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....