Category: Animal Love

Little Things for Which I am Thankful

Terri
Osito says "I know what you're thinking right now. I am just way too cute for words..."
Osito says “I know what you’re thinking right now. I am just way too cute for words…”

 

1. I took the day off on Monday as comp time for having worked six days in a row the week before at my full time job. We have this really cool option to rent cars in Boston through something called ZipCar. You don’t have to pay for the gas you use (you use their gas card and enter in some information) and you get 180 free miles per day. So I used it on Monday and drove around to five different RV dealers to look at all different types of RVs. It really helped me to figure out some priorities as to what I want in an RV. Also, I had the help of two very good online friends who are more knowledgeable when it comes to RVs than I am.  D and R, you guys know who  you are. Thank you!! (I’ll save the particulars of what I discovered for another post, because I really want to talk about it in more detail than this type of post will normally allow.)

2. I no longer have to regularly open up the gym on weekday mornings, and what a difference it has made in my energy levels! I am now back to my normal routine of being able to work out every day before work. And what a difference it has made to my morale and self-esteem. I’m happy to again be doing some of my harder “Terri workouts” that I use to put myself through. God, I cannot tell you how much I have missed working out hard! (If you’re one of those people who hates to work out or sweat, well, then you can just consider me a weirdo. No offense taken!)

3. The weather has returned to being cooler, more autumn-like in New England. Lots of leaves have fallen, which makes me kind of sad, because I know what is following in its wake (the dreaded winter), but it also creates such a homey, nesting type of atmosphere. Osito loves the cool weather for our walks, I can tell. She has an extra spring in her step, and Wednesday night, she even appeared to be running!  When your dog is 13 years old AND blind, and she starts running, you can’t help yourself but be happy. I just get such a huge smile on my face when I see her doing that. I usually yell out “You’re running, Baby O! You’re running!” (To which she is probably thinking, “duh…Mom, I know that already!”)

4. I’m feeling good enough about my moods that I have asked my doctor if we can start weaning me off of one of my anti-depressants. I take Prozac and Wellbutrin. Why two different pills? Well, they go to different receptors in the brain. Prozac has a very long half-life so that means that if you were to stop taking it cold turkey (which you really shouldn’t), it would stay in your system for about 5-6 weeks. The half life for Wellbutrin is much shorter, so I was told I could even start taking it every other day, since the one I have been taking is a tablet with timed release. I was a bit nervous to do something that seemed so drastic, so we are just cutting my dose down slowly, and the pill I am now taking is only 75 mg, and it’s not time-released. So we will see how it goes!

I think I am past that point in my life when I needed the wellbutrin. I started taking it to help me with the side effects of Prozac when I was on a high dosage for Prozac. (High doses can sometimes make you feel very “flat” – in other words, you just don’t give two craps about much at all. Everything is very “meh.”)  Whatever stressor was bothering me at the time is no longer there,  so wish me luck! It is my hope that by next fall, I will not be taking any medication for my asthma (something else we are slowly weaning me off of), and probably down to just one prescription.  It will cost me a lot less if I am successful, and also, I’d like to just take as few medications as I possibly can.

5. This weekend is the final weekend of the Topsfield Fair, and you know what that means!! (Well, actually, you don’t, but you’re about to!) That’s right, folks, think of it….Deep Fried Oreos!!! Seriously, the best thing ever in the world. It’s good enough that I salivate all year just thinking of it. 🙂  The fair also means I get to pet lots of farm animals, and see the Guiness World Record setting pumpkin – that’s right, they judge that every year in this little corner of MA.

6. Oh, I almost forgot!!! I paid $750 on my LAL loan earlier this week since this is one of those 3-paycheck months at my full time job!! So now the balance is down to $14, 017 and some change. With the next regularly scheduled payment on the 16th, that bad boy is going down below 14K!!!! Die, bastard, die!!!

7. At my part-time job, we made our sales goals for the past month, so I’m hoping to wake up to a bonus in my savings account as a result. I’ll update this post if it happens!

