I've always had pets most of my life, there have been only a couple years where I did not. It's always been a cat or dog, except a couple times where I had an aquarium. Some were really special to me.
I used to have a dog I showed in 4-H when I was in school. My mom and dad found her in the laundry mat bathroom at the truckstop where mom used to waitress at. She was 2 months old at the most. She was a Norweigian Elkhound. We named her Yippy because of the way she yipped when she was a puppy. My cousin got me into training and showing her in 4-H, she was such a smart dog. I took 1st or 2nd place pretty much every show I went to, 4-H or AKC. I went to state fair all 4 years I was in 4-H and took 9th out of 88 counties at the state fair my very first year. After I got out of high school, my cousin kept her because I couldn't have a dog at college, or where I lived after. I still went to see her, and she always came running and would not leave my side during the time I was there. She died a couple years ago at 17 years old. I cried when my cousin told me about it, she was my little buddy.
My other dog my parents still have, and I don't see him making it thru the winter. Bouncer is a collie-border collie mix, and he is almost 18. In the last year he has really went down hill fast, and he struggles to get around. We've been contemplating putting him down because we don't want him to suffer anymore, but it is still hard. He has been deaf for a couple years, but he knows me when he sees me. My mom lost her cat a few months back as well, she was 18. Spook was a black cat, and she was something else.
Now, I have 3 cats. They are all going on 3 years old. Originally my now ex and I got one. But all the little fuzzy tiger kitten Bell did was cry and hide all night the first night we had him. So when a lady I had called about another kitten before I got Bell returned my call, we decided to get another to give Bell a buddy to pal around with. Romeo is an orange and white mitten paw. When we brought him home, Bell came right out and was completely different. Right after I got them, we moved to another and bigger apartment. We had some strays come around we fed and took a liking to, especially a short haired tiger/tortise shell female we named pretty girl. I liked her so much I decided to make her an inside cat, and took all three to get fixed so as not to have a population explosion in my apartment.
After my ex and I split, she had it in her mind she was going to take Bell. I immediately put an end to that thought, I supported her and the cats, and there was no way in Hell she was going to take any of my cats.
All 3 of them are different. Romeo is the most outgoing, he shows off whenever someone comes over. He also is the most nosey, I'll get home from the store and he has his head in the grocery bags seeing what's in there. He is smart as all get out, he can open the fridge and the cabinents. He also is right there when I get up for work and get home from work, wanting his soft food. Bell has changed a lot since I've had him. In the past year since I got rid of the ex, he has become such a talkitive, loving and needy cat. As soon as I come in the door from work he meows at me and has to have me pet him or he'll keep meowing until I do. Pretty girl has become a chub since she came inside and got fixed. She is the most loving and most well behaved cat I've ever seen. The other 2 will be nosing in stuff or running around like crazies and she'll be sitting there wanting attention. She doesn't play as much as the others, but it is entertaining to see her chasing the laser pointer, she runs around after it like a raccoon. They're the closest things I have to kids right now.
I want to thank all the Veterans who have served or are currently serving our country. I have the highest respect for all of you. My grandfather served our country at the age of 17 in the Navy during WW1, and my dad was a Marine.
I don't get sick often, but when I do I really do. I haven't felt too hot since Monday afternoon, and I hope it's not the start of something bad. My head has hurt and my stomach has been upset, and to top it off a wisdom tooth is flared up something fierce. I'm hoping antibiotics head this off before it gets worse.
This is a topic that really bothers me. I am so sick of seeing people bash others based upon whether they are or are not religious. I personally am not religious, but I have nothing against those who are. I have been to many a different denomination and church growing up, and it was not for me, but I gave it a try with an open mind.
I cannot stand those who think just because you are not religious that you are not a good person. They think just because they are or claim to be religious they are better than those who are not. I cannot stand those who think people who are religious are nieve and stupid.
This is so far from the truth. To me a person should be judged based upon their actions and who they are, not their religion or lack of, the color of their skin, their race, where they are from, or their s*xual preferences. Judge people for who they are and what they do, it is that simple, but so many make it seem so hard to do because they just look at the surface and do not take the time to look inside to see what is really there.
