For years I have noticed a small sign on a road I've frequently traveled that reads: Pines Pet Cemetery. Like something out of a Stephen King novel, it has always conjured up rather dark, unsettling thoughts.
After Tuffy died, I called my vet to find out where I could take him. We live in a subdivision, and it would not go unnoticed if I began digging a grave for my dog in the middle of the day, let alone the fact that the ground around here is like cement. They said I could bring him to their office or take him directly to a place called "The Pines Pet Cemetery."
"I know right where that is." I replied.
So, we wrapped Tuffy up, placed him on his pillow in the car and took him for his last ride. (He used to love holding his head out the window, smelling all the smells dogs like to smell.) Since I had called for more information prior to, I knew the sign had toppled in a recent storm and was no longer there to mark the way. I was told to "turn left just past Hidden Valley Fruit Farm." And so we did, and followed a long winding farm lane. When we got to the second house on the left, we turned in.
As we drove up the driveway, the cemetery came into view - and I was stunned at how absolutely beautiful it was. It was a country pasture landscaped with trees, walking paths, several beautiful grave stones, a memorial wall, a statue of a horse, and other assorted sculpted memorials throughout the grounds. Several flower arrangements marked the flat grave stones. It was so peaceful . . . and completely unexpected.
We walked into the office and were greeted by a woman who took our information. I asked how long the cemetery had been there and she said since the 1960's. She listed several options - a full burial with plot and coffin (not exactly for us), a country burial where dozens of animals are buried together (granted, Tuffy would not have known the difference, but it just didn't sit right with me), or cremation (yes).
Then the dreaded moment came. "Should we bring him in?" I asked.
And so I carried him into the office and held tight. The woman asked if I wanted to sit with him in a room for awhile. "No," I said. I hugged and kissed him, started sobbing and handed him over to her. I looked away as John patted Tuffy one last time, and when I looked back, I could see that she was crying, too. I knew then that I had taken him to the right place.
We will pick up Tuffy's ashes and bury them in our garden come spring, and most likely mark his spot with a flowering plant or tree. I'm sure it will be some time before I stop looking around for him, or want to yell out his name - just because. But it's already getting better.
While difficult, this simple ritual at a pet cemetery helped me to say goodbye.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Friday, February 20, 2009
Tuffers
A little piece of my heart broke this morning - and for those of you who have had a faithful furry companion love you unconditionally over the years, I'm sure you can relate.
We brought Tuffy home almost 14 years ago. I remember the day as if it were yesterday. He was the cutest in the bunch - and we knew he was our pup immediately. He was able to carry a tennis ball in his tiny little mouth, and was ready to play from the get go. We drove him home - and he sat in my mom's lap the whole way. He was part of our family during such formative years - and I believe I'm mourning the passing of those in some way - as much as I am him.
He is along side of Ryan in just about every single first day of school picture, he's nestled between us in holiday photos, and looking too cute in photos of just him (see profile) and posing with his other dog buddies. He never knew a stranger....and when he went out on his adventures (unbeknownst to us) he always made new friends. He was there for me when I was going through some pretty rough times....always willing to lick my tears away. He loved Ryan, but was always quick to let him know that in spite of his small size, HE was the alpha dog.
I take some small comfort in the fact that I was home alongside him, petting him as he took his final breaths, trying to give some measure of reassurance that this was supposed to be.
But it's still a tough day to be sure. And I will miss him.
We brought Tuffy home almost 14 years ago. I remember the day as if it were yesterday. He was the cutest in the bunch - and we knew he was our pup immediately. He was able to carry a tennis ball in his tiny little mouth, and was ready to play from the get go. We drove him home - and he sat in my mom's lap the whole way. He was part of our family during such formative years - and I believe I'm mourning the passing of those in some way - as much as I am him.
He is along side of Ryan in just about every single first day of school picture, he's nestled between us in holiday photos, and looking too cute in photos of just him (see profile) and posing with his other dog buddies. He never knew a stranger....and when he went out on his adventures (unbeknownst to us) he always made new friends. He was there for me when I was going through some pretty rough times....always willing to lick my tears away. He loved Ryan, but was always quick to let him know that in spite of his small size, HE was the alpha dog.