Have a great holiday weekend (if you’re reading this in the US and are one of the lucky ones to get Columbus Day as a holiday.)  If you’ve liked this post please hit like or subscribe! Or drop me a line below!

 

 

 

 

Little Things for Which I am Thankful….wellll……

Terri

Yep, the “welll…..” says it all.  It’s been that kind of week.

Ok, first, a picture of my kitty cat, Bonkers, aka, the Bonk Man. He’s mentioned in number 6 below so having his picture here is not completely random. (And it occurs to me I may have used it before, but hey, he looks super cute in it, no?)

Don't you just love his ears???
Don’t you just love his ears???

Let’s start with the draft of a post I had started yesterday, but didn’t get a chance to finish due to my running from one job to the other:

“I’m feeling like I am in a bit of a funk this week, and I’m not sure why. This morning I started to try writing it out in my journal because sometimes that helps. But I’m just feeling, well…really, bleh. Meh. You know the feeling. You just don’t give a shit about much.

My apartment is a mess, and usually this would bother me enough to spur me into action. Today? Yeah, not so much. Was supposed to work out with my trainer this morning – my last of ten sessions. Decided I felt like crap and just couldn’t do it this morning, so I cancelled. Feeling exhausted, even though I went to bed last night around 8:30, and only got up around 4 a.m. this morning. That’s more sleep than I normally get during the week nights.  Been drinking more coffee during the daytime, and not liking the fact that I think I need it to make it through the day. Usually, I only drink it at home and then just toughen up during the daytime.”

  1. I am thankful today to not be in such a funk.  After I wrote that yesterday, I made myself kick my own ass into gear. It was hard, and definitely slow-moving, but I got moving nonetheless.
  2. A family member of mine ended a relationship this week. Without going into details, let’s just say if I ever come upon this other (now-ex) person in real life, they are going to get a good ass-kicking, because no one makes a sibling of mine feel the way my sibling did, NO ONE!! (Seriously, people, there is a reason some people refer to me as the Tasmanian Devil. Don’t get me pissed off!) (Just kidding…welllll…..) LOL (Really, I am very protective of my younger sibling, so when someone puts that sibling down, I get really upset.)
  3. It is finally Friday. I seem to be including that a lot in my lists lately….hmmmm
  4. I’ve felt really adrift lately, not exactly sure where I want to be next fall, but just knowing, not here. Been getting really down thinking of what the workamping salaries might be like. But I realized this morning, I can make it work, I just have to work really hard at also getting some sort of online thing going to create a bit of a buffer zone, financially speaking.
  5. The scooter – oh…the scooter…those of you who are friends with me on facebook know already – I just don’t feel comfortable riding it. In fact, I’m downright scared. Yes, after getting the motorcycle license and everything. I just get this feeling in my gut when I’m on it, that I shouldn’t be. So, now I’m trying to sell it, either via craigslist, or even possibly to a dealer.  Only thing I am grateful for is well, at least now I know what I DON’T LIKE, and what I DO LIKE.  For me, that’s the simplicity of my electric bike. ❤
  6. This morning, my Bonkers, my white cat with the funky ears that make him look like a teddy bear, came up to me and sat on my lap. Although he loves for me to pet him, and he purrs a lot, he’s never done that before. He got all snuggly this morning too. I hope it’s a forecast of more snuggles to come with him.

So anyway, there you have it, folks. I hope your week has been better than mine. But I do know that overall, I’ve got it good. I really can’t complain. Sometimes, the tired part of your brain just takes over and makes you whine. Which is annoying.

So anyway, if you have liked this post, please hit like or subscribe, or drop me a line below. I especially appreciate the comments, as I really want to establish or help grow a community on here. I love talking with and (hopefully eventually) meeting with people that I feel like I really connect to.

Have a great weekend!

 

 

 

 

 

Little Things for Which I am Thankful

Terri

Some weeks, it is a bit difficult to come up with good stuff for this post – those are the weeks that you just want to be over once they’ve started. But this week has been different. I was thinking about a lot of this during my run this morning.

