes:

The memories I will take away from this reunion are:

1. The makeovers---two of my nieces (15 and 11 years old) allowed me to do their hair and the older niece, both hair and make-up. It was fun to try out my "beautification skills" on someone else and they both loved the results. Afterward, the younger nieces wanted to give ME a makeover..needless to say, I looked like a "lady of the night" when done, but it was fun to let them try their hand at make-up on a "grown-up"

2. The adoration. :) It was wonderful to be adored by some of my nieces and nephews. That is one privilege of being the "cool aunt"--

(All my nieces and nephews)



3. The bugs. 15 mosquito bites left me itching and scratching most of the weekend. We did see some pretty cool bugs in the mountains, and one of my nieces, Syd, loved to pick them up and play with them. Needless to say, she was in charge of the worms for fishing.

4. The dogs. I had my little Beau along for the trip and my brother's family brought their mini schnauzer as well. At first they fought, but after taking them on a walk together, they were fine...mostly. At least they would hang out together without fighting even if they didn't play together.
(Two of my nephews with the Fowler dogs)


5. Old habits---it's funny how when you get together as a family that even as adults you fall into your family "roles" ---my younger brother and I were definitely bossed around a few times by some older siblings. That's okay. And for the record. I *did* help clean up and prepare stuff...just not when everyone else was around to watch me. ;)


(Pic of Patrick and Kristen (two of my siblings) after Patrick got a hold of my camera)








(Pic of my sister Jama and brother Dave--just watching the chaos unfold)

6. Blessings---I have some pretty amazing family members. It was great to see them all together again--my parents did a pretty darn good job raising us.


(Pic of Mom & Dad)



And here are some pics of Snowy Range...it was beautiful---even with all the bugs.

Did you know

that Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) can cause canker sores? And guess what? SLS is in pretty much every freaking toothpaste! How fabulous! What's even more fun is that people with braces (like me at the moment) get lots more canker sores because of the the orthodontic appliances in our mouths that can be abrasive on the soft tissues in the mouth. What fun! And then, we have to brush our teeth a zillion times a day and that lovely toothpaste contributes to all the canker sores! Wahoo! So much fun.

Seriously, though, what a painful annoyance. I finally found a toothpaste that doesn't contain SLS, but it wasn't easy. Some version of Sensodyne (be careful, some Sensodyne toothpastes DO contain SLS---so be wary of it if you are prone to cankers.)

And for those who don't know---canker sores are NOT a form of Herpes. That is cold sores. Canker sores are just painful little "ulcers" only found in the mouth (cold sores are always OUTSIDE the mouth) and are NOT contagious, like cold sores. Just had to clarify that. Here's some proof. (click on the link) And for any hot men that may be reading this and had consider kissing me at some point---don't worry, I'm safe to kiss ;)

Anyway, I have probably had at least one canker in my mouth the entire process of wearing braces, with maybe a short break in between without them. I am so glad I know that my stupid toothpaste is contributing to them, because they hurt like a MOFO.

In happier thoughts---yay for this weekend! I'm heading to Cheyenne to spend time with the fam. Everyone will be there--5 siblings, 4 in-laws, 11 nieces & nephews and two dogs--so I think it will be entertaining at least---fabulous at best. However, I have decided not to discuss religion or politics. Safer that way.

I will be sure to post pictures after the reunion--

Until then,

N

Looking Back

I recently came across the new show on A&E called "Obsessed." It's a documentary-type show about individuals who suffer from severe forms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and their journey of going into therapy and getting better from it. Each week there are two different people with different OCD issues.

So, while I was watching this show it made me look back on my life and the times in my life, specifically when I was quite young (elementary school through junior high) and my OCD was unbearable. There were moments when I literally could not function--not even walk, because I was so anxiety-ridden. There were other times when it took me forever to get ready for bed because I had so many rituals and certain prayers I had to say otherwise I feared my family or myself would die or be hurt and it would be all my fault. So much anxiety and fear for a little girl. A lot of this I kept as secret as I could because I was embarrassed about the "worries" as I thought they were. I remember how torturous it was to take out the dishes from the dishwasher--specifically touching the dinner knives, because I was afraid I would "lose control" and start killing everyone. It sounds silly now--I mean, at the time of that particular worry I was maybe 9 or 10 years old.