I take some small comfort in the fact that I was home alongside him, petting him as he took his final breaths, trying to give some measure of reassurance that this was supposed to be.
But it's still a tough day to be sure. And I will miss him.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
The Kindness
Growing up in the 60's, I remember how easy it was to trust complete strangers. We never locked our doors (or windows), hitchhikers were common place, and door to door salespeople - complete strangers! - entered our house without a second thought (and Carol Jean still has a set of World Book Encyclopedias to prove it.) And neighbors were neighborly back then - at least in our neighborhood they were. It wasn't without its drawbacks, mind you. If you liked even the least bit of privacy, you were out of luck.
At that time, Carol Jean was raising me on her own while most of her immediate family lived about eight hours away. We would make that trek a few times a year - mostly on holidays - and I always remember sitting in the backseat (no seatbelt back in those days) jumping up and down, asking "Are we there yet? Are we there yet?" and then settling back down as day gave way to night - laying across the back seat, looking up at the stars through the rear window, feeling the steady vibrating hum of the tires just below me. I used to love falling asleep to that. And still do, when I can relax long enough to let go of being a backseat driver (doesn't happen too much, let me tell ya). But I'm getting off track here a bit.
Carol Jean always had a thing for truck drivers - not a "thing" thing, but a thing. They helped pass the time on those long drives. Most of the roads we traveled back then were two lanes, so there was lots of passing going on. She would pass a trucker, then he would pass her. Then she would pass him again, then he would pass her. And on it went for miles. On one particular night, she had "befriended" a particular truck driver via this passing game - and because she had something of a lead foot (and still does!) she must have left him in the dust hours into the drive. For some reason, she had to pull off on the side of the road - I can't exactly remember why - perhaps just to stretch or get me situated. Sure enough, the trucker she passed miles back came upon her stopped car - and instead of racing past, he slowed down his rig and pulled off the road to a complete stop - just to check on Carol Jean to make sure she was okay. (I suppose he noticed she had a youngin' in the back, too).
When the 70's came - they seemed to usher in a decade of "stranger fear." I remember hearing about razor blades in Halloween candy, and creepy strangers hanging out in play grounds, and abductions and hitchhikers being picked up and left for dead somewhere. And it hasn't let up. The fear we have of each other seems to be almost paralyzing at times.
Carol Jean called me tonight with a story. She was in her den watching television when the house suddenly felt cold. She soon figured out why when she got up and discovered that the door leading to her garage was open (as was the actual garage door). And, knowing what that meant, she got on her coat and boots and went out in search of her dog, Daisy Mae - a.k.a. the "she devil."
She started down the sidewalk and, sure enough, there was Daisy a few houses down having a chat with the dogs who resided there. As my mom went up their driveway, her feet gave way, and she slipped on the ice, fell flat on her back, and smacked her head down on the hard ice. She laid there - a bit dizzy - unable to get up. A neighbor boy saw her and came racing down on his motorized tractor. A man across the street who was picking the ice off his windshield also saw her and rushed over. Between the two of them, they picked her up. The ice man took her - in his car - to her house. And the young man hoisted Daisy onto his tractor and drove her home, too. They took my mom into her house, got her settled on the couch and made sure she hadn't broken any bones. Thankfully, she didn't. But she had a mighty big knot on the back of her head. Once they were sure she was okay, they left.
An hour later, the neighbor boy came back with a man my mom had never met - must have been his father. He came in and checked out my mom and asked her a battery of questions - was she nauseous? Did she have double vision? (He must have been an EMT, Carol Jean said.) He wanted to make sure she didn't need to go to the hospital.
Tonight, Carol Jean feels very lucky to live in a neighborhood of neighborly neighbors. And I am so glad that there are people watching over her when I cannot. This isn't the first time my mom has received the kindness of strangers - and she has extended the same in her life many times over. It just makes me realize that should I do a good deed for a stranger, it's not really for a stranger, it's for someone's mom or dad or brother or sister. And someone just like me will be happy that I was there.
At that time, Carol Jean was raising me on her own while most of her immediate family lived about eight hours away. We would make that trek a few times a year - mostly on holidays - and I always remember sitting in the backseat (no seatbelt back in those days) jumping up and down, asking "Are we there yet? Are we there yet?" and then settling back down as day gave way to night - laying across the back seat, looking up at the stars through the rear window, feeling the steady vibrating hum of the tires just below me. I used to love falling asleep to that. And still do, when I can relax long enough to let go of being a backseat driver (doesn't happen too much, let me tell ya). But I'm getting off track here a bit.