I want to share with you a video that I like listening to as I do stuff around my apartment. My favorite line in the video comes at the very end and it’s “It’s doable. You just have to have the right mind-set.” 

I am so thankful for the outpouring of concern I have received from many of you this week when you saw I was down in the dumps, whether it be on facebook, or as a comment on here, or in emails.  Some comments came from some new readers of my blog, which really helped and made me feel like “you know what? it’s gonna be ok. there are people out there rooting for you. just like the last time you blogged. aren’t you glad you started up again?”  I have also found some new blogs to follow of my own, and they show me that among other things, yes, you can live in a trailer or motorhome, with your furry animals, and be happy. (That’s RVSue and Her Canine Crew.)  You don’t have to live like everyone else in this world. (Art of Hookie.) I’m not the only person who sits with pen and paper to calm herself down, and keep on figuring out ways to get out of debt, faster, faster, and faster! (Budget Loving Military Wife). And I’m reminded every day by a certain gentleman who was part of my downsizing online class, of how you can really make changes just by keeping at it, and keeping at it, and keeping at it.) (Less Stuff, More Joy.)

I am reminded again of how good and helpful the online community can be. And this (blogging) time around, I also have some really good friends and a support network that I didn’t feel like I had when I wrote on my old blog, Middle-of-the-Pack-Girl. So that’s just the first thing I wanted to mention I am feeling very thankful for.

The second thing.  I was gone for 12 hours yesterday and when I came home, the animals were pretty much bouncing off the walls. My little Osito kept following me everywhere. Made me so thankful for the decision to adopt her just a year ago. As I started writing this post, she was snuggled up right next to me, asleep. That’s all she needs to be happy. A warm Mom to snuggle up to. I’m so glad to be able to give that to her.

This makes me glad to be alive.
Reservoir behind my building.

The third thing.    I was REALLY tired this morning when I woke up. My legs were stiff and I thought to myself, how can I even run on these legs today? But I did. Granted, only three miles, because that’s what my brother advised me to run. But you know what? My legs felt pretty damn good once I got going! I was so very thankful for the beautiful reservoir I have behind my home (see pic to the right.)  I was reminded of how much I love running and that camaraderie you can have with other runners sometimes, that smile or nod you give each other, like you belong to a special club or something, lol. It’s unspoken but you know what you share. And this morning, the water on the reservoir was very still, and the sky overhead was pretty much overcast almost during my entire run. My FAVORITE type of running is under cloudy skies.

The fourth thing. I just made a big payment on my private LAL loan. $700 to be exact. It will take a few days to hit the account, but it’s there. And it will bring the balance down under $17K! Woohoo!! This is the first of a few payments for this month since it’s a three paycheck month. (Another reason to smile.)

The fifth thing.  I’ve got my health. I’m 41, and don’t look it or feel it. I feel much younger. And with my chiropractor helping me, I no longer feel pain every single day in my back, or if I do, I know how to handle and decrease it. If you do have your health, you really do have everything. (Well, that, and people and animals to love.)

Finally, folks, it’s Friday. My best friend turns 30 this weekend so a group of us are taking her to brunch tomorrow where I hear that they have a CHOCOLATE BAR!! I can’t imagine a better way to enjoy time with my friends.

Have a great weekend. And if you’ve liked this post, please drop me a line or subscribe!

 

Humane Lobby Day in Massachusetts, 2014

Terri

One thing I have to say about my employer is that we do have really good benefits, including 3 personal days per year. So, yesterday, I used one of them, and went to the Massachusetts State House to take part in Massachusetts’ Humane Lobby Day (i.e. we were there to lobby on behalf of animals.) I am very glad I went. I admit, I usually feel pretty jaded about the whole political process, especially when it comes to the federal level of our government, but still, yesterday was inspiring. I’ve been trying to figure out how to live a more authentic life and to be true to my heart and to passions of mine, and today helped to partly fill a need I have to help animals.

First, I want you to see a video of a beautiful pit bull named Turtle, who was at the state house yesterday and literally everyone that saw her smiled. She just had the sweetest demeanor and was so patient with everyone all day. So many hands were reaching out to her over and over.