I remember the day my mom saw a psychologist/author on t.v. promoting her book about anxiety disorders, one of them being OCD. My mom immediately bought that book and we learned that I wasn't crazy--that it was a specific anxiety disorder that could bet treated. That was the first step into my getting better--I would eventually go to a therapist and get some medicine that was almost a miracle to me. I felt so much better.

Now, as an adult, I have years of books, therapy and learning under my belt. I really understand what OCD is, what caused mine and most importantly, how to deal with it.

I feel so blessed that I am a happy and functional adult. My OCD is mild now, although still there, but when I have unnerving thoughts caused by my OCD or compulsions, I know how to deal with them, confront them, and move on. It is so empowering to know how to do that.

Anyway, watching this show, and these individuals getting better, makes me want to be a part of that process of others suffering how I did. This is just one more push in the direction of becoming a therapist. It's still up in the air for me, but I feel more and more inclined to get my MA in Counseling Psychology after I finally finish my Undergrad next year. It's possible I will change my mind *again* but I really feel this might be the right career path for me.

This may be shocking to some people that I am so open about my OCD, but I think by talking about things it allows room for further understanding and healing--for myself and others. I don't think it's something to be ashamed of. After all, 3.5 MILLION Americans have OCD. I'm obviously, not alone in this.

And for those who want to learn more about OCD and ways of getting help you can go to this website.

So, that's my story....well part of it at least ;) I am so grateful for my journey and how far I've come.

A doting "Mother"

Okay, okay, so, he's just a dog. But he's my dog, and until I have kids, my child of er sorts. So, being the silly mama that I am, I had to get some cute pics of him and a little video. He is darling with his little tail constantly wagging...:) Warning, though, trying to film and play ball with the little guy was not easy...therefore the footage is "bouncy" --kinda "Blair Witch Project"-esque--and the light started out good then disappeared.

Beau is crazy about tennis balls. Crazy! He's also very good at ferreting around and under things...including my couch with has very little room underneath it. So, I had to show a quick video of him running after the ball and getting on his belly to get the ball from under the couch. I realize this post is probably boring to most, but hey, whatever, this is my blog after all ;-)

Old & New

So, I "inherited" my digital camera from my baby brother, "Bubba" (Matt) last year and he had all these pictures on there from his trip to NYC and CT to visit my sisters and their families. Instead of deleting them, and being the great sister that I am, I copied them all and emailed them to him. However, there were a few I wanted to post.


Picture of somewhere in NY or CT--I'm guessing maybe Central Park (nice, pic, Matt, btw!)



Bubba on a ship...hmmm..maybe they went on a road trip to RI or Boston?



Again, with the ship theme---this is Matt and our nephew Lukas



Good pic of the ship



A philosophical picture--a picture of my sister Kristen taking a picture of my brother taking a picture of her, etc.



And some pics of the nephew, Lukas and niece, Mary--I doubt Mary will appreciate these since she has her glasses on, but we all know she is lovely in spite of it.

the elephant journal

First off, I am very grateful that this is a short work week. My office has July 3rd off for the holiday and today (Thursday) we only have to work till 3 PM--so yay for that!

Well, I have approached an editor of an online magazine/blog called elephantjournal.com that focuses on holistic news, yoga, non-new-agey spirituality, the environment, etc. with an idea for an article on Reiki--and low and behold, they have accepted my proposal!

So, now I actually have to write the thing.

I've been playing with ideas for days and have written down starts and pieces of the article, but have been having a rough time to make things flow (the irony here being that Reiki is a form of energy that easily flows, without effort, but I digress).

This article is a big opportunity for my little Reiki business because it's essentially a free advertisement to a large group of people who are like-minded. Therefore it's important to write a helpful, well-written and informative article that sheds light on Reiki and its benefits without sounding like a long advertisement.

