I'm the Closer: Riley Admitted Everything.

I came home from work on Friday and came home to a mess. My dog, Riley, has really bad separation anxiety and I have to keep all my books/papers/magazines up or he will shred them. I also keep the doors to the bedrooms closed for this same reason. When I got my kitten, Claire, I put up a baby gate to one of the bedrooms and called it the Cat Room. Riley was not allowed in the Cat Room. And, he never tried to get in there. That is, until Friday. I was on my cell with a friend when I got home. I went to the door of the room to go in and feed Claire and was shocked. I remember saying "how did she do this". I seriously thought my little kitten made the mess. The bed was stripped of the sheets and comforter. All her food was gone. The recycle bin was turned over and all the papers inside shredded. There was cat litter everywhere. And, I thought a little four month old kitten did all this? Can you see a little 5 lbs kitten trying to pull the comforter off the bed...just dragging it a little at a time with her teeth?

Then, as I'm standing in the middle of the room stunned, Riley admitted everything. Riley has really long legs and I knew he could clear the baby gate, but I didn't realize how high he could really jump. He jumped straight up in the air and clear the gate by a good foot or foot and a half. He jumped into the room just wagging his tail. He was so happy with what he had done. He was so proud showing me everything. Needless, to say, I ran to Target and got another baby gate. I'm curious to see how he going to get in that room now? But, I'm sure he's already working on a plan. The last one took a couple of months. So, I'm sure Claire will have her room a few more months doggy free.

Bigsby

I only got to spend a few moments with Bigsby at the Adopt A Pet last Saturday. I believe he was saved from one of the kill shelters at the last minute. It was found that he had distemper and had to be put down. I hope the few moments I had with him showed him that someone cared.

See ya at the Rainbow Bridge, Bigsby. Someone Cared. Me.


:0(

Don't Let 'em Change You

Let's talk about being petty. Is it a choice or can you be forced into it? Sometimes you are surrounded by people in your life (be it at work, school, home, etc) that make it their mission to make you miserable. They go out of their way to be difficult. And, then you get backed into a corner and have to defend yourself. Some people over my career keep a CYA folder at work. I also thought that was silly. They would keep notes, dates, times, things that were said. They keep emails and write logs of others activities. I never quite understood the need. But, I think as time goes on and you gain more experiences, you suddenly think those people weren't so crazy after all. Do you change or just open your eyes? Has the paranoia set in so deeply that you can't see clearly? Or has the fog lifted and you suddenly have clarity?

Ok, I had a bad day at work. I think the next move on my part is self preservation. But, what direction is that? My Mom once told me not to let them change you. "Never let 'em change you, Kim. You're too good of a person." In a way, I think that best way to fight back and not let them win.....Don't Let 'em Change you.

Georgia is in Europe?

Am I the only one that thought we were are war with Russia when I clicked on CNN a few weeks ago. Why was Russia picking on Georgia? What did Georgia do to Russia? Who they going to pick on next, Florida?

Ok, all kidding aside, when is all the fighting going to stop? I almost hate to go to CNN anymore because of all the wars and killings. How many innocent people need to lose their lives? Really? How many is enough to make a point, to change a country, move borders?

I think I'm going to take a news break this weekend. No news is good news.

Imagine....

I don't have anything great to talk about. Work was work. I came home and went to my piano lesson. Happily, I am starting to learn one of my favorite songs. The lyrics are words of hope. And, I think without hope, the world is lost. So, John inspired to the world to hold on the that image you have in your head. Hold on to that hope. To imagine a better world.....

Enjoy!!!

"Imagine"

by John Lennon

Imagine there's no Heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today

Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace

You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one

Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world

You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will live as one

Girls will be Girls

What is the deal with girls? I work in a male dominated industry. And, to tell you the truth I like that I am the only girl on my team. I like that I am surrounded by men. I get along with guys better. If you put a bunch of girls about the same age in a room together, the claws will come out. I am working on a training project with other girl from here in Dallas and we are paired with a group in NC. The problem is that all four of us are women. There are other training groups for other topics and they are all getting along fine. We, the Dallas group, have had problems with the NC group from the get go. They came in and said we are going to do this and "it was on". Don't tell a women what to do, especially another women on the same level as you. I don't think that I have this deep jealousy over other girls. I don't feel like I'm in competition with them. I don't crave the attention when the other girls are getting it. Why don't girls get along? We used to in grade school. "Bitches are made, not born". How do we get to this point? Is society to blame? There are only a small number of slots for women to succeed in the business world, so we do whatever we can to get those slots. Proving we are right is better than getting along. I'm going to come full circle and say.....what's the deal with girls?

A Lazy Sunday Afternoon

I love Sundays. Even though the awful Mondays are right around the corner, I absolutely love Sundays. To those of you religious people out there, it is God's day. A day of rest. Although, I, myself, am not religious...I'll take the day of rest. I really don't like to make plans on Sunday. I don't even like to run errands. I just want to "be" on Sunday. Exhale. Relax. I don't want to worry about laundry and the cleaning. I don't want to go to the grocery store. I want to sit back, enjoy a cup of coffee and catch up on "me". Today was great. Aside from a quick trip to Wal-greens for some allergy medicine (this rain is killing me people), it was all about me. I practiced my piano lesson, I took a short nap with the kids, I read a few chapters in my book I'm reading (Twlight-if you're interested, I know I'm late to the parade), took a walk with Riley, I watched a special on Gangs on the History Channel, did a little Yoga & Meditation and now, I'm going to settle in for Big Brother without commercials. Call me boring, but, that was my perfect day.

The only thing that will ruin my day is having to set my alarm for, ugggghhh I don't even want to say it.....MONDAY. Stay tuned, my ranting will be back in less than 24 hours....