Here is what Turtle used to look like (by the way, the lady who is sitting with her at the beginning of the video is Debby Vogel, the volunteer coordinator and person responsible for educational programs, and so much more. She is really loved by all the volunteers, myself included.) As you can see, Turtle suffered and there doesn’t seem to be a lot of light in her eyes.

Please click here to see what Turtle looks like today!! Seriously, she had that smile on her face every time I saw her yesterday! And look into her eyes!!! They are so alive now!  Read more →

Massachusetts Lobby Day for Animals: March 18, 2014; PETA Lawyer Talks about Orcas in Captivity

Terri

Next week, I am taking a day off from work to go to the State House here in Boston, to lobby on behalf of animals. I’m not sure exactly what all of it entails, but I will be there as part of a group of volunteers from the Animal Rescue League of Boston.  We are set to have some training tomorrow evening at the ARL location in the South End.  I’m glad to be able to go and give a voice to those who can’t speak (in our version of English anyway) for themselves. Maybe someday, just maybe, animals won’t be considered to be mere property in the eyes of the law. Read more →

Little Things for Which I am Thankful

Terri
Three of my babies: Max, HoneyBun and Sebastian
Three of my babies: Max, HoneyBun and Sebastian

I woke up this morning to find four of my cats sleeping on the bed with me – guess they all like it to be cozy in the winter! My list below is a combination of both silly and not-so-important things, as well as more serious subjects. I feel fortunate to be leading a full life right now. Read more →

Animal Rights: how to keep going when you feel like you’re getting nowhere

Terri
I wish all animals could live such a peaceful life.
I wish all animals could live such a peaceful life.

I am lucky enough at my full-time job to be able to go to various talks with amazing speakers. The other day, the Student Animal Legal Defense Fund sponsored a visiting faculty member to give a talk about animal rights –he used to work for the Animal Legal Defense Fund. This being a lunchtime talk, food was offered, of course, but not just pizza. We had falafel and lots of other vegan and vegetarian friendly foods. Yum yum!

His talk centered on the ridiculousness (my characterization) of some of the anti-cruelty laws, in that they would leave out scenarios that would obviously be considered animal cruelty to any reasonable person. He also talked about the court systems and how far behind they are in advancing animal rights.  He talked about case in which he was involved, where a goat had killed its owner after years of being tortured, and then the question became whether or not to “put down” the goat. (The abuse was confirmed by the deceased’s widow.) He argued that case and the goat was able to live out its natural life on a farm, thankfully. Now, some people may laugh and say that defending a goat is just not worth it, but to animal lovers everywhere, I think they would disagree.  

I you think back, just under 100 years ago, women were not able to vote. Someone had to fight for that right.  African-Americans were treated unequally for many years (and many may say, still are today.)   The fight for animals to be treated as living beings with feelings has to start somewhere, that’s what I am saying.  (As a post-script, I just saw that such a case is being brought in upstate NY with a chimp.  It was also reported in the NY Times.)

Below are some of his memorable statements that made enough of an impact on me to write them down.

  1. “Focus on the wins, not the losses.”
  2. At the end of the day, think back and be able to say this to yourself “I made a difference, and the difference is a good one.”
  3. “If you can reduce the suffering in the world by any amount, that is a move in the right direction.”
  4. “When you hear that little nagging voice telling you something is wrong, don’t do it.”
  5. “Each day, make it a little better.”

My full time job is as a reference librarian, as some of you may know. After the talk was over, I went up to the student who had put the event together and gave her a little note that had my contact details, what my job was, and the fact that I am the proud mother of five cats and a 12 year old chihuahua.  As soon as I did so, she literally hugged me! I’ve never had that kind of reaction from a student before upon meeting me, but I immediately hugged her back. That’s something I might have done! I’m telling you, animal lovers are a different breed! (No pun intended. Ok, maybe just a little one….)  It’s just one more way I want to help accomplish one of my dreams, which is to help animals. If I can use the skills that have cost me so much in a monetary sense for the good of animals, so much the better!

