Man's Best Friend

They say the best friend of man is his dog. I must have a dog in cat's clothing. Rocco loves Justin like any good dog. He follows him, purrs in his lap and tries to sit as close to him as possible as in the photo above. True love and faithfulness.

Back

After being sick and tired and depressed with winter, I'm back. Despite the grind of daily life, which includes sickness, sadness, death, and sucky work days, family can sometimes cheer you up. It also helped that the sun has been out the forecasted high is 55. Even 30 feels great after the cold we've had. This weekend we celebrated my sister's 24th birthday with a Pepto pink cake and a Sunday lunch

Influenza

It's amazing how quickly sickness can come down on you. Wednesday night as I got ready for bed, I began coughing slightly. No big deal, the air is really dry in our house. Thursday morning I had to pop some ibuprofen to make it to work. My Thursday afternoon I had all the flu symptom: body aches, congestion, temperature, dry-cough. Check, check check. Friday went by in a blur as I had to talk myself out of bed to even get a drink of water or use the restroom. Today, I'm feeling a bit better, but have no energy. There are several things I had planned for today, namely, the Nebraska caucus. There are some things in life that kind of blindside you and make you feel helpless. Influenza has got to be one of the worst!

Vote!

I try to give my freshmen civics students an idea of how important voting has been and is in our country. I don't know that they listen; eighteen seems awfully far off when your a fourteen year old kid. Still, I try.

There is something stirring and patriotic to me about voting. This Saturday night Nebraska will hold its first caucus. For someone like me who had always been interested in the process it's a chance to make history and even for one night, feel as if I'm helping to create change.

SNOW

Reasons to Relax on a SNOW DAY!

1. You can drink coffee slowly

2. You can marvel at the beauty of the snow instead of hating it

3. You can take a nap at noon

4. You can listen to your husband and cat snore during the nap

5. You can stay in your pjs all day

Summer Tomato

January and February = Blah. The color and warmth of the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays are gone and Spring is yet too far away. The groundhog didn't give me any hope, as he predicted more winter. Amidst the long duration of these months I begin dreaming of ripe summer tomatoes. I nearly drool when imagining the crunchy experience of a salted slice of cucumber. How long again until May and the Farmer's Market? Too long! I have to keep dreaming. Lately, I have taken solace in some great citrus and perfect avocados (thanks to the great American highway system).

Now For Something Love

I am really hooked on Method products. The products available in stores here are mostly for cleaning, such as multi-purpose spray, furniture polish and tile scrub. I also have their hand soap and a candle. Their web site has a whole range of other items, but I haven't ordered online yet. I love fact that they are all natural, non-toxic and you can buy refill pouches for the hand soap.

Gypsy Cat

My cat Gypsy, (shown here with Christmas lights) blog name inspiration.

Sorry Starbucks

I visited a Starbucks yesterday and was reminded of why I usually go to local coffee shops. The cashier greeted me with a sacarine "what can I get for you today?" Luckily, I've been to Scarbucks enough to know their sizing procedures and ordered without incident. Instead of the normal small, medium, large for coffee, it's tall (small), grande (medium) and venti (large). My friend, who had never been to a Starbucks ordered a small and they said, "you mean a tall?" I was afraid it might turn into a Who's on First sketch.

I really have nothing against Starbucks coffee shops. In fact, I've heard many stores treat their employees well and the corporation even offers health insurance to part time workers(most likely better and cheaper than what I'm offered at my quote professional job). No, it's nothing personal. It's the glut of being a mega-chain that leaves me cold. I think it's pre-planned "experiences" for customers and drive-through windows. It's the lack of bikes parked outside and the employee dress code. I'm sure when Starbucks started in the great Northwest it had more flavor and style. The problem is, it became the Wal-Mart of coffee.

Dreaming of spring and summer and gardens!

To All The People I've Loved Before

Every once in awhile, I 'm reminded of how many great people I've have been lucky enough to meet in my life. As life changes, I have moved farther away from many and met new people, but it doesn't mean I have forgotten how much I loved each of them. Yesterday, I spoke with an old friend in the store and was reminded of the vast number of beautiful, amazing friends that fill my history. From grade-school classmates, to teachers, co-workers to bosses, I have a virtual collage of great people in my life. Not to say all is rosy. I do hide behind clothing racks and exit stores early when I glimpse some past acquaintances for whom I don't feel such fond feelings. Overall though, I've been blessed.