Carol Jean always had a thing for truck drivers - not a "thing" thing, but a thing. They helped pass the time on those long drives. Most of the roads we traveled back then were two lanes, so there was lots of passing going on. She would pass a trucker, then he would pass her. Then she would pass him again, then he would pass her. And on it went for miles. On one particular night, she had "befriended" a particular truck driver via this passing game - and because she had something of a lead foot (and still does!) she must have left him in the dust hours into the drive. For some reason, she had to pull off on the side of the road - I can't exactly remember why - perhaps just to stretch or get me situated. Sure enough, the trucker she passed miles back came upon her stopped car - and instead of racing past, he slowed down his rig and pulled off the road to a complete stop - just to check on Carol Jean to make sure she was okay. (I suppose he noticed she had a youngin' in the back, too).
When the 70's came - they seemed to usher in a decade of "stranger fear." I remember hearing about razor blades in Halloween candy, and creepy strangers hanging out in play grounds, and abductions and hitchhikers being picked up and left for dead somewhere. And it hasn't let up. The fear we have of each other seems to be almost paralyzing at times.
Carol Jean called me tonight with a story. She was in her den watching television when the house suddenly felt cold. She soon figured out why when she got up and discovered that the door leading to her garage was open (as was the actual garage door). And, knowing what that meant, she got on her coat and boots and went out in search of her dog, Daisy Mae - a.k.a. the "she devil."
She started down the sidewalk and, sure enough, there was Daisy a few houses down having a chat with the dogs who resided there. As my mom went up their driveway, her feet gave way, and she slipped on the ice, fell flat on her back, and smacked her head down on the hard ice. She laid there - a bit dizzy - unable to get up. A neighbor boy saw her and came racing down on his motorized tractor. A man across the street who was picking the ice off his windshield also saw her and rushed over. Between the two of them, they picked her up. The ice man took her - in his car - to her house. And the young man hoisted Daisy onto his tractor and drove her home, too. They took my mom into her house, got her settled on the couch and made sure she hadn't broken any bones. Thankfully, she didn't. But she had a mighty big knot on the back of her head. Once they were sure she was okay, they left.
An hour later, the neighbor boy came back with a man my mom had never met - must have been his father. He came in and checked out my mom and asked her a battery of questions - was she nauseous? Did she have double vision? (He must have been an EMT, Carol Jean said.) He wanted to make sure she didn't need to go to the hospital.
Tonight, Carol Jean feels very lucky to live in a neighborhood of neighborly neighbors. And I am so glad that there are people watching over her when I cannot. This isn't the first time my mom has received the kindness of strangers - and she has extended the same in her life many times over. It just makes me realize that should I do a good deed for a stranger, it's not really for a stranger, it's for someone's mom or dad or brother or sister. And someone just like me will be happy that I was there.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Instinct
The hullabahloo of the holidays is behind me, and I am left with a blur of memories, a few more pounds, a messy house, and .... my most favoritist gift of all, ever!!!!! (well, other than the heartwarming moments spent with family and friends, that is).
OK. So the truth is, I'm a gadget guru. Always have been. It may have started when I got two Panasonic donut radios for Christmas when I was in the fifth grade. Or perhaps when Carol Jean purchased a Fisher stereo receiver with separate turntable and kicka__ speakers! (I know they're to blame for my post 40 hearing loss.) Seriously. No one else in my inner circle had an ala carte stereo system at the time - one that played FM stations no less. (Because who even listened to FM stations back then? Well, we did.)
We also got a microwave soon after they were released, and of course when I studied in Europe, I just had to have a Walkman (actually it was some European brand knockoff with a hideous brown Naugahyde case and it weighed about ten pounds, but still - it had relatively small headphones!) And when I went off on my own I invested in a CD player (my very smart cousin Scott said they'd never catch on...HA!), a VCR, a video camera when Ry was born, soon followed by an old school Mac, a Palm Pilot (or two), several IPods (including a video model), a digital movie camera, a DVR cable box, wireless networking, high speed router, a Kitchen Aid mixer ... so you get the picture, right?
