Postcards and Eye Candy

First off I have a postcard to show y'all! I got my postcard a few days ago from the lovely Hazel over at Pablo's Angel. And it totally makes me want to just hop on a plane for a vacay. If only I had money and time. If only.

So, now, to officially announce the next sender of postcards for April! It will be the lovely Lyndylou over at The Giggle Fest!!

Now, onto the eye candy.

Many vet clinics open their arms to senior vet students, which allows the vet students little time to gain some experience in the real world. The clinic I work for is such a clinic. A couple weeks ago, Dr. J brought over to the Sticksville clinic a young lady (and no, she's not the eye candy), who was very nice. Dr. J asked me to take her to lunch, so we went to one of the two restaurants in town (the faster one) for a burger. She could be a good candidate for a hire, as her fiance grew up about an hour west of here and really doesn't want to leave.

This week, Dr. J brought another vet student - the eye candy. He was a very nice guy, seems knowledgeable and had a good sense of humor. Which was good considering Dr. J must have slipped something into his coffee because he was on a roll. All day long.

I had two kitties knocked out by the time they got to the clinic, and Dr. J had Mr. Eye Candy do a couple kitty neuters and a kitty spay. The spay took him a total of 45 minutes. I knew he wouldn't be fast, considering he's on the large animal track and therefore doesn't practice much on the fluffy things. Like cats. But the cat survived, and we moved on.

It too me until noon to figure out who this guy looked like, because I had this nagging feeling he looked vaguely familiar, even though I'd never laid eyes on him before. At noon, it hit me. Took all I had not to go "AHA!!!" out loud. Because that would have been, you know, embarrassing.

Anyhow, just after lunch I posted my status on Facebook as this:

"The senior vet student that's here this week from UC Davis? Cuuuute. lol" 

Well, someone commented that I should "nonchalantly take his picture". Several people agreed, and I was left with the conundrum of slyly taking a picture of this guy in all his 6'2"-ness. My mother asked when I was bringing him home to meet the parents. I asked if this weekend was too soon. (note: in reality, he's not meeting my parents, and after today, I'm pretty sure he'll be back in Davis soon and I'll never see Mr. Cutie again.)

So, I slyly took a picture. Although, I'm not sure how sly I was, but no one said anything, so I'll just continue to think that I actually got away with it.

  Comments were as followed:

 The last comment was from my mother. Probably got a good laugh over all of it. I sure as hell did!

I slyly snapped another picture a little bit later, but no comments on it. lol

 I thought he resembled Ben Affleck. Now, I'm not a huge Ben fan, but the man is nothing to sneeze at. This guy just made the work day a wee bit easier. hehe. ;o)

I left work, went to dinner at my grandparents house, and shortly thereafter was helping them get a cow to the barn as her labor hadn't progressed in an hour. We pulled a calf - all 90 pounds of it! - and it's alive and well with it's mama in the barn. It's no wonder mama had a tough labor. eek! (sorry it was too dark in the barn for a picture and I didn't want to disturb bonding by using flash, otherwise I'd totally have a picture for y'all).

Book Reviews!

I have lots of books to review, because I've been devouring them.

First off, however, I'm going to review a book that my good blogging friend, Jewels,  recommended to me. I had read the reviews, and they were mixed - people either loved it or hated it. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Jewels twisted my arm, telling me I had to read it. Now, I'm going to tell you the same thing. 

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before - and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really trying to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

This book captures you on the day that the names are drawn for the games. It's like reality TV gone horribly wrong (not that hasn't already). You follow Katniss to the Capitol where they dress her up and teach her, and 23 other teenagers, how to kill and survive. They call the kids, "Tributes", and make it seem like it's an honor to be chosen, that it's an honor to fight to the death so that the Capitol can keep it's citizens in line. I can't wait to read the second book, and I hope to catch this movie in theaters.

The next book was recommended to me by a Facebook friend. Actually the author was recommended, so I just started at the beginning. I'm talking about the Stephanie Plum novels by Janet Evanovitch - One for the Money.

Welcome to Trenton, New Jersey, home to wiseguys, average joes, and Stephanie Plum, who sports a big attitude and even bigger money problems (since losing her job as a lingerie buyer for a department store). Stephanie needs cash - fast - but times are tough, and soon she's forced to turn to the last resort of the truly desperate: family. Stephanie lands a gig at her sleazy cousin Vinnie's bail-bonding company. She's got no experience, but that doesn't matter. Neither does the fact that the bail jumper in question is local vice cop Joe Morelli. from the time he first looked up her dress to the time he first got into her pants to the time Steph hit him with her father's Buick, M-o-r-e-l-l-i has spelled t-r-o-u-b-l-e. And now the hot guy is in hot water - wanted for murder. Abject poverty is a great motivator for learning new skills, but being trained the school of hard knocks by people like psycho prizefighter Benito Ramirez isn't. Still, if Stephanie can nab Morelli in a week, she'll make a cool ten grand. All she has to do is become an expert bounty hunter overnight - and keep herself from getting killed before she gets her man.