At the end of the article they will post my website, email and picture so I think that is advertisement enough--so I want the article to just be clean and full of useful information, not a bunch of self-promotion.

This weekend, with extra time on my hands, I hope to get the article squared away and have a few friends read/proof it before I submit it.

I am really excited and thankful for a fabulous and *free* marketing opportunity but a little nervous about putting the article together.

Anyway, any ideas or angles on this would be great--since most of my friends and family don't know much about Reiki, I would be interested in knowing what kind of informative article on Reiki would interest them? What to focus on?

In other news...little Bo-Bo is going to be my other focus this long weekend because we're starting from almost square one on the housebreaking. Long story on this one...but carpet feels so much like his puppy pads and grass that he seems to think anywhere there is carpet it means he can pee! So, I will be focusing on fixing that incorrect belief. But, he's still adorable.

Yes, I am that girl--the single chick who is in love with her dog. So what? It makes me laugh, actually, because I always thought I would be married by my early twenties, well, God had other plans, and so in the meantime I have my own little family of two animals (cat and dog) But, like I've said so many times before: that's all. I will not be the crazy animal lady with all the animals.

There will be lots of time for a husband and a family, but *after* I get my degree...so I'm enjoying life for what it is now. After all, that is all there really is...tomorrow never comes, actually, it's only today. "Now is your only place of power."

Very philosophical, I know.

The elusive Kong Time

Months ago I came across this *fabulous* invention created by the makers of Kongs (those indestructible doggie toys that you put treats in)--a Kong Time. Well, I kept the idea of buying one on the back burner. Since I now live nearly an hour a way from the office (by light rail and walking) my little Beau (aka Bo-Bo) is home alone a lot more. Well, he does have the company of my sweet cat, Aria, however, he chases her more than he plays with her.

So, Beau has gradually gotten more frustrated with my 5 day a week long absences from home (11 hours!) and started to entertain himself with destroying numerous pillows which was followed by my couch. Ack! I eventually created a barricade of sorts, so the couch has survived (although I had to do some repairs...thank goodness I can kinda sew). However, Beau is still a bit bored. The Kong Time is supposed to help that issue. Here is the official description of what it does:

"KongTime automatically dispenses food-filled Kong toys while you are away. KongTime entertains your dog and gives your dog something to look forward to. We call it Doggie Day Care in a Box; don’t be surprised if your dog starts handing you your briefcase in the morning."


And a video to show you how it works: CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO

Brilliant idea, right? So, I finally decide I will dish out the $150 for the thing and low and behold...it's been discontinued! Yes, they no longer make it! So begins my search. Every online outlet that had them in stock is suddenly out of them --like there was a mad rush to buy them once they stopped making them. Next stop: Ebay. I bid on one and, blast! I was outbid! Now I can't seem to find one anywhere. What to do? Any ideas? Help! I guess I will have to figure out another solution in the meantime. I *do* plan on moving back downtown after my lease is up...however, that is not until January.

Blah.

Natural Solutions

So last week I saw my shrink and we discussed transitioning off my anti-depressant/anti-anxiety meds. As most people who know me know, I have been dealing with my Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and depression for a good chunk of my life. Meds have been a huge help, but the reality is, in my opinion, that medicine like this tend to mask the symptoms so you never really heal from what you are suffering from.

I have been diligent with seeing a great therapist for years now and have had some major breakthroughs and have healed a lot. However, when you are biologically prone to depression and anxiety, it seems to make sense to stay on some kind of support (medicine).

Luckily, my doctor is a holistic psychiatrist and stresses using natural options and less prescription drugs. That said, I am going to start taking EMPower Plus, which is a strong complex of vitamins, amino acids, etc. that has been shown to work as well as if not better than some medications. And, most importantly, it supports the body in a natural way meaning no side effects. It was initially created by a family who had several members suffering from Bi-Polar Disorder. They didn't want to go on prescription drugs (like Lithium, which is commonly prescribed for that disorder) so they researched what natural options were out there for treating the disorder.