Well, all this gadget guru-ness somehow passed me by when it came to my cell phone selection. In fact, I've only had two cell phones in ten years. My most recent was a flip up, gorgeous blue, with speaker phone ability, but I did have to manually extend the antenna - to the snickers of a few of my previous co-workers (you know who you are....LAURA!) .... but it got the job done.
So get to the point already.... right? Well, one of Ryan's most coveted items on his holiday list was a new cell phone - the Samsung Instinct. So I wandered unsuspectingly into the Sprint store with him (and Grandma in tow as she was the official gift giver of phone) over the holidays. I was totally minding my own business when he showed me "the phone"..... I looked at it....and that was it. I was in love. (To those who know me, it was kinda like when I locked eyes with Fabio years ago at the bookstore when he was signing...who cares what he was signing? He could have signed a banana peel - - but that's another post).
Seriously. The Samsung Instinct. Have you seen this phone? It's definitely inspired by the IPhone, yet it has its own distinct personality. It has a touch screen for starters. It's sleek, small, black and shiny. Yet it has weight and it vibrates in the coolest way as it performs its functions (unless you turn that part off).
Do you want to know what I can do with this phone? No? Too bad. I can text. I can give it voice commands. I can say Chinese food and it pulls up every Chinese restaurant in my neighborhood and beyond, and it will give me directions to all of them. I can ask it to "call home" "call Mom" "call John" "call Ryan" "call Anyone Who Will Answer!" and it politely asks me to confirm each time: "Did you say, call home?" "Yes! Yes I did!" And it does.
It takes pictures. And sends pictures. And takes video. And plays music. I can watch TV on it. I can listen to online radio on it. I can surf the web and check my e-mail (both home and work accounts!). At the touch of a button I can see what the weather is like in Springboro, Cincinnati, Las Vegas, Iowa, Detroit! I can even see the weather radar! It has GPS, so it can take me from here to wherever I want to go, no questions asked!! I'm FREE! Well, it probably asks me to confirm where I want to go, but no matter. About the only thing is doesn't do is the dishes!
Oh wait, I just didn't have that function turned on.
Anyway, it's amazing, and I feel amazing carrying it. No antenna to whip up anymore....and no snickers. Just looks of awe from my fellow gadget gurus.
OK. So the truth is, I'm a gadget guru. Always have been. It may have started when I got two Panasonic donut radios for Christmas when I was in the fifth grade. Or perhaps when Carol Jean purchased a Fisher stereo receiver with separate turntable and kicka__ speakers! (I know they're to blame for my post 40 hearing loss.) Seriously. No one else in my inner circle had an ala carte stereo system at the time - one that played FM stations no less. (Because who even listened to FM stations back then? Well, we did.)
We also got a microwave soon after they were released, and of course when I studied in Europe, I just had to have a Walkman (actually it was some European brand knockoff with a hideous brown Naugahyde case and it weighed about ten pounds, but still - it had relatively small headphones!) And when I went off on my own I invested in a CD player (my very smart cousin Scott said they'd never catch on...HA!), a VCR, a video camera when Ry was born, soon followed by an old school Mac, a Palm Pilot (or two), several IPods (including a video model), a digital movie camera, a DVR cable box, wireless networking, high speed router, a Kitchen Aid mixer ... so you get the picture, right?
Well, all this gadget guru-ness somehow passed me by when it came to my cell phone selection. In fact, I've only had two cell phones in ten years. My most recent was a flip up, gorgeous blue, with speaker phone ability, but I did have to manually extend the antenna - to the snickers of a few of my previous co-workers (you know who you are....LAURA!) .... but it got the job done.
So get to the point already.... right? Well, one of Ryan's most coveted items on his holiday list was a new cell phone - the Samsung Instinct. So I wandered unsuspectingly into the Sprint store with him (and Grandma in tow as she was the official gift giver of phone) over the holidays. I was totally minding my own business when he showed me "the phone"..... I looked at it....and that was it. I was in love. (To those who know me, it was kinda like when I locked eyes with Fabio years ago at the bookstore when he was signing...who cares what he was signing? He could have signed a banana peel - - but that's another post).