My mom and dad just put their dog to sleep. He was almost 18 years old, and was having a hard time getting around and he was deaf, and had to be miserable. I didn't figure he would've made the winter. They knew he was suffering, and decided to ease his pain. It hurts because he has been around for over half of my life and was my buddy, but I know it was for the best. I will sure miss seeing him when I go to their house. I will never forget him and what he meant to me.
In one of my 1st blogs, I stated where the oil pump was out of my mom's car. I bought it for mom and dad because they couldn't afford it. Well dad got it put in, but that wasn't the fix for it. The old pump did turn out to be bad, but the car needs a new engine. The old pump must have been going bad for a while and led to too much internal damage while it was going out.
Dad located 2 engines, one for $400 and another for $500. They don't have the money for either, and dad and I don't have everything to change motors even if they did have the money. I don't have the extra for it either, or I would buy it for them in a heartbeat if I did, and pay to have it put in. If it was tax time I would use my refund for it, but that's 3 months minimum away before I'd be able.
Dad has a plan though. The engine for $500 he is going to try and work out some sort of deal with the guy who has it. The guy has a repair shop, so dad is going to try and trade his Camaro to the guy for the engine and having the guy put the engine in, only if the guy will guarantee the engine is in good running order and will agree to it.
The Camaro is an '89 and in good shape and runs good, it just could use a paint job. It is the 80's IROC Camaro body style with a fiberglass cowl induction hood. He bought it 5 or 6 years ago for next to nothing because a guy needed money. Dad doesn't drive it that much, and has tried to sell it for awhile for the extra money, but has listed the selling price for more than I think it's worth cause I don't think he really wants to sell it. It's worth more than that $500 motor and putting that motor in mom's car though.
Mom and dad have 2 other vehicles that are reliable enough for the driving around town they mostly do, but I wouldn't trust them for a long trip. Most of dad's doctor appointments are out of town since he goes thru the Veteran's (he was a Marine) for healthcare. If not for the Vet's dad probably would be around since he cannot work and they don't have squat for healthcare or money. So, they need to get mom's care up and running as soon as they can.
I'm going to keep seeing what I can do about it. I'm going to try and get as much overtime at work as I can to try to save up for it. If they can hold off till tax time, I'll just use my tax return money for it, instead of using that money to get my dental work I've been wanting to get done. I've been pondering different scenarios looking for a way to get this done for them. I'm going to start tomorrow at work to try and get overtime, and go from there. I'll figure something out one way or another, in my eyes I have to.
This year has flown by to say the least. It's almost hard to believe Thanksgiving is just 23 days away.
The last year has been a year of change. I split from my girlfriend of 4 years just over a year ago after learning of her cheating, lies, and deception.
I met someone shortly after and dated for about 5.5 months, but it didn't work.
I've taken a long look at myself and the things I want in life.
With the holidays rapidly approaching, I admit I feel a little sadness I will be probably spending them alone. But I cannot change that, I just have to take each day at a time and do the best I can.
The one thing I do have going for me is I'm trying to help my parents out the best I can, and make this Christmas good for them. It helps give me focus and keeps the feelings of loneliness at bay. I look forward to seeing their reaction for what I have in store for them, I know it will mean a lot to them.
What a game last night, Ohio State pulled off what everyone in the college football world figured would not happen, they upset 15th ranked Wisconsin. The defense gave up some big plays at the end, but they kept the powerful Wisconsin offense in check for most of the game. Our offense came up with some big plays, mostly on the legs of senior RB Boom Herron and freshman QB Braxton Miller, and the huge TD pass by Miller to WR Devin Smith with 20 seconds left to seal the victory.
And to add, the Nike Pro Combat throwback Uniforms from the 1961 undefeated Buckeye squad looked awesome, and I am going to try and get my hands on one in my size for my collection, hopefully a #5.
