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.