Long story short, they created this complex (EMPowerplus) and since it worked so well for them, they began marketing it to others. It's been studied a ton at this point, and although marketed and made specifically for Bi-Polar disorder; it has been found to be profoundly helpful for depression and even anxiety.

So I will be gradually weaning off my Cymbalta and onto EMPower Plus. I'm really happy about it actually--I am all about natural products.

Anyway,I wanted to post this up on my blog because I know some people who read this may have friends, family members who suffer from depression or anxiety. And, maybe, they will know there are alternatives to regular prescription drugs. On that note, I also use a blue-light that simulates sunlight's POSITIVE affects that has helped me during winter months. I use it just 60 minutes a day at my desk at work and it's been great. Boosts your mood and everything. Also, fish oil is a huge helper with boosting your mood--take it daily and buy quailty products--not the cheap stuff on sale. I use Ultimate Omega by Nordic Naturals.

Okay, that's it. Have a great weekend!

Reflections

So I came across this cool (well, I think it's cool) idea on a website---they are affirmations written backwards on shirts so that when you look in the mirror you read your affirmation---and bonus, the shirts look cool and since no one can read them but you (unless they can read backwards and upside down) you don't look like an idiot with stupid affirmations on your shirt.. ha ha.

Anyway, this is the website: reflectmylife.com


Here are some of the shirts I liked:



Can you read what they say? One says, "I believe in myself" & the other says, ""I am so grateful for all that I have"

Now, here is the thing with affirmations--if you don't believe them, they don't work. So some think that if you say them enough you will eventually believe it so repeating them is good. Others think you should reword them in such a way that you automatically believe them. So instead of saying, "I am wealthy" you say, "I am in the process of becoming wealthy"--the second phrase is a lot more believable.

I've also been listening to some CD's about attracting what you want into your life. I think you have to take some of this stuff with a grain of salt, because not everyone has all the answers, but there is a lot of good info out there. Essentially, if you are feeling bad or negative you should "pivot" your thoughts to something that makes you feel good. Whatever you are feeling is what you are attracting so the goal is to feel good (or at least not bad). It has helped me as my thoughts have really changed lately. It's certainly a process, but one worth testing out.

Oh, and I always think it's good to count your blessings. In Catholism if you do a
Novena for something (Novena is traditionally 9 days of prayers towards a certain goal, typically to a saint (NOT as worship, but as a help to be "on your side" to God to bring about what you are praying for)--after the nine days you have to post what you prayed for and give thanks to the saint you asked to help you--now people post the praise online. I have done lots of reserach on different religions as you can see, anyway, I digress.

My point is, I think it is important to give gratitude. One spiritual teacher of mine told me the key to manifesting what you want is to meditate on all you have and how great that makes you feel then say to the Universe, "Okay, I want more of that feeling"

Anyway, interesting persepctives. So in light of giving gratitude...here is another list of my gratitude.

1. Being healthy in body and spirit and mind

2. Attending one of the best universities in the country! (Harvard of the West as they say ;)) Go Pioneers!

3. I am so grateful for my animals. Aria and Beau are real joys in my life...always. Unconditional love is a beautiful thing.

4. Knowledge--I am so blessed to have gained so much knowledge from teachers and others in my life...

5. A great job--again, so blessed for this.

6. And as always, I am so grateful for my friends and family.


Lots lots more, of course, but really, no need to publish all of them at once. ;-)

Until next time...be good, be well.

In other news...

Not too much going on right now, but I will update everyone on what has been going on in my life lately.

So, last day of this quarter is Sunday...hurray! I have opted to not take summer term classes and I think it was a brilliant move on my part. I am ready to have all my weekends back...at least until Fall quarter.

Bo-Bo was sick a couple weeks ago (as my brother would put it, he had "plumbing" problems") but after some meds and some TLC he's pooping like a normal dog. Thank goodness...I was so tired of cleaning up the messes. Eew.