And it's as entertaining as it sounds. From begging to not having her car repo'd in front of her parents house to getting handcuffed to the shower butt naked, she manages to get herself into enough trouble. I'm looking forward to reading the many books about this lingerie buyer turned bounty-hunter.

The next book is another memoir by the hilarious Jen Lancaster, Pretty in Plaid: A Life, A Witch, and A Wardrobe OR the Wonder Years Before the Condescending, Egomaniacal, Self-Centered Smart-Ass Phase.

Think Jen Lancaster was always "like David Sedaris with pearls and a supercute handbag"? Think again. She was a badge-hungry Junior Girl Scout with a knack for extortion, an aspiring sorority girl who didn't know her Coach from her Louis Vuitton, and a budding executive her found bewildered by her first encounter with a fax machine. In this hilarious and touching memoir, Jen Lancaster looks back on her life - and wardrobe - before bitter was the new black, and reveals a young woman not so very different from the rest of us.

Jen's previous three memoirs had me laughing so hard I nearly peed myself. This one, while entertaining, wasn't as good as the first three. It was a bit comical how badge-hungry she was as a Girl Scout, and made me glad I wasn't a teenager in the 80's. Little kids fashions were bad enough. And she was a bit neurotic when it came to sorority life. It was a good read, but I didn't think it near as funny as her previous memoirs.

And now for the fluff book! As y'all know, I make no bones about professing my love of Pride & Prejudice. Nor the books one of my old co-worker got me hooked on - the fan fiction based sequels to Jane Austen's satirical love story. I only started reading Sharon Lathan's book shortly before I left my old job - and let me tell you, I miss my equally obsessed co-worker who introduced me to these books. The books are in order: Mr. & Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy, Loving Mr. Darcy, My Dearest Mr. Darcy, In the Arms of Mr. Darcy, The Trouble With Mr. Darcy, A Darcy Christmas, and the latest novel which I will review, Miss Darcy Falls in Love.

The choice of a lifetime . . . One young lady following her passion for music. Two strong men locked in a bitter rivalry for her heart. A journey of self-discovery, and a trap of her own making. Georgiana Darcy is going to have to carve out her own destiny, however ill-equipped she may feel . . .

I admit I was a bit disappointed that the focus was no longer on Elizabeth and Darcy, however after the first 5 or 6 novels, really, what else can we focus on? This book chronicles Darcy's little sister's year in Europe, where she meets an old friend from England at a soiree. After spending quite a bit of time with this young man, she doesn't understand her feelings for him. Then she meets another man and she doesn't understand her feelings about him either. She makes quite a mess of things, but finally figures out exactly what she wants. I also admit that I wasn't sure if I'd like this one, considering we're now focusing on other characters for more than a few chapters - but I actually didn't want to stop reading once I started! And I'm looking forward to her next book, due out next spring (unfortunately). 

100 Things That Make Me Happy: Part 4

I'm doing a list of things that make me happy - if you'd like to read other things that make me happy, please click here. And in no particular order, I continue!

#16. Home-made chocolate chip cookies. First, you get to sneak bits of cookie dough. Second, you get to lick the beaters. Third, it makes the house smell totally awesome. And last but not least, a warm chocolate chip cookie from the oven is the bestest kind of cookie. Ever.

 

#17. My electric blanket. It gets pretty cold up here, and it's soooo nice to climb into a warm bed, and just curl up under the covers with the cat.

 #18. Pride & Prejudice, the book and of course the BBC mini-series with Colin Firth. It's a bit like comfort food . . . but in book or movie form.

#19. Rainbows.

#20.  Genealogy. It can be interesting the things you find; like famous relatives for instance.

Respect us, don't diss us

Awhile back, I came across this online article and I thought it quite interesting. I have spoke before about some politics and religion, although I try not to go on about it too much because it's exhausting, I don't want to start a riot on my blog and lose all my wonderful followers, and I know little about both subjects. However, once in awhile, I just have to speak my mind (as politely as I can).

As I've stated before, I'm not religious by any means. I don't believe in Creationism; I believe in Evolution. I know not what is written in the Bible as I've never read it (although I'm pretty sure it doesn't preach hatred and spitefulness). Not that I don't believe there is a God, because I do, and believe in Heaven and Hell. I also don't believe that I have to attend church to be granted entrance into Heaven. I don't believe God is so picky and choosy about who gets in.

When it comes to politics, some of it interests me, but most of it drives me batshit crazy and makes me want to knock some sense into politicians. I have a hard time believing anything any of them says, except their name, rank, and serial number. They are all money hungry, lying, preachy, career politicians and they will do everything it takes to make it to the top. No matter the cost.