What do you think – should animals have the same rights as humans? I know this is a loaded question, on which there are so many views.

Staying True to My Heart

Terri

Since I’ve been single these last few months, I’ve had more time to think, and I mean really think. I sometimes look back to who I was just a few years ago and wonder if I’m the same person. I used to have what was called (to my former father-in-law’s coveting eye) the magical snack-cabinet. You opened it up and every kind of unhealthy snack could be found within it. I used to be content to watch hours of TV every week. I would work out a lot but if it wasn’t an actual running workout, I felt like I was kind of cheating for that day. And, while I loved animals (and still do), I was afraid to go to an animal shelter and volunteer my time because I thought it would break my heart to leave the animals behind every day. It still hurts, but I now know I’m doing something when I volunteer at the Animal Rescue League of Boston rather than just thinking about doing something.

Meet Buster - up for adoption at the Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem, MA
Meet Buster – up for adoption at the Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem, MA

Here’s the thing – I don’t feel like I am doing enough to help animals. Sure, I’ve adopted a few more over the past few years and while that helps those lucky few, it doesn’t help the hundreds of thousands or millions of other ones out there. While I was taking an online writing course, some class members thought that I was a strong writer and so that I should combine that strength/skill with my love of animals and try to give them a voice. So, that’s what I plan on doing.  I’d like to write more regularly on this blog, and I think it would be a good place to highlight some animal issues every week, whether it be highlighting an animal that is up for adoption, or some of the more touchy issues relating to animals. I may also touch on my life as a new vegan from time to time, because the main reason I chose to go vegan was to reduce my impact on their suffering. I know that, alone, it isn’t much. But multiply my situation by many and it starts to add up. I just don’t feel like I have the right to consume animal products. Not anymore.

So, I won’t lie and say I won’t post pictures that might be hard for you to look at sometimes. There are many times that I see something on Facebook and it makes me want to cry (and sometimes I do) but it’s because it has such a huge effect on me that I feel the need to do something MORE. This blog is about chasing my dreams, and one of my dreams is to help a lot of animals, including my own but not being limited to them. Writing is a skill that I have so I need to use it for some good in this world. This blog will just be the start of something that allows me to give a voice to those who don’t have one.

Tiny House of Animals

Terri
Now where do I sleep?? (clockwise: HoneyBun, Callie, Osito and Max)
Now where do I sleep?? (clockwise: HoneyBun, Callie, Osito and Max)

During my online writing class was asked to write about our obsessions and how they affect our writing. Do they get in the way? In a word, no. Unless their walking across my tablet counts as getting in the way. 🙂

(My other obsession is checking out tiny houses, RVs, simple living blogs and videos, but more on that in another post…)

The above photo says it all. I might pay the rent for my apartment but my place really belongs to the animals. At least three of them sleep with me regularly at night, and sometimes a fourth one joins us. They all have their usual “spots” on the bed too. When I wake in the morning, the first thing I usually do is put the dog down on the floor (she’s blind and teeny tiny so she can’t really jump down on her own), and then my white cat, Max, turns to me for his morning snuggles. It can make it hard to get up some mornings but I do it!

Does this mean I will never make space for another human in my bed? No, of course not. They will just need to understand how important my animals are to me and accept that they are staying. If they don’t, we’ll, then they (meaning a guy) won’t understand me, and just won’t be right for me. It’s as simple as that.

Do you have any obsessions you would be willing to share? If so, please leave a comment below. (Or, you can just let me know how cute my animals are.)

Little Things for Which I am Thankful

Terri
Love....she makes my heart melt.
Love….she makes my heart melt.

This week has been much better than last week. Even took a day off all for myself. “Mental health days” as I like to call them, are much needed sometimes, especially when you are facing the longer, colder nights of the Northeast. Not looking forward to looking out my window at work and seeing that it’s dark out by a little bit after 4 p.m.  But I have a plan to combat that SAD syndrome I usually go through! (See number 4 below.) Read more →