Anyway, I'm still working on him with his behavioral issues...and he is making slow progress...but progress. We went to the off-leash Cherry Creek State Park for a long walk last Saturday and he did great with the other dogs. I did have his backpack on him and kept him on the leash (there are always misbehaved dogs there so it's best to keep little ones on a leash to have control in case something happens). I was very proud of him. Next step in the training process is to have him stay at a daycare that corrects him the Dog Whisperer way and lets him run around with big and little dogs (most doggie daycares separate the small from the big which doesn't help the little ones get used to being around larger dogs and vice verse). Also, I am going to try a bit of positive reinforcement training, too. He is also on the treadmill every morning for at least 20 mins before I go to work. He hates it (the trainer said that's normal for little dogs--they don't like any type of work), but it really helps.




Next on my list in life is to buy a good bike. I live next to a great bike trail of 20 miles! However, you need to drop at least $500 to get something decent...so I may have to wait until my Q2 bonus which probably won't be given until at least July. Hmmm....maybe I can borrow one until then....any offers ;-)?

Okay, that's it for now. Life is good. Work is good. I feel like I need to live more in the moment so I'm working on that, too.

Until next time...

A penny saved...

So, we're all up for saving money, right? The other day I was thinking that I've started to come up with some ways to do so and I should share them. Some of them you probably could figure out on your own and some may be new, or maybe you don't care, but it's time for me to update my blog so this is what you get. Ha.

Tips and Tricks to save cash:

1. Like to stay trendy? Take excellent care of your trendy/name brand clothes? Need to clean them out to make room for more? Perfect! Sell them! Yep, consignment stores will pay you for your gently used clothes or give you store credit. Mind you, you won't get rich from it, but it's better than donating them...this way you get cash!

I have gone to the Buffalo Exchange here in Denver--but I'm sure you can stores similar near you.

2. Love Lancome? Shop L'oreal instead. L'oreal (which can be purchased at a grocery store) is actually made by the same people as Lancome...really. Same products, different label, but it saves you major $$$$.

3. Coupons. Duh. However, I have found the coolest website for coupons. Shortcuts.com You sign up with your grocery store savings cards (the ones you scan at the checkout) and it shows you coupons for those stores (i.e. King Soopers, Safeway, Albertson's, etc). But it gets better! You select the coupons you want and then.....it "downloads" them your shoppers card so when you checkout next and purchase that item (best to write down the items you should buy) it automatically redeems the coupons when you swipe your shoppers card. I've used this several times and it's freaking awesome! No worries about "losing" the coupons or leaving them at home. Love it!

4. Washed your jeans too many times and now they are too short to wear? Just roll them up a few times and wear them as capris.

5. Buy a mani/pedi kit and exchange manicures and pedicures with friends---instead of going to the nail salon.

6. FREE Netflix trial! Yep---for one month. Here is the information:

go to netflix.com/tellafriend
Enter priority code: M613105898845

& Done....this offer is redeeamble until June 15th---but good for a while month from the time you sign up--just mark your calendar to cancel in 29 days!

7. Attend on a "free day"--Denver and I would guess most cities, have "free days" for museums, the zoo, etc. Google "free event days" or similar and you'll find out when it is. For those in Denver...just go to this website: http://denver.about.com/od/attractions/a/freedays09.htm

8. 1/2 price tickets. Again, this is a Denver thing, but I'm sure they have something similar in other big cities. If you show up an hour before curtain at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts you can purchase any tickets that are still available for the show for 50% off! Or, if you're a student, for just $10 (depends on the show). My friends did it just a few weeks ago and saw the Broadway show "Spamalot" Awesome. I'm going to do this when "Wicked" comes to town. Remember, though, it's best to do it on an "off night" (Matinee or weekday night NOT Friday or Saturday) if the show is likely to sell out.

9. Rent DVDs from the library. In Denver it's free, but even if they charge it's usually minimal. (Do this after your netflix freebie)

10. Don't buy your books...go to the library. duh.

11. Increase your car insurance deductibles (assuming you are a good driver). You'd be surprised how much you save a month on the insurance payments.

12. Request a reduction in your credit card interest rate. Speak to a manger. Threaten to stop using it or cancel the card (but don't--that reduces your credit/debt ratio...but that's another story). Usually they will reduce it. Wouldn't hurt to try, right?