Rainbow Bridge

I volunteer at a animal shelter on Saturdays. I adopted my dog from the same shelter in March and love my Riley. I love the dogs. I think each and everyone of them is unique with his or her own personality. Today was a sad day because this past week one of my favorite (sorry, I do have some favorites but I love them all) died. He died from complications from Heartworm. His name was Curious George. He was a little black and white terrier that reminded me of Eddie on Frasier. He was so sweet and loved to cuddle. The funniest thing tho, was his absolute hatred of this other dog Rio. I guess they were roommates in the kennel when George first came to the shelter. And, Rio picked on him. So, one day George said enough and fought back. Every time he would see Rio, he went ballistic. It was quite amusing to see him stand up for himself. Rio and George were finally separated. But, George never let his guard down. Last Saturday, I held George a lot. He acted like he didn't feel good. So, I would take him out of his cage and hold him. Cuz, you know when I'm sick I always want my Mom. She would always make me feel better. I got the email on Thursday that George passed away. I was soooo sad. But, hopefully, that little extra TLC made him feel a little better. And, he had to know he was loved. When I lost my dog, Sam, I couldn't get out of bed for days. A friend sent me a poem about the Rainbow Bridge and I have never forgotten it.

Georgie---I'm going to miss you something terrible.

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

Who Needs Reality TV

So, my favorite show right now is Big Brother. I used to share a house with two guys who would not miss this show. And, then I was hooked. I love it. But, I really love it when people start coupling, making promises, breaking promises, lying, scheming, and fighting. And, it happens every season. People turn on people. They let people down. They lie about friends. They backstab and cheat. Suddenly, I realized that "The Office" can be the same way. I don't need cable, I just need to show up to work. It seems that when you put people in a close quarters, dangle money and power in front of them, Big Brother happens. Is it instinct? Is it human nature? Survival of the fittest? All I know is that I want to be voted off this show!!!

Where the Wild Things are

The wild things are on public transportation, thats where. I ride the train to work. One, it is great for the environment and I am becoming more and more green each and every day. Two, it's cheap. My work subsidizes most the cost, which is way cheaper than parking in downtown Dallas. And, Lastly, I don't have deal with Dallas traffic. True, I only live a few miles from downtown. But, I can't stand the traffic in this city. One day it would take me 15 minutes to get home, the next an hour. That's just crazy. The train for the most part is always on time. But, and there is a big but....you have deal with the crazies that ride the train. Usually during the time I'm on the train, it is mostly professional commuters who just want to get home. But, there are the nutty people too. I've seen so many fights on the train. Sometimes I get scared because you never know what people will do. Then, there are the people that talk to themselves or want to preach to you. And, don't forget the beggers. They stand at the stops and ask you every dang day for money or your pass. I think the people that tick me off the most, though, are the rude people that think they don't have share their seat. Really? You can watch as 10 people are standing, but your bag deserves more respect? Whatever. And, don't get me started on dollar Zoo day. How many freaking strollers can you get on a train. 1,217. For real. I counted as I stood way to close to a guy who obviously did not believe in the power of a shower. I can also hold my breath for 3 and 1/2 minutes without passing out. Sadly, the first breath after that DID make me pass out.

But, in the end, I'm glad I ride the train. And, I have a lot of stories to tell people. Just ask me sometime.

Quiet Warrior

I'm sure you have heard by now...Christina Applegate has cancer and had surgery to remove both breasts. Christina is not an actor that I really follow that much. She is one those actors that doesn't annoy me in any way, but I certainly don't run out to see her next movie. But, I watched her interview recently about her cancer and how she is dealing with this awful disease. I have to say, I was impressed. This women is less than one year older than I am. Which makes you stop and think...one year. She is facing the this life threatening disease head on with strength and determination. But, mostly, I loved the way she talked about her mom. Also a cancer survivor, Christina described her mom as a "Quiet Warrior". And, she said that she will survive this because she watched her Mom fight the fight. She knows how its done..she learned from the best. I love that...Quiet Warrior. And, trust me, I know about strong Moms being a quiet warrior.

Christina is also starting a charity to help women get MRIs for early detection. Cuz, I guess the insurance companies won't pay for those tests in most cases. What? Seriously, who decides this? I doubt it was a woman. Christina is showing the world that she is going to make lemonade when the bastards give you lemons.

I just wanted to wish Christina a speedy and full recovery.

And, one last thing...CANCER SUCKS.

My Song

So, I'm starting my first blog. I'm always a little late to the show, so it is only natural that I will show up late to the blog-o-sphere. Please join me on my journey.

Today I went to my piano lesson. Yes, I am a little old to be taking piano lessons. But, it's something that I've always wanted to do. I usually show up early and have to sit with the parent of the child that has the slot before me. It is very uncomfortable for both myself and said parent. She keeps looking for my kid....like I have the kid under my shirt or in my purse. When the parent figures out that I don't have a kid, the look on her face...LOSER....is bound to cross. But, sadly, it gets worse. See, I've always loved to listen to people play the piano. And, I've always wanted to be that person. But, I never really wanted to put in the work to play something the sounds like a song. I feel like I'm back at school, putting off my homework until the night before. I'm always cramming in the practice on Monday. Thank God there is nothing on TV Monday nights! I feel like my teacher knows too. As my finger move across the keys like a clumsy drunk without her glasses, I know he knows. I didn't practice thirty minutes a day. But, I keep trying. I am learning. My songs almost sound like a song. I hope one day, I look back at this "learning process" and laugh at how bad I was, while playing Mozart like the awesome pianist I know I am. Ok, maybe not. But, I keep playing "my song". No matter how bad it sounds.

Oh, and my teacher thinks my name is Jennifer. Should I tell him? Jennifer may be a way better piano player than Kim....so, yeah, I'm not going to tell him.