Seriously. The Samsung Instinct. Have you seen this phone? It's definitely inspired by the IPhone, yet it has its own distinct personality. It has a touch screen for starters. It's sleek, small, black and shiny. Yet it has weight and it vibrates in the coolest way as it performs its functions (unless you turn that part off).
Do you want to know what I can do with this phone? No? Too bad. I can text. I can give it voice commands. I can say Chinese food and it pulls up every Chinese restaurant in my neighborhood and beyond, and it will give me directions to all of them. I can ask it to "call home" "call Mom" "call John" "call Ryan" "call Anyone Who Will Answer!" and it politely asks me to confirm each time: "Did you say, call home?" "Yes! Yes I did!" And it does.
It takes pictures. And sends pictures. And takes video. And plays music. I can watch TV on it. I can listen to online radio on it. I can surf the web and check my e-mail (both home and work accounts!). At the touch of a button I can see what the weather is like in Springboro, Cincinnati, Las Vegas, Iowa, Detroit! I can even see the weather radar! It has GPS, so it can take me from here to wherever I want to go, no questions asked!! I'm FREE! Well, it probably asks me to confirm where I want to go, but no matter. About the only thing is doesn't do is the dishes!
Oh wait, I just didn't have that function turned on.
Anyway, it's amazing, and I feel amazing carrying it. No antenna to whip up anymore....and no snickers. Just looks of awe from my fellow gadget gurus.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
With apologies, Clement
It’s the night before Christmas, and all through our house,
We’re doing pretty much nothing – just lazing around (but don’t get me started on yesterday! I made a sweet potato casserole, scalloped potatoes, a four-bean salad, a batch of chocolate Chex candy mix, bought stocking stuffers, finished holiday shopping, wrapped presents, prepared a grocery list, and washed tons of dishes…)
The stockings are hanging at my mom’s with care
And we’ll soon be making our annual trip there (on Christmas eve, that is…we really go there about every Sunday, because as Ryan always likes to remind me, if it weren’t for Grandma, he would have never gotten a home cooked meal while he was growing up)
Where we open the stuffers; giggle, ooh and ahhh over the typical fare…
I usually get socks, candy and something pretty to wear,
And John gets Chapstick, Pepto Bismol (and some odd car or household gadget that sits in the garage for a year)
Ryan gets cash, a pair of undershorts or two, a gas card, a bag of Sour Patch Kids and a book card for school
While we eat dinner, the doggies are nestled all snug on their faux lamb skin beds,
And visions of Dentabones dance around in their heads
(Btw, today was especially good for Tuffy, because he got leftover scrambled eggs…which is his favorite. He always knows when we make eggs, and he stands and barks at us until we give him some.)
We’ll then head back home and prepare for our nap,
And won’t wake all night - in spite of the clatter…
We’ll know it’s just Santa, trying to do his job well
So we’ll leave him some cookies and treats for his elves
Of course the reindeer will be hungry, so we’ll leave them some kibble
And be grateful for anything Santa decides to leave on our table…
(Or under the tree, but that didn’t really rhyme too well - but when you think about it, table and kibble? Writing poetry is hard work!)
We’ll awake in the morning, take our showers n' get dressed
And sit with each other knowing that we are blessed.
With good family and friends and health and good will
And a few holiday meals where we’ll eat more than our fill
We’ll think about the year behind us,
And the year that lies ahead,
Look at our son, our parents and sigh -
Totally amazed at just how quickly time really does fly…
And how important it is
For us to enjoy every minute…
Because life is for living; time is not for wasting, and
Love is something to cherish and share in our life
And with everyone in it –
So Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Happy New Years, too -
I truly hope that 2009 will be very special for you.