Being a diehard Ohio State fan, I want my teams to win every game. This season has proven to be a test of the Buckeye Nation's dedication for sure.
After all the turmoil with the NCAA's investigation into improper benefits which originally led to 5 players being suspended for 5 games, and coach Tressel being forced to resign. Then our senior QB Pryor who would've been a Heisman Trophy front runner had he not been one of the 5 players suspended, left the team for the NFL supplemental draft.
As if that is not bad enough, then our other RB Hall and starting CB Howard get's suspended for the first 2 games of the season. Then the week of the players who were suspended for the first 5 games were scheduled to return, they were suspended for an additional game except senior WR Devier Posey, who was suspended for 5 more.
But things are starting to look up. The last 2 games we have upset 2 ranked opponents----undefeated Illinois 2 weeks ago, and 7-1 Wisconsin last night. Both games were showcased by 100+ yard performances by RB Boom Herron, and big plays by QB Braxton Miller with his legs. In each of the 2 last games we have ran for well over 200 yards. The passing game is not quite there yet with the development of The freshman QB Miller and the young and inexperienced WR's, but while Miller is developing he is making big plays and picking up crucial first downs running the ball. Miller reminds me of when Pryor was a freshman, but I think Miller will be a better passer in the end.
And we're not completely out of the Big Ten title picture yet. Penn State is still undefeated in confrence play, but we still have to play them yet. If they lose a game somewhere along the line and we beat them, we will be able to win our division and have a shot at the title game.
Never a dull moment for Buckeye Nation
I am forunate enough to have a decent job in these tough economic times, I know not everyone has been so lucky, and that is why I am grateful for what I have. I have been at my current job over 9 years now. Sometimes I have my irritations ans complaints about it, but doesn't everybody have some sort of gripe about their job? My job is not bad, and I have made some great friendships along the way.
I guess I have always been a worker though. While in school I had my chores at home I had to do everyday. When I was in school I used to bale hay during the summer to make money. I used to do work for my cousin's husband while in school too. I found ways to earn money to get things I wanted. As soon as I got out of school I found a job and have been working ever since, even during the half year I was able to attend college I had a job I went to after class.
I've been at it for almost 15 years now steadily not counting odd jobs I did during school or it would be 19 years, even though at times it hasn't seemed this long. I have only had 5 jobs since being out of school. Each one I have moved up in pay, except for my fast food job while I was in college, and that job was to pay for things I needed and gas money. I can honestly say I have been lucky with finding a job, I've never had to look that hard to find one. When moving from one job to the next, I made sure I had something to go to before I left the one I was at, I can't allow myself to quit something unless there's something else to go to.
This song really makes me think.
Rascal Flatts...."When the Sand Runs Out"...off of the "Feels Like Today" album from 2004
Look it up, listen to the lyrics, and think about what this song says.
I spent the morning at an old friends grave
flowers and amazing grace, he was a good man
He spent his whole life spinning his wheels
never knowing how the real thing feels
he never took a chance, or took the time to dance
and I stood there thinking as I said goodbye
today's the first day of the rest of my life
-(chorus)-
I'm gonna stop lookin back and start movin on
learn how to face my fears
love with all of my heart and make my mark
I wanna leave something here
go out on a ledge without any net
that's what I'm gonna be about
yeah I wanna be running when the sand runs out
-(end chorus)-
cause people do it everyday
promise themselves they're gonna change, I've been there
but I'm changing from the inside out, that was then and this is now
I'm a new man, yeah I'm a brand new man
and when they carve my stone, they'll write these words
here lies a man who lived life for all that it's worth
-(repeat chorus)-
and as the cold wind blows across the graveyard, I think I hear
the voice of my old friend whisper in my ear
-(repeat chorus)-
I wanna be running when the sand runs out
yes I do.........................
I think this song tells us we have to keep going and not let the past hold us back, we've got to live life to the fullest we can, "until the sand runs out"
Some people need to grow up. I don't just mean by acting more mature, I mean all together in all aspects.