The horrific pattern I've noticed (and again, it's driving me insane), is that politicians seem to be getting preachier all the time. Folks, that's what we have churches and their respective leaders for. Politics should be just that. Politics. Not a make-shift sermon. And I want to make it clear that I don't like a single one of the Presidential candidates (although I'm quite happy Michele Bachmann is no longer a front runner). I'm not quite fond of the guy in office, either, but he doesn't look half-bad compared to some of the Republican candidates. And no matter what, I still vote, which means I have a right to complain - even if I voted for the guy. Although, I didn't vote for Obama. . .

What really gets me is the preachiness of it all. They spout off about how the gay community shouldn't be allowed to marry and that it's a huge sin and how they are ruining everything. They spout off about how abortion shouldn't be an option, it's a sin. They spout off about health care, the housing market, and how they can change the economy for the better.

Um. Considering you're a rich Presidential candidate, raising millions of dollars in campaign funds so you can slander your opponent and preach to me, have 3 houses, a boat, a limo, a few town cars, and probably a mistress, a gay cousin or three, and a pregnant teenage daughter hiding somewhere in there and have not had to worry about healthcare, your retirement, your mortgage, and how in the hell are you going to pay all your bills because you got laid off a year ago and can't even get hired at McD's because you're over-qualified, I don't think you need to be preaching to me how someone else broke the system.

You helped break the system. You and your selfishness. Those bigwigs were part of it. People who bought houses they knew they could never afford were part of it.  The banks were a part of it. And I'm thinking the little people learned their lesson. Unfortunately, I'm not so sure the CEO's and the politicians learned their lessons.

Instead of preaching to me about what constitutes as a sin, why don't you sit down and actually attempt to come up with some ideas that may truly help our country get back on it's feet. Don't talk. DO. Leave the preaching for Sunday Sermon at church. That's what church is for. Not politics. Don't stomp on us little people trying to scrape a living. Don't stomp on the little people for loving someone of the same gender and wanting to be married. Don't judge someone because they chose to have an abortion - it wasn't your body to make that choice with. Don't talk about helping the poor - DO IT. Don't shake their hand and tell them you'll make everything right again. Be like Nike and "Just Do It" OR make like Michael Jackson and just "Beat It" and moon-walk your ass back home.

So here's my proposition to politicians: Blame yourselves as much as your constituents. Leave the preaching to Sunday Sermons. Don't bash each other, work with each other - isn't that why we little people voted you into office in the first place?!  Don't go looking for trouble, because in this century, it will find you. Don't bash your constituents just because you don't agree with their lifestyles.

We are the legs you stand on. Respect us, don't diss us.

Suckiness Be Gone!

Things have improved vastly since my last post. I have tried all kinds of things that people have suggested. And each one has worked at least once. The peanut butter worked only once. She's refused it ever since. Obviously not a fan. Cheese has worked a couple times. Leftover hamburger worked once. And her Pupperoni treats have worked today. 

I no longer feel like the worst person in the world. Those eyes still haunt me. And when I said they were worse than Puss N Boots, I sincerely meant it. Puss N Boots has got nuthin' on Libby. He could take lessons.

I have stopped the stool softener (which was too large to hide in anything), as she's been doing that at least once a day. Since it's a huge pain in my ass to give it to her, I won't, unless she stops pooping. Everything else I can hide; her liquid antibiotic is pretty easy. All in all, a much happier J.Day, and a much happier Libby.

She's back to her usual self, full of piss and vinegar. She wants to play and run around. Since her leg is bandaged with a splint, she can't use that leg too much anyway, so I've become a bit lax in the being let loose on the floor. I kind of block off my tiny living room so she can't run around too much. I took a quick video of her to share:


 

Today, I took her to work at the Sticksville clinic as Dr. J wanted to make sure her splint was holding up. I had about an hour to myself while the vet and our current two-week visiting vet student went out on a ranch call. I let her out to wander a bit. Mostly she just followed me around, wanting to play. So, here's an even quicker video of this morning:

 


Yes, that was her growling in the beginning. lol

So, all in all, things are better for both myself and Libby. Which is good, because I was thisclose to calling Dr. J on Monday and telling him I was taking the dog back over the hill to the clinic so they could be the bad guys. Luckily, that didn't have to happen.

And as you can see, Libby is full of energy and makes me giggle. And that's how it should be.

THIS SUCKS

Libby at lunch today. The vets actually put a pin in this leg to keep it straight, which is unfortunately another issue with her back legs. She's bandaged for a month. Kinda looks like a candy cane . . .
 

I gave Libby her meds this evening. By myself.

It turned into a 15 minute torture fest.

I have a total of 3 pills to give her - Tramadol for pain, Previcox for pain and inflammation, and stool softener because Tramadol will plug you up like there's no tomorrow. Dr. J has personal experience. With the stories to prove it.