We’re doing pretty much nothing – just lazing around (but don’t get me started on yesterday! I made a sweet potato casserole, scalloped potatoes, a four-bean salad, a batch of chocolate Chex candy mix, bought stocking stuffers, finished holiday shopping, wrapped presents, prepared a grocery list, and washed tons of dishes…)
The stockings are hanging at my mom’s with care
And we’ll soon be making our annual trip there (on Christmas eve, that is…we really go there about every Sunday, because as Ryan always likes to remind me, if it weren’t for Grandma, he would have never gotten a home cooked meal while he was growing up)
Where we open the stuffers; giggle, ooh and ahhh over the typical fare…
I usually get socks, candy and something pretty to wear,
And John gets Chapstick, Pepto Bismol (and some odd car or household gadget that sits in the garage for a year)
Ryan gets cash, a pair of undershorts or two, a gas card, a bag of Sour Patch Kids and a book card for school
While we eat dinner, the doggies are nestled all snug on their faux lamb skin beds,
And visions of Dentabones dance around in their heads
(Btw, today was especially good for Tuffy, because he got leftover scrambled eggs…which is his favorite. He always knows when we make eggs, and he stands and barks at us until we give him some.)
We’ll then head back home and prepare for our nap,
And won’t wake all night - in spite of the clatter…
We’ll know it’s just Santa, trying to do his job well
So we’ll leave him some cookies and treats for his elves
Of course the reindeer will be hungry, so we’ll leave them some kibble
And be grateful for anything Santa decides to leave on our table…
(Or under the tree, but that didn’t really rhyme too well - but when you think about it, table and kibble? Writing poetry is hard work!)
We’ll awake in the morning, take our showers n' get dressed
And sit with each other knowing that we are blessed.
With good family and friends and health and good will
And a few holiday meals where we’ll eat more than our fill
We’ll think about the year behind us,
And the year that lies ahead,
Look at our son, our parents and sigh -
Totally amazed at just how quickly time really does fly…
And how important it is
For us to enjoy every minute…
Because life is for living; time is not for wasting, and
Love is something to cherish and share in our life
And with everyone in it –
So Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Happy New Years, too -
I truly hope that 2009 will be very special for you.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Sugar Cookie
It's that time of year - the sky darkens before dinner, wet rain turned snow begins to blow horizontally past my window, and Tuffy thinks twice before heading out the door. About now, I want to grab my pink blanket (which I've had for longer than I care to admit), hunker down on the couch (4th grade) and read a good book.
But, thankfully, this time of year also brings (it's a two tone pink, by the way) my Aunt Treva's sugar cookies.
I always look forward to going to her house for Thanksgiving or Christmas to enjoy these soft, heavenly, sugary cut-outs in the shapes of circles, stars, Christmas trees and Santa - some plain and some with white icing on top. She brings them to the table in a large container where they're carefully stacked between layers of wax paper. And I can barely contain myself. Her sugar cookies have been a constant, a tradition, for as far back as I can remember...
The year I got my driver's license? Those sugar cookies were probably taken a bit for granted. The year I graduated from college and moved out on my own and got my first big RCA television for Christmas? Sugar cookies were consumed in massive quantities. The year I got married? Sugar cookies helped to celebrate and I probably asked for the recipe.
The year I brought home the best Christmas gift of all from the hospital? Sugar cookies were about to be shared with the next generation. The year my Uncle Bud died and the year I got breast cancer? Yes, in both, sugar cookies were there to steadfastly comfort. And this year? The first year that my best Christmas gift ever was not able to come home to enjoy them? Sugar cookies absorbed a tear or two - but more for me!
My legacy to others will never involve food. And perhaps several of you are in the same boat. But to those of you who lovingly, doggedly, and without fail take the time to create once-a-year treats for the rest of us to enjoy?
Thank you. They do much, much more than quench a sweet tooth.
(and its pink satin ribbon edging has long since bit the dust)
But, thankfully, this time of year also brings (it's a two tone pink, by the way) my Aunt Treva's sugar cookies.
I always look forward to going to her house for Thanksgiving or Christmas to enjoy these soft, heavenly, sugary cut-outs in the shapes of circles, stars, Christmas trees and Santa - some plain and some with white icing on top. She brings them to the table in a large container where they're carefully stacked between layers of wax paper. And I can barely contain myself. Her sugar cookies have been a constant, a tradition, for as far back as I can remember...
The year I got my driver's license? Those sugar cookies were probably taken a bit for granted. The year I graduated from college and moved out on my own and got my first big RCA television for Christmas? Sugar cookies were consumed in massive quantities. The year I got married? Sugar cookies helped to celebrate and I probably asked for the recipe.