13. Donate old books to the local library--but remember to get a RECEIPT. You can save money on your taxes next year when you deduct this donation.

14. Buy local milk--at Whole Foods they have a section where there is locally farmed milk. The bottles are glass and have no label. These are cheaper than the other brands AND when you return the rinsed out and empty glass bottle you save $1 on your next grocery bill. Score.

15. Barter. If you have a trade (cut hair, massage, crafts) and have a friend who has one as well that you need then barter services with them. I do this with a massage therapist---I give her a Reiki session in exchange for a massage therapy treatment. Everyone leaves happy! This also works for babysitting--you take your neighbors kids one night and they take yours another. No one has to shell out cash for a sitter and everyone get to go on a nice date with the spouse.

16. Skip the ATM...buy a pack of gum. Most convenience stores (7-11, etc.) let you pay with your debit card and give the option of "cash back" when you enter you PIN. Bingo--save ATM fees, buy a cheap pack of gum and still get your cash. No money wasted.

Okay, that's what I've got for now. Maybe you learned something you could use?

Have a great weekend!

N

Rescued from the Fires

I found these pics on twitter---these two baby animals were rescued from the fires in Santa Barbara. Poor, but lucky, little things...



Click on the picture for a closer view...

The experiment has ended....

Done. Finished. Kaput. All words describing my once relationship with E-Harmony. I said I would do it for a month as an experiment and my month is done. Good riddance I suppose.

This is the THIRD time I've tried this little matchmaking website over the past 4 or 5(?) years and each time I am so disappointed. I guess I was hoping it would be better ---as they say, "Third time's a charm." Unforutnately, in this case that was NOT true. Oh well. In all honesty, it was kind of a fun little distraction and now I get back to the real world.

As I menitoned before, I didn't do it because I was desperately seeking someone, but rather to test the waters---and the waters (on E-Harmony) are not good. Oh well.

However, I did learn a few things:

1. Most men on e-Harmony are nerdy, overweight or if they are attractive, flakey.
2. As already thought, Denver is a dating wasteland when it comes to men
3. There are a lot more men that are 5'7" or shorter out there---perhaps since I wear heels so often I just "overlooked" them ---haha
4. On-line dating is hit or miss.

So, lessons learned, I suppose. Moving on....but, if you know a hot guy, excuse me a hot, SINGLE guy, under the age of 40 but over the age of 28---send him my way!

:)


And just for fun....

Bo knows....

...how to walk on a treadmill! I'm so proud of Bo-Bo. Last week I went to my dog trainer's doggie daycare and she showed me how to put him on a treadmill. It took a bit of work, but now he does just fine. The next step is to not have his leash on him while he's on it, but one step at a time.

He has his doggie backpack on him as well as this helps him stay focused on the "job" he has to do (walking on the treadmill).

Here are some clips---enjoy!!

This past weekend....

Was one of my niece's birthdays---so the family in and around Colorado got together to celebrate--so I was able to see my brothers (two of them) and their wives and kids plus my parents. It was fun!


I only took a few pics---these are actually of my brother Patrick's baby daughter, Gracie. As you can see, she has a fondness for the dog--she was chasing him around with her mouth open. It was pretty funny. I was able to get some good shots.

Poor Koda (the dog) he looks a little uncertain of the little person in front of him.




Tee hee.

Next!

Alright, so the first guy on met on E-Harmony obviously has no "follow-through"....seeing as he was very enamaoured of me on our date---even talking about all the things we would do together in the future, and then never called. I *did* email him casually last Thursday and he responded back in 5 minutes...we chatted that way for awhile and it was left at staying in touch to plan another date, but PLEASE. I am not interested in chasing a man around....so moving on.

I am supposed to chat with another guy tonight. He seems really great (then again so did guy #1) but he's a bit older (which hopefully means more mature).

So...we will see how it goes. Against better judgment I'm positing a couple of his pics as well. He's very cute.


He's the one on the Right