I see a lot of people who use others so they do not have to do things for themself, or use them so they don't have to be responsible and do what they want instead of doing what they should and need to. Or, they choose to make a career out of living off of public assistance like welfare, h.e.a.p, metro housing, ect....
I understand that the economy sucks right now, and jobs are hard to come by, I get that. I understand some people have had to move back in with their parents or take on roomates to survive. I understand some need (keyword....need) some form of public assistance while they are getting through hard times and trying to get back on their feet. And then there's those on social security and/or disability, who are retired or who cannot work.
I understand these things, and I felt I needed to clarify before I go any further with this. I know there is tons of people going through hard times during this hard economic time, that would rather not accept any help but are forced to do so to take care of their families and children. These people go out each day searching for work and a way to rid themselves of assistance to provide. These people I feel deserve the help they need to get by. These assistance programs were designed to help someone in a time of need, not as a lifelong form of support.
But then on the flip side of the coin, you have these lazy people who just don't want to do it for themselves. They'd much rather make up lies and excuse why they can't find work, or they find some way to fake a disability so they don't have to. You have these kids coming out of school with no sense of direction or motivation, and stay at home living off of mom and dad. Or there's these 20 somethings or 30 somethings mooching off their folks. And the sad part is the parents either didn't do a good enough job preparing their children for life, or they are just blind to what's going on and continue to enable their kids' mooching ways.
I don't know about everyone else, but I was taught that I had to do things for myself, they will not be handed to me. I have to work hard to get the things I need and want. I was taught that I have to do it on my own because I cannot and should not expect anyone else to take care of me or do it for me. I was taught my needs come before my wants. By doing things on my own for myself, I have a great sense of self worth and accomplishment. I am not rich by any means, but I live I think pretty decent and I have some nice things to show for the hard work I have put in over the years since I have been able to get a job. Obviously not everyone was taught this or being taught this.
I do not look down on those who are on assistance, the ones who are on it for the right reasons that is. I do not think less of them, I know how rough it is because I have seen that side by growing up poor. I am glad I grew up less fortunate, because it showed me I had to put my blood, sweat, and tears into everything in life to get anything out of it, nothing good ever comes easy.
I'm sure just about everyone has them. I'm not talking about physical scars from where you might has fallen off of your bicycle as a kid, I mean the ones that cut deep into you.
I know I have had my share along the way. About 8 years ago my girlfriend of 3+ years I was planning to marry and have a family with, split up.
At first I wanted to blame everyone and everything else for it but myself. After a while I finally realized it was me to blame for it, my jeaslousy, stupidity, and foolish pride was the reason behind losing her. When I realized this, it made losing her that much worse. It took me a long time to heal from it.
I did some soul searching for a long time trying to get my mind right. I grew from it, and made up my mind that I would never allow myself to make those mistakes again with someone else. It sucked it took something so painful to make me see how I was is not how I should be. I guess it is a lesson learned.
Then just over a year ago, I split from my ex I was with for 4 years. When things started going downhill I immediately blamed myself, and did everything I could do to fix things, as I would not make past mistakes. But after finding out some truths that had been hidden from me and realizing I was being used and manipulated, I saw I was not to blame, I did nothing wrong. Being used, lied to, and cheated on hurt. This time though, I was able to pick myself up quickly. I think I was able to so easily this time was because I had done everything right this time, I was not at fault with this one.
I lost my grandmother (my mom's mother) when I had started 1st grade. Mom and I lived with grandma, and one day we came home from the grocery store and she had a heart attack and passed away in my arms. I still remember it as if it was yesterday, and I miss her so much. I have wondered if she would be proud of me, how I turned out. I think she would. I try to live my life good, and do the best I can. I guess somewhere in the back of my mind there's something guiding me to do the right thing.
All of these things stick with me. But I do not let them control how I live, or keep me from living my life. With each one I have grown as a person, and try to make the best of my lessons from each of them. These scars of my life have helped shape the person I am. Though they were bad moments in my life, they have been things that have made me better, even though at the time they did not seem that way. They have made me stronger as well.
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