The year I brought home the best Christmas gift of all from the hospital? Sugar cookies were about to be shared with the next generation. The year my Uncle Bud died and the year I got breast cancer? Yes, in both, sugar cookies were there to steadfastly comfort. And this year? The first year that my best Christmas gift ever was not able to come home to enjoy them? Sugar cookies absorbed a tear or two - but more for me!
My legacy to others will never involve food. And perhaps several of you are in the same boat. But to those of you who lovingly, doggedly, and without fail take the time to create once-a-year treats for the rest of us to enjoy?
Thank you. They do much, much more than quench a sweet tooth.
(and its pink satin ribbon edging has long since bit the dust)
Thursday, November 20, 2008
92 Sunsets
It’s been three months to the day since I left Company X, so to mark this special occasion here is a look back at my job history and accomplishments during that time (and it’s a long enough entry, I think, to make up for my recent absence). Get a cup of coffee and enjoy.
Work Experience
August 2008 – November 2008
• CFO/Controller – By far, this has been my most pressing and time intensive job. I have done cash flow analysis, created a Q4 budget (and reports on same) for our business and household. I’ve also prepared cash flow reports and set budgets for extended family, as well.
• Sous Chef – I have prepared more meals in the past three months than I have in the past 10 years. My goal is to live down the tale (more like an urban myth) my husband likes to share with anyone who will listen ….something about me not knowing how to turn on the stove a full year after it was installed….
• Nanny – Watching a five year old for ten hours at a stretch. I have not done this in 15 years. It’s like riding a bike however, and the skills come back quickly. Can you say “duck, duck, goose”? I can. And did. About 100 times.
• Electrician – for further details, see the 9/17 post
• Political Junkie – Ahhh yes….I watched more political commentary during this historic election than I care to admit, but it was a riveting, fascinating drama unfolding right before my eyes – I couldn’t help myself! Of course, I listened to commentary from both sides of the coin – in order to be fair and balanced.
• Dog Trainer – When we moved into our house, Tuffy (see profile picture) could not (or would not) go up and down the stairs. He was used to being carried. Well, due to my patience and dog whispering abilities, he is now able to go up and down the stairs with ease.
• Dog Walker – Like cooking, I could probably count on one hand how many times I’ve walked my dog in the past three years. (He’s a small dog, but still!) We go out just about every night, and I can tell he’s the better for it. I guess I am too.
• Dog Letter Outer – This occurs approximately 10 times a day and was handled by my husband. I have now taken over the bulk of this responsibility.
• Dog Feeder – The talent for getting down just the right mix of dried cuisine and shredded cheddar… is mine!
• Professional Downsizer – This skill has proven to be the timeliest – in terms of current economic need and perhaps marketability. If you know of anyone who needs assistance in taking what amounts to a garage shop full of paints, supplies, tools, and stuff – along with a basement office featuring desks, office equipment, boxes of files and files and more files; and some major sized pieces of art work and art supplies, perhaps some books, CDs, household goods, furniture, a shed full of garden and yard accoutrements…and fitting that neatly and in an organized fashion… into a dog sized house, well then I’m your gal.
• Blogger – I’ve been spotty here at best. Once you start, however, the blog monkey is always on your back letting you know it’s a commitment not to be taken lightly for fear of disappointing your faithful blog readers…. Or reader. Hi mom!
• House cleaner – See the 10/13 post. (Please note that this skill has not been applied to my own environs.)
Recent Accomplishments
• Mastery of crock-pot cooking – After initial unsuccessful attempts (like cooking a cut of meat for 12 hours, and it coming out harder and tougher than when it went in), I bolstered my courage and finally managed to make an edible meal using this complex appliance
• Power user: Quick Books and Quicken – I now enter invoices, write checks and reconcile three bank accounts in relatively record time (relative to someone who's never in their entire life used these applications before).
Hobbies
• Reconnecting – with my dog, family and friends
• Reading – four books relating to contemporary culture, political history and online marketing (not really…they were good mysteries, thrillers or fiction)
• Ohio Lottery (not a Lucky Dog, though)
• Movie watching – always a passion with me, faves include In Bruges (seriously…I was like “In what”? But you should really check it out) and Mystery of Picasso (this is best watched with the sound turned down, and your IPod turned up – amazing!)