I'll spare you.

You're welcome.

She also gets Cephalexin in liquid form - her antibiotic. This is the easiest thing to give her.

The Previcox is the second easiest, as it's beef flavored or something.

The stool softener is on the line.

Tramadol sucks majorly. It's truly bitter. And you try shoving a quarter of a tablet down a Yorkie's throat and see how easy it is for you. Alone.

You could shove that shit to her tail and she'll still spit it back up. Whole.

We used to put it in a hot dog and she'd eat it. Shake her head a lot, but she'd eat it. Then she started spitting it out. So my mom crushed and tried putting in a hot dog. Stopped working. My grandmother suggested butter. That worked for about two days.

Now the second you touch her face in the manner that you do when giving meds, she starts thrashing her head around and then progresses to something akin to an alligator's death roll.

Since this torture-fest, I've been getting the saddest little puppy dog eyes ever. Like, it beats Puss N Boots on Shrek.

Yep. I'm talking serious business.

I feel like I've severely hurt her feelings.

I feel lower than pond scum.

And I have a full 7 to 10 days of this.

I just finished day one.

This is going to be a long-ass week.

My blogging mojo is on vacay

My apologies for not having really been around much this past week. It's been a combination of a few things. Partly because I just haven't been inspired write even though I have several things I do want to write about. Partly because I have a family member in the hospital and it's a scary situation. And partly because I've brought my parent's dog, Libby, home with after delivering papers. She's having her right knee fixed this time 'round.

I've been trying to keep up with blogs, but sometimes y'all write so dang much I can hardly keep up! So if I haven't been commenting as usual, I apologize. 

I just dropped Libby off at the vet's office today, her surgery is Friday morning. I've had her at my place since Monday - much to my cat's dismay. My cat just really doesn't like dogs. Or other cats. She's a loner, really. Anyway, I have new pics of Libby:

 After we got home. Tuckered little traveling puppy.

Sharing a big bowl of homemade popcorn.

I took Libby to work Wednesday afternoon. I felt bad leaving her alone all day. Yes, sucker is written all over my forehead.

But you have to admit. She's one damned cute dog. Melt your heart kinda cute. It's disgusting, really.

A couple weeks ago, my parents had our dog, Katie, put down. She was 17 years old. It broke our hearts, but we know she's no longer in any pain, and that she's chasing tennis balls in doggy heaven. I plan on doing a nice post about her as part of the A-Z Challenge coming up in April.

 

Hopefully my blogging mojo will come back in full force. I'm hoping by next week, because I have lots of writing to do. I have stuff to continue to write for my grandparent's publication, and I have blogs I need to write - normal and get a head start on the A-Z Challenge.

Award time!

I must send out a huge thank you to my fellow blogger and Postcard Campaign companion, The Cat and the Coffee Cup, for this award!!

The rules with this award are that I must tell you ten random things about myself, and then pass this on to six lucky bloggers. So here goes!

1. A couple months ago I came across an Easter card I had saved. I was glad I did. It's the last Easter card I received signed "Love, Granny and Granddad". Granddad passed away a couple months after I received this card. I will never throw away that card.

2. I'm currently reading What The Night Knows by Dean Koontz. It took me a bit to get into it because it's a bit creepy and dealt with things in mirrors. I don't do that well. lol

3. Every time I see icicles I think of my dear blogging friend, Jewels and her obsession with them. lol

4.  I love the movie Real Steel. I think I could totally get into robot boxing. 

5. My mom used to make fun of me for how many candles I own. Then I moved to Sticksville, and she said I no longer have too many candles (in case the power goes out). The next time I was in Redding, I went to the Dollar Store and bought like another $20 worth of candles and holders. Seriously.

6. It's been snowing in Sticksville for three days, and probably got about 4 to 5 inches. I don't know for sure, because the high winds have made it drift so much. I wanted the snow, but the 30-60mph winds suck ass.

7. I nearly made a snowman at work this morning instead of cleaning. The only thing that stopped me was I didn't have snow gloves with me.

8. I got my mom obsessed with Lisa Scottoline's books. Like foaming at the mouth obsessed. lol

9. I about had a heart attack the last time I gassed up my car. Little shit had to make it to $50 for a fill-up. Of course, it didn't help that gas jumped to $4.25/gallon. My bet is that it'll make to $5/gallon easily by the time summer comes around. When I got my first car as a senior in high school, gas was freaking 99cents per gallon. God how I miss those days. With a vengeance.

10. I'm totally craving Round Table Pizza. If I had Hedwig, I'd totally send her out for pizza. Hehe.

And now to pass this off to six bloggers! And in no particular order they are:

Charlotte's Web 

Pablo's Angel

On My Soapbox

The Frisky Virgin

What's on your mind monkeybutt?

According to Jewels