• Travel – I’ve made several trips including Las Vegas, New Hampshire, and Chicago
Professional Organizations
• Not so much
There you have it. It’s been a busy three months, and I think I’ve spent my time well. As an FYI, I’ve also managed to find some work that actually pays a little: I've lined up my first consulting gig and am working with two different companies on building customer-centric voice into their marketing - along with some other tasks thrown in. I'm very excited about this direction in my work life - and may have to leave my Suede Boot Designer days behind me.
Work Experience
August 2008 – November 2008
• CFO/Controller – By far, this has been my most pressing and time intensive job. I have done cash flow analysis, created a Q4 budget (and reports on same) for our business and household. I’ve also prepared cash flow reports and set budgets for extended family, as well.
• Sous Chef – I have prepared more meals in the past three months than I have in the past 10 years. My goal is to live down the tale (more like an urban myth) my husband likes to share with anyone who will listen ….something about me not knowing how to turn on the stove a full year after it was installed….
• Nanny – Watching a five year old for ten hours at a stretch. I have not done this in 15 years. It’s like riding a bike however, and the skills come back quickly. Can you say “duck, duck, goose”? I can. And did. About 100 times.
• Electrician – for further details, see the 9/17 post
• Political Junkie – Ahhh yes….I watched more political commentary during this historic election than I care to admit, but it was a riveting, fascinating drama unfolding right before my eyes – I couldn’t help myself! Of course, I listened to commentary from both sides of the coin – in order to be fair and balanced.
• Dog Trainer – When we moved into our house, Tuffy (see profile picture) could not (or would not) go up and down the stairs. He was used to being carried. Well, due to my patience and dog whispering abilities, he is now able to go up and down the stairs with ease.
• Dog Walker – Like cooking, I could probably count on one hand how many times I’ve walked my dog in the past three years. (He’s a small dog, but still!) We go out just about every night, and I can tell he’s the better for it. I guess I am too.
• Dog Letter Outer – This occurs approximately 10 times a day and was handled by my husband. I have now taken over the bulk of this responsibility.
• Dog Feeder – The talent for getting down just the right mix of dried cuisine and shredded cheddar… is mine!
• Professional Downsizer – This skill has proven to be the timeliest – in terms of current economic need and perhaps marketability. If you know of anyone who needs assistance in taking what amounts to a garage shop full of paints, supplies, tools, and stuff – along with a basement office featuring desks, office equipment, boxes of files and files and more files; and some major sized pieces of art work and art supplies, perhaps some books, CDs, household goods, furniture, a shed full of garden and yard accoutrements…and fitting that neatly and in an organized fashion… into a dog sized house, well then I’m your gal.
• Blogger – I’ve been spotty here at best. Once you start, however, the blog monkey is always on your back letting you know it’s a commitment not to be taken lightly for fear of disappointing your faithful blog readers…. Or reader. Hi mom!
• House cleaner – See the 10/13 post. (Please note that this skill has not been applied to my own environs.)
Recent Accomplishments
• Mastery of crock-pot cooking – After initial unsuccessful attempts (like cooking a cut of meat for 12 hours, and it coming out harder and tougher than when it went in), I bolstered my courage and finally managed to make an edible meal using this complex appliance
• Power user: Quick Books and Quicken – I now enter invoices, write checks and reconcile three bank accounts in relatively record time (relative to someone who's never in their entire life used these applications before).
Hobbies
• Reconnecting – with my dog, family and friends
• Reading – four books relating to contemporary culture, political history and online marketing (not really…they were good mysteries, thrillers or fiction)
• Ohio Lottery (not a Lucky Dog, though)
• Movie watching – always a passion with me, faves include In Bruges (seriously…I was like “In what”? But you should really check it out) and Mystery of Picasso (this is best watched with the sound turned down, and your IPod turned up – amazing!)
• Travel – I’ve made several trips including Las Vegas, New Hampshire, and Chicago
Professional Organizations
• Not so much
There you have it. It’s been a busy three months, and I think I’ve spent my time well. As an FYI, I’ve also managed to find some work that actually pays a little: I've lined up my first consulting gig and am working with two different companies on building customer-centric voice into their marketing - along with some other tasks thrown in. I'm very excited about this direction in my work life - and may have to leave my Suede Boot Designer days behind me.
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